Chapter 135: Flesh and Blood as Medicine
The troublemaker had his tongue cut out, and blood flowed across the ground.
Xie Jing didn’t want to just stay protected in the rear. That night, he went up the mountain with the guards and brought back the heads of bandits.
Lord Bai Jiu lifted the carriage curtain and looked at them coldly. Xie Jing and steward Sun Fu knelt to the side. The old steward hesitated, about to speak, but Xie Jing stopped him: “I led them up the mountain. I… I was young and impulsive, didn’t know my limits, so I took people up there.”
It was the first time Lord Bai Jiu had ever been angry with him; his face was iron-gray. “You even know the words ‘limits’?!”
Xie Jing pressed his lips together, kneeling silently.
Those in the carriage coughed in shock, and steward Sun Fu was so frightened he shouted a few times.
Xie Jing softened first, his eyes red as he said, “I was wrong.”
“Wrong where?”
“I… I acted recklessly.”
…
Memories in his dream were scattered and chaotic, fragmentary, as if many years had passed.
Xie Jing had made mistakes, but he had also done many things right.
Lord Bai Jiu dismissed everyone, even sending steward Sun Fu away. Naturally, he also considered sending Xie Jing off.
Xie Jing rarely yielded. In a low voice at Lord Bai Jiu’s bedside, he said, “Lord, I’ve been sent away once; I don’t want to be sent away again.”
Lord Bai Jiu raised his hand and gently stroked his head. After a while, he said, “You weren’t sent to the Eastern Courtyard by Cao Yunzhao; I watched out for you and took you from his hands. He has duties in Shu; going back to him would be better than staying here. If I am gone in the future, someone will still take care of you.”
Xie Jing could not bear to hear this and refused to leave.
He stayed by Lord Bai Jiu’s side, taking care of him, brewing medicine, making tea, and learning to cook.
At first, he wasn’t good at it, but gradually he became proficient. When Lord Bai Jiu ate a little more, he felt happy inside.
The war dragged on endlessly, resources were scarce, and Lord Bai Jiu gave his money and connections to the new head while keeping a low profile in the mountain city.
Xie Jing accompanied Lord Bai Jiu, living behind a temple, hearing the morning bell every day from spring into summer.
Lord Bai Jiu’s medicine was extremely bitter. Xie Jing learned to make local pastries, baking four or five plum cakes each day to accompany the medicine—a light, slightly sweet-and-sour taste. After taking his medicine, Lord Bai Jiu would share them with Xie Jing.
Later, when the illness worsened, Lord Bai Jiu spent most of his time in a deep sleep and occasionally coughed up blood.
Xie Jing felt helpless, but the seriously ill person still comforted him. When Lord Bai Jiu placed his hand on Xie Jing’s head, he felt slightly weak, and Xie Jing’s eyes grew moist. He gripped Lord Bai Jiu’s hand, pressed it to his cheek, and rubbed gently.
When the medicine gradually lost its effect, Xie Jing heard of a folk remedy: he cut a strip of flesh from his right arm with a dagger to brew into medicine. The wound was bandaged, but some blood seeped through, and it hurt, yet he didn’t care at all.
On the first day of early spring, Lord Bai Jiu suddenly regained some energy and could sit up and chat with him.
Xie Jing was overjoyed, wanting to take him outside, but worried about the spring chill, he stood and sat repeatedly, unsure what to do with his excitement.
Lord Bai Jiu waved him over and held his hand, stroking it a few times.
Xie Jing stammered as he spoke: “Lord, you’re feeling better, aren’t you? I went to the temple a few days ago to draw a fortune. The master said, ‘All things renew; old illnesses shall heal; all you seek shall come to pass…’”
“Jing’er, listen to me,” Lord Bai Jiu said softly, coughing lightly. “Life is short. There will be meetings and partings.”
Xie Jing’s eyes reddened.
Lord Bai Jiu leaned closer, forehead against Xie Jing’s. “A caravan will come in a few days. You can go with them to Spring City, or continue south, or even cross the sea…” Xie Jing shook his head. Lord Bai Jiu chuckled. “I had originally planned for Hong’er to come fetch you to Nanyang. But I feared you would worry about me and be reluctant to go so far.”
He gently touched the arm hidden in Xie Jing’s sleeve. Even through the clothes, he could feel the thick bandages. “If I leave, you mustn’t do anything foolish, hurt yourself, or follow me.”
Xie Jing’s arm hurt, but his heart hurt even more, as if a hole had been cut into it with a knife.
Silent grief—his arm trembled, but he couldn’t cry out.
This was the person he had used his flesh and blood to heal, yet could not keep.
…
Xie Jing was trapped in a nightmare, clutching his right arm, nails digging into his flesh. The more he struggled, the tighter he held, bones whitening, cutting his skin, sweat soaking his hair against his face.
Someone held him from behind.
Xie Jing awoke suddenly and pressed back: “Who?!”
“It’s me.”
Xie Jing froze, then realized, and loosened his grip. His forehead was covered in sweat. “Master?”
“It’s me.”
The two reassurances comforted him. His chest still pounded, pain unrelieved by waking, voice choked, as he held Lord Bai Jiu’s hand to his chest, letting him feel his heartbeat through the palm.
Lord Bai Jiu touched his forehead, frowning: “Why are you sweating so much? I’ll call the doctor.”
“No, don’t go,” Xie Jing said, turning over to hug him, whispering, “It’s enough that you’re here.”
“What good am I here?” Lord Bai Jiu soothed. “I’ll have the doctor give you an injection. Once the fever drops and you sleep, you’ll be fine.”
Xie Jing shook his head, body trembling slightly.
Lord Bai Jiu, unable to bear it, held him and whispered, “It was my oversight. Are you scared, Jing’er?”
Xie Jing’s teeth chattered lightly. “I’m… scared of… dying.”
Lord Bai Jiu kissed him: “I’m watching over you. Nothing will happen to you.”
“You can’t… have anything happen either.”
“Hmm. We’ll both live long lives. I’ll protect little Jing’er my whole life.”
Xie Jing stubbornly listened until his heart settled, his pulse gradually returning to normal, though tears remained at the corners of his eyes. He nestled into Lord Bai Jiu’s embrace, whispering about this life and hoping for the next.
Lord Bai smiled lightly. “All yours. If there’s a next life, I’ll find you.” He lightly stroked Xie Jing’s earlobe and the silver earring on the cartilage. “I remember every mark on you. When I find you again, I’ll keep you by my side, for a lifetime.”
Xie Jing rolled over on top of him, hands bracing on either side. “Master, you should take matters into your own hands and leave more marks on me, so they’ll be easier to find later.”
The room was dimly lit, but the young man’s eyes could still be seen: passionate, pure, earnest, and persistent.
He did not restrain his desires.
To like is to like.
…
Xie Jing relaxed a lot, but Lord Bai Jiu only acted to help him and did not allow him to act recklessly.
Xie Jing reached down, biting his lip: “Master, you haven’t been relieved yet.”
“You couldn’t bear it now,” Lord Bai Jiu whispered. “Once you’re better, there will be plenty of time.”
Xie Jing spent two days recuperating in Zhuandou Village, overcoming his inner demons and gradually improving.
His body recovered quickly, and he regained much of his spirit. After he got better, he moved into Lord Bai Jiu’s room, not avoiding others; he couldn’t bear to be apart even for a moment.
Zhuandou Village belonged to the Xie family. Xie Jing had previously established his authority on Yunmeng Mountain, his wrist cold and strict. After he came to Zhuandou, the household servants dared not offend him. Whatever Xie Jing did, they all obeyed.
Xie Jing helped Lord Bai Jiu dress as he had every day before and found his white jade lion pendant to fasten it on him personally.
Lord Bai Jiu toyed with it and asked, “Just one?”
Xie Jing said, “There are two, a pair. The other is in Sichuan. I didn’t know you were coming, so I kept it in a box. I’ll wear that one when I return.”
Lord Bai Jiu’s lips lifted slightly, standing while Xie Jing adjusted his collar. Once ready, he said, “You have nimble hands. Since you left, nothing has been as smooth.”
Xie Jing: “If you want me, I’ll come. I’m willing to serve you.”
Lord Bai Jiu: “You’re leaving your position as Sichuan’s young master to follow me?”
“Mm.” Xie Jing met his gaze. “I only want to follow you. Wherever you go, I’ll follow. This time, I won’t miss you again.”
For some reason, hearing this made Lord Bai Jiu soften, as if feeling indebted.
Xie Jing lowered his eyes, gathering his swirling emotions, and spoke as calmly as usual: “You said you’d come at the end of the year. Now you’re coming earlier than expected. I’m very happy… I almost wanted to ride back on horseback.” The final words trembled, like a young cub wronged.
After a moment, Lord Bai Jiu sighed: “Winter has lasted too long. I couldn’t wait either.”
If not for this, how could he have put aside heavy duties to make a trip to Sichuan?
The bandit threat on Yunmeng Mountain was quickly eliminated. A garrison was stationed in a canyon under Luo Nianqiu, who strictly disciplined the troops. After dispersing a few fleeing soldiers, no one dared enter Sichuan again.
Xu Jun remained on guard in Yunmeng. Not only him—some salt merchants in Sichuan were concerned. Luo Nianqiu had spoken well, but this valuable region might not be easily relinquished.
Xie Jing had accompanied Lord Bai Jiu to see Luo Nianqiu several times. On the way back, he told Lord Bai Jiu openly: “Master is worried.”
Lord Bai Jiu said, “Luo Nianqiu is different from others. He’s trustworthy.”
Xie Jing looked at him, waiting.
“He studied under Mr. Huang, like I did, for several years. Later, I returned north to trade, he joined the army. By coincidence, my cousin also studied military school with him; they share a life-long bond.” Lord Bai Jiu explained. “During the unrest in Yicheng, pacifying the rebels was his duty. Sichuan provided supplies, he sent troops—a mutually beneficial arrangement.”
Xie Jing asked, “He doesn’t want to take Sichuan?”
Lord Bai Jiu laughed: “It’s not his ambition.”
On the way back from Yunmeng, whether it was Xu Jun’s subordinates or other families sending grain, everyone was cautious in Xie Jing’s presence, respectfully calling him by name.
Although Xie Jing hadn’t returned to the city yet, his fearsome reputation had spread in Sichuan. He surpassed even Xie Siquan in notoriety. Xie Siquan only played pranks on a few main families; he never flogged anyone. Xie Jing, however, had fought openly. Those carried back had serious injuries to their backs and legs, and were tied to a tree for three days with little water.
Xie Jing never admitted these acts in front of Lord Bai Jiu. He would dodge or pretend otherwise when confronted.
He said seriously, “It must be that the people you brought scared them.”
—
Sichuan Upper City, Xie Family Estate
The Xie family courtyard was large, partly expanded later. The original small courtyard was tucked into a corner, surrounded by bamboo, leaving only a winding path, the rest blocked.
The buildings were low, with delicately carved doors and windows. The courtyard and interior were clean and tidy. Although uninhabited, it was clear the place was well cared for.
The moon was nearly full, bright and white on the ground.
Xie Siquan held a jar of wine, sitting on the rooftop enjoying the moonlight and drinking.
Suddenly, he heard the sound of tiles. After a moment, He Dongting slowly climbed onto the roof. Unlike Xie Siquan, he bent over cautiously, moving carefully.
Xie Siquan looked at him disdainfully: “So you know how to do these things. Not the first time climbing a roof, right?”
He Dongting sat not far from him, shook his head, and smiled: “Not the first time.”
“Oh?”
“Yuan Yuan once brought me up here. She said the moon looked brighter on the roof than anywhere else.”
Xie Siquan’s face darkened. He raised the cup to his lips, drank, and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, saying harshly: “You’re not worthy of my sister!”
He Dongting looked up at the bright moon. After a while, he spoke softly: “From the start, I was overreaching. I’ve never met anyone like your sister. If not for her, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
He took something from his pocket—a small stone carving, palm-sized. Under the moonlight, it was a dragon carved from black stone, rough-hewn, head facing downward as if drawing water. He handed it to Xie Siquan: “When I went to Jing’er’s courtyard, I met Aunt Kou and learned this stone tiger was in the Buddha statue. Yuan Yuan gave it to me back then.”
Xie Siquan took it and looked—indeed, a dragon carved from the same black stone as the tiger, roughly polished, head down in a water-collecting posture.
