Chapter 119

Chapter 119

Tang Liu had spent the whole day weeding and was dead tired. After a quick rinse, he collapsed into bed and was out like a light.

Sui Lanwei sat down by the bedside, staring down at his sleeping face for a long time before leaning over, their foreheads touching, noses brushing. In the darkness, a wisp of gray mist seeped from his pitch-black pupils, drifting purposefully toward Tang Liu's tightly shut eyes and slowly disappearing beneath his eyelids.

After about the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn, Sui Lanwei straightened up, closed his eyes, and pressed his fingers to his temples.

A few breaths later, he opened his eyes and looked at Tang Liu again, traced a finger over Tang Liu's eyelids a few times, murmuring, "Don't let my efforts go to waste."

Tang Liu remained oblivious, still sound asleep.

Sui Lanwei smiled, lay down beside Tang Liu, slipped an arm around his waist, rested his head on Tang Liu's shoulder, and closed his eyes to rest.

For the next several days, Tang Liu followed the same routine: applying the dressing in the morning, eating, weeding, eating, weeding, eating, bathing, changing the dressing in the evening, and sleeping.

Apart from the basic necessities—eating, drinking, sleeping, and using the bathroom—and tending to his eyes, he spent all his time in the small courtyard in the northwest corner.

Though the courtyard was small, clearing it was harder work than Tang Liu had expected. Weeding alone took six or seven days.

By the eighth day, Tang Liu had piled all the weeds in a small corner of the courtyard and began diligently tilling the soil.

After a few turns, he remembered a question and stopped, calling out toward the moon gate, "Wei Wei, what flowers should we plant here? Orchids?"

Sui Lanwei hummed in acknowledgment, sounding somewhat distracted.

"Then we need to get some seeds first. Should we ask De Qi to buy some?"

Sui Lanwei snapped back to attention. "There's no hurry for that. We'll talk about it later."

Tang Liu made an acknowledging sound and continued tilling the soil.

What he didn't know was that just outside the gate, Sui Lanwei was gripping his bamboo cane, his eyes bloodshot, with blood streaming from all seven orifices, dripping bit by bit onto the ground and pooling into a thick, viscous puddle. His figure flickered in and out of visibility, staring at Tang Liu with a gaze that could only be described as terrifying, as if he might devour Tang Liu whole in the next instant.

The sun hung high in the sky. Tang Liu wiped his sweat and continued bending over to work without pause. Sweat dripped from his forehead, gathering at the tip of his nose into a drop that fell into the soft soil. Sui Lanwei stared at that drop of sweat, his throat working with a hard swallow. In the next moment, his eyes began to glaze over, and he took a step forward.

That step landed precisely under the moon gate. As if scalded by boiling water, he let out a pained cry, his whole body thrown backward, and he fell to the ground.

"What's wrong? What happened?" Tang Liu heard his cry and immediately straightened up to ask.

Sui Lanwei's eyes cleared somewhat. Gritting his teeth, he tried to stand, but a piercing pain shot through the sole of his foot. He glared hatefully at the small courtyard beyond the moon gate, the resentment emanating from him almost tangible. Inside the courtyard, Tang Liu was still pressing for answers. Sui Lanwei steadied himself and said, "It's nothing. I just tripped."

Tang Liu said anxiously, "Are you hurt?"

"I don't know. My foot, I think. I can't stand up."

"Just stay sitting there, don't move. I'll come check." Tang Liu put down the hoe and walked toward the moon gate. The path between them had been tilled and was all bumpy and uneven. Tang Liu stumbled along, finally making it out of the courtyard, only to nearly trip over Sui Lanwei sitting on the ground.

Afraid of hurting Sui Lanwei, he just crouched down. "Which foot?"

"The right one."

Tang Liu wiped his palms on his clothes, reached out, and groped around, his hand landing on his knee. He felt his way down from the knee, lifting the ankle slightly with one hand. "This one?"

Sui Lanwei stared at his hand. "Mm."

Tang Liu then used his other hand to remove his shoe and sock, pushing the trouser leg up a little. "Is there any swelling?"

"No."

Tang Liu relaxed slightly. "Any cuts?"

"None either."

"Probably nothing serious." Tang Liu guessed Wei Wei must have been dazed by the fall and hadn't quite recovered yet. He let go and reached to help him up, but then heard him say, "But Husband Liu, my foot really hurts."

"What should we do then?"

"Could you rub it for me?"

What else could Tang Liu do? He could only massage his foot, rubbing it while wondering aloud, "How did you manage to fall just standing there?"

The damaged soul gradually recovered under Tang Liu's yang energy. Sui Lanwei said plaintively, "I was trying to come in to find you and accidentally fell."

"It's dirty and messy in there. You'd better not come in."

"Do you think I'm in the way?"

Tang Liu choked, unsure how he had arrived at that conclusion when his intention had been entirely considerate. He struggled for words, utterly at a loss for how to respond, and finally could only say stiffly, "That's not what I meant."

Sui Lanwei, of course, knew that wasn't what he meant. It was just that the moment he got close to this place, his whole body felt terrible. Earlier, he had completely lost his senses and nearly lost control. Now he was filled with anger, frustration, and an indescribable sense of lingering fear. The more gently Tang Liu treated him, the more he wanted to act a little spoiled.

After saying that, Tang Liu fell silent, focusing on massaging his ankle. Sui Lanwei had one foot propped up and had to straighten his back to sit steadily. Before long, he started to feel a bit tired, so he simply placed both hands behind him, leaning back slightly to find a more comfortable position.

Once comfortably seated, he felt he had been somewhat unreasonable earlier. Tang Liu's fingertips were dry, and the pressure was just right. Sui Lanwei narrowed his eyes, and the inexplicable resentment in his heart gradually dissipated.

"You're so skilled at this. Have you massaged for someone before?"

Tang Liu didn't look up. "I used to massage myself a lot. Got good at it from practice."

Sui Lanwei said nothing more.

"..."

"..."

Tang Liu was sweating from the effort.

He subtly shifted his supporting leg a few times, but his leg still went numb. Finally, he couldn't help but say, "Wei Wei..."

"Hmm?"

"Your foot... does it still hurt?"

Sui Lanwei paused, then slowly withdrew his leg. "It doesn't hurt anymore."

"Then I'll go back in. You can put your shoes and socks on yourself." Tang Liu pounded his lower back a few times, stood up, and was about to turn around when he was called back.

"Husband Liu."

"What?"

"Come closer. I have something to tell you."

Tang Liu crouched down again.

"Too far. A little closer."

Tang Liu shuffled forward a few steps.

"A little closer."

Tang Liu continued forward. "Is this good?"

His breath warmed Sui Lanwei's temple. Sui Lanwei looked down at him, then suddenly tilted his head and pecked his cheek, immediately saying, "Thank you, husband."

Tang Liu plopped down onto the ground, half his body went numb. He covered his face and stammered, "Y-you're... you're welcome."

Sui Lanwei let out a soft laugh. "My husband is still so easily flustered."

*

Meanwhile, in another corner of the Sui residence, Yin Mei passed the same withered tree for the third time.

She stopped, her face betrayed her anxiety.

For days now, Tang Liu's whereabouts had been mysterious. He left early and returned late each day, always covered in mud upon his return, making it hard not to suspect what he had been up to.

Yet, every time she tried to follow him, she never succeeded. And searching after losing him was just as useless.

She'd either find herself going in circles or inexplicably back in her own courtyard, without even catching a glimpse of Tang Liu's clothing.

The estate wasn't that large. Where could Tang Liu possibly go?

Remembering her mistress's divination, a sense of unease stirred within Yin Mei.

As the sun dipped westward, the man she had fruitlessly searched for returned, strolling leisurely along the pebble path from the other end, bathed in the light of the setting sun. The orange-gold twilight cast upon him divided his long robe into distinct areas of light and shadow.

He had grown a bit taller recently and put on some weight. His frame was no longer the gaunt, bamboo-like thinness from when Yin Mei first saw him; instead, it had become sturdy and slender. His stride was composed, and even with his robe carelessly hitched up and his trouser legs and shoes caked in wet mud, he showed no trace of awkwardness.

Yin Mei stood still, watching.

Undoubtedly, Tang Liu was living quite comfortably within this desolate estate.

From his daily demeanor, his pace, his tone of voice—all indicated he was living here like a fish in water.

Even as a ghost, would one be exceptionally lenient towards one's own wife?

To the extent of tolerating an outsider moving about the estate, just to prevent his wife from noticing anything amiss?

Tang Liu approached. After thinking it over, Yin Mei decided not to ask where he had been again. Instead, she said, "Mr. Tang, the Master wishes to see you."

Tang Liu was taken aback. First, he glanced back over his shoulder. This movement sharply defined his jawline. Yin Mei noticed his skin had become much smoother; the frostbite scars on his neck and ears that required powder to conceal during the wedding had vanished without a trace.

Tang Liu quickly turned his head back, seeming somewhat puzzled. "Me?"

"Yes, you." Yin Mei paused, forcing herself not to look behind Tang Liu. "The Master said he has only seen you a few times since your wedding, and each meeting was rushed. He feels it was neglectful of him as an elder. So, tomorrow at noon, he has specially arranged a banquet at the finest restaurant in the county to host you."

He had almost forgotten he had a nominal father-in-law.

Tang Liu thought for a moment. "There's no need for such trouble, is there? A simple meal at home would suffice."

"The Master insisted it should be formal."

"Alright then." There seemed no reason to refuse. "Then tomorrow at noon, Wei Wei and I will—"

"Just you alone." Yin Mei interrupted. The surroundings seemed to grow slightly colder. She struggled to maintain her composure. "It's a gathering among men. It would be inconvenient for a young lady to attend."

Tang Liu...

Tang Liu actually quite wanted to go out.

So, he turned to face the person behind him, putting on an imploring expression.

Sui Lanwei snorted. "If Husband Liu wishes to go, then go. Why ask me?"

Hearing this, Tang Liu was delighted, knowing this counted as permission. Remembering the lively sounds outside, he was overjoyed for a moment, wishing he could dash out immediately. Then, hearing Wei Wei snort again, he hurriedly suppressed his glee and said, "I'll only go if you allow me."

Beside them, Yin Mei, seeing him speak to empty air, turned pale and involuntarily took half a step back.

After Tang Liu finished speaking, a moment passed before he turned back around. It very much seemed as if someone over there had said something to him, and he made his decision only after listening.

"I will go tomorrow," he said.

*

The largest restaurant in Tushui County was located in the west of the county, named Jubao Lou. Situated near the City God Temple and the government office, it saw a constant flow of pedestrians. Moreover, due to its abundant dishes and reasonable prices, commoners, pilgrims, officials, traveling merchants—any passerby with a bit of spare change—would go in to eat.

Tang Liu had just stepped out of the main gate of the estate when a carriage whisked him to the entrance of Jubao Lou.

Jubao Lou's business was booming. Noon was the busiest time of the day. As soon as Tang Liu alighted from the carriage, a wave of various sounds assaulted him. These sounds were diverse: hawkers' cries, waiters' shouts as they rushed about, the manager's clacking of the abacus while settling accounts, the sounds of guests toasting and chatting merrily. All these noises mingled together, reaching Tang Liu's ears as a very lively scene.

In comparison, that estate was far too quiet.

"Let's go. The Master is waiting for you upstairs."

The person who fetched him was Wang Deqi. On the way, Wang Deqi had driven the carriage extremely fast, as if pursued by a wild beast, making Tang Liu feel too embarrassed to strike up a conversation lest he distract him and cause an accident on the street.

Tang Liu followed him into Jubao Lou. After winding around several corners, they went upstairs. After ascending, they turned a couple more times before entering a private room.

"My worthy son-in-law, you've finally arrived!" As soon as he entered, Master Wang's booming voice rang out. "Ah, ah! It's been a while. My worthy son-in-law has grown even more handsome and dignified. Truly, one should view a man with new eyes after three days apart. Looking at your appearance now, it's truly incomparable to before."

Wang Deqi guided Tang Liu to take a seat at the table. Tang Liu chuckled and said, "Not at all, not at all. Thanks to Master Wang's good fortune. If not for Master Wang's high regard, I'd still be begging downstairs."

As soon as he sat down, Tang Liu caught a strong whiff of meat and wine. He sniffed, and the greedy worms in his stomach had already begun to stir.

It seemed Master Wang had indeed ordered a table of fine wine and dishes to host him.

The sound of pouring liquid rang out before him, the aroma of wine directly wafting to his nose. At the same time, Master Wang said with a smile, "My worthy son-in-law is a dragon among men. I could tell at a glance."

This wine smelled like excellent stuff, completely different in grade from the cheap liquor he used to drink.

Tang Liu took a deep breath. The wine fumes teased his senses, completely arousing his appetite.

Opportunities to eat a big meal at Jubao Lou without spending money were rare. Tang Liu replied casually, "Master Wang has a discerning eye for talent."

The corner of Master Wang's mouth twitched. After a moment of speechlessness, he said, "Heh, heh. Drink, drink."

The dishes weren't arranged according to Tang Liu's habits. However, when it came to eating, Tang Liu possessed keen senses and nimble skills. Throughout the meal, he managed to eat with an almost heightened awareness.

After three rounds of drinks, Tang Liu was almost full.

Master Wang poured him more wine while making small talk. "How has my worthy son-in-law been faring living in that estate lately? Are you accustomed to it?"

Tang Liu's fingers rested on the wine cup. As soon as the sound of pouring stopped, he picked it up and drained it in one go, placing the cup back in its original spot. "Accustomed, accustomed. That estate is big, much larger than my old little bedding spot. And it even has a roof."

He had drunk a lot of wine and was already somewhat intoxicated, his speech slightly slurred.

Master Wang continued pouring wine for him. "Is that so? I was afraid you might not be accustomed to it. After all, you used to live with many people before. It might have been shabby, but at least it was lively."

"Not so, not so." Tang Liu raised his other hand, shaking his index finger with an air of seriousness. "Stinky and fragrant—which would you choose?"

"Well... naturally, the fragrant one."

"See!" Tang Liu clapped his hands excitedly. "Any idiot could figure that out." He picked up his wine cup and downed it in one gulp, then set the empty cup on the table. "More wine!"

Master Wang continued to refill his cup, suddenly got it and asked, "What's so fragrant?"

"It all smells great! That mansion smells great, the flowers smell great, the grass smells great, the quilts smell great, even the breeze that blows in is fragrant."

Master Wang's expression turned odd. Every time he visited that mansion, he felt it stank so badly it could almost make him vomit up yesterday's supper.

Tang Liu snickered. "And your daughter is fragrant too."

Master Wang's face went rigid, and he glanced toward the screen behind him. "My daughter... is fragrant?"

"Yes, she's the best-smelling person I've ever met." Tang Liu answered without hesitation, a dreamy look coming over his face as if remembering something. But he quickly snapped out of it, showing equal parts sheepish and wariness. "I haven't done anything to your daughter, though. I've been very proper."

Master Wang was quiet for a beat, then suddenly heaved a long sigh.

Tang Liu grew even more wary, sobering up a little. "I'm not lying to you."

"You've got it wrong, son-in-law. That's not what I meant."

"Then what did you mean?"

Master Wang sighed again and spoke slowly, "I had a difficult early life, with few children. It wasn't until I was thirty that I was fortunate enough to have a daughter, so I treasure her like a precious jewel. Even the thought of her marrying someday feels like a knife twisting in my heart. I always worry that if she marries into a poor family, she might go hungry or cold. If she encounters a wicked family, they might even covet her dowry. If she marries into a wealthy family, though she won't want for anything, I fear arrogant in-laws or a husband who takes multiple wives and concubines, leaving her miserable."

Listening, Tang Liu felt that Master Wang truly cherished his beloved daughter to the extreme, and he couldn't help but put himself in that position.

He was broke, without a cent to his name, but he wasn't wicked and wouldn't covet Wei Wei's dowry.

He was the live-in son-in-law, so it seemed he didn't need to provide for Wei Wei's food and clothing.

He had no in-laws, and he wouldn't have multiple wives or concubines. Moreover, when Wei Wei was with him, she seemed... mostly quite happy?

The more Tang Liu thought about it, the more he felt he wasn't such a bad catch after all.

He just had no money, but everything else was fine.

Master Wang continued, "I've always wanted to find a good husband for my daughter. I searched for two or three years but never found anyone suitable, so I thought of finding her a good match in the imperial city. Who would have thought—ah," Master Wang sighed heavily, "who would have thought that sudden changes would force us into a hasty marriage."

My bad for cutting in line.

Tang Liu pinched his wine cup, thinking with a smug grin.

"But—" Master Wang's tone shifted, "looking at it now, the choice back then doesn't seem wrong. From every angle, you are a good son-in-law."

Tang Liu didn't expect his father-in-law to come around so fast and said shyly, "Really? Actually, I think so too."

Master Wang choked for a moment. "Of course it's not a lie. Son-in-law, from now on, I entrust my daughter to you."

Tang Liu drained his cup in one satisfied gulp, then patted his chest. "Don't worry, leave it to me. Uh, but as for food, clothing, and household expenses, my hands are tied."

The implication was: I'll take your daughter, but money? None.

Master Wang's temple throbbed, truly dumbstruck by his nerve.

He took a deep breath, remembering the purpose of this meal, and continued, "Although the saying goes that a married daughter is like spilled water, as parents, we can't help but worry about our children. Now that I live apart from my daughter and can't look after her all the time, I have to rely on you for everything. If anything happens to her, I can only learn about it from you."

"Whatever you want to know, I'll tell you."

A father caring for his daughter—Tang Liu understood.

Master Wang brightened and said, "My daughter is often ill. Has she been better lately? Has she had any relapses?"

"She went to the doctor just yesterday. Nothing serious." Tang Liu answered truthfully.

Master Wang frowned and asked another question, "I heard you now call her by her nickname. Let me test you: how do you write her nickname?"

Tang Liu scratched his head. "I can't read, Master Wang."

Master Wang took another deep breath. "Then when is her birthday?"

Tang Liu scratched his head again. "Shouldn't you know better than me?"

"Where does she usually go?"

"She putters around the mansion."

"Which place does she visit most often?"

"I don't know."

"You don't know? Haven't you accompanied her?"

"I have. But I can't see."

"How can you not know anything?" Master Wang grew somewhat irritated.

"Yeah, how come I don't know anything?" Tang Liu retorted. "It really shouldn't be... I must be drunk, I'm not thinking straight. Maybe I'll know when I sober up." With that, he closed his eyes, and he was out cold, snoring lightly.

Master Wang stared at him, feeling the urge to strangle him right then.

Wang Deqi, standing nearby, braced himself and asked, "Should I take him back now, Master?"

Master Wang waved his hand with a dark expression.

Wang Deqi quickly slung Tang Liu over his shoulder and left the private room.

Master Wang sat quietly for a while, his anger simmering with no outlet. Finally, he slammed the table hard. "That kid knows nothing no matter what you ask! It's a miracle he's lived this long!"

From behind the screen came a faint sigh. "Try another approach."

"What else can we try? Do we really have to dig three feet under that mansion to find his bones? We'd probably meet the King of Hell before we find anything."

Behind the screen, Yuan Song frowned in deep thought. Yin Mei glanced at him, a flicker of conflict crossing her face.