Chapter 211: Ashamed

The female official escorted Master Mingjue to the Mingxin Hall.

Master Mingjue appeared to be around seventy or eighty years old, with a long, silver-white beard reaching his chest. He wore a kasaya and carried a string of prayer beads. His expression was solemn, his gaze compassionate, and he performed a Buddhist salutation. “Your Majesty, have you summoned this humble monk today regarding the matter of the mother-child gu?”

The Empress was reviewing memorials, and upon hearing his words, she put down her cinnabar brush and stepped down from her high seat.

“Elder Sister’s health is uncertain; I don’t know if she can endure much longer. Ji Xuan shares the same mother-child gu with her and has now come to Xiliang. She does not wish to harm the innocent and seeks to lift the mother-child gu. Master, have you discovered a way to break this curse?”

Worry clouded the Empress’s expression. “It seems that Ji Xuan is also affected by Elder Sister’s condition. His health is fragile, and it’s Wanwan who has been keeping him alive. If you don’t mind, I can have Wanwan brought here, and the two of you can discuss the matter. Perhaps you may find a solution?”

Master Mingjue remembered Ji Xuan. Years ago, it was Qi Min who begged him to travel to the border of the Great Zhou to treat Ji Xuan. Due to the unique circumstances, the incident had left a deep impression on him.

He agreed, “Very well.”

The Empress immediately called for a palace maid. “Go to Yaoguang Hall and invite Wanwan to come.”

The palace maid quickly replied, “Your Majesty, news has just come from Yaoguang Hall. The Regent has left the palace. Young Lady Su did not have her lunch, and though two different dinner spreads were prepared, she still hasn’t eaten.”

The Empress was startled. “What has happened?”

The palace maid shook her head. “This servant does not know.”

Master Mingjue remained composed. “It’s fine, this humble monk will go to Yaoguang Hall.”

“Thank you for your trouble, Master.” The Empress personally escorted Master Mingjue to see Su Wan.

The inky darkness of the night enveloped Yaoguang Hall, while rows of lanterns beneath the eaves cast warm beams of light, dispelling a bit of the winter night’s chill.

The palace maids stood by the hall’s entrance. Seeing the Empress and her entourage approach, they all bowed and greeted, “Your Majesty.”

“Where is Wanwan?” The Empress stepped into the hall, which was dark inside, with no lamps lit. “Has she gone to sleep?”

The palace maid stammered, “Young Lady Su had a disagreement with the Regent and has stayed in the inner hall all day without coming out.”

The Empress frowned, pondering for a moment before approaching the sliding door. “Wanwan, have you gone to sleep? Aunt has brought Master Mingjue here to discuss with you how to resolve the mother-child gu and treat your mother’s illness. If you are still awake, please open the door.”

“Just a moment!” Su Wan’s drowsy voice came through.

After a short while, the door opened, and Su Wan emerged from the inner hall.

The Empress smiled gently. “Wanwan, this is Master Mingjue.”

Su Wan looked at Master Mingjue. His face was kindly, with a compassionate and empathetic gaze, which made her feel a sense of warmth. She performed a Buddhist salutation. “Master, I have heard of your reputation even back in the Great Zhou. It was you who saved my father back then, suppressing the poison gu in his body, allowing him to live peacefully for many years.”

She gracefully made a gesture of invitation. “Please have a seat here. I have a few matters I’d like to consult with you about.”

Master Mingjue took a seat, glancing at the Empress seated beside him, then kindly asked Su Wan, “What is your view on Benefactor Qi’s condition?”

“I can treat it; I have a method,” Su Wan replied, taking a prescription from her sleeve and handing it to Master Mingjue. “First, use this prescription for a few days, then use the detoxification pills you have refined. During the detox process, use a hundred-year-old ginseng to sustain life, which will greatly enhance the effectiveness.”

Master Mingjue took the prescription, carefully read through it twice, and studied it for a while. A smile appeared on his face. “This method is quite good.”

He placed the prescription on the small table. “I must admit with some shame, the mother-child gu was something I encountered during my travels in the southern regions years ago. When I implanted it in Benefactor Qi and Benefactor Ji, I had yet to develop a method to undo it.”