(Narrator's pov)

After hearing what the ninth prince had said, physician Qing (aka Qing Yuan) couldn't help but show a surprised face. He wasn't one to be interested in political matters, so it was expected that he didn't know about the engagement.

Controlling his facial expression, he looked around the room. He wasn't sure if it was because they were out in public, but neither physician Ling nor lady Ming looked very happy or excited about the engagement.

A little while after the greetings were done, the ninth prince looked over to physician Qing. He noticed the pastry box in his hand. BaiLing, at that time, also saw where the ninth prince was looking at. She quickly steered his attention elsewhere, not wanting anyone else to be pulled into the mess.

BaiLing: "Your highness, if you are done. Shall we go?"

Ninth prince: "Of course. Let's go."

BaiLing bid her grandpa and the other physicians farewell and left with the ninth prince. Once the three of them were out of sight, it was time for the old men to gossip.

Physician 1: "Don't you think those two look good together?"

Physician 2: "Hmmm, they do, but..."

Physician 1: "But what?"

Physician 3: "They don't feel comfortable around each other, right?"

Physician 2: "That's right. They feel kind of off."

Just as they were about to gossip more, physician Ling who had returned to his seat, cleared his throat. The other physicians quieted down, but one came up to him and asked.

"Old Ling, what do you think? You don't seem too happy about this. Do you not like the ninth prince?"

Physician Ling: "(sigh)... As long as she is happy, I'm fine with whoever. It's not me who is living with him for the rest of my life."

Physician 2: "Old Ling, you're so protective of your granddaughter. At this rate, no one will be able to please you. She might end up single for the rest of her life."

Physician Ling: "I'm more than capable of feeding her for the rest of her life."

The other physicians shook their heads. They all knew how much he loved BaiLing, so saying anything to him would be useless. So, they turned to someone who was easier to mess with. The one and only physician Qing.

Physician Qing, who had returned back to his duties, was organizing the books and scrolls over in the corner. Lost in his thoughts as he was doing his work, he didn't hear the other physicians call out to him.

Physician 1: "Qing Yuan!"

After calling out to him in a very loud voice, did he snap out of his trance.

Physician Qing: "Yes?"

Physician 1: "What are you thinking about, to be so lost in thought?"

Physician Qing: "Oh, it was nothing. What were you asking?"

Physician 2: "We asked, what did you think about Old Ling's granddaughter?"

Physician Qing: "Huh? What I think... about her?"

The other physicians nodded their heads. Physician Qing turned to see Physician Ling's reaction, but he didn't show any. And when the other physicians noticed, they told him.

"Don't worry about him. Just tell us what you think. Do you think she's suited with the ninth prince?"

After processing his thoughts, he responded.

"I... I don't know. But it seems as if there is a wall between them."

Physician 3: "A wall between them?"

Physician Qing nodded his head.

The old wanted to continue to discuss the topic. However, Physician Ling soon shooed them back to work.

Meanwhile, BaiLing and the ninth prince made their way back to the carriage. Once on, Ling Chen told the coachmen the next destination, and off they went.

(20 minutes later)

The entire ride was silent. Not a single person made a sound. By nature, BaiLing was quiet, but going through a day like this made her more exhausted.

When they arrived, they both got off and headed onto a boathouse. The restaurant was located in the middle of the lake, and the only way to get there was to take a boat. The place was initially owned by an old noble couple, but when the emperor and the Royal Consort got together, he bought it and gifted it to her.

Heaven's Blessing was a popular restaurant specializing in many dishes from the north to the south of the kingdom. Wanting to get a seat wasn't easy. Some people had to wait months to get a table and plenty of money to ensure their place wouldn't get stolen.

After they got onto the boat, instead of going inside, BaiLing stayed outside. She wanted to enjoy the fresh air, no blood, no pain, no crying in sight. The ninth prince who was heading inside turned around to see that BaiLing was not following him in. He went over to her and said.

"Are you not going to head in?"

BaiLing, who was sitting on the bench, continued to look out at the lake and shook her head.

BaiLing: "No, I'd like to enjoy some fresh air."

Ninth prince: "Alright, I understand."

Before the ninth prince headed inside, he grabbed a thin cloak and placed it over BaiLing's shoulder, fearing that she could get a cold from sitting out in the wind for too long.

While inside, the ninth prince took a seat, and Ling Chen stood aside. The day was long and hot. The ninth prince poured a cup of tea and took a sip before asking Ling Chen.

"How was her behavior while buying the pastries from the old lady?"

Ling Chen: "Your highness, the lady was very gentle and kind to the old lady. The way she talked to her made it seem like she was used to talking to old people and was familiar with her. Also, she paid the old lady extra money. The money was enough for her to go home for the day."

Ninth prince: "Did she seem happy?"

Ling Chen: "I can't tell for sure, but her smile was bright and gentle."

The ninth prince set the cup down and mumbled.

"Which version of you is the real you?"

The ninth prince who grew up on the battlefield was used to seeing many things, whether it was a double-edged sword or a poisonous one. But when it came to the young lady of the Ming clan, he just couldn't see through her. The ninth prince couldn't tell what was going on in her mind. He didn't know whether she liked or hated him. All he saw from her was a cold and expressionless face. No matter what was thrown her way, she didn't seem surprised. Rather she was very calm, as if she had known beforehand what was to come.

Soon the boat came to a stop, and the ninth prince headed out to the deck with Ling Chen. When they got outside, they saw BaiLing already up and ready to get off the boat. She didn't seem to be seasick. Instead, she was a very efficient person who didn't like to waste time.

Arriving at the restaurant's door, the manager quickly came over to greet the two of them, then led them to a private room on the top floor. After the two had settled down at their table, the ninth prince gave Ling Chen a quick look. He then excused himself and left the room. Outside, he gave a list to the manager, telling him to prepare all the listed dishes.

A moment later, Ling Chen came back in with tea. He filled up two cups and placed them in front of the ninth prince and BaiLing.

While waiting for the food to come, BaiLing did not say a single word. She only looked out the window, enjoying the view of the lake and the city that lies beyond it.