Despite Sheng Zhangku's thoroughness in handling affairs at the Crane Control Institute, he was actually quite lazy in his personal life—so lazy that even quarreling with others felt exhausting. Chu Dingjiang had taken advantage of this very trait, disregarding his wishes and having Gu Jinghong forcibly bring him along.
Sure enough, Sheng Zhangku sighed and said, "The Feng family only started their shipping business in Yangzhou three generations ago. At first, it was just a few cargo ships transporting goods for others. Back then, the Song Dynasty hadn’t yet popularized government-run docks, so the Feng family bought up land to build their own docks for convenience, which eventually led to their current fortune. That’s all most people know about the Feng family."
"But in truth, the Feng family’s history—well, I’m not sure exactly which dynasty it traces back to—but it’s said their ancestors once traveled the Western Regions during the Han Dynasty. Most of the men in their family were merchants who traveled far and wide, bold and daring. During the Five Dynasties period, the entire clan relocated to Yangzhou. By the Tang Dynasty, when envoys from all nations came to pay tribute, many merchant families prospered, and the Feng family was among them. However, after enduring chaotic times, their trade ventures became perilous, and the family’s lineage dwindled. By our current dynasty, they had ceased long-distance trading altogether, and even the Feng family gradually declined from their former glory."
"The Feng family now has docks spanning the entire country. No wonder some say they’ve fallen from grace." Chu Dingjiang hadn’t expected the Feng family to have flourished for so long. If such a family truly had ties to Misty Villa, it would be a headache indeed.
Lost in thought, Chu Dingjiang asked again, "Do you know about the Feng family’s three current heads?"
Sheng Zhangku gave him a resentful look. "Feng Fang is the eldest grandson of the Feng family, but he lacks the bold, adventurous spirit typical of Feng men. He’s been weak-willed since childhood. His father took him under his wing and personally guided him—all his decisive actions in his early years were actually orchestrated by his father. Feng Hang, born of a stepmother, is somewhat shrewd, but the late Feng patriarch favored the eldest son from his first wife. Feng Hang grew up spoiled, capricious, and impulsive, often making poor decisions in the heat of the moment. He’s also a notorious womanizer with six concubines. The third head of the Feng family is an outsider named Qin Zheng, a man of considerable talent..."
Sheng Zhangku elaborated on Qin Zheng’s background, which aligned closely with what Zhu Pianxian had said.
He knew such intricate details as if the Feng family had lived next door to him all along, earning An Jiu’s genuine admiration.
The group diverted directly south, traveling overland toward Yangzhou.
Along the way, Chu Dingjiang relentlessly questioned Sheng Zhangku about Misty Villa. After two hours of this, Sheng Zhangku collapsed in the carriage, utterly exhausted and unable to stay awake.
His last words before passing out were: "Chu Dingjiang. You’re utterly heartless."
Only Gu Jinghong, Chu Dingjiang, and An Jiu remained in the carriage. Gu Jinghong asked, "Brother Chu, are you close with Sheng Zhangku?"
"We’ve known each other for some years," Chu Dingjiang replied tersely.
Gu Jinghong remarked, "I’ve heard Sheng Zhangku usually keeps to himself and dislikes getting close to others. It’s quite surprising that you’re familiar with him."
Sheng Zhangku’s full name was Sheng Changying, with the childhood nickname "Luzi." The Sheng family was also one of the Crane Controlling Families, but by Sheng Changying’s generation, he was the last remaining descendant.Young Sheng Changying struggled to make ends meet in his early years, so he took his family token and joined the Crane Control Institute. Unfortunately, he was born with Defective Meridians. No matter how hard he tried, he could never become a master. Initially, he could only do menial tasks like sweeping and cleaning in the institute. He worked at least seven hours a day, but unwilling to remain in such a state for life, he still squeezed out one or two hours to read. Chronic sleep deprivation left his body in poor condition. Although the Crane Control Institute was generous with resources, it was only for those who risked their lives. For someone like him—with no hope of martial arts training and low status—it was difficult to obtain anything beyond basic food, clothing, and a monthly stipend.
The Crane Control Institute trained cold-blooded assassins, with little room for human warmth. Sheng Changying had climbed from a lowly servant to where he was today solely through sheer effort and unyielding determination. He appeared amiable, rarely refusing others' requests—a habit formed from his humble beginnings. Yet in truth, he was deeply solitary and indifferent. To this day, Sheng Changying had only one friend from his hometown who entered the institute with him, Xu Zhi, and was otherwise only acquainted with Chu Dingjiang.
He and Xu Zhi arrived at the Crane Control Institute together, but Xu Zhi was later sent elsewhere to study under a master due to his potential in Mind Reading. The two were separated for ten years. Chu Dingjiang, on the other hand, had approached Sheng Changying after hearing of his reputation, with clear intentions. He never feigned goodwill but openly admitted his desire to make use of him. Because of his candid and forthright nature, coupled with seven years of shameless persistence, Sheng Changying gradually lowered his guard. Now, they could be considered friends.
Chu Dingjiang did not respond to Gu Jinghong’s words, and the carriage fell silent.
An Jiu leaned against the wall, resting with her eyes closed.
About an hour later, Chu Dingjiang noticed her suddenly sit upright and asked, “What is it?”
“Mo Sigui.”
An Jiu opened the window and leaned out to look behind them. She saw a man panting heavily as he ran toward them, leading two small tigers. The cubs, having been raised in the Crane Control Institute, were curious about everything outside—sniffing flowers and grass—leaving the man flustered.
“Stop the carriage,” Gu Jinghong said.
Mo Sigui, gasping for breath, had thought he wouldn’t catch up to the convoy, given the crowd and the attention his little tigers drew. Unable to shout loudly, he was surprised when the carriage stopped. Seizing the opportunity, he scooped up the two cubs under his arms and sprinted toward them with all his might.
As he neared, Mo Sigui spotted An Jiu immediately and headed straight for the carriage, slipping inside effortlessly.
The carriage was already spacious but cramped with four people. Now, with an extra person and two small tigers, space became even tighter. Unable to find a spot, Mo Sigui plopped down onto Sheng Changying’s lap and gently placed the cubs on his chest. “Huh? This guy’s so frail—hope I don’t crush him to death.”
Despite his words, he settled firmly onto Sheng Changying and pulled out a fan, waving it vigorously.
The inky black Ice Dragon Brain fan emitted a faint coolness, refreshing the mind and clearing the air in the carriage.
“How did you track us down?” An Jiu asked, though her gaze was drawn to the two little tigers.The two little tigers were quite plump, lacking the ferocious appearance typical of their kind, instead appearing rather dopey. Moreover, their ink-blue eyes set them apart from other tigers. One of them wobbled down from Sheng Changying and approached An Jiu, nuzzling her leg affectionately. The other seemed rather irritable, persistently pawing at Sheng Changying's lapel.
An Jiu's question was precisely what Gu Jinghong and Chu Dingjiang wanted to ask—how had their carefully concealed tracks been exposed?
Mo Sigui snapped his fan shut with a flourish. He grabbed the little tiger that was busy digging at Sheng Changying's lapel and lifted it up. "They followed us. I recently concocted a new tracking scent, and these two are Tracking Tigers. Though, I might have accidentally overfed them a bit—they’re so slow now that I couldn’t ride a horse and nearly died of exhaustion on the way! I’ve decided to punish these little rascals by cutting their meat rations for two days!"
Chu Dingjiang frowned slightly as he watched one of the tigers nuzzle An Jiu so affectionately. "Did you apply the tracking scent on her?"
An Jiu, unfamiliar with this kind of medicine, also looked up. "When did this happen?"
"It’s only natural for me to apply tracking scent on her—we’ve been through life and death together," Mo Sigui said casually. For him, it was as simple as a flick of the wrist, something even someone as sharp as An Jiu wouldn’t notice. He grinned and added, "It was when you came to bid me farewell before you left."
Chu Dingjiang glanced at An Jiu, feeling slightly irked. Life and death together? As if anyone here hasn’t been through that with him.
The thought gave him pause. He was usually easygoing—why was he being so petty now?
An Jiu said nothing more, focusing instead on petting the little tiger.
"Miracle Doctor Mo," Gu Jinghong greeted with a cupped-hand salute.
Only then did Mo Sigui remember to exchange pleasantries with the two unfamiliar men. "My apologies for my poor eyesight—you are…?"
"I am Gu Jinghong, Deputy Commander of the Divine Strategy Division in the Crane Control Army," Gu Jinghong introduced himself.
Chu Dingjiang added, "I am Chu Dingjiang, Chief Instructor of the Crane Control Institute."
"Well, well, my eyes truly are poor!" Mo Sigui tucked his fan into his collar and returned the salute with exaggerated formality.
Mo Sigui was a carefree man with little regard for hierarchy. Even in the presence of the emperor, he wouldn’t bother with flattery.
In the other carriage, Lou Mingyue had naturally spotted Mo Sigui. Her heart in turmoil, she closed her eyes and pretended to sleep.
On the fifth night, the group arrived in Yangzhou City.
Since Misty Villa was located in Yangzhou, they had thorough intelligence on the city. Disguises would be useless, so they abandoned them and scaled the city walls to sneak in, regrouping at a hidden Crane Control Army outpost.
Over the past two days, the Yu family had already negotiated shipment prices with the Feng family’s docks, waiting only for Chu Dingjiang’s return to transport the goods.
In a secluded courtyard within the city, a fox-eyed man wandered aimlessly, sighing every now and then.
Sheng Changying had slept for several days straight, yet upon waking, he felt even more uncomfortable—as if something heavy had been pressing on him the whole time, making his rest exhausting. Moreover, he usually spent eight hours a day handling affairs, and the sudden lack of work left him restless.
After feeding the two little tigers, Mo Sigui took them out for a walk and spotted Sheng Changying standing with his hands behind his back, sighing at the sky. He approached cheerfully. "Oh? You’re awake, my friend?"
Sheng Changying withdrew his gaze and turned to salute. "Ah, Miracle Doctor Mo. I am Sheng Changying.""Ah, I know, Brother Sheng's nickname is Lūzi," Mo Sigui said cheerfully as he stepped forward. "I notice Brother Lūzi isn't in the best health. If you don't mind my humble medical skills, I'd be happy to examine you."
Sheng Changying pursed his lips and finally coughed dryly. "Miraculous Doctor Mo, you're too modest. I'm honored by your attention."
He couldn't help adding, "If the Miracle Doctor doesn't mind, you may call me Changying..."
Mo Sigui nodded seriously. "Very well, Lūzi. Let's sit in the pavilion so I can take your pulse."
"..."
Sheng Changying's temperament ensured he wouldn't storm off in anger. In the end, the two men sat together in the pavilion.
The two tiger cubs played separately. Since the people they were tracking were all in this courtyard, they instinctively ran toward their respective targets.
Inside the house, Lou Mingyue sat leaning against the wall with her sword in her arms. Sensing something approaching with her mental strength, she suddenly opened her eyes and fixed her gaze on the creature.
The tiger cub had been bounding joyfully, but as it drew near, it was startled by Lou Mingyue's fierce aura. It trembled, its legs went weak, and it fell to the ground, looking up at her with moist, uneasy eyes.
Lou Mingyue was taken aback. After a moment's hesitation, she reached out her hand.
The cub immediately perked up and ran over, rubbing against her hand ingratiatingly. This was the first time it had found its tracking target, and the unique scent only it could detect made it tremble with excitement all over.
Lou Mingyue picked up the little tiger and allowed a faint smile to appear.
In the courtyard, Mo Sigui checked Sheng Changying's pulse. Noticing both tigers had disappeared, the corners of his lips curled slightly.
After a while.
Mo Sigui asked Sheng Changying to switch to his other hand.
After finishing the examination, Mo Sigui said, "Lūzi, you have many chronic illnesses that require careful treatment. Right now, you only feel fatigue and weakness, but if this continues, your life won't last long. I'll prepare some pills for you to make it easier to take."
Sheng Changying could sense his own condition and knew Mo Sigui wasn't exaggerating. Hearing that he would specially prepare pills, he said gratefully, "Thank you, Miracle Doctor. As for the consultation fee and medicine costs..."
"No need to stand on ceremony." Mo Sigui lightly waved his folding fan and smiled. "I, Mo Sigui, judge people by instinct and practice medicine by mood. I find Lūzi quite agreeable—why talk of money? Besides, I actually heard from Chu Dingjiang that Lūzi knows everything under heaven, and I have some matters I'd like to ask for your help with."
Sheng Changying also found Mo Sigui quite agreeable and said, "Then I won't stand on ceremony. Miracle Doctor, if there's anything I can assist with, Changying will do his utmost."
Inside the house, Chu Dingjiang, with his extraordinary hearing, caught this conversation. Even with his broad-mindedness, he couldn't help feeling a twinge of resentment! It had taken him seven years, yet this Mo Sigui had managed it in the time it took to drink two cups of tea! This was a severe blow to his personal charm and social skills!
It had been a long time since Chu Dingjiang found someone so irritating to his eyes.
"Mo Sigui." Lou Mingyue, holding the tiger cub, appeared in the courtyard at some point.
Mo Sigui stiffened for an instant before turning around, his peach-blossom eyes smiling at her.
"When did you apply tracking scent on me?" Lou Mingyue demanded coldly.
"You and Mei Shisi are truly cut from the same cloth, asking the same question." Mo Sigui had gone to great lengths to administer the medicine to Lou Mingyue. Knowing she was always the first to collect her meals, he had the kitchen prepare a bowl of eel soup and mixed the medicine into it.This was a dish Qiu Ningyu loved to eat, and Lou Mingyue took it without hesitation.
Mo Sigui had deliberated for a long time before mustering the courage to test her. Once he confirmed she was Qiu Ningyu, he would have to protect her for the rest of his life—a vow from his past that now felt like a burden. Hence, he had been wavering in his heart. Yet, caught in the middle of it all, he remained unaware that his actions had already made the choice for him.
Though he feared constraints, he had decisively entered the Crane Control Institute, and An Jiu was only one of the reasons.
Mo Sigui tossed her a small vial. "You weren't careful enough to notice when you were drugged—why should I tell you? Here's the antidote. Whether you believe me or not is up to you."
Lou Mingyue set the little tiger on the ground, but it clung to her, unwilling to leave.
She glanced at the vial in her hand, poured out the medicinal pill, and swallowed it. She knew Mo Sigui wouldn’t harm her, but she didn’t underestimate his mastery of the way of medicine.
The pill was actually another kind of tracking scent. Once ingested, it would quickly mask the original drug. The little tiger wouldn’t detect this new scent and would no longer cling to Lou Mingyue. However, if Mo Sigui altered the tiger’s medicinal diet for a while, it would become attached to the new tracking scent on her. (To be continued…)
PS: Last night, my stomach acted up again around midnight, and it took a while to settle. I woke up late today and then had to accompany my younger brother to a blind date, which delayed things a bit. So, I’ve included the make-up chapter in this combined update.
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