Surveying the bloody battlefield, Su Yu supervised the clean-up efforts while leading Xiao Yi and others to find Su Huan, leaving Su Yue, Xuan Little Three, and others to handle the aftermath.
"Master, keep these medicinal herbs with you in case of need. It has been a difficult journey for you all," Su Yue said, taking out some herbs from her spatial bag while Xuan Little Three tended to Covert One's injuries.
Such items were commonplace for Su Yue, but they were precious for others. Covert One gazed at the bag with a complex expression. As a modern soul, Su Yue did not comprehend societal hierarchies and simply wished to reciprocate the assistance she received, unaware that her actions carried a different meaning for others.
"Grandfather, Grandfather, look who's here!"
"What's with all the commotion? What's the situation, Xiao Yi? Is that you?" Su Yu asked, surprised yet delighted to see the visitor.
"The Eldest Young Master is safe. The Prince sent me to escort you back, fearing dangers on the road," said the visitor.
"Many thanks to the Prince," Su Huan emerged from the tent, equally joyful at the sight of the visitor.
"Thanks to the General's protection, my Prince is well. I should have come sooner, but the Prince had traveled to the northern borders, delaying my arrival."
"No matter, I'm grateful for the Prince's kindness."
"General, it's good you're unharmed."
"Good, good. Yu, welcome Xiao Yi properly. Oh, where's Yue?"
"Sister is treating the injured with the Divine Doctor Xuan. The covert guards also suffered many casualties," Su Yu promptly reported.
Su Huan nodded, seeming lost in thought as he retreated into the tent.
Upon seeing his Grandfather depart, Su Yu hastily engaged Xiao Yi in conversation. "Your Prince went to the northern borders? What for?"
"To seek a medical expert. We heard of a skilled shaman doctor up there and persuaded the Prince to visit."
"Did you find them?"
"We did, but the shaman doctor could not help."
Su Yu sighed, "Do not lose hope. This vast world holds many capable and virtuous individuals. If we dispatch more people to search, a solution will surely present itself."
"I was about to ask you. I just saw the Divine Doctor Xuan and wished to request your assistance in having him examine our Prince."
"Of course, I have already discussed this with the Divine Doctor Xuan. Previously, he could not leave due to border affairs. Now that we've returned to the Capital City, he can examine the Prince."
"And what about the Divine Doctor Xuan's disciple, the General's newly adopted granddaughter? Her medical skills also seem exceptional."
"Oh, that's my...cousin. Her skills surpass even the Divine Doctor Xuan's. We can have her take a look as well; perhaps she can find a solution."
"Better than the Divine Doctor Xuan?"
"It depends on the aspect. But it's worth having her examine him."
"Understood, I'm grateful for your assistance."
"No need for such formalities between us. The Prince and I have been friends for many years. I share his concerns."
"It has been five years. As long as there's a glimmer of hope, I will try anything, even if it costs my life."
Su Yu patted his shoulder reassuringly.
Xiao Han, the only Duke of a Different Surname in the Great Qing Dynasty.
His grandfather was a close friend of the Previous Emperor, instrumental in subduing neighboring nations and ushering in decades of peace for the Great Qing Dynasty. For his immense contributions, he was bestowed the title of Prince of Jingnan, which passed down through generations, granting him control over military forces.
The current Xiao Han, the sole heir to the Jingnan Prince's Mansion, witnessed his father's death in battle ten years ago. Eight years ago, the elderly Prince of Jingnan passed the title directly to Xiao Han. At the mere age of eighteen, Xiao Han had already earned illustrious military achievements, marking him as an unparalleled young hero. With striking features, a towering stature like a pine tree, and an awe-inspiring presence, he was once the dream lover of countless maidens in the Capital City.
However, five years ago, during a campaign, he fell victim to treachery, losing both legs. Since then, he has lived in seclusion, rarely appearing in public. Although the Emperor held him in high esteem and did not revoke his military authority, incessantly seeking renowned physicians, no progress had been made after five years.
"Big... cousin Su." Su Yue approached, accompanied by Big White carrying a medicine chest.
"Sister, you must be tired. Go rest for a while; we should have another hour before we depart."
"Mm, I will. I just wanted to check on the General."
"Grandfather is fine, don't worry. You've all worked hard. Oh, let me introduce you to the Jingnan Prince's Commander, Xiao Yi."
Xiao Yi observed the young woman dressed in men's attire, accompanied by a two-meter-tall white wolf - an undoubtedly eye-catching sight. He had spotted the massive wolf during the earlier battle, startled by its presence as her pet.
"Commander Xiao Yi," Su Yue greeted with a slight nod.
"Lady Su. I witnessed your skills from afar earlier. Impressive technique and medical expertise - a true equal to men."
Su Yue acknowledged the compliment with another nod. "I'll be going now, so as not to disturb your discussion. Big White, let's go."
Big White glanced warningly at Xiao Yi before following Su Yue's departure.
"This... Eldest Young Master, that white wolf..."
"Oh, that's Big White, my sister's companion since childhood in the mountains. Quite intelligent, isn't it?"
"In the mountains?"
"Yes, my sister has spent most of her time in the mountains. This is her first time coming down."
"I see..."
"Enough dawdling. Since you're here, let's survey the area and check the traps we set. Bound to have caught some 'prey,' eh?"
"Haha, let's go take a look then."
As dawn broke, the world gradually brightened under the morning glow.
Inside the tent, Su Yue listened to the bustling footsteps outside, aware that most were already up and about. She had only rested for a short hour. Glancing beside the bed, Big White lay crouched nearby, having awoken when she opened her eyes.
Big White: "Master, you barely rested. Why not sleep a little longer?"
"No need, we'll likely depart soon."
Big White: "Will there be more dangers today?"
"Probably not. It's only half a day's journey to the Capital City. Those people can't be too overt."
Big White: "Oh, then I'll return to the spatial realm for now."
"Yes, you can't be seen in public anymore. The Capital City is far more perilous than the mountains."
Big White: "Alright, I'll keep an eye on the snake spirit fruits in the realm."
"Hehe, you can keep Little Flower company then."
Su Yue had always found the bond between the wolf and the python perplexing.
"Little Five, wake up! Time to eat before we depart," Xuan Little Four called from outside the tent, energetic despite the sleepless night.
"Coming."
"I haven't seen Third Senior Brother all night, probably went with the Eldest Young Master to set traps, some poisonous ones."
Su Yue accepted the buns, frowning slightly at their dryness before taking a small bite. "He's likely with Big Cousin then. They were tasked with setting many traps yesterday."
"Oh, we should reach the Capital City by noon today. Where will we stay?"
"I'll definitely be at the Zhenguo General's Mansion. You can come with me."
"But Third Senior Brother said he has a residence in the Capital City and wants me to stay with him, not at your place."
"Either is fine; you can find me anytime. Third Senior Brother's residence will undoubtedly have a room for me too."
"Mm. Then I'll stay with Third Senior Brother and visit you for breakfast every morning."
"Sounds good!"
