Chapter 63 – Crown Princess

After returning to his house, the first unexpected and joyful thing for Jian Mei was that the herbs he had tried to order from “All kinds of Medicine” had arrived. Due to limited points, he had bought seeds, which saved more points, and seeds could be grown into many plants, especially during special times when conserving points was crucial.

He had a rough idea of the treatment plan for the young master. The only problem now was that the young master was not very willing to undergo treatment. Firstly, he felt that his leg couldn’t be treated, and secondly, he thought he was just fooling around, so convincing the young master became a challenging issue.

Sighing, Jian Mei sorted out everything before finally going to sleep.

The next day, he woke up particularly early. He got up just as dawn was breaking, and even Ms Li , who woke up earlier than him, was still preparing the young master’s clothes. Jian Mei quietly went to the small flower house outside the attic to water the plants.

“MeiMei.”

After a while, someone called him from behind.

Jian Mei put down the small watering can and turned around to see Ms Li pushing the young master’s wheelchair out from inside. By now, the sun was slowly rising, and the air outside the window was fresh and clean.

The wheelchair slowly approached, and the young master, looking at the flowers outside, said, “Seems like they are blooming nicely.”

Ms Li pointed to a corner and said, “Young Master, look, this orchid is unexpectedly still alive.”

The young master glanced over and was also somewhat surprised. The flower was once his favorite but had gradually withered after he accidentally knocked it over.Ms Li brought it to the small flower house, intending to discard it once it withered.

The young master raised an eyebrow. “Is it because of the soil in this garden?”

Ms Li shook her head and explained softly, “This garden has been taken care of by Mei Mei for some time now. Before, many flowers withered, but since Mei Mei took over, they have been thriving.”

Not long ago, the young master instructed Ms Li to pay attention and find out where Jian Mei’s divine power was particularly effective. While there hadn’t been much progress, some clues were gradually emerging. This child seemed to have an innate talent for healing, whether it was a flower on the brink of decay or a sick person. Anyone who came into contact with him seemed to regain vitality.

This was one of the reasons why the young master unconsciously wanted to be close to Jian Mei. Such a talent for healing among divine officials was rare, especially with such a strong effect of divine power.

Jian Mei was unaware of what Ms Li was thinking and felt a bit shy. “It’s nothing. A few days ago, I felt like this flower wasn’t blooming well.So, I’ve been coming to check every day recently. I used to have a small garden at home, so I tried taking care of it. Surprisingly, it improved.”

The young master’s gaze fell on the flower that had regained vitality, and he said softly, “Even for a withered flower,   will it revival?”

Jian Mei stood by his side, looking at the brightly blooming flower in front of him. He half-squatted, his face showing seriousness, and his eyes held a hint of gentle warmth. “I think it will.”

The young master looked up and said, “Perhaps it’s just because there’s still some salvation inherent in it.”

Jian Mei knew that the young master wasn’t just talking about the flower; he was referring to himself. The young master felt he was beyond saving, which led to such pessimistic words.

Jian Mei gently shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

“Maybe my help is part of the reason, but there’s a much more significant reason. Do you know what it is?” Jian Mei gently inquired.

The young master asked, “What is it?”

Jian Mei smiled, “It’s because it also wants to bloom again on its own.”

“If it didn’t have that determination,” Jian Mei lightly brushed over the petals with his hand, “I believe that no matter how hard I try, it wouldn’t work. I’m not the one creating miracles; it’s the flower itself.”

…

The air fell silent for a moment.

The young master suddenly chuckled.

Jian Mei looked at him in confusion, and the young master spoke, “MeiMei, you always surprise me.”

Before Jian Mei could formulate a response, the young master turned away, saying, “Alright, don’t just stand here. Let’s go back. Stop staring at the flowers. Have your breakfast first, and then tell me.”

Jian Mei, puzzled, asked, “Tell you what?”

Ms Li pushed the young master back, smiling, and said, “Tell him about your treatment plan, silly child.”

Jian Mei blinked at first but then got excited. The young master agreed to let him treat his leg!

Never did he expect that planting flowers could lead to such a good thing. He hurriedly went over to help Ms Li with the wheelchair, whispering, “Young Master, rest assured, I won’t let you down. I’ll be a useful attendant!”

The young master, originally a rather dull person, couldn’t help but be influenced by Jian Mei’s emotions. He retorted, “You’re doing fine now, even good at planting flowers.”

Ms Li added, “Yes, yes. I think we should leave this little garden to Mei Mei to take care of in the future.”

Jian Mei not only didn’t refuse but was a bit excited, “Really, Young Master? Can I plant some plants I like in the small garden?”

The young master was indifferent, “Do as you please.”

“Yay!” Jian Mei exclaimed lightly. He grinned, saying, “Long live the Young Master.”

A smile unconsciously appeared on the young master’s face. He glanced at Jian Mei, “Chatterbox.”

Ms Li watched the two kids playing around and felt content. Since the incident with the young master’s leg, he had been sulking. Due to the inability of divine power to heal his leg, he became even more pessimistic. He used to be the pride of Lord Jia Si, with a high level of wind-type divine power, but after that incident, he almost stopped using divine power. Moreover, his relationship with Lord Jia Si became increasingly chilly.

Now, things were better. Since Jian Mei arrived, the young master spoke more, smiled more, and Jian Mei, this child, wasn’t someone content with the current situation. Although it wasn’t the time yet, he had already started worrying about the future.

…

The next day

When Jian Mei returned to the backyard to find Xiao Ban, he noticed a tense and serious atmosphere.

Xiao Ban cautiously pulled him aside and said, “Don’t come around  these days.”

Jian Mei looked at him in confusion, “Why?”

“It’s almost winter, and many people are catching colds, and it’s contagious.” Xiao Ban explained, “Most of the wealthier ones have already bought Flu Amulet¹Cold Preventing stone, but we have to be careful.”

Jian Mei asked, “What’s a Flu Amulet?”

Xiao Ban answered, “It’s a stone crafted by healing-type priests to prevent the transmission of colds. It’s quite effective but a bit expensive. Generally, only nobles and young masters and misses can afford it.”

It seemed like a kind of medicine to prevent catching a cold.

Jian Mei looked at Xiao Ban, “Did you get infected?”

Xiao Ban shook his head, “But Xiao Xiao and the others got a cold.”

Jian Mei felt concerned, “Did you go to the hospital to get medicine?”

Xiao Ban reassured him, “Don’t worry; Lord Jia Si is quite considerate about this. If we get a cold, we can go to the hospital for free treatment. After all, it wouldn’t be good if we accidentally infect the master.”

Jian Mei nodded, “That’s good.”

Today was a day of rest, and the young master granted them a day off. Jian Mei followed Xiao Ban to visit Ping Ping’s family’s land.

Ping Ping’s family had been helping them cultivate some herbs. Normally, when they came over, they would always see Ping Ping. However, when they arrived today, they found the door tightly closed.

Jian Mei went to knock on the door, and Ping Ping’s mother answered.

Xiao Ban inquired, “Where’s Ping Ping?”

“He’s inside.” Ping Ping’s mother, wearing a mask similar to a medical mask, sighed softly. “This child caught a cold while studying these past two days.”

Xiao Ban and Jian Mei’s expressions became more serious.

According to Ping Ping’s mother, the weather this year had become colder, leading to more people catching colds. The hospital was overwhelmed with people, and the cost was also high. Flu Amulet, which could prevent catching a cold, had long been pre-ordered by those nobles. Life was tough for ordinary people like them.

Upon entering the house, Jian Mei noticed a strange smell.

Xiao Ban asked, “What are you burning?”

“This is divine incense.” Ping Ping’s mother explained, “Burning this incense can pray for blessings from the gods and gain their protection. Moreover, this incense can dispel evil spirits.”

Jian Mei said, “You should open the windows. Without ventilation, it’s not suitable”

In his medical thinking, no matter what, the air needed to circulate when a patient was sick.

Walking further inside, they saw Ping Ping lying on a sickbed. This child was originally weak, so it wasn’t surprising that he got sick first when there was an infectious disease going around.

Jian Mei walked over and asked softly, “Ping Ping, how are you feeling?”

Ping Ping, waking up from a daze, looked at him and called softly, “Jian ge.”

Jian Mei patted his head, relieved that he didn’t have a high fever. However, his temperature was still much hotter than normal. The most absurd thing was that Ping Ping was covered with a thick blanket.

Jian Mei immediately said to Ping Ping’s mother, “Madam, he is showing signs of a fever. He shouldn’t be covered with such a thick blanket; it hinders heat dissipation.”

Ping Ping’s mother was surprised. She only knew that common cold was caused by catching a chill, thinking that covering the child with a thicker blanket was good for him.

Jian Mei also checked Ping Ping’s pulse to confirm it was a common cold, then felt relieved. He was most grateful for finding the crucial herb Indigofera tinctoria for treating common cold.

Ping Ping’s mother now trusted Jian Mei a lot. She said, “Mei Mei, Pingping will be fine, right?”

Jian Mei withdrew his hand and said, “Madam, rest assured, the common cold is not a severe illness. The herb we requested you to plant before has the effect of clearing heat and detoxification. I’ll brew the medicine shortly. Follow my instructions to give it to Ping Ping.”

The woman asked in delight, “Really?”

Jian Mei nodded, “Yes.”

Xiao Ban, standing beside Jian Mei, vouched for him, “My wound was healed by that grassy paste made from Indigofera Tinctoria. Madam, you don’t need to worry.”

Previously, Ping Ping’s mother may have doubted Jian Mei, thinking of him as just a child. However, Jian Mei had saved Ping Ping’s life before. Later, he planted the Indigofera tinctoria for them and explained the herb’s effects. In the end, both she and her husband had benefited from using it on minor wounds. In such difficult times, Jian Mei stood up again and helped their child recover. At this moment, she didn’t know how to express her gratitude to Jian Mei. Lowering her head, tears were about to fall. “Mei Mei, thank you.”

Jian Mei shook his head and said, “It’s nothing. It’s what I should do.”

Having been influenced by his grandfather since childhood, helping those in need was just a normal thing for him. However, what he didn’t know was how precious such behavior was in a society where healing priests rarely cared about the life and death of strangers.

After leaving the room, Jian Mei picked some Indigofera tinctoria from the ground. Fortunately, it was autumn, and Goryeo Ginseng happened to be in its withering season. Both Indigofera tinctoria and Goryeo Ginseng were excellent for stopping bleeding, preventing infection, and clearing heat and detoxifying. However, for the common cold conditions, they needed to be decocted for consumption, and the decoction required the right temperature and time.

Xiao Ban said, “Mei Mei, take a break. I’ll do it for you.”

Jian Mei didn’t insist and changed his position, saying, “Alright, you do it.”

Xiao Ban, who had been reading a book nearby, put down the book and went to work. Seeing his book, Jian Mei also seemed to be lost in thought.

Xiao Ban, noticing Jian Mei’s distraction, asked, “Mei Mei, do you have something on your mind?”

In fact, since Xiao Ban had mentioned financial issues to Jian Mei before, Jian Mei had been thinking these past few days. The young master’s leg was gradually being treated and had been put on the agenda. They had been in this world for almost two months now. Still, due to various trivial matters, they hadn’t saved much money. Seeing that winter was approaching, and in the coming spring, the Imperial Capital’s academies would start enrollment.

Jian Mei had always known that Xiao Ban wanted to go to school. He also learned that if they missed the spring enrollment, he might not be able to enroll in a school for a whole year. Although Jian Mei wasn’t obsessed with money, he understood that their situation was different now, and it wasn’t a time for being aloof.

“Xiao Ban, I was thinking, if this medicine proves effective for Pingping, I’ll leave a few doses here. Madam can take them, and if someone else gets the common cold, we can sell it at a low price for some silver coins,” Jian Mei proposed. “It’ll cost much cheaper than the hospital expenses.”

Xiao Ban’s eyes brightened. “That seems like a good idea.”

Jian Mei smiled. “And if it works out, maybe we can save up a sum of money quickly. By next spring, we could go to the capital together for school.”

After listening, Xiao Ban, while tending the fire, got more enthusiastic. He vigorously nodded, “Great!”

Meanwhile

Imperial City – Imperial Palace

The atmosphere inside the Crown Prince’s residence was tranquil. Lu Xingwang preferred handling affairs without anyone disturbing him. Hence, there were hardly any attendants around. When Consort Xiyi entered, she was noticed immediately.

Lu Xingwang stood up and greeted, “Greetings, Consort.”

Consort Xiyi hurriedly approached and supported him, “Crown Prince, why be so formal with me?”

Having Lu Xingwang by her side was the best decision Consort Xiyi had made. With the Empress’s downfall, the palace only had her as a consort, naturally making her life smooth sailing.

Consort Xiyi sat down on the chair, “It’s already evening, Your Highness. You should rest and take care of your health.”

Lu Xingwang replied, “Thank you for your concern.”

Consort Xiyi signaled for her attendant to bring something over. “His Majesty has been feeling much better these days, but he keeps mentioning feeling a bit bored. We discussed it yesterday. Since you’re capable now, His Majesty plans to go out for a change of scenery, to relax.”

Lu Xingwang frowned, “It’s autumn now, with the common cold widespread. Does Father intend to go out at this time?”

“It’s precisely because of the cold weather that His Majesty’s health isn’t good. That’s why he chose this time. Don’t worry, the Flu Amulet will be prepared well. Also, he won’t be going to remote places. There are beautiful sceneries in some towns in the south. It’s said that the osmanthus flowers in Golden Town are blooming exceptionally this year. His Majesty has been wanting to visit,” Consort Xiyi explained leisurely. She signaled for her attendant to step back with a glance, then picked up the tea on the table, took a sip, and smiled, “Furthermore, with His Majesty away, isn’t it an excellent opportunity for you to demonstrate your abilities, Your Highness?”

Lu Xingwang’s expression remained indifferent as he spoke, “Whether present or not, it won’t have any impact.”

Consort Xiyi set down the teacup and spoke slowly, “Crown Prince has indeed complied with His Majesty’s wish, hasn’t he? His Majesty’s health has been deteriorating these past two years. You understand his condition. Saying he’s going to Golden Town to admire flowers is false; he wishes to visit Witch City.”

According to the system of Stan Star.

When someone dies, they must return to their hometown. Even the soul cards and tombstones can only be placed there.

The Emperor’s desire to return to Witch City, everyone understood what it meant. After Consort Xiyi finished speaking, she observed Lu Xingwang. Eventually, the Crown Prince nodded, “If Father has already made a decision, I will arrange the security measures along the way.”

Consort Xiyi smiled; she knew the Crown Prince would eventually give in.

With this matter settled, she had another thing to discuss, “Your Highness, it’s quite peaceful here, but I’m quite busy with something.”

Lu Xingwang raised an eyebrow, asking, “What is it?”

Consort Xiyi chuckled, “What else could it be? It’s just those young ladies from the major noble families who enter the palace wanting me to arrange their marriages.”

On Stan Star, people can marry once they reach adulthood.

A few years ago, Lu Xingwang just passed his adulthood ceremony, and now he is the Crown Prince. Talented in both civil and martial aspects, holding such a high position, even if his appearance has somewhat deteriorated, he’s still the dream of many Stan Star girls.

“You’ve reached the age, and being all alone isn’t ideal,” Consort Xiyi grinned, “I thought having a Crown Princess wouldn’t be bad. What do you think?”

Translator’s Note-Guys don’t forget to support and comment your views(^-^)

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  Cold Preventing stone ↩︎