Dream-Reviving Grass and Soul-Returning Incense (1)
“Miss, run! The Master’s coming!”
Su Qingtang was lying comfortably, chatting with the spirits of flowers, plants, and the old banyan tree spirit in her home about the new case she’d encountered at the Patrol Division. Her days had been quite full lately. On her first day of duty, her father had escorted her there himself. Afterward, she only occasionally checked in, during which she could see Yin Gu Huai breathing in dragon energy—and learn many unknown stories about Yingyue City.
Just as she was speaking excitedly, Yi Yuan’s shrill voice rang out, startling her. She immediately spat out the cherry pit she was chewing and bolted.
[I’m leaving first!]
The spirits turned to see Prime Minister Su storming in, holding a thick stick in his hand, fury written all over his face. Behind him followed Yi Yuan, Xiao Li, Madam Su, and several servants.
“Su Qingtang! Get out here right now!”
Prime Minister Su was fuming. Running off secretly to eat roast chicken—fine, he could let that slide. Getting involved in a murder case—barely tolerable. But ending up being appointed an official afterward? Unbelievable!
These past few mornings, just the sight of the annoying Crown Prince at court irritated him. Not only did the other ministers wonder how his daughter had somehow become the Crown Prince’s subordinate after one trip out—he also wanted to know!
Even though he later learned through the heart-voice that the dragon’s breath was keeping Su Qingtang’s life force intact…
Still, he could tolerate that too. But then—just now, the Patrol Division messenger delivered word that their next mission was to Mount Wunian.
That place?!
Not only was it far, but the living conditions were poor. How could his delicate daughter’s frail body withstand that? She was already not expected to live long—was she now rushing to her death?
“Master, please calm down. It’s an imperial decree—hard to defy. Let’s just find Tangtang and talk it through,” Madam Su said anxiously, trying to pacify him.
“Tangtang, come out and talk to your father and mother nicely,” she said softly, knocking gently on her daughter’s closed door.
Inside, Su Qingtang—who had been curled up on her bed—jumped up as soon as she heard her mother’s voice. She cracked the door open slightly and pleaded, “Then make Father promise not to hit me! That stick’s thicker than my arm!”
Madam Su bent down and affectionately tapped her daughter’s nose. “Now you’re afraid, huh? You never think before you act. Do you even know what kind of place Mount Wunian is?”
Then she added, “Alright, your mother’s here. I won’t let your father hit you.”
With that assurance, Su Qingtang finally stepped out.
As always, they gathered under the old banyan tree beside the swing. The servants tidied up the stone table and set out tea and fruit.
Su Qingtang spoke first. “Father, this cup of tea is my apology to you. I agreed to accompany His Highness the Crown Prince to Mount Wunian without your permission—and even planned to tell you afterward.”
After saying that, she raised the cup and drank it all in one gulp, her movements bold and crisp.
“I want to go because—do you still remember Chuyue, the girl I knew when I was little? The one who, like the Crown Prince, was missing her two front teeth?”
Madam Su chuckled at the memory. “Of course I remember. You didn’t want her to feel bad for losing her teeth, so you went and hit the Crown Prince for laughing at her—even though you were terrified of pain yourself.”
Su Qingtang continued, “I’ve kept in touch with her ever since. But a few months ago, she told me she was going to Mount Wunian to find a relative. Then she disappeared. I thought it was just the mountain’s isolation—but someone reported a death there. I want to go see for myself.”
“Besides, His Highness will be there. I’m his subordinate. He’ll definitely protect me.” She added a soft, “Mm,” as if trying to convince herself.
Prime Minister Su and Madam Su lowered their eyes in thought.
The banyan tree spirit asked curiously, [Why didn’t the Crown Prince just tell your parents if he didn’t want you to go?]
[Of course he couldn’t! If he says it’s dangerous, does that mean it’s not dangerous for me? I already fainted last time—and only felt better when I got close to him. During the locust tree incident, if not for his dragon fang, I might have died.]
[If he goes away for ten days or half a month and I fall ill again, what will Father and Mother do?]
Su Qingtang’s reasoning was firm and irrefutable. [So, I must go—even if I have to shamelessly insist!]
Hearing her thoughts, her parents exchanged a look. Madam Su, though usually strong and capable, still had a soft heart and only wished for her daughter’s safety. Prime Minister Su felt a swirl of emotions—he had feared this illness might be hereditary, but he hadn’t expected it to appear so soon.
[Tangtang, no matter what, you have to take care of yourself first,] the flower spirits said worriedly.
[Don’t worry,] Su Qingtang replied confidently. [My plan is to make Yin Gu Huai fall in love with me. Then he’ll definitely give me the dragon pearl! It’s a great plan—the dragon fang came to me the same way, after all.]
Now that she was feeling a little better, her thoughts were becoming lively again. She’d been mulling over this idea recently and was rather proud of herself. Only after speaking did she realize her parents had been silent for a while.
“Father, Mother, what do you think?” she asked.
Prime Minister Su closed his eyes briefly, then squeezed Madam Su’s hand under the table. “Father agrees. But be careful. Write home every day.”
That wasn’t a discussion—it was an order.
Su Qingtang nodded and hugged them both. “Tangtang understands.”
“Tangtang will come back safe and sound.”
That night, the Eastern Palace was brightly lit. The Crown Prince and Emperor Xide sat facing each other over a game of black and white stones.
“Xiao Huai,” Emperor Xide said, placing a stone that blocked his son’s path. “I heard from the Prime Minister you’re taking the Su girl to Mount Wunian?”
Yin Gu Huai rolled a chess piece between his fingers. “Mm. Su Qingtang said her friend went there and vanished, so she wants to take a look.”
“That’s all?”
“What else? You’ve lost, Father. It’s late—go see Mother.”
The words carried a polite dismissal. Emperor Xide glanced at the trapped board position and sighed. “Very well. As I said before—since you’ve decided, protect her. The Su family has done us great service.”
After the Emperor left, the Eastern Palace grew even quieter. The night wind slipped through the window, extinguishing the flickering candlelight. The room sank into darkness.
Yin Gu Huai’s figure faded. Under the vast moonlight, faint blue light appeared above the palace lake, then sank into its depths and vanished completely.
The journey was long and filled with uncertainty, so Su Qingtang hadn’t brought Yi Yuan or Xiao Li along. Still, she carried plenty of magical tools her father had “borrowed” from his friends. Rubbing her overstuffed qiankun pouch, she felt content.
At the gates of Yingyue City, Su Qingtang hugged Madam Su tightly, rubbing her cheek against her mother’s. “Mother, this is where you stop seeing me off.”
Madam Su smoothed her daughter’s wind-tousled hair, her voice trembling. “Remember what your father and I said—stay safe. If you can’t solve a problem, run. You have us to come back to.”
“Mm-hmm, Mother’s the best,” Su Qingtang said, then turned toward the carriage.
As the carriage passed through the city gates, she knocked on the door and called out, “Your Highness, can you help me with something?”
High above, on the city tower, Prime Minister Su held his wife close as they watched the carriage grow smaller. Though he supported the Emperor, it wouldn’t be proper for him to appear at the farewell—he didn’t want to cause unnecessary trouble for his daughter’s mission.
He was just about to comfort his wife when a familiar voice floated through the air:
“Old Su, be good and wait for me at home—take care of my Miss Su.”
A kite came gliding down from the sky—Su Qingtang’s trademark doodle of three round, smiling figures. It landed gently before them, as if guided by invisible hands.
Madam Su’s eyes grew moist. “Husband, I’ve never once regretted marrying you—or bearing our children. I’m truly happy.”
Prime Minister Su tightened his grip on the kite. “And I too am happy—to have you and Tangtang. Let’s go home and pray to the gods, for Tangtang’s safe journey.”
Inside the carriage, Su Qingtang used a tool to peek at her distant parents atop the tower. She wiped her tears, then knocked again on the carriage door. “Thank you, Your Highness. You really are such a good person.”
Yin Gu Huai, who had just been handed a “good person” card, gave no reply. Su Qingtang sensibly fell silent.
Driving the carriage, Gu An called out, “Of course! Our Highness is the best.”
Then he added, “But, Lady Su, you’d better hold on tight. Hyah!”
Though some at the Patrol Division had doubted her appointment, everyone knew it had been granted because of her frail health—and likely by imperial decree. Many still remembered vividly when she and the Crown Prince had witnessed the mythical spirits of trees and flowers. Besides, Su Qingtang had no spoiled-lady airs; since her arrival, even their meals had improved. Naturally, they were happy to accept her.
Gu An shouted again, and before Su Qingtang could puzzle out what he meant, she realized—the horse was flying!
Fortunately, her grip was strong. She held on tightly as the carriage lifted off the ground and soared into the clouds, instinctively scooting inward.
“Don’t worry, Lady Su,” said Gu Quan, galloping alongside on another flying horse. “My brother’s driving skills are excellent!”
Looking around at the whole squad equipped the same way, Su Qingtang couldn’t help but think—perhaps her own imagination had been far too small after all…
(End of Chapter: Dream-Reviving Grass and Soul-Returning Incense 1)