Chapter 734: Rules
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Shi Jiujing glanced at Hao Yunsun, who stepped forward, bowed, and said with a smile, “Allow me to clear up any confusion for our esteemed guest. As you may already know, the origin of this book is quite extraordinary. In principle, those in the medical field should dedicate themselves to saving lives and helping others. With such a remarkable book, my teacher should indeed share it. However, the world is full of scoundrels who, upon obtaining this miraculous book, would not benefit the people but rather hoard it and kill anyone who knows about it, all for their own gain.”
“Master has guarded this book for many years, waiting for the right person. This person must have determination, perseverance, and sincerity, as well as the willingness to endure hardships, and of course, personal talent and fortune. Previously, Mr. Jiang visited several times but never dared to enter the secret chamber. This time, with Wangfei here, regardless of how much you can remember, he will no longer have a chance to see the book. The rules are not difficult but not simple either. Each challenger will enter the secret chamber with me and observe quietly for two hours. After that, you will have to rely on your memory. Do you understand?”
“I understand,” Mingzhu replied cautiously. “After the observation, will you provide paper and pens for us to write down what we remember?”
Hao Yunsun smiled, “Of course. That’s why our junior sister Caiyun mentioned lighting an extra lamp for you earlier.”
So the round-faced, wide-eyed girl was named Caiyun, Mingzhu thought, smiling. “Thank her very much. I’m tired today and need rest. I plan to enter the secret chamber for observation after breakfast tomorrow. Is that acceptable?”
Shi Jiuqing nodded, “Certainly. Yunsun, take our guests to rest. Serve them well and do not neglect them.”
Mingzhu bowed to Shi Jiuqing in thanks before leaving. Jiang Zhouzi stayed behind, looking at Shi Jiuqing with admiration and asking reverently, “Sir, I heard you wanted to see me? Do you have instructions?”
Shi Jiuqing replied, “Nothing major, just two questions.”
Mingzhu waited outside for a while, seeing that the atmosphere inside was harmonious and Jiang Zhouzi was not in danger. She then followed Hao Yunsun to their resting place.
Their accommodation was a quaint wooden cottage across a golden rice field from Shi Jiuqing’s stone courtyard. An outdoor deck extended into the field, offering a view of the undulating rice waves and the distant Yantui Mountains.
Donghui and Caiyun gathered some wormwood to drive away mosquitoes, as the cottage, though beautiful, had many insects due to its location by the rice fields.
Caiyun laughed, “The place is small, so except for the master who has a courtyard, everyone’s houses are built in the fields. It’s fine though; the windows are covered with fine mesh, and we use wormwood smoke and insect-repelling sachets to keep the bugs away.” She then asked Mingzhu warmly, “Wangfei, how about some mudfish and tofu for dinner? The mudfish are freshly caught from the field, and the tofu is homemade. It’s delicious.”
As a guest, Mingzhu wasn’t picky and thanked her earnestly, thinking the dish sounded good. Standing on the deck and enjoying the scenery, she asked Caiyun, “May I walk around and explore?”
Caiyun thought for a moment before saying, “You can, but don’t cross the water channel.”
Mingzhu thanked her and went for a walk with Ye Xiu. Since they couldn’t cross the water channel, they walked along it and noticed how systematically and beautifully the fields, channels, paths, houses, and trees were arranged, making the most of the space.
Ye Xiu frowned, “Wangfei, Shi Jiuqing is indeed extraordinary. Look at that waterwheel; something seems off.”
Mingzhu stood on tiptoe to get a better view. She saw that all the channels converged into a fast-flowing stream leading to a large waterwheel with thick ropes. Even from a distance, she could see the ropes clearly.
As she was about to take a closer look, Caiyun ran over cheerfully, blocking her view, “Wangfei, look, the mudfish we just caught, they’re so fat.” She then said, “It’s getting dark, let’s head back.”
Despite her curiosity, Mingzhu didn’t press further and followed Caiyun back. Dinner was prepared by Caiyun and her senior sister, Mu Lianjin. Unlike the lively Caiyun, Mu Lianjin was calm, always gentle but spoke very little.
After dinner, Mu Lianjin seriously warned Mingzhu, “The mountains are different from the outside. It’s cold at night, the roads are narrow, and there are poisonous insects. Please do not go out at night.”
Each place has its own rules. We are here to study that medical book, not to uncover secrets or cause trouble, Mingzhu responded earnestly. “Please rest assured.”
Caiyun seemed reluctant to leave but was dragged away by Mu Lianjin, the two of them bickering along the way. Ye Xiu, who had been meditating on the deck, opened his eyes and said, “The senior sister scolded the junior sister for being careless and almost revealing the master’s secrets. The junior sister retorted that if the master really wanted to keep things secret, he wouldn’t have allowed the Regent Wangfei here. This place is full of mysteries. Let’s be careful. Donghui, you take the first half of the night, and I’ll take the second.”
Typically, taking the second half was better since it allowed for uninterrupted sleep until morning. Mingzhu saw this as Ye Xiu being considerate, but Donghui said firmly, “Thank you, but I want the second half.”
Ye Xiu smiled and said nothing more.
Mingzhu sensed some tension between them but couldn’t figure it out, so she decided to rest and prepare for the next day’s challenge.
Before they settled in, Jiang Zhouzi returned, looking dejected, “I almost failed the test.” Shi Jiuqing had asked him if he was willing to see the book even if it cost lives. Jiang Zhouzi had replied, “No, I want to see it, but not at the cost of others’ lives, especially my close companions. I feel guilty and regretful. We should have waited until the political situation stabilized. It’s my fault.”
He then approached Donghui, bowed deeply, and apologized, “I’m sorry.”
Donghui turned away, her face pale and her lips trembling, without saying a word. Mingzhu gestured for Ye Xiu to follow her out, then asked Jiang Zhouzi, “And then?”
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