It was the next day after the conversation with the Prince. The sun rose behind the mountains and the sky slowly became blue. Suyin rested at the edge of the bed while Areum had slept at the end. The night before, Suyin had contemplated whether or not she would help the Prince of Qin, but it was intriguing that the village leader had a cure for the Princess.
"Miss Suyin." A voice muttered through the window near the bed. Suyin had grumbled and tossed her body up, awake from the voice. She was half-conscious at the moment.
"Miss Suyyyin."
Suyin unconsciously walked to the window to see Weizhe's face emerge in front of her.
"Whoa!" Suyin sprang up at the sight of his face in front of the window, surprised. "Weizhe! What the heck are you doing at the window?!" She stated, recognizing that it wasn't the door that she slid open. It was the window that she slid open without any hesitation.
"Miss. The Prince is anticipating for you in the carriage. Didn't you agree on it yesterday that you will go with us?" Weizhe spoke. Suyin ceased to think for a second, pondering about what had happened the day before.
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*Yesterday Night*
"Alright! I'll go with you since you asked personally." Suyin spoke with a proud tone.
"If you do go, just remember that you do not provoke those people."
"Yeah, yeah. I understand, 'your highness'" She mocked, rolling her eyes.
The one who always gets aggravated the most would be Qin Fuhua himself. Why would she disturb anyone else besides the grumpy Prince?
"Now, we will meet BEFORE the sun rises tomorrow. We set off from then on." Qin Fuhua commanded. Suyin brushed it aside as she agreed.
She was already falling asleep by the time that Qin Fuhua had purposed for her to go with him.
-------------------------------------
"Oh crap! I'm late, aren't I?"
Weizhe nodded his head, causing Suyin to make a ruckus as she paced around the room.
"The Prince seems to be bothered. His face is getting gloomier as the second goes by." Weizhe remarked, giving her a concerned look before he ran off back to the entrance of the manor.
Suyin had to get ready as fast as she could. First by fixing her hair and slipped on a better-looking robe. During their stay at the manor, the Prince had been generous enough to pay Areum and Suyin for taking care of the Princess, so they had the opportunity to buy clothes, food, and things for themselves when needed.
Suyin raced off to the entrance of the gates after speaking to Areum that she would be out for a couple of days. Weizhe was standing outside of the carriage, giving Suyin a big, fake smile as he aimed inside with his eyes.
Suyin nodded her head, hopping inside the carriage. Qin Fuhua's eyes were closed as if he was angry. Suyin had slapped herself in her imagination for not paying attention to what he had said the night before. He was probably waiting for more than two hours! Suyin didn't say a single word, as they began to travel along the route to the village.
*****************
In the middle of the travel, Suyin had felt an intense sense of gloominess from Qin Fuhua. He didn't speak a single word beside silence in the air.
"Um...Sorry." Suyin uttered beneath her breath.
She knew that it was her fault and she was astounded that Qin Fuhua did not leave her behind. Of course, maybe it was because he needed her to go with him, so he would have no choice to remain anyway.
Qin Fuhua did not speak, only the sound of his breathing could be heard.
"I didn't mean to come late... I honestly forgot about--"
"Quiet. I am meditating." Qin Fuhua hushed Suyin with a firm tone. She bit her lips. From the tone of his voice, he didn't appear to be angry at her. Qin Fuhua opened his eyes, with Suyin doing the same thing.
"What are you doing?" Qin Fuhua inquired, looking at her.
"Shh. I'm trying to meditate too." She imitated him. He furrowed his brows and gazed away, avoiding her.
"Hmph. How do you like that?!" Suyin said to herself in her voice. With Suyin's eyes closed, Qin Fuhua scoot in closer to her, sensing his presence near to her. The male brought his head close to hers, and due to this, Suyin opened her eyes, observing his face right in front of her.
"What are you doing--"
Qin Fuhua tugged in her robe, tightening it.
Suyin's robe was loose and exposed the skin of her neck and middle chest.
"An attempt to entice someone like me is not going to work."
The horse stopped, which signified that they had stopped somewhere.
Qin Fuhua turned his head away, unaffected and got out of the carriage, leaving Suyin behind.
"Wha?!" She brushed herself as her face got as pink as a peach. She hurried to follow the Prince, moving the curtain behind.
A view of endless paddy fields stood in front of Suyin, and the mountains and trees were so green, the sun reflected against it made it brighter than ever.
Suyin shifted her attention to a group of men outside, investigating the Prince and their group.
"What about her?" One of the men questioned. They seemed to look bigger than Qin Fuhua's men, and most of them had a unique tattoo at the pit of their elbow. It appeared to look like a special Chinese character colored in blue, indicating that they come from a specific group of people.
"That's nobody--"
"Ah, yes. That's my fiance." Qin Fuhua cut off Weizhe, grinning at Weizhe as he lowered himself.
"Y-Yes. It is his Highness's lady." Weizhe spoke.
"Wait! M-Me?!" Suyin pointed at herself. Qin Fuhua moved closer to Suyin and held her shoulders, pulling her into his chest.
"She's a bit groggy from the ride. She didn't get any sleep last night." Qin Fuhua stated, gripping on Suyin's shoulder as if he told her to follow along.
"Ah. Yes, I couldn't sleep in the carriage either. I didn't feel well this morning." Suyin put her hand over her head as if she was some damsel in distress because she didn't get her beauty sleep.
Maybe she was exaggerating too much, because Qin Fuhua turned to her and forced a smile on his face, frightening her in the process because of how horrible his "fake" smile was.
"Haha! No wonder the Prince of Qin had been so grumpy coming here the past few days! He didn't even let his woman sleep or rest at all!" One of the men roared out, shouting as they proceeded to let Qin Fuhua and his men in.
Suyin's face was burning, turning bright red because of what they had said.
What kind of men were they?! Qin Fuhua and Suyin went back into the carriage, sitting in there with utter silence again.
"Really? Fiance?" Suyin spoke out, breaking the awkward atmosphere between the two.
"It's either that or let you become a corpse." He mentioned, leaning on his hands as he peered outside. Okay. Correct. He was right on that.
Suyin didn't want to argue back since there was nothing more than she could say.
**************************
After Qin Fuhua, Suyin, and his men reached to the gate checkpoint where the villagers had verified who they were, it took another hour or two into the forest and mountains to reach to the village.
Qin Fuhua had to tutor Suyin about the villagers, who are specifically called Jiaoshu(s). They had persevered through plenty of wars and are the only force that has been in peace for more than fifty years.
Although the people wore similar clothing like theirs such as a hanfu, they also wore knee-high skirts for women for easier cultivating and movement.
They all are born with a special tattoo at the elbow pit on their right side with a special character of "Jiao" with a symbol of a bird. This was a noble tattoo to have because it is only given at their age of ceremony presenting their skills and commitment of their culture. They usually would have to go through a series of trials in order to get the tattoo.
The village leader was always known as Shì zhǎng, which was the term for "mayor" and was passed on from their ancestral family line. They were similar to a King, but the only difference was that the Shi Zhang had processed written freedom to his people as long as rules aren't broken. The village never accepts any newcomer or people from out of the village due to the bloodline of the Jiaoshu and influence of outsiders, so most of the time, the Prince of Long or Qin were always unwelcomed, except this time, they were desperate enough to allow them to come help find to cure the disease.
***************************
"We have arrived at Jiaoshu village, your Highness" Weizhe announced outside of the carriage. Suyin had to absorb as much as she knew and followed Qin Fuhua out. Houses were made out of stones, and some of the homes stood on top of the hill. Suyin could tell that out of all of the homes, the biggest one was all the way at the top of the village.
"Is that Shi Zhang's home?" Suyin had guessed, pointing at the top. Qin Fuhua nodded.
"Just stay near me." Qin Fuhua commanded.
From where they stood at the entrance to the village, it was big and beautiful, with their forest and plot land surrounding them. The mountains looked like ancient paintings, beautiful tall mountains with rocks and trees combined to make it look like a wuxia movie.
It appeared that the climate and environment was an ideal place for agriculture and taking care of animals. No wonder rulers had been trying to take over the Jiaos or at least attempt to have their influence fall on their side.
Not many people were out in their fields and those that were seen plucking their vegetables and fruits off and placing it in baskets. Suyin could hear coughs and cries from afar which made her wander off without Qin Fuhua's request. Her footsteps led to the sound of the coughs in one of the homes. She leaned at the edge of the opened door to the home, to see who was sick.
A child around the age of ten laid on his mother's lap, hacking sickly with rashes that appeared on his face, arms, and legs. The mother turned around to see Suyin at the door and glared.
"Who are you?!" She called. The boy began coughing harder. "Son!" She glanced at him, then gazed at Suyin. "What business do you have here?! I've never seen you before?!" The lady delivered with an unfriendly tone.
"Your child... He has been sick for a while isn't he?" Suyin noted.
The lady's eyes relaxed as soon as she turned to her son, who was sleeping on his lap. She caressed his head and hair. "What does it have to do with you?" she suggested.
Suyin grinned with a gentle and kind, sincere smile. "I'm here to help you guys." Suyin didn't get to finish her conversation because she felt someone pull her back, spinning her around in the process.
"What did I just say?! Do you not listen?" Qin Fuhua scowled at Suyin as he held her elbow.
"I know! I just wanted to see what was wrong" Suyin then let go of his grip as he headed straight to the Shi Zhang's residence.
*******************
"Shi Zhang, the Prince of Qin has arrived, again." One of the servants spoke.
"Does he not know how to stop?" Shi Zhang uttered.
"Although the Prince came last time with one of his men, it seems like he brought his fiance with him." The servant added. Shi Zhang raised his eyebrows, sparking interest.
"Let him in then." Shi Zhang was interested as to why he would bring his fiance to the place. The last time that the Prince of Qin was here, he had mentioned about someone who would be able to help his villagers.
*******************************
Qin Fuhua, Suyin, and Weizhe waited at the front entrance of the Shi Zhang's residence. The gates were pulled open, allowing them to enter. Suyin had to stay by Qin Fuhua's side, with Weizhe following behind them.
They entered in the main residence and sat down on the chairs as they waited for Shi Zhang to enter in.
"It seems like you have brought someone in here, this time." Shi Zhang uttered, coming in with a cane. He was an elderly man around the age of sixty. The man slowly stepped in and sat down in the center with Suyin, Qin Fuhua, and Weizhe sitting at the side of him.
"Yes. I have brought the person who will cure the village." Qin Fuhua stated. Shi Zhang sat at the edge of his chair, leaning on his cane as he gazed at Suyin.
"Is she the fiance? Are you sure that she will be able to cure than rather than hurt them?"
As soon as Shi Zhang finished, a group of his army gathered around the three of them.
Suyin gripped the side of her chair, startled by the ambush.
Qin Fuhua tugged Suyin with his elbow to make it oblivious.
Qin Fuhua grinned, "Yes. I'm sure she can help you." The soldiers then grabbed Qin Fuhua and Weizhe's arms.
Although Weizhe was alarmed and wanted to protect the Prince, Qin Fuhua was as calm as water. Although he may be alarmed, he does not show fear in any condition.
"In case she does harm my people, would you trade your life in exchange for her trust then?" Shi Zhang purposed.
Suyin turned to Qin Fuhua, who shifted to gaze her as he nodded his head, looking at her straight in her eyes.
"Yes."
Qin Fuhua was a cold, selfish man who only thought about himself in the world, but when it comes to Suyin saving someone, who would have thought that he gave her a glance full of confidence? The men carried Qin Fuhua and Weizhe away as the two abided.
Shi Zhang let out an evil laugh, with both of his hands still leaning on the cane. "Say, young miss. Do you think you can do it? It is a wonder that the Prince of misfortune had placed his bet and life on you." The elderly man chuckled, shaking his head.
"Do you think I can not do it?" Suyin challenged, "And if so if I can do it, what do I get?"
He grinned at her. "Only time can tell until then." Shi Zhang stood up and left, still laughing.
"Is he crazy?!" Suyin thought to herself. For once, Qin Fuhua had placed his life for her and gave her a firm look. But how would she be able to figure this out alone?
**************************
She walked down from Shi Zhang's residence, defeated. Could she really do it? She didn't expect Shi Zhang to just sweep Qin Fuhua and Weizhe away like that. Qin Fuhua's men stood at the side of the residence of Shi Zhang as if they already knew what was going on already. Had the Prince really anticipate this to happen already?
As Suyin walked down the road, she could hear coughs and cries of people.
Some adults sat at the edge of their home with red rashes on their bodies.
That was when a lightbulb lit on Suyin's head.
"The child!"
Suyin rushed off to the first house that she had stumbled upon. It would be easier for Suyin to figure out what was wrong with the child, first. Since the adults, as well as the children all, have similar symptoms, it could only mean that there was one disease spreading around the village.
She rushed to the same house, with the mother now alone.
"What are you doing?!"
The lady was in the middle of washing her clothes outside of her house, hanging the clothes on a clothesline.
"It's you." She vaguely said.
Suyin had to bend down, placing her hands on her knees as she gasped for air.
"Your child. How long as it been since he was sick?"
The lady was reluctant to say anything, pinning her last shirt on the clothesline.
"About a couple of days ago."
Although the lady was suspicious of Suyin, she could feel Suyin's sincerity and trust. Suyin ran up to her and held the mother's hands, hoping that she could take a look at the child.
"Do you trust me to see how your child is doing?" Suyin asked.
The mother flinched but gazed at Suyin's eyes.
Her eyes were beaming with hope and sincerity. The mother didn't want her to hurt her son, but the faith and expression of hope had caused her to nod her head.
"He's sleeping right now, so please be mindful with my child." She declared.
The mother had already seen some people die from the disease and was frightened to lose her son from the illness.
*******************************
The following morning unfolded with the gradual ascent of the sun behind the majestic mountains, casting a warm glow across the tranquil landscape.
As the sky transitioned from a velvety obsidian to a serene shade of blue, Suyin found herself nestled at the edge of the bed, her thoughts swirling in the hazy embrace of dawn.
Areum slumbered peacefully at the foot of the bed, oblivious to the weight of contemplation that burdened her mistress.
Throughout the night, Suyin had wrestled with the decision looming on the horizon: whether to heed the call of the Prince of Qin and embark on the journey that fate seemed to beckon her towards.
Yet, amidst the uncertainty that shrouded her path, one tantalizing prospect lingered—the village leader's purported cure for the Princess.
"Miss Suyin," a voice murmured softly, seeping through the crack of the window near her bedside. Stirred from her reverie, Suyin groggily roused from her slumber, her consciousness tethered to the liminal realm between dreams and reality.
"Miss Suuuyin," the voice persisted, its gentle insistence coaxing her from the embrace of sleep.
Suyin, still ensnared by the tendrils of drowsiness, shuffled towards the window with languid grace, her movements guided by instinct rather than conscious intent.
As she peered through the window, her eyes widened in astonishment at the unexpected sight that greeted her—a familiar visage framed by the window's aperture.
"Weizhe!" Suyin exclaimed, her heart leaping in her chest at the sight of his face looming before her.
"What in the world are you doing at the window?!" she exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and incredulity lacing her words.
It was a revelation that caught her off guard, the realization dawning upon her that it wasn't the door she had slid open in her drowsy state, but rather the window.
"Miss, the Prince awaits you in the carriage," Weizhe informed her, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency. "Did you not agree yesterday to accompany us?"
Suyin paused, the events of the previous day filtering through her mind like scattered fragments of memory piecing together a puzzle.
----------------------------------
[Yesterday Night]
"Alright, I'll accompany you since you've asked personally," Suyin declared, her voice infused with a defiant pride that belied her apprehension.
"If you do decide to come along, just remember to tread lightly and avoid provoking anyone," cautioned Qin Fuhua, his tone tinged with a hint of authority.
"Yeah, yeah, I get it, 'your Highness'," Suyin retorted, her words laced with playful sarcasm as she rolled her eyes.
It was a subtle jab, a reminder of the Prince's propensity for irritation. After all, why would she bother stirring trouble with anyone else when the grumpy Prince himself was always ripe for exasperation?
"Now, we shall leave before the break of dawn tomorrow. Our journey begins from then onward," Qin Fuhua instructed, his command ringing with unwavering determination.
Suyin waved off his directive with a casual nonchalance, her agreement already a foregone conclusion. Yet, as the appointed hour for their departure loomed nearer, fatigue began to weigh heavily upon her. She found herself succumbing to the beckoning embrace of sleep, the promise of adventure and uncertainty fading into the hazy realm of dreams.
----------------------
"Oh, crap! Am I late?" Suyin exclaimed, her eyes widening in realization as the gravity of her tardiness dawned upon her.
Weizhe nodded solemnly, his expression tinged with concern as Suyin began to pace frantically around the room, her movements agitated and hurried.
"The Prince appears rather irritated. His countenance grows gloomier by the second," Weizhe remarked, casting a worried glance in Suyin's direction before darting off toward the manor's entrance.
With a sense of urgency gnawing at her heels, Suyin wasted no time in preparing herself.
She hastily smoothed down her hair and donned a more presentable robe, a token of gratitude from the Prince for her care of the Princess during their stay at the manor.
It was a small gesture, but one that afforded her the means to procure necessities like clothing and provisions when needed.
Once ready, Suyin dashed towards the gates, exchanging hurried farewells with Areum before bounding towards the awaiting carriage.
Offering a quick nod in acknowledgment, Suyin swiftly clambered into the carriage, her heart pounding with a mixture of apprehension and contrition.
As she settled into her seat, she stole a glance at Qin Fuhua, finding his eyes closed in what appeared to be a brooding silence. A pang of regret surged within her as she berated herself for failing to heed his instructions the previous night.
Perhaps he had been waiting for her for more than two hours—a thought that filled her with a profound sense of guilt.
Wordlessly, the journey to the village commenced, the rhythmic clatter of hooves against the earth serving as a somber backdrop to Suyin's introspection.
----------------------
In the midst of their journey, a palpable sense of gloom permeated the air, emanating from Qin Fuhua like an invisible shroud. Not a word passed between them, the silence heavy with unspoken tension.
"Um...sorry," Suyin murmured beneath her breath, her voice barely a whisper against the backdrop of quietude.
She felt the weight of her tardiness pressing upon her, a burden of guilt that she struggled to bear.
Surprisingly, Qin Fuhua had chosen not to abandon her despite her transgression. Perhaps it was out of necessity, she reasoned, knowing that her presence was indispensable to their mission.
Qin Fuhua remained stoically silent, his only response the rhythmic cadence of his breath.
"I didn't mean to come late... I honestly forgot about—" Suyin began, her voice trailing off as she sought to explain herself.
"Quiet. I am meditating," Qin Fuhua interjected, his tone firm and resolute.
Suyin bit her lip, chastened by his rebuke. Despite the sternness in his voice, she sensed that his anger was not directed solely at her.
As Qin Fuhua opened his eyes, Suyin followed suit, meeting his gaze with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
"What are you doing?" he inquired, his gaze probing hers.
"Shh. I'm trying to meditate too," Suyin replied, mimicking his earlier gesture. A flicker of annoyance flashed across Qin Fuhua's features as he averted his gaze, clearly unimpressed by her antics.
"Hmph. How do you like that?" Suyin muttered to herself, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. With her eyes closed in mock concentration, she sensed Qin Fuhua inching closer, his presence looming beside her.
Startled, Suyin's eyes snapped open, only to find Qin Fuhua's face mere inches from hers.
"What are you doing—" she began, her voice catching in her throat as Qin Fuhua reached out and tugged at her robe, cinching it tighter around her form.
Suyin's breath caught in her throat as she realized the sudden exposure of her skin, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"An attempt to entice someone like me is not going to work," Qin Fuhua remarked coolly, his expression unreadable as he turned away and exited the carriage, leaving Suyin to grapple with a mixture of confusion and indignation.
"Wha?!" Suyin stammered, her cheeks flushing a shade reminiscent of a ripe peach.
Hastily, she brushed herself off and scrambled to follow the Prince, pushing aside the curtain of the carriage.
Stepping outside, she was greeted by a breathtaking panorama of endless paddy fields, their lush green hues amplified by the sun's radiant light.
The majestic mountains and verdant trees stood as sentinels against the horizon, their vibrant colors a testament to the thriving landscape.
Her attention was quickly diverted to a group of men who were scrutinizing the Prince and his entourage. These men appeared more formidable than Qin Fuhua's own guards, each bearing a distinctive blue tattoo at the pit of their elbow—a special Chinese character marking their affiliation with a unique group.
"What about her?" one of the men demanded, his gaze fixed on Suyin.
"That's nobody—" Weizhe began, only to be abruptly cut off.
"Ah, yes. That's my fiancée," Qin Fuhua interjected smoothly, a grin playing at his lips as he glanced at Weizhe, who hastily lowered himself in acknowledgment.
"Y-Yes. It is His Highness's lady," Weizhe echoed, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Wait! M-Me?!" Suyin exclaimed, pointing at herself in shock.
Qin Fuhua swiftly closed the distance between them, placing his hands on her shoulders and pulling her into his chest.
"She's a bit groggy from the ride. She didn't get any sleep last night," Qin Fuhua explained, his grip on Suyin's shoulders firm, conveying a silent command to play along.
"Ah. Yes, I couldn't sleep in the carriage either. I didn't feel well this morning," Suyin added, feigning a delicate demeanor.
She placed a hand over her forehead, adopting the posture of a damsel in distress suffering from a lack of beauty sleep.
Perhaps her performance was a tad over the top, as Qin Fuhua turned to her with a forced smile that was more alarming than reassuring.
The stark contrast between his usual stern demeanor and the painfully unnatural smile sent a shiver down her spine.
"Right," Suyin mumbled, trying to steady her nerves.
The men seemed to buy the act, their suspicious gazes softening somewhat as they nodded in acknowledgment.
"Very well, proceed," one of the men said, stepping aside to allow them passage.
As they moved past the group, Suyin whispered to Qin Fuhua,
"Your fake smile needs some work."
Qin Fuhua merely grunted in response, his focus already shifting to the task ahead.
"Haha! No wonder the Prince of Qin has been so grumpy lately! He didn't even let his woman sleep or rest at all!" one of the men bellowed, his laughter echoing as they finally allowed Qin Fuhua and his entourage to pass. Suyin's face turned a brilliant shade of red, mortified by the implication. She kept her head down, avoiding eye contact as they made their way back to the carriage. The brief exchange had left her flustered and embarrassed, a stark contrast to the earlier tension. Once inside the carriage, silence enveloped them once more, the air thick with unspoken words. Finally, Suyin broke the uncomfortable stillness. "Really? Fiancée?" she asked, her tone laced with incredulity. "It's either that or let you become a corpse," Qin Fuhua replied bluntly, leaning on his hands as he peered out the window.
His Logic was irrefutable, and Suyin couldn't argue with him, however harsh it sounded. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Suyin sighed and sank back into her seat. There was no point in arguing further.
The ruse had been necessary, and in a way, it had saved her life. As the carriage continued its journey, Suyin's thoughts drifted to the path ahead. The village in the mountains awaited them, a place shrouded in mystery and holding the promise of a cure for the Princess.
Despite the awkward start, she knew that her role in this mission was crucial, and she steeled herself for the challenges that lay ahead. Qin Fuhua's eyes remained fixed on the passing landscape, his mind clearly occupied with their destination.
Suyin glanced at him, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension swirling within her.
This cold-hearted Prince, with his stern demeanor and hidden depths, she was determined to unravel, so she could better understand the man she was now bound to assist.
-------------------------
After Qin Fuhua, Suyin, and his men reached the gate checkpoint, where the villagers verified their identities, it took them another hour or two to navigate the dense forest and rugged mountains before they finally arrived at the secluded village. As they traveled, Qin Fuhua took the opportunity to tutor Suyin about the unique and resilient villagers known as "the Jiaoshu".
These people had endured numerous wars and conflicts, emerging as a singular force that had maintained peace for more than fifty years. Their long-standing tranquility was a testament to their strength and unity. The villagers' attire, though similar to their own traditional hanfu, included practical adaptations. Women wore knee-high skirts, facilitating easier movement and cultivation of the land. This practical attire was just one of many small yet significant details that underscored the Jiaoshu's adaptability and resourcefulness. One of the most distinctive features of the Jiaoshu was the special tattoo each villager bore on the inside of their right elbow.
This tattoo, a noble mark, featured the character "Jiao" accompanied by a bird symbol.
It was not just a decorative piece but a significant emblem of their identity and culture. The tattoo was bestowed upon individuals during a ceremonial rite of passage, marking their skills and commitment to their heritage.
Obtaining this tattoo required the completion of a series of rigorous trials, further underscoring the villagers' perseverance and dedication. The governance of the village was unique, with the leader, known as the Shì zhǎng, holding a role akin to that of a mayor.
This title, which translates to "mayor," was inherited through the ancestral family line.
Unlike a traditional king, the Shì zhǎng granted written freedoms to the villagers, as long as they adhered to the established rules. This progressive approach to leadership fostered a sense of autonomy and respect within the community. Due to their strict adherence to preserving the purity of their bloodline and protecting their culture from outside influences, the Jiaoshu village was notoriously unwelcoming to outsiders.
Both the Prince of Long and members of the Qin dynasty were usually met with resistance. However, this time was different.
The village was in the grip of a dire situation, desperate for assistance to cure a devastating disease. This urgency had compelled them to reluctantly open their gates to Qin Fuhua and his companions, in the hope that they might bring the much-needed cure.
---------------------------------------------------
"We have arrived at Jiaoshu Village, Your Highness," Weizhe announced, his voice carrying through the thick wooden carriage walls.
Suyin, eager to absorb as much information as possible, quickly followed Qin Fuhua out.
She marveled at the sight before her: houses constructed from sturdy stones, some precariously perched atop the hill.
Among all the dwellings, one stood out—its size and prominent position at the village's hill made it unmistakable. "Is that Shì Zhǎng's home?" Suyin guessed, pointing towards the largest structure. Qin Fuhua nodded, his expression serious. "Just stay near me," he commanded firmly. Standing at the village's entrance, Suyin was captivated by the sheer beauty and tranquility of the place. The village was enveloped by lush forest and fertile plots of land, perfect for agriculture.
The surrounding mountains, with their towering peaks and interwoven rocks and trees, resembled scenes from an ancient painting or a breathtaking wuxia movie. The climate and environment seemed ideal for farming and raising animals. It became clear to Suyin why so many rulers had coveted the Jiaoshu land or sought to exert their influence over it.
The village's natural wealth and strategic location made it a prized possession. As they ventured further into the village, they noticed that not many villagers were out in their fields.
Those who were visible worked diligently, plucking vegetables and fruits and placing them in baskets. The serenity was soon broken by the sound of coughs and distant cries.
Intrigued and concerned, Suyin's curiosity got the better of her, and she wandered off without waiting for Qin Fuhua's permission. Her footsteps guided her to a small, humble home from which the coughing emanated. She leaned against the edge of the open door, peering inside to identify the source of the distress. The interior was dimly lit, and the air was thick with the scent of herbs and sickness.
A child, around the tender age of ten, lay on his mother's lap, his small body wracked with harsh, hacking coughs. Angry, red rashes marred his face, arms, and legs, painting a picture of his ailment.
His mother, eyes filled with a mixture of fear and exhaustion, turned sharply upon hearing a sound at the door. She glared at the intruder, her protective instincts flaring. "Who are you?!" she called out, her voice a blend of suspicion and desperation. As the boy's coughing intensified, she looked back at him, her face softening momentarily with concern.
"Son!" she cried, before returning her fierce gaze to the stranger.
"What business do you have here?! I've never seen you before!" Her tone was harsh, and defensive. Suyin, the intruder, took in the scene with a calm, empathetic expression. "Your child... he has been sick for a while, hasn't he?" she noted gently. The mother's eyes softened as she looked down at her son, now fitfully dozing on her lap. She tenderly caressed his head and hair, her fingers trembling slightly. "What does it have to do with you?" she asked, her voice tinged with both hope and wariness. Suyin's face lit up with a gentle, sincere smile. "I'm here to help you," she began, her voice filled with kindness. But before she could finish, a sudden, forceful grip on her arm pulled her back, spinning her around abruptly. "What did I just say?! Do you not listen?" Qin Fuhua's voice was sharp with frustration as he scowled at Suyin, his grip on her elbow firm. "I know! I just wanted to see what was wrong," Suyin replied, her voice a mix of determination and concern.
She shook off his grip and watched as he strode purposefully toward the Shi Zhang's residence, leaving her standing in the doorway, her heart heavy with the plight of the sick child.
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"Shi Zhang, the Prince of Qin has arrived, again," one of the servants announced, his voice echoing through the grand hall. "Does he not know when to stop?" Shi Zhang muttered under his breath, annoyance flickering in his eyes.
He was a man of patience, but the prince's repeated visits were testing its limits. "Although the Prince came last time with one of his men, it seems like he brought his fiancée with him this time," the servant added, his tone suggesting curiosity.
Shi Zhang's eyebrows shot up, piqued by this new development. "Let him in, then," Shi Zhang commanded, his interest clearly sparked.
He leaned back in his chair, pondering the implications. Why would the Prince of Qin bring his fiancée to this place? Their last encounter had been about the prince seeking aid for his villagers, mentioning someone who could provide help. As the heavy wooden doors swung open, Shi Zhang prepared himself to meet this mysterious fiancée and uncover the prince's intentions. The last visit had been intriguing enough, but this added element promised to make things even more interesting.
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Qin Fuhua, Suyin, and Weizhe stood at the imposing front entrance of Shi Zhang's residence, the weight of anticipation heavy in the air.
As the gates slowly creaked open, they stepped forward, Suyin keeping close to Qin Fuhua's side while Weizhe followed dutifully behind. The grandeur of the main residence loomed ahead, its ornate architecture exuding an air of authority and history. Inside, they were guided to an elegant sitting area, the room adorned with rich tapestries and intricate woodwork. They took their seats, the silence thick with expectation as they awaited Shi Zhang's arrival.
Moments later, the elderly man entered, leaning heavily on a cane. His age showed in the deep lines etched into his face, but his eyes still sparkled with sharp intelligence and curiosity. "It seems like you have brought someone with you this time," Shi Zhang remarked, his voice gravelly but strong. He slowly made his way to the central seat, his gaze sweeping over Suyin, Qin Fuhua, and Weizhe as they sat arranged around him. "Yes. I have brought the person who will cure the village," Qin Fuhua declared with confidence.
Shi Zhang leaned forward, resting on his cane, his eyes narrowing as he focused on Suyin. "Is she the fiancée? Are you sure that she will be able to cure them rather than harm them?" Shi Zhang's question hung in the air, laden with skepticism. At his signal, a group of armed soldiers emerged, encircling the trio. Suyin's grip tightened on the edge of her chair, her eyes wide with shock at the sudden ambush. Qin Fuhua, sensing her distress, subtly nudged her with his elbow, signaling her to stay calm. He then turned to Shi Zhang, a confident grin spreading across his face. "Yes. I'm sure she can help you," he asserted. The soldiers moved swiftly, grabbing hold of Qin Fuhua and Weizhe's arms. Weizhe's initial alarm was evident as he tensed, ready to defend the prince, but Qin Fuhua remained unruffled, his demeanor calm and composed. Shi Zhang's gaze bore into Qin Fuhua, testing his resolve. "In case she does harm my people, would you trade your life in exchange for her trust then?" he proposed, his voice cold and unyielding. Qin Fuhua's eyes met Shi Zhang's unwaveringly. "Yes, I would," he replied, his tone steady. The room fell silent, the gravity of his commitment resonating deeply.
As Suyin turned to meet Qin Fuhua's gaze, she found herself momentarily entranced by the intensity of his nod. His eyes, usually veiled in an aura of detachment, now shone with a rare warmth, exuding an unwavering sense of assurance and trust.
It was a moment of profound significance, a fleeting instance that defied the very essence of Qin Fuhua's reputation as a cold and self-serving Prince.
Who would have fathomed that beneath his aloof exterior lay a wellspring of support, especially directed towards Suyin's noble mission of saving lives? The soldiers, under the weight of their duty, swiftly carried Qin Fuhua and Weizhe away, their compliance serving as an unspoken acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation.
Meanwhile, Shi Zhang, the orchestrator of this elaborate scheme, stood with a sinister smirk playing on his lips, his fingers tracing the intricate patterns of his cane. His voice, dripping with amusement and malice, reverberated through the room as he addressed Suyin. "Tell me, young miss, do you truly believe you can accomplish this task? It's quite a wonder that the Prince of misfortune would place his bet and even his life on you," he taunted, the echoes of his laughter lingering in the air like an ominous prelude. Undeterred by his mocking tone, Suyin met his challenge with steely resolve. "Do you doubt my abilities?" she retorted, her voice a firm counterpoint to his derision. "And if I prove capable, what will be my reward?" Shi Zhang's grin widened into a malevolent sneer at her defiance. "Only time will reveal the answers to your questions," he replied cryptically, his laughter a chilling symphony as he made his departure, leaving Suyin to grapple with her thoughts in the suffocating silence of the room. As the weight of the impending task settled upon her shoulders, Suyin couldn't shake the nagging sensation that Shi Zhang's audacity bordered on madness.
For the first time, Qin Fuhua had laid his life on the line for her, a gesture that spoke volumes of his newfound faith in her abilities. Yet, amidst the swell of emotions, the enormity of the undertaking ahead loomed like a shadow, casting doubt upon her resolve.
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As Suyin descended from Shi Zhang's imposing residence, a sense of defeat weighed heavily upon her.
Could she truly rise to the challenge set before her? The abrupt manner in which Shi Zhang had taken Qin Fuhua and Weizhe captive left her overwhelmed.
She couldn't shake the feeling that Qin Fuhua's men, standing stoically at the fringes of Shi Zhang's domain, had possessed a premonition of the events that unfolded.
Had the Prince, in his enigmatic wisdom, foreseen this very predicament? As Suyin traversed the winding road, the pained coughs and anguished cries of the afflicted villagers pierced the air, a haunting chorus of suffering that echoed through the desolate streets. The sight of adults huddled outside their homes, their bodies adorned with crimson rashes, served as a grim reminder of the village's plight. Then, like a sudden illumination amidst the darkness, an epiphany struck Suyin with the force of revelation.
"The child!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with urgency. With newfound determination coursing through her veins, Suyin hastened towards the nearest dwelling, her footsteps quickened by the weight of responsibility.
It was imperative to ascertain the child's condition first; the similarity of symptoms among both adults and children hinted at the presence of a singular, pervasive malady ravaging the village. Arriving at the familiar threshold, Suyin found the mother, now alone, engrossed in the mundane task of laundering clothes amidst the backdrop of despair.
"What are you doing?!" the woman exclaimed, startled by Suyin's sudden appearance. "It's you," she murmured, her voice tinged with resignation. Gasping for breath, Suyin crouched before the weary woman, her urgency palpable.
"Your child. How long has he been ill?" she inquired, her eyes pleading for answers amidst the sea of uncertainty. Reluctant at first, the mother hesitated before disclosing, "About a couple of days ago."
"Do you trust me to see how your child is doing?" Suyin asked.
Despite her initial wariness, the mother sensed a flicker of sincerity and trust emanating from Suyin's earnest gaze.
With a resigned nod, she acquiesced to Suyin's plea, her heart heavy with the specter of impending loss. "He's sleeping now, so please, be gentle with my child," she implored, her voice laden with unspoken fears and desperate hope.
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The little boy lay in his bed, nestled under the soft glow of the small candle near his bed, his small frame rising and falling with each heavy breath.
Suyin, with gentle steps, approached the bedside, her heart aching at the sight of the child's troubled slumber. As she settled beside him, she couldn't help but notice the red rashes marring his delicate skin, stark against the pale backdrop of his innocence. "Just like the others..." Suyin murmured softly to herself, her voice barely a whisper in the quiet room.
Turning to the mother, who sat vigilantly beside her son, she inquired with a mixture of concern and determination, "Did you notice any symptoms before these marks appeared?" The mother's eyes, weary with worry, met Suyin's gaze, her grip tightening on her son's hand. "He complained of headaches," she revealed, her voice tinged with desperation. "And before this illness struck, he was out playing with the neighbor's children." Suyin nodded thoughtfully, her brow furrowing in contemplation as she studied the child's affliction. Could it be chickenpox, she wondered silently, recalling the tales of its severity from years gone by. "Is it possible that this is chickenpox?" she ventured cautiously, her words hanging in the air like a fragile hope. But the mother's response was a heavy shake of her head, accompanied by a weary sigh that seemed to carry the weight of countless sleepless nights.
"We've consulted countless doctors," she confessed, her voice laced with frustration. "But their treatments only seem to make him worse." Frustration gnawed at Suyin's insides. There had to be an explanation, a root cause behind this sudden onslaught of illness.
Her gaze drifted to a lone mosquito, its persistent buzzing filling the room with a sense of foreboding. With narrowed eyes, she followed its erratic flight, her instincts urging her to uncover the truth. As the insect hovered near the window, desperate for escape, Suyin's gaze sharpened, her mind racing with newfound determination. Perhaps the answer lay not in textbooks or medical journals, but in the unseen world that teemed with life and mystery.