You're the one who wants to marry a mistress, and I'm marrying someone else, yet you still

Xiao Yan's gaze roamed nakedly over Xie Wanru, as if his words just now were a threat to her.

"Then I wish Your Highness a successful campaign against the bandits. However, Your Highness is still staying in Xuancheng and has not yet set off. Is it because you are not ready yet?"

Xie Wanru showed no fear of Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan knew of the estrangement between Xie Wanru and him; it seemed that every time they met, it ended unhappily.

Doctor Huo observed the exchange silently, inwardly admiring Xie Wanru's clever response. This was how the Xie family should act; they couldn't let others look down on them.

He knew that openly getting involved in this power struggle would not benefit him, but faced with Xiao Yan's aggressive approach, he had no choice but to say: "Your Highness, although I am well aware of the benevolence of doctors, if the military camp truly needs it, I am willing to provide some prescriptions for external injuries, which will be prepared by the military doctors. This way, I can both fulfill my duty and do my part for the soldiers."

Doctor Huo's words were calm yet firm, expressing his stance while also giving Xiao Yan a way out.

A hint of resentment flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes, but he also understood that Doctor Huo would not be of any use to him. Considering that Doctor Huo also had some influence in front of his father, he could not really offend him, so he could only nod and give up.

He turned to Xie Wanru, trying to salvage some face from her: "Princess Yongchang, I heard that your third brother was kidnapped by villains and that you led the rescue. I never imagined you were so skilled. I really misjudged you before."

They were together, and Xie Wanru's martial arts skills weren't very good, at least that's what he thought.

Xie Wanru remained outwardly calm, but inwardly she was cursing Xiao Yan as a bastard for daring to bring up this matter in front of her.

She replied with a smile, "Your Highness is indeed well-informed. I am indeed skilled in martial arts, but I just don't show it off. I advise Your Highness not to ask about such unimportant things and waste your breath."

The two engaged in a verbal battle, neither giving an inch.

In the end, Xiao Yan could no longer bear it and was about to leave in a huff.

"Since Your Highness has come all this way, I won't delay your medical treatment any longer. It's not easy to see Doctor Huo, so please let him examine you, just in case there's something wrong with you."

After Xie Wanru finished speaking, she pulled Lin Qing away first.

If she doesn't leave, how will Doctor Huo have the chance to reveal Xiao Yan's hidden illness? Heh, I originally wanted to find someone to contact Xiao Yan and give him the medicine, but now I don't need to, he delivered it to my door himself.

Xiao Yan was furious and wanted to leave, but Doctor Huo persuaded him to stay.

After all, Doctor Huo had just received Xie Wanru's subtle hint in her eyes before she left.

Xiao Yan was so angry at Xie Wanru's lukewarm words that his face turned ashen, but he still reminded himself to maintain the demeanor of a prince.

He could only glare at Xie Wanru's departing figure before turning to Doctor Huo, his tone still carrying a hint of resentment and helplessness: "Doctor Huo, I came here in person today hoping to gain your support, but it seems that I have only made a fool of myself."

Doctor Huo smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of wisdom and composure: "Your Highness is too kind. I am but a commoner. How could I possibly be worthy of Your Highness's high regard?"

A thoughtful look flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes. He understood that although Doctor Huo's words were tactful but uninteresting, he had no other choice.

Xiao Yan knew very well that if he wanted to stand out in the struggle for imperial power, force and threats alone would not be enough, since a good-for-nothing like Lou Li wouldn't fall for that.

Moreover, it was obvious that Doctor Huo did not want to get involved in the power struggles of the imperial court. Thinking of this, his anger gradually subsided, and he turned to look at Doctor Huo.

"I've heard that you have superb medical skills and can bring the dead back to life. Then let me see your abilities."

Doctor Huo nodded, gesturing for Xiao Yan to sit down.

He carefully took Xiao Yan's pulse, his brows gradually furrowing.

After a moment, he released his grip and looked at Xiao Yan with a solemn expression: "Third Prince, I will speak frankly, but you do have some health problems. If you do not take care of yourself in time, it may lead to disaster."

Xiao Yan was startled.

He had thought that this Doctor Huo was just somewhat famous, but he didn't expect him to be truly capable. He also wanted to ask for a solution: "Doctor Huo, what exactly is wrong with me? Please enlighten me."

Doctor Huo sighed and said slowly, "Your Highness should already know that your liver and kidney function is damaged, which has already affected your fertility."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's face turned pale instantly.

He knew the importance of having offspring and had been trying to hide it all these years, not daring to let the imperial physicians in the palace know.

However, if he were to lose his fertility, it would mean his complete defeat in the struggle for imperial power.

Seeing that his reaction was just as Xie Wanru had said, Doctor Huo continued to comfort him, "Your Highness, there is no need to worry too much. I will prescribe a medicine for you. You just need to take it on time and with proper rest and recuperation, you will recover your health soon."

After speaking, Doctor Huo was about to write down the prescription.

Although he didn't understand why Xie Wanru wanted to do this, since Xie Wanru had instructed him to cure Xiao Yan, he did as she said.

However, Xiao Yan suddenly became wary. Doctor Huo clearly did not want to become one of his people, yet he was so willing to treat his illness so readily.

"You're really willing to help me? Why? You clearly weren't willing to work for me just now, yet you're willing to treat my illness? Did Xie Wanru instruct you? Does she know something?"

Faced with Xiao Yan's series of questions, Doctor Huo remained calm. He slowly put down his pen and looked at Xiao Yan, as if he was weighing something.

A moment later, he spoke softly, his tone carrying a complex emotion that was barely perceptible.

"Your Highness, a doctor's heart is like a parent's. Although I do not wish to get involved in the power struggles of the imperial court, healing the sick and saving lives is a doctor's duty. If your condition is not treated in time, the consequences will be unimaginable." Doctor Huo paused slightly, as if considering his words. "Although I have a good relationship with Princess Yongchang, please rest assured, Your Highness, the conflict between the two of you is a matter between the two of you and will not affect my diagnosis and treatment."

Doctor Huo spoke with utmost seriousness, without a single flaw.

Xiao Yan knew he had no other choice at this moment. This Doctor Huo was quite capable. He stared intently at Doctor Huo, trying to find something unusual in his eyes. However, Doctor Huo's gaze only showed composure and determination.

"Very well, I trust you. But Doctor Huo, you must understand that this matter concerns my future and destiny. If there is even the slightest mishap, you know the consequences."

Xiao Yan's tone carried an air of authority, yet also revealed a hint of helplessness and compromise.

Doctor Huo nodded slightly, indicating his understanding.