Chapter 23: Healing the Leg (Part One)

Early the next morning, Anran appeared punctually before the gates of the Prime Minister’s residence. The grand entrance she hadn’t seen in fifteen years loomed even more imposing than she remembered—two stone lions stood guard, fierce and majestic, and the gates themselves were magnificent, a sign of how much had changed since her last visit.

Standing before the doors, Anran seemed to hear the echo of her son’s voice calling her “Mother.” The sound startled her, pulling her from her reverie. But aside from the few gatekeepers, there was no trace of her son—he was long gone, dead these fifteen years.

“Hey, girl, what are you doing here? This is the Prime Minister’s residence. Outsiders, be off at once!” One of the gatekeepers, having watched her stand unmoving for some time, frowned despite her delicate beauty and barked at her.

Anran came to herself, smiled faintly, and ignored the blustering servant. Straightening her back, she strode toward the gate.

“Stop her!” The gatekeeper shouted when she didn’t reply and showed no fear, signaling the others to block her way.

“Stop me? How amusing...” Anran halted, letting out a cold laugh. Her voice was icy. “If you delay your young master’s treatment, I’m afraid even your lives won’t be enough to atone for it.”

Her words startled the gatekeepers, who eyed her warily. This slip of a girl—no more than fourteen or fifteen, with refined features—was the one who had broken the young master’s leg? She was beautiful, but her heart must be ruth