Sand Rat: You should grow your fur properly.
“How did you end up here?”
General Liu Dan was exasperated, “Thankfully, the guards by my side knew the whole story, helping to hide the situation. For a dignified fourth-rank general like myself to claim he was out looking for the Sixth Prince, but then get caught squatting in the nearby bushes of the Imperial Mausoleum, it’s preposterous!”
Meng Qi shot Liu Dan a sideways glance, saying nothing.
Feeling a chill, Liu Dan felt that he might have forgotten just who Meng Qi was.
Perhaps it’s because the Physician by Meng Qi’s side seemed reasonable and easy to talk to.
If Meng Qi were here alone, Liu Dan would probably have turned tail and run.
“This is the Imperial Mausoleum, with thousands of stationed soldiers…” Liu Dan feebly argued, his personal guard wondering if he was trying to threaten or merely remind them of the impending danger.
If Liu Dan knew what his subordinate was thinking, he would surely scold him.
Facing these martial arts masters is terrifying. They have a presence that can make one’s limbs stiff, breath short, and chest tight. Being honorable doesn’t mean one wants to die a humiliating death. After all, wouldn’t it be a loss to die after consuming just a few spiritual ginsengs given by the Emperor?
Meng Qi examined Liu Dan, who currently wore casual clothes but adorned with jade and sachets around his waist due to his impending meeting with the officials from the capital. Liu Dan felt nervous under Meng Qi’s scrutiny, worried that Meng Qi might kidnap the Sixth Prince to get back at the Emperor.
The standoff between one man preoccupied with wealth and the other with ulterior motives was long and silent.
Mortified, Physician Mo cleared his throat, “I didn’t expect to run into General Liu here, what a coincidence.”
Liu Dan just stared, thinking, ‘Is there ever a time it’s NOT a coincidence with you?’
Physician Mo continued, noticing Liu’s ill-looking complexion, “General, since our last meeting in Pingzhou a month ago, it seems your injuries haven’t fully healed?”
Liu Dan nodded instinctively, thinking he indeed looked worn out.
Hiding Meng Qi behind him, Physician Mo subtly tried to draw Liu’s attention away from the intent Meng Qi’s gaze held.
Using internal energy to pressure someone is unnecessary; do they still want to extort Liu the next time they meet?
Realizing the Physician was speaking of physical health, not some mystical aura, Liu Dan felt a moment of relief.
“Ah, His Majesty urgently summoned me, mainly due to matters related to the Si family.”
Liu Dan mumbled his explanation. The Emperor was furious upon hearing rumors that the Si family intended to rebel.
Due to the land collapse in Qiuling County, those secretly mining gold all fell ill, presumably due to the unique conditions within the mountain. Now, without access to the gold mine, the Emperor is forced to compensate with substantial relief funds. He almost wished he could slice up every member of the Si family in his rage. Coming back to the capital under the guise of a regular official meeting is more like facing the Emperor’s wrath.
Liu Dan smiled bitterly.
The worst-case scenario is that he’d be scapegoated and stripped of all his privileges. Still, the Emperor wouldn’t kill him because it would look bad to punish a hero who once saved the Emperor’s life.
Liu Dan did not mention any of this.
Physician Mo stepped in to break the tension. “If you permit, I’d like to check your pulse,” he offered, extending his hand.
Liu Dan was taken aback, instinctively glancing at Meng Qi.
— The Physician’s being overly courteous. Even if he decided to kill, could he even resist?
Seeing no objection from Liu Dan, Physician Mo assumed consent. The guards, noticing the prolonged silence, checked in to find their general strangely getting diagnosed. Wasn’t the plan to get away from this ominous presence?
“You sustained internal injuries before. You have deficiencies in both qi and blood. You shouldn’t take replenishing medicine haphazardly. Take this prescription once every three days, ten times in total. Also, avoid alcohol and keep a distance from temptations of the flesh.”
Liu Dan was baffled, especially hearing the last bit, wanting to argue that he rarely visits brothels as his daily martial training leaves him no spare energy.
“Anger harms the body, and excessive worry damages the spirit,” Physician Mo advised, handing Liu Dan the medicine and prescription, “Deal with what you can. Don’t overburden yourself. Only with a healthy body can you tackle other concerns.”
Liu Dan was still reeling.
What was his initial intent? To send away this bad luck? Yet, here he was, with a medicine pack and Physician’s advice.
The general was lost in his thoughts when an annoyed snort from Meng Qi snapped him back.
Physician Mo’s usual tone with patients was gentle, giving them suggestions and reminding them of the dos and don’ts. Yet, observing Physician Mo’s gentle demeanor with the dazed Liu Dan made Meng Qi rather displeased.
“Where’s the consultation fee?” Meng Qi demanded, crossing his arms, “A respected general, and you’re planning to skip out on the bill?”
“…”
Liu Dan suddenly realized: so you two are still here to rob me?
Mo Li gave Meng Qi a discreet glare. He had everything planned out perfectly, even the reason for collecting money, but Meng Qi had to expose everything.
Compared to the previous robbery, General Liu was much more willing to pay this time.
Having personally experienced Mo Li’s medical skills and hearing further testimonials from the people of Qiuling County, he recognized the importance of his health. If his internal injuries persisted, he wouldn’t be able to return to the battlefield, eliminating any chance of redeeming his honor.
Liu Dan pulled out his money pouch, initially intending to check how much he had left. But upon catching Meng Qi’s calculating gaze, he handed over the entire pouch without a word.
As the magnificent General Liu Dan, who went from fleeing for his life to being robbed, this felt even more ridiculous!
Mo Li wanted to gracefully accept the consultation fee, but Meng Qi made it seem more like collecting protection money. Before Mo Li could figure out a dignified way to accept the pouch, Meng Qi had already taken it.
“It seems to be less than last time,” Meng Qi weighed the pouch casually.
Liu Dan replied with a sense of resignation, “I’ve been ill for a month and am now heading to the capital; naturally, my expenses are tight.”
Meng Qi handed the pouch to Mo Li, nonchalantly adding, “Hopefully, the next time we meet, General Liu will have been promoted.”
“…I appreciate your good wishes.”
Liu Dan managed to squeeze out these words, watching the two figures slowly disappear into the forest.
“Whew, I managed to escape with my life again,” the general muttered to himself.
His personal guards gathered around, chattering.
“Is Master Meng really that short of money?”
“With his level of martial arts skill, remaining forever youthful, could he be lacking money?”
Liu Dan sternly admonished, “Enough, don’t mention this again. When we return to the capital, be careful with your words! Do you know what kind of place the imperial city is? The slightest rumor or drunken chatter might be noted by the Imperial Guards!”
The guards knew he wasn’t exaggerating, thinking they better speak their minds here and now, or they’d be stifled later.
“General, I think Master Meng doesn’t want your life.”
One observant guard confidently stated, “He just wants your money.”
“And what if I run out of money?” Liu Dan’s mind was racing, considering the Emperor’s heightened security measures after the Deputy Commander’s death. How far has he come from that?
“General, the sage said that the valiant cannot be humbled!”
Liu Dan’s guards, who had followed him through thick and thin, dared to jest with him.
General Liu scoffed, “Talk about wealth without indulgence, poverty without shifting principles, and bravery without humiliation! Those are words of the wise sages! Have any of those scholarly officials tried living by those principles?”
He inadvertently raised his voice a little too loudly.
“General Liu?”
This voice startled Liu Dan, and he shot a reproachful look at his guards: I asked you to keep watch, and the moment Meng Qi left, you all came here to gawk. Now someone’s here, and you didn’t even notice.
Realizing their lapse, the guards quickly dispersed.
Soon, one of them returned to report.
“General, it’s the Sixth Prince.”
“When did he get here?” Liu Dan quickly stowed away the prescription and went out to meet the prince.
As they walked, a guard whispered to him, “You need not worry, General. The Sixth Prince wasn’t alone. A patrolman found him nearby, and they returned together. They stopped because they heard your voice.”
Liu Dan sighed in relief. If the prince had caught him exchanging money with the former State Teacher, Meng Qi, he wouldn’t have been able to explain himself.
Emerging from the forest was a young man in fine robes, though they were covered in mud and dust as if he’d been through some ordeal.
The young prince had a refined appearance with bright, inquisitive eyes.
After Liu Dan greeted him, the prince curiously asked, “What inspired your passionate words just now, General Liu?”
“Sir, I am simply displeased with those in the court who warm their seats without fulfilling their duties.”
Although a military officer, Liu Dan was educated. He continued earnestly, “Your Highness is young, and you shouldn’t heed the words of those corrupt scholars. They set standards based on the teachings of sages and demand others to follow, yet they can’t meet these standards themselves.”
Liu Dan assumed that the young prince, being playful and restless, wasn’t fond of reading.
The Sixth Prince narrowed his eyes, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
He pondered Liu Dan’s words. If truly everyone held to these high standards, the court wouldn’t have any ministers from the previous dynasty. If wealth truly couldn’t corrupt, why did people say there’s a house of gold in books?
Whoever ruled the kingdom decided the examination system, and scholars would serve that ruler.
While people might have integrity, the prince doubted the sincerity of his tutors who touted these values daily. After all, by those standards, his father, the current emperor, would be considered a traitor. Yet these scholars prostrate themselves before him, singing his praises daily.
“General Liu, you’re a trusted servant of my father, and your words are very insightful,” the Sixth Prince began, flattering Liu Dan. He then asked, “Do you know of any recluses around the imperial mausoleum? Today, I met two individuals who seemed… extraordinary in both appearance and demeanor.”
Upon hearing the prince’s description, Liu Dan’s heart skipped a beat; he knew who the prince was referring to.
All he could do was feign ignorance, suggesting, “I’m not aware, Your Highness. Perhaps you could ask the local county magistrate?”
“Forget it.” The Sixth Prince shook his head in disappointment, thinking that such people probably wouldn’t serve the Qi Dynasty.
Or to put it another way, they wouldn’t serve any emperor. Perhaps that’s the true essence of a recluse.
Meanwhile, Meng Qi, whom the Sixth Prince had just considered a reclusive expert, was busy counting the coins in his pouch.
“Physician, shall we buy some sugar-roasted chestnuts?”
Author’s note:
Wishing General Liu a promotion! This is like shearing wool and expecting the sheep to grow it back quickly!
Mo Li: I don’t know about sheep, but the sand rat’s fur grows very fast.
Sand Rat: You should grow your fur properly.
“How did you end up here?”
General Liu Dan was exasperated, “Thankfully, the guards by my side knew the whole story, helping to hide the situation. For a dignified fourth-rank general like myself to claim he was out looking for the Sixth Prince, but then get caught squatting in the nearby bushes of the Imperial Mausoleum, it’s preposterous!”
Meng Qi shot Liu Dan a sideways glance, saying nothing.
Feeling a chill, Liu Dan felt that he might have forgotten just who Meng Qi was.
Perhaps it’s because the Physician by Meng Qi’s side seemed reasonable and easy to talk to.
If Meng Qi were here alone, Liu Dan would probably have turned tail and run.
“This is the Imperial Mausoleum, with thousands of stationed soldiers…” Liu Dan feebly argued, his personal guard wondering if he was trying to threaten or merely remind them of the impending danger.
If Liu Dan knew what his subordinate was thinking, he would surely scold him.
Facing these martial arts masters is terrifying. They have a presence that can make one’s limbs stiff, breath short, and chest tight. Being honorable doesn’t mean one wants to die a humiliating death. After all, wouldn’t it be a loss to die after consuming just a few spiritual ginsengs given by the Emperor?
Meng Qi examined Liu Dan, who currently wore casual clothes but adorned with jade and sachets around his waist due to his impending meeting with the officials from the capital. Liu Dan felt nervous under Meng Qi’s scrutiny, worried that Meng Qi might kidnap the Sixth Prince to get back at the Emperor.
The standoff between one man preoccupied with wealth and the other with ulterior motives was long and silent.
Mortified, Physician Mo cleared his throat, “I didn’t expect to run into General Liu here, what a coincidence.”
Liu Dan just stared, thinking, ‘Is there ever a time it’s NOT a coincidence with you?’
Physician Mo continued, noticing Liu’s ill-looking complexion, “General, since our last meeting in Pingzhou a month ago, it seems your injuries haven’t fully healed?”
Liu Dan nodded instinctively, thinking he indeed looked worn out.
Hiding Meng Qi behind him, Physician Mo subtly tried to draw Liu’s attention away from the intent Meng Qi’s gaze held.
Using internal energy to pressure someone is unnecessary; do they still want to extort Liu the next time they meet?
Realizing the Physician was speaking of physical health, not some mystical aura, Liu Dan felt a moment of relief.
“Ah, His Majesty urgently summoned me, mainly due to matters related to the Si family.”
Liu Dan mumbled his explanation. The Emperor was furious upon hearing rumors that the Si family intended to rebel.
Due to the land collapse in Qiuling County, those secretly mining gold all fell ill, presumably due to the unique conditions within the mountain. Now, without access to the gold mine, the Emperor is forced to compensate with substantial relief funds. He almost wished he could slice up every member of the Si family in his rage. Coming back to the capital under the guise of a regular official meeting is more like facing the Emperor’s wrath.
Liu Dan smiled bitterly.
The worst-case scenario is that he’d be scapegoated and stripped of all his privileges. Still, the Emperor wouldn’t kill him because it would look bad to punish a hero who once saved the Emperor’s life.
Liu Dan did not mention any of this.
Physician Mo stepped in to break the tension. “If you permit, I’d like to check your pulse,” he offered, extending his hand.
Liu Dan was taken aback, instinctively glancing at Meng Qi.
— The Physician’s being overly courteous. Even if he decided to kill, could he even resist?
Seeing no objection from Liu Dan, Physician Mo assumed consent. The guards, noticing the prolonged silence, checked in to find their general strangely getting diagnosed. Wasn’t the plan to get away from this ominous presence?
“You sustained internal injuries before. You have deficiencies in both qi and blood. You shouldn’t take replenishing medicine haphazardly. Take this prescription once every three days, ten times in total. Also, avoid alcohol and keep a distance from temptations of the flesh.”
Liu Dan was baffled, especially hearing the last bit, wanting to argue that he rarely visits brothels as his daily martial training leaves him no spare energy.
“Anger harms the body, and excessive worry damages the spirit,” Physician Mo advised, handing Liu Dan the medicine and prescription, “Deal with what you can. Don’t overburden yourself. Only with a healthy body can you tackle other concerns.”
Liu Dan was still reeling.
What was his initial intent? To send away this bad luck? Yet, here he was, with a medicine pack and Physician’s advice.
The general was lost in his thoughts when an annoyed snort from Meng Qi snapped him back.
Physician Mo’s usual tone with patients was gentle, giving them suggestions and reminding them of the dos and don’ts. Yet, observing Physician Mo’s gentle demeanor with the dazed Liu Dan made Meng Qi rather displeased.
“Where’s the consultation fee?” Meng Qi demanded, crossing his arms, “A respected general, and you’re planning to skip out on the bill?”
“…”
Liu Dan suddenly realized: so you two are still here to rob me?
Mo Li gave Meng Qi a discreet glare. He had everything planned out perfectly, even the reason for collecting money, but Meng Qi had to expose everything.
Compared to the previous robbery, General Liu was much more willing to pay this time.
Having personally experienced Mo Li’s medical skills and hearing further testimonials from the people of Qiuling County, he recognized the importance of his health. If his internal injuries persisted, he wouldn’t be able to return to the battlefield, eliminating any chance of redeeming his honor.
Liu Dan pulled out his money pouch, initially intending to check how much he had left. But upon catching Meng Qi’s calculating gaze, he handed over the entire pouch without a word.
As the magnificent General Liu Dan, who went from fleeing for his life to being robbed, this felt even more ridiculous!
Mo Li wanted to gracefully accept the consultation fee, but Meng Qi made it seem more like collecting protection money. Before Mo Li could figure out a dignified way to accept the pouch, Meng Qi had already taken it.
“It seems to be less than last time,” Meng Qi weighed the pouch casually.
Liu Dan replied with a sense of resignation, “I’ve been ill for a month and am now heading to the capital; naturally, my expenses are tight.”
Meng Qi handed the pouch to Mo Li, nonchalantly adding, “Hopefully, the next time we meet, General Liu will have been promoted.”
“…I appreciate your good wishes.”
Liu Dan managed to squeeze out these words, watching the two figures slowly disappear into the forest.
“Whew, I managed to escape with my life again,” the general muttered to himself.
His personal guards gathered around, chattering.
“Is Master Meng really that short of money?”
“With his level of martial arts skill, remaining forever youthful, could he be lacking money?”
Liu Dan sternly admonished, “Enough, don’t mention this again. When we return to the capital, be careful with your words! Do you know what kind of place the imperial city is? The slightest rumor or drunken chatter might be noted by the Imperial Guards!”
The guards knew he wasn’t exaggerating, thinking they better speak their minds here and now, or they’d be stifled later.
“General, I think Master Meng doesn’t want your life.”
One observant guard confidently stated, “He just wants your money.”
“And what if I run out of money?” Liu Dan’s mind was racing, considering the Emperor’s heightened security measures after the Deputy Commander’s death. How far has he come from that?
“General, the sage said that the valiant cannot be humbled!”
Liu Dan’s guards, who had followed him through thick and thin, dared to jest with him.
General Liu scoffed, “Talk about wealth without indulgence, poverty without shifting principles, and bravery without humiliation! Those are words of the wise sages! Have any of those scholarly officials tried living by those principles?”
He inadvertently raised his voice a little too loudly.
“General Liu?”
This voice startled Liu Dan, and he shot a reproachful look at his guards: I asked you to keep watch, and the moment Meng Qi left, you all came here to gawk. Now someone’s here, and you didn’t even notice.
Realizing their lapse, the guards quickly dispersed.
Soon, one of them returned to report.
“General, it’s the Sixth Prince.”
“When did he get here?” Liu Dan quickly stowed away the prescription and went out to meet the prince.
As they walked, a guard whispered to him, “You need not worry, General. The Sixth Prince wasn’t alone. A patrolman found him nearby, and they returned together. They stopped because they heard your voice.”
Liu Dan sighed in relief. If the prince had caught him exchanging money with the former State Teacher, Meng Qi, he wouldn’t have been able to explain himself.
Emerging from the forest was a young man in fine robes, though they were covered in mud and dust as if he’d been through some ordeal.
The young prince had a refined appearance with bright, inquisitive eyes.
After Liu Dan greeted him, the prince curiously asked, “What inspired your passionate words just now, General Liu?”
“Sir, I am simply displeased with those in the court who warm their seats without fulfilling their duties.”
Although a military officer, Liu Dan was educated. He continued earnestly, “Your Highness is young, and you shouldn’t heed the words of those corrupt scholars. They set standards based on the teachings of sages and demand others to follow, yet they can’t meet these standards themselves.”
Liu Dan assumed that the young prince, being playful and restless, wasn’t fond of reading.
The Sixth Prince narrowed his eyes, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
He pondered Liu Dan’s words. If truly everyone held to these high standards, the court wouldn’t have any ministers from the previous dynasty. If wealth truly couldn’t corrupt, why did people say there’s a house of gold in books?
Whoever ruled the kingdom decided the examination system, and scholars would serve that ruler.
While people might have integrity, the prince doubted the sincerity of his tutors who touted these values daily. After all, by those standards, his father, the current emperor, would be considered a traitor. Yet these scholars prostrate themselves before him, singing his praises daily.
“General Liu, you’re a trusted servant of my father, and your words are very insightful,” the Sixth Prince began, flattering Liu Dan. He then asked, “Do you know of any recluses around the imperial mausoleum? Today, I met two individuals who seemed… extraordinary in both appearance and demeanor.”
Upon hearing the prince’s description, Liu Dan’s heart skipped a beat; he knew who the prince was referring to.
All he could do was feign ignorance, suggesting, “I’m not aware, Your Highness. Perhaps you could ask the local county magistrate?”
“Forget it.” The Sixth Prince shook his head in disappointment, thinking that such people probably wouldn’t serve the Qi Dynasty.
Or to put it another way, they wouldn’t serve any emperor. Perhaps that’s the true essence of a recluse.
Meanwhile, Meng Qi, whom the Sixth Prince had just considered a reclusive expert, was busy counting the coins in his pouch.
“Physician, shall we buy some sugar-roasted chestnuts?”
Author’s note:
Wishing General Liu a promotion! This is like shearing wool and expecting the sheep to grow it back quickly!
Mo Li: I don’t know about sheep, but the sand rat’s fur grows very fast.
