Chapter 8: Angry Death

The first person was wearing a light blue pleated embroidered skirt, with an oval face and slightly red eyes that shimmered as she walked. The red-gold jade water droplets on her earlobes swayed gently with her movements, exuding a charming and graceful aura.

She should be the legitimate daughter of the fourth branch, Miss Wei Mingyi of the Duke Dingbei's residence.

Following her was a girl in a cyan peony-patterned cotton skirt, with her three thousand green silk strands tied into a flowing fairy bun. She wore a string of jade beads and a pair of red gemstone earrings, with eyes as alluring as autumn water and skin as delicate as cream, appearing even more enchanting than the peach blossoms of spring.

She was Miss Xie Wanhua, the granddaughter of the Duke Dingbei's residence, who had been living in the mansion for a year due to her parents' assignment.

Lastly, there was the legitimate daughter of the third branch, Miss Wei Mingqi of the Duke Dingbei's residence. She was dressed in a white embroidered plum, orchid, and bamboo skirt, with her hair tied in a loose bun and adorned with a jade hairpin, exuding an elegant and refined demeanor.

As they appraised Mingwu, they also looked her over. Despite her pale complexion, her clear and watery eyes and her unparalleled beauty made them secretly astonished. How had they not noticed before that she was so beautiful?

Miss Wei Mingyi took the lead and explained why they were late. Today was the day for Mingwu's burial clothing ceremony. The three of them had copied scriptures and offered prayers at the Buddha's Light Temple for Mingwu's blessings. If it weren't for the servant informing them of Mingwu's return, they would still be praying. After explaining, she couldn't believe it and asked, "The maidservant said that you have recovered. Is it true?"

Mingwu smiled at her, and in that instant, she bloomed like a peony, nodding gently. "Yes, I have recovered."

Wei Mingqi, being more impatient, stood by the bed and raised her voice, asking, "Did you really fall off the cliff?"

Mingwu nodded again.

Wei Mingqi's eyes took on a strange look, muttering, "It's true that some people have all the luck."

Mingwu didn't quite understand what she meant and asked directly with a smile, "Who did I make lucky?"

Wei Mingqi blinked and whispered, "You made the Crown Prince of Zhennan unlucky. He fell off the cliff as well, but he not only broke his legs but also lost his sight. The imperial physicians are helpless, and the Zhennan Prince's residence must be in a panic. Sister, you are truly a person of great fortune."

Xi'er covered her mouth to stifle a gasp.

The Crown Prince of Zhennan?

The handsome man they rescued at the bottom of the cliff was actually the Crown Prince of Zhennan?!

She had even spoken to him!

She had even hit him with a stick!

Would the Zhennan Prince find out and punish her?

Compared to Xi'er's shock and fear, Mingwu was just a little surprised. After all, the man was well-dressed and obviously of noble birth. She just hadn't expected him to be a prince. Would she be able to seek his help in the future if she encountered any difficulties?

Mingwu looked a bit weary. Xie Wanhua, understanding her feelings, said, "Let's let my cousin rest for now. We'll come back to keep her company tomorrow."

Mingwu didn't get up to see them off. After they left, Xi'er pouted, looking as if she had been scolded by Mingwu.

Mingwu left a prescription for the Crown Prince of Zhennan in his purse, which was easily found. Now that he was still ill, it was obvious that the prescription was not effective.

Xi'er's look of advising her to stop boasting made Mingwu very unhappy. How could her prescription not work? No one knew better than her how the man's eyes had been blinded. If she couldn't cure the poison, wouldn't she be ruining her own reputation?

"It must be because the antidote prescription is still hidden in his purse," Mingwu said lazily, with an air of certainty.

Xi'er didn't argue with Mingwu. She hadn't really pinned her hopes on the young lady. After all, he was the Crown Prince of Zhennan's residence. If the imperial physicians couldn't find a cure, he would definitely be able to heal him. What was the point of her worrying?

With everyone gone, Mingwu fell asleep peacefully.

When she woke up, the sky was ablaze with the colors of the setting sun. A pair of warm and gentle hands gently caressed her cheek, and she saw Su Shi sitting by her bedside, wearing a gentle and affectionate smile, with tears in her eyes. When she noticed that Mingwu had woken up, she quickly wiped them away, as if afraid of being discovered.

"Mother..."

Mingwu called softly.

Su Shi responded repeatedly, "Mother is here. Did I wake you up? Are you feeling better?"

Mingwu shook her head. "I'm feeling better. Mother, you're not well. Why aren't you resting in your room?"

Su Shi's hand seemed reluctant to leave Mingwu's face. "When you came back, Mother's illness improved greatly, more than any miraculous medicine. Seeing you, Mother feels at ease."

Mingwu's nose tingled. If Su Shi knew that her own daughter had already passed away, how heartbroken she would be. Who knew if she would ever return to her own time? Before that, let her fulfill her filial duty to her daughter.

Mingwu threw herself into Su Shi's arms and coquettishly said, "Mother, I'm hungry. Will you have a meal with me?"

"Okay, Mother will have a meal with Mingwu," Su Shi indulged.