He tried several snacks in succession, each one bringing a different surprise, and a rare genuine smile appeared on his face: "Miss Shen's skills are truly superb. These dishes are novel and delicious, which has broadened my horizons."
During the meal, the two chatted casually, mostly about Pei Nian'an's cultivation progress, in a harmonious atmosphere. As they talked, Yun Qingxuan frowned slightly, his gaze falling on Shen Qingtang, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry: "Miss Shen Qingtang, I seem to smell a faint medicinal scent on you, almost imperceptible, yet very peculiar. Could it be that you are skilled in medicine?"
Shen Qingtang's heart skipped a beat. The medicinal smell on her body must have come from studying Western Region herbs and preparing ointments these days.
She didn't hide anything, but she didn't go into details either. She just smiled faintly and said, "I know a little bit about herbs. I like to study herbs and make some ointments to treat my body or minor injuries and illnesses."
"Just a little knowledge?" A hint of surprise flashed in Yun Qingxuan's eyes, then his smile deepened. "You're too modest, young lady. The medicinal scent on you is a mixture of many rare herbs from the Western Regions. Some of them are cold in nature and difficult for ordinary people to handle, but you've combined them perfectly. Clearly, you have a great understanding of the properties of herbs."
When the topic turned to herbs, Yun Qingxuan became noticeably more talkative. He had studied medicine since childhood and had a deep understanding of herbs from various regions.
Then they brought up several herbs unique to the Western Regions and discussed their medicinal properties and uses.
Shen Qingtang was also quite knowledgeable; she not only possessed knowledge of modern medicine.
He also has some knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and herbal remedies, and has accumulated a lot of experience due to his exposure to many herbs from the Western Regions after his time travel.
The two chatted about everything from common herbs to rare varieties, from medicinal properties and compatibility to the treatment of symptoms, and found themselves getting along very well.
Yun Qingxuan never expected that Shen Qingtang was not only meticulous and ambitious, but also had such attainments in medical skills, with many unique and novel insights.
It even exceeded the understanding of this era, which greatly inspired him.
He looked at the woman before him. When she talked about herbs, her eyes were bright, and she spoke eloquently, displaying both the gentleness of a woman and the focus of a scholar, as well as a sharp edge that could not be underestimated.
That composure and confidence, that profound understanding of knowledge, gradually changed his initial curious and appreciative gaze.
His gaze was no longer simply inquisitive and peaceful; it held a deeper and more intense intensity.
It was as if I was deeply attracted by something.
His gaze toward Shen Qingtang held a hint of barely perceptible amazement and emotion, as well as a concern that even he himself was unaware of.
He would unconsciously pay attention to her expression when she spoke, observe the way she picked up food, and even be slightly distracted by her unintentional smile.
Shen Qingtang also noticed Yun Qingxuan's change; his gaze was too focused, carrying a heat that made her feel somewhat uncomfortable.
She had a slight doubt in her heart, but she didn't point it out. Instead, she subtly changed the subject.
But the difference in Yun Qingxuan's eyes was like a pebble thrown into a lake, creating a faint ripple in her heart.
When the banquet ended, it was already late. Yun Qingxuan rose to take his leave. Before leaving, he looked at Shen Qingtang and said sincerely, "Miss Shen Qingtang, I have benefited greatly from our conversation today. If I have any questions about herbs in the future, I may need to consult you."
Shen Qingtang nodded with a smile: "Mr. Yun, you're too kind. We're just exchanging ideas."
Watching Yun Qingxuan's departing figure, Shen Qingtang's curiosity grew even stronger.
This mysterious and unparalleled master seemed to be treating her differently, and this difference made her both puzzled and vaguely aware that there might be more unexpected interactions in the future.
The second, third, and fourth princes lingered in the capital, sending people to loiter and inquire about the whereabouts of Pei Wuwang and Shen Qingtang every day.
His words were full of probing and hostility, disturbing the peace of those around him.
They were wary of Yun Qingxuan's power and dared not directly target Pei Wuwang and Shen Qingtang, yet they could not swallow their resentment and could only resort to this method of constant harassment, trying to find incriminating evidence against the two.
Yu Jingyuan and Yu Jingyuan, who were under surveillance by the Liang royal family and forbidden from leaving the capital, had an even more difficult time.
They were already seething with anger because of Pei Wuwang's scheme, and now they were trapped in a foreign land.
Restricted in every way,
Seeing Pei Wuwang and Shen Qingtang still enjoying their glory, the anger in his heart almost consumed him. He spent every day cursing and hating them so much that his teeth itched.
Pei Wuwang was already fed up with the endless harassment and had no intention of letting go of those two uncles who kept causing trouble.
He secretly orchestrated a plan, sending messengers at breakneck speed to deliver a message to the neighboring country where the Yu brothers lived, providing evidence of their years-old crimes of embezzlement, bribery, and personal enrichment in China.
They also revealed to the other princes of the country who coveted the throne their misdeeds of indulging their children's wrongdoings and oppressing the people.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
