A life of leisure is worse than a life of flowers and splendour

At this moment, Du Shuangshuang had no time to think about anything else, let alone delve into the details of that mysterious space and what lay within. She was gripped by an overwhelming hunger, as if all her strength had been drained away. Although she had just drunk a large amount of spiritual spring water, it only temporarily quenched her thirst. Even with the water filling her empty stomach, the hunger remained unwavering. Deep within, the craving for food remained, and she desperately wanted a hearty meal to satisfy her body's needs.

Following the gurgling stream, Du Shuangshuang trudged along for a long time without stopping, finally seeing a delightful light ahead. She looked closely and saw a bay below. But then the small bracelet beside her spoke, "Master, the spiritual energy down there has become increasingly thin! It's just ordinary water, with just a hint of spiritual energy. As far as I know, only the area at the very top is the true spiritual spring! The water gathered below is just ordinary spring water. Besides, you've used all the water up there to wash yourself and your clothes, so even if I asked you to drink the water down there, I'm afraid you wouldn't want to." Hearing this, Du Shuangshuang frowned, thinking to herself: "That's true. I didn't even drink the spiritual spring water in the pool up there where I bathed and washed my clothes, let alone the water here. I know why I can't drink it." As she thought about it, she shook her head and continued walking forward, hoping to leave as soon as possible. However, she did regret it later. At that time, she did not know how precious spiritual power was in this mortal world, even if it was only a little bit.

When she reached the cave entrance, Du Shuangshuang wanted to curse. The exit was on a sheer cliff, at least fifteen or sixteen meters above the ground. She was standing on a five- or six-story building. No one dared to jump higher. If it were five or six meters, she would have dared to try. Now, let alone a young lady from an official family, even a general might not dare to jump.

I am just an ordinary person, and I feel dizzy when I look down. Even if I take off my belt, it is not enough to be two meters long. I don’t know if the clothes I wear can be long enough to be ten meters long even if I tear them into strips and twist them into ropes.

At this time, Du Shuangshuang suddenly found that two people were approaching, and she quickly retracted her head. If she met some bad guys or bandits, she would be doomed. After coming here, Du Shuangshuang felt that the security here was really not good.

The two men approached quickly, and saw a man pulling another man carrying a basket on his back running towards them. "Brother Zhong, look, this is it, take a look, is it right?" He sounded very anxious.

The two of them stood directly below the cave entrance. Du Shuangshuang lay on the ground, hiding behind the grass growing from the cave entrance, carefully observing the gradually approaching figure. When she saw the person's face clearly, Du Shuangshuang couldn't help but feel excited: "Oh! I actually ran into someone I know!" Joy instantly surged in her heart, and she secretly rejoiced: "I'm finally saved now!"

Look at that person, clad in a maroon robe, sleeves flowing in the wind, like an immortal descending from the heavens. A hint of coldness emanates from his brow, as if he were detached from the mundane world; yet a closer look reveals an indescribable, undeniable charisma. These two unique qualities blend so seamlessly within the same person, creating a seamless harmony that exudes a unique charm.

Comparing him now with Zhong Lingyue years later, one would find that he now seemed to possess a gentler and more amiable aura. Back then, he had seemed even more stern and resolute, a venomous snake, as if nothing in the world caught his eye. Yet, at this very moment, though the man before him remained unapproachable, the tenderness and affection buried deep within him radiated like a gentle spring breeze, bringing with it endless beautiful fantasies and earnest anticipation.

I have never seen him in this life, but I have heard my grandfather mention him, the miracle doctor Zhong Lingyue who had saved my life.

Alas, it's tragic that the General's Mansion didn't use this favor, but it was later used by the First Prince to save his White Lotus. White Lotus was born with a poisonous taint; her mother was poisoned by a concubine in the womb, and her health had always been poor. Later, she married the First Prince, and her pregnancy became even more frail. The First Prince somehow learned that his family had once been indebted to Zhong Lingyue. Now that I think about it, Fanhua must have betrayed him by then, otherwise such news would have been kept secret within the General's Mansion, and no one outside would have known.

Zhong Lingyue wasn't even accessible to the Crown Prince, let alone the Emperor. He traveled extensively and held a distinguished status, so no one dared to embarrass him. Du Shuangshuang had been brought in to invite him, so they'd met once. Given the Crown Prince's pleas for favors, she treated Bai Lianhua, and afterward, her health improved significantly, leading to her successful birth. She no longer appeared half-dead, earning her the title of "miracle doctor." The other person beside him was a stranger, but he seemed to have a good relationship with Dr. Zhong.

"Well, Coptis chinensis, Dendrobium officinale, Lotus on the Stone, many precious and rare medicinal herbs." Zhong Lingyue looked at the medicinal herbs on the cliff and a smile appeared on his cold face.

"Oh, that's great." The man in white was very happy, then frowned and said, "It's just that it's a little high, not easy to pick. It may take some time, Ah Cheng."

"Well, I can help you pick it. Can you help me? I can't get down." A small face poked out from the cliff. It was Du Shuangshuang.

"Huh? Why is there another person here? How did you get up there?" The man widened his eyes in surprise. Fortunately, it was daytime, otherwise he would be mistaken for a ghost if it was at night. Du Shuangshuang felt like crying but had no tears, so she carefully recounted her experience.

"I am Du Wushuang, the legitimate daughter of General Zhenguo..." Du Shuangshuang briefly recounted her experience. Of course, Space and Lingquan themselves would not tell.

When Zhong Lingyue heard about General Zhenguo's Mansion, his attitude became obviously serious.

"So you are the granddaughter of General Du. The old general once did me a favor. Don't be afraid. Someone will come down from upstairs to collect herbs and bring you down." Zhong Lingyue comforted her.

"well, thanks."

"It's really not that far from the hunting grounds on the outskirts of the capital to Pingyao City. It would take ten days or half a month to travel by carriage along the official road between the two places. How long did you walk?"

"What? Pingyao City?" Du Shuangshuang felt dizzy. What was going on? She'd fallen into a cave and ended up in Pingyao City? Grandpa must be going crazy looking for her. Most people probably thought she was dead, right? Or maybe she'd just escaped death and taken on a new identity? The thought flashed through her mind, but she quickly dismissed it. It would be fine if she didn't have memories of her past life, but now that she did, and she'd taken over someone else's body, it would be unconscionable not to seek revenge.

Before Du Shuangshuang could figure out what to do next, a rope was extended, and then a man with a backpack was swinging across the cliff with ease, picking herbs. Du Shuangshuang envied this skill.

"Ah Cheng, swing over to Miss Du later, give her the rope, and let her come down first."

"Good son."

Soon the man arrived in front of Du Shuangshuang, tied the rope around her waist, and expertly tied a knot. He also heard the conversation between the others. Originally, the official's daughter probably didn't have enough strength to hold the rope, and at this height, she was probably shaking all over. She hadn't eaten in days, so he could only carefully lower her down with the rope, treating her like cargo.

Although Du Shuangshuang felt very hungry, her mental state was good and she still had strength. She originally thought that she could go down by herself with a rope, but she was also afraid of accidents, so she accepted the offer.

At this height, I'd be scared if I looked down, but with a rope tied around my waist and facing the cliff, I stepped on it and jumped up with a little effort, avoiding the grass, branches, and occasional rocks on the cliff. Ah Cheng coordinated and lowered the rope down bit by bit. Ah Cheng was fully prepared and supported her weight by himself, slowly lowering her down. I didn't expect this girl to be so skilled, and it saved me a lot of effort.

Du Shuangshuang landed steadily. Everyone was surprised by her behavior. She didn't scream, didn't curl up in fear and cry, and didn't make a fool of herself. Her movements were even more carefree. It would have been even better if you ignored the torn sleeves and tattered skirt.

"As expected of the old general's descendant, you have his demeanor." Zhong Lingyue couldn't help but praise her, and took out a piece of white flour cake from the basket behind him and handed it to her.

Then he said, "I don't have any other food here, only some bread. Miss Du, please eat something to fill your stomach for now."

Du Shuangshuang happily took it and stuffed it into her mouth. She was really hungry. Although it was a little dry, it tasted good. She had drunk a lot of water on the way, so she was not thirsty. This Doctor Zhong was much gentler than he had been a few years ago. His words were so gentle and kind. Du Shuangshuang was quite surprised and happy that he treated her well.

After swallowing a mouthful of bread, he felt better. "Thank you, this is really my life-saving food. I am almost starving to death."

"Eat slowly, don't choke. It's not enough, I have more here." Looking at the girl biting the pancake in big mouthfuls, her cheeks bulging, chewing the pancake again and again, like a little hamster, very cute, Zhong Lingyue said gently.

Du Shuangshuang nodded with a smile, wondering if she had eaten too hastily. After all, she was a daughter of an imperial family and should have observed etiquette. However, she had been so hungry that she had forgotten all about etiquette. Now that she had realized what she was doing, she started eating in small bites, which actually gave her some of the elegance of an imperial daughter eating.