Hejian Prefecture governed the three county offices surrounding the capital: Daxing County, Wanping County, and Dabi County, a territory that had only recently been reclaimed from the neighboring state of Dabian.
Murong Yun’s hands turned cold. “What could Song Qi’s family possibly have done to offend Hejian Prefecture, enough for them to send death warriors to slaughter them all?”
“Song?” Xie Yuan froze for a moment. Leaning weakly against the wall, she lowered her gaze and said softly, “So the person they wanted dead was your friend.”
“But they weren’t enemies. Hejian Prefecture simply wanted them dead.”
“The Governor wanted to recruit fishermen so they could generate profits for him. On the surface, it was supposedly voluntary. In reality, anyone who refused was subjected to brutal punishment, serving as an example to intimidate the common people. Ordinary civilians, powerless to resist, could only agree in the end.”
“Your friend’s father happened to be the most skilled fisherman around. The Daxing County Office sent people to persuade him several times, but he refused to comply. Killing him would create the strongest deterrent effect.”
“You know all this…” Murong Yun suddenly recalled how the black clothing Xie Yuan had been wearing when they rescued her bore an uncanny resemblance to the garments worn by the assassins who had murdered the Song family. “You’re one of Hejian Prefecture’s death warriors too?”
“I did indeed come from Hejian Prefecture.”
In the next instant, Shangguan Xuan’s expression darkened as he seized Xie Yuan by the throat.
Her neck had already been injured, and under his tightening grip, blood seeped from the wound once more.
“Let go, she’ll die.”
“They treat human lives like dirt. To them, people are nothing but tools to exploit. They deserve to die!” Veins bulged across Shangguan Xuan’s hand as rage overtook him, with no sign of relenting.
It was the first time Murong Yun had seen him like this, violent and destructive, as though he wished to tear everything apart.
Yet she understood him. Their friend had died before their eyes, and every recollection of it stirred anger, grief, and resentment.
“If she stays alive, we can still get more information from her.” Murong Yun placed her hand over his arm.
The cool touch of her skin acted like a calming draught against the uncontrollable fury raging within him.
Slowly, he loosened his grip.
Murong Yun quickly moved forward to redress Xie Yuan’s wound.
“Kill me and put an end to it.” Turning her head away, Xie Yuan said coldly, “I’ve already told you everything I know. I don’t want to endure any more torture.”
“They poisoned you and still weren’t satisfied. They even slashed your throat. You must know something important. Don’t you want revenge?”
“Revenge?” Xie Yuan’s expression remained devoid of joy or hatred. She sounded almost indifferent. “I simply don’t want to drag more people into this.”
“The forces behind them are extremely powerful. Opposing them is no different from an egg striking a stone.”
“Who else is involved?” Murong Yun lifted her head toward Shangguan Xuan. The expressions on both their faces stiffened.
Xie Yuan shook her head. “I don’t know that person’s identity. But every time he appeared, the Governor of Hejian treated him with utmost respect.”
“He only ever emerged in dim, shadowy places. I always remained hidden in the dark and never once saw his face.”
“Why did they poison you?” Shangguan Xuan asked coldly, with little patience for listening to a former death warrior speak at length.
“Because I defected.”
“I was raised by Governor Yang Ya from childhood. He promised that if I completed ten missions, I would earn my freedom.”
“Having lived in darkness for so long, I had never truly imagined how beautiful freedom might be.”
“Governor Yang treated me fairly. I had food, clothing, and remained at his side like a true daughter.”
“Then, during my first mission last month, I saw young men and women enjoying an outing in the spring. Butterflies danced around them as they rode leisurely on horseback. For the first time, I truly heard the sound of wind chimes.”
“That first mission became my first failure.”
“The target was a young woman in the prime of her youth. The Governor had claimed she was wicked, abusing her power to commit evil deeds.”
“But when I tried to kill her, she cried.”
“After failing the mission, I wandered aimlessly and realized the world wasn’t what Yang Ya had described.”
“There weren’t that many evil people.”
“Many ordinary folk argued from one end of the street to the other over the smallest trivialities, causing endless commotion. Yet I found it strangely fascinating.”
As Xie Yuan continued speaking, her lips had long since dried and cracked, but her voice grew increasingly animated. At times, self-mockery flickered through her eyes.
“Your origins are unknown. How are we supposed to trust you?” Murong Yun sighed.
“I’m already at death’s door.” Xie Yuan tugged weakly at the corners of her lips. “They fed me Seven Day Intestine Severing Powder. Today is the sixth day.”
“Why would someone about to die lie to you?”
“It’s just that the poison causes unbearable suffering. On my final day, I hope to leave this world peacefully…”
She knew there was no antidote for Seven Day Intestine Severing Powder.
The herbal medicine they had given her merely suppressed the poison temporarily. On the seventh day, she would still die.
“Go to Jiangnan. Recently, they’ve been planning something involving the canal transport routes. Jiangnan handles the greatest volume of goods. By disguising themselves as bandits and robbing shipments, they can earn enormous profits.”
“It’s a business with virtually no cost and tremendous returns.”
Xie Yuan slowly lay back down, closed her eyes, and silently awaited death’s arrival.
When Murong Yun and Shangguan Xuan left, they locked the woodshed door behind them.
“Her martial arts have been crippled, and the poison has already spread through her internal organs,” Shangguan Xuan said as he rubbed his fingers together. Earlier, while choking her, he had clearly felt the frantic pulse of someone nearing death. “She’s truly dying.”
“Let’s find a hunter.” Murong Yun tugged on his sleeve. “I know how to save her.”
“These days, very few people dare to hunt. One wrong move and they lose their lives, and there isn’t much worthwhile game in our mountains anyway.” Granny Wei crouched beside the heated brick bed, brewing medicine for Xie Yuan. Steam carrying the thick scent of herbs continuously poured from the spout of the kettle.
Everyone nearby found the smell overwhelming.
Least of all Granny Wei herself, who was coughing, sneezing, and wiping away tears as she tended the medicine.
“But…” she coughed several times, her voice growing hoarse. “I have heard of an elderly widower who doesn’t have any hobbies except hunting. You could ask him.”
“I’ve spent so many years farming that I rarely pay attention to village gossip, so I don’t know much more about him.”
Still coughing from the pungent fumes, Granny Wei asked, “Murong, should we add anything else to the medicine? That girl’s condition seems to worsen the more she drinks it.”
“The poison is progressing too quickly.” Murong Yun lowered her eyes and did not reveal the full truth to Granny Wei. “Xie Yuan’s identity is still uncertain. Wait until we return before giving her this medicine.”
She worried that Xie Yuan might take advantage of Granny Wei’s lack of vigilance to escape.
Since Song Qi’s death, Murong Yun’s outlook and mentality had gradually begun to change.
Before, armed with knowledge of the plot, she had feared nothing and no one. Now, she had weaknesses.
Murong Yun went door to door, knocking on each household. If no one answered, she called out.
“We’re buying snakes! Does anyone have snakes?”
Perched high in the trees, Shangguan Xuan surveyed each courtyard for signs of life while coordinating with her.
But every villager simply shook their head.
“Two houses further ahead lives an old hunter,” a kind-hearted farm woman told them. With a red cloth carrier strapped across her back, she rocked the crying child secured behind her while pointing them in the right direction.
“I’m not sure if he still ventures into the mountains to hunt.”
“But wild game is expensive. Make sure you have enough silver,” she added, wiping the sweat from her brow.
The ridges dividing the village fields were breathtaking. Vast stretches of rice paddies shimmered in shades of green tinged with pale gold.
Whenever the wind swept through, waves rolled across the fields with a rustling sound.
It was beautiful.
“I’d like to buy a snake.”
The hunter’s gate stood open, allowing them to enter directly. Carefully, they addressed the elderly man sitting near the entrance.
Though he appeared to be around seventy years old, his eyes remained sharp and clear.
“What kind of snake? For eating?” The hunter scratched the old yellow dog’s chin while teasing it affectionately.
“A five pace snake,” Murong Yun quickly clarified. “It’s for saving someone’s life. They’ve been poisoned, and the only way to counteract it is to fight poison with poison.”
Shangguan Xuan lowered his gaze toward her. She had never studied medicine formally, yet she seemed remarkably familiar with these unusual remedies.
“What poison did your friend ingest?” the hunter asked unhurriedly.
“Seven Day Intestine Severing Powder.”
The hunter withdrew his hand from beneath the dog’s chin, his expression shifting slightly. Rising to his feet, he entered the house with a jingling ring of keys.
“Fifty taels.”
Grasping the snake firmly behind its head, he brought it out barehanded. Its patterned scales were threaded with black markings, its body weighing roughly two catties. Narrow eyes watched them while its forked tongue flicked in and out.
Shangguan Xuan stepped forward, shielding Murong Yun’s view.
“Wrap it in black cloth. There are children along the road, and they’ll cry if they see it.”
The hunter considered it before nodding. “Fine! Fifty taels upfront.”
Silently, Murong Yun withdrew silver from her sleeve.
After returning to the academy, she had converted all her valuables into money. With silver on hand, she could act without constraints.
“Let’s go. If we’re any later, she won’t survive,” Murong Yun urged softly.
Without a word, Shangguan Xuan lifted the black bundle. When the snake writhed beneath the cloth, he casually picked up a stick from the roadside. Narrowing his eyes, he struck precisely as the bundle moved.
Immediately, the snake fell still.
“How did you do that?” Murong Yun edged closer, curiosity overcoming fear even as she hid behind him.
“Strike a snake seven inches below the head,” the hunter explained, stroking his beard as he observed the pair. “This young hero clearly has martial training. With enough force, a single blow can stun it.”
“Little brother?” Murong Yun protested indignantly. “We’re about the same age!”
Shangguan Xuan shifted the black bundle to his right side. Since Murong Yun walked on his left, she could no longer see it.
As the weather turned colder, both of them wore coarse cotton robes.
Halfway up the mountain path, Murong Yun pressed a hand against her chest.
“What’s wrong?” Shangguan Xuan asked.
“It’s a little cold.”
Shivering, Murong Yun breathed warm air into her cupped hands. Their rough garments offered little insulation, and she could feel her body heat steadily dissipating.
The next moment, someone took her hand.
“Hm?” She tilted her head upward.
“Aren’t you cold? I’m warm enough. Let me share some of it.” Keeping his gaze fixed ahead, Shangguan Xuan spoke in a casual tone.
Murong Yun squeezed his hand experimentally. The prominent bones and rough calluses hardly made it pleasant to touch, yet his palm had become damp with sweat.
His body really did run hot. The warmth spreading from his hand soon chased the chill from her limbs.
Maintaining a composed expression, Shangguan Xuan continued walking while his heart hammered wildly in his chest.
Only after taking Murong Yun’s hand did he realize what he had done. Anxiety gripped him. If she chose to pull away, it would be perfectly understandable.
His nervousness caused sweat to gather in his palm, yet the person beside him made no attempt to break free.
Shangguan Xuan carefully maintained his calm facade.
Then, unexpectedly, he felt soft fingers gently squeeze his hand.
His heartbeat skipped.
…
Entering the kitchen, Shangguan Xuan swiftly ended the snake’s life. He removed its gallbladder and added it to the medicine pot, while the remaining meat was used to prepare snake soup for Granny Wei.
Snake meat was highly nourishing, although its appearance left much to be desired.
As night fell, Xie Yuan drank three full bowls of medicinal broth before curling up beside the stacked firewood in a fit of violent coughing.
Suddenly, she stumbled outside, crashing into the pile of logs.
Dark blood spilled from her lips.
“My legs… they’re useless now.” Xie Yuan gave a bitter smile. “From this day forward, I’m nothing but a cripple.”
Her gaze shifted toward the woodcutting axe resting near the woodshed entrance, and she began crawling toward it.
Carrying another bowl of medicine, Granny Wei immediately snatched the axe away.
“You’re still so young. What are you doing?”
“Murong and Shangguan worked themselves to the bone to save you. If I’d known you cared so little for your life, I wouldn’t have agreed to spend a hundred taels on that snake!”
Grabbing Xie Yuan by the arm, Granny Wei attempted to force the medicine into her hands.
Anyone raised within Hejian Prefecture’s ranks would undoubtedly possess some abilities.
Yet now, reduced to a cripple who struggled even to walk, Xie Yuan had fallen into utter despair.
“You spent fifty taels saving her, only for her to throw her life away. What a waste.” Without even lifting her head, Murong Yun continued wiping the bloodstains from the floor with a rag. “Teach me martial arts.”
Having spent two days observing her surroundings, Xie Yuan had formed certain conclusions.
Granny Wei clearly knew Murong Yun and Shangguan Xuan, perhaps as some distant relative, and treated Murong Yun with particular affection.
Although Murong Yun and Shangguan Xuan were both fair-skinned and handsome, the coarse cloth they wore was even poorer in quality than the uniforms worn by servants in Hejian Prefecture.
All three of them were clearly impoverished.
Yet they had still spent fifty taels to save her.
“Very well. From now on, I will repay your kindness, even if I must work like an ox or horse for the rest of my life.”
“The injuries you got from falling by the river still need medicine. I’ll apply it for you,” Shangguan Xuan said evenly.
“Alright.” Murong Yun thought about it and realized most of the injuries were on her arms, legs, and the back of her head, places that were inconvenient to treat on her own.
As Shangguan Xuan gently rubbed medicine into the back of her head, he asked softly, “Does it hurt?”
Their shoulders were close enough to touch, and Murong Yun scarcely dared to breathe.
“It does.”
The medicine stung slightly. As Murong Yun instinctively tried to pull away, Shangguan Xuan once again caught sight of the red marks on her back.
After finishing the treatment, Murong Yun finally relaxed enough to breathe normally. Straightening her clothes, she asked, “Where have you been these past few days? You never came to see me.”
Lowering her gaze, she noticed a neatly folded set of new clothes resting on the table.
“What’s this?”
“It’s for you. You’re not used to wearing coarse cloth. After thinking it over, I decided you should have something that suits you better.” Tightening the lid on the medicine jar, Shangguan Xuan placed it on the bookshelf. “This medicine works well. Apply it for the next few days so the wounds don’t leave scars.”
Coughing awkwardly, Murong Yun replied, “I’m a grown man. What’s wrong with having a few scars?”
Her fingers brushed over the new garments. The robe was sky blue, crafted from fine silk embroidered with mountain landscapes.
“How much did this cost?”
“Only ten taels.” Shangguan Xuan rose to leave. “I’ve left the medicine here. Don’t break the jar.”
Throughout the exchange, he had never once looked directly at her.
“Are you angry with me?” Murong Yun asked.
“Why would you think that?”
“You’ve avoided me these past few days. I hardly even saw you. And this robe was supposed to be a gift, yet you’ve gone and bought yourself new clothes too. Is it because you resent my wealthy background?” Murong Yun frowned.
Shangguan Xuan remained silent for a long while. His dark eyes were as still as calm water.
“No! Get some rest.”
After closing the door behind him, he leaned against the wall outside, listening to the uneven rhythm of his own breathing. Sorrow churned beneath the surface of his dark eyes.
“Murong, if you truly trusted me, why would you keep this from me?” he murmured to the tightly shut door.