Тонкая нить привязанности

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As he looked at it, he grew annoyed again. Just then, Huo Qiyang knocked on the door and came in, carrying a bowl of medicine: "Master, it's time to take your medicine."

"Leave it for now, we'll drink it later."

Huo Qiyang placed the medicine on a small table near the bed and said, "You need to massage your acupoints to activate your meridians and move your legs and feet."

"Wait for Xiaoxiao to come back, then have her help me." Nie Chengyan said sullenly, somewhat unhappy. It was already late, why hadn't this girl returned yet? Whose servant was she anyway? Whose?

Huo Qiyang didn't say anything more, nodded in agreement, and left. After a while, someone knocked on the door again, and a servant came in to change the candle. Nie Chengyan asked, "What time is it?"

"It's almost past 7 PM, Master."

Nie Chengyan sat up abruptly: "It's so late, has she gotten too bold and isn't coming back?" His tone was stern, which frightened the servant into stammering, "I, I'll go call Brother Huo."

Huo Qiyang quickly entered and reported, "I just sent someone to ask Ziming. Miss Han has been researching antidotes all day and hasn't had dinner yet. I've already asked Ziming to urge her. Miss Han knows it's getting late and said she'll be back soon."

"Did I ask that? I didn't ask you to rush her."

"Yes, it was my fault for meddling." Huo Qiyang admitted his mistake readily and decisively. Nie Chengyan snorted, lay back down on the bed, and remained silent. Huo Qiyang withdrew and sent a servant to the clinic to urge them again.

By the time Han Xiao finally returned from the clinic, Nie Chengyan felt the time had dragged on so long that he was no longer angry. Hearing her movements, he quickly closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep. But Han Xiao didn't even approach to examine him; she simply asked as soon as she entered the room, "Why isn't Master taking his medicine?"

Nie Chengyan closed his eyes and remained silent, but Han Xiao seemed not to expect him to answer at all. Without even looking at him, she took the bowl of cold medicine and handed it to a servant, instructing him to make a hot one. The servant asked her in a low voice if she wanted to eat, and she replied that she would check if her mistress was still hungry and then give her instructions.

Hearing this, Nie Chengyan felt a warm glow in his heart. She must know he had gone to eat with the old man and was afraid he hadn't eaten well. Thinking of this, he stopped making a fuss, opened his eyes, and saw Han Xiao walking towards him. She smiled slightly at him, didn't say anything, and directly stretched his legs, gently kneaded them, then began acupressure massage, and then helped him straighten and exercise. Nie Chengyan didn't speak, quietly watching her.

After Han Xiao finished the massage, he asked, "Why hasn't Master said anything today?"

"You disappeared early this morning and only came back now, you should be asleep. How did you know I wouldn't say a word today?" The tone was so mournful that Nie Chengyan wanted to bite his tongue. What was wrong with him? Why was he so easily losing his composure?

Han Xiao frowned, not understanding why he was unhappy. After thinking for a moment, she said, "The divine physician asked me to take charge of Miss Lin's treatment today. I was so excited that I came back late. Please don't be angry, Master."

"Hmm." Nie Chengyan finally managed to suppress his resentment, remaining calm and composed, trying to project the air of a master.

The servant brought in the medicine, and Han Xiao fed it to Nie Chengyan with a spoon. This time, he didn't resist at all and obediently drank it. Han Xiao said, "Master should take his medicine on time every day. Lele doesn't throw a tantrum when taking his medicine."

"Comparing me to a kid?" He couldn't hold back this time, and it wasn't his fault; it wasn't because he was petty.

“No, Master is an adult now, so he knows better than anyone to take his medicine properly.” Han Xiao easily defused his anger. She put away the medicine bowl, straightened his legs, and asked, “Is Master hungry? Would you like a midnight snack?”

"I'm so angry I can't eat."

"Then this servant will prescribe some medicine for you, mistress, to release the gas. It won't smell too bad."

Did she drug him so he could fart? Nie Chengyan turned and glared at her: "You either don't come back, or you come back and make me angry." But why did he feel so comfortable when she came back? He actually understood, but the more he understood, the more annoyed he became.

"This servant was wrong." Her attitude in admitting her mistake was just as good as Huo Qiyang's, but he was still not happy. Was his tone resentful just now?

Although Han Xiao felt something was off, she assumed it was because Nie Chengyan had upset the old man in the clouds earlier that day. Besides, her mind was still preoccupied with the antidote manuals, so she didn't focus too much on comforting him. Finally, after much effort, she managed to get him to eat something with her. Afterwards, they washed up, cleaned themselves, and got ready to sleep.

Han Xiao was truly exhausted that day, but she couldn't sleep lying on the couch, her mind still preoccupied with how to cure the Green Snow Poison. Nie Chengyan couldn't sleep either. He had spent most of the day thinking about it, and while he understood some things, these understandings presented him with a huge problem. He was at a loss; for the first time in his life, he felt unable to let go of anything.

Was it because Xie Jingyun was too obedient and compliant back then, so he felt no pressure? Or was it because he was now crippled and had lost his former high spirits? He thought about it over and over, but felt that neither was the case. He and Han Xiao were completely different people. She made him hesitant about his old ways of doing things. He was genuinely worried, worried that Xiao Xiao would be disappointed in him, worried that he would see disapproval in her eyes.

He had always known her. She admired Doctor Xue's benevolence, appreciated Shi Er's selflessness, and respected Mu Yuan's loyalty to his country. She had initially admired him because he had built the Hundred Bridges City, believing it was built with the intention of curing the world's diseases. But as they spent more time together, things like ordering servants to test poisons were bound to happen. His true colors might no longer be concealed. What if she looked down on him? If he were master and she were servant, he could act without restraint, but now, he not only hesitated, he cared. What should he do?

"Xiaoxiao," he couldn't help but call out.

"Yes, Master, this servant is here."

After thinking for a long time, he finally asked, "What kind of person do you want to marry in the future?"

Han Xiao was startled, her mind clearing. She was of marriageable age; would her master want to marry her off? For a maid who had sold herself, marriage was arranged by her master. Had someone already approached her master? Han Xiao sat up abruptly: "Master, I have a younger brother to take care of, and you can't be without someone by your side. Can I not marry?"

Not marrying? Does that mean she'll stay by his side forever? Nie Chengyan suddenly understood. Whatever kind of upright, kind, brave, and virtuous man she liked, he could make her not marry. How wonderful! He was the master; his word was law. If he said she couldn't marry, she couldn't marry. Nie Chengyan felt happy and relieved.

Han Xiao waited a long time for a reply, then called out again, "Master?"

Nie Chengyan's sleepy voice came: "Mmm, go to sleep, I won't marry, I won't marry." Han Xiao breathed a sigh of relief and fell back onto the bed. What on earth was going on?

In the following days, Han Xiao was busy researching poisons and forgot about Nie Chengyan's matter. Her work made progress; the poison Lin Zhi had been afflicted with could finally be confirmed as not being Green Snow. Although the poison pills looked the same and the symptoms were similar, there were still some differences. The biggest difference was that this poison could cause premature aging. Its toxicity was even greater than Green Snow; it made people age slowly, suffering painfully until death, its cruelty was appalling. Han Xiao called this poison Green Frost.

This incident turned the Elder of Cloud Mist's face ashen. He locked himself in his alchemy room for three months, which Han Xiao heard he was doing to research the composition and refining method of Green Frost. This made her very happy. She believed that once the Elder of Cloud Mist had found the solution, he would know how to cure the poison. If he made the antidote public, the poison would no longer be able to harm anyone. Driven by this, she studied even harder. She believed she had to keep Lin Zhi alive until the day the Elder of Cloud Mist emerged from seclusion to cure the poison.

Miraculously, she did it. She boldly employed a medicinal steaming method, which, while strengthening the body and protecting the heart and blood vessels, accelerated the onset of toxicity. The high-temperature steaming caused Linzhi to sweat profusely, expelling the toxins. She added several doses of toxic drugs to Linzhi's medicine, using poison to counteract poison, which was then quickly expelled together. Linzhi stopped aging; she opened her eyes, and she regained the strength to struggle and shout.

Perhaps because the Elder of Clouds and Mist was in seclusion and no one was watching over him on the mountain, or perhaps because Han Xiao's treatment methods were too unbelievable, more and more doctors came to inquire and discuss. At first, some people came with a sense of wanting to test the waters, prepared to either be given a cold shoulder or a sarcastic laugh.

Unexpectedly, Han Xiao generously shared her insights and humbly sought advice. Her bold ideas were not infeasible, and those who wanted to scoff couldn't. Furthermore, with Young Master Nie Chengyan personally overseeing the Xi Clinic, his knowing yet cold gaze fixed on them as he sat beside Han Xiao, the doctors, even if they were just going through the motions, had to exchange a few words. As the conversation flowed back and forth, with more inquiries and consultations, and given that medicine was their specialty, things naturally turned into serious discussion and collaborative research. Even the procedures for several fumigation treatments, the use of bloodletting and surgical techniques, and everything from preparation and equipment arrangement to temperature control and medication safety, saw many doctors actively participating in the discussions and finalizations.

This unprecedented scene of hard work and unity on Yunwu Mountain sparked widespread discussion and inspired a learning spirit among everyone from farm laborers to doctors. Some joked that Yunwu Mountain was about to undergo a major transformation.

Han Xiao was overjoyed to see Lin Zhi's condition improve. She had lived up to the divine physician's expectations and was finally able to wait for the day he would emerge from seclusion and treat Lin Zhi. However, she never expected that the day the old man of the clouds and mist appeared would bring her nothing but a bucket of cold water.

He glanced at Lin Zhi's condition and coldly remarked, "She's still alive."

Han Xiao was surprised and asked, "Didn't the divine doctor go to study the composition and manufacturing methods of this green frost so that he could know how to save people?"

"Refining poison and saving lives are two completely different things," the old man Yunwu said matter-of-factly. His words were easy to understand; he had never said that he was researching the poison to save the poisoned person. He glanced at Han Xiao, then walked out of the house, casually instructing Xue Song to bring the booklet containing the records of the medicines and methods used to treat Lin Zhi to his room. What he didn't say was that Han Xiao had actually accomplished something he himself might not have been able to do so quickly, and he wanted to see how this was done.

When Nie Chengyan arrived, he saw Han Xiao standing there, fists clenched, a look of disappointment and heartache on his face. He Ziming whispered what had just happened in his ear, making Nie Chengyan's heart clench.

He pushed the chair over and took Han Xiao's hand. Han Xiao trembled, and when she came to her senses and saw Nie Chengyan, she finally pouted and showed a wronged look. She threw herself into Nie Chengyan's arms, not crying, but clinging tightly to him.

"Don't be disappointed, smile, don't be angry, I will never treat him the same way," he said to himself, gently embracing her.

The author has something to say: Ugh, I originally came up with a really romantic plot, but then I forgot about it and I just can't seem to write it with the feeling I had in mind. I'm so disappointed.

Oh, brain, give me back my story!

For love only

The emergence of the Cloud Mist Elder brought the atmosphere on Cloud Mist Mountain back to freezing. The doctors became cautious and no longer dared to openly occupy Xi's clinic. Some who could come to Xi's clinic for business would also detour to Han Xiao's clinic to check on the progress of the poison treatment. Those who had no excuse to come could only inquire indirectly and no longer went in groups.

Chen Rong and the others, who had disliked Han Xiao from the beginning, now had a handle to use against him. They went to Elder Yunwu and complained bitterly about Han Xiao.

They rattled off a whole story about Han Xiao's actions in instigating the crowd over the past few months, concluding, "Although Master gave that girl instructions to be in charge of treating Linzhi, that girl is still quite inexperienced. Instead of diligently studying medicine, she's been delving into crooked and unorthodox methods. If she were doing it on her own, that would be one thing, but while Master was in seclusion, she actually colluded with several doctors and servants on the mountain to discuss using sorcery to treat people."

“That’s right, Master. They actually dared to steam a living person. I even saw her bleeding her blood. Her method was not the proper way. She used needles and fire, and she was quite ruthless. She even put needles in dangerous places like the temples and the heart.”

"What's a heart? Didn't that girl already show her ruthlessness? She used a long needle to stab people straight into their hearts back then; everyone saw it."

“Master, if it were just her doing this, it wouldn’t have made a difference. But now so many people have been incited by her and are even studying unorthodox medical techniques. I’m afraid the traditional medical principles that you taught us will be distorted and misinterpreted.”

Everyone chattered away for nearly half an hour. The old man of the clouds and mist didn't stop them; instead, he seemed to be listening quite attentively. As a result, everyone worked even harder to analyze and summarize the harm that Han Xiao had caused to Cloud Mist Mountain. They even named Wang Liu, Xue Song, Fang Qiao, Du Gui, and others who had participated in the research on the antidote.

After the old man in the clouds and mist had finished speaking, he suddenly asked, "Chen Rong, now that Lin Yang is gone, you are my most senior disciple. Since this girl Han Xiao is so audacious and domineering, given your temperament, why don't you teach her a lesson?"

Chen Rong was taken aback, and quickly said, "Master, that girl is relying on the young master's backing..."

"Hmm." The old man's drawn-out utterance was meaningful, startling Chen Rong, who immediately fell silent. Han Xiao had the young master behind him, while Chen Rong had his master behind him. If he feared the young master and dared not stabilize the hearts of the people in the mountains or maintain order, then he, as the chief disciple, would be truly pathetic. How could he possibly gain leverage to have his master pass the mountain to him in the future?

Chen Rong felt something was wrong the more he thought about it. After pondering for a long time, he carefully changed his words and said, "Master has always doted on you, young master. I dare not displease you, so as not to upset you, master."

The old man in the clouds didn't speak. He picked up the teacup beside him and took a sip. Next to the teacup was a booklet recording all the medicines and methods Han Xiao used to treat Linzhi. He had read it for two days and finished it.

Talent, indeed, is a terrifying thing!

The old man in the clouds thought to himself, "The same was true of Chi Yanxing back then." He had studied under a famous doctor for over twenty years, yet he couldn't compare to a self-taught, eccentric physician who had only studied for ten years. As for Han Xiao, he was astonished when he first saw her background. She was also self-taught in a chaotic way, but somehow she managed to save lives and prevent people from dying.

"Hmph, not a single person who has been treated has died." The old man of the clouds closed his eyes. Back then, only one person could be worthy of such words: Chi Yanxing. In fact, he greatly admired his medical skills, truly admired them. It was just a pity that there could only be one number one in the martial arts world, and since he wanted to be number one, those who stood in his way had to be sacrificed.

Chen Rong and the others looked at the old woman in the clouds and mist without saying a word for a long time, wondering what she was thinking. They looked at each other and pushed each other a little. Just as they were about to speak again, the old woman in the clouds and mist waved her hand and said, "You can all leave. I know about this matter and I will deal with her myself."

Upon hearing this, Chen Rong and the others were overjoyed, bowed, and took their leave.

Nie Chengyan quickly learned about Chen Rong and the others' complaint. He couldn't quite figure out what the old man was thinking, but he knew he was far more influential than Chen Rong and the others. The old man feared him but wouldn't take Chen Rong and the others seriously. Therefore, he wasn't worried about Han Xiao's safety for the time being; he was more concerned about her feelings.

Han Xiao initially believed that the Cloud Mist Elder's research was an effort to detoxify and save lives, but she eventually discovered it was merely her naive wish. She remained depressed for several days. Nie Chengyan tried every means to comfort her. He secretly sent people to collect top-secret manuals on detoxification and alchemy, hoping to shift Han Xiao's focus to studying new detoxification methods. He also frequently encouraged her: "Why rely on that old man to provide detoxification formulas? You are also a doctor; you might do no worse than him. Since you are dedicated to helping patients, why not try writing your own manual? If you can write it, I will print it for you. I will distribute two copies to every pharmacy and medical shop in Baiqiao City. Think about it, there are so many doctors in Baiqiao City, and each doctor has apprentices. Once these people learn it, how many places will it spread? Alternatively, I can send the manual to various cities and regions. Your detoxification manual can benefit many people."

"Write it myself? Print it out for other doctors to see? That it could benefit many patients?" Han Xiao didn't even dare to think about it. But Nie Chengyan let her know that this could definitely come true. Han Xiao received the greatest encouragement of her life, and she was both worried and happy: "But I am still not very talented, and there are many questions I still need to ask."

"Then go and ask them. There aren't enough doctors in Yunwu Mountain for you to consult, and there are also doctors in Baiqiao City for you to ask. You can ask anyone you want." Nie Chengyan's medical skills may not be that high, but he still has face. If his daughter Xiaoxiao wants to ask a question, who would dare not answer properly?

"Well, I can't draw, so I think it would be best if the books included pictures of herbs to avoid people mistaking them. Also, pictures of acupoints and various medical tools..." The more she thought about it, the more she realized that this was not an easy task.

Normally she wouldn't worry about things she should, but now she's worrying about things she shouldn't. Nie Chengyan snorted: "It's hard to find an obedient and well-behaved girl like this, but there are plenty of skilled painters everywhere."

Han Xiao pouted and muttered, "Last time, Master clearly said that it's hard to find a wife he likes, but it's easy to find a maid."

"Why do you care what I say? Ignore everything else, just tell me, do you want to do this or not?"

She certainly thought so; this was even better than having enough to eat for a month straight. Han Xiao smiled brightly and nodded vigorously. But then she had a second thought: "Master, how much silver will it cost to print these books?"

If you can laugh as happily as this every day, what does silver matter? Nie Chengyan tapped the handle of his wheelchair: "Right now, I don't only have silver left, do I?" Seeing that Han Xiao seemed to be sad for him, he quickly added: "I want to sell this book for money. I'm not afraid of spending silver; I can earn it back."

"Sell it for money?" Han Xiao was dumbfounded.

"Uh, it's very cheap, everyone can afford it." Nie Chengyan really wanted to punch himself for being so spineless.

Han smiled and happily took on the task. She diligently continued treating Linzhi's poisoning while simultaneously preparing to write a treatise on detoxification. This made Nie Chengyan feel that he had accomplished something even more fulfilling than building the Hundred Bridges City.

But there was another thing that worried him, and that was Han Le's illness.

Nie Chengyan reviewed all the records of Han Le's treatment on Yunwu Mountain and discovered that more than a year ago, after Han Xiao mentioned the possibility of an intracranial ailment, the old man of Yunwu Mountain did indeed re-examine the cause of the illness from that perspective. Two months later, the medication was indeed changed. There were no problems with the prescription or treatment methods, and Han Le's body had indeed become stronger, but he still couldn't walk.

Nie Chengyan closed the book and pondered. He understood the old man; Han Xiao was indeed useful to him, and Han Xiao's personality was not easily controlled. She was too righteous, too opinionated, and dared to think and act. Therefore, given the old man's personality, it was impossible to rule out the possibility that he had tampered with Han Le to control Han Xiao. Moreover, Nie Chengyan believed that the old man might have sensed his feelings for Han Xiao even earlier than he had. If he controlled Han Xiao, he could control him, and for that, the old man would certainly not hesitate to act ruthlessly.

Nie Chengyan thought it over and over again. The medicine was fine, and the treatment was fine, so what could be the problem? Han Xiao was very concerned about Han Le's illness and checked on him every few days. She probably knew this booklet by heart. She didn't see anything wrong, so he hadn't been too concerned before. But now that he thought about it, he was really wrong.

He understood the old man better than Han Xiao; he should have been more wary of him than his sister and brother. But before he understood his feelings for Han Xiao, he didn't do so for them. The old man could heal, but he could also harm. If it wasn't an incurable problem, then it meant he had harmed them.

Nie Chengyan had his men secretly keep a close eye on Han Le's medicine. He carefully examined each dose and found no errors; the medicine matched the prescription perfectly. Acupuncture and fumigation were no longer necessary. Han Le was now staying in his courtyard, cared for by his own people, and given the same food and supplies as Han Le. There was naturally no problem. So what else could he possibly investigate?

Nie Chengyan carefully examined the booklet again and again, and finally one day a flash of inspiration struck him. He had Huo Qiyang bring Han Le over, and then ordered two more braziers to be lit. After that, he had Han Le's clothes removed.

"Great hero, do you want to take off all your clothes?" Han Le blinked, looking completely innocent.

“Okay, take it off, let me take a look at your illness.” That was Nie Chengyan’s reply.

"Why do I have to take my clothes off when I'm treated, Lord City Lord? My sister and other doctors don't have to take their clothes off when they treat me, they only do it when they use needles. Are you going to prick me with needles, Lord City Lord?" Han Le was very curious.

"No need to prick, just take a look."

"Then why take your clothes off completely, to be different from others?"

"They've tried everything to avoid stripping naked, so I'll try something else."

"Will taking off all your clothes make it better?"

"uncertain."

"If that's not good, I'll be at a disadvantage if I strip naked."