Lin Wanyu lowered her eyes and remained silent.
Lu Huaijin lifted her other hand and slowly applied the medicine.
"Blind weakness will only lead to being bullied. Sometimes, those of low status can stage a comeback!"
He looked up at her. His inky eyes were so deep that it was impossible to discern his mood.
Lin Wanyu was slightly taken aback, not expecting him to say such things to her.
His gaze seemed to be on her, yet also seemed to be looking through her at someone else.
A sudden twinge of pain from the wound snapped her back to reality.
"Your Highness has already called off the engagement with the Wang family. There's no need for you to do anything for me. Thank you for saving me today. I'll surely repay your kindness in my next life."
She still remembered what had happened yesterday.
Lin Wanyu propped herself up with difficulty, walked to one side, knelt down, and bowed deeply to him.
Her bare back, in the dim light, was like a piece of fine mutton - fat jade.
Lu Huaijin's hand on his knee tightened slightly. His voice was low: "I need to accompany His Majesty to inspect the four military camps in the east, south, west, and north at the end of the third watch tomorrow. I won't be back for three to five days. So I don't have any more time."
He was explaining to her why he had called off the engagement today!
The court was in a complex situation now. The struggle for the crown prince was intensifying. As he held military power, he had become a thorn in the side of some people. If he were to marry into the prime minister's mansion at this time, threatening the status of some princes, there would surely be no shortage of troubles like those that had happened before.
He could have simply informed His Majesty and called off the engagement. This would not only reduce His Majesty's suspicion of him but also solve the matter smoothly.
As for her indenture, it would be a bit simpler. However...
Recalling her determination that day, Lu Huaijin let out an almost inaudible sigh: "What are your plans for the future?"
Judging from her situation, she must have escaped from the prime minister's mansion. Her indenture must still be in the hands of the Wang family.
Without the indenture, she might not even be able to leave the capital city, let alone return to Yangzhou.
After hearing his words, Lin Wanyu was in a complete mess. She didn't know what to do at this moment.
But there was one thing she was clear about.
It was she who had insisted on returning to the Wang family that day. The embarrassing situation she was in now was her own doing.
"Thank you, Your Highness, for saving me. You don't need to worry about my future."
She could do laundry, mending, or sing for a living. As long as she could survive, she was willing to do anything.
As soon as it was dawn, she would first send a letter back to Yangzhou, asking the sisters in the brothel to take care of her younger brother. Once she had earned enough money for the journey and made some arrangements, she would surely find a way to return to Yangzhou.
In this world, money could always buy more options.
Seeing her like this, Lu Huaijin said nothing and got up to walk out.
As soon as he left, the cold atmosphere in the air dissipated instantly.
Lin Wanyu knelt there for a while. It was not until there was a knock on the door that she came to her senses. She quickly picked up the scattered clothes on the ground, wrapped herself up, then picked up the cloak and put it on before answering.
Chuncheng walked in with a set of clothes in his hands. He kept his head down all the time, not daring to look up.
"Miss Lin, these are the clothes His Highness ordered for you."
After saying that, he turned around and walked out in a flash.
The words of thanks on Lin Wanyu's lips were left unsaid as the figure disappeared from sight.
She looked down at the clothes on the table, her eyes dimmed. The words Lu Huaijin had said to her echoed in her ears, clear as day.
She quickly applied the medicine, changed her clothes, and when she went out, the doctor was dozing off at the table with his head propped up.
Lin Wanyu stepped forward. Just as she was about to ask how much the medical fee was, she heard the sound of carriages and horses outside.
With a loud noise, the door was pushed open. The doctor was suddenly awakened and looked towards the door.
There was a large crowd gathered at the door. In the middle of the crowd, a man in black brocade walked in.
The man had gentle eyebrows and an elegant demeanor. The jade pendant hanging from his waist was obviously of high - quality, indicating his noble status.
Lin Wanyu stared blankly at the grand spectacle in front of her. She was immediately shocked, and her newly - kindled ambition cooled down by half.
This didn't seem like a visit to pick someone up, but rather to arrest someone.
"Miss Lin, my father has ordered me to pick you up and take you back to the mansion."
Wang Jingze stepped forward, bowed politely, and said in a deep voice.
Lin Wanyu was a bit dazed and confused. As she curtsied, she started to plan how to escape in front of everyone.
"Thank you, Young Master Wang, but I'm not feeling well in my stomach. I'd like to go to the toilet first."
She tried to hide her thoughts well, but Wang Jingze saw through her at a glance.
"Miss, you don't need to worry. What happened before was all my younger sister's fault. My father has severely scolded her. It will never happen again. Come, help Miss Lin into the carriage."
As soon as the words fell, two maids walked in from the door. They bowed respectfully to Lin Wanyu and helped her out.
After leaving a silver ingot, Wang Jingze turned around and followed them out.
Since his father had come to the capital city, he had always been very cautious. There were secret guards everywhere in the mansion.
He had originally planned to report to his father first and then secretly send someone to get Lin Wanyu's indenture and send her back to Yangzhou. This way, Lin Wanyu wouldn't run to Lu Huaijin to complain, and she could return to her previous life. It would be a win - win situation.
But now that his father had other plans, he could only take Lin Wanyu back to the mansion first. Anyway, she wouldn't be in danger of losing her life anymore.
This was a good thing.
On the way, the two maids sat on either side of Lin Wanyu. They seemed to be looking straight ahead, but in fact, they were constantly monitoring her.
Lin Wanyu lifted the curtain on one side and saw Wang Jingze riding a horse following the carriage.
When he saw Lin Wanyu, he leaned over slightly and said gently: "Miss, please bear with it. We'll be there soon."
Lin Wanyu's cheeks flushed slightly. She replied in a low voice, put down the curtain, and continued to sit there steadily.
It seemed that she couldn't escape tonight.
Perhaps the medicine was taking effect. Lin Wanyu felt that the wounds all over her body were throbbing painfully. Her body felt as if it had been thrown into a crucible.
Finally, they arrived at the prime minister's mansion. Lin Wanyu suddenly stood up. She felt extremely dizzy and almost lost her balance.
Now that they were already in the mansion, the maids were no longer afraid that Lin Wanyu would escape. They all got out of the carriage and pretended to wait at the carriage door.
Lin Wanyu held on to the carriage and staggered out. When she stepped on the footstool to get off, she stumbled. Her legs went weak, and she uncontrollably fell forward.
In a daze, someone caught her. The refreshing scent of pine lingered around her nose, making her feel refreshed.
"Miss Lin, are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Thank you, Young Master."
Lin Wanyu quickly got out of Wang Jingze's arms. She pinched her fingertips, held on to the carriage shaft, and steadied herself.
The two maids who had been serving them looked at each other, sneered disdainfully. One stepped forward to help Lin Wanyu, while the other turned around and walked in the direction of Feiyun Pavilion.