Chapter 003: Lotus Leaf Rain, Smartweed Flower Wind, Autumn Regrets of Several Red Branches (Three)

However, the collection of books in the Wanjuan Building far exceeds ten thousand volumes, including various works on shamanism and medicine, which are precisely what Huan Yan wishes to learn.

Huan Yan is the personal maid of the Crown Prince's adopted daughter, Ling Hua, and is also the daughter of Ling Hua's wet nurse, Yin Gu.

Xu Zhiyan tapped the chessboard with a chess piece and chuckled, saying: "Who is mocking you? In terms of your character and demeanor, it is indeed fitting. It is just a pity..."

With a smile and a shake of her head, "I might as well read! I refuse to believe that I cannot find a way to break that blood curse and heal your eyes!"

Huan Yan closed the medical book, quickly returned it to its original place, and looked towards Xu Zhiyan

The wooden ladder suddenly creaked underfoot, and a servant standing at the top of the ladder said: "Huan Yan, Miss Linghua is calling for you again"

She is lively and charming, often spending time with Xu Zhiyan, and gradually became familiar with several of the Crown Prince's sons, especially the Third Son Xu Zhilan and the Fifth Son Xu Zhijie

After a long time, a renowned physician finally diagnosed that he had been cursed with a blood spell during his illness, which led to his blindness. However, Xu Anren sought out many famous doctors but was still unable to cure the royal family's most esteemed legitimate grandson's eyesight.

Xu Zhiyan, recognizing her eagerness to learn, allowed her free access to the Wanjun Building, permitting her to browse through the collection of books in the Crown Prince's residence. Crown Prince Xu Anren had been the heir apparent since the age of five, holding the position for a full forty-one years. With the position of heir apparent often in flux, he diligently studied and amassed countless books to avoid giving others any leverage against him, spending his days immersed in study at the Wanjun Building. However, once his position was secured, he could only visit the place a few times a year.

Yet it is not at all incorrect, as if one can see the lines of latitude and longitude on the chessboard

With a bright and charming smile, a pair of deep dimples appeared on her cheeks, making her face even more radiant and beautiful, like polished jade. She made a face at Xu Zhiyan and continued to flip through her book.

Xu Zhiyan, despite being blind, seemed to know that Huan Yan was making a face, smiling as he shook his head and continued to place his pieces.

The second son of Crown Prince Xu Anren, Xu Zhiyan, was born to the primary consort, Lady Li. Due to a severe illness in his childhood, he became blind in both eyes

His pair of eyes, strikingly beautiful with a clear distinction between black and white, appeared heavy like the night, devoid of any sparkle.

One hand on the left, one hand on the right; one side with white pieces, the other side with black pieces

Xu Zhiyan smiled faintly, picked up a black stone, and slowly placed it on the board

He slowly placed a black stone down and sighed

It is indeed a game of chess played against oneself

After spending several years together, even the blind Xu Zhiyan understands that she and Xu Zhilan are in perfect harmony with each other

Xu Zhiyan smiled and said, "With a cheerful expression, let's make a bet; the one who calls you is definitely not Linghua."

Linghua possesses a special identity; since childhood, she has been delicate and gentle, elegant and graceful, earning a good reputation among the staff of the Crown Prince's residence. Although Huanyan is nominally a maid, she has been pampered by her mother, making her even more playful than her own young lady. Furthermore, due to her mother's several bouts of illness caused by fright, she often accompanies the renowned physician who treats Xu Zhiyan, and surprisingly, she has shown quite a bit of insight.

It is a pity that Huan Yan is a maid; whether it is Third Brother Xu Zhi Lan or Fifth Brother Xu Zhi Jie, no matter how well they treat her, they cannot rightfully take her as their wife

Understood

Such a clever and intelligent girl can only be a concubine who acts according to the whims of others

Thus, Xu Zhiyan said: "If the third brother calls you over to play chess, I fear you would respond quite quickly, wouldn't you"

Remarkable is a concubine

Huan Yan felt a warmth on her face and whispered, "The second young master has come to tease me again..."