Chapter 215: Descendant of the Buyi Tribe

Fang Zhen went out again in the afternoon.

Two men were competing in the poetry session. They flushed with agitation, but neither of them was willing to give in to the other. Many people were attracted by the heated competition.

Fang Zhen walked around but she couldn’t find Qiao An. She felt a sense of loss and was not in the mood to watch the poetry session anymore, so she held up the umbrella and walked back.

A shop assistant carried a bolt of silk on his shoulder and heard someone calling his name. He turned around abruptly and the silk bolster on his shoulder swung in Fang Zhen’s direction.

With her head lowered, Fang Zhen was absent-minded. She didn’t notice the danger until Liu’er shouted, “my lady” in alarm. Seeing the silk bolster about to hit her on the face, she bent backward by instinct, lost her balance, and fell to the side.

“Young lady, watch out!”

A pair of strong arms held up her body steadily.

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Fang Zhen leaned on the guy’s arm and quickly turned her head. Her eyes were filled with joy instantly.

“It’s you!”

“It’s you!”

The two answered in chorus, then both started to laugh.

Qiao An let the young lady go and stepped back. He said with a smile, “What a coincidence!”

The girl’s face was red as a flame. Nervous and flustered, she hurried to hand over the bamboo umbrella in her hand and said, “I…I’m here to return the umbrella!”

Qiao An was surprised. He laughed. ” It’s only an umbrella. You don’t have to give it back!”

Liu’er chuckled on the side, saying, “Today is the fourth day that our young lady came to the commercial house to look for Young Master to return the umbrella!”

The girl was even more embarrassed by that. Her hand that held the umbrella turned pale.

With a pucker between his eyebrows, Qiao An looked at the girl’s face.

He had a pretty good idea of her thoughts.

However, he was not turned off by the girl’s affection for him. On the contrary, his heart softened. He couldn’t help but speak with a gentle smile, “I didn’t know an umbrella would bring such inconvenience to my lady.”

Fang Zhen shook her head and said, “No. I just can’t feel relieved until I return the things lent to me.”

Qiao An took the umbrella and spoke in a soft voice, “I feel sorry that my lady had to make several trips. How about I invite my lady to have some tea to smooth over my incompetence?”

Fang Zhen raised her head and looked at him. Although she almost accepted his offer, she eventually shook her head and said, “Thank you, Young Master. But we are complete strangers to each other. I’m afraid… I’m afraid that your wife will misunderstand if she sees us in company with each other. Having tea is not necessary!”

She didn’t want to be someone’s concubine. Therefore, she had no interest in being involved with a married man, even though she was attracted to him.

She insisted on returning the umbrella exactly to put a stop to her fantasy!

Qiao An laughed unexpectedly. “I am not married yet. Where did my wife come from?”

Fang Zhen looked at him in astonishment. A sense of elation flooded her heart in an instant.

“Can I invite my lady for a cup of tea now?” Qiao An said with a smile.

Fang Zhen pursed her lips and lowered her eyes, nodding slowly.

The two sat in the teahouse across the street from the commercial house. The waiter recognized Qiao An and came forward right away, saying deferentially, “Master An is here. What kind of tea would you like to drink today?”

“Biluochun tea!”

“Great! I will be back in a moment. Master An, please enjoy it!”

Only a few people were sitting in the teahouse. It was quiet with an elegant style.

Fang Zhen asked, “Young Master’s last name is An?”

Qiao An replied with a question, “May I ask for my lady’s name?”

“Fang Zhen!” the girl answered gracefully.

Qiao An pondered for a moment before asking, “Is my lady related to the secretary-general of the imperial censor?”

“He is my father indeed. Does Young Master An know him?” Fang Zhen smiled gently.

“I never met him, but I have heard of him!” Qiao An said.

The tea was served. The two chatted and laughed, at ease from the afternoon till early evening. Even though they had only met twice, they shared the same interests and tastes and conversed like they were old friends who had known each other for a decade.

The setting sun had disappeared from the sky by the time they left the teahouse.

Liu’er was waiting in front of the horse carriage of the Fang Manor.

After saying goodbye, Fang Zhen walked in the direction of the horse carriage at a leisurely pace. She couldn’t help but turn around and ask, “Will I see you again in the future?”

Qiao An chuckled, “We certainly will if it’s predestined!”

He paused for a second and handed over the umbrella to her, said, “I’d like to give this umbrella to my lady as a gift and a memento of our encounter!”

Fang Zhen blushed and reached her hand out slowly to take the bamboo umbrella. She felt nervous and disconcerted, not fully comprehending what Qiao An meant. She was afraid of speaking more and turned to walk back to the horse carriage.

Qiao An returned home and saw both Hu Dapao and Ah Shu there with sullen faces.

“What happened?” Qiao An strolled into the reception pavilion and asked with a soft smile.

“Master An, Chief said she got news about Eldest Young Master and left with Shangguan Yunkun. But it has been a week and we still haven’t heard anything from her!” Hu Dapao said anxiously.

“I was stupid. I should have gone with Chief!” Ah Shu pounded the table regretfully.

“Don’t worry. She probably didn’t find him if she came back after only a few days. It’s good news that she has been gone for this long. It means Chief has already found Eldest Young Master!” Qiao An analyzed in a gentle voice.

Ah Shu nodded slowly, said, “Master An has a point. But when will Chief and Eldest Young Master come back?”

Hu Dapao said, “We don’t even know what the Eldest Young Master’s situation is like right now.”

They fell silent again. After a while, Qiao An said, “Let’s wait for a couple more days.”

He was only so calm because he was certain that Su Jiu was fine.

The Emperor was looking for Eldest Young Master as well. But Qiao An heard that the Emperor stopped the search after Su Jiu left the capital city.

The only possibility was that the Emperor had already known where Eldest Young Master was from the beginning.

The Emperor cared about Su Jiu as much as they did, if not more. She must be safe if the Emperor wasn’t looking for her.

…

Su Jiu had been on the Wushan Isle for four days.

Jin Feng was told originally that the boat of the Buyi tribe would reach the shore of the Wushan Isle in two days. They would send people to deliver supplies before going back to Shengjing City.

But no ship had been driven ashore for four days.

Concerned and agitated, Jin Feng sent more people to ask around and learned that the ship was delayed, staying at Jinli Country for a few more days.

They had no choice but to continue to wait.

It was fortunate that Ji Yuxian had been stable for the past few days and hadn’t had an attack for a while.

Ji Yuxian, however, was not anxious at all. He made love to Su Jiu every night till she begged for mercy and slept into the late morning. Then they would go fishing in the sea together.

Life here was more comfortable than being in Shengjing City.

Old Gu was obsessed with cooking. He even sacked the cook and took on the responsibility of cooking meals for Su Jiu and Ji Yuxian every day.

Shangguan Yunkun, on the contrary, had suffered enough. He immediately got out of the way whenever he smelled fish soup and tried everything possible to distract Old Gu so that the cook could sneak into the kitchen and make real food for them.

It was a luxury for him to fill his belly every day.

The gorgeous rays of evening sunlight were cast on the boundless sea. Shimmering, the waves rose and fell, then returned to calmness.

Wearing a crimson robe, Ji Yuxian sat on a rock and leisurely held the young woman in his arms. He squinted his sparkling eyes, his lips curled up into a faint smile. His face was as beautiful as the sunset.

Su Jiu rolled up her trouser legs. Her fair and delicate feet dipped in the water and splashed the waves when they rose.

The seawater flowed between the young woman’s calves and the warmth of the water rippled into her heart and soothed her soul.

Su Jiu suddenly felt jealous of the rocks on the shore. They could keep the sea company, day and night. Adored by nature, they could bask in sunshine and bathe in the moonlight until the end of the time.

Ji Yuxian held her in his arms and gently kissed her windblown hair, laughing. “How would you compare this place with your mountain?”

Su Jiu raised her eyebrows and said, “Each has its strong points!”

“Then we will live on the mountain for a month and this island for a month when we’re old.” The man smiled softly and kissed her temples with tenderness.

Su Jiu raised her head and kissed him on his chin. Her innocent face lit up with a bright smile. “Alright!”

“I will watch the sea with you every day and you will make love to me every night.” The man’s gentle kisses fell on her cheeks. The tip of his tongue flickered into her earlobes. “We will review the pictures on page five and page twelve tonight. What does my lady say?”

They had practiced almost all the pictures in the book. The pictures on page five and page twelve came to Su Jiu’s head the moment Ji Yuxian mentioned them. Her face blushed instantly. She said, “Just one is enough!”

“How is one enough? I worry that my lady won’t be satisfied.” The man’s voice lowered.

Su Jiu gave him a sidelong glare, and said, “Can my husband be more shameless?”

“I can. Do you want it now?” Ji Yuxian cracked a smile. His voice became seductive.

Su Jiu pushed his head away in an instant. “Don’t mess around!”

Ji Yuxian chuckled quietly and held her tightly in his arms.

Su Jiu mused that she would rather give up all the wealth and luxuries of Shengjing City. She would rather live a fulfilled life as long as Ji Yuxian watched the sea with her every day.

It was nightfall when the two went back. Carrying Su Jiu on his back, Ji Yuxian walked to the village through the thick woods.

Su Jiu rested her head on the man’s broad shoulders and was about to fall asleep.

Ji Yuxian turned and kissed her on her cheek. “Don’t sleep. Let’s go to sleep at home after dinner.”

Su Jiu woke up immediately when she heard dinner and recalled Old Gu’s uncanny cooking skills. She held the man’s neck tight and grumbled, “Can you order him to stay away from the kitchen?”

Ji Yuxian chuckled, “I already ordered him before. But Doctor Gu threatened me with death.”

Old Gu told Ji Yuxian solemnly that he couldn’t live any longer if Ji Yuxian didn’t let him cook.

Su Jiu howled woefully and leaned into his back again.

“What do you want to eat? I will ask other people to make for you,” Ji Yuxian said.

“I will eat whatever that is not cooked by Old Gu!” Su Jiu answered right away.

“Good,” the man replied. He suddenly furrowed his brows and felt a sense of sweetness in his throat. He struggled to swallow it back and kept walking forward steadily.

“Ji Yuxian, can you let me down? I want to walk on my own. Otherwise, I will fall asleep soon!” Su Jiu’s soft voice sounded in the dark woods.

“It’s too dark. It’s better if I carry you. We’re almost there!” Ji Yuxian laughed.

Su Jiu didn’t speak anymore and rested on his back quietly.

Shangguan Yunkun ran out the moment Ji Yuxian and Su Jiu entered the courtyard. He said with a despairing look, “Old Gu made the fish soup again. I can’t take it anymore. I would rather starve this time to resist him!”

Su Jiu slid off Ji Yuxian’s back and said, “Figure out a way to send him away.”

Ji Yuxian said softly, “I can call him to my room and think of a way to stall him. Shangguan can find the cook and start over!”

Shangguan caught a glimpse of Ji Yuxian’s pale face and nodded with a smile, said, “That’s a good idea!”

The three went into the room. Ji Yuxian summoned Old Gu inside while Shangguan went to find the cook right away.

Su Jiu sat on the doorsill and held her arms. She lowered her head and scratched on the floor with a piece of grass.

Shangguan brought the cook who had been sacked by Old Gu back to the kitchen next door. With utensils clattering, the tantalizing smell of food came from the kitchen in no time.

After an hour, the dinner was served on the table. Shangguan placed the chopsticks and said, “Hurry up. Time for dinner!”

“Coming!” Su Jiu responded. She sat on the chair and saw eight dishes on the table. Both the cold appetizers and the hot dishes were toothsome and mouthwatering.

“We finally have a proper meal!” Shangguan Yunkun filled a bowl with rice and gave it to Su Jiu. He picked up the chopsticks and started to eat with relish as well.

Su Jiu stuffed rice in her mouth yet felt sick and couldn’t swallow her food.

“At least eat a little. We would starve again if Old Gu cooks tomorrow!” Shangguan picked up some vegetables for Su Jiu and said with a smile.

“OK!” Su Jiu pursed her lips and smiled back.

The sky became completely dark. Old Gu came out of the room. Waiting by the door, Su Jiu turned around immediately and asked, “How is he?”

Shangguan and Jin Feng also turned their heads and looked over.

“He’s asleep. Don’t worry. He can still hold on for a couple more days!” Old Gu yawned and said slowly.

“The person from the Buyi tribe already left the Jinli Country. They should be here in a few days!” Jin Feng said in a low voice.

However, it was still questionable if the person could and would clear the toxins for Ji Yuxian.

Su Jiu glanced back at Jin Feng and Shangguan, then lowered her voice and asked Old Gu, “Eh… do I speed it up by having sex with him?”

Jin Feng turned his head to look outside, while Shangguan listened carefully with great interest.

Old Gu chuckled and patted Su Jiu’s shoulder. “It’s alright. He seemed to be more stable recently. People should seize the day and enjoy while they can.”

Su Jiu was even more embarrassed. “Then… I will go inside and take a look at him!”

She then slipped into the room.

Old Gu giggled and walked to the table, exclaiming in surprise, “Wow. It looks delicious!”

He ate dinner, nodding his head, saying to himself, “I’m a wonderful cook who makes the best meal! Ordinary people like you don’t deserve to enjoy this!”

Jin Feng and Shangguan Yunkun both rolled their eyes.

Ji Yuxian was still asleep in the room. His face was pale, and lips were bloodless. He looked handsome even though he was sick.

Su Jiu walked to the bed and lay beside him. She raised her head and kissed his cold chin, then said in a low voice, “Ji Yuxian, I will always be with you.”

She held the man’s hand on top of her chest and slowly closed her eyes.

…

The morning on the island was filled with birds singing and waves rumbling.

Sunlight shone through the window and dappled the lavender-colored bed canopy with the shadow of the camellia outside of the window. The shadows moved with the wind and looked lively.

The warm sunshine poured over the man’s delicate face. His long eyelashes fluttered slightly like butterfly wings. He opened his eyes slowly and saw Su Jiu who was sleeping soundly next to him.

She carefully held one of his arms as if she was afraid of squeezing him too hard. She was breathing evenly with her forehead gently leaning on his shoulder.

Ji Yuxian turned on his side slightly. He raised his hand to comb her loose hair behind her ear, his slender fingers running through her hair smoothly and tenderly.

Su Jiu’s body trembled. She suddenly raised her head and looked directly into his inky eyes. Her heart softened instantly.

The two smiled at the same time when their eyes met.

Su Jiu placed one hand on top of his hand that was combing her hair. She snuggled into his arms.

“Are you afraid?” Ji Yuxian held her and asked quietly.

Su Jiu nodded slightly, said, “I am. I’m afraid that you will leave without looking at me or waking me up.”

She was afraid that she wouldn’t be able to catch him.

Ji Yuxian kissed the top of her head and placed his hand on her abdomen, saying, “Maybe we already have a baby here. Can you stay and care for him if I can’t be here with you?”

“No!” Su Jiu replied firmly.

Ji Yuxian smiled. His hand on her abdomen reached into her clothes. “You insolent girl!”

Su Jiu pressed down on his wandering hand, saying, “Don’t. Old Gu said we shouldn’t have sex anymore!”

“He’s a quack!” the man answered, then flipped to lie on top of Su Jiu. He kissed her gently on her lips and untied her clothes.

Su Jiu pushed him away by the shoulders. “Ji Yuxian, do you not want to live anymore?”

“No, I only want you!” Ji Yuxian’s eyes darkened. He pinned Su Jiu down onto the bed and leaned forward to kiss her.

“I owe my lady two pictures from last night. I will make it up to you now!”

Her clothes slipped off. The bed canopy shielded them from the bright sunshine. Only the soothing, lavender-colored light poured over the woman’s porcelain-like skin. Her body was lithe and graceful with a rosy complexion.

Ji Yuxian held her narrow waist with his arm and kissed her affectionately.

Su Jiu raised her chin. Her dark hair loosened and billowed out like a waterfall, and her bright eyes glistened like they were washed by rain.

She liked his touch so much that she couldn’t say no at all.

Su Jiu pressed the man down on the bed by his shoulders. She bent forward and kissed his soft, cool lips. With her eyes half-closed, she muttered, “Let me!”

The man breathed heavily and sat up a little. He held her waist in his arms and glided his hot kiss down from her chin. “Alright. Have fun. I will reciprocate later.”

Su Jiu uttered a snort and held his neck.

…

However, Su Jiu was defeated by exhaustion in less than ten minutes. She lay back on the bed, gasping for air. Her hair spread out on the pillow and her face was still burning.

The man was not satisfied with such a small appetizer. He took in the young woman’s soft body and started to enjoy the entree with relish.

…

Shangguan Yunkun was right. The house was built of wood. The people downstairs could indeed feel the vibration if the movement upstairs was too intense.

In the main hall, Shangguan Yunkun reclined in a chair and shook his head, sighing. “I was also this crazy when I was young. It was so good to be young!”

Jin Feng glanced at him expressionlessly.

Old Gu picked his teeth and shot him a brief look, “How dare you pretend to be old in front of me? Youngster, how many women have you slept with?”

“One is enough!” Shangguan Yunkun replied slowly, waving his folding fan.

“Only one? Pfft!” Old Gu uttered a disdainful snort.

“Among all the women, I only chose one. That is the most elegant palate. You have no idea!” Shangguan Yunkun was intoxicated with self-satisfaction.

“What do I not understand? Do you think you’re the only one who has enjoyed youth? I, too, only wanted to pick one when I was young. But it was unrequited, and she fell for some other guy!” Old Gu mocked himself. A touch of sorrow came to a face that usually looked free and easy.

“Come on. Tell your story!” Shangguan poured a cup of tea and put it in front of Old Gu.

Old Gu raised the cup and drank it up as if it was wine. With sadness in his eyes, he told the story slowly.

“I wasn’t a good doctor at that time. I was still learning from my master. She was my master’s daughter, so we technically grew up together. One day, she was sick and didn’t like how bitter my medicine was. I made her a glass of honey water, but she poured it out of the window, right on top of a swordsman walking by. The swordsman was stubborn and insisted on going upstairs to see who poured the water on him. They fell in love at first sight.

“Since then, the swordsman didn’t practice the sword anymore. He stayed and married her, becoming the owner of the medicine shop.”

Both Shangguan Yunkun and Jin Feng were shocked by Old Gu’s moving story.

It was indeed unrequited love.

Of course, they both doubted the authenticity of Old Gu’s one-sided story. They thought he probably embellished the story to vent his anger, especially when he clenched his teeth and began cursing the swordsman.

The most incredible part was the fact that Old Gu really did like his master’s daughter but she didn’t like him back.

“Is that why you gave up and trifled with various women, bringing yourself all these troubles?” Shangguan laughed.

“Pooh! I didn’t give up. I had an epiphany. There are so many women in the world. Why should I devote myself to only one woman?” Old Gu said complacently.

Shangguan Yunkun and Jin Feng felt goosebumps all over.

Two days later, the ship from the Jinli Country reached the shore.

The person from the Buyi tribe was welcomed to the island the moment the ship was anchored.

Everyone was dumbfounded when they saw the person.

They were surprised at how young the man was.

He looked no more than 20 years old. He was tall and skinny and wore a spotless white robe. His face was ordinary, yet his eyes were so unfittingly gorgeous that they looked like they belonged to someone else’s.

The man was followed by a masked woman. She wore a light-yellow dress, a golden bell tied to her ankle. The bell tinkled while she walked.

The two were led to the main hall. The man swept his eyes across everyone in the room, then fixated on Ji Yuxian. His voice was soft and gentle, like the murmur of a creek in the forest.

“Who is looking for me?”

Old Gu asked, “May I ask if you’re the person from the Buyi tribe?”

“Yes, Buyi tribe, Wu Yi,” the man answered casually.

“Shengjing City, Ji Yuxian!” Ji Yuxian announced his name as well. He said with a smile, “I was affected by the Half Moon Devourer poison of the Buyi tribe. I’d like to ask the Young Master to come and clear the toxin for me.”

Wu Yi sized Ji Yuxian up and down, asked in confusion, “Half Moon Devourer poison?”

“Do you know how to clear it?” Su Jiu couldn’t wait.

Wu Yi heard Su Jiu’s voice and looked at her. His eyes darkened in an instant and he exchanged a look with the woman behind him. When he turned back, his face softened and he said with a smile, “Of course! This is a poison made by the apothecaries of the Buyi tribe. No one in the world can clear it if I can’t!”

Su Jiu, Jin Feng, Shangguan, and the others all felt a sudden relief.

“Then, may I please trouble Young Master Wu to clear the toxins for my husband? I will pay you however much you want!” Su Jiu said in a hurry. Her eyes were glistening.

“No rush!” Wu Yi cracked a smile and said, “Can I feel Young Master Ji’s pulse first?”

“Of course!” Ji Yuxian sat in a chair and extended his arm.

Wu Yi walked up to him and sat across the table. He placed two fingers on Ji Yuxian’s wrist.

His fingers were slender and pale without any grains or veins, as though they were made of jade.

People couldn’t help but stare.

Wu Yi closed his eyes and exerted his strength. The room turned quiet right away. Even the sound of a needle falling on the floor could be heard.

After a while, Wu Yi opened his eyes and asked, “The toxin has been in your body for almost 20 years. It’s a miracle that Young Master Ji is still alive!”

Ordinary people would have killed themselves because of the pain, even if they weren’t killed by the poison itself.

“Can it still be cleared?” Ji Yuxian asked softly.

“Yes!” Wu Yi didn’t hesitate or talk nonsense. He just uttered that one word.

Maintaining her composure, Su Jiu exhaled a sigh in relief.

“What does Young Master Wu need to clear the toxins?” Old Gu asked.

Wu Yi raised his eyes and looked at Old Gu, saying, “Looks like you’re a doctor as well. The Half Moon Devourer can be cleared, but not before a lot of trouble. One of the medicinal herbs, carnivorous glossy ganoderma, is extremely difficult to find.”

Old Gu nodded slowly. He already guessed that they might need carnivorous glossy ganoderma to clear the toxins of the Half Moon Devourer. This man really was an apothecary from the Buyi tribe.

“Where can we find the carnivorous glossy ganoderma?” Su Jiu asked immediately.

“You don’t have to search for it anywhere. I happened to find one on this voyage. Maybe God wants me to come and save the Young Master!” Wu Yi said.

Everyone was thrilled. Shangguan said, “Young Master Wu must have gone through a lot of trouble for this carnivorous glossy ganoderma. How much silver do you want? We can offer you anything!”

Lowering his eyes and smiling, Wu Yi said in a soft voice, “I don’t need silver. But I do have one condition if you want me to clear the toxins.”

“What condition?” Shangguan asked.

A strange look flickered in Wu Yi’s eyes. He suddenly turned to Su Jiu and pointed at her, said, “I want her!”

The room froze in palpable silence.

Ji Yuxian held Su Jiu’s hand and was about to leave. He said coldly, “Jin Feng, send off the guest!”

“Yes!”

Jin Feng answered, then turned around and said to Wu Yi and the woman behind him in an icy voice, “You two, please!”

Su Jiu’s eyes were frosty. She couldn’t help but take another look at Wu Yi and the woman behind him. She was confident that she didn’t know these two people. Why did they want her?

“Young Master is already suffering from the poison and could die any moment now. Won’t you reconsider?” Wu Yi asked.

Su Jiu’s slowed her pace. Ji Yuxian tightened the grip around her wrist, turned around, and gave him a cold look. “I invited you to the island, so I will forgive you this time. I’m afraid you won’t be able to go back if you continue.”

Wu Yi fiddled with his dark hair and cracked a wicked smile. “Young Master Ji doesn’t have to get angry. I was only joking. It’s my honor to get acquainted with Eldest Young Master Ji. I would be happy to clear the toxins for you.”

Ji Yuxian stared at him as if he wanted to see through him real intention.

Shangguan Yunkun spoke, “Young Master Wu already knows we’re businessmen who like to make our transactions explicit. We especially don’t like owing anyone any favors. So why don’t you tell us how much silver you want for the carnivorous glossy ganoderma? We will both have peace of mind once we pay the silver!”

“If that’s the case…” Wu Yi smiled and said, “How about a thousand taels?”

“Jin Feng!” Ji Yuxian spoke, “Give Young Master Wu a bill of ten thousand taels!”

“Yes!”

Wu Yi squinted his eyes and said, “The Ji Manor must be wealthy indeed!”

“I know the carnivorous glossy ganoderma is rare and precious. We won’t let Young Master Wu get the low end of this bargain,” Ji Yuxian said casually.

“Then I thank you, Young Master Ji.” Wu Yi paused for a moment, then said, “Please let me prepare for a day. We can begin to clear the toxins tomorrow morning.”

“Very good.”

Jin Feng brought the bill and handed it to Wu Yi. Wu Yi asked the masked woman to take it without even having a look.

“I have one thing to tell everyone in advance,” Wu Yi said. “I can’t have anyone in the room while I am clearing the toxins. Eldest Young Master needs to sleep for three days during this process. Only I can enter Young Master Ji’s room during this time. No one else can, including the Young Master’s wife. If you trust me, I promise that I will clear all the toxins of the Half Moon Devourer poison from your body. If you don’t trust me, we do not need to waste each other’s time. I can leave with the boat right now.”

Ji Yuxian nodded and said, “Alright. I trust you!”

“Then I will write down the names of other necessary medicinal herbs and ask your people to make the preparations!”

“No problem,” Shangguan said, “I will send someone to handle it right away!”

“Also…” Wu Yi continued, “I need to live in a clean room on this island. All of my furniture, tea sets, and blankets have to be brand new. And, I’m a vegetarian!”

“No problem.” Shangguan nodded.

“Then let’s prepare and start the process tomorrow morning!”

“Understood.” Ji Yuxian nodded slightly.

Jin Feng led Wu Yi and the masked woman who never spoke a word to rest.

“Old Gu, do you really think this guy is from the Buyi tribe?” Su Jiu asked right after the two left.

Stroking his beard, Old Gu nodded and said, “It should be right!”

He never met anyone from the Buyi tribe. But Wu Yi should be the real deal since he could tell the Half Moon Devourer poison was in Ji Yuxian for 20 and mentioned the carnivorous glossy ganoderma.

Allegedly, everyone from the Buyi tribe had a peculiar personality. Old Gu couldn’t tell much for now, but he thought it was odd how Wu Yi had so quickly agreed to clear the toxins for Ji Yuxian.

Su Jiu pursed her lips. “No matter what, the most important thing is to clear the toxins!”

Shangguan nodded slowly. “Yes. We can deal with him in the future as long as he can clear the toxins now.”

“Let me look at his medical prescription later. We can trust him as long as it’s sensible,” Old Gu said after pondering.

“Yes!” Shangguan said.

Ji Yuxian sat in a chair without speaking. With a pucker between his eyebrows, he seemed to be contemplating something.

Su Jiu saw that Ji Yuxian’s face was still sullen after they returned to their room. She encircled his waist with her arms and laughed. “Maybe he was really joking. Don’t take him too seriously. I don’t know him and bear him no grudge. He doesn’t have any reason to do anything to me.”

Ji Yuxian lifted the young woman and kissed her forehead gently. He said with a smile, “Anything or anyone that might threaten your safety will make me uncomfortable!”

Based on Wu Yi’s description, he would be unconscious for three days. He couldn’t set his mind at ease.

By instinct, he didn’t believe Wu Yi would crack a joke like that for no reason.

He wouldn’t put her in danger, even if that meant he couldn’t have the toxins cleared.

“Don’t worry. I’m not a feeble girl. It’s not that easy to take my life!” Su Jiu raised her eyebrows and smiled, then kissed on the man’s lips in consolation.

“Ask Jin Feng to follow you around during the three days while I’m unconscious! Stay away from Wu Yi and the woman he brought!” Ji Yuxian reminded her.

“I know!” Su Jiu straddled his waist and held his neck with her arms. She pressed her forehead to his affectionately.

“Jiu’er, let’s have a child after this is over,” Ji Yuxian kissed her nose and said in a low voice.

Su Jiu’s wide eyes darted from side to side. “Let me think about it.”

“You don’t need to think about it. Let’s start to prepare for it now!” Ji Yuxian carried her to the bed with a faint smile on his face.

“Ji Yuxian!” Su Jiu struggled to get down, “You will have to prepare for tomorrow!”

“Exactly. I won’t see my lady for three days. Doesn’t my lady need to compensate her husband right now?” Ji Yuxian put her on the bed and lay on top of her. He squeezed her chin and caressed her lips.

Su Jiu didn’t know what to do about his craving for sex. She dodged and said, “Can you not mess around? We may need to discuss the procedure later.”

“Let them discuss. We will do business!” The man started to untie Su Jiu’s clothes while he was speaking.

Su Jiu was at a loss for words. What kind of was business in his mind?

Although she admitted the lovemaking was pleasurable, she was still surprised by Ji Yuxian’s obsession with it.

What was the difference between men and women?

Her lips felt slight pain. The man wasn’t pleased with her mind wandering at the moment. His hot kisses fell on her eyes and cheeks.

His eyes were blurred with lust and his breath turned heavy. Su Jiu felt warm and wet as if the clammy sea breeze had blown into her head. She raised her face and kissed the man’s lips, then turned over and knocked him to the ground…

That night, the masked woman who came with Wu Yi held a cup of tea and entered Wu Yi’s room in the loft next door.

Wu Yi was sitting in a chair, tuning his pentachord. He wore white sleepwear after his bath and had his hair loose on his back, which made him look more effeminate.

“The teacup and the tea are ours. Master, please drink and be at ease.” The woman put the teacup on the table.

With a clanking sound, Wu Yi plucked a string with his jade-like finger. He said with a delighted face, “Much to my surprise, we have already found the person we want before even reaching Daliang Country. How lucky we are!”

The woman sat upright next to the window. Her eyes, not covered by the veil now, were narrow and charming. She spoke with her eyebrows raised, “Master, are you sure the woman is the one we’re looking for?”

“You don’t believe me?” Wu Yi’s eyes glanced at her.

“That’s not it.” The woman shook her head immediately and said, “It’s just, we found a couple of women in Jinli before. They all turned out to be disappointments.”

“Trust me, that woman will do,” Wu Yi said with certainty.

The woman’s eyes brightened though she asked hesitantly, “Why are you so confident?”

After all, they had never tried it with her before.

“Eldest Young Master suffers from the Half Moon Devourer poison, the toxin to the Gu insect. The woman is the Young Mistress of the Ji Manor and not a virgin. She has had sex with Eldest Young Master Ji and yet was not infected by the venomous worm. It means that she is the embodiment of Yin energy. Only the embodiments of the Yin or Yang energy could keep out the Gu insect.”

Wu Yi paused for a moment and continued, “The Gu Insect in Ji Yuxian’s body woke up a month ago. Maybe he only keeps off the Gu Insect and hangs on until we arrived because he has been having sex with her.”

The woman’s eyes were filled with excitement. But she still remained calm and composed. “If that’s true, then this trip to Daliang Country is truly worth the trouble!”

“Don’t celebrate too early. Don’t forget, she is the Young Mistress of Ji Manor!” Wu Yi plucked the strings and said softly.

“Of course, I know about Eldest Young Master Ji’s status in Daliang Country!” The woman smiled and said, “Master, do you think I will succeed if I seduce Ji Yuxian? Things will be much easier if she doesn’t have the protection of Ji Manor!”

The woman took off her veil while speaking. She had a stunning face, not at all inferior to Yun Zhu, the most beautiful woman in the tribe. Her long and narrow eyes in particular added a unique touch to her beauty.

Wu Yi took a quick look at her, then lowered his head. “It’s not as good as that woman. Seduction could be difficult.”

No woman would be happy to hear that they were less beautiful than other women. This one’s face turned grim. She put the veil back over her face and looked outside of the window.

Wu Yi played a low, plaintive song on his pentachord. He smiled and said, “Why don’t I seduce the woman? Maybe we will have a higher chance of succeeding this way?”

Sitting on the bed, the woman glanced at him and said casually, “But isn’t the gap between you and Ji Yuxian even wider?”

The sound of the pentachord came to an abrupt stop. Wu Yi raised his head and said with a gloomy face, “Common folk like you don’t have the refined tastes necessary to admire my heavenly looks.”

The woman shrugged and turned away with a triumphant smile.

Chapter 215: Descendant of the Buyi Tribe

Fang Zhen went out again in the afternoon.

Two men were competing in the poetry session. They flushed with agitation, but neither of them was willing to give in to the other. Many people were attracted by the heated competition.

Fang Zhen walked around but she couldn’t find Qiao An. She felt a sense of loss and was not in the mood to watch the poetry session anymore, so she held up the umbrella and walked back.

A shop assistant carried a bolt of silk on his shoulder and heard someone calling his name. He turned around abruptly and the silk bolster on his shoulder swung in Fang Zhen’s direction.

With her head lowered, Fang Zhen was absent-minded. She didn’t notice the danger until Liu’er shouted, “my lady” in alarm. Seeing the silk bolster about to hit her on the face, she bent backward by instinct, lost her balance, and fell to the side.

“Young lady, watch out!”

A pair of strong arms held up her body steadily.

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Fang Zhen leaned on the guy’s arm and quickly turned her head. Her eyes were filled with joy instantly.

“It’s you!”

“It’s you!”

The two answered in chorus, then both started to laugh.

Qiao An let the young lady go and stepped back. He said with a smile, “What a coincidence!”

The girl’s face was red as a flame. Nervous and flustered, she hurried to hand over the bamboo umbrella in her hand and said, “I…I’m here to return the umbrella!”

Qiao An was surprised. He laughed. ” It’s only an umbrella. You don’t have to give it back!”

Liu’er chuckled on the side, saying, “Today is the fourth day that our young lady came to the commercial house to look for Young Master to return the umbrella!”

The girl was even more embarrassed by that. Her hand that held the umbrella turned pale.

With a pucker between his eyebrows, Qiao An looked at the girl’s face.

He had a pretty good idea of her thoughts.

However, he was not turned off by the girl’s affection for him. On the contrary, his heart softened. He couldn’t help but speak with a gentle smile, “I didn’t know an umbrella would bring such inconvenience to my lady.”

Fang Zhen shook her head and said, “No. I just can’t feel relieved until I return the things lent to me.”

Qiao An took the umbrella and spoke in a soft voice, “I feel sorry that my lady had to make several trips. How about I invite my lady to have some tea to smooth over my incompetence?”

Fang Zhen raised her head and looked at him. Although she almost accepted his offer, she eventually shook her head and said, “Thank you, Young Master. But we are complete strangers to each other. I’m afraid… I’m afraid that your wife will misunderstand if she sees us in company with each other. Having tea is not necessary!”

She didn’t want to be someone’s concubine. Therefore, she had no interest in being involved with a married man, even though she was attracted to him.

She insisted on returning the umbrella exactly to put a stop to her fantasy!

Qiao An laughed unexpectedly. “I am not married yet. Where did my wife come from?”

Fang Zhen looked at him in astonishment. A sense of elation flooded her heart in an instant.

“Can I invite my lady for a cup of tea now?” Qiao An said with a smile.

Fang Zhen pursed her lips and lowered her eyes, nodding slowly.

The two sat in the teahouse across the street from the commercial house. The waiter recognized Qiao An and came forward right away, saying deferentially, “Master An is here. What kind of tea would you like to drink today?”

“Biluochun tea!”

“Great! I will be back in a moment. Master An, please enjoy it!”

Only a few people were sitting in the teahouse. It was quiet with an elegant style.

Fang Zhen asked, “Young Master’s last name is An?”

Qiao An replied with a question, “May I ask for my lady’s name?”

“Fang Zhen!” the girl answered gracefully.

Qiao An pondered for a moment before asking, “Is my lady related to the secretary-general of the imperial censor?”

“He is my father indeed. Does Young Master An know him?” Fang Zhen smiled gently.

“I never met him, but I have heard of him!” Qiao An said.

The tea was served. The two chatted and laughed, at ease from the afternoon till early evening. Even though they had only met twice, they shared the same interests and tastes and conversed like they were old friends who had known each other for a decade.

The setting sun had disappeared from the sky by the time they left the teahouse.

Liu’er was waiting in front of the horse carriage of the Fang Manor.

After saying goodbye, Fang Zhen walked in the direction of the horse carriage at a leisurely pace. She couldn’t help but turn around and ask, “Will I see you again in the future?”

Qiao An chuckled, “We certainly will if it’s predestined!”

He paused for a second and handed over the umbrella to her, said, “I’d like to give this umbrella to my lady as a gift and a memento of our encounter!”

Fang Zhen blushed and reached her hand out slowly to take the bamboo umbrella. She felt nervous and disconcerted, not fully comprehending what Qiao An meant. She was afraid of speaking more and turned to walk back to the horse carriage.

Qiao An returned home and saw both Hu Dapao and Ah Shu there with sullen faces.

“What happened?” Qiao An strolled into the reception pavilion and asked with a soft smile.

“Master An, Chief said she got news about Eldest Young Master and left with Shangguan Yunkun. But it has been a week and we still haven’t heard anything from her!” Hu Dapao said anxiously.

“I was stupid. I should have gone with Chief!” Ah Shu pounded the table regretfully.

“Don’t worry. She probably didn’t find him if she came back after only a few days. It’s good news that she has been gone for this long. It means Chief has already found Eldest Young Master!” Qiao An analyzed in a gentle voice.

Ah Shu nodded slowly, said, “Master An has a point. But when will Chief and Eldest Young Master come back?”

Hu Dapao said, “We don’t even know what the Eldest Young Master’s situation is like right now.”

They fell silent again. After a while, Qiao An said, “Let’s wait for a couple more days.”

He was only so calm because he was certain that Su Jiu was fine.

The Emperor was looking for Eldest Young Master as well. But Qiao An heard that the Emperor stopped the search after Su Jiu left the capital city.

The only possibility was that the Emperor had already known where Eldest Young Master was from the beginning.

The Emperor cared about Su Jiu as much as they did, if not more. She must be safe if the Emperor wasn’t looking for her.

…

Su Jiu had been on the Wushan Isle for four days.

Jin Feng was told originally that the boat of the Buyi tribe would reach the shore of the Wushan Isle in two days. They would send people to deliver supplies before going back to Shengjing City.

But no ship had been driven ashore for four days.

Concerned and agitated, Jin Feng sent more people to ask around and learned that the ship was delayed, staying at Jinli Country for a few more days.

They had no choice but to continue to wait.

It was fortunate that Ji Yuxian had been stable for the past few days and hadn’t had an attack for a while.

Ji Yuxian, however, was not anxious at all. He made love to Su Jiu every night till she begged for mercy and slept into the late morning. Then they would go fishing in the sea together.

Life here was more comfortable than being in Shengjing City.

Old Gu was obsessed with cooking. He even sacked the cook and took on the responsibility of cooking meals for Su Jiu and Ji Yuxian every day.

Shangguan Yunkun, on the contrary, had suffered enough. He immediately got out of the way whenever he smelled fish soup and tried everything possible to distract Old Gu so that the cook could sneak into the kitchen and make real food for them.

It was a luxury for him to fill his belly every day.

The gorgeous rays of evening sunlight were cast on the boundless sea. Shimmering, the waves rose and fell, then returned to calmness.

Wearing a crimson robe, Ji Yuxian sat on a rock and leisurely held the young woman in his arms. He squinted his sparkling eyes, his lips curled up into a faint smile. His face was as beautiful as the sunset.

Su Jiu rolled up her trouser legs. Her fair and delicate feet dipped in the water and splashed the waves when they rose.

The seawater flowed between the young woman’s calves and the warmth of the water rippled into her heart and soothed her soul.

Su Jiu suddenly felt jealous of the rocks on the shore. They could keep the sea company, day and night. Adored by nature, they could bask in sunshine and bathe in the moonlight until the end of the time.

Ji Yuxian held her in his arms and gently kissed her windblown hair, laughing. “How would you compare this place with your mountain?”

Su Jiu raised her eyebrows and said, “Each has its strong points!”

“Then we will live on the mountain for a month and this island for a month when we’re old.” The man smiled softly and kissed her temples with tenderness.

Su Jiu raised her head and kissed him on his chin. Her innocent face lit up with a bright smile. “Alright!”

“I will watch the sea with you every day and you will make love to me every night.” The man’s gentle kisses fell on her cheeks. The tip of his tongue flickered into her earlobes. “We will review the pictures on page five and page twelve tonight. What does my lady say?”

They had practiced almost all the pictures in the book. The pictures on page five and page twelve came to Su Jiu’s head the moment Ji Yuxian mentioned them. Her face blushed instantly. She said, “Just one is enough!”

“How is one enough? I worry that my lady won’t be satisfied.” The man’s voice lowered.

Su Jiu gave him a sidelong glare, and said, “Can my husband be more shameless?”

“I can. Do you want it now?” Ji Yuxian cracked a smile. His voice became seductive.

Su Jiu pushed his head away in an instant. “Don’t mess around!”

Ji Yuxian chuckled quietly and held her tightly in his arms.

Su Jiu mused that she would rather give up all the wealth and luxuries of Shengjing City. She would rather live a fulfilled life as long as Ji Yuxian watched the sea with her every day.

It was nightfall when the two went back. Carrying Su Jiu on his back, Ji Yuxian walked to the village through the thick woods.

Su Jiu rested her head on the man’s broad shoulders and was about to fall asleep.

Ji Yuxian turned and kissed her on her cheek. “Don’t sleep. Let’s go to sleep at home after dinner.”

Su Jiu woke up immediately when she heard dinner and recalled Old Gu’s uncanny cooking skills. She held the man’s neck tight and grumbled, “Can you order him to stay away from the kitchen?”

Ji Yuxian chuckled, “I already ordered him before. But Doctor Gu threatened me with death.”

Old Gu told Ji Yuxian solemnly that he couldn’t live any longer if Ji Yuxian didn’t let him cook.

Su Jiu howled woefully and leaned into his back again.

“What do you want to eat? I will ask other people to make for you,” Ji Yuxian said.

“I will eat whatever that is not cooked by Old Gu!” Su Jiu answered right away.

“Good,” the man replied. He suddenly furrowed his brows and felt a sense of sweetness in his throat. He struggled to swallow it back and kept walking forward steadily.

“Ji Yuxian, can you let me down? I want to walk on my own. Otherwise, I will fall asleep soon!” Su Jiu’s soft voice sounded in the dark woods.

“It’s too dark. It’s better if I carry you. We’re almost there!” Ji Yuxian laughed.

Su Jiu didn’t speak anymore and rested on his back quietly.

Shangguan Yunkun ran out the moment Ji Yuxian and Su Jiu entered the courtyard. He said with a despairing look, “Old Gu made the fish soup again. I can’t take it anymore. I would rather starve this time to resist him!”

Su Jiu slid off Ji Yuxian’s back and said, “Figure out a way to send him away.”

Ji Yuxian said softly, “I can call him to my room and think of a way to stall him. Shangguan can find the cook and start over!”

Shangguan caught a glimpse of Ji Yuxian’s pale face and nodded with a smile, said, “That’s a good idea!”

The three went into the room. Ji Yuxian summoned Old Gu inside while Shangguan went to find the cook right away.

Su Jiu sat on the doorsill and held her arms. She lowered her head and scratched on the floor with a piece of grass.

Shangguan brought the cook who had been sacked by Old Gu back to the kitchen next door. With utensils clattering, the tantalizing smell of food came from the kitchen in no time.

After an hour, the dinner was served on the table. Shangguan placed the chopsticks and said, “Hurry up. Time for dinner!”

“Coming!” Su Jiu responded. She sat on the chair and saw eight dishes on the table. Both the cold appetizers and the hot dishes were toothsome and mouthwatering.

“We finally have a proper meal!” Shangguan Yunkun filled a bowl with rice and gave it to Su Jiu. He picked up the chopsticks and started to eat with relish as well.

Su Jiu stuffed rice in her mouth yet felt sick and couldn’t swallow her food.

“At least eat a little. We would starve again if Old Gu cooks tomorrow!” Shangguan picked up some vegetables for Su Jiu and said with a smile.

“OK!” Su Jiu pursed her lips and smiled back.

The sky became completely dark. Old Gu came out of the room. Waiting by the door, Su Jiu turned around immediately and asked, “How is he?”

Shangguan and Jin Feng also turned their heads and looked over.

“He’s asleep. Don’t worry. He can still hold on for a couple more days!” Old Gu yawned and said slowly.

“The person from the Buyi tribe already left the Jinli Country. They should be here in a few days!” Jin Feng said in a low voice.

However, it was still questionable if the person could and would clear the toxins for Ji Yuxian.

Su Jiu glanced back at Jin Feng and Shangguan, then lowered her voice and asked Old Gu, “Eh… do I speed it up by having sex with him?”

Jin Feng turned his head to look outside, while Shangguan listened carefully with great interest.

Old Gu chuckled and patted Su Jiu’s shoulder. “It’s alright. He seemed to be more stable recently. People should seize the day and enjoy while they can.”

Su Jiu was even more embarrassed. “Then… I will go inside and take a look at him!”

She then slipped into the room.

Old Gu giggled and walked to the table, exclaiming in surprise, “Wow. It looks delicious!”

He ate dinner, nodding his head, saying to himself, “I’m a wonderful cook who makes the best meal! Ordinary people like you don’t deserve to enjoy this!”

Jin Feng and Shangguan Yunkun both rolled their eyes.

Ji Yuxian was still asleep in the room. His face was pale, and lips were bloodless. He looked handsome even though he was sick.

Su Jiu walked to the bed and lay beside him. She raised her head and kissed his cold chin, then said in a low voice, “Ji Yuxian, I will always be with you.”

She held the man’s hand on top of her chest and slowly closed her eyes.

…

The morning on the island was filled with birds singing and waves rumbling.

Sunlight shone through the window and dappled the lavender-colored bed canopy with the shadow of the camellia outside of the window. The shadows moved with the wind and looked lively.

The warm sunshine poured over the man’s delicate face. His long eyelashes fluttered slightly like butterfly wings. He opened his eyes slowly and saw Su Jiu who was sleeping soundly next to him.

She carefully held one of his arms as if she was afraid of squeezing him too hard. She was breathing evenly with her forehead gently leaning on his shoulder.

Ji Yuxian turned on his side slightly. He raised his hand to comb her loose hair behind her ear, his slender fingers running through her hair smoothly and tenderly.

Su Jiu’s body trembled. She suddenly raised her head and looked directly into his inky eyes. Her heart softened instantly.

The two smiled at the same time when their eyes met.

Su Jiu placed one hand on top of his hand that was combing her hair. She snuggled into his arms.

“Are you afraid?” Ji Yuxian held her and asked quietly.

Su Jiu nodded slightly, said, “I am. I’m afraid that you will leave without looking at me or waking me up.”

She was afraid that she wouldn’t be able to catch him.

Ji Yuxian kissed the top of her head and placed his hand on her abdomen, saying, “Maybe we already have a baby here. Can you stay and care for him if I can’t be here with you?”

“No!” Su Jiu replied firmly.

Ji Yuxian smiled. His hand on her abdomen reached into her clothes. “You insolent girl!”

Su Jiu pressed down on his wandering hand, saying, “Don’t. Old Gu said we shouldn’t have sex anymore!”

“He’s a quack!” the man answered, then flipped to lie on top of Su Jiu. He kissed her gently on her lips and untied her clothes.

Su Jiu pushed him away by the shoulders. “Ji Yuxian, do you not want to live anymore?”

“No, I only want you!” Ji Yuxian’s eyes darkened. He pinned Su Jiu down onto the bed and leaned forward to kiss her.

“I owe my lady two pictures from last night. I will make it up to you now!”

Her clothes slipped off. The bed canopy shielded them from the bright sunshine. Only the soothing, lavender-colored light poured over the woman’s porcelain-like skin. Her body was lithe and graceful with a rosy complexion.

Ji Yuxian held her narrow waist with his arm and kissed her affectionately.

Su Jiu raised her chin. Her dark hair loosened and billowed out like a waterfall, and her bright eyes glistened like they were washed by rain.

She liked his touch so much that she couldn’t say no at all.

Su Jiu pressed the man down on the bed by his shoulders. She bent forward and kissed his soft, cool lips. With her eyes half-closed, she muttered, “Let me!”

The man breathed heavily and sat up a little. He held her waist in his arms and glided his hot kiss down from her chin. “Alright. Have fun. I will reciprocate later.”

Su Jiu uttered a snort and held his neck.

…

However, Su Jiu was defeated by exhaustion in less than ten minutes. She lay back on the bed, gasping for air. Her hair spread out on the pillow and her face was still burning.

The man was not satisfied with such a small appetizer. He took in the young woman’s soft body and started to enjoy the entree with relish.

…

Shangguan Yunkun was right. The house was built of wood. The people downstairs could indeed feel the vibration if the movement upstairs was too intense.

In the main hall, Shangguan Yunkun reclined in a chair and shook his head, sighing. “I was also this crazy when I was young. It was so good to be young!”

Jin Feng glanced at him expressionlessly.

Old Gu picked his teeth and shot him a brief look, “How dare you pretend to be old in front of me? Youngster, how many women have you slept with?”

“One is enough!” Shangguan Yunkun replied slowly, waving his folding fan.

“Only one? Pfft!” Old Gu uttered a disdainful snort.

“Among all the women, I only chose one. That is the most elegant palate. You have no idea!” Shangguan Yunkun was intoxicated with self-satisfaction.

“What do I not understand? Do you think you’re the only one who has enjoyed youth? I, too, only wanted to pick one when I was young. But it was unrequited, and she fell for some other guy!” Old Gu mocked himself. A touch of sorrow came to a face that usually looked free and easy.

“Come on. Tell your story!” Shangguan poured a cup of tea and put it in front of Old Gu.

Old Gu raised the cup and drank it up as if it was wine. With sadness in his eyes, he told the story slowly.

“I wasn’t a good doctor at that time. I was still learning from my master. She was my master’s daughter, so we technically grew up together. One day, she was sick and didn’t like how bitter my medicine was. I made her a glass of honey water, but she poured it out of the window, right on top of a swordsman walking by. The swordsman was stubborn and insisted on going upstairs to see who poured the water on him. They fell in love at first sight.

“Since then, the swordsman didn’t practice the sword anymore. He stayed and married her, becoming the owner of the medicine shop.”

Both Shangguan Yunkun and Jin Feng were shocked by Old Gu’s moving story.

It was indeed unrequited love.

Of course, they both doubted the authenticity of Old Gu’s one-sided story. They thought he probably embellished the story to vent his anger, especially when he clenched his teeth and began cursing the swordsman.

The most incredible part was the fact that Old Gu really did like his master’s daughter but she didn’t like him back.

“Is that why you gave up and trifled with various women, bringing yourself all these troubles?” Shangguan laughed.

“Pooh! I didn’t give up. I had an epiphany. There are so many women in the world. Why should I devote myself to only one woman?” Old Gu said complacently.

Shangguan Yunkun and Jin Feng felt goosebumps all over.

Two days later, the ship from the Jinli Country reached the shore.

The person from the Buyi tribe was welcomed to the island the moment the ship was anchored.

Everyone was dumbfounded when they saw the person.

They were surprised at how young the man was.

He looked no more than 20 years old. He was tall and skinny and wore a spotless white robe. His face was ordinary, yet his eyes were so unfittingly gorgeous that they looked like they belonged to someone else’s.

The man was followed by a masked woman. She wore a light-yellow dress, a golden bell tied to her ankle. The bell tinkled while she walked.

The two were led to the main hall. The man swept his eyes across everyone in the room, then fixated on Ji Yuxian. His voice was soft and gentle, like the murmur of a creek in the forest.

“Who is looking for me?”

Old Gu asked, “May I ask if you’re the person from the Buyi tribe?”

“Yes, Buyi tribe, Wu Yi,” the man answered casually.

“Shengjing City, Ji Yuxian!” Ji Yuxian announced his name as well. He said with a smile, “I was affected by the Half Moon Devourer poison of the Buyi tribe. I’d like to ask the Young Master to come and clear the toxin for me.”

Wu Yi sized Ji Yuxian up and down, asked in confusion, “Half Moon Devourer poison?”

“Do you know how to clear it?” Su Jiu couldn’t wait.

Wu Yi heard Su Jiu’s voice and looked at her. His eyes darkened in an instant and he exchanged a look with the woman behind him. When he turned back, his face softened and he said with a smile, “Of course! This is a poison made by the apothecaries of the Buyi tribe. No one in the world can clear it if I can’t!”

Su Jiu, Jin Feng, Shangguan, and the others all felt a sudden relief.

“Then, may I please trouble Young Master Wu to clear the toxins for my husband? I will pay you however much you want!” Su Jiu said in a hurry. Her eyes were glistening.

“No rush!” Wu Yi cracked a smile and said, “Can I feel Young Master Ji’s pulse first?”

“Of course!” Ji Yuxian sat in a chair and extended his arm.

Wu Yi walked up to him and sat across the table. He placed two fingers on Ji Yuxian’s wrist.

His fingers were slender and pale without any grains or veins, as though they were made of jade.

People couldn’t help but stare.

Wu Yi closed his eyes and exerted his strength. The room turned quiet right away. Even the sound of a needle falling on the floor could be heard.

After a while, Wu Yi opened his eyes and asked, “The toxin has been in your body for almost 20 years. It’s a miracle that Young Master Ji is still alive!”

Ordinary people would have killed themselves because of the pain, even if they weren’t killed by the poison itself.

“Can it still be cleared?” Ji Yuxian asked softly.

“Yes!” Wu Yi didn’t hesitate or talk nonsense. He just uttered that one word.

Maintaining her composure, Su Jiu exhaled a sigh in relief.

“What does Young Master Wu need to clear the toxins?” Old Gu asked.

Wu Yi raised his eyes and looked at Old Gu, saying, “Looks like you’re a doctor as well. The Half Moon Devourer can be cleared, but not before a lot of trouble. One of the medicinal herbs, carnivorous glossy ganoderma, is extremely difficult to find.”

Old Gu nodded slowly. He already guessed that they might need carnivorous glossy ganoderma to clear the toxins of the Half Moon Devourer. This man really was an apothecary from the Buyi tribe.

“Where can we find the carnivorous glossy ganoderma?” Su Jiu asked immediately.

“You don’t have to search for it anywhere. I happened to find one on this voyage. Maybe God wants me to come and save the Young Master!” Wu Yi said.

Everyone was thrilled. Shangguan said, “Young Master Wu must have gone through a lot of trouble for this carnivorous glossy ganoderma. How much silver do you want? We can offer you anything!”

Lowering his eyes and smiling, Wu Yi said in a soft voice, “I don’t need silver. But I do have one condition if you want me to clear the toxins.”

“What condition?” Shangguan asked.

A strange look flickered in Wu Yi’s eyes. He suddenly turned to Su Jiu and pointed at her, said, “I want her!”

The room froze in palpable silence.

Ji Yuxian held Su Jiu’s hand and was about to leave. He said coldly, “Jin Feng, send off the guest!”

“Yes!”

Jin Feng answered, then turned around and said to Wu Yi and the woman behind him in an icy voice, “You two, please!”

Su Jiu’s eyes were frosty. She couldn’t help but take another look at Wu Yi and the woman behind him. She was confident that she didn’t know these two people. Why did they want her?

“Young Master is already suffering from the poison and could die any moment now. Won’t you reconsider?” Wu Yi asked.

Su Jiu’s slowed her pace. Ji Yuxian tightened the grip around her wrist, turned around, and gave him a cold look. “I invited you to the island, so I will forgive you this time. I’m afraid you won’t be able to go back if you continue.”

Wu Yi fiddled with his dark hair and cracked a wicked smile. “Young Master Ji doesn’t have to get angry. I was only joking. It’s my honor to get acquainted with Eldest Young Master Ji. I would be happy to clear the toxins for you.”

Ji Yuxian stared at him as if he wanted to see through him real intention.

Shangguan Yunkun spoke, “Young Master Wu already knows we’re businessmen who like to make our transactions explicit. We especially don’t like owing anyone any favors. So why don’t you tell us how much silver you want for the carnivorous glossy ganoderma? We will both have peace of mind once we pay the silver!”

“If that’s the case…” Wu Yi smiled and said, “How about a thousand taels?”

“Jin Feng!” Ji Yuxian spoke, “Give Young Master Wu a bill of ten thousand taels!”

“Yes!”

Wu Yi squinted his eyes and said, “The Ji Manor must be wealthy indeed!”

“I know the carnivorous glossy ganoderma is rare and precious. We won’t let Young Master Wu get the low end of this bargain,” Ji Yuxian said casually.

“Then I thank you, Young Master Ji.” Wu Yi paused for a moment, then said, “Please let me prepare for a day. We can begin to clear the toxins tomorrow morning.”

“Very good.”

Jin Feng brought the bill and handed it to Wu Yi. Wu Yi asked the masked woman to take it without even having a look.

“I have one thing to tell everyone in advance,” Wu Yi said. “I can’t have anyone in the room while I am clearing the toxins. Eldest Young Master needs to sleep for three days during this process. Only I can enter Young Master Ji’s room during this time. No one else can, including the Young Master’s wife. If you trust me, I promise that I will clear all the toxins of the Half Moon Devourer poison from your body. If you don’t trust me, we do not need to waste each other’s time. I can leave with the boat right now.”

Ji Yuxian nodded and said, “Alright. I trust you!”

“Then I will write down the names of other necessary medicinal herbs and ask your people to make the preparations!”

“No problem,” Shangguan said, “I will send someone to handle it right away!”

“Also…” Wu Yi continued, “I need to live in a clean room on this island. All of my furniture, tea sets, and blankets have to be brand new. And, I’m a vegetarian!”

“No problem.” Shangguan nodded.

“Then let’s prepare and start the process tomorrow morning!”

“Understood.” Ji Yuxian nodded slightly.

Jin Feng led Wu Yi and the masked woman who never spoke a word to rest.

“Old Gu, do you really think this guy is from the Buyi tribe?” Su Jiu asked right after the two left.

Stroking his beard, Old Gu nodded and said, “It should be right!”

He never met anyone from the Buyi tribe. But Wu Yi should be the real deal since he could tell the Half Moon Devourer poison was in Ji Yuxian for 20 and mentioned the carnivorous glossy ganoderma.

Allegedly, everyone from the Buyi tribe had a peculiar personality. Old Gu couldn’t tell much for now, but he thought it was odd how Wu Yi had so quickly agreed to clear the toxins for Ji Yuxian.

Su Jiu pursed her lips. “No matter what, the most important thing is to clear the toxins!”

Shangguan nodded slowly. “Yes. We can deal with him in the future as long as he can clear the toxins now.”

“Let me look at his medical prescription later. We can trust him as long as it’s sensible,” Old Gu said after pondering.

“Yes!” Shangguan said.

Ji Yuxian sat in a chair without speaking. With a pucker between his eyebrows, he seemed to be contemplating something.

Su Jiu saw that Ji Yuxian’s face was still sullen after they returned to their room. She encircled his waist with her arms and laughed. “Maybe he was really joking. Don’t take him too seriously. I don’t know him and bear him no grudge. He doesn’t have any reason to do anything to me.”

Ji Yuxian lifted the young woman and kissed her forehead gently. He said with a smile, “Anything or anyone that might threaten your safety will make me uncomfortable!”

Based on Wu Yi’s description, he would be unconscious for three days. He couldn’t set his mind at ease.

By instinct, he didn’t believe Wu Yi would crack a joke like that for no reason.

He wouldn’t put her in danger, even if that meant he couldn’t have the toxins cleared.

“Don’t worry. I’m not a feeble girl. It’s not that easy to take my life!” Su Jiu raised her eyebrows and smiled, then kissed on the man’s lips in consolation.

“Ask Jin Feng to follow you around during the three days while I’m unconscious! Stay away from Wu Yi and the woman he brought!” Ji Yuxian reminded her.

“I know!” Su Jiu straddled his waist and held his neck with her arms. She pressed her forehead to his affectionately.

“Jiu’er, let’s have a child after this is over,” Ji Yuxian kissed her nose and said in a low voice.

Su Jiu’s wide eyes darted from side to side. “Let me think about it.”

“You don’t need to think about it. Let’s start to prepare for it now!” Ji Yuxian carried her to the bed with a faint smile on his face.

“Ji Yuxian!” Su Jiu struggled to get down, “You will have to prepare for tomorrow!”

“Exactly. I won’t see my lady for three days. Doesn’t my lady need to compensate her husband right now?” Ji Yuxian put her on the bed and lay on top of her. He squeezed her chin and caressed her lips.

Su Jiu didn’t know what to do about his craving for sex. She dodged and said, “Can you not mess around? We may need to discuss the procedure later.”

“Let them discuss. We will do business!” The man started to untie Su Jiu’s clothes while he was speaking.

Su Jiu was at a loss for words. What kind of was business in his mind?

Although she admitted the lovemaking was pleasurable, she was still surprised by Ji Yuxian’s obsession with it.

What was the difference between men and women?

Her lips felt slight pain. The man wasn’t pleased with her mind wandering at the moment. His hot kisses fell on her eyes and cheeks.

His eyes were blurred with lust and his breath turned heavy. Su Jiu felt warm and wet as if the clammy sea breeze had blown into her head. She raised her face and kissed the man’s lips, then turned over and knocked him to the ground…

That night, the masked woman who came with Wu Yi held a cup of tea and entered Wu Yi’s room in the loft next door.

Wu Yi was sitting in a chair, tuning his pentachord. He wore white sleepwear after his bath and had his hair loose on his back, which made him look more effeminate.

“The teacup and the tea are ours. Master, please drink and be at ease.” The woman put the teacup on the table.

With a clanking sound, Wu Yi plucked a string with his jade-like finger. He said with a delighted face, “Much to my surprise, we have already found the person we want before even reaching Daliang Country. How lucky we are!”

The woman sat upright next to the window. Her eyes, not covered by the veil now, were narrow and charming. She spoke with her eyebrows raised, “Master, are you sure the woman is the one we’re looking for?”

“You don’t believe me?” Wu Yi’s eyes glanced at her.

“That’s not it.” The woman shook her head immediately and said, “It’s just, we found a couple of women in Jinli before. They all turned out to be disappointments.”

“Trust me, that woman will do,” Wu Yi said with certainty.

The woman’s eyes brightened though she asked hesitantly, “Why are you so confident?”

After all, they had never tried it with her before.

“Eldest Young Master suffers from the Half Moon Devourer poison, the toxin to the Gu insect. The woman is the Young Mistress of the Ji Manor and not a virgin. She has had sex with Eldest Young Master Ji and yet was not infected by the venomous worm. It means that she is the embodiment of Yin energy. Only the embodiments of the Yin or Yang energy could keep out the Gu insect.”

Wu Yi paused for a moment and continued, “The Gu Insect in Ji Yuxian’s body woke up a month ago. Maybe he only keeps off the Gu Insect and hangs on until we arrived because he has been having sex with her.”

The woman’s eyes were filled with excitement. But she still remained calm and composed. “If that’s true, then this trip to Daliang Country is truly worth the trouble!”

“Don’t celebrate too early. Don’t forget, she is the Young Mistress of Ji Manor!” Wu Yi plucked the strings and said softly.

“Of course, I know about Eldest Young Master Ji’s status in Daliang Country!” The woman smiled and said, “Master, do you think I will succeed if I seduce Ji Yuxian? Things will be much easier if she doesn’t have the protection of Ji Manor!”

The woman took off her veil while speaking. She had a stunning face, not at all inferior to Yun Zhu, the most beautiful woman in the tribe. Her long and narrow eyes in particular added a unique touch to her beauty.

Wu Yi took a quick look at her, then lowered his head. “It’s not as good as that woman. Seduction could be difficult.”

No woman would be happy to hear that they were less beautiful than other women. This one’s face turned grim. She put the veil back over her face and looked outside of the window.

Wu Yi played a low, plaintive song on his pentachord. He smiled and said, “Why don’t I seduce the woman? Maybe we will have a higher chance of succeeding this way?”

Sitting on the bed, the woman glanced at him and said casually, “But isn’t the gap between you and Ji Yuxian even wider?”

The sound of the pentachord came to an abrupt stop. Wu Yi raised his head and said with a gloomy face, “Common folk like you don’t have the refined tastes necessary to admire my heavenly looks.”

The woman shrugged and turned away with a triumphant smile.