Chapter 1213: The Pearl Collector and the Princess

Chapter 1213: Chapter 7: The Pearl Collector and the Princess

“It’s all my fault,” Wang Linglan said bitterly.

“No, how could it be your fault? It’s my fault. If only I were more capable and made more money, I could have sought out the Imperial Physician,” Li Anqing comforted Wang Linglan.

“No, it’s not your fault. The Imperial Physician wouldn’t treat people like us, ordinary folks,” Wang Linglan replied with even more bitterness in her voice.

“There will always be opportunities. Maybe some Imperial Physicians will come out for consultations,” Li Anqing said. As long as you can afford the fee, there’s always an Imperial Physician willing to treat you. Earning some extra money isn’t considered a crime for an Imperial Physician.

Wang Linglan fell silent, clearly thinking her husband was dreaming. How could people as insignificant as them possibly find an Imperial Physician for treatment?

…

The next day, Li Qinghe went to find Tianmiao again, carrying sugar-coated hawthorn wrapped in wax paper, and gave it to Tianmiao. Tianmiao, in turn, offered her some mung bean cake.

Learning to read, play the zither, and paint. After learning all these, Li Qinghe reluctantly bid farewell to Tianmiao.

Half an hour later, she returned, bringing another gift for Tianmiao. But this time, she was soaking wet, and Tianmiao hurriedly took out a towel to dry her off and let her change her clothes.

Li Qinghe shook her head, indicating it wasn’t necessary; a bit of chill was nothing to her.

She extended her hand, presenting the gift to Tianmiao.

Tianmiao stared at the smooth pearl in Li Qinghe’s palm, momentarily stunned.

Tianmiao didn’t accept it but instead asked Li Qinghe, “Do you know what this is?”

Li Qinghe shook her head. She didn’t know, but she thought it was beautiful, so she wanted to give it to Tianmiao the moment she got it.

“This is a pearl, and it’s extremely valuable. This one pearl could feed your family meat for a whole year, buy you new clothes, and get your parents new clothes as well,” Tianmiao said with a smile.

Li Qinghe looked at the round bead in her hand in surprise. Could this thing really be worth so much?

“So, do you still want to give it to me? Taking it home could significantly improve your family’s life,” Tianmiao said with a smile.

Li Qinghe, however, unhesitatingly offered the pearl again. Seeing Tianmiao still didn’t take it, she squatted down, picked up a stick, and began writing in the sand. In Tianmiao’s yard, there were always branches and sand for Li Qinghe to scribble on.

Li Qinghe quickly wrote: Precisely because it’s precious, I want to give it to you. The first pearl should go to my best friend and best tutor. Since I found the first one, I can find the second one. I’ll give the next ones to my parents.

Tianmiao bent down slightly, helping Li Qinghe up. Looking into Li Qinghe’s clear eyes, Tianmiao smiled.

“Thank you, Qinghe. I really like your gift. I will also give you a gift in the future,” Tianmiao said, accepting the pearl from Li Qinghe’s hand with a sincere smile.

Li Qinghe waved her hand and gestured again. Tianmiao understood; Li Qinghe wanted to say that Tianmiao had given her more than enough already, no need for more gifts.

“You silly child,” Tianmiao held Li Qinghe’s hand tightly, “You should go back now, or your parents will start worrying. Come back to visit when you have time, I’m always here.”

Li Qinghe grinned, showing a mouthful of white teeth, and nodded heavily. Then she bade farewell to Tianmiao and turned to leave.

Just as Li Qinghe mentioned, if she could find the first pearl, she could find the second. When she brought a pearl home for her parents, Li Anqing’s eyes widened.

In those times, most pearls were farmed, abundant but rarely of good quality. Without farming techniques in ancient times, pearls were very valuable. The pearl their daughter brought back was smooth and colorful, its value undeniably high.