RPDPHW Chapter 58

After resting at the inn for two days, Lin Ziyan was finally able to get out of bed. With that, the group left Heifeng Town and set off toward Ye City.

Although Lin Ziyan’s health was improving, Zhong Shujin’s condition was worsening. She remained drowsy throughout the day, barely able to say a few words before coughing so hard that tears welled up in her eyes. She sneezed constantly, her nose ran non-stop, and it had turned bright red from being wiped so much. Even after taking medicine, she showed no signs of improvement, which left Gu Qingyin both distressed and anxious.

However, the more anxious Gu Qingyin became, the harder it was for Zhong Shujin to recover.

Frustration weighed heavily on Gu Qingyin. She had never felt so powerless before. She could treat severe wounds and cure deadly poisons, yet she couldn’t even heal the minor illness of the person she cared for the most. The pain in her heart was unbearable.

“Don’t look so miserable.”

As they neared Ye City, Zhong Shujin, despite her weakness, mustered the strength to lift her head from Gu Qingyin’s embrace. She gently tapped the crease between Gu Qingyin’s brows and said, “Do you know why I’m not getting better? Think about how many times you’ve sighed and furrowed your brows these past few days. Seeing you like this, how could I possibly feel happy? And if I’m not happy, how could I possibly get better?”

Upon hearing this, Lin Ziyan and Shan Wenshu, who were seated across from them, as well as Leng Shaoying beside them, couldn’t help but laugh.

“Is there really such logic? This should just be a minor illness, not some emotional ailment, right?”

Zhong Shujin’s face flushed with embarrassment as she retorted in a nasal voice, “Why wouldn’t there be? Qingqing said so herself! Every illness is connected to one’s mindset!”

Gu Qingyin finally smiled for the first time in days. “Oh? When did I ever say that?”

Laughter instantly filled the carriage.

Not expecting Gu Qingyin to expose her like this, Zhong Shujin had no choice but to brazenly continue, “What? Are you saying you’ve forgotten your own words?”

Before Gu Qingyin could speak again, Zhong Shujin had already secretly pinched her waist in warning. “Do you remember now?” she threatened.

Gu Qingyin quickly grasped Zhong Shujin’s hand, giving in with indulgent compromise. “I remember, I remember! You’re absolutely right—every illness is connected to one’s mindset! Even minor illnesses!”

Lin Ziyan couldn’t help but laugh. “Qingqing, you’re way too easy to sway!”

The other three people in the carriage were well aware of their relationship. Zhong Shujin saw no need for pretense and, after flashing them a triumphant look, finally released Gu Qingyin—only to pinch her cheek with satisfaction.

“That’s more like it! Now tell me, are you still going to keep that gloomy expression?”

Gu Qingyin helplessly pulled out a smile. “Is this good enough?”

“A fake smile! Not good enough!”

By her logic, if the smile wasn’t convincing, she simply wouldn’t recover.

Gu Qingyin had no choice but to widen her smile, trying her best to make it look more natural.

Leng Shaoying, watching this childish exchange, found it amusing.

“Doctor Gu, don’t listen to our leader’s nonsense! If she hadn’t secretly dumped her medicine the other day, how could she still be sick?”

Zhong Shujin instantly panicked. Sure enough, as soon as Gu Qingyin heard this, her brows shot up in anger. “You threw away the medicine?”

Zhong Shujin let out an awkward laugh, guilt creeping into her voice. “I did drink it a few times…”

Just as Gu Qingyin was about to scold her, Zhong Shujin immediately played weak, snuggling into Gu Qingyin’s arms with a soft sneeze. In a pitiful, nasal tone, she murmured, “Don’t be mad… If it weren’t so bitter, I definitely would’ve taken it… Next time… I won’t dump it, okay?”

Seeing her act all soft and vulnerable, Gu Qingyin’s heart melted instantly.

She really was helpless against her.

In the end, she could only bring herself to lightly twist Zhong Shujin’s ear, feigning fierceness as she scolded, “If you throw it away again next time, I won’t take care of you anymore!”

Zhong Shujin nodded repeatedly. “Got it!”

Before the laughter in the carriage had even subsided, Li Ziming’s voice sounded from outside.

“Leader, people from Canglang Pavilion are here. They’re waiting up ahead—they say they want to see you.”

Hearing this, Leng Shaoying frowned slightly.

Gu Qingyin lowered her head in confusion. But when she saw the excitement in Zhong Shujin’s eyes, she started to get an idea of what was going on.

“Let’s go.” Zhong Shujin didn’t say outright who had come. Instead, she winked at Gu Qingyin. “I have a surprise for you!”

With that, she cheerfully dragged Gu Qingyin out of the carriage.

Waiting under a canopy ahead was none other than Liu Sanniang.

Before they had left Heifeng Town, Zhong Shujin had already sent someone to deliver a message to Liu Sanniang. That was how she had managed to arrive just in time to meet them before they entered Ye City.

Seeing the two of them jump off the carriage hand in hand, Liu Sanniang was clearly surprised.

“Well, well!”

As always, she exuded a seductive charm. Dressed in a striking red robe, she stood up only after the two had settled. With an air of effortless allure, she swayed her slender waist as she approached.

“I was wondering why you suddenly ran off to Shu. Turns out, you were worried little Jinzai would be at a disadvantage!”

Zhong Shujin tilted her head, curling her lips into a smile. “Oh? So were you worried about me being at a disadvantage?”

Gu Qingyin’s face turned slightly red. She let out a dry cough and promptly raised her hand to push away Liu Sanniang, who was practically pressing against her.

“Nonsense. I only went to catch up with Ziyan, that’s all.”

Blocked by Gu Qingyin, Liu Sanniang could no longer hook her arm around hers. She had no choice but to step back a little, then pointed at the two hands still clasped together, a teasing smile on her face. “You two have already made-up, so why are you still giving me the cold shoulder? It’s been so long—shouldn’t you let go of your grudge by now?”

Over the past two years, although she and Gu Qingyin had remained in contact, she could tell that Gu Qingyin still minded the fact that she had sent Zhong Shujin away back then. Her attitude toward Liu Sanniang had always been lukewarm—never truly distant, but certainly not as close as before.

Now that the two had reconciled, Liu Sanniang naturally felt relieved.

Since Gu Qingyin didn’t respond, she turned to tease Zhong Shujin instead.

“Little Jinzai, I heard you were absolutely formidable during the battle at Heifeng Forest! You even managed to intimidate the entire Tang Clan! Lately, the martial world has been buzzing with rumors that you might aim to dominate the Central Plains. But if they saw you looking so pitiful right now, they’d probably laugh their heads off!”

As she spoke, Liu Sanniang reached out toward Zhong Shujin’s reddened nose. “Tsk tsk, look at you. You’re this sick, and yet you’re still traveling with her? You should be resting somewhere properly! Seeing you like this breaks my heart.”

Snap!

A crisp crack split the air as a whip struck just short of its target. The sheer force behind it was enough to send shivers down one’s spine.

“Liu Sanniang, keep your hands to yourself. Our leader doesn’t like being touched—don’t overstep your bounds.”

Liu Sanniang awkwardly rubbed the back of her hand. If she hadn’t dodged quickly just now, that ruthless woman would’ve crippled her hand for sure.

She took half a step back, still shaken, and lifted her gaze. Standing atop the carriage, face cold and unreadable, was Leng Shaoying, who had yet to jump down. But instead of getting angry or lashing out, Liu Sanniang simply flashed an exceptionally bright smile.

“Oh? But I don’t think she minds me at all. Or could it be that she just dislikes your touch, which is why you’re saying that?”

Leng Shaoying’s face darkened even further.

Seeing that she was about to raise her whip again, Zhong Shujin quickly called out, “Sister Ying! Don’t!”

Zhong Shujin knew full well how much Leng Shaoying despised Liu Sanniang. Worried that the two might start fighting on the spot, she straightened her face and said firmly, “Sanniang is my invited guest.”

Since their leader had gone so far as to use the word invited, it meant that everyone under her command had to show Liu Sanniang some level of courtesy.

Leng Shaoying had no choice but to suppress her frustration. Rolling her eyes at Liu Sanniang, she put away her whip and jumped down from the carriage.

Immediately after, Shan Wenshu helped Lin Ziyan out as well.

“Oh my, two more beauties! This heavily injured one must be none other than the famous Third Miss Lin, I presume?”

At the sight of Liu Sanniang, Shan Wenshu was momentarily stunned. As if reminded of something, she furrowed her brows slightly and turned her head to glance at the silent, stone-faced Leng Shaoying, before lowering her gaze in thought.

Meanwhile, Lin Ziyan let out a wry smile and replied, “There is no longer a ‘Third Miss Lin’ in this world—only Lin Ziyan remains.”

Liu Sanniang was momentarily taken aback and was about to say something when Yun Yifei dismounted his horse and walked over.

“Boss Liu.” After offering a respectful bow, he asked, “May I ask what guidance you have for us by coming here today?”

“Young Master Yun, why are you so tense? I’m not going to eat you!” Liu Sanniang sneered. “I’m just here to take these kids to Canglang Pavilion for a visit. What’s the matter? Would you like to come along too?”

Yun Yifei frowned slightly and turned to Gu Qingyin. “But wasn’t Doctor Gu supposed to accompany me to Qingyang Sect?”

If Liu Sanniang hadn’t already learned from Zhong Shujin’s letter that Gu Qingyin was headed to Qingyang Sect, she might have voiced her displeasure right then and there.

However, now was not the time to stir up unnecessary thoughts. Instead, she simply said, “Isn’t the sect leader’s birthday still five days away? Since we’re all in the same city anyway, you can come pick her up from my Canglang Pavilion when the time comes.”

Yun Yifei didn’t respond immediately—he only waited for Gu Qingyin’s decision.

Gu Qingyin, however, remained silent, her brows slightly furrowed. When she met Liu Sanniang’s knowing gaze, she quickly averted her eyes, feeling a bit guilty.

Worried that Gu Qingyin wouldn’t agree to go, Zhong Shujin tugged at her sleeve and said expectantly, “It’s been so long since I last saw Sanniang. I really want to catch up with her. Maybe that’ll make me feel happier… and I’ll recover faster too, right?”

As she spoke, she even let out a rather ungrateful sneeze.

Gu Qingyin sighed, pulled out a handkerchief to wipe Zhong Shujin’s nose, and relented. “Alright, we’ll stay at Sanniang’s for a few days.”

Zhong Shujin finally broke into a bright smile.

Seeing Gu Qingyin’s agreement, Yun Yifei, though reluctant, eventually let out a sigh. “Very well. I shall come to fetch Doctor Gu when the time arrives.”

Liu Sanniang smiled in satisfaction and immediately instructed her subordinates to bring over Canglang Pavilion’s carriages.

Meanwhile, Yun Huitong, who had been resting inside their own carriage, rushed over as soon as she heard the news. She clung to Gu Qingyin’s hand, unwilling to let go.

“Sister Yin, I barely got to talk to you this whole journey… why are you leaving so soon?”

Zhong Shujin, in a perfect mood, didn’t bother arguing with the teary-eyed young girl.

Instead, she politely cupped her hands toward Yun Yifei and thanked him. “Young Master Yun, we truly appreciate your care along the way.”

She meant it sincerely. After all, Yun Yifei had indeed taken good care of their group throughout the journey.

Though she wasn’t particularly fond of the Yun siblings, she had to admit that the trip had been quite smooth. Their accommodations, meals, and travel arrangements have all been well-handled by Feiyun Manor. They never had to worry about their safety, and no one had come to cause trouble for her. If not for catching a cold, she would have considered this trip a leisurely excursion.

Of course, that was also thanks to her foresight. Before they set off, she had instructed Jing Rong to keep Yun Huitong occupied at all times, ensuring the girl had no chance to get close to Qingyin. She also had Ju Yuze and Li Ziming keep an eye on Yun Yifei, making sure he didn’t get too near their group of women.

Fortunately, Yun Yifei was a man of propriety. He hadn’t done anything shameless that might tarnish Gu Qingyin’s reputation. In normal interactions, he maintained a respectful distance, which allowed Zhong Shujin to enjoy a relatively peaceful journey.

In truth, if it weren’t for his inappropriate feelings towards Gu Qingyin, he wouldn’t be an unpleasant person.

But the fact that he harbored such thoughts about Gu Qingyin meant that Zhong Shujin could never be truly comfortable around him.

So, with Liu Sanniang arriving so early to take them away, she was naturally delighted.

After bidding farewell to the people of Feiyun Manor, Zhong Shujin wasted no time. Taking Gu Qingyin’s hand, she led Lin Ziyan, Shan Wenshu, and the members of the Xueyan Sect, following Liu Sanniang away.