Physician, Not A Consort

Chapter 93: I Won’t Let You Go

Qiankun Palace Hall

This empress greets Your Majesty! 

The empress was summoned by Yang Shaolun upon her return. He sat at his desk, looking over at the empress with piercing eyes. What did she say?

She wasnt willing to listen! the empress responded as Lin Haihai had instructed.

What do you mean she wasnt willing to listen? Yang Shaolun raised his voice with a storm of emotions brewing within his gaze.

She said she didnt want to know what your question was, and didnt allow this empress to tell her! the empress responded calmly.

You may leave! Yang Shaolun said with suppressed emotions.

This empress will take my leave!

The empress turned to walk away when Yang Shaolun interrupted, Where does she live now?

His voice was steady, but his clenched fists belied his calm. The empress threw a worried glance at him. His composed mask sent a chill down her spine. Shes moved back to the Prince Residence. This Empress isnt sure where she has been living these days.

Go, the emperor said coolly with rage flashing through his eyes. This Emperor has reports to go through!

The empress took her leave. Yang Shaolun closed his eyes. Lin Haihais refusal buried deep into his heart like a dagger. Quietly, he murmured, I will not let you go just like this. Dont ever think about running away from me!

Once she returned to the hospital, Lin Haihai said to Li Junyue, I think I can save him with my spiritual energy. Send someone to notify Chen Luoqing. Tell him and Official Luo to come here at once.

Li Junyue peered at her doubtfully. Wouldnt there be any side effects?

Id lose my power for a few hours, but thats it! Lin Haihai responded without hesitation.

Would that be a problem? Li Junyue was worried.

Theres nothing to worry about, Lin Haihai said nonchalantly. Itll be at most a night. Ill be fine when I wake up!

Li Junyue thought for a moment. Then Ill get prepared!

Okay!

After dinner, Yang Hanlun strolled around in the garden with Chen Birou by his side. It had been days since Lin Haihai last came home. Every time he visited her, she always said that Xiao Yuan was still in a critical condition and that she had to stay for the night and keep watch on him. He had left the palace early that day, so he didnt know what had happened with Lin Haihai. The repercussions would be dire, so the empress had prohibited anyone from talking about the matter under pain of death. Everyone within the palace had been fearing for their life, and thus nothing had been spread to the general public.

Whats been bothering you, Husband? Chen Birou stared at Yang Hanluns furrowed brows and asked despite knowing the answer.

Breaking from his reverie, Yang Hanlun managed a smile and said, Nothing. Im simply worried about Sir Xiao. Its been many days. I wonder if his condition has stabilized!

Chen Birou knew he wasnt actually worried about Xiao Yuan. With a chuckle, she said, Why doesnt Husband go check on him? We should take Elder Sister Lin back as well. Its better than living outside on her own!

Her investigation over the past few days had revealed to her that Lin Haihai was the Physician Lin whose fame had reached all of the capital, which surprised and shocked her. She had taken Lin Haihai as a crude fool, and dealing with her would be as easy as flipping her hand. However, it turned out that Lin Haihai was the living Bodhisattva well regarded by the public, and Chen Birou wasnt sure what she should do with her.

Seeing Yang Hanluns yearning for the woman ignited fury in Chen Birous heart, burning all her internal organs to a crisp. Nevertheless, she knew she must not let her anger show, but instead must put on a generous front to inspire gratitude and guilt in him. This way, she would have an easier time executing her plans.

As she had expected, Yang Hanlun came to a halt and looked at Chen Birou with gratitude and guilt, saying, I, Yang Hanlun, am fortunate to have married you in this life.

Chen Birous stunning face arranged itself into a faint smile. What are you talking about, Husband? Birou is the lucky one to have been given your love! Elder Sister has saved your life. You wouldnt be here if not for her. That makes her Birous benefactor as well. Birou is willing to serve Elder Sister my whole life in return for what shes done! Husband should take Elder Sister back. Its worrying for a woman to live outside on her own!

That struck a chord in Yang Hanluns heart and moved him deeply. He nodded and said, Sorry to have put you through this. Imperial Mother will be glad to know that youre so considerate. I, Yang Hanlun, hereby swear to the heavens that I will not take Birous love for granted!

Eyes misty with adoration, Chen Birou said in a lilting voice, Birou knows my husband isnt a fickle man, or Birou wouldnt have insisted on getting married to you. You should get Elder Sister home before it gets too late!

Yang Hanlun nodded. I will. Let me walk you to your room first. You shouldnt wander around in the garden too late at night, or you may catch a cold.

Chen Birou agreed meekly, and the couple went back in.

Lin Haihai had just finished treating Official Wang when Yang Hanlun made his way to Linhai hospital. She lay bonelessly on a chair. It had been a while since she was so tired. Even after some rest, she was still weak in the limbs, and her vision was dim. Li Junyue checked on Official Wang and announced that his condition had stabilized. Chen Luoqing and Luo Kuangyuan would be able to get some answers from the man once they came.

Noting the exhaustion on Lin Haihais face, Yang Hanlun said with obvious care in his voice, You should go back and rest. Look how exhausted you are!

Lin Haihai opened her eyes to see the concerned look on Yang Hanluns handsome face. She did her best to smile at him and said, Dont worry. My energy wont run out. Ill be fine after some rest. Why are you here?

I came to take you home. Birou said it might be inconvenient for you to live alone outside, and she told me to take you home! Yang Hanlun had chosen his words deliberately to lessen Lin Haihais dislike for Birou, but it was entirely unnecessary.

Li Junyue emerged with a stethoscope around his neck. When he saw Yang Hanlun, he said, Good, youre here. Take her back to sleep and dont let her leave the residence tonight!

Li Junyue was worried that something might happen to her while she was deprived of her power. It would be safer to have a martial art expert like Yang Hanlun around.

It was the first time Yang Hanlun ever felt anything positive for the man. He nodded and lowered his head as he said, Come on. Lets get back. I wouldve had a sedan chair prepared if I had known you were so tired.

Lin Haihai was so exhausted that she couldnt even move any of her muscles. She rose to her feet and said weakly, Fine. I do want to sleep. Keep a close eye on him, Stupid Bear, and tell me if anything changes!

Li Junyue rolled his eyes. Do you really fancy yourself a savior? Shoo, go home and  sleep. It annoys me seeing you so tired. Go away!

Lin Haihai didnt have any other choice. She let Yang Hanlun support her as she stumbled outside.

Lin Haihai had been able to walk on her own in the beginning, but gradually, she leaned closer and closer to Yang Hanlun until she was basically draping herself all over him. Yang Hanlun felt both concern and adoration. He never felt such happiness when he was with Chen Birou. Putting an arm tight around Lin Haihai, he walked along the almost empty street with her. 

Lin Haihai could no longer hang on. Exhaustion threatened to knock her out. She came to a stop.

Whats wrong? asked Yang Hanlun.

Lin Haihai opened her eyes and responded, Bend down!

Yang Hanlun didnt know what she wanted, but he did as she had said. Lin Haihai took a step back and climbed onto his strong back. She fell into a slumber almost immediately.

It took a moment for Yang Hanlun to react. He picked her up with a serious expression and continued walking. His eyes revealed his deep love for the woman on his back.

Not far from them, a pair of blazing eyes locked onto the two of them. The rage radiating from him sent a shudder down the spines of the passersby.

Yang Hanlun carried Lin Haihai back to his residence. The guard at the door hurriedly went up to him to greet him, but Yang Hanlun stopped him with a gesture. He didnt want to wake Lin Haihai up.

The walk to her room felt too short. Yang Hanlun didnt want to let go of her. He wanted to walk for an eternity with her on his back. However, every road had its end, and no matter how reluctant he was, he had to let her go.

He put Lin Haihai onto her bed. When Guihua carried a basin of hot water in, he ordered her to leave it and go. Yang Hanlun picked up the towel to gently wipe Lin Haihais face. She opened her eyes to look around before quickly shutting them. Then, as if struck by her realization, she grabbed Yang Hanluns hand and said, Have a seat. I have something to ask you!

Yang Hanlun paused and smiled slightly before taking a seat by the bed. What is it?

Were no longer husband and wife. Will you make Birou your first consort? Lin Haihai wanted to know what he was thinking.

Yang Hanlun preferred it when she was sound asleep. Well discuss this later. Now sleep!

I want to have this conversation now. Ill go to the empress dowager tomorrow and tell her that weve long gotten divorced. Then Birou will be your first consort. Thats only right for her.

Yang Hanluns expression darkened suddenly. Why are you so eager to get rid of the title of a princess consort? Have you fallen for someone? Or have you not forgotten about Imperial Elder Brother, and want to enter the palace as his consort?

After a pause, Lin Haihai asked tentatively, If I cant forget about him, and hes willing to be with me, what would you do?

Then he will no longer be my Imperial Elder Brother, but my enemy. No man can tolerate having their wives taken away. Yang Hanlun stared at her with an impassive look on his face. He loves you, too, doesnt he?

I did have feelings for him, but it was merely a moment of weakness. I wasnt serious when I asked you the question. Lin Haihai closed her eyes and said mockingly, Who would want to be a consort? Ill find myself a rogue and travel the world with him. Wont that be a much happier life?

You wouldn't dare! Yang Hanlun scowled with fury burning in his eyes.

Why wouldnt I? Youve divorced me! Lin Haihai turned away, her tone as irreverent as ever. Ill go back to the North Court and find the divorce paper youve given me. Otherwise, you may not let me go even after I find someone I love!

Ill kill anyone you lay your eyes on! he threatened fiercely and turned her around. 

His fury made Lin Haihais heart pound. There was no point in provoking him even more, but she couldnt help but make another attempt, If I fall in love with someone one day, and I must have him in my life, will you let me go?

Yang Hanlun shot to his feet and leveled an icy gaze on her, biting out, Theres no way!

She huffed out a bitter laugh and closed her eyes. Forget it. Its not something worth knowing. Im tired. I want to sleep. Remember to close the door behind you!

She opened her mouth wide to let out a yawn. Yang Hanlun glared at her furiously. She wasnt just having a theoretical discussion, he was sure of it. Watching her slowly falling asleep, he muttered in a low voice, I wont let you go. If anyone is to take you away from me, Ill get you back no matter the price! Even if its Imperial Elder Brother!

He spent some time looking at her. Then he leaned in to drop a kiss on her forehead. Putting out the candles, he rose and dragged his feet outside.

In the darkness, Lin Haihai opened her eyes suddenly. What he just said had deprived her of all her hope. Looking at the room swallowed by shadows, she couldnt help remembering the warm embrace, the pained and disbelieving eyes, their intimacy, their time together in the cavern, and the way he had buried himself in the plate of chili. All that was now in the past. She held onto the blanket tight to cover her heart. Pain spread slowly to all parts in her body, but there was nothing she could do.

Stumbling into a slumber, she kept dreaming about him asking her, did you get together with me out of genuine feelings?

Suddenly, she jerked away when she felt a presence in the room. A figure slowly approached her in the dark. Her heart pounded. It was pitch black all around her. She couldnt make out her visitors face, and he hadnt said a word, but she recognized him anyway.

Soon, she found herself pulled into a familiar embrace. Furious heat overwhelmed her as his steely arms wrapped around her, so tightly that no room was left between them. She felt dizzy for a few seconds, but then she came to her senses. She pushed against him with all the strength she could muster, but he didnt even budge.

Have you lost your mind?! she demanded in anger and frustration. This is the Prince Residence. Dont you know what the repercussions are if youre discovered?!