Chapter 152: Would You Follow Me?

The two siblings, upon seeing Mo Jinnan, teared up and simultaneously called out, “Brother Nan.”

Mo Jinnan nodded and said, “Go pack your things. Come with me to the manor.”

The siblings were confused, not understanding why they suddenly had to go to the manor.

Hong Cuilan, with a loving expression, spoke up, “Children, go pack your things. From now on, you’ll live with the Prince.”

The siblings knew that their mother was going to act as a substitute for Empress Dowager Helian.

Going to the manor now meant they would never see their mother again.

Tears welled up in their eyes instantly.

Xiang Xinyao spoke gently, “Don’t cry. The reason we’re taking you to the manor is that your mother’s illness has been causing her too much pain. I can help ease her suffering if you stay with us.”

Mo Jinnan added, “That’s right. You’ll still have time to be with your mother.”

Xiang Xinyao extended her hand to Tang Tiezhu, saying, “Let me see the medicine.”

Tang Tiezhu obediently handed over the medicine.

Xiang Xinyao opened it, took a look, and shook her head, saying, “You don’t need to take this anymore. It doesn’t really work—doesn’t even help with the pain.”

Hong Cuilan’s cancer had already spread, and medicine could do little now other than easing her pain in the remaining time she had.

The siblings went inside to pack their things, and Mo Jinnan said, “Just pack the valuable items. Don’t worry about the rest.”

When the siblings came back out, they were carrying two large bundles.

Mo Jinnan furrowed his brow. “What did you pack?”

Tang Tiezhu answered, “Just our spare clothes, and my father’s tablet. There’s nothing else.”

“Leave the clothes behind. Just take your father’s tablet.”

The siblings exchanged glances, reluctant to throw away their clothes since they were still usable.

Mo Jinnan’s voice softened, “Don’t be upset. We’ll be leaving Bianjing soon, and we won’t be able to bring everything. You can buy new clothes when we settle down.”

Reluctantly, the siblings returned the large bundles to their room. When they came back out, Tang Tiezhu was holding their father’s tablet.

Other than some small change, there was nothing of value in the house.

The house itself was old and dilapidated, and Mo Jinnan had no plans to deal with it.

Xiang Xinyao and Mo Jinnan helped Hong Cuilan into the carriage, and the two children climbed in as well. They made their way straight to the manor.

On the way, Xiang Xinyao signaled Mo Jinnan to press the acupoint that would put Hong Cuilan and her children to sleep.

Mo Jinnan complied.

Once Hong Cuilan and her children were asleep, Xiang Xinyao murmured a few incantations in a language even she didn’t fully understand, then, with a thought, transported them into her space.

The area around the manor was under surveillance by the Emperor’s spies, and Mo Jinnan didn’t want them to see Hong Cuilan and her children.

When they reached the manor, Mo Jinnan and Xiang Xinyao got out of the carriage.

Mo Jinnan took Xiang Xinyao to the room prepared for Hong Cuilan and her children.

Xiang Xinyao used her power to bring the mother and children out of her space and placed them gently on the bed.

Mo Jinnan released their sleeping acupoints, and they woke up and sat up in bed.

Mo Jinnan gave instructions, “For now, try to stay indoors. I’ll have people take care of your needs, especially you, Auntie. You must not let anyone outside the manor see you.”

Hong Cuilan nodded, “Don’t worry, Your Highness. I understand.”

Xiang Xinyao then went to another room, closed the door, and disappeared into the space.

She was going to prepare medicine for Hong Cuilan.

After gathering some Chinese herbs, Xiang Xinyao filled two small porcelain bottles with morphine slow-release tablets.

These morphine slow-release tablets would be enough for Hong Cuilan for a while.

However, this medication is prone to building resistance and can lead to addiction.

But Hong Cuilan’s life was nearing its end, and all Xiang Xinyao could do was ease her suffering.

As for the water used to boil the medicine, Xiang Xinyao would leave some spiritual spring water at the manor.

Although it wouldn’t cure her, at least it would help the medicine work more effectively.

After preparing the medicine, Xiang Xinyao quickly exited the space.

She opened the door and entered the room where Hong Cuilan was resting.

Xiang Xinyao handed the herbal medicine to Tang Tiezhu and instructed him on how to brew it and the proper dosage.

Then she handed two small porcelain bottles to Hong Cuilan, saying, “Auntie, this bottle contains painkillers. Take one pill at a time. If one pill doesn’t work later, take two. You should only take one dose per day.”

“Also, make sure to take this medication separately from the brewed herbal medicine, with at least an hour in between.”

“Understood.” Hong Cuilan took the bottles and said gratefully, “Thank you, Miss!”

“No need to thank me. Also, I’ll prepare the water for brewing the herbs separately. Please don’t use any other water for this,” Xiang Xinyao added.

Turning to Mo Jinnan, she said, “Could you have someone prepare two buckets for me?”

“Of course. I’ll have it done right away,” Mo Jinnan replied as he went to instruct the servants.

Xiang Xinyao followed him outside.

When the servants brought the buckets, Xiang Xinyao took them and headed towards Hong Cuilan’s room.

When she reached the door, with a thought, she filled both buckets with spiritual spring water.

She carried them inside, saying, “Auntie, from now on, use this water to brew the herbs. Don’t use it for washing or anything else. It can be consumed directly, and I’ll bring you fresh water every day.”

“Thank you, Miss. You’ve really gone to great lengths for us,” Hong Cuilan said, touched.

Xiang Xinyao replied earnestly, “I should be thanking you, Auntie. Thank you for agreeing to help the Empress Dowager.”

Hong Cuilan shook her head and smiled softly. “Don’t say that. Our lives were saved by the Prince. If not for him, we wouldn’t be here today.”

She sighed lightly. “At this point, I don’t have long left. I’m willing to trade my life for the Empress Dowager’s freedom. As for my children, I can only hope the Prince will look after them.”

“Taking care of them is my responsibility. Don’t worry, from now on, they will be like family to me and Nan,” Xiang Xinyao assured her.

She turned her attention to Tang Xiaolian and carefully examined her from head to toe.

The girl was delicate, with clear eyes and a somewhat shy demeanor. She appeared to be a gentle and quiet girl.

Xiang Xinyao felt a sense of comfort from her first impression of Tang Xiaolian.

Xiang Xinyao asked, “How old are you, little sister?”

“Miss, I’m thirteen,” Tang Xiaolian replied softly, her voice warm and pleasant.

Xiang Xinyao smiled gently, “Would you like to follow me from now on?”

Tang Xiaolian was taken aback. She didn’t understand what Xiang Xinyao meant.

Her father had passed away, and her mother was about to leave her and her brother.

They once had other relatives, but after her father’s death, those so-called relatives had distanced themselves, afraid they might be asked for money.

From now on, she would have only her brother as her remaining family.

She didn’t want to leave him.

Tang Xiaolian shook her head, “I… I don’t want to leave my brother.”

Xiang Xinyao smiled softly, “I’m not asking you to leave your brother. You’ll still live together.

But since you’re a girl, it will be more convenient for you to follow me.”