My Taoist buddy has practiced surrogacy

Chapter 1470 Making Friends
After hearing this, Ling Xue used a charcoal pencil to draw three routes that intersected at Yinshan on the map. Her fingertip paused slightly as it traced the coordinates of Zhou Xing's hometown, her eyes deep and complex.

The arrival of the delegation shattered the brief peace in the North. The head of the delegation's guard was none other than Zhao Qian, Zhou Xing's former study companion and bodyguard. Reunion with an old friend should have been a cause for great joy, but Zhou Xing keenly sensed the murderous intent flashing in Zhao Qian's eyes. He knew things were not so simple.

Sure enough, not long after, masked assassins launched a night attack on the hut. These men were agile and aggressive. Ling Xue was prepared; she activated a trapdoor to lure the enemies into a pit filled with spikes. However, in the chaos, a poisoned arrow flew towards Zhou Xing, and at the critical moment, Ling Xue stepped forward to shield him from the arrow.

Zhou Xing anxiously brought the injured Ling Xue back inside to treat her. While applying medicine to her wounds, he discovered that her back was tattooed with military formations from a previous dynasty. These patterns were exquisite and intricate, containing profound military strategies. Zhou Xing realized that Ling Xue possessed not only wisdom and courage, but also a deep-rooted family heritage.

For the next seven days, carrier pigeons landed on the window frame at midnight every day. Each secret letter was written in a different local dialect, detailing the progress of the war; the handwriting was sometimes vigorous and powerful, sometimes delicate and neat. Through this intelligence, Zhou Xing and Ling Xue gradually pieced together a shocking conspiracy—someone was attempting to instigate war on the border and ultimately overthrow the court.

An urgent military report arrived from the border: the Turkic allied forces were making frequent unusual movements, seemingly intending to advance south. Ling Xue believed this was a crucial opportunity and advocated for a proactive attack, using available resources and intelligence to disrupt the enemy's deployment. Zhou Xing, however, worried that this move would trigger a larger conflict and cause innocent civilian casualties; he preferred to hold out and await reinforcements.

The two had a heated argument over this. Suddenly, a fierce hurricane swept in outside the tent, as if roaring in anger at their conflict. In the end, after calming down, they reached a consensus—to resolve the crisis with minimal cost.

As planned, Zhou Xing disguised himself as a merchant caravan and infiltrated the enemy camp. With his exceptional intelligence and courage, he successfully gained the enemy's trust. Inside the enemy camp, he discovered a shocking secret: the enemy commander was none other than a powerful minister's retainer who had participated in framing his father years ago. Hatred surged within him, but Zhou Xing suppressed his anger and continued to observe the situation.

Meanwhile, Ling Xue led the villagers to dig a secret Qin Dynasty passage and launch a surprise attack on the granary. Just as the fire attack succeeded, she saw Zhou Xing bound to the altar, about to be offered as a sacrifice to the gods. At that moment, her heart ached as if it were being torn apart.

Without the slightest hesitation, Ling Xue single-handedly rushed into the altar to save people. In the fierce battle, she was shot in the left shoulder but still steadfastly protected the gunpowder barrel in front of Zhou Xing. Blood stained the surrounding ground, but her eyes remained firm and fearless. Zhou Xing looked at Ling Xue, who had shielded him from the arrow, and was filled with gratitude and guilt.

Zhou Xing, looking at the wounded and unconscious Ling Xue, was filled with anger and determination. He detonated the pre-prepared explosives depot, triggering an avalanche and using the power of nature to turn the tide of the battle. Amidst the swirling snow, the two riders, sharing a single horse, broke through the encirclement and galloped towards the Great Wall. Behind them were the screams and chaos of the enemy, and ahead lay the dawn of freedom.

When they reached the border post station, they discovered that the emperor's secret edict had already arrived, with the decree of exoneration and the general's seal laid out on the table. It turned out that the emperor had been secretly watching all of this, waiting for the right opportunity to exonerate Zhou Xing and restore his reputation.

As the morning sun pierced through the city walls of Yanmen Pass, Ling Xue wanted to leave quietly. She knew her background was too sensitive, and staying by Zhou Xing's side would only bring him trouble. However, Zhou Xing unfolded the broken jade pendant, revealing the two characters "Eternal Bond" engraved inside. He tied the other half to her wrist and said affectionately, "From now on, our fates are intertwined, and we will never be separated."

Three years later, on the Lantern Festival, the streets of Luoyang were brightly lit and bustling with activity. A woman wearing a veiled hat gently touched a newly erected stone tablet beside the arrow marks on the city wall, inscribed with "Peace and Tranquility in the Northern Border." In the distance, the sounds of camel bells at the trade market and the laughter of children chasing each other seemed to foreshadow a long period of peace and prosperity for this land, and that Zhou Xing and Ling Xue would walk hand in hand through every spring, summer, autumn, and winter to come...

The imperial palace, bathed in the silvery white light of a heavy snowfall, was transformed into a pristine winter wonderland. Ling Xue, dressed in a simple palace gown, hurried through the corridors carrying a stack of medical books. Originally a sixth-rank female official trained by the Imperial Medical Academy, she had been transferred to the Eastern Palace to serve the frail and sickly Crown Prince Zhou Xing due to her expertise in pharmacology and dietary therapy.

As she passed by the Plum Garden, a biting wind swept by, whipping up snow that stung her face. Suddenly, a muffled cough came from ahead. Ling Xue looked up and saw Prince Zhou Xing coughing violently beside the rockery, his thin figure swaying precariously in the wind and snow. He clutched half a piece of osmanthus cake in his hand; the once delicate pastry was now crumpled and deformed.

Ling Xue quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, please take care of yourself." As she spoke, she took out a hand warmer that she always carried with her and handed it to him. When her gaze fell on Zhou Xing's hands, she was shocked—his fingertips were bluish-purple, clearly frostbitten.

"Your Highness, your hand..." Ling Xue said softly, her eyes full of concern. Zhou Xing slightly raised his eyes to look at her, his gaze tired yet carrying a hint of stubbornness: "It's alright."

Back in the palace, Ling Xue immediately began preparing a warming herbal decoction. She carefully selected herbs such as angelica and astragalus, meticulously adjusted the proportions, and personally tended the stove to simmer it. Soon, a rich aroma of herbs filled the air.

After the medicine was brewed, Ling Xue carried the tray to Zhou Xing's bedchamber. The palace maids were preparing to feed him the medicine, but Zhou Xing dismissed them with annoyance. He leaned against the headboard, his face as pale as paper, completely resistant to the bitter medicine.

Ling Xue stepped forward and said softly, "Your Highness, good medicine cures the root of the illness. Would it be nice to add some candied kumquat peel to enhance the flavor?" Her voice was gentle and melodious, like a spring breeze rippling across a lake. Zhou Xing looked up at her, saw the sincerity in her eyes, and nodded.

Ling Xue put the candied kumquat peel into the medicine bowl and stirred it well. Then, she scooped up a spoonful, blew on it gently, and brought it to Zhou Xing's lips. Zhou Xing hesitated for a moment, but still opened his mouth and drank it. Strangely, the medicine with the candied kumquat peel was no longer so hard to swallow; instead, it had a slightly sweet taste.

Night deepened, and the entire East Palace fell into silence. Ling Xue, worried about Zhou Xing's illness, stayed by his bedside to take care of him. Moonlight streamed through the window lattice, casting a tranquil scene on the floor.

Suddenly, Zhou Xing, fast asleep, began to murmur in his sleep, "Mother, don't go..." His brows furrowed tightly, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Ling Xue's heart stirred. She tiptoed to the bedside and tucked him in. In the moonlight, she glimpsed an old scar on the side of his neck that snaked down to his collar, like a twisted little snake. That scar seemed to conceal many untold secrets.

A few days later, the emperor, accompanied by his ministers, came to inspect the archery and horsemanship skills of the Eastern Palace guards. Banners fluttered in the wind, and drums and horns sounded across the training ground. Zhou Xing, despite his illness, participated in this important event. Astride his steed, he tried to draw the heavy bowstring, but his hands trembled uncontrollably. With a "whoosh," the arrow flew far from the target. The surrounding noblemen snickered, their harsh laughter like sharp blades piercing Zhou Xing's pride. His face grew paler, and his body began to sway.

Seeing this, Ling Xue rushed forward to support the prince who was about to fall from his horse. Her fingertips inadvertently touched the pulse on his cold wrist, feeling its weak and erratic beating. Secretly, she slipped the ginseng and deer antler pills she carried with her into the prince's sleeve, hoping to give him some strength.

Night fell, and the Imperial Garden was deathly silent. Ling Xue stumbled upon the Grand Eunuch furtively emptying a package into the lotus pond. She hid nearby, observing secretly, and after the eunuch left, quickly retrieved the residue from the bottom of the pond. By the dim moonlight, she recognized it as the deadly poisonous herb, *Gnaphalium affine*. A sense of foreboding washed over her; it seemed someone was plotting to harm the Crown Prince.

The following morning, news of Zhou Xing coughing up blood and fainting spread throughout the palace. The Imperial Physician shook his head and sighed, "He's probably no older than twenty." Everyone thought the Crown Prince was doomed, and undercurrents surged in the court. However, just when everyone was in despair, Ling Xue boldly used moxibustion therapy recorded in ancient books. She applied moxibustion to specific acupoints on Zhou Xing, and amidst the swirling smoke, a miracle occurred—Zhou Xing's breathing gradually stabilized, and a trace of color returned to his face.

The Spring Festival Ceremony was fast approaching, a ceremony of great importance to the royal family. According to tradition, it was to be presided over by the Crown Prince himself. However, Zhou Xing's health was truly worrying, and everyone was anxious for him.

Ling Xue knew the importance of this grand ceremony, so she worked through the night to modify the gilded hairpin crown, secretly hiding sandalwood shavings inside in hopes of helping the Crown Prince to refresh his mind. When she presented the crown to Zhou Xing, she found him staring intently at the pear blossom petals adorning her temple. At that moment, time seemed to freeze; their eyes met, and an indescribable emotion flowed in the air.

On the day of the ceremony, dark clouds suddenly filled the sky, followed by a torrential downpour. Zhou Xing insisted on completing the three kneelings and nine kowtows ritual, rain streaming down his face and soaking his clothes. After returning to the palace, he developed a high fever and continued to mutter incoherently.

Ling Xue stayed by his bedside, her heart filled with anxiety. Hearing that human blood could be used in medicine to save lives, she didn't hesitate to cut her wrist and mix her blood into the decoction. Perhaps her sincerity moved Heaven, for Zhou Xing's condition finally improved.

However, misfortune struck again. At the same time, urgent news from the border and the imperial edict announcing the Crown Prince's marriage to a princess from the Western Regions arrived in the capital. The court was abuzz with discussion, with many believing it was a good way to secure the borders. But Zhou Xing publicly tore up the edict in court, firmly declaring, "I will never marry another." His gaze was fixed on Ling Xue, who stood in the corner, as if declaring his heart to her.

As the anniversary of the late emperor's death approached, the Imperial Astronomical Bureau observed the rare celestial phenomenon of Mars guarding the heart of Antares. Rumors spread like wildfire, saying that the dimming of the Purple Star foretelled a change of ruler. Panic gripped the capital.

While tidying Zhou Xing's study, Ling Xue unexpectedly discovered a faded painting of a hundred sons and a thousand grandsons hidden in a secret compartment. The woman in the painting bore a striking resemblance to herself, and the signature was that of the late Consort Shu, who had passed away twenty years prior. This filled her with doubt; could she possibly have some connection to Consort Shu?
Meanwhile, Zhou Xing's secret training of bodyguards was also exposed. Enraged, the Emperor confined him to the Nanxun Palace. Worried about Zhou Xing's safety, Ling Xue braved the rain and knelt before the Empress Dowager to plead for him. When she entered the Nanxun Palace, she saw Zhou Xing painfully swallowing black pills to suppress his cough and wheezing. The bitter smell filled the room, making Ling Xue's heart clench.

One stormy night, a bolt of lightning struck and severed the ancient cypress tree in front of the palace. Amber resin seeped from its heartwood, emitting an eerie glow. Ling Xue, curious, collected some samples for study. After some preparation, she created antidote pills. She knew these pills might come in handy in the future.

The autumn hunt, originally intended as a grand display of royal power, turned into a life-or-death crisis. Suddenly, a group of assassins surged out from all sides, raining down arrows. Zhou Xing, trying to protect Ling Xue, was struck in the left shoulder by an arrow and fell from his horse. Blood stained his clothes, but he still endured the pain and stood up.

Ling Xue remained calm. She quickly took out her golden needles to seal acupoints and stop the bleeding, then directed the guards to form a tortoise-shell formation to defend against the enemy's attack. Under her composed command, the group gradually regained their footing.

In the chaos, Ling Xue recognized the jade pendant on the assassin's waist as belonging to the now-defunct Eagle Guard. Following this clue, they discovered a secret passage leading directly to the Imperial Concubine's palace. It turned out that the Imperial Concubine had been orchestrating this entire conspiracy.

Severely injured and unconscious, Zhou Xing developed a high fever and delirium, repeatedly murmuring "Ling Xue." The thousand-year-old ginseng stored in the Imperial Pharmacy proved its worth, and Ling Xue personally brewed ginseng soup for the prince. Under her meticulous care, Zhou Xing's condition gradually improved.

After a period of recuperation, Zhou Xing's health improved. At the Winter Solstice altar prayer ceremony, he insisted on sharing the sacrificial offerings with Ling Xue. As the sun rose, in front of all the civil and military officials, he placed the tiger tally in Ling Xue's hand, saying, "My trust in you is like the Imperial Sword." This was a great trust and honor placed in her.

Afterward, Ling Xue began revising the "Heavenly Crafts of Food," introducing sesame seeds from beyond the Great Wall into the imperial kitchen for cultivation. She also created a unique almond tofu remedy, which she gave to Zhou Xing. Under her careful care, Zhou Xing's complexion improved significantly, and he rarely fell ill anymore.

At the Lantern Festival banquet, Zhou Xing appeared wearing a cloak embroidered with pear blossoms. He walked up to Ling Xue, took her hand, and said, "Does a sixth-rank female official deserve a nine-pearl pheasant crown?" A cheer immediately erupted from the crowd. Ling Xue lowered her head shyly, but her heart was filled with happiness.

From then on, in this magnificent palace, Ling Xue accompanied Zhou Xing through countless springs, summers, autumns, and winters. Their story became a legend, passed down both inside and outside the palace. And the ancient cypress tree that had once been struck by lightning has now sprouted new branches, as if symbolizing their bright future.

In late spring, the Imperial Garden was a riot of color, with flowers in full bloom and butterflies fluttering about. Ling Xue, a princess, grew weary of the rigid etiquette and rules of the palace. Taking advantage of a moment when no one was looking, she secretly scaled the wall and escaped. Like a free bird, she flitted joyfully among the flowers, fully enjoying the beauty of nature.

Before she knew it, she had arrived near the Imperial Academy. The melodious sound of lecturing reached her ears, and driven by curiosity, she tiptoed closer and peeked through the window. Inside, she saw a teacher standing at his desk, his posture upright like a pine tree, his face handsome and refined. This man was none other than Zhou Xing, the Crown Prince's tutor, who was holding a wolf-hair brush.