After Rescuing The Sickly White Moonlight - Chapter 9

Chapter 9

“Clatter!”

The memorial was hurled to the floor by Liang Jin. Everyone in the hall trembled as they knelt: “May the Emperor appease his anger!”

A voice devoid of emotion drifted from above: “Appease my anger? The people of Changzhou have suffered from an epidemic for days—why was no one reported? The Governor? The Prefect? The Magistrate? Are they all dead?”

“Draft a decree,” Liang Jin commanded. “Order Cheng Yizhong to temporarily take over as the Prefect of Changzhou. Deal with the former one according to the law. Leave the matters of the epidemic to him. Additionally, have the Crown Prince assist him; return to the capital immediately once the matter is settled.”

Cheng Yizhong, originally an Imperial Censor, remained unruffled by the sudden appointment. He took over Changzhou’s affairs in an orderly fashion and sent the former Prefect packing to face the Emperor’s wrath.

The morning sun hit the water’s surface as mist lingered.

The river wind, heavy with damp moisture, squeezed into the cabin. They were nearing Shichuan City. Zheng Zhili had been sitting by the edge of the boat fishing whenever he was free; he had actually managed to catch several large fish. Lin Yu had gained a bit of interest as well, but after returning empty-handed several times and being teased by Zheng Zhili, he gave up.

After drifting on the river for five days, the boat was finally about to dock. Lin Yu felt as though he was finally coming back to life, but he saw Zheng Zhili suddenly retract his fishing rod and rush into the cabin with a grave expression: “There are government troops guarding the ferry crossing ahead. All vessels must dock for inspection.”

Lin Yu supported himself against the cabin wall and stood up. Through the wooden window, he could faintly see the mass of people moving on the distant pier. Bailiffs were driving away a few ragged refugees, and the helpless cries of an infant echoed across the water.

“Something is wrong.” Zheng Qingyun gripped the back of his chair, pressing his pale knuckles against his lips as he coughed softly. “A routine inspection wouldn’t require the mobilization of the provincial army. Something must have happened.”

Lin Yu shook his head. They had been on the river and were cut off from news; they would only know more once they reached land. The atmosphere on the boat grew heavy, though the faint scent of the mugwort sachet given by Physician Chen before their departure slightly soothed their nerves.

The boat docked, and the group disembarked.

The scent of plague-prevention decoctions wafted through the ferry crossing, filling the air with bitterness. Zheng Zhili couldn’t help but frown, but Lin Yu and Zheng Qingyun were accustomed to it—Zheng Qingyun was even debating with Lin Yu whether this medicine was more bitter than the one he usually drank.

Zheng Zhili didn’t know what to say to that. Zheng Qingyun’s small face was buried in his heavy cloak. As the river wind blew, Lin Yu quickly wrapped him tighter, ensuring no cold air could seep in.

Qingyun picked up a bit of medicinal dregs, smelling and inspecting them closely: “Wormwood, coptis, mugwort, realgar… these are all medicines for treating an epidemic. Has a plague broken out in the South?”

Just then, Guan Yi returned from scouting for news. He squeezed through the crowd and whispered, “Young Master, the Governor’s office has posted a notice stating that an epidemic has appeared in the city. It claims the source of the plague is incense originating from the Prince of Yin’s manor… but the Prince of Yin was imprisoned several days ago due to the examination hall scandal.”

After passing the inspection and proving they were not ill, the group entered the city.

A notice was posted at the city gate. Zheng Qingyun’s fingers brushed over the ink that hadn’t quite dried, accidentally catching a bit of fresh paste. Lin Yu pulled out a handkerchief and wiped it clean instantly—so fast that Zheng Qingyun didn’t even realize his hand had been touched by something “dirty.”

Zheng Qingyun felt a bit helpless; he felt Lin Yu always treated him like something fragile and precious. However, being cared for like this felt quite nice, and the undisguised worry in the other’s eyes left his heart satisfied.

Zheng Qingyun glanced at his clean fingers: “Framing him so impatiently… it seems more like a cover-up to divert attention.”

Lin Yu said, “Let’s get settled first.”

They entered the city, planning to rest for two days and wait for Guan Yue and the others to arrive before continuing their journey. While Guan Yi went out for more news, Lin Yu performed acupuncture on Zheng Qingyun in their room.

Physician Chen had taught Lin Yu how to perform the procedure and instructed him before they left that the interval between sessions should not be too long. Lin Yu had done it once before they departed, but because he was seasick on the boat and feared his hands would be unsteady, he hadn’t used the needles. Now that they were in the city, the timing was just right.

While on the boat, Zheng Qingyun would still cough from time to time. Lin Yu, terrified he would cough up blood, watched him with extreme tension every single time. His movements now were incredibly gentle—so light that Zheng Qingyun hardly felt them.

As Lin Yu removed the silver needles one by one and organized them back into the medical chest, he suddenly heard Zheng Qingyun speak: “Lin Yu, why do I always feel that the look in your eyes when you see me is so full of sorrow?”

Except for that time during the hunt, when Lin Yu’s disregard for his own safety had made him angry enough to call him “Lin Yu,” he usually called him “Brother Yu.”

Lin Yu’s movements paused. He packed up as if nothing were wrong, deflecting with his usual banter: “Really? You must have seen wrong…”

Zheng Qingyun sat up and stared into his eyes. After a moment, Lin Yu looked away.

He didn’t dare to look.

Zheng Qingyun was growing up, and those eyes looked more and more like the eyes in his memory during that torrential rain. He didn’t want those eyes to be filled with despair and grim resolve ever again. He didn’t dare to remember.

Zheng Qingyun’s calm voice reached his ears: “See, you don’t even dare look at me. What are you afraid of?”

Lin Yu remained stubborn: “I’m not. Qingyun, you’re actually scaring me a bit right now, haha…”

When a person is awkward, they often encounter even more awkward situations. Zheng Qingyun wouldn’t let him hide: “You are always so nervous about my health. You treat me like a piece of precious… porcelain? When I was poisoned, you were more anxious than I was. It’s as if… you’re afraid I’ll…”

He didn’t finish before Lin Yu covered his mouth. Lin Yu’s expression was pained, his tone almost pleading: “Qingyun, don’t say that word. Don’t.”

Zheng Qingyun blinked and laughed, his mood suddenly excellent. He enjoyed it when Lin Yu looked at him with drooping eyes like a puppy, and Lin Yu’s reaction satisfied him. However, sometimes the way Lin Yu looked at him felt as if he were looking at someone else, which made him very uncomfortable.

Zheng Qingyun knew he was a bit wicked; he wanted Lin Yu to stay by his side forever, even though he knew it was nearly impossible. They would grow up, marry, have children, and form their own families. But it was too early to think of that; “seize the day” was the only way to live.

He pulled Lin Yu’s hand down and said with a smile, “Fine, fine, Brother Yu. I won’t say it. I’ll definitely live a long, healthy life.”

He didn’t pursue the question. Everyone has secrets. Just as Zheng Qingyun wouldn’t tell Lin Yu his inner thoughts, Lin Yu wouldn’t tell Zheng Qingyun about his rebirth. At least not now, they both thought.

The testing stopped there.

The two remained in silence until Zheng Zhili knocked on the door, breaking the stillness. “Xiao Yu, Third Brother, we’re coming in.”

The two adjusted themselves and cleared their throats: “Second Brother, come in.”

Zheng Zhili and Guan Yi entered. Guan Yi reported the news he had gathered: “The epidemic began spreading five days ago. Those infected develop red rashes all over, have difficulty breathing, and eventually suffocate. The first to fall ill were workers in the mining area between Shichuan and Zhongqing. That mining area has now been sealed, and the infected citizens have been centrally quarantined.”

Zheng Qingyun tapped his fingers lightly on the table: “So the problem lies in that mining area.”

Zheng Zhili nodded. “The mining area is problematic, and so is the Governor. This is the Prince of Yin’s fief; his remaining influence is not small. The Emperor has already sent Lord Cheng Yizhong and the Crown Prince to handle this incident.”

Zheng Qingyun began to ponder with half-closed eyes, only to have his head lightly tapped by Lin Yu: “No overthinking. Go to rest early.”

Zheng Qingyun opened his mouth but ultimately remained silent. Zheng Zhili agreed with Lin Yu: “Qingyun, your main priority is to rest well. This matter is handled by the Emperor; we don’t need to worry about it.”

Zheng Qingyun nodded absentmindedly. Zheng Zhili and Guan Yi left, closing the door behind them. Lin Yu knew he hadn’t given up, so he knelt before him, looked up, and said, “Qingyun, I know what you’re thinking. But as I said, everything must prioritize your health, alright?”

Zheng Qingyun fell silent. He knew that no matter how clever he was or how much he wanted to help the people, he could do nothing if his health failed. Seeing the sudden look of disappointment on the other’s face, Lin Yu’s heart softened. He wondered if he had been too harsh. He sighed—he was still just a child, after all.

Lin Yu rubbed Zheng Qingyun’s head and said, “If you truly want to help, we must at least wait until we see the Crown Prince.”

Zheng Qingyun’s eyes lit up, and he nodded happily. Lin Yu led him to wash up, then tucked him into bed.

Lin Yu sat at the table. The hot tea before him slowly cooled. He recalled the memories of his first life. In that life, when the Changzhou epidemic occurred, the Zheng family was shrouded in gloom. Zheng Yanzhang had been framed for cheating and his future was ruined, Zheng Zhili’s left arm was injured and he could no longer wield a sword, and Zheng Qingyun was in poor health. Consequently, Lin Yu hadn’t paid much attention to the epidemic back then. There was very little information to be gained.

However, once the epidemic was settled, the Prince of Yin seemed to have had his fief changed. Lin Yu began to form a plan.

Moonlight skipped into the room, falling upon Lin Yu and the sleeping Zheng Qingyun behind him. In a state of half-sleep, Zheng Qingyun saw Lin Yu still sitting at the table and called out: “Brother Yu.”

Lin Yu snapped back: “Ah? What is it? Are you cold? I’ll go to sleep after a sip of water.”

Zheng Qingyun closed his eyes. After a faint sound, Lin Yu lay down beside him. Zheng Qingyun moved closer to the source of heat and fell into a peaceful sleep.

Liang Yi’an was waiting for Cheng Yizhong at the Prefect’s manor when he received a letter from Zheng Yanzhang. “Yi’an, if you reach Shichuan City, please go and meet Qingyun and the others!”

Liang Yi’an clenched his fist and shouted, “Someone, to Shichuan City!”

Shichuan and Zhongqing were not far apart; it was a day’s ride. Liang Yi’an sent his confidants to Shichuan to find Zheng Qingyun’s group, while he remained at the manor to wait for Cheng Yizhong.

Cheng Yizhong arrived in the evening. The two had no time for pleasantries and rushed to inspect the mining area. The area had been sealed in a hurry, leaving things disorganized. The Governor, with a fawning face, kept promising: “Your Highness, My Lord, this humble official will definitely uncover the truth. It’s just that this mining area is too dangerous; we should leave early.”

Liang Yi’an and Cheng Yizhong exchanged a look and shook their heads imperceptibly. Cheng Yizhong said to the Governor, “Fine, it seems there are no clues here. How are the centrally quarantined patients?”

The Governor hesitated, struggling before failing to speak. Cheng Yizhong grew impatient: “Speak!”

The Governor stammered, “Eight or nine out of ten are already dead… This official feared the bodies would spread the plague, so they were centrally cremated.”

Cheng Yizhong was speechless.

The two returned to the manor to discuss their next steps. Just then, a secret guard at Liang Yi’an’s side presented a paper packet. Opening it, they saw several red fragments hidden within the dark brown medicinal dregs.

It was cinnabar.

The two looked at each other, their hearts filled with horror.