Chapter Twelve: Save, Save, Save

The carriage arrived first at the Li family home, bringing Li Feixue back. Just as the carriage stopped, an angry roar rang out: “I’m going no matter what—who cares about officials! If it comes to it, we’ll die together!”

“Damn fool, your temper’s still explosive. We’ll talk it over in detail when the servants return. If you recklessly rush off like this, what am I and your son supposed to do?”

Li Feixue lifted the curtain and ran downstairs. “Father! Mother! Your daughter is back.”

Li’s parents were still arguing. Upon seeing their daughter return, their emotions swelled with shock and joy. “Feixue, let your mother see if you’ve suffered, if anyone bullied you.”

Li Feixue shook her head and spun around to show she was fine. “An older sister saved me. They dealt with those Baili officials. We won’t have to pay them anymore.”

As she spoke the last words, tears streamed down her face. After years of oppression, to end like this felt like a dream.

Shen Runzhi noticed Song Qingcheng intended to get down and stepped off first, turning to offer his hand to help her down.

Li’s parents were still dazed, unable to believe their daughter’s words. But when they caught sight of Shen Runzhi stepping down, they suddenly believed it—he was capable.

Yet, why would this cold-faced fiend suddenly help their family? What did he want in return?

Using his hand as support, Song Qingcheng stepped down and handed the dog to Li Feixue, feeling a bit embarrassed as she spoke, “You must be Li Feixue’s father and mother.”

Li’s father gaped, uncertain, sneaking a glance at Shen Runzhi and then back at Song Qingcheng. Could this grim reaper really have a heart?

Her gentle demeanor made him think he must be dreaming, seeing such a terrifying scene as if half awake.

Li Feixue, seeing her parents silent, raised her hand to tap her father. “Father, Miss Song is speaking to you.”

Only then did Li’s father come to his senses. “Oh, yes, I’m Feixue’s father. May I ask who you are, Miss…”

Song Qingcheng squeezed her hands nervously, life hanging by a thread making her thick-skinned. “I am Song Qingcheng, the adopted daughter of the Shen household. I heard your family has snowflake herbs. Might I have one?”

She had no other choice. She sent someone to Hancheng to retrieve it, but the city was locked down—no one could enter or leave, making it impossible to get the herb.

Strangely, snowflake herbs had vanished all across the region. Song Qingcheng could only shamelessly ask again after being refused.

Otherwise, her life was truly on the line.

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Li’s father shook his head apologetically. “Miss Song, you did save our Feixue and dealt with those Baili people, so a gift would be proper.

But the snowflake herb is what keeps my son alive—it’s impossible to part with even one.”

Fearing Song Qingcheng might misunderstand, Li Feixue stepped forward to explain, “Years ago, my brother was ambushed by bandits while transporting goods. He survived by hiding between the ship’s hulls.

But he contracted an unknown poison and must use snowflake herb daily to survive, or he will die. Only the master of the Full Moon Pavilion can treat him, but unfortunately, she has yet to be found.”

The master of the Full Moon Pavilion—that must mean herself. Song Qingcheng’s eyes brightened with hope. “Perhaps I can try. I am the heir to the Medicine Valley and have studied medicine for years. I also accompanied Grandpa of the Medicine Valley to heal the sick.”

Li’s mother hesitated. She had heard of Medicine Valley; its people were skilled doctors. But this young woman before her—was this too much of a gamble?

“Husband, what do you think…” Li’s mother was uncertain, fearing their son’s condition might worsen.

Li’s father also thought Song Qingcheng was too young and hesitated about letting her try.

Shen Runzhi offered assurance. “As deputy magistrate of the Imperial Court, I guarantee that what she says is true. She may indeed be able to save your son.”

Song Qingcheng revealed an item from her bosom. “This is the Medicine Valley token, only the next heir possesses it. You may examine it.”

The Medicine Valley token was only given when the heir could act independently. Song Qingcheng holding it meant her skill could replace the original valley master.

Li’s father took it with both hands. Concerned for his son, the three of them huddled close, studying it and finally pointing to the emblem. “It’s genuine. Miss Song truly is the heir to Medicine Valley.”

His face flushed with excitement. They had tried to find Medicine Valley before, but it was mysterious—only the master sought you, never the other way around. Those who tried only went in circles, never finding the entrance.

Li Feixue bit her lip, clutching the token respectfully with both hands. “Miss Song, please help my brother.”

Song Qingcheng took it back. “Of course. If I can save him, I definitely will.”

Li’s father held his wife’s hand tightly and solemnly invited Song Qingcheng and Shen Runzhi inside. The two wiped away tears secretly behind her back.

Unaware of what was happening behind, Song Qingcheng followed their lead to Li Zhun’s room. A small bell hanging on the door caught her eye.

“This is an unusual item. Where did it come from?” Song Qingcheng seemed to recognize it but couldn’t recall immediately—it had been too long.

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Li Feixue explained, “This was clutched tightly in my brother’s hand when he returned. It must be important. I hung it on the door to attract him home.”

Fearing Li Zhun’s soul might drift away, she hoped this would lure him back.

Song Qingcheng glanced at it a few more times but had no time to ponder further. She pushed the door open and was immediately hit by a heavy damp odor.

The windows were tightly sealed, not a ray of sunlight piercing through. Li Feixue continued, “When my brother sees the light, his whole body aches, his flesh torn and mangled. That’s why he’s sealed in this way.”

Song Qingcheng had listened carefully to Li Zhun’s condition and muttered softly, “Yin Wind Poison.”

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