A deafening rumble of thunder accompanied by howling winds, with streaks of lightning occasionally flashing across the sky, completely shattered the peaceful night. Everything pointed to one thing: a torrential downpour was imminent.

A spacious study, divided in two by a screen of green gauze.

On the left, there is a simple rosewood desk. On the wall hang several ink and wash paintings, revealing the owner's fresh and elegant style. On the right, by the window, there is a tatami bed where a man lies half-reclined, lazily flipping through a medical book in his hands, completely unaffected by the thunder and lightning outside.

Zi looked at Jing, who was only seventeen or eighteen years old, but his eyes held a calmness and ease that went beyond his age. Just looking at him could be captivated by his charm. He is the current head of the Qing family, the first family of the ink painting dynasty, and also the direct grandson of the Master of Huichun Hall, Qing Li.

It seemed that she had noticed something amiss, Qing Li's beautiful brows furrowed slightly. She was just about to delve deeper when a sudden, urgent voice from outside interrupted her.

"Miss, miss…" The voice calling out was high and clear, causing Qing Li to raise her eyes from the book and shake her head helplessly.

Before I saw her, I heard her voice. Besides that rambunctious girl from Lanxi, who else could it be!

He smiled and sat up, pouring two cups of tea. The dark brown tea filled the white porcelain cups to just above seven-tenths full, with faint ripples dancing on the surface.

Her elongated fingers lifted the jade cup gently, and it was at this very moment that the owner of that voice arrived before Qing Li, radiating anger.

Looking at Lan Xi amusedly, I saw a faint blush on her fair face, with a thin layer of sweat also glistening on her forehead.

Qing Li calmly raised the cup to her lips, a hint of anger in her eyes. "Here, drink this first and then we can talk. Don't be impatient," she said.

Lan Xi nodded, picked up the cup and drank it in one gulp. However, she seemed a little unsatisfied and immediately complained with displeasure: "Miss, this cup is too small!" It's not even enough to wet my throat!

This little rascal is getting bolder… Qing Li chuckled wryly, looking at the empty jade cup. She twitched the corner of her lips helplessly. That was top-grade Pu'er tea, aged for a hundred years, wasted just like that...

With a look of displeasure, Qing Li picked up the cup of tea in front of her and sipped it slowly. "Alright, what is it?"

When Lan Xi heard this, she was furious. She stamped her feet and angrily said, "Miss, I heard that the Emperor issued an imperial decree for you to marry the Crown Prince of Chen Nan three months later!" Her voice was very high-pitched, making it painful to listen to.

Qing Li twitched her ear, but her expression remained unchanged. It was as if the words spoken had nothing to do with her. She raised her eyes to look at the figure who was spinning around anxiously and nodded slightly, "I know, the imperial decree has arrived." She pointed at the bright yellow scroll on the table and said calmly.

This morning, the father-in-law came to read the imperial edict. What's she making a fuss about now? Hmph, probably off playing somewhere again!

Her eyes, like water, held a doting smile as she continued to sip the rich and fragrant Pu'er tea, savoring its taste on her tongue.

Lan Xi widened her eyes and hurried over to take a look. Sure enough, it was an imperial edict sealed with a jade seal. Her face immediately fell, and she pouted in displeasure: "How could the Emperor issue an edict just like that without even asking the Sect Master?" She stomped her feet in anger and turned back to see Qing Li calmly sitting there sipping tea. She couldn't help but be astonished. "Miss! Why are you reacting this way?"

"Oh? Then what should I react to?" Qing Li raised her head and glanced sideways, a hint of amusement in her eyes. She was quite curious about what would be said next.

"Don't you think it's outrageous that the Emperor wouldn't even ask for your consent before arranging your marriage? Shouldn't you be furious?" Lanxi stared at her, eyes wide with disbelief. Three months were about to pass, time was running out, yet she remained so calm?

Qing Liqi, holding onto Tuan Tuan who was spinning around, told him to sit down. Only then did she smile and say, "First, the Emperor's betrothal has never consulted anyone's wishes; we can only follow the decree. Second, Grandfather is not unaware of this marriage. I knew about it half a year ago."

"Half a year ago!" Lan Xi was surprised. It turned out that the young lady had been mentally prepared long ago, no wonder she was so calm now.

Qing Li nodded, straightening up and stretching her muscles. Her face was relaxed and pleasant, but a flash of something crossed her eyes.

Their family has been physicians for generations, with branches of Huichuntang spread throughout the major towns of the ink wash world, even extending to the countries of Haoyue and Xichuan. With such a vast business empire, how could the Emperor possibly ignore it? A marriage alliance was inevitable! Only, he hadn't expected the Emperor to be so impatient...

He let out a somewhat mocking chuckle, stroking his brow. To be honest, if he had a choice, he'd avoid that cesspool of the palace at all costs. But now, there was no turning back, it seemed like a battle of wits...

"...Miss..." A soft voice echoed in his ear. Qing Li turned his head, only to see a face contorted with grief, heartbroken.

With a questioning glance, Lan Xi finally spoke softly: "Your Majesty has many children, and there are many who have not yet married. Why would you choose to give you to the Prince..."

Whatever you think, you're feeling uncomfortable. Your family is the head of the Four Great Families in the Ink Dynasty, and as the only legitimate daughter, even a position as a princess would be within reach. How could you possibly settle for being just a prince consort?

Muttering under his breath in discontent, he was quite displeased. Meanwhile, Qing Li's eyes flickered slightly and she remained silent.

The current imperial court, though seemingly harmonious on the surface, is actually turbulent beneath. The various princes are constantly vying for power, both openly and secretly. If one were to reside within the palace, they would likely find no peace day by day.

This marriage was actually arranged by my grandfather long ago. Compared to the palace, the royal manor is much simpler, and Duke Chen Nan and my grandfather are very close. If you enter the royal manor, the prince will naturally take good care of you...

Seeing Lan Xi's conflicted expression, Qing Li gave a slight smile and tapped her forehead, pulling apart the furrowed brows. She feigned anger and said, "Who are you putting on this gloomy face for? Aren't you happy that your young lady is getting married?" This girl was innocent; she couldn't be told these hidden things, lest it tire her out.

Lan Xi puffed up her cheeks and, with a slight frown between her brows, muttered softly, “Hmph, I heard that the Young Master has been on the battlefield for years, revered as a war god. He is said to be aloof and unrestrained, and spends most of his time outside the capital. Miss, you marrying him, who knows if you'll end up neglected somewhere!” This was her concern for the future of her young mistress!

That's even better! Qing Li, upon hearing this, not only didn't get flustered but laughed instead. She subtly raised her eyebrow and felt a surge of joy in her heart.

And just at this moment, a soft patter of rain began outside. After all that thunder, it had finally started to rain.

Walked to the window, listening to the raindrops hitting the windowpane with a clattering sound, I felt a bit dazed and started mumbling to myself: "It's spring now, there could be such heavy rain, it's really amazing..."

It seems like a long time ago, on a rainy night just like this, I was hit by a speeding car and fell into the water. When I woke up, I had somehow crossed over to today's Qingli.

That was so long ago! It feels like a lifetime.

Qing Li shook her head wryly. At first, when she arrived in this unfamiliar era, she was also at a loss. But she was still someone who went with the flow. After all, it was a second life bestowed by Heaven. So for more than ten years, she followed her grandfather to learn medicine and treat illnesses, saving people. It was a fulfilling life.

Though there have been some minor setbacks on the road ahead, it doesn't really affect anything. After all, we can meet any challenge head-on. How could anyone possibly bully us? At worst, I'll just submit a resignation letter and still be free to roam the world wide open, soaring high in the limitless sky!

Qing Li smiled brightly at the windowpane, her star-like eyes sparkling with color. top: 36954step on: 3