Chapter 135: Chapter 135

The system nodded. In a world where humans and spirits coexisted, to prevent chaos in the human realm, the laws of nature had to maintain balance.

Generally speaking, the higher one's status, the stronger their connection to human destiny, making it harder for evil spirits to approach. This was especially true for those officially recognized by the imperial decree of the human emperor...

But why was its host asking about this?

An Ning merely gave a slight nod without speaking.

Good, this meant she could save some expenses—not a total loss.

However, the system soon discovered the reason.

One year later, when faced with a group clearly dressed as palace eunuchs—led by someone of considerable rank—even the usually composed Lin Ruhai was momentarily stunned. Especially when he heard them explicitly asking for Miss Chen...

Politely instructing servants to escort the eunuchs to rest, Lin Ruhai's expression turned complicated when An Ning arrived.

"Miss Chen, I must apologize. My family's carelessness has implicated you!"

Before An Ning could respond, Lin Ruhai bowed deeply, his normally refined face filled with guilt. After a pause, he explained:

"You may not know, but there were recent rumors about the Grand Emperor's sudden critical illness. Even the imperial physicians reportedly shook their heads in despair..."

With these palace officials arriving and specifically requesting this young girl, someone as astute as Lin Ruhai could easily deduce what had happened.

Truthfully, since the Grand Emperor fell ill, veteran officials like him had suffered greatly. But that didn't mean this young girl should bear the consequences.

Moreover, Miss Chen had always been discreet, never revealing her medical skills except that one time at the Lin residence...

Of course. Given his position, and knowing the Grand Emperor's extreme paranoia, how could there not be arrangements? The fact they accurately found Miss Chen rather than Physician Liang...

At this realization, Lin Ruhai felt even more remorseful.

He had thought repaying with his life would be enough...

Meanwhile, An Ning herself, after learning their purpose, quickly composed herself after a brief moment of shock. Only her slightly trembling eyelids betrayed her inner turmoil:

"Commissioner Lin, there's no need for this. As the saying goes, walls have ears. From the day I decided to study medicine, I was prepared for such possibilities..."

After a silence, the girl in pale green robes finally spoke hoarsely: "Commissioner Lin, my elder sister just got engaged this year. And my master... if I don't return from this..."

"Miss Chen, rest assured. Whatever assistance you require, I shall provide without hesitation."

Lin Ruhai immediately bowed again, his voice solemn with promise.

An Ning nodded slightly.

Their conversation was cut short as Chief Eunuch Jiang arrived in great haste—so urgent he refused even premium Longjing tea, demanding An Ning's immediate departure:

Facing the young girl, he managed a strained smile:

"Ah, Miss Chen! Come quickly with this humble servant!"

Outside, fully equipped carriages stood ready.

Despite their hurried journey, it still took over half a month to reach the capital.

By the time An Ning arrived, the Grand Emperor's condition had visibly worsened. Outside the majestic palace, a group of elderly imperial physicians knelt trembling, their faces ashen.

Even paler was Xu Zi'an, who had rushed to the palace. Seeing the graceful girl escorted by layers of eunuchs, he opened his mouth but could only utter hoarsely with reddened eyes:

"Miss Chen, I... I didn't mean to..."

Ignoring his stammering, An Ning merely nodded in greeting. Her beautiful face showed no expression as she followed the young eunuchs into the inner chambers without glancing back, leaving Xu Zi'an staring blankly at her retreating figure.

Perhaps due to prior arrangements, An Ning encountered no obstacles, entering directly where others couldn't.

The palace chamber reeked of bitter medicine.

On the bed, the Grand Emperor was gravely ill, his gaze unfocused. Even without taking his pulse, An Ning could tell—these were signs of impending death.

At seventy-two, the Grand Emperor had lived longer than most ancient rulers—even by modern standards, this was considered advanced age. His current state was perfectly natural.

An Ning could practically confirm that the only thing sustaining him was the Life-Restoring Pill she had crafted years ago.

No wonder they had been in such a hurry.

The vast chamber was deathly silent.

Under the collective held breath of everyone present, An Ning stepped forward and lightly took the emperor's pulse. After a moment, she turned expressionlessly to the crowd:

"Honored officials, I came hastily and lack certain medicinal ingredients..."

"Miss Chen needn't worry! This servant will procure them immediately!"

Concerned for their master's life—and their own futures—the eunuchs reacted with remarkable speed.

Within half an hour, facing an array of rare medicines delivered before her, An Ning remained unhurried as she prepared her tools before the watching crowd. White smoke curled from the small purple-copper furnace, gradually condensing into medicinal droplets.

Crushing, mixing, forming... After three to four hours of dazzling techniques, several finished pills finally emerged.

Throughout this, as the Grand Emperor's condition visibly deteriorated, the eunuchs were nearly frantic with anxiety—yet An Ning remained utterly calm, her expression unchanging.

Frankly, looking at these ordinary-looking black pills, not just the eunuchs but even the waiting physicians appeared despairing.

It seemed today would be their last...

Remembering the miraculous effects of the previous two pills, Chief Eunuch Dai gritted his teeth. After physician inspection, he ordered the pill administered.

Yet reality defied all expectations.

Within half an hour, to everyone's astonishment, the Grand Emperor—who had seemed moments from death—slowly opened his eyes...