Chapter 23: Purchasing the potential to be a male mother.

"Doctor Li told you to stay in bed and rest for a few days, why are you following me out here?"

The sun shone on the streets of Beijiang City. Looking at the various improved instruments everywhere, Zhou Tinglan looked back at the man beside him, slowed down his pace, and asked worriedly.

She just needed to buy some supplies for the journey, which was enough for her to do by herself. At worst, she could ask a soldier to help her move some things. She really didn't need him, who had just saved his life from the hands of the dead, to help her.

"I stay in bed every day and you don't let me do anything. Lan'er, not only will I be poisoned to death, but I will also be bored to death." Xie Zechuan loosened his slightly stiff arm, limped and tried to keep up with Zhou Tinglan's steps.

Zhou Tinglan looked at Xie Zechuan and felt both amused and heartwarming. This man insisted on coming with her even though he couldn't walk. Really...

That day she stayed by Xie Zechuan's bedside until midnight, thinking that his condition had stabilized. The tension in her mind relaxed, and she suddenly felt sleepy. She fell asleep on the edge of the bed.

A violent cough suddenly came into her ears, waking her up from her sleep. She looked up hurriedly and saw that the pillow under the man's head was soaked with blood. The blood, bright red all over the bed, stung her eyes.

"Xie Zechuan——"

What should she do? She needs to go find Doctor Li. Yes! Doctor Li!

The woman's panicked screams mixed with the man's painful coughs alarmed the soldiers guarding the door.

"Hurry—hurry and call Doctor Li, hurry!"

The soldiers hurriedly turned and ran to the next tent. His voice could still be heard faintly in the air: "Doctor Li—something's happened!"

Sticky blood kept spurting out of Xie Zechuan's mouth, causing him to cough unconsciously. Doctor Li rushed over and saw this. He opened the medicine box and gave him an emergency injection.

The moment the needle fell, Xie Zechuan on the bed coughed more violently, the smell of blood in the air became stronger, and large patches of red blood bloomed on Doctor Li's blue cloth shirt.

"Doctor Li, is there anything I can do for you?" she asked, trying to remain calm.

"I'm afraid there aren't enough herbs in my medicine box. Go get some more."

"good."

She went to get it as she was told, stumbling and getting the herbs from the tent next door. When she bumped into the curtain, Xie Zechuan had already fallen asleep again with steady breathing.

Doctor Li, who was sitting beside the bed, had beads of sweat on his face. He slumped in his chair and panted weakly, "Miss Zhou, General Xie's condition has stabilized."

The medicinal herbs fell from his hands and landed on the ground with a sound. The person standing at the door had already run to the bed. Seeing the man's peaceful sleeping face, he thanked Doctor Li repeatedly.

When the first ray of sunlight in the morning shone into the tent through the window, her eyelids drooped. Unable to bear it any longer, she leaned back in the chair and fell asleep. In her dream, Xie Zechuan was sitting on the bed and smiling at her.

"Be quiet, don't disturb her."

A familiar and deliberately low voice sounded in her ear. She frowned unhappily and slowly opened her eyes.

"Xie Zechuan, you finally woke up!"

"Yes, the disaster has lasted for thousands of years. Lan'er, I'm back." Xie Zechuan comforted Zhou Tinglan.

She glared at Xie Zechuan, really speechless: "How can anyone call themselves a disaster!"

But he is really a nuisance to her, at least a Boss level one.

Zhou Tinglan couldn't help but burst out laughing, causing Xie Zechuan, who was shaking his shoulders beside him, to ask in confusion, "Lan'er, you don't really want me to die of boredom in bed, do you?"

Zhou Tinglan waved his hand: "No, I just thought of your funny look during rehabilitation a few days ago."

Xie Zechuan's ears couldn't help but turn red: "Lan'er, can you please stop talking about this?"

"I'm afraid not." Zhou Tinglan covered his mouth and smiled slightly. That was Xie Zechuan's dark history, and he would remember it for the rest of his life.

Xie Zechuan had some muscle atrophy symptoms due to lying in bed for seven days a few days ago. Zhou Tinglan felt both distressed and amused when seeing his appearance.

Seeing her like this, Xie Zechuan often pinched the soft flesh on Zhou Tinglan's face to express his dissatisfaction.

In order to help Xie Zechuan recover soon, Qiao once again asked Zhou Tinglan to deliver medicine every day. Many precious medicinal materials were put into the medicine, which was simmered slowly over low heat, making the meat soft and tasty.

No longer in a hurry to punch in for the boss as before, Zhou Tinglan took the lunch box very readily and came over.

After Xie Zechuan learned that he only had one year to live, he felt very sorry for Zhou Tinglan. If he died, how would Lan'er face the criticism from the people?

Often at this time, Zhou Tinglan would comfort Xie Zechuan: "Don't be afraid, there are too many variables in a year, we will find a way."

Seeing Zhou Tinglan still reminiscing, Xie Zechuan said dissatisfiedly: "Lan'er, let's go shopping quickly!"

"Yes, procurement is the most important thing right now. Why do you think His Majesty summoned me back to the capital?"

Xie Zechuan seemed to be showing off: "It is because of Lan'er's sword-forging skills that His Majesty admires it, so he specially asked me to return to Shangjing City with you to meet the Emperor."

"That's right. I was really scared that day. I was just about to go and give you some medicine when Qin Sinian stopped me and said the imperial envoy had brought another decree from His Majesty."

Zhou Tinglan took out the shopping list she had prepared in advance, walked into a clothing store, and began to buy a large number of clothes there.

"That day, when I learned I could return to the capital, the trees around me became particularly pleasing to the eye."

I can finally go back. Those who tarnished my father’s reputation, just wait for me!

"Boss, please pack all these for me."

Xie Zechuan took a pink cape from the shelf and handed it to Zhou Tinglan: "Lan'er, this cape is nice and suits you well."

Zhou Tinglan glanced at the cloak, reached out to touch the material, and said helplessly: "Xie Zechuan, it's not suitable for wearing in this season. It's a bit thick."

"Lan'er can keep it for later." Xie Zechuan refused.

He used to hear his mother say that there is always one piece of clothing missing in a woman's wardrobe. It doesn't matter if it's not suitable for the season, it's still wearable. Even if it is not wearable, it's not like he can't afford to buy it.

Zhou Tinglan rolled his eyes at him and continued talking to the shopkeeper about payment. Even after they walked out of the shop, Xie Zechuan was still regretting the pink cloak.

"Lan'er..."

"There's really no need to buy a cloak. We need to go back to the capital and prepare some food for the journey."

Zhou Tinglan suddenly recalled the time when the original owner came to Beijiang City. She couldn't help but shudder: "Food must be sufficient."

Considering the previous incident at the clothing store, Zhou Tinglan strictly ordered Xie Zechuan not to say anything and told her to just do the buying.

After buying food, the two of them were carrying their hands full of things. Xie Zechuan said proudly: "Lan'er, you see, I am still useful after coming here."

Before he finished speaking, Xie Zechuan felt discomfort coming from his body.

Zhou Tinglan complained in his heart that Xie Zechuan was not only childish but also liked to pretend. The two turned the corner and planned to find a place to rest.

The two of them came to a teahouse and sat down, ordering a pot of tea: "Look at you, you can't walk anymore."

Xie Zechuan was unwilling to admit: "Lan'er, I'm just a little tired. I'll sit for a while, drink some tea and then I can leave."

"And you said you could use it."

Just at this moment, someone sat down at the next table and ordered a pot of tea, but his eyes kept glancing at Zhou Tinglan and the others.

After a short rest, the two paid for their tea and left.

Xie Zechuan replied: "Lan'er, let's go back and put the things down. I'm so tired!"

"I told you not to follow me!"

“…”

After they stood up, the people at the next table paid for their tea and followed them secretly. He stopped in the grass not far from the barracks gate, looking at their backs with a dark look in his eyes.

Soon after, the wind blew and the carrier pigeons flew south, leaving no one behind the grass.

**

A few days later, the carriage slowly drove away from Beijiang City. The clear blue sky reflected the tall trees on both sides of the street. The morning mist wrapped around the carriage in the middle of the road, and dots of light and shadow were cast on the carriage window curtains.

With a swish, the carriage window curtain was opened by the woman. She leaned her head to look outside, letting out a comfortable sigh. The sunlight shone on her hair, making it look like a layer of gold.

"Xie Zechuan, look, the scenery here is very different from that in Beijiang City!" Zhou Tinglan turned and said to Xie Zechuan who was sitting in the carriage.

The wind from the speeding carriage blew her hair up. Xie Zechuan was stunned for a while, and after a long time he put the cheese in his hand on the table.

"Lan'er, be careful not to catch a cold."

Although it was almost the beginning of summer, the temperature was still not high. Xie Zechuan stepped forward, pulled Zhou Tinglan's clothes together, and reminded him.

"I understand, thank you, Mom." Zhou Tinglan said with a smile. Seeing that Xie Zechuan looked like he had the potential to be a male mother, he kept asking her to be careful here and there on the way.

She picked up the cheese on the table and took a bite. She squinted her eyes because it was so delicious.

"Lan'er is joking again. Before leaving, my aunt asked me to take good care of you."

After several days of rehabilitation, Xie Zechuan is able to walk normally, but he is slightly slow when doing strenuous movements.

Last night, Mrs. Qiao prepared a table full of dishes to see her daughter off, and Xie Zechuan was also there.

Mrs. Qiao looked at Zhou Tinglan with tears in her eyes. Her daughter had been by her side since she was born and had never been so far away from her.

Zhou Tinglan comforted him, "Your Majesty summoned me back to the capital because he was interested in my daughter. Mother should be happy."

Zhou Yiming also comforted Mrs. Qiao, saying, "Yes, Lan'er went to the capital for important matters and will be back soon. Madam, there is no need to be too sad."

He looked at Zhou Tinglan, as if thinking of something, and hesitated to speak: "Lan'er, if... that's all."

The words were ultimately drowned out by a sigh.

Seeing her father like this, Zhou Tinglan asked, "Father, do you have anything to tell your daughter?"

Zhou Yiming sighed, "Lan'er, you also know the crime that led to our family being exiled to Northern Frontier City. This man's name is Yao Ningde. He appears kind and honest, but in reality he is treacherous and vicious. If you meet him, be very careful."

Yao Ningde, right? Zhou Tinglan kept repeating this name in his mind. I’ve got it down!

At the end of the meal, Mrs. Qiao placed Zhou Tinglan's hand in Xie Zechuan's and said earnestly, "General Xie, I know that although Lan'er and you were married by His Majesty, you have a deep affection for each other. I hope you can take good care of her on the road."

Xie Zechuan promised: "I will take good care of Lan'er."

He held Zhou Tinglan's hand as he did now, and he would protect her with his life for the rest of his life.

The carriage drove to a small town post station. Xie Zechuan opened the window curtain to check the sky. It was getting dark, so he suggested, "Lan'er, let's rest here today."

Zhou Tinglan nodded in agreement. The two of them walked into the inn. The waiter hurried forward to greet them: "Do you two gentlemen need to stay in the inn?"

"Just two good guest rooms." Xie Zechuan replied.

After Xie Zechuan put his luggage away, he heard Zhou Tinglan complaining to him, "Xie Zechuan, do you think this looks like a shady shop?"

Thinking of the room prices just now, Zhou Tinglan became angry. The price of each room was 20% higher than the room price in Beijiang City.

"There's nowhere better to go right now, Lan'er, just stay here and have some rest. I'll call you tomorrow morning."

Just as Xie Zechuan was about to leave, there was a knock on the door of the wing room, and the waiter's voice came from outside the door: "Sir, I'm here to bring you some tea."

Xie Zechuan opened the door of the wing room and stepped aside to let the waiter in: "Come in, the tea will be fine on the table."

The waiter took a tray with two teapots on it. He placed one on the table and turned to ask, "Sir, would you like me to bring you the tea in your room later, or would you like to take it yourself?"

He glanced at the faces of Xie Zechuan and the other man, thinking to himself, the portraits that the other party gave to the counterfeit are of these two people in front of him, right? They don't look very intimidating, so they should be easy to deal with.

"Put them all down, I'll take them myself."

The waiter placed two pots of tea on the table. He bowed to Zhou Tinglan and said, "This is the best Longjing tea. We also have other teas. If you need any, just call us."

"Thank you, Longjing is fine." Zhou Tinglan responded with a smile.

The waiter was about to leave. The moment he closed the door of the room, he scanned the faces of the two people in the room again and confirmed them before leaving.

In the middle of the night, Zhou Tinglan lay on the bed and fell into a deep sleep.

In the darkness, a figure was pouring something onto the ground, and a pungent smell was floating in the air.

He gave a strange smile towards the window of Zhou Tinglan's room, and a bright flame appeared in his hand. He threw the torch in his hand into the liquid on the ground, and suddenly flames shot up into the sky.