Chapter 116

Old Doctor

Lao Langzhong fixed Gu Xixi with his hollow eyes, "Adding the last wondrous medicine, we must readjust the proportions of the entire prescription, plus the processing time."

Firefly Bone Flower

Qing Tian County Seat

Cloud Ridge County

Northwest Army Camp

Qing Tian County

Madame Meng

Mu Nan Zhao

First, this flower may be encountered, but it cannot be sought.

Second, the firefly-bone flower is merely one of the last few options I have; in desperation I had to choose the most promising one, and even if you happen to find it, success is not guaranteed.

He let out a heavy sigh, "I don't know either—whether it's better to have never hoped from the start, or to cling to illusory hope only to end up disappointed; which is kinder to you?"

Gu Xixi folded the prescription, carefully tucked it into her sleeve, "Thank you, Master, for letting me know."

Rather than sit and wait for death, I prefer to take the initiative, to strive until the very last moment.

She paused, then smiled brightly, "I only ask to have no regrets."

That day Gu Xixi went to Qing Tian Xiancheng; she sent out two letters, one to Yun Ling County, the other to the Northwest Army camp.

She also ran through all the medicine shops in Qing Tian County, and finally went to find Meng Dangni zi.

Meng Dangni zi didn't ask Gu Xixi what the medicine was for, and directly promised to use her connections to keep an eye out.

Rest assured, as soon as there is news, I will immediately send a servant to your home to inform you.

Gu Xixi bowed sincerely, "Thank you."

However, I ask Elder Sister Meng to keep this matter confidential, so no one knows I am seeking medicine.

After the incident where the previous county magistrate tried to ambush him, Mu Nan Zhao has already been suspected.

Moreover, Gu Xixi and Mu Nan Zhao have long been bound together.

If someone with ulterior motives inferred from her purchasing medicinal ingredients that someone had been poisoned—and even what poison—then Mu Nan Zhao's true identity would no longer be concealable.

Meng Dangni zi nodded, speaking solemnly, "Rest assured."

After dinner, Gu Xixi, as usual, shut herself in her room and busied herself for a while.

When she stopped and reached for water, she found the kettle empty, so she got up and went outside.

Coincidentally, Mu Nan Zhao also came out with a kettle, and the two met at the kitchen door.

Gu Xixi asked with a smile, "Why are you still awake so late?"

Mu Nan Zhao's eyes flickered with a smile, "You aren't asleep either, are you?"

They entered the kitchen one after another; the fire had long been out, and a pot of water on the small stove was what Zhang Shen had boiled before bed, still somewhat warm.

Gu Xixi lifted the pot, first poured into Mu Nan Zhao's kettle, then filled her own.

It's so late—drink less, lest frequent trips to the night disturb your sleep.

Frequent night trips? Mu Nan Zhao's face showed utter disdain.

I have never experienced such a thing since I can remember.

Gu Xixi turned away speechlessly and glared at him.

Just getting up at night—how does that even bring up a man's dignity issue?

It's too cold, she said, picking up her kettle to leave, but Mu Nan Zhao suddenly blurted, "I want to eat roasted steamed buns."

Gu Xixi looked at him as if she didn't know him, "It's already almost midnight."

How can you say something like that so matter-of-factly?

Mu Nan Zhao said lightly, "I'm hungry."

Gu Xixi nodded, "Good, you're even more justified now than before."

After the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, the small stove was lit again.

Gu Xixi and Mu Nan Zhao each sat on a small stool beside it.

Two white steamed buns were roasted on the edge of the stove.

Gu Xixi muttered softly, "Another year older, yet you're becoming more willful."

Mu Nan Zhao held a slip of paper between his fingers and shoved it toward Gu Xixi without even looking.

You promised to help me with something; this meal of roasted buns counts as fulfillment.

Gu Xixi startled, her heart sinking suddenly.

He knows his days are numbered, so he's cashing in early?

Thinking of this, Gu Xixi inexplicably felt a sourness in her nose.

She shoved his hand back forcefully, "The chance to let me help you with something is precious—don't waste it on such a trivial matter!"

Earlier, Gu Xixi had already agreed with Lao Langzhong that since Mu Nan Zhao chose to conceal his condition himself, she would not expose him.

For now, so as not to let Mu Nan Zhao notice anything, Gu Xixi hurriedly rose to rummage through the cupboard for side dishes.

Stir-fried dried radish, and soy sauce with minced meat—both go well with the buns.

Mu Nan Zhao shook the slip of paper in his hand, asking, "You're sure you don't want it?"

What if one day I ask you to give me a large sum of money?

Gu Xixi replied, "That would depend on exactly how much you need; we'll decide as appropriate."

Mu Nan Zhao chuckled, "What if this slip were stolen by someone else—would you then have to help them once as well?"

Gu Xixi scoffed, "Am I that kind of pedantic person?"

He can steal, I can also refuse to fulfill.

The roasted steamed bun is split open, spread with minced meat sauce; a bite gives a crisp exterior and soft interior, salty and fragrant, tempting.

Then the crisp dried radish adds richness, and the two finish it shortly.

Gu Xixi wipes her hands, takes out a peace buckle and presses it into Mu Nan Zhao's hand.

"I borrow your auspicious words; unused, the object returns to its owner."

Mu Nan Zhao didn't decline either.

Their fingers touched by accident; Gu Xixi felt his hand was colder than before.

This is also one of the signs of his worsening condition.

She suppressed her unease, smiling, "In a few days, when the frozen soil thaws, I will go help the Northwest Army reclaim wasteland."

Mu Nan Zhao expressed surprise, "That early?"

Gu Xixi nodded, "Although the sowing time is still ahead."

"But so much land needs to be opened up, divided, and some still needs fertile-water improvement."

"I must go over to inspect and arrange things for them."

Besides, we also need to find the firefly bone flower.

It is said the firefly bone flower grows only in the Northwest's bitter cold season.

Besides having already cast a wide net to seek drug merchants for purchase and inquiring with Western Region merchants, these are the two routes.

Going to the Northwest wilderness to seek traces is the final method.

"I'll go with you," Mu Nan Zhao said, regretting it as soon as he spoke.

Gu Xixi has her own future to attend to, while he is now a crippled body that could die at any time.

What does he have to be reluctant about? Why must he insist on going with her?

Mu Nan Zhao silently stared at the fire.

The firelight flickered on his face, and Gu Xixi actually perceived a sense of brokenness.

"Alright."

She laughed and patted him, "I know you; you're surely using me as an excuse to look for the General and your good brother General Meng again."

Mu Nan Zhao met her gaze, the corner of his mouth also curling into a faint smile: "You've guessed right."

Indeed, his plots have never stopped.

But is it still possible?

He once ruthlessly thought that as long as he lived one day, he would never give up.

But at this moment, looking at Gu Xixi's smiling face, he for the first time had the thought, "Is it worth it?"