The sun, a radiant sphere of fiery hues, sank leisurely beyond the rugged silhouette of the mountains, casting the sky into a mesmerizing palette of orange and red.
The evening descended gradually, painting the world in soft, dusky tones as Suyin and the Shi Zhang arrived at Meifeng's residence. A throng of onlookers, their curiosity piqued by the unfolding drama, trailed behind them, their murmurs blending with the rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. Among the crowd, two familiar figures lingered discreetly at the rear, clad in borrowed attire reminiscent of the locals.
Qin Fuhua and Weizhe, their faces veiled by a swath of blue cloth, had secured permission to accompany Suyin, their presence concealed amidst the darkness like shadowy guardians. "Suyin, I um... apologize," Huang Wen began tentatively, his voice tinged with remorse. However, before he could complete his sentence, Meifeng interjected, her tone laced with a mix of defiance and exasperation. "More like, I kicked his ass for you, and for myself," she declared, crossing her arms. "I personally am sorry about my stupid brother though." Suyin, a picture of composure amid the tension, raised her hand in a placating gesture, halting Meifeng's apologetic outburst.
"It's fine, someone had explained it to me," she reassured, her words carrying a sense of understanding and forgiveness.
Fortunately, it was Zhaohui who had unveiled Shi Zhang's plans, sparing Suyin the need for further retribution. Had it not been for her timely intervention, the consequences might have been dire. Grateful for Meifeng's protective instinct, Suyin silently acknowledged the debt of gratitude she owed to her friend's familial ties.
Seated graciously within the modest confines of Meifeng's home, the Shi Zhang exuded an air of tranquility as he accepted the cup of tea offered by his hostess.
Meifeng, her hospitality overflowing, expressed her gratitude with a warm smile, her words tinged with a hint of apology for the humble surroundings. "Shi Zhang, thank you for coming into my home. I apologize if it isn't as big as your home, but please be comfortable and feel free to ask for anything that I can personally provide," Meifeng stated, her sincerity evident in her demeanor. "It's no worries. It feels just right at home!" The Shi Zhang replied tenderly, his gaze drifting toward Suyin as she disappeared into the child's room, a faint smile playing on his lips as he savored the aroma of the tea. Meanwhile, inside the room, Suyin meticulously penned down the prescription of herbs and materials required for the medicine, her movements purposeful and precise.
With Shi Zhang's servant having procured the necessary items, she awaited the boiling of water, poised to transform them into a medicine to alleviate the child's suffering. As Suyin glanced over at the resting child, concern etched upon her features, she inquired about his condition.
"Has he been feeling better?"
"No. After the incident with my brother, I woke up back at home with my brother here. He didn't realize how bad the situation was with my son."
Meifeng, her voice laden with worry, recounted the recent ordeal involving her son's illness, her distress palpable as she spoke of her brother's obliviousness to the severity of the situation. Turning to Suyin with a plea in her eyes, Meifeng grasped her hands, mirroring the comforting gesture that had marked their initial encounter. "Please, help my son. I really believe you can do it," Meifeng implored earnestly, her faith in Suyin unwavering. Suyin's grin was infectious as she reassured Meifeng, her confidence unwavering as she patted her friend's hands reassuringly. "I know I can do it. Just trust me," she affirmed, determination shining in her eyes. Their moment of resolve was abruptly interrupted by a commotion outside, drawing their attention to the unfolding chaos.
Stepping outside, they were met with a confrontation between villagers and unfamiliar soldiers, the air crackling with tension as accusations were hurled and spears brandished in defiance.
"Who the hell are you?! And what right do you have to come barge right in here?!"
One of the villagers, a weathered man with deep lines etched into his face from years of toil under the sun, stepped forward, his voice laced with a blend of fear and defiance.
He squared his shoulders, meeting the gaze of the soldier who held a spear, his stance a mix of aggression and desperation. Suyin, observing from the outskirts of the confrontation, couldn't immediately recognize these soldiers as belonging to Qin Fuhua's regiment.
Their attire differed significantly from the uniforms worn by the soldiers stationed outside Shi Zhang's home.
These soldiers bore a ruggedness in their appearance, their armor dented and scarred from countless battles, a far cry from the pristine uniforms she was accustomed to seeing. "The Prince of Long is here, present and you don't appreciate it?!" Another guard, his voice booming with authority, interjected, his hand pushing the villagers roughly to the side as he strode forward, his demeanor one of unquestionable superiority. "Prince of Long...?"
Suyin murmured to herself, her eyes scanning the crowd until they settled on a figure standing amidst the commotion.
Prince Jianyu stood tall and regal, his presence commanding attention even from a distance.
He was garbed in attire reminiscent of the one she had seen him wear earlier with Zhaohui: a billowing, cotton cloak the color of fresh spring leaves, contrasting beautifully against the azure hue of his silken robe. "Stop harming the villagers! Have I not told you to stop using force?"
Long Jianyu's voice cut through the tense atmosphere, authoritative yet tinged with disappointment as he strode purposefully towards his men, his strides measured and deliberate.
He approached the soldiers who had instigated the confrontation, his gaze unwavering as he met their eyes, his expression a mix of reproach and concern. "B-But we were just making your job easier--" one of the soldiers stammered, his voice tinged with embarrassment as he averted his gaze, unable to meet the piercing stare of his prince. "No, I have already told you to not interfere with my business." Long Jianyu's tone brooked no argument, firm and resolute as he addressed his men, his words echoing with a sense of authority tempered by compassion for the villagers caught in the crossfire. The crowd, now silent and watchful, observed Prince Long Jianyu as he lectured his soldiers, their expressions a mix of disdain and disappointment at the behavior displayed by those who purportedly served to protect them.
Just as Long Jianyu turned to depart, his gaze swept across the crowd, scanning the faces with a practiced eye until it settled on one that caused his heart to skip a beat. "Suyin?!" He called out, his voice carrying a mixture of surprise and delight amidst the tension that lingered in the air. Suyin, her face lighting up with a radiant smile, waved in acknowledgment before darting through the crowd towards him, her footsteps quick and eager.
As she drew nearer, the stark contrast in height between them became evident—Long Jianyu towered above her, his presence commanding, while Suyin stood before him, a picture of youthful exuberance and warmth. "What are you doing here?" Jianyu's voice, soft and inquisitive, barely audible above the murmurs of the surrounding villagers.
He glanced towards the direction from which she had come, his brow furrowing with concern, before leaning in closer to whisper into her ear. "Is this your chore you were talking about?" His words were laced with a mixture of curiosity and amusement, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Pretty much," Suyin replied with a chuckle, her tone light and teasing as she met his gaze with a sparkle in her eyes. Suddenly, a palpable shift in the atmosphere engulfed the crowd, a sense of foreboding descending upon them like an invisible shroud. Weizhe, his gaze fixed intently on Long Jianyu and Suyin, wore a somber expression for Qin Fuhua. Though he longed to voice his concerns, he remained silent, his silence speaking volumes amidst the tumultuous scene unfolding before him. But like the saying goes,
Qin Fuhua's gaze bore down upon the scene like a newly forged sword, its edge honed to perfection, capable of slicing through the thickest of veils to reveal the truth beneath. The villagers, sensing the weight of his scrutiny, shrank back instinctively, a tangible tension hanging in the air like a heavy fog. "Your Highness," the soldiers addressed Long Jianyu, their voices respectful yet tinged with an urgency that brooked no delay. They awaited his command, their posture rigid with anticipation as they stood at attention, ready to carry out his orders. "This isn't the right time to see you now, but I will see you, for sure soon?" Jianyu's words whispered softly to Suyin, carried a promise of future encounters, a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos that surrounded them.
Suyin, her expression bright with understanding, nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with unspoken gratitude. "Of course! Good luck, Prince Jianyu," Suyin called out as she hurried back towards the safety of the home, her steps quickening with a sense of purpose.
Meanwhile, Long Jianyu turned away, his strides purposeful as he made his way towards another area of the village, his presence a reassuring anchor amidst the uncertainty that gripped the villagers.
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Upon returning to Meifeng's humble abode, Suyin immediately set to work administering the medicine to Meifeng's ailing child.
With gentle hands and a steady demeanor, she carefully poured the remedy into a small cup, her movements deliberate as she ensured the dosage was precise. Meifeng, her anxiety palpable, watched on nervous, her heart heavy with concern for her beloved son.
Huang Wen, his features etched with a mixture of hope and apprehension, hovered nearby, his presence a silent testament to his unwavering support for his sister and nephew in their time of need. As they settled into a makeshift circle on the floor, their eyes trained on the child lying prone on the bed, and a sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air.
The child, his once vibrant spirit dampened by illness, stirred restlessly, his movements sluggish and labored. He had been plagued by bouts of lethargy in recent days, his strength sapped by the relentless march of sickness. "Mnnn," the child grumbled softly, his eyelids fluttering open to reveal eyes dulled by exhaustion. "Yahui! My child!" Meifeng's voice broke with emotion as she rushed to her son's side, her hands reaching out to clasp his own in a desperate display of maternal affection. "Ama... you're holding my hands too tight!" the child protested weakly, his voice tinged with a hint of discomfort.
Meifeng, tears pooling in her eyes, released her grip with a gentle laugh, her heart overflowing with relief at the sound of her son's voice. "How...are you feeling?" the Shi Zhang, having entered the room with a sense of eager anticipation, interjected with a wide smile plastered across his face.
His gaze, filled with paternal pride, swept over the child's form, his chest swelling with pride at the sight of the boy's gradual recovery. "M-My spots are slowly disappearing, and I feel better than before!" Yahui declared triumphantly, his voice tinged with newfound strength as he attempted to rise from his bed, only to falter unsteadily at the edge. "Don't stand up yet. You still need a lot of rest and medicine for you to recover," Suyin cautioned gently, her hands reaching out to steady him as he settled back onto the bed, his brow furrowed with frustration. "Suyin... you did it!" Meifeng's face lit up with a radiant smile, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. "My child hasn't shown this much strength since he last ventured out to play with his friends!" "Although he is gradually improving, be sure to keep him hydrated and administer the prescribed medicine regularly, okay?" Suyin reassured Meifeng, her voice filled with warmth and empathy as she offered words of guidance and support to the grateful mother.
"Suyin..." Huang Wen's voice, tinged with remorse and regret, faltered as he struggled to meet her gaze, his eyes cast downwards in shame. The weight of his mistake hung heavy upon him, a burden he bore with a heavy heart. "I...APOLOGIZE FOR MY MISTAKE AND IDIOCY!" With a deep sense of contrition, he lowered himself to the ground, his posture one of penitence as he sought forgiveness for his transgressions. Meifeng, observing the scene unfold, shook her head in dismay, her heart heavy with sympathy for the man who had faltered in his judgment. "N-No. It's alright," Suyin reassured him with a warm smile, her voice gentle and understanding as she extended a hand to help him rise. In that moment, her forgiveness washed over him like a cleansing tide, lifting the weight of guilt from his shoulders and offering him a glimmer of redemption.
Touched by Suyin's boundless kindness and compassion, Huang Wen couldn't help but feel a swell of gratitude towards her, his heart overflowing with appreciation for her capacity to forgive. "If you ever need ANY help at all, just let me know and I will be there!"
Huang Wen declared earnestly, his eyes shining with sincerity as he directed his pledge towards Suyin.
All she could do in response was smile back at him, her expression radiant with warmth and acceptance. She nodded in agreement, her silent assurance enough to dispel any lingering doubts in his mind.
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Suyin, the Shi Zhang, and their companions had returned to the Shi Zhang's residence. The atmosphere was laden with a mixture of relief, tension, and an unspoken acknowledgment of the challenges ahead.
"Haha! I knew you would do it!" The Shi Zhang's laughter reverberated through the room as he settled into his seat, a mixture of triumph and joviality evident in his demeanor. Suyin, though weary from the day's trials, couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration at the Shi Zhang's apparent lack of support.
Her words, muttered under her breath, were tinged with a hint of resentment. "More like, you wanted to stop me from helping the village." The Shi Zhang's response was a calculated silence, his gaze lingering on Suyin with an intensity that betrayed his interest in her unspoken words, as if daring her to voice her discontent once more. Summoning her courage, Suyin met his gaze with a defiant smile. "It seems like the Shi Zhang's attempts to thwart me have failed," she declared, her voice steady despite the undercurrent of tension in the room. The Villagers, now acutely aware of the ramifications of their past judgments, shifted uncomfortably, their expressions reflecting a mixture of regret and admiration.
The realization dawned upon them that Suyin's gender was no barrier to her capabilities, a truth underscored by the undeniable success of her efforts in the village.
The presence of the Prince of Qin at her side only served to reinforce their newfound understanding. "That's great! I'm glad you were able to overcome the obstacle!" The Shi Zhang's words were buoyant with genuine pride, a testament to his evolving perception of Suyin's capabilities. "Come in, I'm sure she's been waiting for you!"
With an inviting gesture, he ushered them inside, where Qin Fuhua and Weizhe stood. As they settled into their seats, Qin Fuhua and Weizhe appeared weary but relieved, the signs of their ordeal evident in the disheveled state of their attire.
Suyin's immediate concern was evident as she addressed them, her voice tinged with remorse.
"I-I'm sorry for taking so long! Were you guys okay in the prison?" she inquired, her hands fidgeting nervously before them. Qin Fuhua's response was a solemn shake of the head, his eyes reflecting the trials they had endured.
Beside him, Weizhe echoed the sentiment, his expression mirroring Qin Fuhua's weariness.
Suyin's gaze lingered on the torn sleeve of Qin Fuhua's robe, her concern evident in the furrow of her brow.
"Y-Your robe!" she exclaimed, her voice betraying a mix of surprise and worry.
The Shi Zhang's amused chuckle filled the room, a testament to the theatrical display the Prince of Qin and his companion had inadvertently provided for Suyin's benefit. Despite their outward appearance of distress, Qin Fuhua and Weizhe had been far from helpless during Suyin's absence.
In a calculated move, the Shi Zhang had orchestrated an illusion of pitiable treatment, masking their true status as esteemed guests.
While Suyin toiled tirelessly to find the cure, her companions had been afforded the freedom to explore the village, their actions a strategic effort to buy time. "Shi Zhang... Why would you really stop me from helping your own people? I don't understand that," Suyin questioned, her tone tinged with confusion and a hint of hurt.
She struggled to understand the Shi Zhang's actions with his purported desire to aid his community. "Was it because you didn't trust me?" The Shi Zhang's response was measured, his smile genuine as he shook his head in denial. "No, Han Suyin. You possess a unique gift, one that transcends conventional understanding," he explained, his tone grave and earnest, a stark departure from his usual demeanor. Suyin listened intently, her mind racing to comprehend the significance of his words. Before she could fully process his revelation, the Shi Zhang continued, shedding light on his clandestine role as a shaman and the unseen threats that lurked in the shadows. "It was never a matter of trust, but rather a necessity to protect you," he clarified, his gaze steady as he met Suyin's bewildered expression.
The weight of his revelation settled heavily upon her shoulders as she grappled with the implications of his words. Qin Fuhua, observing Suyin's turmoil, stepped forward, offering his own insight into the situation. "The Shi Zhang possesses a rare gift to see who is genuine or not.," he revealed, his voice carrying a note of respect for the older man's abilities. As the conversation shifted, Qin Fuhua wasted no time in addressing their original purpose for coming to the village, his demeanor unflappable in the face of the revelations that had unfolded.
"Speaking of which, since we have aided your village, can we now discuss what we came here for?" he inquired, his tone businesslike as he steered the conversation back to more immediate concerns.
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The air within the Shi Zhang's residence grew tense as the conversation turned to the elusive 100-year-old Hong Teng, the key to which they sought.
"Ah yes. The Prince of Qin is looking for the 100-year-old Hong Teng. Unfortunately, I don't have the key with me, if that is what you are asking for," the Shi Zhang explained, his tone tinged with regret.
"There is someone with the key, though. I can tell you that. She lives in the village of Liaoping." Qin Fuhua nodded, his expression grave as he sought further information.
"Do you know the location of the 100-year-old Hong Teng?" he inquired, his voice steady despite the weight of their quest.
The Shi Zhang shook his head solemnly, his features betraying a hint of frustration. "Regrettably, wherever it is hidden, I cannot see that far," he admitted. "It seems like it is hidden somewhere even I can't sense it."
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Meanwhile, amidst the dense foliage of the forest, a figure cloaked in black emerged, his movements swift and deliberate. This shadowy figure, the same individual who had previously aimed an arrow at Suyin, returned to the waiting soldiers with a sense of urgency.
"It seems like His Highness, Long Jianyu, hasn't caught wind of our presence yet. Shall we inform him?" the soldier inquired, shedding his dark attire and disposing of it with a sense of urgency, leaving no trace behind.
"No. Our orders from the emperor remain unchanged: capture the medical practitioner aiding the Prince of Qin and locate the 100-year-old Hong Teng," another soldier responded in hushed tones, his voice betraying a sense of urgency as they regrouped to resume their search.
Unbeknownst to the soldiers, their target was not the assumed medical practitioner Zhaohui but rather Han Suyin, daughter of the Long royal family's educator.
Their failed attempt to apprehend her had inadvertently thwarted their mission, leaving them to press onward in their pursuit of the elusive Hong Teng.