The Princess's Woes

The servant at the gate was momentarily stunned upon hearing the name Su Qing.

Though he was merely a servant, his information was not outdated. Being a servant of the Commandery Princess’s manor, he heard news from the surrounding cities quite often. Naturally, he knew this name.

After all, the name of the Divine Doctor Su Qing was famous in many nearby cities. Even the Commandery Princess’s own health had been cured by that very doctor!

Beyond that, there were many strange and miraculous legends associated with her. If he didn't even know this name, his information would have to be incredibly isolated.

However, while he knew the name and that the Divine Doctor was said to be as beautiful as a celestial, he had never been to Linzhou City and thus did not know her true appearance.

Faced with this person claiming to be Su Qing from Linzhou City, the servant didn't dare to believe it entirely.

Yet, the woman’s appearance was indeed stunning, and her temperament was unlike that of an ordinary person. Even if she wasn't the Divine Doctor, she was certainly a person of noble status.

"Are you truly the Divine Doctor Su Qing?" the servant asked, lowering his posture as he cupped his hands.

Su Qing nodded and said, "Just go and announce me. Your Princess will know whether I am she or not."

Hearing this, the servant didn't dare say more. He nodded and hurried inside to report.

Regardless of whether she was the real Divine Doctor, her identity was clearly not simple. The right course of action was to report honestly and let the higher-ups decide.

Inside the manor.

The Commandery Princess was currently kneeling before a statue of a Bodhisattva, chanting under her breath—it seemed she was reciting a sutra. The events of the previous night had shaken her deeply, and she still hadn't fully recovered.

Just then, an old man approached and said respectfully, "Princess, a servant says there is a woman at the gate claiming to be Su Qing who wishes to see you."

The Princess paused and asked, "Is it the Su Qing from Linzhou City? Never mind, Uncle Fu, go and see for yourself. You've met the Divine Doctor before. If it is truly her, invite her in. If not, tell her I am not receiving guests today."

The old man nodded, answered her, and turned to leave.

A short while later, Uncle Fu arrived at the manor gates. He glanced at Su Qing, then at the bored Su Qingyu beside her.

A warm, enthusiastic smile immediately broke across his face. "It truly is Divine Doctor Su! To have kept you waiting here so long is truly a lapse in etiquette."

Su Qing shook her head and said indifferently, "It’s fine. It’s not a big deal."

"The Divine Doctor saved my Princess’s life. How could keeping you waiting not be a big deal?" Uncle Fu shook his head. "Please, Divine Doctor, come inside and have some tea!"

Su Qing nodded, no longer bothering with polite formalities. She didn't much care whether his words were sincere or just social grace.

Her purpose for coming here wasn't to curry favor with the powerful, but simply to buy a few good horses. She disliked and couldn't be bothered with continued official small talk.

Su Qing followed Uncle Fu into the manor. Although she had seen the layout from the sky once, she only had a partial understanding of its structure. She followed him to the guest hall.

A Bodhisattva statue stood there, with incense still burning before it, along with various offerings. Su Qing took a quick look.

Yes, the one being worshipped was herself.

"Even though I'm used to it, it still feels a bit surreal," Su Qing thought to herself with a slight smile.

"Where is the Princess?" Su Qing asked.

Uncle Fu smiled and said, "The Princess is still praying before the Bodhisattva. She will likely be here in a moment. I am truly sorry to make you wait. Please, Divine Doctor, do not be offended. Have some tea. I will go and wait by the Princess and bring her here as soon as she finishes her prayers."

Su Qing nodded, feeling no annoyance. She simply said, "I see. It’s no harm to wait a bit longer, as prayer is more important."

Uncle Fu nodded with a smile and then ordered the servants to prepare some pastries.

These pastries weren't meant to appease Su Qing, but rather to keep Su Qingyu occupied. Uncle Fu knew very well that as long as the child didn't make a fuss, Su Qing wouldn't be annoyed. He understood that when dealing with someone traveling with a child, one must first settle the child.

After giving his orders, Uncle Fu went to find the Princess.

"Princess, it is indeed Divine Doctor Su who has arrived," Uncle Fu reported.

Hearing that it was truly Su Qing, the Princess stood up quickly. "Then what are we waiting for? Let us go meet her! She is my savior; we cannot neglect her. You didn't slight her, did you?"

Uncle Fu smiled and shook his head. "She is your savior, Miss. How would I dare slight her?"

"That’s good!" The Princess nodded. "Let’s go meet her. I wonder what business the Divine Doctor has with me today."

The Princess held Su Qing in exceptionally high regard. On one hand, Su Qing was her savior who had cured her chronic illness. On the other, it was Su Qing who had told her about the One-Leaf Bodhisattva, a deity who cared for the sick, allowing her to live under the Bodhisattva’s light until now.

If not for the One-Leaf Bodhisattva’s protection last night, she would likely have lost her life already. At the thought, she felt that the manor’s defenses needed to be strengthened even further. Assassins had managed to slip into her room without a single guard noticing. Looking back, she still felt a lingering fear.

Uncle Fu smiled and nodded, soon leading the Princess to Su Qing.

Upon seeing Su Qing, the Princess walked up warmly and gave her a hug. "Divine Doctor Su, it really is you! I was just wondering when I could go see you, but I never expected you to come looking for me."

Because of her lifelong illness, the Princess had always seemed as fragile as a willow when she visited Su Qing. Now that she was cured, her entire demeanor was much brighter. It was as if she had transformed from a sickly, melancholic beauty into a cheerful young woman.

However, looking at her, she seemed to have a gaze of 'clear-eyed foolishness.' But Su Qing knew this girl was as sharp as a tack. After all, without a bit of wit, how could she govern a whole prefecture so well?

"You've changed quite a bit! When you first came to my clinic, you had a face full of worry and looked half-dead," Su Qing said with a smile.

"Isn't that because I'm better now? When one is healthy, one should naturally be happier," the Princess laughed. "I truly didn't expect you to leave Linzhou City, Divine Doctor."

"I never intended to stay in one place forever. I only stayed there because I had to look after this girl. But you know the current situation; I don't want to be caught in the fires of war, so I left."

"So that’s how it is... Sigh, war truly is a nuisance," the Princess sighed. "So many more people are going to die."

"Indeed," Su Qing nodded helplessly. "As a healer, I hate seeing such things happen."

The Princess nodded and then asked, "Oh, by the way, Divine Doctor, what business brings you to me?"

"I intend to buy a few horses from you. There are quite a few people from the clinic, and squeezing into one carriage is a bit inconvenient." Su Qing didn't use any diplomatic fluff and stated her business clearly.

Hearing this, the Princess was stunned for a moment. "It was only for something like that? That is no problem at all. I would be happy to just give them to you."

"I must still pay," Su Qing shook her head.

"As you wish, Divine Doctor," the Princess smiled. "Is there anything else you need besides horses? I have carriages here as well."

"That won't be necessary. I've already sent the people from the clinic to purchase one."

"I see." The Princess nodded and didn't push the matter, instead asking, "Where do you plan to go, Divine Doctor?"

"I haven't decided yet, but if nothing unexpected happens, I should be heading to the capital to stay for a while," Su Qing said after a moment of silence.

"Is that so?" The Princess nodded with a smile. "Then after the war is over, I shall go to the capital to find you!"

"I shall be waiting for you in the capital then," Su Qing laughed.

"Right! Come, Divine Doctor, let’s go pick out some horses together!" The Princess stood up.

Su Qing nodded and followed her to select the horses. The process wasn't difficult. Su Qing didn't have high requirements; as long as they were strong and free of hidden ailments, they would do. She quickly found horses she liked.

As for the price, the Princess made it very cheap—essentially just a token amount. Su Qing understood that she was trying to repay her kindness, so she didn't refuse the gesture.

After settling the matter of the horses, Su Qing didn't leave immediately. Instead, she chatted with the Princess about other things—the changes in the world and her views on the current state of affairs.

Su Qing discovered that although the Princess was just a woman, she had many of her own views on these matters, even some unique insights. This earned her Su Qing’s admiration. After all, this child had been bedridden for years.

"You truly surprise me, Princess."

"I was bedridden for years with nothing to do but pass the time thinking about these things," the Princess smiled. "Unfortunately, I am but a woman. Even if I have talent in these areas, I am destined to never put them to use. Being able to exercise them in my own little corner is already the limit."

Su Qing shook her head. "The world is in turmoil. Who can say for sure?"

"You joke, Divine Doctor. I don't have such grand ambitions."

"Just a joke, don't take it to heart," Su Qing smiled. "Speaking of which, do you have any leads on who was behind the assassination attempts lately?"

The Princess paused, her eyes dimming slightly before she shook her head with a smile. "No real leads yet... I just hope they don't come again. A weak woman like me really can't handle it."

"That is indeed a hassle," Su Qing nodded. "But you are favored by destiny, Princess; I'm sure you'll be fine. After all, even the One-Leaf Bodhisattva stepped in to save you."

"The Bodhisattva can save me for a moment, but not for a lifetime. I still have to save myself!" the Princess said helplessly.

"Those words are very true," Su Qing agreed, nodding. She had saved her this time because she happened to encounter the assassins, but next time might be different. She couldn't watch over the Princess forever.

"Speaking of which... Divine Doctor, what do you think of the state of the world? Do you think... how far can the rebels actually go?" the Princess asked, quickly changing the subject.

Su Qing smiled and said, "I think they will meet their defeat here with you."

"What makes you say that?"

"No particular reason, just a strange sense of trust in you. Besides... since you've been assassinated repeatedly, there must be a reason behind it. Someone must fear you, right?"

"You truly joke, Divine Doctor. I am but a weak woman; who could fear me?" The Princess shook her head. "You think too highly of me."

"Whether I do or not, the future will tell," Su Qing said with a smile. "After all, you still have to come find me in the capital!"

"Hahaha, you are truly interesting, Divine Doctor."

Su Qing smiled and said, "Alright, it’s getting late. Princess, I should head back."

The Princess nodded. "Do you need me to send someone to help you deliver the horses to the inn?"

"No need, I’ll just lead them back myself," Su Qing said, shaking her head.

The Princess nodded with a smile. "Very well... Oh, once you reach the capital, remember to send me a letter so I know where you live and can find you."

Su Qing didn't refuse. "Don't worry, I’ll certainly send you a letter."

The Princess was all smiles as she ordered Uncle Fu to see them out.

After leaving the manor, Su Qing led the horses back toward the inn. Uncle Fu, having seen Su Qing off, returned to the Princess’s side.

"Princess, Divine Doctor Su has departed," Uncle Fu said.

The Princess nodded. "Uncle Fu, do you think... we can really hold this place?"

"You will certainly hold it, Princess. After all, your Second Imperial Brother has sent assassins time and again; he must be worried that he cannot take this place as long as you are here," Uncle Fu replied earnestly.

The Princess nodded tiredly. "Whatever... we’ll take it one step at a time. It’s strange; now that I’m healthy, I feel even more exhausted than when I was sick."

Uncle Fu could only offer a helpless smile, looking at her with concern. The Princess soon returned to the Bodhisattva statue. These days, she could only find complete peace of mind when she was before the statue.

She knelt before the image and whispered to herself, "Bodhisattva... what exactly should I do? Please, tell me!"

She was conflicted. She didn't want to die, nor did she want to be dragged into the conflict, and she certainly didn't want to fight her own brother in a fratricidal struggle. Unfortunately, the statue would not answer her.

However, while the statue wouldn't answer, Su Qing would.

On her way back, Su Qing heard the Princess’s prayer and gave a helpless smile. She then formed a Dharma seal with her hand and used the statue to respond.

"Go forth! You who are favored by destiny."

Su Qing’s response carried a hint of mischief and playfulness. Of course, she was also thinking... since this Princess had such good military and political talent, why not give her a push? Let her become the Queen or Empress Regnant of this country!

What? You say immortals shouldn't interfere in mortal wars?

I was merely responding to a follower’s question; how could that be considered interference? And even if it were, it was the One-Leaf Bodhisattva who interfered. What does that have to do with me, Bi Ling Yuanjun?

My One-Leaf Bodhisattva persona isn't part of the Heavenly Court!

Of course, that was just talk. Whether the Princess would actually do it or succeed had little to do with Su Qing. After all, Su Qing couldn't provide direct help or kill enemies for her. So, whatever happened was ultimately the Princess’s own business. At most, Su Qing would just respond to some of her prayers and grant her some auspicious signs.

On the other side, hearing such a response before the Buddha, the Princess froze in place. She looked around and found no one else nearby. She looked at the statue and asked, "Was that the Bodhisattva speaking?"

The statue gave no further answer, standing there silently. The Princess remained silent as well for a long time. Finally, she slowly stood up, left the room, and called for Uncle Fu.

"Princess?"

"Prepare the horses."

"Where are you going?"

"Accompany me to the city defense army."

"Yes."

The Princess had made up her mind.

Meanwhile, Su Qing had no idea what the Princess planned to do. She simply led the horses back to the inn and put them in the stables. Returning to her room, she lay down on the bed. Su Qingyu lay down beside her as well.

Compared to Su Qing, Su Qingyu was truly exhausted. She was just a child, and after walking for so long, she was too tired to move. If they hadn't ridden back on the horses, she probably wouldn't have made it.

"Master~ why are you so good at walking?"

"Because your Master has high martial arts!"

"...I want to practice martial arts too."

"Once we reach a place to settle down, you can."

"Okay!"

Su Qingyu nodded, was silent for a while, and then asked, "By the way, Master, what were you and the Princess talking about today? I didn't understand a word of it."

"You're still young; it’s fine if you don't understand," Su Qing laughed. "If you want to understand, I’ll add this subject to your curriculum in a while."

Hearing this, Su Qingyu was instantly dazed. She had only asked out of curiosity; how did she suddenly end up with another subject to study?

"I... I’m not curious anymore! So can I not learn it?"

"No, I suddenly feel like you should learn it."

"..." Su Qingyu wanted to cry but had no tears.