Before Qi Buyan could see the words on the book cover, He Sui’an quickly threw the book into the pile of other Gu books. The covers were quite similar, making it impossible to distinguish without seeing the words.
Moreover, this particular book had been read by Zhong Liang so many times that it looked as old as the Gu books Qi Buyan had read multiple times.
He Sui’an knew that Qi Buyan’s curiosity could be quite intense at times.
Especially regarding things she had looked at.
So He Sui’an could only say that she was bored and randomly picked one of his Gu books to read.
Since he had read all the Gu books he brought, he wouldn’t be curious to take them back and look. But if he knew she was reading a new book, he might want to see it too. He Sui’an couldn’t let that happen.
When Qi Buyan heard He Sui’an say she was reading his Gu book and saw her toss it back like she lost interest, he didn’t pay much attention.
He wanted to find a place to sit.
He Sui’an feared that Qi Buyan would go look for the book if he didn’t sleep, so she tried to pull him to sleep with her.
She blew out the lamp and wrapped her arms around him.
Held him tightly.
After tonight, she could quietly find an opportunity to return the book to its original place.
Qi Buyan’s nose filled with the scent of He Sui’an’s hair. His eyes showed a trace of confusion. It was still early, and she rarely rested so early. She also rarely hugged him to sleep on her own.
Usually, He Sui’an would sleep until midnight, feel cold, or think it was comfortable to hold someone, and then wrap her arms and legs around him.
Holding him very tightly.
At this moment, He Sui’an’s arms were around Qi Buyan’s waist, her head buried in his chest. It was a very intimate gesture, making him feel somewhat entranced by this sudden embrace.
Through the thin layers of clothing, their hearts seemed to beat as one. Her suddenly accelerated heartbeat passed through her skin and clothing, accurately transmitted to Qi Buyan.
So, he hugged her back.
Qi Buyan’s long eyelashes fluttered slightly as he closed his eyes, his face brushing against her hair.
He Sui’an, taking advantage of Qi Buyan’s inattention, sneaked a glance in the direction of the books in the dark. She wasn’t asleep and thought that after he fell asleep, she could return the book tonight instead of waiting until another day.
She waited and waited until Qi Buyan’s breathing became very steady.
He Sui’an tried to get up.
But as soon as she moved, Qi Buyan spoke up, “Where do you want to go?”
She quickly lay back down, “My leg felt a bit uncomfortable just now, I was moving it a bit. Now it’s fine, let’s continue sleeping.”
“Okay.”
He hugged her waist as well.
Being hugged by Qi Buyan like this, He Sui’an knew there was no way she could return the book tonight. Any further attempts would arouse his suspicion.
He Sui’an decided not to think about it for now and curled up in Qi Buyan’s arms to sleep. After all, since she was holding him, he couldn’t go read the book either.
*
All was silent, and the wind was clear under the bright moon.
The Xuanmiao Temple was brightly lit. Sanshan Zhenren sat beside the alchemy furnace, meditating with his eyes closed, while a Taoist reported the news he had gathered.
When he heard that Zhong Liang’s father had recovered, the hand resting on his knee tightened.
Then, Sanshan Zhenren opened his eyes, emotions of surprise and disbelief flashing across his face.
He uncrossed his legs and stood up slowly, stroking the alchemy furnace, with only his trembling fingertips betraying his inner excitement.
The Taoist also showed joy.
They had thought that the medicine wouldn’t work this time, and that Sanshan Zhenren’s efforts would be in vain, requiring a new medicine to be developed and tested on other villagers of Hongye Village. Unexpectedly, it cured Zhong Liang’s father.
Since Zhong Liang’s father could be cured, it meant the medicine was effective. The Taoist sincerely congratulated Sanshan Zhenren, “Congratulations, Master.”
Sanshan Zhenren waved his hand.
He said, “Tomorrow, I will make a trip down the mountain.”
The Taoist knew what Sanshan Zhenren intended to do. He wanted to personally go to Hongye Village to confirm whether Zhong Liang’s father was truly cured, as patients often showed signs of recovery just before death.
Only by confirming that Zhong Liang’s father was genuinely cured could it be affirmed that the medicine was effective. Sanshan Zhenren could then use this medicine to treat other sick people, benefiting the populace.
This had been the case for ten years.
Sanshan Zhenren had tested medicines on the villagers of Hongye Village, discovering a cure for the plague.
The people of Qingzhou were thus saved.
Once something is done for the first time, there will be a second time. Sanshan Zhenren found that this method allowed him to develop good medicines for treating diseases, and he couldn’t stop.
If sacrificing a small portion of the people of Hongye Village in Qingzhou could save others suffering from similar diseases, isn’t that a good thing? Sanshan Zhenren firmly believed he was doing the right thing.
The Taoists at Xuanmiao Temple, having followed Sanshan Zhenren for many years, had seen him save countless people.
They also believed that Sanshan Zhenren was not wrong.
The Taoists admired Sanshan Zhenren greatly, knowing he had spent most of his life researching medicines, not for himself, but solely to save others.
If Sanshan Zhenren sought fame and fortune, he would have entered the capital long ago when the emperor summoned him, serving by the emperor’s side. But he didn’t; he stayed at Xuanmiao Temple, dedicating his time to researching medicines.
What else could he be but a sage?
The Taoists at Xuanmiao Temple were very fortunate to have encountered Sanshan Zhenren, a sage with whom they could research medicines and save countless lives.
Sanshan Zhenren stroked his beard and asked the Taoist about the condition of the Hongye Village villagers on the mountain. If nothing unexpected happened, they should have recovered from their illness and could try the next medicine.
The Taoist promptly described their condition.
Their condition had improved, and within the next two days, they could test a new medicine.
This was undoubtedly good news for Sanshan Zhenren. He genuinely smiled, as both pieces of news today were good.
The medicine in the alchemy furnace was completed.
Sanshan Zhenren and the Taoist carefully removed the medicine from the furnace.
Once they confirmed that Zhong Liang’s father was truly cured, Sanshan Zhenren could use the formula to treat similar patients in Qingzhou and throughout the Great Zhou.
Tonight, accompanying Sanshan Zhenren in the alchemy room was a Taoist who had been with him for several years. He had also accompanied him down the mountain to send off Duan’s couple today.
The Taoist hesitated to speak.
Sanshan Zhenren, being attentive, noticed this immediately: “Speak your mind.”
“Should I go explain to Madam Duan? As your daughter, it is understandable if she doesn’t appreciate your efforts, but she speaks to you harshly, which I find hard to bear.”
Madam Duan was the daughter Sanshan Zhenren had before he became a monk, a fact known to very few. The Taoist had accidentally discovered it when he witnessed a dispute between Sanshan Zhenren and Madam Duan.
At that time, Sanshan Zhenren had noticed him.
Sanshan Zhenren only instructed the Taoist to keep it secret and did nothing else.
The Taoist felt it was unfair for Sanshan Zhenren.
He had benefited so many people, yet his own daughter spoke to him so harshly.
The Taoist had previously heard of Madam Duan, known as the most beautiful woman in Qingzhou, and had a favorable impression of her because she was said to be kind and had helped refugees.
But how could someone who doesn’t even fulfill filial duties be truly kind?
She must be hypocritical.
The Taoist concluded in his mind.
Mentioning Madam Duan, Sanshan Zhenren felt a bit helpless. She had always opposed his methods of developing medicines, and they had hardly interacted in the past ten years.
When Madam Duan married Master Duan, the old master did invite him to the wedding.
For the first time, Sanshan Zhenren accepted the invitation.
Master Duan was overjoyed.
However, Sanshan Zhenren did not blame Madam Duan and still felt guilty towards her.
Once, Young Master Duan came to Xuanmiao Temple and accidentally discovered its secrets. He believed they were wrong and threatened to expose them.
Sanshan Zhenren couldn’t kill his daughter’s husband, so he thought of using some tranquilizing medicine on Young Master Duan to calm him down and persuade him.
But Young Master Duan struggled too violently.
He… fell down the temple steps and went mad upon waking up.
Sanshan Zhenren knew Madam Duan hated him. She had always detested his use of people for medicinal experiments and now hated him even more for driving her husband insane.
Perhaps still remembering the bond of being raised by him, or thinking that no one would believe her if she spoke out, Madam Duan had chosen to distance herself from him over the years without revealing the incident.
“Do not concern yourself with this matter any further,” Sanshan Zhenren said to the Taoist.
The Taoist knew he had overstepped.
He lowered his head.
“It was presumptuous of me. I will be more mindful in the future.” After speaking, the Taoist quietly organized the medicines, fearing that further conversation might upset Sanshan Zhenren. He shouldn’t trouble him with such matters.
After securing the newly prepared medicine from the alchemy furnace, Sanshan Zhenren gently told the Taoist to rest. He himself would stay in the alchemy room to read medical books.
Sanshan Zhenren’s family had been doctors for generations.
He genuinely loved medicine.
Previously, he had no means to develop medicines. Now, as Sanshan Zhenren of Xuanmiao Temple, with the emperor’s protection and the people’s support, he could devote himself entirely to medicine research.
Thus, Sanshan Zhenren spent the entire night alone in the alchemy room, reading medical books until dawn, the candle wax dripping and filling the candlestick.
Dong, dong, dong.
The bell of Xuanmiao Temple rang, signaling the disciples to come to the hall for morning prayers.
Sanshan Zhenren changed into a new Taoist robe, left the alchemy room, and joined the disciples for morning prayers and breakfast. Then he took a few disciples and walked out of Xuanmiao Temple, heading straight to Hongye Village at the foot of the mountain.
When the villagers of Hongye Village heard that Sanshan Zhenren was coming, they flocked to the village entrance to greet him, with only Zhong Liang looking slightly uneasy.
The other villagers were unaware of the specific deal between Zhong Liang and Qi Buyan.
He hadn’t told them.
Zhong Liang had only told the villagers to say that it was Sanshan Zhenren’s medicine that cured his father and not to mention anything about Qi Buyan extending his father’s life, as it would make them more likely to be seen as monsters.
The people of Qingzhou already considered them monsters. If the life-extending story got out, the people of Qingzhou might find another excuse to drive them away or treat them as real monsters to be drowned.
They had tried it before.
Saying that it was Sanshan Zhenren’s medicine that cured him not only gave credit to their benefactor but also protected their secret. It was a win-win situation.
This was Zhong Liang’s reasoning to convince the villagers of Hongye Village, and they asked him what he needed to do in his deal with Qi Buyan. Zhong Liang brushed it off lightly, and they believed him.
They wouldn’t mention the life extension or Qi Buyan being in the village to Sanshan Zhenren.
So, they were genuinely unaware.
When they greeted Sanshan Zhenren at the village entrance, their emotions were sincere.
It’s not that Zhong Liang’s admiration for Sanshan Zhenren wasn’t genuine; it was just mixed with some anxiety about the unknown.
Sanshan Zhenren walked up to Zhong Liang.
He smiled kindly and said, “Ah Liang, it’s been hard on you taking care of your father during this time.”
Sanshan Zhenren remembered all the villagers’ names, which was one reason they were so moved. Zhong Liang forced a smile: “He’s my father. Taking care of him is my duty.”
He was touched. “But you, Master, have no ties to us, yet you are so good to us, treating our illnesses and providing us with medicine.”
“It’s just a small effort.”
Sanshan Zhenren patted him kindly.
The Taoists who accompanied Sanshan Zhenren to Hongye Village all greeted the villagers respectfully.
