Chapter 627: Heavy Love Over Friendship

At this point, Pu Duandiao and Jiao Sigun, who were standing nearby, became anxious. "Sir Eleven was injured precisely because he saved the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. Can't he even use this medicine?"

The head imperial physician shook his head, his expression strictly businesslike. "I'm sorry, but rules are rules. This medicine is indeed reserved for the imperial family and cannot be given to anyone else."

The two guards found themselves at a loss for words. After all, they were just two minor captains from the Eastern Palace and could not force the head imperial physician. Moreover, having served in the palace for many years, they were well aware of its strict rules.

Zu'an pondered for a moment, then took out his gold medallion. "The Emperor sent me to investigate a case. I'm still injured and can't conduct the investigation. Can you bear the responsibility if imperial orders are hindered?"

Displeasure flickered across the imperial physician's face. "Sir Eleven doesn't need to pressure me with imperial orders. I'm not moved by that. If you can obtain an imperial edict or a verbal decree from the Emperor, I will immediately give you the medicine without a word."

Anger value from Ma An: 413!

Zu'an felt a surge of frustration. He hadn't recalled offending this man, so why did he sense such an inexplicable hostility directed towards him?

If he couldn't get the medicine, Yun Jianyue's injuries would likely worsen, creating an even bigger problem.

Was he to sneak back later and steal it?

No, that wouldn't work. Not only was the palace's security ten times tighter than usual due to the assassin attack earlier, but even if he successfully stole the Five-Essence Elixir, it would arouse a great deal of suspicion.

After all, he had just tried to obtain the medicine without success; if it were stolen shortly afterward, it would be suspicious not to suspect him.

Just as he was in a dilemma, a wisp of fragrant breeze drifted past, and a pleasant yet authoritative voice asked, "I wonder if I am qualified to use this medicine?"

Everyone turned around, astonished to see a beautiful woman in court attire, surrounded by a throng of eunuchs and palace maids. Her fair, smooth skin highlighted the vibrant red floral pattern between her brows, which seemed to drip with allure. The golden phoenix hairpin in her elaborate coiffure shimmered brilliantly in the surrounding torchlight. Her entire appearance was grand and luxurious; for anyone else, this style might easily become gaudy or ostentatious, but she wore it flawlessly, as if such a vivid and charming ensemble was perfectly suited to her.

"Greetings, Crown Princess!" Pu Duandiao and Jiao Sigun bowed in unison, and Ma An, the head imperial physician, also shed his previous arrogance and paid his respects.

"You are injured; there's no need for such formality," the Crown Princess said, extending a hand in a gesture of support. A subtle, perfectly timed smile graced her lips, instantly making the two guards feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.

"The Crown Princess actually cares for us!" The two guards were deeply moved. In truth, having spent time with her, the Eastern Palace staff held more respect for the Crown Princess than for the Crown Prince himself, whose abnormal demeanor made it difficult to feel genuine deference.

What a pity that a divine woman like the Crown Princess could only marry such a Crown Prince...

As soon as this thought arose, the two guards immediately suppressed it, knowing that royal affairs were not for two lowly captains like themselves to comment upon.

Zu'an glanced at her with some surprise, truly not expecting to encounter her here.

However, seeing the gifts in the hands of the palace maids and eunuchs behind her, he immediately realized she must have come to comfort the injured guards.

This woman was indeed skilled at winning people over, as evidenced by Pu Duandiao and the others' excited expressions.

Noticing his gaze, the Crown Princess gave a slight nod, then turned to the head imperial physician. "Master Ma, I wish to use that Five-Essence Elixir. Is that permissible?"

The head imperial physician hesitated only briefly, guessing her purpose for the medicine, but quickly offered a fawning smile. "Crown Princess, what are you saying? Of course, you may have it! Someone, bring out the Five-Essence Elixir from the storeroom."

Soon, a medicine boy hurried away and returned shortly with a jade box. The head imperial physician respectfully handed it to the Crown Princess. "The Five-Essence Elixir is extremely precious, so it is protected in a jade box to prevent its potency from dissipating. Furthermore, a formation to preserve its medicinal properties has been carved around the box. Crown Princess, please consume it as soon as possible after removing it."

The Crown Princess smiled faintly. "Thank you, Master Ma."

Zu'an, standing nearby, felt a throbbing annoyance. This old man had been so defiant towards him, yet he was utterly sycophantic towards the Crown Princess.

Now that the Five-Essence Elixir was in the Crown Princess's hands, things were even more complicated. Stealing it from her might have been easier originally, but her status was too sensitive; anything involving her could escalate into a major incident.

Meanwhile, the Crown Princess, accompanied by her palace maids and eunuchs, went outside to comfort a room full of injured soldiers. Soon, cheers erupted from outside; clearly, these guards were ecstatic, charmed by the Crown Princess's radiant smile.

Zu'an secretly grumbled. In the Eastern Palace, she was fiercely intimidating, yet now she was so amiable towards outsiders. The Crown Prince truly had it rough.

Speaking of which, wasn't she afraid the Emperor would be wary of her methods of winning people over?

However, he immediately recalled the Crown Prince's dim-witted demeanor. Perhaps the Emperor was actually hoping his daughter-in-law had some capabilities, as that would better enable her to assist the Crown Prince in the future. Naturally, he wouldn't mind such actions.

He shook his head, deciding to leave for now and think of another plan later. Wasn't there another Five-Essence Elixir in the Imperial Hospital? He could try to obtain it later.

Not long after he walked out, a clear, exceptionally pleasant voice called from behind him, "Sir Eleven, please wait."

Zu'an turned around, looking at the beautiful Crown Princess slowly approaching. "Crown Princess, how may I help you?"

He noticed that the Crown Princess's accompanying palace maids and eunuchs were inside distributing gifts to the injured guards. Clearly, her appearance as the Crown Princess to offer comfort was already sufficiently formal; she didn't need to personally handle such tasks, so she had taken the opportunity to step out.

For some reason, he had a feeling that the Crown Princess's voice was different when speaking to him than on other days. Usually, she deliberately maintained a majestic tone that sometimes felt a bit intimidating, but now her voice was soft and pleasing, devoid of any of her usual severity.

The Crown Princess stopped several feet away from him, not approaching any closer. She was well aware of palace rules and maintained an appropriate distance from external officials. "I'm indebted to Sir Eleven for saving me... and the Crown Prince earlier. I haven't had a chance to thank you properly until now."

"You're too kind, Crown Princess; it was simply my duty," Zu'an replied steadily. He had nearly been executed by the Emperor just for embracing her while saving her, so it was best to maintain a distance from her while he was still establishing himself.

"Sir Eleven's small effort saved my... our lives. How could I not be grateful?" The Crown Princess's face no longer held its usual seriousness; instead, the corners of her lips curled slightly upward, making her look like a cheerful young woman. "Oh, and I just overheard your conversation. It seems you were injured by the assassin?"

"I'm fine; it's nothing serious." Staring at her blooming smile, Zu'an felt a momentary daze. Was this truly the same fierce Crown Princess he knew on a daily basis?

At that moment, the Crown Princess waved her hand to the side. Soon, a maid approached Zu'an, holding a jade box. "I heard that your spiritual essence was damaged, so I am gifting this Five-Essence Elixir to you. Since you were injured saving the Crown Prince and me, how could we stand idly by?"

As the Crown Princess, with countless eyes watching her both inside and outside the palace, it was naturally impossible for her to personally hand an item to an external male.

Zu'an had not expected that she wanted the Five-Essence Elixir for him. He was overjoyed and placed the jade box back into his embrace. "Then I thank the Crown Princess very much."

The two exchanged a few more casual words, then Zu'an cupped his hands in farewell and excused himself. Given their respective statuses, it was inappropriate for them to converse for too long.

Watching his departing back, the Crown Princess seemed lost in thought, pondering something unknown.

At that moment, a palace maid beside her whispered, "Crown Princess, weren't we here to find medicine for Sister Rong Mo? You've given the Five-Essence Elixir to him. What about Sister Rong Mo?"

The Crown Princess's smile froze. "Oh dear, I completely forgot about that! Come, come, let's quickly go find an imperial physician to prescribe some other medicine."

Soon after the Crown Princess and her entourage left, General Cheng Xiong of the Left Guard arrived with his men and directly approached the head imperial physician. "Has any medicine gone missing from the Imperial Hospital today?"