lava

Chapter 14

Han Xiao finally understood. She also understood what Shi Er meant by the old man of the clouds using her. Sure enough, Shi Er confirmed this: "Young Master was saved, but the murderer hasn't made a move in the past few months. So the Divine Doctor said he would use my blood again. Sure enough, I soon had an accident. But that day, Young Master appeared. He looked like he was not going to die again. The Divine Doctor naturally worried that I was not enough bait, so you came in handy."

Han Xiao felt a chill run down his spine. Nie Chengyan's becoming the heir of Cloud Mist Mountain was a foregone conclusion, so eliminating him would give the other disciples a chance. But Nie Chengyan wasn't dead; he was merely crippled. And now, the Cloud Mist Elder was clearly grooming someone with no connection to Cloud Mist Mountain, someone who was also Nie Chengyan's personal servant. This could only give the impression that this person was meant to assist Nie Chengyan in inheriting Cloud Mist Mountain.

Seeing Han Xiao's expression, Shi Er knew she must have understood, so he said, "That's why I said you and I are just pawns in the Divine Doctor's game to protect the young master. Our lives are not important to these people at all."

"I was so happy when the miracle doctor said I could carry his medicine box." Han Xiao was really sad. She couldn't help but tear up and murmured, "My master was also happy for me and told me to study hard."

"Young Master?" Shi Er chewed on a blade of grass. "I'm not familiar with Young Master, I've only seen him from afar. But there are no secrets in these mountains, plenty of gossip. If you ask me, Young Master isn't stupid. He's hated Cloud Mist Mountain for a long time. Judging from their description of his spirit when he appeared that day, given his previous temperament, he should have been clamoring to return to Hundred Bridges City to recuperate. But why is he still here? This poisoning not only harmed Young Master, but I heard it also killed his beloved. How could Young Master not hate? He's staying on this mountain with the intention of revenge. Young Master knows the Divine Physician's temperament very well. Wouldn't he find it strange that you're suddenly being asked to carry the medicine chest? If Young Master is happy for you, it means he understands the Divine Physician's strategy and knows your purpose."

Shi Er continued his incessant analysis, increasingly feeling that he and Han Xiao were in the same boat, truly kindred spirits. But when he looked up, he was startled: "Why are you crying?"

"You're talking nonsense. Master wouldn't treat me like that. Master is so good to me." Han Xiao forcefully wiped away the tears that were falling uncontrollably from her face, as if trying to convince herself.

"If you don't believe me, why are you so sad? Let me tell you, it's all fake no matter who's nice to you. Can anyone be nicer to you than to themselves? Look, I'm telling you all this now so you can be careful. Isn't that good to you? But if something really happens and one of us has to die, I'll definitely push you out."

Han Xiao rubbed his eyes: "You're being honest, but I don't believe my master would treat me like this. Even if he has a bad temper, he's a good person. He built Hundred Bridges City, saved many people, and he's a devoted lover. Such a person can't be a bad person."

Shi Er looked at her thoughtfully, then let out a long "Oh": "So you like the young master. The young master used to be so handsome and dashing, every girl liked him. Those girls at the vegetarian clinic on this mountain used to fight over him quite a bit, but the young master didn't like any of them. The young master likes the kind of gentle and weak girl who he can hold in his palm, and Xie Jingyun is just that."

Han Xiao's attention was drawn to the name Xie Jingyun. Without time to hide or deny her feelings for Nie Chengyan, she simply asked, "Do you know this Yun'er?"

“Everyone on the mountain knows,” Shi Er said, laughing at Han Xiao until she blushed. “Xie Jingyun came to Baiqiao City two years ago seeking medical treatment. She got the cure, but she was missing a certain medicine, which can only be found on the mountain. So she went to ask you, young master. After a while, it seems you fell in love with her. But since he was so eager to come to the mountain for a girl, the divine physician naturally noticed something was up. He disagreed and threw a tantrum at you, which everyone knew about. I heard that Xie Jingyun is delicate, gentle, and so tender she could melt your heart.” He patted Han Xiao’s shoulder: “Completely different from you.”

Han Xiao bit her lip: "I didn't do anything. I'm a servant, and I know my place."

"It's good that you understand. It's not just about identity, but also about life. Our lives are cheap; no one cares about us except ourselves. You are my savior, so I'm kindly reminding you to be careful. Not only the doctors and servants on this mountain, but also the divine physician and the young master—you must be wary of them all. At times like this, you must be prepared to be pawns."

“My master would never harm me.”

“It’s not about harming you, but whether or not I would abandon others to save you. You think you’re very important to the young master, but don’t forget that I’m also the most reliable medicine servant to the divine physician. But when it comes to interests, our roles become less important.” Shi Er spoke earnestly, and his words were not without reason.

Han Xiao remembered that Nie Chengyan had given her a dagger on the day she went on her house call with Elder Yunwu. He had told her to protect herself if necessary, so he knew? He knew she was a pawn planted by Elder Yunwu? But he hadn't told her; he had even encouraged her to carry that medicine box. Han Xiao felt a pang of sadness.

Seeing her like that, Shi Er muttered to herself, "If it were the young master from before, it wouldn't be surprising if you fell for him. But now he's crippled, practically a cripple, with a bad temper, and his sickly appearance is anything but handsome. Tell me, what do you, a young girl, like about him?"

Upon hearing this, Han Xiao suddenly turned and stared at him, making Shi Er feel uneasy: "What's wrong?"

"Brother Shi, something suddenly occurred to me, but I can't figure it out."

What is it?

"If the murderer intended to kill their master, why would they steal Green Snow? Wouldn't that make it obvious that it was someone from Cloud Mist Mountain who did it?"

Her question piqued Shi Er's interest, and he jumped up: "Hehe, we servants have discussed this in private. Perhaps it's because the young master is highly skilled in martial arts, making it easier for him to use poison. Moreover, the young master has been in contact with herbs since childhood, so his body has some resistance to various poisons. Unless you use the most potent poison, he won't die. Just like when they tried to harm me, if it weren't for all the snakes attacking at once, using all kinds of poisons at once, and if I weren't locked up, I wouldn't be afraid."

"But since the poisoning was already successful, why did you still cut him and sever his Achilles tendons?" Han Xiao was reminded by what Shi Er had said about his limp earlier.

Shi Er was taken aback; they really hadn't considered this point.

Slashing Nie Chengyan's leg was clearly intended to make his life miserable, but poisoning him with Green Snow was meant to kill him. These two methods are contradictory.

The girl's heart was in turmoil

Shi Er thought for a moment, then clicked his tongue and said, "The person who did that must have hated the young master so much that they wanted to kill him and take his corpse to vent their anger, so that he would be a cripple even in the underworld." Han Xiao felt very uncomfortable hearing this, but he continued, "You're right. It seems that our situation is even more dangerous now."

Han Xiao pursed her lips. If the murderer truly hated her master so much that she not only poisoned him but also destroyed his body, what kind of grudge could it be? Wouldn't that narrow down the range of suspects?

Shi Er scratched his head: "There are plenty of people who have grievances against the young master, but I've never heard of anyone hating him to this extent. I'll go and inquire, and you can also try to find out from the young master. If we catch the murderer soon, we'll be at peace. Like me now, knowing there's danger but unable to leave this mountain, that feeling of constant anxiety is truly unbearable. Now it's your turn, and you don't want to be like this either, do you? I heard your younger brother is still waiting for treatment. In any case, it's better to be alive."

"Why can't you leave Yunwu Mountain?" She asked because of her younger brother, but what about him?

Shi Er lazily sat back down: "I have no special skills. If I leave this mountain, where can I find a good place with good food and drink and someone to serve me?"

"Huh?" Han Xiao was taken aback. She had thought it would be something serious about being unable to control her own destiny, but instead, she was being pampered with good food and drink. "You, you'd rather endure the pain of testing poison and live in constant fear..."

Shi Er laughed: "The pain of testing poison is only temporary. Just bear with it and it will pass. You know, no matter how many poisons and medicines there are in this world, they are still limited. We medicine servants will only test a poison or medicine a few times before we stop, because the medicinal properties will remain in our bodies. In other words, as long as we can get through it, the number of poisons and medicines we need to test will decrease as time goes on. Like me now, I won't be asked to do anything unless it's a new poison or medicine. Most of the time, I'm just enjoying the good life. But if I were outside the mountains, I would have to suffer every day, only earning a few copper coins and eating a few bites of steamed buns. I don't want that kind of life."

He glanced at Han Xiao's expression, knowing she didn't agree, and continued, "As for life-threatening situations, that only applies now that the young master's matter has occurred. In the past, arguing, tripping each other up, and stabbing each other in the back were between the physician's servants and the doctor, not us medicine servants. That's why I'm here on this mountain but don't want to study medicine. Studying medicine means getting involved in the murky waters of this mountain, just like you are now." He emphasized the last sentence.

Han Xiao's mind was in turmoil. She had traveled to so many places and worked in many clinics, and she had seen all sorts of cunning and underhanded dealings, but none of them were like Yunwu Mountain, where knives, poison, and snakes were used. She recalled Nie Chengyan's aversion to Yunwu Mountain, his distrust of the people in the mountains, and his rudeness and eccentricity towards them. It turned out that it wasn't just because he had been poisoned.

Shi Er looked into the distance and suddenly jumped up: "I have to go. We're in the same boat now. I'll let you know if I have any news. Be careful and keep your eyes open."

Han Xiao stared at his disappearing figure for a long while before finally moving to visit Han Le. Han Le had been recuperating and treating for the past few months, and his spirits were actually much better than before, but he still suffered from dizziness, weakness, and night sweats. As for his legs, he still couldn't walk. However, seeing him in such good spirits, able to eat, sleep, and laugh, Han Xiao was extremely grateful.

The sun was shining brightly today, and Han Le sat on a large chair outside, basking in the sun. Lian Qiao played with him, and when Han Xiao arrived, they were playing beanbag toss. Beanbag toss is a game children love; small cloth bags are filled with sand, sewn shut, and then thrown at the other side. The side that gets hit loses. Han Le's legs are weak, so he's never been able to play this game. He's just teasing the honest and simple-minded Lian Qiao because he thinks she's easy to bully.

Han Xiao didn't want to disturb Han Le's rare playtime, but she couldn't bear to watch for long. This wasn't a game of throwing beanbags; it was clearly a game of toying with each other. Han Le sat on a chair, threw a beanbag at Lian Qiao, who dodged it, then had to pick it up and hand it back to him before running back to her original spot to wait for Han Le to throw it again.

"Lele." Han Xiao called out, and Han Le, seeing that it was her sister, quickly shouted, "I'm not playing anymore, I'm not playing anymore." Lian Qiao, panting, picked up the sandbag and greeted Han Xiao.

Han Xiao smiled apologetically at Lian Qiao, then bent down to wipe the sweat from Han Le's face and head before carrying him back into the house. Lian Qiao brought a basin of water for Han Le to wash his hands, poured water for Han Xiao to drink, and then withdrew, leaving the siblings some space to talk.

Han smiled and then said sternly, "Lele, I've told you before, you shouldn't play tricks on people. Lianqiao has worked very hard to take care of you. Now you have a house to live in, a bed to sleep in, food, water, and medicine. We've met a benefactor. Lianqiao is so good to you. You're too young to repay her kindness, but you should at least be kind to her. I've seen you tease her several times. If you don't listen to my advice again, I'll really get angry."

Han Le pouted and hugged Han Xiao tightly: "Sister, I didn't mean to tease Sister Qiaoqiao. I was lonely without you. I saw that Sister Qiaoqiao was really good to me, and I just wanted someone to care for me. I'm good to her too. I tell her stories every day. She doesn't know as many stories as I do."

These words immediately brought a wave of guilt to Han Xiao's heart. She had neglected her younger brother, only visiting him for a short while each day. He was just a ten-year-old child, and it was truly difficult for him without any relatives by his side.

Han Xiao held her younger brother, stroking his head, thinking about the dangers and treachery on the mountain that Shi Er had just described. She said to Han Le, "You must not forget the hardships we endured before. Even benefactors cannot help us forever. Now that we have the opportunity to get treatment, we must seize it and take good care of yourself." Once Han Le recovers, they can make further plans based on the situation.

Han Le nodded vigorously. What he didn't tell Han Xiao was that the old doctor had come to see him twice, but hadn't come up with any new treatment methods. Han Le had been ill for a long time and was very sensitive. He felt that even the doctor might not be able to cure him. But his sister was working very hard as a servant, so he held back his thoughts and didn't say them, so as not to upset her.

The siblings chatted for a while. Han Xiao took her brother's pulse, reviewed the daily records Lian Qiao kept of Han Le's illness and diet, and seeing that it was getting late, decided to go home. She found Lian Qiao and repeatedly apologized for her brother's mischief, but Lian Qiao turned around and said to her, "Lele is a good child, don't blame him. Which child this age isn't mischievous? I'm quite happy playing with him. He always thinks about you. The other day he told me that if his illness isn't cured, you'll be very sad, and if he's gone, he wants me to spend more time with you. Such a well-behaved child, I'm happy to take care of him. Don't worry about it. As for his illness, I'm afraid Doctor Xue doesn't have a good solution either; now we can only see the miracle doctor."

Han Xiao nodded and left in a hurry. In the past half day, she had learned a lot of unexpected news, which made her feel very bad. She didn't dare to go back to Yanzhu, so she found a corner and sat alone for a while.

Han Xiao had doubts about whether her younger brother's illness could be cured by the legendary healer. She didn't want to be suspicious, but Shi Er's explanations were so convincing that it was hard not to be. She was just a poor, powerless girl; even with the legend of her good fortune, how could she possibly attract the favor of a highly skilled healer? Could it be that everything from the moment they came up the mountain was a setup?

Han Xiao grew increasingly anxious. Perhaps the talk of a lucky star and a night of life and death wasn't real. The old man of the clouds and mist knew Nie Chengyan would pull through the poison, and having her stay was just a formality. She was a stranger, having come up the mountain without any apparent reason. Her younger brother had someone to take care of him, and the troublesome young master had been handed over to her without a word. Now, she was even carrying the medicine chest. If what Shi Er said was true, gossip and rumors were rampant in the mountains, and who knew what kind of background they would have given her?

She was unskilled in martial arts, young, helpless, powerless, and had a younger brother desperately needing medical treatment—essentially a hostage. The two siblings were completely in the hands of the divine physician. If Nie Chengyan were willing to stand up for them and ensure their safety, perhaps there was still a chance of success. But as Shi Er said, he knew the divine physician was using her yet neither warned nor stopped him. So, in Nie Chengyan's heart, what was this stubborn and argumentative girl?

Is she really just a worthless pawn? Are all those feelings of appreciation, encouragement, and mutual support fake?

Han Xiao couldn't help but shed tears. She wasn't actually that fond of arguing before; she had learned to read people's expressions over the years and had developed a certain level of tact. She dared to talk back to Nie Chengyan partly because she genuinely couldn't control her temper and blurted it out, and partly because Nie Chengyan had indulged her.

Han Xiao had to admit that, often when her master shouted, it was all bark and no bite, unlike those who actually intended to hurt someone and would strike while yelling. So, no matter how loud Nie Chengyan's voice was, it was all just verbal sparring. And so, naturally, she dared to speak loudly in front of him. She thought sadly that her master had fostered this bad habit in her.

In truth, being a slave or servant, let alone being a pawn, even if it meant losing one's life for one's master, is nothing to complain about, Han Xiao reflected. Her current distress ultimately stemmed from her illicit feelings for her master. But she couldn't forget that at this critical juncture, she still had her younger brother to consider. If anything happened to her, or if the other side turned their attention to Han Le, things would be dire. They, siblings, had endured so much hardship, surviving even the worst situations, and with hope of salvation within reach, they couldn't afford to stumble on this misty mountain.

Han Xiao forcefully wiped away her tears. She had to think of herself and her brother; they couldn't be allowed to be manipulated. Shi Er said that servants' lives were worthless, but he was wrong. No one's life is worthless; only people's hearts are wicked. She couldn't indulge in her easy and comfortable life any longer. She had to summon the same spirit she had shown when she climbed mountains and forded rivers to overcome all difficulties. She had to learn her skills and cure her brother.

Han Xiao walked around for a while, calmed down, and finally returned to Yanzhu.

"Why were you gone for so long?" As soon as she entered the room, Nie Chengyan frowned and looked at her. Han Xiao simply said that she had met Shi Er on the way to thank her, and then it took her even longer to see her younger brother. She was quite assertive; she had been hiding something, but she hadn't lied.

Nie Chengyan stared at her for a long time, but finally said nothing. Han Xiao buried herself in her work, using the busyness to clear her mind. When she saw him, her heart started to race again.

"Han Xiao." Nie Chengyan's call startled Han Xiao, who quickly replied, "Yes, Master."

Nie Chengyan stared at her again. This time, her words were different from before. In the past, she would be happy and loudly reply, "Yes, Master, this servant is here." This time, however, she was very timid and hesitant.

Han Xiao lowered her head, avoiding his gaze. Nie Chengyan pointed to the bell and said to her, "You didn't change back to purple when you came in."

"Oh, I'll change it right away." Han Xiao went over to change the bell strap, and then continued working. Nie Chengyan didn't say anything more, just stood there in a daze.

Han Xiao packed her things and returned to the outer room. Separated by a wall, Nie Chengyan's presence was finally less noticeable, and she breathed a sigh of relief. Her medical notes notebook on the desk had been moved; it had been placed on the edge of the desk, but now it was in the middle. Han Xiao glanced around the room, reluctant but also suspicious. Had her master had someone read her notes? Was he afraid she had memorized some information?

She opened the notebook, read a few pages, and as she looked, she felt like crying again. She had a habit of marking any parts of her notes that she didn't understand with questions; there were so many things she didn't know, so every page was filled with questions. Now, next to those marks, someone had written the answers for her. She recognized the handwriting—it was Nie Chengyan's.

She flipped through the pages, one by one. In the half-day she'd been gone, he'd answered half the questions in the booklet for her. Han Xiao's tears finally fell. Was she too easily moved, or was he truly good to her?

Close yet distant

"Smile."

Nie Chengyan's call stirred Han Xiao's heart. She wiped away her tears, stood at the doorway of the inner room, and answered. Nie Chengyan, lying on the bed, turned his head to stare at her, still not hearing that energetic "Yes, Master, this servant is here," and he couldn't help but feel irritated.

"Han Xiao." This time, the voice was louder.

"What are your orders, Master?" The voice answered listlessly, though it contained a few extra words.

"Han Xiao." He disliked her gloomy face.

"Please give your orders, Master." Han Xiao stood up straight and raised her voice in response. What's wrong with Master now? He's suddenly unhappy. He was perfectly fine when she first came in, but now he's throwing a tantrum.

Nie Chengyan glared at her and shouted, "You come here right now."

Han Xiao was also unhappy. It was inexplicable; if he had something to say, he should just say it. Why was he being so harsh with her? That's what made her so confused—one moment he was very kind to her, the next he was very mean. She liked him, so she quickly forgot his bad behavior, but remembered his kindness clearly. But after Shi Er's words, his kindness seemed unreal. Before she could figure it out, he was yelling and shouting again.

After dawdling for a while, Nie Chengyan glared at her for a long time before saying, "Stand still."

“I’m standing perfectly fine.”

Hmm, not bad, that stubborn girl is somewhat back. But he was still not satisfied: "You're listless, and you're getting bolder and bolder, daring to give me attitude."

“I didn’t put on any rouge, so my face is colorless.” Very well, her sharp tongue remains undiminished.

"So you're just throwing a tantrum because you're all downcast?" Her eyes were still red, and there were still tear stains. How come she lost all her energy after only half a day away?

"This servant dares not show any temper."

"Did someone bully you today?" She shook her head.

"Is it because you wanted to bully someone but failed?" She couldn't help but secretly glare at his hand placed by the bedside. She didn't like bullying people like him.

"Then tell me what happened? Your brother's condition is currently stable; he's eating, drinking, and sleeping well. Your master is also recovering day by day. Is there anything else that's bothering you?"

Han Xiao bit her lip. Of course, she couldn't tell the truth. She lowered her head and remained silent for a long time. When she heard Nie Chengyan give a heavy "humph," she looked up and saw him glaring at her fiercely. She got angry too. In a fit of anger, she shouted, "This servant is upset that someone only answered half of the question. What happened to the second half?"

What? She really dares to say that! Nie Chengyan poked her forehead with a finger: "You heartless thing."

Han Xiao covered her forehead and took a step back, pursing her lips without speaking. So what if she was heartless? Anyway, there was no way anything could happen between them. She had previously resolved to bury her feelings, but hadn't been resolute enough. This time, she was determined to do it. He was the master, she was the servant. He treated her well, so she would treat him even better—nothing was owed to her. But why did she feel so awkward and annoying?

Her retreat infuriated Nie Chengyan. He was burdened with a crippled leg and ailing body, tasked with managing affairs for Baiqiao City, solving the drug case, and still finding time to check on her medical studies. He had expected her to be overjoyed upon her return. But not only was she unhappy, she seemed to have gotten herself into some unpleasant situation and returned home, using his good intentions as an excuse to lie.

He grabbed a pillow and threw it at her. Seeing her wince in pain when the pillow hit her, he became even angrier. Clenching his fist, he braced himself against the bed and lay down. His movement was so fast that he touched his sore foot and hissed in pain, but he didn't stop. He didn't care about the pillow, the twisted blankets, or his unsteady legs. With his back to her, he stood there silently for a moment, then shouted, "Get out!"

Han Xiao stood frozen for a moment, then bent down to pick up the pillow. Knowing he was a clean freak, she changed the cover before putting it on the bed and placing it beside his head. She pulled the blanket up to cover him and then straightened his legs. He kept his eyes closed and ignored her. She helped his head onto the pillow, brushed the hair from his face, tucked the blanket in, and lowered the bed curtains.

He opened his eyes and knew she was still standing by the bed, but separated by the curtain, they couldn't see each other. He took a deep breath. She couldn't see him, but he calmed down, feeling a little guilty for not being more patient with her. She was still young, so it was natural for her to be impulsive.

He heard Han Xiao leave the bedside, walk around the room for a while, and then go out. Afraid she wouldn't hear him calling, the door to the inner room was never closed, so even though her voice was soft, he could clearly hear her flipping through booklets outside, occasionally reading aloud the answers he had given her. As he listened, he felt a sense of peace and actually fell asleep.

The next day, after lunch and a short rest, Nie Chengyan asked Han Xiao to go see her younger brother again. Han Xiao readily agreed, took a medical book, and left. When she arrived at the small house, she told Lian Qiao to rest, while she sat and watched over Han Le. Han Le took a nap, and she read the medical book. She stayed until Han Le woke up, and then, as usual, gave him acupressure and massage while telling him things to be careful about.

Han Le patted his chest, acting like a little adult: "Sis, don't worry, I've been on guard since the moment we came up the mountain. I told you a long time ago that the people in these mountains are strange." He pulled out the map, which had been updated with more locations over the past few days: "Sis, take a look and familiarize yourself with the roads. If anything happens, we'll escape."

Han Xiao patted Han Le's little head: "Lele is so smart. There's nothing too special about the situation right now. We just need to be careful. There are good doctors and medicines here. Getting you treated is the most important thing. Nothing else matters."