After a period of treatment, the Empress of Xuan Yue Kingdom's heart ailment did not recur for a long time, and Meng Zhelan breathed a sigh of relief.
She had previously discussed the Empress's illness with Li Xi. Based on her description of the Empress's symptoms, Li Xi deduced that the Empress might be suffering from a disease called "major depression".
Although these technical terms were somewhat unfamiliar and difficult to understand for those from different eras, the symptoms exhibited by the Queen seemed to confirm this.
Therefore, to completely heal the Empress's heartache, uncovering the hidden truth behind the eldest prince's drowning death may be the key to resolving the Empress's inner conflict.
Only when all the mysteries are revealed and justice is served can the Queen's long-suppressed pain and sorrow be truly released, thus achieving spiritual redemption and peace.
But how easy is that?
Meng Zhelan was packing her medicine chest when the Empress woke up.
She saw Meng Zhelan's busy figure, and a complex emotion flashed in her eyes.
"Doctor Meng, you've worked hard," the Empress said softly, her voice weak but still spirited.
Meng Zhelan raised her head and smiled gently. "Your Majesty is too kind. This is what I should do."
As she spoke, she continued to organize the medicinal herbs and utensils in the medicine box.
As the Empress watched her skillful movements, she couldn't help but feel a sense of respect.
Meng Zhelan was not only highly skilled in medicine, but also kind-hearted, traveling thousands of miles to a foreign land to treat her.
She will always remember this kindness.
"Doctor Meng, I have a request that I cannot make," the Empress suddenly broke the silence, speaking softly with a hint of hesitation in her voice.
Upon hearing this, Meng Zhelan stopped what she was doing and said calmly, "Your Majesty, please speak freely. If it is within my power, I will do my best."
The Empress nodded slightly and took a deep breath, as if gathering her inner strength.
Her voice trembled slightly: "Qing'er's marriage to a distant land is a sacrifice to maintain harmonious relations between our two countries. I hope that once she arrives in Jingyuan, you can spend more time with her and offer her comfort and support. After all, in that unfamiliar environment, she needs someone she can rely on."
Upon hearing this, Meng Zhelan paused in her actions.
But this was a minor matter, so she simply nodded slightly: "I understand, Your Highness. Her Highness is intelligent, kind, and lovable, and I have always regarded her as a close friend."
A smile of satisfaction appeared on the Empress's face. She gently patted Meng Zhelan's shoulder and said with emotion, "That's wonderful! Qing'er often mentions you to me and speaks highly of you."
"What are you talking about? You seem to be having a lot of fun." Xuan Qing walked in.
She would come to pick up Meng Zhelan at this time every day to take her back to the embassy.
"It's nothing, it's just that you married into Jingyuan. I'd like to ask Doctor Meng to get to know you better," the Empress said with a smile, covering her mouth.
Upon hearing this, Xuan Qing's expression became somewhat unnatural.
She walked to Meng Zhelan's side and affectionately took her hand: "Of course, Zhelan and I are like sisters, and we wish we could be together all the time."
Meng Zhelan responded with a smile: "Your Highness is too kind to me. It is my great fortune to have won Your Highness's favor."
The Empress was increasingly pleased to see how intimate the two were.
Night has fallen, and it's getting late.
Xuanqing silently accompanied Meng Zhelan as she stepped out of the bedchamber, the two walking side by side.
To outsiders, there didn't seem to be much affection between Prince An and Meng Zhelan.
But those with keen eyes could easily perceive that Prince An's treatment of Meng Zhelan was indeed extraordinary.
However, Xuanqing did not actually want to become Princess An, but was forced into it by circumstances.
Therefore, she couldn't help but feel a little guilty towards Meng Zhelan.
On the other hand, although Meng Zhelan never explicitly expressed her liking for Prince An, her attitude towards him was always somewhat special.
This subtle emotional shift may not have been realized even by herself, but it was keenly observed by others.
"Zelan, don't worry. Things aren't at their worst yet; there's always a chance for things to turn around."
Xuan Qing's sudden remark left Meng Zhelan completely bewildered. She was wondering when Li Xi would return.
Meng Zhelan asked with a suspicious look, "Ah? What do you mean? Her Majesty the Empress's condition is indeed fluctuating, which is very worrying. I have been thinking about how to cure Her Majesty the Empress."
If Xi'er could return soon, perhaps she would have some wonderful methods or remedies. She was very interested in that era.
Seeing that she didn't seem bothered by what her mother had just said, Xuanqing was relieved: "It's nothing. You're right, Mother will definitely recover..."
Without saying much, she hurriedly walked towards the carriage, her steps appearing somewhat rushed and flustered.
As she walked, she didn't forget to turn back and say a hasty goodbye to Xuan Qing, expressing her apologies.
Once on the carriage, Meng Zhelan was excited and kept urging Tian Tian, "Let's go back quickly!"
It was as if they couldn't wait to fly to the young master's side.
At this very moment, the eldest princess inside the palace gates lingered and did not leave.
She stood there quietly, gazing into the distance, as if deep in thought.
Upon returning to the embassy, Meng Zhelan hurriedly disembarked from the carriage and rushed anxiously toward Li Xi's room.
Her steps seemed hurried and urgent, as if something important awaited her attention.
Just as Meng Zhelan was hurrying upstairs, she happened to brush past Prince An, who was coming downstairs.
However, she did not notice the presence of Prince An.
Prince An watched Meng Zhelan's hurried departure and couldn't help but feel a little curious.
He stopped and turned to look at Tian Tian beside him, asking, "What is your young lady rushing off to?"
Upon seeing this, Tian Tian quickly and respectfully replied, "Your Highness, it is Young Master Xi who has returned. I suppose Miss is eager to see him."
Upon hearing Tian Tian's answer, Prince An nodded thoughtfully.
Then, he turned around and walked heavily down the stairs, his face instantly turning as gloomy as if covered by dark clouds.
Lu Yi observed the prince's expression and knew he was in a bad mood, but what could he do?
The prince is about to marry the princess, and Doctor Meng will naturally not be willing to be a concubine.
"Xiao Xi, you're finally back." Meng Zhelan walked quickly into Li Xi's room.
Looking at Li Xi standing there counting gold ingots, his eyes were full of joy.
Hearing the familiar voice, Li Xi looked up and smiled, "Lan'er, you're back! We've only been back for a short time, and we're counting these gold ingots right now."
Meng Zhelan walked to Li Xi's side, looked at the piles of gold ingots, and couldn't help but smile: "It seems you've had a very fruitful trip."
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