บท 22: A Skeptical Trust
As Suyin's consciousness ebbed and flowed like a tide against the shore of her mind, the world around her seemed distant and indistinct, as if viewed through a foggy window.
The only semblance of clarity pierced through the haze in the form of fragmented syllables, a disjointed melody of concern and reassurance. "**yin *re y*u ok*y? *ey, *'m *er* s* *o't worr*...." The words, though garbled and distorted, carried a weight that resonated within her fading awareness. Each syllable was like a distant echo, struggling to reach her amidst the tumultuous sea of unconsciousness. Suyin tried to grasp onto the meaning behind those jumbled sounds, to decipher the message buried within their disjointed cadence. But the effort proved futile as darkness engulfed her once more, pulling her deeper into its inky embrace.
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As Suyin stirred from the haze of unconsciousness, the world around her slowly came into focus, accompanied by the crackle of a nearby fire and the chill of the night air brushing against her face. Each movement sent a throbbing pulse of pain reverberating through her head, a reminder of the ordeal she had endured. Struggling against the weight of drowsiness, Suyin forced her heavy eyelids to part, revealing a scene bathed in the soft glow of a small bonfire.
Nestled upon a thick blanket spread out upon the cold ground, she tentatively pushed herself into a sitting position, her muscles protesting with soreness, likely a consequence of her fall. The night had descended upon the landscape, cloaking it in a shroud of darkness, yet there was no sign of anyone nearby.
Suyin's gaze swept across her surroundings, taking in the unfamiliar terrain that stretched out before her. She found herself within the confines of a cave, a refuge from the elements, perhaps a temporary sanctuary provided by a mysterious benefactor. Upon a nearby rock hung an outer robe, its jade-green hue standing out against the muted tones of the cavern. Suyin's thoughts raced as she pondered the significance of the garment, her mind instinctively whispering a name – "Qin Fuhua?" With a sense of bewilderment gnawing at her, Suyin struggled to piece together the events that had led her to this solitary refuge.
The memory of Huang Wen's deceitful actions, the drugging of herself and Meifeng, lingered in her mind like a bitter aftertaste.
Yet, the absence of captivity or confinement puzzled her. Why had she As the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the cavern, Suyin's heart quickened its pace, a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins. With a quick, silent prayer, she scrambled back to her makeshift bed, her breath held in anticipation as she feigned unconsciousness, her body perfectly still save for the subtle rise and fall of her chest. The flickering light of the fire torch danced across the walls of the cave, casting elongated shadows that seemed to pulse and sway with each passing moment.
Suyin dared not open her eyes, her senses acutely attuned to the presence drawing nearer, the soft footfalls growing louder with each passing second. And then, a voice pierced the silence, its tone weighted with a mixture of resignation and determination.
It was a voice she recognized, a voice that had lingered in her memory since the moment she had slipped into unconsciousness – the last voice she had heard before succumbing to darkness. "Sigh. Miss Suyin is still sleeping. There isn't any time to waste..." The words hung in the air, a lamentation tinged with urgency.
Was it truly the voice of Qin Fuhua, or merely a trick of her imagination? Despite her resolve to feign sleep, curiosity gnawed at Suyin's resolve, coaxing her to steal a glimpse of the intruder. With a cautious movement, she cracked open her right eye, careful to keep her movements imperceptible. The man settled by the fire, the flickering flames casting an ethereal glow upon his features as he tended to the cooking fish. Suyin's heart sank as she realized that he was neither Qin Fuhua, Weizhe, nor Huang Wen – a stranger in the midst of unfamiliar territory. As if sensing her scrutiny, the man's lips curled into a knowing smile, his gaze darting in her direction before returning to his task.
"It seems like there's no hope in saving the village. After all, there really is one way of finding out what the disease really is..."
His words, spoken in a tone tinged with resignation, sent a shiver down Suyin's spine, a foreboding sense of unease settling over her like a heavy blanket. With bated breath, Suyin remained motionless, her eyes tightly shut, her mind racing with questions and uncertainties. What was this man's connection to her plight, and what did he mean by "one way of finding out what the disease really is"?
As Suyin grappled with the uncertainty of the situation, her mind raced with a flurry of questions and suspicions.
It was imperative that she discerned the true intentions of the man before her – whether he stood as an ally in her struggle against Shi Zhang's tyranny or an adversary lurking in the shadows. Yet, before she could utter another word, the man's voice cut through the silence like a blade, his keen observation shattering the illusion of her feigned slumber.
A mischievous smile tugged at the corners of his lips, betraying his amusement at her failed attempt at deception. "I know you are awake," he declared with a hint of amusement dancing in his tone. Caught off guard by his astuteness, her gaze fixed upon him with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. "Just who are you?" Her question hung in the air, laden with the weight of uncertainty, as she sought to unravel the person before her.
The man's features, unfamiliar yet strangely compelling, held her captive as she studied him intently. Her eyes fell upon the scar that marred his right cheek, a testament to a past she could only imagine.
But it was his eyes – those mesmerizing, light-brown orbs that seemed to hold a universe of secrets within their depths – that drew her in, captivating her with their silent allure. As she scrutinized his appearance, taking note of the topknot securing his flowing locks and the playful glint in his eyes, Suyin couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this man than met the eye.
Yet, despite the uncertainty that lingered between them, she found herself inexplicably drawn to him, a sense of trust blossoming within her heart. "Saved... me?" The words escaped her lips, tentative yet tinged with a flicker of hope as she searched his gaze for answers. Her heart pounded with a mixture of trepidation and indignation as she recoiled, instinctively shielding herself from any potential threat. The accusation hung heavy in the air, a silent challenge daring him to prove his innocence. But as he protested with offended sincerity, his words rang true, piercing through the veil of suspicion that clouded her judgment.
In that moment, Suyin felt a glimmer of trust take root within her soul, a fragile yet undeniable bond forged amidst the chaos of uncertainty. With a tentative hand, she reached for the familiar weight of her blue book, finding solace in its presence as she allowed herself to believe – if only for a fleeting moment – that perhaps, against all odds, she had found an ally in this unlikely stranger.
"Who are you,"
Suyin's demand cut through the air with a razor-sharp edge, her tone betraying the caution that simmered beneath the surface. Trust did not come easily, especially in a world fraught with deceit and betrayal. "Chen Zhaohui," came the nonchalant reply, devoid of any hint of suspicion. Zhaohui's attention remained fixed on the task at hand, his focus unwavering as he tended to the cooking fish. Before Suyin could utter another word, Zhaohui intercepted, his interruption as casual as his demeanor.
"Well, I am Han--" "Suyin. I know."
His words, spoken with an air of certainty, caught her off guard, leaving her momentarily speechless as he approached with a skewered fish in hand.
Without waiting for her response, he extended the offering to her, a silent invitation to partake in the meager meal. Her gaze flickered between the fish and Zhaohui, uncertainty warring with hunger as she weighed the risks of indulging in sustenance offered by a stranger.
The seeds of doubt planted by Huang Wen's betrayal still lingered, a nagging voice of caution urging her to tread carefully. "I'm not hungry," she asserted, her resolve firm despite the gnawing ache in her stomach.
Yet, even as she spoke the words, her eyes betrayed her true desire, lingering longingly on the tantalizing aroma wafting from the cooking fish. Zhaohui's response was a simple nod, his expression unreadable as he accepted her refusal without protest. Taking a bite of the fish himself, he seemed unperturbed by her reluctance, content to savor the meal in silence. As Suyin grappled with the relentless pangs of hunger that gnawed at her resolve, she seized upon the opportunity to redirect the conversation, her curiosity burning bright amidst the uncertainty that clouded her mind. "Why did you save me for? How do you know my name?" Her questions hung in the air, laden with a desperate need for answers, as she awaited Zhaohui's response.
In order to escape the relentless pull of hunger that seemed to gnaw at her thoughts, Suyin deftly pivoted the conversation.
"Why did you save me for? How do you know my name?" Zhaohui paused mid-bite, the cooked fish poised between his fingers, as Suyin's question seemed to pull him into a realm of contemplation.
He lowered the fish, squatting down beside Suyin, his gaze lifting towards the sky as if seeking answers in the drifting clouds.
"Hm..." His chin was caressed by his fingertips in a sardonic gesture, as though the weight of her inquiry demanded profound introspection.
"I kind of overheard your conversation when you were with that lady and man earlier," he admitted, his eyes meeting Suyin's in a confession she found unsettling. A glower flickered in Suyin's eyes, her displeasure palpable at the revelation of Zhaohui's eavesdropping. Yet, as he shrugged nonchalantly in response, a subtle shift softened her gaze, perhaps acknowledging the twisted logic of his actions.
"Hey, what can I do when I have a solution to the problem?" His words had a disarming effect, easing the tension in Suyin's demeanor, though her wariness lingered. His tone, though tinged with a hint of mischief, carried an air of sincerity that resonated with Suyin.
"Anyway," he continued, setting aside the stick of fish with a casual flick of his wrist, "I followed you guys behind since I wanted to talk to you privately."
Crossing his arms, he turned to face her, his expression serious, eyes locking onto hers with unwavering resolve.
"Someone gave that man money to drug you. He is trying to intervene with your investigation." Suyin's outrage bubbled to the surface, a storm of emotions churning within her. How could Zhaohui claim to know such sensitive information?
Was he manipulating her, or was there truth buried within his words, waiting to be unearthed?
"How do you know all of this?!" she demanded, her voice edged with frustration, her gaze drilling into Zhaohui's as if searching for any hint of deception.
"Shi Zhang had come up with a plan to intervene whoever was trying to help with the village. I guess, he lost all hope to the people outside of this town to help. I'm guessing the man (Huang Wen) earlier had planned to intervene since Shi Zhang paid those people for it," Zhaohui's voice carried a weight of solemnity, his words etched with a sense of resignation.
As he spoke, Suyin couldn't help but steal a glance at the pit of his elbow, her mind tracing the contours of the tattoo that marked the people of Jiaoshu village. Was he merely a bystander swept into the chaos, or did he harbor secrets of his own, hidden beneath layers of his own intentions? Suyin's thoughts raced, grappling with the uncertainty that clouded her judgment. Her glare pierced through the veil of uncertainty, an unspoken challenge lingering in the air between them.
"And what do you think I should believe in everything you said?" Her accusatory finger pointed towards the pit of Zhaohui's elbow, a stark reminder of the trust she hesitated to extend.
"Someone who doesn't have the identity of Jiao shouldn't be talking to me."
The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, a testament to the skepticism that threatened to unravel the fragile threads of their conversation.
Zhaohui's laughter echoed softly in the stillness, a ripple of amusement dancing across his features as he shook his head.
"You can believe me on this. I am on your side in curing the village." His words held a solemnity that belied any trace of jest, his stance unwavering as he stood before Suyin, offering forth his scabbard as a symbol of his earnestness.
"If you don't believe in me, you can point my sword at me." There was a gravity in his tone, a sincerity that cut through the air, his gaze locking onto hers with a steadfast resolve. Suyin's gaze lingered on the proffered scabbard, a silent testament to the internal struggle that waged within her. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed it back to Zhaohui's feet, a gesture of reluctant acknowledgment. "Then tell me, who are you and where do you come from?" Her voice carried a tinge of skepticism, her eyes narrowing as she searched for any hint of deceit in Zhaohui's response. "I'll let you know at another time. Finding the cure for the village as soon as possible is more important than anything else right now," Zhaohui explained, his words laden with a sense of urgency that mirrored the gravity of their situation. Though she hates to admit it, Suyin found herself agreeing to Zhaohui.
Time was indeed of the essence, and amidst the tangled web of deceit and betrayal, he had come to her aid in her hour of need.
"You have to think that the Shi Zhang would keep the Prince hostage and make the King of Qin pay a huge price in exchange for their son," Zhaohui commented, causing Suyin to look at him.
He gazed at her, "this means that if that would have happened, it would've been your fault. The King of Qin wouldn't let you go so easily then."
As Zhaohui's words painted a grim picture of Shi Zhang's machinations, Suyin felt a chill run down her spine, the weight of responsibility settling heavily upon her shoulders.
The prospect of unwittingly setting events into motion that could imperil the kingdom weighed heavily on her mind, a sobering reminder of the stakes they faced. "Anyway, get some rest. We have some investigating to do tomorrow," Zhaohui's voice broke through the silence, pulling Suyin back from the brink of despair.
With a weary nod, she acknowledged his directive, her thoughts already drifting toward the challenges that awaited them in the light of the dawn.
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"Suyin. Wake up."
The gentle voice of Qin Fuhua pierced through the haze of slumber, coaxing Suyin back to wakefulness. With a languid blink, she lifted her eyes to meet the hazy visage of Qin Fuhua hovering above her.
"Wake up. We need to finish this mission." As awareness seeped back into her consciousness, Suyin's gaze flickered to the figure of Zhaohui standing nearby, a silent sentinel in the early morning light.
"It's morning, young miss," he announced, his voice a steady reassurance amidst the drowsy fog that clung to Suyin's mind. Zhaohui reached for his outer robe, hanging at the side of the rock, as Suyin rubbed her eyes in a feeble attempt to banish the remnants of sleep.
She glanced at Zhaohui once more, a fleeting moment of uncertainty clouding her thoughts as she struggled to discern reality from the remnants of her dreams.
"S-sorry," she stammered, rising to her feet and offering him the makeshift blanket she had unwittingly claimed as her own. With a gracious nod, Zhaohui wrapped the cloak around his body, his movements betraying no hint of discomfort despite the revelation of his humble accommodations.
Suyin's gaze flitted to the spot where he had rested, the cold, unyielding ground serving as his bed, his scabbard and elbow likely doubling as makeshift pillows.
A pang of guilt tugged at her conscience, a silent acknowledgment of the sacrifices he had made on her behalf. Though she yearned to offer her apologies, Zhaohui's determined stride propelled him towards the cave's entrance, leaving Suyin to scramble after him in a flurry of motion. Emerging from the shelter of the cave, they were greeted by a breathtaking panorama of verdant hills and lush forests stretching out before them.
The cave nestled snugly amidst the craggy peaks of the mountain, a testament to nature's enduring beauty. Yet, the dizzying drop from the cliff's edge to the valley below left Suyin's heart pounding in her chest.
"There were some things that I discovered about the village and the disease," Zhaohui's voice broke the silence, his eyes scanning the vast expanse of nature spread out before them.
Suyin turned to him, her attention fully captured by his words as he delved into his findings.
"This disease was not contagious, which means person-to-person transmission couldn't occur. Not only that, but they didn't show any signs of improvement after taking the medicine for chicken pox. It hurt them even more than ever. According to my inspection, the doctor that had been prescribing medicine was sent by the Long Emperor, Wang Jianguo." The mention of the Long Emperor sent a shiver down Suyin's spine, a chill of apprehension creeping into her thoughts.
Had the Long Emperor been attempting to carry favor with Shi Zhang through this way?
Zhaohui's outstretched hand interrupted her train of thought, and she found herself staring at it with a blank expression, momentarily lost in her thoughts. "What is it?" she asked, confusion knitting her brow as she struggled to comprehend Zhaohui's gesture. "I flew down here to show you my secret passage where I stay and you're giving me a lost expression? I don't think Young Miss will be able to fly back up, will she?" His teasing tone cut through the tension, a playful glint dancing in his eyes as he gently prodded Suyin's bewildered state. Suyin's gaze drifted upwards, tracing the treacherous path that wound its way up the face of the mountain.
The realization dawned upon her that, indeed, she lacked the ability to ascend to the heights from which they had descended.
With a hesitant nod, she reached out, allowing Zhaohui to grasp her hand firmly in his own. In the blink of an eye, they were airborne, soaring through the sky with the grace of birds in flight.
Suyin's heart hammered in her chest as they descended back to solid ground, her breath catching in her throat as the rush of wind whistled past her ears. As they touched down, Suyin wobbled unsteadily on her feet, her legs still trembling from the exhilarating journey.
Suyin steadied herself, her breath gradually returning to a steady rhythm as she regained her composure.
"Ugh... Thanks," she managed between breaths, offering a grateful nod to Zhaohui, who returned the gesture with another one of his mischievous smiles. "It seems like Young Miss does not like heights," he teased, his grin widening at the slight furrow of Suyin's brow. Suyin's frown deepened at his comment, her annoyance palpable as she turned on her heel and marched down the verdant hillside. Zhaohui followed behind, his hands clasped behind his back as he matched her stride.
"We should start by looking—" But Suyin's abrupt halt cut off his words, causing Zhaohui to pivot towards her with a quizzical expression.
Following her gaze, his eyes landed on a sight that brought a glimmer of anticipation to Suyin's features: a handsome man accompanied by a retinue of soldiers. "Prince Jianyu!" Suyin's voice rang out across the expanse, her hands cupped around her mouth in a makeshift megaphone, her urgency palpable as she sought to catch the prince's attention. Long Jianyu stood amidst the lush landscape, clad in attire befitting his noble stature, the fabric of his robe catching the sun's rays and casting a radiant glow upon his figure.
At the sound of his name, his gaze turned towards Suyin, a genuine smile gracing his features as their eyes met from afar. Suyin and Zhaohui stood atop the hill, their vantage point offering a clear view of Prince Long Jianyu and the carriage beside him.
With a sense of purpose driving her steps, Suyin descended the hillside with Zhaohui in tow, her determination overriding any sense of caution or restraint. The guards stationed around Prince Jianyu tensed at their approach, their spears held at the ready, poised to defend their charge from any perceived threat. Jianyu, however, lifted a conciliatory hand in a gesture of peace, his brow furrowing in confusion at the sudden tension in the air.
"These are my friends," Prince Long Jianyu's voice boomed with authority, cutting through the tension like a sword through silk.
The soldiers nodded in acknowledgment, their rigid stances relaxing as they halted behind the prince, their vigilance unwavering yet tempered by his assurance. "Suyin! It has been a while! I'm glad the plan worked out for you," Jianyu greeted warmly, his smile a beacon of familiarity amidst the uncertainty that hung in the air.
Suyin's own smile mirrored his, radiant with relief and joy at the unexpected reunion. "Yes! What are you doing here?" Suyin inquired, her curiosity piqued by Jianyu's presence amidst the rugged beauty of the countryside. Jianyu chuckled, a sheepish expression crossing his features as he shrugged in response.
"Nothing much. My father wanted me to go do some charity work with the villagers here to help gain their favor." As Suyin and Jianyu exchanged pleasantries, Zhaohui intervened, pulling Suyin aside with a sense of urgency that brooked no argument.
"Don't you think that we have other things to worry about?" he emphasized, his tone grave with the weight of their shared concerns. Suyin nodded in agreement, her brief moment of respite shattered by the reminder of the pressing tasks that lay ahead.
Perhaps Prince Jianyu had his own obligations to attend to, she reasoned, understanding dawning upon her even as she longed for the comfort of familiar company. "Well! It was nice seeing you again, but I need to go do some err..." Suyin faltered for a moment, catching Zhaohui's quizzical gaze, before rallying with a hastily concocted excuse. "Chores!" she declared, pointing upwards with feigned enthusiasm. With a quick nod to Jianyu, Suyin pushed Zhaohui and dashed down the verdant hillsides, their footsteps echoing against the earth as they raced back toward the village.
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The descent back to the village proved to be a taxing journey for Suyin and Zhaohui, their footsteps echoing through the dense foliage as they navigated the rugged terrain.
With each step, they were acutely aware of the lurking danger that shadowed their every move, the specter of Shi Zhang's orders casting a pall over their mission. As they trailed behind the villagers, Suyin couldn't help but overhear the ignorant words that fell from their lips, a dagger to her heart with each callous utterance.
"I don't know, I don't understand why a woman would want to become a doctor. A woman must stay home and bear children and take care of them," one villager remarked, their words like a poison that seeped into the air, suffocating any semblance of progress or understanding. Biting her lip to stifle the surge of anger that threatened to consume her, Suyin felt a comforting hand on her shoulder, Zhaohui's presence a silent anchor amidst the tumult of emotions.
"Hey," he whispered, his voice a soothing balm against the sting of injustice that lingered in the air. "There is another one of my hiding places near here. That's where I think the disease had started from." Suyin's confusion deepened at Zhaohui's cryptic words, her mind racing with questions about his enigmatic identity and his ties to the village. Who was this mysterious man, and what secrets did he harbor within the depths of his soul? With a silent nod, Suyin followed Zhaohui through the wooded areas where Huang Wen had first collected wood, their footsteps quickening as they plunged deeper into the heart of the forest.
Zhaohui led the way with a sense of purpose, his movements agile and sure-footed as he navigated the labyrinth of trees and underbrush. Despite her best efforts, Suyin found herself struggling to keep pace with Zhaohui's brisk stride, her fatigue beginning to take its toll on her weary limbs.
With each passing moment, she fell further behind, her breaths coming in ragged gasps as she fought to keep up with the relentless pace set by her companion. Zhaohui, sensing her flagging energy, would pause impatiently from time to time, casting an expectant glance over his shoulder before forging ahead once more.
And so, the dance continued, with Suyin trailing behind like a shadow, her determination matched only by the insistent pull of exhaustion that threatened to drag her down.
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Suyin's heart raced with adrenaline as she scrambled to her feet, her senses heightened by the sudden attack. Her eyes darted around the wooded surroundings, searching for any sign of the assailant who had launched the deadly projectile in her direction. Zhaohui's hand hovered over the concealed entrance to his secret hideout, his gaze darting nervously between Suyin and the dense thicket beyond. "We can talk in here first—" he began, his words cut off by the sound of a footstep crunching through the underbrush. *FWOOP* The air split with the whistle of an arrow hurtling towards Suyin, its deadly trajectory aimed squarely at her.
With lightning reflexes honed by years of training and instinct, she dodged the projectile at the last possible moment, her body collapsing to the ground in a desperate bid for survival. Zhaohui's muscles tensed as he prepared to confront the unseen assailant, but before he could react, a masked figure emerged from the shadows, a wisp of smoke billowing around him as he made his swift escape. "Who was that?!" Suyin's voice trembled with anger and disbelief, her eyes blazing with fury at the cowardly attack. She wasn't ready to meet her end at the hands of an anonymous assassin, and the audacity of their ambush only fueled her resolve to uncover the truth behind their motives. As the adrenaline began to ebb, Suyin's attention was drawn to the arrow embedded in a nearby tree, its menacing presence a stark reminder of the danger that lurked in the shadows.
Before she could reach for the weapon, another sound—a subtle rustling—echoed through the forest, sending a shiver down her spine. "Someone has been watching us," Zhaohui's voice was tense with urgency as he moved to shield Suyin, his senses keenly attuned to the approaching threat.
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