Chapter 50: Let your wife do your job for you
The physician froze, his eyes widening as he turned to Zhao Yan, his expression one of utter disbelief.
"How could you let a woman save you?" he exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air. "You’re the Crown Prince! Do you know how this will reflect on your reputation? Your honor! Tarnished! Completely tarnished!"
Zhao Yan snapped, his patience snapping alongside. "You too! Shut it!"
The outburst only seemed to fuel the physician’s fire. He squinted at Zhao Yan, his tone growing even more incredulous. "So you’ll yell at an old man but let your wife take down your enemies for you? Oh, Your Highness, what a fine image of royalty you present!"
Zhao Yan pinched the bridge of his nose, his patience hanging by a thread, while Hua Jing stood off to the side, watching the scene unfold with an expression of pure delight. But this time, she wasn’t laughing outright. No, she was in full actress mode.
"Yes, Grandpa Physician," she said sweetly, clasping her hands together. "With how much he’s been talking, how about you make him a powerful and bitter concoction? Maybe then he’ll finally stop talking."
The physician’s face lit up like a child on New Year’s. "What a brilliant idea! Absolutely brilliant!" Without another word, he turned and began rummaging through his pouch of herbs, muttering excitedly to himself about ratios and ingredients.
Zhao Yan stared at Hua Jing with an expression that could only be described as exasperation. "Can you two—" He gestured between them, his voice tight. "Can we please focus on treating my wounds instead of... whatever this is?"
The physician didn’t even glance up from his work. "This is also part of the treatment!" he snapped. "Or do you want to do my job for me too, Your Highness?"
Zhao Yan opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. He was utterly speechless. Hua Jing, on the other hand, was barely holding back her laughter. She covered her mouth with her hand, but her sparkling eyes gave her away completely.
With Hua Jing enthusiastically egging him on, the physician concocted a mixture so dark and ominous that it looked like something straight out of a horror story. When he was done, he handed the bowl to Zhao Yan with a triumphant grin.