the cat in emperor's arms

summoning spirit's

Ming Luomeng was idly leaning by the window, flipping through a book with no real interest when she suddenly saw Baijiu approaching with a floral letter in hand.

"Lady, a letter has arrived from Madam Cheng."

Her eyes immediately lit up like glistening grapes, sparkling with anticipation.

"Come, quickly, let me see it."

Ming Luomeng eagerly took the letter and began reading it at once.

Lady Wei, whose original name was Wei Lingshuang, was the daughter of the Duke of Britain and married General Cheng Jin, who now resided in the capital city of Shendu. Lady Wei was also a sworn sister to Ming Luomeng's late mother, making her Ming Luomeng’s aunt.

When Ming Luomeng was a child, Lady Wei had once visited Jiangnan with her son to see her. Even after her mother’s passing, Lady Wei continued to come and stay in Jiangnan on occasion, frequently exchanging letters and treating her like a daughter.

However, since Ming Luomeng had always been frail and sickly, making travel difficult, she had never visited the capital, and Lady Wei rarely mentioned it.

Now, apart from a few affectionate greetings, Lady Wei had written to invite her to Shendu.

As Ming Luomeng’s eyes landed on the words of invitation, her heart stirred.

"Lady, is there good news?" Baijiu asked softly.

Ming Luomeng then realized that a smile had already crept onto her lips.

She hesitated for a moment, then softly murmured, "Aunt wishes for me to visit Shendu."

Baijiu pondered the pros and cons for a moment before speaking slowly, "That’s truly wonderful news. You have been residing here in Yangzhou, and though you face no direct oppression, Lady Bo and her daughter, along with the Princess Consort, see you as a thorn in their side. There is little holding you here, so going to Shendu might indeed be a good choice."

"Furthermore, Shendu is the capital, home to many renowned physicians from across the land, which could also benefit your health."

The little beauty lowered her head, her lips like cherries, lifting slightly as she continued, "Yes, and Aunt also mentioned that they found traces of Master Shangxiao near the outskirts of the capital."

"That’s wonderful news!" Baijiu exclaimed excitedly. "Lady, you must go to Shendu this time."

It had been three years now, and the medicine left by Master Shangxiao was nearly exhausted. Although Ming Luomeng’s health had improved considerably, she was still plagued by chronic ailments. No one knew what would happen once the medicine ran out.

Ming Luomeng had previously sent people to search for Master Shangxiao, but their efforts had been fruitless.

Now, this news was like rain after a long drought.

Ming Luomeng’s eyes shone brightly, and she nodded in agreement.

Her heart was filled with joy, though it seemed she was even more excited about the prospect of visiting Shendu.

After a long journey by carriage and horseback, Ming Luomeng and her attendants finally arrived in Shendu by mid-April.

It was the season when peonies bloomed throughout the city.

As soon as they passed through the city gates, she couldn't resist lifting the curtain to curiously gaze at the street scene. By chance, she saw a woman dressed in men's clothing riding past on horseback.