"What did you say?" Xu Tianran froze, his expression stunned before it turned into sheer delight.
"Your Highness, I can't help with your legs, but for the other issue, I believe I can." Qianran replied with deliberate intrigue, his tone teasing. Though he avoided stating it outright, his meaning was clear.
Despite Qianran's discretion, Xu Tianran still felt a wave of humiliation.
Juzi was his confidante, so her knowing wasn't an issue. But Qianran? He was an outsider, and for someone like Xu Tianran, the fact that this deeply personal matter was now in the hands of an outsider stung his pride.
Juzi, standing nearby, inwardly sighed at the situation.
She had long since decided to follow Qianran and even fantasized about leaving the Sun Moon Empire to live a happier life with him. Yet, here Qianran was, offering to help Xu Tianran? What was he playing at? Was he going back on his promises to her?
As Xu Tianran's subordinate for now, Juzi couldn't express her thoughts. Instead, she feigned happiness for Xu Tianran.
"Rest assured, Your Highness, I will never breathe a word of this," she said, her tone respectful.
"Are you certain you can do it?" Xu Tianran took a deep breath, his voice trembling with excitement.
He had speculated about the possibility before but had been unsure of how to approach Qianran. Even if Qianran or the forces backing him had the capability to cure his affliction, how was he to bring it up? It wasn't exactly the kind of thing one casually mentioned.
Yet Qianran had broached the subject himself, sparing Xu Tianran the embarrassment of asking.
Qianran's confidence lifted a weight off his shoulders. If Qianran dared to bring it up, then surely he had a solution.
"Absolutely," Qianran replied, his voice calm yet confident.
While his Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul had potent healing properties capable of curing even Xu Tianran's legs, Qianran saw no reason to go that far. Fully restoring Xu Tianran wouldn't benefit him in the slightest.
Instead, he intended to offer a sliver of hope, using it to extract concessions from Xu Tianran and indulge in his own whims.
From the moment Qianran met Xu Tianran, he knew the man wasn't ordinary. No sane person would collaborate with evil soul masters or willingly offer up his wife as a pawn.
Still, Xu Tianran hadn't entirely descended into madness yet, so Qianran decided to lend him a "helping hand."
"If you can truly cure me, I'll give you anything you desire," Xu Tianran declared fervently, his eyes blazing. "A marquisate, even a dukedom—name it, and it's yours."
For Xu Tianran, this was the best news he had heard in years.
If his body could be restored, then he could finally…
His gaze flickered to Juzi. Not only was she his most trusted confidante, but she was also the woman he loved most. Her beauty, rare even by palace standards, combined with her brilliance in military strategy and gentle nature, made her irresistible to him.
But then there was Qianran…
He had already allowed Juzi and Qianran to get close, and by all appearances, progress had been made. Even if he wanted to stop it now, it was too late.
Xu Tianran's heart sank at the thought, but he quickly pushed it aside. None of it mattered if he couldn't restore his manhood. If Qianran's methods worked, then, as far as he was concerned, no price was too high—even if it meant offering other women to Qianran in exchange.
After all, wasn't fathering his own children far more important than raising someone else's?
"My Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul possesses healing attributes," Qianran explained, releasing his martial soul. Warm, radiant energy flowed from him, bathing Xu Tianran in soothing light.
Xu Tianran immediately felt his body relax as warmth spread through his lower half—a sensation he hadn't experienced in years. For so long, his lower body had been cold and lifeless, but now it felt alive, even vigorous.
Xu Tianran's gaze toward Qianran changed entirely, filled with awe and belief.
"Juzi, arrange a room for Qianran. I need to have a proper discussion with him tonight," Xu Tianran instructed, his tone unusually upbeat.
"Yes, Your Highness," Juzi replied, stealing a begrudging glance at Qianran before leaving.
Once Juzi had left, Xu Tianran eagerly urged Qianran to begin the treatment. Qianran didn't hesitate, summoning his Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul and channeling its divine energy into Xu Tianran.
Xu Tianran was ecstatic, overwhelmed by the sensations coursing through his body. For the first time in years, he felt an undeniable change—he was almost convinced it had worked.
He felt as though he were truly back.
The euphoria lasted only moments, though, before fading as his body reverted to its prior state.
Xu Tianran sighed, disheartened but not defeated. It was a small victory, after all—proof that Qianran's method held promise. With continued treatment, surely he would fully recover.
Having placated Xu Tianran, Qianran slipped away to Juzi's room.
"What are you plotting this time, you scoundrel?" Juzi demanded, her tone sharp but tinged with helplessness.
"Heh, Juzi darling, what do you think?" Qianran teased, wrapping his arms around her slender waist and pressing close to her back. His hands rested gently on her flat stomach, his body fitting snugly against hers.
Juzi wore a red silk qipao, its elegant cut highlighting her snowy-white legs and the gentle curves of her figure. The snug fit accentuated her round hips and full chest, exuding both refinement and allure. The vibrant red added an air of festivity, while her shy demeanor lent her a unique grace.
Perhaps fearing Qianran might change his mind about her, Juzi had dressed meticulously tonight.
"Let me go. If the prince sees us, it'll be disastrous," Juzi said anxiously. She knew Xu Tianran viewed her as his possession, and allowing her to approach Qianran was a reluctant concession. If Xu Tianran's condition improved, there was no way he would let her go.
"Didn't His Highness already gift you to me, my precious princess?" Qianran chuckled. As long as Xu Tianran believed he could restore his body, he wouldn't dare act against Qianran. On the contrary, he would have to cater to him.
Even if Xu Tianran saw them being affectionate, he'd have no choice but to endure.
After all, hadn't Xu Tianran been the one who pushed Juzi toward him in the first place? If things progressed as planned, Qianran might even demand a few royal concubines for a private "celebration," and Xu Tianran would likely grit his teeth and comply.
After all, what choice did he have if he wanted to regain his pride and manhood?
(Chapter End)