Jade of Another World

Lin Ning and Xiao Qiu were immersed in this wonderful exchange, sharing their experiences before their time travel.

Xiao Qiu said excitedly, "Sister, in my original world I was a senior medical student, so my medical skills can still be of some use after I transmigrated. Besides studying medicine, I also really like Taekwondo and Kendo, so I have quite a wide range of interests."

Lin Ning's eyes were full of surprise: "Wow, I didn't expect you to be so amazing! Knowing medicine is very useful in ancient times, and Taekwondo and Kendo can also be used for self-defense in critical moments."

Xiao Qiu asked curiously, "Sister, what about you? What did you do in your original world?"

Lin Ning smiled and replied, "I'm a researcher from City A. My usual job is to study academic issues. I never expected that a time travel would bring me to this completely different world."

Xiao Qiu's eyes lit up, and suddenly, as if she had thought of something, she said in surprise, "Sister, you just said you're from City A? I'm from City A too! And I'm studying at medical school, could it be..."

Lin Ning and Xiao Qiu exchanged a glance, then simultaneously realized what was happening and said almost in unison, "You wouldn't happen to be from XX Medical College, would you?"

After confirming they were from the same medical school, the two were incredibly excited. Xiaoqiu exclaimed, "Sister, I knew it was fate! I was wondering why you looked so familiar. I remember you taught us a professional course, right? You wouldn't happen to be that famous academic expert, Professor Zhang, the youngest visiting professor at XX College, would you? It can't be... such a coincidence, can it?"

Lin Ning smiled and nodded, her eyes filled with emotion, "Perhaps things are just that coincidental. I am the Professor Zhang you mentioned. I never expected that we would meet in this way in ancient times and become sisters. This fate is truly wonderful."

Xiao Qiu laughed happily, "Haha, what a coincidence! I should have attended more of your classes back in school. Now, in this ancient era, we're practically sisters! Don't try to teach me, haha..."

Lin Ning gently patted Xiao Qiu's hand: "No, from now on, we sisters will face everything here together. You can tell your sister anything you think or plan for the future."

Xiao Qiu tilted her head, thought for a moment, and then said, "Sister, have you found a way back?"

Lin Ning lowered her head and said, "Not yet."

Xiao Qiu asked again, "Sister, do you think there are any other time travelers like us who we just don't know about?"

Lin Ning lowered her head and remained silent. She didn't know anything about it either; after all, it was too unbelievable, so there was no way to find out or prove anything.

The two of them pondered for a while, looking dejected.

Xiao Qiu then said, "Sister, I think we should make the best of it since we're already here. Since we can't go back now, and we both have modern knowledge and skills, do you think we could do something different in this ancient world? For example, using my medical skills combined with your wisdom, we might be able to do something practical for the people of this ancient world."

Lin Ning's eyes lit up, and she agreed, "Wanwan, your idea is excellent. We can definitely make a good plan and see what kind of success we can achieve in this ancient world."

The two became increasingly excited as they talked, as if they were witnessing a magnificent future unfold in ancient times, together painting their own wondrous blueprint in this cozy room…

Lin Ning and Xiao Qiu were immersed in the joy brought by this wonderful fate, their hearts filled with both emotion and curiosity. They didn't know whether this intersection across time and space was a coincidence or a preordained arrangement. But what was certain was that since they learned the secret of time travel, many things were quietly changing.

At night, Lin Ning lay in bed, gazing at the moonlight streaming through the window, her mind filled with thoughts. She thought of her encounter with Xiao Qiu, as if it were a reunion deliberately arranged by fate. In this strange ancient world, Xiao Qiu's presence made her feel less alone. However, once the gears of fate begin to turn, no one can predict where they will lead.

Xiao Qiu was also tossing and turning at night. She knew that her fate and Lin Ning's were now inextricably intertwined. They possessed modern knowledge and skills, a unique advantage in ancient times, but also a potential source of unknown dangers. Would their incomprehensible actions attract the attention of those with ulterior motives? What challenges would their future hold?

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window and fell on their faces. Lin Ning and Xiao Qiu met in the garden, exchanged a smile, and both their eyes held a mixture of anticipation and worry for the future.

"Sister, what do you think we'll encounter next?" Xiao Qiu broke the silence and spoke first.

Lin Ning gently held Xiao Qiu's hand and said, "No matter what we encounter, we sisters will face it together. There may be difficulties, but as long as we persevere, we will definitely find a solution."

As the two were talking, the steward suddenly rushed over, looking anxious: "Miss, Second Miss, someone from the palace has come and says that His Majesty invites you both to the palace."

Lin Ning and Xiao Qiu exchanged a glance, a hint of doubt rising in their hearts. Why had Nangong Jin suddenly summoned them to the palace? Had some new change occurred? The gears of fate began to turn faster once more, and unknown challenges awaited them. They took a deep breath, straightened their clothes, and strode forward with firm steps toward the unknown future…

Hua Manlou was no pushover either. He had always looked down on Lin Jun's纨绔 (wán kù, a spoiled, dissolute young man) behavior. He immediately ordered a group of servants to tie Lin Jun up and take him back to his own residence. When the news reached the Prime Minister's residence, Old Madam Lin and Concubine Liu were heartbroken. Old Madam Lin, leaning on her cane, paced back and forth in the hall, berating Lin Jun for being useless; Concubine Liu slumped in her chair, tears streaming down her face, filled with worry for her son's safety.

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Lin was extremely anxious. He hurriedly prepared lavish gifts and went to the Grand Marshal's family to plead for mercy. He was filled with trepidation on the way, hoping that his long-standing relationship with the Grand Marshal would persuade him to do something. However, when he arrived at the Grand Marshal's residence, the gatekeepers stopped him at the gate, their words chillingly cold: "What kind of status do you have to come here to plead for mercy? It's like throwing an egg against a rock." Prime Minister Lin stood outside, staring at the tightly closed vermilion gate, both angry and anxious, unsure of what to do. The situation in the capital grew increasingly tense and oppressive.

Liu Si paced back and forth in his study, his brows furrowed deeply. He knew that Lin Ning was always loyal and righteous, and if she knew something was wrong at home, she would never stand idly by. But now she was far away in Nanzhao, unable to help. As for the Liu family, they were already in a precarious position in the court, and a hasty intervention might only bring more trouble. He needed to think of a clever solution.

After much thought, Liu Si had a sudden inspiration. He quickly went to his desk, spread out some Xuan paper, and began to write a letter. The letter was extremely earnest, first pointing out the current predicament of the Lin family, and then subtly mentioning the friendship between the princess and Lin Ning, implying that if the princess could intervene, Lin Ning would be eternally grateful. After finishing, he carefully sealed the letter and sent a clever confidant to secretly deliver it to the princess's residence. After receiving the letter, the princess considered it carefully and felt that the matter made sense. Firstly, Lin Ning and she had a good personal relationship, so it was only right for her to help; secondly, as a princess, occasionally intervening in disputes between officials could also show her power and win people's hearts. So the next day, the princess dressed up in her finest attire and led a grand procession to the Grand Marshal's residence.

Upon hearing of the princess's arrival, the Grand Marshal hurried out to greet her. The princess entered the hall and, without beating around the bush, stated her purpose directly, implying that the Grand Marshal should give her some face and not push things too far. The Grand Marshal dared not refuse the princess and immediately agreed. Soon after, Lin Jun was released. As for the enormous gambling debt, only a symbolic portion was collected, leaving a way out for all parties. Prime Minister Lin, upon hearing the news, breathed a sigh of relief; the turmoil in the Lin family had finally subsided somewhat.

Lin Ning and Xiao Qiu entered the palace and followed the palace servants to the imperial study where Nangong Jin was. Upon entering the study, they saw Nangong Jin with a furrowed brow and a face full of anxiety, his usual majesty replaced by weariness.

The two quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, may you be well."

Nangong Jin raised his hand to gesture for them to rise, and said anxiously, "Ladies, you may rise. I have summoned you to the palace because I have encountered a thorny matter. Consort Xian, Lady Zhao, has gone missing. I have sent people to search for her everywhere, but so far there has been no news. Now I think that since you are both women, perhaps you can offer me some ideas from a woman's perspective, to see where she might have gone."

Lin Ning was startled. After a moment's thought, he asked, "Your Majesty, did Consort Zhao exhibit any unusual behavior before her disappearance? Or did she have any argument with anyone?"

Nangong Jin recalled, "After careful consideration, I found that Consort Zhao showed no obvious abnormalities before her disappearance. She was always gentle and virtuous, got along well with everyone in the palace, and never had any disputes with anyone."

Xiao Qiu then asked, "Did the palace maids and eunuchs around her ask them anything? Perhaps they know some clues."

Nangong Jin nodded slightly: "I have already asked. They all said that Consort Zhao, as usual, went to bed early after dinner, and when she woke up the next morning, she was nowhere to be found. There were no signs of a struggle in the palace."

Lin Ning pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, it seems that this matter is quite strange. Since Consort Zhao showed no abnormalities and there was no sign of external coercion, it is more likely that she left voluntarily. However, why she would do this, and whether there is any hidden reason behind it, still need to be further investigated."

Xiao Qiu chimed in, "Sister is right. Your Majesty, may we go and check Consort Zhao's palace? Perhaps we can find some overlooked clues."

Nangong Jin nodded and said, "I will send someone to take you there immediately. If you find any clues, I will reward you handsomely."

Led by the eunuch, Lin Ning and Xiao Qiu headed to Consort Zhao's palace. Along the way, the two pondered various possibilities. Upon entering the palace, everything was neatly arranged, seemingly without any abnormalities. But Lin Ning and Xiao Qiu knew that the calmer the place, the more secrets it might conceal. They began to search carefully, leaving no corner unchecked, hoping to find even the slightest clue that could unravel the mystery…

Lin Ning and Lin Wan searched Zhao Meiren's bedroom carefully, their eyes scanning every corner, from the bed to the tables and chairs, from the wardrobe to the dressing table, but after searching, they found no obvious clues.

"Sister, there doesn't seem to be anything special about this place." Lin Wan frowned slightly and said somewhat discouragedly.

Lin Ning didn't give up. She said softly, "Don't rush, let's go outside and take another look."

The two walked out of the bedroom and came to the porch. Lin Ning squatted down and carefully examined the ground. Lin Wan followed her example, not missing an inch of the ground. Suddenly, Lin Ning's eyes lit up and she pointed to the ground and said, "Wanwan, look here. Although it has been cleaned, you can still see the outline of some footprints. These should have been left by Consort Zhao when she was discharged from the hospital."

Following Lin Ning's gaze, Lin Wan indeed saw some faint traces. The two followed the footprints to the corner gate of the courtyard wall. The area around the gate was well-hidden, overgrown with weeds. Lin Ning and Lin Wan searched carefully through the weeds, when suddenly Lin Wan noticed something unusual: "Sister, look at this place. The ground is slightly drier than the surrounding area. At night, with the dew heavy, this place should be as damp as the rest of the area, unless someone has been standing here for a long time."

Lin Ning squatted down, touched the ground with her hand, nodded and said, "You're right, this is very likely the place where Zhao Meiren stayed before she disappeared. She stood here for a long time, perhaps waiting for someone, or perhaps observing something."

Lin Wan looked around and said, "But why did she stay here? And where did she go afterward?"

Lin Ning stood up, looked at the side gate, and pondered, "What's outside if we go out from here? Perhaps we can find out where she went after she left."

The two decided to go out through the side gate to investigate. Pushing open the gate, they found themselves on a narrow path leading to a garden. The flowers and plants along the path showed signs of being trampled, as if someone had hurried past. Lin Ning and Xiao Qiu exchanged a glance and followed the tracks, their hearts filled with anticipation for solving the mystery, but also with a hidden worry that something unexpected might happen…

Lin Ning and Lin Wan followed the path for a while before finding that the traces disappeared near a rockery in the garden. The surroundings were quiet, save for the rustling of leaves in the breeze, as if telling a story of the mystery surrounding this unforeseen event.

"Sister, the trail has gone cold," Lin Wan said, somewhat dejectedly.

Lin Ning was not discouraged. She looked around and said, "Don't lose heart, Wanwan. This only shows that there are hidden stories behind Zhao Meiren's disappearance, which deserve our in-depth investigation."

Lin Wan's eyes lit up, and she suddenly said, "Sister, let's try to get His Majesty to investigate Consort Zhao's disappearance! We have modern thinking and observation skills, so we're sure to find clues that others can't. Maybe we can help His Majesty find Consort Zhao. This is also a good opportunity to help others."

Lin Ning pondered for a moment and thought Lin Wan's suggestion was feasible, so he nodded and said, "Alright, we'll do as you say. Let's go back and talk to His Majesty."

The two returned to the imperial study and informed Nangong Jin of the clues they had found in and around Consort Zhao's bedchamber. Upon hearing this, Nangong Jin's expression grew even more grave.

Taking the opportunity, Lin Ning said, "Your Majesty, Wanwan and I are very concerned about the disappearance of Consort Zhao. We also believe that with our unique methods, we might be able to find clues to Consort Zhao's disappearance as soon as possible. We implore Your Majesty to give us a chance to investigate this matter."

Looking at the two resolute women before him, Nangong Jin hesitated. This matter concerned the inner palace and was quite thorny; was it appropriate to involve two women? But at the moment, he had no better solution. After much deliberation, he slowly said, "I understand the intentions of you two ladies. Since you are confident, I will entrust this matter to you. However, this matter is of great importance, so if there is any progress, you must report to me promptly."

Lin Ning and Lin Wan quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, we will certainly not fail in our mission."

After receiving their orders, the two left the imperial study. Lin Wan said excitedly, "Sister, that's great! We can finally use our talents. What should we do next?"

Lin Ning said firmly, "Let's start with the people around Consort Zhao, questioning them carefully again, leaving no detail unexamined. At the same time, expand the search area to see if we can find any new clues."

Thus, Lin Ning and Lin Wan quickly took action, and an investigation into Zhao Meiren's disappearance began. What awaited them were even more unknown mysteries and challenges...