The next morning, Rouyuan walked once again to that poor family's home.
She carried medicine, soft baby clothes, and a careful smile.
After checking the mother's condition and her stitched abdomen, applying a new antiseptic herbal patch, and leaving additional herbs, she returned to 'Sacred Lotus Medicine Hall' with renewed determination burning in her heart.
She could not rely on luck forever.
She needed proper tools.
On her large desk, she unfurled several sheets of paper.
Her brush moved with practiced precision—sketching scalpels, forceps, retractors, needle holders, curved and straight scissors, stitching needles…every instrument she remembered from her past life.
"These situations will happen again," she murmured to herself.
"If I don't prepare… next time might end differently."
Lost in focus, she didn't notice the shadow behind her.
A low voice spoke, "Interesting… what is all this for?"
Rouyuan jumped.
"Y–Your Highness?!"
She quickly stood.
"What are you doing here?"
Yexuan leaned against the doorframe, arms folded, watching her sketches with curious eyes.
"I sent you a letter. Judging by your reaction… you haven't read it yet."
"Oh— I was out all morning. I just returned."
She hurriedly picked up the letter from the side of her desk.
She read aloud silently:
'I plan to purchase medicines for my troops.
And I wish to buy the inventions you created—smokeless oil lamps, waterproof cloaks, scented insect-repellent paper, and quick-drying ink.
May I come to discuss this matter?'
—Murong Yexuan.
Rouyuan looked up with an apologetic smile.
"Of course, Your Highness. We can discuss it…right now."
Yexuan's lips curved faintly.
And so they talked.
About supplies.
About military logistics.
About battlefield needs.
About inventions Rouyuan had never expected the military would value so deeply.
When the conversation ended, Yexuan tapped the corner of her drawings.
"You intend to create these tools?"
Rouyuan nodded firmly.
"I know a blacksmith," Yexuan said. "A master craftsman. I can recommend him."
"Truly?" Rouyuan's eyes brightened.
Yexuan nodded.
"Once your diagrams are ready, give them to me. I will ensure everything is forged exactly as you envision."
Her smile softens behind the veil.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Yexuan's heart tightened from that single smile alone.
Princess Murong Qingshi's Visit
Princess Murong Qingshi had just returned from visiting her father in the Eastern Sea Region.
Excited, she immediately went to Yunyan Pavilion—only to learn Bai Rouyuan wasn't there.
"Then I'll visit her at home," Qingshi decided cheerfully.
On the way, she spotted a pastry stall and instantly bought Bai Rouyuan's favourite sweets.
By the time she arrived at Bai Residence, Bai Rouyuan was bent over her desk, drawing more designs, with Bai Yanyu reading quietly beside her.
Qingshi burst in.
"Ah Yuan! I brought your favourite pastries!"
Bai Rouyuan immediately stood and embraced her.
"Jiejie[1], when did you came back?" she laughed softly.
"Xiaoya, please serve tea."
The three sat together comfortably when—
Clang. Clang. Clang.
Heavy boots and clashing swords echoed through the hall.
Bai Yunchen entered, armor glinting, carrying Murong Yexuan's order to retrieve the diagrams from Bai Rouyuan.
He greeted Qingshi formally.
"Your highness."
Qingshi nodded politely, though her ears were burning red without reason she understood.
Yunchen moved toward his sisters. "You haven't eaten yet, have you, Ah Yuan?"
"I ate earlier," Bai Rouyuan protested.
Yunchen smirked.
"I know my little sister. If she's working, she forgets everything."
"Gege is the same," Bai Yanyu chimed in.
They all laughed.
Qingshi watched quietly—astonished.
She never imagined Great General Bai Yunchen, the cold-faced general of the frontier, could be so gentle… so warm… so full of affection.
Her heart thumped.
Then—
"What's this?" Yunchen asked, holding a piece of paper.
Bai Rouyuan replied, "It's the Drawing of a bag for the surgical tools. I need to bring it to a tailor. Jiejie, can you accompany me to buy leather later?"
Yunchen then turn to Qingshi.
Qingshi's cheeks flared pink.
Before she could respond, Bai Yanyu coughed lightly.
Instantly, Yunchen took off his cloak and draped it over Yanyu's shoulders.
"The wind is strong. Take care, Xiao Yu."
His voice… was soft.'
So soft that Qingshi's heart nearly leapt out of her chest.
'How can a general… be so gentle?
If he smiled at me like that… I might melt…'
Her face flushed deep red.
"Jiejie, why is your face so red?" Bai Yanyu asked innocently.
Qingshi choked, panicked, and abruptly stood.
"I— I should go now! I'll return tomorrow! Bye Ah Yuan,"
She rushed out, nearly tripping over the doorway.
Bai Rouyuan sighed and flicked Bai Yanyu's forehead.
"You shouldn't tease her like that!"
Bai Yanyu rubbed his head, baffled.
"What did I do…?"
Yunchen only frowned, equally confused.
Meanwhile…
Rouyuan smiled faintly.
[1] Elder sister