Chapter 13: Yang Xuangan’s Goodwill

The Prince of Yue’s mansion was brilliantly illuminated, with towering ancient trees, far grander than the residence of the Prince of Changping.

In the Chenxiang Pavilion, a gilded ice mirror held a Tianshan snow lotus, its petals shimmering with a faint, ethereal blue light.

Yang Xuangan seemed thoughtful. “The Tianshan snow lotus grows in extreme cold; from such severe cold emerges yang energy, containing pure yang qi. The Crown Prince’s consort can take it immediately to dispel the cold poison.”

“To take it immediately, of course, a gift from the prince must be taken at once,” she smiled playfully, while a silver needle swiftly swept past her hand. Ling Xuan waved it away and said, “My lady, hurry, don’t spoil the prince’s good intentions.”

Catching a glimpse of the silver needle, Yang Xuangan pretended not to notice, his smile broadening. “If the Crown Prince’s consort takes the snow lotus, her cultivation can rise to a new level, opening her Qi Sea. She may then enter the secret chamber.”

“Really?”

Ling Xuan was overjoyed. If Ye Ziyan could open her Qi Sea and step into the great realm of Qi Refinement to Divine Transformation, it would be more beneficial than harmful, especially in the search for the Orange Needle.

Such a benefit was too good to pass up. With a slight smile, he asked, “Prince, may I inquire where this secret chamber is?”

His heart was filled with mixed emotions—whether joy or worry, he was unsure. Ye Ziyan clenched her teeth; now was no time to fret. She resolved silently, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness.”

“The Crown Prince’s consort need not be so polite. My father is close to the Prince of Changping, and I and the Crown Prince are like brothers,” Yang Xuangan chuckled. “By that logic, the Crown Prince’s consort is my sister-in-law—a family need not be so formal.”

He turned and called loudly, “Attendants, escort the Crown Prince’s consort to the secret chamber. Guard the entrance; no one is to disturb her.”

As Ye Ziyan departed, Ling Xuan smiled faintly and cupped his hands in thanks. “Your Highness, such a generous gift—I am but a rustic countryman and do not know how to repay you.”

“I just said we are brothers,” Yang Xuangan stopped him with a wave. “Who taught the Crown Prince your needle technique?”

Had he noticed?

The demonstration of the needle technique at the Luoshui Tavern was precisely to catch Yang Xuangan’s attention, preventing him from staring too long at Ye Ziyan and exposing the Zihuang Divine Technique—something reserved solely for the former imperial family.

Picking up a cup of fragrant tea, Ling Xuan drank it all at once. “A rustic countryman’s trivial skill—does Your Highness find it interesting too?”

“Judging by your hand movements, it resembles the Taiji Needle Technique of the former Chen imperial physician,” Yang Xuangan smiled mysteriously.

“Please don’t scare me,” Ling Xuan said, his face pale with fear. “I’m timid and thought I’d come to Luoyang to enjoy the good life. I never expected that after arriving at the mansion, even the servants would mock me. Now Your Highness says my needle technique comes from the former Chen imperial physician. I’d better leave quickly, or my life won’t be safe.”

Laughing heartily, Yang Xuangan shook his head. “Even if you truly mastered the former Chen imperial physician’s technique, what does it matter? The world has united; the Divine Emperor rules all under heaven. We are all subjects of the Great Sui.”

Patting his chest, Ling Xuan stuck out his tongue. “You scared me to death, you did.”

“Have you considered serving at the Imperial Medical Institute?” Yang Xuangan’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “The Prince of Changping mentioned it before his departure.”

Qiu Rui mentioned it? What was going on? Could Yang Xuangan have ties to the Imperial Medical Institute?

Feigning helplessness, Ling Xuan shook his head repeatedly. “Your Highness, I just arrived in Luoyang and haven’t even had fun yet. Besides, I know my limits. How could I dare embarrass myself at the Imperial Medical Institute?”

“You’re mistaken,” Yang Xuangan chuckled. “The Prince of Changping is favored by the Divine Emperor. Like father, like son. Though your cultivation is modest, your mastery of the needle technique is skilled. You are needed to serve the army.”

The army? What army?

Ling Xuan was momentarily stunned. In his memory, there was no great war at this time of year.

Yang Xuangan smiled slightly. “The Imperial Historian’s Office has observed unusual star phenomena in Liaodong, indicating a drain of national fortune. The waters of the Demon Suppression Abyss have surged. The Divine Emperor will soon issue orders to campaign against Goguryeo.”

The campaign against Goguryeo was also because of the great divine spirits?

Ling Xuan still did not fully understand, but in his recollection, in the seventh year of the Daye era, Emperor Yang of Sui did indeed decree a campaign against Goguryeo. That year was primarily preparation.

“Your Highness, I only have a small Qi cycle and have not mastered acupuncture. Must I really go?” Ling Xuan asked in confusion.

Yang Xuangan nodded. “As the heir of the Prince of Changping, you must lead by example. This grand war is a rare opportunity to achieve greatness. Acupuncture can save lives and ease suffering—that is the duty of a healer.”

Smiling playfully, Ling Xuan touched his earlobe and cupped his hands. “Your Highness’s expectations are too great. I am but a rustic countryman.”

“Do you underestimate yourself?”

Yang Xuangan laughed loudly. “Legend says the Taiji Needle Technique is an ancient celestial physician’s secret. Since you have obtained this supreme skill, does it not mean the world is united as you said?”

Was he digging a pit for himself or lifting a stone only to drop it on his own foot?

Unexpectedly, Yang Xuangan had cornered him with these words.

Ling Xuan forced a bitter smile. The search for the Orange Needle must accelerate. Who would have thought that gaining a cheap Crown Prince identity would come with such entanglements?

Yang Xuangan then fixed his gaze intently on the small white snake. “Crown Prince, where did this little white snake come from?”

“I caught it in the mountains. It seems somewhat intelligent, so I’ve kept it with me,” Ling Xuan smiled. “Is Your Highness interested in it?”

“Have you heard of the Spirit Snake Coiling the Moon?” Yang Xuangan leaned back.

With a thought, Ling Xuan took down the benevolent needle box and ran his hand over the crescent-shaped white jade. “Your Highness means this?”

“Made from thunder-struck dark wood, dense and seamless. Where did your younger brother acquire it?” Yang Xuangan waved his hand over it, feeling its smooth warmth. He was startled—it resembled the material of the Prison Dragon Staff of the Mountain King so closely.

Pulling out the little white snake, Ling Xuan smiled again and probed, “When I found this little fellow, it was coiled around this box. I don’t know how to open it or what it contains inside. This white jade looks just like a crescent moon.”

Laughing heartily, Yang Xuangan felt pleased. It seemed the Crown Prince of Changping was truly a rustic countryman with no cunning, not even knowing about the Spirit Snake Coiling the Moon. He should be easy to control.

“The little white snake carries the bloodline of the White Chi, a spiritual serpent. Coiled upon it, it must be extraordinary. Take care to protect it. Perhaps when the snake’s bloodline awakens, the secret can be revealed,” Yang Xuangan pushed the benevolent needle box back.

“This isn’t the Spirit Snake Coiling the Moon?” Ling Xuan looked annoyed. “I thought it might assist Your Highness. It seems I owe Your Highness a debt I don’t know when I can repay.”

Yang Xuangan turned his head and shouted, “Someone, bring me the Purple Cloud Divine Flute.”

Would there be any more tests?

Ling Xuan’s heart tightened.

The Purple Cloud Divine Flute sounded formidable.

Just now, he had asked about the Spirit Snake Coiling the Moon, but now Yang Xuangan avoided the topic. Could it be that Yang Xuangan also possessed a great divine spirit and could sense the Spirit Snake Coiling the Moon?

A long, narrow brocade box was brought over. Yang Xuangan waved his hand to uncover it, revealing a purple jade flute. Purple light shimmered over the dragon patterns—clearly no ordinary item.

Yang Xuangan took it out. “Crown Prince, the Purple Cloud Divine Flute conceals a thin sword inside. The flute body is merely its sheath.”

“Is Your Highness gifting this to me?” Ling Xuan feigned eager anticipation.

“Yes. The Yuwen family has probed you often. With the Prince of Changping away, though your realm is low, you need a weapon for self-defense,” Yang Xuangan laughed and nodded. “Carrying a flute also gives you a better excuse for keeping the snake, doesn’t it?”

Snakes respond to music, even the Spirit Snake Coiling the Moon.

Ling Xuan was certain this was a test.

Yang Xuangan laughed again. “The flute’s holes can conceal needles. The Purple Cloud Divine Flute comes from the former Chen imperial family. Since you have obtained the former Chen imperial physician’s needle technique, I now return the flute to its rightful owner.”

Was this a hint of something?

Ling Xuan was puzzled. The schemers of the court were truly beyond his current ability to handle. Without knowing history, he might have fallen into a trap.

But since there was benefit, he would not let it slip. He quickly took the flute. “Brother, since you’re giving me the divine flute, do you also have the flute music to accompany it? Something like ‘High Mountains and Flowing Water’?”

“Hmm…”

Yang Xuangan was slightly taken aback. How could the Crown Prince of Changping be so thick-skinned? Had the information from the Yuwen household been false? Or had he misjudged him?

His eyes darted as Ling Xuan grinned and explained, “Brother gifted my wife the Tianshan snow lotus and gave me the Purple Cloud Divine Flute, recommending me to the Imperial Medical Institute. If you also give me the flute music, everything will go smoothly for me and for Your Highness.”

“Well, well, what a smooth plan indeed,” Yang Xuangan clapped his hands and laughed. “Since the Crown Prince needs good omens, I will introduce someone to you. Are you interested in going?”