BLPSG Chapter 51: Reunion in a Dream (Part 1)

*Acting like I didn’t just fall asleep yesterday while translating* (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ

 

Wen Qingci has never been an impatient person and always likes to plan before doing things, but today he couldn’t wait even for a second.

 

After asking the eunuch guarding the gate of Guangcheng Temple to tell Consort Lan that he had to return to Yongdu urgently, Wen Qingci hurried down the mountain with his medicine servant.

 

“Wen Xiansheng, are you really going to Changyuan?” The medical attendant’s face showed anxiety as he tried to stop him. “Even if we ride fast horses day and night from Yongdu, it will still take at least a day to reach there… Besides, you are currently the imperial physician. What if the emperor needs you and finds you absent from Yongdu?”

 

Wen Qingci paused his steps. 

 

Just when the medical attendant thought he might give up, Wen Qingci calmly replied, “If the heavens’ wrath strikes, I won’t need to stay by the emperor’s side.” With that, he continued walking swiftly down the mountain.

 

Ever since the emperor learned about Wen Qingci’s background as a medicinal person, he had been secretly collecting information about him. Some of it was absurd hearsay, while other details were factual.

 

The emperor knew about the “Tianci” medicine used by the medicinal people of Valley of Divine Physicians, and he had even mentioned it directly to Wen Qingci. At the time, Wen Qingci did not deny it.

 

“Although that may be true,” the medical attendant hesitated, “won’t the emperor become more suspicious and wary of you?”

 

Seeing the expression on Wen Qingci’s face, the medical attendant swallowed the rest of his words.

 

—If he understood this logic, then Wen Qingci, who had been staying in the Taishu Palace, understood it even better.

 

However, compared to the situation in Changyuan Town, everything else seemed less important.

 

Before transmigrating into this world, Wen Qingci didn’t know how to ride a horse. Fortunately, the original host’s muscle memory remained intact.

 

While he couldn’t claim to be an expert rider, his equestrian skills were above average for this era.

 

Wen Qingci mentally calculated: Guangcheng Temple, where he currently was, lay in the outskirts of Yongdu. If he left from here without passing through Yongdu and headed north, he could reach his destination by tomorrow evening.

 

Seeing Wen Qingci’s determined decision, the medical attendant had no choice but to lead the horse and follow.

 

Raindrops shattered against the umbrella, forming a light mist that clung to Wen Qingci’s eyelashes. In no time, the mist condensed into water droplets.

 

…

 

Wen Qingci felt fortunate that he had sent someone ahead to the northern region. Perhaps due to the absence of Xie Bufeng, the central figure, the situation in the north had descended into chaos after the war ended.

 

Until he rode away, the entire Yongdu remained oblivious to the recent conflict.

 

Even if timely war reports arrived, it would be too late once Xian Gonggong informed him…

 

Thinking of this, Wen Qingci suddenly coughed. The medical attendant riding behind him couldn’t help but look at him with concern.

 

Despite the arrival of spring, the rain still brought a chill to the air.

 

Wen Qingci’s clothes were pitifully thin….

 

Unseen by the attendant trailing behind him, Wen Qingci slowly lowered the hand that had been pressed against his lips after coughing. In his palm, he clutched a silk handkerchief stained with crimson spots.

 

Wrinkling his brow slightly, Wen Qingci discreetly tucked the handkerchief into his sleeve.

 

He knew the emperor’s intention to kill Xie Bufeng better than anyone else. Wen Qingci didn’t believe that Xie Bufeng would be lulled by this period of peace.

 

So, he couldn’t fathom how the emperor had succeeded.

 

Unbeknownst to them, they had already left Yongdu’s boundaries.

 

As they gazed at the thick, ominous clouds in the distance and the relentless rain curtain, the medical attendant hesitated. 

 

Finally, he approached Wen Qingci’s ear and asked tentatively, “Wen Xiansheng, it’s getting late. Shouldn’t we find a place to rest before continuing? Otherwise, your health…”

 

Before he could finish speaking, Wen Qingci shot him a cold glance, silencing him.

 

Although the Valley of Divine Physicians had no formal hierarchy, as a medicine attendant, he couldn’t say too much to the Second Valley Master.

 

…Just looking at the particularly stubborn moon-white figure in front of him, the medicine attendant couldn’t help but think that even after so many years, Wen Qingci looked no different from when he first saw him in the Valley of Divine Physicians.

 

The two walked north along Guanyi Road, and the population around them gradually became sparse.

 

It was unknown when the rain stopped, and the only sound left in Wen Qingci’s ears was the sound of horse hooves.

 

With every thump of the horse’s hoof, a vibration came from the saddle.

 

He held the reins with both hands and seemed to be normal, but in fact, he had lost the feeling in his left hand a long time ago, leaving only a numb pain as if it was being bitten by ants.

 

The palm of the other hand was also turned purple and red by the reins.

 

……

 

The further north you go, the lower the temperature will be.

 

Heavy snow fell in Changyuan at night, and the largest mansion was brightly lit.

 

The military physician went in and out of the room, his frown showing no sign of relaxing.

 

“…It’s been a few days, the general hasn’t woken up yet?”

 

The military doctor shook his head and said in a low voice: “No, he has a fever again.”

 

At this moment, his face was full of sorrow.

 

After a pause, he asked again: “By the way, are there any prisoners captured alive?”

 

Over the past hundred years, although the Northern Di people had constantly invaded the territory of the Wei Dynasty, they had never used poison on their weapons.

 

These physicians who come to the border with the army usually only treat external injuries.

 

He is not like the imperial physicians in the palace who can directly infer toxicity based on symptoms.

 

The detoxification task was really difficult for them.

 

“Not yet…” The soldier on the other side was stunned for a moment, lowered his head and gritted his teeth and said, “We only cleared a few poisoned swords on the battlefield.”

 

“How toxic is the sword?” the military doctor asked immediately.

 

The man opposite him didn’t answer his question right away. Instead, he bit his lips, took a deep breath, and said, “It’s fatal.”

 

“What?!”

 

As darkness enveloped the small courtyard, several lanterns turned it into a scene as bright as day.

 

A dozen soldiers clad in silver armor stood in the middle of the courtyard. One of them, gripping a long sword, took a deep breath and swung it toward an injured Northern Di warhorse.

 

The blade sliced through the horse’s flesh, and it let out a few desperate whinnies before falling silent.

 

Indeed, as the man had said, it was a swift and lethal strike.

 

It seemed that this time, they truly intended to end Xie Bufeng’s life.

 

Fear spread through the courtyard, and everyone’s hearts hung heavy.

 

Accompanying the fear was a thick veil of uncertainty.

 

—How had General Xie survived such a potent poison coursing through the sword?

 

One soldier couldn’t contain his anxiety. “Apart from waiting, is there any other solution?”

 

“In normal circumstances, we could consult the imperial physician,” the military Physician sighed heavily, “but this time…”

 

He didn’t need to finish the sentence, everyone understood.

 

—If they sought the imperial physician’s help, news of Xie Bufeng’s unconscious state would reach the emperor’s ears.

 

In fact, word of Xie Bufeng’s injury had already spread throughout Changyuan that morning. However, following Xie Bufeng’s orders, his subordinates had kept the matter within the northern region, refraining from sending official reports to Yongdu.

 

But the paper couldn’t conceal the truth forever.

 

Once the news reached Yongdu, it was only a matter of time.

 

Xie Bufeng needed to regain consciousness promptly. Otherwise, once the emperor learned of his condition, he would undoubtedly appoint a new commander.

 

By then, it would be too late.

 

“Very well, we understand,” the soldiers whispered, their voices low. “We’ll wait… Thank you for your assistance.”

 

“Don’t mention it, it’s my duty.”

 

As the group departed, the military Physician’s confusion deepened—why did the poison’s effects in Xie Bufeng’s body differ from the norm?

 

Xie Bufeng, still lost in a deep slumber, refused to release the medicine jade from his grasp.

 

His companions had tried in vain to pry open his fingers, eventually giving up. The jade was now embedded even deeper, and Xie Bufeng’s palm was soaked in blood.

 

But the young man, impervious to pain, continued to clutch it instinctively.

 

Amidst his half-conscious state, Xie Bufeng caught a familiar bitter fragrance.

 

He seemed to see a moon-white figure appear by his side—Wen Qingci, smiling silently, never uttering a word.

 

“Don’t you have anything to say to me?” Xie Bufeng asked, his voice echoing.

 

The moon-white figure hesitated, then slowly replied, “I believe His Highness will achieve great deeds, return to Yongdu with honor.”

 

Xie Bufeng’s mind felt heavy, and his consciousness blurred, as if he were intoxicated.

 

Perhaps it was this sensation, or perhaps he knew this scene was merely an illusion.

 

Xie Bufeng lowered his head, finally allowing himself to speak.

 

“Why do you trust me like this?”

 

“I may not feel pain, but that doesn’t mean I won’t get hurt or die…”

 

The young man’s voice trembled.

 

Finally, he voiced the pent-up frustration he had harbored for half a year.

 

Yet the moon-white figure before him merely smiled.

 

…Xie Bufeng’s heart sank.

 

How could Wen Qingci not know this?

 

He had explicitly told Xie Bufeng that despite his lack of pain perception, he was still a patient who needed extra care.

 

Waves of conflicting emotions surged within Xie Bufeng.

 

At times, he mocked himself, feeling no different from any ordinary patient in Wen Qingci’s eyes, no different from a rabbit.

 

But then, a hidden hope emerged…

 

After spending so many days together, experiencing so much tenderness, surely he held a special place in Wen Qingci’s heart?

 

Two entirely different conjectures burned like flames, scorching Xie Bufeng’s heart.

 

With renewed determination, he tightened his grip on the medicine jade.

 

And just then, the familiar bitter fragrance intensified at his nostrils.

 

The scent, like a fuse, pulled him forcefully from his dream.

 

Xie Bufeng’s body temperature continued to rise.

 

Everyone’s hearts were in their throats.

 

If Xie Bufeng didn’t wake from his stupor in time, not only the emperor in distant Yongdu but even the recently defeated Northern Di might risk launching another attack.

 

…

 

“What’s that smell?” A soldier standing nearby furrowed his brow, subconsciously searching for the source of the fragrance.

 

After a moment, his gaze involuntarily landed on Xie Bufeng. If he wasn’t mistaken, that faint bitter scent seemed to emanate from the general.

 

—The attackers were right, the poison on the assassin’s sword was indeed lethal.

 

In theory, Xie Bufeng should have fallen on the battlefield.

 

But all these variables were hidden within that bitter fragrance.

 

During the Taishu Palace incident, Wen Qingci had fed Xie Bufeng a lot of blood to detoxify him.

 

Although this blood wouldn’t alter Xie Bufeng’s constitution to turn him into a medicinal person like Wen Qingci, it would at least protect him from poisoning like an ordinary person—for quite some time.

 

Days passed, and Xie Bufeng’s body temperature fluctuated. Yet he remained unconscious, eyes tightly shut, showing no signs of awakening.

 

His deputy had already given up hope.

 

Before this, he had dismissed the soldiers guarding Xie Bufeng, publicly claiming that the general had already regained consciousness and was resting.

 

But such secrets were hard to keep.

 

Several city gates in Changyuan were now sealed.

 

In the dead of night, all was silent.

 

A moon-white figure, taking advantage of the guards’ inattention, leaped over a wall.

 

His steps never faltered as he braved the snow, heading toward the central mansion. He left the medicine servant trailing far behind.

 

Wen Qingci hadn’t dressed warmly enough for this snowy weather.

 

The biting cold stole his warmth, leaving his face as pale as paper.

 

Suppressing a cough, he adjusted his breath before entering the mansion, making his way to the deepest part of the courtyard.

 

Fortunately, this mansion in Changyuan wasn’t large.

 

Before long, Wen Qingci found the small courtyard where Xie Bufeng was recuperating.

 

He employed his lightest footwork to avoid the guards outside, slipping into the room.

 

A brazier burned inside, creating a world different from the snowy outside.

 

Like all rooms in the imperial court, this one had incense burners placed in every corner.

 

Smoke curled upward, blurring Wen Qingci’s vision.

 

He slowed his pace, took a deep breath, and approached the bed.

 

Snow accumulated on the windowsill, falling softly.

 

The wind whispered through the cracks, reaching his ears.

 

And then, that familiar face finally appeared before Wen Qingci.

 

—Xie Bufeng’s honey-colored skin had deepened, and he had grown thinner. His features appeared even more profound.

 

Despite the scars covering his body, he lacked any signs of weakness.

 

Danger emanated from him, that is impossible to articulate.

 

Wen Qingci had raced here for this moment.

 

Yet now, standing here, he felt an unreal sensation.

 

…Could it be that he was truly seeing Xie Bufeng again?

 

A sudden gust of cold wind interrupted Wen Qingci’s thoughts.

 

Dressed in moon-white robes, the imperial physician hesitated briefly before hurrying forward.

 

Instinctively, he placed his fingers on the young man’s wrist, attempting to check his pulse.

 

But the moment his hand touched Xie Bufeng’s skin, the previously unconscious general furrowed his brow.

 

He seemed to sense that familiar aura.

 

Before Wen Qingci could retreat, Xie Bufeng’s right hand, the one he was checking the pulse with, clamped down tightly on his wrist.

 

The ice-cold grip felt like desert rain to Xie Bufeng.

 

He squeezed harder, trying to trap that chill within his own hand.

 

“Ah—” A surge of pain made Wen Qingci gasp softly.

 

Even in his unconscious state, Xie Bufeng’s strength remained formidable. His iron-like fingers held Wen Qingci’s wrist, preventing him from escaping.

 

Along with the pain, a scalding sensation spread through Wen Qingci’s arm.

 

In a daze, he recalled the first night Xie Bufeng stayed at the Medical Bureau. It had been similar—Xie Bufeng had clung to his wrist, refusing to let go.

 

Wen Qingci leaned forward, attempting to break free from Xie Bufeng’s grasp.

 

But panic surged within the young man, realizing he was about to lose something.

 

Xie Bufeng suddenly pulled his arm back.

 

And in the next instant, Wen Qingci, who had been standing by the bed, crashed heavily onto Xie Bufeng.

 

A scalding breath reached his ear.