Chapter 342: Can

Hangzhou's ancient trees cast deep shadows, scentless yet hazy.

Gu Qing took a deep breath, feeling the damp air wash over him; he drew it deep into his lungs and felt his whole body refreshed. After tending to several items in his shop, he shut the door and walked along the street.

This was the Shaoxing era; the court had fled to Hangzhou, causing a rapid influx of population. Most buildings here were constructed of bamboo, wood, and thatch. The court had ordered "removal of thatch and replacement with tiles" in Lin'an, but financial shortages prevented implementation.

Gu Qing sat at a stall, ordered a bowl of head soup, and took a few rice cakes. While eating, he heard the vendor say he was from Ma Xing Street in Bianliang, fled after the city fell, and that his rice cakes and head soup were family recipes—especially the head soup, which had been established by the founding emperor.

"The flavor is well preserved."

After tasting it, Gu Qing praised it.

"Mine is the most authentic."

The vendor spoke instinctively, then paused in surprise: "Young sir, have you tasted Bianliang's head soup?"

"I have."

Gu Qing nodded—he'd eaten it during the Tianlong era, when Bianliang was at its peak. But times had changed; in this world, Li Qingzhao was already fifty or sixty.

Gu Qing paid, stood, slipped a piece of "mint fragrance" into his mouth, and headed toward Qingyu Hall.

In The New Legend of Madam White Snake, Wang Fengshan was Xu Xian's first benefactor, teaching him medicine and even considering arranging a match for him—a fine man indeed. When Gu Qing arrived at Qingyu Hall, the rotund Squire Wang was bustling about. Upon hearing of his visit, he straightened his robes, smiled warmly, and bowed: "Master Gu."

"What brings you here today?"

Wang Fengshan invited Gu Qing to sit and ordered tea.

"Today is the birthday of the True Lord of Qishan, the Holy and Glorious Deity of Blessing and Benevolence. I had to close the shop to offer sacrifices at Huoshan Road outside Qiantang Gate."

Gu Qing lifted his teacup and spoke casually.

This deity was Zhang Bo, said to be an assistant of Yu the Great, a water-controlling immortal worshipped for thirteen hundred years. In Hangzhou, the eighth day of the second lunar month saw a grand fair in his honor. As an outsider, Gu Qing knew immortals and gods were everywhere here—he always paid respects when the chance arose.

"Of course, of course."

Wang Fengshan chuckled.

Though Gu Qing and Wang Fengshan both ran pharmacies, there was no conflict: the demand for medicine was endless, and the court operated the Taiping Huimin Bureau, which sold cheap medicine, treated illnesses, and even distributed medicine free during epidemics—leaving common folk no real choice.

Gu Qing and Wang Fengshan made most of their money from consultations.

After drinking tea, Wang Fengshan asked about several unusual illnesses common in Hangzhou. Gu Qing, unreserved in his healing methods, explained that oil and vinegar could relieve pain from ascaris in the bile ducts, and that fishermen and farmers in the Jiangnan region often contracted blood fluke disease, leading to spleen enlargement, and so on.

In healing, Gu Qing carried medical wisdom from multiple worlds and insights from the future—his advice was often piercingly accurate, leaving Wang Fengshan astounded.

"Astonishing! Truly astonishing!"

Wang Fengshan's hand grew sore from writing—he copied down every word Gu Qing said.

With the conversation winding down, Gu Qing shifted to his disciple Xu Xian: "My disciple has a kind heart, fine looks, and a refined demeanor—but he's easily swayed and indecisive. I want to find him a wife with strong will."

He mentioned the daughter of Squire Pei.

Only then did Wang Fengshan understand Gu Qing's purpose. He laughed: "Miss Yaoqin has managed her father's business since childhood—she's a master of household management. Many wealthy families in town have sought her hand. But…" He frowned slightly. "Though Xu Xian is your disciple, I hear his parents died early and he lives with his sister and brother-in-law. I fear…"

His family background might be deemed unworthy.

Gu Qing had saved Squire Pei, but if he leveraged that debt, Xu Xian's marriage would never be peaceful.

"I've already thought of a solution."

Gu Qing pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve, slowly unwrapped it. Wang Fengshan saw small green fragments, no larger than melon seeds, emitting a faint mint fragrance.

"Squire Wang must have heard of 'Chicken Tongue Incense.'"

Gu Qing smiled: "This is my new version: 'New Chicken Tongue Incense.'"

Chicken Tongue Incense is mother clove. Ancient ministers with bad breath were granted mother clove by the emperor to hold in their mouths, freshening their breath before speaking.

Wang Fengshan took a fragment, placed it in his mouth, and felt minty freshness flood his mouth, invigorating his mind. He exclaimed in surprise: "So that's why your speech always carries a sweet scent, Master Gu!"

Gu Qing smiled silently. After mastering the Five Heavenly Scrolls, all his martial arts converged into one; the Dao Heart Seed Demon Art had transformed uniquely—he naturally emitted a body fragrance. But he could balance yin and yang; pure males like Wang Fengshan could not perceive it.

Song Dynasty scholars loved crafting and scenting incense. Gu Qing used Chicken Tongue Incense to open the door to the Pei household.

"Currently, there are only two variants: mint fragrance and bamboo leaf fragrance."

Gu Qing said: "If you and Squire Pei are willing, we can partner to sell this incense to places like Chunfeng Pavilion and Taihe Pavilion."

Taihe Pavilion and Chunfeng Pavilion were famous brothels in Lin'an.

Wang Fengshan frowned: "Why not sell it to the court? That would be more fitting."

Chicken Tongue Incense was originally used by officials.

Gu Qing sneered: "What's the difference between court officials and brothel patrons? Both are selling smiles for favors."

Wang Fengshan, struck by Gu Qing's sharp words, thought of how the court had executed Yue Fei. He slammed his fist on the table: "You're right!"

After a few heated exchanges cursing Wanyan Gou and Qin Gui, their bond deepened. Finally, Wang Fengshan pounded his chest: "Rest assured—I'll guarantee the match between Xu Xian and Pei Yaoqin!"

Gu Qing nodded eagerly: "I truly wish my disciple happiness!"

Lock Xu Xian down quickly!

I can't control Madam White Snake!

As for divine retribution… ignorance is no sin!

What purple star descending? What literary star from heaven? What Guanyin's guidance…

In the Zhuxian world, after killing the Beast God, Gu Qing fulfilled Linglong's thousand-year wish and accumulated great merit; perhaps Madam White Snake's seventeen-hundred-year debt is also a tremendous opportunity.

After bidding farewell to Wang Fengshan, Gu Qing headed toward Guanghui Temple.

Crowds gathered here: state-sponsored grand rituals, eunuchs presenting horse altars, pavilions of jade and pearls, colorful banners, dancing troupes, and musical ensembles—all imitating Bianliang's customs. Along the way, Gu Qing saw many masks: heavenly soldiers, celestial generals, real birds, and aquatic creatures.

As he walked, Gu Qing spotted a Dragon King mask, stopped, and examined it closely.

"This mask is excellent."

A young man in blue robes passed by, accompanied by five attendants. He removed the Dragon King mask as he neared Gu Qing, about to speak—then paused, sniffed twice, lightly licked his lips, turned back, and fixed his gaze on Gu Qing: "Brother, you smell wonderful!"

"..."

Gu Qing frowned, checked his own state—the body fragrance switch was fine… shouldn't attract young men.

But the blue-robed youth had a face pale as autumn moon, a slender frame, and carried an unmistakable masculine aura—no sign of cross-dressing.

Can't tell. Really can't tell!

(End of Chapter)