Chapter 416: Chapter 416, Happy Birthday
Yun Jinnian smiled gently and delicately as she packed the herbs into the brocade box.
All were offerings from the traveling merchants, aged for many years, and quite the treasures. Yun Jinnian planned to make them into pills and give them back.
She had met many of these people: tall and short, chubby and slim. They were all spirited and beaming with joy, respectfully kowtowing to Yun Jinnian, stating their names, followed by a greeting to the ’Saintess’.
And they presented their gifts for the first meeting.
Over the past month, Yun Jinnian’s hands had grown weary from accepting gifts.
Knowing that Yun Jinnian’s birthday was on the fifteenth of February, they sent birthday presents again, a wide assortment, but mostly precious items.
Yun Jinnian realized then that these people truly treated her as the Saintess. The human heart is made of flesh, so while concocting the elixirs, she was even more meticulous, truly considering herself the Saintess of Nanjiang, seeing the rise and fall of the Moon-Worshipping Sect as her responsibility.
Prince Yanjun’s recovery surpassed Yun Jinnian’s expectations in speed, but convalescence was delicate like unraveling silk; he needed proper care. Fortunately, the Moon-Worshipping Sect possessed exotic and valuable medicinal herbs. No one refused Yun Jinnian’s requests for such items, and they eagerly delivered them, all to make an impression and have her remember their names so that she would recognize them elsewhere.
For this reason, Yun Jinnian made a point of drawing portraits and noting their names, glancing at them from time to time.
Yuwen Ya could only see Chu Yu and Han Tianci at dinner time, knowing they were practising martial arts. He felt envious but harbored no jealousy.
February fifteenth.
Yun Jinnian had never celebrated a birthday like this before. From the morning, people came to congratulate her.
"Wishing the Saintess blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and a life longer than the Southern Mountains!"
She returned their salutations, giving the men a Detoxification Pill each, and every woman a Beautifying Pill.
All were made from the Blood Lotus.
Yun Jinnian had never imagined that she could employ the Blood Lotus for these purposes without opposition. The five elders, along with the Patriarch, seemed proud as if it were a rightful expenditure, much to her embarrassment.
But what Yun Jinnian didn’t know was that ever since the previous Saintess had left in a huff, although there were many rewards every year, there had never been any elixirs.
Now that Yun Jinnian had returned, she was like a cherished treasure finally back in their hands, naturally to be held in high esteem.
Besides, the Blood Lotus that had been accumulated over decades was naturally meant for Yun Jinnian to use in securing loyalty and affection from the followers below.
From morning to noon, after a brief rest, and continuing until evening, everyone had made their visit in front of Yun Jinnian.
Having received the pills that Yun Jinnian gave away.
Yet Yun Jinnian couldn’t remember a single one, although she kept smiling until her face stiffened.
"Sister, you’ve worked hard!" Han Tianci said, as he took Yun Jinnian’s hand and led her into the house.
What was done earlier didn’t count as a proper birthday celebration. Han Tianci had already arranged with Chu Yu, Shi Jiayu, Hemei, and Henuan for a feast.
It was a mix of everything, but when Yun Jinnian’s first glance fell on the feast, she felt warmth in her heart.
"Did you all make this?"
"Yes, Sister. I steamed these egg custards, and Big Brother Chu roasted the meat. This one, this one..." Han Tianci explained each dish, ushering Yun Jinnian to sit down.
Hemei and Henuan promptly brought a basin for Yun Jinnian to wash and dry her hands.
Yun Jinnian’s hands were used for taking pulses with silver needles, and they were always well cared for, without the slightest neglect.
Only fingers that were tender and fine could accurately detect the pulse without missing a beat.
"I’m so happy. Let’s all sit down and eat!" Yun Jinnian said, no longer smiling. She had been smiling all day, and her cheeks hurt.