“Ever since the child fell ill, he hasn’t slept this soundly in many days. Our home isn’t far from here, in a hutong on Tongtian Street. Just ask around for Sister Niu’s family, and someone will point you in the right direction. My husband and I are endlessly grateful for your life-saving kindness. You’re truly our savior. Husband, quick, let’s kowtow to the young lady…”
Seeing her child’s breathing ease and his furrowed brow relax after Wanqing’s treatment, Sister Niu was overwhelmed with gratitude. Though the boy remained unconscious, the visible improvement moved her deeply. She took the prescription Wanqing handed her and, pulling her husband along, knelt to kowtow in thanks.
“No need, please rise. My lady has already left. It’s scorching today, and the child is ill—best take him home to rest. We’ll be on our way too.”
After the couple kowtowed twice, Honglian and Xiatao stepped forward to help them up. Honglian smiled warmly at them before leading Xiatao back to the carriage, where Wanqing was already seated. As they approached, the carriage curtain dropped, and the vehicle departed.
“Such kind souls, such good people…” Watching the carriage disappear, the Niu couple, moved to tears, continued kowtowing in gratitude. Not only had the young lady saved their child’s life on the street without demanding payment, but she’d also promised to visit their home for further treatment.
Though Wanqing acted purely out of compassion, and the family was deeply thankful, word of her deeds soon reached Leng Mingye, who arrived shortly afterward.
“A divine healer saving lives on the street?”
Spotting a crowd from afar, Leng Mingye had been curious about the commotion. With Qingfeng and Baiyu in tow, he arrived just as the onlookers dispersed, murmuring about the incident. The Niu couple had just left with their child.
“Yes, my lord. It seems there was talk of a divine healer performing a street rescue,” Qingfeng confirmed, nodding after overhearing the chatter.
“At the mansion, the princess consort has been suffering from chest pains and just fainted. That girl knows Mu Chengfeng, but his temperament is… unpredictable. It won’t be easy to enlist his help. Qingfeng, go find that couple and learn more about this divine healer. Once you have details, we’ll invite her to treat the princess consort.”
Qingfeng’s report reminded Lengmingye of the earlier news about his mother’s critical condition. Though he’d rushed back and the royal physician had been summoned, her state remained dire. He’d hoped to encounter Wanqing or Prince Ning here but instead stumbled upon this unexpected lead.
Mu Chengfeng’s skills might heal her face, detoxify her, and even cure Prince Ning’s leg—but given his eccentric nature, Lengmingye doubted a simple request would suffice. With a glimmer of hope, he instructed Qingfeng, who nodded and set off after the Niu couple, while Lengmingye hurried back to the estate with Baiyu.
“What? They don’t even know who the divine healer is?”
Not long after returning to Jiwang Manor, Qingfeng came back with disappointing news. Lengmingye had hoped to personally appeal to the healer once her identity was known, but now his face darkened with frustration.
“Indeed, my lord. However, the Niu couple mentioned they couldn’t afford the prescribed medicine. After I gave them silver, they revealed the healer plans to visit their home tomorrow at the same time to treat the child.”
Seeing his lord’s concern for the princess consort, Qingfeng shared this sliver of hope.
“Good. Tomorrow, ensure you bring that healer back. My mother’s condition won’t wait. I’ll go check on her now.”
With that, Lengmingye dismissed Qingfeng and headed to his mother’s quarters.
The next day arrived swiftly.
“Xiatao, Wanchun, stay here and handle the tasks I’ve assigned. Also, practice the self-defense techniques Honglian taught you. This manor isn’t like other places—one misstep could cost your lives. A former sister of mine perished due to my oversight. And always carry the pouches I gave you. If threatened, pull the strings—the powder inside will buy you time to escape.”
After bringing Honglian home the previous night, Wanqing had learned of her exceptional martial skills alongside her artistic talents, deepening her admiration. Now, an hour before the child’s treatment, she had Honglian teach Xiatao and Wanchun basic self-defense moves while reminding them to tend the herb garden and practice diligently.
She then handed them the specially prepared pouches, stressing their importance. Once the girls secured them around their necks, Wanqing left with Honglian.
“Let’s buy some herbs. Judging by that couple’s attire yesterday, affording the medicine will be hard.”
With funds from her own purse and what she’d secured from Sun Fengyu, Wanqing led Honglian to an apothecary.
“You’re truly merciful, miss. With skills like yours, why not heal your own face?”
Honglian’s admiration grew as Wanqing purchased medicine for the struggling family. Glancing at the faint red marks on Wanqing’s face, she couldn’t help but ask.
“My face? No medicine needed—just an allergy. It’ll fade soon. Now, remember what I told you both last night about our current situation…”
Wanqing chuckled lightly before sobering, recalling the harsh realities she’d shared.
“Honglian will protect you with her life, miss. No one will harm you. Without you, who knows where I’d be now?”
Touched by her loyalty, Wanqing met her gaze firmly. “As long as I have food, you’ll never go hungry. You, Xiatao, Wanchun—serve me faithfully, and I’ll never forsake you. Now, let’s get these herbs.”
Inside the shop, she listed ingredients and quantities, leaving with several packages before heading straight to the Niu family’s alleyway.
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