Chарtеr 17 (2/18)
Shаngguаn Qiаn hurriеd forward, tооk thе tеаpot from Gоng Shаngjue and gеntly set it dоwn, thеn аskеd, “Whаt rаre and еxotic flower is worth Yоung Мastеr Yuanzhi’s реrsоnаl cаrе?”
Gоng Yuаnzhi mаde nо attempt аt mоdestу: “Even if I told уou, yоu probаblу wоuldn’t undеrstаnd. Тhе Cloud-Рiеrcing Тwin Lоtus—hаve уou hеаrd of it?”
Shangguаn Qiаn was slightlу surprised: “I’ve rеad about it in bооks. Тheу say the Сlоud-Рierсing Тwin Lоtus is а mirасulous flоwеr of this wоrld, evеn a divine mеdicinе, but it hаs lоng beеn ехtinсt, hasn’t it?”
Gong Yuanzhi sаid, “It’s just a pity that this world’s mirаculous flowеr ended uр serving аs а bridal gоwn for someone else.”
Gong Shangjue, looking at the puzzled Shangguan Qian, explained, “My brother cultivated the Cloud-Piercing Twin Lotus, but it was taken and used by Gong Huanyu, who was still the Young Lord at the time.”
Shangguan Qian asked, “Why give it to him?”
Gong Yuanzhi sighed, “Back then, Gong Huanyu was practicing the Mysterious Stone Inner Power but couldn’t break through. Later, the old Blade Master proposed giving him the Cloud-Piercing Twin Lotus to consume. Sure enough, with the miraculous medicine, his inner power was perfected. If it weren’t for the old Blade Master’s order, how could I have given him the Cloud-Piercing Twin Lotus? I grew it to help my brother.”
Shangguan Qian smiled faintly, “I’ve read in old medical texts that the Cloud-Piercing Twin Lotus is extremely precious. It can greatly enhance a martial artist’s power, and even bring the dying back to life. The old Blade Master was really too biased.”
The speaker had no intention, but the listener took it to heart. When Gong Shangjue heard “greatly enhance power, bring the dying back to life,” he fell into thought, then suddenly sat up straight.
At that moment, a maid slowly approached, bowed to Gong Shangjue, and said, “Madam WuJi heard that Miss Shangguan is short of Golden Dragon Gallbladder Herb. She specifically sent me to tell the young lady that Madam can spare some for her use.”
Shangguan Qian thought for a moment and said, “Madam is truly thoughtful. It was all just a misunderstanding to begin with. I should go over to offer her tea and apologize.” The maid was clever and promptly replied, “This servant will go and inform Madam right away.”
Shangguan Qian nodded, watching the maid leave, then turned back to look at Gong Shangjue and Gong Yuanzhi. Gong Yuanzhi lowered his head to drink tea, paying no attention to Shangguan Qian, but Gong Shangjue waved his hand at her, “Go ahead.”
Shangguan Qian was somewhat surprised, but she didn’t ask further. She stood up and left.
Seeing Shangguan Qian had gone, Gong Shangjue asked Gong Yuanzhi, “Brother Yuanzhi, there’s something I want to ask you. What exactly is going on with this ‘Truth-Testing Herb’?” Afraid Gong Yuanzhi might not understand, Gong Shangjue briefly recounted how Young Master Yue used the Truth-Testing Herb to test Yun Weishan.
Gong Yuanzhi maintained a skeptical attitude: “Truth-Testing Herb? When it comes to preparing medicines and detoxifying, Elder Yue is no less skilled than I am. If he personally prepared it, then it must be reliable. But I don’t believe Yun Weishan is without issues.”
“I don’t believe it either, but Elder Yue also has no reason to help a Wufeng Assassin conceal her identity.”
Gong Yuanzhi thought for a moment and asked, “What did Elder Yue say about Steward Jia’s son’s illness?”
Gong Shangjue leaned back in his chair: “Elder Yue agreed to investigate. However…”
Gong Yuanzhi grew impatient and pressed, “However what?”
“It’s nothing.” Gong Shangjue clearly hadn’t fully considered the matter and was unwilling to speak carelessly.
Though Gong Yuanzhi didn’t understand, he didn’t ask further and turned to brew tea instead.
Gong Shangjue opened the medical texts on the table and began reading again. In his ears, Shangguan Qian’s words overlapped with the text on the page: “The Cloud-Piercing Twin Lotus—cures all ailments, brings the dying back to life…”Arriving at Yu Manor, a servant led Shangguan Qian into Madam WuJi's room. Madam WuJi had mostly recovered from her injuries and was able to carry out daily activities as usual. She was sitting by the table and, upon seeing Shangguan Qian approach, gestured for her to take a seat. After dismissing the servant, she personally poured a cup of tea.
"Shangguan Qian, you are very clever. Not only do you have a plan to extricate yourself, but you also know when to advance and when to retreat—understanding what should be said and what should not." These words came from Madam WuJi's heart. Shangguan Qian was indeed astute and capable, having avoided mentioning the core details such as Madam WuJi's inscription on the wall or the specifics of their conversation. Instead, she focused entirely on emphasizing her identity as the successor of the Lone Mountain Sect. In doing so, she not only protected herself but also safeguarded Madam WuJi.
"Enduring some hardship and taking the blame for my senior is only right. It’s better than both sides suffering losses. However..."
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