She's skilled in medicine, martial arts, and even understands animal language—the abandoned dau

At this moment, the bugle sounded, signifying that the army was about to set off.

Chu Zhiyi's brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of helplessness and annoyance flashed in his deep, pool-like eyes.

He turned his head, his gaze sweeping lightly over Shen Han, who stood to the side with a determined look, then looked back at the army gathering behind him and said in a deep voice, "I appreciate the Second Miss's kindness. There are experienced military doctors in the army who are ready to deal with all kinds of injuries and illnesses."

Moreover, my expedition is to protect my homeland and need not require many auspicious offerings for protection.

Having said that, he raised his whip without hesitation, and his horse neighed and galloped forward.

Upon seeing this, Shen Han's originally fair and delicate face instantly turned ashen. She bit her lower lip tightly, her heart filled with resentment and disappointment.

She knew that if she gave up now, it would be difficult to get close to Chu Zhiyi again.

However, she was born into a military family and had been exposed to military discipline and regulations since childhood, so she was well aware of the importance of military orders.

So, despite her reluctance, Shen Han silently took a few steps back and slowly blended into the crowd of onlookers seeing her off.

Her beautiful, captivating eyes remained fixed on Chu Zhiyi's departing figure until it gradually disappeared from sight...

By the time she came to her senses, the crowd had already dispersed.

Standing not far away, Shen Man saw all of this, and countless speculations about the two of them flashed through her mind.

Perhaps Shen Han's real purpose for this trip was to spend more time with Chu Zhiyi. Coming to see me was just an excuse she made up.

Previously, Li Mufeng's elopement had led to the confiscation of his property and exile.

Judging from Chu Zhiyi's attitude towards Shen Han today, he seems to have no feelings for this second young lady of the Qingyang Marquis's mansion.

I wonder if he will get into trouble again this time for refusing Shen Han.

Alas, of all the eighty thousand words in the world, only the word "love" is the most hurtful!

Thinking this, she was about to go into the clinic when Shen Han saw her and called out to her.

"Dr. Ding, could you talk to me for a bit?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Man paused, turned to look at Shen Han, and hesitated slightly. She thought to herself, "We're not even that close, what could we possibly have to say to each other?"

However, after a moment, she nodded reluctantly. She was also curious about the relationship between Shen Han and Chu Zhiyi.

The two walked to the corridor on the side of the clinic, and Shen Han spoke first: "Do you think I'm stupid and lack self-respect, losing my composure like this in front of everyone? But I just can't control myself."

I fell in love with him the first time I saw him when I was seven. Now I'm seventeen, and I've loved him for a full ten years!

Upon hearing this, Shen Man couldn't help but look at Shen Han, thinking to herself, "This girl has matured quite early; she's only seven and already knows she likes someone. Many people are still chasing chickens and dogs when they're seven or eight!"

However, she didn't show it on her face. She sighed softly and said, "Ten years is indeed a long time, but matters of the heart are the hardest to force. Judging from His Highness's attitude today, it seems that he has no special feelings for you."

Shen Han gave a bitter smile, "How could I not know? But once this heart is given away, how can it be easily taken back?"

Shen Man's eyes flickered. "So what are your plans for the future? Are you just going to keep holding onto this hopeless relationship?"

Shen Han looked up at the sky and said, "I don't know. I just feel that without him, the rest of my life will be torture."

Just then, a gust of wind blew by, ruffling their hair.

Shen Man's heart stirred, and she said softly, "Actually, Your Highness is not the only man in the world. Perhaps if you broaden your horizons, you will find someone more worthy of your love."

Shen Han shook her head. "You wouldn't understand. He's always been the only one in my eyes and heart. When I learned that he liked martial arts, I begged my father to teach me riding and archery, just so he would look at me a little more."

Even if he doesn't love me, I'm willing to silently protect him.

Even though my parents disapproved of this marriage, and even though everyone else disapproved of him, I still felt he was the best person in the world, and I just wanted to stay by his side.

Shen Man smiled helplessly. Although she couldn't fully understand this deep affection, she was still somewhat touched.

"Then do as you please, and I hope that one day you will get what you want."

Shen Han looked at her gratefully. "Thank you for listening to me. I've had these words bottled up inside for so long, and I feel much better now that I can say them."

"No need to be so polite. Since you're all better now, Miss, please head back early. I still have patients waiting at my clinic, so I won't keep you company any longer."

As Shen Man spoke, she strode into the clinic.

When Doctor Yu saw her come in, he immediately waved to her and said, “Man’er, you’ve come at the right time. Yesterday, the Marquis of Qingyang sent someone to deliver a lot of precious medicinal herbs and two hundred taels of silver as a consultation fee. I couldn’t refuse, so I accepted it.”

Shen Man was slightly taken aback, then asked, "Master, why did Marquis Qingyang send such a generous gift?"

Doctor Yu stroked his beard and said, "You healed his old wound last time, so he must be grateful. But this gift is indeed a bit too much."

Shen Man frowned. "Since the two hundred taels of silver is the consultation fee, we can accept it. However, these medicinal herbs are too precious, so we should find an opportunity to return them to him."

In fact, two hundred taels of silver for the consultation fee was quite a lot for the injuries of Marquis Qingyang.

However, Shen Man felt that if someone of such high rank and power as Marquis Qingyang did not accept any consultation fee, it would inevitably make him think that she was trying to take advantage of his kindness.

Rather than arouse his suspicion, it's better to accept the silver. After all, two hundred taels of silver is nothing to them.

Doctor Yu nodded and said, "That's fine then. Man'er, you are kind-hearted and know how to conduct yourself appropriately. I am very pleased with you. Please accept this consultation fee!"

Shen Man refused, saying, "Master, I don't lack money. I'd rather stay at the clinic."

At this moment, Shen Han returned to her residence, her mind still filled with a myriad of thoughts.

Thinking about her feelings for Chu Zhiyi, and then about his attitude towards her today, the firm belief in her heart began to waver.

"Han'er, your father has something to tell you!"

Suddenly, Marquis Qingyang called out to her from behind and said something to her.

It turns out that he also went to see off the soldiers who were going to war today, and he just returned.

He saw the whole process clearly: Shen Han gave Chu Zhiyi a peace charm, but Chu Zhiyi refused.

Shen Han walked up to Marquis Qingyang, bowed respectfully, and stood still.

Marquis Qingyang gave her a deep look and said, "Han'er, I know you have feelings for the Crown Prince, but you saw it for yourself today. He has no feelings for you."

Shen Han bit her lower lip, a hint of desolation flashing in her eyes. "Father, I understand, but I don't want to give up like this..."

Marquis Qingyang sighed softly, "How could I not want you to marry a man you love? But the situation in the court has been changing recently, and the eldest prince is in the middle of the vortex. If you get involved with him, you will definitely be targeted by others."

Do you want the Marquis of Qingyang's mansion to become a second Duke of Ningguo's mansion?