Appeasement

Thud, thud, thud! In the great courtyard, the Treasure Ship was hoisted high on its supports, its shadow stretching long.

An orange tabby with a bell around its neck padded along unsteadily. At the sound of the hammer, it bolted away in a leap.

Lu Gang drove in new nails and pried out old ones. Within the holes, burrs slowly yet visibly twisted together and grew as one.

Less than half a quarter-hour later.

The rivet holes had vanished without a trace. A thumb brushed over them; they were smooth as a mirror.

"Lord Liang's foundation is solid, and his recovery is going well. After three days, there is no serious problem. From now on, eat and drink as usual. Just try to avoid fighting others for the next four months. Rest more, move less, and above all, do not temper your strength and Qi, lest the blood surge to your head and add fresh injuries."

"Many thanks, Physician."

"You are too polite, my lord. Cang Prefecture is indeed martial, and it truly reveres chivalry. We certainly would not let a hero like Lord Liang leave while still wounded."

Watching the physician depart, Liang Qu waved his hand. The maid outside passed along the order, and platter after platter of delicacies was brought to the table, the scent of meat flooding the room.

Grrrrumble.

His stomach growled several times. Liang Qu cradled his bowl and heartily tucked into the dishes. A fierce sense of satisfaction surged into his heart. Halfway through, his mouth had grown salty and greasy, so he followed it with a great gulp of hot tea.

Ha—comfortable!

Three days, a full three days! He had finally eaten a proper fill! Aside from eating, though, the rest was unlike what the physician had said.

Whenever he felt bad,