The day passed on with the coming of the old lady from the village. The one renowned woman whose mysterious mystique was all about adoration of elixirs and healing. A woman of composure and power, every step she took had a ring of wisdom. Silvery hair would flow through the back like a silvery brook; soft-hued hands were speckled with herbs and potions.
The villagers spoke about her in hushed tones often, addressing her affectionately as "Elder Lin," as she rarely came but always mattered.
---
**Elder Lin**
The royal envoy had just stepped into the square of that village. Their banners swirled in the air. Elder Lin, with her calm composure, approached them.
"You must go to the Zhang mansion," she declared gently but authoritatively. "The young masters and mistresses are eagerly awaiting your arrival."
The envoy leader inclined his head, a subtle gesture of respect, before signaling his group to depart. Elder Lin's eyes remained fixed on them for a moment longer, then she turned and made her way toward the old vendor's house.
Inside the little boy, who had suffered at the hands of Wei, lay on a small cot, his eyes now red but dry, no more crying. He brightened up at the step of Elder Lin inside. "Elder Lin!"
She settled beside him, smiling delicately, and looked down at his wounds. "Not too bad," she whispered, showing him a little vial of elixir. "Drink that'll ease the pain."
He must have listened carefully because, after drinking the sweet, cool liquid, his bruises started to fade soon.
Elder Lin smiled to herself, warmth glinting in her eyes as she asked: "What is it that makes you believe in Bai Cheng like this? To everybody else, he seems. Not precisely competent."
The boy's face lights up with enthusiasm. "Big brother Bai Cheng is the only one who truly cares for us! He stands up for us kids when no one else will!"
Elder Lin's heart softened at his sincere reply. She gently patted his head. "You have a kind heart. Don't waste it."
Elder LIn then handed him a small pouch containing herbs. "Use this, the next time you are wounded. Now, sleep."
And just like that, Elder Lin was gone, as if she had never existed.
---
A Voyage to the Toon
Elsewhere, Bai Cheng continued to train with Gerald and Mei Feng. His clothes were in tatters; the rigors of the training were too much for even such strong fabric. Mei Feng was the first to notice, knitting her brows in concern.
"Gerald," she said, pointing to the tattered garment of Bai Cheng, "look at his clothes. Just held together by fraying threads. He can't possibly train like this,"
Gerald shrugged, grinning. "Well, isn't that part of the charm? He looks like an underdog now,"
Mei Feng rolled her eyes. "No. We're taking him to town. He needs proper clothes."
On hearing this, Bai Cheng lit up. "Town? Really?"
"Yes," Mei Feng replied, her smile warm and inviting. "Let's go."
---
**A Goddess in the City**
The trio walked through the busy market square of a nearby town. As they walked, people stopped in their tracks and their eyes tracked to Mei Feng. She was a vision, almost otherworldly, with a beauty so breathtaking that it seemed unreal. Whispers of wonder drifted through the crowd, while others nudged one another, unable to look away.
"Is she. a goddess?" one vendor whispered.
"She must be!", another retorted, pointing at her.
The scene became even more hilarious when a throng of curious onlookers began pointing at Gerald and Bai Cheng.
"Are they her husband and son? What a lucky family!"
Meifeng's face blushed bright red as she listened to the remarks. She gave Gerald a dirty look, who was barely holding in a giggle. "Not a word," she hissed.
"Of course, dear wife," Gerald teased with a wicked grin.
Meanwhile, Bai Cheng stood agog at the view. "So many shops and so many people!" he exclaimed turning this way and that to drink it all in.
"Towns are like that?"
Mei Feng's expression softened. "You have never been in a town before?"
Bai Cheng shook his head skeptically. "Never went anywhere like this, ever. Incredible!" The man's effusiveness was contagious, but Mei Feng felt that thin edge of sorrow creeping in.
She saw behind his exuberance, part of a lonely childhood.
Bai Cheng walked through the town, seeing families and parents holding the hands of their children and laughing together, sharing sweets. For a moment, his face drooped, his shoulders slumping. Mei Feng sensed his collapse immediately, her heart aching for him.
However, before the gloom could set in, Gerald playfully ruffled Bai Cheng's hair.
"Come on, kid. There's no time for pouting. Let's find you some proper clothes!"
They entered a shop selling clothes.
Bai Cheng's smile returned.
---
**Chaos in the Market**
Without regard for restraint, Gerald and Bai Cheng plunged into the selection of items from the surrounding array. They piled their arms high with tunics, trousers, cloaks, and even a selection of utterly absurd hats.
"How about this one?" Gerald asked, pulling out a brilliant scarlet scarf.
"So shiny!" shouted Bai Cheng, laughing.
Mei Feng was at first amused but soon became suspicious.
"You two are enjoying this too much."
When he came to the counter, the shopkeeper calculated his bill. But it was shocking. Gerald and Bai Cheng opened their faces and pointed the bill toward Mei Feng.
"Your turn, dear wife," Gerald said, his laughter close to the skin.
Mei Feng's face narrowed in anger. "You two. Didn't plan on bringing any cash?!
Bai Cheng scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Well. We didn't know it'd cost this much."
Mei Feng grimaced as she paid the bill, Gerald and Bai Cheng exchanged grins akin to those of two mischievous urchins.
"You two are unbearable," she grumbled, but her voice still held a tinge of amusement.
----
**Through the Brothel District**
They stumbled across the house of prostitution as they wandered around town. Bai Cheng's eyes grew wide as he saw women lavishly dressed, leering from windows and doorways, laughing in the air.
"Gerald, what is this place?" Bai Cheng inquired innocently.
Gerald coughed awkwardly, a flush creeping across his face. "Uh, nothing! Just. Different kind of market."
When he was just about to say something, one of the women beckoned him over, "Attractive man, take care of some company?
She winked at Gerald, and he stuttered.
Mei Feng's patience had run out. "What *are* we doing here?" she snapped, grabbing both Gerald and Bai Cheng by the collars.
"It was his idea!" Gerald exclaimed, pointing towards Bai Cheng.
"Hey! Don't blame me!" Bai Cheng protested.
"You both hopeless," murmured Mei Feng, her head shaking gently as they hurried out of the district.
---
A Unique Present
They sat in front of a bonfire just outside the town by dusk. Bai Cheng had been tired but pleased with the way he had folded his new clothes neatly beside him.
He hadn't bought anything for himself because he was already overwhelmed by their kindness.
Gerald observed the moment and offered Bai Cheng a meticulously wrapped package.
"Here. A gift."
Bai Cheng carefully unwrapped the gift, revealing a beautifully crafted set of training clothes—simple yet remarkably durable.
His eyes widened in surprise. "For me?" "Of course," Gerald remarked, tousling his hair.
"You'll need them for the exam. And remember—wear them with pride."
Bai Cheng held the clothes tightly against his chest. "I'll wear them on exam day," he vowed. "And I'll never forget this."
Mei Feng watched the scene, warming up to it. But despite their shenanigans, Mei Feng knew this was something special.
Behind the crackling fire and twinkling stars, Bai Cheng drifted off to sleep with a serene face. Gerald and Mei Feng sat in silence for a little while, looking over at him.
"You see," Mei Feng said softly, "he is something quite remarkable. He has been through so much, but he just keeps going."
Gerald nodded. "Yes, he's stronger than he looks. And someday, the world will come to know that too."