Chapter 4

"Where did you lose the sachet your mother embroidered for you, baobei? Are you still mother’s good baobei, ya—?"

Legend has it that the medicinal Jiaoren, besides being completely poisonous and strange, was said to excel in enchanting people with their eyes. 

Enchanting people with their eyes...

The medicinal Jiaoren before him had clear eyes, and his bright figure was reflected in those black pupils. 

Gu Tingshuang opened his eyes. 

After he was ten years old, his spiritual roots and bones were completely useless, but unexpectedly, he cultivated his spiritual knowledge to the extreme. His perception of the outside world and objects was many times stronger than others. 

He was now in his own room, on his own bed, and there was a faint fragrance in the room that didn't belong to him. It was as if someone from another place had stayed here last night. 

The person had left, but the fragrance lingered. 

His little silver wolf lay on the head of the bed, curled up into a ball, hūhū-ing and sound asleep. (1) 

The sight of this unusual comfort made him a little disoriented, but then he remembered what had happened last night. 

He and his little silver wolf barged into Ning Shiting's bedroom, telling him to get out. 

As a result, Ning Shiting was trapped by the lingering soul of the Wangfei. When he confronted him, he touched his chin and half of his hand was stained with the strange poison of the medicinal Jiaoren. After that, he knew nothing. 

Before losing consciousness, he vaguely remembered smelling a faint fragrance. 

Today there was no rain, the weather was clear, and the room was bright with daylight, not as cold and dark as yesterday. 

Gu Tingshuang struggled to sit up from the edge of the bed, lifting the left sleeve of his clothes to take a look. 

He felt no discomfort throughout his body, but at this moment, his left hand was wrapped in bleached white gauze, stuffed with heavy herbs. 

Through the white gauze, one could faintly see bruises on the skin below, but the bluish colour had faded a lot. If one didn't look carefully, one couldn't even see the traces of poisoning. 

He reached out to unwrap the white gauze, using a small knife under the pillow to open the sewn medicine bag. 

Inside were crushed herbs, their scents mingling together, though it was unclear what they were. Only a faintly discernible aroma wafted through. 

Poison, fragrance, medicine—all intertwined. 

The newcomer to the mansion turned out to be a rare and strange medicinal Jiaoren, which was somewhat unexpected to him. 

Ning Shiting was a person by his father's side, appearing weak and spineless, without any martial arts skills, but in reality, to conceal his true abilities, he probably had also learnt the art of fragrance and poison-making. 

Both using fragrance and using poison were ruthless and cunning. Ning Shiting appeared gentle and soft, but in reality, he was a master of poison-making and fragrance-making, and who knew how many lives he had on his hands. 

Such a person had to be guarded against. 

Gu Tingshuang recalled what Ning Shiting had said yesterday and couldn't help but sneer. 

He struggled to change into clean clothes for himself. 

The little wolf tried hard to nudge the wheelchair closer, and he managed to climb onto it. 

The wheelchair moved slowly, arriving at the edge of the pond in the courtyard. 

The medicine bag was very fragrant; even after removing it, his hands still carried a strong aroma. 

His eyes darkened, and with a "gudong" sound, the fragrant medicine bag sank directly into the water, startling the lively and colourful fish at the bottom of the pond.

.𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟.

In the study, Ning Shiting leaned against the window, flipping through pages while outside, the wind rustled through the trees and grass.

Ting Shu knelt at the desk, organising things, and upon hearing a noise at the door, stood up to look.

After a while, he returned holding a wooden box sealed with Huangxian wood, covered in fiery red celestial ink.

"Gongzi, it's a letter from the Wangye."

Ning Shiting's gaze remained on the books as he softly replied, "Put it over there."

Seeing that he didn't look immediately, Ting Shu felt a bit puzzled but didn't dwell on it.

Ning Shiting had rescued Ting Shu on the battlefield.

As a child, Ting Shu had been bought by enemy forces as bait and sent with spies into the snowy mountains. When they found Qing Wang's army, they pretended to be ordinary celestial beings lost in the mountains.

However, that evening, their true identities were discovered. As the spies prepared to depart, they were caught red-handed by scouts from Qing Wang's army.

The soldiers sneered, “Qing Wang's men are as wise as gods. What tricks do you have, Gongzi?"

A long knife was poised to strike when Ting Shu shut his eyes in fear.

It was then that a pair of hands swept in front of him.

The hands were fair and delicate, somewhat like a woman's but with larger bones.

Due to a lack of strength from direct combat on the battlefield, he almost failed to catch them.

But everyone else knelt down and bowed in unison, "Gongzi." 

"I want this child. Send him to my room later." 

It was only then that he turned to look at him. Ting Shu raised his head to look at him, and he also looked back, his brows and eyes curved, silently smiling.

That smile was very tender.

At that time, Qing Wang was absent, and Ning Shiting assumed the position of military advisor. Ting Shu stayed by his side as a young attendant, later sent back to Xianzhou because the battlefield was too dangerous.

And then he waited in Xianzhou for two months, fully prepared, awaiting his Gongzi’s arrival.

Ting Shu had never seen Qing Wang, but he had heard of Qing Wang's bravery and illustrious achievements.

He didn't know what Ning Shiting's relationship with Qing Wang was, but he did know that every twilight when a crow flew by, his Gongzi’s eyes would shine with a special brilliance.

He was handsome but usually frail and indifferent, always seeming like a paper-thin man.

However, every time a letter arrived from Qing Wang, he seemed to come alive, every corner of his eyes and brows radiant.

What Ting Shu most enjoyed was waiting for news from the crow every day, seeing if there was anything to show Ning Shiting. Whenever he brought the box made of Huang Shen wood to Ning Shiting, Ning Shiting would be very happy, no matter what he was doing, he would put it down first.

As things went awry, Ting Shu thought Ning Shiting was still worried about not being able to marry on the first night, and Qing Wang didn't come back.

Ting Shu was thinking hard, wanting to say something comforting when Ning Shiting spoke, "Did the Shizi send the medicine over there?"

"Not yet." Ting Shu said.

Ning Shiting put down his book and said, "You accompany me on a trip."

Ting Shu looked at him in surprise and saw Ning Shiting smile at him.

So he obediently went to prepare things.

He went to the pharmacy to get the prescription that Ning Shiting had given him in the morning. The prescription included rare medicinal herbs such as calendula, immortal mint, soul-calming grass, and mandrake. Several of these herbs were exclusive treasures of the Immortal Realm, possessing the miraculous ability to almost bring the dead back to life and heal broken bones. Outside of Qing Wang's residence, these herbs were nearly impossible to find.

When Ting Shu first saw the prescription, he was startled and asked Ning Shiting, "Is the Shizi going to die?"

Ning Shiting said, "Yesterday I was ill and I had a nightmare. I almost did not wake up. It was the Shizi and his wolf who saved me, but the Shizi was not clear about the poison on my body when he met me. These herbs and medicines are for him to use, and I have to send it twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. I am afraid that it will not cure my Jiaoren poison."

Ting Shu exclaimed, "Is that so? Gongzi, I'll have someone burn Xianai incense in your room right away so that you can sleep better at night. However, considering your weak condition, there might also be various spirits causing disturbances in your dreams. I'll go handle that too. But speaking of which, it's really quite coincidental. The Shizi rarely steps out of the house, yet the moment he does, he saves you. It seems the Shizi is indeed a good person."

The two of them left without any other attendants, strolling together like brothers.

Ting Shu carried a bundle of rare medicinal herbs behind Ning Shiting.

Today, Ning Shiting officially moved to the westernmost small courtyard, suddenly 108,000 li away from the Shizi’s mansion. (2)

Ting Shu was afraid Ning Shiting would tire himself out, so he followed him for a while and then pulled him back. He raised his hand and summoned several immortal cranes, pulling a delicate carriage behind, allowing Ning Shiting to sit on it.

Ning Shiting today dressed in his usual attire, still in red but a very understated shade. This colour was deep and reminiscent of the deepest part of the Forgotten River's stone garlic flowers, dignified and beautiful, making him look even paler yet more spirited than usual.

He still habitually wore a veil of pearls and jade, covering half of his brows and eyes, with golden hooks catching his silver-blue-tinged hair. Elegant and noble, he looked like a young nobleman about to embark on a journey.

He was good-looking but knew nothing about weapons; he couldn't even draw a long sword.

In the past, this face couldn't command respect on the battlefield, so Gu Feiyin made him wear a veil or a mask. When not on the battlefield, he would wear a veiled hat when going out.

Because of his precious Jiaoren identity, and even more so as a medicinal Jiaoren, Qing Wang, who was out fighting for the Immortal Emperor, made many enemies, and Ning Shiting's conspicuous appearance made him an easy target.

He initially covered his face to avoid trouble and later got used to it.

Ting Shu always felt that Ning Shiting probably liked this way of interacting without facing people directly, partly because he was such a quiet person.

Those beautiful, calm eyes hidden behind the intricate, luxurious pearls, jade, and veils made it impossible for others to see his thoughts or emotions.

As the immortal cranes flapped their wings, the grand courtyard gate with blue tiles and red eaves appeared before them.

Ning Shiting, with his keen hearing, caught some faint sounds and immediately stopped Ting Shu from stepping forward to announce their arrival.

"The Shizi’s belongings accidentally fell into the pond, but we are both very busy and can't help him retrieve them. If he wants them, he should get them himself."

"Oh, by the way, I locked the Shizi’s clever little wolf outside. You don't need to bend down to try and unlock the door; I melted it shut this morning. If the Shizi is willing to beg for mercy, we'll carry him over."

"Where did you lose the sachet your mother embroidered for you, baobei? Are you still mother’s good baobei, ya—?"

It was a pinched, mocking voice mimicking a woman's tone, filled with malice.

Then came the muffled laughter of a man and the sudden sound of a heavy impact!

That was the sound of a wheelchair being driven forcefully into the threshold.

In that instant, it seemed one could imagine what was happening on the other side of the courtyard:

A sullen youth was controlling the wheelchair, repeatedly trying to force his way over the threshold, only to be sent back each time.

There, in the pond.

The only person in the world who had ever loved him had hand-embroidered a sachet for him, now thrown into the water.

Just ten chi away.

But he couldn't reach it.

Despite all his efforts, he... couldn't reach it.

Gu Tingshuang trembled all over, his face flushed with anger, gritting his teeth as he kept driving the wheelchair into the threshold, the fire in his eyes so intense it made one's heart skip a beat.

No one doubted that he intended to keep crashing into the threshold until it broke apart or until he was shattered himself.

Finally, a fat guard kicked out, watching with satisfaction as Gu Tingshuang fell out of his wheelchair—

Meanwhile, rapid footsteps sounded from afar.

Gu Tingshuang, lying on the ground in disarray, sharply lifted his head.

Following his gaze, the two guards were first stunned, then stood up and moved away.

A fat and a thin guard immediately walked over meekly and respectfully, speaking in low voices.

"A respectful welcome to Gongzi... ten thousand safeties for Gongzi."

"Why have you come... Aiya, the Shizi is not feeling well and is throwing a tantrum..."

"Is that so?" In a gentle, clear voice he said, "Let me take a look."

The voice was not loud, even quite soft, but it could still be heard clearly in the wind, like a breeze breaking through the last of the snow in early spring.

Footsteps began again, moving towards them.

Gu Tingshuang squinted his eyes, picked up a nearby ruyi ornament, and threw it hard.

"Scram!"

The low roar, accompanied by a thunderous crash, silenced the others.

The footsteps stopped.

He was now sprawled at the threshold like a dog.

How could he let others see him like this‽ How could he let the person who had ruined his family and taken his mother's place see him like this‽

Gu Tingshuang struggled to his feet, barely managing to grab a corner of his wheelchair.

Suppressing his heavy breathing, he turned his raging anger and resentment into a familiar calm.

His throat was dry and painful from tension, even speaking felt like it brought up blood.

After he managed to climb back into the wheelchair, the voice on the other side spoke again.

Ning Shiting listened quietly to the commotion on the other side and asked softly, "Are the two people I sent to the Shizi working out for him?"

"... If they are not suitable, just let me know. They can be dismissed or replaced anytime."

"..."

Gu Tingshuang slowly resumed his usual expression.

He adjusted his collar, concealing everything beneath his lowered gaze.

The threshold had been cracked from the repeated impacts.

The floor was a mess; he had knocked over several tables, and various items were scattered all over.

A child's hair tie made of immortal deer tendon, brushes, ink, tea cups, and the old cushion the little silver wolf liked to use as a bed.

Perhaps sensing something in Ning Shiting's calm voice or out of guilt, the two guards' faces turned pale as they glanced nervously at Gu Tingshuang.

Gu Tingshuang's eyes, dark as ink, glinted with a cold light. "No need to return them. I find them... quite useful."

In that moment, the two guards visibly relaxed, their eyes showing a hint of joy. Though puzzled, they were relieved Ning Shiting hadn't discovered their bullying of the Shizi in his own mansion.

"..."

On the other side, Ning Shiting paused, seemingly wanting to say something, but Gu Tingshuang didn't give him the chance.

He coldly said, "My affairs have nothing to do with you. You can get lost."

The Author has Something to Say

Current "Shizi" trilogy:(1)

• None of your business. (2)

• It has nothing to do with you.( 3)

• Get lost.

Future "Shizi" trilogy:

• You, look at me!!

• Look at me!

• My father is old and scummy, look at me, ah!

(Second update at 9 PM)

(1) The author actually uses 柿子 (shìzi) which means “persimmon” instead of the word for crown prince here.

(2) 要你寡" (yào nǐ guǎ) is a playful phonetic distortion of the Chinese phrase "要你管" (yào nǐ guǎn), which means "none of your business" or "why do you care" in English. Literally it translates to "want you widow,” which in this context does make some (ironic) sense.

(3) 雨女无瓜 (yǔ nǚ wú guā) is another playful phonetic distortion of the phrase "与你无关" (yǔ nǐ wú guān), which means "it has nothing to do with you". It means “rain woman no melon” literally.

Foot Notes

1. 呼呼" (hūhū) onomatopoeic expression that mimics the sound of snoring.

2. 十万八千里" (shí wàn bā qiān lǐ) is an idiomatic expression that means “very far away” rather than literally 108,000 li away.