In the past few days, Jinxia’s job had been to return all the big and small gifts sent by other officials on behalf of Lu Yi. Those gifts were all sorted by Lu Yi, deciding on which could be saved and which could not, but almost half of the fits had been returned. She’d ridden around the entire Yangzhou city, even the horse’s legs might have been cramped.
Just past noon, she hurried back home. She had just arrived at the post station and was about to walk in through the side door, when she was pulled back by someone behind the horse carriage.
“Daren? What’s wrong?” She looked at Lu Yi in surprise.
“The medicine left by Mrs. Shen, did you bring it?” Lu Yi got into the horse carriage and asked her in a low voice after lowering the curtain.
Jinxia nodded her head.
“Let’s go out to the west of the city, I will let you meet someone.” He said.
“Who?”
“Once we arrive, you will know.”
Jinxia was dumbfounded for a moment. After that she didn’t ask again, she quickly jumped on the horse carriage and went to the west of the city as he ordered. Finally they stopped in front of the lush green bamboo field.
Passing through that field, on the right there would be Mrs. Shen’s residence. She suddenly thought: ‘Has Mrs. Shen returned?’
She followed Lu Yi into the forest. She did not know what method Mrs. Shen had used before she left, but it seemed the snakes in the forest had decreased: only one or two were seen every now and then, and even when they were high on top of the tree, they didn’t seem to care about people and just passed by.
After arriving in the middle of the forest, Lu Yi went straight into Mrs. Shen’s house.
Jinxia followed him; seeing that the room was still empty, it was clear that Mrs. Shen had not returned. They continued to walk into the room and saw someone lying on the bed, his face was not clear. After walking closer to the bed and looking at him carefully, she was taken aback.
“He, he… It’s A’Rui?”
Lu Yi’s face was calm like water, he nodded his head.
Jinxia said in disbelief, “Why has he…turned into this?”
In front of her, A’Rui was laying on the bed covered with Lu Yi’s outer robe. On his face there were several clear wounds, swollen red and starting to rot, if it weren’t for Jinxia still recognizing half of his face, she would’ve never thought it was A’Rui.
Jinxia lifted the robe slightly, his body also had a number of wounds. Just as the wounds on his face, they were also starting to rot, even though they had been washed clean, they still looked terrible, making it hard for people to look at it directly. She tightened her eyebrows, crouched down a little and examined the wounds carefully. They were not too deep, not enough to kill a person, but unfortunately they were infected with poison.
The one who wounded him was clearly playing with him; there were several cuts on his body, but none of them were life-threatening. The intent was to let him slowly agonize, torturing him before death.
“This is caused by the same Japanese’s flying weapon, the one Daren was hit at that time, but all these injuries… Did he meet an enemy who held grudges against him?” She did not understand and took out Mrs. Shen’s medicine from her pocket, but when she was about to treat him, she was stopped by Lu Yi.
“Only me.” He took the medicine, “Mrs. Shen said you have to drink the inside of this medicine and rub it with the outside, right?”
Jinxia nodded her head, “Yes.”
“You go and boil some water.”
Lu Yi sent her away before lifting the robe and apply the medicine on A’Rui’s wounds, while A’Rui was still in a trance. When Jinxia came in with the hot water, all the wounds on A’Rui’s body had already been treated. Jinxia put the medicine in hot water, used a wooden spoon and fed it to him, little by little.
After doing everything she could, Jinxia took a deep breath and asked Lu Yi, “Daren, what happened?”
Lu Yi’s eyebrows furrowed, “When I found him, he was already like this.”
“Is it possible the Japanese pirates are nearby? Didn’t they arrest them all?” Jinxia guessed, “But based on A’Rui’s kung fu skills, only one or two Japanese couldn’t injure him like this… Daren, you said you found him, were you looking for him?”
Although she was really keen on some things, she was still slow on other things. Lu Yi looked at her and said honestly, “I talked to him once and thought he would come back to find me soon, but he hasn’t come and then I heard Shangguan Xi was also looking for him…”
Jinxia glanced at A’Rui, then turned back to face Lu Yi, “What did you two talk about?”
Lu Yi didn’t say anything more, “I guess Yan ShiFan found something and took care of him. Only what I don’t understand is why Yan ShiFan can have Japanese poison?”
“Does he have something to do with the Japanese pirates?” Jinxia was stunned, “If he’s related to these pirates, then his guts are big.”
Lu Yi remained silent and continued to stare at A’Rui lying on the bed. Everything would have to wait until he woke up.
Jinxia folded her elbows and supported her chin, also looking at A’Rui, and suddenly thought of something, “Daren, tomorrow morning we’re leaving for Zhejiang, what about him?”
“We’re bringing him along.”
Lu Yi had thought about it: even though Yan ShiFan had left Yangzhou, still he had many people there under his control, therefore A’Rui could not be left here, so he had to be taken along. After much thought, he planned this, “Tomorrow morning, go rent two carriages, one of which specifically brings all the gifts, tell YangYue to be in charge of that carriage and let A’Rui hide in it.”
Jinxia immediately understood, inside the carriage would be loaded the gifts, missing even one would be very troublesome, hence unauthorized people would definitely avoid this carriage. It was appropriate to have YangYue escorting it.
“He… is injured so badly, what if he died?” Counting all the wounds on his body and face, it should have been hundreds of cuts, each one of which looked like Lu Yi’s. Jinxia was afraid he couldn’t endure it.
Lu Yi remained silent for a long time, then said in a low voice, “In his heart, there is a grudge. People with this mindset are usually stronger. Aside from that, he also has someone he cares and loves, worrying about her will definitely make him not want to die quickly.”
Jinxia listened to him, then looked up at Lu Yi’s face and suddenly wanted to ask, ‘Then, what’s in Daren’s heart?’
That question swirled on the tip of her tongue, but she felt that their status was different and didn’t dare to speak carelessly, or to openly say what was on her mind.
They took care of A’Rui until the evening, but he showed no signs of improvement. Jinxia felt a little anxious, because Xie Baili was preparing a banquet that night for her and YangYue, and if she wasn’t there, it would be a waste of Xie Baili’s kindness. After hesitating again and again, Jinxia decided to explain the reason to Lu Yi.
“He wants to have a farewell banquet for you?” Lu Yi leaned back in the bamboo chair, his eyebrows tightened slightly, “Why, have you really considered being his daughter-in-law?”
“How is that possible? I’m trying to save my master’s face.” Jinxia felt that Lu Yi’s tone sounded a little strange, but couldn’t tell what was strange.
Lu Yi did not look at her, but continued to say: “Who knows? Maybe he can’t rest assured and wants Xie Xiao to accompany you on this trip, this is what he really intends. Superior Yang probably has the same idea in his heart.”
“That’s impossible…”
“What’s impossible…” Lu Yi snorted once, then glanced at her, “The two proposals, which family do you choose?”
“I’m not picking any of them. I already explained it to Xie Xiao.” Jinxia said.
“A problem like this, are you sure you clearly talked to him?” Lu Yi said unhappily.
“Yes, I spoke clearly with him.” In front of her, the sky began to darken. Jinxia was afraid she would not make it to the banquet. In her heart, she was very worried, “Daren, can I go? Later when I come back, I will bring food for you, what do you want to eat?”
“Whatever you say.”
Lu Yi turned cold and waved to let her go.
***
Tonight, the atmosphere in the Xie family turned beyond Jinxia’s expectation.
Initially, Xie Baili only intended to have a meal between families, considering it was a farewell banquet for Jinxia and YangYue. Unexpectedly at noon, Xie Xiao received a letter from his teacher.
Xie Xiao and Shangguan Xi went to the same school and were the disciples of the Northern Shaolin Temple. Right now, the Japanese pirates in Zhejiang were rampant and the people couldn’t live there in peace. The great commander Hu Zongxian had gone up the mountain to visit the abbot of Shaolin Temple and the abbot had sent students down to protect the people: they were known as Shaolin troops. At the same time, the abbot had written letters to all the students scattered everywhere to ask them to come to Zhejiang, cooperate with others and fight the pirates.
As soon as this summons arrived, Xie Xiao called Shangguan Xi and showed her the letter.
After reading it, Shangguan Xi said nothing and only asked, “Does the old master know?”
Xie Xiao frowned in annoyance, “I just want to discuss this with you first. It hasn’t been long since I came back, the old man will definitely not agree. You are the hall master, work cannot be left behind, the old man will disagree even more.”
“Either way, going or not, the old master must know.” Shangguan Xi said to him, “Going without a word like three years ago, you think he can still accept it?”
“…I know.” Xie Xiao understood what she meant, “I will go find him.”
After reading this letter, Xie Baili’s face remained calm, he did not show the slightest expression, only gave orders to the servant to call Shangguan Yuanlong to the house. As soon as Shangguan Yuanlong arrived, he immediately entered the old master’s room, the door was closed tight, nobody knew what they were talking about.
The two juniors didn’t know what kind of gourd bottle* the seniors bought, they could only wait in the main hall outside the room. Shangguan Xi did not react while Xie Xiao sat uneasily.
*[gourd bottle bought by seniors = indicating don’t know what they’re talking about, what’s going on, TN]
“I shouldn’t have listened to you if I knew this would happen, you see, he even called your father over.” He was annoyed, “They’re probably discussing how to hold us back. They’re wishing they could hang us by their belt and carry us everywhere with them.”
At the same time, YangYue supported Yang ChengWan and walked into the room. As they entered, they heard Xie Xiao’s complaining. Yang ChengWan asked him a series of questions in detail and sighed after listening to the answers.
“Uncle Yang, why are you sighing?” Shangguan Xi asked.
Yang ChengWan looked at them, and also at YangYue, then laughed bitterly, “It’s a pity for the heart of the parents. You guys are still young, you won’t understand, wait until you have your own children, then you will get it.”
“Why don’t we discuss that in the future?” Xie Xiao approached Yang ChengWan, “Uncle Yang, you have been a good brother to my father for years, do you think he will allow me to go to Zhejiang?”
“What parent would want to let their child go out in danger?” Yang ChengWan replied, “Especially to a place so far away…”
Xie Xiao’s heart immediately sank, “Then he will definitely not let us go.”
Yang ChengWan continued to sigh. He was about to continue talking, when Xie Baili and Shangguan Yuanlong walked out of the room.
“Father!”
“Father…”
Xie Xiao and Shangguan Xi greeted them.
Xie Baili paid no attention to Xie Xiao. He immediately walked towards Yang ChengWan and laughed, “I promised to host a banquet for the kids, we old brothers should also drink until we are satisfied.”
“Father, father…” Xie Xiao followed Xie Baili from behind, “Father, give me an answer first, don’t make me wait.”
Xie Baili turned his head and glared at Xie Xiao, “You brat! Don’t be anxious, I’m not letting you go!”
“Why are you being unreasonable? These days…”
Xie Xiao panicked, but he was pulled by Shangguan Xi, who looked at him and shook her head, meaning he should stop talking.
Shangguan Yuanlong glanced at them and called Shangguan Xi to the front of him and asked, “Xi’er, what do you think?”
Shangguan Xi walked up and said, “Teachers give orders, students have a responsibility to carry them out, but no one will manage the gang, this is what I worry about.”
Xie Baili, who heard it, looked at Xie Xiao with displeasure, “Look at her.”
“What?” Xie Xiao did not understand why Xie Baili was always dissatisfied with him, “I am also worried about the gang, but there is a priority…”
“Stop talking, my brain hurts as soon as you talk.” Xie Baili interrupted his words. Seeing that the banquet was ready, but Jinxia was still nowhere to be seen, he turned to ask Yang ChengWan, “Jinxia, this kid, why is she always so busy? She is a girl after all.”
“Don’t wait for her, let’s eat first.” Yang ChengWan said.
“How can that be? Today’s banquet is a farewell for them, let’s wait a little longer.”
While they were talking, Jinxia was seen coming, rushing in. As soon as she walked in, she was lectured by Yang ChengWan. He quickly apologized to everyone for her being late.
In the past few days, Jinxia’s job had been to return all the big and small gifts sent by other officials on behalf of Lu Yi. Those gifts were all sorted by Lu Yi, deciding on which could be saved and which could not, but almost half of the fits had been returned. She’d ridden around the entire Yangzhou city, even the horse’s legs might have been cramped.
Just past noon, she hurried back home. She had just arrived at the post station and was about to walk in through the side door, when she was pulled back by someone behind the horse carriage.
“Daren? What’s wrong?” She looked at Lu Yi in surprise.
“The medicine left by Mrs. Shen, did you bring it?” Lu Yi got into the horse carriage and asked her in a low voice after lowering the curtain.
Jinxia nodded her head.
“Let’s go out to the west of the city, I will let you meet someone.” He said.
“Who?”
“Once we arrive, you will know.”
Jinxia was dumbfounded for a moment. After that she didn’t ask again, she quickly jumped on the horse carriage and went to the west of the city as he ordered. Finally they stopped in front of the lush green bamboo field.
Passing through that field, on the right there would be Mrs. Shen’s residence. She suddenly thought: ‘Has Mrs. Shen returned?’
She followed Lu Yi into the forest. She did not know what method Mrs. Shen had used before she left, but it seemed the snakes in the forest had decreased: only one or two were seen every now and then, and even when they were high on top of the tree, they didn’t seem to care about people and just passed by.
After arriving in the middle of the forest, Lu Yi went straight into Mrs. Shen’s house.
Jinxia followed him; seeing that the room was still empty, it was clear that Mrs. Shen had not returned. They continued to walk into the room and saw someone lying on the bed, his face was not clear. After walking closer to the bed and looking at him carefully, she was taken aback.
“He, he… It’s A’Rui?”
Lu Yi’s face was calm like water, he nodded his head.
Jinxia said in disbelief, “Why has he…turned into this?”
In front of her, A’Rui was laying on the bed covered with Lu Yi’s outer robe. On his face there were several clear wounds, swollen red and starting to rot, if it weren’t for Jinxia still recognizing half of his face, she would’ve never thought it was A’Rui.
Jinxia lifted the robe slightly, his body also had a number of wounds. Just as the wounds on his face, they were also starting to rot, even though they had been washed clean, they still looked terrible, making it hard for people to look at it directly. She tightened her eyebrows, crouched down a little and examined the wounds carefully. They were not too deep, not enough to kill a person, but unfortunately they were infected with poison.
The one who wounded him was clearly playing with him; there were several cuts on his body, but none of them were life-threatening. The intent was to let him slowly agonize, torturing him before death.
“This is caused by the same Japanese’s flying weapon, the one Daren was hit at that time, but all these injuries… Did he meet an enemy who held grudges against him?” She did not understand and took out Mrs. Shen’s medicine from her pocket, but when she was about to treat him, she was stopped by Lu Yi.
“Only me.” He took the medicine, “Mrs. Shen said you have to drink the inside of this medicine and rub it with the outside, right?”
Jinxia nodded her head, “Yes.”
“You go and boil some water.”
Lu Yi sent her away before lifting the robe and apply the medicine on A’Rui’s wounds, while A’Rui was still in a trance. When Jinxia came in with the hot water, all the wounds on A’Rui’s body had already been treated. Jinxia put the medicine in hot water, used a wooden spoon and fed it to him, little by little.
After doing everything she could, Jinxia took a deep breath and asked Lu Yi, “Daren, what happened?”
Lu Yi’s eyebrows furrowed, “When I found him, he was already like this.”
“Is it possible the Japanese pirates are nearby? Didn’t they arrest them all?” Jinxia guessed, “But based on A’Rui’s kung fu skills, only one or two Japanese couldn’t injure him like this… Daren, you said you found him, were you looking for him?”
Although she was really keen on some things, she was still slow on other things. Lu Yi looked at her and said honestly, “I talked to him once and thought he would come back to find me soon, but he hasn’t come and then I heard Shangguan Xi was also looking for him…”
Jinxia glanced at A’Rui, then turned back to face Lu Yi, “What did you two talk about?”
Lu Yi didn’t say anything more, “I guess Yan ShiFan found something and took care of him. Only what I don’t understand is why Yan ShiFan can have Japanese poison?”
“Does he have something to do with the Japanese pirates?” Jinxia was stunned, “If he’s related to these pirates, then his guts are big.”
Lu Yi remained silent and continued to stare at A’Rui lying on the bed. Everything would have to wait until he woke up.
Jinxia folded her elbows and supported her chin, also looking at A’Rui, and suddenly thought of something, “Daren, tomorrow morning we’re leaving for Zhejiang, what about him?”
“We’re bringing him along.”
Lu Yi had thought about it: even though Yan ShiFan had left Yangzhou, still he had many people there under his control, therefore A’Rui could not be left here, so he had to be taken along. After much thought, he planned this, “Tomorrow morning, go rent two carriages, one of which specifically brings all the gifts, tell YangYue to be in charge of that carriage and let A’Rui hide in it.”
Jinxia immediately understood, inside the carriage would be loaded the gifts, missing even one would be very troublesome, hence unauthorized people would definitely avoid this carriage. It was appropriate to have YangYue escorting it.
“He… is injured so badly, what if he died?” Counting all the wounds on his body and face, it should have been hundreds of cuts, each one of which looked like Lu Yi’s. Jinxia was afraid he couldn’t endure it.
Lu Yi remained silent for a long time, then said in a low voice, “In his heart, there is a grudge. People with this mindset are usually stronger. Aside from that, he also has someone he cares and loves, worrying about her will definitely make him not want to die quickly.”
Jinxia listened to him, then looked up at Lu Yi’s face and suddenly wanted to ask, ‘Then, what’s in Daren’s heart?’
That question swirled on the tip of her tongue, but she felt that their status was different and didn’t dare to speak carelessly, or to openly say what was on her mind.
They took care of A’Rui until the evening, but he showed no signs of improvement. Jinxia felt a little anxious, because Xie Baili was preparing a banquet that night for her and YangYue, and if she wasn’t there, it would be a waste of Xie Baili’s kindness. After hesitating again and again, Jinxia decided to explain the reason to Lu Yi.
“He wants to have a farewell banquet for you?” Lu Yi leaned back in the bamboo chair, his eyebrows tightened slightly, “Why, have you really considered being his daughter-in-law?”
“How is that possible? I’m trying to save my master’s face.” Jinxia felt that Lu Yi’s tone sounded a little strange, but couldn’t tell what was strange.
Lu Yi did not look at her, but continued to say: “Who knows? Maybe he can’t rest assured and wants Xie Xiao to accompany you on this trip, this is what he really intends. Superior Yang probably has the same idea in his heart.”
“That’s impossible…”
“What’s impossible…” Lu Yi snorted once, then glanced at her, “The two proposals, which family do you choose?”
“I’m not picking any of them. I already explained it to Xie Xiao.” Jinxia said.
“A problem like this, are you sure you clearly talked to him?” Lu Yi said unhappily.
“Yes, I spoke clearly with him.” In front of her, the sky began to darken. Jinxia was afraid she would not make it to the banquet. In her heart, she was very worried, “Daren, can I go? Later when I come back, I will bring food for you, what do you want to eat?”
“Whatever you say.”
Lu Yi turned cold and waved to let her go.
***
Tonight, the atmosphere in the Xie family turned beyond Jinxia’s expectation.
Initially, Xie Baili only intended to have a meal between families, considering it was a farewell banquet for Jinxia and YangYue. Unexpectedly at noon, Xie Xiao received a letter from his teacher.
Xie Xiao and Shangguan Xi went to the same school and were the disciples of the Northern Shaolin Temple. Right now, the Japanese pirates in Zhejiang were rampant and the people couldn’t live there in peace. The great commander Hu Zongxian had gone up the mountain to visit the abbot of Shaolin Temple and the abbot had sent students down to protect the people: they were known as Shaolin troops. At the same time, the abbot had written letters to all the students scattered everywhere to ask them to come to Zhejiang, cooperate with others and fight the pirates.
As soon as this summons arrived, Xie Xiao called Shangguan Xi and showed her the letter.
After reading it, Shangguan Xi said nothing and only asked, “Does the old master know?”
Xie Xiao frowned in annoyance, “I just want to discuss this with you first. It hasn’t been long since I came back, the old man will definitely not agree. You are the hall master, work cannot be left behind, the old man will disagree even more.”
“Either way, going or not, the old master must know.” Shangguan Xi said to him, “Going without a word like three years ago, you think he can still accept it?”
“…I know.” Xie Xiao understood what she meant, “I will go find him.”
After reading this letter, Xie Baili’s face remained calm, he did not show the slightest expression, only gave orders to the servant to call Shangguan Yuanlong to the house. As soon as Shangguan Yuanlong arrived, he immediately entered the old master’s room, the door was closed tight, nobody knew what they were talking about.
The two juniors didn’t know what kind of gourd bottle* the seniors bought, they could only wait in the main hall outside the room. Shangguan Xi did not react while Xie Xiao sat uneasily.
*[gourd bottle bought by seniors = indicating don’t know what they’re talking about, what’s going on, TN]
“I shouldn’t have listened to you if I knew this would happen, you see, he even called your father over.” He was annoyed, “They’re probably discussing how to hold us back. They’re wishing they could hang us by their belt and carry us everywhere with them.”
At the same time, YangYue supported Yang ChengWan and walked into the room. As they entered, they heard Xie Xiao’s complaining. Yang ChengWan asked him a series of questions in detail and sighed after listening to the answers.
“Uncle Yang, why are you sighing?” Shangguan Xi asked.
Yang ChengWan looked at them, and also at YangYue, then laughed bitterly, “It’s a pity for the heart of the parents. You guys are still young, you won’t understand, wait until you have your own children, then you will get it.”
“Why don’t we discuss that in the future?” Xie Xiao approached Yang ChengWan, “Uncle Yang, you have been a good brother to my father for years, do you think he will allow me to go to Zhejiang?”
“What parent would want to let their child go out in danger?” Yang ChengWan replied, “Especially to a place so far away…”
Xie Xiao’s heart immediately sank, “Then he will definitely not let us go.”
Yang ChengWan continued to sigh. He was about to continue talking, when Xie Baili and Shangguan Yuanlong walked out of the room.
“Father!”
“Father…”
Xie Xiao and Shangguan Xi greeted them.
Xie Baili paid no attention to Xie Xiao. He immediately walked towards Yang ChengWan and laughed, “I promised to host a banquet for the kids, we old brothers should also drink until we are satisfied.”
“Father, father…” Xie Xiao followed Xie Baili from behind, “Father, give me an answer first, don’t make me wait.”
Xie Baili turned his head and glared at Xie Xiao, “You brat! Don’t be anxious, I’m not letting you go!”
“Why are you being unreasonable? These days…”
Xie Xiao panicked, but he was pulled by Shangguan Xi, who looked at him and shook her head, meaning he should stop talking.
Shangguan Yuanlong glanced at them and called Shangguan Xi to the front of him and asked, “Xi’er, what do you think?”
Shangguan Xi walked up and said, “Teachers give orders, students have a responsibility to carry them out, but no one will manage the gang, this is what I worry about.”
Xie Baili, who heard it, looked at Xie Xiao with displeasure, “Look at her.”
“What?” Xie Xiao did not understand why Xie Baili was always dissatisfied with him, “I am also worried about the gang, but there is a priority…”
“Stop talking, my brain hurts as soon as you talk.” Xie Baili interrupted his words. Seeing that the banquet was ready, but Jinxia was still nowhere to be seen, he turned to ask Yang ChengWan, “Jinxia, this kid, why is she always so busy? She is a girl after all.”
“Don’t wait for her, let’s eat first.” Yang ChengWan said.
“How can that be? Today’s banquet is a farewell for them, let’s wait a little longer.”
While they were talking, Jinxia was seen coming, rushing in. As soon as she walked in, she was lectured by Yang ChengWan. He quickly apologized to everyone for her being late.
