Chapter Seventeen: No Need for Thanks, Just Pay Me

Su Jingluo’s words now carried a weight entirely different from before—having just saved the Crown Prince, she was no longer seen as a sorceress, but rather as a divine healer descended to earth.

“Alright, stop crying already. My mother just saved your life, and you haven’t even thanked her yet.” Yunbai stood on tiptoe, patting Xiao Chengze, who was more than a head taller and still bawling uncontrollably. Truth be told, Yunbai found the chubby boy rather tiresome.

Xiao Chengze, sniffling, glanced at Yunbai, then at Su Jingluo, a little too embarrassed to say anything.

“What are you daydreaming for? My mother always says one must know gratitude; only witless kittens and puppies are incapable of discerning kindness or gratitude.” Yunbai was adamant that Xiao Chengze should say thank you.

Su Jingluo nearly choked on her own breath—this little rascal! If you want to scold him, just scold him, but why drag your mother into it? When did I ever say such a thing?

Regardless of what Su Jingluo thought, Xiao Chengze was actually swayed by Yunbai’s words. He respectfully made a fist with his chubby little hand and bowed deeply to Su Jingluo.

“Xiao Chengze thanks the beautiful aunt for saving my life.”

That bow was a resounding slap to the faces of the Emperor and Empress. The earlier tension and hostility vanished, leaving only their palpable embarrassment.

“Junior sister Jingluo, after so many years your medical skills are truly unparalleled—a marvel indeed,” the Emperor said, unable to bring himself to apologize, choosing instead to bluster and change the subject.

“Heh, Your Majesty flatters me. Not only have my medical skills improved, but also my ethics—I would never harm a child, especially one who is choking.” The Emperor and Empress had clearly been ready to tear her and her son apart moments ago, and if not for Xiao Jingxuan’s protection, Su Jingluo was no fool—she understood exactly which side Xiao Jingxuan and the Emperor were standing on.

“Is junior sister blaming His Majesty and me?” The Empress, having shed her earlier ferocity, now appeared docile and gentle. “Your methods just now were something I’ve never seen or heard of before, especially given how dire the Crown Prince’s condition was. As a mother yourself, I’m sure you understand, don’t you?”

“Of course, of course. I could hardly commit violence in the throne room with my own son by my side—that would be putting him in danger, wouldn’t it? So yes, I understand completely.” Understand? She understood nothing of the sort. Just moments ago, they were ready to devour her, and now the Empress pretended to be gentle. Bringing her son to harm the Crown Prince in front of the royal couple? Only a fool would do such a thing. If the Prince hadn’t truly been in danger just now, the three of them would not have walked out unscathed.

“It’s true—I acted out of haste,” the Emperor said. “I hope my royal brother and junior sister can forgive me. Junior sister, for saving the Crown Prince, you shall be rewarded with a hundred taels of gold and ten crates of East Sea pearls. Is there anything else my brother or junior sister desires?”

Money! At that, Su Jingluo’s anger suddenly seemed to dissipate, and an irrepressible smile crept onto her face.

“I have no need for anything more,” Xiao Jingxuan replied. “I have seen life and death on the battlefield and fear nothing. It was Su Jingluo who saved the Crown Prince, and it was Yunbai who was frightened.” He left not a single concession, subtly rebuking the Emperor.

The Emperor felt awkward—Xiao Jingxuan was giving him absolutely no face. But in terms of strength and reason, there was little he could say.

“Very well. Then, junior sister and Yunbai, is there anything else you wish for?”

Su Jingluo was content with the reward; asking for more would make her seem insatiably greedy. She had no further requests, so she kept signaling to Yunbai, urging him to seize the opportunity if he wanted anything at all.