Chapter 19 The Request
In less than an hour, Bai Hua went through a series of experiences: nervous escape, relief, anxiety, and returning to hiding. Her mental journey was extremely complex, and even now, her heart was still pounding wildly and chaotically.
She secretly observed Ning Jue's expression. He seemed genuinely unsuspecting, and even went so far as to devour the candied hawthorns she had brought back. Despite this, she still felt guilty and unconsciously became more talkative.
She kept talking throughout the hike up the mountain.
On the one hand, it was a deliberate attempt to test the waters; on the other hand, it was a forced attempt to appear natural.
Bai Hua: "I bought wild hawthorn candied hawthorn. Compared with ordinary hawthorn, wild hawthorn is less sour and sweeter. This is what the candied hawthorn vendor just told me. Can you taste the difference, young master?"
Ning Jue glanced at her indifferently, noticing her helplessness and panic.
To be honest, he felt helpless. Such clumsy acting and fragile mentality made him seem less like a specially planted spy and more like someone playing house with him.
He gave her all the little patience he had he had.
Ning Jue looked away and replied, "I can't taste the difference; they're pretty much the same."
Bai Hua then asked, "What would you like to eat tonight, young master? Would you like to try some new dishes? Oh, by the way, we bought a big carp. Let's make sweet and sour fish first, so we can enjoy the freshness of the meat."
Ning Jue pretended not to notice the incoherence in her speech and simply replied, "I'll listen to you."
Bai Hua was still unable to calm down. After thinking for a moment, she asked again, "Young Master, you stayed in the teahouse for quite a while just now. I wonder what you and Young Master Zang were chatting about so enthusiastically?"
Knowing that she was testing him, Ning Jue still patiently recalled a few things based on her words.
Everything else went in one ear and out the other, without even registering in his mind. Only Zang Fan's absurd question lingered in his head for a long time—"How did she seduce you? Did you two sleep together?"
Have you slept with anyone...?
Ning Jue's eyes darkened slightly as he looked down at her, noticing that she was also looking up at him, her gaze earnest, awaiting his answer.
"No," he replied, almost as if possessed.
Bai Hua was slightly taken aback: "What do you mean, 'nothing'?"
His words were incoherent, and Bai Hua didn't understand them.
Ning Jue frowned, realizing that she had been momentarily confused and had blurted out her true thoughts, and felt very annoyed.
He glanced away, quickly regaining his composure, and deliberately spoke in a cold tone: "We just chatted about some trivial matters. Business at the escort agency has been good lately, and Zang Fan is leading his team on a long trip that will take half a month to complete. So he asked me to have a drink with him before he left."
Bai Hua asked, "Where is our destination?"
Ning Jue replied: "Ye City."
Ye City, a leading commercial center in the south, was a prosperous region. It had frequent trade with foreign merchants from Nanmin, and goods such as celadon, colored silk, spices, and new tea were exchanged between domestic and foreign markets. There was almost nothing that could not be found there.
While in Jingqi, Bai Hua and her close friend were reading travelogues and became filled with curiosity and longing for Yecheng. She wanted to see for herself the different features of this southern coastal city, the boats on the waves, the bustling docks, and the salty smell of the sea that could be smelled in the wind...
As a noble lady of the capital, it was not appropriate for her to show her face in public or move around freely before marriage. Therefore, no matter how much she longed for it, she dared not put it into action. However, things are unpredictable. Now, when she thinks of Yecheng again, she no longer has the airs of a noble lady. She is passively following the world and her state of mind is no longer the same.
Ning Jue noticed a fleeting sadness on her face and asked, "You've been there?"
Bai Hua replied truthfully, "No, I've only heard that Ye City is just as prosperous as Jingqi, so I'm a little curious."
Ning Jue thought for a moment and said, "Ye City has extensive trade with the Southern Min Kingdom. Many of the silks and spices brought by Fujian merchants across the sea are rare treasures. Since Zang Fan has gone there this time, I will ask him to bring back a few bolts of silk for you to make clothes."
Zang Fan had never liked her, so he wouldn't be willing to put in the extra effort.
Bai Hua, being sensible, politely declined, saying, "Young Master Zang has worked hard on his escort mission; it would be best not to bother you."
Ning Jue saw what she was worried about and reassured her, "Don't worry, it's not even a favor for me to entrust him with such a trivial matter."
Bai Hua said sullenly, "But, but I don't have enough for my allowance. I still owe you a lot."
Ning Jue couldn't suppress the urge to smile. He stopped and stared at her delicate, slightly blushing face, finding her incredibly adorable.
He said, "The dress and hairpin were all gifts for you. You insist on keeping track of the bill with me. What should I do? Should I increase your allowance, or should I let you continue to owe me? But don't worry, I'm not a heartless employer. I won't charge you extra interest, and I certainly won't force you to sign a contract of servitude."
Bai Hua knew he was deliberately teasing her, so she lowered her head even further.
"Selling oneself into a death contract"... These words came out of his mouth lightly, without any threat or coercion, but with a hint of flirtation.
Her cheeks felt slightly hot, and she didn't know how to react.
The two continued their journey. Ning Jue intended to take her hand again, but instead of pulling her up directly, he extended her hand behind him, letting her take it herself.
Bai Hua didn't think too much about it. They had already held hands all the way, so even if she felt embarrassed, it was only the last leg of the journey. So she took his hand generously and walked side by side with him.
Ning Jue was satisfied and tightened his grip.
As they approached the bamboo house, Bai Hua suddenly remembered something and suggested, "Young Master and Young Master Zang have arranged to have a drink together. Have you agreed on a time and place? If not, why not invite Young Master Zang up the mountain for a meal? I will prepare a sumptuous feast as a farewell gift for him."
Ning Jue asked, "Aren't you always afraid of him?"
Bai Hua replied, "Since he is a friend of the young master, I should naturally get along well with him. Besides, asking him to carry the items over a long distance is a small token of my appreciation."
Ning Jue nodded: "You've thought this through thoroughly, so I'll listen to you."
Passing by Shixi, after walking another hundred steps, beyond the layers of branches, a winding bluestone path comes into clear view. Deep yellow bamboo leaves are laid diagonally on the damp and cold steps, sparse and dense, like scattered gold foil, flowing with the mottled light of autumn.
The two walked up the steps one by one, and before the sky completely darkened, they returned to the bamboo house, holding a warm, dim lamp.
Compared to before, Bai Hua feels even more pressure returning to Xianyang Mountain this time.
Now, she carries not only her cousin's career prospects on her shoulders, but also the innocence and life of her own brother.
If it were the former, she would be willing to repay the debt of gratitude and do her best to contribute seven or eight tenths of her strength; but if it were the latter, she would not hesitate to give ten tenths of her strength, even at the cost of her own life.
...
As night deepened, Bai Hua arranged the prepared sweet and sour carp on a plate and placed it on the table. The aroma was irresistible and extremely tempting.
The two sat facing each other, the howling of the north wind outside the window sounding particularly real, like the low growl of a lurking beast. It was estimated that the first snow of winter would arrive in a few days.
As Ning Jue picked up his chopsticks, he said, "Tomorrow or the day after, Uncle Zhao from Green Ivy Village will come to help build a wall in the courtyard. If I am away, please keep an eye on this matter."
Bai Hua asked, "Why do you suddenly want to start construction in the courtyard?"
Ning Jue replied, “The weather is getting colder. You were shivering while cooking in the shed, with nowhere to avoid the cold. Once the kitchen walls are built and the charcoal stove is lit, the room will be warmer, and you won’t suffer from the cold wind while cooking anymore.”
Bai Hua was stunned. The construction in the courtyard must have been arranged by Ning Jue in advance. If she went there today and did not return, she would never know about his thoughtfulness.
His kindness to her did not make Bai Hua proud in the slightest; on the contrary, it made her feel deeply ashamed.
His emotions were a jumbled mess, and in the end he could only whisper, "Thank you for your consideration, young master."
Ning Jue: "We depend on each other for survival. It's only right that I care for you and you care for me."
He would never have said such things before, clearly placing her in his own camp. Now that he is trying to trust her, she is divided, which is really unpleasant.
Bai Hua lowered her head in shame.
With the soft, yellow millet cake as a side dish, Ning Jue ate half a plate of fish, his movements unhurried and deliberate, peeling and picking out the bones without complaint, which made Bai Hua's appetite increase as well.
She suppressed her feelings, picked up her chopsticks and ate a few bites, but unlike Ning Jue, she didn't eat with relish.
Ning Jue spoke again: "No matter what kind of fish it is, you can always cook it in a variety of delicious ways. If it weren't for your careful attention to my diet, my previous injuries probably wouldn't have healed so quickly. So, how about asking me for a reward, like a raise on your allowance?"
He was amusing himself again...
Bai Hua's cheeks flushed slightly, and she murmured in reply, "Why don't we settle the debts we owed earlier?"
Ning Jue smiled and said, "You can't pay off your debts like that. You have to repay them slowly."
Bai Hua asked hypothetically, "What if I just run away and deny everything? After all, words are no proof."
“We’re missing a receipt.” Ning Jue said seriously. After thinking for a moment, he got up and went to the study to fetch a pen. He placed it on the table in front of her and instructed, “Write it down clearly.”
Bai Hua was stunned: "Write what?"
Ning Jue leaned closer, pushed the paper aside, and said softly, "Just write: Young Master Ning has treated me very well. I owe him. I cannot leave him until I repay this debt."
Bai Hua blushed and shrank back in embarrassment.
His hot breath deeply stimulated her ear, and the itch on her skin went straight to her heart.
She sat frozen in place, holding her breath, and replied with feigned composure, "What I owe you, sir, is silver, which I can repay gradually with silver."
Ning Jue retorted, "Who said that? Human relationships are more important; they should be considered debts of gratitude."
Emotional debt.
Bai Hua silently uttered those two words in her heart, her ears burning even more intensely.
Ning Jue calmly stared at her flushed face and slightly pursed cherry lips, his eyes deep and reluctant to look away.
Bai Hua was at a loss and said awkwardly, "I... I don't know how to repay this debt of gratitude..."
Ning Jue smiled slightly. The two faced each other, so close that he could see her nervousness and helplessness.
How else can we repay it?
Being rather naive, he didn't use presumptuous words to directly confront her. Instead, he stood up and let her go for the time being.
Just as he was about to sit back down, she suddenly grabbed his clothes from behind. Ning Jue turned around and met her gaze, easily seeing the tension and determination in her eyes.
Ning Jue asked, "What's wrong?"
Bai Hua mustered her courage and said, "Since I already owe you a favor, I have another request. I'd like to tell you all at once. If you agree, I will remember it all and repay you in due time."
Ning Jue: "What is it?"
Bai Hua said frankly, "Young Master previously promised to teach me swordsmanship, and now I want to continue learning so that I can master the skills to defend myself."
Her request was somewhat urgent, and the topic of conversation seemed unnatural.
Ning Jue looked at her inquisitively, pondering silently. He had only allowed her to meet Rong Linyan briefly, so what exactly did he say to her that made her so anxious and distracted after returning?
It must be something she cares about. Could it be Rong Linyan's career?
In just one month, the martial arts arena opened by the Great General in Jiling City will officially begin. Her willingness to risk everything for him and work together for their future is truly touching.
The more I think about it, the more likely it seems.
Ning Jue's gaze turned cold, and his previously concealed possessiveness suddenly began to emerge strongly.
His heart was churning with emotions, but his face remained calm.
"I can teach you, but learning swordsmanship is not child's play. You must be prepared to endure hardship. Also, you must listen to me in everything."
Bai Hua didn't expect him to agree so easily; she hadn't laid any groundwork and had thought it would take some effort.
So he quickly and sincerely thanked him, saying, "Thank you, young master."
Ning Jue didn't respond. Seeing how concerned she was about Rong Linyan's matter, how could she feel happy?
He looked down at her hand, her slender fingers still tightly gripping his, and the feeling of being entangled with her was quite pleasant.
Bai Hua felt embarrassed, but politely opened up, saying, "I'm willing to sign a written agreement."
After speaking, she sat up straight, held the edge of the paper with one hand, and used the other hand to write a line of words with elegant handwriting.
After you finish writing, hand the paper to him.
Ning Jue hesitated for a moment, then took the paper and examined it. He saw that what she had written was—"The young master treats me very well, I will not leave him."
I won't leave him...
She wrote it down as he instructed, but deliberately omitted the two sentences in the middle.
So what does she mean?
Is she feigning composure and not showing any fear, or is she feeling guilty for scheming against him and unable to go through with her conscience, so she offers him a sweet treat to appease him?
Ning Jue couldn't figure it out and was very upset.
He had been deliberately teasing her, but now, it was he who felt his heart skip a beat.
Ning Jue was inwardly annoyed, but he kept a straight face as he folded the paper, put it away, and secretly hid it in his pocket.
Looking at Bai Hua's beautiful face flushed with rosy cheeks, he was moved and thought, learning swordsmanship is fine, and she doesn't mind joining forces to scheme against him. But since he has fulfilled her plans, she should reciprocate by fulfilling all his greedy desires.
"She won't leave him."
He will make this statement a fulfilled prophecy.
...
The following day, after instructing Uncle Li on how to begin construction in the courtyard, Ning Jue took Bai Hua to the vicinity of Shixi, a place where he often practiced.
This time, he will not only demonstrate sword moves to Bai Hua, but also teach her one or two moves by hand.
So he carried two swords on his back. One sword had a jet-black scabbard, rusted and old, with a fierce and terrifying beast-like shape, which was the one he often used. The other sword had an exquisite scabbard, with several blue gemstones inlaid at the top, a relief of a coiled dragon, and gold and silver threads outlining cloud patterns, which was gorgeous yet had an ancient charm.
The only drawback is that there are several obvious scratches on the hilt.
Ning Jue stepped forward, handed her the nice-looking one, and said, "Try it on, see if it suits your hand?"
Bai Hua took it, and her first impression was that the scabbard was really beautiful. Then she felt that the sword was very heavy and difficult to hold.
Ning Jue advised her: "Your physical strength is not good. This sword was originally meant for women, so it is perfect for you. You can gradually improve your physical strength and then you will be able to handle it properly."
Bai Hua nodded, crossed her arms, and struggled to hold the sword in her arms, asking him, "How come you have a woman's sword, young master?"
She focused on the wrong thing.
Ning Jue replied, "My master's wife loved collecting swords. After she passed away, I took care of those collections. I picked one out from them that matches you. Do you like it?"
Bai Hua was initially worried that she would bring up his painful memories, and felt uneasy. However, seeing that he looked normal, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
She smiled and replied, "I like it. This scabbard is jewel-encrusted, gorgeous and beautiful, it's really pretty."
Ning Jue: "Yes, it suits you."
Was he indirectly complimenting her appearance?
Bai Hua's face flushed slightly, and she lowered her eyelashes without replying.
Ning Jue said no more and walked towards the open space. Then he drew his sword and moved with fluid movements, the sword moving with him.
If he were to wield his sword at his normal speed, the sword shadows would be numerous, making it impossible to capture his true form. However, at this moment, he deliberately slowed down so that Bai Hua could see clearly and follow along.
At half speed, Bai Hua struggled to keep up.
Ning Jue, understanding her initial discomfort, slowed down the pace to twice the normal speed, but she still couldn't keep up...
Three times... still not enough.
Ning Jue frowned, stopped what he was doing, and walked towards her.
Bai Hua knew she had no talent for martial arts. She tried for a long time but couldn't even perform a single continuous movement correctly. Facing Ning Jue's scrutiny, she looked away shyly, feeling as guilty as a student who had made a mistake and was trembling as she awaited the strict teacher's punishment.
Ning Jue said helplessly, "You find it difficult to learn from me, but you don't know how hard it is for me to deliberately slow down."
Bai Hua hung her head dejectedly and said in a low voice, "This sword is too heavy. I have to use all my strength with both hands to lift it."
Ning Jue explained, “Your sword is made of black iron, and its blade is thin and light, making it one of the lightest swords. Why don’t you try my bronze sword? It’s substantial, powerful, and sharp.”
Seeing him wield his sword so skillfully, with its fluid movements and graceful posture, Bai Hua had indeed wondered if her own sword was heavier than the young master's.
So he nodded, wanting to give it a try.
Young master, this sword has clearly weathered many storms. Even though it has been carefully maintained, it still cannot hide the traces of its old damage. The blade is long and slender, the hilt is smooth, and the guard is decorated with a beast face pattern inlaid with gold and turquoise. Despite the marks of time, its power and awe-inspiring presence remain undiminished.
Bai Hua asked, "Does this sword have a name, young master?"
Ning Jue: "Qingying".
After saying that, he sheathed the sword and handed it to her.
Bai Hua took a deep breath, gripped the bronze sword with both hands, gritted her teeth, tensed her whole body, and even the veins on her temples bulged slightly before she managed to lift the sword and slowly raise it horizontally.
The Azure Shadow Sword was more than twice as heavy as hers; she had no idea how powerful it was.
Despite its weight, Ning Jue could still wield it with such ease, his sword intent as swift as the wind. She truly admired Ning Jue's skill and stamina.
She was panting heavily, and before long, a thin layer of sweat appeared on her forehead.
Seeing her struggling, Ning Jue shook his head, took the sword back, and said, "So delicate and weak, you can't even crush an ant, let alone wield a sword. When you go out in the future, can you please not say that you are my disciple, Ning Jue?"
Bai Hua blushed and replied awkwardly, "I'll practice more, and I'll definitely get much better."
Ning Jue asked, "Did you understand the few moves I just demonstrated for you?"
Bai Hua said embarrassedly, "At first I could barely keep up, but I didn't understand the intricacies, and later... it became completely chaotic."
That's the truth.
Ning Jue was not an impatient teacher. Seeing her slightly frustrated, he comforted her, saying, "It's alright, I'll teach you more next time."
Bai Hua asked, "Aren't we continuing today?"
Ning Jue replied, "Let's stop here for today."
Actually, she wasn't interested in swordsmanship at all; she didn't like any weapon used for fighting or killing, not just swords.
However, when she was by Ning Jue's side, she could only have a reason to further explore the secrets of the Guihong Sword Technique if she showed enthusiasm for swordsmanship. Otherwise, mentioning it abruptly would easily arouse suspicion.
So Bai Hua deliberately tried to persuade him, saying, "Young master, I still have energy. We can practice a little longer."
Ning Jue took a step closer, grabbed her wrist, and pulled it up, gesturing for her to look at her palm: "You used the wrong force, your palm is all red, does it hurt?"
Bai Hua no longer cared about any of that.
She was preoccupied with her own thoughts, focusing only on Ning Jue and swordsmanship, and didn't even notice the red abrasions on her body.
Only now, after he specifically mentioned it, did she belatedly perceive the slight pain.
She nodded slightly, feigning weakness, and replied, "Some."
Ning Jue took her hand, examined it carefully, and only felt relieved after confirming that there were no broken skin.
His tone was somewhat stern: "What are you trying to prove? Go back and rest. As for sword practice, there's plenty of time."
Bai Hua had no choice but to comply.
The two returned the way they came, each carrying a sword on their back. The one in white was in front, and the one in green was behind. As they walked side by side, their clothes fluttered and intertwined. One was as slender as a pine tree, and the other was graceful and charming. Anyone who saw them would sigh that they were a perfect match.
Oh, except for Zang Fan.
As darkness fell, a thick fog rose in the forest, obscuring visibility.
Ning Jue didn't ask any questions. He simply took her hand naturally as usual and led her steadily.
The moment she shook hands with him, Bai Hua felt no resistance, but rather a sense of peace in her heart.
Having such broad shoulders to lean on gives her a great sense of security, but she is destined to only experience this feeling temporarily. In the future, the young master will wholeheartedly protect the woman he loves.
And that person wouldn't be her.
The more unique it is, the more precious it feels.
She began to crave those fleeting moments of relief. Even though the pressure on her shoulders hadn't dissipated, after being tense for so long, she needed a moment of forgetfulness and relaxation to allow her to breathe freely and catch her breath.
As they walked, Bai Hua took the initiative to start a conversation, saying, "Young Master just said that I'm not allowed to announce to others that I'm your disciple. Are you serious about that?"
Ning Jue: "Mm."
Bai Hua was a little unhappy. Was she really being disliked like this?
She intended to protest with a soft hum in her heart, but unexpectedly, the hum actually came out of her throat.
It's quite obvious; the whining and whining sound somewhat like... a spoiled child.
She lowered her head in embarrassment, feeling extremely awkward.
Ning Jue glanced in her direction, hesitated slightly, and then added, "You can't say she's my disciple, but you can say she's one of my people."
She understood that his maids were also considered his people.
Bai Hua replied sullenly, "It has a different meaning."
Ning Jue thought for a moment and replied again: "If you insist on becoming my disciple, that's fine, but I won't take on a second one."
Bai Hua was at a loss for words.
But there is no doubt that his words were meaningful; they touched her heart, each word creating a ripple.
Ripples spread in layers, and she said she was unmoved. Is that believable?
The important thing is to get on the road; different paths mean we can never reach the same destination.
She was still conscious.
...
That evening, Zang Fan was invited to the bamboo house to attend his farewell banquet.
However, Ning Jue was not good at cooking, and Bai Hua had an injury on her hand. As an invited guest, he had to bring large bags of cooked food up the mountain and prepare his own meals...
Isn't this bullying?
He even suspected that Ning Jue didn't genuinely want to see him off, but just wanted someone to run errands and bring them some food up the mountain.
Since he was already there, Zang Fan didn't bother to argue.
He prepared the dishes, and there was wine in Ningjue's courtyard. When he arrived at the bamboo house, Bai Hua had just warmed the wine for them.
After the meal was served, the three of them sat together, and Bai Hua, not wanting to spoil the mood, also drank half a cup of wine.
This was permitted by Ning Jue. He knew his wine was not strong, and half a cup would be fine; it could even warm him up.
Watching the two interact so naturally in front of him, displaying the tacit understanding and intimacy of an old married couple, Zang Fan felt somewhat irritated.
He still harbored a deep fear of Bai Hua, and after yesterday's incident, his wariness deepened.
Who knows what conspiracy she plotted after meeting with Rong Linyan, that she would return after leaving? There must be something fishy going on!
However, Ning Jue simply wouldn't listen to his advice and was very stubborn, so he had to think of another way to ensure that after he left Ye City, the fox's claws would be bound and it wouldn't do anything dangerous to scratch people.
In high spirits, Zang Fan, feigning drunkenness, urged Ning Jue to fetch another jar of wine from the courtyard, as he wanted to drink more.
Ning Jue was about to go on a long trip, so he decided to have a good time with him today.
He got up and went out of the house, walking to the courtyard. Unbeknownst to him, Zang Fan was no longer drunk as soon as he left. He held the sharp dagger to Bai Hua's neck, his eyes narrowed menacingly.
Bai Hua panicked, spilling wine on her skirt, and dared not move: "Young Master Zang, you..."
Zang Fan had no intention of killing her. Firstly, Ning Jue forbade it, and secondly, in his heart, even though he found spies despicable, they did not deserve to die.
With his free hand, he pulled a blue porcelain bottle from his pocket, took out a white pill, placed it on the table, and said to her bluntly, "I have no intention of taking your life. Don't move or make a sound. This pill has the effect of suppressing martial arts. If you take it, I will no longer make things difficult for you. If you truly have no martial arts, this medicine will be a tonic for you. If you do, your limbs will be weak and you won't be able to exert your internal energy within ten days. I really can't leave without being wary of you. Are you willing to cooperate?"
Bai Hua could have chosen to stall him until Ning Jue came to her aid, then she wouldn't have to take these strange pills.
However, this will inevitably deepen Zang Fan's hostility towards her.
There's still a long road ahead, so she needs to consider everything carefully.
If what Zang Fan said is true, that it has no effect on people without martial arts skills and only has the effect of nourishing the body, then it's fine for her to eat it. It can both dispel his suspicion and slightly ease the stalemate between the two of them.
Thinking of this, Bai Hua nodded in agreement.
“I am sincere to you, young master. Your suspicion of me is also for your own good. Since we share the same goal, why should we be at odds with each other? I am willing to take a step back, take the pill, and let you travel with peace of mind.”
After saying that, Bai Hua did not hesitate, put it in her mouth, and swallowed it with tea.
Zang Fan kept a close eye on her the whole time, taking in every subtle expression she made.
Seeing his strong suspicion, Bai Hua took the initiative to open her mouth so he could see, to prove that she had indeed swallowed it.
After inspecting the items, Zang Fan looked away with satisfaction, but his words were still blunt: "You'd better know what's good for you."
Bai Hua responded with a smile.
When Ning Jue returned with the wine, Zang Fan and Bai Hua were sitting at the table without any apparent abnormality, so Ning Jue was completely unaware that the forced medication had just occurred.
He and Zang Fan shared another drink. After they finished, Zang Fan got up to leave.
"I have to count the days until the middle of the night before the team sets off, so I need to go back to sleep and sober up now. Don't see me off, please don't see me off..."
Bai Hua looked at Ning Jue with concern and asked, "Young Master Zang is so drunk, are you sure you can go down the mountain alone?"
Ning Jue was quite reassured: "He can get drunk sometimes, but he sobers up very quickly. It's just a matter of taking a nap. It won't interfere with his schedule tomorrow."
Bai Hua hesitated for a moment, then looked away and nodded.
Ning Jue, ever perceptive, asked her, "When you two were alone, did Zang Fan say anything to you?"
Bai Hua kept the fact that she was taking the medicine a secret, not wanting to tell anyone, and even more so, not wanting to cause discord between the brothers.
"No, Young Master Zang and I have nothing to say to each other."
Ning Jue comforted her, saying, "Zang Fan is impulsive and reckless by nature, but he's not a bad person. Don't take it to heart."
Bai Hua replied, "Don't worry, young master, I understand."
She went back to her room to clean up the dishes, and Ning Jue helped her.
Considering her hand, Ning Jue offered to wash the dishes, and Bai Hua used her uninjured hand to wipe the table. The two worked together and cleaned up quickly.
Suddenly, she vaguely felt her heartbeat quicken. Even though she was calm and not nervous or excited, why was her heart beating so erratically?
Fortunately, after taking a deep breath and calming herself down, the urge gradually subsided.
Bai Hua reached out and touched her chest, wondering if she was too tired today, which was why her heart was palpitating uncontrollably.
...
In the stillness of the night, Ning Jue, who was sleeping in the main room, heard an unusual, faint sound and quickly woke up alertly.
His eyes were sharp as a hawk's, scanning the surroundings warily.
After confirming that everything in the courtyard was normal, he also discerned that the faint, intermittent sounds were coming from inside the bedroom.
The voice was familiar to him, but the tone was soft and gentle, unlike usual.
He focused his mind, calmed himself, and confirmed that it wasn't a murmured whisper in his sleep, but more like... an unbearable groan.
Ning Jue became alert and immediately dressed and went inside to check on Bai Hua's condition.
He lit the lamp and approached the bed. The dappled shadows of the curtains on the walls and bed beams made Bai Hua's features appear even more hazy.
Her breathing was heavy and she wasn't sleeping comfortably. Her brows were tightly furrowed, and she tossed and turned on the couch, clutching the covers.
The candlelight flickered and swept across her forehead, revealing a bright sheen. Upon closer inspection, it was clear she was drenched in sweat, and her cheeks were flushed with an unusual rosy hue.
She was muttering something, but it was too indistinct to hear clearly.
Ning Jue reached out to touch her forehead. It was sweaty but not hot, unlike a common cold or fever.
He bent down and took her wrist to check her pulse, confirming that it was not toxins that had entered her body and caused the strange symptoms.
"What exactly happened? Everything was fine at dinner."
He wondered if it was related to the drinks.
If he was truly drunk, it should have shown immediately, not become more pronounced so late. If the alcohol was of poor quality, he could have drunk even more without showing any signs of illness.
Ning Jue lifted Bai Hua's shoulders and gently pulled her into his arms, only then realizing that her back was completely soaked, which showed how long she had been in pain.
His eyes were filled with tenderness as he gently touched her cheek and called out to her, "Apeng, wake up, can you hear me?"
Bai Hua's eyes were half-closed, and she was somewhat disoriented. In her dazed state, she could only utter one word.
Ning Jue leaned closer, trying to hear clearly: "What?"
Bai Hua: "One...one..."
She only repeated this.
Ning Jue couldn't understand.
He carefully helped her lean against the headboard, then turned and went outside to fetch a damp cloth soaked in cool water, which he placed on her forehead to ease her discomfort.
Then, I heard her murmur again, "One..."
The difference this time was that as she spoke, she twisted her waist, her legs tightly pressed together, rubbing against the corner of the quilt, looking extremely repressed.
Looking at her pleading expression, Ning Jue suddenly understood something.
She wasn't referring to "one," she meant "itch."
She squeezed her legs together, feeling an empty itch.
...
At dawn, the team assembled at the entrance of Zangmen Escort Agency, ready to depart for Ye City.
As the young master, Zang Fan arrived on time, still half asleep, and despite reeking of alcohol, he was extremely punctual.
He held the notebook and responsibly checked the contents of the carriage from front to back, doing so with great care and seriousness.
When he reached the last carriage, he took advantage of the moment when no one was looking, got on the carriage, lifted the felt covering, opened the exquisite little medicine box underneath, and put the blue porcelain bottle hidden in his sleeve back in its original place.
Just as he was furtively closing the box, someone suddenly tapped him on the shoulder, startling him so much he almost lost his mind.
Upon returning and seeing that it was Uncle Luo, Zang Fan suppressed his anger.
Uncle Luo was his father's most capable bodyguard and a highly respected elder in the escort agency. This was the first time Zang Fan had led a team, so naturally he needed to bring along a reliable and disciplined assistant, and Uncle Luo was the perfect choice.
Seeing Zang Fan touch the medicine box, Uncle Luo glanced at it and said earnestly, "Young Master, we in the escort business value rules the most. Unless there are special circumstances, remember not to touch the employer's things at will."
Zang Fan replied nonchalantly, "Don't worry, Uncle Luo, I know what I'm doing. These are just samples. Anyway, the employer wants the items we buy according to the samples. Moving these samples isn't against the rules."
Although Uncle Luo disagreed, he couldn't keep arguing and offering opinions, otherwise it might damage the young master's prestige.
Thinking of something, Uncle Luo asked again, "Which bottle of medicine did the young master take?"
Zang Fan truthfully replied, "I heard that the blue bottle has the effect of suppressing martial arts. I recently had someone I really disliked, so I took one and made her eat it."
Just to be on the safe side, Uncle Luo confirmed: "Young Master, did you take the dark blue bottle or the light blue bottle?"
Dark blue and light blue, aren't they all the same...?
Zang Fan was too lazy to unpack it again and show it to him, so he casually replied, "Dark blue, I guess."
Dark blue is alright.
Uncle Luo breathed a sigh of relief, helped the young master out of the car, and then covered the carriage with felt again.
He thought to himself, "Luckily, the young master didn't take the wrong one. There are twelve kinds of medicines with different effects in the box. The young master doesn't know so much about them, and he doesn't understand the meaning of 'deep blue removes internal energy, light blue becomes a god.'"
That light blue porcelain bottle contained an extremely potent aphrodisiac from Nanmin, one that even ordinary young women in their boudoirs would likely find too strong to handle.
Whether in Jingqi or Jiling, many high-ranking officials, wealthy merchants, and powerful figures sought alternative thrills, sparing no expense to acquire Nanmin's potent drugs, all for the sake of indulging in debauchery and extravagance in brothels and pleasure quarters.
That filthy stuff was no good, and certainly not presentable, so respectable nobles dared not buy it openly, lest it damage their family's reputation. They could only secretly entrust it to a caravan for procurement, paying a high commission in advance.
The intricacies of this matter are extremely complex, especially when it comes to trade with Ye City, which involves a wide variety of activities and often requires scheming and manipulation.
He will have to tell the young master about these things and these experiences in the future.
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