Chapter 498: Chapter 142: Han Caicai’s Probe

“Ge’er, our Mu Family is not originally from Linchuan…”

The grass fluff flies, the green grass sways.

In a picturesque quiet place, a solitary green tomb stands. Beside it, an ancient tree thrives luxuriantly, layers of leaves forming a canopy, providing it shade from the sun.

Mu Qingge stood in front of the tomb, gazing at the tombstone, but her mind was contemplating what her grandfather had told her yesterday.

The Mu Family is not from Linchuan?

Then where are they from?

All along, Mu Qingge thought that the Mu Family were natives of Linchuan, but to her surprise, they were not!

How vast is the world beyond Linchuan, indeed?

Through the ages, passed down from generation to generation, the truth has become blurred.

Even Mu Xiong only knew that the Mu Family migrated to Linchuan thousands of years ago. The origins have long been unknown. The only thing that could prove the Mu Family’s identity was a scroll of tattered scripture.

Last night, Mu Xiong handed over the Family Head Token and that scroll of tattered scripture to her.

After leaving Mu Xiong’s room, Mu Qingge spent the entire night studying the tattered scripture. But, apart from a map of unknown origin, the rest of the text was something she had never seen or recognized.

Not only her, but none of the past Heads of the Mu Family, including Mu Xiong, had ever been able to decipher the text on the scripture.

All they knew was that this scripture was the only thing brought by the Mu Family when they left their ancestral land to come to Linchuan. Because it was from the ancestral land, the first ancestor solemnly instructed that it be carefully preserved and passed down. Thus, each generation of the Mu Family Head has preserved it properly.

When Mu Qingge saw Mu Xiong take out the scripture, he had to wash his hands and burn incense, affirming its significance before retrieving the box containing the scripture from the secret chamber.

Crack—! Crack—!

The fallen leaves behind were crushed underfoot, making sounds.

Mu Qingge gathered her thoughts, her gaze lowered, the corner of her eye glancing at the newcomer.

“It’s truly unexpected that there’s such a beautifully scenic spot near Luodu. It’s so well-hidden, no wonder even Qin Jinyang’s people couldn’t find it,” a voice lazily drifted over.

Without turning around, Mu Qingge responded indifferently, “What are you doing here?”

Han Caicai walked up beside her, looking at the tombstone inscribed ’Wife of Mu Qingge,’ a seductive smile curling his lips: “Of course, to pay respects to Madam Mu.”

Those three words, Madam Mu, he uttered with extreme amusement.

Mu Qingge frowned slightly, detecting the ambiguous meaning within.

What was Han Caicai intending to say?

Mu Qingge would never believe that this man, full of twists and turns in his heart like a maze, ever meant his words at face value.

Yet, Mu Qingge was unwilling to fall into his traps.

She paid no heed to those teasing words, simply responding coolly, “That’s thoughtful.”

This calm answer made Han Caicai glance back suddenly. His cunning phoenix eyes half-squinted, staring intensely at her face.

The bold, fiery gaze falling upon her cheeks made Mu Qingge extremely uncomfortable.

After a moment of endurance, she frowned and said, “What are you looking at?”

Han Caicai suddenly began to laugh softly: “Mu Qingge, haven’t I ever told you that you’re very beautiful?”

In the depths of Mu Qingge’s clear eyes, she felt that Han Caicai’s gaze was strange, and his words were dripping with hidden meanings.

“Thanks for the compliment; you’re quite beautiful too,” Mu Qingge slightly raised her brow, meeting his gaze challengingly.

Han Caicai frowned.

After a moment of silence, he corrected, “It seems inappropriate to call a man beautiful.”

Mu Qingge sneered, “I’m just returning the learning.”

Her words made Han Caicai’s eyes narrow further, a light flickering in his slitted gaze, seemingly pondering something.

Han Caicai’s abnormal behavior left Mu Qingge quite puzzled, not knowing what exactly he was probing for.

Shortly, Han Caicai’s lazy voice sounded again: “That day under the Sunset Wilderness, I vaguely saw an enchanting body within the Fire Cloud Yang Flame, seemingly a…” he looked intently at every expression on Mu Qingge’s face, slowly enunciating two words, “woman.”

The gaze from his phoenix eyes continued to carefully scan Mu Qingge’s face, then down to her neck.

The slightly protruding Adam’s apple, unmistakable in its presence, made him furrow his brows tightly, falling into deep thought.

His words did not cause Mu Qingge’s expression to show a hint of panic; that calm composure even made him doubt whether he had been mistaken back then.

“Oh? Was there someone else at that time?” Mu Qingge asked him in surprise.

Han Caicai pressed his lips together in silence, simply staring at her. As if wanting to see through her disguise!

Mu Qingge lowered her eyes in contemplation: “That’s impossible. In such an environment, it would be difficult for anyone to descend. Moreover, as we went all the way, we didn’t sense any woman following.” Suddenly, she raised her head, looking at Han Caicai, her clear eyes showing sincerity: “Could it be that Young Master Han was baked into a daze by the Fire Cloud Yang Flame, therefore hallucinating? But…” she said disdainfully, “the hallucination turned out to be a woman’s body, Young Master Han, you are indeed…,” she chuckled, “everyone’s a man here, you understand, you understand.”

Mu Qingge suddenly grinned, that carefree, wildly spirited manner, how could it belong to a woman?

Han Caicai frowned thoughtfully, for a moment even forgetting to retort to Mu Qingge’s teasing words.

“Mu Qingge, what on earth is your secret?” Han Caicai suddenly asked.

The smile on Mu Qingge’s lips instantly disappeared, she looked at Han Caicai with derision: “What secret does Young Master Han have? Would you be willing to share it?”

Han Caicai’s eyes sharpened, his aura turned icy.

Mu Qingge sneered, “Everyone has secrets. Since Young Master Han is unwilling to share his own secrets publicly, why prying into mine? Besides, my secret has nothing to do with you, Young Master Han.”

Han Caicai’s gaze turned frosty, his aura becoming chillier.

Mu Qingge sneered, “Everyone has secrets. If you’re not willing to share yours, why pry into mine? Furthermore, my secrets have nothing to do with you, Young Master Han.”

Han Caicai’s aura intensified, taking on a slightly frosty edge.

“Now that my interrogation is over?” Han Caicai suddenly asked.

Mu Qingge didn’t answer.

Han Caicai said, “Apologies for my earlier offense. I can offer you free information about the Le Family in the Middle Ancient Realm.”

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, “Are you trying to console me that I haven’t gotten into any major trouble?”

“No.” Han Caicai’s gaze sharpened, and his aura became a bit colder.

Mu Qingge smiled coldly, saying no more.

After a moment of silence, Han Caicai’s lazy voice sounded once again: “In the Sunset Wilderness back then, I vaguely saw a seductive body inside the Fire Cloud Yang Flame. It seemed to be a…” He carefully observed each expression on Mu Qingge’s face as he slowly uttered the words, “woman.”

The phoenix-shaped eyes scanned Mu Qingge’s face attentively, then gazed at her neck.

The slightly pronounced Adam’s apple, impossible to ignore, made him furrow his brow and fall into deep thought.

His words did not cause any change in Mu Qingge’s expression, her calm demeanor made him wonder if he had made a mistake.

“Oh? Was there someone else at that time?” Mu Qingge looked at him in surprise.

Han Caicai kept silent, staring intensely at her. As if wanting to expose her secrets!

Mu Qingge lowered her eyes and pondered: “That’s not possible. In such an environment, it would be difficult for someone else to descend. Moreover, we didn’t feel any presence of a woman following us.” She then looked up at Han Caicai, her eyes clear and candid: “Perhaps Young Master Han got dizzy from the Fire Cloud Yang Flame, so he hallucinated? But…” she added, her expression full of swagger, “you better understand, it’s just a hallucination.”

Mu Qingge suddenly grinned, that free and wild demeanor, how could a woman possibly possess it?

Han Caicai frowned in deep thought, momentarily forgetting to retort to Mu Qingge’s sarcastic remarks.

“Mu Qingge, what exactly is your secret?” Han Caicai suddenly asked.

The corner of Mu Qingge’s mouth curled into a sneer, she didn’t answer.

The two fell silent for a moment, then Han Caicai spoke lazily again: “To apologize for my earlier rudeness, I can offer you information about the Le Family in the Middle Ancient Realm for free.”

Mu Qingge raised her eyebrows, chuckling coldly before turning to leave.

If she wanted to know news about the Middle Ancient Realm, why would she need to find him? Wouldn’t it be faster to just ask Si Mo, and she wouldn’t even have to pay any reward!

Wait, why did she subconsciously think of asking him?

Wasn’t it agreed to keep the relationship clear with him?

This time she agreed to help Gu Ya just because this matter was related to him!

“What?” Seeing Mu Qingge about to leave, Han Caicai quickly caught up but then saw her suddenly stop, her expression tangled, and couldn’t help but ask.

The moment Han Caicai interrupted, Mu Qingge’s thoughts quickly returned.

She replied faintly, “It’s nothing,” and then left.

Han Caicai watched the tall back of Mu Qingge leaving, murmuring to himself, “Someday, I will uncover the secret you are hiding!”

…

As soon as Mu Qingge returned to the Mu Mansion, she was called over by Mu Xiong.

Nowadays, Mu Xiong was truly living the life of a retired senior official. He simply turned a deaf ear to anything outside and was engrossed with tending to the flowers and grass in his courtyard.

Mu Qingge really found it hard to imagine what it felt like for a grandpa who had spent a lifetime practicing martial arts to be arranging plants.

Sure enough, before entering the old master’s courtyard, she heard a series of ’crackling’ sounds from inside.

She quickened her pace and went in, only to see the whole courtyard filled with soil and broken pottery shards, and flowers and trees on the brink of death. Mu Xiong, however, stood innocently in the soil, his hands and sleeves covered in dirt.

Mu Qingge was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter.

Hearing the laughter of his beloved granddaughter, Mu Xiong’s old face instantly turned red, and he said sternly, “You little girl, what are you laughing at!”

Mu Qingge struggled to hold her laughter back, shaking her head at the old master, “Grandfather, this gardening really doesn’t suit you, perhaps you should try something else.”

Mu Xiong’s eyes widened, his face fierce as he said, “Wait here.” After saying this, he turned around and went back to the room, probably to wash up.

Not long after, a servant hurried over to clean up the mess.

“Oh? Why is it so messy here?” While the servant was cleaning up, Mu Lianrong happened to walk in.

Seeing Mu Qingge there too, she walked over and asked, “Qingge, where is your grandfather?”

Mu Qingge pouted, “He’s in the room tidying up, he told me to wait for him here.”

“Tidying up?” Mu Lianrong’s expression became somewhat strange.

Mu Qingge asked, “Does Aunt still remember what Grandpa said that day? Linchuan is very big, but has Aunt thought about where to go first?” With Mu Lianrong’s current strength, as long as she doesn’t cause any major trouble, there should be no safety issues. Besides, the Thousand Fierce Army is scattered across the third-class countries, if anything happens, they can provide timely assistance.

Mu Lianrong sighed and said, “I’ve thought about it, a visit is a must, but I will wait until things here settle down. If I go out, I think I will first go to the Ancient Witch Country.”

“Ancient Witch Country? Why did Aunt think of going there?” Mu Qingge said in surprise.

“What’s wrong?” Mu Lianrong was puzzled by Mu Qingge’s reaction, “I just heard it’s quite special there, so I always wanted to take a look.”

Mu Qingge shook her head, “There’s nothing wrong with going to see it, but the Ancient Witch Country is quite a special existence within Linchuan, our Mu Family’s influence doesn’t reach there, I’m worried about your safety.”

Mu Lianrong smiled and said, “Don’t worry, I’m just going to travel, not to cause trouble.”

Mu Qingge nodded, “In any case, be careful. Keep in touch at all times.”

“Alright. You’ve barely become the Family Head, and you already look the part.” Mu Lianrong jokingly said.

Mu Qingge smiled and said, “Aunt is teasing me.”

Mu Lianrong laughed and said, “Alright, I won’t talk to you anymore, I’m leaving first.”

Mu Qingge asked in surprise, “You won’t wait for grandfather?”

Mu Lianrong waved her hand and said, “I won’t wait, I don’t really have anything to talk to him about, just happened to pass by and came to take a look. The family is in ruins now, I have to go check on things.”

“Take care, Aunt.” Mu Qingge lightly nodded, sending off Mu Lianrong.

Just as Mu Lianrong left, Mu Xiong finished changing and called out from the room, “Ge’er, come in!”

Mu Qingge chuckled silently, flicked the folds of her clothes, and walked inside.

“Ge’er, come here, Grandpa has something to ask you. I was busy with official matters yesterday and forgot. Today, I need to ask you clearly.” As soon as Mu Qingge entered the room, Mu Xiong beckoned to her.

“What is it?” Grandfather’s mysterious demeanor aroused Mu Qingge’s curiosity.

Mu Xiong motioned her to come closer, ensuring no one was around, and then said seriously, “Ge’er, tell Grandpa honestly, was the person guarding me yesterday the one from beside the Holy King?”

“Yes,” Mu Qingge replied.

Hearing the confirmation, Mu Xiong took a deep breath.

He paced back and forth quickly in the room, making Mu Qingge almost dizzy.

“Grandpa, what are you doing pacing back and forth?” Finally, she couldn’t help but stop him.

Mu Xiong froze, looked at Mu Qingge, and said with a serious expression, “Ge’er, has the Holy King always been in contact with you?”

Him?

Mu Qingge thought of Si Mo’s mysterious comings and goings, and those ambiguous words, and subconsciously nodded.

This answer made Mu Xiong’s eyes widen, as if greatly shocked.

“What is it?” Mu Qingge asked in confusion.

She remembered pulling Si Mo’s banner in front of Mu Xiong a long time ago, and the old master hadn’t reacted this strongly back then!

Mu Xiong’s face twisted with complexity, and he asked Mu Qingge again, “Then tell me, who was that extremely alluring young man who came to help yesterday?”

“He is the Young Master of Wanxiang Building, and I once had some dealings with him,” Mu Qingge replied candidly.

Furrowing his brows, the old master pursued further, “Do they… do they know you are a woman?”

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, feeling speechless.

After a brief moment, under the eager gaze of the old master, she reluctantly replied, “No.”

“No?” Mu Xiong’s brows furrowed tightly, almost able to trap a fly.

Mu Qingge sighed and asked, “Grandpa, what exactly do you want to ask?”

“Uh… cough cough… haha, the weather’s nice today,” Mu Xiong deflected.

That demeanor made Mu Qingge more certain he had some ulterior motive in mind. “If you don’t want to say, then forget it, I have other things to do, I’ll be leaving now.”

Mu Qingge pretended to leave.

“Wait!” Mu Xiong quickly stopped her, struggling for a long time before stammering, “Ge’er, you’re not young anymore. Constantly dressing as a man isn’t appropriate. When do you plan to switch back to women’s attire?”

Mu Qingge touched her chin, “I still consider myself very young!” Being not even eighteen, she felt quite youthful! What’s the connection between age and clothing choices for men or women?

“Oh, you child! At your age, young women have already become mothers of several children!” Mu Xiong exclaimed with mock anger.

Almost choked to death by her own saliva, Mu Qingge was.

So after all this, it turns out that the old master’s hopes are bound to be disappointed because his real hope of seeing his family name carried on might not happen!

Seeing her expression, Mu Xiong thumped his chest and sighed, “Oh! Heaven means to destroy our Mu Family, to wipe us out!”

Mu Qingge suddenly felt a blackout, feeling a desire to escape!

Mu Qingge tugged at her sleeve, but it wouldn’t budge!

She frowned and helplessly said, “Grandpa, don’t be so childish, okay?”

“Hmph! For the sake of my Mu Family’s bloodline, I shall be childish today!” Mu Xiong huffed proudly, his mustache twitching upward.

Mu Qingge was at a loss for words. She thought to herself: Even if there came a day she lost her mind and got married and had children, wouldn’t the children take the father’s surname? What’s the big deal about the Mu Family’s bloodline anyway?

Mu Qingge sighed, tugging at her sleeve and speaking earnestly, “Grandpa, I really haven’t considered this. Rather than pinning your hopes on me, why don’t you order Aunt to find a bride for you to marry in? Or else, since you’re still quite robust, how about marrying a step-grandmother for me and having a little uncle?”

“You! You brat! Speaking such nonsense!” Mu Xiong, enraged, raised his hand as if to strike.

Mu Qingge took the chance to dash off in a flash.

As she left, only one sentence lingered in the room: “Grandpa, your unsealed spiritual power has just been restored, and your meridians are slightly damaged. Remember to take the elixir on the table to nourish them.”

Mu Xiong, who was hopping mad, felt warmth in his heart upon hearing this. He slowly lowered his raised hand and looked at the elixir bottle on the table, left there by Mu Qingge at some point.

Filled with mixed feelings, his eyes grew moist as he said, “Forget it, forget it, you’ve grown up and know your own mind. I’m old and don’t need to worry about this anymore!”

Mu Qingge fled from Mu Xiong’s courtyard as if chased by fierce ghosts.

The action left all the servants of the Mu Mansion staring at her in astonishment.

After she was far away, Mu Qingge stopped, tidied her clothes, and walked with confidence towards the small courtyard where Zhu Ling was temporarily staying.

Outside the Imperial City, although only a day had passed, Qin Jinchen’s swift and decisive actions had already suppressed all the subsequent issues brought about by the incident.

Now, Luodu appeared no different than before.

However, it seemed the status of the Mu Mansion in Luodu had subtly changed!

These past few days, Mu Qingge had been busy handling family matters, somewhat neglecting Zhu Ling. Having escaped Grandpa’s room now, she decided to visit this sister who had traveled with her all this way.

Zhu Ling was arranged to stay in a quiet little courtyard at the Mu Mansion. Although the scenery did not match Mu Qingge’s Chi Yun Garden, it wasn’t far off.

As Mu Qingge entered the courtyard, Zhu Ling was instructing the maids to sun-dry some medicinal materials.

Upon seeing Mu Qingge, Zhu Ling warmly greeted her. “Is the young lord free today?”

Mu Qingge laughed and said, “Why don’t you call me Mu Junior Brother, Senior Sister Zhu? Calling me the young lord sounds too formal.”

Zhu Ling bowed slightly, smiling, “I dare not disobey the young lord’s order.”

Then she asked, “Did you come to see me for a reason today, Mu Junior Brother?”

Mu Qingge thought for a moment and nodded, “There is one thing, but I also came especially to check on you. I’m somewhat sorry for the hardships I caused you recently. Now that things are settled, you can relax and stay at the Mu Mansion. If you want to go out, you’re free to do so. I guarantee you’ll be safe in Luodu.”

“You’re too polite, Mu Junior Brother. Am I not a part of you anymore?” Zhu Ling laughed. “I’m a wanderer, I’m grateful you lent a helping hand. Besides, the experiences from recent days have broadened my horizons and left a deep impression. I don’t feel bitter at all. On the contrary, if you had left me out and not let me participate, I would have felt regret. Since we’ve agreed to adventure beyond Linchuan together, wouldn’t it be difficult if we keep being so courteous?”

Mu Qingge nodded, smiling, “Senior Sister is right.” Then she waved her hand, and a set of soft armor glowing with a silvery sheen appeared on the stone table in the courtyard, along with two slender curved sabers, both exquisite and sharp.

“This is…” Zhu Ling exclaimed in surprise.

Mu Qingge explained, “This soft armor is made from the skin and scales of a giant Flood Dragon, capable of effectively resisting attacks below the Purple Realm. These two weapons were also crafted specifically for you, Senior Sister, to enhance your combat power. I’ve prepared similar ones for our three other senior brothers and sisters, and I’ll give them to them when we meet again.”

“So soon!” Zhu Ling exclaimed in delight. The other day, when Mu Qingge mentioned making soft armor and weapons from the Flood Dragon’s scales, skin, and bones, she hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly.

Mu Qingge smiled slightly and said to her, “Senior Sister, try them on to see if they fit.”

“Alright.” Zhu Ling picked up the soft armor and weapons and walked into the house.

Mu Qingge sat in the courtyard waiting, recalling a few days ago when she urgently ordered five hundred Dragon Tooth Guards to take the elixir infused with Flood Dragon’s blood, forcibly advancing their spiritual power cultivation. Now, all the guards had cultivation levels above the Green Realm, with over half reaching the Blue Realm. Then she gave them the armor made with Flood Dragon skin and scales, strengthening their weapons and equipping everyone with a grenade gun, thus preparing for battle at Luodu.

The painful scene of the five hundred Dragon Tooth Guards taking the Flood Dragon Blood Elixir was deeply etched in her mind.

In that moment, she admitted her selfishness. To gain even a slight advantage, she risked elevating the cultivation of this group, knowing that any mishap could lead to death.

Yet, they understood the risks and still took the elixir, with no hesitation, no resentment.

Later, Mo Yang told her that her actions were not only to increase the success rate of the mission but also because she didn’t want any of the Dragon Tooth Guards to die there. Therefore, she was considering the lives of the Dragon Tooth Guards and didn’t need to feel burdened.

He further said that the Dragon Tooth Guards were born for her, to fight for her. Even if the path ahead meant certain death, they would step forward without hesitation and consider it a supreme honor!

There’s no denying that Mu Qingge was moved by Mo Yang’s words.

The Dragon Tooth Guards were indispensable, unwavering companions in her life!

“Junior Brother Mu, it fits well.” Zhu Ling emerged, clad in soft armor and holding dual blades.

Mu Qingge looked up; the clothes were still the same, but she knew that Zhu Ling had already donned the soft armor underneath. She stood up and said to Zhu Ling, “The current soft armor can only withstand attacks below the Purple Realm. One day, when we leave Linchuan, I’ll upgrade it to improve its defense capabilities.”

“Junior Brother Mu, you truly know artifact refining!” Zhu Ling’s eyes lit up. She had suspected it before when she saw Mu Qingge fully arm the Dragon Tooth Guards.

Today, with Mu Qingge’s words, it was a confirmation.

And Mu Qingge’s openness with her made it clear that Mu Qingge already considered her as one of her own!

This realization delighted her greatly.

Originally, they should have been enemies due to their sect backgrounds, but inexplicably, they became friends, companions. The connection between them was so wondrous that she had to marvel at it.

…

Leaving Zhu Ling’s residence, Mu Qingge felt like she had forgotten something she intended to do.

However, she couldn’t quite recall what it was.

When she reached Chi Yun Garden and saw the figure of Gu Ya, she suddenly remembered what she had planned to do.

She walked toward Gu Ya and said directly, “This matter has reached a conclusion, you may return and report to your master.”

Gu Ya replied indifferently, “The master ordered me to stay by your side and await further instructions.”

Mu Qingge frowned and said, “I have my own personal guard; I don’t need his people staying by my side.”

Gu Ya glanced at her dismissively, “Does the young lord consider this to be casting aside after the bridge is crossed?”

Mu Qingge sneered, “The cause of this matter is difficult to trace now regarding who implicated whom. I do admit that your master did help me a lot. But for now, I just need some personal space and don’t want him interfering anymore.”

Seeing Gu Ya’s silence, Mu Qingge continued, “Rest assured, I will repay the favor I owe your master sooner or later. Now, you may leave.”

Gu Ya gave her a deep look, then turned and vanished from the spot.

Mu Qingge sighed inwardly.

Ever since that night when Si Mo asked her to seriously consider their relationship, she had wanted to avoid any further connection with him.

Mu Qingge shook her head and walked toward her room.

Little did she know, a tangled relationship between them would not be so easily severed?

When Mu Qingge returned to her room, Gu Ya had already used special means to return to Si Mo and report back, relaying Mu Qingge’s exact words to him.

Si Mo listened, lost in silence for a long time.

Just when Gu Ya and Gu Ye thought the master would be enraged and call for blood, Si Mo suddenly laughed coldly, the dangerous undertone making both of them feel the need to retreat.

“Repay? Can it truly be repaid?” These words came from Si Mo’s lips, cold and drawn out.

’Achoo!’

Soaking in a hot bath, Mu Qingge suddenly sneezed, causing her to rub her nose.

“Boss! Boss! Where are you? The Regent King is in trouble!”

Outside, Shao Fatty’s urgent voice rang out. His words carried implications that chilled Mu Qingge’s eyes; she rose from the water and pulled on her clothes.

“Young Master Shao, please wait a moment; our young lord is bathing,” Hua Yue’s voice came from outside, halting him.

Soon after, the sound of impatient pacing was heard. It wasn’t long before Shao Fatty shouted outside, “Boss, hurry! If you delay any longer, the Regent King might be finished!”

As soon as his voice fell, the tightly closed door opened, and Mu Qingge, clad in a red robe and soft armor, walked out.

She carried a faint fragrance from her bath, prompting Fatty Shao nearby to take a deep breath and sigh, “So fragrant!”

Mu Qingge immediately kicked him and asked, “What’s wrong with Qin Jinchen?”

Fatty Shao shrank his fat, short neck, internally grumbling: In Qin Country, the only one who dares to call the Regent King by name might be his boss.

He responded to Mu Qingge’s question without hesitation, “The Regent King suddenly fell ill, and the Imperial Physicians are at a loss. My father had to send me to find you, hoping the beautiful lady who returned with you could help treat him.”

“Let’s go.” Mu Qingge said as she headed out of Chi Yun Garden.

Fatty Shao was stunned for a moment, hastily catching up to ask, “Where to?”

“The Imperial Palace.” Mu Qingge replied briefly.

“The Imperial Palace?” Fatty Shao parroted blankly, “But we haven’t called the beautiful lady yet!”

“I’ll go,” Mu Qingge replied calmly, quickening her pace.

“You?” Fatty Shao was stunned, suddenly realizing, “Boss, you’re amazing! Since when did you learn Alchemy?” He had come looking for Zhu Ling, naturally aware of her identity as a Pill Master.

Hearing Mu Qingge’s words now implied she had learned Alchemy herself?

Fatty Shao eagerly followed her. Once outside, Mu Qingge mounted the Black Flame and headed for the Imperial Palace. Fatty Shao, on a regular horse, desperately chased after her.

By the time they reached the Imperial Palace, Fatty Shao was panting heavily.

General Shao greeted Mu Qingge immediately upon seeing her, “Young Master!” Then he looked around but saw no trace of Zhu Ling.

Perplexed, Mu Qingge asked, “Take me to see Qin Jinchen.”

Fatty Shao caught up, panting heavily, and explained to his father, “Dad, the boss is a Pill Master.”

General Shao’s eyes flickered, instantly adopting a respectful tone, “Please, Young Master!”

When Mu Qingge saw Qin Jinchen, he was already lying on the bed weakly, with a blood-stained silk handkerchief beside him. Several Imperial Physicians were gathered, discussing treatment plans.

The Pill Masters employed by the Imperial Family had all presented their prized elixirs, but Qin Jinchen spat them out.

Among those present was Master Gu, whom Mu Qingge had met before. He frowned deeply at Qin Jinchen, with a terribly grim expression.

When they saw Mu Qingge, they were first surprised, then greeted her with respect.

Now, Mu Qingge was considered the uncrowned ruler of Qin Country; who would dare offend her?

Master Gu approached Mu Qingge with a grand gesture and earnestly pleaded, “Young Master, please save my prince! My prince has always been frail. When Qin Jinyang imprisoned him not long ago, he was already exhausted. These past two days, he worked tirelessly on state affairs, neglecting his health, and now he…”

Master Gu’s voice choked as he looked at Qin Jinchen, appearing as if he might shatter at any moment, struck silent with grief.

“Let me take a look.” Mu Qingge approached the bed to observe Qin Jinchen’s sickly appearance more closely.

At this moment, Qin Jinchen’s skin was so translucent that blood vessels were visible. His breath was as weak as a thread, and he seemed to be at the last stages of life. If not for sheer willpower, he might have already passed.

Mu Qingge lowered her eyes, and the next moment, with a flip of her palm, an elixir appeared in her hand.

The spiritual power and medicinal strength within the elixir made everyone in the room involuntarily take a deep breath.

“What… what grade of elixir is this!” one of the Imperial Family’s Pill Masters could not help but ask excitedly.

However, at that moment, no one answered him.

Master Gu felt a surge of excitement upon seeing Mu Qingge produce the elixir, but knowing that Qin Jinchen could no longer swallow pills worried him.

Mu Qingge placed the elixir against Qin Jinchen’s lips, where it stayed immobile.

Frowning slightly, Mu Qingge pried open Qin Jinchen’s lips, letting the elixir slide in a bit. “Fetch some water.”

Someone immediately brought a bowl of water.

Mu Qingge lifted the jade bowl and gently poured some down Qin Jinchen’s lips.

The elixir in his mouth dissolved upon contact with water. Previously, because Qin Jinchen’s saliva had stopped being secreted, the pill couldn’t dissolve. Now, with Mu Qingge’s help, the elixir became a stream of clear fluid that permeated Qin Jinchen’s entire body.

At that moment, Qin Jinchen, feeling trapped in coldness, suddenly sensed warmth enveloping him, gently drawing him away from the icy abyss, warming his heart, meridians, even his flesh, and skin.

Not knowing how much time had passed, he awakened from his stupor, recognizing his surroundings.

This is the Imperial Palace.

The expression in his eyes dimmed.

He seemed to long for the warmth from his memories.

In a trance, he saw a tall figure standing at the bedside, facing away from him.

The bright red color, vivid and unique, allowed him to recognize her identity at a glance.

“Qingge…” Qin Jinchen leaned on the bed and sat up.

He suddenly realized he could do all this effortlessly, easily sitting upright. Sitting on the bed, he looked at his hands in surprise, feeling the strong heartbeat within himself.

“You’re awake.” Mu Qingge slowly turned around and looked at Qin Jinchen.

Qin Jinchen stared at her in a daze and slowly nodded.

Mu Qingge approached him, sitting by the bedside, and asked, “How do you feel now?”

Qin Jinchen covered his chest, earnestly sensing it, then said, “I feel like I’ve never been so relaxed, even feel as if I’m completely healed.”

Mu Qingge nodded and said to him, “Let me see your hand.”

Qin Jinchen blankly extended his hand, and Mu Qingge placed her fingers on his pulse, listening carefully before releasing it, “You are indeed healed, but you still need careful nourishment for a while.”

Her medicine was, of course, not ordinary.

This advanced perfect-quality Bone-removing Pill was crafted by her earlier according to Qin Jinchen’s condition.

The Bone-removing Pill could improve Qin Jinchen’s constitution, freeing him from illness. It fundamentally resolved the congenital deficiencies he had from the womb.

Afterward, with Qin Jinchen’s aptitude and Master Gu’s guidance, cultivation would not be difficult.

“You saved me?” Qin Jinchen wasn’t dull; Mu Qingge’s every move had allowed him to guess what had happened while he was unconscious.

Only, he hadn’t expected it was Mu Qingge who saved his life.

Mu Qingge had left Qin Country for a time, yet upon her return, she managed to save his life.

For a moment, Qin Jinchen didn’t know if he should feel happy or sad, only feeling that the distance between himself and Mu Qingge had grown. So vast that he could only see her blurry silhouette.

“Who do you plan to make Emperor next?” Without answering his question, Mu Qingge asked with lowered eyes.

Qin Jinchen gathered his emotions, gazed at her with clear, black-and-white eyes, and earnestly replied, “I.”

…

As she left the Imperial Palace, the sky had turned dark.

Mu Qingge hadn’t expected Qin Jinchen to give her such an answer.

In the end, he still ascended to that position.

Exhaling a breath, Mu Qingge didn’t know whether to congratulate him or say something else. Thus, she left the Imperial Palace, declining Fatty Shao’s invitation to a boat tour among the flowers.

Back at Mu Mansion, Mu Qingge returned to Chi Yun Garden, intending to set everything aside and rest for a while. However, You He hurriedly brought news from Li Country.

“Young Master, news from Li Country indicates that their Emperor has suddenly fallen ill and is gravely sick. They are presently discussing the matter of appointing a Crown Prince. Feng Yugui and Feng Yufei are fiercely contending, and their supporters are locked in a mortal struggle,” You He reported while handing the compiled intel to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge skimmed through it swiftly, her eyes narrowing slightly as she stood up to give orders, “Prepare horses, to the Imperial Palace.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep