After Rescuing The Sickly White Moonlight - Chapter 2

Chapter 2 

 

Lin Yu crouched in the shadows of the small kitchen, the fingertips of his right hand rolling and rubbing the medicine dregs meticulously. The light from outside the window shone behind him, and gradually, the sunlight crawled up his back.

 

The nails of his left hand dug into his palm. He had rummaged through all the medicine packets; every single one contained Gui Zhen Cao (Ghost Needle Grass) from Chiying, which someone had mixed into the herbs by passing it off as Huang Qi (Astragalus). Because it was so tiny, it had gone unnoticed.

 

Lin Yu wrapped the brownish fibers he had picked out in a handkerchief. He was just thinking of what excuse to use to pour out the medicine today when he noticed something wrong with the Huang Qi among the herbs. He picked up a piece and sniffed it carefully, only smelling the scent of an old bamboo mat.

 

When one is drowsy, someone hands over a pillow just as he was about to take the herbs to find Zheng Heng, he heard Zheng Qingyun’s voice rise from behind him before he could even turn around.

 

“Brother Xiao Yu, so you’re here. Guanyi washed some cherries; I tasted them and they’re quite sweet. Would you like to try some?” Zheng Qingyun said, leaning against the doorframe, his small face pale.

 

Lin Yu’s heart jolted, and he nearly tripped over the medicine pot. He quickly adjusted his expression, thinking to himself: I’ll tell Zheng Qingyun first, then go speak with Uncle Zheng.

 

He turned back, feigning confusion. “Qingyun, look. This Huang Qi in your prescription is very strange. I remember my mother teaching me that Huang Qi carries a slight scent of calendula, but I smell something like an old bamboo mat from this—a bit earthy. Is the medicine spoiled, or is my nose broken?”

 

Lin Yu spread open the handkerchief in his hand to show Zheng Qingyun.

 

Zheng Qingyun leaned in to sniff it and indeed smelled the earthy scent Lin Yu described. He was puzzled. “The medicines brought for this trip were all prepared by Physician Zhou. Perhaps the variety is different? Let’s wait for Father to return and find a healer to ask.”

 

Lin Yu nodded.

 

The cherries from that tree were truly excellent plump, juicy, and very sweet. Zheng Qingyun ate quite a few and finally stopped reluctantly under Lin Yu’s dissuasion.

 

Lin Yu asked Zheng Qingyun: “Qingyun, do you still have the prescription for the medicine you usually drink? Can you give me a copy to look at?”

 

Zheng Qingyun used a damp cloth to wipe his fingers, which were stained with cherry juice, and turned to Guanyi. “Guanyi, go find it.”

 

He asked Lin Yu: “What is it? Is there a problem?”

 

Lin Yu bit his lower lip slightly and shook his head gently. “I’m not entirely sure, so I’ll look at the prescription first. I hope I’m just overthinking it.”

 

Lin Yu took the prescription Guanyi found and read through it word by word.

 

There weren’t many words, but after Lin Yu finished reading, his fingers trembled slightly. He clenched his teeth and took several deep breaths to control his emotions. That damned Suo Lou—he must kill him!

 

He hated that in his first life, he hadn’t followed his father to study medicine properly. He hated that he couldn’t discover the problem sooner; if he had, Zheng Qingyun wouldn’t have had to suffer so much.

 

Zheng Qingyun looked at Lin Yu; he clearly felt that Lin Yu’s emotions were fluctuating wildly.

 

Once Lin Yu’s emotions settled slightly, Zheng Qingyun asked, “Is there really a problem?”

 

Lin Yu asked Guanyi to check if Zheng Heng had returned and then to look for a copy of the Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold. He said to Zheng Qingyun, “There might be a problem. I hope I’m wrong.”

 

Zheng Heng happened to return just as a servant ran over hurriedly to tell him, “My Lord, Young Master Lin has discovered that there might be a problem with the Third Young Master’s medicine. He is looking for you.”

 

Zheng Heng hurried to the wing room in the backyard. He happened to see Lin Yu pointing at the Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold, saying to Guanyi and Zheng Qingyun: “This item is not Huang Qi; someone mistakenly placed it in the medicine. The prescription also contains herbs that conflict with it—Brother Guanyi, could you bring the wrapped herbs for me to see?”

 

Guanyi brought all the remaining packets over. He noticed the way the strings were tied was a bit strange; he remembered they weren’t like that originally. Zheng Qingyun noticed it too. He looked at Lin Yu, whose face carried a coldness unbefitting of his age.

 

Lin Yu picked up a piece of dried root, and his thin back suddenly tensed up.

 

“This looks like the Gui Zhen Cao unique to Chiying!” Lin Yu’s tone turned frigid.

 

Zheng Qingyun’s hands resting on his knees suddenly tightened. He had seen this herb in his father’s study. In the compendium of medicinal texts presented as tribute by the Chiying envoys, it was recorded: “Long-term consumption damages the essence and qi, leading to the ulceration of the heart and lungs. The symptoms resemble a common cold, followed by sudden death.”

 

“How does Xiao Yu recognize this herb?” Zheng Heng’s deep, heavy voice startled everyone into turning around. His clothes were still stained with muddy water.

 

Lin Yu swiftly masked the grief in his eyes, but it was caught by Zheng Qingyun.

 

“My mother taught me to recognize poisonous grasses. I didn’t care for the orthodox medical arts but was quite interested in these unorthodox paths. My parents scolded me quite a bit for it…” Lin Yu lowered his head and spoke sullenly.

 

Zheng Heng’s heart softened, and he felt his own tone had been too stern.

 

He grabbed the herbs, and a servant behind him brought over an illustrated botanical manual.

 

When the illustrations perfectly matched the items in his palm, he was incensed. “Pass the order: tie up Zhou Lang. We will interrogate him thoroughly once we return to the capital. Investigate Liu Da’s movements over the past few years with absolute scrutiny. Furthermore, go invite Physician Chen—even if you can’t find him, kidnap him and bring him to the manor.”

 

Lin Yu’s heart skipped a beat.

 

Physician Chen was a wandering doctor of the martial world with superb medical skills. He had practiced medicine to save lives in the military camps in his early years, but after Zheng Heng returned to the capital, news of him vanished.

 

He used to have a good relationship with Zheng Heng as well. Why wasn’t Qingyun’s body handed over to him for conditioning in the first life?

 

—

 

Two days later, on the carriage departing for the capital, Lin Yu produced a small jar as if by magic and handed it to Zheng Qingyun.

 

Zheng Qingyun opened it to see deep red cherries glowing with an amber luster under the morning light. Lin Yu said with a smile, “Here. I just preserved them in sugar two days ago. They’re very sweet.”

 

Zheng Qingyun leaned forward slightly. Lin Yu was puzzled. “What’s wrong? Is the seat too hard and uncomfortable? I’ll go find a cushion for you…”

 

Zheng Qingyun pointed at the medicinal soup in his hand a detoxifying decoction prepared by someone else.

 

Only then did Lin Yu realize. He made two “ow-ow” sounds, placed the jar on the table, and casually picked out two cherries. He pinched Zheng Qingyun’s nose, and once the other finished the medicine, he stuffed the cherries directly into his mouth. Then he took the empty medicine bowl and handed it to Guanyi outside.

 

Ever since Lin Yu taught him that pinching his nose would make the medicine less bitter, Zheng Qingyun had Lin Yu pinch his nose for him whenever he drank it.

 

Zheng Qingyun bit through the cherry skin, and the slightly tart juice spread through his entire mouth. He closed his eyes in satisfaction, his hand reaching for the jar to grab two more. Lin Yu, quick of eye and hand, pulled the jar away with one hand and squeezed Zheng Qingyun’s hand with the other. “You can’t eat too many. Eat too many and your teeth will ache.”

 

After saying that, he held his hand out to Zheng Qingyun’s mouth, signaling for him to spit out the pits.

 

Zheng Qingyun gave him a look, huffed coldly, spat the pits into his hand, and turned his head away, ignoring him.

 

Lin Yu, helpless, took out two more. “Two more at most.”

 

Zheng Qingyun, with two cherries in his mouth, said, “That’s more like it.”

 

Over these past two days, with Lin Yu’s intentional efforts to get close, Zheng Qingyun truly felt that this brother was a good person. The relationship between the two improved rapidly.

 

Lin Yu was very satisfied with this.

 

After all, in the first life, they had spent a long time together before becoming like brothers.

 

The carriage curtain was suddenly lifted, and Zheng Heng stepped inside. He handed Lin Yu a roll of yellowed books. “I remember these are medical cases left behind by your father. Perhaps they will be of use.”

 

Lin Yu cradled the slightly damp books, his body trembling lightly. In the first life, this book had been soaked into a pulp long ago, along with his father’s lifeblood, swept away by the surging floodwaters.

 

Zheng Heng left after delivering the book. Lin Yu’s hand lightly brushed over the title Lin Family Pharmacopoeia on the cover, his eyes stinging slightly.

 

As the carriage jingled forward, Zheng Qingyun suddenly turned his body and placed his hand over Lin Yu’s fingertips. The young master’s ice-cold hand stimulated Lin Yu into instinctively grasping it back.

 

Lin Yu’s hand was very warm. Zheng Qingyun stuffed a cherry into his mouth.

 

Outside the window, a fine rain fell continuously.

 

—

 

When they returned to Pingjing City, it was three days later.

 

Zheng Heng had already sent a letter to his family, entering the palace first to meet the Emperor, letting Lin Yu and Zheng Qingyun return first.

 

The vermilion gates of the Zheng Manor were majestic and imposing. The butler stood at the door, and seeing the two descend from the carriage, he hurried forward. Once they stood still, he lightly tapped their bodies and luggage with willow branches while chanting something under his breath.

 

Lin Yu knew this was a consistent tradition of the Zheng family, said to purify the body and mind and dispel bad luck.

 

Once everything was done, the butler greeted Lin Yu: “Greetings, Young Master Lin. The Madam has already given instructions; your room is adjacent to the Third Young Master’s and has already been cleaned.”

 

Lin Yu said gratefully, “Thank you very much.”

 

Zheng Qingyun had Guanyi lead the people to take the luggage back and said to the butler, “Uncle Wang, are Big Brother and Second Brother not here?”

 

Uncle Wang replied, “The Eldest Young Master had an appointment to go horse riding at the stables with the Crown Prince today. The Second Young Master went to find his master to practice swordsmanship. They will likely be back by dinner time.”

 

Zheng Qingyun nodded to show he understood. He then led Lin Yu to pay his respects to Madam Zheng.

 

Deng Yuan was currently holding a child in her arms. Seeing the two enter, she hurriedly handed the child to the wet nurse and had tea and snacks served, busying herself with a great deal of activity.

 

She looked at Lin Yu with the same gaze Zheng Heng had when he first saw him, saying heart-wrenchingly, “Xiao Yu, from now on, this is your home. If there’s anything you’re not used to, remember to tell me. Don’t be formal.”

 

Lin Yu’s eyes grew moist. He hurriedly lowered his head and gave a soft “Mm.”

 

Zheng Qingyun took his little sister from the wet nurse’s arms and teased her: “Third Brother is back, call me.”

 

The child was just past two years old, at a very cute age. Having just been “ravaged” by her biological mother, she closed her eyes, not wanting to deal with anyone, and fell asleep after a short while.

 

Zheng Qingyun had no choice but to hand the child back to the wet nurse. In just a moment of not paying attention, Lin Yu was already chatting animatedly with Deng Yuan, having absolutely no intention of paying attention to Zheng Qingyun.

 

Zheng Qingyun didn’t disturb them; he simply watched Lin Yu and Deng Yuan go back and forth. He chimed in with a few words now and then, stuffing a bit of snack from the table into his mouth.

 

Before dinner, Lin Yu took a moment to go to the Zheng family ancestral hall. The memorial tablets of the Zheng family ancestors were arranged in an orderly fashion.

 

He lit three sticks of incense and made a silent vow.

 

A light breeze drifted through the hall, stirring his hair.

 

 

At dinner time, Zheng Heng returned, followed closely by Zheng Yanzhang and Zheng Zhili. The family ate a meal together, which served as a welcome-back dinner for Zheng Heng and the other two.

 

Zheng Heng asked Lin Yu: “Xiao Yu, did your father have you study at home?”

 

Lin Yu blanked for a moment, thought carefully, and then nodded. “Father had me read some.”

 

Zheng Heng thought for a bit. “Why don’t you attend lessons together with Qingyun? That way, Qingyun won’t feel lonely.”

 

Lin Yu instinctively looked at Zheng Qingyun, who was sitting to the side drinking tea. He suddenly remembered that because of his poor health, Qingyun didn’t go to school but instead had a tutor invited to the manor to give lessons.

 

Lin Yu didn’t hesitate and nodded in agreement. “Sure. I might even need Qingyun to help me; my studying is very inconsistent.”

 

Zheng Zhili felt a deep resonance. “Father, I’m like that sometimes too.”

 

Zheng Yanzhang rapped him on the head. “That’s because you don’t love to learn. Don’t lead Xiao Yu astray.”

 

Zheng Qingyun’s eyes crinkled with laughter, and Zheng Heng and Deng Yuan laughed as well. Only Zheng Zhili sat with his mouth pouted.

 

Looking at this scene of domestic harmony, Lin Yu felt his heart finally settle on the ground.

 

 

Just as night fell, servants brought the bound Zhou Lang to the front hall. Physician Chen was also “invited” over, sitting to the side smoothing out his messy clothes.

 

“This poison is insidious. The dosage is small each time, but over the years.”

 

Before Physician Chen could finish his words, Zheng Heng overturned the tea table. The celadon tea cup on the table flew toward Zhou Lang’s forehead, and blood instantly spurted out.

 

“Fine work, Liu Da—what a ‘great’ doctor you recommended!” Zheng Heng, born of the military, used his iron grip to choke Zhou Lang until his feet left the ground. Zhou Lang’s face, purple from lack of oxygen, stared fixedly at Zheng Qingyun.

 

His gaze was ruthless and terrifying.

 

Liu Da knelt on the ground, his body shaking uncontrollably.

 

Lin Yu pulled Zheng Qingyun to hide behind a screen.

 

“It’s okay, it’s okay.” He covered Zheng Qingyun’s ears, but touched something wet and warm; the young master was silently shedding a few tears.

 

Being so young and having to witness these scenes.

 

Lin Yu lamented in his heart: How pitiful.

 

After a moment, Zheng Qingyun reached out and pulled Lin Yu’s palms down.

 

Although his eyes were a bit red, his face was calm. He walked around the screen to stand beside Zheng Heng and stared at Zhou Lang for a long while.

 

Lin Yu walked out with him.

 

The two were one after the other, but their similar gazes made Zhou Lang feel a bit afraid.

 

“Guanyi, dislocate his arms and break his fingers too,” Zheng Qingyun said coldly.

 

Guanyi rubbed his hands together and even kindly stuffed the man’s mouth.

 

Zhou Lang collapsed on the ground like a pile of mud, his arms limp.

 

Zheng Heng waved his hand. “Do what needs to be done. Clean it up thoroughly.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Lin Yu placed his hand on Zheng Qingyun’s shoulder, only to find the young master’s body shaking slightly.

 

Zheng Heng said to him, “You’ve vented your anger. Drink your calming soup and go back to rest early.”

 

Lin Yu nodded.

 

Lin Yu saw Zheng Qingyun back to his room. He was about to leave after getting him settled, but his wrist was grabbed.

 

Lin Yu gave an imperceptible sigh and lay down with him. The young master’s shaking body curled into Lin Yu’s embrace. Lin Yu held him like that, hoping to give him a bit of warmth.

 

The young master at this time was still a soft-hearted child; it was inevitable he would be sad encountering such things.

 

After all, this was someone who had looked after him for many years.

 

Two days later, it was a beautiful sunny day.

 

Physician Chen had prepared a detoxifying decoction for Zheng Qingyun that day, and Zheng Qingyun drank every dose without fail.

 

Two days had passed since that incident. Lin Yu saw that Zheng Qingyun seemed to be fine, but he didn’t dare to be too complacent, following him step by step like a shadow, prompting Zheng Yanzhang and Zheng Zhili to tease Zheng Qingyun about having gained a “little tail.”

 

Zheng Heng told the two that lessons would begin today.

 

Zheng Qingyun looked at Lin Yu, who was lost in thought beside him, and called him twice with amusement: “Brother Xiao Yu, Xiao Yu! Stop daydreaming, it’s time for class.”

 

Lin Yu was greatly embarrassed.

 

So many years had passed; he had long forgotten all the contents of the books. This was going to be a disaster.

 

When Lin Yu and Zheng Qingyun arrived at the study together, they saw a tutor holding a ferule in one hand and a book in the other.

 

Lin Yu suddenly felt a cold shiver.

 

Zheng Qingyun lightly patted his hand.