97 Chapter Ninety-Seven
◎"Xie Lang, you're all I have left."◎
Chapter Ninety-Seven
The hall was deathly silent. Xie Liu remained kneeling, and if you looked closely, you could see his trembling shoulders.
Xie Liu was always cautious and bold, and had never done anything like this before.
Liu Qingqing stared blankly at the top of Xie Liu's head, gripping the corner of the table tightly, her palm bleeding from the sharp wooden corner.
She never, ever imagined that Xie Lang would die, would disappear from her life.
Her mind was buzzing, and everyone around her seemed to have turned into phantoms. It was as if she were the only one left in this vast world.
She was all alone...
Liu Qingqing suddenly stood up, with only one thought in her mind: "I have to go see him."
With a single word, a light gradually gathered in her unfocused eyes. She looked at the old lady, Aunt Jia, and Xie Wanyan one by one, her voice firm, "I don't know why, but I always feel that if I don't go, I will definitely regret it."
Lost in her own emotions, she didn't notice Xie Liu suddenly shudder and wipe his eyes.
But she also remembered the important matter at hand, and turned to ask Xie Liu, "How is the war going? Would my going cause any trouble?"
Xie Liu shook his head repeatedly, "Lord Xie led General Turan deep into the territory. With General Turan dead, chaos ensued. That heartland has already been captured by our army, and the remnants will be annihilated soon."
"That's good. I'll pack my bags and leave immediately."
Liu Qingqing hurriedly returned to Jialan Garden, only picking up two sets of clothes to change into. The rest of her belongings were filled with the new medicines that Doctor Lu and Doctor Zhang had made recently, a bag full of various pills.
Outside Jialan Garden, Qingju carried a bag of pastries to find Xie Liu.
Qingju was timid, and this was the first time she had spoken to Xie Liu on her own initiative. Xie Liu was standing with his back to the hanging flower gate in a guarding posture.
"Thank you, Sixth Brother..."
Upon hearing this, Xie Liu turned around. Qingju saw his reddened eyes and immediately felt less afraid. She handed the bundle of pastries forward, saying, "These are some newly made pastries. Please take them with you on your journey."
Xie Liu glanced at it, then took it. "Miss Xie Qingju."
"Is my lord really... not well?"
Xie Liu lowered his eyes, "We haven't found any trace of you yet."
Qingju stopped asking questions, her hands twisted together so tightly they were almost like pretzel, and after a long while she managed to say, "The master will surely be alright."
It seemed like hope, it seemed like encouragement.
Xie Liu glanced at her and said, "Mm."
Liu Qingqing had finished getting ready, changed into a neat riding outfit, and put on a brocade cloak.
He hastily bid farewell to the people of the Marquis's residence, mounted his horse, and galloped out of the city.
At the entrance of the Marquis's residence, Xia Rushi's eyes were red as she stared in the direction where Liu Qingqing had disappeared until she could no longer see him.
The old lady patted her hand, "She'll be alright."
Xie Wanyan had already cried silently until she was covered in tears. Although her younger brother was stupid, he was still her own brother!
The thoroughbred horse galloped swiftly all the way, changing horses three times at each post station.
Without sleep or rest, they had traveled four hundred miles in less than a day and night.
Liu Qingqing was covered in the frost of the world, with even her eyebrows and eyelashes covered in white frost.
Xie Liuhu stood a step behind Liu Qingqing. Seeing the lady's appearance, he thought to himself, "The lady does care about the master. If the master knew, he would be so happy."
Xie Wu had received the news and was waiting early. When he saw the lady, his eyes lit up and he went to greet her.
Now, seeing his wife is like seeing his pillar of support.
If the lady has saved the master once, she will surely save him a second time.
This is Xie Wu's simplest wish.
Therefore, upon seeing the madam, his voice trembled, "Madam..."
"How is the master?"
"We have not yet found the master!"
Liu Qingqing wanted to ask why they hadn't found anyone yet.
But as soon as I stepped into the north and saw the snow covering the ground like a silver carpet, my heart sank.
It snowed! It was like adding insult to injury.
When did the snow fall?
"It started snowing this morning, and although it hasn't been long, the snow is heavy."
"Where is the final location? Take me to see it."
"The lord rode his horse to lure the people away up the cliff. We covered their retreat. When we searched behind, we only found Turan's body and did not see the lord."
Xie Wu looked at his wife and hesitated for a moment. "Would you like to rest for a while, Madam?"
Liu Qingqing shook her head, "Let's not rest, let's find the person first."
The soldiers then realized that this was Madam Xie. Seeing that she was so young yet had risked coming here and was going up the mountain to find her husband, they couldn't help but feel admiration.
No wonder Lord Xie's eyes always softened whenever he mentioned his wife during the march.
At the brink of life and death, to be so cared for is something that everyone can't help but envy!
"No wonder she's the kind of woman Lord Xie takes a liking to; she's quite a remarkable person!"
"I hope Lord Xie is alright! Last time, it was Lord Xie who dispelled the Northern Ghost, otherwise I would have been dead long ago!"
Despite her resentment and unwilling to disgrace the Marquis's mansion, Liu Qingqing nodded to everyone before heading up the mountain. Her calm and composed demeanor captivated everyone.
When they reached the cliff where Xie Lang had fallen, Xie Wu and Xie Liu flanked the lady.
Xie Wu pointed to the madam and said, "It was here that the lord fell with Tulan. We found Tulan's body by the boulder below. It had started snowing then, and Tulan's body was only noticeable because he had bled so much that it stained the snow red."
After a slight pause, Xie Wu continued, "But when we went down, we did not find the master."
The mountaintop was swept by a biting wind that stung Liu Qingqing's eyes.
She looked down at the steep cliffs, the pure white snow covering the jagged rocks, and there was no trace of him at all.
Many people, both high and low, are still searching.
Liu Qingqing noticed the rope to the side, picked it up, and tied it around her waist.
"lady!"
Liu Qingqing looked at Xie Wu, her cheeks and eyes reddened by the cold wind. "If we wait any longer, your master will freeze to death. You two, protect me as we descend the cliff."
Xie Wu, who was usually decisive, was at a loss for what to do and looked at Xie Liu.
"Madam, if anything were to happen to you, how would we explain it to the master!"
"If you wait any longer, your parents will die, and then you won't have to explain anything."
Xie Wu had no idea that his wife could speak so scathingly.
"Hurry up!"
Seeing that Xie Wu and Xie Liu's eyes were red, she knew they were worried about her. She sighed softly, "The Gu worm in your master's body has some connection with mine. I can go down and search faster, and there's still hope. Don't delay any longer. Just protect me well."
Liu Qingqing's gaze was resolute, and his voice was calm, as if he was not in a hurry.
If her knuckles hadn't been gripping the knot so tightly they turned white, onlookers might have actually been fooled.
Xie Wu sniffed.
If you knew how worried you were about him, how happy you would be!
But where is the adult?
Every moment was urgent, so Xie Wu and Xie Liu quickly tied ropes around themselves as well. They positioned themselves in front and behind the lady, with other guards below, and the group descended to the spot where they found Turan's body.
Liu Qingqing clutched her chest, her heart pounding, and cold sweat broke out on her back.
Taking a deep breath to calm herself down, she joined the search.
Liu Qingqing wasn't bluffing; the Sacred Snow that Xie Lang fed her did indeed have a subtle connection with the Gu worm within his body. Her sensation was less pronounced, while Xie Lang's seemed more obvious.
Once we got down here, the unbearable heat finally subsided a bit.
She looked around; the blinding white stretched as far as the eye could see. But where was Xie Lang?
Xie Lang, Xie Lang, where are you hiding?
She asked herself anxiously.
After searching for an unknown amount of time, Xie Wu came to ask her several times if she could rest, and also handed her a water bag and some still-warm meat buns that he had sent someone down the mountain to buy.
Liu Qingqing waved her hand, refusing to take it; she had no appetite.
Searching inch by inch, I was anxious but had to be careful, lest I slip on the snow-covered boulders and fall down.
Suddenly, the sacred snow within her stirred, and she looked to that side.
There is a stone cave there.
She grabbed the stone wall and started to walk towards it, her whole body almost frozen solid.
"Madam, we've already searched that place."
"I'll go take a look."
The rocky path was small, and the thick layer of withered grass in front of it was covered with snow.
She had barely stepped across when she sensed something was wrong. She stopped and crouched down, hastily brushing aside the withered grass. Sharp branches pierced her hands, drawing blood, but she didn't notice. Xie Lang's pale, almost translucent face was finally revealed.
Liu Qingqing froze, then hurriedly called out, "Xie Wu! Xie Liu!"
At the same time, she hurriedly took off her brocade robe and covered Xie Lang with it. She rushed over; his body and face were covered in blood. Liu Qingqing gently patted his intact cheek with trembling hands, the bright red blood from her hands staining his cheek.
Liu Qingqing called to him softly, "Xie Lang, wake up, wake up."
But Xie Lang's beautiful eyes and brows remained motionless.
My back was covered in sweat without me even realizing it, when suddenly a cold wind blew, chilling me to the bone.
As Xie Wu and Xie Liu carried Xie Lang out, Liu Qingqing's legs suddenly went weak, and she collapsed to the ground. Hunger and cold overwhelmed her instantly, and everything went white before her eyes. She leaned against the cold stone, where she saw a layer of dried blood.
Liu Qingqing's eyes burned, and the fatigue from the journey also overwhelmed her. She took a deep breath, the crisp air entering her abdomen, raising goosebumps, but also making her feel much more energetic.
He forced himself to stand up, his eyes fixed on Xie Lang.
Just as Xie Wu and Xie Liu had carried him a few steps, his arm fell limp. Liu Qingqing felt as if her eyes had been burned, and she quickly reached out to grasp it; it was icy cold.
Nothing to do.
Liu Qingqing prayed silently, begging Heaven that he would be alright!
Back at the barracks, there was a commotion.
Many generals and soldiers came over and crowded into the tent. Liu Qingqing held Xie Lang's hand and sat on the edge of the military bed.
"Thank you, Lord Xie! Good fortune will always protect you!"
"This is extremely dangerous. I see that the gentleman's lips have turned white. Quickly, let the army doctor take a look."
There were all sorts of opinions, which made Liu Qingqing's head spin.
Seeing this, Xie Wu quickly cupped his hands in thanks. "Thank you all for your concern. The lord has returned, so please rest assured. The military doctor needs to take the pulse now and needs some quiet time. You may all go about your business."
They then asked everyone to leave.
After everyone left, Xie Wu explained to Liu Qingqing, "Even if there are enemy spies in the army, we still need to let them see for themselves and intimidate them."
Liu Qingqing nodded, but asked, "When will the army doctor arrive?"
We're almost there.
Unexpectedly, the person who entered the military tent was an acquaintance—the regent's physician, the one who had saved Xie Lang last time.
Seeing that it was him, Liu Qingqing's anxious heart was slightly calmed down, but only slightly.
Nodding in greeting, the old doctor hurriedly walked to the bedside, put down his medical kit, and asked.
"Has the Yanluo Pill been given to the adult?"
"I've already used it."
She dissolved the last of the small pills in her hand into a medicinal liquid and fed it to him.
The old doctor examined the patient, but his expression grew increasingly grave.
Liu Qingqing held her breath and focused her attention, her gaze sweeping back and forth.
The military tent was deathly silent. Xie Wu and Xie Liu held their breath, afraid to make a sound that might disturb the diagnosis.
The old physician shook his head. "Lord Xie's injuries are severe. He has lost too much blood and caught a chill, so he needs to be warmed up as soon as possible. He has many wounds, including an arrow wound. Fortunately, the Yanluo Pill brought him back. However, there is also blood stasis in his body. The extent of his injury depends on fate."
As he spoke, the old doctor noticed Xie Lang's other hand, which was clenched into a fist. "Why don't you open it? Don't let it freeze and become stiff so you can't straighten it later."
"You can't keep your hand clenched like that, open it now."
Xie Wu hurriedly said, "I just tried it, and the adults won't let go at all."
"I'll give it a try."
Liu Qingqing went over and touched his cold temples. "Xie Lang, let go and let me see."
After a while, Xie Lang's eyebrows twitched, and his fist loosened. Xie Wu quickly and carefully pried it open, and everyone saw the clean white "Nothing Happened" sign in his palm.
Liu Qingqing glanced at it once and quickly turned her face away, but tears fell like threads.
Everyone knew that this was a plaque of peace that the lady had given to the master, and upon seeing it, they were all deeply moved, their eyes reddening.
Seeing Liu Qingqing's body trembling slightly, the old doctor stepped forward, first apologizing, and then taking her pulse.
He sighed subtly, "Madam also needs to rest well. She's suffering from a sudden attack of anger. I'll prescribe a medicine for her. And hurry and prepare the medicine for the master."
Fortunately, Liu Qingqing had brought all the medicine, and she actually used it.
After some preparation, Xie Wu and Xie Liu also left the military tent.
The thick brocade quilt was stuffed with many hot water bottles, but his hands were still so cold.
Xie Lang was always warm-bodied; he had never felt so cold before. So cold... as if he were dead.
After everyone left, Liu Qingqing took off her outer robe, ignoring the coldness on his body, and crawled into the thick brocade quilt, carefully lying down beside him.
He exuded a chilling aura, like an ice cube, making her shiver.
He had just been given medicine; there was an arrow wound on his left shoulder, and the flesh on his chest had been cut open by a knife.
Liu Qingqing could only nestle against his right arm, afraid of touching his wound, and only dared to gently press against him and wrap her arms around his.
Her body heat might be in vain, but she wanted to hug him and be close to him.
Her eyelids were sore and heavy. Being so close, Liu Qingqing could see the fine scratches on his face. The tears she had been holding back finally burst forth, and she sobbed silently.
Her heart was burning with turbulent emotions, while the Gu worms within her remained dormant. She wept uncontrollably, her frail body trembling helplessly like a withered autumn leaf. It was as if a cold, austere autumn wind would tear her from her branch and send her falling to the vast earth.
"You're all I have left."
Despite the cold, and even though she was trembling slightly because of his icy body, Liu Qingqing wanted to get closer to him.
She moved closer, pressed her cheek against his still-intact shoulder, and whispered, "Xie Lang, you're all I have left."
Tears fell, soaking his shoulder.
[Author's Note]
Next chapter preview:
Just as he was hesitating, the face he had been longing for appeared from behind the screen.
Xie Lang was utterly astonished, his narrow phoenix eyes widening into cat-like pupils. His extremely handsome face now looked somewhat comical.
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