TGCFNM -Chapter 338 Prince Rui Wants to See You

After leaving the cell, Chu Ling stretched her back and looked toward the opposite cell. “I’ll go ahead. You should be out by tomorrow morning at the latest. Once you’re out, make sure to study properly.”

Wan Sanjin pressed against the cell bars and looked at Fu Qingyu. “Qingyu, remember to burn some mugwort when you get out tomorrow—it’ll drive away bad luck.”

Fu Qingyu couldn’t help but smile through his tears. “Alright, I’ll remember. If I can get out tomorrow, I’ll come find you.”

“My brother’s house—you know where it is. That’s where I live, and I have something for you. Don’t tell Shi Lanyu,” Wan Sanjin said with some concern before turning to leave.

Chu Ling glanced down casually. Wangcai circled excitedly around Lu Zheng, then, amid Cui Xi’s calling, happily darted through the cell bars toward her.

Cui Xi scooped Wangcai up and followed behind Chu Ling.

Chu Ling gave one last look at the cell before continuing forward with Mei Gao.

As they reached the door, Chu Ling saw the head jailer again. He had his hands placed in front of him and gave a slight bow.

Chu Ling walked over. “Let me take your pulse.”

The jailer glanced at Mei Gao, then slowly lifted his wrist.

Chu Ling placed her fingers on it, pressing gently. Her expression turned serious. “…Cold has penetrated to the bone. It’s already hard to distinguish, and treatment will be difficult.”

“Cold? Is it the same as Qingyu’s condition?” Wan Sanjin asked curiously.

Chu Ling shook her head. “Fu Qingyu’s cold can still be alleviated with acupuncture and medicinal supplements. But his condition has already reached the marrow—it’s incurable…”

The jailer smiled faintly, the expression surprisingly calm. “No matter, it’s only a lowly life.”

Chu Ling frowned. “Every life is precious. There’s only one—you can’t rank them… Do you have paper and pen?”

The jailer was momentarily stunned, then stepped away briefly and returned with paper and pen.

Chu Ling was about to write when she looked at Mei Gao. “My handwriting is quite fancy; most people wouldn’t understand it. Better you write it down.”

Mei Gao took the pen without suspicion, and Chu Ling dictated the prescription while he wrote.

Once the prescription was finished, Chu Ling handed it over. “This medicine is warming and nourishing. It can be taken daily. After three months, have a doctor take another look—it should help a little.”

The jailer accepted the prescription and bowed in thanks.

Chu Ling waved her hand and followed Mei Gao out.

By the time they left the Dali Temple prison, it was nearly evening. The red sunset on the horizon was fading, and lanterns were being hung outside the prison gates.

“We can go back for dinner now,” Chu Ling murmured, watching the red sky.

Mei Gao pointed to the carriage waiting outside. “No. Prince Rui has requested your presence. Please, Master Chu, and Master Wan, come with me.”

Chu Ling: “….”

Wan Sanjin pointed at himself. “Do I have to go too? Isn’t this something the Master can handle alone?”

Chu Ling glared at him, then looked at Mei Gao with a pleading smile. “Then I’ll have to buy two sets of pastries to bring along.”

Mei Gao shook his head, signaling Chu Ling and Wan Sanjin to quickly get into the carriage.

Helpless, Chu Ling and Wan Sanjin got in. Mei Gao personally drove the carriage to Prince Rui’s residence.

“By the way, you’re a deputy commander of the Imperial Guard. You’re obviously tied to Prince Rui. Aren’t you worried about trouble?” Chu Ling asked bluntly.

Mei Gao answered honestly, “I asked the Prince. He said, if someone deliberately causes trouble, just treat it as part of the job—and the salary is higher.”

Hearing “salary,” Chu Ling winced. She had no salary, and her earnings had even been confiscated.

Wan Sanjin felt the same way. The two exchanged a glance and fell silent.

Upon arriving at Prince Rui’s residence, a middle-aged scholar immediately led Chu Ling inside, while Mei Gao took Wan Sanjin to wait in another room.

Chu Ling walked with her hands clasped behind her back, bored, and asked, “Why must we go so secretly? Surely no one would be unaware that I’ve come to Prince Rui’s residence.”

The middle-aged scholar didn’t answer directly. “The Prince has already made arrangements. Because Prefect Chu contributed gold, he is specially permitted to offer birthday congratulations and remain temporarily in the capital. After the Emperor’s birthday celebration and receiving his reward, he may return to Sishui County.”

“A reward?” Chu Ling’s eyes brightened. This Prince Rui seems reasonable—a good man.

The scholar chuckled lightly and pointed ahead. “You walk this path. At the end is a pavilion, where the Prince will receive you. I will wait here.”

“By the way, how should I address you?” Chu Ling asked.

The scholar cupped his hands. “My surname is Ge, given name Chong. I am but a humble steward in the Prince’s household.”

Chu Ling shook her head. “You don’t look like that—more like an advisor.” Without caring about Ge Chong’s expression, she strode forward alone.

The Ghost Scholar floated behind and glanced at Ge Chong. Seeing his expression unchanged, he drifted toward Chu Ling and advised, “Even if he’s not an advisor, he’s likely a trusted aide.”

“Then this Prince Rui really shows respect—he sent a confidant personally to guide me,” Chu Ling said with a smile.

“Sir, there is someone in the pavilion,” the Ghost Scholar reminded her.

Chu Ling composed herself and walked quickly toward the pavilion. Upon reaching it, she cupped her hands in salute. “Your subordinate pays respects to Prince Rui.”

The Prince Rui slowly turned. The dim yellow light of the oil lamp fell on his face, revealing a pair of bright, piercing tiger-like eyes that commanded respect without anger.

“Rise.”

Chu Ling straightened her back, lifted her head carefully, and looked at the Prince Rui with a beautiful beard. Inwardly, she thought: What a handsome middle-aged man—but he looks so fierce.

“You little prefect, you are truly ignorant and fearless. Do you know…” The Prince Rui’s voice was calm as he stepped closer. Seeing her face clearly, he suddenly paused. “You are audacious beyond measure!”

Chu Ling pretended not to understand. “Your Highness, I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Then play dumb completely. That is how you survive in the capital,” the Prince Rui said, frowning and speaking sharply.

Chu Ling was a bit stunned. She had expected a reprimand and possibly the confiscation of the Prince Rui’s token—but this was all?

Why?

“When will you leave the capital?” the Prince Rui asked, frowning.

Chu Ling pointed behind her. “That gentleman just now said Your Highness has helped clear the path. I may leave after the Emperor’s birthday celebration.”

“And what is your purpose in coming to the capital?” the Prince Rui asked again.

The Ghost Scholar squinted. “Testing.”

Chu Ling rolled her eyes. “I… came… to watch a performance. Yes, watch a performance. After that, I’ll leave.”

The Prince Rui looked at her face, slightly exasperated, his brows furrowed. He remained silent for a moment.

Chu Ling asked again, “Your Highness, I have no salary in Sishui County. Did you forget?”

“You are a self-donated prefect. Where would your salary come from? None!” the Prince Rui said coldly.

Chu Ling was disappointed—not even a single salary?

“Wait…” The Prince Rui lowered his gaze for a moment, then looked back at her. “Then how dare you walk about freely outside?”

“I have your token, Your Highness. I took it from Qinglong,” Chu Ling replied.

The Prince Rui: “…”