A Shocking Dream

However, he didn't dare to be so sure. After all, so much time had passed, and he didn't know if she had changed. Qin Rongchen's heart was full of contradictions and entanglements. He wanted to get closer to her, but he was afraid that this was just a false joy.

Lin Wunian, her white hair veiled, was dressed in coarse cloth, carrying a basket on her back. Her hands were scuffed with scratches and dirt, likely from her time climbing the mountain to gather herbs. She approached them quietly, her figure appearing somewhat frail in the sunlight. Her white hair fluttered gently in the breeze, as if telling of the vicissitudes of life she had endured.

Her eyes held a resolute and calm expression, as if she had long since become accustomed to the hardships of life. Her coarse clothing, though simple, highlighted her simplicity and innocence. Her basket, filled with a variety of herbs, exuded a delicate fragrance, the fruits of her labor.

The sunlight shone on her body, adding a touch of warmth to her. She lowered her head slightly, looking at the wound on her hand. There was no complaint in her eyes, only awe for life and persistence in her mission.

They didn't recognize me? A hint of doubt rose in Lin Wunian's heart. No, ever since Lin Bingshuang left her body, she no longer looked like Lin Bingshuang. She looked like someone else. Apart from those she knew and Qin Ruoyu in front of her, no one else had seen her.

Lin Wunian lowered her eyes slightly, her thoughts drifting back to the past. Once upon a time, her fate had been intertwined with Lin Bingshuang's, and they had endured countless hardships. Now, with Lin Bingshuang gone, she had begun a new life.

She raised her head and looked at Qin Rongchen again. His eyes were full of confusion and curiosity, but he did not recognize her.

She lowered her head slightly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. She quietly observed Qin Ruoyu with a hint of vigilance in her eyes. She had to make sure that he would not tell Qin Rongchen her identity, otherwise, her peaceful life would be completely broken. Lin Wunian's eyes were fixed on Qin Ruoyu, trying to read his thoughts from his expression. She saw Qin Ruoyu looking at her from time to time, his eyes full of confusion and entanglement. She knew that Qin Ruoyu must be hesitating whether to tell Qin Rongchen her identity. She didn't know how Qin Rongchen would react if Qin Ruoyu really told her identity. She was afraid of falling into the emotional entanglement of the past again, afraid that those painful memories would come to her mind again.

Lin Wunian secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't want Qin Ruoyu to reveal her identity, and she hoped to continue to hide her identity. In this noisy world, she just wanted to live her life quietly, unfettered by the past.

"Is she your disciple? When did you accept a white-haired doctor?" Qin Rongchen asked Qin Ruoyu doubtfully. His eyes fell on Lin Wunian again, and her snow-white hair was particularly eye-catching.

Qin Ruoyu was slightly startled, a wave of nervousness rising in his heart. The emperor's uncle asked this, but he didn't recognize Lin Bingshuang? Qin Ruoyu's eyes moved back and forth between Qin Rongchen and Lin Wunian, his heart full of doubts.

He carefully observed the uncle's expression, trying to find some clues. However, Qin Rongchen's face was only filled with confusion and curiosity, and there was no sign of recognition of Lin Bingshuang. Qin Ruoyu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but at the same time felt a little lost.

He didn't know whether he hoped the uncle would recognize Lin Bingshuang or if he wanted him to remain in the dark. On the one hand, he felt that there were too many misunderstandings and regrets between the uncle and Lin Bingshuang, and they should have a chance to resolve these knots. On the other hand, he was worried that if the uncle recognized Lin Bingshuang, it would bring her more trouble and danger.

Qin Ruoyu fell into deep entanglement. He didn't know how to answer the emperor's uncle's question, nor did he know how to face this complicated situation. In this lively occasion, his heart was full of anxiety and confusion.

He looked at Lin Wunian, then at Qin Rongchen, hesitating on how to answer. He knew that if he was not careful, Lin Wunian's true identity might be exposed.

"Uncle, she...she is a doctor I met by chance. She has excellent medical skills, so I kept her by my side." Qin Ruoyu tried his best to make his tone sound calm and natural.

Qin Rongchen frowned slightly, clearly not entirely satisfied with the answer. His gaze remained fixed on Lin Wunian, as if he wanted to uncover more secrets from her.

Lin Wunian stood there, secretly glad that Qin Ruoyu hadn't revealed her true identity. She lowered her head slightly, trying to avoid eye contact with Qin Rongchen. She knew that at this moment she had to remain calm and not reveal any flaws.

In this tense atmosphere, Qin Rongchen's doubts remained. He continued to examine Lin Wunian, his suspicions growing deeper. Meanwhile, Qin Ruoyu silently prayed that the emperor's uncle would not continue his questioning.

"I didn't know His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was coming. I'm sorry I didn't come to greet him. I've already done my best to treat these patients as instructed." Lin Wunian spoke in a cold and calm voice. Because she claimed to be a disciple of the Crown Prince, and now that Qin Ruoyu was here, she had to report the situation to him.

She lowered her head slightly, a hint of caution flashing in her eyes. Under the gaze of everyone, she tried to remain calm and not let her emotions fluctuate in the slightest. Lin Wunian knew that her every move might arouse others' suspicion, especially in front of Qin Rongchen, so she had to be even more careful.

Qin Ruoyu was startled, but he quickly nodded, a hint of appreciation in his eyes. "Well done." His voice was low, but full of authority.

Lin Wunian lowered her head slightly and responded respectfully: "Thank you for the praise, Your Highness. This is Wunian's duty." Her tone was humble and sincere, and there was nothing wrong with it.

Qin Ruoyu's gaze lingered on Lin Wunian for a moment, as if he was thinking about something. Then he asked, "How are the conditions of these patients? Are they getting better?"

Lin Wunian replied seriously, "Your Highness, after this period of treatment, the conditions of most patients have stabilized, and some with milder symptoms have begun to recover. However, there are still some patients whose conditions are more serious and require further treatment and observation."

Qin Ruoyu frowned slightly, thought for a moment and said, "Do you have any better treatment plan?"

Lin Wunian pondered for a moment, then said, "Your Highness, I think we can try some new herbal formulas, which may have better results. However, this will take some time to test and adjust."

Qin Ruoyu nodded and said, "Okay, go ahead and do it. If you need anything, report to me at any time."