With a wave of his hand, the Prince's Mansion's fortune exploded throughout the entire cap

Mr. Wuwang's eyes flickered, and he nodded. "Mr. Guangming is absolutely right. Ordinary herbs are probably not enough to deal with this plague. We do need to find some rare herbs, which may lead to a way to control the plague. However, Youzhou is located in the north, with a cold climate and scarce vegetation. Finding rare herbs is not easy. Moreover, with the plague raging, going out to find herbs is also very dangerous, and it is easy to contract the plague."

"Leave this to me." Just then, a soft yet firm voice came from the entrance of the quarantine area. Everyone looked up and saw the girl who had been brewing medicine had arrived at the entrance of the quarantine area at some point, holding a bowl of freshly brewed medicine in her hand. She stood there calmly, her eyes full of determination. She still carried a faint herbal fragrance, and the calluses on her cuffs were particularly noticeable in the morning light. They were marks left by years of brewing and collecting medicine, which seemed somewhat incongruous with her twelve years of age.

Mr. Wuwang and Guangming exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes. Guangming spoke first, his tone gentle, "Qingyuan, why are you here? It's windy outside, and this is a quarantine zone where the plague is highly contagious. You should go back; this isn't a place for you. You're only twelve years old; how can you do such dangerous things?" His tone carried a deliberate gentleness, along with a barely perceptible tension, as if he were deliberately concealing something, afraid that Mr. Wuwang would see through his act, and also afraid that Qingyuan might impulsively say something she shouldn't.

Qingyuan? Sitting on the veranda, Xiao Chengyan's heart skipped a beat upon hearing the name—Qingyuan, Lu Qingyuan? This must be the girl's name, echoing Lu Songchuan's. They were both twelve years old, further confirming her identity. She was indeed a daughter of the Lu family, Lu Songchuan's twin sister. Moreover, Guangming did recognize her and called her Qingyuan. It seemed Xiao Jingjing was right; this girl was indeed Guangming's nominal granddaughter, but not his biological daughter. She was the Lu family's daughter he had rescued years ago, who had been stolen. The tension and concealment in Guangming's tone when he called her "Qingyuan" did not escape Xiao Chengyan's notice, further convincing him that there was a hidden story, that Guangming knew something but was unwilling to reveal it.

Little Jingjing also heard the name "Qingyuan," and a hint of excitement appeared on her face. She quietly tugged at Xiao Chengyan's sleeve and whispered, "Father, listen, her name is Qingyuan, Lu Qingyuan! It's the same as my second cousin's name, both of them have the character 'Qing' in their names, and they're both twelve years old. She must be my cousin! She's Mother's niece, my second cousin's twin sister! I knew I hadn't made a mistake!"

Xiao Chengyan nodded gently, signaling Xiao Jingjing to be quiet and continue listening attentively to the conversation within the quarantine area. Lu Qingyuan shook her head, her voice gentle yet firm, and said, "Grandfather, I'm fine. I've taken precautions and won't catch the plague. I'm here brewing medicine to help and save more patients. I know you're searching for rare herbs to combat the plague. I grew up in the mountains and know many herbs, including where to find rare ones. Let me go find them; I'm sure I can find them. I'm twelve years old now, not a child anymore. I can take care of myself."

"No!" Guangming refused without hesitation, his tone firm, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible impatience. "It's too dangerous! Outside Youzhou City, there's no one around, and a plague is rampant. You're only twelve years old, a girl going out alone to find herbs. What if you encounter danger? What if you contract the plague? I can't let you take that risk. This is absolutely unacceptable!" His reaction was so intense that the imperial physicians present all looked puzzled. Master Wuwang also frowned slightly, his gaze towards Guangming becoming more inquisitive—Guangming was usually so composed, why was he so agitated today? Could it be that this twelve-year-old girl named Qingyuan was more than just a granddaughter to him?

Seeing Guangming's excited expression, Lu Qingyuan's eyes flashed with doubt and disappointment. She said softly, "Grandfather, I really can! I grew up in the mountains, I'm familiar with the forest environment, and I know how to protect myself. Besides, I also know some medicine and can handle some emergencies, so I won't easily catch the plague. Right now, the plague is raging, and the people are suffering terribly. Every moment of delay could mean more deaths. I can't just stand by and watch. I must do everything I can to help. I'm already twelve years old. I can share the burden with you, Grandfather, and I can do something for the people."

She paused, then continued, "Grandfather, I know you worry about me, but I've grown up. I'm no longer the little girl you needed to protect. Over the years, you've taught me to read and write, and to learn medicine, hoping I could practice medicine and help the people. Now is the time for me to contribute, and I can't back down. Besides, I remember that deep in Black Wind Mountain outside Youzhou City, there's a rare herb called 'Dewdrop Grass.' This herb is cold in nature and can clear heat and detoxify, dispel cold and dampness. Perhaps it can help control this plague. In addition, I also know that deep in Black Wind Mountain, there's a 'Heart-to-Heart Flower.' This flower has a peculiar characteristic; it must grow in pairs. If picked alone, it has no medicinal effect. Only when both are used together can it exert its maximum effect. Perhaps this flower can also help us control the plague."

In truth, Lu Qingyuan harbored her own thoughts. Although only twelve years old, she was more sensible and resilient than children her age. Over the years, she had always felt that while Guangming loved her, he always seemed to be hiding something, especially when it came to her background, always avoiding the topic. From a young age, she sensed that she wasn't Guangming's biological granddaughter, because her features and figure bore no resemblance to him. Moreover, whenever she asked about her parents, Guangming would evade the question, either changing the subject or saying that her parents had died long ago in a war. Over time, a seed of doubt was planted in her heart; she wanted to find out about her origins, to know who her parents were, and to understand where she came from.

The reason she secretly followed Guangming to Youzhou was twofold: firstly, she was worried about his safety, and secondly, she hoped to find some clues about her own origins during this journey. Just now, while she was brewing the medicine, she noticed Xiao Chengyan and Xiao Jingjing's gazes, especially Xiao Jingjing's. Her eyes were full of affection and familiarity as she looked at her, and Xiao Jingjing whispered "cousin," mentioning names like "Lu Wenshu" and "Lu Songchuan," and saying that she and Lu Songchuan were both twelve years old and twin sisters. These names gave her a sudden, inexplicable shock.

She wanted to find out if what the little girl said was true, who Lu Wenshu was, who Lu Songchuan was, whether she was really the little girl's cousin, whether she and Lu Songchuan were truly twelve-year-old twin sisters, and whether her family was really looking for her. The search for the Dew-Gathering Grass and the Heart-Connecting Flower might be an opportunity; she could use the chance to search for medicine to inquire around and perhaps find some clues about her origins. Furthermore, she had a vague feeling that she had some inexplicable connection to this plague; perhaps the herbs she found could not only save the people but also unravel the mystery of her own origins.

"Dewdrop Grass? Heart-Shaped Flower?" A hint of doubt flashed in Mr. Wuwang's eyes. "I have seen records of Dewdrop Grass in medical books. This herb is indeed rare. It is cold in nature and sweet in taste, with extremely strong effects in clearing heat and detoxifying, and dispelling cold. However, this herb mostly grows in dark and damp deep mountains, making it difficult to find. As for Heart-Shaped Flower, I have never heard of it before. I wonder what its properties are and what its medicinal effects are?"

"I first heard my grandfather mention the Heart-to-Heart Flower when I was a child," Lu Qingyuan said softly. "This flower is pure white, with heart-shaped petals that grow in pairs. It grows on the cliffs deep in Black Wind Mountain and is extremely rare. Its medicinal effects are unique; it can harmonize cold and heat and nourish qi and blood. If used in combination with Dew-Gathering Grass, it might be able to completely suppress this plague, alleviate the symptoms of patients, and even cure the plague. However, this flower is very delicate and must be picked with great care. If the petals are damaged, it will lose its medicinal effects. Moreover, it only opens at sunrise and closes after sunset. If you want to pick it, you must do so at sunrise."

"Such a peculiar herb?" A hint of surprise flashed in Mr. Wuwang's eyes. "If we can really find the Dew-Gathering Grass and the Heart-Shaped Flower, and use them together, perhaps we can really develop an antidote to quell this plague! Miss Qingyuan, do you know exactly where these two herbs can be found deep in Black Wind Mountain? You are only twelve years old; it would be far too dangerous for you to go there."

Lu Qingyuan nodded and said, "When I was a child, I went to the outskirts of Black Wind Mountain with my grandfather. He told me that the Dew-Gathering Grass grows by the cold pool deep in Black Wind Mountain, where it is dark and damp, which is suitable for its growth. The Heart-Connecting Flower grows on the cliffs beside the cold pool, and it can only be seen blooming at sunrise. However, the deep part of Black Wind Mountain is very dangerous, with rugged mountain paths and wild animals. Moreover, the cold pool is shrouded in mist all year round, making it easy to get lost. Even the herbalists who gather herbs in the mountains all year round dare not go there easily. But I really can. I am familiar with the environment there and can protect myself."

Looking into Lu Qingyuan's resolute eyes, Guangming felt a pang of heartache, yet he knew he couldn't sway this exceptionally resilient twelve-year-old child. He had dedicated his life to medicine, always concerned for the common people. Lu Qingyuan, whom he had raised, had learned medicine from him since childhood and was deeply influenced by him, possessing a kind heart and a deep concern for the people. Now, with the plague raging, she was determined to help and save the people—a sentiment he couldn't refuse. Moreover, he knew of the doubts Lu Qingyuan harbored, which he had deliberately concealed for years, filling him with guilt. Perhaps letting her go out and gain experience wouldn't be a bad thing, but he was truly worried about her safety, about the dangers she might encounter deep within Black Wind Mountain, and even more so, about her accidentally discovering her true identity while searching for medicine.

After a moment of silence, Guangming sighed and said gently but solemnly, "Alright, I promise you, I'll let you go find the Dew-Gathering Grass and the Heart-Connecting Flower. But you must promise me that you will be careful in everything you do, and never be reckless. If you encounter danger, don't force yourself; come back immediately. Don't gamble with your life. Also, I will have my apprentice, Lin Mo, go with you, so you can have someone to look after you. He is familiar with herbs and knows some martial arts, so he can protect you. Also, this is a protective ointment I made. Apply it to your body to ward off the plague. Take all this dry food and water with you. You must take good care of yourself along the way. You are only twelve years old; no matter what, you must always put your safety first."

"Thank you, Grandfather!" A relieved smile appeared in Lu Qingyuan's eyes as she quickly said, "I will be careful and cautious, I won't be reckless, and I will cooperate well with my senior brother to find the Dew-Gathering Grass and the Heart-Connecting Flower, and return safely. I will also apply protective ointment properly and take good care of myself so that Grandfather won't worry. I'm twelve years old now, I can do it." Seeing the smile on Lu Qingyuan's face, Guangming's guilt grew even stronger. He gently patted Lu Qingyuan's shoulder and said in a gentle tone, "Go, be careful. Mr. Wuwang and I will wait for you here. If you encounter any difficulties that you can't solve, light this signal flare, and I will immediately send someone to pick you up." As he spoke, Guangming took out a small signal flare from his pocket and handed it to Lu Qingyuan.

Mr. Wuwang nodded and said gently, "Miss Qingyuan, you've worked hard. This search for herbs is of great importance, not only concerning your safety but also the lives of the people of Youzhou. If we can find the Dew-Gathering Grass and the Heart-Shaped Flower, we can quickly develop a prescription to control the plague and save more people. Here are some antidotes; take them with you. They will come in handy if you accidentally contract the plague or encounter poisonous wild animals. You are still young, so please don't push yourself too hard."

"Thank you, Mr. Wuwang." Lu Qingyuan bowed and thanked him, taking the herbs from Mr. Wuwang and the signal flare and protective ointment from Guangming. She carefully put them away, then turned to Guangming and said, "Grandfather, I will go and make preparations now. I will set off with my senior brother and try to find the Dew-Gathering Grass and the Heart-Connecting Flower as soon as possible. I will come back to help you develop the antidote."

Lu Qingyuan responded and turned to leave the quarantine area, heading towards her residence with firm steps and without the slightest hesitation. Her figure appeared exceptionally slender in the open space. Her small twelve-year-old body carried a resilience and sense of responsibility beyond her years, as if no matter how great the danger, she would not back down and would persevere, all for the sake of finding herbs to save more people, and all for the sake of uncovering the mystery of her own origins.

Xiao Chengyan sat on the veranda, watching Lu Qingyuan's departing figure, his doubts deepening. He finally confirmed that this twelve-year-old girl was indeed Lu Wenshu's long-lost niece, Lu Songchuan's twin sister, Lu Qingyuan. But he couldn't understand why Guangming would adopt Lu Qingyuan, why he would keep it a secret, never mentioning that he had such a twelve-year-old granddaughter, and never mentioning Lu Qingyuan's background. Moreover, Xiao Jingjing's inner voice said that Lu Qingyuan was stolen at birth, not lost, which was a huge discrepancy from the Lu family's belief that "Lu Songchuan was their only child." What exactly happened back then? Who sent the bribed midwife? Where is she now? Two twelve-year-old twin sisters, separated since birth, were truly heartbreaking.

【Great! My cousin is going to find herbs that can defeat the plague! Dew-Gathering Grass and Heart-Shaped Flower—they sound amazing, they'll definitely be able to control the plague! My cousin is so brave, only twelve years old and already daring to go to such a dangerous place as Black Wind Mountain! Red-finned Golden Carp, do you think my cousin will find the Dew-Gathering Grass and Heart-Shaped Flower? Will she encounter any danger? I'm so worried about her. Also, since my cousin is from the Lu family, why was she adopted by Grandpa Guangming? Who stole my cousin back then? Was it Liu Ruyan and Marquis Yongyi? Did they already know my cousin's identity and deliberately stole her to blackmail the Lu family? My second cousin is only twelve years old this year, the same age as my cousin. If he knew he had a twin sister, he would be so happy, he would never be lonely again! If Mother Consort knew, she would be very sad, and she would definitely want to see my cousin.】

Xiao Jingjing's thoughts reached Xiao Chengyan's ears again, and a thought struck him—Xiao Jingjing's guess wasn't impossible. Liu Ruyan and Marquis Yongyi were ambitious and had always wanted to bring down loyal officials like the Lu and Xiao families. Back then, Lu Wenshu's elder brother, Lu Songchuan's father, held a position in the court and was deeply trusted by the emperor. If Liu Ruyan and Marquis Yongyi wanted to bring him down, they might have targeted his family, stealing the newborn Lu Qingyuan to blackmail him. But if that were the case, why would Guangming save Lu Qingyuan and conceal her true identity, raising this twelve-year-old child? Guangming had no connection with the Lu family; why would he risk protecting a child unrelated to him? There must be some hidden reason he didn't know.