Chapter 338: Taking the Pulse (Fifth Update)

Only then did the Red Demon become happy again.

Chu Liuyue stepped out of the barrier and left.

The Red Demon watched her figure disappear, and only after confirming she had truly gone did it let out a sudden, joyful cry.

Finally, there were more gifts!

It returned to the courtyard in high spirits, only to see Mu Qinghe tidying up the shattered teacups.

Since it was in a good mood, it didn't intend to continue bickering with Mu Qinghe, but it still couldn't resist approaching and flying a circle around him.

Mu Qinghe raised his eyes and gave it a cold look.

"It seems she is quite good at coaxing you."

The Red Demon lifted its head triumphantly.

Mu Qinghe said in a heavy voice

"I will not help her again just for your sake in the future; look after yourself. Furthermore... I know you feel she is somewhat similar to *her*, which is why you are so close to her. However, I am warning you one last time: the human heart is unpredictable. If she realizes this, she will certainly find every possible way to exploit you. When that time comes, do not regret it."

He was, after all, the Red Demon's master; how could he not guess its thoughts?

From the first time it met Chu Liuyue until now, there was only one reason for the Red Demon to be so affectionate toward her.

He could tolerate it once, but that didn't mean he would let someone take advantage of his leniency!

The Red Demon gave him a faint, lingering look.

*Heh, foolish human.*

*When the time comes, it's not clear who will be the one truly regretting it!*

Although ten days was a relatively short time, it was already a pleasant surprise for Chu Liuyue.

What made her even happier was that early the next morning, Mu Hongyu told her that her Imperial Consort mother had already arrived in the Imperial Capital.

It had taken less time than expected.

The news of Princess Consort Pingjiang's arrival in the capital spread quickly, and Emperor Jiawen specially sent people to welcome her.

However, considering the Princess Consort's poor health, no palace banquet was held to celebrate her arrival.

Mu Hongyu and Chu Liuyue traveled together to the Pingjiang Prince's manor in the capital.

"I didn't know before that your Father Prince had a dedicated residence in the capital."

Chu Liuyue was somewhat surprised as she followed Mu Hongyu into the heavily guarded manor.

Mu Hongyu giggled.

"Because my Imperial Father returns to the capital to stay for two months every three years! So His Majesty specially allocated a residence for my Father Prince. I came here once when I was little."

"I haven't heard you mention this before. After you were admitted to the Academy, why didn't you live here instead of the Academy?"

Mu Hongyu made a face.

"Who would want to live here? There are so many people and so many rules! It's not convenient at all! It's best to live in the Academy!"

Chu Liuyue thought about it and agreed.

The Academy was not only convenient and free, but also safe.

Given Mu Hongyu's personality, living here alone would truly be unimaginable for her.

The two of them walked further inside.

Upon arriving at the backyard, an elderly man with hair and a beard as white as frost was already standing there waiting.

As soon as she saw the old man, Mu Hongyu rushed forward in great joy.

"Grandpa Wushan! You've come too!?"

The wrinkles on Wushan's face crinkled into a smile as he said chuckled

"It has been several months since I last saw the Little County Princess; this old man has missed you dearly! Quick, tell this old man, have you been crying these past few months?"

Mu Hongyu couldn't help but pout

"Grandpa Wushan, we haven't seen each other for so long, why is that the first thing you say when we meet? I'm already sixteen! I stopped crying a long time ago!"

A look of surprise appeared on Wushan's face

"Oh? The Little County Princess has already broken through to the fourth rank of martial artist?"

Mu Hongyu wrinkled her nose proudly

"Of course!"

"The Little County Princess has truly grown up! And she is becoming more and more outstanding! If the Prince and Princess Consort knew this, they would surely be very happy," Wushan said with emotion.

Mu Hongyu hurriedly asked

"By the way, how is Mother doing now?"

The smile on Wushan's face froze slightly, replaced by a trace of worry.

"The Little County Princess should go see for herself."

Mu Hongyu's heart sank.

Could Mother's condition be even worse than imagined?

It made sense; after all, she had been traveling day and night... perhaps it had worsened!

"I'll go see!"

As Mu Hongyu spoke, she grabbed Chu Liuyue's hand and headed toward the house.

However, Wushan suddenly blocked them, his gaze sweeping over Chu Liuyue.

"And this is—"

"Look at me! I forgot to introduce you! Grandpa Wushan, this is Chu Liuyue! Vice General Mu was willing to help this time all thanks to her!"

Hearing the name, Wushan was startled. He quickly took a step back and cupped his hands in greeting

"So it is Miss Chu. My apologies for the lack of etiquette!"

Although they had only just arrived in the capital, the name "Chu Liuyue" was as famous as a thunderclap.

"I truly do not know how to repay this kindness," Wushan said with a face full of gratitude.

"Senior Wushan is too polite. Hongyu and I are friends; this is only what should be done." Chu Liuyue glanced at the anxious Mu Hongyu and smiled. "If you don't mind, I would like to visit the Princess Consort with Hongyu. Would that be alright?"

"Yes, yes! Of course! Please, come in!"

The Princess Consort's illness was very serious, but currently, no outsiders knew.

Wushan and his group had been extremely vigilant throughout the journey.

If it had been anyone else, they certainly would not have agreed, but since this person was Chu Liuyue, there was naturally no problem.

After all, without her help, how could the envoy of the Tianling Empire have agreed to invite a Heavenly Physician to treat the Princess Consort?

Chu Liuyue and Mu Hongyu walked quickly into the room together.

Wushan stood outside, keeping a strict watch.

As soon as she entered the room, Chu Liuyue saw a woman lying on the bed.

Chu Liuyue's heart stirred.

This must be Mu Hongyu's mother.

She had her eyes closed, her face was pale, her cheeks were deeply sunken, and a sense of deathiness shrouded her brow and eyes; she looked extremely haggard.

Mu Hongyu's eyes instantly reddened as she threw herself by the bedside

"Mother!"

Hearing the voice, the Princess Consort's eyes seemed to move, and then she slowly opened them.

Her eyes were dim and lusterless, exhausted and lifeless, as if she had spent all her strength.

She looked at Mu Hongyu, struggled to reach out her hand to touch Mu Hongyu's face, and revealed a pale, weak smile, saying in a raspy voice

"...Yu'er..."

Tears instantly welled up in Mu Hongyu's eyes.

She immediately lowered her head to wipe them away, seemingly not wanting her mother to see her like this.

However, while holding her mother's skeletal hand, her tears simply would not stop.

"Mother... Mother, how... how could you be like this?"

It had been less than a year since Mu Hongyu left home to study at Tianlu Academy.

In the past, although her mother's health had not been good, she was never like this!

The Princess Consort moved sluggishly to wipe away Mu Hongyu's tears, but she soon lost her strength.

Another elderly man in green standing by the bed stroked his beard.

"Little County Princess, do not be anxious. Once the people from the Tianling Empire arrive, there will surely be a way."

Mu Hongyu knew this was the only hope for now, so she could only nod and swallow her tears.

Then, a clear and pure female voice drifted in

"I wonder if I may first take the Princess Consort's pulse?"

12:00

(End of Chapter)