Jade of Another World

Inside the Lin residence, Lin Ning held Xiao Cui's hand, her eyes full of affection, while Lin Qi stood by, smiling and quietly watching the scene.

“Brother, what do you think of Xiao Cui? Over the years, Xiao Cui has taken meticulous care of the Lin family from top to bottom. We have faced life and death together many times, and she has never abandoned us. Moreover, she is a person of noble character. I think that if we could betroth her to you, she would have someone to rely on in the future.” Lin Ning said softly, his gaze shifting back and forth between Lin Qi and Xiao Cui.

Lin Qi nodded slightly, a satisfied look on his face: "My sister has excellent taste. Miss Xiao Cui is hardworking, kind, and loyal to the Lin family. I am naturally satisfied." His elder brother had been fighting for many years and was past marriageable age. Given the current situation of the Lin family, it had been difficult for him to find a suitable and caring person. On one side was his brother, and on the other was his sister who had supported him for many years. It would be best if they could be together.

However, Xiao Cui quickly shook her head, tears welling in her eyes, and said urgently, "Miss, I don't want to get married. I want to stay with you forever. It's not easy for you in the palace. If I get married, who will take care of you?"

Lin Ning sighed softly and gently stroked Xiao Cui's hand: "Silly girl, how can I let you stay with me forever? You should have your own life and a good home. Look, there hasn't been any happy event in the Lin family for a long time, so why don't we get engaged first? Otherwise, if I really leave, I won't be able to leave you behind."

Xiao Cui stubbornly shook her head, holding Lin Ning's hand tightly and refusing to let go. Lin Ning smiled and said, "It's not like I'm asking you to stop staying with me now. After I leave, you'll have somewhere to go."

Looking at Xiao Cui's resolute expression, Lin Ning felt both moved and worried. She knew Xiao Cui was sincere towards her, but she also understood that her own situation was uncertain. If one day she could truly return to her original world, or if something unexpected happened, she couldn't rest easy knowing Xiao Cui would have no one to rely on.

“Xiao Cui, listen to me. I know you feel sorry for me, but I want you to be happy even more. You’ve suffered so much with me, it’s time for you to have a good life of your own. Lin Qi is my brother, he’s an upright man, he will definitely not mistreat you. Please promise me, okay?” Lin Ning patiently persuaded her, her eyes full of pleading.

Xiao Cui bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes: "Miss, I..."

Lin Qi stepped forward and said gently, "Miss Xiao Cui, don't worry, I will definitely treat you well."

Lin Ning looked at Xiao Cui and continued, "Xiao Cui, just think of it as doing this for me, so that I can leave in peace."

Looking at Lin Ning's expectant eyes and then at the sincere Lin Qi beside her, Xiao Cui hesitated for a long time. Finally, she nodded slightly and said softly, "Miss, I'll listen to you. But you must promise me that I can continue to take care of you."

Lin Ning smiled with relief and hugged Xiao Cui tightly: "Okay, I promise you. From now on, we're family."

Watching this scene, Lin Qi smiled warmly, a sense of anticipation for the future growing within him. Lin Ning, too, felt a great weight lifted from her shoulders; she knew she had finally found a good home for Xiao Cui…

Although Lin Qi and Xiao Cui's engagement banquet was somewhat rushed, it was still warm and lively. The Lin residence was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and relatives and friends gathered together to witness this happy moment. Lin Ning looked at the beaming smile on her brother's face and Xiao Cui's slightly shy yet blissful expression, and felt extremely gratified.

After the engagement banquet, as agreed, Xiao Cui accompanied Lin Ning back to the palace. Although it was still the seemingly magnificent yet restrictive imperial palace, Lin Ning felt a rare sense of ease thanks to the joyous occasion at home and Xiao Cui's company. Perhaps Xuan Yuanche was also in a good mood, or perhaps he noticed Lin Ning's recent compliance, but he had loosened his control over her considerably. Now, Lin Ning was allowed to go out as long as it wasn't too far. This was undoubtedly a rare freedom for Lin Ning, who had been confined to the palace for so long.

On this sunny day, Lin Ning strolled through the Imperial Garden with Xiao Cui. The flowers in the garden were in full bloom, a riot of colors, and a gentle breeze carried their fragrance. Lin Ning took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air, and a long-lost smile of contentment appeared on her face.

"Xiao Cui, look how beautifully these flowers are blooming," Lin Ning said softly, pointing to a cluster of peonies not far away.

Xiao Cui followed behind Lin Ning, also attracted by the beautiful scenery, and replied with a smile: "Yes, Miss, although the flowers in the palace are beautiful, they always seem to lack a bit of vitality, and can't compare to the flowers in our Lin family."

Lin Ning nodded slightly, a hint of emotion flashing in her eyes: "Yes, everything here is too exquisite, but it has lost its natural wildness. However, it's already very good to have the opportunity to come out and travel."

The two continued along the path and came to a lake. The lake water was crystal clear, and fish swam freely in it. Lin Ning gazed at the lake, and a ripple of emotion stirred within her.

"Xiao Cui, tell me, when did I arrive? It seems like it's been several years, hasn't it?" Lin Ning murmured to herself, her voice tinged with confusion.

Xiao Cui gently held Lin Ning's hand and comforted her, "Miss, don't worry. Maybe one day you'll have a chance to go back. No matter what, Xiao Cui will always be with you."

Lin Ning turned to look at Xiao Cui, her eyes filled with gratitude: "Thank you for always being there for me."

The two stood quietly by the lake, savoring this moment of tranquility and beauty. Although the future remained uncertain, at this moment, a sense of anticipation for life filled their hearts…

That day, news suddenly arrived from the palace that Old Madam Lin was critically ill, which struck Lin Ning like a bolt from the blue. Anxious and worried, she immediately ran to Xuan Yuanche, her eyes filled with urgency and concern, pleading for permission to return to the Lin family.

Seeing Lin Ning's anxious expression, Xuan Yuanche thought for a moment and then nodded, agreeing to her request. Lin Ning was filled with gratitude and hurriedly thanked him before taking Xiao Cui and rushing to the Lin family home.

On the carriage journey to the Lin family home, Lin Ning remained deeply troubled. Gazing at the scenery rushing past the window, she was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. "It's been so long, I almost forgot I'm still a doctor," Lin Ning murmured to herself, a hint of self-mockery in her voice.

She had once saved many lives with her superb medical skills, but since being confined to the palace, those days spent with medicine seemed like a distant memory. Now, facing her grandmother's critical illness, she finally had the opportunity to use her medical skills again, but a sense of nervousness filled her heart.

Upon arriving at the Lin residence, Lin Ning quickly entered Old Madam Lin's room. There, she found Old Madam Lin lying on the bed, her face ashen and her breath faint. Lin Ning, suppressing her grief, immediately went to the bedside and took Old Madam Lin's pulse to diagnose her condition.

Her fingers rested on Old Madam Lin's wrist, her brow furrowed slightly as she carefully sensed the changes in her pulse. Then, her mind settled, and she understood.

"Xiao Cui, quickly fetch the brush and ink," Lin Ning said, his voice steady and firm.

Xiao Cui quickly fetched a pen and ink, and Lin Ning swiftly wrote down a prescription, handing it to Lin Qi beside her: "Brother, quickly have someone prepare the medicine according to this prescription and decoct it for Grandmother as soon as possible."

Lin Qi took the prescription and looked at Lin Ning's determined eyes. A sense of hope welled up in his heart. He immediately ordered the servants to fetch the medicine and then asked, "What exactly is Grandmother's illness? She said she has been feeling weak and uncomfortable all over for some time now."