Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 784: Softhearted

Sun Zelan and Qin Hu had known each other since they were young. She had seen Qin Hu’s confident and spirited demeanor and experienced his persistent and stubborn nature. For the past few years, Qin Hu had stopped pestering her and kept his distance, which greatly impressed her.

At this moment, Qin Hu’s sincere tears softened her rock-solid heart a bit. She thought for a moment and coaxed him a little: "It’s not necessarily so. I’ve always been unwilling to marry, wanting to focus on practicing medicine and become a female imperial physician of the Da Liang Dynasty. Now that my goal has been achieved, I’m actually not too busy in the palace. Perhaps I might consider marriage in the future."

Qin Hu’s sobbing paused, and he abruptly looked up, his eyes shining brightly: "Are you serious?"

Sun Zelan smiled slightly: "I only said I would consider it."

That’s much better than the firm rejections before.

As long as she is willing to consider, there is a slight possibility.

Qin Hu quickly wiped his tears with his uninjured left hand: "You don’t mind that my right arm is hurt?"

Sun Zelan said: "The right arm is not broken; with time it can recover six or seven-tenths of its function, and daily activities won’t be much affected. There’s nothing to dislike about it."

Qin Hu was so moved that he wanted to cry again, his eyes shining with tears as he sniffed hard: "I know you said this to comfort me, but even so, my heart is satisfied."

"Once my injury improves and I can get back on my feet, I’ll switch to practicing with the left-handed sword. Ideally, I can continue as the Emperor’s personal guard. If not, I’ll find a position as a military supply officer, which will be a bit more leisurely."

"You don’t want to get married, I’ll just watch over you from afar. When you decide you’re willing to marry, consider me."

"I support you being a physician. While you’re busy working, I’ll take care of all the household chores. If you want to have children in the future, I’ll take care of them, just like Elder Changning does with the Emperor. If you want me to be a live-in son-in-law, that’s not impossible either."

In short, as long as she’s willing to marry, he’s willing to do anything.

Looking at Qin Hu’s sincere expression, Sun Zelan’s heart moved slightly.

Of course, she didn’t dislike him. Otherwise, with the thousands of wounded soldiers she had treated, when had she ever used such a method to comfort someone?

If after marriage she continued to work, with someone managing the household chores and taking care of the children, could her ambitions and family be balanced?

Sun Zelan pondered for a long time before replying: "I need to think about it for a while."

Qin Hu was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly: "No hurry, take your time thinking. Whenever you’re willing, let me know, and I’ll immediately have my father propose to Doctor Sun."

Sun Zelan smiled slightly, stood up, and left.

Qin Hu watched her departing figure, experiencing for the first time in his life the feeling of joy filling his chest, unable to suppress the smile on his lips.

Before he knew it, Meng Sanbao had stealthily returned.

Elder Changning had already gone back to accompany the Empress. The only one left to accompany and take care of Qin Hu was his good brother Meng Sanbao.

Meng Sanbao knew Qin Hu too well. As soon as they met, he exclaimed: "What elixir did Doctor Sun give you? How come your face suddenly looks radiant?"

Qin Hu said nothing, only continued to giggle foolishly.

Meng Sanbao was a bit dissatisfied and rolled his eyes at his good brother: "Unlike you, I’ve never hidden anything about my relationship with Silver Vermilion from you. But you, you always keep things under wraps."

Qin Hu still refused to speak.

The joy overflowing from the corners of his eyes and the grin on his lips was enough.

In his heart, Meng Sanbao was happy for Qin Hu. After waiting six or seven years, he finally saw the moon emerge from behind the clouds.

Early the next morning, Sun Zelan came to apply medication to Qin Hu’s wound.

Qin Hu gazed tenderly at Sun Zelan, his voice as soft as cotton: "Thank you for your hard work, Doctor Sun."

Sun Zelan murmured: "I don’t like being called Doctor Sun son. I’m a proper seventh-rank medical officer, a female imperial physician of Da Liang."

Just because her father is the Chief Imperial Doctor, she has to be Doctor Sun son, which sounds awkward.

Qin Hu immediately laughed and corrected himself: "It was my oversight. Doctor Sun, don’t take offense. Please help me change the medication."

Sun Zelan efficiently changed the medicine.

Watching the pretty face within reach, Qin Hu’s heart bubbled with happiness, completely unconcerned by the pain from the wound.

Meng Sanbao stood nearby for a while, dumbfounded by his good brother’s foolish expression, before saying: "I’m leaving."

Qin Hu was eager for the unwanted person to leave sooner, casually waved his hand without even looking.

Meng Sanbao rolled his eyes.

This fellow who values beauty over friendship.

...

A few days later, this matter reached Jiang Shaohua’s ears.

Jiang Shaohua also found it amusing. Unfortunately, Chen Jinyu was not around. To gossip a few words for amusement, she had to wait until the evening to talk to Yin Zhu and Tu Bai. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"Is Sun Zelan really willing to marry Qin Hu?"

Yin Zhu chuckled softly: "It hasn’t progressed to the point of discussing marriage yet. Doctor Sun simply showed Guard Qin a kind face. Guard Qin is cheerful every day while recovering."

Jiang Shaohua smiled: "After waiting for so many years, Qin Hu finally touched Sun Zelan’s heart."

Tu Bai chimed in: "The main reason is that Miss Sun achieved her original career goals and has now become a female imperial physician of Da Liang. With the relatively unbusy palace duties, she began to entertain thoughts of marriage."

Jiang Shaohua nodded with a smile, casting a glance at Tu Bai: "Stop always talking about others. What are your plans? Yin Zhu and Sanbao’s wedding date is set for two months from now. Is there anyone you fancy? Just tell me and I’ll make the arrangements."

Yin Zhu and Tu Bai were her closest maids since childhood, like half-sisters to her. Matters like marriage must take into account their personal wishes.

Tu Bai remained as she always was: "With Yin Zhu married, she won’t be appropriate to stay and serve in Zhaohai Palace. I will stay to serve the Emperor."

Jiang Shaohua laughed: "Then you can stay a couple more years. When the time is right, I’ll choose a good husband for you."

Tu Bai, without the slightest shyness, nodded with a smile.

Yin Zhu was equally unabashed and hastily requested a task from her mistress: "I wish to continue working after getting married. Though I can’t serve the Emperor closely anymore, I’d like to find other tasks that allow me to see the Emperor every now and then."

Jiang Shaohua lost her composure in laughter: "You have quite a few requests."

Yin Zhu continued to plead: "Emperor, please grant my request! I’ve been by your side since childhood and have grown accustomed to it. The thought of leaving your side leaves an emptiness in my heart."

Even the joy of marrying her beloved had been dampened.

Seeing Yin Zhu’s disappointed look, Jiang Shaohua’s heart, however hard, softened: "Don’t worry! I’ve long considered this. Marry and have children first, spend one or two years outside the palace, then return to work. Meanwhile, Bao’er will grow up gradually, and you could become Bao’er’s governess."

Just like Mrs. Zhang back then.

Now Mrs. Zhang is managing the household affairs in the Nanyang Prince Mansion, more influential than Aunt Mei.

Yin Zhu was overjoyed and repeatedly expressed her gratitude.