[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-dark-and-dawn-light-years":3,"chapter-dark-and-dawn-light-years-dark-and-dawn-light-years-chapter-116":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Dark and Dawn Light-Years",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2264716,4420,"Chapter 116: Fleeing in Panic","dark-and-dawn-light-years-chapter-116",116,"\u003Cp>Li Lin returned to the county seat from Shangtikou Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He placed the elixirs he had crafted into a chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were three chests altogether.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each chest held one type of elixir: Qiangti Pills, Zhuyan Pills, and Bide Pills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Luan took charge of the three chests, had the servants carry them, and delivered them to the Huang residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the back courtyard of the Huang residence, Huang Yan, the Lady, Huang Qing and her sister, and a young man stood together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three chests had been opened, filled densely with porcelain bottles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Luan bowed slightly and said, “These are the betrothal gifts Li Lang sent me to deliver.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Huang Qing’s face flushed with joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Yan noticed a familiar bottle shape and stroked his beard contentedly, nodding repeatedly: “Li Xunshou has truly thought of everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still calling him Li Xunshou…” The Lady shot her husband a look, gazing at the rows of Zhuyan Pills. “You should call him Lin’er or your son-in-law now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ha ha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After laughing twice, Huang Yan said, “No rush. We’ll decide after the eldest daughter marries in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ling glanced around, said nothing, but picked up a Zhuyan Pill bottle and slipped it into her sleeve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the young man spoke: “Father, does sending a few herbs really satisfy you? Is this all the betrothal gift? It’s too meager.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you know?” Huang Yan snapped. “Li Xunshou is a descendant of the Li clan of Jinmen. These elixirs are exceptionally potent—you won’t find their like outside. He sent so many at once; he must have labored hard to make them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are they really that good? I don’t believe it.” The young man pulled a porcelain bottle from one chest, glanced at it, and said, “Bide Pills… what bold claims.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Luan bowed again and said, “Second Young Master, Li Lang said this Bide Pill can neutralize most poisons in the world. If taken beforehand, it grants near-total immunity to toxins for twelve hours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man was Huang Ying, the second son of the Huang family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was eighteen, but his face looked lazy, making him appear younger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t believe it.” Huang Ying shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Luan pursed her lips, slightly displeased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She disliked others questioning her husband.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Yan chuckled, “If you don’t believe it, try it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ying thought this made sense and stepped outside to summon a man inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man had glazed eyes and seemed sluggish in reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhang Donghuan, take a look at this—is it an antidote?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He handed the porcelain bottle to the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Donghuan slowly uncorked it and sniffed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression shifted from confusion to astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second Young Master, this thing seems extraordinary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? How so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Donghuan replied, “I’ve trained in poison arts for years; my mind is often foggy. But after smelling this medicine, my head feels clearer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ying laughed, “Then try one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, Zhang Donghuan poured out a pill and swallowed it, then stood still to wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone watched him expectantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, Zhang Donghuan’s expression turned clearly delighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked hesitantly, “Second Young Master, could I have one bottle? This medicine… calling it a miraculous elixir isn’t an exaggeration.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ying looked to his father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Qi nodded. “Take it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Donghuan immediately bowed deeply. “Thank you, Master. Thank you, Second Young Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he left the courtyard, thrilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ying hissed, “It really is a fine medicine. This future elder brother-in-law truly has ability. I was wrong, Big Sister—I apologize. Don’t tell him about this; I’m afraid he’ll think poorly of me later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Qing smiled lightly. “Li Lang isn’t that petty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lady pulled one chest close to herself, stared at the Zhuyan Pills inside, and asked, “Why is one spot empty? Who took a bottle?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ling reluctantly pulled the Zhuyan Pill bottle from her sleeve and returned it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lady closed the chest. “Master, you handle the other two chests. I’ll take charge of these Zhuyan Pills. Any objections?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Yan shook his head. “None at all. But what do you plan to do with them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These can be gifted to influential ladies and noblewomen in Jingcheng,” the Lady said with a smile. “Strengthen ties between our families. Even the imperial court—extending our reach there isn’t impossible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t you use them yourself?” Huang Yan asked, puzzled by his wife’s face, which clearly looked years younger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wife’s face and figure, after taking the Zhuyan Pills, seemed to have returned to youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lady laughed softly. “Once the eldest daughter is married, I’ll take them occasionally—no need to rush.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Qing murmured shyly, “Mother, Li Lang works hard to craft these elixirs…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lady lightly poked Huang Qing’s head with her finger, teasing, “You haven’t even married him yet, and you’re already defending his family, worrying for your future husband.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Qing blushed deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ying counted the elixirs in the three chests and said, “If all these elixirs are as potent as they seem, this future elder brother-in-law has given our family a tremendous gift.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this age, high-grade herbs were valuable gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Imperial grants often included centuries-old lingzhi mushrooms or ginseng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But finished elixirs with such effects were even rarer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Yan rose and said, “Ying’er, come with me to the study.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the study.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The father sat; the son stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Yan said seriously, “The position of County Warden will be given to your future elder brother-in-law. You will take over as Registrar—report for duty tomorrow. I know you’d prefer the Warden’s post, but you lack martial skill; holding that position would make it hard to command respect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ying asked, “Big Brother does it well enough—I can too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think your brother truly commands respect?” Huang Yan chuckled. “Do you think I don’t know? If not for my name, his position would never have been so smooth. He only gained some trust by solving a few cases.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ying nodded slightly. “Fine. I’ll take the Registrar post.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t be disappointed. First, serve as County Registrar to gain experience. After three months, when I assume office in Jincheng, I’ll secure you a post as Chief Secretary or Military Supervisor there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Father.” Huang Ying bowed with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Visit Li Xunshou sometime soon—get to know each other.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ying nodded, then remembered something. “Father, I had a classmate in university from Guicheng—exceptionally talented in both literature and martial arts. After the imperial exams, lacking powerful backing, he’s remained in the Imperial Library compiling texts for two years, frustrated and unfulfilled. Father, recruit him to ease your burdens.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since you recommend him, I’ll submit a petition to transfer him here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Father.” Huang Ying smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Yan said, “Your brother serves the Third Imperial Prince. From now on, we must not appear too close in public. Understood?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ying replied solemnly, “I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then go attend to your duties,” Huang Yan paused. “Spend less time in brothels. If you feel weak, ask your elder brother-in-law for Qiangti Pills—they work well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Ying, embarrassed and annoyed, fled with his hands over his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1193,"2026-06-19T19:39:18.782Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","76bd9712163662c522c8219b50fde6e38736b8282d8dce52deb8f333655f72f0","dark-and-dawn-light-years-chapter-117","dark-and-dawn-light-years-chapter-115",221,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fdark-and-dawn-light-years-cover.jpg"]