"Yaowang Valley?" Rong Zhi raised her voice, which was rather unexpected.
"Why would she have such an idea?"
Chu Qingze said, "I overheard her telling Cui Xi last night that regarding the incident at Yanzi Mountain, Zhang Chu aided and abetted the wicked. If she could help the victims recover from their illnesses and escape their suffering, perhaps she could atone for some of her sins. However, besides some superficial martial arts skills, she couldn't help in any other way. Therefore, she intends to go to Yaowang Valley to study medicine."
Rong Zhi nodded slightly. When people spoke of medical skills, Yaowang Valley was the first place that came to mind, which was a matter of pride. But...
"Yaowang Valley is now under the jurisdiction of the imperial court. It's not a place she can just enter as she pleases. I heard there are heavy troops guarding the perimeter, and outsiders are strictly forbidden."
"I'm worried about this very matter," Chu Qingze said, his face showing concern. "I wanted to explain the gravity of the situation to her, but she's been avoiding me since she woke up. Moreover, she seems to have made up her mind, and I fear she won't listen even if I speak to her."
"That's easy. I'll persuade her."
Thinking it was no great matter, Rong Zhi gave him a reassuring look.
"There's one more thing," Chu Qingze said, looking at Rong Zhi with a slight frown. "She said she wants to go home and see her family before she leaves."
Rong Zhi fell silent.
Zhang Yajing's home was no longer there, and her only remaining relative was in prison. If she saw this situation, her old illness might relapse.
Rong Zhi's tone became heavy. "She has to know sooner or later. I'll go see her first."
Chu Qingze nodded.
Just then, Cui Xi came out from inside, carrying a basin of used water. Seeing Rong Zhi and Chu Qingze talking at the door, she greeted them both.
"Divine Doctor Chu, Divine Doctor Lin."
"Mm, how is your young lady?" Rong Zhi asked.
"She's much better."
Cui Xi poured the dirty water at the base of the wall and gestured for Rong Zhi to enter.
Rong Zhi followed her in. As the door closed, Chu Qingze sighed.
Originally, he only felt some guilt towards Zhang Yajing, but now, he found it increasingly difficult to let go.
When Rong Zhi entered, Zhang Yajing was already sitting up. Compared to her previous sickly appearance, her complexion was much more ruddy, her eyes sparkled, and there was a smile on her face.
"It seems you've recovered well."
Rong Zhi sat on the bed with a smile. "You can't trouble yourself like this anymore. Life is precious. If you keep tormenting yourself, even immortals can't save you."
Zhang Yajing fidgeted with her hands, her voice tinged with regret. "When I heard the court's judgment on my father, and saw my family's gradual decline, I got into a stubborn mindset. Fortunately, you saved me. Cui Xi also told me these past two days that my mother misses me greatly at home. Thinking about it now, my impulsive actions were truly unfair to my mother."
Speaking of which, she glanced at Cui Xi, who forced a smile.
Rong Zhi sighed inwardly. Zhang Yajing didn't know that her mother was already gone.
"By the way, Divine Doctor Lin, I plan to go to Yaowang Valley to study medicine."
Zhang Yajing's voice brightened, as if awaiting Rong Zhi's approval.
"You want to study medicine?" Rong Zhi deliberately ignored the words "Yaowang Valley" and asked, "Chu Qingze and I can both teach you!"
"No," Zhang Yajing shook her head. "I've already caused so much trouble for you and Divine Doctor Chu. I can't bother you anymore. Besides... Yaowang Valley is a legendary holy land of medical arts, rumored to have many renowned physicians. If I go to Yaowang Valley, I'm sure I can master medical skills in the shortest possible time."
"If you say that, it means you don't trust the medical skills of myself and Chu Qingze, right?"
She deliberately showed a hint of reproach.
"I didn't mean that," Zhang Yajing quickly waved her hands. Then, as if remembering something, she became a little dejected. "I just... don't want to stay here anymore."
Perhaps leaving this place would be a new beginning.
Rong Zhi took her hand. "Have you thought it through? Yaowang Valley is on the border of Tianque Kingdom, and it's no longer independent of other countries as it once was. The current Yaowang Valley is under the imperial family's jurisdiction, and not just anyone can get in."
"But it's not impossible to get in," Zhang Yajing said innocently. "I heard that for the sake of the former valley master's ideal of 'healing the world and saving the people,' although Yaowang Valley currently exclusively serves the imperial family, a portion of them are still willing to take disciples from outside. As long as I'm sincere enough, I'm sure I can become a disciple of Yaowang Valley."
It wasn't that easy. If Yaowang Valley truly accepted disciples from outside, Rong Zhi wouldn't have to go to so much trouble to find Xia Yunting.
Seeing her serious expression, she figured that trying to stop her would be futile, so she asked, "Have you truly made up your mind?"
"I've made up my mind," Zhang Yajing said with a resolute expression. "Since I can't save those people my father harmed, at least in the future, when someone needs help, I can lend a hand. Studying medicine is the best way."
Rong Zhi said, "Yaowang Valley is thousands of miles away from here. By the time you get there, you'll have to find a master and deal with them. This will take at least several months, and more likely one to two years. With such valuable time, why waste it on the road? Why not let me show you a better path."
Zhang Yajing asked doubtfully, "What path?"
"In the Imperial City, at the Hundred Herbs Pavilion, there is a Doctor Fang. His medical skills are no less than those of the doctors at Yaowang Valley, and Doctor Fang is not involved in politics. He also doesn't have many disciples. Compared to going to Yaowang Valley to find a master, it would be much easier. This place is only three days' journey from the Imperial City. Even if you and Cui Xi travel together, and it takes a little longer, you can get there in five days."
"This..."
Zhang Yajing looked at Cui Xi.
Cui Xi stepped forward and asked, "Divine Doctor Lin, who is this Doctor Fang? Do you know him?"
"Of course," Rong Zhi said, pointing to herself. "He is my master."
"Divine Doctor Lin, are you from the Imperial City?"
Both Cui Xi and Zhang Yajing looked surprised.
Rong Zhi nodded. "Moreover, if you become Doctor Fang's disciple, you'll be my junior sister. We can look out for each other in the future."
"This..." Zhang Yajing looked at Cui Xi, hesitating.
"If you truly want to learn medicine, listen to me. Yaowang Valley is not what it used to be. People inside are greedy for power, and sycophants are everywhere. How many are truly dedicated to the study of medicine? If you go there, you might become a tool in their power struggles."
Although it was somewhat unethical to badmouth her own disciples, Rong Zhi had to say it to persuade Zhang Yajing.
If Zhang Yajing still refused after this, it would mean she wasn't sincere about learning medicine. Zhang Yajing's face contorted with inner conflict, and finally, she nodded.
"Alright, then we'll set off the day after tomorrow. Cui Xi, quickly pack my things. I want to go home and see my mother."
Cui Xi froze and looked at Rong Zhi for help.
"Go," Rong Zhi nodded at Cui Xi. She had to know sooner or later.
Cui Xi replied, "Yes," and had no choice but to go find clothes for Zhang Yajing and help her change.
Rong Zhi went outside to wait. She saw Chu Qingze still standing at the entrance of the main house, looking as if he had something to say but hesitated. Rong Zhi silently mouthed, "Together?"
From Zhang Yajing's room, cheerful voices could be heard.
"I haven't seen my mother for so long. I wonder if she's been eating well and sleeping well lately?"
Cui Xi replied, "As long as Miss is well, Madam won't worry and will naturally eat and sleep well."
For the unsuspecting Zhang Yajing, this journey was filled with anticipation, but for the informed Chu Qingze, these words only made his heart ache more.
He shook his head at Rong Zhi and returned to his room, closing the door.
These days, Zhang Yajing had been avoiding him. Since Zhang Yajing didn't intend to see him again, he wouldn't proactively appear.
A moment later, Zhang Yajing emerged, having changed into new clothes. She looked refreshed. She glanced outside and noticed that Chu Qingze was not in the courtyard. Her expression relaxed.
"Miss, don't worry, I checked earlier. Divine Doctor Chu isn't here."
In fact, Cui Xi knew perfectly well that Chu Qingze had already known Miss was awake, and Miss likely knew her acting wasn't very convincing. However, both of them tacitly avoided exposing it, perhaps fearing awkwardness if they met.
"Divine Doctor Lin, goodbye," Zhang Yajing said farewell to Rong Zhi.
"I'll go with you."
If Zhang Yajing was stimulated by her mother's situation, Rong Zhi could provide immediate assistance.
"That would be wonderful. I was just planning to ask Divine Doctor Lin to examine my mother."
Seeing her excited demeanor, Rong Zhi didn't know what to say for a moment and simply said, "Let's go!"
The three of them then left the mass grave, each with their own thoughts.
After they left, Chu Qingze stood at the entrance for a long time. After much deliberation, he still decided to follow them.
A gust of wind swept through the mass grave, causing the white banners in the center of the graves to flutter. Xiao Yao, who happened to be passing by, rubbed her arms and knitted her brows.
"What kind of place is this? It's so eerie. And someone's built houses here."
She looked around and happened to spot Chu Qingze, who hadn't left yet.
"Who is that?" She observed him carefully, but unfortunately, she could only see his back. He looked rather dashing, though. Never mind, she'd follow him first; perhaps she could get some information.
"Cui Xi, you're coming to take care of me. Who will look after the household? These days, people have come and gone. My mother is alone at home. What if she needs something?"
On the road, Zhang Yajing continued to ask incessantly about matters at home.
As they got closer to the Zhang residence, Cui Xi became increasingly flustered but had to feign calmness. "Miss, when I was at home, Captain Li often visited the household."
But later... Cui Xi didn't want to continue. Even if she managed to muddle through now, the lie would be exposed soon.
Rong Zhi walked behind, observing Cui Xi's evasive responses, and felt she was also in a difficult position.
As they neared the outside of the Zhang residence, Cui Xi clearly became nervous.
"Miss, why don't we go buy something first? It's not good to go back empty-handed."
Zhang Yajing chuckled. "I'm going back to my own home, why be so formal? I've been away for a long time, and I'm eager to see my mother now. We don't need to buy anything, do we?"
She said this and quickened her pace.
Cui Xi quickly stopped her. "Miss..." For a moment, she couldn't think of any excuse. Suddenly, she spotted a pastry stall by the roadside. Quick-witted, she pointed to the stall and said, "Madam has always wanted to eat the osmanthus cake from that shop. Although the household staff would buy it for Madam, it's nothing compared to your filial piety, Miss. Please, just make Madam happy..."
"Cui Xi, what's wrong with you? Why are you sweating so much?"
Zhang Yajing stopped and looked at Cui Xi, feeling that something was amiss.
"I'm just too hot," Cui Xi wiped her forehead, smiling unnaturally.
Zhang Yajing felt even more uneasy. She turned and looked at Rong Zhi with a questioning gaze.
Rong Zhi sighed and said, "She's just too excited because you're going home. Cui Xi, even if your young lady hasn't been home for a long time, you shouldn't be this excited, should you?"
Even now, she still couldn't bring herself to speak the cruel truth that Zhang Yajing's mother had passed away.
"Alright then, I'll go buy my mother some delicious food. You two wait for me here."
Zhang Yajing said this and went to the small pastry stall.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Cui Xi grabbed Rong Zhi's hand and said nervously, "Divine Doctor Lin, please think of a way! You can't let my young lady know the truth!"