Prince Lu Wei sighed silently as he thought of how he got into the situation. Back then, he wanted to seek the Princess' help in exchange for a few information about the Shadow Gra.s.s.

After a while, he noticed the discomfort on the Crown Princess' expression. He wanted to help her. However, once his fingers accidentally pressed against Princess Lingchen's wrist, he noticed the abnormalities. Prince Lu Wei did not think that he had made the right guess.

However, this new knowledge has thrown him into a situation where he was held as a hostage in the Princess Palace. Right now, Prince Lu Wei could only sit calmly while he waited for his fate.

As Prince Lu Wei waited at the receiving hall, he watched all maidservants retreated from the Princess' side. Soon, a girl dressed as a physician walked in. Without giving him any look, the girl rushed into the Princess' room.

Prince Lu Wei waited for almost two hours before Princess Lingchen came out with her maidservant and physician beside her. The two girls helped the Princess to an empty seat across the Prince. When the Princess waved her hand, the two girls immediately took a few steps back and stood behind the Princess. The guards stayed in the room as well while keeping their distance.

For a while, the room was too quiet as both of them choose to remain in silence.

Princess Lingchen took a few deep breaths to calm down. When Prince Lu Wei discovered her illness, Princess Lingchen wanted to deny it. However, at that moment, the pain was too unbearable that she almost pa.s.sed out. She had no other choice but to drag the Prince to her palace.

"Prince Lu Wei," the Crown Princess broke the silence. "I hope that whatever you witnessed today will not spread to anyone or else I could not guarantee your life."

Prince Lu Wei felt the corner of his mouth twitched. Did the Princess just threaten him?

"You don't have to worry, Princess Lingchen," Prince Lu Wei said. "I don't see any benefit to spread around your condition."

"Really? Princess Lingchen lifted her gaze and studied the man's expression. "You don't think that you could benefit from this? With this information, you could gain power and wealth."

Prince Lu Wei smiled. "I valued my life more than power and wealth. Besides, once I spread this news, the Emperor will not let me go."

"If this information gets to the right hand, the Emperor will not be able to act recklessly against you," Princess Lingchen pointed out.

Prince Lu Wei could only stare at the Princess with disbelief. He let out a chuckle and said, "Princess Lingchen, it couldn't be that you're encouraging me to spread around the news? Or were you just looking out for a reason to end my life?"

"Prince Lu Wei, don't overthink. I'm just pointing out the fact since you said that you could not benefit from my situation," Princess Lingchen gave him a smile that did not reach her eyes. "Let's not be hypocritical here."

"Good."

"What do you want in exchange for keeping this matter a secret?"

Prince Lu Wei did not expect the Princess to be so blunt. He thought over the Princess question earnestly.

Earlier, Prince Lu Wei wanted to seek after the Princess. Information regarding her physician's disappearance in exchange for his safety. However, he now held another valuable card in his hand.

"Da Cheng's protection in exchange for this secret," Prince Lu Wei said.

"Don't you already have our protection now as you are recuperating in Da Cheng?"

"Yes. But once I'm well enough, I will have to leave this country and return to Qian Rong," Prince Lu Wei said. "As you might know, the new Emperor of Qian Rong and I did not always get along well. It hasn't been long since the new Emperor ascended the throne. He will want to eliminate any possible threat."

Princess Lingchen quickly understood Prince Lu Wei's words. However, she was still unsure of the Prince's motive. "Just Da Cheng's protection? Not our help to get Qian Rong's throne?"

"I don't care much about wealth and power," Prince Lu Wei said. "What I want is a peaceful life."

Princess Lingchen narrowed her eyes as she continued to observe the Prince. After a long silence, she said, "Very well. I will promise you Da Cheng's protection."