Chapter 8

The man's right leg had been slashed by a sharp blade, the wound deep enough to expose bone. An ordinary person would have found such pain unbearable and been terrified out of their wits. But he had weathered countless storms of blood and slaughter; this injury was nothing worth minding.

"No need to dwell on it. The fault lies with the culprit. It merely delayed our journey—I fear that the longer the night, the more dreams may arise."

His long lashes lowered slightly, flickering in and out of the lamplight.

The handsome physician spoke at just the right moment, breaking the heavy atmosphere.

"The sugar water is still warm. Brother Sizhi should drink it while he can." Holding the bowl, he brought it close to the man's lips, his smile teasing.

The man frowned, his voice icy. "Chen Chuangu, it seems you're tired of living."

The handsome youth joined forces with Chen Chuangu and urged, "Brother, I know you dislike sweet things, but you are injured now. It would be best to follow the physician's instructions."

Chen Chuangu raised a brow and smiled. "Second Young Master is quite right. Brother Sizhi, please."

The man glared at them for a long while before finally saying, "The sugar water has gone cold. Leave it there."

"Hahaha." Chen Chuangu handed the bowl to one of the sturdy servants. "Take it to the kitchen and heat it up, then bring it back for Brother Sizhi."

Only after receiving the handsome youth's approval did the servant move to take it. Yet the man on the bed suddenly snatched the earthenware bowl away, held his breath, and drained it in one gulp. He flung the bowl into Chen Chuangu's arms, wiped his lips with his sleeve, and fixed him with a fierce glare.

"Take care of Second Young Master's bath," the man ordered the two sturdy servants.

Having received their orders, the servants withdrew.

The handsome youth leaned against the bedside, his expression solemn. "Brother, please do not worry. Your health is more precious than worldly things. My only regret is that I could not see Father one last time."

They had traveled day and night, changed their route, and narrowly escaped assassination before arriving at Linxi in Qingzhou. On a rainy night, they had sought shelter in this residence.

Qingzhou was roughly half a month's journey from Shengjing. Now that the man needed to recuperate here, it would take at least another half month. Within a month, the situation in Shengjing might well be turned upside down.

The white bird pecked at his sleeve with its beak, as though comforting him.

The handsome youth stroked the bird's head. "Fortunately, White Frost was clever enough to guide us."

White Frost tilted its head aside to avoid his hand, then flew straight onto the man's chest and lay there without moving.

"Second Young Master, the hot water is ready. Please bathe." A sturdy servant suddenly announced from outside the door.

Hearing this, the youth rose to his feet. "Brother, rest and nurse your wounds. Go to sleep early."

The next morning, the cold rain had just stopped.

Water gathered in the hollows of the black tiles, dripping patter by patter from the eaves. Liu He returned from the morning market with a sack on his back, having bought a great deal of rice and grain at Rong Xi's instruction.

If anyone grew curious and asked, he was to say that the young master and Zishi had large appetites, so they had bought more to keep on hand. Seeing that the young master was plump and broad while Zishi was tall and sturdy, no one would give it much further thought.

He could tell that the five travelers were no ordinary people, and that their cautious conduct surely concealed something unusual. Fortunately, the house stood in a remote place, and they had arrived deep in the night, unseen by anyone.

He wished only for a peaceful life and had no desire to invite further trouble.

"Grandpa, the young master said we're having porridge this morning." Liu Zishi took the sack from him and slung it over his back with ease.

Liu He nodded with a smile, and the two headed for the kitchen together.

In the kitchen, Rong Xi was simmering porridge over the stove. Thinking of how the guest had been wounded and lost blood, he intended to make blood-nourishing porridge.

By midmorning, breakfast was served.

All five had gathered in the guest room. Liu He and his grandson, along with the two sturdy servants, carried in low tables. Lacquered trays were neatly arranged upon them, laden with porridge and flatbreads.

"The fare is humble. I hope you will forgive its shortcomings."

Rong Xi had originally intended only to go through the motions, fulfill his duties as host, and leave. Unexpectedly, the injured man on the bed spoke first.

"Things were urgent last night. If we behaved discourteously in any way, I hope you will not take offense, young master."

After a night had passed, the man's blood and vitality had recovered somewhat, making his features all the more striking. Though he was offering an apology, his bearing remained imposing, like that of someone accustomed to giving orders.

Rong Xi shook his head with a smile. His face was so plump and fleshy that he looked somewhat guileless.

"My surname is Chen, eldest in my family." The so-called Chen Dalang glanced once more at the handsome youth. "This is my younger brother."

After he finished introducing them, Chen Chuangu added, "I am a physician of the Chen Clan."

As for the two "sturdy servants," there was no need to introduce them.

It sounded false the moment one heard it, but Rong Xi's expression did not change. "My surname is Rong, eldest in my family. I shall take my leave and not disturb you all while you eat."

After he left, Chen Chuangu suddenly burst into wild laughter.

"Young Master Rong truly is a delightful fellow!"

As he spoke, he scooped up a mouthful of porridge and swallowed it, then gave a thumbs-up in praise. "It really is fragrant and sweet! Young Master Rong is so thoughtful and thorough. Knowing that Brother Sizhi lost blood, he specially made this porridge. What a kind heart."

Chen Erlang sighed helplessly. He had long grown used to Chen Chuangu's lack of restraint. "If Brother does not like sweet porridge, he may have a savory flatbread."

He wanted to laugh as well, but Chen Dalang looked truly pitiful, so he ordered the sturdy servant, "Bring tea."

The servant left at once. Shortly afterward, he returned carrying a tray. Cups and saucers were arranged upon it. The servant poured three cups and distributed them among the three members of the Chen Clan.

Chen Dalang could only wash down the flatbread with water, not touching a single mouthful of sweet porridge.

Once they had finished eating, the sturdy servants cleared away the lacquered trays and brought them to the kitchen.

Rong Xi had already finished his meal and was preparing to stew pork bone soup. Seeing that one bowl of porridge had not been touched at all, he could not help asking, "Which young master does not eat porridge?"

The sturdy servant's expression did not shift. Hearing the question, he answered honestly, "Eldest Young Master does not like sweet food."

Rong Xi did not know whether to laugh or cry. His good intentions had gone awry.

"Master appreciates Young Master Rong's kindness." Gratitude appeared on the servant's face.

Rong Xi gave a quiet laugh and asked again, "Are there any taboos regarding bone soup?" Bone soup could also replenish blood. If Chen Dalang still disliked it, there was nothing he could do.

The servant froze for a moment. "I will go ask."

The tall figure departed, and the corners of Rong Xi's lips lifted.

The servant did not know Chen Dalang's tastes, yet stayed so closely at Chen Erlang's side. This group was truly interesting.

Author's Note:

Our Eldest Brother is beautiful and kind-hearted~ Hahaha.

The sturdy servant arrived at the guest room and found the young masters discussing matters. He hesitated, wanting to speak but stopping himself.

Chen Chuangu's eyes were sharp. "What is it?"

After the servant repeated Rong Xi's words, he waited quietly for an answer. Instead, Chen Chuangu threw back his head and laughed again. "If I were Young Master Rong, why would I meddle in this idle business?"

As he spoke, he saw Chen Dalang's face darken slightly and laughed with even more teasing amusement.

Chen Erlang, however, caught something in those words and asked curiously, "You mean Young Master Rong personally prepared the soup?"

The moment he finished speaking, Chen Chuangu's brows rose. "The breakfast porridge was made by his own hand as well?"