Qian Xingzhi saw him staring at her with such "deep affection" in silence, and felt her face grow hotter. She felt embarrassed and, for some reason, wanted to "turn the tables."
She suddenly looked up, smiling sweetly. "Whatever it is, can it be such a big deal? If I'm on my last legs, doesn't that fit right into your plan, my lord?"
Lu Yu was taken aback, clearly not understanding Qian Xingzhi's meaning.
"You said it yourself, my lord: the Director of the Nansheng Imperial Astronomical Bureau is destined for a path of universal condemnation and certain death. It seems I'm the perfect candidate for the job, Lord Lu."
She had no idea what she was saying. Lu Yu was dazzled by her smile. His heart was a mix of emotions that eventually turned into groundless anger. He raised his hand and rapped her on the head. "Always talking nonsense. Who said you're going to die? The wicked live long. You've got plenty of life left."
Lu Yu was gradually losing sight of what he truly wanted. Everything was progressing according to his plan, but then, out of nowhere, this Qian Xingzhi had appeared.
He had loathed her from the start, believing that revenge would be more satisfying that way. He treated her like a chess piece, to be used and discarded. But then he felt she was so similar to Lu Qian, and both of them owed her a life.
Did he see her as a brother? No, they weren't that close. But yesterday's events had long since crossed the boundaries between superior and subordinate. Could he continue to deceive himself, convincing himself that everything was just an act with Qian Xingzhi for the sake of using her?
With Yuan Bai, he could still pretend to be calm and casually utter heartless words like "just a dead pawn," but now he could no longer fool himself.
Qian Xingzhi felt she had successfully "counterattacked." Before she could gloat, she saw Lu Yu's eyes flicker with a few changes, adding more pity and sorrow.
Hopeless. Qian Xingzhi coughed dryly, leaning back to create distance. "I feel much better now. I'll go back to my room."
"Sit for now. I've called a few more doctors."
Qian Xingzhi shrugged, looking like she was at his mercy.
A short while later, about a dozen doctors surrounded the bed. Not only were there some with decades of experience, but also those leading groups of apprentices. Qian Xingzhi extended her hand like a mascot, saying nothing as she watched the group line up one by one to take her pulse. Every single one of them had the same expression of fear and unease.
But she really didn't feel that unwell. Could it be that Yan Zhaoshuang had died unexpectedly, and this body still retained the pulse of someone nearing their end at that time?
Lu Yu had ordered all of them not to say a word. They all stared at each other wide-eyed. Finally, one clever doctor stepped forward to save the situation. "This gentleman truly has a unique constitution. This pulse suggests a miraculous recovery; you are truly blessed."
Qian Xingzhi couldn't help but laugh. She was familiar with talking nonsense. "Really? This old gentleman must be highly skilled in medicine. You'd even qualify as an imperial physician."
Lu Yu saw each of them out, all giving the same answer: "This person is nearing the end of their life. I don't know why they're still alive."
He didn't understand. Just yesterday, they had been bickering with each other, and today they had to face such a situation. Could it be that after taking away his close family, heaven was now going to take away everyone he even slightly cared about, one by one?
Defeated, Lu Yu entered the room and met eyes with Qian Xingzhi, who was bored on the bed.
"So, Lord Lu? How many more days do I have to live?"
She always spoke so recklessly. Lu Yu's face darkened. "This bunch of quacks in Nanchuan are incompetent. We'll go back to Shengjing and see better doctors."
Of course, Qian Xingzhi didn't believe she was really about to die. She said heartlessly, "What, my lord? Are you worried I'll kick the bucket early and mess up your plan?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, Qian Xingzhi regretted them. Although she understood that they were mostly using each other, she hadn't intended to distort his concern. She was about to backtrack when she saw Lu Yu's eyes darken, and he said coldly, "Correct. That's all."
"My lord, I didn't mean..."
"Qian Xingzhi, since you're not sick, you should go now."