Тонкая нить привязанности

Глава 47

"How could Third Master Long take Fengfeng on such a dangerous trip?"

Nie Chengyan narrowed his eyes, ready to settle scores with her: "It's not as dangerous as you taking her to Qingshan Valley..." Before he could finish speaking, Han Xiao quickly turned and ran away: "I'm going back to continue being angry, do as you please."

"Xiaoxiao, come back."

"I didn't hear you," Han Xiao replied with a strong voice. Nie Chengyan was furious, but he dared not tie her up again; he was genuinely afraid of upsetting her. He touched the small bag in his arms, remembering what Chi Yanxing had said: "I have never forced anyone to do anything for me." What did he mean by saying that to him?

He had a vague premonition that the old man Yunwu's departure meant he would never reunite with them. Chi Yanxing's words—telling them not to pursue the details further and that he never forced anyone—refered to the poisoning incident. But he couldn't let go of those things. They had poisoned Yun'er. If everything was as Chi Yanxing said, why would they bother to deceive him with a fake story? There must be more to the story. He couldn't do anything more for Yun'er, but he at least had to give her the truth, not let her die for him without knowing why.

What secrets are Yun'er's family hiding?

Author's Note: I'm really stuck! Anyway, it's almost finished, and Chinese New Year is just around the corner. I'll try my best to update daily, so please give me some motivation!!!

assassination operation

Just as Nie Chengyan had said, Feng Ning had gone with Long San to carry out the assassination. She overheard Long San explaining the details on the way in the carriage and excitedly rushed towards him, saying, "Long San, Long San, you have such good judgment! If you take me with you, we'll definitely succeed!"

Long San pinched her nose: "I was afraid that if I returned successfully, you would be angry with me for not taking you with me after hearing about it."

"Yes, that's for sure." Feng Ning admitted honestly without any hesitation. Long San chuckled and patted her head: "Be good, don't run around. I'll take you with me wherever I go from now on."

Feng Ning smiled, her eyes crinkling, and said, "Okay, you keep your word." Long San's heart stirred, and he pulled her into his arms, saying, "Yes, I keep my word. I'll take you with me wherever I go."

“Long San…” Long San’s gentle attitude aroused Feng Ning’s suspicion: “Are you plotting something?”

"How could that be? You're just being paranoid." He pressed her head against his chest, kissed the top of her head, and changed the subject, beginning to instruct her on the arrangements once they arrived at their destination. Feng Ning seemed completely unfazed by the mission; she even managed to ask several very insightful questions, which Long San answered carefully.

That night, Long San and Feng Ning, dressed in black, led more than a dozen guards and quietly sneaked into King Xia's palace. King Xia had been overseeing the war effort from the front lines for the past few days, and he had initially thought victory was assured. However, in just a few days, a stunning reversal had occurred. Not only had countless soldiers at the front surrendered and been captured, but news had also come from the capital that his younger brother was secretly plotting to usurp the throne.

King Xia was burning with anxiety. He had initially thought he had subdued the Xiao Kingdom with his military might, and that the old man from Xiao sending his daughter to him for his disposal was a sign of submission. He hadn't expected that while he had the princess, much of his anger had dissipated. However, his triumph was short-lived; his army was routed and utterly defeated. He suddenly realized that the princess hostage was merely a delaying tactic; the Xiao Kingdom had no intention of submitting to him. He was both furious and panicked, secretly relieved that he hadn't actually killed the wretched woman; keeping her alive was a bargaining chip.

That night, he and several trusted confidants were secretly discussing countermeasures. Beset by both external and internal troubles, he had to address one first. But before they could reach a conclusion, the silence outside suddenly aroused his suspicion. He waved for everyone to quiet down. A general understood, silently crept to the window, and gently poked a hole in the paper windowpane to peek out. Just as he brought his face close, a sharp sword pierced through the window and plunged into his head. The sword was pulled out, and the person outside clapped their hands; the window collapsed with a crash.

The people inside were terrified and drew their weapons. But before they could react, several arrows shot into the room. Two people were hit and fell to the ground with a cry. The others hurriedly swung their swords to sweep away the arrows, but more arrows flew in.

General Scarface shouted, "Protect the Emperor!" With his shout, a loud crash echoed through the roof, smashing several large holes in it. Several men in black slid down from the roof like ghosts, their silver blades flashing as they swung their swords, the tips pointing directly at the King of Xia.

Several loyal generals rushed forward, swords drawn, swiftly forming a semi-circle to protect King Xia. However, the men in black were highly skilled; despite the generals' desperate attacks, they gained no advantage. Protected within the circle, King Xia, witnessing the bloody scene, was consumed by rage. His violent temper flared; he kicked one assassin away, ran to the wall, grabbed his broadsword, and as another general kicked down an assassin, King Xia, without hesitation, beheaded him.

The men in black paled at the sight. The Xia King's ruthlessness was indeed well-deserved. They gritted their teeth and intensified their attacks. Several Xia generals, desperate to save their lives, also fought back with all their might. For a time, the two sides were locked in a stalemate, unable to gain the upper hand. The Xia King was highly skilled in martial arts, radiating murderous intent, and his attacks seemed designed to take everyone down with him. The men in black, cautious in their attacks, were instead overwhelmed by his onslaught.

A man in black had his arm severed, his weapon falling from his grasp. A bloodthirsty gleam flashed in the Xia King's eyes, and he swung his blade straight at the man's head. Just then, a tall, slender figure appeared, his longsword clashing as it blocked the Xia King's blade. This person possessed immense inner strength, causing the Xia King's hand to go numb, and his blade nearly fell to the ground.

King Xia, instead of being angry at the blow, laughed. His laughter was vicious, and his eyes turned red: "It's been a long time since I've had such a satisfying killing session. Good, well done!" He roared and focused all his energy on killing the expert who had just broken in.

The one who arrived was none other than Long San. He had dealt with the troublesome matters outside, eliminating any future threats, and then rushed here to capture King Xia. King Xia was originally a military general, and the kind of general who became more excited the more blood was shed. When he encountered an opponent like Long San, every cell in his body was calling for slaughter.

The two exchanged blows for over ten moves when Feng Ning burst in, launching into a fierce attack without a word. Xia Wang thrust his blade straight at Long San's chest, forcing Long San to retreat hastily. Feng Ning, however, moved swiftly to the side, her arm like a serpent, following the trajectory of Xia Wang's blade, wrapping around him. With a swift stroke of her short blade, she drew a bloody gash in Xia Wang's chest. Having landed a blow, she didn't linger, turning and retreating. She parried another general's longsword, allowing another man in black to seize the opportunity and plunge his sword into the general's heart.

Long San and Feng Ning didn't have many opportunities to fight together, but perhaps because they were of one mind as husband and wife, their tacit understanding was excellent. As soon as Feng Ning retreated after her attack, he seized the opportunity to step in, his longsword slashing and cutting another bloody gash into Xia Wang's body. Xia Wang hurriedly retreated, but Feng Ning pressed forward again. She thrust with her right hand, her short blade flashing. Xia Wang twisted and dodged with all his might, but he didn't expect Feng Ning's body to tilt as if boneless, her left palm following the direction Xia Wang had dodged, striking him squarely on the shoulder.

King Xia fell to the ground, struck by a palm strike. Long San's longsword was waiting there, and it seemed King Xia was about to die by the sword. Just then, a loyal minister rushed forward and shielded King Xia, and Long San's sword pierced him, killing him instantly. But in that instant, General Scarface arrived, giving King Xia a chance to catch his breath. He quickly rolled to the side, and the other soldiers, seeing this, also desperately rushed to his aid.

Feng Ning was petite with large, bright eyes and a pretty, delicate appearance. It was clear at a glance that she was a young woman. Her skills were exceptional. General Scarface had fought countless enemies, but he had only ever seen one with such agile and skillful abilities. He recognized her as the woman he had fought in Gusha City and shouted, "She is an assassin from the Xiao Kingdom!"

This revelation caused King Xia's pupils to shrink, his murderous intent fully revealed. He had originally thought it was his brother trying to take his life amidst the chaos of war, but he never expected it to be that old man from Xiao Kingdom who sent him. Long San and Feng Ning both sensed King Xia's imposing aura, and they had no intention of giving him time to recover, so they attacked again from the left and right.

General Scarface and another man fought desperately to block, while King Xia, pressed against the wall, somehow disappeared into a hidden door. Long San was stunned. Seeing King Xia's bloodthirsty appearance, there was no reason for him to run away like that. He swung his sword and cut down one of the men, then quickly ran to the corner of the wall, but couldn't find the mechanism for a moment.

The outcome of the battle inside the room was already clear. Feng Ning had cut down another man, leaving only Scarface and two others struggling to hold on. With the eight men in black surrounding them, they would soon be captured. Feng Ning left the battle and ran to the wall to help Long San: "This kind of mechanism should work on the principle of interlocking mechanisms." Following the location of the flip door she had just seen, she found a spot on the side, guessing it was where Xia Wang was standing. She kicked the bricks below and pounded on the bricks above the door with her other hand. After trying several spots, she found two that seemed different. She exerted force at the same time and actually opened the hidden door.

Long San suddenly realized, "He's not trying to escape, he's going to kill someone. Princess Ruyi must still be alive." He plunged into the secret passage, and Feng Ning quickly followed.

The secret passage was spacious, lit on both sides, suggesting there was no chance of escape. However, it had many branching paths, leading in all directions, clearly a backup plan built by King Xia when the palace was constructed. Long San steadied himself, silently reminding himself not to rush. They had manpower set up exits in this area, making it difficult for King Xia to escape. Since he was now filled with murderous intent, they could find him once they located the princess. Long San quickly reviewed his memory of the palace's layout and the direction of the secret passage again, then pulled Feng Ning and said, "This way."

King Xia did indeed go to kill Princess Ruyi. She was the greatest humiliation he had ever suffered. His original intention was to keep her alive to torment her daily, so in addition to beating her, he specifically instructed his servants to keep an eye on her and prevent her from dying. But judging from the current situation, his end seemed to be near. Xiao Kingdom had no reason to send an assassin to kill him at this time. He had already been defeated, and forcing him to submit and pay tribute was the proper course of action. This ruthless killing must be due to an agreement with his younger brother. If they killed him, his brother could rightfully ascend the throne. If that was the case, how could he not hate them? If he had no way out, this wretched woman should not live either. He would take her down with him even if he died.

Thinking this, King Xia quickly rushed out of the secret passage and arrived at the room where Princess Ruyi was imprisoned. He kicked the door, and although there was a loud crack behind it, the door didn't fall down. King Xia narrowed his eyes, his anger intensifying. He hadn't expected that Princess Ruyi, who was beaten to the point of near death, could still pull a table and cabinet behind the door to block it. He gathered his strength and kicked again, this time with more force. The door and the small cabinet behind it were all smashed to pieces, crashing to the ground.

As soon as King Xia burst into the room, a burning cloth was thrown at him. King Xia flicked his sleeve and deflected the cloth. Upon closer inspection, he saw that the entire room was engulfed in flames. Princess Ruyi stood proudly in the center of the fire, her clothes dirty and tattered, her face covered in bloodstains, and her body stained with blood. Her right hand was stiff and unnatural; it was the first day she arrived when she tried to stab him with a dagger, but he twisted her wrist and broke it.

Even in such a miserable state, Princess Ruyi still stood tall and proud in the fire, like a beautiful and noble phoenix rising from the ashes. She shouted loudly, "You scoundrel, you will die a horrible death! I will haunt you even as a ghost!"

The more fearless she appeared, the angrier King Xia became; the more arrogant and unruly she was, the more he hated her. He charged forward, his body blazing with murderous intent, shouting, "Want to die? Not so easy!"

He crossed the fire and reached for Princess Ruyi. Fear flashed in Ruyi's eyes, but she stubbornly refused to give in. Desperate for death, she turned and slammed her head against the wall behind her with all her might. The flames raged at the base of the wall; even if she didn't die from the impact, she would be burned to death. But her movements weren't as fast as the King Xia's. Before she even hit the wall, she felt a sharp pain in her shoulder, followed by a tightening around her neck. The King Xia had grabbed her by the neck with one hand and dragged her away, cursing, "You wretch!"

Knowing she could no longer have her way, Ruyi gritted her teeth and remained silent. She would never cry out in pain, never beg for mercy, and never let him be triumphant. King Xia dragged her into the house, forcefully throwing her to the ground. He slapped her hard across the face: "You wretch, you think you can die so easily? Dream on! Your Xiao family won't let me live, and I won't let you have it easy either. I'll cut off all ten of your fingers, chop off all four limbs, and chop off your head, sending it back to your dog emperor father to see."

Princess Ruyi's mouth twisted in pain from the slap, her ears ringing. Every word the King of Xia uttered sounded like a groan from hell. Ruyi trembled uncontrollably, her vision blurring, but she kept her eyes wide open, silently pleading, "It's just a nightmare, just a nightmare, hang in there, hang in there..."

"You dare glare at me? I'll gouge your eyes out first!" King Xia roared, bending down and reaching out to grab Princess Ruyi's face. But before he could finish his sentence or even touch her, a long sword flew through the air with the sound of horses' hooves. The sword arrived before the man, and King Xia, caught off guard, hurriedly retreated.

The long sword narrowly pierced the spot where King Xia had just stood, the blade sinking five-tenths into the ground, its long handle trembling, demonstrating the immense strength of whoever had struck it. Ruyi couldn't see clearly, only vaguely making out something standing between her and King Xia. A chaotic clattering sound filled her ears, making them ring. King Xia looked closely and saw two fast horses galloping towards them, almost upon him. He gritted his teeth, disregarding everything, and lunged forward to kill Ruyi with a single blow. But several long arrows had already been fired; three black-clad archers had found their way and were now firing at him.

The riders on horseback rushed forward; one of them was only one-armed. He reached out and pulled a long sword from the ground, then swung it down with a flourish. King Xia rolled away in a sorry state. Another rider on horseback jumped off and attacked with two swift sword strikes. The one-armed rider hung his sword on the side of his saddle, bent down, and reached out to scoop Princess Ruyi from the ground onto his horse's back, placing her in front of him.

He wrapped one arm around her and said softly, "Princess, don't be afraid, you're safe now, you're safe now."

Ruyi was stunned and didn't react. The knight's eyes welled up with tears. He helped her up and held her tightly, pulled the black cloak behind him to wrap her up, and said again, "You're safe, Princess. It's alright, really, you're safe."

Ruyi seemed to have come to her senses. She blinked, then blinked again, and finally looked up at him. Then she began to tremble, her throat making a gurgling sound. She gripped his clothes tightly, and after a long while, she finally managed to say, "Mu, Mu Xiao, General?"

"It's me..."

Tears welled up in Ruyi's eyes, and in a hoarse voice, she called out again, as if in disbelief, "Young General Mu..."

"I am coming."

Princess Ruyi could no longer control herself and burst into tears, throwing herself into his arms and sobbing uncontrollably. Long San and Feng Ning arrived just in time to block King Xia's retreat. In the ensuing fight, the general who had come with Mu Yuan seized the opportunity and stabbed King Xia in the chest from behind with his sword.

King Xia fell to the ground and died. The general looked up at Long San and said, "It was our Mu family army that destroyed King Xia."

Feng Ning was pleased that things were settled and waved her hand casually, saying, "Whatever." But when she turned her head and saw Long San's dark face, she suddenly realized that this was credit, and he wanted to take it. She quickly changed her words, "No, it was clearly our Long family who did it." She saw the man purse his lips and said again, "Not convinced? Let's have another fight and see who's right."

Now Long San's face couldn't stay stern anymore. Feng Ning's words "we are members of the Long family" made him feel extremely comfortable. It was impossible for the Mu family general to fight with the Long family's wife. He turned around and glanced at Mu Yuan, who nodded: "Third Master Long, you handled this matter beautifully. You've really worked hard."

Long San didn't exchange pleasantries with him, but simply asked, "What brings you here?"

Mu Yuan looked down at the person in his arms and said in a deep voice, "I owe her." Long San was somewhat surprised, but nodded. Mu Yuan then said, "She is injured, so I'll go first."

Long San had no intention of stopping them, and bowed with clasped hands, saying, "Farewell." The Mu family general also mounted his horse, bowed in farewell, and left with Mu Yuan. Feng Ning watched their retreating figures and asked in surprise, "Is that the princess? She's really lucky." After thinking for a moment, she added, "Wasn't she said to be seriously injured? She should be sent to Xiao Xiao's place."

"It's not like Xiaoxiao is the only doctor. They need to return to the country quickly; the princess is still in danger here." Long San explained simply, then turned and ordered several guards to gather all the troops to handle the aftermath. Feng Ning followed behind him, feeling a little worried about Han Xiao, wondering how she was doing.

Han Xiao lay alone in her room that night, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. She was unaware of the harrowing night Feng Ning and the others had endured. Her mind was filled with conflicting thoughts and anxieties. Under Nie Chengyan's arrangement, they changed their lodgings overnight. The new house wasn't far from their old one, just nestled in a back alley. The fact that they could move so quickly suggested they had found a place and prepared it well in advance.

Han Xiao had no intention of sharing a room with Nie Chengyan. After moving, she chose a room to stay in early. Fortunately, Nie Chengyan didn't bother her this time, seemingly understanding that she needed her own space to think things through. So Han Xiao got some peace and quiet. She was still annoyed by Nie Chengyan's treatment of her today. Although she had somewhat given in to his advances, she still felt uneasy.

It's well known that people become spoiled when they're pampered, and Han Xiao was no exception. Although Nie Chengyan was willful, domineering, and had a bad temper, he had always indulged and obeyed her. Han Xiao's mind was no longer that of a servant girl, and her expectations and demands of Nie Chengyan were naturally much higher. She wasn't afraid of his bad temper, or that he was unwell and needed care; she was only afraid that his feelings for her weren't pure. She hoped that he could love her deeply, so deeply that every corner of his heart only contained her. She even thought that when she got back, she would find Xie Jingyun's pair of earrings and secretly throw them away.

Han Xiao rolled over again and sighed. This realization made her unhappy. It turned out that she was also a greedy person. Her possessiveness towards him was so strong that it really frightened her. So his forceful taking today hurt her. What upset her the most was that behind his forceful actions, it seemed that he was trying to prove something. This feeling made Han Xiao feel very dangerous.

She was lost in thought, blaming herself one moment, him the next, and Xie Jingyun the next. Just as she was getting annoyed, she heard some noise outside. She tiptoed out of bed, walked barefoot to the door, and heard He Ziming say softly, "Miss Han's room is very quiet; she must be asleep."

She was puzzled when she heard Nie Chengyan's voice: "That's good, you've kept watch." Then she heard him say, "Let's go." Han Xiao frowned. She heard Huo Qiyang's voice reply, "Yes," and then it became quiet outside.

Where is he going? Han Xiao became worried. She stayed in bed for a while and then went back to bed, but she couldn't fall asleep. She tossed and turned all night and couldn't sleep. The next day, she saw Nie Chengyan, but he acted as if nothing had happened. He just told her that he would be busy these few days and wouldn't have time to spend with her, and told her to be good. He didn't mention her request to move back to his room again.

Han Xiao had a bellyful of questions but stubbornly refused to ask. The weather had been terrible these past few days, unusually gloomy, and Nie Chengyan's face was also somber. Han Xiao knew it was because his foot injury had flared up in this weather, but he didn't whine to her as usual, nor did he complain. This lack of affection made her sulk and ignore him, pretending not to know anything. But she still felt sorry for him, so she secretly instructed Huo Qiyang to take good care of him.

Han Xiao lay in bed that night, unable to sleep. She was worried and anxious, unsure how to defeat the zombies. Just then, she heard some soft noises outside her door. She eavesdropped again. Nie Chengyan asked the guards on night watch if she was alright, then went out again. Han Xiao gritted her teeth, changed her clothes, and stayed in the room for a while. Then, pretending to be nonchalant, she opened the door. The guard appeared and asked softly, "Miss Han, what is it?"

Han Xiao pretended to be still half asleep and pointed towards the outhouse. The guard quickly retreated. Han Xiao secretly rejoiced that it wasn't He Ziming's shift tonight; he was much harder to deal with. She walked towards the outhouse, turned the corner, and hid in the shadows, avoiding the guards, before brazenly heading towards the main gate. At the gate, another guard came out and called out, "Miss Han?"

Han Xiao calmly replied, "My master asked me to deliver something." The guard said "Oh," and didn't stop her. Han Xiao went out and stared blankly at the dimly lit, narrow street bathed in moonlight. Where could he have gone?

Author's Note: I always forget to revise bug fixes. I remembered this time and fixed the two most recently mentioned bugs, but I've forgotten which chapter the other one is in. Two readers pointed it out, but I couldn't find it in the comments after searching for a long time, and I don't remember who pointed it out. To the two readers who helped me find the bug, could you please confirm which chapter I haven't revised? Please bump your comments again so I can see them and make the change. Thank you!

Previous account settlement

It was already past midnight, and Han Xiao didn't know where to look for Nie Chengyan. She wandered the streets alone, feeling very lonely. The temperature difference here was huge, and it was extremely cold at night. She walked aimlessly, remembering how, when she was little, she had also spent many such cold nights carrying Han Le on her back.

She was very hungry and tired at that time, and her feet were blistered, making every step she took painful. There was no one else on the road, only the rhythmic, long breathing of Han Le as he slept. She didn't know what would happen tomorrow, when she could get her brother cured, or when this hard life would end. But even so, she still felt like she had inexhaustible energy.

Now, she eats well, drinks well, is respected, has servants, guards, a house, and bedding, yet she feels tired. What's wrong with her? She's grown up, has a lover, and has skills, but she's lost. She's unhappy, dissatisfied, and unhappy. What's wrong with her? If she were the little girl she once was, knowing she would have such a good life, she would probably wake up smiling in her sleep. But now, why is she so unlikeable?

As Han Xiao was thinking, he suddenly noticed a light coming from a small tavern ahead. Was there still business going on at this hour? Unfortunately, there was only one customer inside, and it was a young woman... Han Xiao was stunned, and then he met the customer's gaze. It was Lian Qiao.

Lian Qiao also looked surprised, as if she hadn't expected to see her all alone in this place at this time. She waved to her, and Han Xiao hesitated for only a moment before walking over.

Lian Qiao woke up the waiter who was dozing off at the counter and asked him to make a bowl of hot soup. Then she turned around, looked Han Xiao up and down, and asked, "What's wrong with you?"

Han Xiao looked around and, seeing no one else, glanced at the wine pot and cups on the table and said, "I didn't know you could drink alcohol."

Lian Qiao didn't mind that Han Xiao didn't answer her question, and just nodded: "I'm not very good at drinking, but sometimes drinking is good, it makes me feel better."

Han Xiao thought for a while, then took a glass, poured herself a drink, and downed it in one gulp. The liquor was very strong, and it made her cough for a while, bringing tears to her eyes. She wiped her eyes, sniffed, and poured herself another glass.

Lian Qiao didn't speak, but poured herself a cup and drank it slowly. The two remained silent, each drinking in silence. After a while, the waiter brought over hot soup, breaking the awkward silence between them. Lian Qiao finally spoke, saying, "My master has sent all his disciples away."

Han Xiao was taken aback, then heard her continue, "He only had one requirement for us: we must not use the skills he taught us to harm people. From now on, we must provide free medical consultations on the first and fifteenth of each lunar month."

Han Xiao thought for a moment and nodded, saying, "That's great, it's a blessing for the sick."

“Xiaoxiao…” Lian Qiao paused, her voice slightly hoarse: “I’m sorry.”

Han Xiao lowered her head, clutching her small wine glass: "If it weren't for you, Lele and I might not have had such a good time on the mountain. I know that given the Divine Doctor's personality, he wouldn't have asked you to do so much. You took such good care of Lele, and you've been so good to me too..."

“Before my master saved me, I was an abandoned child. When I was little, I was sick and couldn’t be cured, so my family abandoned me on the side of the road. I dreamed that one day they would take me back… You are like my family in my dreams to Lele.”

Han Xiao's heart softened: "Then where are they now?"

"I don't know." Lian Qiao smiled bitterly: "Dreams are just dreams, I've never seen them again."

Han Xiao bit her lip, unsure of what to say. Lian Qiao continued, "Master packed two boxes of his books and asked me to deliver them to you. Since you're no longer living in your original place, I planned to send them directly to Baiqiao City. I'll set off tomorrow. I never expected to run into you tonight. This must be fate, right? We actually have a chance to have a proper conversation face to face."

"A book? What are you going to give me for?"

“Master said that all his life’s learning is in those books. You are extremely talented and should continue to study them.”

Han Xiao frowned. Lian Qiao knew she didn't want to accept the offer, so she advised, "Medical skills have nothing to do with you, don't refuse. You will be a great doctor."