Such items were quite common in Yun Qingqing’s original world, but in this world where spiritual energy was scarce, they were definitely not something ordinary people could produce.
“Young Miss indeed recognizes its value!” Divine Doctor Tang said with a smile. “To be frank, although I have earned the reputation of a divine doctor among the people, within my sect, Yixian Valley, I am merely the most ordinary outer sect disciple.”
“This thumb ring was gifted to me by my master when I left the valley. He said that if I ever encountered an otherworldly expert capable of determining fate and recognizing merit, I should present this item to them. Once you accept it, you will forever be an honored guest of Yixian Valley, entitled to use most of the valley’s resources!”
“This ring has been gathering dust in my possession. Only you are truly worthy of it. I sincerely hope you will not refuse it, Young Miss!”
Fearing she might decline, Divine Doctor Tang deliberately added that last sentence.
Yun Qingqing did not stand on ceremony. She nodded with a faint smile:
“This item is precisely what I need. Since that is the case, I will not refuse. Thank you! I have a talisman here. Take it and affix it to the inner side of your main hall’s door. It will ensure peace and prosperity for your household and family.”
Divine Doctor Tang was overjoyed. Happily, he accepted the talisman paper and carefully tucked it away. He then reminded her that if she needed any medicinal herbs, she could go to Huichun Hall on East Street. After that, he took his leave.
Yun Qingqing returned to Madam Yun’s room.
Upon entering, she saw that besides Nanny Zhao and Qiao’er, several more people had gathered in the room. They were all dressed in the attire of Regent’s Mansion servants, and Nanzheng was also present.
Yun Qingqing noticed that Madam Yun’s gaze toward her was somewhat complex.
“Princess Consort, these are medicinal herbs and tonics specially sent by His Highness. Please see if there is anything else you need. Just give the order, and this subordinate will do my utmost to fulfill it.”
Nanzheng pointed to the trays held by the servants as he spoke.
Yun Qingqing examined them one by one. Indeed, they were various precious medicinal herbs and rare tonics, many of which were urgently needed by her.
In high spirits, she smiled:
“His Highness is truly considerate. Thank him for me! Qiao’er, store these properly. I will need them later.”
The servants all followed Qiao’er out. Yun Qingqing noticed Nanzheng hesitating and not leaving, so she asked:
“Is there something else?”
“It’s like this… Princess Consort, I have already taken the mansion’s accountant to audit the account books of Yun Estate, but no issues were found.” Nanzheng frowned.
Yun Qingqing smiled calmly:
“Is that all? Then it’s simple. Go and thoroughly search the southeast corner of my second uncle’s study. You will surely find something.”
Nanzheng left, half-convinced and half-doubting.
Only after all the people from the Regent’s Mansion had left did Madam Yun finally speak:
“Qingqing, that Regent King… he knows about your situation and is still willing to marry you?”
Looking at her expression, Yun Qingqing roughly understood. Her mother thought she had taken advantage of the Regent King’s blindness to deceive him into agreeing to the marriage contract. She was afraid that once he discovered the truth, he would punish them, hence her constant worry.
It seemed Nanny Zhao and Nanzheng had already explained the facts earlier.
“Mother, don’t worry.” Yun Qingqing sat down by the bed, took Madam Yun’s hand, and smiled. “His Highness and I have a clear, fair deal—no deception involved!”
After all, it was just a transaction. That guy stands to gain a huge advantage if his eyes are cured. What reason would he have to be unhappy?
“What kind of talk is that!” Madam Yun chided her with a glance, then said seriously, “Qingqing, you suffered grievances while I was away. Now that I have returned, I will never allow anyone to bully you again!”
“No matter how this marriage arrangement came about, if you don’t wish to marry, we’ll simply call it off! Better to remain single than settle for less—even if you never marry, there’s no need to force yourself.”
“With your mother here, from now on you need not heed anyone’s judgment. Just go and find a man who will truly cherish and love you.”
Yun Qingqing felt a stir in her heart.
In the original owner’s memories, her mother was a gentle and amiable woman. She had assumed her mother would adhere to the principles of the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, with the husband as the guiding principle for the wife. Unexpectedly, she was so clear-headed, wholeheartedly considering her daughter’s well-being.
She patted Madam Yun’s hand and comforted her:
“Mother, there’s no need to worry. I truly wish to marry the Regent King, and he treats me very well. He even stood up for me before the Emperor!”
Hearing this and recalling the pile of precious medicinal herbs, Madam Yun felt the prince indeed valued her daughter. She then nodded.
“Since your mind is made up, I will support you and ensure you have a splendid wedding.”
“Mhm! Mother, you’re so wonderful!” Yun Qingqing hugged her arm, beaming with a radiant smile.
Looking closely at Madam Yun’s stunning face, though a woman in her early thirties, she appeared no older than twenty, with flawless skin so delicate it seemed it could break at a touch, not a single wrinkle in sight.
It was truly a feast for the eyes.
Just as mother and daughter were enjoying this harmonious moment, Nanzheng’s excited voice suddenly came from outside the door:
“Princess Consort, we’ve made a discovery!”
After being granted entry, Nanzheng, eyes gleaming, handed over a stack of account books:
“Princess Consort, you’re simply amazing! There’s a hidden mechanism in the treasure shelf at the southeast corner of Yun Zhiping’s study. Inside, we found another set of account books!”
“These record in detail every instance of embezzlement and where the money went over the years. Please take a look, Princess Consort!”