On any other day, Qin Liuxi might have stayed a few more days at the behest of Qi Qian and the Old Princess Consort, but now she could not, for there was a family waiting for her back in Li City.
She could disregard others, but with elders at home, it was difficult to act as freely as before. Besides, she had been away for many days. If she did not return before the autumn festival, Old Mrs. Qin and the others might indeed come looking for her at the Daoist Temple.
Qin Liuxi decisively declined the invitation.
Seeing her insistence on not staying, the Old Princess Consort did not press further, but she instructed Qi Qian to arrange a carriage and guard and ordered her attendants to prepare gifts and a banquet. She then took Qin Liuxi aside to talk about health preservation and Taoism.
Qin Liuxi pondered for a moment and then said, "Your Highness, if you are heading north without a particular wish in mind, there is no need to force it. Just go with the flow and follow your heart."
The Old Princess Consort was taken aback, dismissed the servants in the room, leaving only Nanny Zhao by her side. Leaning on a small table, she asked, "Can you really foresee that I’m going north?"
Qin Liuxi smiled and replied, "I have been a disciple of the Mystic Sect for many years, and among the Xuanmen Five Skills, though I do not claim to be a master of all, I have hunted in each. Divination is one such magic. When I was taking your pulse earlier, I used the Taisu Pulse Skill to assess your fortune. Later, when I saw a change in Your Highness’s facial expressions and had nothing much to do, I cast a divination. Your trip north, I’m afraid, may not achieve all you desire."
The Old Princess Consort’s brows furrowed upon hearing this.
"The Commandery Prince comes from a distinguished background, and when his fortune arrives, he will have his own way. Your Highness should not be too demanding, lest you lose more than you gain."
The Old Princess Consort’s expression changed subtly as she pressed her lips together and said, "Does that mean I shouldn’t go north? I’ll be frank with you, Ah Qian is already twenty-two. Though he was made a Commandery Prince early, I have another grandson, also a Commandery Prince. The Holy Emperor did this in remembrance of my husband’s service to the country, and because Ah Qian’s father was frail and passed away early, pitying our Prince Ning Mansion’s family of widows and orphans, he bestowed this favor."
Qin Liuxi picked up her tea and took a light sip.
"Prince Ning Mansion has two Commandery Princes, but the title of Princely Heir has not yet been established. It’s said that the eldest son is the most important; I was thinking of requesting to establish Ah Qian as the Princely Heir to settle the hearts of those in Prince Ding Mansion." The Old Princess Consort looked at her and asked, "Are you saying my request will not be granted?"
Qin Liuxi said, "The Old Princess Consort knows best in her heart."
The Old Princess Consort’s brow furrowed deeply, and her lips pressed tightly together. Yes, if she were to establish Ah Qian, that woman would definitely be unwilling. Her favoritism had long been excessively biased.
The Old Princess Consort felt gloomy and displeased. They were both her sons, yet why was there such a disparity in treatment.
"Your Highness need not worry too much, as I said, the Commandery Prince is a dragon and phoenix among men. When his fortune arrives, he will find his path." Qin Liuxi indicated, speaking meaningfully, "But Your Highness, you should take care of yourself. Approach everything with equanimity. There’s nothing that can’t be overcome. The Commandery Prince has only you."
Upon hearing these words, the Old Princess Consort glanced over, her mind seemingly in thought.
Qin Liuxi then said to Nanny Zhao with a smile, "Nanny, you should also pay attention to the health of your liver. I will prescribe a Peace Formula for you to consume regularly for health benefits."
Nanny Zhao was delighted and thanked Qin Liuxi with a bow, "Thank you very much, Master. By the way, do you happen to have a peace charm or something similar? Both I and Your Highness would like one."
Qin Liuxi reached into her sleeve and handed out two talismans: "They’re yours for free, and thank you, Nanny, for your careful attention these past days."
Nanny Zhao was overjoyed, bowed again in gratitude, and then said to the Old Princess Consort, "I will put this in your wallet and keep it close to me."
The Old Princess Consort nodded with a smile.