Chapter 281: The Eleventh YearTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Madam Zhao also smiled and echoed, "Yes, I feel more at ease."
At night, Madam Zhao and Su Sanlang told Su Chong, Su Hua, and the others about this news.
Su Chong and Su Hua smiled.
Su Hua said, "That's good. We'll take a day off from school."
Su Chong nodded. He had the same idea.
Zhou Heng smiled and secretly looked at Su Xiaoling a few times while eating.
Su Xiaoling was sixteen.
Fortunately, Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao had no intention of arranging a marriage for her.
It wouldn't be too late to talk about it after the Fall Quarter Examinations. He would be 15 years old then.
After spending thousands of days and nights together like a family, his heart had already been filled by Su Xiaoling. He wanted to marry her. Perhaps he wouldn't have a chance after his identity was revealed, but he had to give it a try.
He was two years younger than Su Xiaoling. Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao might care about this, but he was determined and sincere.
After concealing his thoughts, Zhou Heng ate as usual.
Another year passed.
This year's New Year's Eve also arrived as promised.
Su Hua and Zhou Heng also went to help cook.
Su Xiaolu and Su Chong practiced their swordsmanship in the courtyard.
Su Xiaolu had been practicing her sword techniques very hard for the entire year. Her improvement was also rapid. She could fight Su Chong for more than a hundred moves without being defeated.
After putting away the sword, Su Xiaolu cupped her hands. "Thank you for your guidance, Brother."
Su Chong stood with his hands behind his back, holding his sword. He also smiled. "Xiaolu, if Master Gui You knew of your current improvement, he would definitely be shocked."
Su Xiaolu's improvement shocked him. Her sword moves were ever-changing, and sometimes he found them tricky.
Su Xiaolu grinned proudly. She had been practicing her sword techniques so hard for the past year. Of course, it was effective.
Not to mention that she had improved a lot, even Chen Shi's basic skills had become solid. He held the little wooden sword every day and practiced very vigorously.
"I think so too. The next time I see Master Gui You, I'll definitely give him a fright. The next time I see my Master, I can also bring him to experience my outstanding Qinggong skills. Now, we should go to the kitchen to see what delicious food there is to eat."
Su Xiaolu held Su Chong's arm and spoke as they walked.
After practicing for so long, she was hungry.
There was already a lot of fragrance coming from the kitchen. It was time to eat.
Every year, the New Year's Eve dinner was a feast that Su Xiaolu looked forward to.
She was improving, and so was her third sister.
Su Xiaoling had learned half of the recipes for the Medicinal cuisine books.
The culinary skills of someone who knew how to make Medicinal cuisine were indeed different. A simple chicken soup was delicious.
Su Chong smiled at Su Xiaolu's gluttonous look and stroked her hair. "Xiaoling must have made your favorite chicken soup. It should be just right to go now."
Su Xiaoling smiled sweetly. "That's right. I smelled it just now."
Her sense of smell was extraordinary. She had known since Su Xiaoling dealt with the big rooster.
The fragrance was so fragrant that she could even smell the fragrance of chicken when she sniffed.
"It seems that Xiaoling knows Xiaolu well."
Su Chong sighed.
Su Xiaolu laughed happily. "Of course. Third Sister dotes on me the most. Hehe, the entire family dotes on me. I'm the darling of the family."
"You're right about that."
Su Chong echoed that Su Xiaolu was the family's favorite.
Su Xiaolu and Su Chong went to the kitchen, and Su Chong went to eat the fried meat pie.
Su Xiaolu had already reached the stove and watched as Su Xiaoling opened the lid of the pot.
Su Xiaoling scooped a bowl of chicken and chicken soup for Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu hugged Su Xiaoling's waist and wheedled, "Ahwooh... Sis, I love you. You're the best."
Su Xiaoling said helplessly and dotingly, "Alright, alright, I know. Hurry up and bring it over to eat. Be careful not to burn yourself."
Su Xiaolu nodded happily.
Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao could not help but laugh.
Such a scene was often seen. No matter how they looked at it, they could not get tired of it.
Zhou Heng was helping to start the fire. Su Xiaoling glanced at Zhou Heng and asked with a smile, "Little Brother Heng, do you want to eat some chicken and drink some chicken soup?"
Zhou Heng smiled warmly and shook his head. He said, "I'm not hungry now. You've been busy for a long time. Have some."
"Seeing how Xiaolu is eating it, it should be delicious. If you eat with her, I think she'll be happier, right, Xiaolu?"
Zhou Heng said to Su Xiaolu, who was sitting at a small table eating meat and drinking soup.
Su Xiaolu nodded. "Sis, come and eat with us."
Madam Zhao had already brought a bowl over. Without any explanation, she got a bowl for Su Xiaoling and said, "Xiaoling, go eat. You're almost done. Mother will do the rest."
Su Xiaoling took the bowl and chopsticks and nodded. "Okay, thank you, mother."
Su Xiaoling was not actually hungry, but she had an appetite when she saw Su Xiaolu eating happily.
She couldn't eat so much, so she shared some of the meat in the bowl with Su Xiaolu. "Xiaolu, eat more."
Su Xiaolu smiled and opened the bowl. She said, "I have enough. Sis, eat quickly."
After eating the meat and drinking the soup, Su Xiaolu sat beside Zhou Heng to help start the fire.
Although it was called starting a fire, she was actually burying some chestnuts in the ashes.
When it was time to eat, Su Xiaolu also helped to serve the dishes.
This was their first year in town. The food was sumptuous, and the days at home were getting better.
As usual, Su Sanlang said some blessings and gave each child a fortune bag before starting dinner.
On New Year's Eve, they naturally had to eat and drink well.
Even Su Xiaolu could drink some wine.
There was no need to mention Su Chong, Su Hua, and Zhou Heng.
After dinner, it was already dark.
Su Xiaolu realized that it was snowing.
Su Sanlang said happily, "This is great. It's an auspicious snowy year."
Su Xiaolu turned around to get a sword and started practicing in the courtyard.
Under her influence, Su Chong also went to take the sword. He said to Su Xiaolu, "Xiaolu, watch out. Here I come."
The siblings were in high spirits.
Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao also watched quietly.
Su Hua said to Zhou Heng, "Little Brother Heng, let's add some music to such a good scene."
Zhou Heng nodded. "Alright, I'll play the zither and you play the flute."
Zhou Heng looked at Su Xiaoling and smiled. "Xiaoling, how about you paint?"
"Such beautiful scenery. Let's save it in a painting."
Zhou Heng smiled at Su Xiaoling, who nodded.
Su Hua and Zhou quickly brought over the zither, flute, and ink painting.
Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao looked at each other and smiled.
The pleasant sound of the zither and the sound of the flute combined with the sound of Su Xiaolu and Su Chong's swords. Su Xiaoling sat quietly at the table and painted. Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao's gazes were gentle as they remembered this beautiful scene. They would never forget it for the rest of their lives.
Unknowingly, their children had already become handsome young men and graceful young ladies.
Snowflakes danced in the air. The siblings who were in high spirits waved their swords, the couple who leaned on each other under the roof, the young men who played the flute and the zither, and finally, her own back view, painting at the table. The beautiful scenery at this moment was captured in this painting.
Chapter 282: RelaxingTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
At this moment, even the snow seemed to warm up.
After Su Xiaolu and Su Chong put away their swords to their heart's content, Su Xiaoling finished painting. She carefully took the painting back to her room and stored it properly after it was dry.
After the new year, life returned to normal.
Su Xiaolu no longer practiced her sword so intensely this year. She began to enter the mountains to pick herbs. In order to practice martial arts in the past few years, she had not collected herbs properly.
Now that she had mastered martial arts, she could relax a little. She could pick herbs and treat people's illnesses.
On the second day of February, Hu Shuangshuang was engaged, and Su Sanlang's family went to the banquet.
The Yang family's attitude was sincere. Yang Jin also had a good impression of Hu Shuangshuang. He secretly looked at Hu Shuangshuang several times, and his face turned red.
Under Madam Cao's guidance, Hu Changshou led Hu Changyang to abbot the situation and let the Yang family know that he could already take charge.
Su Xiaozhi didn't say much. She just told Yang Jin not to let her daughter down and returned to her room to lie down.
The engagement went very smoothly. The betrothal gift from the Yang family was five taels. This was already very sincere for an ordinary family. Moreover, Father and Mother Yang also clarified the division of the farmland in the family. This was notarized.
Yang Jin's brother, Yang Cong, and his wife, Madam Lu, looked pretty good too.
Madam Lu whispered to Hu Shuangshuang secretly. She looked easy to get along with.
Su Xiaoling, Chen Daniu and Chen Erniu accompanied Hu Shuangshuang.
Su Xiaolu could not sit still, so she walked around and dug some herbs by the roadside for the Hu family. These herbs could be used to boil water for chickens and birds to prevent the plague.
After the engagement banquet ended, Su Sanlang and Chen Hu's families returned to town.
After walking far away, Madam Zhao asked, "Xiaoling, what did Shuangshuang say to you? Does she like this marriage?"
Madam Qian was also curious and wanted to know.
Not to mention them, even Su Sanlang and Chen Hu wanted to know.
Su Chong and Su Hua also listened quietly.
Su Xiaolu regretted digging for herbs now. If she had known earlier, she would have accompanied Hu Shuangshuang and listened to their whispers.
Su Xiaoling said softly, "Yang Jin's sister-in-law, Madam Lu, told Shuangshuang to be at ease. The Yang family is very easy to get along with. Her in-laws are very good. After the family's annual harvest is calculated, they will be given 10% for private use. Then, the rest of the money will be saved and split equally between them when they leave the family."
When Madam Zhao and Madam Qian heard this, they smiled at each other.
Madam Zhao said, "Shuangshuang is blessed."
If that was the case, Hu Shuangshuang had met a good family. Every year, she would have her own money. This way, her life in the future would not be very difficult.
Su Sanlang, who was walking behind, heard it too. He was in a good mood.
From the looks of it, this was a good start. In the future, they would have to rely on the combined efforts of the husband and wife.
In March, many flowers bloomed.
The trees all sprouted new shoots.
Su Xiaolu brought Su Xiaoling out of the city to pick herbs. Su Xiaolu was much happier with Su Xiaoling.
When they spent the night in the mountains, they ate delicious roasted meat.
She would also teach Su Xiaoling about wilderness survival. She would teach her about vines that could be made into ropes, plant roots that could be eaten, and where there was a water source.
Su Xiaolu picked clusters of flowers from the mountains and gave them to Su Xiaoling.
The most common things in the mountains were all kinds of raspberries. There were many types, spanning all four seasons.
Su Xiaolu would also fly with Su Xiaoling. Su Xiaoling was not used to it, so she felt at ease after landing.
Su Xiaoling felt very fulfilled in the past few months.
Summer was almost over, and the Fall Quarter Examinations were approaching.
In July, Lin Pingsheng gave Su Chong, Su Hua, and Zhou Heng a break.
He let them relax before setting off for Furongzhou to participate in the Fall Quarter Examinations. This time, they would go alone. Lin Pingsheng would not go with them.
Since it was to relax, Su Xiaolu immediately brought them to the mountain to pick herbs.
In this season, many wild fruits in the mountains were ripe.
Over the past six months of intense studying, Su Chong, Su Hua, and the others had become much calmer. Su Xiaolu climbed up the treetop and knocked down the hornet's nest with a rock. She made a trumpet with her hand and shouted at them under the tree, "Big Brother, Second Brother, Brother Zhou Heng, run quickly. The hornets are here..."
Su Chong, Su Hua, and the others also heard the sound of the beehive falling. When they heard Su Xiaolu's shout, they saw a swarm of hornets buzzing. Their expressions changed and they held hands and started to run.
Su Xiaolu smiled as she watched. At this moment, they had forgotten that they had applied insect repellent when they entered the mountain. It was a smell that any insect hated.
Being chased by hornets was just an illusion.
Seeing so many hornets, they subconsciously wanted to run.
They ran wantonly. Although they were in a sorry state, they smiled as they ran.
After running for a long time, they were exhausted. They stopped and realized that there were no hornets chasing after them at all.
"Xiaolu did it on purpose."
They came back to their senses.
Su Xiaolu flew out of the forest and asked with a smile, "Big Brother, Second Brother, how do you feel? Are you feeling relaxed?"
As they ran, their muscles and bones must have relaxed.
Su Xiaolu put away the jar full of bees. She took these back to extraction. As soon as she walked up to them, her face was pinched.
"Xiaolu, don't play pranks next time."
Su Xiaoling said helplessly. After running so far, she seemed to have forgotten everything. The wind in her ears and her family beside her made her feel very strange. She felt strange when Zhou Heng pulled her. However, as soon as she stopped, Zhou Heng let go.
Su Xiaolu nodded with a smile. "Okay."
Su Xiaolu led them to a stream, where everyone caught small fish and crabs.
Then, they built a fire. Su Xiaolu and Su Chong caught two hares and a pheasant. After cleaning them up, they roasted them together.
Su Xiaoling squeezed some wild fruit juice onto it and it gradually cooked under moderate heat.
After traveling a few times like this, Su Chong, Su Hua, and Zhou Heng relaxed.
July 9th.
The few of them prepared to set off.
In the end, Su Xiaoling decided to stay. She decided to stay and accompany her parents.
Su Xiaolu had no choice but to give up.
It was a long journey to Furongzhou, about ten days away. Su Sanlang bought a carriage.
Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao went out to send them off. Chen Hu and his family also came to send them off.
Su Chong drove the carriage and said solemnly to Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao, "Father, mother, go back. Don't worry, I'll take good care of my younger siblings."
Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao nodded.
Su Chong and Su Xiaolu were both martial artists, so they were not worried about their safety.
"Chong, Hua, Heng, have a safe trip."
Everyone was waving.
Su Chong drove the carriage away.
Su Xiaolu waved goodbye to her family through the small window. Looking at her family's reluctant figure, her heart was filled with melancholy. She only calmed down when she left the town.
Su Chong said, "Let's go to Anping County to meet Zijin first, then go to Furongzhou together. I haven't seen Zijin in a long time. I wonder how he is now."
Chapter 283: Meeting Liu ZijinTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Ever since Liu Zijin's wedding last time, they had no chance to meet again, but their letters had never stopped.
Liu Zijin naturally had to participate in the Fall Quarter Examinations this time, so they had agreed that when they passed by Anping County, they would meet Liu Zijin and go to Furongzhou together.
Su Hua said, "If he didn't lie in the letters, I believe he's really happy."
"That's why we'll know when we go take a look. Not long ago, I replied to him. I said that we only set off on the tenth, so what we see today would be real."
Su Chong said with a smile. He was very worried about Liu Zijin and was afraid that he would not lead a good life.
In the past few years, Liu Zijin had brought him many good books. He knew that Liu Zijin's life must be good, but was he and his wife really happy?
Su Chong hoped that it was true, but he would only know if it was true after he went to take a look.
Su Xiaolu interrupted, "Speaking of Liu Zijin, I forgot to tell you something. Two years ago, when Master and I were training, we met Liu Zijin and Wang Huilan."
Su Hua and Zhou Heng looked at Su Xiaolu, waiting for her to continue.
Su Xiaolu told them about how she had treated Madam Yin's illness, how she met Wang Huilan later, and how she sealed Liu Zijin's acupuncture points.
With that, Su Xiaolu picked up the water bag and drank some water. Her mouth was dry from talking.
Su Hua smiled and said, "From the looks of it, Zijin didn't lie to us. Otherwise, he wouldn't have done this for Wang Huilan."
Initially, everyone thought that Liu Zijin and Wang Huilan were together because they both had ulterior motives. Liu Zijin would definitely be successful in the future.
However, after interacting with Wang Huilan, he fell in love with her and was willing to build a future with her.
"Xiaolu, will you help him unlock the sealed acupuncture points this time?"
Su Chong asked.
Su Xiaolu replied, "Let's see how Wang Huilan's body has recovered first. If it's good, we can release his acupoints. Then, Wang Huilan can have children."
It had been more than two years. If Wang Huilan recovered, she could also remove Liu Zijin's acupoints.
Su Chong was deep in thought. He decided that when he had enough children in the future, he would find Su Xiaolu to seal his acupoints. It was so convenient to have a divine doctor at home.
Su Hua and Zhou Heng had the same thought.
Su Xiaolu felt bored and began to eat the snacks Su Xiaoling made.
There were also some dried fruits.
In the carriage, there was the sound of Su Xiaolu eating.
Su Hua looked at Su Xiaolu and her eyes softened.
Zhou Heng could not help but smile.
Su Xiaolu also smiled sweetly at them. "Second Brother, do you want to eat? Third Sister made a lot. There's sweet, salty, spicy, and sour."
"No, just eat."
Su Hua shook his head gently. When he saw Su Xiaolu eating happily, he felt very happy. The memory of starving was too far away. He could barely remember it. Looking at the innocent and sweet Su Xiaolu, Su Hua was very happy.
Zhou Heng also shook his head gently. "Thank you, Xiaolu. Eat it. I'll buy you some more when we pass by the town."
Su Xiaolu nodded. She liked to eat.
When she was tired of eating sweet food, she would eat salty and fragrant food. When she was tired of that, she would eat spicy food. When she was tired of eating spicy food, she would eat sour food. This went on and on.
They were about to reach Anping County. Su Hua took a handkerchief and wiped the corners of Su Xiaolu's mouth. "Xiaolu, go down and walk to digest your food. Otherwise, you won't be able to eat when we enter the county later."
Su Xiaolu nodded and put away the snacks. Then, she alighted from the carriage nimbly and ran slowly with her breath or used Qinggong to fly.
After all this, when she entered the county, her stomach was no longer full.
After entering the county, Su Chong drove the carriage straight to the mansion.
They knew where the mansion was. They had been here the last time Liu Zijin got married.
When they got out of the carriage, Su Chong went forward and said to the servant guarding the door, "We're looking for Liu Zijin. Please inform them that old friends of Goathorn Town are here to visit."
The servant saw that Su Chong and the others were dignified. Although their clothes were ordinary, their bearing was excellent. He smiled and said, "Young Masters and lady, please wait a moment."
The servant quickly went to report.
Liu Zijin was playing the zither for Wang Huilan when the servant came to report. Wang Huilan stopped writing.
Liu Zijin smiled and said, "Huilan, Chong, Hua, and the others are here. Let's go out and welcome them together. In the letter, we agreed to set off tomorrow. I think they want to see if I'm doing well. Today, we'll let them see how loving we are and make them envious."
Liu Zijin stood up and pulled Wang Huilan out.
A blush rose on Wang Huilan's cheeks. In the past two years, she had slowly lost weight. She was still a little fat now because Liu Zijin didn't want her to be too thin. He said that she was full of beauty.
She had stopped taking the medicine Su Xiaolu had prescribed for a few months.
Liu Zijin held her hand and was in high spirits. Wang Huilan could tell that he cared a lot about these few good friends.
"Hubby, see if there's anything wrong with me. Should I change my clothes?"
Liu Zijin cared, and so did Wang Huilan. She stopped in her tracks, not wanting anything to go wrong.
Liu Zijin looked at Wang Huilan with a smile in his gentle eyes. He said seriously, "You've dressed appropriately. There's nothing wrong with you."
After spending nearly three years together, Liu Zijin also loved Wang Huilan deeply. Every moment he was with Wang Huilan, he felt at ease.
Wang Huilan was gentle and kind. She had a delicate heart. It was Liu Zijin's fortune to have such a wife.
Liu Zijin held Wang Huilan's hand and went out to welcome them. Su Chong, Su Hua, and Zhou Heng were his only recognized friends. They were worried about him, and he wanted them to know that he was doing well.
Looking at their backs from afar, Liu Zijin smiled and shouted, "Chong, Hua, Heng... Xiaolu."
Liu Zijin did not expect Su Xiaolu to come too. This saved a lot of trouble. He had originally planned to find Su Xiaolu to release his acupuncture points after the Fall Quarter Examinations. Now that Su Xiaolu was here, she could do it earlier.
Su Chong and the others looked at Wang Huilan in shock.
Wang Huilan had lost so much weight, and she also looked delicate and pretty. She was surprisingly compatible with Liu Zijin.
"Let me introduce you. This is my wife, Madam Wang."
Liu Zijin held Wang Huilan's hand.
Su Chong, Su Hua, and Zhou Heng cupped their hands. Su Chong said, "Mrs. Liu, sorry to disturb you."
Wang Huilan said with a gentle expression, "You're welcome. Hubby often tells me about you. It's difficult to find friends in this world. Please come in."
Wang Huilan smiled at Su Xiaolu and said, "Xiaolu, we meet again."
Su Xiaolu also smiled. "Yes, it looks like you're recovering well. I'll take your pulse later and see how you're recovering."
Chapter 284: Unsealing AcupointsTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Wang Huilan nodded. She was looking forward to it and couldn't wait to know the results.
Liu Zijin said to Wang Huilan, "Madam, bring Xiaolu to drink some tea. I'll bring them to the study for a chat. We must discuss the article with them this time."
They often exchanged letters. Liu Zijin knew that Su Hua and Zhou Heng had made extraordinary progress. Along the way, they had to discuss articles properly.
Wang Huilan knew Liu Zijin well and knew that he had been waiting for this day for a long time, so she naturally agreed.
Su Hua looked at Su Xiaolu. Before he could speak, Su Xiaolu waved her hand and said, "Go ahead. Don't worry about me."
Liu Zijin cupped her hands at Su Xiaolu and said, "Xiaolu, thank you."
Su Xiaolu waved her hand and turned to ask Wang Huilan, "Have you stopped taking the medicine?"
Liu Zijin and Wang Huilan smiled and led Su Chong, Su Hua, and Zhou Heng over.
Wang Huilan's expression was gentle as she answered Su Xiaolu's question softly, "It's been stopped for four months."
"He said that I don't have to lose weight anymore. The doctor also said that my body is very healthy now, so I stopped eating it."
She had stopped taking that medicine. She had also seen a doctor. She had stopped when she knew she was in good health.
Wang Huilan looked at Su Xiaolu, pursed her lips, and asked, "Xiaolu, can I get pregnant now?"
Thinking of a child, Wang Huilan blushed slightly. During this period of time, Mother Liu had also hinted to her that it was time for her and Liu Zijin to have a child.
Wang Huilan also wanted to, but she had stopped taking the contraceptive medicine and hadn't gotten pregnant in the past two months.
Su Xiaolu said calmly, "I'll take your pulse later. You look good now. You should be fine."
Wang Huilan's face was rosy and full of vitality. From the looks of it, Su Xiaolu knew she was very healthy. She would definitely be able to have a healthy child when she got pregnant.
Wang Huilan's face turned even redder.
When they reached the courtyard, Wang Huilan got a maidservant to prepare some snacks and tea.
Su Xiaolu took Wang Huilan's pulse. Wang Huilan's wrist was more than half as slender.
She was a little chubby but not fat. Her figure was very healthy, and her nails were red. She looked very cute.
After taking her pulse, Su Xiaolu said, "Your body is very good. There are no more problems. If you want to be a mother, you can do it at any time. However, when you're pregnant, you have to take care of your body. Don't eat much. Eat normally. It's best if you eat frequent meals and eat less each time. You can get another doctor to tell you about the other taboos during pregnancy."
There was no problem with Wang Huilan's body. If nothing went wrong, she could also unlock Liu Zijin's acupuncture points.
Hearing that there was nothing wrong with her body, Wang Huilan had a question between her eyebrows. She looked at Su Xiaolu and finally asked, "I-I've actually stopped taking contraceptives for three months, but there's been no news. Will it be difficult for my body to get pregnant?"
Wang Huilan was puzzled, and Su Xiaolu was surprised. "You took contraceptives?"
Liu Zijin's acupuncture points had been sealed. There was no need for Wang Huilan to take any contraceptives. Contraceptives were harmful to the body.
Su Xiaolu reached out and grabbed Wang Huilan's hand. She asked, "Contraceptives are harmful to the body. There's no residual poison in your body. You don't look like you're taking contraceptives. Besides, you don't have to take contraceptives. Liu Zijin asked me to seal his acupuncture points last time. As long as I don't unlock them, you won't be able to conceive."
"Strange, why isn't it poisonous? Liu Zijin really doesn't believe in my medical skills!"
Su Xiaolu could not tell that Wang Huilan was taking contraceptives and was very puzzled. She did not notice that Wang Huilan's expression was a little abnormal.
After confirming that Wang Huilan's body was not harmed, Su Xiaolu let go of Wang Huilan's hand and said, "Can you show me the contraceptives you took?"
Wang Huilan nodded in a daze. "Sure, I'll go get it."
Wang Huilan quickly went to the house and took out a small jar. She handed a black pill to Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu took it and sniffed it. She said to Wang Huilan, who was in a daze, "These aren't contraceptives. It's made of cloud ginseng. It's usually used to nourish the body."
If it was not contraceptives, Su Xiaolu would not be conflicted. She knew that she could not be wrong.
When Su Xiaolu noticed Wang Huilan again, she realized that she was crying.
Su Xiaolu was speechless.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Su Xiaolu asked in confusion why she suddenly cried.
Wang Huilan looked at Su Xiaolu's puzzled gaze with teary eyes. She smiled and wiped her tears as she said, "I'm sorry for scaring you."
She didn't want to cry either. She just thought that Liu Zijin had done such a big thing for her but she didn't know. She had many emotions in her heart at this moment. She was touched and happy.
Her contraceptives nourished her body. This was Liu Zijin's silent love for her.
"Xiaolu, when did he find you to seal his acupuncture points? Will it be fine after you undo it?"
After calming down, Wang Huilan asked Su Xiaolu seriously.
Su Xiaolu looked at Wang Huilan and realized why she was so emotional.
She didn't expect Wang Huilan to not know about this.
But seeing how touched Wang Huilan was, Su Xiaolu felt that Liu Zijin was very smart. This damn deep love.
Su Xiaolu told Wang Huilan seriously, "It was when we were at Madam Yin's house that time. It's not difficult to undo. I'll just insert a few more needles into him and unseal him. After that, there won't be any problems. Your body has recovered. Perhaps he'll ask me to unseal his sealed acupuncture points in the next two days."
Wang Huilan nodded and said, "Thank you."
Su Xiaolu replied calmly, "No need."
It was just a favor.
Wang Huilan arranged a place for Su Xiaolu to stay, so Su Xiaolu went over to rest.
Liu Zijin, Su Chong, and the others discussed the article. Unknowingly, the sky turned dark, and everyone was unsatisfied. However, it was already late and it was time to rest.
After dinner and settling Su Chong and the others down to rest, Liu Zijin returned to the courtyard.
He drank some wine and realized that Wang Huilan was still awake. He walked over and gently wrapped his arms around her. He asked in a low and hoarse voice, "Madam, why aren't you asleep? I was so happy today that I forgot the time. You don't have to wait for me."
Wang Huilan's eyes were slightly red. Hearing Liu Zijin's gentle tone, tears fell.
"Hubby, are you hiding something from me?"
Wang Huilan held back her tears and asked.
Liu Zijin pondered for a moment and said, "I've thought about it carefully. I can't remember what I'm hiding from you. Huilan, what are you talking about?"
Liu Zijin held Wang Huilan's hand and pulled her towards the house. He realized that Wang Huilan had her head lowered. He reached out and raised Wang Huilan's chin. Seeing that Wang Huilan's face was covered in tears, Liu Zijin was no longer drunk, he panicked and asked anxiously, "Lan, what's wrong? Why are you crying? Can you tell me? I'm worried about you. I don't know the reason. My heart is in a mess."
Chapter 285: Unlocking Acupoints 2Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Hearing Liu Zijin's gentle voice, Wang Huilan's tears fell like rain.
She understood that Liu Zijin did not intend to tell her about this. If she had not told Xiaolu that she had taken contraceptives, she would not have known about this.
It turned out that at that time, he was telling the truth when he said that he liked her.
She had received a very sincere love. He had never lied to her.
"Lan, don't cry. What did I do wrong? Just tell me and I'll change. If you cry like this, it'll hurt your eyes and your body."
Liu Zijin was flustered. He didn't know what had happened, but he felt terrible when he saw Wang Huilan crying like this. He hoped that she would smile every day.
Little did he know that the gentler he was, the more Wang Huilan cried.
Wang Huilan hugged Liu Zijin's waist and cried uncontrollably.
Liu Zijin didn't know how to comfort him. He wanted to know what was going on, but he didn't know who he could ask.
Ever since they got married, Wang Huilan had never been so sad. Liu Zijin did not understand why.
"Hubby..."
Wang Huilan choked.
Liu Zijin wiped the tears off Wang Huilan's face and said, "I'm here."
"Huilan, don't cry. I don't know anything. You're making me panic."
Just watching her cry made him feel powerless.
Wang Huilan calmed herself down, but she couldn't hold back her tears. She looked at Liu Zijin, whose eyes were also red. Wang Huilan buried her face in Liu Zijin's chest and said, "Why didn't you tell me that you got Xiaolu to seal your acupuncture points?"
Wang Huilan's heart trembled. She could not imagine what Liu Zijin was thinking for him to do this.
Wasn't he afraid that he would never be a father in the future?
"You found out."
Liu Zijin was relieved. Knowing the reason, he no longer panicked. He led Wang Huilan to the bed and sat down. He wiped Wang Huilan's tears dry and looked at her seriously. "Madam, you've made a lot of sacrifices for me. I didn't let you take the contraceptives again because it was convenient. Xiaolu is a divine doctor. She can do anything she promises. This won't harm my body at all."
"I didn't want to tell you, but I didn't expect you to find out. You're so good to me. I'm just repaying you. Isn't this how we should be as husband and wife? I only did a small thing to move you to this state."
Liu Zijin smiled. Wang Huilan was too kind.
Wang Huilan looked at Liu Zijin with red eyes and said, "It's not as easy as you say."
It was clearly a big matter, but Liu Zijin made it a small matter with just two sentences.
Wang Huilan said seriously, "Hubby, go find Xiaolu."
Liu Zijin nodded. "Yes, I was going to find her to unseal the acupuncture points. You're in good health, and so am I. I think we should be ready to be parents."
Liu Zijin looked deeply at Wang Huilan. His affectionate gaze made Wang Huilan blush and she lowered her eyes shyly. However, in the next second, Liu Zijin reached out and lifted Wang Huilan's chin.
"Madam is so beautiful."
Liu Zijin smiled.
He liked to see Wang Huilan's face gradually turn red. He liked how she looked in front of him.
They had clearly been together for more than two years, but Wang Huilan still looked at him with such shyness and admiration. He knew that Wang Huilan's heart definitely beat very fast when their gazes met.
Liu Zijin leaned in and kissed her lightly.
...
The next morning, Liu Zijin looked for Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu was not surprised that Liu Zijin came. She asked Liu Zijin to sit down and took his pulse first.
Liu Zijin sat down quietly. He reached out and said gently to Su Xiaolu, "Xiaolu, thank you."
Su Xiaolu said calmly, "It's a small matter."
Liu Zijin's body was not bad. His strong pulse meant that he was right.
Judging from his complexion, he was also rosy-faced and walked with a gust of wind. It seemed that his happiness was not a lie.
Su Xiaolu asked Liu Zijin to take off his shirt and turn his back to her.
Su Xiaolu took out a silver needle and inserted it into Liu Zijin's waist.
Liu Zijin asked, "Xiaolu, how long will it take to recover after the acupuncture points are unsealed?"
Wang Huilan wanted a child, and so did he.
"In fifteen minutes."
Su Xiaolu quickly inserted the silver needles. She retracted her hand and patted it. "That's enough. Sit down. If you feel a warm feeling at your waist, just tell me."
Liu Zijin nodded. He sat quietly and watched Su Xiaolu pack up the needle bag. He asked, "Xiaolu, will you take in disciples in the future?"
Su Xiaolu rolled her eyes. "Of course. Do you think I might not take in disciples?"
Liu Zijin smiled and said, "In the future, can my daughter learn a thing or two from you?"
After following Su Xiaolu, no matter how unskilled his daughter was, she could still understand some medical knowledge. Knowing medical science was beneficial to women.
Su Xiaolu looked at Liu Zijin. He already had designs on her.
Su Xiaolu spread her hands. "We'll see. You're so talkative."
Su Xiaolu felt that Liu Zijin inexplicably wanted to get close to her, as if she was his sister too.
Su Xiaolu felt that it might be because Liu Zijin did not have any siblings. When he was at his most difficult time, Su Chong helped him. He was on good terms with his eldest brother and second brother, so he loved her as well.
However, she did not want to be too familiar with Liu Zijin. Moreover, she knew too little about Liu Zijin, so the sense of distance could not be eliminated.
Liu Zijin did not care about Su Xiaolu's alienation. He said gently to Su Xiaolu, "I heard from Chong that you like to eat snacks. I asked the kitchen to make a lot of it. Eat some. If you like it, tell the maidservant to make more for you to eat on the way."
Su Xiaolu was speechless.
She understood the principle of taking advantage of others.
Su Xiaolu waved her hand. "Thank you, but no."
Liu Zijin felt that Su Xiaolu was very cute. She was very good-looking. She was almost eleven years old and still had the childishness of a child, but she also had the bright posture of a young girl. No matter how he looked at her, he liked her very much. He also wanted a sister like her.
Often, Liu Zijin was very envious of Su Chong and Su Hua.
"Xiaolu, my waist feels warm."
A warmth came from his waist. Liu Zijin said to Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu came over to get the needle. After she was done, Su Xiaolu said to Liu Zijin, "Alright, you can leave."
Liu Zijin put on his clothes and said, "Alright, I'll go look for Chong and the others. If you're bored, you can get my wife to accompany you for a walk. We'll set off from here tomorrow morning."
With that, Liu Zijin left.
Su Xiaolu was not bored. She was not familiar with Wang Huilan, so she would not look for her.
She sat cross-legged and cultivated her internal energy and mental cultivation techniques. A day passed just like that.
At night, a maidservant came to invite her to dinner. It was County Magistrate Wang who invited her. Su Chong and the others were waiting for Su Xiaolu to go with them.
County Magistrate Wang was also a bit chubby. He looked very friendly with a smile. He told everyone to sit down and make themselves at home.
Chapter 286: FurongzhouTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
County Magistrate Wang said, "I always hear Zijin talking about you. Now I see that you are all good men and have learned a lot from others. I am very impressed. I have specially prepared this banquet to send you off. I hope that you will be able to do well on the exams."
Su Chong, Su Hua and Zhou Heng bowed to County Magistrate Wang.
"Thank you for your praise, Lord Wang. Thank you for your blessings."
Su Hua said to County Magistrate Wang with a humble smile.
County Magistrate Wang had a good reputation. Su Chong, Su Hua, and Zhou Heng respected him very much.
It could be said that he treated Liu Zijin as his son and helped him with all his might. He even let Liu Zijin know how to manage Anping County. These were rare good things for Liu Zijin.
Liu Zijin and Wang Huilan also smiled. Liu Zijin said, "Thank you for your blessings, Father. I won't let you down this time."
County Magistrate Wang nodded happily and said, "Okay, okay, let's not talk any more. Let's eat and drink well."
County Magistrate Wang smiled kindly at Su Xiaolu and said, "Miss Su, just tell me what you like."
This young lady was amazing. She was already a divine doctor at such a young age.
Su Xiaolu smiled too. "Thank you."
County Magistrate Wang's family was rich and the chef was good, but in Su Xiaolu's heart, her third sister's culinary skills were better.
After eating and drinking her fill, she went back to rest.
They woke up early the next morning, packed their things, and prepared to leave.
The servants of the residence also brought the horses that had been fed and set up the carriage.
Liu Zijin and Wang Huilan got into the wagon that County Magistrate Wang prepared for them. Wang Huilan couldn't bear to part with County Magistrate Wang, but County Magistrate Wang didn't feel reluctant at all. He waved his hands and said, "Go now. We can talk when you come home."
Wang Huilan's eyes turned red. She had never been so far away from home.
This trip took more than a month.
County Magistrate Wang urged the coachman to leave. He pretended to be okay, but he almost burst into tears.
Liu Zijin held Wang Huilan and said to County Magistrate Wang, "Father, don't worry, I will take good care of Huilan."
Wang Huilan reluctantly lowered the curtain. She leaned against Liu Zijin quietly, feeling very down.
Last night, County Magistrate Wang asked her to go with Liu Zijin.
Wang Huilan was confused. County Magistrate Wang said, "Silly girl, Liu Zijin is going to make a name for himself. It is a good thing that you are with him. With you around, he will be sober."
There was definitely no problem with Liu Zijin's knowledge this time.
If Wang Huilan didn't go, who knew what kind of women would pounce on Liu Zijin after the rankings were announced? They had too many tricks up their sleeves. What if Liu Zijin couldn't withstand them?
He might as well let his daughter accompany him.
Wang Huilan wasn't stupid. After thinking about it, she understood her father's painstaking efforts.
Liu Zijin wrapped her arms around Wang Huilan's shoulders gently. It was so quiet that only the sound of wheels rolling could be heard.
After leaving the city, Liu Zijin said to Wang Huilan, "When we see the beautiful scenery on the way back, I'll get ink for you. How about you send a letter back for Father to see?"
Wang Huilan nodded. "Alright."
Liu Zijin turned her head and kissed Wang Huilan's ear. "Don't worry. When the time comes, Chong and Hua will be more popular than me. They've never been married."
Wang Huilan blushed. Nothing could be hidden from Liu Zijin.
Liu Zijin was so smart. He knew everything.
Liu Zijin smiled lightly and casually picked a book from the bookcase to read.
The journey was very boring.
Su Xiaolu and the others were in another carriage. After eating, Su Xiaolu got out of the carriage and walked.
When they stopped to rest and eat, Su Chong and the others compared poems.
Passing through the forest, Su Xiaolu went hunting.
Passing by the lake, Su Xiaolu went into the water to catch fish.
She was quite happy.
She did not expect Wang Huilan's culinary skills to be good. She took out the internal organs of the fat lake fish and smeared a layer of salt on them before roasting them. She burned the scales on the outside and peeled them off when she ate them. The fresh fish meat was revealed. The salty taste was just right. A fish was nearly a kilogram, and Su Xiaolu could eat an entire one.
Wang Huilan even knew how to cook chickens.
In the past ten days, Su Xiaolu had become familiar with Wang Huilan. It was no wonder that Liu Zijin liked her. Who wouldn't like such a gentle and kind woman?
As long as one knew when to advance or retreat, no one would dislike them.
As for Wang Huilan, she realized that Su Xiaolu did not know how to cook and could not braid her hair. Coincidentally, she knew how to, so she took care of Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu liked to practice her swordsmanship. When she passed by the forest, she would pick herbs and apply some to her body. There were no mosquitoes around her. If she ate some herbs with food, she could sleep better at night.
At noon on the 21st of July, they arrived at Furongzhou.
By the time they arrived at Furongzhou, Wang Huilan knew many herbs and acupuncture points. This was very useful to her.
The carriage entered Furongzhou. After paying the entrance fee, they found an inn to stay in.
They immediately asked for hot water to wash up.
After a hot bath, Su Xiaolu changed into clean clothes and went out to eat with Su Chong and the others.
During the meal, Su Chong and the others discussed what they were going to do in the next ten days.
Su Xiaolu ate a piece of braised pork and was very satisfied. She said, "Big Brother, Second Brother, I'm going to Qinglian Monastery to pick herbs. I might not be back for a few days. Don't worry about me."
She had inherited Minggu for so many years and had yet to officially show her face.
Now that she was out, she wanted to go and take a look. She wanted to see if there were any people seeking medical treatment and if there were any difficult illnesses. She wanted to treat them and earn some money.
Su Chong and Su Hua were immediately worried.
Wang Huilan said, "Don't worry. I'm fine. I'll accompany Xiaolu and pray for you guys too."
Su Xiaolu was about to say no when Wang Huilan said to her with a gentle smile, "I'll take good care of Xiaolu. Xiaolu is already familiar with me, right?"
Seeing Wang Huilan's expectant look, Su Xiaolu couldn't bear to refuse. She nodded. "Yes."
After dinner, they went shopping together.
Perhaps it was because it was close to the examination, Furongzhou was very lively and there were many scholars.
Most scholars were well-mannered and dignified. They looked at each other and even cupped their hands in greeting.
Some of them were holding fans that looked very elegant.
Su Xiaolu bought many small things. As she walked, she got separated from Su Chong and the others.
Realizing that she had gotten separated, Su Xiaolu did not panic. It was not like she could not find the way. When she saw the hairpins sold by the roadside, the workmanship was very good. Su Xiaolu bought a few hairpins for her mother and sister.
When she sensed that someone was staring at her in the dark, she frowned and looked up at the third floor of the teahouse by the street. Her eyes met with the person by the window. With just one look, the person closed the window and blocked Su Xiaolu's line of sight.
Su Xiaolu pursed her lips and muttered softly, "Tsk, I don't want to see you either."
Chapter 287: One Look, Two Looks, Three LooksTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Su Xiaolu did not pay much attention to it. What she remembered was that the young man was very good-looking.
Su Xiaolu muttered and left with her things.
Su Xiaolu quickly forgot about it. After she disappeared into the crowd, the window opened again.
The cold young man sat in the wheelchair and quietly watched the people coming and going on the streets. His gaze was as dark as the night, making it impossible to figure out what he was thinking.
Su Xiaolu walked around and came back. When she passed by the teahouse, she subconsciously looked up. She did not see anyone but a closed window.
Su Xiaolu thought to herself, So sensitive. He can look at others, but others can't look at him. Seriously.
Coincidentally, Su Xiaolu saw Su Chong and the others. She ran over happily. "Eldest Brother, Second Brother."
"Xiaolu, where did you go? You suddenly disappeared. You scared me."
Su Chong looked at Su Xiaolu and was relieved to confirm that she was fine.
Su Xiaolu patted the needle bag at her waist and said, "Brother, I'm not a little girl who doesn't know anything."
Even if she didn't have a sword, she still had silver needles.
Su Chong stroked Su Xiaolu's hair. "I know, I know. It's almost dark. We should go back."
Su Xiaolu nodded. "What did you buy?"
Su Hua said, "Little Brother Heng bought a set of pens. Big Brother and I also bought a set of pens."
Liu Zijin smiled and said, "I also bought a set of pens. Your Sister-in-law Huilan bought some small things too."
Wang Huilan took out a butterfly clip and gave it to Su Xiaolu. "Xiaolu, this is for you."
Su Xiaolu took it. "Thank you. It looks good."
They went back together.
Su Xiaolu thought of the strange person. She looked back and saw that the window was open, but no one was there.
"Xiaolu, what are you looking at?"
Seeing Su Xiaolu turn around, they asked in confusion.
Su Xiaolu waved her hand and smiled. "Nothing."
The few of them walked further and further away.
Su Xiaolu kept feeling a gaze on them.
When he could no longer see, the young man who was looking out of the window retracted his gaze. He lowered his eyes and said coldly, "Jin Si, go and investigate her."
A cold voice came from behind him. "Yes."
Then, there was the sound of Jin Si opening the door softly, leaving a person standing in a corner like a statue, expressionless.
"Jin Qi, prepare the letter. I'm going to Qinglian Monastery tomorrow. You may leave."
Zhou Zhi turned the wheelchair with both hands and came to the table. His voice was cold and no emotions could be heard. He wiped his hands with a handkerchief and picked up the teapot to pour himself a cup of tea.
"Yes."
Jin Qi accepted the order and left.
Zhou Zhi held the teacup and took a sip before putting it down. He turned his wheelchair and returned to the window. He only glanced at the crowd below before closing the window.
—-
Su Xiaolu and the others returned to the inn.
After dinner, Su Xiaolu returned to her room.
After putting away the things she had bought, Su Xiaolu began to deal with the medicinal herbs she had bought. Precious medicinal herbs like ginseng were planted in the Space. She had even plucked the Ghost Orchid seeds. This village examination would take nine days in a row. Without a good body, it was really unbearable. Under all kinds of tense pressure, many people would fall ill midway through the examination.
Su Xiaolu prepared some emergency medicine. These were all necessary.
Therefore, during this period of time, Su Xiaolu prepared to focus on brewing medicine after returning from Qinglian Monastery.
Now that she had time, she would grind the herbs.
Wang Huilan came to look for Su Xiaolu. She asked her, "Xiaolu, can I help you with something?"
Su Xiaolu pointed at the herbs. "Grinding medicine."
Wang Huilan only helped to deal with the herbs. During this period of time, Liu Zijin and the rest were not free.
Wang Huiling was unfamiliar with this place and had nothing to do. She felt more at ease following Su Xiaolu and talking to her.
Just after seven o'clock, Su Xiaolu packed her things and prepared to sleep.
Wang Huilan also returned to her room.
Su Xiaolu lay on the bed and fell asleep quickly.
July 22nd.
Su Xiaolu got up and went to look for Wang Huilan. Wang Huilan was already grinding medicine. She said to Su Xiaolu, "Are you hungry? They've already gone out. I didn't wake you up because you were sleeping soundly. Are you hungry? How about I get the waiter to bring breakfast?"
Su Xiaolu nodded. "Okay, thank you, Sister Huilan."
Wang Huilan smiled and quickly got the waiter to bring breakfast.
After Su Xiaolu was full, she said, "Let's go to the Qinglian Monastery."
Su Xiaolu, Wang Huilan, and the Wang family's coachman drove the carriage.
Su Xiaolu was sleepy as she leaned against the cushion. The carriage was a little bumpy on the official road. Like a child who liked the cradle, she also liked this bumpy ride and was very sleepy.
Wang Huilan let Su Xiaolu lean on her lap, so Su Xiaolu did not stand on ceremony.
She slept soundly.
When she woke up, she was already there.
Wang Huilan smiled gently and said in a gentle voice, "Xiaolu, we're here. Do you want some water?"
Su Xiaolu shook her head. "No need. Let's go down now."
The two of them alighted from the carriage and entered Qinglian Monastery together.
Qinglian Monastery was very big and the incense offerings were in the front courtyard hall. A novice monk called out to the visitors who came to offer incense.
Su Xiaolu said to Wang Huilan, "If you want to pray to Buddha, stay here. I have something on. Wait for me here when you're done. I heard that there's vegetarian food inside. If you're hungry, you can eat the food too."
Su Xiaolu was going to see the abbot, so it was not convenient for her to bring Wang Huilan along.
Wang Huilan nodded. She did not ask anything and told Su Xiaolu to be careful before going to collect the incense.
Su Xiaolu found a little monk and took out her identity token. "Little monk, take me to your abbot."
The novice monk looked at Su Xiaolu's tablet and pressed his palms together. "Amitabha." Then, he made an inviting gesture and said, "This way, please."
The novice monk brought Su Xiaolu to the back of the Qinglian Monastery. The hall far away became silent.
Along the way, the little monk did not speak. Su Xiaolu only followed quietly.
Another novice monk led a person over. Su Xiaolu looked at the figure. What a coincidence. It was the person she had seen yesterday.
The two novice monks met and greeted each other.
Su Xiaolu looked at Zhou Zhi and smiled sweetly. She waved her hand and said, "Hello, we meet again."
Zhou Zhi looked at Su Xiaolu and nodded lightly as a greeting.
When the two of them passed by, Su Xiaolu smelled a faint fragrance of ink orchid on him. He looked young, but he was quite tall. He was at least 1.8 meters tall.
He was very cold, so Su Xiaolu naturally could not ask anything.
Hence, she continued to follow the novice monk to the back.
After Su Xiaolu walked far away, Zhou Zhi stopped in his tracks. The novice monk looked at him in confusion. "Patron, what's wrong?"
Chapter 288: Attack at the Qinglian MonasteryTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Zhou Zhi looked at the novice monk indifferently and asked, "That girl is only wearing civilian clothes. Why can she see the abbot? As far as I know, Master Liao Zhi does not meet strangers anymore, let alone high officials and nobles."
He could see that stubborn old thing because he had revealed his identity.
The novice monk also frowned and said to Zhou Zhi, "I don't know."
Zhou Zhi looked at the novice monk. After a few seconds, he didn't say anything else and walked forward.
The novice monk followed behind. Zhou Zhi walked slowly, so the novice monk could only follow him. It was obvious that he did not want to make Zhou Zhi unhappy.
—-
Su Xiaolu followed the novice monk all the way to the abbot's room.
The novice monk knocked on the door. Before the novice monk could speak, a deep voice came from inside the room.
"Leave. No one is to disturb the abbot today. During this period of time, the abbot will not meet anyone."
The novice monk looked at Su Xiaolu and said, "Sect Master, the person with the Dark Token wants to see the abbot."
Soon, the door opened.
Ben En opened the door and his gaze quickly landed on Su Xiaolu. He waved at the novice monk. "You can leave first."
The novice monk bowed and left.
"Little girl, are you the old man's beloved disciple? Show me your identity token."
Ben En said to Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu showed Ben En her token. Unexpectedly, Ben En attacked her. Before Su Xiaolu could react, her body had already subconsciously rolled back to dodge.
Ben En said, "The old man said that you were taught by Gui You and have long wanted to experience the strength of the number one sword in the world."
Su Xiaolu felt that this bald man was rude. Even if he wanted to spar, he should say it. If she was not good at dodging, wouldn't she be slapped by him?
Su Xiaoling followed the state and snapped the tree branches beside her. She shouted at Ben En, "Old Baldy, don't say that I don't respect the elderly if you lose."
Ben En frowned and was immediately displeased. He sneered and said, "You ignorant girl. I want to see what you can do."
Ben En's palm wind was sharp and powerful. Su Xiaolu knew that he was an expert and immediately perked up.
She held a branch and gently avoided Ben En's palm wind. She was not afraid of him and went straight up to fight him. Su Xiaolu was not stupid. Her branch whipped Ben En's body and went for his acupuncture points one by one.
Ben En was infuriated. "You're so rude. I'll teach you a lesson today."
Su Xiaolu sneered. "Haha, you damn baldy. You were the one who was rude first, but you're blaming me for being rude and even want to teach me a lesson. Don't you want to see the standard of the number one sword in the world? Then I'll show you today."
"First, I'll hit a useless baldy like you. You should use your brain next time."
The branch in Su Xiaolu's hand hit Ben En's head.
Bang! Soon, there was a red mark on Ben En's head.
Ben En was also furious. He aimed his palm at Su Xiaolu's heart, looking like he wanted to slap her to death.
Su Xiaolu dodged nimbly and quickly waved her branch.
The branch hit Benn's arm with Internal force. A hole appeared in his monk robe, showing how strong Su Xiaolu was.
Ben En wanted to hit Su Xiaolu, but he couldn't.
Ben En did not expect Su Xiaolu's martial arts skills to be so outstanding. He originally wanted to suppress Su Xiaolu and let her know what an expert meant by beating her. When the time came, he would apologize to Su Xiaolu, and Su Xiaolu would not be able to pursue the matter.
He did not expect Su Xiaolu's martial arts to be outstanding. Her moves were so fierce that he could not withstand them. The branch in Su Xiaolu's hand hurt when it hit him.
This girl was really ruthless.
Ben En was furious, but he could not beat her.
However, Su Xiaolu had no intention of stopping. Su Xiaolu was very arrogant. "Old Baldy, if you admit defeat now, I'll stop. If you don't admit it, I can only beat you until you admit defeat."
Su Xiaolu looked at the red marks on Ben En's head and did not want to fight him anymore. If they really fought, she would know that Ben En's strength was far inferior to hers.
Su Xiaolu was not interested in one-sided torture when fighting an opponent weaker than her.
She did not know what the abbot was thinking. Could he not hear the commotion outside? He did not come out to take a look. Did he really not care that his disciple was beaten up like this?
When Ben En heard Su Xiaolu's words, he felt that she was humiliating him. How could he admit defeat?
Ben En did not admit defeat, so Su Xiaolu could only continue to beat him up.
It was impossible for her to give in to this old monk.
It had only been 30 minutes, and Ben En had scars everywhere.
His clothes were tattered, and there were many swollen marks on the top of his head.
He was even more furious and had already lost his mind. He shouted angrily, "Stupid girl, I'm going to kill you!"
Su Xiaolu was very annoyed. She did not take the initiative to provoke this old monk. He was the one who suddenly attacked.
At this moment, the door opened. A novice monk walked out while supporting an old monk with white eyebrows and a beard. He held a staff in his hand and slammed it heavily. He shouted, "Ben En, stop."
Upon hearing the abbot's voice, Ben En stopped indignantly. He was like a raging bull with nowhere to vent his anger. He was panting heavily.
"Go into detention for three days."
He frowned and said.
Ben En glared at Su Xiaolu. "Abbot, we were all deceived. Gui You clearly said that she wasn't skilled."
Ben En said through gritted teeth.
Su Xiaolu looked at Ben En indifferently and rolled her eyes. "Master Gui You was right about me. I'm not good at all. I'm far from him."
Ben En gritted his teeth and was rendered speechless by a little girl.
He looked at Ben En with cold eyes and said in a threatening voice, "Ben En, you still don't know your mistake. You attacked rashly and your mind isn't calm. How dare you quibble?"
Ben En gritted his teeth and lowered his head. "I know my mistake."
He turned around and went down without looking at Su Xiaolu again.
After Ben En left, Liao Zhi stopped and bowed to Su Xiaolu. "Little Patron, don't blame me for coming out late. My disciple is really not calm. I wanted to use you to teach him a lesson."
Su Xiaolu looked at Liao Zhi. She could not feel any blame or dissatisfaction.
Liao Zhi's eyes were calm and gentle, like an all-encompassing sea. Seeing that she was staring at him, Liao Zhi even smiled kindly.
Su Xiaolu crossed her arms and said to Liao Zhi, "There won't be another time. I won't let it go so easily next time. I'll let it go this time."
Liao Zhi smiled and nodded. "Little Patron, please come in."
After saying that, Liao Zhi said to the novice monk beside him, "Ben Tian, go and get all the letters we've received recently."
Chapter 289: Zhou ZhiTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Su Xiaolu looked at Ben Tian. She knew that monks were given names according to their seniority.
For example, Ben En was in his forties. The novice monk called him Sect Master, so Ben En's status in the monastery was not low.
But now, this novice monk who followed Liao Zhi looked to be only 16 or 17 years old, but he actually had his own name and it started with Ben. His seniority could be seen. Su Xiaolu could not help but take a second look at him.
Ben Tian's expression was calm. He bowed to Su Xiaolu and went down.
Liao Zhi turned around and entered the house. Su Xiaolu followed.
Looking at the old monk's back, Su Xiaolu couldn't help but ask, "Abbot, although your disciple was in the wrong first, are you really not angry at all that he was beaten up by me?"
If it were the old man, he would definitely help her regardless of whether she was right or not.
Su Xiaolu's question was stopped by Liao Zhi's benevolent smile. "I'm not angry. Ben En has never been calm. His desire to win is too strong. Previously, he was defeated by Gui You. After confirming your identity, he wanted to take revenge by defeating you. Hence, this is his karma. He has to bear it himself."
Su Xiaolu entered the meditation room and sized up her surroundings.
The meditation room was simple and unadorned, with a table and a few stools, and a bed.
Liao Zhi invited Su Xiaolu to sit down and poured her a cup of tea.
Su Xiaolu looked at the prayer beads on Liao Zhi's wrist. They looked very Zen. The prayer beads were dark and smooth, probably because they were often touched.
Liao Zhi took off the prayer beads and handed them to Su Xiaolu. "Little Patron, these prayer beads are for you. It can ensure your safety for the rest of your life."
Su Xiaolu waved her hand. "Thank you, I don't want it."
After Ben En's incident, she did not have a good impression of Qinglian Monastery. Therefore, she decided to reject the gift. She did not want them if she was not familiar with them.
Liao Zhi smiled and did not insist.
Ben Tian carried a box over. He placed the box in front of Su Xiaolu and bowed to her. "Young Patron, the letters are in here."
Su Xiaolu opened the box. There were only seven letters and dozens of banknotes.
Su Xiaolu looked at Liao Zhi in confusion.
Liao Zhi smiled gently and said, "This is for you. Consider it medical fees. If you take the letters, you can choose to go or not. It's up to you."
Su Xiaolu looked at the letter at the top. She was attracted by the name. She took it and unfolded it.
There was only one sentence and an address in the letter.
'Doctor, I heard that the divine doctor can revive the dead, may I ask if broken limbs can be regenerated?'
This signature made Su Xiaolu frown because it was Zhou Zhi.
Su Xiaolu stopped asking. "When did this letter arrive?"
Liao Zhi looked at the envelope and said calmly, "A few minutes ago."
Su Xiaolu thought of the young man she met when she came. Was he Zhou Zhi?
Su Xiaolu had questions in her heart. If it was Zhou Zhi, why could he walk? The old man had clearly said that his legs had been amputated.
There was nothing unusual about the way he walked.
Su Xiaolu put away the letter and the banknotes. She was about to get up and leave. After taking two steps, she turned around and asked, "Abbot, how much of this banknote will your temple take?"
Liao Zhi smiled and said, "Thirty percent. There are some people with strange illnesses who can't afford to ask for medical fees. As long as the illness is strange enough, they won't pay a single copper coin. Whether they have the chance to be treated or not will depend on fate."
The medical fee alone was 1,000 taels of silver per person. Moreover, this did not include the money needed to treat illnesses. Not everyone had the right to hire a divine doctor.
Those who had a strange illness and did not have money could also leave an envelope. However, whether they could meet the divine doctor would depend on fate.
Su Xiaolu smiled and waved her hand. "Goodbye."
Liao Zhi waved at Ben Tian. Ben Tian nodded and sent Su Xiaolu out.
After leaving the meditation room, Su Xiaolu looked back at Ben Tian and asked, "Little monk, why are you ranked so much higher than the others?"
Ben Tian smiled and said, "The abbot said that I'm fated with Buddha and specially accepted me. After I learn the Buddhist Dharma, I can go down the mountain to help those suffering."
Su Xiaolu looked at Ben Tian and said with a smile, "Little monk, do you think that Ben En will be jealous of you? You're both disciples. He's much older than you and the abbot gives you a lot of preferential treatment. Tell me, how does he think of you?"
Ben Tian frowned. "The abbot treats all disciples the same and treats Senior Brother the same. In fact, Senior Brother's heart is unstable, and Master is even kinder towards him."
Su Xiaolu shook her head and said, "It might seem that way to you. But others might not think so. I think the person you should help the most is your Senior Brother. In your opinion, your master is showing kindness. In his opinion, he might be deliberately embarrassing him."
Before Ben En left, Su Xiaolu saw his indignant expression clearly.
Would such a person be convinced? It was impossible for him to be convinced. He would only blame him for not coming out earlier to help him and for punishing him.
Ben Tian fell into deep thought as he listened to Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu smiled and said, "Let me remind you. If such a person is in the temple, he might do something terrifying one day. Don't underestimate people's resentment. You don't have to send me off. Go back."
After Su Xiaolu finished speaking with a smile, she tapped her toes and flew over the eaves to the main hall of the temple.
Ben Tian looked at Su Xiaolu thoughtfully and finally turned around to go back to the meditation room.
Su Xiaolu came to the Buddhist Worship Hall. There were many Buddha statues in the hall. Su Xiaolu was not familiar with them, so she did not recognize them.
There were many devout devotees kneeling on the praying mats and chanting. They kowtowed and knocked the ground in front of them.
Wang Huilan was praying for peace. Like many believers, she knelt on a praying mat with a Peace Talisman in her hand. As for the monk in the kasaya, he twirled the prayer beads in his hand and chanted Buddhist scriptures as he walked around them.
Su Xiaolu found a seat, sat down, and waited.
There was a commotion outside. Su Xiaolu couldn't help but look over.
Many people went out to watch the commotion. Soon, they returned and discussed something in low voices.
Su Xiaolu heard a few words.
"She's really impressive. She kowtowed three times every step she took while carrying her son on her back and said that Qinglian Monastery was efficacious and wanted the Buddha to treat his son's strange illness."
"That's right. I think she's really kneeling. Her head is swollen."
There were many discussions like this. Su Xiaolu was a little curious. She looked at Wang Huilan and saw that she would not be done for a while. She stood up and walked out.
When she walked out of the main hall, she saw a woman carrying a child on her back. She kowtowed three times with every step she took and walked towards the main hall step by step.
Many devotees were watching her. The woman did not take it to heart at all. She just walked towards her destination step by step.
There was a young novice monk who put his palms together and chanted, "Amitabha." They would say it with every step the woman took.
Chapter 290: Strange IllnessTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
When they arrived at the hall, the woman knelt in front of the largest Buddha statue in the hall. She pressed her palms together and said with tears in her eyes, "Great Buddha, I beg you to save my son. I beg you to show your might. I'm willing to exchange my life for my son's."
The sound of the woman kowtowing made people sigh and pity her.
The child on her back was also in tears. He widened his eyes and looked at the Buddha's Golden Body that was inches away.
The novice monk went forward and said mercifully, "Amitabha." Then, he said to the woman, "Patron, please get up. Please sit down and tell me what illness your son has and where you live."
The woman wiped her tears and stood up. She said to the novice monk, "My surname is Chu. I married into Xinzi village ten miles away from Furongzhou. My husband's surname is Xiao. A year ago, my son, Xiao Bing, suddenly contracted a strange illness, but we couldn't find the cause. I don't know what happened, but he suddenly couldn't walk. I brought him to see all the famous doctors in Furongzhou, but we couldn't find the cause. They all said that my son was healthy."
When Mdm Chu said this, tears fell like rain. She endured it and said with a hoarse voice, "Everyone says that he's not sick, but why is he suddenly unable to move his feet or hands? I don't understand why. I hope Buddha can appear and give me a hint."
The novice monk looked sad and only said, "Amitabha."
Hearing Madam Chu's tearful words, everyone revealed sympathetic expressions.
Su Xiaolu looked at the woman and was curious about her child's illness. She walked to the side.
Su Xiaolu walked to a novice monk and showed him her identity token. Then, she said to the novice monk, "Prepare a meditation room for me. I want to see the mother and son who are seeking medical treatment."
Many novice monks did not know Su Xiaolu's identity, but they all knew that the holder of this identity card deserved special treatment. They had to find a good reception and report it to the abbot.
The novice monk nodded and said respectfully, "Patron, please wait a moment. I'll make the arrangements now."
Su Xiaolu returned to her seat and waited. When she saw someone walking towards her, Su Xiaolu sized him up. Her gaze moved down and landed on the person's feet. Soon, the person walked up to her.
"It seems that you already know my identity."
Zhou Zhi spoke calmly and sat down beside Su Xiaolu. Su Xiaolu sized up him, but he was also sizing her up.
She was a very lively, confident, and beautiful girl. Her eyes were very beautiful and inexplicably attractive. She was like a small animal, sensitive and vigilant.
Su Xiaolu did not expect Zhou Zhi to be so straightforward. For a moment, she did not know what to say. Su Xiaolu only looked at Zhou Zhi's feet and pondered for a moment before asking, "Is my Master wrong? I see that your feet are fine."
Su Xiaolu looked at Zhou Zhi. She felt that Zhou Zhi would definitely flare up when she asked this.
However, Zhou Zhi frowned. His expression was very calm, and there were no fluctuations in his eyes. He said calmly, "His information is not wrong. My legs have been replaced by prosthetics. They're tied to my knees."
Zhou Zhi said it calmly. Su Xiaolu didn't think he was lying.
Su Xiaolu could not imagine how much he had suffered with this prosthetic leg.
She did not talk to Zhou Zhi anymore. Su Xiaolu was already thinking of a way out. How could she leave and get rid of Zhou Zhi? She remembered that the old man had said that Zhou Zhi was proficient in conspiracies and schemes. He was a ruthless person. Just a few glances made him suspicious of her. However, she met him today. He had probably guessed her identity as soon as they met.
Su Xiaolu did not speak for a long time, but Zhou Zhi said calmly, "Have you met him? His legs should have recovered for many years."
Su Xiaolu smiled sweetly at Zhou Zhi and nodded. "I'm not sure about that either. We only met twice. Later, Master took him away. I heard from Master that he was cured, but I don't know how he is now."
Su Xiaolu did not know if this could fool Zhou Zhi. Anyway, she could not tell Zhou Zhi the truth.
She prayed that Zhou Zhi would believe her.
This way, her family would at least be safer.
She remembered that Old Wu had said that Zhou Zhi and Zhou Heng were twins, but their appearances did not look alike at all. If Zhou Zhi had not revealed the truth, she would not have been able to tell that they were brothers. They really did not look alike at all.
Zhou Zhi looked at Su Xiaolu and smiled. "Little divine doctor, have you read my letter? Can you give me an answer to what I want to ask?"
Zhou Zhi changed the topic and did not ask about Zhou Heng anymore.
He looked at Su Xiaolu and asked for an answer sincerely.
Su Xiaolu looked into his eyes and replied truthfully, "The answer I can give you is that it's impossible. The living dead are just exaggerating. The regeneration of broken limbs has nothing to do with medical skills. Only the gods can regenerate broken limbs. Master and I are just ordinary people. At most, we know a little more about pharmacology."
"You can't do it?"
Zhou Zhi looked at Su Xiaolu indifferently. There seemed to be a lot of disappointment in his indifferent tone.
At this moment, the novice monk walked over and said to Su Xiaolu, "Little Patron, the meditation room is ready. Are you going over now?"
Su Xiaolu nodded. "Yes, let's go over now."
With that, Su Xiaolu turned to Zhou Zhi and said, "I have something on. I won't talk to you anymore. I'll leave first."
Su Xiaolu did not want to be involved with Zhou Zhi.
Zhou Zhi smiled at her and said gently and calmly, "Alright, go ahead. We'll meet again if fate allows."
With that, Zhou Zhi stood up and walked out.
He did not walk fast, but from his posture, there was no problem.
Su Xiaolu frowned when she saw this. Zhou Zhi was very thin and disabled. He probably did not know martial arts, but such a person made Su Xiaolu feel a sense of danger for the first time.
This Zhou Zhi, who did not seem to have any emotions or hatred and did not even seem to have any martial strength, was a very dangerous person.
Zhou Zhi did not stop or turn around. He really left. It was not until she could not see him that Su Xiaolu said to the novice monk who was waiting for her, "Let's go and take a look now."
The novice monk led the way and Su Xiaolu followed.
Madam Chu and her son, Xiao Bing, were already waiting in the meditation room under the lead of the novice monk. The novice monk said that he wanted to introduce her to a doctor. Madam Chu was very happy. She thanked the novice monk and waited.
Qinglian Monastery was really good. A novice monk brought over vegetarian food. Madam Chu's eyes were red as she said to Xiao Bing, "Bing, come. Let's eat some food first. The vegetarian food in this temple will have a Buddhist nature. It's good for your health. Let's eat more."