Chapter 242: Prince Changxing

The noble lady wore a crimson fur cloak and adorned her hair with pearls and jade. Her delicate and gentle face made her appear very youthful, around thirty years old, exuding an air of dignity and elegance.

Su Wan stood aside, waiting. Master Mingjue, however, noticed her and said something to the noble lady. The noble lady turned to look, and upon seeing Su Wan, she gave a slight nod.

Su Wan walked over.

The noble lady said to Master Mingjue, “Thank you for your assistance in saving my son’s life. Once the prince returns, we will come together to fulfill our vows.”

“Amitabha. The Buddha is compassionate,” Master Mingjue replied, performing a Buddhist salutation. “Your son is currently out of immediate danger. For now, let him follow the prescription for a few days, and you may also consult Benefactor Su for his treatment.”

The noble lady smiled and said, “That won’t be necessary. Since there has been some improvement, we’ll stick to your plan for now.”

It was clear she found Su Wan too young to trust fully. With her attendants, she departed.

Su Wan watched her leave. Judging by her demeanor, she was clearly someone of wealth and status. Since Su Wan hadn’t seen her at the palace banquet, she must belong to an affluent family.

Master Mingjue casually mentioned, “That lady’s surname is Liu. She was originally a merchant in Xiliang, conducting trade with Great Zhou. Her husband is a man from Great Zhou, known for his bravery and exceptional military skills. After coming to Xiliang, he abandoned commerce to join the military and eventually became Xiliang’s only non-native prince.”

From his tone, Su Wan could detect admiration. In Xiliang, most officials were women, though there were also men, but their numbers were relatively few.

For a man to be granted the title of a non-native prince was exceedingly rare. It’s an achievement possible only for someone truly exceptional.

What surprised Su Wan even more was that Master Mingjue would bring up such matters with her.

With a compassionate expression, Master Mingjue said, “Prince Changxing has been dedicated to safeguarding Xiliang’s peace. However, his wife is frail, and their child was born with congenital deficiencies. He has been treated with medicinal remedies for five or six years, but his condition became critical recently. Though he is now out of danger, his vitality has been severely weakened. I mention this because I hope you might accompany this old monk to Prince Changxing’s residence when you have time.”

Su Wan shook her head. “That lady doesn’t trust me to cure her son. Treating illnesses depends on fate.”

Master Mingjue did not press further and simply said, “Prince Changxing will soon return to court. He is a reasonable man. This old monk will recommend you to him.”

Su Wan smiled faintly and did not refuse. Instead, she took out a prescription from her sleeve. “Please take a look. Can this prescription cure my mother?”

Master Mingjue glanced at it and nodded slightly. “Have her take three doses of this, and she will recover.”

“Thank you, Master.” Su Wan put the prescription away, then, accompanied by Qi Sixteenth, descended the mountain and returned to the capital.

Qi Sixteenth scratched his head. “Young Lady, I’ve heard Boss Qi mention Prince Changxing before. He’s someone who rose to prominence like a shooting star, gaining fame in a single battle. Xiliang was very chaotic in the past, with feudal lords being enfeoffed, each ruling their own territory as kings. Later, there was a coalition of non-native forces attempting to seize the throne.

It was then that Prince Changxing volunteered himself, pledging to recover the fractured lands of Xiliang. The Empress agreed, and he gave his military pledge. In just six months, he subdued the feudal lords and reclaimed all the territories. That’s why he was granted the title of non-native prince.”

Su Wan thought that this Prince Changxing must be incredibly formidable. Since he was originally from Great Zhou, could he have been a military general there before coming to Xiliang?

As they descended the mountain and boarded the carriage, the sky suddenly darkened, and a heavy rain poured down in torrents.

The carriage sped along, rushing toward the capital.

Suddenly, the carriage came to an abrupt stop.

“Young Lady, the carriage wheel is broken,” Qi Sixteenth’s voice came through the sound of the rain.

Su Wan lifted the curtain. Rain had already soaked the carriage. Holding an umbrella, she stepped out to take a look at the wheel. It was indeed broken. They were in the middle of nowhere, with no village ahead and no inn behind, not even a place to shelter from the rain.