Name

The direction of the wind in Prince Jing's Mansion always changes silently, but blows precisely on everyone's nerves.

Just two or three days after the imperial physician's consultation that day, a brief and clear order came from Jingzhe's mouth. Through the Yan steward, it reached the ears of the servants in Jinglan Courtyard and even the entire palace: "From now on, you can be called the princess... just call her Miss Xu."

There was no explanation, no reason, but everyone understood that this must be the prince's intention.

"Young lady..." Wan Cui's eyes reddened slightly at the change in address, and she felt sorry for her master. Only a few days after the wedding, even the honorific title of "Princess" had been stripped away. Wasn't this a blatant humiliation?

Xu Xianyue merely hummed a faint "hmm," her hands unwavering in the work of weaving a freshly dyed autumn-scented silk strip. It was just a name, she didn't mind. She even felt more comfortable being called "Miss Xu" than the unrealistic title of "Princess." Was Xie Wuqi's move a clear break, or perhaps a form of protection? She didn't bother to delve into it. It simply made her actions easier.

The servants' gazes at her had indeed changed. Their previous respectful distance was now tinged with a touch of obvious disdain, but because she was still the mistress, they dared not be too presumptuous. Butler Yan's allowance remained the same, but his attitude had become even more businesslike.

Xu Xianyue, enjoying the quiet time, devoted more energy to her velvet flower crafting and her secret research into the "burning heart" poison. Lin Qingyan's words that day had given her some inspiration. Toxicology is interdependent and mutually exclusive, and all things have their own rhythm. Since her velvet flower could attract toxins, could she also find a specific material or weaving rhythm that could channel or even suppress them?

She needs more knowledge, especially in medicine.

Opportunity soon presented itself. True to his word, Lin Qingyan hadn't given up on his research on the "burning heart" poison. A few days later, he returned to Prince Jing's residence, this time to report on his research progress. He brought with him several volumes of transcribed ancient medical records, hoping to discuss the matter with someone knowledgeable in the palace. This was, of course, a euphemism; he wanted to see "Miss Xu," who seemed deeply concerned about the prince's condition.

Jingzhe did not stop this, and even acquiesced to Butler Yan's leading Lin Qingyan to the study outside Jinglan Courtyard to wait, and sent someone to inform Xu Xianyue.

After Xu Xianyue learned about it, he thought for a moment and then took Wan Cui to the outer study.

Lin Qingyan had been waiting inside. When he saw Xu Xianyue come in, he quickly stood up and saluted. His expression showed a bit of excitement after studying medical books, as well as a hint of subtle nervousness from seeing her in person.

"I am Lin Qingyan, your humble servant. Nice to meet... Miss Xu." He changed his words a little awkwardly, and it was obvious that he was aware of the change in the way people addressed each other in the mansion. Although he felt a little unfair for this woman with a unique temperament, he did not dare to say much.

"Doctor Lin, there's no need to be so polite." Xu Xianyue walked over to the other side of the desk and sat down, his eyes falling on the medical records he had brought with him. "Have you made any new discoveries about the prince's poison?"

Lin Qingyan was slightly startled by her directness, but he quickly collected his thoughts and said seriously, "Yes. After I returned, I carefully studied the peace locket Miss Xu... uh, the one she gave me that day." He took out the jade-colored velvet flower from his sleeve and carefully placed it on the table, his expression filled with confusion and inquiry. "It's strange, but whenever I'm reading ancient books, thinking hard about detoxification, and feel restless, I put this thing on the table, and I actually feel a little calmer and my thoughts become clearer. I don't know if this thing..."

He looked at Xu Xianyue, his eyes full of curiosity.

Xu Xianyue's heart trembled slightly. As expected, the soothing rhythm of the velvet flower wasn't just effective on Xie Wuqi, but the effect varied from person to person. This confirmed her suspicions.

"They're just some little soothing gadgets made of special materials," she said lightly, getting the conversation back on track. "Did Doctor Lin find any reference to the 'burning heart' poison in his medical records?"

Seeing that she was unwilling to talk about Ronghua, Lin Qingyan felt sorry for her, but he knew better and stopped asking. Instead, he spread out the medical records, pointed to a few marked places, and explained carefully: "Miss, please look, the symptoms of the 'Red Flame Gu' and 'Burning Pulse Powder' mentioned in these ancient fragments are about 50% similar to the poison that the prince was poisoned with. Both of them mainly burn the meridians and damage the heart meridian, causing mania and pain... But the treatment is vague, only mentioning that the strong effect needs to be neutralized with something extremely cold or extremely mild..."

He began citing classics, his voice clear and logical. Xu Xianyue listened quietly. Occasionally, when he mentioned the properties of certain medicinal herbs or the principles of toxicity, he would raise one or two key questions, with a sharp angle that went straight to the heart of the matter. Often, Lin Qingyan needed to pause and think for a moment before he could give an answer. He was increasingly amazed at the knowledge of this "Miss Xu."

He originally thought that this princess who was neglected by the prince was at most kind-hearted and had some knowledge of literature, but he did not expect that she had such a keen insight into medicine and poisons. Although she had no systematic study, the questions she asked often hit the nail on the head.

After some discussion, both of them gained something. Lin Qingyan felt that many of his previously vague ideas became clearer during his conversation with Xu Xianyue, while Xu Xianyue gained a deeper understanding of the composition of the "Burning Heart" poison and possible ways to control it.

"...Therefore, I speculate that perhaps we can try to find a few auxiliary medicines that are extremely cold in nature but will not conflict with other medicines in the prince's body, first protecting the heart meridian, and then trying to detoxify it." Lin Qingyan concluded, with fine beads of sweat oozing from his forehead due to concentration.

"Doctor Lin has been very thoughtful," Xu Xianyue nodded in approval. She pondered for a moment, then said, "I only have a superficial understanding of medical principles. If I have any questions in the future, I'll probably need to consult Doctor Lin more."

Upon hearing this, Lin Qingyan hurriedly bowed and said, "Miss, you are too kind! I have benefited a lot from discussing this with you. If you have any questions, Qingyan will tell you everything." His tone was sincere, with the sincerity unique to young people.

Xu Xianyue looked into his clear and serious eyes and suddenly asked, "Doctor Lin seems... different from ordinary doctors." She meant that he was willing to work so hard for a "fallen" prince, even at the cost of offending his colleagues.

Lin Qingyan was slightly startled, then understood, a bitter yet resolute smile on his face: "A doctor is like a parent. The prince is the pillar of the country, guarding the borders and protecting the people. Although Qingyan is weak, he is paid by the emperor and has learned some medical skills. He should do his best to save those who need to be saved and fulfill his responsibilities. Nothing else matters."

It has nothing to do with power or stance, it only concerns the doctor's original intention and respect for those who guard the border.

Xu Xianyue watched him quietly, her opinion of this young imperial physician rising a few points higher. In this calculating capital, it was rare to find someone with such a pure heart.

"Doctor Lin is a man of great righteousness," she said softly.

Lin Qingyan felt a little embarrassed by her gaze. He lowered his eyes slightly, a barely perceptible blush spreading across his ears. He whispered, "Young lady, you're too kind." He paused, as if mustering up his courage, raised his head, and looked at Xu Xianyue sincerely. "I haven't formally asked for your name yet...your maiden name? I always feel it's quite rude to keep calling you that."

He knew she was a daughter of the Xu family, but the name "Miss Xu" felt particularly distant after he realized she might be the vague concubine of the Xu family who was related to Xu Xianyun in his memory. He wanted to know her name, a symbol that was independent of any identity and belonged solely to her.

Xu Xianyue looked at the pure sincerity and respect in his eyes and fell silent for a moment. In this era, women's maiden names were not easily revealed, especially to someone as sensitive as her.

But, it was just a name. She was no longer the concubine of the Xu family trapped in the harem, nor was she the Princess of Jing with an empty title. She was Xu Xianyue, just Xu Xianyue.

"Leisure Moon." She began, her voice calm and clear, "I stole a moment of leisure from this busy life, a moonlit night with a clear breeze."

Lin Qingyan was slightly startled. "Xianyue..." He repeated in a low voice, as if savoring the words between his lips and teeth. Stealing a moment's leisure from this turbulent life, the moon is bright and the wind is clear... How perfectly suited is this name to her! Cold, calm, yet with a sense of detached leisure.

"What a good name." He praised sincerely, with a bright smile on his face, "Qingyan will remember it."

At this moment, something seemed to have quietly changed. No longer a simple relationship between an imperial physician and a woman from the royal family, they were now two equal individuals exploring a common goal, now knowing each other's names.

After discussing the properties of the medicinal materials for a few more sentences, Lin Qingyan left with new ideas and the velvet flower peace locket that he had treasured.

Xu Xianyue sat alone in the study, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the words "burning heart" on the desk.

Lin Qingyan's sincerity and talent are a double-edged sword. Used well, they could be the key to a cure; but exploited by those with ulterior motives, they could be irreparable.

Whether her act of revealing her name was a blessing or a curse was unknown.

However, in this palace where every step is so dangerous, it is not a bad thing to have an "ally" like Lin Qingyan who has a pure mind and the same goals as him.

She looked out the window. The sky of Jinglan Courtyard was still cut by high walls, but her heart seemed to have broadened a little because of this small breakthrough and communication.

The road ahead is still long. But the silk thread in her hands has quietly begun to weave not only velvet flowers, but also a glimmer of hope in this confusing situation.