Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 79. The Threat of the Sick Scholar

79. The Threat of a Sick Scholar

"Show mercy!"

"Zhuo Jing!" Ye Li called out sharply. Darky Three’s expression turned grim. He swiftly retrieved his long sword, flipped it in mid-air, and landed softly on a tree branch not far away. From this vantage point, three of them could launch an attack from the treetops at any moment. If the other group could not control the snake swarm in time, they would clearly be at a significant disadvantage.

A tall, middle-aged man wearing Southern Border attire emerged from the forest. The identical totem on his clothing and the aura of a high-ranking individual he inadvertently emitted made it clear to everyone that he held a prominent position in the Luoyi Tribe. The middle-aged man walked over quickly, and the swarm of snakes in his path parted, evidently fearing his aura. "Friends from Great Chu, my son was unruly and offended you. I ask for your mercy. We will treat you all as esteemed guests," he said.

Ye Li sneered inwardly. Was he just unruly? This man had been hiding in the forest from the beginning, only emerging when his son was truly in danger. Now he was attempting to gloss things over by calling his ruthless behavior simple unruliness.

Han Mingxi, standing on a tree branch, his slender figure undulating with its movement, stated, "He is indeed terribly unruly. Luoyi Tribe Leader, how dare you let your son run rampant causing such trouble?" The middle-aged man’s face fell. He glanced dismissively at the young man as he walked past. The young man instantly paled as if he were a leaf scorched by fire; he shrank back and dared not raise his head to look at anyone. Only then did the middle-aged man scoff and step forward to greet Ye Li and the others, "I am Le Jiang, the tribe leader of the Luoyi Tribe. This is my son, Le Nan. I apologize for any offense he may have caused. I hope our guests from the Central Plains will forgive us." This tribe leader was not only more imposing in appearance than his son but also far more diplomatic. One could hardly tell they were father and son.

Ye Li responded, "Although your tribe’s hospitality is slightly frightening, I wonder if Tribe Leader Luoyi could first deal with these... little creatures?" They stood in a circle surrounded by snake repellent and bonfires. The out-of-control swarms of snakes avoided this area and crawled elsewhere. If too much time passed, it would be impossible to retrieve all of them. The Luoyi Tribe leader nodded, waved at the snake tamers around them, and they began to play their short flutes again. Some went in other directions, evidently to find the snakes that were scattering. After giving these instructions, Tribe Leader Luoyi turned to Ye Li’s group and said with a smile, "Our distinguished guests were passing through our tribe’s territory and were alarmed by Le Nan’s rudeness. Why don’t you rest in our village for a while? Please accept this as my apology."

Ye Li mused for a moment, then glanced sideways at the three people in the tree. Han Mingxi had a carefree expression; Darky Three naturally wouldn’t voice an opinion opposing Ye Li’s. However, the ailing scholar furrowed his brows and stated, "We are in a hurry, so we won’t trouble Tribe Leader Le Jiang."

Tribe Leader Luoyi raised his eyebrows, shaking his head repeatedly. "It’s no trouble at all. For our guests from the Central Plains to be frightened reflects poorly on our Luoyi Tribe’s reputation for hospitality. Please, rest in our village for a while. Tomorrow, I will have men personally escort you to the capital." Hearing this, the people from the Central Plains all smirked inwardly. Southern Border people were famously xenophobic. Except for some daring merchants and those with the ability to protect themselves, ordinary people from the Central Plains would absolutely not venture into the Southern Border. However, compared to other tribes nestled deep in the Southern Border, the Luoyi Tribe, bordering Great Chu, was indeed relatively hospitable. If they could have a Southern Border local guiding them, the journey would be much easier.

"Well... in that case, we accept your kind offer." Seeing the ailing scholar agree, Ye Li just raised an eyebrow but didn’t object.

Tribe Leader Luoyi was visibly pleased and warmly gestured for his attendants to take care of the guests’ luggage. Ye Li and her two companions had few belongings. She bent over, picked up a bundle left beside a rock, and tossed it to Darky Three in the tree. She kept the other one for herself. The ailing scholar also appeared at ease. Old Master Liang, however, with the help of his steward and bodyguards, was busy with his luggage. His careful effort to prevent the Southern Border people from touching his luggage made Ye Li curious. What exactly had he stuffed in that rather large package? It didn’t seem to have the weight of gold or silver.

The place where they had originally camped was not far from the Luoyi Tribe’s village. It took less than a quarter of an hour riding the horses provided by the Luoyi Tribe to reach their destination. Of course, their original horses had either fled when the snake swarm appeared or were no longer usable. They were now using horses provided by the Luoyi Tribe, which was one reason Ye Li hadn’t objected to going to the village. Besides this village, the next inhabited place where they could purchase horses was at least two hundred miles away. If they didn’t go, it meant they might have to continue their journey on foot.

The Luoyi Tribe’s village was built on a hillside. The path to it was not as mysterious or rugged as the Southern Border villages depicted in tales from the Central Plains. Wooden houses were scattered across the hillside. As it was late into the night, the tribe leader brought them to a guesthouse. He ordered some food and hot water to be served, then left with Junior Clan Leader Le Nan, who hadn’t dared to utter a word the entire journey.

The young women in tribal attire were dismissed. Han Mingxi contentedly washed his face and remarked with satisfaction, "It’s indeed better to stay in a house. If we had known, we could have come directly to the Luoyi Tribe to lodge, couldn’t we?" Ye Li sat to one side, curiously fiddling with the food on the table, and said with a laugh, "Do you think if we had shown up at their door uninvited in the middle of the night, you wouldn’t have found your room teeming with snakes?"

Han Mingxi pictured the scene and couldn’t help but shudder. He shook his head and said to Ye Li with a laugh, "Speaking of which, Junwei, you need to be careful. You know, Southern Border women can be very passionate, and they especially like fair-skinned young gentlemen like you. Be careful... HEH." He covered his face with a folding fan, a malicious laugh escaping him. Ye Li was not to be outdone and retorted in kind, "Brother Han, don’t worry. If I am so fortunate, I will definitely not forget to share it with you. Besides... there’s no one in this village who is constantly pining for my face." Upon hearing Le Nan’s name, Han Mingxi, who had just been laughing maliciously, turned gloomy. A cold glint flashed in his eyes. The flirtatious scholar certainly held grudges!

Darky Three stood by the tightly closed window. Once the two had quieted down, he turned back and whispered, "There are people outside."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, stood up, and with a sweep of her sleeve, extinguished the candle on the table. Dim moonlight filtered in through the window lattice. Although it was still somewhat dark, it didn’t hinder Ye Li’s movements as she nonchalantly joined Darky Three. "They are not watching us." Darky Three nodded in agreement, pointed at a nearby cottage, and said, "They’re watching them. Someone is also keeping an eye on us, though likely just incidentally." Han Mingxi quickly adjusted to the dimness in the room and chuckled softly, "So, these people really are up to something, huh? Then what do they mean by involving us?" Ye Li smiled faintly. "Since they have designs on us, they’ll reveal their intentions eventually. After such a tiring night, I think we should rest now."

Darky Three nodded and pointed towards the bedroom inside. "Young Master Chu, please go rest. Young Master Han and I will stay out to keep watch."

Han Mingxi wanted to rebut but saw Ye Li nod without hesitation and turn around, waving her hand at the two of them as she went to rest. Blinking, Han Mingxi grumbled, "I want to rest too." Was Junwei the only one who hadn’t slept well in the wilderness? Darky Three shot him a cold glance, pointing to the bamboo couch in the hall. "You can sleep there." Han Mingxi was speechless. Was the bamboo couch even half his length? The bed inside was clearly very large. As if reading Han Mingxi’s thoughts, Darky Three impassively moved his chair to block the entrance to Ye Li’s room and sat down. The implication was clear: if Han Mingxi wanted to enter, he would have to step over him. Han Mingxi had no choice but to resentfully curl up on the short bamboo couch, inwardly regretting his decision. Why did I say I’d room with Junwei?

「」

Ye Li woke up early as usual. Even before getting up, she knew she probably wouldn’t be able to travel today. The pattering sounds outside indicated that it was raining heavily. She was already familiar with the frequent rain in the south, but this storm had come quite unexpectedly. If they had camped in the wilderness last night, they would undoubtedly be in a miserable state now. Considering this, that Young Master of the Luoyi Tribe didn’t seem quite so detestable after all. After tidying her clothes, she stepped out. Darky Three was still sitting on the chair by the door, eyes closed as if resting, but Ye Li knew he wasn’t asleep. Upon hearing Ye Li’s footsteps, Darky Three immediately opened his eyes and looked back at her.

"Go in and rest for a while. We can’t leave this morning," Ye Li said softly, glancing at Han Mingxi, who was curled up on the bamboo couch, frowning in his sleep.

Darky Three hesitated for a moment, then nodded and went inside. Ye Li entered the main hall, pushed open half of the window, and began to appreciate the curtain of rain outside.

"Junwei, you’re so heartless! Occupying such a large bed all by yourself and leaving me to sleep on a bamboo couch." Han Mingxi, who had awakened at some point, was lounging on the bamboo couch, his captivating eyes fixed on Ye Li with a look of mock accusation. Ye Li turned back and smiled at him. "You can go in and sleep with Zhuo Jing now." Han Mingxi raised an eyebrow, gazing at her with a smirk. "I have no problem sharing a room with Junwei; I’m very particular about cleanliness, you know."

"I like to hoard. Good things are always for me alone," Ye Li retorted, her expression unchanging.

Han Mingxi muttered something indistinctly and sat up. Frowning, he adjusted the soft, dark red silk clothes he wore, then walked over to Ye Li’s side to watch the rain with her. He sighed softly. "The rainy days in the Southern Border have their own unique charm, but such frequent rain can be a bit much to bear." Before Ye Li could respond, footsteps sounded outside the door, followed shortly by a knock.

Upon opening the door, the ailing scholar stood at the entrance, holding an oil-paper umbrella. After half a night’s rest, his complexion hadn’t improved; instead, it looked even more sallow and dull. His free hand was raised to cover his lips, and soft coughs escaped him intermittently. "Young Master Han, Young Master Chu, am I disturbing you?" Ye Li smiled faintly. "Not at all, Young Master, please come in."

The ailing scholar stepped into the room, his gaze sweeping around before landing on the doorway to the inner room. Ye Li smiled faintly. "Zhuo Jing is still resting. Please, sit down, Young Master. What brings you here so early...?"

The ailing scholar sat down on one side and cleared his throat a couple of times before speaking. "On this trip to the Southern Border, I didn’t expect to encounter Young Master Han. Young Master Han... cough, you should recognize me, yes?"

Unexpectedly, he was so direct. Han Mingxi was taken aback for a moment before smiling. "Indeed, the fame of the Third Pavilion Master of the King of Hell Pavilion in Xiling is well known." From his mode of address and self-reference, it was evident that Han Mingxi had no desire to provoke this man and was, in fact, extremely wary of him. The ailing scholar smiled faintly. "No need for such formality. The Pavilion Master of the King of Hell Pavilion and your elder brother are sworn friends, and I too have some acquaintance with him. However... this young master is quite unfamiliar." Ye Li, while pondering inwardly, already wore a calm smile. "I am not of the martial world and thus rather ignorant of its affairs. I hope you’ll excuse my lack of knowledge, Young Master." I don’t know you, and you don’t know me, so we’re even. The ailing scholar stared at Ye Li, seemingly assessing something. Han Mingxi, however, was unwilling to let him continue scrutinizing Ye Li and interjected with a smile, "I heard from my elder brother that you rarely leave your home these past few years, Young Master. What brings you to the Southern Border this time? Is there anything Tianyi Pavilion can assist with?"

The ailing scholar, slightly surprised, shook his head with a laugh. "It’s merely some personal matters. There’s no need to trouble Young Master Han." Since he was unwilling to elaborate, Han Mingxi naturally wouldn’t press further. In fact, he wished he could be as far away from this man as possible. Han Mingxi smiled, inwardly cursing, Why didn’t Mo Xiuyao manage to kill this scourge back then? The ailing scholar seemingly had no intention of dwelling on his private affairs. He smiled at Ye Li and Han Mingxi. "What do you two think of this village?"

Han Mingxi frowned. "I’ve traveled to the Southern Border two or three times, but I’ve never noticed a Luoyi Tribe village this close by."

"What does Young Master Chu think?" the ailing scholar asked, looking at Ye Li.

Ye Li furrowed her brows. "The Luoyi Tribe is said to be one of the largest in the Southern Border. Yet, I doubt there are more than a hundred people in this village. The settlements of Southern Border tribes are generally said to be extremely secluded. Why then is this Luoyi village built right beside a main road?" Han Mingxi raised an eyebrow and looked at Ye Li with a smile. "So, Junwei, you noticed this last night? Since there were so many oddities, why did you still agree to come?"

Ye Li raised her eyebrows. "Did we have a choice? We had no horses, and poisonous snakes were everywhere. They initially intended to invite us as guests. Being invited courteously is far more dignified than being trussed up like rice dumplings and dragged in, don’t you think? But... I am curious what they intend to achieve with such a grand display. As far as I know... aside from slightly offending that Junior Clan Leader in Yonglin City, I possess nothing of value that would warrant them going to such lengths." After speaking, Ye Li’s gaze fixed squarely on the ailing scholar. The ailing scholar sighed softly. "Young Master Chu, despite your youth, you are remarkably quick-witted. Correct. They are after us."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. "I’m listening."

"I believe you both sensed last night that people were watching us from outside. The Luoyi Tribe’s objective is actually quite simple: they’re after a treasure Old Master Liang possesses," the ailing scholar said coolly. Han Mingxi laughed. "I was unaware the esteemed Third Pavilion Master of the King of Hell Pavilion had stooped to escorting goods."

The ailing scholar suppressed a cough, looked at Han Mingxi, and smiled faintly. "Indeed, I did not accompany Old Master Liang for his protection."

Han Mingxi leaned against the back of his chair, glancing at the ailing scholar. "I know, you also want that item, Young Master. In that case, why didn’t you just kill the old man? Why go to all this trouble of escorting him to the Southern Border?" The ailing scholar looked at Han Mingxi. A chilling look flickered across his previously gentle, smiling features. His entire demeanor turned grim and somber, a stark contrast to the frail, sickly scholar he had appeared to be moments before.

"Indeed, I could kill that fellow. But unfortunately... he’s no fool. That item is in the Nanzhao Capital. He only carries the token to retrieve it—and only half of that token, at that. No one else in this world knows where the other half of the token is, nor does anyone know how to use it once both halves are obtained." The ailing scholar’s eyes flashed with killing intent, clearly infuriated by Old Master Liang’s cunning. Han Mingxi raised his eyebrows and said with a laugh, "Perhaps you could consider torture." The ailing scholar scoffed, "Young Master Han, do you truly not know who he is?"

Han Mingxi shrugged indifferently. Only when he saw Ye Li’s gaze turn towards him did he laugh. "I know. The fifth wealthiest family in Great Chu, after the four major merchant families of Feng, Yan, Jin, and Lu, right? The Liang family of the Northwest—they’re even wealthier than my elder brother. Furthermore, if my elder brother could be described as loving money as much as his own life, then for Old Master Liang, money is far more important than life itself. It’s said that bandits once kidnapped his favorite concubine and demanded a ransom of twenty thousand taels. He completely ignored their demand. And despite his wealth, he’s incredibly frugal, living more modestly than an average merchant. Didn’t he boast to you last night about going to the Clear Breeze Moonbeam Tower? My elder brother despises him the most. When he visited the Clear Breeze Moonbeam Tower for a night, he only ordered the cheapest tea and spent less than twenty taels. If a man like that truly possesses a treasure, he probably wouldn’t give it up even if you killed him."

Ye Li looked at the ailing scholar. "I’m more curious why you’re telling us this. Aren’t you afraid we might also become greedy?"

The ailing scholar replied indifferently, "I need your help. Last night, I observed that Young Master Zhuo possesses excellent martial skills, and while Young Master Chu’s abilities are not obvious, I presume he is not to be underestimated. As for Young Master Han, rest assured, I will not let you suffer any loss afterward." Han Mingxi rested his chin on his hand, tilting his head as he looked at him. "I thought you just said you didn’t require Tianyi Pavilion’s assistance."

The ailing scholar nodded. "I do not require any intelligence from Tianyi Pavilion. It is merely a coincidence that I encountered Young Master Han, so I must invite you to join me."

"Can we refuse?" Han Mingxi asked.

"I’m afraid not," the ailing scholar said in a deep voice, his somewhat gloomy gaze slowly sweeping over them. Han Mingxi felt a discomfort as if pricked by a knife. Ye Li’s expression remained unchanged, but her hand, hidden within her sleeve, involuntarily tightened. The ailing scholar smiled coldly, a predatory glint in his eyes. He gracefully lifted his left hand, admiring his fingers, which were a slightly different shade from those on his right, and said lightly, "I believe Young Master Han will not refuse, will he?"

Han Mingxi’s expression changed. He stared warily at the ailing scholar. "You poisoned us?!"

The ailing scholar gave him a smile but didn’t answer. Han Mingxi’s face turned uglier. Seemingly certain Han Mingxi wouldn’t refuse, the ailing scholar turned his head to look at Ye Li. "And Young Master Chu?"

Ye Li poured herself a cup of cold tea, frowning slightly at the bitterness of the chilled liquid. "I decline."

"Decline?" The ailing scholar was somewhat surprised. After a moment’s pause, his gaze towards Ye Li held an added measure of threat. "Are you certain, Young Master Chu?" Ye Li smiled faintly, put down her teacup, and said, "I heard of your esteemed reputation a few days ago. I also know that when it comes to the art of poison, you are considered unparalleled in this world. But... unless you intend to use a poison that kills instantly, it would be best not to make a move at all."

"What do you mean?" the ailing scholar demanded, his expression sinister as he stared at Ye Li.

Ye Li lowered her gaze to her hands resting on her lap and said softly, "I heard that you suffered an injury to your heart meridian some years ago, Young Master? Although I do not understand such injuries, I do have some superficial knowledge of the associated pathology. In my humble opinion, if you cannot kill your opponent in a single strike, then it’s best not to make a move. Because... your heart might not be able to withstand prolonged, intense exertion, am I wrong?"

Murderous intent flared in the ailing scholar’s eyes, almost palpable. He gritted his teeth. "Are you so sure I cannot kill you?"

Ye Li smiled. "You are welcome to try, Young Master."

The ailing scholar, of course, would not try. This Chu Junwei before him hadn’t made a single move throughout their journey and showed no signs of possessing profound internal energy. But his intuition told him this calm and composed young man was not simple. Moreover, Han Mingxi was watching him like a tiger stalking its prey, and there was still that bodyguard of no small skill who hadn’t yet shown himself from the inner room. Han Mingxi leaned back in his chair, half of his handsome face obscured, watching the somber ailing scholar and the serenely smiling Ye Li. He blinked, a knowing look in his eyes. It seemed he had stumbled upon some incredible secret.

"HEH. Young Master Chu, you truly are no ordinary person. But... it’s probably too late for regrets now," the ailing scholar sneered.

"What do you mean?" Han Mingxi asked, his eyes narrowing.

The ailing scholar said, "Right after I left the lodge where he was staying, I suspect Old Master Liang was no longer there."

"You did that deliberately?" Han Mingxi asked. The ailing scholar nodded. "Correct. Old Master Liang came to Southern Border precisely to find the Luoyi Tribe. And last night, they weren’t here to cause trouble for us, but to rendezvous with him." Han Mingxi frowned. "So what?" The ailing scholar scoffed. "So what? He has reached his destination. Naturally, anyone who knows his movements must... be completely silenced. If they hadn’t gathered us all here, wouldn’t all their prior efforts be wasted if even one of us escaped?"

"Was it your idea for Zheng Kui to approach us the day before yesterday and invite us to travel together?" Ye Li asked calmly, looking at the ailing scholar.

"Correct. Zheng Kui thought he was merely escorting Old Master Liang to Nanzhao to conduct business. I told him you two were highly skilled, and traveling together would provide mutual support and safety. To be honest... I didn’t originally want to choose you two, but at this time of year, there really aren’t many people heading to Southern Border. And I happen to need capable individuals to help. Besides, Young Master Han and I share a certain connection, do we not?"

Han Mingxi smiled. "I’m more curious why you don’t use men from the King of Hell Pavilion. I should think there are plenty in the King of Hell Pavilion willing to go through fire and water for you, no?" 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

The ailing scholar’s face darkened. He said coldly, "This is my own affair."

Ye Li stood up and walked to the window. She glanced at the rain, still pouring heavily outside, then turned back and said, "What kind of treasure does Old Master Liang possess that would make someone like you expend so much effort?"

"It’s best Young Master Chu doesn’t know. After all, the less one knows, the safer one is. Out of consideration for Young Master Han, I will not make things difficult for you afterward," the ailing scholar guaranteed, his face stern. Ye Li glanced at him coolly and smiled. "I apologize, but I dislike being kept in the dark and used as someone’s pawn."

The ailing scholar sneered, "Even if you don’t help me, you won’t be able to leave. See for yourself outside." Han Mingxi quickly floated to the window and looked out. Through the curtain of rain, the distant scenery was indistinct, but a faint, peculiar fragrance drifted in on the air. Ye Li swiftly pulled Han Mingxi away from the window and slammed it shut. The ailing scholar looked at Ye Li and nodded approvingly. "I was not mistaken. Young Master Chu also has considerable knowledge of poisons." Ye Li shook her head. "I don’t claim to know much about poisons. However, just a short while ago, I was incapacitated by a type of soporific drug produced in Southern Border, so I am merely being more cautious."

That time she had been tricked by Ye Yue, Ye Li had replayed the incident in her mind countless times. She finally determined that Ye Yue hadn’t administered the poison after she entered the main hall of Yaohua Palace. Rather, the soporific agent had been present from the start. Two pots of semi-blooming orchids were placed at the entrance of the main hall, and two more similar pots were inside. Later, in the courtyard where Mo Jingli had imprisoned her, she had also seen the same type of orchid. Of course, perhaps it wasn’t an orchid, merely something that resembled one.

The ailing scholar said, "Our path up the mountain has been cut off. And those flowers and plants on the hillside outside... It’s fine for Young Master Han to smell them now; there’s no great harm. These poisonous flowers are only effective during the daytime, and only when it is sunny. However, once the rain stops, the fragrance of these flowers will turn into a potent toxin. Anyone who inhales it will be unable to move a single step." Han Mingxi looked at him. "You have an antidote?"

The ailing scholar stated proudly, "Such a minor poison, what difficulty could it pose?"

Han Mingxi walked back to his seat and sat down. "So, unless we agree to help you, you won’t give us the antidote? Don’t you think we might try to descend the mountain while it’s still raining?" The ailing scholar smiled. "Naturally, martial artists don’t need to concern themselves with established paths when ascending or descending mountains. You can certainly try to leave. It would serve my purpose just as well if you helped lure away their men and those venomous creatures." Han Mingxi recalled last night’s teeming snake swarm, and his skin crawled. He hurriedly rubbed his arms and looked pleadingly at Ye Li.

Ye Li stood with her hands clasped behind her back and said calmly, "Then, may I assume that not only do you possess an antidote for those poisonous flowers and plants, but you also have ways to deal with venomous snakes and insects? And all we need to do is handle their people, is that correct?"

The ailing scholar nodded, in a visibly better mood. "Correct." The displeasure from having his weakness exposed earlier finally eased somewhat, and the murderous glint in his eyes as he looked at Ye Li gradually faded. Ye Li pondered for a moment before finally nodding. "I can agree to your terms, Young Master."

"Hey, Junwei, aren’t you afraid he’ll go back on his word and silence us in the end?" Han Mingxi whispered, reminding her that the ailing scholar was far from a benevolent person. Ye Li smiled. "I trust the promise of the Third Pavilion Master of the King of Hell Pavilion."

"In that case, it’s a deal."

Hey, hey... Does that guy even possess such a thing as credibility?