The most prosperous city in Huozhou was Muerhe. Due to its superior geographical location, it had once been a vital military stronghold, though it had ceased to host a garrison a century ago following a devastating plague.
Few native Muerhe people remained; most current residents were descendants of those who had migrated there generations ago. After several lifetimes, there was no harm in them claiming Muerhe as their home. Among them were those who had risen to great heights, becoming immensely wealthy—most notably the Zou family, who had made their fortune through precious medicinal ingredients.
Yao Yi’s intelligence network was always well-informed; the news regarding the jade had first leaked from the Zou family. To trace it back to its source, one had to look to the Xiong family—the kin of Master Zou’s most favored third concubine. In truth, the Xiongs had been in the same boat as the Zous for a long time; the marriage was merely a way to bind their interests even tighter.
The Xiong family had once been prominent gentry in the region outside Baiyao Pass in Muerhe. Centuries ago, Baiyao Pass was a major trade route, but for reasons unknown, it had fallen into ruin and was gradually swallowed by the expanding Northern Marshes. The Xiongs had long since abandoned such a desolate, godforsaken place, never imagining that the Master Zou of that era would find an opportunity for wealth within it.
The Northern Marshes were situated at a moderate distance from Guantian Gorge. Beneath the marsh lay an underground river that led to the Hun River. When the marshes filled with water, the current flowed toward the gorge, slowly carrying objects from the depths of the swamp to its edges.
Among these treasures was a precious medicinal catalyst known as "Blood of the Tomb." It was a type of crystal formed over many years from the skeletal remains of deer that had perished in the marsh. Deep red, smooth, and rounded like a pearl or jade, it was insoluble in water but dissolved in blood. Rumor had it that consuming it could preserve one's youth forever.
Regardless of whether such a treasure actually worked, the mere one-in-ten-thousand chance was enough for noble families to spend thousands of gold pieces to try it.
The Zous harvested the herbs while the Xiongs guarded the territory; the two families had partnered in this divine medicine trade for three generations. The Master Zou of that time had been very shrewd, establishing a rule that no more than nine *liang* of Blood of the Tomb could be sold each year, ensuring that its scarcity maintained its value. Decades passed, and the price of the medicine had not only failed to drop but had increased several times over.
With such accumulated wealth, the Zou family was naturally dripping with riches, and the Xiong family rose along with them. The two families had lived in harmony for years, but by the time the succession reached Zou Sifang, complications arose.
Zou Sifang’s primary wife, Lady Zhao, was a true native of Muerhe. Although her family’s wealth was not vast, they were a genuine clan of high standing; by all rights, her marriage into the Zou family was considered marrying down. Yet, to everyone's surprise, she had been married for nearly eight years without producing a single son. Seeing the Zou line on the verge of extinction, Zou Sifang took several concubines in quick succession, including the daughter sent by the Xiong family.
This immediately set the war drums beating in the Zou household.
Feeling threatened, Lady Zhao barred the families of these concubines from entering the manor. In her first year of marriage, the Xiong daughter did not even see her own kin. Furthermore, Lady Zhao had whispered something into her husband's ear that prompted Zou Sifang to begin plotting to buy the Xiong family's land in the marshes.
The medicinal trade was managed entirely by the Zous, while the Xiongs simply provided the land and reaped the rewards. If Zou Sifang truly managed to buy the land, he could kick the Xiongs out once and for all, ensuring his family’s absolute monopoly.
The Xiong family saw the situation clearly and grew desperate. They tried many tactics, both overt and covert, and recently, they had stumbled upon an opportunity.
A month ago, while Xiong Bingnan was patrolling his territory, he found a skeleton in the depths of the marsh that was larger than a deer—it looked to be a horse or an ox.
The edges of the marsh were soft and wet; most large animals sensed the danger of sinking and would not venture deep into the interior. Small beasts like wild rabbits or rats were not heavy enough to sink into the mud. Only smaller deer or muntjacs were likely to fall into the quagmire.
Xiong Bingnan immediately sensed something was amiss. Upon cutting open the white bones, he discovered a piece of exquisite jade. The jade was square; though it had been cut by human hands, it was not overly carved. Its luster and purity were unlike anything he had ever seen.
How could there be jade inside the carcass of an ox or horse? Xiong Bingnan was a rough man; he knew it was a fine thing but didn't know exactly why. After some thought, he decided to use it as a gift to curry favor, privately inviting Master Zou out to present the exquisite jade to him.
Huozhou was vast, but Muerhe was a small place. News traveled fast. People with ulterior motives set their sights on Zou Sifang and the item in his possession, visiting several times to inquire about a price. Zou Sifang was no fool; he realized the jade was indeed a treasure and became even more unwilling to part with it. Thus arose the rumors of him offering a heavy sum to invite the Qu family to appraise the jade, which had led to Xiao Nanhui’s current journey.
Upon entering the city, Xiao Nanhui and Bolao headed straight for the busiest street. In places where social customs were more open, the "entertainment districts" were always the most popular. The scale of Wangchen Tower was significantly larger than those in Quecheng.
The afterglow of the sunset had not yet faded, and the sky still held the red light of the evening clouds, yet the entire flower street was already brightly lit. Though the air was somewhat damp and cold, it could not chill the fiery enthusiasm of the Huozhou people seeking a night of pleasure. A faint scent of rouge and powder permeated the street; these tiny fragrant dust particles floating in the air made the light and shadows seem almost tangible. The drifting smoke curled like thin ribbons around the noses of the patrons, tickling their hearts.
The manager on duty at Wangchen Tower today was surnamed Zhou, known to all as Grandfather Zhou, simply because all the performers and courtesans in the tower were of his "grandchildren's generation."
Grandfather Zhou was in an exceptionally good mood today, and even the Lilac-breasted Roller perched on his shoulder looked more vibrant. He had the natural appearance of a friendly old man, teasing his bird while soliciting customers. He had already intercepted several wealthy patrons, leaving the Zhaihua Pavilion across the street fuming with envy.
At that moment, two handsome young gentlemen walked in. Since the more attractive staff were already busy, he personally hurried forward to greet them.
"You two gentlemen have certainly come to the right place today. We have a headline performance starting soon. Two people who had reserved seats just had something come up and couldn't make it, leaving two elegant seats vacant. You can enjoy the music and the dance without missing a beat..."
Xiao Nanhui gave a light cough and pulled out the thin paper envelope Yao Yi had given her, handing it over.
The man took it and opened it; inside was nothing but a single, dull gray abacus bead.
The moment Grandfather Zhou saw the bead, his smiling eyes instantly drooped. "So, you are distinguished guests from the capital. You've certainly come at a 'convenient' time, right when I'm at my busiest."
Thanks to Yao Yi, Xiao Nanhui was long accustomed to such mercenary behavior. Her expression remained peaceful as she signaled Bolao to bring out the silver they had prepared beforehand.
"It is truly inconvenient to stay at an inn, which is why we have come to trouble you. Please accept this small token of our appreciation, Manager."
Since they were acquaintances who had sent word ahead, Grandfather Zhou had only grumbled out of a sense of pique. Seeing that the other party was quite sensible, it became difficult for him to be harsh.
Deftly sweeping the silver into his sleeve, he casually beckoned a young servant boy who was carrying an empty fruit plate.
"Jindou’er, come here. Take these two gentlemen to the back courtyard. Isn't there a side room empty next to A-Xi? Help them tidy it up."
The boy blinked, looking at Xiao Nanhui and Bolao. "You two, follow me."
Xiao Nanhui and Bolao bowed to Grandfather Zhou, who returned the gesture politely, and the three went their separate ways to attend to their business.
As they passed through the staggered pavilions and eaves of Wangchen Tower, the boisterous noise of the crowd gradually faded. The moment they stepped into the back courtyard, the surroundings became instantly quiet. This area had been designed with great care to ensure the "masters" staying in the rooms could enjoy some peace.
The main structure of the back courtyard was a square-shaped pavilion surrounding a central courtyard filled with clusters of flowers in vibrant reds and greens. Several beauties who were free today were lounging among the flowers, chatting. Seeing Xiao Nanhui and Bolao, they stopped their chatter in surprise. Some, finding the newcomers handsome, boldly plucked flowers and tossed them over. Bolao happily accepted them all.
Up on the third floor, Jindou’er leaned over the wooden railing and urged the two below, "Hurry up, don't dawdle."
Xiao Nanhui quickly pulled Bolao upstairs. Jindou’er looked to be only twelve or thirteen, yet he exuded an air of seasoned experience. He led them to a carved wooden door and pointed to the hollowed-out jade magnolia flower on it. "This White Jade Magnolia room is for you two. Remember to look carefully when you come and go. From dawn until after noon, you must tread lightly and keep your voices down so as not to disturb your neighbors."
Xiao Nanhui agreed to everything. She glanced around the room and found it sufficient. She then said to Jindou’er, "There is one more thing I must ask of you, young lady. Our horses are still tied at the front entrance; please arrange for someone to look after them."
Jindou’er seemed to freeze for a moment, then lowered his head and replied obediently, "Very well, I shall send someone at once."
"Thank you for your trouble, young lady."
"It is nothing. I have other matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave."
Jindou’er bowed and turned to walk away quickly.
Once they had settled their luggage, the first thing they did was strip off their damp outer robes and change into clean clothes.
Xiao Nanhui took down the cloth bundle she had been carrying on her back. Bolao caught sight of it and snatched it away. "You actually brought this out? Didn't we agree to keep a low profile?"
She reached out to reclaim it, but Bolao nimbly dodged her.
She felt somewhat helpless. "Can't I carry it just for peace of mind?"
"This trip doesn't require you to slay a thousand enemies. Besides, I'm here, so what do you have to worry about?"
*You? You're the one who makes me worried!*
Xiao Nanhui grumbled inwardly, but Bolao had already fished out a different dagger from the luggage and tossed it to her.
"Use this for now."
Before she could say more, the sound of a man complaining drifted in from the hallway.
"That man surnamed Zou didn't even say he wasn't coming. He made me cancel my appointment with Young Master Li for nothing, offending him for no reason."
Another younger voice sounded more composed and much quieter. "Master Xi, please speak less. If the people in the tower hear you, they'll mock us behind our backs."
So this was A-Xi, their "neighbor."
It seemed that Master Zou, despite having several concubines at home to dote on, preferred to come to this place of entertainment to "change his palate."
Xiao Nanhui and Bolao left their door ajar, poking their heads out to continue eavesdropping.
"Does this even need me to say it? The news has already spread everywhere! Sister Yan was played for a fool too; she'll be throwing things again in a moment."
*Tsk tsk, so he likes both men and women. That's quite a heavy appetite.*
"It can't be helped. I heard from Xiao Liu’er at Huichun Hall that Master Zou has been seriously ill for more than a day or two. They say he can't even get out of bed. How could he come to the tower?"
*Seriously ill? Wait!*
She pushed the door open and spoke urgently to the two startled men outside. "Is what you two said true?"
The man called A-Xi was indeed beautiful, but his peach-blossom eyes now held a hint of hostility as he looked Xiao Nanhui and Bolao up and down. "Newcomers? How can you be so ignorant of the rules?"
She patiently explained, "You misunderstand, sir. We are friends of Grandfather Zhou, staying here for a few days."
A-Xi’s expression softened slightly upon hearing this, though he remained listless. "So you are honored guests. Then we won't disturb you. As for what was just said, pretend you heard nothing." Having said that, he walked to the neighboring room carved with begonia flowers and pushed the door open to enter. After a moment, he realized the person following him hadn't moved.
The youth dressed as a servant behind him was staring in Xiao Nanhui’s direction, looking somewhat dazed as he gazed at the half-open White Jade Magnolia door behind her.
A-Xi barked dissatisfiedly, "A-Lü!"
The servant called A-Lü snapped back to his senses, gave Xiao Nanhui a hurried bow, and quickly entered the room, shutting the door.
Xiao Nanhui opened her mouth but swallowed her follow-up questions.
She had specifically inquired before setting out and knew that Wangchen Tower was a place Master Zou frequented. That was why she had shamelessly begged Yao Yi to let her stay here. Who would have thought it would be so unlucky—the man was holed up at home and wouldn't come out.
However, gossip was just gossip; it was normal for there to be discrepancies. As long as the man hadn't left the gates of Muerhe, she didn't believe she couldn't find him.
But... Zou Sifang was seriously ill?
A person's face involuntarily flashed through her mind.
As she was thinking, Bolao fumbled something out of the outer robe Xiao Nanhui had changed out of. She sniffed it and asked in confusion, "Why do you have a Zhi Pill? And a white one at that?"
Xiao Nanhui looked back, bewildered. "What Zhi Pill?"
Bolao placed the object in her palm. Xiao Nanhui looked closely and remembered.
"Hao Bai gave that to me. He said it was a thank-you for the matter on the boat."
Bolao clicked her tongue. "He’s an honest man. This Zhi Pill is a good thing, but it's hard to find in the martial world these days. The ones I used to steal from my master were all bright yellow; I've almost never seen a white one. I'll have to ask him for more another day."
Xiao Nanhui stared at the small white pill, lost in thought.
***
In a large manor two streets away, Master Zou’s concubines were weeping piteously in the flower hall. Seated in the center was the mistress of the house, Lady Zhao, her exquisite makeup unable to hide her exhaustion.
Lady Zhao expressionlessly spat out her last word. Having nothing more to say, she began to drink her tea.
This was the countless time in ten days she had recounted the events before and after Zou Sifang’s illness. The listeners changed group after group, and the concubines' tears flowed and flowed, yet Master Zou showed no sign of improvement. This traveling physician from out of town didn't even have a hair on his lip; how reliable could he be?
At this thought, she didn't even have the strength to get angry. Feeling only annoyed, she waved her hand to signal the steward to come forward. "Is the consultation fee ready? If Mister Hao has no way, let him take the silver and leave early."
The young man in white robes and white boots standing before her, with no hair on his lip, was indeed Hao Bai.
Hao Bai appeared to be deep in thought, clearly having no intention of taking the money and leaving.
"Mister Hao?"
Hao Bai returned to his senses and pulled out his cloth bag filled with silver needles. "Do not be anxious, Madam. Although I am young, I have traveled far and wide for many years and have seen many strange and difficult illnesses. What you have just described is not the worst-case scenario."
"This isn't the worst?" Lady Zhao was startled, nearly spilling half her tea. "He has been in a coma for a full half-month. He can't take medicine or food, and he can't even swallow water. If it weren't for the occasional breath he draws, I'm afraid I would have already ordered the coffin."
"If Madam trusts me, then let me examine him in person."
Lady Zhao fell silent. She knew that at this point, she had to treat a dead horse as if it were alive. If Zou Sifang passed away like this, these concubines would surely tear her apart. Since she had no son, if she wanted her future days to be easier, the head of the household absolutely could not breathe his last just yet.
"In that case, I shall trouble you, Mister."
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 穆尔赫 | Muerhe | A prosperous city in Huozhou. |
| 霍州 | Huozhou | A region/province. |
| 邹家 | Zou Family | A wealthy family in Muerhe dealing in medicinal herbs. |
| 熊氏 | Xiong Family | A family allied with the Zous, former gentry of Baiyao Pass. |
| 白耀关 | Baiyao Pass | A ruined mountain pass near the Northern Marshes. |
| 北地沼泽 | Northern Marshes | A dangerous wetland area near Muerhe. |
| 关天峡 | Guantian Gorge | A geographical feature near the marshes. |
| 昏河 | Hun River | Literally "Dusk River." |
| 陵前血 | Blood of the Tomb | A rare medicinal crystal formed from deer remains. |
| 邹思防 | Zou Sifang | The current head of the Zou family. |
| 赵氏 | Lady Zhao | Zou Sifang's primary wife. |
| 望尘楼 | Wangchen Tower | A large entertainment house/brothel in Muerhe. |
| 周外爷 | Grandfather Zhou | The manager of Wangchen Tower. |
| 摘花阁 | Zhaihua Pavilion | A rival establishment to Wangchen Tower. |
| 金豆儿 | Jindou’er | A young servant at Wangchen Tower. |
| 阿汐 | A-Xi | A male performer/courtesan at Wangchen Tower. |
| 阿律 | A-Lü | A-Xi's servant/attendant. |
| 枳丹 | Zhi Pill | A rare medicinal pill; "Zhi" refers to the trifoliate orange. |
| 回春堂 | Huichun Hall | A medical hall/pharmacy. |
