Chapter 69: Beating Someone ◇

◎What's happening here? Why has a conflict broken out? ◎

The sought-after individuals have been found, and those who were meant to return have done so. After a sleepless night, the villagers all retreated to their homes to rest.

The young lad, however, stood in the courtyard for a long while, still holding the red yu flower. Mrs. Chen and Aunt Mei had already helped Hua Zhan into the house. Yu Lian looked at him quizzically and asked, "Why haven't you gone to save your mother?"

The young man opened his mouth, but in the end, he said nothing. Instead, he bowed respectfully towards her and hurriedly ran away.

Yu Lian gazed at the slender figure of the young man and smiled, sensing that despite his introverted and gloomy nature, he was indeed a good-hearted child. Perhaps he had bowed in apology because he felt responsible for her husband's injury.

Mrs. Chen helped her husband into the house and urged him to eat something before resting. At that moment, the elderly matriarch stirred and, with some effort, made her way out. Seeing her son sitting safely in the main room, she sighed in relief, patting her chest.

With reddened eyes, she said, "Zhan'er, you're no longer young. How can you be so careless about your health? You have old wounds and are not exactly young anymore. Yet, you still insist on playing hero and climbing the mountain in the middle of the night to save someone? What would our whole family do if anything happened to you? Lian'er already has enough on her plate; why would you add more burden to her?"

Feeling a twinge of guilt, Hua Zhan replied, "It was my mistake. I didn't think it through."

In his past military days, charging into battles at midnight, chasing enemies for twenty miles was routine. Now, merely searching for a child in the mountains seemed much simpler by comparison. He had also considered that the other young men who went up the mountain lacked martial arts skills. In case of any danger, they would be of little help. Thus, he had instinctively followed them up the slope.

After a night of anxiety, the old lady was relieved to see her son unharmed. She poured out her worries in a stream of words before she could finally release her pent-up emotions.

Still worried, she instructed Mrs. Chen to tend to Hua Zhan's wound on his forehead and apply some ointment.

The twins and Little Guo'er, their eyes brimming with tears, clung to Hua Zhan's legs. They repeatedly said that their father was at fault for going up the mountain alone, leaving them behind.

"If it weren't for Sister-in-law telling us we're the men of the family and must protect Grandmother, Mother, Sister-in-law, and our little sister, we wouldn't have listened. We would have gone to find you! Father, next time you do something like this, don't leave us behind. Mother fainted, Grandmother cried, and Sister-in-law had red eyes. We were so scared."

"Father is bad."

Looking around at his family, Hua Zhan felt even more guilt. He sighed deeply, embracing the three children and patting their backs, but found no comforting words to say. All he could manage was a dry promise: "There won't be a next time."

Little Guo'er declared, "Saving people is good, Father, and it makes you a hero. But next time, take us with you. We don't want to stay home and worry!"

Yu Lian smiled and agreed, "Guo'er is right. Next time, Father should take us along. Our family does everything together, no one left behind."

Hua Zhan looked up to see his mother, wife, daughter-in-law, and the three children in his arms all smiling at him with affection and reliance that only family could provide. Wrinkles formed at the corners of his eyes as he responded, "Alright."

From her perch on the roof, Zhu Ying watched this scene with teary eyes, deeply moved. The Marquis's rescue hadn't been in vain, and it was fortunate that he had been saved. Otherwise, how chaotic would the master's family have been?

How could there be such affection now?

He wiped his nose, wishing he could go down and claim credit for himself. He was the true hero! But after some thought, he decided against it. Without a proper opportunity, he must not appear before his master's family. If they sensed anything unusual, and if that suspicion were to reach the wrong ears in the capital, not only would his master's situation become perilous, but his entire family would be in grave danger.

During these days of hiding in the shadows, he had noticed that someone was keeping watch near Shangyi Village. They were either sent by that dog emperor or by his pack of henchmen.

...

After the meal, Hua Zhan lay in bed to rest while Mrs. Chen closed the door, asking the children to keep their voices low so as not to disturb their father's sleep.

But Hua Zhan couldn't sleep. His mind was preoccupied with one question: Who had saved him?

It was possible that even the fellow villagers who had accompanied him down the mountain might not have known exactly what happened. However, as he had been trained in martial arts from a young age, his foundation was solid. Even though he was injured and unconscious, a faint trace of consciousness remained.

He recalled the vague impression of someone rescuing them, carrying each of them down the mountain with incredible agility and speed. Then, there seemed to be a voice calling him "Marquis" at the end?

The title of "Marquis" was not clear in Hua Zhan's memory, and he wondered if he had misheard.

But if he hadn't, if someone had indeed called him "Marquis," then who could it have been?

Only those who knew him from his days in the capital would address him as Lord. Otherwise, even the wandering heroes mentioned by the villagers wouldn't dare to call him that.

Former subordinates? Old acquaintances?

He pondered carefully but couldn't identify any suspicious individuals.

After the fall of the Hua family, most of his former friends and associates had turned their backs on him, fearing any association. It was already considerate of them not to add insult to injury. Some unscrupulous ones even rushed to the new emperor, eager to distance themselves and perhaps gain favor by doing so.

As for his old subordinates, the loyal ones had betrayed him, while the rest were long since wiped out by the emperor, leaving not a single soul behind. Who would still remember him as Lord now?

Lost in these thoughts, he gazed at the roof in silence. Would things have been different if Hua'er were still alive? If Hua'er were still here, he wouldn't have accepted his fate so passively, allowing the emperor to do as he pleased. With Hua'er's abilities combined with his own, the situation might have unfolded differently.

But upon reflection, if Hua'er hadn't taken the blame, the new emperor might not have spared his family; they might have all lost their lives.

A bitter smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, but it quickly faded...

His former subordinates were dealt with, but what about Hua'er?

Hua'er was always meticulous, far more strategic than his father, the martial man. Even in death, could he have left behind secret forces or loyal subordinates? Were they lurking in the shadows?

This speculation sparked a sudden gleam in his eyes, but it quickly dimmed.

Even if Hua'er had indeed left someone behind to protect them, her life was already lost. What good would all these arrangements do now?

Lost in these thoughts, he gradually fell asleep.

Yu Lian came in for a quick look and, seeing that her father-in-law had dozed off without any issues, she left with a relieved heart.

In the main room, Mrs. Chen was engaged in sewing, while Aunt Mei was assisting her with cutting fabric. The old matriarch was dozing off.

Yu Lian announced her intention to step out, which roused the old lady from her nap. "Going out? Lian'er, you haven't slept all night either. Why not take a rest?"

Yu Lian replied, "I'm going to visit Widow Zhao. She's fallen ill, and her child is still young, carrying such valuable medicinal herbs. Although most villagers are good people who wouldn't harm him, we can't guarantee that some unscrupulous village doctor won't try to deceive him. I thought of taking him to the clinic in town where it would be safer."

The old lady considered this and found it reasonable. Saving a life was like building a seven-story pagoda; since her granddaughter-in-law had a naturally kind heart, she shouldn't hinder her. Thus, she nodded, urging Yu Lian to hurry back after her errand.

"Our family's carriage, your father is sleeping. How will you drive it?"

Yu Lian chuckled. "If we pass by the village, we can simply ask someone to drive. Aren't they always envious of Sanshu's ability to drive?"

No sooner had she stepped out when Little Guo'er rushed over, tugging at her sleeve and whispering that she wanted to come along, asking her sister-in-law to take her too.

The twins were also full of energy. "Sister-in-law, take us with you too!"

Thus, Yu Lian found herself accompanied by three children as they made their way to Widow Zhao's house. Along the way, villagers asked her where she was going.

She told them the truth, and they watched her retreating figure with admiration.

"One can really tell that she's the daughter of a prominent family in the capital. While others would think of nothing but getting home to rest after a sleepless night, she thinks of others and considers their needs. Her mindset and demeanor are just different from ours!"

"That Hua Tianqu is truly fortunate to have met someone like her. It's also timely for his family."

When Yu Lian arrived at Widow Zhao's with the three children, the barefoot doctor had already been summoned and was holding the red Hubea flower, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

After examining it closely, he said, "It's indeed a red Hubea, alas, but the quality isn't great. The roots aren't intact. I'm not sure if its efficacy will be as strong as a whole flower, or if it'll even be useful."

Hua Tianqu stared at him intently. "Use it on my mother. If it doesn't work, I'll find another one."

The barefoot doctor stroked his beard and said, "Alright then. I'll take the herb back to process it and come back in a few days to prepare the medicine for your mother."

The youth nodded silently, then asked, "My mother is so ill that she can't even get out of bed. Will she really be able to hold on for a few more days?"

"I'll make her a few doses of medicine as a temporary measure. She should be fine for a few days."

"What about the consultation fee...?"

The barefoot doctor glanced at the rural youth and said, "Considering your difficult circumstances and your pitiful situation, I'll only ask for the cost of the medicine. Since you found this Red Yuhua, the other ingredients aren't expensive. Altogether, it won't exceed two hundred wen."

The youth clenched his fists and nodded.

Yu Lian entered at that moment, bumping into the barefoot doctor. The three children rushed into the courtyard out of curiosity, surrounding the youth.

Yu Lian stared at the doctor, asking him to show the herbs first.

The barefoot doctor was not too pleased and harrumphed. "I am the doctor here. Do you know how to decoct medicine? Can you process medicinal ingredients? What are you going to do with this life-saving medicine?"

Yu Lian replied, "This herb is valuable and there's only one plant. Can you guarantee that the entire Red Yuhua will be used for his mother?"

The barefoot doctor's eyes flickered. "Saving lives is the duty of every healer; naturally, I'll use the entire herb. You, young lady, need not worry about it!"

Yu Lian turned to the youth. "Do you really trust him? What if he runs away? What if he takes shortcuts and fails to save your mother? This time, a hero helped gather the medicine and saved everyone. But what about next time? If your mother isn't saved and her condition worsens, what will you do?"

The youth suddenly realized the gravity of the situation. He said to the barefoot doctor, "Return the herbs first. We'll process them at my place. Tell me whatever you need, and I'll get it for you. The decoction should also be prepared at my home."

The barefoot doctor turned red with anger. "I'm a doctor! Are you going to listen to a woman's words instead of trusting me?"

He then bellowed at Yu Lian, "No wonder ancient people said that women and villains are hard to deal with! You're assuming the worst in a noble person! Don't even think about asking me to treat your family in the future!"

If her family fell ill, Yu Lian wouldn't entrust their care to an unreliable barefoot doctor. With a carriage at home, they would go to a proper clinic to see a qualified physician. Besides, from their conversation, she had already discerned that this doctor wasn't an upright man. Even if he possessed some medical skills, his morals were questionable, and he coveted other people's medicinal resources.

She sighed, reaching for the box containing the Red Honeysuckle in the barefoot doctor's hands.

The doctor naturally refused to let go, and a struggle ensued between the two.

At that moment, the twins and Little Guo'er rushed forward, clinging to the doctor's legs and arms. They even gave his hand a hearty bite.

"You dared to be rude to my sister-in-law, you dared to be rude! Watch me bite you to death!"

"Vile physician, hand over those medicinal herbs for my sister-in-law!"

Hua Tianqu also sprang into action, his eyes blazing red as he joined in the scramble for the box.

Though the barefoot doctor usually feigned frailty, he was actually in his prime with strong limbs. Yu Lian, being just a woman with four children, struggled fruitlessly to seize the items from him.

Unaware of the severity of their actions, the children resorted to biting, causing the doctor to howl in pain. Seizing the opportunity, Hua Tianqu snatched the box and handed it to Yu Lian. He then spun around, letting out a roar as he pounced on the doctor, toppling him to the ground.

The three children, finding the scuffle entertaining, eagerly followed suit, piling onto the doctor with their brother. The quartet, consisting of one adult and three young ones, held the doctor down and pummeled him, eliciting continuous howls.

Yu Lian's lips twitched, her voice pleading for them to stop, though she didn't genuinely intervene.

Their commotion soon drew the attention of neighboring households, who rushed over to witness the scene.

"What's going on here? Why is there a fight?"