Qin Yuanxi knew nothing about what happened to Meng Xuan outside the valley. When the guards brought her back, they only mentioned that she was found covered in wounds when they found her. If they hadn’t arrived in time, she might not have been saved.
The guards also brought a doctor from outside the valley, and Meng Yu stood outside the door for a whole day and night until Meng Xuan slowly regained consciousness.
As for what the two sisters talked about, Qin Yuanxi had no idea. When Meng Yu came to find him, her eyes were swollen and red like walnuts.
“My sister said to ask you to come over.”
The little girl must have cried for a long time; her voice was hoarse. She seemed wilted, lacking the liveliness she once had, which pained anyone who saw her.
Qin Yuanxi wanted to comfort her, but he didn’t know where to start. In the end, he could only pat her head and say, “Everything will be okay.”
“I’m going too,” Zhao Tuo said from behind, insisting on accompanying him. Before Qin Yuanxi could stop him, Meng Yu had already blocked his way, her tone serious and eyes red. “My sister only wants to see him. You can’t go!”
Though reluctant, Zhao Tuo ultimately relented, saying to Qin Yuanxi, “Then I’ll wait for you.”
Qin Yuanxi nodded. “I’ll see what Meng Xuan has to say. It shouldn’t take long. Don’t worry.”
Outside the bamboo building, Qin Yuanxi hesitated for a moment. He wasn’t sure why Meng Xuan had asked for him, especially at a time like this. She had just narrowly escaped death and had a conversation with her sister. Why call for him now?
The light inside the bamboo building was dim, and as Qin Yuanxi pushed open the door, he instinctively reached for the light switch. But it was just a reflex. Then he heard Meng Xuan’s voice.
“You’re here. Come sit. There are some things I need to tell you.”
Her voice was even hoarser now. If he had only heard the voice, Qin Yuanxi might have subconsciously thought that the person inside was an elderly person on the verge of death.
But wasn’t she on the verge of death?
He remembered how Meng Xuan looked when she was brought back—pale and lifeless, her once glossy black hair now streaked with white. Before leaving the valley, she was still charming and beautiful, but now, upon her return, she appeared aged and weary.
Meng Xuan also noticed Qin Yuanxi’s gaze on her. She ran her fingers through her hair, a bitter smile playing on her lips. “I look terrible, don’t I? I don’t even dare to look in the mirror.”
“Did you, face any injustice outside the valley? Do you need me—”
Qin Yuanxi pondered. If Meng Xuan had truly suffered, he wouldn’t stand idly by. He vowed to avenge any wrongs done to her, setting aside not only the favor owed for Zhao Tuo’s treatment but also their friendship formed during their time in the valley. Meng Xuan, with her carefree nature, shouldn’t bear such grievances.
“No need, but thank you nonetheless,” Meng Xuan interjected, cutting off Qin Yuanxi. “I called you here to tell you something about Zhao Tuo.”
“Sorry, I might not be able to continue the hypnosis for him,” Meng Xuan sincerely apologized to Qin Yuanxi. “It’s not that I don’t want to, but I simply lack the strength. As you can see, I’m not in the best condition…”
She paused, offering a wry smile. “It’s likely I won’t live much longer. My spirit isn’t strong enough to sustain further hypnosis treatment for him. I’m truly sorry. If I had known earlier, I would have completed his treatment before leaving the valley. I’m sorry for delaying your matters.”
“Don’t say that.”
A pang of sadness washed over Qin Yuanxi. He couldn’t quite pinpoint the reason, but seeing Meng Xuan like this was truly heart-wrenching, and he felt a sense of injustice on her behalf.
“Take good care of yourself; things will get better in the future.” Qin Yuanxi’s voice choked a bit, “The palace has excellent physicians. If you’re willing, I can take you back to the palace, and you’ll surely be cured.”
“There are plenty of talented young men in the capital. I’ll introduce you to someone better. Although it may be tough now, once you overcome it, happiness will come.”
“I’m not sad.” Meng Xuan shook her head, “It’s just a matter of seeking what one deserves. I bear the consequences of my actions.”
Meng Xuan raised her hand and continued, “Regarding Zhao Tuo, you might have to handle everything yourselves from now on. He’s troubled, or rather, it’s Prince Lu’s trouble. Prince Lu has undoubtedly experienced many trials and tribulations to reach where he is today, as you already know. What I want to tell you is that his current issue is self-denial. Zhao Tuo can’t accept some of the things Prince Lu has done, which leads to his denial of Prince Lu. That’s the root cause. Zhao Tuo now recognizes himself as Prince Lu. He knows clearly that he is Prince Lu. The only obstacle he can’t overcome is self-acceptance. Once he accepts himself, everything will fall into place. Originally, I could have helped him through hypnosis, but now he must rely on himself.”
Meng Xuan retrieved a pendant from under the pillow and handed it to Qin Yuanxi. “I believe that with you by his side, he will eventually recognize who he truly is. It might take some time, so please be patient. I can’t help you anymore. Tomorrow, you will leave the valley. Ah Yu will accompany you out. I’ve given her the recipe for the incense. It’s the key to hypnosis. I want you to protect Ah Yu.”
“Do you want me to take her back to the capital?” Qin Yuanxi was somewhat surprised.
Meng Xuan smiled at him affectionately. “Why not? Didn’t you say there are many talented youths in the capital? Ah Yu is still young. Please take care of her for a year or two. Then, find a reliable husband for her. That way, I can fulfill my duty to our parents.”
“You should take care of her yourself. She’s your sister. She’s your responsibility.”
Hearing this sounded like a plea for help. Qin Yuanxi’s eyes welled up with tears, and without hesitation, he refused, “She’s your sister. Who else but you should take care of her? She’s your responsibility. Don’t try to shirk your duty. It’s just an illness, not a big deal. There are so many doctors in the capital, so many renowned physicians in the world. Someone will surely be able to cure you. How can you give up on yourself so easily?”
“Didn’t I ask you to promise me something earlier?” Meng Xuan ignored Qin Yuanxi’s words and changed the subject directly. “I’ve changed my mind. It has nothing to do with that person. I want you to help me take care of Ah Yu. It won’t take long. Just take care of her for five years. After five years, Ah Yu will be grown up. She can do whatever she wants by then. It has nothing to do with you.”
“By using the incense recipe from my family and agreeing to my conditions, you’ll only be exchanging it for taking care of Ah Yu for five years.” Meng Xuan’s breath was uneven by this point, she took several deep breaths before regaining her strength. “My life is like a flickering candle. Originally, I thought I could accompany her for another two years, but now, I’m afraid I won’t even last two days. Leave tomorrow; I don’t want her to see me in my final moments.”
“But you—”
“I know your good intentions. You’re a good person, and you’ll be a good emperor in the future.” Meng Xuan shook her head at Qin Yuanxi, “No need to waste your efforts. This is just how life goes.”
“After you leave, Cangnan Valley will be sealed off. I’ll only tell Ah Yu to escort you out of the valley. She won’t know anything else. I’ll trouble you to help cover up the rest.” Meng Xuan coughed twice. “There’s nothing much else. You came here, and instead of helping you with your affairs, I’ve only added trouble. I can only ask you to bear with it.”
That night, Qin Yuanxi didn’t sleep well. Zhao Tuo, lying beside him, probably noticed his emotional changes and held him tightly. They spent the night in silence.
The next morning, Qin Yuanxi bid farewell to Meng Xuan with Zhao Tuo by his side.
He couldn’t bear to say much. On the other hand, Meng Yu, the young girl, completely unaware of what she was about to face, chattered away, clinging to her sister.
“Sister, I’ll escort them out of the valley and come back soon. You rest well. When I return, I’ll catch fish for you to eat. The fish in the stream behind the mountain are delicious. Sister, you have to wait for me.”
Meng Xuan stroked Meng Yu’s hair and smiled gently at her. “I’ll wait for you, silly girl. Go on, don’t delay their journey.”
“Sister, you rest well. When I come back to town, I’ll buy candied haws for you.”
“And bring a sesame cake too.” Meng Xuan urged the little girl. “Alright, hurry on. If you don’t leave soon, the sun will set, and Mister Qin might blame you for missing the inn.”
“Sister—”
Meng Yu was reluctant to leave.
“Go quickly, sister is fine. I’ll be waiting for you to come back. Be good.”
“Then you wait for me, okay?”
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
