Chu Qianli, under gazes filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred, boarded the carriage exclusively used by Old Master Qin of the General's Estate.
The use of this carriage to invite her demonstrated the Old Master's sincerity.
The Old Master, being advanced in years, was not fit to travel. This carriage represented him personally!
News of this quickly spread throughout the Duke's Estate and soon throughout the Imperial City.
No one knew why Old Master Qin had invited Chu Qianli, but it was a fact that Chu Qianli was Old Master Qin's honored guest.
Had this abandoned woman managed to turn her fortunes around?
What capabilities did she possess that even Old Master Qin looked upon her with favor?
Even the Xuan Prince's Estate, the He Prince's Estate, and even the Emperor and Empress's side soon received the news.
Why did Old Master Qin want to see her?
Before arriving at the General's Estate, Chu Qianli had already guessed the reason Old Master Qin wanted to see her.
After meeting the elder general, she became even clearer.
"Does the Old Master wish for me to treat General Qin?" Chu Qianli asked the elder sitting on the jade chair, neither humble nor arrogant.
"I have understood General Qin's condition, and the treatment plan is basically confirmed. However, General Qin himself is somewhat dejected, and this is something the Old Master needs to appease."
Old Master Qin looked at Chu Qianli.
This young girl possessed a composure and calmness not befitting her age.
Even when speaking to him, she was dignified and at ease, without any of the shyness or affectation of a young lady from a noble family.
Her every move exuded an aura of heroism and forthrightness that made it impossible not to like her.
"It seems Little Li'er is already very clear about my Xiao'er's situation."
The Old Master spoke directly. He said, "Previously, I invited countless doctors, imperial physicians from the palace, anyone with a renowned name, all of them."
"But no one could treat Xiao'er's legs, and Xiao'er gradually became disheartened. To this day, he is unwilling to accept treatment from any doctor."
He sighed silently.
He remembered how bright, optimistic, and heroic his Xiao'er once was.
Now, although he could force a smile when facing others,
the Old Master knew that his grandson had completely given up on his life.
As a grandfather, how could he not feel heartache?
However...
He looked at Chu Qianli, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes.
"I heard that Little Li'er treated Xiao'er yesterday, and he did not object?"
"Yes, I came yesterday, but I did not present a good plan to him yesterday, so General Qin was actually disappointed."
"Then..."
"I have a plan now," Chu Qianli said.
Old Master Qin's heart jolted, and his voice couldn't help but become a little hoarse, "What are the chances?"
This Old Master was also a straightforward person; it was evident from his words.
Chu Qianli preferred dealing with straightforward people, regardless of age. "Fifty percent."
Fifty percent! That was already half a hope!
The Old Master was so excited that his palms were trembling slightly.
Steward Qi, however, was somewhat worried, "If it's only fifty percent..."
"Old Qi, what are you saying?"
The Old Master glared at him displeasuredly. "To treat, there's a fifty percent hope. Not to treat, there's no hope at all, you fool!"
Steward Qi shook his head helplessly and smiled, "I'm just a little anxious, I didn't say we wouldn't treat."
Chu Qianli, on the other hand, looked at the Old Master with some surprise.
Where was the dignified and majestic presence of the great general?
How could he speak like that? The gap between him and the serious, seasoned Protector of the Nation General she had imagined was so vast?
Steward Qi quickly smiled again, "Our Old Master is sometimes a bit... well, childlike. Miss Li'er, please don't mind."
"Get lost, you talk too much!"
What did he mean by childlike? To slander him like this!
The Old Master got up from his chair and quickly walked to Chu Qianli, a smile on his face.
"Little Li'er, tell me, what do you want? I'll give you anything you want, as long as you agree to treat Xiao'er."
Grandfather... Chu Qianli felt like laughing. He was truly adept at forging connections.
However, calling him grandfather was her overstepping.
"Old Master Qin..."
"Call me Grandpa, quickly!" Old Master Qin was too formal.
Chu Qianli withdrew her hand, still not accustomed to being too close to people.
"Qin..."
"Hmm?"
She sighed faintly, "I may not be able to cure General Qin."
"Whether I can cure him is a matter for later. The fact that you are willing to treat him at least gives this old man hope."
"Little Li'er, I won't make harsh demands. As long as you can persuade Xiao'er to accept your treatment, you will have helped me."
"I state this now: whether he can be cured or not, whatever you want, as long as I can do it, I will give it to you!"
It was clear that the Old Master deeply cherished Qin Xiao.
Chu Qianli nodded, "I will try my best."
As for the reward he mentioned, Chu Qianli did not refuse it.
She might need it.
In this era, relationships were paramount in all matters.
"I'll go see him first."
... Qin Xiao was in the back garden.
There was nothing else to do today, so he sat in the back garden, looking at flowers, grass, trees, and the distant lake.
In reality, he was just spacing out.
His elder brother's scolding yesterday was still echoing in his ears, exceptionally clear.
Useless.
That's right, he was now utterly useless.
"If you yourself feel that your life has no hope, then perhaps your life has truly reached its end."
Chu Qianli's voice came from not far behind him.
Qin Xiao was clearly lost in his thoughts, not even noticing someone approaching from behind.
"You're here?"
Turning around and clearly seeing the person who had arrived, his eyes lacked any luster.
It was just a habitual gesture to offer her a smile, "Sit, I'll have the servants bring you some snacks."
This girl liked to eat.
It was very obvious.
Chu Qianli waved her hand, "I've already eaten my fill at the Old Master's place. Right now, I can't even drink a drop of extra tea."
"Grandfather looked for you?"
"To ask me to treat you," she said without concealment.
A shadow of gloom flickered in Qin Xiao's eyes.
He smiled, "It's useless..."
"How about I try and see if your legs can still move?"
"Of course, you can." It was just that he couldn't walk freely.
When he walked, he limped, which was very unsightly.
Most importantly, he couldn't practice martial arts, go on campaigns, or fight battles like a normal person.
He was simply useless.
"Let me try. Since you already consider yourself useless, what harm is there in letting me make use of your uselessness?"
"You..." Qin Xiao really wanted to get angry.
Who spoke like that? Completely disregarding other people's feelings, it was truly too much!
However, she was right; he was indeed useless.
So, why should he be angry?
Chu Qianli squatted down in front of him.
"What are you doing?" She held a wooden stick in her hand.
"I'm testing your reflexes, to see if your nerves are still intact."
Chu Qianli, holding a stick of moderate size, suddenly tapped his knee...