The Path of the Martial

Su Qing wasn't surprised that Rendong had left an impression on Hu Lin’er. After all, the child was far more mature than her years suggested.

“Poor children grow up fast. Perhaps Rendong is simply one of the more exceptional cases,” Su Qing said with a smile.

“Perhaps so,” Hu Lin’er agreed with a nod.

Su Qing chuckled and continued, “Anyway, I’ll have to trouble you to keep teaching them. They might be maids on paper, but they’re really just ordinary children who don’t know how to do anything yet. I’ll leave their training to you.”

Hu Lin’er nodded. “It is my duty.”

“Then I’ll leave it in your hands. By the way, where is little Qingyu?”

“She heard there were three new children in the house and went off to play with Rendong and the others,” Hu Lin’er replied. “Should I call her back?”

“No need. If she wants to play with them, let her,” Su Qing said, waving a hand dismissively. “She’s still a child herself. It’s good for her to spend time with people her own age.”

Thinking about it, Su Qing realized the girl had almost no playmates, especially none her own age. Her only close friend was a cat—and though that cat was a demon, it couldn't actually speak to Su Qingyu. Aside from being smarter than your average feline, it was no different from a regular pet.

Now that there were children her age to keep her company, Su Qing was happy to let her go. If they could become good friends, then even if Su Qing had to leave her side in the future, the girl would have someone to lean on.

Hu Lin’er nodded. “Understood, Miss. Is there anything else you need me to do?”

“Nothing else.”

Hu Lin’er bowed and went about her business.

Once she was alone, Su Qing sat in her chair, lost in thought. I really should open a medical clinic soon. I can’t just stay idle forever. As for that Rat Prime Minister… I can’t rush that. I need a proper plan. Simply killing him would be a waste.

Her primary goal was to collect Incense Power. Without that requirement, she would have chosen the simplest, most direct method: storming the imperial palace and cutting off the Rat Prime Minister’s head. Even if he was at the Earthly Immortal realm, Su Qing was a hundred percent certain she could kill him. Even if her clone couldn't handle it, her true body could always intervene; it wouldn't take long for her main self to travel from the Northern Continent.

Killing him was easy. But doing it so abruptly would be wasteful. It wouldn't help her develop her faith, nor would it squeeze every bit of value out of the demon. Su Qing intended to take a more roundabout path: kill the Prime Minister while simultaneously grooming her own Emperor. That was the only way to truly plant the seeds of her faith in this nation.

It was more troublesome, certainly. But so what? As long as her goals were met, the effort was worth it.

But… how exactly should I go about it?

She had the general idea, but a concrete plan had yet to take shape.

Forget it. Rushing won't bring an answer. I’ll take it one step at a time.

She knew some things couldn't be forced. Besides, that Rat Prime Minister wasn't going anywhere. Su Qing stood up, stretched, and went to find Su Qingyu. She wanted to see if the little one was actually getting along with the new maids.

She found them quickly. Su Qingyu was talking animatedly to the other girls, who seemed to be listening intently. They appeared to be getting along well. While Rendong and the others were already acutely aware of social hierarchies, Su Qingyu didn’t care for such things. Su Qing smiled and turned away, deciding not to interrupt their fun.

Time flowed by, and in the blink of an eye, another half-month had passed.

By now, Rendong and the others were completely settled in. After two weeks of proper care, the once-scrawny girls had filled out a bit. They weren't exactly chubby—Su Qing wasn't a miracle worker—but their health had visibly improved. They still couldn't compare to Su Qingyu, whose constitution Su Qing had been meticulously tempering since she was a baby, but they no longer looked malnourished.

Rendong showed the most change. She was a natural beauty whose features had been hidden by poverty and hunger. Now that she was healthy, her potential was starting to show.

In the courtyard, Qiujv and Moli were sweeping up fallen leaves. Qiujv was a chatterbox, and now that she was comfortable, she talked more than ever.

“Moli, I feel like we’ve hit the jackpot coming here!” Qiujv said. “I heard most masters treat maids terribly. Our Miss looks a bit cold, but she’s actually so kind to us.”

Moli was more introverted. Facing Qiujv’s non-stop talking, she often didn't know how to respond. After a long pause, she said, “The Miss is indeed very kind… and so is the Little Master. Even though we’re just servants, she doesn't mind playing with us. She even wants to teach us so many things…”

“Little Master” was how they referred to Su Qingyu. Since Su Qing insisted they call her “Miss” rather than “Madam,” they had settled on “Little Master” for the daughter.

As for why Su Qingyu was the one teaching them to read and count, it wasn't Su Qing’s idea. Su Qingyu had volunteered. Su Qing didn't ask why, though she suspected the girl just wanted to feel like a teacher. Regardless, Su Qing didn't stop her. Su Qingyu’s own foundation was rock-solid, so there was no risk of her teaching them incorrectly.

“Yeah, yeah!” Qiujv nodded, sweeping as she spoke. “We’re lucky to have such a master. I just wish the Little Master didn’t want to teach us characters all the time! Looking at those strokes makes my head ache. And that math… I feel like my brain is going to explode.”

Qiujv was a simple soul and not at all suited for academics. She learned housework quickly, but the moment it came to intellectual pursuits, her brain seemed to fill with wet cement. She simply couldn't absorb any of it. Naturally, she hated studying, even if she still adored Su Qingyu.

Moli just smiled and didn't argue. Unlike Qiujv, Moli enjoyed learning. She wasn't a genius, but she was diligent and could actually retain the knowledge. In the past half-month, while Qiujv had barely learned to write her own name, Moli could already recite parts of the Three Character Classic from memory.

Qiujv sighed, looking up at the sun. “By the way, where’s Rendong today? I haven't seen her.”

“The Miss took her out,” Moli replied. “I think the Miss’s clinic opened today, so she took Rendong along to help.”

Moli felt a twinge of envy. Being chosen to accompany Su Qing meant the Miss was very satisfied with Rendong’s performance.

Qiujv scratched her head. “The clinic is open already? And she took Rendong? I’m so jealous.”

She was envious, but she knew she couldn't compare to Rendong. The gap between them was too wide. “Well… I guess it makes sense. Wait, is the Little Master and Miss Yiyi gone too?”

“Hehe, you were so busy with the laundry and sweeping that you didn't even notice,” Moli teased.

While Qiujv was terrible at studying, she was the most hardworking when it came to physical labor. She put her heart into every chore—as long as it didn't involve a book.

On the other side of the city, Su Qing was incredibly busy. Following her old pattern, she had launched the clinic with a day of free consultations to build her reputation. However, she had slightly underestimated the demand. She thought that even with her fame, the people of the capital wouldn't all know her immediately. She was wrong.

On the very first day, the clinic was swamped. Fortunately, she wasn't alone. Ao Yiyi and Li Yichou were helping, while Hu Lin’er, Jin Xin, and Rendong acted as assistants. Despite the chaos, things ran smoothly without any major incidents.

By evening, Su Qing finally closed the doors. She sat inside, rubbing her sore wrists. She was exhausted.

“Honestly… I get it if the sick people come, but why did the healthy ones have to join the crowd too?” Su Qing grumbled to herself.

Of the massive crowd that day, many weren't actually ill; they were just there for the spectacle.

“That’s the price of being a famous doctor, Miss,” Li Yichou said with a tired smile. “Everyone wants a piece of the action. If they’re sick, they get cured; if they’re not, they get peace of mind.”

Su Qing pouted. “Human nature, I suppose.”

She understood the logic; she just needed to vent after a long day. “Well, the free consultations are only for today. The word is out now, so we can go back to a normal schedule tomorrow.”

She had originally planned for several days of charity, but after today, she decided against it. She didn't want to make things harder for herself. Li Yichou nodded in agreement; she was just as tired.

Su Qing stretched, easing the stiffness in her back from sitting all day. She turned to look at Rendong. The girl had been running around all day helping out. Her face was a mask of stoicism, making it impossible to tell if she was tired or not. She was always like this—diligent, quiet, and never complaining.

But Su Qing knew the girl cared. If she didn't, she wouldn't have asked to be bought back at the brokerage. She clearly yearned for a better life.

Su Qing smiled. “Sit down for a bit. You’ve been on your feet all day.”

Rendong looked at Su Qing and nodded silently. “Yes, Miss.”

“How was your first day helping out?” Su Qing asked.

“Compared to the harvest season back home, this is easy,” Rendong replied after a moment. “Thank you for your concern, Miss.”

Su Qing blinked, then gave a helpless smile. “How old were you when you started farming?”

“Five or six, I think,” Rendong said, reflecting.

Su Qing looked at her. The girl looked about ten, but due to her past malnutrition, she was likely older. She had clearly suffered a great deal in her short life. Poor children grow up fast indeed.

“That must have been hard.”

“It wasn't hard… as long as I’m alive, it’s not hard,” Rendong answered.

She knew what kind of child Su Qing liked, so she tried her best to be that person. She didn't want special treatment, nor did she dream of becoming like Su Qingyu. She just instinctively wanted to please Su Qing to ensure she wasn't discarded. She didn't want to be sold again. If she were, there was no guarantee she would find another master as kind as Su Qing. So, she did everything she could to be useful.

Su Qing smiled and patted her head. The child was mature, hardworking, and had a people-pleasing streak. She was both a relief and a worry.

“Alright then. From now on, you’ll help out here at the clinic. We need a pair of hands here. Moli and Qiujv can handle the housework.”

Rendong nodded obediently, a flicker of genuine happiness in her eyes. Being useful meant she was less likely to lose her home again.

Su Qing didn't know the girl’s exact thoughts, but she patted her head once more. “Alright, let’s pack up and go home. I’m dead tired!”

No one argued with that. They were all ready for a rest. After the initial rush, the clinic settled into a steady rhythm. While it never reached the frantic levels of the first day, it remained busy. A month passed in this manner.

Su Qing’s reputation as a divine doctor was now firmly established in the capital. At first, some were skeptical, but as more and more people were cured, her status became undeniable. Whenever someone fell ill in the city, their first thought was Su Qing’s clinic. It was far busier than her time in Linzhou City.

Fortunately, Su Qing wasn't doing everything herself anymore. She delegated most cases to Ao Yiyi and Li Yichou. Both were skilled enough to handle common ailments with ease. Su Qing only stepped in for difficult cases or things her assistants couldn't manage. This allowed her to train them while freeing up her own time for other matters.

She had worried that people would stop coming if she wasn't the one seeing them personally, but the opposite happened. Having assistants only reinforced her image as a grandmaster of medicine. Su Qing could only enjoy her moments of peace while feeling a playful sense of 'guilt' toward her hard-working assistants.

One day, Su Qing sat in the clinic, pondering her next move. She hadn't thought much about her grand plan over the last two months, but with a quiet day and her three bodies all relatively free, her mind was clear. A spark of inspiration struck.

Yes, I can support the Commandery Princess to become the new Empress.

She has the talent for it, she’s already interested in the throne, and she’s a believer.

If she becomes the ruler, my faith will spread across the entire nation, just like in the Women's Kingdom.

Su Qing smiled to herself, though she didn't get too ahead of herself. There were many obstacles. The Renwu Kingdom was plagued by internal strife and external threats, not to mention the demons stealing the local divine positions and Incense Power. Making her Empress and keeping her there wouldn't be easy.

She let out a long breath. The plan can wait. For now, I should get in touch with her.

She picked up a brush and drafted a letter to the Commandery Princess. Once finished, she called Hu Lin’er.

“Put this in the tube and tie it to the bird we got from the Princess. Let it fly back to her.”

When Su Qing had left Jia County, the Princess had given her a messenger bird—the one Su Qingyu had named White Feather. They had kept it with them, knowing it would be useful eventually. That time had come.

Hu Lin’er blinked. “I can do that. But why the sudden contact, Miss?”

“I told her I’d send her my address once I settled in the capital,” Su Qing said, leaning her head on her hand with a smile. “I can’t go back on my word, can I?”

“I see… I’ll go send it now.”

Hu Lin’er returned to the house, secured the letter to the bird, and released it. Will this bird really find its way back? she wondered. Well, if the Miss says it will, it will. I shouldn't overthink it.

The Messenger Falcon was fast. While it couldn't match a Somersault Cloud, it was far swifter than any human courier. Three days later, in the study of the Commandery Princess’s manor in Jia County, the Princess heard a familiar cry.

A Messenger Falcon? she thought, looking up from her paperwork. Is it news from the front? Or… the one I gave to Doctor Su?

The cries were all similar, so she couldn't be sure until she saw it. She put on her leather glove and stepped outside, blowing a whistle. The falcon spiraled down and landed on her arm. She stroked its chin and noticed the white tail feathers.

It is the doctor’s bird! She must have reached the capital. The Princess smiled. She actually remembered our agreement. She really is a good person.

She retrieved the letter and read it carefully. It wasn't long. Aside from giving her current address and inviting the Princess to visit, Su Qing described her journey, including her encounters with demons and how she had dispatched them. She also bluntly stated that the country was rotten to the core. At the very end, Su Qing added a subtle note: if the Princess wished to become Empress, Su Qing was willing to help.

The Princess froze, a sharp intake of breath escaping her. With her intelligence, how could she miss the weight of that offer? It was shocking.

She looked down at the paper. She didn't doubt its authenticity or Su Qing’s words. Having witnessed the miracle of the Bodhisattva, she believed Su Qing had the power to deal with demons and put her on the throne. When she had first met Su Qing, she had asked how her medical skills were so divine. Su Qing had told her she was an emissary of the One-Leaf Bodhisattva, tasked with spreading her faith. She had even claimed her medical knowledge came from the Bodhisattva herself.

At the time, the Princess thought it was a joke. But after the Bodhisattva appeared, she was a true believer. Of course, the reality was that Su Qing was the One-Leaf Bodhisattva, and those stories were just fabrications to gain followers. She had made up dozens of versions and sometimes even forgot which one she’d told whom!

Regardless, the stories and the subsequent 'miracle' had turned the skeptical Princess into a devout follower of the One-Leaf Bodhisattva. This was the foundation of the trust Su Qing now enjoyed.

“Phew…”

The Princess let out a long breath and burned the letter with a fire-starter. “Even if the doctor is willing to help, the priority is still dealing with the rebels outside the city,” she murmured. “If I can't solve the rebellion, there is no 'after.'"

She knew peace talks were useless. Someone wanted her dead. To survive, she had to kill those who sought her life. Only then could she consider the throne.

The Princess did indeed have ambition. It was just buried very, very deep.

Back at the clinic in the capital, Su Qing had no idea how complicated the Princess’s feelings were. She was still lost in her own thoughts, looking a bit dazed. Fortunately, there were no critical patients that day that Ao Yiyi and Li Yichou couldn't handle, so she was left in peace.

Suddenly, someone tugged at her sleeve.

Su Qing blinked and looked down. “What is it, little one? Is your homework done? Are you bored and looking for more?”

Su Qingyu shook her head vigorously. She definitely wasn't looking for more homework. “Master, why are you always thinking about giving me more work?”

“You looked idle, so I thought I’d find you something to do!” Su Qing teased.

“I’m not idle at all! I’m very busy! Besides my studies and homework, I’m teaching Rendong and the others to read!” the girl said with a serious face.

Su Qing chuckled, not calling her out. “So, what do you want?”

“Master, do you remember promising to teach me martial arts once we settled down?”

Su Qingyu was here to hold her to her word. Her memory was usually poor, but while she was procrastinating on her homework, the thought had suddenly popped into her head. Fearing she’d forget again, she had rushed over immediately. She had been dreaming of being a great hero for a long time—she already had her own sword; she just needed the skills.

Su Qing rubbed her chin. “I suppose I did promise that… but didn't you say you were very busy? Do you even have time for martial arts?”

Su Qingyu put her hands on her hips. “Of course I do! I can squeeze some time out!”

Su Qing laughed and nodded. “Fine. When we get home tonight, I’ll have Li Yichou teach you the basics.”

Since she’d promised, she couldn't go back on it. Besides, she had always intended for the girl to learn; it had just slipped her mind amidst the recent move. Su Qingyu beamed and hugged Su Qing’s leg. “Master, you’re the best!”

“Oh? When I give you homework, I’m the villain, but now I’m the best?”

“No way! Master is always the best!” the girl insisted.

The black cat lounging on the counter let out a meow that sounded suspiciously like a laugh. Su Qing shook her head. “Martial arts is hard work, though. Harder than your homework. Can you handle it?”

“Definitely!”

“You said it yourself… once you start, there’s no quitting. Understand?”

Su Qingyu nodded firmly. “Don't worry, Master! I’ll stick with it.”

Su Qing patted her head. “Then remember those words. Also… is your homework actually finished?”

Su Qingyu froze, an awkward smile spreading across her face. “I-it’s done!”

Su Qing sighed. The girl was a terrible liar. “If it’s not done, go back and finish it!” She gave the girl a light tap on the head. “If it’s not finished by the time we leave, you’re not starting your martial arts today!”

Terrified of losing her chance to be a hero, Su Qingyu scrambled back to the rear courtyard. Her homework usually only took an hour if she focused, but she was a world-class procrastinator. Su Qing often let her get away with it because she was just too cute.

As the girl ran off, Su Qing smiled. She was about to return to her planning when a patient arrived who actually required her personal attention. With a sigh, she got back to work.

By the time the sun set, the clinic was closed, and the group returned home. As soon as they stepped through the door, Su Qingyu pestered Li Yichou to start the lessons.

Su Qing intervened. “She’s old enough now. You can start her training. Don't hold back; use the same methods the Yue-Nu Sect uses for new recruits.”

Li Yichou was stunned. “Are you sure? Will she be able to take it?”

Su Qing blinked. Was the Yue-Nu Sect’s training that brutal? She shook her head. “I’ve been tempering her body with medicine since she was a baby. She’ll be fine. If she wants to learn, she shouldn't settle for being mediocre. She has to be the best.”

Li Yichou’s lip twitched. “Isn't that a bit much to ask of a child?”

“It’s fine. If she really can’t do it, we’ll stop,” Su Qing said with a shrug. “Just teach her.”

Li Yichou sighed. “I’ll do my best then.”

“I’ll leave her to you. I don't know much about martial arts, so I won't try to show off. You’re the expert.”

Li Yichou’s eye twitched again. You’re really using 'laziness' as an excuse? You don't know martial arts? I’ve sparred with you for so long and I can't even touch you! If you don't know martial arts, then what am I?

She screamed internally at Su Qing’s blatant lies but didn't say it out loud. She just gave Su Qing a long look and nodded. “I understand, Miss. I’ll do my best.”

Su Qing knew exactly what the girl was thinking, but she didn't care. She wasn't lying—she was a cultivator. Her knowledge of martial arts was superficial at best. She could help draft techniques, but only because they were derived from cultivation methods. Beyond that, she was clueless.

“Good! I believe in you.”

With that, Su Qing headed for her study. Li Yichou sighed and patted Su Qingyu’s head. “Come on, Qingyu. Let’s start with the basics.”