Yun Chuhuan frowned, trailing behind and muttering softly:
"If you die, there won't be anyone left to play with me!"
Yun Shu froze.
Beat up a younger brother shouldn't be a serious crime, right??
…
Leading Yun Chuhuan to the Imperial Medical Bureau, Yun Shu stepped forward confidently and called out:
"May This Princess inquire—Is Imperial Physician Sun present?"
"Yes, yes!"
A young physician, mid-pestle in hand, jumped as she tapped him from behind.
He spun around and nearly dropped his mortar.
"It's... it's an honor, ahem—Princess Sheng An, Prince Yun Chuhuan!"
He hesitated, then hurried off to find Physician Sun.
Soon enough, the real Physician Sun hurried out, carrying his medicine box.
"Your Highness Princess Sheng An, Prince Yun Chuhuan, this humble physician greets you. May I ask which noble requires assistance...?"
"Physician Sun, there's no need for hurry," Yun Shu said with a playful smile, waving him to stop.
"Today, by Father Emperor's command, I am bringing you to the Eastern Palace for a meal."
"To Eastern Palace for a meal?"
Physician Sun blinked in confusion.
He had already had two startling encounters with Princess Yun Shu.
Once, she was unconscious all day after strenuous activity. Next, she'd collapsed when plotted against by the Crown Prince—who had tried to poison her, only for her to confront him directly in front of His Majesty!
And now, the third meeting?
She's bringing him to dinner?
He nearly wept, anxiously bowing:
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince is hosting. I'm only a humble physician—unworthy of his invitation..."
"Physician Sun need not belittle himself," Yun Shu replied knowingly, picking up on his unease.
"Father Emperor ordered you to come—you have the Palace's protection."
He looked at her uncertainly. Her calm confidence eased his nerves. Holding his posture, he forced a small nod.
"As Your Highness commands. Thank you, Your Majesty's grace."
Yun Chuhuan, utterly bewildered, whispered:
"Not Fifth Sister attacking the Crown Prince, but dining with Physician Sun at Father Emperor's bidding?"
Before he could voice further confusion, Yun Shu gently placed a finger on his lips, silencing him.
"Shh. Don't ask. You'll know everything once we reach the Eastern Palace."
Yun Chuhuan fell silent.
…
They arrived at the Eastern Palace to find the Eldest Prince, Third Prince, Fourth Prince, and various officials already assembled.
At Yun Shu's arrival, the Third Prince immediately offered effusive praise:
"No wonder they say our fifth sister is the kindest. We were just remarking that Fifth Sister and Sixth Prince hadn't arrived, turns out Fifth Sister was preparing a gift for the Crown Prince, knowing he appreciates calligraphy and painting."
"Indeed, it was prepared with care."
Yun Shu smiled, her lips curving with a knowing air.
"Today, the Crown Prince wed the one he loves most. On such a joyous occasion, one must offer proper congratulations!"
She turned toward the seated Crown Prince and Side Consort Shen Jingshu and spoke sincerely:
"May the Crown Prince and Side Consort Shen be united in heart forever and grow old together."
The two of them, may they be locked together for life.
Fifth Sister is nothing if not bold.
"Fifth Sister, how thoughtful."
While Yun Shu wore a completely genuine smile, the Crown Prince's expression betrayed no joy. Clearly, he was far from delighted.
He cast a cold glance toward Physician Sun, who trailed behind Yun Shu. His eyes darkened as he spoke softly:
"What is the intention behind Fifth Sister bringing Physician Sun here?"
"Father Emperor instructed me to bring him."
Yun Shu shook it off with practiced ease, her tone bright as she dropped the words that silenced everyone present:
"Father Emperor said—to be safe, just in case."
Just in case? For what exactly?
Side Consort Shen Jingshu's hand gripped her handkerchief so tightly it trembled. The Crown Prince's face remained calm, but the fist hidden under his wide sleeve pulsed with veins.
The Crown Prince's officials looked troubled, exchanging uneasy glances.
The Eldest Prince and Third Prince shared a glance filled with expectant glee. Only the Fourth Prince frowned, seeming unsettled. He opened his mouth to speak, but Yun Shu's invocation of the Emperor's name left him hesitant.
After a moment, he cleared his throat and focused on the scroll Yun Shu carried, the only outlet for this tense mood.
"A gift of congratulations must be offered," he began carefully. "May I ask, Fifth Sister, whose work is this painting you hold?"
"This painting was indeed crafted by someone of great skill," Yun Shu answered with a slight gleam. "But whether you can recognize the artist depends entirely on your own eyes."
At last, someone recalled the painting in her arms. Yun Shu unrolled the scroll right before their eyes.
"Wow…"
The Third Prince barely restrained a quip, quickly pulling it back upon recognizing the stick-figure style drawing, just like Yun Shu's notable works in Capital Weekly.
He swallowed his comment, but Yun Chuhuan couldn't hold back.
"Fifth Sister, isn't that one of your 'stick-figure people'?"
"Look closer."
Yun Shu shook the scroll with a playful flourish.
"What is this painting?"
"It's... a little story?"
Yun Chuhuan scratched his head, trusting his sister's lead. He described the scene:
"Once there was a dog who ran off to do mischief. A man named Lü Dongbin was commanded to trap the dog in a cage and bring it back. But worried the cage's spikes might harm the dog, he released it. And the dog—bit Lü Dongbin!"
"That's exactly it!"
Yun Shu tilted her chin, deliberately glancing at the Crown Prince to provoke him:
"The name of this painting is 'Dog Bites Lü Dongbin, Failing to Recognize Kindness.'"
"This gift from Princess Sheng An is utterly scandalous!"
The Crown Prince's Preceptor was the first to stand up, unable to contain himself.
"The Crown Prince's marriage is meant to be joyful. Why would Princess Sheng An present such a distasteful painting?"
"Distasteful?"
Yun Shu repeated the word deliberately, pointing directly at the Preceptor.
"Did you just say that?"