Fortune Across the World

Chapter 171: The Hermit of the Nameless Valley (Part 2)

"Alright, Qiyu will thank Aunt Jade on Zhuyi's behalf!" Ding Qiyu felt reassured, confident that Aunt Jade's superior medical skills would surely find the best way to heal Zhuyi.

Aunt Jade nodded, gently lifting the blanket covering Le Zhuyi. Seeing Zhuyi in simple, coarse cloth for the first time, without her signature red dress, and her pale face from the injuries, tugged at Ding Qiyu's heartstrings.

Aunt Jade untied the laces of Le Zhuyi's clothing to tend to her wounds, causing Ding Qiyu to blush and quickly avert her gaze.

"We're both women, what are you shy about?" Aunt Jade noticed her reaction and teased, her previous suspicions now confirmed.

"I... I..." Ding Qiyu stammered, her face flushed, unsure how to respond.

Before Ding Qiyu could gather her thoughts, Aunt Jade asked a startling question: "Are you and Zhuyi lovers?" Having been around Qianli Palace's female disciples, Aunt Jade was no stranger to such relationships and found nothing amiss.

Shocked, Ding Qiyu hastily shook her head in denial, "No, no! We're not..."

Not yet, perhaps, but maybe someday. Aunt Jade didn't press further, smiling as she continued changing Zhuyi's bandages.

Unable to contain her worry, Ding Qiyu stole a glance, only to see Zhuyi's body wrapped in bandages, with some spots faintly red with blood. Her heart clenched at the sight, the idea of admiring Zhuyi's figure forgotten.

Aunt Jade removed the bandages from Le Zhuyi's shoulder, revealing a deep wound left by an arrow, just beginning to scab. The stark contrast between the dark red scab and her pale skin made Ding Qiyu's heart ache more than if it were her own wound.

"Aunt Jade, will Zhuyi's scars heal too?" Ding Qiyu asked, unable to suppress her concern.

Aunt Jade paused, teasingly asking, "Would you like her less if they didn't?"

How could that be? Ding Qiyu quickly denied, "No, that's not it—" Realizing she nearly admitted her feelings, she blushed deeper, fumbling for words, "Aunt Jade, spare me, please..."

Aunt Jade chuckled at her adorable embarrassment, finally relenting, "Don't worry, they will heal." Though her life had been quiet and serene, it had also been lonely. Now, with these two young ones, she anticipated a lively future.

Relieved, Ding Qiyu felt the heat in her face subside, glad that Zhuyi's scars would heal. Zhuyi always cared about her appearance and would be upset with scars. Watching Aunt Jade diligently change Zhuyi's bandages, Ding Qiyu's brows remained furrowed with concern, tensing at every wince of pain from Zhuyi.

After finishing with the bandages, Aunt Jade noticed Ding Qiyu still watching Zhuyi intently. Understanding her worry, she said, "Yu'er, Zhuyi won't wake up for a while. You just woke up; are you hungry?"

Ding Qiyu snapped out of her thoughts, realizing her back was damp with sweat from anxiety. Embarrassed but honest, she nodded, "Yes, a little hungry..."

Aunt Jade smiled warmly, "Then lie back down, and I'll bring you something soon."

Ding Qiyu stood, assessing her own condition, and stepped forward, "Aunt Jade, I'm alright now. No need to trouble you; I can get it myself."