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

Chu Zhiyi paced outside the tent, his mind clouded with doubt. He decided to start by investigating Shen Man's background, hoping to find some clues to unravel the mystery behind Qingyang Marquis's unusual behavior.

He summoned his trusted confidant, Zhimo, and whispered, "Have someone investigate Doctor Ding's background, especially any information related to the Qingyang Marquis's mansion. Be extremely cautious and do not alert them."

Although Zhi Mo was somewhat curious as to why Chu Zhiyi suddenly wanted to investigate Shen Man's background, he did not ask any further questions, nodded in agreement, and quickly left.

When Chu Zhiyi returned to the camp after instructing Zhi Mo, he happened to see Qingyang Hou coming out, looking as dejected as a wilted eggplant.

Chu Zhiyi watched him walk away before stepping into the tent.

Meanwhile, in her tent, Shen Man hid under the covers, her anger growing stronger. She had thought she could live a peaceful life, but fate had once again dragged her into this complex vortex. She felt angry and helpless at the appearance of the Marquis of Qingyang, and at the same time, she felt sorrow for her own background.

After a while, Shen Man was sure that Marquis Qingyang had left before she peeked out from under the covers.

Just as she breathed a sigh of relief, she saw the curtain of the inner room being lifted again, and Chu Zhiyi quietly walked in.

Shen Man was slightly taken aback when she saw him.

"Your Highness, why are you here again?"

Whenever Shen Man saw him, she would recall the scene of the two of them sharing a bed last night, and a flush would rise on her face.

Chu Zhiyi walked to the bedside and sat down, looking at Shen Man with tender eyes, "Of course I'm worried about you."

Shen Man turned her head away, her cheeks flushed. "Your Highness, I'm fine now. There's nothing to worry about. You should go and rest for a while."

Upon hearing this, Chu Zhiyi said in a low voice, "Man'er, I was impetuous last night. But don't worry, I will definitely take responsibility for you."

Shen Man was shocked to hear this. She didn't want to become his woman and be trapped in the deep palace for the rest of her life.

She disregarded her embarrassment and quickly waved her hand, "Your Highness, there's no need for that. I know you did all that to save me. Let's pretend this never happened and forget about it."

Chu Zhiyi insisted, "Man'er, reputation is especially important for a woman. I didn't say these words on a whim; you should understand my feelings for you."

Shen Man bit her lower lip, a resolute glint in her eyes. "Your Highness, I don't care about reputation. Let's just let this matter rest. Please don't bring it up again."

Upon hearing this, Chu Zhiyi frowned deeply. "Man'er, do you not think highly of me? Or do you already have someone you like?"

Shen Man was flustered by Chu Zhiyi's direct question. She quickly turned her head away, not daring to look directly into Chu Zhiyi's burning and somewhat probing gaze. "Your Highness, please don't talk nonsense. I don't have a sweetheart. I just come from the countryside and yearn for a free and unrestrained life. I have never thought of setting foot in the palace or royal residence."

Looking at Shen Man's stubborn profile, Chu Zhiyi felt both helpless and heartbroken. He knew Shen Man's personality well; once she made up her mind, it was difficult for others to change it easily. But how could he bear to let her go like that?

“Man’er, I know you yearn for freedom, but I can grant you that freedom too. As long as you’re willing to stay by my side, I will never let you be restricted in the slightest, and you can still be the free and unrestrained person you are.” Chu Zhiyi patiently persuaded, his words full of sincerity.

Shen Man turned her head slightly to look at Chu Zhiyi, a hint of hesitation in her eyes, but she quickly suppressed it. "Your Highness is of noble birth and will be responsible for the great cause of the country in the future. You need a lady from a prestigious family who can stand by your side and help you. I am just an ordinary woman who knows some medical skills. I am really not suitable."

Chu Zhiyi gently held Shen Man's hand, holding it tightly and refusing to let go, as if Shen Man would disappear if he let go. "Man'er, in my heart, those so-called status and family backgrounds are not important. What I value is you as a person. Your kindness, your intelligence, and your unique free spirit are all unmatched by others."

Shen Man tried to pull her hand away, but Chu Zhiyi was quite strong. She tried several times but failed. Her face was filled with shame and anxiety. "Your Highness, why are you doing this? We are from different worlds. Forcing us together will only cause a lot of trouble in the future."

Chu Zhiyi smiled, but there was a hint of bitterness in his smile. "Man'er, there's no such thing as forcing feelings. My feelings for you have already taken root and sprouted in our interactions. If I were to back down now because of those external factors, that would be something I would regret for the rest of my life."

Hearing Chu Zhiyi's heartfelt confession, Shen Man felt a jumble of emotions. She didn't know how to respond and could only remain silent.

Just then, a commotion suddenly arose outside the tent, followed by Zhi Mo's urgent voice, "Your Highness, the King of Nanrong has sent an envoy to visit Doctor Xiao Ding."

Chu Zhiyi frowned, not expecting them to arrive so quickly. He could only release Shen Man's hand, stand up and say, "Man'er, I'll go see the envoy from Nanrong first. You focus on recovering from your injuries. We'll discuss this matter properly when I return."

Shen Man nodded gently, watching Chu Zhiyi's retreating figure as he quickly walked out of the tent, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

She longed to escape this place and return to Xiaoyao Village, so that she wouldn't have to get entangled with Chu Zhiyi and Qingyang Hou.

Chu Zhiyi had the Southern Rong envoys brought to the meeting tent, only to discover that the leader was actually Danzeng.

"Your Highness, my father sent me to visit Doctor Xiao Ding. I wonder how her injuries are. May I have a look at her?" Danzeng's eyes were full of worry.

Seeing Danzeng's overly concerned expression, Chu Zhiyi felt a sense of unease. He knew that Shen Man had once saved Danzeng's life, and Danzeng had even given her his beloved mount. Could it be that...

Thinking of this, Chu Zhiyi's face instantly turned cold, and he said indifferently, "Man'er's injury this time is thanks to you Southern Rong people. I wonder if Prince Danzeng has come here prepared to give me an explanation?"

Upon hearing this, Danzeng hurriedly bowed and said, "Your Highness, the identity of the assassin who has been trying to kill you has been identified. It was Ulihan, the deputy general of the Northern Rong army, in disguise. My father has already ordered the Northern Rong King Dawa to be executed. I have come here today to express my apologies and to express my sincere concern for Doctor Ding's safety."

Chu Zhiyi raised an eyebrow slightly. "Oh? The King of Nanrong is so decisive?"

Danzeng nodded hastily, “My father knows this matter is of great importance and will not allow anyone to disrupt the relationship between Qirong and Chiyan. Your Highness, I have also brought many precious medicinal herbs from Qirong, hoping they will be of some help to Doctor Ding’s injury.”