These words caused Huo Rou's relaxed expression to tighten.
His grandfather.
Qin Han.
Qin Ningyi had been watching Huo Rou's expression intently. He gently placed his long, slender fingers on Huo Rou's furrowed brow. "Don't frown."
Huo Rou was not the Little Medicine King. If she took the herbs, she took them. It would be a simple transaction, money for goods.
But since Huo Rou *was* the Little Medicine King, this matter was no longer a simple transaction. He knew the resentment and blame Huo Rou harbored towards his grandfather, so he felt even more compelled to explain clearly where the herbs were going.
Qin Ningyi hugged her. "I have other ways."
He didn't want her to be troubled.
"Is it because of me?" Huo Rou asked softly.
She remembered that when she left, Qin Han's condition seemed to be quite poor, but at that time, she hadn't wanted to pay too much attention.
Qin Ningyi heard her ask not about the herbs, but about the cause of Old Master Qin's illness. He pursed his lips helplessly. His A Rou, how could she be so perceptive?
"No."
"Grandpa's old illness just flared up. His condition is stable now. I'm looking for these herbs to help him wake up sooner."
Huo Rou was silent for a long time. Qin Ningyi gently stroked her forehead. "Alright, don't think about it anymore. Let's go back."
They still had other plans, and he needed to seriously consider Shen Wuyou's latest proposal.
Just as they were about to step into the room, Huo Rou's voice sounded softly, "Let's go."
"Hmm?"
Huo Rou looked at him, then at An An, who was accompanying Grandma Yao inside the room. She said firmly, "Let's go back. We're going to gather the herbs."
Qin Han, she hated him.
But to still hold a high position at his age, Qin Han's capabilities were truly formidable.
Calling him a "pillar of the nation" would not be an exaggeration.
She couldn't be a "passive murderer."
Anything beneficial to the country should be done.
This was what her parents had taught her since childhood, and it was also what Qin Ningyi had taught her when they first met.
Once Huo Rou made up her mind, she wouldn't hesitate. She immediately went upstairs to pack.
"Miss Huo, you're leaving today?" Aunt Luo came up from downstairs and asked softly outside Huo Rou's room.
Huo Rou nodded. "Yes."
Since it was to save someone's life, the situation must be more urgent than Qin Ningyi had described.
Shen Wuyou specifically requested this, so it was the best choice.
Aunt Luo glanced at the sky outside. It was almost noon, and her young master had said he would be back this afternoon.
"Let's eat first before you go!" Aunt Luo persuaded with a smile. "Because of Pan Yue, everyone didn't eat a good breakfast. It won't be easy for you to make food when you get back, so it's not too late to eat before leaving!"
An An had already slung his small backpack over his shoulder. "Aunt Luo, An An still has vegetables in the yard. I can cook for Mom!"
He hadn't had a chance to practice what he'd secretly learned recently. This trip back would be a perfect opportunity to show off for his parents.
An An's eagerness made Huo Rou smile.
Aunt Luo wanted to say something else, but Huo Rou interrupted, "Is there something else?"
Normally, Aunt Luo wouldn't be like this.
Aunt Luo was silent for a moment. How could she say it?
An An tugged on her sleeve and shook it. "Aunt Luo?"
Aunt Luo glanced at Qin Ningyi, who was downstairs on the sofa playing chess with Grandpa Nong. If Huo Rou left with him, she probably wouldn't come back, would she? Her young master wasn't the type to chase after someone and pester them. It would be so difficult without even a proper goodbye!
But if she said it directly, wouldn't her young master's feelings be exposed? She had promised him not to say too much.
Aunt Luo was growing anxious.
"What is it?" Grandma Yao came over with something. "I saw you were preoccupied downstairs just now. Why have you been talking to the little girl for so long without getting to the point?"
Aunt Luo steeled herself. "Miss Huo, the young master will be back this afternoon. If he comes back and sees you're gone, he'll probably..."
Aunt Luo "probably" for a long time but couldn't find better words.
When Huo Rou heard it was about Qiao Yushan, she couldn't help but smile. "Little Shan comes and goes freely. He doesn't bother with such things, does he?"
It was the same when they were in Daolin Village. Qiao Yushan would come over for a few days when he had time. When he was done playing and had to tend to his career, he would leave on his own. There was never any deliberate attempt to say goodbye.
"This is different..." Aunt Luo murmured.
Before, they treated each other as friends, so it was casual and free. Now that her young master had realized his feelings and wanted to pursue her, it was different. She remembered how the young master had rushed off earlier, but not before tidying himself up and waiting outside Grandpa Nong's courtyard, just so he could wave goodbye to Huo Rou casually when she opened her window.
"It's different..."