Chapter 53 Escaping from Her
After everyone left, Li Yuanzhao casually asked, "Where is Chen Yanqing?"
Ru Mo then realized that he hadn't seen Chen Yanqing for a long time since he finished dealing with the assassins last night.
"He's probably being treated by the imperial physician; his arm injury is quite serious. If Your Highness is looking for him, I'll go and fetch him back."
Li Yuanzhao stood up. "No need, I'll go myself."
Chen Yanqing was indeed receiving treatment at the imperial physician's office at the moment.
The wound had already been properly bandaged, and the best wound medicine had been applied to the skin, which had greatly reduced the pain.
But he lingered there, unwilling to go back.
To put it bluntly, he just didn't want to see that woman.
He still felt a dull ache in his heart, a mix of shame for his unrequited love, grief for being hurt by her, and a touch of bewilderment.
He wasn't a stranger to Li Yuanzhao's ruthlessness and cold-bloodedness.
He saw that she could kill innocent people for power and use human lives as pawns, and he even secretly warned himself to stay away from her.
But why does he feel so bad when this coldness falls on him?
It felt like being stabbed in the heart by the person you trusted most.
What left him even more bewildered was the inexplicable jealousy.
He looked down on Lin Xuean from the bottom of his heart.
But when he saw Li Yuanzhao being so kind to him, even allowing him to serve him closely, the nameless fire in his chest burned away all his reason.
Even though he knew perfectly well that his relationship with her was merely that of master and servant, and that no matter how much she favored others, it was none of his business, he still couldn't help but care.
He cared about her "special" treatment of others, and he felt that he was less than a tool in her eyes.
"Oh……"
Chen Yanqing gave a self-deprecating laugh.
What's wrong with him?
"Huh? Aren't you Li Yuanzhao's bodyguard? What are you doing sitting here?"
A voice came from the doorway. Chen Yanqing looked up and saw Shen Churong, who was wrapped up tightly from head to toe, coming out of the inner room.
Chen Yanqing quickly composed himself, stood up and bowed, "This humble one, Chen Yanqing, greets General Shen."
Shen Churong waved his hand and sat down opposite him.
He came to apply medicine, but unexpectedly encountered Li Yuanzhao's young guard here.
If this guard hadn't been kicked by Li Yuanzhao yesterday and used his back to block the blade, he probably would have died under the sword long ago.
Although it was Li Yuanzhao who saved him, the wound on the guard's arm was ultimately caused by him.
Shen Churong was always clear about right and wrong, so she felt a genuine goodwill towards Chen Yanqing and wanted to make amends, so she asked, "How badly are you injured?"
Chen Yanqing replied respectfully, "It's nothing serious, thank you for your concern, General. The imperial physician said it's just a superficial injury, and it will heal in a few days."
Shen Churong hummed in agreement and took out an oil paper package from his pocket, handing it over.
"This is a secret medicine made by the Shen family. It's more effective than the medicine made by the Imperial Hospital. You can take it and use it."
Chen Yanqing was taken aback for a moment, then quickly waved his hand: "General, your kindness is too much for me to accept."
"Take it if I tell you to." Shen Churong shoved it into his hand without further ado, his tone carrying the boldness of a military general.
"I owe you a favor for what happened yesterday. I saw that your fighting skills were quite impressive. If you ever suffer any injustice at Li Yuanzhao's place, or are harassed by some ignorant person, feel free to come to me."
Although he said it casually, it stirred something in Chen Yanqing's heart.
Shen Churong is General Shen's only son and is quite favored by the Emperor. Although his discord with the Princess is common knowledge, he is still a member of the imperial family and has a bright future.
If one could become a member of the Imperial Guard under Shen Churong, that would be excellent.
Now that he has gone through all this, he wants to avoid Li Yuanzhao, preferably to get far away from him and avoid seeing him altogether.
Perhaps... after leaving her, I won't be able to let her actions control my emotions anymore.
However, he couldn't take the initiative to speak to Li Yuanzhao, otherwise, given her temper, she might stab him a few more times on the spot.
But if Shen Churong were to speak to Li Yuanzhao, she might not refuse.
In any case, Shen Churong could be considered her cousin.
How can he get Shen Churong to ask for it on his own initiative?
He hesitated before speaking, "Thank you for your kindness, General. I am unworthy of it. However..."
Shen Churong had been waiting for him to speak, and seeing this, he raised an eyebrow and said, "But what? Please speak freely."
Chen Yanqing clenched the medicine packet in his hand, as if he had mustered up a great deal of courage before whispering, "I come from humble origins, and it is already a great blessing to be taken in by the Princess. However... I am ultimately a crude person who does not understand the rules of the court and often makes mistakes that displease Your Highness."
"I was injured while protecting His Highness yesterday. I'm afraid my uselessness has angered His Highness. That's why I've been staying at the Imperial Medical Bureau, not daring to go back rashly, for fear... for fear of being kicked out by His Highness."
These words were half true and half false, every word of which leaned towards Shen Churong's preconceived notions of Li Yuanzhao, subtly expressing his own difficult situation.
Shen Churong frowned as expected.
He used to dislike Li Yuanzhao's arrogant and domineering manner, always feeling that she acted recklessly because of the emperor's favor.
But even now, the scene of Li Yuanzhao saving him is still vivid in his mind.
Ultimately, she was his savior.
No matter how arrogant she is, it's because she has real skills to back her up and has the right to be arrogant.
Shen Churong's Adam's apple bobbed, and he finally couldn't help but speak up for her, "You were injured while protecting the Emperor, why would she send you away? Are you just overthinking it?"
Chen Yanqing was slightly surprised that he would defend Li Yuanzhao, but his expression became even more fearful. "It has nothing to do with Your Highness. It's just that I'm clumsy and unworthy to stay by Your Highness's side..."
Seeing Chen Yanqing's fearful and apprehensive appearance, Shen Churong guessed that Li Yuanzhao probably didn't really like him.
This person is actually quite good. Since Li Yuanzhao doesn't like him, I might as well do a good deed and arrange a suitable place for him.
This way, Li Yuanzhao wouldn't have to worry about the little guard causing her trouble every day, and she could also repay the little guard's kindness. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?
He said, "If you really don't want to go back, I have an idea."
Chen Yanqing's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained blank. "General, please speak."
“I happen to be short of a skilled adjutant in the Imperial Guard,” Shen Churong patted his shoulder. “If you’re willing, I’ll talk to Li Yuanzhao. I’ll tell her that you’re injured and can no longer serve me closely, so I can borrow her to train in the Imperial Guard for a while. She usually doesn’t bother with such trivial matters, so she’ll most likely agree.”
They took the bait, just as expected.
Chen Yanqing lowered his eyes, concealing the glint in them, and bowed deeply. "If I could receive your guidance, General, I would be eternally grateful."
Shen Churong patted his chest and said, "If you're willing, I'll go find her later."
As they spoke, Chen Yanqing subconsciously looked up at Shen Churong, who was standing close by, and his heart skipped a beat.
He finally realized why Shen Churong looked so familiar.
That face clearly bore a six or seven-point resemblance to the face beneath his mask.
The two have almost identical eyebrows and eyes, and even their facial features seem to overlap.
However, Shen Churong's years of martial arts training have given him a more rugged and heroic appearance, and his jawline is also sharper.
He himself, having grown up in Lingnan for many years, appears more handsome and gentle.
At first glance, it seems somewhat familiar to the average person.
However, if you take a closer look and compare them carefully, you can clearly see the similarities.
This is absolutely incredible!
How could there be people in the world who look so alike for no reason?
He was orphaned at a young age and was adopted and raised by others.
Could it be... that there really is some blood relation between him and me?
Lingnan is a thousand miles away from the capital. The Shen family are imperial relatives, and the Imperial Uncle Shen is a powerful general with a large army. How could he have anything to do with me?
Chen Yanqing smiled bitterly to himself and suppressed this absurd thought.
The most important thing right now is to use Shen Churong's words to leave Li Yuanzhao's side.
He bowed deeply, "In that case, thank you very much, General Shen."
"Thank him for what?"
A calm voice came without warning.
Chen Yanqing and Shen Churong were both startled and turned to look.
Li Yuanzhao stood expressionless not far away, quietly watching the two of them, seemingly having overheard much of what they were saying.
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