Druid Fairy

Chapter 175 Heartbroken
King's capital.

Eighteen-year-old Li Mengze is no longer the naive young man he once was.

As the "Great Yu Alchemist," a royal honorary alchemist, and highly regarded by Prince Yong and the alchemy master Zhao Wuji, he is already the most sought-after figure among the younger generation in the capital.

Dressed in a moon-white alchemist's robe, he walked through the alchemy palace. Whether they were members of the royal family or arrogant alchemy disciples, they would all stop in their tracks and politely bow to him, addressing him as "Alchemist Li".

Beneath this seemingly glamorous surface, however, lurks an undercurrent of tension.

Princess Qingyang, Wei Ling'er, and Princess Zhaoyang's suppression never ceased.

Although they dared not act openly anymore, they secretly used all sorts of methods.

Li Mengze remained indifferent to all of this.

He kept his father's instructions firmly in mind and knew that his foundation lay in his irreplaceable alchemy skills. As long as he could still refine pills that no one could match, and as long as Prince Yong still needed his "Seven Treasures Soul-Stabilizing Pill" to prolong his life, these petty tricks that couldn't be brought to the table would never harm his core.

Just as he was about to return to his residence, a guard from Prince Yong's residence quickly came to greet him.

"Master Li, His Highness requests your presence."

Li Mengze's heart stirred, and he followed the guards to the Yong Prince's Mansion.

Inside the study, besides Prince Yong, who was dressed in casual clothes but looked much better than before, sat an elderly man with white hair and beard, but with exceptionally sharp eyes.

“Nephew, you’ve come at the perfect time.” Prince Yong smiled and waved. “Come, let me introduce you. This is Elder Chen of the Chen family of Qinghe, Chen Boyan.”

"Chen family?"

Li Mengze's heart stirred slightly. The Chen family of Qinghe, though not royalty, was a powerful clan that had been passed down for hundreds of years in the Great Yu Dynasty. Its members were spread throughout the court and the military, making it a behemoth capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with any prince or nobleman in the capital.

"Junior Li Mengze greets Elder Chen." Li Mengze bowed respectfully.

"Master Li, there's no need for such formalities. Please have a seat." Chen Boyan stood up. "I've long heard that the capital has produced an unparalleled genius in alchemy. Meeting him today, I can confirm that he is indeed a dragon among men."

After some pleasantries, Chen Boyan revealed his purpose.

"To be honest, Master Li, an elder of my Chen family suffered from a chronic illness called the 'Cold Marrow Curse' when he fought for the dynasty in his early years. Whenever it was rainy, the cold would attack his heart, as if he were in an icy hell, and it would take a lot of cultivation to suppress it. Over the years, my clan has visited famous doctors and searched for alchemists everywhere, but none of them could do anything about it."

Prince Yong chimed in, "The elders of the Chen family have a life-or-death bond with me. When they heard that my old injury had greatly improved thanks to your 'Seven Treasures Soul-Stabilizing Pill,' they immediately sent someone to ask for a miraculous elixir."

Chen Boyan's eyes were full of anticipation: "We have heard of an ancient elixir called the 'Nine Yang Melting Snow Pill,' which is said to cure the most yin and cold ailments in the world. However, this elixir has long been lost, and the formula is incomplete. Several alchemy masters that our clan has sought out all say that the difficulty of refining this elixir is as difficult as ascending to heaven. I wonder if Master Li..."

Upon hearing this, countless pieces of knowledge about the "Hundred Herbs Spirit Realm" instantly flowed through Li Mengze's mind.

"The Nine Yang Melting Snow Pill is indeed a powerful pill. It requires the fusion of nine kinds of supreme yang fire with the heart of the ten-thousand-year-old ice lotus in the snowy region. One yin and one yang, one water and one fire, if you are not careful, the furnace will be destroyed and you will die."

He hesitated for a moment, then, meeting Chen Boyan's anxious gaze, he changed the subject: "It's difficult, but not impossible. It's just that the auxiliary ingredients for refining this pill are extremely rare..."

"The medicinal herbs are not a problem!"

Overjoyed, Chen Boyan quickly took out a list from his storage bag. "As long as Master Li is willing to help, my Chen family will gather all the medicinal herbs on the list and present them to you within three days! After the matter is settled, my Qinghe Chen family will repay you handsomely! My entire clan will forever remember Master Li's great kindness!"

Looking at the list of priceless medicinal herbs, Li Mengze already understood.

This is a pledge of allegiance.

Prince Yong is paving the way for himself, so that he can have an ally after him who can rival Princess Zhaoyang's lineage.

“Alright.” Li Mengze took the list and made a request, “I will do my best in this matter, but I need to meet that elder of the Chen family first.”

“Of course,” Chen Boyan readily agreed.

After seeing Chen Boyan off, Li Mengze walked alone in the quiet courtyard of the Prince's Mansion.

He secretly realized that everything he had now, seemingly glamorous, was actually due to the protection of Prince Yong.

The prince had indeed shown him immense kindness, but the prince was old and afflicted with old injuries. Once the prince was gone, he would have to face the raging fury of Princess Qingyang and Princess Zhaoyang alone.

We must acquire our own power as soon as possible!
…………

The Chen family was efficient and decisive. In less than half a day, a middle-aged man who looked like a steward came to visit and handed over a well-made visiting card.

"Master Li, my master Qinghe has prepared some tea and would like to invite you to his residence for a chat."

Li Mengze understood, and after tidying himself up, he boarded the carriage sent by the Chen family.

The carriage traveled along the bluestone streets of the capital, not heading towards the Vermilion Bird Avenue where royalty and nobility resided, but instead turning into a more ancient and tranquil neighborhood.

The Chen family mansion is located here.

The gate of the mansion was not tall and imposing, but rather made of two thick black nanmu wood doors. There was no ornate gilding on the door, only a simple bronze animal head ring.

The two stone lions in front of the gate, weathered by wind and rain, have had their sharp edges worn smooth, yet they exude an even more imposing and steadfast aura.

As Li Mengze followed the steward into the mansion, he couldn't help but feel a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, mixed feelings).

If the Yong Prince's Mansion is a fierce tiger, its power and domineering presence are outwardly displayed, then the Chen family mansion is like a dormant dragon, its power concealed and its foundation unfathomable.

The winding corridors and the meticulous arrangement of every plant, tree, stone, and scene in the courtyard create a unique atmosphere. While seemingly freehand, the arrangement subtly adheres to rules and regulations.

The guards here exuded a calm and collected aura, moving silently, possessing a quieter, more menacing presence than the guards of the Prince's Palace.

Li Mengze walked straight to the courtyard without looking to either side. After inquiring about the medical records and briefly glancing at the incomplete prescription, his brows furrowed involuntarily.

Curing this elder of the Chen family will not be an easy task.

As he was deep in thought, he walked to the edge of a lotus pond, where a faint, elegant zither melody drifted into his ears on the breeze.

The music was melodious, yet it carried a lingering sense of coldness and loneliness, much like the state of mind of the person playing the instrument.

Li Mengze looked in the direction of the sound and saw a woman in an elegant light green dress sitting behind a guqin under a pavilion not far away, her slender fingers gently caressing the strings.

She was slender and graceful, with an elegant demeanor. Even though it was just a side profile, she was as beautiful as a delicate ink painting, complementing the lotus flowers in the pond.

Not wanting to disturb the tranquility, Li Mengze stood in the shade of the willow tree and listened quietly.

As the piece ended, its lingering melody resonated in the air. "Have you been eavesdropping for so long because you think my musical skills are beneath you?"

A clear, cold sound, like jade striking jade, rang out. The woman had turned around at some point, her eyes, as clear as autumn water, were quietly gazing at him.

She was extremely beautiful, with arched eyebrows, a delicate nose, and cherry lips, but her eyes held a detachment that seemed out of place for her age.

"Miss, you misunderstand. I was merely drawn by the music and did not wish to disturb you. I had no intention of offending you," Li Mengze said apologetically, bowing slightly.

"It is my honor to have the renowned Alchemist Li, who is famous throughout the capital, stop by," the woman said calmly, revealing no emotion.

Upon hearing this, Li Mengze realized that the other person recognized him. His gaze inadvertently swept over a pot of orchids beside the woman. The orchids were extremely precious, a rare "Moonlight Beauty," but at this moment, a few leaves were slightly yellow, making them look somewhat listless.

A thought struck him, and out of professional habit, he blurted out, "Miss, it seems you've watered this 'Moonlight Beauty' a bit too much. This flower prefers dry conditions and dislikes waterlogging. If you replace the soil with looser, more breathable sand and expose it to moonlight at night, it should be able to revive in less than three days."

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in the woman's eyes. She looked down at the potted orchid, then looked up at Li Mengze. A different kind of light finally appeared in her usually cold eyes.

"I never expected that the famous Dan Kui was actually a refined person who understood flowers and plants."

“All things have a spirit. Flowers, herbs and medicinal materials are of the same origin. Only by understanding their nature can we make the most of them.” Li Mengze smiled calmly.

The woman was silent for a moment, then suddenly sighed softly, her gaze fixed on the lotus flowers filling the pond: "Even flowers and plants know their nature and make the most of their potential, but how many people in this world can truly control their own destiny? No matter how beautiful they bloom, they are ultimately just a scene in this courtyard. Whether they flourish or wither depends entirely on the gardener's decision."

These words were like an invisible needle, precisely piercing the deepest hidden worries in Li Mengze's heart.

Looking at the woman before him, who seemed detached from worldly affairs yet whose words revealed a profound understanding and helplessness, he felt a sense of resonance within him.

He said seriously, "What you said is right. But a flower that strives to grow towards the sun, even if it cannot decide where it is, can at least choose where to stretch its branches and leaves."

The woman's delicate body trembled slightly. She raised her head and looked intently at Li Mengze, her clear, cold eyes seeming to sparkle with starlight.

After a long while, the corners of her tightly closed mouth turned up slightly, revealing a faint yet captivating smile.

"you're right."

She stood up and gave Li Mengze a slight bow. "My third uncle often mentions you, saying that you are not only a master of alchemy, but also have a temperament far beyond that of ordinary people. Meeting you today, I can see that your reputation is well-deserved."

"Third Uncle?" Li Mengze was taken aback.

"It is Elder Chen Boyan," the woman said softly. "I am Chen Qingxuan."

Li Mengze cupped his hands again: "So you are Miss Chen, my apologies for not being acquainted with you."

“You are a distinguished guest of the Chen family, there’s no need for such formalities.” Chen Qingxuan shook her head, her bright eyes looking at Li Mengze again. “I heard that you have come today to collect the spiritual medicine.”

Her words were soft, and Li Mengze's expression tightened slightly. This matter was very important to him, and the more low-key he was, the better, until it was accomplished.

Seeing his wary expression, Chen Qingxuan smiled again, a smile tinged with self-mockery: "You don't need to be nervous, I mean no harm. It's quite interesting to see someone in this glamorous cage who is unwilling to be a pawn and wants to overturn the chessboard."

After saying that, she picked up her guqin, turned around and gracefully left, leaving behind only a beautiful silhouette and a sentence that drifted on the wind.

"I'll give you that orchid. I hope that when we meet again, it will be as you said, full of life again."

Li Mengze stood there, looking at the "Beauty Under the Moon" pot, then at the direction Chen Qingxuan had gone, remaining silent for a long time.

This Miss Chen is far more intelligent and insightful than she appears.

For some reason, a slight ripple stirred in my heart.

…………

Holding her guqin, Chen Qingxuan walked slowly along the stone-paved corridor, a slight smile on her beautiful face.

"Qingxuan."

A slightly authoritative voice came from ahead. Chen Boyan was standing under a century-old pine tree, his brows slightly furrowed, his expression no longer as warm as when he was talking with Li Mengze.

"Third Uncle." Chen Qingxuan stopped and nodded slightly.

“I just saw you talking with that Master Li by the pool for a long time.” Chen Boyan’s tone carried a hint of reproach.

"He is a distinguished guest of the Chen family. Qingxuan was merely fulfilling her duty as a host and exchanged a few words with him." Chen Qingxuan's voice remained calm, revealing no emotion.

"Honoring as a host?" Chen Boyan frowned even more deeply. "You should know that this person has a special status. Although his foundation is still shallow, he is already a prominent figure in the capital. He is not only highly regarded by Prince Yong, but also at odds with Princess Zhaoyang's faction. Our Chen family's relationship with him is merely an exchange of interests, each taking what they need. You should not have any private contact with him."

Chen Qingxuan remained silent, but the knuckles of her hand holding the guqin turned slightly white.

Seeing her like this, Chen Boyan's tone softened a bit, but became even more serious. He walked up to her, lowered his voice, and said, word by word:

"Qingxuan, never forget your identity. You are the key to the Chen family's century-long plan and the designated Crown Princess. Your every word and action represents not only yourself, but also the face and future of the entire Chen family, maintaining the connection between the family and the Eastern Palace, and even the entire dynasty."

“That Master Li… even if he possesses extraordinary talent, he ultimately comes from humble origins. He is a ‘weapon’ we use to solve problems, but he is not someone who can stand shoulder to shoulder with you. Getting too close to him will be detrimental to you and the family. Your third uncle is doing this for your own good, do you understand?”

Chen Boyan's words were like a bucket of ice water poured over her head, extinguishing the faint flame that had just ignited in her heart.

Crown Princess...

These three words are like a magnificent yet cold shackle, which has been firmly bound to her ever since she was old enough to understand.

Everything about her—her joys and sorrows, her talents—was merely to make her the most suitable decoration for that position.

"Qingxuan... understands."

After a long silence, she uttered those words softly, her voice so soft it seemed as if it might be blown away by the wind at any moment.

Looking into her lifeless eyes, Chen Boyan sighed inwardly, but still nodded with a straight face and turned to leave.

Under the corridor, only Chen Qingxuan's lonely figure remained.

She slowly lowered her head, looking at the guqin in her arms that had been with her for more than ten years. The strings were still there, but the person playing the guqin seemed to no longer be able to find a melody that could resonate with her heartstrings.

A single tear silently slid down, landing on the zither and spreading into a small, dark stain. She raised her hand to gently wipe it away, her face already filled with sorrow.

(End of this chapter)