A Shocking Dream

Chapter 188

Qin Rongchen was slightly startled, as if he had not expected such a straightforward question. His gaze lingered on her face for a moment, then shifted away, looking at the half-opened crabapple tree in the courtyard. He spoke slowly, "Although this letter does not mention inviting you to Yingzhou, it contains many clues about Xie Yuan's guilt. Your great-grandmaster is in Yingzhou. Wouldn't you like to go find her?"

A gentle breeze rustled the crabapple branches, and a few tender pink petals drifted down, reflecting Yuanyuan's turbulent emotions. She clutched the letter tightly, her knuckles white from the strain, and bit her lower lip with her pearly teeth, her expression filled with a sense of conflict. Her uncle-master had been incredibly kind to her, having studied medicine under him since childhood. He taught her medicine with such care and answered her questions late at night that she could still vividly remember. To say she didn't want to travel to Yingzhou to be his disciple and continue their relationship would be a lie.

Yuanyuan's brow furrowed, the letter in her hand wrinkling into wrinkles, her eyes filled with conflict and struggle. Qin Rongchen's proposal was indeed tempting. Yingzhou, where her uncle-master resided, seemed to tug at her heartstrings with an invisible gravitational pull. But in her heart, her uncle-master was a towering figure, his every word and action imbued with profound meaning. Since the letter didn't mention her joining him, there must have been careful consideration behind this.

"But without my great-grandmaster's permission, if I rashly follow him this time, will it affect his great-grandmaster's plan?" Yuanyuan murmured to herself, looking up at Qin Rongchen, her eyes full of hesitation and awe. "She didn't mention taking her with her in the letter. She must have her considerations. My great-grandmaster has always been meticulous in his actions. He must have anticipated that the situation in Yingzhou is treacherous and doesn't want me to take risks." After saying that, she bit her lower lip lightly, and her pearly teeth left a shallow mark on her pink lips.

Seeing this, Qin Rongchen nodded slightly, secretly sighing that this girl had a kind heart and respected her teachers. However, the situation was urgent and they could not miss the opportunity, so he advised: "Yuanyuan, I understand your concerns, but the situation is critical now. Every minute and every second of delay will allow Xie Yuan to commit more evil deeds and hide the evidence. Your uncle-master is alone in exposing the case and his situation is difficult. One more person to help will increase the chances of success. Besides, you are proficient in medical theory and pharmacology. If something unexpected happens, it will be of great help in gathering information and treating the injured."

Yuanyuan lowered her eyes and stared at her toes, a conflict between her conscience and her desires. The scenes of her uncle-master's past care and guidance flashed through her mind like a revolving lantern: he stayed by her bedside on a rainstorm night to look after her when she was sick, and he taught her step by step to identify the subtle differences in herbs. Every single one of them was filled with deep affection and friendship. If she was reckless and disrupted her uncle-master's plan, causing him to fall into danger, she would never forgive him. After much thought, Yuanyuan shook her head, her expression firm but unable to hide her disappointment: "Although I really want to go, I cannot leave without my uncle-master's explicit permission in person or in a letter. My prince, I hope you will understand that I cannot disregard my uncle-master's hard work for my own selfish desires."

Qin Rongchen stared at her for a moment. Although there was regret in her eyes, there was also an unshakable determination. Finally, he compromised and sighed: "Forget it, you just wait in peace. The prince will protect you from the situation in the capital. Don't worry."

Yuanyuan nodded and forced a smile: "Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness. I hope your trip goes smoothly. Collect evidence as soon as possible and eradicate the treacherous villains. When my uncle-master gives me a reply, Yuanyuan will do her best to face the difficulties together." After that, the two looked at each other. Although they did not set off, they seemed to have seen the turbulent situation in Yingzhou. They only hoped that through correspondence, they could solve this dilemma, live up to the expectations of the people, and live up to the deep love in their hearts. When the haze dissipates, they will join hands to watch the mountains and rivers in peace.

"Sister Lu Yao, I see you've looked better these past few days. I'm sure your injuries have healed quite a bit." Kankan's lips parted softly, her voice as clear as a nightingale's chirp, breaking the stillness of the room. With graceful steps, she entered the room, her skirt fluttering in the wind. Her lively eyes gazed intently at Lu Yao, who stood by the window, their gaze filled with concern and expectation.

Hearing the voice, Lu Yao slowly turned around. The morning light filtered through the window, casting a shimmer of warmth on her plain face. The corners of her mouth curled up slightly, a faint smile forming. "Thanks so much for your careful care these days, Kanan. Without you, this wound wouldn't have healed so easily." As she spoke, she raised her hand to gently smooth her hair. Her movements were gentle and graceful, but she inadvertently touched the wound, causing her to frown slightly before regaining her composure.

Seeing this, Kanan hurried forward and supported Lu Yao's arm, her brows furrowed, her face full of anxiety: "Sister, be careful, don't let the wound open again." After helping Lu Yao sit down on the edge of the couch, she checked the bandages and muttered, "I don't know if the medicine is changed frequently and whether it is taken on time. Sister always doesn't take care of herself." She looked so serious, like a worried housekeeper, completely different from her usual playful and lively appearance.

Lu Yao looked at her, the smile in her eyes growing even wider. She raised her hand and gently scratched the tip of Kankan's nose: "You little brat, when you start nagging, you sound like an old woman. I know my own body well, so don't worry about it all day. Look at you, you've lost weight."

Kankan pouted, slapped Lu Yao's hand away, and pretended to be angry: "Sister Lu, you are teasing me! You are seriously injured and bedridden, how can I take care of myself? I just hope you get better soon so that I can help you eliminate the villains." Kankan gritted her teeth when she thought of Xie Yuan, her cheeks puffed with anger, like a little animal with its fur standing on end.

Seeing this, Lu Yao gently pulled Kankan over and sat her down on the bed. She said softly, "Alright, don't get too angry. Xie Yuan may be acting arrogantly now, but good deeds will be rewarded in the end. We'll definitely find a way to bring him to justice. You've been busy taking care of my injuries these days, and you're exhausted. Take a break."

Kankan frowned and thought for a moment, then nodded heavily: "Sister Lu is right, I was too anxious. Let's recuperate first, but sister, you have to promise me that you will take good care of your injuries and don't practice healing secretly, which will delay the recovery process." As she spoke, she glared at Lu Yao, her face full of unquestionable determination.

Lu Yao smiled and agreed, "Okay, I'll do as you say. I'll take good care of myself and recover. You should also take this opportunity to clean up your haggard appearance. Then we can go and settle the score with Xie Yuan in style."

Only then did Kankan smile, with a faint dimple on her lips, and replied, "Then sister, you must keep your word!" The two people in the room smiled at each other, and warmth spread in this small space.

"I wonder how Miss Lin's investigations have been going these past few days." Lu Yao frowned, pacing back and forth in the room, muttering to herself. Lin Wunian had disappeared without a trace since she left the house a few days ago, with not a single message coming back. This made Lu Yao feel like she was being scratched by a cat, her heart in turmoil, and she was truly worried that something had happened to her.

"My sister has her own ideas about what to do. Sister Lu Yao doesn't have to worry." Kankan raised her eyes, looked at the sadness lingering between Lu Yao's brows, and spoke softly to comfort her.