The Gentleman’s Gu was poisonous and could cause internal energy to grow uncontrollably in a short time.
For those without martial arts skills, being infected with the Gentleman’s Gu would only result in permanent sleep due to its toxicity, rendering them no different from the living dead. However, for those skilled in martial arts, attempting to expel the poison by channeling their energy would cause an immediate and uncontrollable surge in internal power. Unable to contain this overwhelming force, their meridians would eventually burst, reducing them to dust, and leaving no remains.
Thus, Mei Lin was truly a miracle, the scabby-headed doctor said. But when he learned that Mei Lin’s martial arts had previously been crippled, he realized this misfortune had been a blessing in disguise.
During her time in the secret facility, Mei Lin had been exposed to various poisons, developing a resistance to toxins. Even lethal poisons that could kill on contact with blood could be resisted to some extent, buying her time to find an antidote. The Gentleman’s Gu, while not immediately fatal, posed little threat to her due to her immunity. Moreover, with no internal energy at the time, the Gu had nothing to act upon, allowing for a tentative coexistence between person and parasite.
However, the Gentleman’s Gu itself had the effect of stimulating the meridians. Combined with her previous martial arts training and unobstructed energy channels, a new form of internal energy began to emerge within her, distinct from her original power.
If this new energy couldn’t be controlled, it would still prove fatal. The scabby-headed doctor explained the situation to Mei Lin, concluding that mastering this internal energy was beyond his expertise. She would have to figure it out on her own, though he suggested that the process of nurturing the jade might provide some insight.
Mei Lin, with her strong will to survive, took his words to heart.
At noon, the jade nurturing process began.
A reclining chair padded with thick, soft fabric, a concave handrest, a purple bamboo dish for the jade, and a wooden basin were prepared.
Mei Lin reclined in the chair, covered with a warm blanket. Her left hand rested on the slightly lower handrest, palm covering the meridian jade in the bamboo dish. The dish was placed over a hollowed-out section of the wooden table, which connected to the basin below.
The scabby-headed doctor made an incision on her palm, applying an unknown medicine that caused blood to flow continuously without clotting. Slowly, the blood saturated the jade beneath. Simultaneously, as instructed, Mei Lin channeled her internal energy into the jade, flowing like blood.
After two hours, the pale jade transformed into a translucent deep red. The doctor removed it and placed it in another purple bamboo box. He stopped Mei Lin’s bleeding and gave her a strange-tasting medicinal drink, which promptly put her to sleep. The process would be repeated at midnight.
Twice a day, at noon and midnight, Mei Lin would nurture the jade. These were the only times she was conscious. For the rest of the day, she lay in the chair, drifting in and out of consciousness, fed medicinal drinks for her three daily meals without consuming any solid food.
This continued for seven days. During this time, Murong Jinghe had come to check on her but was turned away by the scabby-headed doctor. Conversely, Qing Yan was allowed to see her when he came alone. The doctor did not explain this preferential treatment, greatly annoying Murong Jinghe, who even began to resent Qing Yan, finding excuses to lash out at him. Qing Yan was at a loss but couldn’t neglect his duties for fear of complications. After being denied a few times, Murong Jinghe simply stopped trying to visit. When Qing Yan reported to him, he feigned disinterest, though his ears perked up attentively.
Just then, scouts returned with urgent news from the southwestern front. Mu Ye Luo Mei had suffered three consecutive defeats against South Yue’s strange techniques and retreated to Qing City. The court was in a panic, with some even suggesting suing for peace and relocating the capital. Emperor Yan ultimately heeded Minister You’s advice and once again summoned Murong Jinghe to the capital to discuss strategies for defeating the enemy.
Murong Jinghe responded with a memorial stating he was at a critical point in his treatment and couldn’t leave. He subtly suggested replacing Mu Ye Luo Mei with the veteran Cang Dao general Yang Ze Xing. Meanwhile, he ordered his men to gather intelligence on the southwestern military situation, specifically the enemy commanders’ temperaments, usual tactics, their influence within the army, and the details of Mu Ye Luo Mei’s three defeats.
After the mysterious disappearance of the King of Cang, his Bing Dao army had been divided and assigned to other generals. Only one unit remained, led by his descendants, hidden among the common people. Two dynasties later, they were pardoned and became known as Cang Dao. The Cang Dao army was formidable, having rendered countless meritorious services to Da Yan, serving as a strong military backbone. However, they remained insular and extremely exclusive. The court had tried to insert its leaders but failed due to cold treatment and inability to command. Since the current dynasty, with reduced border conflicts and the emergence of outstanding young generals like Murong Jinghe, the Cang Dao army hasn’t been used. The lack of provisions and pay led to their gradual decline. Yet, in the hearts of Da Yan’s military leaders, Cang Dao still represented the strongest military force, an insurmountable status.
However, Yang Ze Xing had grown old. Moreover, after decades without battlefield experience, was Cang Dao still as sharp as before?
Murong Jinghe gazed at the blooming red plum blossoms outside the window, his fingers trembling slightly as he held a white Go stone. Without looking, he placed it amidst a group of black stones, the sound of its placement steady and firm. With this move, the previously aggressive black stones suddenly crumbled, while the white stones that seemed on the verge of being consumed now dominated the board.
Murong Jinghe frowned slightly, impatiently scattering the board. He leaned against the window frame, finding the game uninteresting and wondering how that woman could play all day. Once he recovered, perhaps he could take her to play in South Yue or even West Yan.
As he mused, Qing Yan entered carrying a purple bamboo box containing a black stone, followed by the scabby-headed doctor.
Upon closer inspection, the black stone wasn’t truly black but a deep red so dark it appeared black. It was translucent, with deeper colored veins visible within, as if something was slowly flowing inside.
Murong Jinghe knew without asking that this must be the meridian jade. He remained leaning against the window as the two approached, not moving. Perhaps already knowing the outcome, his heart remained calm.
“Can I see her now?” he asked coldly. If not for still needing the doctor’s treatment, he might have kicked him out of the manor long ago.
The doctor glanced at him, pointing at the meridian jade in Qing Yan’s hands with his pipe, and said with a sneer, “You officials are not as honest as us country folk. The prince…”
Murong Jinghe’s expression changed slightly at these words.
Seeing the situation turning sour, Qing Yan hurriedly interjected, “My lord, Miss Mei Lin has just taken her medicine and fallen asleep. Why don’t you let the divine doctor treat you first? This servant will arrange for Miss to be moved here immediately.” As he spoke, he positioned himself between the two men.
“If you men want that foolish girl’s life, go ahead and move her!” The doctor wasn’t upset at being interrupted, but hearing Qing Yan’s implied meaning, he became angry.
“Divine doctor…” Qing Yan turned, confused, wanting to ask why she couldn’t be moved.
The doctor waved his hand impatiently, “Move her if you want… After all, I see you don’t value others’ lives much.”
Qing Yan froze awkwardly, then heard Murong Jinghe say, “Never mind.” After a pause, his tone devoid of any displeasure, he continued slowly, “When this prince can walk, I’ll go see her myself.”
Qing Yan slowly relaxed, thinking to himself that he finally wouldn’t have to be caught in the middle anymore.
Two days later.
After snowing for several days, the snow finally stopped. Sunlight broke through the thick clouds, shining on the snow-covered roofs and walls, making the red plum blossoms in the courtyard appear extraordinarily enchanting.
The thick door curtain was lifted, and Murong Jinghe strode out quickly. Qing Yan followed closely behind, hurriedly draping a stone-gray squirrel cape over his shoulders.
Murong Jinghe impatiently tried to remove it, but Qing Yan hastily advised, “It’s coldest when the sun comes out after snow, my lord. You’ve just recovered, so it’s best to be careful. Besides, at Miss Mei Lin’s place…”
“Alright, alright,” Murong Jinghe interrupted the bothersome nagging, fastening the ties himself as he walked. Only then did Qing Yan feel relieved.
The manor wasn’t large, and with their quick pace, they soon arrived at the side courtyard.
The scabby-headed doctor was dozing by the fire in the main room, pipe in mouth and legs crossed. A heavily made-up middle-aged woman sat on the other side of the fire pit, plucking a stringed instrument and singing a Jingbei folk tune.
Upon seeing this scene, Murong Jinghe’s face darkened immediately, though he only gave the woman a cold glance without saying anything.
“Oh my, look at that energy! Has the prince fully recovered? Congratulations! Congratulations!” The doctor, seeing the two arrive, didn’t move but merely made a gesture with his pipe, smiling.
Hearing it was the prince, the woman hurriedly stopped playing and prostrated herself.
“Thanks to the divine doctor’s efforts,” Murong Jinghe replied with a forced smile, ignoring the woman and heading straight for the inner room. Qing Yan, genuinely grateful to the doctor, stayed behind to exchange pleasantries and told the woman to continue before following to wait outside the inner room.
Moments later, Murong Jinghe emerged from the inner room, carrying Mei Lin tightly wrapped in his cape.
“I’m taking Mei Lin with me. Divine doctor, please make yourself at home here. If you need anything, just tell the servants.” Not wanting to disturb the sleeping woman, he spoke softly, his tone much gentler.
The doctor did not attempt to stop him, waving his hand, “I know. It’s good to take her away, so I can enjoy my music without distraction.”
Murong Jinghe glanced at the woman whose singing could be heard even before entering the courtyard, feeling the doctor’s words about enjoyment had a deeper meaning. However, he didn’t mind and merely nodded slightly before carrying Mei Lin out.
Murong Jinghe took Mei Lin directly back to his courtyard, placing her in the main room. Looking at her calm, pale sleeping face, his anxious heart finally settled.
Mei Lin had lost a lot of blood, so she spent more time sleeping than awake each day. Now, besides finding ways to replenish her blood, all they could do was wait.
At noon, perhaps out of habit, she finally opened her eyes. Noticing the unfamiliar surroundings and smelling Murong Jinghe’s unique scent, she was momentarily confused before realizing where she was.
Murong Jinghe was standing by the desk, examining a map of South Yue drawn at his request. Hearing movement, he turned to see Mei Lin staring at him in a daze, which filled him with joy. He strode to the bedside, bent down to embrace her, and feeling her warm hands, he relaxed and smiled, “You’ve slept for so long. If you hadn’t woken up, you’d have missed lunch.” As he spoke, he called for the meal to be served.
Mei Lin felt as if she were in a dream. She had never seen Murong Jinghe so vibrant and energetic; his radiance was breathtaking. It took her a moment to come to her senses when he playfully pinched her cheek, confused. She wanted to say she’d like to freshen up first but suddenly remembered she couldn’t speak. A brief wave of sadness washed over her, but she quickly pushed it aside and made a gesture indicating she wanted to clean up.
Murong Jinghe’s eyes darkened momentarily before he smiled again, saying, “I’ll help you.”
True to his word, he had hot water brought in and personally wrung out a cloth to carefully wipe her face and hands. He then helped her brush her teeth with sea salt and rinse her mouth before carrying her to a chair in front of a full-length mirror to brush her hair.
“I don’t have a woman’s dressing table here, so this will have to do,” he explained. Despite his usually arrogant temperament, his hands were gentle as he brushed her hair, careful not to cause any pain.
Mei Lin looked at their reflections in the mirror, then at his smiling face, and slowly broke into a smile herself. If she could speak, she would have said this was ten or a hundred times better than a dressing table.
A small mirror on a dressing table could only show one person’s face, but this allowed her to see both of their figures together. She finally knew what they looked like side by side. The only downside was that she was thin and pale, looking ugly, while he was too handsome.
Thinking of this, she lowered her eyes slightly, turned her head, and buried her face in his chest. It was better not to see, she thought, as seeing the vast difference between them made her heartache.
Murong Jinghe froze for a moment, stopping his hair-brushing. Then he wrapped his arms around her, holding her to his chest. Although she couldn’t speak, he could sense her sadness.
After a while, Mei Lin’s lips involuntarily curled up into a smile, and she sat up straight, gesturing for him to continue.
This man… if he was willing, he could be so considerate.
Since moving Mei Lin to the central courtyard, Murong Jinghe had spent entire days with her in the room, not leaving for over ten days. He didn’t receive any visitors, and even his three daily meals were personally delivered by Qing Yan.
On this day, heavy snow was falling, and all doors and windows were tightly shut. Thanks to the heated floor, the room was as warm as early summer. Mei Lin reclined on the couch, languidly embroidering a sachet. Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside, causing her to pause and listen intently.
Moments later, Qing Yan hurriedly entered, knocking on the door. “General Mu Ye has arrived. I’m holding him off outside. Whatever happens, don’t come out,” he said. Without waiting for a response, he turned and left, closing the door tightly behind him.
The eunuch Qing Yan’s calm voice resonated from outside the window. “The Prince is taking his afternoon nap, and I dare not disturb him. General Muye must be tired from your long journey. Why don’t you have some hot soup and rest first? I’ll inform you as soon as the Prince wakes up.”
Mei Lin climbed onto the couch and peered through the window gap. She caught glimpses of slender figures in deep red and white. Try as she might, she couldn’t make out their faces. Giving up, she returned to her seat and resumed her needlework, her ears perked up.
Suddenly, Muye Luomei’s long-unheard voice rang out aggressively, “What time is it now? How can he still be napping? Get out of my way, useless servant! I’ll wake him myself. Let’s see how he deals with me!”
Mei Lin’s lips curled into a slight smile, finding the situation amusing. She discreetly circulated her inner energy, confirming its smooth flow. At least she could protect herself if things went awry.
“The Prince has just recovered and is still weak. The imperial physician specifically prescribed this nap. I’m afraid I can’t comply with your request,” Qing Yan replied, his voice tinged with anger. Though he referred to himself as a servant, only Murong Jinghe and one other person dared to address him so directly. Muye Luomei certainly didn’t qualify.
Muye Luomei’s face darkened. Even Murong Jinghe showed her respect, yet here she was, being thwarted by a lowly servant. How could she swallow this insult? In one swift motion, she drew her sword and pointed it at Qing Yan.
Despite standing on the lower steps, her sword exuded a formidable aura. “If you don’t move aside, I’ll spill your blood right here,” she coldly threatened, then raised her voice toward the room, “Murong Jinghe, if you don’t come out now, don’t blame me for killing your favorite servant!”
Even the usually composed Qing Yan paled slightly. His fingers, hidden in his sleeves, curled into a snake-like position.
Just as tensions reached a breaking point, Murong Jinghe’s lazy voice drifted from inside, “Qing Yan, invite General Muye in.” He yawned loudly, “Since General Muye doesn’t want to rest, why force her? That’s quite discourteous of you.”
Qing Yan instantly relaxed, reverting to his usual humble demeanor. He stepped aside and bowed slightly, “This way, General.” His tone was neutral, offering no apology for his earlier actions.
Muye Luomei snorted coldly. She instructed two sword-bearing women in red military attire to wait outside, then entered with another white-clad woman. This beautiful woman, wrapped in a white fox fur cloak and cradling a red creature, was A Dai.
Qing Yan summoned maids to take their cloaks, shake off the snow from their hair and clothes, and prepare hot soup.
Murong Jinghe had just risen, standing by the bed in white undergarments, yawning repeatedly. Mei Lin was helping him don his outer robe. Once the outside was tidied up, he shuffled out in soft-soled shoes.
Though yawning, his spirit seemed much improved from before, catching both women’s attention. Mei Lin didn’t emerge, instead returning to her embroidery by the couch. She had no desire to confront Muye Luomei directly, knowing she’d likely come off worse.
“Please, sit!” Murong Jinghe gestured to the thickly cushioned chairs, smiling as he took the main seat. Seeing the two women still standing, he continued unfazed, “I thought the war situation was critical. How does General Muye find time to visit me here in the cold, remote North Jing?”
“How dare you ask? If not for you, why would I be recalled to the capital? Don’t you know changing commanders mid-battle is a grave military error?” Muye Luomei retorted bitterly, clearly resentful. Seeing his continued nonchalance, her anger flared. She shoved A Dai towards him, “His Majesty ordered me to escort your most beloved woman here.”
Caught off guard, A Dai fell onto Murong Jinghe. Her face flushed crimson as she softly called out “Prince,” trying to stand. However, still holding the red creature, she struggled unsuccessfully.
Murong Jinghe chuckled, casually embracing her while looking at Muye Luomei. “Such a small matter hardly requires the great General Muye’s attention. I could have sent someone to fetch her.”
Muye Luomei glared at him, her gaze shifting to Mei Lin in the inner room. She sneered, “Send someone? I see you’re too content here, probably forgetting everyone else.”
Murong Jinghe, playing with A Dai’s hair, followed Luomei’s gaze. He noticed Mei Lin focused on her work, oblivious to the scene outside. This made him feel uneasy. He steadied A Dai, then called Qing Yan outside, “Take Lady A Dai to rest in the back courtyard.”
A Dai’s face betrayed her disappointment, but she dared not object. She curtsied gracefully and followed Qing Yan out.
With only the three of them left, Muye Luomei closed the door and pointed at Mei Lin, lowering her voice to question Murong Jinghe, “How is she still alive?” Everyone in the court knew Mei Lin was Murong Xuanlie’s spy, even causing the Prince of North Jing’s severe injury. That’s why the Emperor had issued a nationwide warrant for her arrest.
Murong Jinghe smiled faintly, “Why shouldn’t she be alive?”
Muye Luomei frowned, “Jinghe, what are you playing at? Do you know how much trouble you’ll be in if His Majesty learns she’s comfortably living in your palace?” Her tone was stern but filled with concern, softening Murong Jinghe’s expression.
“Mei Lin, return to your room,” he addressed the woman inside, not wanting her to hear the upcoming conversation.
Mei Lin’s hand tightened on the sachet, pricking her finger with the needle. She winced, thinking her previous room must have been cold after so long. Perhaps she should visit the old doctor instead. With this in mind, she walked to the outer room, curtsied respectfully to the two, and moved to leave.
“Wait,” Muye Luomei suddenly commanded. She stepped forward and snatched the nearly finished rose-colored sachet from Mei Lin’s hand, which bore an embroidered “Jing” character. Luomei sneered, tossing it to Murong Jinghe, “She made this for you. How clever and skillful.”
Murong Jinghe examined the sachet and smiled, “It’s quite ugly.” He casually tossed it into the nearby brazier, where it instantly burst into flames. Looking at the stunned Mei Lin staring at the brazier, he said coolly, “I can’t take such things with me. Don’t make them anymore.”
The room originally had no brazier due to its heated floor, but Mei Lin had requested one from Qing Yan for roasting snacks when bored.
As the sachet was thrown in, Mei Lin’s first thought was regret for asking for the brazier. Then her attention shifted to the woman who had snatched her sachet. She realized that if Luomei hadn’t taken it, even if he disliked it, he wouldn’t have burned it. She could have kept it herself.
Perhaps from the moment the woman appeared, a knot of resentment had formed in her heart. Now, this thought made that feeling intensify, causing a painful constriction in her chest. Her mind went blank, overwhelmed by the urge to lash out.
Two sharp slaps brought her back to her senses. She found herself falling to the ground, feeling cool liquid on her face.
Murong Jinghe had risen from his chair and now stood before Muye Luomei, his face contorted with rage as he glared at Mei Lin, his eyes cold as ice. Over his shoulder, she could see Luomei’s left cheek swollen, her eyes wide with disbelief.
It seemed she had struck Muye Luomei in her fury, and he had retaliated. That must be what happened… surely that was all.
“Get out! Don’t let me see you again!” Murong Jinghe pointed at the door, his voice harsh. He then turned away, tenderly examining Muye Luomei’s face.
Mei Lin didn’t think she could smile in this situation, yet she did, even though it hurt her bruised mouth and forehead. As she stood, her vision darkened momentarily. She grabbed the nearest object for support, waiting until she steadied herself before slowly walking out. She could hear him comforting the other woman softly. Strangely, she didn’t feel particularly upset. However, all strength seemed to have left her body. She felt limp, each step like treading on cotton.
“Qing Yan, hurry and fetch some medicine from the doctor!” Murong Jinghe’s thunderous voice echoed from behind, filled with an indescribable mixture of concern and tension. The sound reverberated in Mei Lin’s ears, causing her to miss a step and stumble forward.
The icy wind, laced with snowflakes, whipped around her, blurring her vision. Mei Lin’s hands instinctively grasped at the air. Only when her wide-open eyes met a sea of white did she realize the futility of her struggle. She closed her eyes, letting her consciousness slip into darkness.
A throbbing headache disturbed her sleep. Dim, flickering light filtered through her eyelids. Nearby voices were indistinct. Suddenly, a cold liquid fell on her face, causing a sharp pain as it slid across her temple. Her body jerked, and Mei Lin’s eyes flew open.
Unexpectedly, she found Qing Yan’s expressionless face above her. Noticing her awakening, he froze momentarily, then glanced awkwardly at the porcelain bottle in his hand. He had accidentally poured too much medicine on her face. He knew how potent the medicine was on broken skin.
His discomfort passed quickly, and he regained his cool demeanor. “You’ll stay here with the doctor,” he said softly. “Don’t wander around once you’ve recovered.” He hesitated before adding, “As servants, our lot is to endure. You were rash today. If not for the Prince…” He abruptly stopped and turned to leave.
Mei Lin’s gaze followed his slender figure until he exited the room. She then shifted her focus to the high, peeling lacquered beams. The balding doctor was likely still outside, warming himself by the fire and puffing on his pipe as usual.
Reflecting on Qing Yan’s words, she couldn’t help but smirk. She understood his reminder: like him, she was merely a servant. No matter how much Murong Jinghe valued them, they remained servants. They could accept, but not demand.
She also knew that if not for Murong Jinghe’s slap, she might have faced Muye Luomei’s sword or worse punishment.
However, the cold in his eyes had cut deeper than any blade, leaving her chilled to the core. He ultimately resented her for hurting someone dear to him. Should she be grateful that even in his fury, he had thought to protect her?
Covering her eyes with her hand, she took two deep breaths before suddenly sitting up. The abrupt movement, coupled with her weakened state, caused her vision to darken, nearly making her fall back.
Gripping the blanket covering her, she steadied herself before getting off the bed.
“Let’s go,” she wrote with her slender fingers dipped in warm water on the table.
The balding doctor froze the pipe in their mouth. He glanced towards the closed door before mumbling, “Have you lost your mind?” The idea of leaving the prince’s residence in such weather and circumstances seemed absurd.
Mei Lin shook her head, her eyes clear and determined. If she didn’t leave, Muye Luomei would surely come after her. As for him, she could have spent a lifetime thinking about him when his meridians were shattered, but now, she would think of him no more. When she saw him toss the sachet she had carefully sewn into the fire without a second thought, she realized this. She wasn’t skilled at needlework; it was her first attempt at making a sachet, born out of boredom. It wasn’t particularly beautiful, and she hadn’t intended to give it to him, merely keeping it for herself. Now, it had severed her lingering hopes.
“I can’t take such things with me…” That’s what he had said. Of course, he meant not just the sachet, but her as well.
She was merely a covert operative, a nameless bedwarmer in his residence, a wanted spy. Such a person could never stand openly by his side. She had always known this deep down, but her feelings had persisted. Hearing him say it outright, while heartbreaking, made her realize she had still harbored some unrealistic hopes.
If she stayed here now, allowing him to use her while watching him dote on other women, she would truly be a fool.
Seeing her determination, the balding doctor took off his fur hat and scratched his scalp, sighing, “If you must go, wait until tomorrow. These old bones can’t handle the cold.”
Mei Lin agreed. Leaving in the dead of night during a snowstorm would be dangerous. With Muye Luomei’s arrival, Murong Jinghe would be distracted for a while. Recalling his words about never wanting to see her again, she thought that leaving North Jing might not be too difficult if she was careful.
This realization brought a mix of sadness and relief. She nodded in agreement, intending to rest more, but the doctor stopped her.
“The porridge is still warm. Eat before you sleep,” he said, pointing his pipe at a food box near the brazier. “Can that frail body of yours withstand the wind and snow?”
The porcelain food box had a compartment filled with hot charcoal. Inside were two layers: one with porridge, the other with side dishes. Steam rose when opened.
Mei Lin didn’t hesitate. After confirming the doctor wouldn’t eat, she began her meal. No matter how bad she felt, she could always eat – a habit formed from her past. For people like her, even missing a hard steamed bun could mean the difference between life and death.
“Ah, I had hoped to enjoy this place a bit longer,” the doctor sighed, leaning back in his chair. He squinted at the glowing charcoal, rocking back and forth, causing the chair to creak. “A prince’s residence – something us country folk couldn’t even dream of, and here I am, living in one.” His voice was full of reluctance and regret.
Mei Lin glanced at him, swallowed her food, and wrote on the table with her chopstick: “You can’t sunbathe here.”
The doctor fell silent, a glint in his eyes. After all, there’s no place like home.
(End of Chun Hua Yan – Chapter)