Wanwan led the way as she finished speaking.
Shangguan Lin glanced at Young Master Leng Yue, seeing her walk to the side to wash her hands. Her expression was serene and her smile was full, showing no signs of panic or fear at the arrival of a prince.
The reception hall was simple and tidy, with no superfluous furnishings. Shangguan Lin couldn't help but look around twice.
Judging by Young Master Leng Yue's demeanor, he expected to find some bizarre items here, but it was surprisingly simple.
Wanwan had already served the tea and retreated.
Shangguan Lin's subordinate, Qiao Chu, also automatically moved to the door to stand guard.
The reception hall was silent, save for the sounds of two people gently sipping their tea. Yun Xiao put down her tea cup and observed Shangguan Lin. She saw that the man was still as cold and imposing as ever, with an aura of chill surrounding him. However, there seemed to be an ineffable emotion in his eyes, causing her to raise her eyebrows in curiosity.
"May I ask whom Prince Shangguan wishes to inquire about from Leng Yue?"
Upon hearing her words, Shangguan Lin's teacup trembled.
Truthfully, he had come to seek treatment for an illness, and his words about seeking information were merely an excuse. Prince Shangguan raised his head, scanned the area outside the door, lowered his voice, and, as if confessing a secret, began to speak hesitantly.
"Young Master Leng Yue, is there a certain illness you treat?"
"Speak."
Yun Xiao became interested. Seeing Shangguan Lin's demeanor change, she surmised that this illness must be a significant issue. With countless imperial physicians in the palace, Shangguan Lin had avoided them and come to her instead, indicating that the illness was indeed peculiar.
"That, is it when men... do that with men? That?"
At this moment, Shangguan Lin lacked the imposing presence he usually displayed. His demeanor was extremely unnatural. He stampered for a long time without finishing his sentence.
Yun Xiao was truly unsure of what he was referring to. She stared at Prince Shangguan, unable to speak, only gesturing with her hands, pointing to herself, then to her. Finally, Yun Xiao suddenly understood, a deep smile forming at the corners of her lips, which she struggled to suppress.
She truly wanted to burst into laughter. She never expected Prince Shangguan to think she was a homosexual, and it was genuinely amusing. Furthermore, he considered being a homosexual an illness that could be cured, and had thus come to her for treatment.
No wonder he didn't consult the imperial physicians or the major medical halls, but instead sought out her newly opened establishment. It was likely to avoid any gossip about such matters.
However, this was truly hilarious. Yun Xiao wanted to laugh. She had initially intended to tease Prince Shangguan, but she never imagined he would take it seriously.
It turned out that despite this man's outwardly domineering and cold exterior, he was a rather amusing individual on the inside.
Although Yun Xiao tried her best to hold back, the smile lines around her lips were deep. Shangguan Lin's eyes darkened, and he stared at her with an eerie intensity, as cold as a specter.
Yun Xiao quickly sat up straight. While the matter was indeed funny, she couldn't guarantee that Prince Shangguan wouldn't fly into a rage and kill her in a fit of vengeance.
"Alright, Your Highness, you are overthinking things. In truth, Your Highness does not seem like a homosexual."
Shangguan Lin seemed unconvinced upon hearing Yun Xiao's words. If he weren't homosexual, why would he always be preoccupied with that person? This was an unprecedented occurrence.
Moreover, he was a man. He had no interest in beauties like Mo Ruoyan, yet he was interested in a man. Was this not homosexuality?
"But I am always thinking of him. He is a man, and I have no interest in women."
Shangguan Lin spoke with considerable dejection. Ever since returning to the capital, he had been frequenting Mo Ruoyan's place, hoping to feel a different heartbeat from her and indulge in his daydreams, but none of it had materialized. Regardless, he couldn't stop thinking about that person.
Yun Xiao was somewhat speechless. Had this man been too deeply influenced by her? He firmly believed he was homosexual and even thought that this homosexuality could be cured.
"How about this, let me ask you. When you face that man, do you want to kiss him? Do you want to pounce on him?"
As soon as Yun Xiao uttered these words, Shangguan Lin recoiled as if scalded. He hastily stood up from his chair, his face contorted with anger and resentment. He glared at Yun Xiao and said in a deep voice, "This King has never thought of such vulgar things."
"That is precisely it. If one were homosexual, one would inevitably think such thoughts. If you do not have such thoughts, it means Your Highness is not homosexual at all. The reason you constantly think of him might be because you wish to become his friend, his brother, a close friend whom you often miss. Or perhaps a deeply bonded brother, whom you also miss often."
As Yun Xiao spoke the last part, she sighed inwardly. Prince Shangguan was truly like a blank slate in some aspects.
These people from the palace were so pure. Perhaps it was because he had no mother to guide him since childhood. Despite his noble status, he likely couldn't distinguish between familial affection, friendship, or even love.
Indeed, as soon as Yun Xiao finished speaking, Shangguan Lin pondered for a moment, and his brows unfurrowed. He realized that it was indeed as she said.
Although he wanted to see Feng Guan, he had never considered kissing him or harboring any ill intentions towards him. He simply wanted to find this fellow to accompany him for drinks and conversation.
He had experienced similar feelings with Yao before. Back then, if he didn't see Yao for a moment, he would wonder what he was doing.
It seemed Young Master Leng Yue was correct. He did not have such feelings for Feng Guan. He simply found him very interesting and wished to befriend such a person.
"It seems this King was overthinking."
"Indeed, Your Highness was overthinking. Truthfully, Your Highness has not yet met the right woman. Once you do, Your Highness will be moved. So, do not force yourself."
"Yes, Young Master Leng Yue speaks wisely."
Shangguan Lin felt a sense of lightness all over him. It seemed coming to this clinic was the right decision. Young Master Leng Yue certainly had a way about him, and his medical skills were likely quite extraordinary.
"You are most welcome. If Your Highness has no further matters, Leng Yue has other things to attend to."
Yun Xiao was ushering him out. She still needed to tidy up the empty space to prepare for planting medicinal herbs and had no time to indulge the man's occasional eccentricities.
Shangguan Lin's gaze darkened. This person was truly arrogant. However, this flamboyant personality bore some resemblance to Feng Guan. Perhaps all these individuals who roamed the martial world and were self-assured were so wildly unrestrained.
"This King wishes to inquire about someone from Young Master Leng Yue. Do you happen to know Feng Guan?"
As soon as Shangguan Lin finished speaking, Yun Xiao almost fell to the ground. Her eyelids twitched several times. So, this Prince Shangguan believed the object of his homosexual desires was Feng Guan, who was herself.
Yun Xiao tried desperately to recall when she had given this fellow any reason to develop such an idea.
"I do not know him."
Yun Xiao's expression turned cold, and she became somewhat impatient. Prince Shangguan was clearly overthinking things, suspecting her of being homosexual for no reason and then inquiring about people. She had no time for him.
Shangguan Lin was taken aback, unsure why Young Master Leng Yue had become angry. After a moment of serious thought, he immediately understood. It seemed he had offended a major taboo.
Feng Guan was so famous, and while Leng Yue was good, his reputation paled in comparison. He likely harbored resentment in his heart, hence the change in his demeanor.
Prince Shangguan, after his self-assured assumption, finally stood up and managed a rare smile.
"This King shall take his leave. Thank you for your trouble today, Young Master Leng Yue. If you encounter any difficulties, you may send people from the clinic to Prince Lin's manor to find me."
Yun Xiao appreciated this statement. By associating with Prince Lin, which of the medical halls in Yan Capital would dare to cause them trouble? Her expression finally softened, and she called out towards the door, "Someone, escort His Highness out."
"Yes, Young Master."
Wanwan walked in. Shangguan Lin looked at Wanwan with a slight appraisal. The small maid was quite attractive, and he couldn't help but speak.