ENLIGHTENED

SIX

It has been exactly a week since the attack and the prince and the captain was recovering fast. They have just endured their first day back in practice with their swordsmanship and although they have been experiencing pain once in a while, it wasn't as severe as before.

And for the past few days, however, Yanyu and her students have tended to their needs, especially with wound care and their meals. They have served the Imperial family diligently and have granted favor by the Emperor. The Peach Palace, as well as the girls' families and provinces have been given graces, in gratitude for the prince's and the captain's fast recovery. Suyin have tended to their wounds with minimal supervision of the imperial doctors and Qifen learned so much from the head Court Lady as she served the meals. However, Qifen have been avoiding the prince for days and she hasn't been herself lately, and Yanyu noticed it as she observed the former while serving her best dishes to them.

"The prince has changed so much since the attack," The imperial doctor, Wen Junhui, said as he took a sip from his cup of rice wine. "He was a little cheerful before."

"You and the prince must be friends," Yanyu said as she poured her cup with a little rice wine, trying to be calm as she finally decided to share a meal with him.

"We've been friends since I came to the city to study," he replied smilingly. "We were under the same teacher in Philosophy and he was always that one who would spring out jokes on us and your brother would always second his motion. The two are inseparable, until now." He took a deep breath and his expression changed suddenly, his smile was gone and looked a little sad. "But recently, he became a little cold and he would only speak to Yuan when he needs it. Yuan, I know, is busy with his duties but the prince would usually go with him. Now, the prince prefers being alone and would rather spend his time in his chambers."

"He must be a little affected, knowing that Yuan almost lost his life for him and his father, the Emperor," Yanyu added.

"I know, but it's more than that..." Junhui leaned over the table and looked at the space in front of him, looking a little more serious. "For nights, I have watched him as I check his wounds from time to time, and I have observed that he has been saying this name..."

Yanyu's attention suddenly sprang, as if her keen senses had awakened after a long while.

"I don't know what that name is exactly, but... it sounds like it's a woman's name..."

"Qifen?"

Junhui felt his eyes widen as he heard the name. "H-how do you know?"

Yanyu left a sigh and painted a small smile on her lips. Junhui held onto his cup as he felt his heart race, looking at her smile.

"Because I know her," she replied smilingly, her eyes moving and met his. "And in fact, she is here with me."

"Aya~ is she the one who tends to the wounds or the one who makes the meals?"

Yanyu looked outside the window and saw Suyin and Qifen sitting on a gazebo, practicing on the flute and fans. "Do you see that girl over there, the one with the pale red robes and fans?"she said, pointing to Qifen from inside.

"Yes," he nodded.

"That is Qifen... The prince has been seeing her since he saw her in the peach palace and perhaps half the reason why he goes there."

Junhui looked surprised as he looked at Yanyu who looks so proud, looking at her students. She was glowing, like he always envisioned her ever since he saw her in the palace. "She is pretty," he complimented. "And very skillful; you must have taught her well... She has your grace too."