Chapter 58: The Origins of Miao Shan

Ning Junruo understood the situation clearly but showed no sign of it on her face.

“Oh? That is truly a pity. I’ve heard that there is a Daoist nun surnamed Miao at that Yu Yi Hall, whose medical skills are exceptional. Many women who struggled with infertility have been blessed with children through her miraculous treatments.”

As they spoke, whispers came from outside the door. Several maids were quietly discussing, and one couldn’t help but interject.

“The princess consort and the secondary consort were talking about Yu Yi Hall—it’s renowned as a sacred place for conceiving children!”

Another maid whispered in surprise, “Really? Then could it be that the secondary consort’s pregnancy pulse is...”

Upon hearing this, Ning Junruo deliberately raised her voice, “Yunji, it seems the reputation of Yu Yi Hall has spread far and wide—even these girls know about it. If there is a need, you might consider visiting as well.”

At once, the servants both inside and outside the room fell silent, caught off guard.

Xiao Yunji’s face turned pale; forcing a smile, she said, “Sister, you’re joking. I have no such needs...”

Ning Junruo left with a meaningful smile, leaving behind a room filled with speculation and unease.

Back at Yilan Residence, Ning Junruo immediately ordered a covert investigation into Yu Yi Hall, especially into the Daoist nun Miao Shan.

She pondered that if she could uncover the reason for Xiao Yunji’s inability to conceive, she might find a way to leave the Liang Prince’s mansion sooner.

Outside Liangzhou City, preparations at the academy’s branch were in full swing.

Ning Junruo was examining location maps when Ling Xiao hurried in. “Princess Consort, there’s news. That Miao Shan is indeed not to be trifled with. It’s heard she is connected to a mysterious sect reputed to cure all diseases, and even...”

Ning Junruo looked up sharply, a spark lighting her eyes. “Even what?”

“Even able to alter fate and change destiny—but the cost...” Ling Xiao hesitated, his expression complicated.

“The cost?”

Ning Junruo echoed the words, a vague unease rising within her.

At that moment, Yan Xiu arrived with a stack of thick gift records, saying the Grand Dowager wished her to tally the gifts received at the full moon banquet.

Looking at the towering piles of booklets, Ning Junruo was stunned. She had known the prince had sent out many invitations and that many guests would attend, but she was still overwhelmed by the sheer volume of gifts.

“So many?”

---

Ning Junruo whispered in disbelief, her gaze drifting over each gift ledger as if each page turned pressed an invisible weight upon her heart.

Yan Xiu stood nearby, a hint of pride in her expression as she explained, “Yes, Princess Consort. The prince’s renown spreads far and wide; various factions are eager to show their goodwill. These gifts amount to what ordinary families might not earn in generations.”

Ning Junruo sighed softly, emotions swirling within her. Behind this honor lay endless schemes and greed, and she feared...

“Any new developments with Yunji?”

Suddenly remembering, she turned to Ling Xiao and asked.

He shook his head, worry etched between his brows. “Miao Shan has been absent these past few days; our people have tried to get close but learned little. However, I have gathered some clues about that mysterious sect.”

“Tell me.”

Ning Junruo’s gaze sharpened, signaling him to continue.

“It’s said the sect is called the ‘Hidden Valley Mysterious Gate.’ They specialize in esoteric arts; their medical skills are just a facade. What makes them truly fearsome is their ability to manipulate cause and effect, to alter destiny. But as mentioned, the price is often unbearably steep,” Ling Xiao said in a low tone, hinting at ominous undertones.

Ning Junruo fell silent for a moment, weighing her options. “Hidden Valley Mysterious Gate... It seems I must meet this Daoist nun Miao Shan in person.”

Just as she was deep in thought, a commotion erupted outside. A maid burst in, flustered. “Princess Consort, something’s wrong! The secondary consort suddenly fainted; the mansion doctor is rushing to Xiao Xiang Pavilion!”

Ning Junruo’s heart tightened. She rose at once. “Let’s go.”

At Yilan Residence, Xiao Yunji’s chambers were surrounded by bustling servants, each with a grave expression. The maids whispered among themselves, some worried, others curious.

“Why would the secondary consort suddenly collapse when she seemed fine just moments ago?” a maid murmured.

“No one knows. I heard she was laughing and chatting with the princess consort earlier,” another replied, confused.

Ning Junruo entered the room to find Xiao Yunji lying pale as paper, breathing weakly. The mansion doctor was busy taking her pulse; the atmosphere was tense and oppressive.

“How is she?” Ning Junruo asked softly.

The doctor wiped sweat from his brow, his expression troubled. “Princess Consort, the secondary consort’s pulse is extremely unusual. In my years of practice, I’ve never seen anything like this. It seems two opposing forces are clashing within her; if not treated in time, her life may be in danger.”

A chill ran through Ning Junruo’s heart as the image of Miao Shan and the Hidden Valley Mysterious Gate resurfaced in her mind.

Returning to Yilan Residence, she made a swift decision. “Ling Xiao, go to Yu Yi Hall immediately. Find Daoist Nun Miao Shan at all costs. I must see her.”

“Yes, Princess Consort.” Ling Xiao bowed and hurried away.

Watching Ling Xiao’s departing figure, Ning Junruo felt both anticipation and anxiety.

She had heard of the Hidden Valley Mysterious Gate in her past life but had never dealt with them directly. She wondered what lay ahead.

As night fell, the scent of flowers filled the paths at Yilan Residence. Ning Junruo sat alone by the window, gazing out at the vibrant blossoms, while a thousand thoughts raced through her mind.

“Princess Consort, Ling Xiao has returned—and he brought Daoist Nun Miao Shan,” Huai Xi quietly informed, breaking her reverie.

“Show her in,” Ning Junruo said, rising and smoothing her gown, her eyes resolute.

The door opened slowly, and Miao Shan entered. She wore a simple Daoist robe, her expression calm but imbued with an inscrutable aura.

“I am Daoist Nun Miao Shan. Greetings, Princess Consort,” Miao Shan said with a slight bow, her voice cool and composed.

“You’ve come a long way, Daoist Nun. You must know my intentions. I’ll be direct—what is your connection with the Hidden Valley Mysterious Gate?” Ning Junruo asked plainly, without beating around the bush.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile curved Miao Shan’s lips. “Princess Consort, your insight is keen. I am indeed connected to the Hidden Valley Mysterious Gate. But my purpose this time is to lend you my aid.”

“Aid me?” Ning Junruo raised an eyebrow, her guard still high.

“You seek answers, and I can provide them. But there is a condition...” Miao Shan paused, her gaze deep and penetrating. “You must visit the Hidden Valley Mysterious Gate yourself.”

Ning Junruo studied Miao Shan, weighing the pros and cons.

Though the sect was mysterious, it had not caused much commotion in her past life. Yet this Miao Shan...

“Agreed.”

After a moment’s thought, she made her decision.

Miao Shan nodded slightly, then turned to leave. “In three days, I shall await your arrival at Yu Yi Hall.”

With Miao Shan’s departure, the room returned to its previous stillness.