Visiting a doctor in the dark to find out the truth
Chapter Quote: In the tiger's acupoints, we search for fellow travelers and visit the miracle doctor late at night. The sharp words are tested and each of us has his own thoughts and plans.
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On his first night at Liangshan, Yan Qing did not sleep well. He sat cross-legged on the couch, practicing Qigong and regulating his breathing, on the one hand to heal the internal injuries left by the fierce fighting during the day, and on the other hand to carefully sort out in his mind what he had seen and heard that day.
Song Jiang's attempts to win him over, Wu Yong's scrutiny, the various leaders' varying attitudes, and the ailing An Daoquan... it was like a tangled web. He needed to find a way out, and An Daoquan, a miraculous doctor with extraordinary skills but seemingly unable to control himself, might be his chance.
Just after midnight, all was quiet. Yan Qing slipped out of the cabin silently, like a wisp of smoke in the dark night, avoiding the patrol checkpoints and once again arriving at the secluded courtyard where An Daoquan lived.
The courtyard door was ajar, revealing a faint light from within. He listened intently, but all he could hear were intermittent coughs and the gurgling of medicine jars.
He gently pushed the door open and entered. The courtyard was filled with piles of medicinal herbs, and the air was filled with the bitter aroma of medicine. A light was on in the main room, and a figure, with his back to the door, was busy at the medicine furnace. He was thin, and his shoulders shook from time to time as he coughed. It was An Daoquan.
"Doctor Anshen is still awake late at night. Which brother are you making medicine for?" Yan Qing stood at the door and spoke softly.
An Daoquan was startled and turned around abruptly, almost dropping the medicine spoon in his hand. His face was pale, his eye sockets were sunken, and he really looked sick. When he saw that the person coming was Yan Qing, the "new leader of the mountain", a trace of surprise and vigilance flashed in his eyes, and he forced a smile:
"It turns out to be Chief Yan Qing. This old man... ahem... was just making some tranquilizing medicine for you. Thank you for your concern, Chief." His tone was distant and wary.
Yan Qing walked into the room and sat down on a wooden bench nearby. He glanced at the medical books and prescriptions scattered on the table and said calmly, "Even though the miracle doctor is ill, he still devotes himself to medicine. This is admirable. However, on Liangshan, with all the fighting and killing, injuries and illnesses are constant. Even if the miracle doctor has the ability to bring people back to health, I'm afraid he can't protect himself, right?"
Upon hearing this, An Daoquan's face darkened slightly, and he coughed even more violently. He covered his mouth and said, "What do you mean, Chief? Since I've come up the mountain to join the group, I should...I should serve the stronghold wholeheartedly."
"Serve wholeheartedly?" Yan Qing's lips curled up into a faint smile. "I wonder if the miracle doctor is willing to 'serve' here, or if... he has no choice?"
His words hit the nail on the head. An Daoquan's hand, gripping the medicine spoon, trembled slightly. After a moment of silence, he whispered, "Captain Yan, I don't understand what you're saying. If you have nothing else, please return. I need to rest."
This is an order to expel you.
Yan Qing was unhurried, his gaze fixed on An Daoquan's pale yet steady hands. "These hands of the miraculous doctor were meant to heal countless lives. Now, he's trapped in this lake, surrounded by swords and sabers, even suffering from a serious illness himself. Could it be that... he's never considered leaving?"
An Daoquan suddenly looked up, a complex look flashing in his eyes: helplessness, fear, and a hint of deep desire. But then it dimmed and he said with a wry smile, "Leaving? That's easier said than done... Chief Yan, you've just arrived, so there are some things... it's better not to ask."
"Is it because your family is being held hostage? Or is it because of some kind of coercion?" Yan Qing pressed on. He made a bold guess based on his memories of his past life and his observations today.
An Daoquan was shocked and looked at Yan Qing in disbelief. His lips trembled, but he did not dare to answer.
Yan Qing understood. He slowed his tone, "Doctor An, I don't mean to pry into your privacy. I just feel that a talent like you shouldn't be buried here, let alone controlled by others. Perhaps... there's more to Liangshan than just one path."
An Daoquan looked at him warily: "You... who are you? Did the military advisor send you to test me?"
"Wu Yong and I have different ideals and cannot work together," Yan Qing said frankly. "I came up the mountain for my own reasons. I came here today simply because I felt a kinship with the genius doctor and couldn't bear to see such a precious pearl covered in dust. If the genius doctor needs help in the future, perhaps he will remember to look for me."
After saying that, he said no more, stood up and was about to leave.
"Wait!" An Daoquan suddenly called him, hesitated for a moment, and whispered, "Captain Yan... I have taken note of what you said today. But... Liangshan is definitely not a good place, you... you'd better take care of yourself." His words were already a kind reminder.
Yan Qing nodded: "Thank you for the reminder, doctor. It's late at night, I won't disturb you anymore."
He turned and walked out of the yard, disappearing into the darkness.
An Daoquan stared at the direction he left, silent for a long time, his expression changing constantly. This newcomer Yan Qing seemed different from the others at Liangshan...
After leaving An Daoquan's place, Yan Qing did not return to his room directly, but instead took a detour to a secluded bay in the back mountain. He needed to calm down and also to confirm whether anyone was following him.
The moonlight shone on the water, making the waves sparkle. Yan Qing stood by the water, deep in thought, when suddenly, he heard a faint sound of footsteps behind him.
He was startled and quietly grasped the dagger in his sleeve.
"Brother Yanqing, what a refined mood." A gentle voice sounded.
Yan Qing turned around and saw that Wu Yong was standing several feet behind him, waving a feather fan and smiling, as if he had just happened to stroll there.
"The military advisor hasn't rested yet?" Yan Qing remained calm.
"I've been having trouble sleeping, so I went out for a walk." Wu Yong walked to the water's edge and stood shoulder to shoulder with Yan Qing, gazing at the water. "The night scenery of Liangshan Lake has a unique charm. Brother, this is your first time here, are you used to it?"
"Thanks to Chief Song and the military advisor for their care, everything is fine."
Wu Yong smiled and suddenly changed the subject: "I heard that brother just went to see Dr. An Shen? Are you feeling unwell?"
As expected! His every move was under Wu Yong's surveillance! Yan Qing sneered in his heart, but said calmly: "I'm not feeling unwell. I've just heard of Doctor An's great name for a long time. Today, I happened to come across his courtyard and smelled the fragrance of medicine, so I took the liberty to visit him and ask for his advice on health preservation."
"Oh? I see." Wu Yong stroked his beard and said meaningfully, "Dr. Anshen is a master of medical skills and is truly a treasure of Liangshan. However, he has been in poor health recently and needs to rest. If it is not important, it is best not to disturb him too much."
This is a warning. Yan Qing nodded: "Military Advisor, this is a reminder. Yan has taken note of it."
The two were silent for a moment, with only the rustling of the reeds in the night wind.
After a moment, Wu Yong continued, "Brother Yanqing, you are a wise man. You should understand that now that you have come to Liangshan, you should make a clear break with your past and devote yourself wholeheartedly to the mountain stronghold. Brother Gongming has treated you well, so please don't... let him down, and don't make any mistakes that will ruin your future."
His tone was still gentle, but the warning in his words was obvious.
Yan Qing met his gaze without flinching, "Military Advisor, your words are invaluable, and I will bear them in mind. However, I do not know what 'making a mistake' means? What does 'wholeheartedly' mean? I hope that Military Advisor can clarify."
Wu Yong's eyes flashed coldly, then turned into a smile: "Brother, you are joking. As long as you abide by the rules of the mountain stronghold and are loyal to Brother Gongming, you will have a bright future."
He patted Yan Qing's shoulder, as if an elder was encouraging a younger one: "It's getting late, brother, go back and rest early. Tomorrow, we have important matters to discuss."
After saying that, he turned around and walked away without saying anything more.
Yan Qing looked at Wu Yong's back as he disappeared into the night with a deep gaze.
It is true that every step in Liangshan is a trap and every word is a wit.
Wu Yong's warning and An Daoquan's hint made him more convinced that his move, although dangerous, was the right one.
Only by going deep into this dangerous place can we see the enemy more clearly and find the opportunity to break through.
He turned and walked towards his residence, his steps steady and his mind clearer.
The secret war with Wu Yong officially began from this moment on.
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Chapter 37 End
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