104 Father and Daughter Confide in Ping’an (Extra Chapter)
“Mister Xu, your abilities have long been spoken of by this king. Now that I see you in person, I must praise you: truly, a hero emerges in youth~”
“Your Highness flatters me. I am but an ordinary doctor who simply knows a bit more than most. I have no other skills. It is only thanks to the Shizi’s kindness that I am here—this humble man does not deserve such honor.”
Hearing this, the Zhennan King showed no hint of disdain; instead, a trace of approval crossed his face as he smiled and nodded.
“Hmm, well said. A young man with talent who remains humble and cautious, avoiding arrogance and impatience—that alone makes many noble heirs look up to him. Over these days, my child has been indebted to your care. I have yet to properly thank you. Today, I shall grant you three requests. As long as they are within my power, you need only speak, Mister Xu.”
Is this… a test?
Or genuine sincerity?
Xu Ping’an’s heart skipped a beat. Was this a trial?
He had no intention of getting entangled with the Zhennan King anyway.
Why not just soil his own reputation then?
“This humble man dares not speak.”
“What is there to be afraid of? I invite you to speak.”
“Well…”
Xu Ping’an feigned hesitation and cast a quick glance at Li Yuer.
At that moment, Li Yuer seemed to suddenly understand something, a flicker of surprise flashing in her eyes. She quickly gave him a subtle look, as if urging him not to react.
“To serve in government or as a court official is beyond this humble man’s ability. With numerous wives and concubines, I fear I wouldn’t be able to handle it. But as for money… if Your Highness permits, even a modest sum would satisfy this humble man.”
“Heh~ Very well. Since Mister Xu has spoken, I shall not refuse. Bring a thousand taels of gold as a reward to the Mister.”
Upon hearing this, Xu Ping’an’s face brightened with joy, but he quickly suppressed it and nodded in thanks.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Hahaha~ No need for formalities. Mister Xu has traveled from afar and is a friend of my child. You are a honored guest of the Prince’s Residence. During this time, please stay here. Servants, escort the Mister to the Western Wing Room to rest—do not neglect our hospitality!”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Xu Ping’an smiled faintly, ignoring Li Yuer’s exaggerated expressions, and followed the servant toward the Western Wing Room.
The Zhennan King, Li Huan, watched Xu Ping’an until he turned toward the Western Wing Room, then he turned back to look at Li Yuer.
“Child, come with me.”
“Yes, Father King.”
The father and daughter entered the study, dismissing all servants until only the two remained.
Only then did Li Yuer finally drop her facade and look up at Li Huan.
“Father… that Mister Xu…”
Before she could finish, Li Huan chuckled lightly and casually picked up his teacup.
“Heh~ A young man who knows how to conceal his talents and keep a low profile, even to the point of self-disparagement. There’s some cunning there.”
“Ah?!”
So the Zhennan King had already seen through Xu Ping’an’s act of self-impairment?
“What? Did you think your father was too old and blind to understand a young man’s thoughts?”
A teasing smile flashed in Li Huan’s eyes, making Li Yuer’s face flush as she pouted in protest.
“Father~”
“Alright, alright. Honestly, do you like this Xu Ping’an?” Upon hearing this, Li Yuer’s gaze involuntarily shifted away.
Seeing his precious daughter shy like this, how could a father not know what she was thinking?
“Enough. I won’t pry. But this Xu Ping’an doesn’t seem simple. At first meeting, he spoke fluently and confidently, showing no fear or deference due to my status. This person is not ordinary. Yu’er… have you truly seen through him?”
Li Yuer frowned slightly. To be honest, she wasn’t sure if she had fully understood Xu Ping’an. As she hesitated, the Zhennan King had already noticed.
“Enough said. Since he is the one you like, I will fully support you. But this person may be hard to control. Do you want me to keep a watchful eye on him?”
“No!!”
The moment the Zhennan King mentioned interfering, Li Yuer instinctively shouted, then quickly covered her mouth.
Watching his daughter’s concern for her lover, how could Li Huan not feel a twinge of bittersweetness? But he was still the Zhennan King, and she was his only daughter.
If she was willing, he wouldn’t oppose.
As long as she was not wronged, Li Huan didn’t care about anything else.
Rich?
Who was richer than him?
Money and power—he had it all. Why should his daughter have to find someone like that?
As long as he lived, his daughter would not suffer.
“Since he is your beloved, I won’t interfere. But… bringing him here now—aren’t you afraid something might happen to him?”
Li Yuer’s expression turned serious.
“Father… is His Majesty truly beyond hope?”
Mentioning the serious matter, Li Huan furrowed his brows and sighed deeply.
“Ah! I never expected His Majesty to be poisoned so severely. We have sent people everywhere to find renowned doctors, but none have been able to cure him. I fear…”
Li Yuer’s eyes darkened, and after a long pause, she spoke.
“Father, let Mister Xu give it a try.”
“Him?”
Li Huan hesitated for a moment, looking at his daughter. He knew her well—she wouldn’t say this without at least ninety percent certainty—but he still asked.
“Are you confident?”
“Yes. He will definitely cure His Majesty.”
Upon hearing this, Li Huan suddenly stood and paced the room, contemplating. After a while, he looked at Li Yuer again.
“Yu’er, you must think this through. Once he gets involved, it won’t be easy to walk away unscathed. If he fails… he might lose his life. I have only heard rumors about him before and paid them no mind. Then he healed you, and now you look as healthy as anyone else—he must have some real skill. But this matter… cannot be taken lightly.”
“Daughter understands. I am confident. He will cure His Majesty. It’s just…”
“Just what?”
If he could cure His Majesty, that would be a great achievement!
Not to mention being rewarded with a noble title or high office.
“It’s just that Mister Xu…”
Li Yuer opened her mouth.
She had wanted to say that Xu Ping’an did not want to get involved in court affairs, and once involved, it might mean cutting ties with her completely.
Seeing the joy in her father’s eyes, she ultimately held the words back.
“Father, I will find him now. He must have a way.”
Watching his daughter rush out, Li Huan shook his head with a bitter smile.
“Sigh~ My daughter’s grown up. Her wings are strong now.”
“Xu Ping’an… interesting.”
Xu Ping’an was unaware that the father and daughter were talking about him.
He was currently preparing to wash off the dust from his body.
The bucket had just been filled, and after sending others away, he had only half undressed when the door suddenly opened.
Li Yuer walked in.
“Mister, I have something—ah!”