Chapter 137: The Heart is Hard to Fathom

“Princess Yuanle.”

Seeing the visitor, Xu Ping’an’s heart skipped a beat.

This year alone, he had already met many beautiful girls, and among those he was involved with, there were only three.

“So Princess Yuanle is here. In that case, I won’t delay the reunion between Your Majesty and the princess. I will come back later.”

Suddenly, the little maidservant behind him tugged at the hem of his robe.

Just moments ago, Li Zhi’er had been fine, but now her eyes were brimming with tears, looking up at him with a watery gaze.

“Sir… do you dislike Zhi’er? Why do you want to leave as soon as you see her?”

Her large round eyes were already full of tears, and her small body trembled slightly, as if she was forcing herself to hold back sobs.

What was he supposed to say?

Xu Ping’an knew himself well—he had always been a soft-hearted person. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have made it this far on the path of medicine.

Looking at the girl in front of him, tears flowing like a spring, he couldn’t help but think to himself: This girl really is made of water.

With that thought in mind, a smile appeared on his face.

“I would never dislike the princess. It’s just that I feel my presence here might delay your reunion with His Majesty. That’s why I wanted to leave early, so as not to disturb the father and daughter.”

“Really?”

The little maidservant lifted her head, her delicate appearance evoking a pang of pity.

Those big eyes, still wet with tears, reflected his own figure clearly.

“Of course it’s true.”

Even if it was a matter of conscience, he couldn’t say otherwise, so he smiled and nodded.

Apparently satisfied with the answer, the little maidservant suddenly remembered she was still holding onto his robe, hurriedly letting go.

Her small face flushed deep red, like a ripe apple, looking so fresh and enticing.

For a moment, even Xu Ping’an, who had seen many beauties, was stunned.

Though she was young, just thirteen or fourteen years old, she already possessed such looks—she could be married off in the future.

Ahem, hopefully.

“Hahaha, it seems Mr. Xu and my Zhi’er get along well. This girl is timid by nature and has never taken the initiative to interact with anyone like this before.”

“Princess Yuanle is just a little nervous. Give it some time, and I believe anyone would like her.”

Xu Ping’an smiled in response but didn’t take the bait from the emperor.

The old man was clearly trying to play matchmaker.

He wanted to bind Xu Ping’an to Great Qi’s aging warship.

But he was seriously underestimating him!

Although Xu Ping’an might lack in other abilities, at least he had some backbone.

“My Zhi’er has had a weak constitution since childhood. I believe Mr. Xu has already treated her. Fortunately, this girl has some talent. Normally, royal family members, except for the emperor, are not permitted to cultivate. However, I plan to make an exception and open a path. If you don’t mind, would you take her as your disciple?”

“Huh?”

He was supposed to take her on to learn cultivation?

Was that right?

No, that couldn’t be right!

He didn’t have the kind of talent for cultivation.

Even if he understood the theory, he couldn’t practice it.

It wasn’t his forte at all.

“To be honest, Your Majesty, I have no talent for cultivation. I was accepted by my Master probably because of my mediocre medical skills. As for cultivation… please forgive me for being incapable. I’m afraid I can’t help much. Taking on disciples is out of the question.”

“Oh? That’s even better. My Zhi’er’s favorite thing is medicine. In that case, she can enter under your tutelage as an Apothecary Disciple. If it really doesn’t work out, just treat her like a maidservant—serving tea, making beds, and such. She can do all that.”

This… wasn’t that basically rushing his daughter on him?

When did he become so imposing?

For an emperor to personally send his daughter over like this?

Xu Ping’an glanced at the little maidservant beside him.

At this moment, Li Zhi’er lowered her head, her face full of shyness.

But in her clear eyes, one could vaguely see a hint of hope.

If he refused now, who knew how closed off she might become in the future?

Originally, this matter didn’t concern him much, but since it was already involved, he couldn’t just ignore it.

The key was… he truly couldn’t bear to see such a sweet-looking girl waste away in the future.

After a brief hesitation, Xu Ping’an looked up at the emperor.

“Taking on a disciple is indeed a difficult matter for me.”

At this, the little maidservant’s previously clear eyes instantly clouded with confusion.

Xu Ping’an felt a pang of pity.

Ah, what could he do—he was just too soft-hearted.

If not, why would he have chosen to live a secluded life in the mountains and fields?

To see less of these situations, to worry less.

“But… I can ask my Master. If he agrees, I might be able to accept this girl as a Flowing Cloud Sect disciple. That would be a good thing.”

The emperor beamed.

“Yes, yes. If Sect Leader Pei accepts her, it would indeed be wonderful. Then it’s all on you, Mr. Xu.”

“No trouble at all.”

Xu Ping’an said politely, but inwardly thought…

The old man was probably already cursing him.

He had already sent his daughter out, but here he was, stubborn as ever.

Who wouldn’t get anxious or angry?

Yet Xu Ping’an refused to give in. There was nothing he could do.

He couldn’t issue a command, especially since he bore the title of Disciple under Sect Leader Pei.

The emperor’s authority could press him down, but not Pei Qingxuan.

He then gave the emperor a pulse diagnosis.

“Your Majesty, my Master will depart for Misty Mountain in three days. I will accompany him. This visit is not only for Your Majesty’s follow-up treatment but also to bid farewell.”

“Oh—of course. After all, Sect Leader Pei is the head of a sect and a very busy man. That he takes time to come to Zhaoge to help me overcome this crisis is truly a blessing from heaven. In that case, I will hold a grand feast the day after tomorrow to send off Sect Leader Pei and Mr. Xu.”

Xu Ping’an wanted to refuse, but thinking it over, even if he declined, the old emperor would find a way to get them to eat the meal anyway.

Since he would have to attend sooner or later, he nodded.

“Very well. Then I will accept on behalf of my Master. I take my leave now.”

“Sir, please take care. Bring along my daughter. If Sect Leader Pei favors her, she can perform the formal disciple ceremony immediately, so she won’t be worried.”

“This…”

Xu Ping’an glanced subconsciously at the little maidservant beside him.

At this moment, Li Zhi’er had her head lowered, her expression hard to discern, but it was clear she was not very happy.

Although she didn’t understand what secret negotiation was happening between the emperor and Mr. Xu, she knew she was being treated as a precious treasure to be given to him.

In fact, this was something all royal children were mentally prepared for from a young age.

Royal marriages were never free.

Because of their royal bloodline and upbringing within the royal system, they were always nurtured by the family.

Therefore, marriage arrangements were never their own decision.

However, she had thought this time she would be granted to Xu Ping’an.

Unexpectedly, Xu Ping’an had used another excuse to politely decline.

Though not a direct refusal, for someone as delicate as her, it was naturally painful to accept.