So this was Doctor Tang's plan all along when he insisted she learn some basic medical skills!
Jiu Yue finally understood Doctor Tang's well-intentioned efforts, and a plan began forming in her mind.
When she returned to the room carrying the medicine, the Mute Girl was visibly nervous.
She knew Jiu Yue had a kind heart, but no matter what, she was just a servant, while Jiu Yue was a princess… Heaven knew how agonizing it had been for the Mute Girl when Jiu Yue pressed her onto the bed and told her to wait while she brewed the medicine.
The moment she saw Jiu Yue return, the Mute Girl rushed to meet her.
"Don’t worry, it’s not hot—I cooled it down with some cold water." Jiu Yue cheerfully pulled her to sit, urging her to drink the medicine while asking, "I just overheard the kitchen staff saying that Grand Tutor Fu in Yandu is gravely ill and seeking medical help."
The Mute Girl had just taken a bitter sip of the medicine when she froze at the words.
[Grand Tutor Fu… is the princess’s maternal grandfather. His Lordship is nearly sixty years old now.]
Jiu Yue casually handed her an orange. "The kitchen staff gave this to me… What do you think about going straight to the Grand Tutor’s residence once we reach Yandu?"
The Mute Girl stared blankly at the orange, her reaction delayed as she signed: [I’m not sure, but the silver hairpin you wear was part of the Empress Dowager’s dowry. The Grand Tutor’s Wife would definitely recognize it.]
Jiu Yue nodded in understanding.
That would make things much easier.
"Got it." She didn’t linger, standing up to leave. "Rest well. We’ll leave after lunch tomorrow."
The Mute Girl nodded, her gaze lingering on Jiu Yue’s retreating figure before finally looking down at the small orange in her palm…
Princess Muling had always loved anything with the scent of oranges.
The Mute Girl’s eyes stung.
……
Jiu Yue returned to her room but didn’t sleep. Instead, she summoned her system with newfound determination. "Pull up every medical and acupuncture reference in your database!"
The system complied but couldn’t help asking, "Host, are you really planning to become a physician?"
Jiu Yue corrected it, "I already am one."
The system: "……"
A physician who had only practiced acupuncture once after half a month of half-hearted study?
Jiu Yue clicked her tongue. "Doctor Tang said I have exceptional talent—have a little faith in me, will you?"
The system: "……"
If it recalled correctly, Doctor Tang had said she had an exceptional talent for accidentally killing patients.
Jiu Yue, brimming with misplaced confidence, sighed. "Never mind. A robot like you could never understand geniuses like me."
The system: "……"
Wiping away nonexistent sweat, it stammered, "Then… I wish you success."
Jiu Yue grinned and happily dove into her medical texts.
……
The next day, the sun was already high when Jiu Yue was abruptly awakened by a dog’s barking.
She bolted upright, staring at the tail-wagging but loudly yapping dog on the floor. After a brief mental reboot, she hastily slipped on her shoes and carried the dog downstairs.
She had to admit—Old Tao was skilled at training dogs. Though it hadn’t yet grown into the towering, majestic beast she’d envisioned, it refused to relieve itself indoors, even if it meant suffering in agony.
Now that the dog was happily relieved, Jiu Yue was left questioning her life choices.
She had stayed up all night poring over texts on herbal medicine and acupuncture… yet by morning, it was as if the knowledge had vanished without a trace.
Jiu Yue: "……"
After stroking her chin, she decisively changed tactics.
"Useless system! Quick—find me all those books on charlatanry in your database!" Her tone was deadly serious.
The system: "……"
What to do when your host has lost her mind???
Tianqi, Qinxi.
Mei Wuchang admired himself in the mirror, pleased. The poison in his system had mostly dissipated, and the scars on his face had faded, no longer as ghastly as before.
Mr. Bai passed by and remarked, "Stop staring. It’ll keep improving. If even a single scar remains, you’re welcome to come back and chop me down."
Mei Wuchang: "……"
Having already gnawed through the man’s five-hundred-tael bathtub, Mei Wuchang felt neither justified nor bold enough to retort. So he decided to take his mirror outside for some discreet self-admiration.
It had been over three years since he’d last seen his face without the disfiguring scars. Gazing at his reflection now, Mei Wuchang was genuinely happy.
He had nearly forgotten what he used to look like.
Just as he smiled, another face appeared in the mirror. Startled, he turned to see Sima Qing standing behind him like a ghost.
"…Your Highness, didn’t you lose your inner energy?" How could he move so soundlessly?!
Then he spotted the wicker chair behind the tree. Right. He’d just been too absorbed.
His feelings toward Sima Qing were complicated.
He knew the man had saved him only for Jiu Yue’s sake. Now, Sima Qing had even generously covered his medical expenses—and the cost of the ruined bathtub. Mei Wuchang took a deep breath.
He had to repay the debt somehow.
If he couldn’t pay in silver, the only option was to pledge his life.
Compared to Prince Ping, Sima Qing had a far more merciful conscience!
Generous, hands-off with his subordinates, and willing to overlook minor faults as long as no principles were violated—Sima Qing was fair in both rewards and punishments.
Now that he owed Sima Qing so much, repayment was only right. Mei Wuchang had already mentally prepared himself to work under him!
Unaware of his internal turmoil, Sima Qing watched him clutch the mirror in silence before speaking flatly, "Now that the poison is gone, you should…"
Mei Wuchang closed his eyes.
Sima Qing continued, "…do whatever you wish."
Mei Wuchang reflexively replied, "I’m willing—huh?"
He froze.
Sima Qing nodded. "Good. We’re leaving. Take care."
Mei Wuchang was stunned. "Wait, wait—what do you mean? You don’t want me?"
He blocked Sima Qing’s path, bewildered. "Why won’t you take me?"
Sima Qing studied him for a moment before handing him a pouch of silver. "This is all I can spare."
Mei Wuchang: "……"
Mei Wuchang: "!!!"
No, he wasn’t trying to extort money! What kind of logic was this?!
His expression grew increasingly strange before he solemnly returned the pouch, his voice firm. "As far as I know, you don’t have long to live. Until then, my life is yours."
Sima Qing: "……"
Not long after, Mei Wuchang circled back.
"Your Highness, when do we depart?" He rubbed his nose. "I’d like to see Jiu Yue."
After her death, he hadn’t even known where she was buried…
Now that his face was healing, he wanted her to see it too.
Sima Qing fell silent.
Finally, he replied, "You have fifteen minutes to pack."
Mei Wuchang’s eyes lit up, and he dashed off.
