Chapter 4 — Retired on the same day, I turned around and married the Regent

The so-called marriage proposal, the so-called position of Princess, are nothing more than a mutually beneficial transaction. He gave me the highest honor and protection, in exchange for the medical value that might exist in me, to help him consolidate his power. After thinking everything through, the illusory and unrealistic bubble that had just sparked in my heart immediately "pop" and completely shattered. Only cold reality remains. That's good too. Transactions, after all, are more trustworthy than the vague, nihilistic so-called "favors". At least the purpose is clear. I slowly let go of the hand that was clutching the hem of the robe, the cold, smooth feeling of the fabric reminded me of my current identity.

“I understand.” My voice regained its calmness, and even carried a bit of respect. "I will definitely do my best to share my worries with the Queen Mother. It's just..." I paused for a moment and looked up at him. "What I have learned is still superficial, I'm afraid it will disappoint the Royal Family's expectations."

"No problem." Ta Vo Cuu half-closed his eyes, a faint trace of fatigue flashed between his eyebrows. "Just do your best to get it cured. It's the Queen Mother's blessing, it's also her creation. It can't be cured..." He opened his eyes, his eyes as deep as chilly phlegm looked towards me, carrying a sharpness as if he could see through everything. "If this king marries her, he will protect her thoroughly. At least it's better than staying at Ninh Vien Marquis Palace."

The last sentence carried some indifferent irony, but strangely made me feel... a little reassured. Is it worse, is it worse than Luc Thanh Nhuong's retirement letter and being kicked out in the middle of a cold winter? The horse-drawn carriage entered the Regent Palace. There were no bustling gongs or drums, no guests filling the house, only the royal palace's strict guards quietly performing ceremonies, the atmosphere was solemn to the point of being almost heavy. I was placed in a private institute called "Tinh Ngo Uyen". The courtyard is very spacious, with pavilions, pavilions, rockeries with flowing water, and elegant decoration without losing its precious beauty. There are more than ten maids and maids serving, everyone is well-trained, respectful and polite, but also exudes aloofness. That precious set of Loan Phuong robes from across the city was carefully put away. The Duke personally ordered people to bring each chest of everyday clothes with extremely sophisticated materials, along with each full set of jewelry. From eating, wearing, staying, traveling. There is nothing that is not exquisite. There is nothing that is not luxurious. I am like a lump of earth suddenly trapped in a glass cage. Looking around the splendid and prosperous room. Just feel completely lost. The very next day, Ta Vo Cuu sent someone to bring a thick stack of notes on the Queen Mother's epilepsy, all of which were difficult medical cases that the doctors had no way to cure. Along with each box of extremely rare medicinal herbs. Pressure is like an invisible mountain, weighing heavily on my shoulders. My value. Or more accurately, capital to temporarily preserve our lives and have a place to live. It all depends on whether we can help the Queen Mother relieve her pain or not. In Tinh Ngo Uyen, a small pharmacy was quickly built. I locked myself in there, day and night flipping through those incomprehensible circuits, identifying each strange medicinal herb. In the past, my grandfather indeed taught me some medical techniques. But most of it is just basic pharmacology and how to handle common diseases. When it comes to a chronic illness like the Queen Mother's, even the Royal Doctors are at a loss. To me, it's like a heavenly book. But we have no way back. We can only grit our teeth and move forward. If you don't understand, look up the notebooks and notes left by your ancestors. Although not complete. But we can still find some clues. If it really doesn't work. Then we can only rely on the memories of how our ancestors handled difficult-to-treat diseases in the past. Thinking little by little. Experiment little by little. Time passes day by day in the scent of herbs and anxiety. Ta Vo Cuu never appeared again. It seemed that after marrying me and locking me in this splendid lipstick cage, he had completed his mission. It wasn't until late at night on Thursday. I was scratching my head in front of a pile of medicinal herbs and pulses when suddenly outside, the sound of hurried but suppressed footsteps was heard, accompanied by the voice of the Duke, who was deliberately lowered but still could not hide his impatience: "Your Majesty! Have you rested yet? Your Majesty, please!" My heart tightened slightly, I immediately stood up and opened the door. Cong Cong Vuong's face was extremely serious, the corners of his forehead were still covered with sweat: "Your Highness, Your Royal Highness... Your Royal Highness suddenly relapsed from an old wound, the pain is severe. The several Royal Doctors on duty at the Royal Medical House have all looked at it and have used medicine, but... but it can't be suppressed! Your Royal Highness, please come over there immediately!"