The wounds of war are not only inflicted by the sword, but some pain also lies within the mind. For Ming Yi, the most peaceful place in the palace is the royal pharmacy (medical wing), where her dear friend Mei Ying lives.
Mei Ying — Although the daughter of the king's deceased sister, she is now known as a skilled military doctor. She works in Wei Long's army, but to Ming Yi, she is her most beloved 'Ying'.
When Ming Yi entered the pharmacy, she saw Ying very carefully grinding some dried herbal leaves. Her face was cold and calm, and her eyes were deep.
"After all this fighting, you still have these herbal leaves of yours, Ying?" Ming Yi said with a soft smile.
Ying said without looking up, "You know how to take life with a sword, and I know how to save life with herbs. We need both."
She paused, then looked at Ming Yi. "You have returned from the war, but your eyes still show the fatigue of that royal court."
Ming Yi took a deep breath and sat down next to Mei Ying. "You are right. The intrigues of the palace are more terrifying than those of the battlefield. Here, the greed for power turns people into animals."
Mei Ying caught Ming Yi's attention. "You know I work in the General's military. I get a lot of news there. Yi, keep an eye on Tian Xu. He is more greedy than he appears to be worthy of."
Ming Yi looked at his friend in surprise. Mei Ying doesn't talk much, but when she does, it's very important. "What about Song Wei? He comes to you a lot, doesn't he?" Ming Yi smiled a little.
A faint blush appeared on Mei Ying's calm face, but she hid it and said, "The prince talked a lot. He doesn't need to, yet he sits here all day, complaining about a headache or cutting his finger. But... his chatter gives me peace."
Ming Yi smiled softly. She realized that an unquenchable love was brewing between his older brother and his best friend.
Ming Yi said,
"My brother really loves you very much."
Mei Ying said,
"I know this."
Then Mei Ying gives a tree to Ming Yi and says
"You are very tired after the war. This plant will reduce fatigue and help heal the body."
Ming Yi hugs Mei Ying and says
"Thank you for taking care of me."
Mei Ying said,
"You are always by my side in all my troubles, and I am grateful to you for that."
Ming Yi said,
"Mei Ying, you know, I feel bad for Bai Lu."
Mei Ying said,
"Why?"
Ming Yi said,
"She's my sister, but she hates me."
Mei Ying said,
"Don't worry about it, I think she'll realize her mistakes one day."
Ming Yi said,
"May your thoughts come true.'