Chapter 17: The Smiling Face in My Memory

"Are you upset?" Nangong Che, standing nearby, smiled as he handed over a chicken drumstick that another subordinate had just given him. "Here, take this as compensation."

Jin’er glanced up at him, then at the drumstick. After a moment’s hesitation, she reached out and accepted it once more. Fortunately, nothing happened this time.

Never mind, for the sake of the chicken, she decided to let bygones be bygones.

Nangong Che watched her eat with such relish, and memories from the past unwittingly surfaced in his mind.

In truth, the so-called "old acquaintance" he’d mentioned was nothing more than a fleeting encounter; she didn’t even know who he was. Three years ago, during his travels through various kingdoms, he had slipped into the royal palace of the Kingdom of Mu for amusement. There he saw a little girl in a cold, desolate palace, chasing a butterfly while laughing joyfully. Her smile was the brightest and most beautiful he had ever seen, with two faint dimples, and all this in such bleak surroundings.

For a royal child to have such a radiant, heartfelt smile was rare enough, let alone in a place as forlorn as the cold palace. That scene had left a deep impression on him. Later, when he heard she was the daughter of the Grand Diviner foretold in popular prophecy, the memory became even more vivid.

As time passed and he left the Kingdom of Mu, that recollection faded, until chaos erupted in Mu and the Kingdom of Jin prepared to attack. Only then did the image of that petite figure return to him. Just as he began to worry for her, word reached him that the Emperor of Mu had executed Lady Yun and her daughter.

That moment filled him with sorrow. Familial bonds among royalty were often diluted, but to be put to death by one’s own father—how agonizing must that have been?

With a slight furrow of his brow, Nangong Che drew himself back from distant thoughts. Beside him, Jin’er was still eating with great enjoyment.

Perhaps it was only coincidence, but Jin’er resembled that girl so much that he could not simply watch her wander the wilds alone.

"By the way, what brings you to Junzhou?" Nangong Che suddenly turned and asked.

At his words, Jin’er paused, thought for a while, and replied, "To seek refuge with relatives."

"But didn’t you say you had no family?" Nangong Che raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

"I meant as of now," Jin’er quickly improvised. "I did have a family once, but then a plague struck our village. I survived by sheer luck. Before she died, my mother told me that the royal family of Mu had a distant relative, and I was to seek her out."

She had spun this tale on the spot, but it sounded plausible enough.

"Oh, I see. That’s good." Nangong Che smiled and didn’t press her further.

That’s good? Was he worried about her? Jin’er looked up at him in confusion, but saw he’d already turned away and begun eating himself. Taking a slow, deep breath, she forced herself not to dwell on these inexplicable questions and instead lowered her head to continue relishing her meal.

They traveled together for several more uneventful days. Day and night, she remained by Nangong Che’s side, constantly seeing that flawless face, that captivating smile, and receiving his gentle, attentive care. For the first time in two years, Jin’er felt truly safe. She slept soundly each night, and not once did she suffer the nightmares that had so often plagued her—visions of venomous snakes and insects entangling her.

One day, she suddenly thought of a temporary way to find shelter. She had read many medical books and could at least recognize a good number of herbs and understand their properties.

When she reached Junzhou, she could seek out a pharmacy, help the doctor by gathering and preparing medicine, asking only for meals and lodging as payment. This way, she could support herself while continuing to study medicine, all for the sake of curing her own poisoning one day—a perfect solution.

While Jin’er was savoring these pleasant thoughts, the carriage suddenly lurched violently, its body jerking upward. At the same moment, the startled neighing of horses rang out from outside.