Chapter 74 - What To Do if You’re the Villain and the Heroine Likes You

Xing'er couldn't believe it. Nanzhu, the Grand Princess she adored the most, had actually done such a thing. What puzzled her even more was who this person was and how he had managed to sneak in. But now wasn't the time to dwell on such matters; she had to make a decision immediately—whether to report it or conceal it for the Grand Princess. Without much hesitation, Xing'er chose to conceal it for the Grand Princess. She had watched Nanzhu grow up and understood her very well. A child like her would never do anything outrageous. If she did, then something must have been terribly wrong—just like now. Living in the almost isolated Linxuan Palace, despite her noble status as the Grand Princess, no one ever cared for her. Xing'er didn't want to complain. With Nanzhu's parents gone and her ending up like this in the harem, it wasn't surprising. Since no one cared, it might as well stay that way. She would live for herself. Quickly recovering from the shock, she hastily changed the topic to ask Meng Qingrou, "Has the Grand Princess eaten?" Regrettably, she realized half an hour ago the Grand Princess had just eaten. Meng Qingrou, who was nervous at the moment, did not notice anything amiss in Xing'er's question. "Ah, I… I've eaten." He Yunxiao quickly transmitted, "Stupid girl! You hasn't eaten. I haven't had my meal yet. Ask her to prepare it, and it will keep her busy." Meng Qingrou promptly changed her statement, "I… I haven't eaten. Xing'er, could you prepare the meal?" "Okay, okay," Xing'er promptly agreed. She immediately took the fish and left, even giving a deep glance at the remaining snacks on the table. Once Xing'er had left, He Yunxiao finally relaxed. Truly, "we aren't family, she wouldn't barge in." Unexpectedly, not only was Nanzhu fooled, but her maid was too. It was quite absurd. He Yunxiao restrained the urge to complain and asked Meng Qingrou, "Miss Nanzhu, when should we detoxify?" Meng Qingrou said, "Has Sir Xiao had his meal? The antidote for the Soul-Eating Pill cannot be taken on an empty stomach." He Yunxiao:? Damn it? The excuse I made up for Chuchu was actually true? The antidote really can't be taken on an empty stomach. Walking ahead, Meng Qingrou held He Yunxiao's hand and said, "Let's prepare the medicine first, and then check if Xing'er has made the fish porridge." He Yunxiao nodded. It seemed that in the field of medical skills, Nanzhu's intelligence would return. Therefore, Meng Qingrou led He Yunxiao through the Linxuan Palace. After passing several empty spaces, the scent of medicine gradually became stronger. In the Linxuan Palace, there was a room specifically used to store medicinal herbs. The large herb cabinet was filled with small drawers for the herbs, and scattered medicine boxes and racks were everywhere. These herbs were neatly organized and even had a more extensive selection compared to an ordinary pharmacy. "Did you do all of this?" He Yunxiao was slightly taken aback. Meng Qingrou felt embarrassed and said, "Most of it was done by my mother, Nanzhu merely dabbled." He Yunxiao chuckled, "If you merely dabbled, I wouldn't dare to trust you with my treatment." Meng Qingrou, seeing He Yunxiao about to give up, hurriedly said, "No, Nanzhu is very dedicated." He Yunxiao patted her head, "Don't worry, even if you end up killing me, I won't blame you." Meng Qingrou was displeased, "Sir Xiao, don't underestimate my medical skills. Royal Physician Wei said Nanzhu is very talented." He Yunxiao indulged, "Alright, our Nanzhu is the best." Meng Qingrou blushed, "But I am not yours yet." As they exchanged shy words, they arrived at a pot where the medicine was being brewed. Meng Qingrou squatted down and poured the ground leaves into the pot, adding water and lighting the fire. Looking at Nanzhu's lovable appearance, He Yunxiao couldn't resist. He firmly took Meng Qingrou into his arms from behind. He Yunxiao held Nanzhu's hand with his right hand and embraced her slender waist with his left, enveloping her entirely. He then lowered his head, burying it in her fragrant hair. Nanzhu's scent, just like her character, was a gentle and mild herbal fragrance. Initially unremarkable, it became intoxicating with each inhale. "Nanzhu, I like you." 【Meng Qingrou's affection level increased from 88 to 92】 Meng Qingrou's cheeks were flushed. She wriggled in He Yunxiao's embrace, and the hand He Yunxiao hadn't managed to hold was pushing him away gently. But it was futile. His breath tickled her ear and neck, causing an itch in her heart. After a couple of pushes, she felt powerless, just like peonies in the rain—soft. Her voice was gentle, "The medicine is ready. We should take it off the heat soon; it shouldn't be boiled for too long." Regaining his senses, He Yunxiao finally released her. Meng Qingrou hurriedly reached for the pot, extinguished the fire, and then took out a bowl, pouring the freshly boiled water into it. "After the meal, it's best that you wait for the water to cool before drinking it. Once a day, without skipping," she instructed. He Yunxiao was surprised. "It's that simple?" "Take it twice first, see the effects, and then decide if we should add ingredients or increase the dosage." After the water cooled a bit, He Yunxiao carried it back. They walked back in silence, holding hands. When they reached Meng Qingrou's chambers, Xing'er had not yet brought the meal. Meng Qingrou said, "We can't wait for the medicine to cool completely. Why don't you have some snacks first?" He Yunxiao teased, "Would Nanzhu allow me to eat?” "Of course, she would." "Then, feed me." "I… You have hands." He Yunxiao tucked his left hand under his leg. "Not anymore." He kept urging, "If you don't feed me, the medicine will cool down immediately." He Yunxiao found that Meng Qingrou was completely vulnerable to his teasing. She hesitated for a moment upon hearing his words and then picked up a pastry with a hesitant and conflicted look on her face, offering it to He Yunxiao's lips. He Yunxiao wasn't going to let her off so easily. He directly opened his mouth, taking both the pastry and her jade-like fingertips into his mouth. Sudden warmth made Meng Qingrou tremble slightly, and she couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, then glared at He Yunxiao with a flushed and indignant face. "I… I'll bite you!" Meng Qingrou bit down lightly on He Yunxiao's arm. Because they were separated by clothing, to be honest, it didn't hurt; it was a bit itchy. Pretending to be in pain, He Yunxiao pleaded, "Ouch, don't bite me, I'm sorry. Miss Nanzhu, I'm sorry." "I'm sorry, I won't do it again!" After the mischief, He Yunxiao, ignoring the bitterness of the medicine, forced down the entire bowl. "So bitter," he complained. "Get used to it," Meng Qingrou reassured him with a smile. Observing her, He Yunxiao couldn't help but think that her exceptional medical skills were all for treating her own hemophilia. Surely, she had become accustomed to the various hardships and bitter medicines over the years. He Yunxiao didn't want her to suffer anymore. Determined, he said, "Nanzhu, I'm not Xiao Yun. My name is He Yunxiao." To his surprise, Meng Qingrou didn't react. Instead, she asked, "You are He Yunxiao? But why did you claim to be Xiao Yun after visiting this afternoon? Why do you say you are He Yunxiao, Sir Xiao?" He Yunxiao was filled with question marks. "Afternoon? Who visited?" "You did." "What does he look like?" "Well… not as good-looking as rumored. Just average, not fat, long face, small eyes…" He Yunxiao's mouth twitched. This wouldn't be... He continued questioning, "What was he wearing?" "White sleeves, blue robe…" Darn it! It's Li Jin! Why is he pretending to be me? Oh no, I've become a stand-in!