Night fell.
Lin Xianhong stepped out of the imperial carriage.
She stood before the Lin Family Manor gate, not entering for a long time.
Ning Que's words echoed like a demonic sound.
“At ten years old, she ascended Kunlun Mountain and became a master’s disciple!”
Is that possible?
Kunlun Mountain was regarded as forbidden ground by all nations.
Because the Shenji Pavilion was on the mountain!
The Lord of the Divine Machine Pavilion once lived in seclusion in Qingxi Ghost Valley.
He possessed extraordinary wisdom and was proficient in various schools of thought.
He understood the art of yin and yang and was skilled at discerning human hearts.
He deeply understood the concepts of rigidity and flexibility, possessing unique wisdom that reached the heavens.
Tired of worldly disputes, he ascended Kunlun Mountain.
He carried a three-foot Qingfeng sword and established the Shenji Pavilion.
From then on, he was known as the Lord of the Divine Machine Pavilion.
The Shenji Pavilion rarely showed itself, yet it influenced the world's major affairs.
There was once a military immortal who broke through thirty-six cities in a row.
There were also strategists who subdued armies without fighting.
And there were skilled craftsmen who built wooden kites to cross the Yellow River!
...
There were too many legends about the Shenji Pavilion.
Even a three-year-old child could recount some.
Lin Xianhong still wore a look of disbelief.
She didn't believe Ning Que could become a disciple of the Shenji Pavilion!
The Shenji Pavilion rarely accepted disciples.
Those it did accept were always exceptionally talented.
Those who graduated and descended the mountain were all outstanding individuals!
Creak...
The vermilion gate opened.
“Second Sister? Why aren't you coming in?”
“Did the Empress Dowager give you another reward?”
“Come on, come on, hurry home.”
Lin Xianhong merely forced a smile.
She followed behind Lin Qinghuan.
Before she even entered the house, her family members were already waiting.
Including her aged grandfather!
“Xianhong, how was it today?”
“Did the Empress Dowager give you a reward?”
“Was it beautiful jade and jewelry, or something else?”
“No...”
“I understand, was it fine horses and strong oxen?”
“I mean, there was nothing at all...”
“You girl, don't joke around.” Lin Mother anxiously stepped forward and quickly said, “We've been waiting for you until now. Hurry and tell us what reward you received.”
“Nothing, there was nothing at all!”
Lin Xianhong walked straight into the house.
She was also in a state of agitation now.
Facing their expectant gazes, she didn't know what to say.
“Second Sister, what exactly happened?”
“What happened?”
Lin Chao was the first to follow her into the room, asking with concern.
“Elder Brother...”
Lin Xianhong's voice choked.
She slowly recounted the day's events.
As Lin Mother listened, her face changed dramatically.
Her grandfather even collapsed into a chair, trembling all over.
“Xianhong, did you ask Imperial Physician Zhang?”
“I happened to meet him when I left the palace, and he admitted it too.”
“This... this... how is that possible?”
“No, how can Ning Que, that good-for-nothing, know medical skills? And he even went to Kunlun Mountain? Father, do you know about this?”
“There is such a rumor.”
Lin Jiang nodded bitterly.
This truly feels like Heaven wants to destroy my Lin Family!
Ning Que was mischievous from a young age and was always punished. Later, Old Prince Ning took him to the military camp to temper his character, and somehow he met the Lord of the Divine Machine Pavilion and was taken to Kunlun Mountain. However, because his skills were not refined enough, he was sent back to Chang'an after six years of hard study.
Of course, these were all speculations.
After all, the Shenji Pavilion was too mysterious.
Even if Ning Que said it, who would believe him?
The Shenji Pavilion was a world-renowned power!
Its disciples were at least capable of becoming generals or prime ministers!
Did Ning Que, that good-for-nothing, deserve to enter the Shenji Pavilion?
After all, there were many who impersonated Shenji disciples.
“No, what are you worried about?”
“You believe Ning Que's nonsense?”
“Second Sister, he's definitely lying!”
Lin Qinghuan rose indignantly and scoffed, “Ning Que and Chang Divine Doctor have a close relationship. It's not difficult for him to ask for help in preparing medicine, and then find the Empress Dowager and Imperial Physician Zhang to put on an act. Saying that the medicine was changed early is just to deceive you.”
“Qinghuan is right.” Lin Chao nodded in agreement, “This Ning Que is truly insidious. Relying on his power, he deliberately had the Empress Dowager invite you into the palace, and then put on a show in front of you. It's really as Third Sister said, he's still obsessed with you, turning love into hate, and he's still pestering you!”
“Then what should we do in the future?”
As Lin Mother spoke, she began to wipe away tears again.
After all, it's hard to go from luxury to frugality!
Having been accustomed to a good life, how could they endure hardship?
The Lin Family was now heavily in debt, unable to make ends meet.
They had hoped to receive some rewards to recover some losses.
Who would have thought...
Ning Que was so ruthless!
He even blocked this path to survival!
“It's okay, we still have the Gu Family.”
“And Ning Que won't be able to jump around for long.”
“I heard that the Western Liang envoy is arriving soon.”
“Hmph!” Lin Chao snorted heavily, “That good-for-nothing Ning Que, he even dared to gamble with Prince Qi, even betting on his princely title. Once he's demoted to a commoner, I'd like to see how he can still jump around. By then, I'll make sure to trample all over his face!”
Lin Xianhong, however, had no mind for these things.
She didn't want to hear about Ning Que.
Since it was broken off, why wasn't it broken off cleanly?
“Xiao Tao, come with me back to the medical hall.”
“Xianhong?”
“Are there patients this late at night?”
Lin Xianhong stood up, “I haven't been to the medical hall in a long time, I need to go back and tidy up first. I have to open for business tomorrow, otherwise, the money definitely won't be enough.”
“Alright then.”
“Xianhong, be careful.”
“Chao'er, escort Xianhong.”
“Okay!”
Lin Xianhong looked back at them.
She sighed gracefully.
She only hoped now that the Gu Family would propose marriage soon.
She detested Ning Que, and even more, she detested her own background.
So she urgently wanted to prove herself.
After all, the Lin Family couldn't help her much.
...
...
Ning Royal Mansion.
Ning Que, as usual, first paid respects to his parents and elder brother.
He was officially crowned Prince today, finally living up to his father's expectations. His father had once said that he hoped Ning Que would inherit the princely title. However, Ning Que was unwilling; he disliked the power struggles of the court.
He even avoided achieving merits, precisely because he didn't want to surpass his elder brother.
Unexpectedly, he still became Prince Ning.
If his father knew, he would be able to rest in peace.
Upon returning to his study, he saw Chang Baicao.
“Eh, Uncle Chang, why have you come?”
“You were crowned Prince today, so of course I had to come.” Chang Baicao smiled, looking at the purple-gold crown on Ning Que's head, and said with emotion, “If only you were my disciple, that would be wonderful. As long as you are willing, you could surpass me in less than three years.”
“If you have time, we can also chat.”
“Hahaha!”
Chang Baicao stroked his goatee and waved his sleeve, saying, “You suffered injustice, and this matter is somewhat related to me. I've decided not to be an itinerant doctor anymore; I'll stay in Chang'an. You have inherited the princely title, and you will encounter trouble in the future. This old man has no other abilities, but I have accumulated some connections over the years.”
“That's wonderful!” Ning Que immediately smiled and quickly said, “You're at this age, constantly traveling, I really wasn't at ease. How about this, I'll open a medical hall for Uncle Chang in Jingyang. The local people won't have to pay for medical treatment; I'll cover all the costs.”
“Jingyang is out of the question.”
“Ah?”
“Right here in Chang'an, it'll also be easier to look after things. I think the spot opposite Xianhong Medical Hall is quite good. This matter is somewhat caused by me, so I must help you vent your anger. Otherwise, after a hundred years, this old man truly wouldn't know how to face Old Prince Ning.”
“Uncle Chang doesn't have to be like this.” Ning Que smiled freely and said softly, “I have already divorced her, and all my belongings have been retrieved. Now I have no relationship with her, and I don't care about her life or death.”
“But I care!”
Chang Baicao remained very stubborn.
Gradually, his eyes reddened.
He suddenly stood up.
“I took her as a disciple because of you, hoping that she could grow old with you. I never expected her to cruelly abort the child to save Gu Yuan. I taught her medical skills before, and now I will teach her how to be a person!”