Chapter 18: Seek Treatment

Tianpi recovered from his laughing fit and could not hold back a smile when he saw Hua Qiyue staring at him. "Why, am I so strikingly handsome that I've taken your breath away?" "Taken my breath away?" Hua Qiyue laughed softly and said, "Master, I think you should be a trumpeter." "Why?" "Because this is how the phrase, 'Blowing one's trumpet' came about!" Hua Qiyue shot back, and Tianpi was enraged. "You wicked girl…" "You may choose to beat me or kill me, I don't mind, either way." Hua Qiyue sat down once more and continued to cultivate. Tianpi was left speechless. It was around midnight by the time Hua Qiyue left the jade gourd, and she was surprised to see Tianci sitting quietly on the pallet, looking at her. Hua Qiyue quickly sat up. "Tianci, what are you doing here?" Lvxin said awkwardly, "Miss, young master didn't want to leave with us. I wanted to bring him to the side-room but he held on to your sleeve tightly and refused to leave." Hua Qiyue's heart clenched. He was probably afraid that if he left her, he might find himself in danger once again. Tianci blinked at her. Two large oil lamps burned merrily and the light on his face flickered over his wounds. He looked exceptionally pitiful under the lamplight. Tianci looked at her with pleading eyes, thinking that Hua Qiyue wanted to send him away. Hua Qiyue felt tears prick at her eyes and gently embraced Tianci. "Lvxin, you and the others may retire for the night. I'll sleep with Tianci here tonight. Oh yes, do remember to tell the carpenter to make one more long pallet tomorrow." Youshui quickly waved her hands and said, "Miss, this is very improper… you're not even married yet…" Hua Qiyue's face darkened. Youshui was probably afraid that her reputation would be damaged if word got out. Now that she had been reborn, she did not give a hoot about her reputation. What was one's reputation for? Could it be eaten? Could it be used to save lives? Tianci was only six years old. What could a boy know about being improper? Furthermore, he was so traumatized that he could not possibly sleep alone. She would reassess the situation when he got better. "There's no need for you to try and persuade me any further. Tianci is my adopted son and he will be my son for life. Why would I let my son live in fear?" When Youshui and Lvxin saw that she had made up her mind, they left the room, hanging their heads helplessly. "Tianci, don't worry. I'll take good care of you. Let's go. I'll bring you back to the room." Hua Qiyue kissed his forehead tenderly. Tianci was confused. This was how his mother used to put him to bed. But his father had told him that his mother was killed by bandits. He did not understand why his father had never buried his mother and each time he asked about his mother, his father would give him a beating. Tianci shivered at the thought of Zhou Zhicheng and his clear wide eyes were filled with terror. "Tianci, don't be afraid. I'll always be by your side and won't ever let you be in danger again." Hua Qiyue held his hand and brought him into the room, carried him up to bed, and let down the bed curtains. Outside, the moon slowly rose to take its place in the sky. Tianci buried his small face in her hands and slept soundly. He was too tired. Hua Qiyue had not expected Tianci to wait up for her until midnight. She felt a twinge of guilt for making him wait so long. She closed her eyes and re-entered the jade gourd. She plated a few exotic herbs, and then, as Tianpi watched, she started to cultivate in earnest. The next morning, Hua Qiyue searched her memory and recalled that there was a famous doctor in the capital known as Prince Nan. He was originally named Yun Shimo and was from the Changjing Kingdom. He grew up in poverty and his only family was his mother. He was self-taught and was not just an alchemist but also an outstanding doctor. No matter how bad the ailments were, he could cure them all and bring his patients back to full health. Like most famous doctors, though, Prince Nan was eccentric, and he required everyone who approached him for treatment to create a poem. He would only accept the patient if he was satisfied with the poem. Since Tianpi could not cure Tianci, Prince Nan was her only hope. The next morning, Lvxin was shocked to hear that Hua Qiyue was going to bring Tianci to see Prince Nan. How had her mistress suddenly become so bold? Hua Qiye smiled and said, "Lvxin, I must make sure that Tianci recovers." Lvxin remained silent, unable to think of a response. Youshui prepared the carriage while Hua Qiyue fetched Tianci.