Jade of Another World

Under Lin Ning's meticulous care, Peng Yingchun's health improved day by day, just like all things slowly reviving in spring. Her originally pale complexion gradually regained some color, her weak breathing became steady and strong, and she was even able to sit up with the help of others.

Lin Ning continued to stay by Peng Yingchun's bedside every day, meticulously preparing her medicine and light yet nutritious meals. She would also accompany her as she slowly walked around the room to stretch her muscles. The head of the Imperial Medical Academy also frequently came to check on her condition, and each time he saw Peng Yingchun's recovery, he couldn't help but praise Lin Ning's exquisite medical skills and attentive care.

That day, Peng Yingchun felt exceptionally energetic. Leaning against the headboard, she looked at Lin Ning, who was preparing her medicine, her eyes filled with gratitude. She softly called out, "Miss Lin..."

Upon hearing the voice, Lin Ning quickly turned around and walked over, asking with concern, "Miss Peng, how are you feeling? Are you feeling unwell anywhere?"

Peng Yingchun shook her head slightly, took Lin Ning's hand, and said in a weak but sincere voice, "Miss Lin, I've heard from the imperial physicians that if it weren't for you, I would probably be dead by now. It was you who, when I was on the verge of death, disregarded everyone's doubts and tried every means to save me, and took care of me tirelessly. I... I really don't know how to thank you enough."

Lin Ning smiled and said, "Miss Peng, you're too kind. No matter who it is, I will save them if I can."

Upon hearing this, Peng Yingchun's eyes reddened. With a hint of guilt, she continued, "Miss Lin, actually… actually, I misunderstood you a lot before, and even humiliated you in front of others. I was so wicked back then. I believed some gossip, and now that I think about it, it was really too much. Even though I treated you that way, you still saved me without holding a grudge. I feel incredibly guilty, and I sincerely hope you can forgive me." As she spoke, she made a difficult bow. Because her illness hadn't fully recovered, this gesture made her look extremely uncomfortable.

Lin Ning quickly helped her up and said, "Miss Peng, those things are all in the past. You didn't understand me back then, which is why you did that. Besides, I didn't take it to heart. You didn't do it on purpose. If I'm not mistaken, you were probably used by Lin Wan. So don't blame yourself anymore."

Peng Yingchun held Lin Ning's hand tightly, her eyes filled with emotion, and said, "Miss Lin, your magnanimity makes me feel even more ashamed of my previous behavior. After this incident, I have truly seen you. You are a kind-hearted and highly skilled doctor. Now you have saved my life, and I have no way to repay your kindness. I will do my best to help you in the future, whenever you need me. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, I will definitely do my best to assist you."

Lin Ning was deeply moved by Peng Yingchun's sincere expression. She smiled and replied, "Alright, Miss Peng, since you've said so, I won't stand on ceremony."

From then on, Peng Yingchun and Lin Ning's relationship grew closer and closer. They often strolled and chatted together in the garden, sharing their likes and dislikes, their hearts as close as sisters. The Prime Minister and his wife were very pleased to see the two so harmonious, and they treated Lin Ning as their own daughter, often inviting her to their residence. The whole capital knew about the sisterly bond between Lin Ning and Peng Yingchun, a bond that turned out to be a blessing in disguise, and it became a popular story.

Watching Lin Ning and Peng Yingchun grow increasingly close these past few days, Lin Wan's jealousy burned ever brighter. She couldn't understand how the two people she had so meticulously planned to destroy had suddenly escaped and become best friends. This filled her with anger and resentment; she felt she couldn't just stand by and watch them remain so close and had to find a way to break their relationship. So, one day, Lin Wan carefully prepared a seemingly expensive gift, feigning concern, and went to Peng Yingchun's residence, claiming to be visiting an old friend. Peng Yingchun was talking with her maid in the room. Upon hearing of Lin Wan's arrival, although she felt some disgust and surprise, out of politeness, she had her maid invite her in.

As soon as Lin Wan entered the room, she walked to Peng Yingchun's bedside with a beaming smile and said in a sweet voice, "Yingchun, you're finally feeling better! I was so worried about you. I heard you weren't feeling well, so I specially prepared a small gift in the hopes that you'll recover soon." With that, she had the maid present the gift.

Peng Yingchun nodded slightly and said politely, "Miss Lin, you're very kind. Thank you for your concern."

After sitting down, Lin Wan first feigned concern by inquiring about Peng Yingchun's condition and making some polite remarks. Then, she changed the subject, seemingly casually saying, "It's truly enviable how close you and Lin Ning are now. However, you must be careful. Although Lin Ning saved your life, it wasn't entirely her own achievement. It was mainly due to the experience of the imperial physicians. Think about it, a woman raised in the countryside suddenly claiming to possess such medical skills and so eager to save you—who would believe that? It's just that the imperial physicians, having had their credit stolen, dared not speak out. Perhaps she's hiding some ulterior motive."

Upon hearing this, Peng Yingchun frowned slightly, already understanding Lin Wan's intentions. She said calmly, "Miss Lin, I know Lin Ning's character very well. Her saving me was genuine, and she had no ulterior motives whatsoever. After all, given our previous relationship, I've bullied her quite a bit. If it were anyone else, they probably wouldn't have offered a helping hand. She truly acted out of pure kindness, and I'm grateful to her. I hope you won't make such wild assumptions."

Seeing that Peng Yingchun didn't believe her, Lin Wan grew anxious and continued, "Yingchun, don't be so naive. Lin Ning is incredibly cunning. Who knows if she's trying to use saving you to win you over and pave her own way? Besides, don't forget, His Highness the Crown Prince was quite interested in her back then. She might be doing this to impress him. Her performance before the Emperor and everyone else was all to show off her abilities. What could that woman possibly want with so many skills? She just wants to marry better, to marry higher. Who in the world could be better off than marrying the future emperor? She's just a vixen, a master of seduction."

Peng Yingchun sneered and said, "Miss Lin Wan, what you're saying is rather absurd. I've spent time with Lin Ning and I'll see for myself what kind of person she is. As for you, your words today seem to have ulterior motives. Let me be frank with you, I know very well that you've done a lot of underhanded things to get the position of Crown Princess. Because of the Crown Prince, there will only be discord between you and me. Shouldn't it be you who really wants to impress the Crown Prince?"

Lin Wan was speechless, her face turning red and white. She awkwardly wanted to argue a few more times, but Peng Yingchun waved her hand impatiently and said, "Miss Lin Wan, I appreciate your visit today, but I'm a little tired. Please go back."

Seeing this, Lin Wan knew her plan for the day was doomed. She was both angry and annoyed, but dared not say anything more, and could only slink away. She figured there would be plenty of opportunities to sow discord between the two women later. She didn't believe in any sisterly affection. Powerful families were nothing more than tools for mutual exploitation. Everyone used each other to achieve their own goals. Everyone climbed the social ladder through cunning, and Peng Yingchun was no exception. However, Lin Ning was indeed quite different from before. How could she have become so capable? Lin Wan decided to find time to have her mother investigate Lin Ning's rural hometown to find out how she had become so powerful.

Peng Yingchun stood there quietly, her gaze following Lin Wan's receding figure, her face filled with complex emotions. In the end, she simply sighed softly.

She knew very well that Lin Wan was not a good person. She was somewhat arrogant and would often use tricks and schemes to achieve her goals. Sometimes she would even resort to any means to get what she wanted, which was really disliked.

But deep down, Peng Yingchun didn't want any conflict with Lin Wan. After all, she had once genuinely loved Liu Si. Liu Si was Lin Wan's cousin, so handsome and refined, with outstanding talent, like the brightest sunshine in spring, instantly illuminating Peng Yingchun's heart.

Because of this affection, Peng Yingchun often followed Lin Wan around, hoping to take this opportunity to see Liu Si more often, even if it was just a glimpse from afar, it would make her happy. Back then, everyone was still young, and when they got together, they had many joyful times.

They would frolic and play in the garden in spring, chasing after the colorful butterflies; on summer afternoons, they would sit in the pavilion by the lake, sharing their little secrets; in autumn, they would stroll through the forest full of red leaves, collecting beautiful leaves to make bookmarks; and in winter, they would build snowmen and have snowball fights in the yard, their laughter echoing throughout the mansion.

Those days, looking back, were so beautiful, filled with innocence and carefree joy. But now, everything has changed. As we grow older, we all get caught up in the complexities of the world, and that former purity has long since vanished, leaving only countless calculations and intrigues.

For the sake of her family's interests, Lin Wan painstakingly plotted within the Crown Prince's residence. Meanwhile, she herself was also carefully maneuvering in this complex situation, fearing that if she were not careful, she would be drawn into those unseen whirlpools and suffer a miserable end.

Peng Yingchun shook her head slightly, her eyes filled with helplessness and emotion. She knew that those carefree and joyful days of her youth could never be returned to; they could only be buried deep in her heart as a beautiful memory. But now she was facing a reality full of scheming and exhaustion.

On this bright and sunny day, the lotus pond in the Right Prime Minister's residence was ablaze with color, a truly beautiful sight. Peng Yingchun had sent an invitation to Lin Ning early in the morning, inviting her to come to the residence to admire the flowers together.

Upon receiving the invitation, Lin Ning gladly went to the garden. As soon as she entered the Right Prime Minister's residence garden, the intoxicating fragrance of lotus blossoms filled the air, and various vibrant flowers bloomed in profusion, as if warmly welcoming her arrival. Peng Yingchun was already waiting in the pavilion. Seeing Lin Ning arrive, she quickly rose to greet her, smiling and saying, "Sister Lin Ning, you've finally arrived! The flowers in the garden are in full bloom today, and I thought it best to enjoy them with you."

Lin Ning smiled and responded. The two walked hand in hand into the pavilion, enjoying the beautiful scenery and chatting about recent events. After a while, Peng Yingchun frowned slightly and looked at Lin Ning, saying, "Sister, there's something I want to tell you. A few days ago, Lin Wan came to visit me and said some things that weren't very pleasant. I've been feeling uneasy about it, and I think I should tell you."

Lin Ning chuckled and said, "Sister, you don't need to tell me. I can probably guess what Lin Wan said. She must be trying to sow discord between us and say bad things about me."

Peng Yingchun nodded and said helplessly, "My sister is indeed clever. She did do that, but I didn't believe her nonsense. I know your character very well, so how could I be fooled by her words? I see her true colors now."

Lin Ning looked at Peng Yingchun gratefully and said, "Thank you for your trust, sister, but I don't really care about her at all."

The two talked about Lin Wan for a while, then Lin Ning seemed to remember something, looked at Peng Yingchun, hesitated for a moment, and then asked softly, "Sister, I've always had a question in my mind, do you... do you really want to marry the Crown Prince?"

Upon hearing this, Peng Yingchun's smile gradually faded, replaced by a bitter expression. She lowered her head slightly, gazing at the flowers outside the pavilion, and remained silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Sister, as women, we have no say in matters of marriage; it has always been the will of our parents and the words of matchmakers. As the legitimate daughter of the Right Prime Minister's mansion, my marriage is a matter of honor and prosperity for the entire family. Since my father and mother have already arranged this marriage for me, I can only obey. How could I dare to have any other thoughts?"

Hearing this, Lin Ning felt a pang of sorrow in her heart. She knew all too well that this was the fate of most women in this era. Even a woman of noble birth like Peng Yingchun had little say in matters of marriage. She sighed softly and said, "Sister, I understand your helplessness, but... but I always feel that marriage is ultimately a lifelong commitment. How wonderful it would be to marry someone you truly love."

Peng Yingchun shook her head with a wry smile and said, "Mutual affection? That's too much of a luxury for us women. I only hope that after I marry into the Eastern Palace, I can fulfill my duties, assist His Highness the Crown Prince, and ensure the stability of my family. That would be enough to make my life worthwhile."

Looking at Peng Yingchun's dejected and helpless appearance, Lin Ning felt very sorry for her. She reached out and gently held Peng Yingchun's hand, saying, "No matter what, I will always be by your side to support you."

Peng Yingchun felt a warmth in her heart as she felt Lin Ning's concern, her eyes reddening slightly, and she nodded vigorously.

At this moment, a gentle breeze swept through the garden, scattering a few petals that swirled in the air, as if sighing softly for the helplessness and affection of the two women.

Lin Ning knew in her heart that Peng Yingchun probably liked Liu Erlang, but Liu Erlang's shrewdness and the complexity of the Liu family were not much different from those of the Crown Prince. It seemed that Liu Erlang might not even be interested in Yingchun. Although the Crown Prince wasn't the best choice, other choices might not be suitable either. After all, judging from the original owner's memories, Peng Yingchun's married life was very bad; many details indicated that she was unhappy after marriage. And she didn't know who she married. She hoped that her transmigration could change many of the original tragedies; at least, she hoped that good people could get good outcomes. Miss Peng was truly pure and kind, like a princess—a simple and kind girl.