Chapter 23: A Debt From a Past Life

Su Li carefully finished dressing and left her residence with two servant girls in tow.

Upon arriving at the Duke Wei Residence, the gatekeeper, who now recognized her, hurriedly ushered her and her entourage inside.

Once seated in the front hall, Wei Yuanyao appeared promptly.

"Ah, how come you're here today? Luckily, I didn’t step out!" Wei Yuanyao greeted cheerfully.

Su Li smiled. "The weather is nice today, so I thought I’d come visit. Are Grandmother and Aunt home?"

Wei Yuanyao responded, "Yes, they’re at home. Let’s head to Grandmother’s courtyard. My mother is probably there massaging Grandmother’s legs."

Nodding, Su Li stood and followed Wei Yuanyao toward Madam Wei’s courtyard.

"Li’er, you’re amazing! Ever since we used your method and followed your prescription, Grandmother’s legs have improved significantly. She can now walk from her courtyard to the main hall without needing the support of a maid. You have no idea how delighted Grandfather and Father are. They’ve been singing your praises nonstop!"

Su Li smiled softly. "As long as Grandmother’s pain is relieved, all my efforts in studying medicine have been worthwhile."

The two chatted as they made their way to Madam Wei’s courtyard.

"Grandmother, guess who’s here!" Wei Yuanyao shouted as soon as they entered the courtyard, even before stepping through the doorway.

Inside, Madam Wei beamed, her eyes narrowing in joy at the sight of Su Li.

"Li’er is here?"

Wang Shi, Wei Yuanyao’s mother, was about to scold her daughter for her lack of decorum but stopped upon seeing Su Li.

Su Li approached with a smile, politely greeting them.

"Greetings, Grandmother. Greetings, Aunt."

Madam Wei rose from her seat, taking Su Li’s hand affectionately. "My dear, come help your Grandmother take a walk in the garden."

"Of course."

Su Li supported Madam Wei as they walked toward the courtyard garden. Wang Shi followed behind, smiling.

"Mother, your leg ailment is nearly healed. Li’er’s medical skills are better than even the imperial physicians'!"

Wei Yuanyao added proudly, "That’s for sure!"

Supporting Madam Wei into the garden, they were greeted by a vibrant display of summer flowers in full bloom. It wasn’t yet noon, so the weather was pleasant, and they sat on the stone stools in the courtyard.

Suddenly, Madam Wei turned to Su Li and asked, "Li’er, Yuanyao told me that your younger half-sister has been causing trouble for you. Is that true?"

Su Li nodded. "She can be a bit unruly, but don’t worry, Grandmother. I’m not a fool and won’t let her have her way."

Madam Wei sighed. "I’ve hardly left the house these past few years due to my legs, let alone visited the Shangshu Residence. The last time I saw your younger sister was years ago. I only remember her as a sweet-talking child who knew how to charm people. Who would’ve thought that after all these years, she’d dare to bully you!"

Noticing her grandmother’s growing anger, Su Li quickly reassured her. "Grandmother, don’t be upset. I didn’t suffer any losses. If anything, that side has been on the losing end these past few days."

Wei Yuanyao chimed in excitedly, "Grandmother, you should’ve seen it! When Aunt ordered everything to be taken back to Cousin’s room, Su Yue’s room was practically emptied out. It was hilarious!"

Madam Wei snorted coldly. "So, she even dared to take things from Li’er’s room. The audacity!"

Wang Shi gently interjected, "Mother, your 70th birthday is just around the corner. My husband wants to host a grand celebration. Su Yue, as your granddaughter, will certainly come. At that time, you could subtly discipline her a little."

Madam Wei hesitated. "Would that be appropriate? Won’t people say that an old woman nearing the grave is bickering with a young girl?"

But not disciplining her left a bad taste in her mouth. How could she let anyone think they could bully the granddaughter she adored?

Wang Shi reassured her, smiling, "Mother, you’re her grandmother. Who would dare criticize you for teaching your granddaughter a lesson?"

Madam Wei nodded. "You’re right. As long as she doesn’t overstep her bounds, I’ll just say a few words to put her in her place and ensure she doesn’t dare show disrespect to my Li’er again."

Su Li’s heart warmed at her grandmother’s protectiveness. She thought, If Grandmother knew everything Su Yue did to me in my past life, how heartbroken would she be?

"Grandmother..."

Seeing Su Li’s slightly reddened eyes, Madam Wei grew alarmed. "Li’er, what’s wrong? Did that mother-daughter pair bully you? I’ll write to your father immediately and have him divorce her!"

Su Li quickly stopped her, shaking her head. "No, Grandmother. I’m just touched by how good you are to me."

Madam Wei chuckled, gently patting Su Li’s head. "Silly child."

The group continued chatting in the courtyard for a while until Su Li suddenly asked, "Aunt, is Cousin at home? I need to speak with him about something."

Wang Shi nodded. "Yes, he’s preparing for the imperial exams in the study."

Surprised, Su Li asked, "Cousin is taking the civil exam as well?"

Wei Yuanyao pouted. "He insists on taking both the civil and military exams and claims he’ll win dual top scholar titles. What a braggart!"

Su Li smiled. "I believe in Cousin. He has the ability."

Wang Shi laughed. "You see that, Yuanyao? Your cousin’s own sister doesn’t believe in him, but your cousin’s cousin does. Take her to the study."

After excusing herself, Su Li followed Wei Yuanyao to the study.

"Li’er, why are you looking for my brother?"

Su Li replied, "It’s nothing major. I just need to consult him on something."

Reaching the study, Wei Yuanyao casually pushed the door open.

Inside, Wei Yuanling looked up and saw his sisters enter.

"Li’er, you’re here."

Su Li greeted him with a polite bow. "Cousin."

Wei Yuanling nodded. "Grandmother and Mother are in the residence. You should visit them."

Su Li responded, "I just came from Grandmother’s courtyard. I’m here because I have something to discuss with you."

Surprised, Wei Yuanling asked, "With me?"

Su Li nodded and turned to Wei Yuanyao. "Sister, I’d like to speak with Cousin alone. Could you..."

Wei Yuanyao frowned, muttering, "So mysterious?" But she still left the room with a pout.

After Su Li closed the door, Wei Yuanling looked at her curiously.

"What is it, Li’er?"

Su Li stepped forward. "Cousin, I’ll get straight to the point. I’m here because of King Jing."

Wei Yuanling frowned in confusion.

"King Jing?"

He couldn’t recall any connection between Su Li and King Jing.

Su Li continued, "Cousin, you know I’ve learned medicine, right?"

Wei Yuanling nodded. Her ability to treat their grandmother’s leg ailment had proven how talented she was.

Su Li added, "Cousin, I know King Jing suffers from a cold affliction…"

Wei Yuanling’s eyes widened in shock.

"How do you know that?"

It wasn’t surprising that Wei Yuanling reacted this way. King Jing’s affliction was a closely guarded secret, known only to his most trusted circle.

Su Li explained, "I’m a doctor. Of course, I could tell from observation. Cousin, I can cure King Jing, but he won’t easily trust strangers. That’s where I need your help."

Hearing her confident declaration, Wei Yuanling’s eyes lit up with hope.

To diagnose such a hidden illness with just a glance—how advanced must her medical skills be?

However, he still asked cautiously, "Why do you want to cure King Jing?"

Su Li smiled lightly. "Does a doctor need a reason to treat a patient?"

Because I owed him a debt in my past life.

But she couldn’t say this, so she simply appeared altruistic.

Wei Yuanling sighed, marveling at his cousin’s kind heart.

Su Li handed him a small porcelain bottle. "This medicine can suppress his cold affliction for a year, but it still requires two rare ingredients to completely cure him: Bai Li Seeds and Thousand Frost Herb. Once those are acquired, I can perform the cure using my unique golden needle technique."

Wei Yuanling stared at the bottle, then asked, "What are those ingredients?"

"Bai Li Seeds can be found in the palace. As for the Thousand Frost Herb… it only grows in the frigid lands of Xichen."

Wei Yuanling’s eyes widened again. "The palace is one thing, but Xichen? That’s nearly impossible."

Su Li nodded. "It will be difficult, but not impossible."

Taking the bottle, Wei Yuanling said, "Difficult is better than hopeless. I’ll make sure this reaches King Jing."

Su Li smiled, relieved. "The medicine can be tested by his imperial physicians first, to put his mind at ease."

Seeing her confidence, Wei Yuanling chuckled awkwardly. "Knowing him, he will definitely test it."

"Thank you, Cousin. I won’t trouble you further," Su Li said, retreating gracefully.

With her mission complete, she left the study, her heart set on repaying the debt from her past life—one step at a time.

[--------------------------------------------]

Enjoyed the chapter?

If you want early access to +10 Advance chapters and to support the continuation of this story, consider subscribing to my Patreon. Your support means a lot and helps me bring more great content to you!

Join me on Patreon: Patreon.com/flokixy