Chapter 40 Alliance

"Seeing the doctor in Prince Jing's mansion?" Yun Shang's face turned red as she coughed. "Considering how weak I am, I doubt any highly-skilled doctor can cure me of my illness. Never mind. It is Father's kindness. If I refuse to go, Father would be sad. It's just that I heard that Prince Jing is difficult to get along with, which is why there's not a single maid in his mansion. Qin Yi, Qin Meng, you two follow me to Prince Jing's mansion."

Qin Yi and Qin Meng agreed and then left to instruct the other maids to pack the Princess's belongings. After a short while, one of Prince Jing's servants came to notify them that Prince Jing was ready to leave for his mansion.

Yun Shang nodded. Qin Yi and Qin Meng helped her stand and walked her out of Qingxin Palace where a Nian* was waiting. When they arrived at the mansion gates, two horses and carriages were waiting. Prince Jing stood beside one horse and carriage. When he saw Yun Shang, he walked toward her and helped her get off the Nian.

(*TN: Nian, a kind of carriage pulled by people.)

A sudden gust of wind caught Yun Shang by surprise and she coughed. Prince Jing supported her as she walked towards the carriage. She felt a bit uneasy, but thanked him and got in the carriage.

An hour later, the carriage stopped. Qin Yi and Qin Meng lifted the curtain and climbed down. They stood outside the carriage and spoke, "Your Highness, we have arrived at Prince Jing's mansion."

Yun Shang nodded, stood up and stepped outside.

Prince Jing was standing outside of his mansion, instructing a middle-aged man. Seeing Yun Shang, he stepped forward and said, "I have already told my butler to inform the doctor. You can rest inside. I'll take you to him later."

Yun Shang nodded before bowing before the Prince.

at right at this moment, we have the same enemy. Why not form an alliance? Though I don't have much to offer, I will do my best to aid you." Yun Shang removed her hands from her sleeves. She leaned towards Prince Jing and supported her head on her hands. She watched as he mulled over her proposal.

"In that case, I'll say yes." Prince Jing answered. Since he hid his expressions very well, Yun Shang couldn't read his emotions.

Yun Shang stood up and smiled. "It's late now. It doesn't seem like you intend to take me to the doctor. In that case, I'll take my rest. You..."

Prince Jing studied Yun Shang as she spoke. Something seemed off. He stood up, and touched her forehead.

Yun Shang was not expecting the Prince to touch her. In shock, she took a step back.

"You are sick?" Prince Jing frowned. He was asking a question, but he sounded like he already knew the answer. "I thought the illness was just an act to get near me. I didn't expect that you were actually unwell.."

Yun Shang smiled to conceal her confusion. "If you hadn't dragged me to the Star Tower in impulse, I wouldn't have caught a cold."

Prince Jing paused. He stepped forward and lifted Yun Shang.