BDSMST -Chapter 185 The “Kindness” from the Second Prince

A few days later, Woniu Village received an unusual delegation.

A dozen or so horse-drawn carriages moved in formation, each accompanied by armored guards. While they bore no royal standard, the woodwork and decorations of the lead carriage betrayed the eminent status of its owner. The convoy stopped at the village entrance, avoiding deeper entry so as not to alarm the villagers.

A chief eunuch with a pale face and no beard, dressed in the attire of a fourth-rank inner court official, walked slowly into the council hall under the guidance of the Wang household steward. Behind him followed two rows of junior eunuchs, each carrying trays covered in red silk, laden with treasures that dazzled the eye.

“I am Chief Eunuch Liu, in charge of affairs for His Highness, the Second Prince, Prince Zhao,” Liu said in a gentle tone, his face adorned with a carefully measured smile of respect, as he bowed to Jiang Suisui and Gu Yan seated at the head of the hall. “I have come on the orders of the Prince, specially to pay my respects to Madam Gu.”

Gu Yan sat beside Jiang Suisui, expression calm, though his fingers rested on the chair arm with subtle tension. He said nothing, leaving the entire interaction to his wife.

“Chief Eunuch Liu, please, have a seat,” Jiang Suisui said. Her belly already showed a clear curve. She wore a loose, comfortable cotton dress, her complexion radiant. She did not flinch at the man’s status or the dazzling treasures around her.

Liu accepted the invitation and, seemingly casually, glanced at her abdomen. His smile grew more genuine. “I’ve heard Madam is expecting. Seeing you in person, your health so robust, I imagine the little one is thriving as well. The Prince specially instructed me to bring fine bird’s nest, snow frogs, and even some thousand-year ginseng, to support Madam’s health and the unborn child.”

With a wave, the junior eunuchs brought forward the most valuable silk boxes.

“We cannot accept gifts for no reason. We are grateful for His Highness’s generosity, but these precious items, I must ask you to take back,” Jiang Suisui said evenly, refusing directly.

Liu seemed to have anticipated her response. He did not show irritation, only sighed, letting a trace of “concern” appear on his face.

“Madam may not know, but the Prince’s actions are not merely for congratulation—they are… to bring peace of mind to the Great Xia Dynasty.” He lowered his voice, expression earnest. “To speak frankly, the news has spread throughout the palace. The Crown Prince… his health has never been robust. The Crown Princess works tirelessly for His Highness’s well-being and is worn thin. The Prince, as a younger brother, seeing his elder in such a state, is deeply anxious.”

He paused, studying Jiang Suisui’s expression, then continued, “Hearing that Madam possesses unparalleled medical skill, having once saved His Highness, the Prince thought: if there is anyone in the world who could alleviate the Crown Prince’s suffering, it must be Madam. Thus, he specially sent me to invite you to the capital, to examine and treat the Crown Prince. This, too, is the Prince’s filial and fraternal duty.”

The words were grand and sincere, wrapping Prince Zhao’s ambition in a cloak of brotherly concern.

A flicker of cold passed through Gu Yan’s eyes. He was about to speak but was stopped by Jiang Suisui’s calming glance.

Jiang Suisui took a sip of warm water, then spoke slowly and measuredly: “Thank you for the Prince’s concern. But I am currently with child and it would be unwise to undertake such a long journey. Furthermore, medicine is an endless field of study. My humble skills are nothing but a stroke of luck. The Crown Prince is attended by palace physicians, fully cared for—there is no need for a rural village woman like myself.”

She made it clear she was removing herself from the matter entirely.

Liu’s smile faltered slightly. He had not expected that this seemingly gentle woman could speak with such careful, needle-like precision, leaving no loophole.

Clearing his throat, he decided to lay out the true bait.

“Madam jokes,” he said, motioning for all the servants to leave the hall. Only the three of them remained, and the atmosphere instantly changed.

Liu stepped in front of Jiang Suisui, lowering his voice. The warm tone now carried a hint of temptation. “Madam is intelligent, so I will not beat around the bush. You know better than anyone the Crown Prince’s condition. The foundation of the state may not hold.”

He stared straight at Jiang Suisui. “Our Prince is noble and virtuous, long praised for his character. If… if he could inherit the throne, it would be a blessing to the country and its people. The Prince has admired both you and General Gu for a long time.”

He paused, dropping his voice almost to a whisper. “The Prince asked me to relay this: what is most valuable in this world? Not gold, not power, but the chance to serve the Dragon Throne. The General holds military power, and Madam possesses extraordinary talent. If the two of you could assist the Prince…”

He paused again, giving her a long, meaningful glance, and spoke the last line deliberately, clearly enunciated:

“The future position of Empress… the Prince says, could be given to a woman surnamed ‘Jiang.’”

The words struck like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.

A vassal prince daring to covet the heir’s position, even promising a future imperial throne—this was not persuasion, it was a declaration of treason.

A surge of murderous intent rose uncontrollably in Gu Yan. His hand veins bulged over the armrest, almost crushing the wood beneath. Had Jiang Suisui not lightly covered his hand, he might have torn the audacious eunuch to pieces on the spot.

Jiang Suisui’s face remained calm. She simply looked at Liu, her gaze so steady it was frightening.

Liu felt a shiver under her stare but forced himself to finish his “advice.”

“Of course, the Prince also knows your high character. He says if you find this difficult, it’s not a problem. But… Woniu Village is wealthy and prominent. A large tree attracts the wind. Without a greater tree to protect it, the storm may shake it.”

A threat. Bare and clear.

Temptation and intimidation, working hand in hand.

After finishing, Liu stepped back, restoring his respectful demeanor as if his earlier audacious words had not come from him at all.

“The Prince’s ‘kindness’ has been conveyed. Please consider carefully. I will remain in Jinling for a few more days, awaiting your response.”

He bowed and departed, taking the hall’s treasures with him in a grand procession.