lava

Chapter 54

"Mm," Nie Chengyan responded, stroking her hair. "Then let's take a carriage."

But when Han Xiao returned the next day, she was still not happy: "They were pointing and whispering about my carriage. There were fewer patients today. Will they disturb us and make us afraid to come anymore?"

Nie Chengyan said nothing, but the next day he actually made Han Xiao abandon the carriage, and he accompanied her on foot to the small courtyard where she sought medical treatment. Many of the roadside vendors, shopkeepers, gatekeepers of mansions, or people in the alleys and streets were secretly observing them, and then whispering a few words to each other.

Han smiled and said, "Master, you don't need to suffer with me like this. I'm fine, I'm not afraid of this at all. I'm just feeling uncomfortable and worried that it might affect the patients." She felt sorry for him. He was already easily gossiped about because he was in a wheelchair, and now that he was with her, he was afraid that it would cause even more controversy.

Nie Chengyan asked, "Xiaoxiao, do you remember when I didn't want to sit in this chair to meet people, and you got into trouble in the pharmacy courtyard? I had no choice but to go to you. You were very happy then. You pushed me back to Yanzhu. What did you say to me on the way?"

Han Xiao thought for a moment. Of course she remembered this. Nie Chengyan had just recovered from his injury and was unusually particular about his appearance and clothing. He even sat down in a chair to meet people, which was unprecedented for him. She remembered: "Master, you look great today. Your hairstyle and clothes are both very nice. You look very dashing."

Nie Chengyan burst into laughter, which made Han Xiao unable to help but laugh along. Nie Chengyan's hearty laughter attracted the attention of passersby, but he pointed at the group and said to Han Xiao, "Xiao Xiao, look, a bunch of silly geese."

Hearing this, the two women rolled their eyes and went inside, slamming the door shut with a "bang." Han Xiao looked at them, remembering how he had once subtly mocked those on Cloud Mist Mountain who were eyeing Nie Chengyan's limp, but now he used that same tactic to encourage her. Han Xiao laughed too, her steps becoming lighter as she pushed the chair.

While they had come to terms with it, some of the patients were still unable to let go. Some who had arranged to come to see Han Xiao through their sisters didn't show up, and two of the more seriously ill patients who were supposed to have follow-up appointments also missed theirs. Han Xiao was secretly anxious, but Nie Chengyan disagreed with her going to their homes to look for them. He said, "They should be worried about their own lives. What's the point of you going to their homes if they can't even take this much responsibility?"

Han Xiao had no other choice but to focus on treating the women who came to her for treatment. Every day, Nie Chengyan would accompany her from the inn to the small courtyard where he practiced medicine, and then pick her up in the afternoon to walk back to the inn from the courtyard.

On the fifth day, guests arrived at the inn early in the morning: Feng Ning and Long San, along with two children. Feng Ning said with a smile, "We heard that people walk to stretch their muscles every morning, and we'd like to join in." So the family actually followed Han Xiao and Nie Chengyan for the whole journey.

The expressions of the people on both sides of the road that day were quite interesting. They never expected that the famous Long family from the capital would walk and chat with these two strange strangers all the way, and even enter the small courtyard that treats venereal diseases together.

Feng Ning and Long San accompanied the children until the third day. The number of patients coming for treatment increased, and Han Xiao was too busy to handle everything alone, so the Long family sent more people to help. Although Feng Ning said that Long Er was stingy, he still sent some medicinal herbs to show his support.

That afternoon, just as Han Xiao was about to return to the inn, a distinguished guest arrived.

"Princess Ruyi?" Han Xiao was genuinely surprised this time, seeing the people around him suddenly kneel down on the ground.

Ruyi chuckled. In the two years since they last met, she seemed to have fully regained her noble demeanor and radiance. Seeing Han Xiao wanting to follow suit and bow, she quickly stopped her, saying, "You've known me for so long, but you've never bowed to me like this before. It's rather vulgar now."

Han Xiao smiled and asked, "What brings the princess here?"

"I heard this place is fun, so I've come to join in the fun." So she brought along several eunuchs, maids, and guards, as if afraid people wouldn't know the princess had arrived.

Upon hearing this and observing the situation, Han Xiao understood somewhat. A little later, Nie Chengyan arrived. He was slightly displeased to see the princess, but upon learning her purpose, he said nothing more. The group marched grandly towards the inn. Ruyi deliberately instructed her attendants to follow at a distance; she only wanted to project an imposing presence and didn't need to get too close. She herself chatted and laughed with Han Xiao. The people along the way were truly terrified this time. Who was this person who cured people of genital diseases? Did he really have such a powerful background?

As everyone was secretly peeking inside the house, a magnificent horse galloped in, carrying a handsome young man with only one arm. Everyone gasped again – could this be the one-armed general Mu Yuan?

Mu Yuan approached, dismounted, and greeted them: "Miss Han, Lord Nie." Han Xiao nodded happily in response, but Nie Chengyan's brows were furrowed tightly. He disliked all the uninvited guests who came these past two days.

Mu Yuan didn't care about Nie Chengyan's attitude, and only turned to greet Princess Ruyi, "Princess." Ruyi wrinkled her nose and asked, "Why are you here?"

"Someone reported that you led a large group of people into the city, so I came to check." Mu Yuan made no attempt to hide his concern that the princess might have caused trouble. Ruyi pouted and gently stroked Mu Yuan's horse's neck. "I didn't cause any trouble." The horse seemed quite familiar with the princess, turning its head with a pleased expression. Mu Yuan smiled, said nothing more, and simply led his horse beside her, following Han Xiao and the others.

The appearance of the princess and the general is unnecessary; one is enough. Han Xiao discovered that reality is indeed cruel. Not only is it a matter of who is in charge of whose territory, but power is more effective than a hundred arguments. She already knew these things, but experiencing them firsthand made her understand them even more deeply.

Rumors circulated more and more widely, each version different. Some said Nie Chengyan and his companions came from Baiqiao City, the most renowned medical city in the land, and that Miss Han was a lucky charm with miraculous healing skills, allowing her to roam freely and command respect even from royalty. Others said that the divine healer Miss Han was actually royalty, having learned her medical skills while living in exile. Since women were forbidden from participating in the monthly free clinics at Baifu Temple, she found another way to bring blessings to the nation. Still others said that Miss Han was the younger sister of Madam Long San, and that the Long family, seeking greater power, wanted her to enter the palace as a physician and monopolize the medicinal herb trade, so they sent her to the marketplace to treat women and gain fame. In short, the rumors grew increasingly outlandish, and each version was believed by many.

But for Han Xiao, it didn't matter what the rumors said. The most important thing was that patients dared to come to her for treatment, and even some ordinary people came to her for consultation. Han Xiao was busy and fulfilled every day, and she was very happy.

Time passed quickly. Nie Chengyan had almost finished arranging his affairs in the capital, and Han Xiao had seen quite a few patients. He wanted to take her back to Baiqiao City. Han Xiao had no objection to going back, but she was unhappy about leaving Han Le and several guards in the capital.

"I don't want to be separated from Lele, he'll come back with me."

"Xiaoxiao, didn't I already explain? My business in Beijing needs someone to take care of things. It's rare that Lele has been with me all the way through. He understands everything. I trained him, so I know how well he can handle things. Besides, he's family, so I trust him. I'll leave Ziming and Yezhu with Lele, so you don't need to worry about his safety. I've also spoken to Long San. Lele will stay with them in Beijing, so they can look after him in everything."

The phrase "family" made Han Xiao blush, but she still couldn't bear to part with her: "But Lele has never been left alone in a foreign land."

"Xiaoxiao, Lele is an adult now, it's time for him to start his own career."

These words made perfect sense, and Han Xiao couldn't refute them. She went to find Han Le, feeling a little sad. Han Le was actually very happy to have the opportunity to stand on her own, and only had one worry for her sister: "Are you really determined to be with the city lord this time?"

Han Xiao nodded, and Han Le said, "Then go back with him. When you get married, I will definitely come back to see you off. Besides, look on the bright side. I'm working hard to make money here. If you're unhappy or don't want to be with him anymore, we'll have plenty of money to run away with."

Han Xiao was amused, but suddenly a cough came from behind them. The siblings turned around and saw Nie Chengyan. Nie Chengyan was at his wit's end with the mischievous Han Le, and said helplessly, "Lele, as your brother-in-law, I'd better keep an eye on you." Even being in the capital wouldn't be enough?

His childlike expression made the siblings laugh. Suddenly remembering the past, they both pounced on Nie Chengyan, yelling as they ran into his arms. Nie Chengyan cried out, "Hey, don't knock them over! You two aren't little kids anymore, what are you doing? This chair is too crowded. Lele, you go to the side, I'll hold Xiaoxiao..."

But Han Le wouldn't have it: "Do you think being a brother-in-law is so easy?" He insisted on making a scene, and Han Xiao burst into laughter, almost falling off the platform. Nie Chengyan quickly pulled her back and held her tight. Han Xiao kept laughing and laughing; she felt like the happiest person in the world.

But before returning to Baiqiao City, an unexpected event occurred. On the last day Han Xiao went to the small courtyard to treat patients, many patients, upon learning that she was returning to her hometown and would no longer see patients, flocked to visit her, some bringing gifts, some kowtowing in gratitude, and many others rushing to seek treatment during this final time. The long queue stretched all the way to the end of the street.

Meanwhile, at the inn, Nie Chengyan also had a visitor. The visitor was Cheng Liang, the imperial physician, who had a long-standing good relationship with Baiqiao City. Many of Baiqiao City's medicinal herbs destined for the palace were procured through his connections. The imperial physicians were divided into two factions: one aligned with the Emperor, Cheng Liang's faction, and the other favored the Empress Dowager. Nie Chengyan was very cautious about Cheng Liang's visit, but he never expected that Cheng Liang's purpose was to pluck out his most prized possession.

Cheng Liang first mentioned that his research on the treatment methods and medications for tendon and bone reconnection and meridian unblocking, which he had conducted for many years, had yielded breakthrough progress. In the past two years, he had cured many patients with severed tendons and veins in their hands and feet or those disabled by bone injuries. Nie Chengyan didn't understand at first, but he immediately realized that this was a huge business opportunity. He was quickly calculating how Baiqiao City could get involved and profit from this, when he heard Cheng Liang continue, "With my medicine and methods, I am confident that I can cure such injuries, as long as they are within seven or eight years old."

Nie Chengyan paused for a moment, then suddenly understood the meaning behind those words. He slowly met Cheng Liang's eyes: "Does Lord Cheng mean that you are confident in treating old injuries within the last seven years?"

Cheng Liang nodded and handed over a file containing records of the injuries he had healed, along with the medical principles and methods used. Although the methods weren't explained in detail, Nie Chengyan, with his limited knowledge of medicine, understood some of them at a glance. While the method was incredibly difficult, its possibility couldn't be denied. Looking at it, Nie Chengyan felt a surge of excitement; his hands trembled slightly. Could it be that he might one day be able to stand up again?

Seeing his reaction, Cheng Liang reached out and retrieved the file, then slowly said, "I know about Lord Nie's injuries. Back then, the divine physician from Yunwu Mountain specially wrote down your condition and sent it to me. Unfortunately, at that time, I had not made any progress in my research on this condition, but today I have finally made a breakthrough. If Lord Nie is willing, I can treat your injuries."

This was an incredible stroke of luck. Nie Chengyan was so excited that he couldn't speak. How could he not want it? He had been longing for it for so long. Nie Chengyan took several deep breaths and finally managed to calm himself down. He sincerely said, "In that case, thank you, Lord Cheng."

Cheng Liang nodded, bent down to examine Nie Chengyan's old ankle injury carefully, asked many questions about the injury, and then explained the basis and methods of treatment. His explanation was reasonable and convincing, which increased Nie Chengyan's hope. He was already thinking about how to tell Han Xiao the good news.

But what Cheng Liang said next surprised Nie Chengyan. He said, "The ennoblement of palace physicians will begin in five months. This time, the Empress Dowager interfered with the free clinic at Baifu Temple and stole many patients. We lost face. So recently, we hope to bring in some new talents to do something influential."

Nie Chengyan frowned, feeling inexplicably uncomfortable about this matter, but he still said, "There are many famous doctors in Baiqiao City. I can select some when I get back and recommend one or two to Lord Cheng."

"There's no need to return to Baiqiao City. There's a suitable candidate right here. If City Lord Nie is sincere, he can certainly introduce me to him."

Nie Chengyan's heart tightened. Although he had already thought of it, he still asked, "Who is it?"

"A lucky charm, Miss Han," Cheng Liang said frankly. He continued, "I've heard that this divine physician, Miss Han, has an unusual relationship with Lord Nie. I would never do anything to steal someone's love. Miss Han will come to the palace to help me research herbs and treat rare illnesses. It will only take three years. After three years, I will remove her from her position as a lady-in-waiting and release her from the palace. Lord Nie's leg injury has been long-standing. It should improve after two or three years of treatment. When he reunites with Miss Han, how delightful that will be!"

Nie Chengyan gripped the armrest of the chair tightly, stunned by Cheng Liang's words. He knew that this was Cheng Liang's condition for treating his leg. Sure enough, good things don't fall from the sky for no reason. To get his leg treated, he had to give up Xiaoxiao?

Cheng Liang waited for a while, and seeing that Nie Chengyan was speechless, he pursed his lips, stood up and took his leave: "Lord Nie, this matter is indeed of great importance. Since it concerns Lord Nie's foot injury, it is only right that you think about it more. I will take my leave now, and I hope to receive Lord Nie's reply within three days."

He clasped his hands in a fist salute, turned and left, but before he reached the door, Nie Chengyan spoke up behind him: "No need to wait three days, I can give you an answer now."

Cheng Liang paused, then turned around. "I never dared to dream that I could stand up again, but..." Nie Chengyan looked directly into his eyes and said clearly, "Xiaoxiao and I have a special relationship; she is my fiancée. She is kind, brave, and very talented in medicine. Her miraculous healing skills are truly well-deserved. But she dislikes the hypocritical power struggles and doesn't want to be manipulated. She simply hopes to heal and save lives. I'm a cripple, and there's not much I can do for her, but I think I can still preserve her happiness."

Cheng Liang frowned and argued, "Entering the palace as a female physician is also about healing the sick and saving lives, studying advanced medical techniques, and benefiting the world. Aren't there also several disciples from Yunwu Mountain who practice medicine in the palace?"

"Lord Cheng, ask yourself honestly, is it really true that in the palace, you simply study medicine and heal the sick? There's already a lot of intrigue and power struggles in the Cloud Mist Mountain, and the palace is even worse. Study medicine? If you really wanted to study medicine, why bring Xiaoxiao into the palace? She has my Baiqiao City as her backer, she has connections with the Long family, she has done favors for the Mu family, she made great contributions to the Mu family army's conquest of the Xia Kingdom, she is an old acquaintance of Princess Ruyi, and she has made a name for herself in treating women in the capital. She has been traveling as a doctor for two years and is indeed very famous in various cities... If Xiaoxiao enters the palace, it won't be difficult for her to make meritorious contributions, and it will be easy for her to win over powerful people, but that place is not one that Xiaoxiao would like."

Cheng Liang was embarrassed when Nie Chengyan saw through his intentions. Nie Chengyan continued, "Besides, anything can happen in three long years. Let alone whether Xiaoxiao can come back to me after three years, even if it's only three months or three days, I don't want to be separated from her."

Nie Chengyan stared at Cheng Liang: "Lord Cheng's medical skills are superb. It's a pity that I, Nie, will never have the fortune to stand up again in this life. I can only thank Lord Cheng."

Cheng Liang choked for a long time before finally managing to say, "The three-day agreement is still valid. If City Lord Nie changes his mind, he may come to me at any time."

He turned and left, leaving Nie Chengyan sitting there in a daze for a long time.

That evening, Han Xiao finally noticed that something was wrong with Nie Chengyan. He was unusually enthusiastic and clingy, holding her tightly and refusing to let go. He also repeated his old question, demanding that she promise she wouldn't mind his limp. Han Xiao had learned her lesson and finally asked him seriously. Nie Chengyan also learned his lesson and dared not hide his worries anymore. So, unable to resist, he told her about Cheng Liang's visit.

Han Xiao inquired in detail about the treatment methods recorded in the medical record and immediately felt that the technique was brilliant. Nie Chengyan was so frightened that his face turned pale. He pressed her into his arms and hugged her tightly: "Don't think about this. My foot has been like this for so many years. It will never get better. Don't leave me behind to study this medical technique. Xiaoxiao, I can't wait three years. We must not be separated for even a day. While you were traveling as a doctor, I was suffering in Baiqiao City. I didn't dare to look for you, but I missed you. We finally got back together. You must not abandon me again because of this."

"I won't. I'll stay with you no matter what, and we'll never be apart."

Although Nie Chengyan had received a guarantee, he was still uneasy. He clung to Han Xiao, and as he clung to her, he became increasingly aroused. This time, Han Xiao did not resist. She just blushed and whispered, "If you keep tying me up, I won't stand for it."

Just as Nie Chengyan was getting intimate with her, feeling a sweet and intoxicating fragrance, he teased her, "Then you tie me up." He then actually reached for a long whip and handed it to her. Han Xiao blushed crimson, but she was not to be outdone. She actually took the whip, but unfortunately, she didn't know how to use it at all. After fiddling with it for a while, Nie Chengyan thought she was just trying to seduce him.

As the two became one, Han Xiao exclaimed, "I'm not tied up yet, no, it doesn't count..." He silenced her with a kiss, sucking on her tongue, and she could no longer speak.

After a long while, Nie Chengyan whispered in her ear, "I'll tie you up, okay?" Han Xiao, with her hair down, rode on him, panting softly, and leaned shyly on his shoulder, having long forgotten where the whip was.

After their passionate encounter, she discovered that this shameless master had bound them both together. She lay down close to him, side by side, and before he drifted off to sleep, she was forced to say again and again that she loved him and would never leave him.

The next day, Nie Chengyan woke up, intending to cuddle with his Xiaoxiao and act coquettishly, but found she was no longer in the room. Having learned from his previous experience, he was startled and sat up abruptly, not caring that he was completely naked, and kept calling for help. Huo Qiyang quickly came in to report that Han Xiao had left early in the morning, saying she would be back by noon.

Is someone following us?

"Yes, Ziming and Lele are with them too."

"She doesn't need to see any doctors today, so where is she going?"

"Miss Han didn't say."

"Are we going to the Long residence to say goodbye? Didn't we agree to go together? Send someone to the Long residence to ask... Also, go and take a look at that small courtyard... and the Mu residence, and Princess Ruyi's place..."

Huo Qiyang accepted the order and left quickly. Nie Chengyan tidied himself up, feeling restless. That silly girl, could she be trying to find Cheng Liang? She didn't know Cheng Liang, and it was impossible for her to enter the palace. So where did she go? Nie Chengyan waited all morning. He was anxious and was about to go out to look for her himself when Mu Yuan came to his door.

It turned out that Han Xiao was indeed going to find Cheng Liang, and she really couldn't enter the palace. So she went to find Feng Ning early in the morning, and Feng Ning took her to find Princess Ruyi. Princess Ruyi then helped her arrange a meeting with Cheng Liang.

Fearing there might be some problems, the princess sent someone to inform Mu Yuan. Mu Yuan then rushed to fetch Nie Chengyan, intending to take him to bring Han Xiao back.

Nie Chengyan, of course, couldn't wait to follow. It turned out that the place the princess had arranged to meet was not in the palace, but rather the vegetarian hall outside the palace where she meditated and recited Buddhist scriptures. When Nie Chengyan arrived, he only saw Han Xiao standing alone, looking sullen, in front of the lush green slope.

"Xiaoxiao..." he shouted, recklessly pushing the chair wheels toward her.

Han Xiao was startled when she heard him call her name. She turned around and saw Nie Chengyan's chair crashing into her uncontrollably. Before she could even utter "Master," Nie Chengyan pounced on her and hugged her tightly. The pounce was fine, but one of them lost their balance and the other couldn't stand up, so the two of them tumbled down the grassy slope, still clinging to each other.

Mu Yuan stared dumbfounded at the two people who were completely absorbed in their own world, then turned to Ruyi and asked, "What's going on?"

Ruyi said, "I don't understand either. It seems that Han Xiao was discussing Lord Cheng's treatment of his legs with him. That's what they said, but it sounded like an argument. They were arguing about medical principles and techniques, but I didn't understand any of it. After the argument, Lord Cheng left dejectedly, but Xiao Xiao didn't seem very happy."

Mu Yuan sighed, "It's good that they're alright." He glanced in the direction they had rolled down the slope, a little worried, "Should we go help them?"

"Let them wait a while. They'll call out if something happens. If there's no sound, then nothing's wrong." Ruyi left the servants behind and turned to walk towards the pavilion to the side.

Mu Yuan followed and said, "Didn't the Emperor say he wanted to arrange a marriage for you? If you have someone you like, why don't you discuss it with him?"

Ruyi smiled and said, "I shouldn't cause any more trouble for others. It's good to be a vegetarian and chant Buddhist scriptures. After Father Emperor is done with this, I'll talk to him and ask him to let me become a nun."

Mu Yuan was stunned for a moment, then took two steps forward and said urgently, "It's better not to become a monk..."

At the bottom of the slope, Nie Chengyan held Han Xiao tightly: "You've made me angry again, haven't you? You've made me unhappy again, haven't you?"

"I just came to discuss some medical issues." Han Xiao hugged him back. "Master, that method won't work. There's still hope for recovery within a year of the initial injury. He said seven or eight years, which is simply impossible. He didn't consider everything thoroughly. Upon closer examination, some medical principles are not feasible. Your injuries are severe, there was poison involved, and so much time has passed..."

Before she could finish speaking, Nie Chengyan silenced her with a kiss. Han Xiao finally calmed down under his kiss, and he said, "I don't care, Xiao Xiao. Even if it's really curable, and he wants to exchange you for it, I won't. It's because I'm crippled that God sent you to me. You see, it's obvious. I won't exchange you, no matter what you offer."

Han Xiao blinked: "Is that what you're thinking about? What I'm thinking about is how he can heal old injuries. I couldn't figure it out all night last night, so I have to find out today."

Nie Chengyan stared at her for a long time, then suddenly roared, "Xiaoxiao, after what happened last night, you can still think about this all night? In your heart, is medical skill more important, or am I more important?"

This is an unsolvable problem that will forever weigh on Nie Chengyan's mind.

Han chuckled and kissed him several times to comfort him, "Master, let's go home!"

Nie Chengyan glared at her, but after a while, his heart softened, and he hugged her tightly: "Okay, let's go home!"

————————————The dividing line of happiness——————————————————

end

A year later, Nie Chengyan accompanied Han Xiao on an outing. The old man from Yunwu, whom they had been searching for for a long time, returned to the mountains. He built a grave for himself and left a letter for Han Xiao: Don't forget your vows. You must read my medical book.

When Nie Chengyan and Han Xiao returned, the Old Man of Cloud Mist was nowhere to be found; it was unknown whether he was in his grave or somewhere else. But according to Steward Bai, the Old Man of Cloud Mist was seriously ill, so he was probably really gone, but his pride prevented him from seeing his children and grandchildren in that state. Han Xiao read the letter and felt an indescribable sadness. Nie Chengyan and she kowtowed before the grave and paid their respects to heaven and earth.

Han Xiao remained engrossed in medicine, dedicating herself to healing and saving lives. She carefully studied all the medical books left behind by the old man Yunwu. That year, she became pregnant, and Nie Chengyan kept a close watch on her, forbidding her from going anywhere. So she focused on reading. One day, she finally saw the last book on the last shelf of the bookshelf, and inside that book, there was a letter.

"Girl, I don't know how long it will take you to see this letter. If it takes a long time, don't blame me. If you can't finish studying my medical books, I won't accept you as my granddaughter-in-law. Ayan is stubborn, just like me. I've ruined his life. If I can't make him happy, I won't be at peace even in the underworld. If you're unwilling to be with Ayan after experiencing some setbacks and obstacles, then you're not worthy of him. Because life is long, and to stay by the side of a crippled man with such a temperament, you're not resilient enough to stay with him for long. If you can't stay with him for long, then it's better to break up sooner rather than later."