Hidden Shadow – CH 209

Chapter Two-Hundred-Nine: Return

The surrounding guards were tense, their poised aura making An Jiu unwavering. She did not doubt that any hesitation from them would be fatal.

The woman on horseback could not help but look back repeatedly.

Hua Rongtian lowered his eyes, looking at the tearful woman, his suspicions deepening. But after all, she was the woman the Emperor had betrothed to him, and Hua Rongtian could only keep his doubts to himself. After escaping danger, he felt even more aggrieved by his impulsive words revealing her identity. If this woman were truly loyal to the Emperor, then the Emperor would soon know that the Hua family had secretly extended their influence into the Konghe Army.

He, Hua Rongtian, had never made such a foolish mistake in his life.

Would he have to kill his wife to silence her this time…?

An Jiu watched the group depart, muttering, “Even after being reborn, she’s still terrifyingly stupid…”

The one who would rush out to shield someone from arrows simply because of the word “husband” could only be Mei Jiu.

Only three people knew her name: Mo Sigui, Chu Dingjiang, and Mei Jiu. An Jiu was simply a transliteration of Mei Jiu. Besides, what strange woman in the world would cry like that in front of her, let alone call out her name!

An Jiu had experienced rebirth, so it was not hard for her to guess what had happened.

Back then, Hua Rongtian had come to the Mei family to discuss marriage, but it had fallen through. Now, seeing Mei Jiu marry Hua Rongtian, An Jiu truly believed in the existence of “fate.” However, things were different now. It was not the Hua family actively seeking a marriage alliance with the Mei family; they were forced into it. Whether this fate was good or bad was hard to say.

Based on Mei Jiu’s simple-minded kindness, An Jiu believed it was a good match.

Amidst the bloodshed in the streets, she smiled and turned to leave.

Back at the Konghe Army, Mo Sigui had already arrived.

The treatment of a Divine Physician differed from that of ordinary people. Upon Mo Sigui’s arrival, a special escort was waiting for him, and he was assigned a secluded, private residence without the need for lamps. The residence was clean and quiet, furnished entirely with the finest furniture. Both the craftsmanship and materials were exquisite, and it included a bedroom, study, pharmacy, and even two personal maids.

Mo Sigui had many eccentricities; he did not like those he disliked constantly hovering around him, so he dismissed the two maids.

Zhu Pianxian fought for two days and two nights in the octagonal tower, finally being carried to Mo Sigui’s residence covered in blood.

“Physician Mo,” Zhu Pianxian sobbed weakly, tugging at Mo Sigui’s sleeve, “Will I… still live?”

Mo Sigui sipped his tea, leisurely reading the last medical book left by Elder Qi, not even glancing at her. “When you’ve rested enough, go take a bath and change your clothes. Do not dirty this place.”

Zhu Pianxian pouted, climbed off the couch, rubbed her bruised face, and said resentfully, “I must get revenge on Chu Dingjiang!”

Mo Sigui finally looked up, paused… Mo Sigui found Zhu Pianxian particularly pleasing to the eye. “There’s a bottle of Jade Complexion Cream on the shelf. Use it, and your face will regain its smoothness in three days. Also, if you do not mind, stay and help me.”

“Physician Mo, you are such a good person!” Zhu Pianxian, knowing Mo Sigui and Chu Dingjiang had a grudge, added indignantly, “Unlike that scoundrel Chu Dingjiang. He’s inhuman!”

“Tch,” Mo Sigui said unhappily. “Do not compare me to that scum.”

“It was my fault,” Zhu Pianxian said.

“Which scum?” a voice asked softly from the roof beam.

Mo Sigui and Zhu Pianxian looked up and saw An Jiu squatting on the roof beam.

Zhu Pianxian thought to herself, “Oh no, this is Chu Dingjiang’s lover!” She got up and took the Jade Complexion Cream. “Physician Mo, since we have a guest, I will take my leave.”

“Besides my bedroom, you can stay wherever you like,” Mo Sigui said.

“Thank you, Divine Physician.” Zhu Pianxian pocketed the medicine bottle and left with a swift movement, showing no sign of her imminent death.

Mo Sigui said, “You’ve come at the right time. The medicine to rebuild your body is already prepared. When do you plan to start?”

The topic changed, and An Jiu did not press further about who the scumbag was. “Anytime.”

“Alright, after dinner then,” Mo Sigui said. “Shall we go eat out in the street later? I’ve heard the restaurants there are quite good.”

“Alright.” An Jiu had no objections as long as there was good food.

Mo Sigui waved his hand. “Wait until I finish reading this volume.”

An Jiu nodded, lightly leaping down from the roof beam, and went to play with the two little tigers.

She could not continue practicing the “Severing Meridians Palm” for the time being, nor could she use her mental power, so she was quite bored after reporting to the Lantern Lighting Tower.

By evening, Mo Sigui had finally finished reading the medical book.

In reality, reading and memorizing the entire scroll would not have taken this long, but he had burned Elder Qi’s handwritten medical book until only this one scroll remained. He had burned it decisively at first, but now a sense of reluctance lingered.

Sitting before the brazier, he hesitated for a moment, then decided to keep this scroll.

Elder Qi’s scroll was considered a rare book by the world, but to Mo Sigui, it was merely a cherished memory.

Elder Qi’s legacy was undoubtedly a lifetime’s work, reaching the pinnacle of contemporary medicine, and was equally precious to Mo Sigui. However, Mo Sigui never considered his medical skills merely as Elder Qi’s inheritance; he wanted to build upon Elder Qi’s foundation and go even higher and farther.

Mo Sigui put away the medical book and went out to eat with An Jiu.

The Konghe Army had all the necessary teahouses and restaurants; there was no need to go outside.

As dusk settled, many people moved about the streets. Unlike the outside world, although there were many people, there was no noise. Even the footsteps of someone like An Jiu, who lacked internal energy, were noticeable on the street. This eerie scene made one feel somewhat disoriented, as if they had stumbled into the underworld.

During the meal, Mo Sigui said, “The Konghe Army has a library. You can borrow books with your token. You should study breathing techniques carefully. Although you cannot completely conceal your breathing like an internal cultivator, at least you will not be under such intense scrutiny!”

“How do you know all this?” An Jiu asked curiously. She knew nothing about this place, and Mo Sigui had only just arrived; how could he seem to know so much?

Mo Sigui pulled out a small note. “This was given to me by the guide. It explains everything very clearly. Do you not have any?”

An Jiu shook her head.

“Huh?” Mo Sigui frowned, realizing the guide was giving him special treatment. “I hate unknowingly owing favors!”

“Mo Sigui,” An Jiu picked up the small note and flipped through it. “Do you know that acting innocent after getting a good deal is an extremely shameful act?”

“Tch.”

“Do you know that acting innocent in front of someone who has not gotten a good deal is suicidal?”

“Tch tch.”

…

After dinner, the two returned to their lodgings.

An Jiu strolled around the room, watching Mo Sigui prepare herbs. The pungent smell indicated their potent effects.

“Mo Sigui,” An Jiu said softly, standing opposite him, “I saw Mei Jiu.”

Mo Sigui’s hand trembled, and he looked up in shock. “What did you say?”