Chapter 73: Wangyou went to see the spring scenery dozens of times.
The journey was not far, and five days later they stopped in front of a valley on the border.
"The carriage can't go any further here. Everyone, we have to rely on ourselves for the rest of the journey." Mingfeng stood in front of the valley, and the wind blowing towards her made the small bells on her body jingle.
Lou Wanqiao gripped the hilt of the knife at his waist tightly and responded solemnly. Then they walked together into the depths of the valley.
A whistling wind ripped up the hems of his clothes. Mingfeng introduced them as he walked, "This is the famous Valley of Ten Thousand Poisons. Many plants will die if they come into contact with it, so you must listen carefully to what I say. Have you read the pamphlets I gave you these days? While they don't cover everything, they do include most of the typical plant forms. Simple identification should be easy."
Lou Wanqiao nodded, silently recalling the contents of the booklet in his mind.
It has to be said that Mingfeng is indeed a skilled and responsible doctor. Along the way, he earnestly told them many things that needed to be paid attention to, and Lou Wanqiao and Wen Xuechi wrote them down one by one.
Now, the knowledge she had gained over the past few days was looping back and forth in her mind. Although her eyes had seen many kinds of plants, she could already roughly know which ones were poisonous.
At first glance, there are really not many that can be touched.
...It is worthy of being the legendary Valley of Ten Thousand Poisons.
The three of them had internal strength and were fast on their feet, so they arrived at the edge of the cliff in no time.
The strong wind rustled his sleeves. Mingfeng pointed at the blue grass on the cliff edge and said, "That's one of the herbs we need. But the wind in this valley is also dangerous. If you're not careful, you could be blown into the abyss."
"It's okay, I'm familiar with this job." Wen Xuechi stroked his clothes nonchalantly, tapped the toes of his boots lightly, and flew towards the edge of the cliff.
A moon-white robe seemed to blend into the world, and in an instant it leaped up, the hem of the robe brushing over the cliff and flying out without hesitation. Even though Lou Wanqiao knew that Wen Xuechi was a martial arts expert, he was still a little frightened.
He was very good at light work, and he picked the grass in just a few breaths. Just when Lou Wanqiao looked down, he had already used the force to flip back from the cliff.
Ming Feng clapped his hands. "Ah, you are indeed Master Wen! This mission shouldn't be difficult for you. Although you can't be careless, the scenery here is beautiful. You can also take it as a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery."
Lou Wanqiao touched his nose.
What Mingfeng said was indeed true. It was the season when grass was lush and birds were singing. The valley was filled with the fragrance of flowers, green vines were winding everywhere, and sunlight cast mottled traces through the gaps between the leaves.
Lou Wanqiao was a little dazed for a moment.
How long has it been since you observed the scenery around you with such a relaxed attitude?
Most people in the world are burdened by work and rush through half of their lives, but rarely take the time to calm down and look at the things around them.
Wen Xuechi handed the grass to Mingfeng, and she carefully put it into a special box.
The next things were much easier. She just had to follow Mingfeng's instructions and carefully avoid the poisonous areas. She easily collected the other herbs.
"Okay, we can take a break for now. The next things can only be picked tomorrow morning." Mingfeng brought them to a small cave. Lou Wanqiao was surprised to find some dry firewood and dry food in it, as well as traces of human activities.
Seeing her surprise, Mingfeng turned around and explained, "My senior brothers and sisters will come here to train when they are short of medicinal materials or have any needs. The Ten Thousand Poison Valley is a good place for us medical practitioners to increase our skills and horizons." Lou Wanqiao nodded and said no more.
As night fell, a small fire lit up in the cave. They ate their dry food and made beds out of leaves.
Although the sleep was not very comfortable, it was a rare opportunity to have a shelter that was not exposed to the open air in such an environment.
Wen Xuechi was lying beside her. Lou Wanqiao opened her eyes and looked at the ceiling of the cave. Listening to the steady breathing beside her and the chirping of birds and insects outside the cave, she found it difficult to fall asleep.
She suddenly felt something against her arm. Just as she was about to look down, she realized it was Wen Xuechi's finger. A familiar touch hooked around her pinky, and he moved up her knuckles, interlacing his fingers with hers and holding her hand tightly.
Lou Wanqiao's eyelashes trembled, and he quietly held the hand back amid the rising and falling breathing.
The temperature was transmitted silently. The whistling wind outside formed a sharp contrast with the warmth inside the cave. Lou Wanqiao turned over and met those bright eyes.
Under the clear starry sky was the familiar, bright lake. At this moment, ripples appeared on the lake because of her eyes, and the lake became bright and soft in the silent gaze.
He didn't fall asleep either.
He had been looking at her intently.
The valley was supposed to be cool, but she felt an inexplicable heat. His gaze was so intense that Lou Wanqiao closed her eyes, as if trying to cover up her own mistakes.
A breeze blew into the cave, and Lou Wanqiao fell asleep unknowingly.
…
A dreamless night.
The next morning, Mingfeng led the group to a patch of flowers. It seemed like a light rain had fallen the previous night, and the petals were covered in glistening dewdrops, reflecting a clear light in the morning light.
"This flower is called 'Mingchao'. It needs to be picked and preserved when it is freshest with morning dew before it can be used as medicine." Mingfeng said as she picked the petals and put them into a small porcelain bottle with ease. Lou Wanqiao and Wen Xuechi followed her example and did the same.
The three of them were very efficient and collected enough petals before the sun rose. Mingfeng nodded with satisfaction and carefully placed the porcelain bottle into the cloth bag he carried with him.
After spending the past few days together, Lou Wanqiao had a good idea of Mingfeng's personality. She was a very straightforward person, always speaking her mind, and she was very loyal and righteous, fearing that they would get involved in something they shouldn't.
The Ten Thousand Poisons Valley was indeed full of dangers, but Mingfeng's guidance reduced a lot of the difficulty for them. Lou Wanqiao thought to herself that if she were trapped in the valley alone, she would be in danger at every step.
Whether it was the booklet from before, her occasional reminders, or her familiarity with the terrain, Lou Wanqiao was amazed.
There are so many strange people and wonderful things in the world. She once lived in the capital, so naturally she couldn't see many of the scenery.
But it doesn't matter.
The road ahead is long, and there are three thousand worldly people. But in the remaining decades of our lives, there is still plenty of time to pick flowers and appreciate the moon.
"We're almost done with the things. We should get ready to go back." Ming Feng packed up his things and turned to look at her. "...Hmm? What are you thinking about, sir?"
Lou Wanqiao raised his head and smiled: "Nothing, I just think the scenery here is very nice."
"Alas, beautiful things are often fatal. Even places like this always hold hidden mysteries. We're in a hurry here. Feel free to come find me next time when you're not busy. I know a lot of beautiful places and I can show you around~"
"Thank you, Miss Mingfeng."
"Oh, you're welcome. I think we're really destined to be together. If you don't mind, you can just call me Little Bird." Mingfeng supported his head with his hands and looked at her with a smile.
"Mingfeng... Little Bird, what a nice name." Lou Wanqiao understood the meaning and smiled sincerely, "You don't have to call me Sir. My name is Zizhao, you can call me whatever you want."
"Oh, it's so boring to shout names with them. I think you are very special and interesting, just like... Hey, have you ever seen the rising sun at dawn?" Mingfeng, or the bird, gestured with his hands, his eyes shining.
"The rising sun?" Lou Wanqiao thought her metaphor was novel. The word swirled on her tongue. "I've seen that before."
She recalled many early mornings, the dawn after an all-night raid, and the deadly dawn before a coup. The sun always carried a cold and heavy meaning, foreshadowing a new round of fighting or unknown variables.
"No, no, no," Mingfeng waved her hands quickly upon seeing the bloody look in her eyes, the small bell on her head jingling. "I'm not talking about that! It's that feeling... um... of being on a mountaintop, or on a particularly open grassland, watching it slowly emerge from the horizon. It starts with that soft, warm golden color, not glaring, but able to instantly dispel all darkness and coldness, bringing the whole world to life!" She struggled to describe it, her face filled with pure longing. "That's how you make me feel! You look a little cold, but my heart is warm, powerful, and full of hope!"
Lou Wanqiao was stunned. She had never imagined anyone would use such a word to describe herself. Her life seemed to be constantly shrouded in darkness, intrigue, and bloodshed. Even now, with the clouds clearing and the sun emerging, her body was already stained with the indelible rust and blood. Yet, in the eyes of the little bird, she was... the morning light that dispelled the darkness and brought hope?
Wen Xuechi, who was standing by, also glanced at Lou Wanqiao, raised the corner of his lips slightly, and nodded in agreement.
Lou Wanqiao felt a little embarrassed, but a warm feeling welled up in her heart at this sincere and strange compliment. She smiled, neither confirming nor denying, and simply said, "Your metaphor is quite unique."
"Then I'll call you 'Chao Chao' from now on!" Ming Feng's eyes curved into crescents. "It means the rising sun, and it also means that every day is new, just like you. How wonderful!"
Before Lou Wanqiao could say anything, Mingfeng shook his head proudly: "Alright, alright, the sun is rising and the dew is almost gone, let's go! I know a shortcut back home, the scenery is pretty good, I guarantee you'll like it!"
After packing up, the three of them set out on their return journey, guided by the bird. As she'd said, this route didn't require constant vigilance against poisonous creatures like the way they'd arrived. Instead, it meandered along the relatively safe edge of the valley, offering a wide view. Along the way, they could see exotic flowers and plants (most of which could only be viewed from a distance, of course), jagged rocks, and a clear stream gurgling with the sound of water—truly a unique sight.
The tension of the past few days finally eased a little. Little Bird was a restless chatterbox, pointing to a peculiarly shaped plant and explaining its history and toxicity, then recounting the absurdities her senior brothers and sisters had caused in the valley. Her clear voice, mingling with the tinkling of bells, brought a great deal of life to the quiet valley.
Lou Wanqiao and Wen Xuechi walked side by side, listening to the chatter of birds and looking at the beautiful scenery in front of them, which was different from the prosperity of Kyoto and the vastness of the northern frontier. The place in their hearts, which seemed a little desolate due to years of fighting, seemed to be quietly nourished by the mountain breeze, water, birdsong and flowers.
Occasionally, she turned her head to glance at Wen Xuechi, always meeting his calm, focused gaze. He was a man of few words, but his presence was overwhelming, like a mountain guarding her. The warmth from their silent handshake in the cave last night seemed to linger, creating a tacit understanding and intimacy between them that needed no words.
"Look! Do you see those purple flowers in front?" The bird suddenly pointed excitedly at a hillside in front. "That's called 'Forget-Me-Not'. It's not poisonous. The fragrance can calm the mind, and it's especially delicious when made into tea! I'll pick some. Wait for me!" As she spoke, she ran over as lightly as a real bird.
Only Lou Wanqiao and Wen Xuechi remained. A gentle breeze wafted by, bringing with it the delicate fragrance of the "Forget-Me-Not" flower fields, a truly tranquil experience.
Wen Xuechi took a step forward, moving closer to Lou Wanqiao, and asked in a low and gentle voice, "Are you tired?"
Lou Wanqiao shook his head: "Not tired."
She paused, her mind inexplicably reminiscing about the past. It seemed that when one had some free time, those memories would find their way back through some gap. Compared to those days of fighting and fighting, rushing around day and night, this journey with a clear goal, and despite the dangers, the support of companions, was nothing.
Wen Xuechi seemed to understand her unfinished words and gently grasped her hand. Unlike last night's cautious exploration in the darkness, this time it was a direct, soothing grip. His palm was broad and warm, completely enveloping her slightly cool fingers.
He looked at her, his eyes gentle but firm: "I will accompany you in the future. We will have many more times like this and go to see the spring scenery dozens of times more."
His words were soft, but they struck Lou Wanqiao's heart as heavily as a promise.
The little bird came running back with a huge bunch of purple forget-me-not flowers, her face filled with the joy of a good harvest. "I picked a lot! I'll share some with you all after I dry them when I get home! I guarantee you'll sleep well after drinking them!" She saw the two people holding hands, blinked, and gave a sly "I know, I know" smile, but didn't point it out. She just smiled and stuffed a small bunch of flowers into Lou Wanqiao's empty hand, "Here, Chaochao, this most beautiful bunch is for you!"
Lou Wanqiao took the bouquet of small flowers with dew and fragrance, and his mood was as clear and bright as the sky above the valley.
The journey home continued, the three figures gradually receding through the valley. Behind them lay the Poison Valley, rife with danger yet filled with boundless vitality. Ahead lay a pacified, new situation awaiting their return. And now, lingering around them were the laughter of friends, the warmth of a loved one's palm, and the fragrance of the bouquet called "Forget Worry" in their hands.
Perhaps this was what life was supposed to be like after so many ups and downs. Lou Wanqiao thought, she was beginning to like this kind of stability and warmth that she could feel without relying solely on swords.
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