My Taoist buddy has practiced surrogacy

Chapter 1458 Turnaround
He looked at Ling Xue beside him, his heart filled with gratitude.

With the help of various parties, his father's company gradually emerged from its difficulties. Zhou Xing used his prize money to help his family pay off some of their debts, easing their burden. He deeply understood the power of knowledge and the importance of responsibility. From then on, he completely changed his lifestyle, no longer indulging in games, but devoting himself wholeheartedly to his studies.

With the National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) approaching, Zhou Xing faces a crucial turning point in his life. He abandons the path of inheriting the family business and chooses to study aerospace engineering. He hopes to explore the mysteries of the universe like those great scientists. Ling Xue also received an offer of admission to a top university, but she decides to study and prepare for the exam alongside Zhou Xing, offering him support and encouragement.

The summer after the college entrance exams, Zhou Xing and Ling Xue returned to the place where they first met—the old house filled with memories. The setting sun cast its golden rays upon them, creating a beautiful scene. Zhou Xing took a deep breath and mustered his courage to say, "Thank you for your companionship and guidance all this time. If it weren't for you, I might still be wandering in the dark." Ling Xue smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with tenderness: "No need to thank me. Thank yourself for your hard work and perseverance."

Soon after, Zhou Xing received his acceptance letter from his dream university. Excitedly, he ran to share the good news with Ling Xue. The two stood under the starry sky, gazing up at the vast universe. Zhou Xing pointed to the brightest star in the sky and said, "The day I become an astronaut, I will definitely take you to see the real stars and the sea." Ling Xue smiled and nodded, "I believe you can do it."

Years later, Zhou Xing, now an outstanding astronaut, fulfilled his promise. Piloting his spacecraft through space, every time he looked up at Earth, he thought of Ling Xue, the girl who had changed his destiny. Ling Xue, too, had achieved remarkable success in scientific research. They shone brightly on different paths, but their hearts remained forever connected. Their story, like a dazzling star, shines brilliantly in the long river of time.

The Ling mansion was covered in a thick layer of snow in winter, resembling a cold cage. Fifteen-year-old Ling Xue knelt in the main hall, her thin clothes offering no protection against the biting cold. Her stepmother stood to the side, a fake smile on her face, yet uttering words as sharp as ice blades: "Since she is not my biological daughter, she is not a member of the Ling family." Her father lowered his head, remaining silent, tacitly accepting everything.

The maids roughly threw the bundle at Ling Xue's feet; it contained all her belongings. Numbly, she opened the bundle, inside were only half a jade pendant and a tattered book. The jade pendant was given to her by her mother before her death, and the book was the Book of Poetry, which she had secretly hidden away—one of her few remaining sources of spiritual solace.

As the door slowly opened, a biting wind carrying snowflakes rushed into the house, mercilessly pushing Ling Xue out the door. She stumbled and fell into knee-deep snow, her palms scraped and bleeding, a stark contrast to the pristine white. Memories flooded back; she had once had a warm family, loving parents, but now everything had vanished like a bubble.

Just as she was almost in despair, the sound of horses' hooves grew louder. The sound of the Crown Prince's carriage rolling over the cobblestones was exceptionally clear. Suddenly, a corner of the gilded carriage window was lifted, revealing the face of Crown Prince Zhou Xing. He had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and an extraordinary air about him. He frowned slightly when he saw Ling Xue huddled in a ball at the street corner. The attendants were about to drive away the dirty little beggar, but Zhou Xing stopped them: "Take her back to the Crown Prince's Palace."

Ling Xue was vaguely transported to an unfamiliar environment—a side hall of the East Palace. When she regained consciousness, she found herself lying on a soft, comfortable bed, with several palace maids bustling around her. The head maid stood to the side, announcing with a stern face, "From now on, you are His Highness the Crown Prince's sworn sister." As she spoke, she handed her a brand-new set of clothes.

However, not everyone welcomed her arrival. The other noble girls who accompanied her gathered around, their eyes filled with contempt and mockery. "Just a sparrow on a fallen branch trying to climb the phoenix?" a shrill voice rang out. They deliberately knocked over the teacup Ling Xue was holding, the scalding water splashing onto the back of her hand. She gasped in pain but forced herself to remain silent.

In the dead of night, the entire Eastern Palace was fast asleep. Ling Xue quietly entered the library, a treasure trove to her, filled with books. She wandered among the shelves, searching for something that would immerse her in its contents. Suddenly, she heard footsteps and hurriedly ducked into the shadows. It was Crown Prince Zhou Xing, coming to retrieve a book. Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating his tall, imposing figure. He pulled out a copy of "The Art of War" and began to read aloud, his voice deep and resonant.

Ling Xue listened intently, unconsciously making a soft sound. Zhou Xing turned around alertly and discovered her hiding in the shadows. Their eyes met, and a tense atmosphere filled the air. But soon, Zhou Xing's gaze softened. He didn't scold her for eavesdropping; instead, he said gently, "Since you're here, let's study together." And so, in the quiet night, the two discussed the wisdom within the book, as if the coldness and strife outside were irrelevant to them.

At a spring banquet, the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, and dancers gracefully performed. The envoy from the Northern Barbarians deliberately made things difficult, proposing to test the talents of the Great Yin Dynasty by composing couplets using obscure allusions. The entire court looked at each other, none daring to accept the challenge. The atmosphere became extremely awkward. At this moment, Zhou Xing noticed Ling Xue hiding behind a screen and gave her an encouraging look.

Ling Xue took a deep breath and stepped forward gracefully. She quoted a mythical beast from the *Classic of Mountains and Seas* to respond with a couplet, her voice clear and melodious, every word a gem. The envoy was astonished; his previous arrogance vanished completely. The emperor was delighted and bestowed a jade hairpin as a reward. As Ling Xue thanked him, she looked up and their eyes met. Those deep eyes sent a shiver down her spine.

Afterwards, Zhou Xing granted Ling Xue special permission to enter the Imperial Study to transcribe classic texts. Here, she was able to access more knowledge and had the opportunity to showcase her talents. One night, a torrential downpour and thunder rumbled. Zhou Xing summoned her to play chess. Black and white pieces crisscrossed on the board, like thousands of troops on a battlefield. Ling Xue made decisive moves, pressing forward relentlessly, eventually putting Zhou Xing in a difficult position. He held a black piece for a long time without moving, then suddenly laughed, "Your strategy of 'besieging Wei to rescue Zhao' is just like my old teacher who taught me military strategy." The two exchanged a knowing smile, their understanding unspoken.

However, peaceful life is always short-lived. The head eunuch began to cut her rations, sending her less and less food that was of poor quality. Ling Xue didn't complain, but silently collected evidence from the ledgers. Finally, one day, she exposed the embezzlement in the kitchen. Unexpectedly, she was falsely accused of stealing treasures from the storeroom. No one believed her explanation and accused her of wrongdoing.

Just when the situation was extremely unfavorable for her, Zhou Xing arrived on horseback. He unleashed the true account books seized by his secret guards, revealing the truth to the world. It turned out to be a meticulously planned conspiracy; someone wanted to take this opportunity to eliminate Ling Xue. Zhou Xing's eyes widened in anger as he shouted, "My sworn sister is not for you to bully!" At that moment, a warm feeling welled up in Ling Xue's heart, and she looked at his departing figure with deep gratitude.

The autumn hunting grounds, usually a favorite hunting ground for the royal family, turned into a life-or-death crisis. A cold arrow suddenly shot from the shadows towards the emperor's carriage, the situation extremely critical. Ling Xue reacted swiftly, leaping to protect him, the arrow piercing her left shoulder. Blood stained her clothes, but she endured the excruciating pain and remained conscious, shouting a warning: "There are ambushes in the southeast bushes!" Zhou Xing arrived upon hearing the commotion, finding Ling Xue covered in blood, tightly protecting the emperor. Heartbroken, he immediately killed the assassin leader, then carefully carried her to the Imperial Hospital. Along the way, he constantly urged the coachman to hurry, fearing any delay in receiving medical attention.

During her recovery, Ling Xue noticed an unusual blue light emanating from her wound. The imperial physician, after a thorough examination, was alarmed to discover it was the deadly poison "Peacock Gallbladder" from the Miao region. This meant a vast conspiracy was orchestrating everything. Zhou Xing was furious and ordered a thorough investigation of all correspondence between the palace and court officials. After meticulous investigation, evidence of the Consort Shu's maternal clan's treason was uncovered. It turned out to be a conspiracy orchestrated from within and without, attempting to overthrow the dynasty.

To protect the witness's safety, Zhou Xing taught Ling Xue martial arts for self-defense. During their early morning sword practice, dew dampened her skirt. Zhou Xing stood behind her, holding her hand and adjusting her posture: "Your wrist should be as steady as when holding a pen." His breath gently brushed against her temples, causing her face to flush slightly. At that moment, time seemed to stand still.

The imperial examinations were a crucial means for the nation to select talent, but they were plagued by serious cheating. Ling Xue devised a method to seal the examination papers with numbered slips to prevent cheating. However, this reform threatened the interests of many powerful figures, who united to impeach the new policy for disrupting the established order. The court was abuzz with debate, and voices of opposition rose and fell.

At a crucial moment, Ling Xue recited the candidates' essays in court to determine their merits. Her voice was clear and firm, and she analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of each essay with reason and evidence. Everyone was impressed, and the initial doubts gradually disappeared. The emperor greatly appreciated her abilities and granted permission to implement the new policies. From then on, the imperial examinations became more fair and just, selecting many outstanding talents for the country.

Meanwhile, news arrived that the Yellow River had breached its banks and changed course, inundating fertile farmland. Ling Xue advocated for a work-for-relief program to build irrigation canals, which would both solve the disaster victims' livelihood problems and improve irrigation conditions for farmland. However, local powerful figures obstructed the construction, claiming it would destroy their auspicious land. Zhou Xing, disguised, visited the disaster area and witnessed the people's suffering firsthand. He wielded his sword and cut down a huge boulder blocking his path: "In the face of natural disasters, there is no distinction between the noble and the lowly!" With his support, the project proceeded smoothly.

On a night when the border was under siege, Zhou Xing donned his armor, ready to lead the army in person. Ling Xue burst into the commander's tent, advising, "Your Highness, if you advance rashly, you will surely fall into an ambush." ​​She spread out a sand table to simulate the battle, meticulously analyzing the enemy's strategic deployment and our own strengths and weaknesses. Looking at her earnest expression, Zhou Xing felt a surge of trust. He ultimately adopted her strategy of a flanking maneuver and surprise attack, achieving a major victory. When the news of the victory reached the capital, Ling Xue was copying scriptures for the fallen soldiers. Her fingers were calloused from holding the pen for so long, but she persisted, hoping to comfort the spirits of those fallen heroes.

On the day of his coronation, the rising sun shone brightly. Zhou Xing stood atop the high steps, receiving the homage of his ministers. Suddenly, he pulled Ling Xue to his side to share the homage: "This is my Phoenix Feather General." Everyone stared in astonishment at this once-despised orphan girl who had now become a favorite of the emperor.

Some questioned whether women's participation in politics was in accordance with ancestral rules and demanded her dismissal. The debate raged in the court. Zhou Xing used his imperial tally to suppress dissent: "The capable should hold office; what does gender matter?" He overruled the objections and appointed Ling Xue to head the newly established Intelligence Department of the Privy Council. From then on, Ling Xue began a new career on the political stage.

By chance, while sorting through old belongings, Ling Xue found her mother's keepsake—half a jade pendant that fit perfectly with the other half to form a complete pattern. It turned out her mother was a descendant of a former dynasty's princess! This secret unveiled the mystery of her origins and also instilled a sense of awe in some. Historians, in recording this event, embellished the story, claiming that "the phoenix perching on the parasol tree was a divinely ordained auspicious sign."

As dusk painted the palace walls crimson, Zhou Xing's figure, pen in hand, reviewing memorials, appeared exceptionally lonely. Ling Xue brought ginseng soup and placed it on the table: "Your Majesty should rest." Zhou Xing suddenly grasped her wrist and sighed softly: "If only I hadn't taken you in back then..." Before he could finish, he was interrupted by a flock of geese startled into flight outside the window. The two exchanged a smile, everything understood without words.

Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye. Ling Xue stood before the Vermilion Bird Gate, looking back on the past with a myriad of emotions. The little orphan girl who was once driven out of her home has now grown into a legendary figure. After handing over all her affairs to her successor, she prepared to leave. Zhou Xing placed the imperial edict bestowed by the late emperor into her hand: "The ends of the earth are my domain; you may roam freely."

From the misty rain of Jiangnan, the sound of children reciting their lessons drifted through the air. Ling Xue, having shed her elaborate attire, was teaching poetry to the children in the school. Outside the window, the bamboo blinds swayed gently, and a man in black robes, holding an umbrella, could be vaguely seen walking along the cobblestone path. The children curiously asked who he was. She replied that it was an old friend visiting to reminisce. But only she knew the profound place that man held in her heart.

Years later, historical records state that Empress Rende assisted two wise rulers in creating a prosperous era. Meanwhile, in teahouses, storytellers, striking their gavels, always loved to begin with the line, "So, that winter, the Crown Prince picked up a little girl on the street..." This legendary tale has been passed down through generations.

A cold wind swirled snowflakes, pelting the bluestone slabs. The vermilion gates of the Marquis's mansion were tightly shut, and the copper bells on the eaves jingled incessantly. Ling Xue huddled in a carved wooden wheelchair, her thin fox fur wrapped around her trembling body, her pale fingertips gripping the armrests tightly—the horse accident three days ago had robbed her of her ability to stand. The imperial physician shook his head and sighed, "Her meridians are completely severed; even if Hua Tuo were reborn, he could not save her."

As dusk settled, a medicinal fragrance broke the stagnant air. Zhou Xing, carrying a bamboo box, stepped into the inner courtyard. The hem of his moon-white Taoist robe was damp with morning dew from the mountains, and the silver needle pouch hanging at his waist swayed gently with his steps. He was the youngest closed-door disciple of Medicine King Valley, who had strayed into the forbidden forest while gathering herbs, thus beginning his connection with this secluded mansion. When he first saw the girl, he almost mistook her for a snow-melted elf: her long, dark blue hair cascaded over her shoulders, and a vermilion dot between her brows resembled a fallen plum blossom, only her eyes were veiled by an unyielding frost.

"I'm so sorry to trouble you, sir." The old Marquis bowed, his wrinkles filled with worry. Zhou Xing bent down and placed his hand on Ling Xue's wrist, the warmth of his palm making her tremble. His fingertips traced the broken meridians, and he suddenly frowned: "It's not that there's no hope, but the treatment will be extremely painful."