At the Sixth Princess's residence, everyone was making preparations for her trip.

Qin Zhaoyue reclined on the bamboo couch, sipping iced soda and enjoying her last moments of leisure.

In the courtyard, a gentle breeze was giving Ping An some pointers, while a light rain offered guidance from the side.

Since we don't know what lies ahead on this journey, we naturally need to bring all our skilled companions with us.

Besides those two and Suimo, the only other person in her household who could fight was Ping An.

Ping An was only sixteen years old. He had never received any martial arts training and had rarely had a full meal since childhood.

And yet, he possesses the strength of a seventh-grade martial artist.

So talent is something that really can't be explained. Some people can't do things even with tremendous effort, but others can do them just by eating and sleeping.

"No, you need to observe your opponent's reaction when you throw a punch."

"Don't use your full strength in every strike. Use seven-tenths of your strength and hold back three-tenths. This way, you can finish your move faster and make changes more quickly."

"Pay attention to your feet. The power should originate from your feet and be transmitted to your fists by twisting your waist."

...

"Your Highness." The royal physician bowed respectfully beside him.

Qin Zhaoyue waved her hand, "Tell me."

"That child's meridians are abnormal; it must be something he was born with."

A childlike intellect and an unusually robust physique are both related to this.

Qin Zhaoyue frowned. She had assumed that Ping An had suffered a head injury or a serious illness as a child, such as a high fever that was not treated in time.

Unexpectedly, it was an abnormality in the meridians, which was related to his unusually robust physique.

Can it be cured?

The physician looked helpless. "This child's abnormality isn't just in one meridian; his entire body is different from ordinary people, yet it has somehow achieved a balance."

Regardless of whether it can be cured, it's a complex issue with far-reaching consequences; attempting it rashly could easily disrupt the balance.

He hesitated for a moment before offering a solution that was hardly a solution.

"I've heard that some experts at the Divine Martial Realm possess the ability to transform their meridians and marrow, but this requires a very high level of martial arts cultivation and expertise in medicine..."

Qin Zhaoyue understood.

I just asked Qingfeng, and he said that experts at the top three ranks are extremely rare, and they are all powerful figures in their own right.

The first problem is whether we can get them to come; the key is that they also need to know medicine.

There might be such powerful figures in the palace, but she can't even see the Empress Dowager right now, so even if she wanted to be shameless, she wouldn't know where to start.

However, it's not entirely hopeless.

For example, she could ask the Empress for a reward for her meritorious service in disaster relief, or she herself could become a top-rank martial artist.

Looking towards the courtyard, Qingfeng and Xiyu had been making a fuss for a long time, but they still couldn't correct Ping An's attack method.

Every punch was delivered with full force, with no holding back or variation whatsoever.

He just kept throwing punches, sweat beading on his forehead and soaking his back under the scorching sun.

Just then, Suimo returned to the manor and came to the princess's side.

"Your Highness, I have successfully completed my mission."

Qin Zhaoyue breathed a sigh of relief. Despite her mother's harsh words, she still cared about her life to some extent.

With the centurion Suimo and the entire group of Qingluan Guards providing close protection, their safety was greatly enhanced.

"You've worked hard. When you return successfully, I will definitely recommend you for commendation."

Sui Mo didn't detect much resentment in her voice. After all, they needed to rely on her on this trip, and with the Sixth Princess's wisdom, she would surely restrain herself. But things might change once she returned...

However, she understood the implication of those words, probably thinking that His Majesty's promised bestowal was not valid.

Even Sui Mo himself wasn't sure if it was valid, or if the Qingluan Guards, having removed their face shields, could still return to the palace.

A thought flashed through her mind, and she bowed respectfully, "Your Highness is too kind; it is all my duty."

Qin Zhaoyue listened to these words but didn't comment.

The Azure Phoenix Guards are not people you can recruit; they only think about going peacefully and returning safely.

"Your Highness, these are pastries from the Imperial Kitchen." Sui Mo placed the food box, which was clearly a size larger than usual, on the table.

Qin Zhaoyue raised an eyebrow, surprised that she still remembered her instructions from last night. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness."

If someone is one of her people, it's perfectly fine to ask them to do something.

Now it's like the boss is sending a colleague on a business trip; the only difference is the responsibilities, so there's nothing to take for granted.

The fragmented ink sensed a distinct difference.

Last night's interaction was filled with some sarcastic remarks, but it also reflected a natural and relaxed atmosphere.

They're much more polite now, but you can still sense the distance between them.

She pursed her lips slightly, unable to discern the feelings in her heart for a moment.

Upon opening the food box, two plates of emerald-green dumplings were found inside.

Qin Zhaoyue wasn't too particular; she picked up a piece with her finger and popped it into her mouth.

The outer layer of glutinous rice skin was probably dyed with mint juice, and it had a soft and refreshing texture.

After gently biting into it, you'll find it filled with shaved almond tofu and crushed lychees. You'll eat it with a smile on your face, and before you know it, you've eaten three.

However, I've eaten quite a lot of good food these past few days, so I'm not that craving it.

"Ping An, take a rest for a while, then come and have something to eat."

Upon hearing the call, Ping An immediately stopped what he was doing and rushed towards the corridor.

Sui Mo subconsciously turned to face the other party, subtly protecting the Sixth Princess behind her.

She heard the boy's story; his imposing figure was incredibly intimidating up close.

Ping An ran up breathlessly, completely unaware of Sui Mo's wariness, and plopped down on the ground.

"Pretty lady, do you have any food?"

"Hmm," Qin Zhaoyue pushed the food box in front of him and pointed to the broken ink, "This sister brought you some snacks from the palace, have a taste."

Ping An grinned foolishly, "Thank you, thank you!"

Sui Mo didn't know how to respond, and managed a faint smile.

Having worn a face mask for years, she wasn't used to smiling and could feel the stiffness in her cheek muscles.

Ping An didn't care about that and took out the gold-carved lion-shaped ice plate from the food box.

The plate, which originally looked quite large, appeared rather small in his fan-like hands.

Unlike Qin Zhaoyue, who ate them one by one, she tilted her head back, opened her mouth wide, and poured the plate directly into her mouth.

They ate with great gusto, and half the plate disappeared in no time.

The almond tofu and lychee shaved ice burst in his mouth, and Ping An exhaled cool breaths as he smiled and mumbled "Delicious" indistinctly.

Qin Zhaoyue shook her head, reached out and took a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from Ping An's forehead, "Eat slowly, don't let the cold food hurt your teeth."

Ping An could understand what he was saying, and his chewing speed slowed down noticeably, but he still ate one bite and half a plate.

When there was only half a plate left, he suddenly paused, as if he remembered something, and quickly handed the plate to Qin Zhaoyue, saying, "Pretty sister, please eat."

Qin Zhaoyue couldn't help but chuckle, "I've already eaten, Ping An can eat by herself."

Ping An thought for a moment, then handed the plate to Sui Mo, saying, "Sister, eat."

Broken Ink: ...

The boy may be a bit silly, but he's surprisingly polite, though... well, he keeps calling me "pretty sister," "sister"...

Yes, she is not as beautiful as the princess, but she doesn't care about appearance, she doesn't care!