It turns out, it was all just a dream.
However, the dream felt incredibly real to her, as if she had actually experienced it all.
She sat up, trying to calm herself down. She opened the window, letting in the fresh air.
I took a deep breath and felt the breath of nature.
It was all just a dream, a nightmare.
Sun Tiantian was full of energy and spent the whole afternoon outside buying some necessities for the journey.
Everyone else went about their own business, leaving only Meng Zhelan to have dinner in the guest room.
"Dr. Meng, you're still here! I was just thinking of coming to try my luck, but I didn't expect you hadn't set off for the capital yet." Xu Zhiqing was very excited to see Meng Zhelan still there.
"Some things took a while," Meng Zhelan said with a smile. Her smile was gentle and kind, as if it could dispel the unease in Xu Zhiqing's heart.
"Yes, I'm sorry for coming at such an inopportune time, I'm sorry to have disturbed your meal," Xu Zhiqing said somewhat apologetically. His gaze fell on the bowl and chopsticks in front of Meng Zhelan, as if he could already see the delicious food she had just enjoyed.
"No, I've already finished eating. Is there something you need?" Meng Zhelan put down her chopsticks, her movements light and elegant, revealing her good upbringing. Her gaze fell on Xu Zhiqing, carrying a hint of doubt and concern.
Xu Zhiqing scratched his head, feeling conflicted and unsure how to begin.
"Nothing much, I just wanted to talk to you about my grandfather, and what precautions I should take." In the end, he didn't mention his desire to go to the capital together.
The two sat for a while before Prince An returned.
His footsteps echoed down the corridor, as if announcing his return.
Xu Zhiqing and Meng Zhelan both stood up and looked towards the door.
Prince An sat next to Meng Zhelan. His gaze first fell on Xu Zhiqing, and then on Meng Zhelan.
Xu Zhiqing stood up nervously and bowed, "Greetings to Your Highness."
"No need for formalities," Prince An's voice was deep and magnetic. "Young Master Xu, what is it you need?"
"No, nothing. I just came to ask Dr. Meng how to care for patients," Xu Zhiqing replied tremblingly.
"Grandpa Xu is in good health. Just make sure he doesn't catch a cold, and there's nothing else wrong with him."
Seeing his awkwardness, Meng Zhelan said a few words.
The three of them didn't say anything more, and Xu Zhiqing made an excuse and left.
Sun Tiantian, Lu Er, and the others returned one after another. After having a casual dinner, everyone went back to their rooms to rest.
In late autumn, the cold wind howled through the night, causing the candlelight to flicker as if it were telling a story.
The group set off early the next morning.
Everyone seemed tired and wary, as the danger they faced on their way here was still fresh in their minds.
This time, they chose a completely different route on their way back, hoping to...
However, not long after they set off, Xu Zhiqing found that she had become separated from them.
He had originally planned to go to the capital with Prince An's entourage, but he lost them after only two hours.
Xu Zhiqing felt anxious and helpless; he didn't know what to do. Having no other option, he could only lead his men onward.
Meanwhile, Meng Zhelan and her group returned safely to Kyoto without any obstacles.
After a short rest, they followed Prince An into the palace to meet the emperor.
When Emperor Wenyuan met Meng Zhelan, he was very pleased. He said, "Doctor Meng, you have solved a great problem for me this time. You are not allowed to refuse me any reward you desire."
Meng Zhelan felt somewhat flattered. She hadn't originally expected to receive any reward. Eleven years of wandering had made her really unwilling to have anything to do with the royal family.
After a moment's thought, she said, "Your Majesty, I wish to request a decree granting me the right to practice medicine freely. I am weak and powerless, and I only wish to live and work in peace and contentment here with my family."
Last time, when the Prince of Liang tried to force her to become the royal physician using his status, although the Prince of An helped her out of the predicament, she didn't want to face such a predicament again. Not every time could she escape danger.
More importantly, her intuition told her to stay away from the Prince of Liang. Being around him would lead to unhappiness, even though she didn't have much contact with him.
Emperor Wenyuan was taken aback, not expecting her to make such a request. However, it was not impossible; it was just a small matter.
"Alright, I grant your request. Here's what I'll do: I'll bestow upon you a jade pendant, representing my decree. From now on, if anyone forces you to do anything against your will, feel free to refuse."
After a brief pause, he continued, "However, I have one request: from now on, if I ask you to treat someone, you must treat them."
Meng Zhelan rolled her eyes inwardly. What difference did it make whether she accepted the imperial decree or not?
However, at least she could refuse the Prince of Liang. She felt that the Emperor was relatively kind and had not made things difficult for her so far.
After considering for a while, she replied, "It is my honor to serve Your Majesty."
Meng Zhelan stood to the side with her head bowed and eyes lowered, looking extremely obedient. Prince An was momentarily mesmerized by her.
Emperor Wenyuan, seeing his son's stunned expression, couldn't help but laugh. "Yu'er, what do you think?"
Prince An put aside his thoughts and smiled awkwardly. “Father, I am foolish. But Doctor Meng has always been a very kind person. I have seen her working hard in the epidemic area these days, without any regard for her own safety. I am very encouraged. This time, thanks to the clues she found, I was able to successfully get out of this predicament.”
This is indeed true. Emperor Wenyuan read the booklet handed over by Prince An and learned the ins and outs of the matter.
It must be said that Meng Zhelan is a promising talent, and Meng Zhong has raised an outstanding girl. Her abilities are even more remarkable than her father's.
If she could be paired with Yu'er, it would be a wonderful match. The Empress Dowager values her highly, so it would be better to let her facilitate this matter.
It's unclear what Emperor Wenyuan's thoughts were about this son. Although he was born to the Empress, Prince An did not receive much care from a young age and was rather frail.
Therefore, as an emperor, he did not show much affection to any of his sons.
It was getting dark, and His Majesty still hadn't said he would abdicate. Meng Zhelan felt uneasy; she wanted to go home.
Fortunately, the Empress Dowager appeared at this moment.
"Oh dear, aren't you hungry yet? It's almost dark, Your Majesty!" The Empress Dowager looked displeased. She had heard that Meng Zhelan had entered the palace and, having not seen her for some time, had come to find her.
Emperor Wenyuan felt a little embarrassed when he heard the Empress Dowager's teasing, realizing he had been overthinking things.
"Mother, I am thinking about how to reward Doctor Meng. She has made great contributions."
"Alright, alright, let's take the reward to her house tomorrow. Judge Meng comes to work every day, so just give it to him." After saying that, the Empress Dowager tried to pull Meng Zhelan away.
Emperor Wenyuan said helplessly, "Empress Dowager, wait a moment, let me say a few more words."
He took a jade pendant with a dragon totem from his waist. "Doctor Meng, this is my personal jade pendant. Take it. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, take it out and it will be as if I am here with you."
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