Chapter 167: Chapter 167

The Valley Master of Medicine King Valley is a middle-aged man wearing a silver mask, dressed in white, exuding an ethereal charm with a somewhat hermit-like demeanor.

At this moment, he was sitting in the reception hall of Medicine King Valley, sipping tea, his eyes continuously wandering over Jun Ning.

In his gaze, there was a hint of speculation, scrutiny, and something else that others couldn’t discern. It seemed to be disbelief.

As for why the Valley Master was looking at Jun Ning this way, it was unknown.

"Not an option." The Crown Prince immediately refused, "My sister is the only girl among our siblings, greatly cherished by our parents and us; we would never leave her here in Medicine King Valley as a hostage."

After refusing, the Crown Prince didn’t entirely close the conversation. With a touch of grandness, he added, "Besides that condition, you can propose any other."

The boldness of his tone was astonishing.

If someone else had said such words, they would certainly be considered arrogant, but for the Crown Prince, it demonstrated confidence.

He had the resolve to stand by his words, hence he said them.

"But this Valley Master lacks nothing."

"Just wants this little girl to stay in the valley with me for a while."

The Valley Master of Medicine King Valley had his eyes on Jun Ning. He insisted she stay, yet not as a hostage, but to accompany him.

However, regardless of whether it’s to accompany him or as a hostage, the Crown Prince and Qi Qin would not agree.

Jun Ning, on the other hand, was indifferent and would agree if needed. But with the ongoing conversation among the several individuals, she hardly had a chance to intervene.

Only once they paused a bit did she manage to voice one or two sentences, but alas, the Valley Master left abruptly saying, "Think it over," then walked away.

"Elder Brother Crown Prince, why did you refuse so swiftly?" Jun Ning expressed regret, "We could first agree to it, then acquire the medicine and cure Father Emperor."

"I don’t believe a mere Medicine King Valley would dare keep me here, openly defying the Imperial Family?"

After knowing her real identity, she would likely be returned after a short stay.

"Yi Yi, things aren’t as simple as you think!" The Crown Prince sighed deeply.

The valley cultivates life-saving herbs, logically attracting many who come seeking medicine, including members of royal families from various nations. If Medicine King Valley refused them medicine, it would invite danger.

Yet, judging by the Valley Master’s attitude, indifferent to anyone’s opinion, it suggests he is unafraid of the Imperial Family, unable to be coerced by them.

For Medicine King Valley to endure for centuries, there must be a reason.

Besides having a crisis management plan, the Valley Master must be extraordinary.

Otherwise, how did he discern their ulterior motives without exposure? He had likely long known their identities but chose not to mention them.

Though this Valley Master seems detached from worldly concerns, in reality, he controls everything in his palm, an unfathomable figure.

If Yi Yi stays here, not only returning her would be difficult, but she might become the Valley Master’s leverage against Eastern Chu Kingdom.

Thus, Jun Ning’s idea of staying in exchange for Emperor Yongning’s medicine is impossible.

The Crown Prince tried to quench Jun Ning’s intentions.

They must think of another way.

Next, the Crown Prince repeatedly negotiated with the Valley Master, even promising riches and high offices, attempting to persuade him, but the Valley Master remained unmoved, stubbornly stating he would not give them medicine unless Jun Ning stays.

On this day, barely at dawn, the Valley Master personally came to find Jun Ning.

He intended to persuade Jun Ning himself with his eloquence.

He knocked on Jun Ning’s door, carrying pastries made with special edible herbs from Medicine King Valley.

Jun Ning was still living with the Crown Prince; she was barely awake, her eyes half-closed, while the Crown Prince helped her dress and wash. Hearing a voice outside, she leaned against the Crown Prince, nudged him, signaling for him to respond.

The Crown Prince replied, "Yes, it’s open, come in."

The Valley Master entered, paused upon seeing the Crown Prince putting shoes on Jun Ning, then glanced at the child behind him. He had never done such things for the child.

This little girl is truly fortunate.

The child envied seeing the Crown Prince attentively helping his sister with her shoes.

Both are children; why does he have to do everything by himself?

Look at their relatives.

Comparisons only bring distress.

Truly, without comparison, there is no harm!

The child grumpily puffed his cheeks.

"No pouting, come in with me," instructed Jiang Chen.

Jiang Yuer nodded reluctantly and followed Jiang Chen into the room.

Jiang Chen insisted Jun Ning stay to find a playmate for his only son, and casually arrange a childhood marriage, so that when the two children grow, they could naturally inherit Medicine King Valley.

The Jiang family of Medicine King Valley has passed down through generations in this manner.

Jiang Yuer unwillingly stopped pouting and entered Jun Ning and the Crown Prince’s room, casting an unwilling glance at the still sleepy Jun Ning.

Hmm, this girl struggles to wake; if she stays in Medicine King Valley, would she truly be capable of planting herbs and guarding the valley, living a frugal life?

Jiang Yuer couldn’t help but wonder.

The Crown Prince saw the child behind Jiang Chen.

The child appeared slightly older than Yi Yi, about five or six years old.

"Who might this be?" The Crown Prince looked puzzled at Jiang Yuer.

Jiang Chen introduced, "This is my son, Jiang Yuer."

The Crown Prince nodded thoughtfully, then genuinely looked between Jun Ning and Jiang Yuer, finding it hard to accept, speculating, "Valley Master, you wouldn’t be keeping my sister just to find a playmate for your son?"

Jiang Chen chuckled, "You’ve only guessed half right. Not only do I want a companion for my son, but I also wish for a childhood betrothal between them."

"What?" Jun Ning suddenly woke up at the words, "Another childhood betrothal?" She sighed, "That won’t do; I’m already promised. A good girl doesn’t marry two husbands, I simply can’t agree to another." Googlᴇ search 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡⚑𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⚑𝙣𝙚𝙩

The Crown Prince grinned at the little girl’s unique expressions about not marrying two husbands.

This little girl always has unusual yet adorably quirky remarks.

"Already promised?" Jiang Chen was somewhat surprised.

He thought he acted quickly enough, certainly it would work. He didn’t expect someone even quicker.

"In that case, leave Medicine King Valley immediately, you are not welcome here."

Jiang Chen seemed offended, angrily threw down the plate in his hand, and stormed off with Jiang Yuer.