Ninth Imperial Glorious Phoenix Chapter 736

Chapter 736: The Wheelchair Reappears

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Mingzhu felt a bit embarrassed but, recalling Yuwen Chu’s usual demeanor, she maintained a composed and enigmatic facade, accepting Jiang Zhouzi’s kneeling with calm dignity. She said, “Being able to bring welfare to the people is my greatest wish in this life.” She blushed after saying this but genuinely felt a surge of enthusiasm and certainty. She was determined to see a peaceful world where people could live in stability and not be displaced or devastated by disasters, forced into despair.

Straightening her back, she added seriously, “This is also our highness’s greatest wish and life’s work. I will earnestly pursue this goal and ensure Mr. Jiang fulfills his promises. Let us strive together for a world free of hunger, illness, and suffering.”

After saying this, she noticed that everyone’s gazes had changed. Caiyun looked at her almost fanatically, Donghui and Ye Xiu with admiration and respect, even the usually indifferent Hao Yunsun and the ever-vigilant Mu Lianjin showed reverence.

This time, Mingzhu accepted their admiration calmly. This was who she wanted to become as the Regent Wangfei: not just powerful and authoritative, but someone who carried great responsibilities and duties.

“Teacher.” Hao Yunsun and the others greeted as Shi Jiuqing was wheeled in by a young male disciple. Smiling at Mingzhu, he said, “The Regent Wangfei is impressive. Previous visitors always skimmed the book, thinking the middle and end were the essence. You, however, read it thoroughly from beginning to end. May I ask why?”

Mingzhu replied earnestly, “I don’t understand medicine, but I know it requires meticulous attention. A minor mistake can have huge consequences. It’s essential to be thorough, otherwise, lives could be lost. Understanding the initial sections well is valuable in itself.”

Shi Jiuqing laughed heartily, “That’s true, though few practice it. I’m impressed.”

“Your praise is too kind,” Mingzhu said respectfully, noticing Shi Jiuqing’s wheelchair. It resembled the one Jiang Shanshan used, which Yuwen Chu had mentioned was designed by her and crafted by Yuwen You. Could it be that the design spread due to its usefulness?

But she quickly realized something was off. Shi Jiuqing’s wheelchair was old and well-used, not new. So, was it a coincidence? Or… was Jiang Shanshan somehow connected to Shi Jiuqing?

Noticing Mingzhu’s expression, Shi Jiuqing smiled, “My wheelchair is quite good, isn’t it?”

“Indeed, it is,” Mingzhu smiled back, forcing herself to look away, though her earlier surprise hadn’t escaped Shi Jiuqing’s notice.

“The highest peak of Yandu Mountain is shrouded in clouds all year but grows some old tea trees. The tea, while not comparable to tribute tea, has a unique flavor. Would you like to try some?” Shi Jiuqing instructed his disciples, “Make some tea and prepare some good snacks. Wangfei has worked hard and should relax.”

Facing each other, they knelt by the window with the autumn leaves, sipping tea. After a couple of rounds, Shi Jiuqing asked, “Have you seen this type of wheelchair elsewhere?”

Mingzhu hesitated, “Yes, someone I knew drew a design, creating a similar wheelchair. Did you design yours as well?”

Shi Jiuqing smiled, “No, it was my master’s design. Even that medical book was his work. My master was an extraordinary person, knowledgeable in many fields. Before he passed, he wished for his creations to be destroyed, believing they didn’t belong in this world. Only this wheelchair, which I needed, and the medical book, which could benefit people, were kept.”

Looking at Mingzhu, he asked, “May I ask about the person you knew? Gender, age, origin?”

Recalling Jiang Shanshan’s words, Mingzhu felt she might be connected to Shi Jiuqing’s master and smiled, “She’s dead now. She was capable but overly ambitious and obsessive.”

“Is that so?” Shi Jiuqing pondered, then smiled, “Did she think no one was better than her?”

“How did you know?” Mingzhu was astonished.

Shi Jiuqing shook his head, muttering something Mingzhu didn’t catch, except for the word “transcendence.” Before she could ask, he looked up and said, “You may leave.”

With the dismissal, Mingzhu had to bid farewell. Outside, Hao Yunsun and Caiyun were waiting, the latter carrying a bundle and looking nervous. Hao Yunsun said, “Our junior sister wishes to see the world and seeks your guidance, Wangfei. Would that be possible?”

It wasn’t a big request, and Mingzhu readily agreed. Caiyun cheered, hugging Donghui’s arm, “Thank you, Wangfei.”

Senior Sister Mu, watching nearby, scoffed and left angrily. Caiyun lowered her head in sadness. Hao Yunsun reassured her, “Don’t mind your senior sister. She’s just reluctant to see you go. Let me escort you out.”

They didn’t take the same narrow, winding path that Mingzhu and the others had used to come up. Instead, they followed a different route, walking along a water channel until they reached a giant waterwheel. Caiyun looked at Hao Yunsun in astonishment. “Senior Brother.” 

Hao Yunsun smiled and said, “This is what the master intended.” 

He gestured for Mingzhu to follow him to the edge of the cliff. “Please look, Wangfei.” 

Mingzhu leaned over and saw that along the sheer cliff, someone had used logs to build a pathway that led all the way to the bottom. In the middle of this pathway was a wooden, windowed cabin, similar to a carriage. Thick ropes from the waterwheel were attached to the top of the cabin. 

Hao Yunsun motioned for Caiyun to climb into the wooden cabin, demonstrating for Mingzhu. He operated a mechanism, and the immense power of the waterwheel began to move the wooden cabin slowly up and down. Caiyun smiled and waved at Mingzhu and the others. “It’s quite interesting, isn’t it?” 

“My master has difficulty walking, and the mountain paths are rugged and hard to traverse. There’s always a lot that needs to be transported from outside. So, my master’s master came up with this method. This is a secret of our sect, so please keep it confidential, Wangfei.” Hao Yunsun invited Mingzhu and the others to enter. “I’ll escort you down, Wangfei.”

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