Traditionelle Chinesische Medizin

Kapitel 99

Volume Four: Memories of a Man in the Martial World

Updated on Shuxiang Chinese Website: 2008-02-26 10:50:40 Word Count: 6207

As expected, Li You left early in the morning. Lin'an is not close to Dongting Lake, and even with his lightness skill, it would probably take him several days to get back.

Yang Nianqing really wanted to call him back, because she had been feeling uneasy since early morning. In the past, whenever such a premonition appeared, something bad was always going to happen.

However, upon thinking of Nangong Xue's health, she immediately dismissed the idea.

Today is the 15th.

With Li You absent, isn't this the perfect opportunity to strike?

Although Yang Nianqing was worried, she couldn't say it out loud. He Bi and Qiu Bailu were both top-notch in martial arts, and now that the two of them were together, even the biggest problems wouldn't get out of hand.

.

The door was knocked on again.

As soon as Yang Nianqing stepped inside, she noticed a strange aura shrouding the courtyard, carrying a sense of danger and even a hint of menace. This intensified her unease.

Has something already happened?

Before she could even feel nervous, she immediately saw Magistrate Cao.

Thankfully, he is alive.

It felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my heart—I've been seeing so many dead people lately that I've become quite paranoid. Even if the murderer is incredibly powerful, what could he possibly do to this living old man in front of He Bi and the others?

Upon seeing He Bi, Magistrate Cao immediately laughed and patted him on the shoulder: "I knew you would come today, and I have already prepared wine and food. Please!"

The laughter made Yang Nianqing want to cover her ears.

He Bi frowned.

This old fox still managed to leave no trace in his words. Fortunately, the people who came today were not there to inquire about anything, but simply to protect him.

.

The dishes were few in number, but exquisitely prepared; Yang Nianqing couldn't name almost any of them. The wine was also excellent; its aroma filled the air as soon as the jar was opened.

It seems that Magistrate Cao is enjoying a very comfortable "retirement" life.

He Bi usually doesn't drink when on missions. Qiu Bailu also just sits quietly to the side, neither drinking nor eating, as if it's none of his business. Only Nangong Xue occasionally smiles and moves her wine glass.

The host, Magistrate Cao, was chugging down cup after cup of wine. Judging from the way the old man was drinking, Yang Nianqing almost thought he was drinking plain water.

"I have never liked those fussy formalities. Do as you please."

Hearing this, Yang Nianqing was speechless. Everyone was worried about his life, but he seemed quite at ease. What did they mean by "the emperor isn't worried, but the eunuch is dying of anxiety"?

Finally, He Bi couldn't help but look at him and said coldly, "Senior, it's best not to get drunk."

Judge Cao was stunned for a moment, then realized what was happening and chuckled, revealing the cunning look of a fox: "I have made too many enemies in my life and have to be on guard every day. It has been more than ten years since I have been able to get properly drunk. Now that you are here, wouldn't it be perfect to get drunk without worry?"

He Bi stared wide-eyed.

Yang Nianqing chuckled inwardly. This old man was indeed very shrewd. He said he wanted to get drunk first and made it clear that he needed everyone to protect him.

.

Nangong Xue laughed: "I've long heard of your great capacity for alcohol. Brother He is just afraid that we might not be able to keep up and end up getting drunk first, making you laugh at us."

Cao Tongpan seemed to only then notice him, scrutinizing him for a moment before a glint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "You... are you really Nangong Yu's son?"

Nangong Xue nodded: "When my father was alive, he often mentioned the senior."

Judge Cao became interested: "Oh, what did he say about me?"

Nangong Xue smiled and said, "Back then, everyone knew your illustrious reputation. My late father naturally admired you greatly. However, there were just too many compliments. If I were to recount them all, I fear you would find them tiresome."

The older people get, the more they enjoy hearing others praise them.

Judge Cao smiled faintly, unable to hide the hint of satisfaction in his eyes: "That old man Nangong Yu was clumsy with words, but I never expected him to have such a eloquent son. It's a pity he left so early. I miss him a little now."

Nangong Xue was saddened. (28)

Judge Cao also sighed, a sense of vicissitude appearing on his old face. As one gets old, watching one's old friends leave him forever, what kind of feeling does one have in one's heart?

moment.

He regained his usual shrewdness and composure, picked up the wine glass in front of him and drank it all in one gulp, deliberately glaring at Nangong Xue: "So, has he said anything bad about me?"

Nangong Xue smiled and said, "If you really want to know, you must first drink a cup of wine offered by this junior."

After saying that, he smiled and picked up the wine pot.

.

The clear, cool liquor transformed into a glistening wisp, gently cascading from the spout of the pot, creating tiny swirls in the glass. Though the sound was soft, it was even and beautiful, further enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.

His handsome face was always radiant with a kind smile, his black hair complemented by a golden crown, and his demeanor exuded a natural air of nobility.

The cold wine seemed to pour down on her heart. Yang Nianqing felt waves of coldness wash over her and began to tremble. Her unease grew stronger, and she noticed that the chilling atmosphere from before was intensifying.

Why is this happening?

The beautiful sounds finally stopped, and the wine glasses were filled.

Nangong Xue put down the wine pot and personally offered the wine to Magistrate Cao: "It's rare that you still remember my late father. I imagine he would be very happy in the afterlife."

Judge Cao nodded: "Although my relationship with the old Master Nangong is not deep, it is still..."

He didn't continue, but just sighed heavily.

Nangong Xue remained silent. (67)

Realizing his lapse in composure, Magistrate Cao couldn't help but show some embarrassment. He immediately glared at him and said, "Now that I've agreed to drink this cup of wine, you should answer the question I asked earlier."

Nangong Xue pursed her lips slightly and smiled, "Even if my late father really spoke ill of you, senior, I would never dare to say it to your face."

Judge Cao was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter, took the wine, and was about to drink it—

"etc!"

.

Faced with the surprised looks of everyone, Yang Nianqing was speechless. She really didn't know why she had suddenly stopped Cao Tongpan from drinking.

Her gentle phoenix eyes, as always, held a smile, yet were so complex, a mixture of concern and sorrow...

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Judge Cao stared intently at her, his gaze sharpening as if he were asking a question.

Yang Nianqing, quick-witted, hurriedly said with a concerned smile, "I mean... you should eat some food before drinking. Drinking too fast isn't good for your health."

Before anyone could react, she picked up her chopsticks, placed some food in the bowl in front of him.

Fortunately, women are born with a special instinct to care for others. Cao Tongpan looked at her and smiled, his suspicion gone, replaced by a sneer: "How could this little bit of wine stump this old man!"

The older people get, the less they want to admit defeat.

Seeing that he was about to drink again, Yang Nianqing became anxious and didn't know what to say—no, she shouldn't think like that... She reminded herself again and again, but still couldn't help but tighten her grip on Nangong Xue's arm.

Nangong Xue looked at her and finally spoke: "Senior, please wait."

Judge Cao indeed put down his wine cup.

"So you were relieved that you wouldn't let this old man drink today."

"Drinking alone is too boring; it's better to talk while you drink."

Magistrate Cao found it amusing: "In that case, what shall we say?"

Nangong Xue smiled and said, "I have already told you what you wanted to know, but I also have something I would like to ask you."

"What is it?"

"Does the senior have any regrets?"

.

Nangong Xue looked at him, her smile still on her lips: "Back then, senior knew that the Tao family had been wronged, yet you still personally led troops to kill more than a hundred people. Did you ever regret it?"

silence.

Judge Cao suddenly burst into laughter.

To be honest, this is something that everyone present is probably curious about. Yang Nianqing also wants to know what kind of mood this ruthless old man was in when he completed that cruel task. For his own benefit, he gave up the opportunity to seek justice for the Tao family and personally took more than a hundred lives. Now, does he feel guilty for the mistakes he made back then?

The laughter abruptly stopped.

He looked at Nangong Xue, his old face remaining unchanged, but instead carrying a hint of sneer: "Since the deed is done, why regret it?"

He Bi frowned.

Nangong Xue remained silent for a moment, then smiled slightly and raised her glass: "This junior understands, please, senior!"

Judge Cao laughed heartily and also picked up his wine.

For some reason, that intense unease from before surged up again. Seeing that he was about to drink, Yang Nianqing didn't know whether she should speak up to stop him again. There had to be a reason, right?

How could you doubt him!

Yang Nianqing finally chose to remain silent, but a cold voice rang out from the side.

"Wait!"

.

Nangong Xue slowly put down her wine glass and looked at He Bi.

He Bi also looked at him.

Cao Tongpan finally realized something was amiss, put down his wine cup, and looked at everyone suspiciously. Qiu Bailu, who was standing next to him, also stared intently at her wine cup, her brows furrowed.

He Bi said, "Let's not drink yet."

Nangong Xue said, "Waiting for Brother Li?"

He Bi remained silent.