"Ming Wuya is backed by Xie Shiyu, the West Liang noble consort.
From what I know, Xie Shiyu has been eyeing the imperial mausoleums of various kingdoms.
And Doctor Lin, what do you think Xie Shiyu would do if she wanted to enter the Great Qian imperial mausoleum?"
Xie Shiyu's most direct way to enter the Great Qian imperial mausoleum would be to instigate a war between West Liang and Great Qian, defeat Great Qian, and walk into the Great Qian imperial mausoleum under the guise of victory.
However, West Liang had been defeated by Great Qian less than a year ago, and Xiao Jing'an had just ascended the throne. Currently, they clearly lacked the strength to conquer Great Qian immediately.
Therefore, if Xie Shiyu wanted to enter the Great Qian imperial mausoleum, her only option would be to obtain the consent of the Great Qian royal family.
Emperor Jing You was strong and rational; he would absolutely not agree to let a foreign woman like Xie Shiyu enter the Great Qian imperial mausoleum.
Thus, the only path left was to gain the consent of the new emperor of Great Qian.
A large portion of the territory bordering West Liang and Great Qian belonged to Su Bojun, the Grand General of the Northwest. It was obvious who the new emperor of Great Qian that Xie Shiyu sought to win over was.
Lu Qingwan's heart surged like a stormy sea, but her face remained calm. "Xie Shiyu is far away in West Liang, and Ming Wuya and Su Bojun are also far away in the Northwest. How can I know if what you're saying is true or false?"
"You don't need to verify the truth of my words. When Feng Qingheng is established as the Crown Prince of Great Qian, you will naturally know whether it is true or false."
Lu Qingwan did not commit herself but did not ask Cheng Nanshu to leave either. "If you wish to stay, then she and her son will be people of my Bai Xing Lin.
If you want to visit your sister and infant nephew, feel free to do so openly.
If I ever find out that you are prying into my affairs again, they might not be harmed, but I will definitely sever all your ears and eyes."
She had concealed her medical skills, practiced medicine and saved lives as Lin Sa, and founded Bu Ye Zhou, all to leave herself a way out.
If everyone knew her true identity, how would she have a way out?
Fortunately, the man was discerning. Hearing that Lu Qingwan had agreed to take in Cheng Nanshu and her son, he immediately clasped his fists. "Doctor Lin, your great kindness is something Nie Wuming will never forget.
As a token of my gratitude for Doctor Lin taking them in, I might as well offer you another piece of intelligence.
Someone is planning to make a move against Marquis Zhaolie. If you go to him now, you might still be able to save his life."
Having said that, the man cupped his fists and strode away.
He didn't even bid farewell to Cheng Nanshu.
Su Shang looked at Lu Qingwan nervously. "Mistress?"
No one had ever dared to be so audacious in front of Lu Qingwan. Su Shang worried that Nie Wuming's words would infuriate Lu Qingwan.
To her surprise, Lu Qingwan showed no sign of anger, only saying coldly, "Everyone return to your posts. Madam Xu, come with me!"
The person suddenly named was startled, then responded, "Yes, Mistress!"
Indeed, the third person who appeared with Nie Wuming and Cheng Nanshu was Madam Xu.
At that time, she was also wearing the uniform of a medical disciple of Bai Xing Lin. Hearing this, she unhesitatingly took off the outer robe of the Bai Xing Lin medical disciple, handed it to Su Shang beside her, and followed Lu Qingwan.
A carriage had been waiting outside. As soon as Lu Qingwan came out, Ying Yi prepared the footstool.
Lu Qingwan hopped into the carriage and pulled Madam Xu up with her.
She then ordered, "Xiao Er, immediately take people to discreetly search Marquis Zhaolie's manor, focusing on the study, bedroom, and other places where letters might be hidden.
Send someone to find my father immediately, quickly!"
Ying Er didn't know what had happened, but hearing the urgency in Lu Qingwan's voice, he dared not delay. He jumped off the carriage shaft and headed straight for the prince's manor.
Ying Yi, however, asked nervously, "My Princess, where are we going?"
"First back to the prince's manor, then detour to the marquis's manor."
Lu Qingwan was so anxious that Ying Yi could roughly guess that something had happened to Lu Zhenting. Without another word, he whipped the horses, urging them on.
Inside the carriage, Lu Qingwan looked at Madam Xu, who had silently followed. "Should I call you Madam Xu now, or should I address you as Lady Chen?"
"Before I was married, a female scholar gave me the courtesy name Rou Jia. If Doctor Lin does not mind, you can call me Rou Jia."
"Alright, Rou Jia."
Lu Qingwan rummaged through the medicine chest and asked, "You will follow me from now on. Are you willing?"
Madam Xu, or rather Rou Jia, looked at Lu Qingwan with unease.
"I am naturally willing, but Doctor Lin is involved in significant matters. I don't know what I can do by following you."
"From today onwards, you will stay by my side and manage the affairs of the prince's manor for me. When the time is right, I will let you handle other matters."
As Lu Qingwan spoke, she took out all the silver needles, wrapped them with the needle pouch around her wrist, and extended her hand to Rou Jia. "Help me tie it."
"Yes, Mistress."
Rou Jia formally acknowledged Lu Qingwan as her mistress and carefully tied the needle pouch for her.
Lu Qingwan lowered her sleeves, closed her eyes, and leaned against the carriage wall, feigning sleep.
The carriage stopped, and she jumped out without a word. Rou Jia was about to step down to help her, but Lu Qingwan had already entered the hidden side door.
Rou Jia hurried to follow and heard Lu Qingwan instruct, "From today onwards, Rou Jia will be the head maid beside me.
Have her familiarize herself with all matters inside and outside the prince's manor as soon as possible. If she has free time, take her to the training grounds to practice."
"Yes, My Princess!"
Ying Yi responded and then said to Rou Jia, "While the Princess changes, I'll take you to see Miss Yue. If there's anything you don't understand, just ask, don't blunder about."
Rou Jia nodded obediently, her eyes occasionally glancing at Lu Qingwan, unable to believe that Lu Qingwan trusted her so much.
She had been made a head maid immediately, even though she had once been the mistress of a marquis's manor. Now, she was astonished at the title of head maid.
With no time for further surprise, Ying Yi handed her over to Yue'er. Thus, she officially began her service by Lu Qingwan's side.
Lu Qingwan quickly changed into women's attire. When she came out, Ying Yi had already summoned Liang Xia and Ren Dong, carrying many boxes.
Lu Qingwan raised an eyebrow. "What is that?"
"How can the Princess visit her maternal home without preparing some proper gifts?"
Ying Yi grinned. "His Highness is gravely ill and bedridden. We subordinates must fulfill all the courtesies for His Highness!"
This was clearly a cover for Lu Qingwan, so that her return to the manor to save Lu Zhenting would not appear too obvious.
Lu Qingwan smiled faintly. "You are truly thoughtful. I will surely commend you to His Highness later."
Ying Yi grinned foolishly. "Thank you, My Princess!"
The Princess's entourage was complete, and they returned to the marquis's manor in a grand procession. Lu Zhenting personally came out to greet them.
Lu Qingwan raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Father has been at home all along?"
Lu Zhenting was clearly stationed in the capital and incredibly busy. Lu Qingwan was genuinely surprised to see him.
"Guard Li Jin said you were returning home to visit your family, so Father specifically rushed back."