Chapter 051 Guidance

As the mist dispersed and the sunlight rose, West Sea Manor was bathed in the dew and gentle glow of dawn, its colors and atmosphere softening considerably. He Yu walked toward the gate, her heart filled with gratitude for Qiu Di’s kindness, yet tinged with a sense of shame: Every time I encounter difficulties, she always offers her help and advice; she is truly my benefactor. Why was I ever so wary of her before?

Qiu Di was well-read and courteous, thoughtful and considerate, her character and talent fully worthy of her position as a music steward. Her kindness was like a gentle stream, nourishing all it touched without a sound, making everyone who interacted with her feel at ease. Now He Yu, like the others, respected and admired Qiu Di.

“This must be what they call personal charm and wisdom in words and deeds,” He Yu thought. She resolved to emulate Qiu Di, hoping to earn Liu Li’s favor soon.

In this life, He Yu sought nothing else but skill in medicine and a place in people’s hearts. After more than a decade of medical study, she had nearly forgotten her search for her parents, having discovered other joys—saving lives, loving others, and pitting wits against fate.

She descended the steps, left the residence, and looked around until she finally spotted the carriage.

He Yu hurried over and glanced at Feng Xing, whose eyes brimmed with hope. She instinctively lowered her gaze. What should she say? How could she face their disappointment?

Suddenly, Liu Li stepped down from the carriage and greeted her with a gentle smile. Seeing that He Yu remained silent and did not look up, he spoke first.

“Seeing your expression, I suppose things did not go well. You need not be so troubled. Your willingness to help is already more than we could ask for.”

Upon hearing this, He Yu felt a pang of sorrow. How could she bear his disappointment? Though he seemed calm and without reproach, she understood the pain, frustration, and anxiety in his heart.

“Your Majesty!” He Yu recalled Qiu Di’s suggestion and confessed to Liu Li, “There may be a way I can help!”

“Oh? Even the main hall refused us—what hope is left?”

“Though the main hall forbids men from entering, there is one exception: the young master of West Sea Manor, who occasionally returns. He is forthright, always willing to lend a hand, and though rumored to be somewhat carefree and uninhibited, he is trustworthy. Moreover, the main hall is particularly protective of him and would not place obstacles in his path. Why not seek him out, Your Majesty?”

Liu Li pondered for a moment and nodded, “That makes sense. Is the young master surnamed Yu? I’ve heard that much of the river trade is connected to him—surely he’s a resourceful man with many friends.”

“Indeed! Young Master Yu is just as the rumors say—he enjoys making friends and turns none away. Though he has a certain air of the martial world, his heart is pure and he knows right from wrong. Your Majesty need not worry about his character.”

“Even so, the patient in the carriage is in urgent need of treatment. If we set out, there’s no guarantee we’ll find Young Master Yu right away—what then?”

He Yu smiled, looking at the butterfly before the carriage. “Your Majesty, this butterfly can lead you swiftly to Young Master Yu!”

Liu Li turned to look, surprised. “Is that a Spirit Butterfly from Orchid Heart Pavilion?”

“Yes. Your Majesty must have been advised by Qu Ling’er, and the Lingzhi herb as well—she must have helped secure it?”

Liu Li nodded, “Indeed, coming to West Sea Manor and seeking your help were all her suggestions. But how did you know?”

He Yu hesitated, a tangle of thoughts in her heart. Why had Miss Qu placed a Spirit Butterfly before the carriage? Did she wish to control their movements and information? It seems her help to the emperor is not purely out of goodwill. Should I tell him?

“Miss, what’s wrong?” Liu Li asked when he noticed her distraction.

He Yu shook her head. “I am unworthy, but I happened to know of this. Young Master Yu and Miss Qu are quite familiar, often exchanging messages with Spirit Butterflies. Besides, when Your Majesty spoke of seeking help, I guessed it must be Orchid Heart Pavilion—only they could offer such precise advice.”

“So, does Orchid Heart Pavilion truly know all things under heaven, as the rumors claim? And how do you know the disciple’s name?”

“Orchid Heart Pavilion holds mastery over the art of Spirit Butterflies and manages affairs great and small throughout the land. Apart from its master, Mister Wu Xiao, there is but one disciple—Miss Qu. Elsewhere, I might not know, but through Young Master Yu, I learned of her.”

“If Miss Qu and Young Master Yu are acquainted, then our chances of success are much improved?”

He Yu nodded, smiling at Liu Li. Seeing the tension finally ease from his face, she too felt relief.

“Your Majesty, the journey will take about six hours to return to West Sea Manor. Though I am well-versed in acupuncture, the use of the medicinal spring will require some effort, and I fear the Lingzhi herb may wither before then. If Your Majesty trusts—”

“No need to say more, I trust you fully!” Liu Li took the Lingzhi from Feng Xing and handed it to He Yu. “It must have been difficult for you to obtain this, likely in defiance of the rules. Keep it for now, and when we return with Young Master Yu, we will ask you to use it to save a life.”

“There is one more thing!” He Yu glanced at the Spirit Butterfly and whispered, “If Your Majesty finds Young Master Yu by following the butterfly, please send it away afterward. After all—”

Liu Li paused, then nodded with a smile. “Very well, you have my word.”

He Yu was so moved she could hardly reply, only nodding with joy as she watched the carriage depart.

Looking at the Lingzhi in her hand, He Yu bit her lip and returned to West Sea Manor. “I never expected he would remain so kind! Fortunately, it was I who met him; in other hands, this Lingzhi would not have survived. With such trust, how could I ever let him down?”

Back in the courtyard, everyone had already washed and was busy with their tasks. He Yu went straight to the pharmacy, where Qiu Di and the three maids were already waiting. Seeing He Yu return with the herb, they were all delighted.

“The steward truly brought back the immortal herb!” cried the three maids in excitement.

Qiu Di smiled gently, not surprised, only saying with warmth, “He Yu, you’ve worked hard.”

He Yu smiled back, showing off the Lingzhi to the maids. “Take a good look—this is the immortal herb unique to Azure Valley, and I brought it back. It’s about to wither, so there’s no point flaunting it. I must tend to it at once.”

“How should it be cared for? Should we inform the main hall so she can view it herself?”

He Yu scoffed, fixing the maid with a stern look. “Though this is a treasure, it’s only useful in the hands of a healer, for the sake of the sick. Why let everyone know and trouble the main hall? I have my own ways to preserve it and will use it only when needed.”

“She’s right—don’t worry yourselves. Now that you know Steward He Yu did nothing improper, you can rest easy. Still, it’s best to keep this matter quiet, lest the main hall accuse you of disobedience. When the herb is needed in the future, we’ll speak of your efforts and reward you accordingly.”

Hearing Qiu Di’s words, the three maids departed in high spirits.

Glancing around, He Yu finally felt at ease and walked over to Qiu Di, offering her a grateful smile.

“Qiu Di, thank you!”

Qiu Di returned the smile. “It was nothing—no need to mention it! Hurry and tend to the herb before its efficacy is lost. I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”

“All right, take care!” He Yu watched Qiu Di go, thinking: This time, you helped me, so I’ll set aside my suspicions for now. Since you wish to make a good life here in West Sea Manor and have worked hard for it, I will treat you with kindness. I only hope you are a good person and will not betray everyone’s trust and expectations.