Chapter 147: Exhaustion

Seeing Tan Liu suddenly widen his eyes, Lin Fang smiled and said, “I know my own peculiarities well, but I’ve never told anyone—not even my parents. Aunt Liu has been with me since childhood, so she might have sensed something, but she couldn’t be sure. Since I’ve confided in you today, it means I trust you. Uncle Tan, please don’t treat me like a child anymore. I know you’re concerned about my health, but even if you try to hide things from me, I’ll still figure them out. It only makes me waste more energy guessing.”

Tan Liu stood up solemnly and bowed deeply. “Rest assured, Sixth Miss. I understand what must be done.”

After leaving Caixing Courtyard and arriving at a secluded spot, Tan Liu gestured, and two figures appeared behind him. He instructed, “From now on, aside from me, the four of you will take orders directly from the Sixth Miss.”

The two men responded in unison. These were the hidden guards Lin Fang had mentioned—four in total, working in shifts, with only two present at the moment.

Tan Liu ordered one of them, “Go to Qi Manor and inform Steward Qi that the Sixth Miss is showing signs of exhaustion. Also, report today’s porridge distribution to him.”

To the other, he said, “Head up the mountain and tell Qi Shi that the Sixth Miss may not have much time left.”

The two acknowledged and left.

Turning back to glance at Caixing Courtyard, Tan Liu sighed deeply before busying himself with punishing Shi Liaoliang.

If Tan Liu could notice the abnormalities in Lin Fang’s health, she was naturally aware of her own condition. Recently, she had felt an unusual surge of energy, her nerves constantly on edge, but once exhaustion hit, she could sleep for an entire day, only to wake up revitalized again.

Lately, however, the opposite had occurred. Her strength seemed to be draining away day by day, her energy waning. She longed for proper rest but found sleep elusive—not only was it shallow, but she also struggled to fall asleep. At night, she might manage two or three hours of sleep, waking frequently. Even her usual midday naps were now mere pretenses. To avoid worrying those around her, Lin Fang lay still, feigning sleep.

This must be what Master Shen had called “exhaustion.” If his antidote didn’t arrive soon, she would gradually waste away and die.

Lin Fang couldn’t remember how she had died in her previous life. She suspected it might have been due to congenital heart disease. But she clearly remembered how she had lived—spoiled by her parents and elder brother, willful and capricious, causing them endless worry. In this life, her family loved her unconditionally. Now, with death approaching, she no longer cared if others noticed her peculiarities. Before she passed away, she wanted to do something for them.

Upon hearing the hidden guard’s report, Master Shen hurried to the Lin residence, accompanied by the self-proclaimed “Old Monk Zixing,” whom Lin Fang had just mentioned earlier that day.

After carefully taking Lin Fang’s pulse, Master Shen’s expression darkened. “Your body has developed resistance to the previous medication. We must change the prescription, but I’ve exhausted all possible options. I don’t know how to proceed.”

Lin Fang shook her head with a faint smile. “It’s alright. Living these extra years was already a blessing. I’m grateful for your efforts, Master Shen.”

Master Shen could only sigh and slump into a chair, his face etched with defeat.

The rotund face of the old monk leaned in. “Fang’er, during my travels, I’ve learned some new recipes. Why don’t you move to Zixing Temple? We can experiment with new dishes together.”

Lin Fang chuckled bitterly. “Yes, since my time is short, I might as well enjoy myself—eat what I can, drink what I can. It’d be even better if I could travel before I die. I’ve been in this world for over ten years but have never seen beyond Liangping Town or Lin Manor. What a pity.”

Working in the oncology department in her past life, Lin Fang had often overheard doctors advising patients or their families: “Eat whatever you crave, travel if you wish, don’t worry about the cost…” The implication was clear—enjoy your final days.

Her hollow smile pained the old monk. He clasped his hands together. “Amitabha. Fang’er, this is Buddha’s test for you. Don’t lose heart.”

Lin Fang shook her head. “Old monk, do you even believe your own words?”

Indeed, he didn’t. The old monk could glimpse a person’s past but not their future. His abilities only allowed him to deduce events up to the present. He regretted erasing fragments of Lin Fang’s past memories too soon—it had inadvertently harmed her.

During his travels, the old monk had ventured into remote mountains and forests, searching for rare herbs mentioned in medical texts but now extinct or requiring specific conditions to grow. He hoped to concoct a life-extending formula for Lin Fang but found nothing. Instead, he sensed her energy fading and rushed back, intending to use Buddhist practices to halt its decline.

“Fine,” Lin Fang sighed. “If this continues, I won’t be able to hide my condition from my parents much longer. I’ll go to the temple with you. It’s better than them watching me waste away.”

“Not necessarily,” Master Shen suddenly interjected, breaking his silence. “My mentor once taught me a prescription beneficial for heart ailments. But one ingredient is exceedingly rare—no one has seen it in over a century. Fang’er, I’ll search for it myself.”

Lin Fang shook her head. “No need. You’re past sixty, Master Shen. Don’t exhaust yourself for a drug that might not even exist.”

Master Shen’s face twisted with resolve. “Hmph! In all my years of detoxifying poisons, no one has ever died under my care. I even cured Tan Xuyi’s poison. If you die from this, my reputation will be ruined by a little girl like you. I’d rather take poison myself now than face ridicule later!” With that, he stormed out.

Lin Fang was stunned. Master Shen had always been playful, like an old imp. This outburst was unprecedented.

The old monk consoled her, “Let him be. Master Shen has never failed in his detoxifications, no matter how challenging. But for over two years, he’s been powerless against your condition. It’s only natural he’s frustrated.”

Lin Fang worried, “But he’s not young anymore. How can he endure such arduous journeys? What if he dies trying to save me?”

Though she often teased Master Shen and the old monk, Lin Fang regarded them as family. She genuinely didn’t want Master Shen to suffer for her sake.

The old monk shook his head. “Do you think he could live peacefully, watching you die?”

Lin Fang fell silent. Everyone had their pride, especially those at the pinnacle of their craft.

Early the next morning, Qi Shi came to bid Lin Fang farewell. She was accompanying Master Shen to search for the herb. Before leaving, Qi Shi also visited Chen Dong to say goodbye and informed him she would take the youngest son of the Sima family with her. The boy’s poison hadn’t been neutralized—stopping treatment now would only hasten his death. Chen Dong bowed solemnly in gratitude.

After leaving Xiyuan Courtyard, Qi Shi returned to Caixing Courtyard, her expression troubled. “Sixth Miss, my master asked me to relay a message.”

From Qi Shi’s demeanor, Lin Fang sensed it wouldn’t be pleasant. “What is it?”

Qi Shi hesitated. Under Lin Fang’s urging, she finally said, “My master’s exact words were: ‘Tell that little Fang’er to hold on and not die too soon. Tan Xuyi promised that if I cure her, I can freely command his men to search for rare poisons for my amusement. If she dares to die, I’ll make sure she regrets it.’”

“Tan Xuyi? Who is he? What does my recovery have to do with him?”

Master Shen had mentioned the name yesterday, but Lin Fang hadn’t paid it much mind, assuming it was just an example. Now, hearing it again from Qi Shi, it seemed Tan Xuyi was the one who had brought Master Shen here. Yet she had no recollection of such a person. How was her illness connected to him?

Qi Shi grew even more uncomfortable. “Sixth Miss, forgive me, but I can’t reveal the truth. Knowing too soon wouldn’t benefit you. When the time is right, my master will inform you himself. Please believe that keeping this from you is for your sake and the Lin family’s.”

Lin Fang frowned. “If you don’t want me to know, why mention him at all?”

Qi Shi sighed. “My master was angry yesterday and let it slip accidentally. He regretted it afterward, but the damage was done. Given your sharp mind, trying to cover it up would only make you more curious. It’s better to be upfront, though the full truth can’t be shared yet.”

“Fine. If you’re sworn to secrecy, I won’t press you. I’m dying anyway—what does it matter how much I know?” The desolation in Lin Fang’s voice saddened Qi Shi. The Sixth Miss had always been optimistic and bright, never uttering such despairing words before.

Shortly after Qi Shi left, the old monk arrived at the Lin residence, bellowing as he entered, “Little imp, hurry up! I’ve been craving your cooking during my seclusion. The temple’s vegetarian fare has grown stale. Come back with me—let’s whip up some new dishes and satisfy this old monk’s cravings!”

His loud proclamation alerted the entire household. Everyone found it amusing—the old monk’s profound Buddhist wisdom clashed hilariously with his gluttony. Lin Zhongsi was the first to mock him, “Hey! Why should my granddaughter cater to your whims the moment you return? As a monk, shouldn’t you be chanting sutras during disasters instead of obsessing over food?”

The old monk laughed heartily. “Hah! Should I seek you out instead? All you do is follow your wife around—what use are you? Move aside. I’m here for my little lucky star.”

Lin Zhongsi gritted his teeth. “You damned monk. Seems you’ve been too comfortable lately.”

With that, he lunged at the old monk, and the two began sparring in the courtyard. The others watched, shaking their heads in amusement. No one noticed that, amid their tussle, the old monk conveyed Lin Fang’s condition to Lin Zhongsi in their own coded way. Ignoring the crowd’s laughter, Lin Zhongsi abruptly broke off and dashed toward his own courtyard—he needed to question his wife.

Eldest Brother had already left with Second and Sixth Brothers after breakfast. Hearing the commotion, Li Cuimei emerged with Li Cuihong and Yuan Li to greet the old monk, who continued clamoring to take Lin Fang to the temple. Li Cuimei agreed readily. This was a familiar routine—the old monk had once even carried Lin Fang up the mountain while she was napping, too impatient to wait for her to wake. The household was accustomed to such antics.

Having already discussed the plan with the old monk the previous day, Lin Fang played along, teasing him before setting off for Zixing Temple with only Aunt Liu in tow.

Just as they exited the gate, Lin Zhongsi came running after them, shouting, “Hey, old monk! Why do you always monopolize my granddaughter? I’m coming too—to make sure you don’t bully her!”

The old monk retorted, “You old fool! As if your granddaughter would ever let herself be bullied. If I escape her tricks, it’s only by Buddha’s grace. Admit it—you’re just hankering for new dishes and using me as an excuse.”

Amid their bickering, the group moved farther away. Li Cuimei stood at the gate, watching them disappear into the distance, when an inexplicable shudder ran through her.