How Do You Plan to Help Me?

As for this special guest...

She was, naturally, someone Su Qing was very familiar with.

After all, not long ago, Su Qing had specifically traveled out to save her life. Of course, the guest was entirely unaware of that fact.

In her eyes, it was the One-Leaf Bodhisattva who had rescued her.

"Divine Doctor, I’ve come to see you!" the Commandery Princess said with a beaming smile. "I apologize; I ran into a few issues on the road, which caused a bit of a delay. After arriving here in the Capital, I had to see my father first, so I’m only just now able to visit you! I’ve truly kept you waiting."

"I wouldn't say I was waiting! But for the Princess to come see me is already my honor," Su Qing replied with a smile, watching the Princess walk into the clinic with a single guard in tow.

The Princess shook her head. "Divine Doctor, please don't say such things. And why must you be so formal? We are already friends; you should just call me Ye Qingyu."

"That won't do. You are a Commandery Princess, after all. It wouldn't be right for me to address you so directly by name," Su Qing declined with a laugh.

"I may be a Princess, but you are my savior... To me, my status as a Princess means nothing in your presence!" the Princess insisted. "However, if you truly are unwilling to call me by my name... then how about a compromise? Let us address each other as sisters. I shall call you Sister, and you can call me Little Sister! After all, you are indeed older than me!"

Clearly, the Princess was very eager to close the distance between herself and Su Qing.

To the Princess, Su Qing was vital.

Not only was Su Qing her savior, but she was also an essential ally for her future attempt to seize the throne. Therefore, they could not remain distant; they had to become close.

Only then could they truly trust each other.

After all, what they intended to do was quite treasonous. If they couldn't trust one another, things would go wrong very easily.

Upon hearing this compromise, Su Qing knew it would be difficult to refuse again.

Thus, she could only nod with a smile and say, "Since the Princess has put it that way, I shall take the liberty of being the Princess's elder sister."

In truth, she really wanted to complain that she wasn't actually older than the Princess. If anything, the Princess should be the elder sister.

If one calculated based on the age of her clone, she was technically only a few years old.

That was right—this clone was still just a toddler!

However, if one calculated based on the age of her true body... she would look young even if she were the Princess's grandmother.

"Don't say that, Sister. I’m only too happy to have you as my elder sister!" the Princess said cheerfully.

Su Qing shook her head helplessly. "This isn't the place for a proper conversation. Why don't you follow me to the back room? Talking here will only disturb the other patients."

It was still early, and there were many patients present. If the two of them chatted here, it would certainly interfere with the consultations.

Furthermore, the things they needed to discuss were absolutely not meant for such a public setting.

After all, their topic was more or less treasonous.

The Princess naturally understood the risks involved.

She nodded with a smile. "This is a clinic; even in the back, we might still disturb others. How about this: Sister Su, come with me to a restaurant to chat! It’s my own property, and the food there is excellent. I guarantee you’ll like it!"

There was naturally a hidden meaning in the Princess's words.

By telling Su Qing it was her own property, she was reassuring her that their conversation would be safe.

There was no need to worry about outsiders eavesdropping.

Of course...

The Princess likely didn't know that Su Qing wasn't worried about being overheard at all.

Even in the back room of the clinic, she had no concerns.

After all, it was just a matter of a simple soundproofing spell.

With her mastery of magic, casting such a spell silently and invisibly was incredibly easy.

So, it really didn't matter where they went.

However, since the Princess wanted to speak at her own establishment, Su Qing had no objection.

Su Qing nodded with a smile. "Since you’ve recommended it, I must go."

"That’s perfect then. As for the others in the clinic... is everyone free at noon? Why don't we close the shop for a bit at lunchtime and all go to the restaurant together for a meal?"

When the Princess invited someone, she naturally couldn't just take Su Qing and leave it at that.

There were other people in the clinic, after all.

So, she had to invite everyone together.

Su Qing didn't immediately respond. She simply turned to look at Ao Yiyi and the others, giving them an inquiring glance.

Whether they were willing to go was up to them.

Su Qing wouldn't force the issue.

Faced with Su Qing’s silent question, Jin Xin was the first to speak up.

She stood up and said, "If Sister Su is going, then I’m going too... Wherever Sister Su is, that’s where I’ll be."

Su Qing wasn't surprised by this answer at all.

This girl wanted to follow her everywhere she went.

So, Su Qing had nothing to say to that.

As long as this girl didn't have a lapse in judgment and say something strange in front of everyone, it would be fine.

Indeed, Su Qing’s expectations for Jin Xin were already very low.

If she still managed to run her mouth despite that,

Then Su Qing would have no choice but to use a spell to seal her lips.

After Jin Xin spoke, the others followed suit.

Everyone was willing to go out for a meal together.

After all, a free lunch was a free lunch!

"Very well. Since everyone is going, I’ll send someone to pick you all up at noon and take you to the Drunken Immortal Restaurant!" the Princess said with a smile. She then turned back to Su Qing and asked, "How does that sound, Sister Su?"

"Since you’ve already made the decision, Little Sister, I’ll naturally follow your lead! It saves me the trouble of thinking," Su Qing replied with an indifferent nod.

Seeing this, the Princess nodded. "Then it’s settled. You all must come!"

Ao Yiyi also nodded in response. "Don't worry, Princess. We will be there."

"Excellent! Then Sister Su and I will head out first... We’ll wait for you at the restaurant!"

"Mhm. Safe travels, Princess," Ao Yiyi said, nodding simply.

Su Qing followed the Princess out of the clinic.

However, as she left, she didn't forget to send a quick Sound Transmission to Ao Yiyi to give her a few instructions.

Of course, it wouldn't have mattered if she hadn't said anything.

It was just a habit; if she didn't say something, she felt a bit out of sorts.

After leaving the clinic, Su Qing followed the Princess straight into the carriage.

The guard once again took his place as the coachman.

"By the way, why didn't I see Uncle Fu this time? Don't you trust him deeply? Why didn't you bring him along?" Su Qing asked with a smile, not letting the atmosphere turn silent once they were inside.

Ye Qingyu smiled and shook her head. "I left Jia Prefecture, but the prefecture still needs someone to watch over it, and Uncle Fu is the only choice. I wouldn't feel at ease leaving anyone else in charge."

Jia Prefecture was her foundation.

She had gone to great lengths to send those rebels away and get them to fight elsewhere.

If the prefecture were to fall because she left for a few days...

Then it would truly be a loss not worth the gain.

So even if she left, someone had to stay behind to watch over it, and Uncle Fu was the best candidate.

After all, he had been with her for many years and knew everything.

Moreover, his abilities were equally outstanding.

"That’s true. Uncle Fu does indeed have that kind of capability," Su Qing agreed with a nod and a smile.

Did Uncle Fu actually have that capability? How would she know?

She was just going along with it.

After all, she was only curious why he wasn't there; she didn't actually care how strong his abilities were.

Because there would be no need for him in the future—at least, that was how Su Qing saw it—so there was naturally no need to pay him much mind.

"Compared to Uncle Fu, I’m more curious about what your plan is, Sister?" The Princess didn't even wait to reach their destination before she began bringing up the matter.

Su Qing chuckled. "What my plan is... don't you already have an idea in your heart, Princess?"

"This matter is quite treasonous. Aren't you worried I’ll expose you?"

"Since you’ve come, Little Sister, then you naturally have the same intentions as I do. Of course I’m not worried."

"You certainly are trusting, Sister."

"I simply trust my own judgment."

"Fine. I do indeed plan to fight for that position." The Princess looked out at the commoners passing by, seemingly talking to herself. "Rather than hoping the person sitting in that seat will treat the people well, it’s better if I sit there myself... That way, I can control how things are done."

The Princess’s thinking was simple.

It was exactly as she said.

Rather than relying on others, it was better to do it herself.

Su Qing smiled. "I’m relieved to hear you have this idea. After all, I also feel the person currently in that seat isn't quite up to the task... It would be better for you to take it! At the very least, I know that you are someone who treats the people well and possesses a kind heart. If you become the one in that position, the commoners likely won't have to suffer so much in the future."

Su Qing’s words were still half-truths.

The Princess naturally couldn't distinguish which parts were sincere and which were not.

She simply nodded with a smile. "Since you and I think alike, Sister, then I can rest easy. So, you truly intend to help me take that seat?"

"If I didn't truly want to do so... then why would I have invited you here? And why would I have sent you such a treasonous letter?"

Su Qing shook her head, putting on a sorrowful expression as she said:

"I traveled all the way to this Capital... and along the way, I saw too much human suffering. Those sights made me realize that the current Emperor’s virtue no longer matches his station... This kingdom desperately needs a better ruler."

"If... if we allow the current Emperor to continue his antics... then this country will truly rot to the core. By then, even if a good Emperor comes along, it won't be possible to restore it to its original state anytime soon."

"I’ve seen the way you govern, Princess..."

"You governed Jia Prefecture very well."

"So, I believe that if you become the Emperor, you will be able to govern the entire country just as well."

Su Qing spoke with such conviction, as if she truly believed every word.

However, what she was actually thinking was something only she would ever know.

After listening to Su Qing, Ye Qingyu remained silent for a moment.

Finally, she gave a bitter laugh and said, "Sister, you truly overpraise me. I’m not nearly as incredible as you say! I’ve simply done my best to make life a bit better for the people in my prefecture. After all, the sages said that the people are the foundation of a city..."

Su Qing smiled. "Exactly! It’s because you have such thoughts that I chose to help you! Look at the people outside! Do you think that in the eyes of the current Emperor, the people are still the foundation of the country? I’ve seen His Majesty; he is truly disappointing."

Su Qing’s words made it sound as if she were speaking from a very high vantage point.

However, the Princess didn't mind.

Because her own thoughts were actually the same as Su Qing’s.

She also felt that the current Emperor was exceptionally disappointing.

Even though the current Emperor was her father, she still felt a profound sense of disappointment.

She didn't know why her father had become like this.

Clearly, he was the one who had taught her all those great principles.

But now?

He had forgotten every single one of them.

Before coming to see Su Qing, she had actually seen her father once.

Although his appearance was the same as always, she found herself completely unable to recognize the man as her father.

The father of today was so different from the father of her childhood...

The change was so vast that even his own daughter could barely recognize him.

Even though...

His face was still the same face.

He was just that much of a stranger.

She sighed. "You’re right, Sister... He truly has changed. He’s become so different that even I find him unfamiliar."

Seeing her response, Su Qing smiled slightly. "It seems you are also disappointed in the current Emperor, aren't you, Princess?"

The Princess didn't argue; she simply nodded. Then, she changed the subject. "Why are you calling me Princess again? Didn't we agree you’d call me Little Sister?"

Su Qing blinked, momentarily stunned, before letting out a hearty laugh. "That’s my fault. I’ve grown so accustomed to calling you Princess that I didn't manage to correct myself in time."

With that, Su Qing steered the conversation back. "However, you’ve likely already prepared yourself mentally, haven't you, Little Sister?"

The Princess nodded. "I was prepared long before I arrived. As you said, since I’ve come to find you, I naturally have that intention. So how could I not be prepared? However, more than mental preparation, I feel I lack practical preparation. For instance... how do you plan to help me?"

As she spoke, a sharp "Whoa!" came from outside the carriage, and the vehicle came to a halt.

"We’ve arrived!" the guard announced.