The Prince Consort's Secret (GL) - Chapter 12

Imperial physician? I’ve met him?

I only had a clear impression of that one young imperial doctor. But could someone who wrote such a thorough medical tome really be that young? I pressed for more details: “Be specific. There are many physicians in the palace. Which one exactly?”

The consort sighed, and I caught a flicker of relief flash across his eyes before he replied, “The youngest imperial physician in our dynasty. He’s only held the position for two years. Before that, he traveled the world, healing the sick and aiding the poor. He authored a book titled Collected Biographies of Healers Through the Ages.”

Ah, so it was him. That makes sense. I didn’t expect someone so calm and collected to have such a ridiculous side. That book was written with such irreverent humor—it practically read like a comedy. I couldn’t help but smile. Just then, the consort asked, “Why does Your Highness smile?”

Do you ask every time I smile?

I clapped him on the shoulder and said with a grin, “He suits my tastes—worth befriending. Pity I don’t have the chance.”

His expression turned even more confused, then returned to calm so quickly it made me feel confused. Do I just have a habit of saying things that make no sense?

Anyway, time to get back to what matters—internal energy. I straightened up and gave a couple of experimental thrusts with the sword before saying, “It’s getting late. Teach me internal cultivation now.” I instinctively glanced around to check if anyone was nearby, only to remind myself that training in internal energy wasn’t taboo in this world—most martial artists practiced it.

As he started explaining acupuncture points, energy circulation, and how to avoid going astray during practice, I couldn’t help inwardly grumbling—I already know all this. Being trained in medicine does have its perks. But fine, I’ll let you enjoy playing the master. I sat cross-legged, palms facing upward, centering my focus and calming my breath.

In my past life, traditional Chinese medicine could be paired with qigong to heal ailments. Though modern universities didn’t teach qigong, they did include anatomy and some Western medical practices. That gave me plenty of exposure to bl00d and guts—what can I say? I’ve always had a bit of a dark streak.

But I digress.

Though my university never taught qigong, I dabbled in it out of curiosity. Never got far. So even now, my expectations were low. I opened my eyes to sneak a look—he wasn’t even meditating with me, just standing there watching. As I started to grumble internally, he suddenly snapped, “Not only are you daydreaming, but your eyes are open. Focus!”

Wow. Aside from my father, no one’s ever yelled at me since I got here.

Just you wait. I’ll get back at you later. I shut my eyes again and began deep breathing from my abdomen, trying to gather qi in my dantian.

But… where was the energy I was promised? Nothing. As expected.

I felt frustrated, but then his voice came again beside my ear, calm and steady:

“Relax. Don’t rush it. Focus.”

Breathe. Calm down. Focus on the acupuncture points around my dantian. After a month without phones or computers, filled instead with books and calligraphy, maybe I’d actually regained some concentration.

Plus, no one would laugh at me here for doing something this “silly.” Gradually, I managed to settle down. Then—there! For a moment, I felt a faint warmth flicker in my dantian. Elated, a thought popped up—was that it?

And just like that, the warmth vanished.

I deflated but didn’t dare open my eyes. I tried to continue, but then someone tapped my shoulder. I opened my eyes and saw his smiling, almost devilishly attractive face. I was instantly annoyed. You dare laugh at me? If your smile weren’t that good-looking, I’d punch you in the nose.

But then, he smiled politely, clasped his hands, and said, “Please forgive my rudeness, Your Highness.”

Wait, you knew that was offensive?

Before I could reply, he moved behind me and sat down. Then I felt a hand gently press against my back. I instinctively wanted to flinch—but paused.

A gentle warmth slowly seeped into my body through my back, flowing along my meridians. At first it stung faintly, but then turned soothing, wrapping me in a pleasant cocoon of warmth. By the time the sensation faded, he was back in front of me with that polite smile on his face.

“That… was internal energy?” I asked, still dazed.

He nodded. “Yes, that’s it. It’s real and simple to gain—it just takes patience. But what you just felt wasn’t yours. It was mine. So you can’t retain it. I hope Your Highness will cultivate diligently.”

I felt invigorated. That warm, real presence within me—it was so compelling! I wanted to close my eyes and keep training right then and there, but he quickly stopped me: “Your Highness, it’s getting late. Time to eat.”

Sure enough, the sun was beginning to set. I got up reluctantly. He smiled, “You can always practice internal energy. No need to be in such a rush.”

Fair point. I turned to go, but he clasped his hands again and said seriously, “Just now, I overstepped. Please forgive me.”

“Overstepped?” Then I remembered the whole transferring-energy-via-touch thing. I waved him off, laughing, “It’s fine. No big deal.”

But he looked like he had something to hide. Do I seem like the type to freak out just because a guy touched me?

Then I remembered—last night, I told him not to come near me. And kind of gave him hell…

But that was because I thought he was a woman at the time! And it was our so-called wedding night. Naturally I was tense.

Now, after seeing how proper he was while teaching me swordsmanship—no sneaky hands or suggestive glances—I figured: he’s a decent guy. We could be, well… friends.

I laughed and gave him a pat on the shoulder. “Actually, I was the one who was rude last night. From now on, let’s be… good friends.”

Phew. Almost said “brothers”—that would’ve ruined my whole elegant princess persona.

We started walking back. The training ground was just a grassy area in the garden—trampled and patchy. Hardly ideal for martial arts. I even wanted to learn horse riding at some point. Looks like I’ll have to request a proper training yard. Ugh, another huge hassle.

The consort caught up and walked half a step behind me, then suddenly asked, “Forgive me, but last night… why did Your Highness treat me that way?”

I turned to him with a carefree smile. “I don’t know either.”

His bewildered expression was amusing. You can guess I didn’t want to marry you, right? Probably think I have someone I like already.

Let him think that. It’s easier than explaining I like women—and only just figured that out myself.

He spoke again after a pause: “When did Your Highness lose your memory?”

“A month ago. After a serious illness. When I woke up, I didn’t remember anything.”

Technically, the “illness” was just this body’s own self-destructive behavior. No need to retell my embarrassing black history. Then I remembered—he used to be a court official. Could he know about the old me?

So what if he does. I don’t care. He’s not someone I need to impress.

But it did raise a problem:

If I’ve only been here a month and haven’t left the house much, it’s unlikely I’d fall for someone new. But he probably can’t think of another explanation. And there’s no way he’d guess I like women—that’s a secret

I’ve only just admitted to myself.

Soon, we reached the small gate of the garden. The guards were standing properly, and Yinger was already there waiting, smiling brightly. Since when does she care this much about my private life? I thought she was the most dutiful and dependable of them all, but it looks like she’s been corrupted by Autumn Mist and the rest.

The consort stayed for dinner. As I watched him leave, I realized just how much effort he was putting in, coming and going like this. Then I caught a flicker of sadness in Yinger’s eyes and was instantly annoyed.

What, you really want something to happen between us?

She knows we haven’t done anything, so clearly she’s hoping I’ll eventually fall for him and forget whoever I used to like.

sigh

Yinger’s a good girl—always thinking about me. I trust her more than anyone. But her wish isn’t going to come true. Me and the consort? No way.

Later that night, I practiced internal energy again before bed. This time, with a sense of purpose and calm, I felt a small stream of warmth rise from my dantian and travel through my body. A complete small-cycle flow. Then—it vanished.

Still, it was progress. With enough training, I might be able to maintain and control it someday.

Two days passed in a flash. That evening, I sat idly in the outer chamber of my room, watching the maids bustle around. I was completely relaxed. Lately, Qiu Wen kept finding excuses to hang around. Ever since the consort arrived, her eyes had been drifting toward him more and more. Was she… crushing on him?

Should I do her a favor and suggest he take her as a concubine?

Ha! No way. Not my problem.

Just then, Yinger walked over and said, “Your Highness, everything for tomorrow’s palace visit is ready.”

Palace visit? What palace visit?

I sat up straight, and Yinger explained, “Tomorrow marks the third day of your wedding. You and the consort must enter the palace together to express gratitude. There will be a grand banquet in the inner court, and in the outer court, the ministers will present their congratulations and receive royal rewards. It will be a lively affair.”

Of course there’s more ceremony.

I asked about the details, and by the time Yinger finished her long-winded explanation, I was sure my face had turned pitch black.

Fine. I’ll be a proper, dignified princess.

I’d originally planned to send a note to the Crown Prince tomorrow morning, asking him to save me a spot when he visits Zhen’an Brothel. But now I’ll just tell him after the banquet. Besides, once the ministers receive their rewards, we’re all free to go home—no duties afterward. Zhen’an probably chose tomorrow night for Han Wu’er’s debut for this very reason.

The next morning, I cleaned up, had a light snack, then boarded the carriage—where the consort was already waiting—and we headed off to the palace together.