Chapter 353: Chapter 354 Close Your Eyes, Be Good

“I’m fine, actually, I find Miss Qi to be straightforward and honest, a friend worth making.” Shao He liked people who were frank and direct.

There was no need for secrecy or pretense, liking meant liking, and disliking meant just that.

Jhiang Yijia looked at her with a surprised expression, and asked cautiously, “You two are becoming friends?”

Jhiang Yijia couldn’t help but recall the words of the women outside earlier, could it be that Doctor Shao truly intended to marry into the family as a concubine?

But if that was the case, it might not be such a bad outcome for her, considering Doctor Shao’s status, it was indeed unlikely for her to marry the Fifth Prince as his principal wife.

“Yes, I’ve agreed to meet with Miss Qi in a few days to treat her personal guard’s injuries,” Shao He didn’t hide anything from Jhiang Yijia.

She believed that even if Jhiang Yijia knew something, she wouldn’t tell anyone else.

Jhiang Yijia probably understood why Miss Qi had invited her over, it must have been because of her medical skills, but regardless of the outcome, it was good as long as Qi Jiayuan harbored no harm towards Doctor Shao.

“However, there’s something I need to remind you to be careful about; you must be wary of Princess Huimin. She has always been protective of the Fifth Prince, and she also wants the Fifth Prince to marry someone who can be of help to him,” Jhiang Yijia whispered.

Shao He nodded, “I understand.”

Princess Huimin’s intentions were good, but she never asked what Pei Huaian really needed; acting under the guise of kindness, but doing more harm than good, such people were even more detestable.

As they were talking, a commotion suddenly arose outside, and Shao He and Jhiang Yijia turned their heads to look, briefly stunned by the sight of the person in white brocade.

Jhiang Yijia’s gaze lingered between the two of them, then she said with surprise, “The clothes you two are wearing are too similar.”

Many expressions flickered in the eyes of the crowd, jealousy, envy, and some even whispering, “I fear the Fifth Prince will favor the concubine and discard his wife.”

“They’re not yet together, and they’re already so brazenly wearing matching clothes; who knows what excessive things they’ll do once they are.”

This is what you call sour grapes.

Pei Huaian didn’t care about the attention from the crowd; he even thought their words made sense, as he might treat Shao He even more indulgently in the future.

“Doctor Shao, the Empress Dowager is feeling a bit unwell and would like you to come take a look,” he said.

“Go quickly,” Jhiang Yijia noticed the pensive man and nudged her gently with her elbow.

“Alright,” Shao He also wanted to leave this place of gossip quickly. Although she didn’t care about the words of others, she didn’t want to become the topic of their conversations.

Shao He followed behind Pei Huaian, walking along a path together, but as they continued, the path became increasingly secluded, which made her express a puzzled look between her eyebrows.

Pei Huaian suddenly stopped by the side of the pond and came up to Shao He, saying, “The Imperial Grandmother has already gone to the feast.”

“Then you…”

“I just wanted to talk to you alone, that’s why I used this ruse to bring you here,” Pei Huaian’s gaze was fixed on her, as if he couldn’t get enough.

Shao He guessed that Pei Huaian was worried about her being bullied, so he came out to intercede on her behalf.

Thinking this, she jokingly said, “The Empress Dowager is choosing consorts for the princes today, why aren’t you at the feast? Be careful, or someone might take them all away.”

Pei Huaian’s clear eyes gazed at her, his voice low and deep, “Don’t you know the reason why I’m not there?”

“Cough cough, but by not attending the feast, you are being impolite,” Shao He turned her face away, unable to face his fervent gaze.

“It’s alright, I have already obtained the Emperor’s and the Imperial Grandmother’s consent, as long as I arrive before it ends,” he replied.

Shao He raised an eyebrow, perhaps that was a privilege unique to Pei Huaian; no wonder the Empress had always seen him as a thorn in her side, determined to remove him at all costs.

The Emperor indeed showed too much favoritism towards him, but since Pei Chengye was the son of the Empress, unless he committed some grave error, the position of the Crown Prince would still be his.

However, the Empress’s frequent scheming had made the Emperor extremely disgusted, which led to the postponement of the Crown Prince’s enthronement; if the Empress knew of all this, she probably would cough up blood in anger.

As Shao He pondered, a sudden coldness brushed across her brows, only to see Pei Huaian’s hand soothing her furrowed brow.

She looked up and met Pei Huaian’s deep, dark pupils.

This was the first time Pei Huaian had voluntarily touched her brow, and Ye Suwen was momentarily stunned.

“Whatever happens, don’t worry. As long as you’re willing, I’ll protect you and the child for a lifetime,” Pei Huaian promised softly, his tone gentle as a spring breeze.

Ye Suwen’s body stiffened, her heart raced, and she even forgot to breathe; her eyes were wide as she stared at Pei Huaian.

“Why?”

Shao He bit her lower lip hard; she had never understood whether Pei Huaian truly liked her or if his affection was because of the child.

Pei Huaian was befuddled by her question, not understanding what she meant, but quickly sensed the shift in her emotions and couldn’t help but lower his head to approach her, gently kissing her soft, moist lips.

Ye Suwen’s eyes flew open wide in surprise, and then her cheeks flushed red.

She couldn’t believe she had been kissed out of the blue, and even though there was no one around, she was still mortified and annoyed.

Seeing her shy demeanor, Pei Huaian smiled lightly, reaching out to stroke her head and whispered, “Close your eyes, be good.”