Chapter 253: Marriage Proposal

I don't know how much time has passed——

When A Zhu regained consciousness, she felt a warm current of heat flow from her palm into her left arm, down to her shoulder, easing the pain in waves from her wound, which gradually faded.

She slowly opened her eyes; the room was bright and spacious, and outside the window it was already broad daylight.

By the bedside, A Bi had tied A Zhu's bandage and carefully dressed her; she was about to pick up the wooden basin and leave when she noticed A Zhu waking up, and she stopped in surprise and joy, exclaiming, "A Zhu elder sister, you're awake!"

A Zhu gave a soft 'hng', seeing no one else in the room, she glanced at the blood-stained bandage on the bedside table, a flicker of strange color crossing her eyes, and she asked in a low voice:

"A Bi, where is Young Master Niu?"

A Bi set down the wooden basin and smiled, saying, "The young master just went back to rest. Elder sister, you've been unconscious for two days, crying out in pain in your dreams; whenever you hurt, he sends you his true qi, and he hasn't slept for two nights."

Saying that, she walked to the table, poured a cup of plain water, and carefully brought it to A Zhu's lips.

A Zhu said nothing more, merely sipping the plain water mouthful by mouthful; her pale pretty face flushed slightly.

After a moment's thought, she understood that the warm current just now must have been Niu Dingtian sending her true qi while changing her dressing; for a moment, she felt both shy and moved.

Although she was clever, being young, she was inevitably at a loss upon this sudden change; thinking she might end up disabled, after finishing the cup of water she stared blankly and tears began to flow.

Seeing this, A Bi quickly put down her porcelain cup and comforted her: "Elder sister, don't think too much; just focus on healing. The young master said he'd take you to Gathering Worthies Manor in two days to find the Divine Doctor Xue, nicknamed Yan Wang Di. His medical skill is superb; it's said he can even revive the dead, so he will surely cure your arm."

"Divine Doctor Xue?" A Zhu stared, tears welling in her eyes, looking at A Bi.

A Bi nodded, her pretty face mixed with joy and worry, and she whispered:

"Just now, news came from outside that the Divine Doctor Xue, nicknamed Yan Wang Di, has sent out hero invitations far and wide, calling all martial artists: whoever sees the invitation is invited to come, first to deal with Chief Qiao, and second to call our young master to account."

Upon hearing this, A Zhu's expression shifted slightly; she knew it was likely because Niu Dingtian had recently opened a massacre at Peach Blossom Spring. Perhaps others, like those in the Apricot Grove, had lumped him together with Chief Qiao's gang.

Thinking of this, with tears in her eyes she could hardly hide her anxiety, urging: "Since they intend to call our young master to account, Divine Doctor Xue surely won't treat me. When the time comes, they will outnumber him, and if he goes, his two fists will be no match for four hands; hurry and persuade him not to go—I'd rather not be treated!"

A Bi replied, "I already advised him, but he wouldn't listen; he just gave a hum and went to sleep."

Seeing A Zhu slightly stunned, A Bi straightened her pretty face and mimicked Niu Dingtian's tone:

"Hmph, whether he treats him or not is not up to Xu Muhua to decide; it's up to me!"

Having finished the imitation, before A Zhu could react, she couldn't help but burst out laughing, "pfft".

Then, still giggling, she comforted A Zhu: "Elder sister, rest assured, the young master says he has a way; if Divine Doctor Xue won't treat you, he'll treat Divine Doctor Xue."

"Moreover, Miss Wang said her cousin might appear at Gathering Worthies Manor, and she plans to go see. Also, Young Master Duan is going; he said that once Chief Qiao goes, he can help his elder brother."

Saying this, A Bi held up her slender scallion-like fingers on her plain hand, wearing an innocent expression:

"By then, Chief Qiao, Young Master Duan, Young Master Murong, plus our young master—if the four of them join forces, we'll surely make it out safely."

A Zhu heard this, yet remained silent.

She had always been quick-witted and skilled in disguise; upon seeing the stiff-faced warrior at that moment, combined with the black-clad person's desperate rescue, she had already formed some guesses about the warrior's identity.

The young master's lord and his father likely wished Niu Dingtian dead; to not strike him would already be fortunate, so how could they lend a hand?

Seeing A Zhu silent, A Bi thought her consolation had worked, and she asked with a smile:

"Elder sister, do you want more?"

"What more? Water…?"

A Zhu came to her senses, shook her head; although her anxiety was gone, a hint of worry lingered between her brows.

……

"Do you like Miss Wang?" In the teahouse opposite the clinic, by a window on the second floor, Niu Dingtian was drinking with Duan Yu, looking down at the bustling crowd below; after setting down his cup, he suddenly asked.

Compared to what was said at Nian Fang earlier, this remark carried a more formal tone.

Upon hearing this, Duan Yu's face involuntarily reddened, his expression somewhat embarrassed.

However, Miss Wang was not present, and he felt a surge of courage in his heart.

"As the saying goes, 'A graceful, virtuous lady is the match of a gentleman'; what's wrong with my fondness for a beauty?"

But thinking of how Wang Yuyan had previously been somewhat close to Niu Dingtian, his heart jolted again; looking at Niu Dingtian, a hint of suspicion appeared in his eyes.

He couldn't help but retort:

"Does Young Master Niu also like Miss Wang?"

Niu Dingtian lightly sipped his wine, smiling without speaking; after refilling his cup, he said leisurely:

"Actually, whether I like Miss Wang or not isn't important; what matters is that Lady Wang intends to betroth Miss Wang to me."

"What did you say!!!"

Duan Yu stared, then jumped to his feet, his voice trembling.

"Why? Why is it that I go to shovel manure while he gets to live in the Fairy Sister's house, and now he even wants to take the beauty home? In that instant, a million feelings of indignation surged into Duan Yu's mind, leaving his head feeling foggy."

He had thought Young Master Murong was his greatest rival in love, never expecting the true enemy to be right beside him!

"What, is Young Master Duan opposed to this marriage?" Niu Dingtian raised his eyebrows at Duan Yu, smiling ambiguously.

"I…"

Duan Yu's face stiffened; he struggled to open his mouth, but ultimately could not utter those words.

Of course I disagree—indeed, ten thousand times disagree—but what good would it do? Miss Wang isn't my sister……

Recalling earlier at Man Tuo Mountain Villa, when Lady Wang mentioned Murong Fu's attitude, he knew Niu Dingtian was most likely not lying.

If Miss Wang were still single, anything could be possible; but once she becomes a married woman, I simply cannot……

With all hope lost, Duan Yu slumped his head and slowly sat down, his face full of bitterness: "But… but Miss Wang likes Young Master Murong; if she marries someone not human……"

"Yes, Miss Wang has always liked her cousin."

Niu Dingtian gave a self‑mocking smile and smoothly took up Duan Yu's train of thought.

Taking a sip of wine, he said leisurely, "In my life, having A Bi by my side is already enough; I have no intention of starting a family, and naturally I would not force others."

"However, Young Master Murong is wholly obsessed with his so‑called grand cause, while Miss Wang is pure‑hearted and innocent as paper; I fear she may one day be hurt. Therefore, Young Master Duan, if you truly love Miss Wang, I happen to have a good idea to help you."

"What did you say?" Duan Yu lifted his head in surprise; his dejection vanished instantly, and he sprang to energetic vigor.

Niu Dingtian gave a faint smile and said softly, "I said I have a good idea that can bring you and Miss Wang together, but Young Master Duan must not reveal that it came from me."

"What idea?" Duan Yu looked at Niu Dingtian eagerly.

Seeing him smile without speaking, he hurriedly put on a solemn face and said: "I, Duan Yu, swear here that I will not leak a single word of what I have heard today! If I violate this oath, may heaven, earth, and mankind jointly punish me!"

As he spoke, Duan Yu straightened the three fingers of his right hand, solemnly pointing to the heavens; for the Immortal Fairy Sister, he too gave his all.

Seeing this, Niu Dingtian's eyelid twitched; thinking of the promise he had once made to Li Qingluo, he fell silent for a moment, then said calmly: "Let your father personally propose the marriage for you."

……(End of chapter)