Bloodkiller - Chapter 18

Chapter 18: The Quest for Medicine

Mountain blossoms fall, yet the mountains remain; waters flow in vain, the mountains stay idle.

Though Zhu Xiufeng could not compare with the grandeur of the Five Great Mountains, it was still a picturesque place, blessed with clear waters and verdant hills. At the foot of the mountain stood a grand estate, surrounded on all sides by peach trees—no doubt, it would be a breathtaking sight when the flowers bloomed.

Yao Chuan reined in his horse and observed the view. Above the main gate hung a large redwood plaque, inscribed with two golden characters: “Mei Manor.” The scale of the estate impressed him, and he couldn’t help but wonder: With such wealth, just what kind of background does this Madam Mei have? It was curious, too, that while Lin Yi claimed to be estranged from his mother, there were few whispers about her in the martial world.

He kept his expression neutral and dismounted in a single motion. Turning back, he gently helped the person in the carriage down. Dressed in a dark pink robe, the figure was noticeably taller than most women and had a white veil covering her face. Though her features were obscured, her graceful build alone revealed her to be a stunning beauty. However, her steps were weak and unsteady, as though gravely ill.

Leaning against Yao Chuan, Lin Yi appeared frail, but his lips pressed close to Yao’s ear as he whispered:
“Don’t forget what I instructed yesterday, Brother Yao. Whether we succeed or fail—all depends on this.”

Before Yao Chuan could respond, a maid approached from the gates and gave them a courteous nod.

Yao Chuan spoke, “Thank you, miss. I am Fu Shan of the Qingyun Sect. I sent my calling card yesterday and have come today to request an audience with Madam Mei.”

The maid replied, “Honored guests, forgive us for not welcoming you sooner. Madam has already ordered a banquet to be prepared. Please, follow me.”

“We’ve come only to seek medicine, not to impose. If it’s convenient, perhaps we might speak with Madam now…”

The maid smiled and interrupted, “No need to rush, young master. While my lady is kind, she does not grant every request for medicine. However, if during the banquet the two of you can answer her three questions—”

She paused and gave a coy smile. “Then Madam will gift you the Red Epiphyllum without hesitation.”

Yao Chuan had heard of this test from Lin Yi the day before. Though he understood what was coming, he feigned surprise and said, “In that case, we must trouble you to lead the way.”

Supporting Lin Yi gently, the two exchanged a glance, calm and unflinching, and followed the maid into the inner courtyard. As expected, the estate was truly magnificent. After passing through the front courtyard, they came upon a long corridor styled after the gardens of Jiangnan, with intricately carved eaves—some shaped like birds or mythical beasts, others of bamboo, chrysanthemums, pine, and cypress. Each carving was lifelike and full of energy. Beyond the corridor lay a small garden, modest in size but filled with brilliantly tended flowers, some of which Yao Chuan couldn’t even name.

As they passed through, he felt Lin Yi’s body tense slightly in his arms. He shot him a questioning glance, but Lin Yi only shook his head subtly. The maid leading them turned and asked, “Is the lady feeling unwell?”

Lin Yi coughed lightly and leaned more into Yao Chuan’s chest without responding. Yao understood the cue and said, “My wife is of delicate health. Thank you for your concern, miss. Please, lead the way.”

The three fell silent and soon arrived at the rear courtyard.

Just as the maid had said, a banquet was already set inside the main hall. More than ten attendants stood outside, each dressed in matching garments and with eerily identical makeup—so much so that at first glance they appeared to be sisters. Beautiful though they were, their expressions were stiff, almost lifeless.

Yao Chuan was deeply unsettled but masked his unease and supported Lin Yi into the hall. Inside, seated at the head table, was a strikingly elegant woman. Lavishly dressed and surrounded by handmaidens, she seemed more like a noble lady than someone from the martial world.

Though Lin Yi had told him they were estranged, she was still his mother. That thought alone made Yao Chuan uneasy. He raised his eyes to study her face and was surprised to see she bore no resemblance to Lin Yi. This woman was alluring, sensual even in her forties, while Lin Yi looked more like his father, the late master of the Lin stronghold. Yao recalled his teacher once saying that Lin Yi was the spitting image of his father in his youth.

He thought: The old master died young, and this Madam Mei left Qingfeng Stronghold long ago. She likely doesn’t remember her late husband’s face. With no close bond to Lin Yi, it’s no wonder she wouldn’t recognize him.

The woman motioned for them to sit at the upper left seats. Once seated, she raised a wine cup and said, “Forgive me for not greeting you personally, dear guests. My health is poor, and I left the task to my attendants. I hope you understand.”

She drank her wine and then turned the empty cup upside down as a gesture toward Yao and Lin.

Though polite, her face remained expressionless. Yao Chuan pretended not to notice and stood up. “Madam is gracious, and I am humbled. As I wrote in my calling card yesterday, I have come with my wife to plead for medicine. I beg you to allow us access to Zhu Xiufeng to pick the Red Epiphyllum.”

Mei Xin smiled faintly. That smile softened her previous coldness and added a touch of gentleness. She said, “It moves me to see a man care so deeply for his wife. However, the Red Epiphyllum is extremely rare. To prevent the wicked from taking advantage, Mei Manor has a rule—those who seek medicine must answer three questions. If all are answered correctly, I will personally present the herb.”

Yao Chuan asked, “And if one answers incorrectly, what then?”

Mei Xin chuckled and said, “My manor isn’t a place you can just come and go from at will. If you answer wrong, it’s simple…”

She paused and looked between the two of them, raised a slender finger to her lips, and laughed lightly. “You need only leave behind… one person’s head.”

Her soft, gentle tone made her words all the more horrifying. Yao Chuan frowned. “They say Madam is a kind woman. Why speak such venomous words today?”

Mei Xin giggled behind her silk handkerchief. “What a blunt young hero. I won’t take offense. But the medicine on this mountain belongs to me. You come empty-handed, demanding my treasure, and act so righteous. Isn’t that hypocrisy? Many have come to seek medicine, but the Red Epiphyllum blooms only once a year. If I didn’t have precautions, it would be picked clean.”

She sighed and acted the picture of helplessness.

“Oh, and don’t think about barging in,” Mei Xin continued with a dreamy tone. “This estate is well-defended. Even if you make it up the mountain, without Mei Manor’s help, you won’t succeed.”

Her certainty left Yao Chuan at a loss. True, he and Lin Yi could likely fight their way out if needed—but how could he harm Lin Yi’s mother? Even escaping without bloodshed would be difficult. And then there was the matter of picking the flower. Uncle Yun had mentioned that many renowned warriors had failed here. Perhaps, as she said, the flower could only be retrieved with the Manor’s help?

Before he could think further, a hoarse voice spoke behind him:
“In that case, let Madam pose her questions.”

He turned to see Lin Yi with eyes burning bright. “My health is fragile,” Lin Yi said, “and I may not have long. If I obtain the Red Epiphyllum today, Heaven will have shown mercy. If not, I will die with no regrets. Husband, do not worry.”

Mei Xin raised a brow in surprise. “Such a gentle and understanding lady. But alas, when disaster strikes, even loving couples part ways. I imagine your dear husband is secretly thrilled to hear you speak so.”

Yao Chuan scoffed. “Vile woman. Ask your questions directly. No need to stir trouble between us.”

“Very well. My questions are simple and pertain to your lives—nothing against martial honor. If you are a true hero and virtuous couple, you will answer with ease.”

She waved her hand. A maid stepped forward and helped her down from her seat. Mei Xin slowly approached the pair.

Yao Chuan stepped in front of Lin Yi to shield him. The woman stopped before him and said sweetly,
“The first question is very simple. If you love your wife so dearly, then tell me—what is her exact birth date and time? You have the duration of one incense stick.”

Yao Chuan’s brow furrowed. This question is odd. Birth details are unique—if I make something up, how could she possibly verify it? Unless… Uncle Yun’s warning was true? And after all, Fu Shan and Liu Jiao’er were names he had invented. Wouldn’t they be easily exposed?

But then he glanced at Lin Yi, who gave him a calm and reassuring nod. His confidence returned. Even if this woman has otherworldly means, can I not protect Lin Yi?

He replied, “The question is indeed simple. Before our wedding, we had our birth charts matched. My wife was born in the year of the Wood Pig, on the third day of the seventh month, during the third quarter of the Mao hour. I am certain this is correct. But only close kin would know such details—how could you verify my answer? If this is merely a trap, I would have no way to defend myself.”

Mei Xin shook her head. “You underestimate me, young master. I do enjoy watching visitors lose their wives and ruin their homes, but I don’t resort to such petty tricks. It’s far more satisfying when a man answers wrongly and must kill his beloved himself. Now, since you’ve answered, no changes allowed. Meixiang, reveal the truth.”

A maid stepped forward, producing a delicate scroll no longer than a finger, tied with a ribbon of silk. She carefully unfurled it and read aloud:

“Liu Jiao’er, native of Liu Village, Changfeng County, Dingzhou. Born in the year of the Wood Pig, third day of the seventh lunar month, Mao hour, third quarter. Father: Liu Dazhong, a blacksmith. Mother: Wang, commonly called ‘Granny Wang.’ At sixteen, she met Fu Shan, a disciple of the Qingyun Sect, and married him. At twenty-three, she fell ill with a strange condition—alternating fevers and chills, losing consciousness every few days. Fu Shan took her across the land in search of doctors. On the 20th of the seventh month this year, they consulted Zhao Lingju, a renowned physician in Yaoxing, and received a prescription requiring Red Epiphyllum. Thus, they came to Mei Manor seeking the herb.”

She finished and stepped back.

Mei Xin shook her head with a regretful smile. “It seems you answered correctly, young master. Many come here seeking medicine for their parents or teachers, and only bring their wives because of our rules. Most cannot even answer the first question.”

Though both women’s voices were gentle and pleasant, Yao Chuan felt thunderstruck. He had written the name Fu Shan only yesterday morning. Yet by this afternoon, this woman had uncovered a complete biography of “Liu Jiao’er.” Even more startling—the details exactly matched what Lin Yi had written!

He struggled to remain composed, hiding his shock. Yet inwardly, he burned to ask Lin Yi: What do you really know? Or rather, how powerful is your influence in Yaoxing? That in half a day, you can fabricate a life so detailed that even Mei Manor’s spies believe it true?

…

One day earlier, inside Yun Fengtian’s study.

“Fu Shan?” Lin Yi asked, surprised. “Do you actually know someone by that name, Brother Yao, or did you just make it up?”

Yao Chuan shook his head. “There’s no such person. Years ago, I worked in the Dingzhou outpost and met Xu Qingsong of the Qingyun Sect. I thought to borrow the Qingyun name for our request to Madam Mei.”

Yun Fengtian frowned. “Chuan’er, you rarely operate in Yaoxing, so you don’t know how formidable that woman is. Many have returned from Mei Manor refusing to speak of what happened. They left as couples, but came back alone. There’s talk that she demands one’s spouse in exchange for medicine—but no one confirms it. They say her network of spies is vast and all-knowing. If Mei Madam wants to know something, she will.”

“Dingzhou is far from here. Even with her power, how could she investigate everything in a single day?”

“Well—”

“It’s just a matter of stealing a nest,” Lin Yi interrupted, calm. “Uncle Yun need not worry. I know what I’m doing.” He picked up Yao’s draft and, seeing the ink had dried, folded it neatly. “Brother Yao is right. But even if we’re fabricating, it needs to be convincing. Since we’re using Dingzhou…”

He trailed off, deep in thought, and then took up brush and ink to write.

Yao Chuan leaned in. He saw: “Fu Shan, native of Yanglin County, Dingzhou… Liu Jiao’er, native of Liu Village, Changfeng County…”

“This is… rather detailed. What’s the point?”

Lin Yi blew on the fresh ink and smiled. “Don’t worry, Brother Yao. Just memorize everything I wrote. Tomorrow, you’ll retrieve that Red Epiphyllum with ease and save the Qian family boy. As for the calling card—I’ll handle that personally. No need to trouble Uncle Yun.”