Playing faint and facing the needle

Chu Siqing had been thoroughly enjoying the show. She absolutely loved watching Han Xiangru get put in her place!

Then a sudden thud rang out, leaving her dumbfounded.

Seriously? People really could faint on command these days!

Was Han Xiangru pretending to faint because she was afraid her bracelet theft would be exposed?!

Han Wanqing had not expected Han Xiangru to faint outright either.

Whatever had happened before, they had both come from the same household. Even if something happened to Han Xiangru, it could not happen here under her roof.

With that in mind, Han Wanqing hurriedly told her senior maid, "Mei Qing, go fetch the household physician."

Mei Qing acknowledged the order and hurried away.

Chu Hongle found the sight of Han Xiangru lying on the floor in front of his consort's bed an eyesore, so he had two maids help her onto a nearby couch.

The household physician soon arrived, carrying his medicine chest.

He wiped the light sheen of sweat from his forehead before bowing. "Greetings, Your Highnesses."

Chu Hongle pointed toward the couch. "Examine Second Miss Han. See whether she really fainted or is only pretending."

Chu Siqing had not expected him to show Han Xiangru so little consideration. She nearly burst out laughing.

Father really was a blunt man! Let's see if Han Xiangru has the nerve to keep lying there now. Hehe!

Han Wanqing shot Chu Hongle a look. "Your Highness, please do not joke."

Despite saying that, she actually had the same suspicion.

She turned to the physician. "Doctor Lin, please see what is wrong with my younger sister."

Physician Lin had also been startled by the prince's remark. He dared not meddle in matters between such exalted people, but fortunately, the princess had not made things difficult for him.

"Yes," he answered, carrying his medicine chest over to the couch. He laid a piece of thin gauze over the unconscious young lady's wrist and began taking her pulse.

After only a few moments, Physician Lin's brow furrowed.

He quickly steadied himself and examined her pulse more carefully, his expression gradually turning peculiar.

The prince had actually been right!

What a strange young lady. She was clearly awake, yet still pretending to have fainted. Had she offended the prince earlier?

Seeing his strange expression, Han Wanqing asked, "Doctor Lin, is anything wrong with my sister?"

Physician Lin deliberated for a moment. Considering that she was the princess's younger sister, he answered tactfully, "There is nothing seriously wrong with her. She merely suffered an excessive fright and fainted when she could not catch her breath."

Chu Hongle remarked casually, "I say you should give her a needle. That will surely fix her."

Chu Siqing was delighted.

Father is truly wise! Han Xiangru deserves a good, hard jab. I guarantee she'll jump straight up from the pain!

Han Wanqing nearly failed to suppress the smile tugging at her lips. She could only turn to the physician. "Physician Lin, what treatment would you recommend for my sister?"

If Physician Lin were to speak his mind, there was no need for treatment at all. Miss Han was only pretending to be unconscious!

Just as he was wondering how to answer, he caught the prince's meaningful glance.

Someone capable of serving in a prince's residence was no fool.

He immediately cleared his throat. "Actually, His Highness is quite right. Acupuncture can indeed stimulate her and restore her alertness, allowing Miss Han to wake sooner."

Han Wanqing's eyes curved with amusement, though she deliberately sounded hesitant. "Then shall we give her a needle?"

Chu Hongle smiled. "Physician Lin, why have you not administered the needle to Second Miss Han yet?"

Physician Lin acknowledged the order.

He retrieved a gold needle from his medicine chest, lit a candle, and held the needle over the flame for a while.

Just as he raised the needle to pierce one of Miss Han's acupuncture points, something unexpected happened!

Han Xiangru's eyelids trembled. She suddenly opened her eyes and sat bolt upright.

She shoved Physician Lin away as he held the gold needle and shrieked, "Get away from me!"

"Ow!"

The elderly Physician Lin landed on his backside and could not help crying out in pain!

For a moment, everyone wore a different, colorful expression.

Chu Siqing was giggling inwardly:

She dropped to the floor on command earlier, so I thought Han Xiangru could be really ruthless with herself. But the needle hadn't even touched her before she lost her nerve! Hahaha...

Chu Hongle asked coldly, "Second Miss Han, why were you pretending to faint?!"

Han Xiangru hurried to explain, "N-no, I wasn't. I had just woken up and saw him holding that needle. I... I was terrified..."

Han Wanqing frowned. "Physician Lin, you may leave."

"Yes," Physician Lin answered, fleeing as though his backside were on fire. He dared not hear any more of what would follow.

Chu Hongle stared at Han Xiangru. "Tell me. Which pawnshop did you buy the bracelet from?"

Han Xiangru knew that if she named one at random, the prince would surely uncover the lie immediately.

So she said quietly, "I truly cannot remember..."

Seeing that the prince was about to question her further, she threw herself before Han Wanqing and wept. "Sister, I know I was wrong in some ways, but we are sisters by blood! The bracelet has already been returned to you. Can't you stop holding this against me?"

As she cried, Han Xiangru rubbed her forehead. "Sob... My head is so dizzy, and I feel awful all over..."

Han Wanqing knew she had brought all of this upon herself and felt no sympathy for her.

But if word of the theft spread, it would damage the reputation of the Ningyuan Earl's Residence. Several of her younger siblings were still unmarried, and they would all be affected.

Nevertheless, Han Xiangru had to be taught a lesson today. Otherwise, who knew what she might do in the future!

After considering it, Han Wanqing demanded, "Han Xiangru, how exactly did my bracelet end up in your possession? You must tell me the truth, or I will hand you over to the authorities!"

Han Xiangru seethed with hatred, but she was also afraid that Han Wanqing really would hand her over. Then her life would truly be ruined!

The thought of admitting her theft before Han Wanqing filled her with humiliation, yet she had no choice.

Han Xiangru dug her nails into her palms and stammered, "It was me... I told Xue'er to steal it..."

Just as I thought, Han Wanqing said inwardly. She then sent Mei Qing to the Ningyuan Earl's Residence with a message for Madam Wang, delivering a resounding slap to the faces of that mother and her children!

Having suffered a bitter defeat, Han Xiangru wanted to recoup her losses. Her eyes shifted, and another idea came to her.

She said pitifully, "Sister, I still feel a little unwell. Could I stay at the prince's residence tonight and go home tomorrow?"

At that, Chu Siqing immediately protested inwardly.

Mother, you absolutely must not agree! What if Han Xiangru is shameless enough to stay and refuse to leave? How annoying would it be to have her stirring up trouble and making our skin crawl every day!

Han Wanqing had been about to refuse when Prince Yu said unhappily, "My consort, I will not agree to this. You have only just given birth and need quiet rest. You should not overtax yourself."

Chu Hongle stared at Han Xiangru, a threat lurking in his voice. "Second Miss Han appears to be quite well now. Shall I send a few servants to escort you home?"

Han Xiangru desperately wanted to stay at the prince's residence, but after Prince Yu had made his displeasure so obvious, she could not shamelessly remain. She had no choice but to slink home.

Once Han Xiangru had been sent away, Chu Hongle's expression finally brightened.

He teased Chu Siqing in his arms. "My good daughter, you must be tired after watching such a grand show. Time for bed." With that, he summoned Nanny Li to carry Chu Siqing away.

Chu Siqing: "..."

I'm not tired! You just want Mother all to yourself!

After Nanny Li had fed her and was soothing her in her arms, Chu Siqing was about to pretend to sleep when the system's electronic voice sounded:

[Congratulations, host! You successfully helped Princess Yu recover her betrothal jade bracelet. Points +30. The System Shop is now open. Would you like to open it now?]