Chapter 85: Lady Dian Su

When it comes to Yuwen Rounu, many people are not familiar with this genius physician who was born in a courtesan’s house. In those days, a courtesan’s house referred to establishments where women performed the arts but did not sell their bodies, unlike brothels, which were places where bodies were sold rather than talent. The daughter of the imperial physician was not only accomplished in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—her skill in medicine was considered unparalleled, earning her the title of Divine Healer among the people. Her nickname, Lady Soft Cream, originated from the literary giant Su Dongpo. The story goes that Yuwen Rounu’s husband, Wang Gong, was summoned back to the capital after being exiled. To celebrate, he hosted a feast for Su Dongpo. The old master Su, observing how Wang, after years of hardship, still appeared spirited and youthful—unlike other officials who grew haggard under adversity—could not help but wonder what secret elixir he had discovered. He inquired repeatedly.

Wang Gong, somewhat inebriated, called for Yuwen Rounu to sing. After listening, Su Dongpo was invigorated, finding her even more beautiful and her voice sweeter than before. He mused that perhaps the climate of Lingnan was to thank, and even considered retiring there himself one day. But then Yuwen Rounu said, “Home is wherever the heart finds peace.” The great writer Su was suddenly enlightened; it dawned on him that with such a lovely wife by his side, Wang’s days were like those of an immortal, no wonder he seemed to grow younger despite adversity. Su then composed lyrics to "Tune: Calming the Wind," praising her as Lady Soft Cream. The song spread far and wide, and Lady Soft Cream became famous, while her love story with Wang Gong was celebrated as a tale of steadfast devotion.

Back when the orphan Qin Yang was scraping by at the corner bookstalls, he had read many unofficial histories, and by chance came across a brief introduction of Lady Soft Cream, Yuwen Rounu. Because of this, he had always harbored a wish to meet such a woman. He never expected that today he would encounter her spirit.

Meanwhile, Yuwen Fei took Yuwen Xiang to the inner room to apply medicine, while Qin Yang sat on the sofa and thought to himself, “Are you the ancestor of Yuwen Fei and Yuwen Xiang?”

“I am,” replied Yuwen Rounu, giving a slight bow. “I have witnessed all the hardships they’ve endured these past years, yet I could not communicate with them. It pains me greatly. I beg you, young sir, to lend them a helping hand. I would be eternally grateful.”

“Are your remains buried here?” Qin Yang asked. “It is said that after death, a soul can leave the body, but cannot stray more than ten zhang from its bones, or else it will dissipate—unless protected by a rare spiritual treasure, but even then, it cannot move freely.”

“I know nothing of such treasures, nor do I know where my bones lie. Since my death, I have been within this ring for roughly a thousand years,” Yuwen Rounu answered softly. “In all that time, you are the only one who has conversed with me. In recent days, I have felt my spirit beginning to fade. Before I vanish completely, I beg you once more to help these children.”

“Hmm? Her spirit is almost gone,” said the steward lazily from the netherworld space. “Why not take her into the Taiji Yin-Yang Jade? This woman is a level-four spirit. Her arts—music, chess, calligraphy, painting—may be of little use to a rough fellow like you, but her medical skills are not to be underestimated. At level four, she will be a great help to you whenever you get hurt in the future.”

Qin Yang nodded in realization and drew out the Taiji Yin-Yang Jade. Perhaps because the spiritual energy was abundant, the jade was even more lustrous than before. He said to Yuwen Rounu, “Come into this jade. I promise to look after your two descendants, and fulfill your last wish.”

Sensing the life-preserving energy within the jade, Yuwen Rounu did not refuse. As Qin Yang approached, she entered the jade. Nourished by its spiritual aura, her figure grew less transparent, and she stood half a meter in front of Qin Yang, exclaiming in delight, “So it is possible!”

“You cannot stray more than five meters from the jade,” Qin Yang said. “Stay within it most of the time, and when the chance arises, I’ll take you to the Underworld.”

“Thank you.”

Yuwen Rounu gave a graceful bow and then said, “Young sir, I have a prescription for a salve that can heal Yuwen Fei’s wrist. Please relay it to her on my behalf.”

“Her tendons were forcibly severed,” Qin Yang said, raising an eyebrow, feeling a rush of excitement. If this was true, it would be like having a priest traveling with him.

“I have some skill in medicine, and would not dare be careless with Yuwen Fei’s hand. Please, help me,” Yuwen Rounu replied.

Qin Yang hurriedly said, “Please, don’t call yourself ‘this humble woman’ or refer to yourself so formally. It sounds awkward. You’re nearly a thousand years older than me, and just call me Qin Yang—no need for ‘young sir.’ It’s the twenty-first century; all those old-fashioned titles have long been obsolete.”

Yuwen Rounu nodded in agreement and then recited several medicinal ingredients, which Qin Yang wrote down. He said, “I don’t know much about medicine, so if I run into trouble in the future, I’ll be counting on your help.”

“Of course,” Yuwen Rounu answered with a nod.

By this time, Yuwen Fei had finished applying medicine to Yuwen Xiang. Seeing his bruised and battered face, Qin Yang shook his head with a smile, handed over the prescription and a wad of cash, and said, “Kid, buy these herbs from a nearby pharmacy. Miss a single tael and I’ll make you regret it.”

Yuwen Xiang didn’t dare argue. He nodded quickly, took the money and the prescription, and dashed out. Yuwen Fei thanked Qin Yang again. “Thank you.”

“No need. You two deserve this,” Qin Yang waved it off. “Besides, I’m not helping for nothing. In the next few days, I’ll need your assistance with something important.”

“I promise. I’ll do it,” Yuwen Fei replied firmly.

Qin Yang smiled. “There might be danger, but as I said before—if something happens, it’ll be because I’m dead. For now, pack up your things. Take whatever is worth keeping. This afternoon, I’ll arrange for someone to take your brother to Haitian City. He’s made a lot of enemies here, and you have quite a record yourself. There’s nothing here worth staying for. Take this million. At least you’ll have something to live on in Haitian City.”

“I… I can’t take it,” Yuwen Fei protested, shaking her head.

Qin Yang laughed. “This million is your payment. I’ve pulled off plenty of tricks for nothing, but not with you. Take it. Without money, life will still be tough.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Yuwen Fei accepted, then began to gather up some small belongings. Yuwen Xiang soon returned, holding a clay pot. Qin Yang had him light a fire, and together they boiled the herbs into a fragrant, dark paste, which they spread on a clean cloth and wrapped around Yuwen Fei’s wrists.

“How does it feel?”

“Numb, and a bit cool,” Yuwen Fei answered honestly.

Qin Yang nodded in satisfaction. “Good. Remember not to get your hands wet—change the dressing every three days. After ten times, your hands should be as good as new. Not even a scar left.”

“Really?” Yuwen Fei asked, her voice trembling with excitement.

“It should be true,” Qin Yang replied, though inwardly he wondered if her ancestor’s promise would hold.

Qin Yang called Zhao Hai, and soon a minivan arrived. They packed up the siblings’ belongings, and Yuwen Fei found a chance to deposit the money into her bank account. She saw Yuwen Xiang onto the van and said, “You’ll have to behave yourself in Haitian City. I’ll come join you in a few days. Promise me you won’t cause any more trouble, alright?”

“Okay.”

Yuwen Xiang still remembered the scene of his sister’s tendons being severed before his eyes. That memory alone was enough to make him swear off gambling and all his bad habits. Tears welled up as he said, “Sis, I’m sorry.”

“Go on. It’s alright. I’ll be there after I finish things here,” Yuwen Fei said softly, patting his shoulder.

As the siblings exchanged their farewells, Qin Yang stood aside, squatting in a corner and smoking, watching Yuwen Rounu smile gently at the scene. He asked, “I have a question for you.”

“Please ask.”

“Do you hate your uncle?” Qin Yang asked with curiosity.

After all, it was her uncle who had arranged for Yuwen Rounu to be sold into the courtesan’s house.

Yuwen Rounu smiled faintly. “If it weren’t for my uncle, I would never have met my husband. By the way, Qin Yang, is it possible that my husband also exists somewhere as a spirit, like me?”

“Maybe. It depends on fate,” Qin Yang shrugged. “If there’s a chance to find him, I guess you two really would owe me a big thank you.”