After the imperial edict was read at the temporary town office, the frail and ailing eunuch could no longer hold on and was assisted to the mayor’s resting room. The accompanying physician rushed to attend to him, but despite half a day of efforts, the eunuch remained unconscious, his breath growing fainter. The physician was horrified and inwardly lamented his misfortune at being assigned to this duty.
Lin Chengxiang and Dalang were equally anxious. If anything were to happen to the eunuch in Lin Town, it would spell trouble.
Amidst the chaos, a calm voice cut through: “What’s the commotion about?”
Everyone turned toward the source. Dalang exclaimed with relief, “General Qi! The palace eunuch, Eunuch Zheng, has fallen ill. The physician is attending to him.”
The newcomer was Qi Biao, clad in military attire, his imposing presence causing everyone present to lower their heads, not daring to meet his gaze.
Qi Biao nodded in acknowledgment and approached Eunuch Zheng’s sickbed. Though the physician didn’t recognize Qi Biao, he was intimidated by his aura and instinctively stepped aside, allowing Qi Biao to take the stool by the bed—the physician’s usual spot.
Qi Biao placed his fingers on the eunuch’s wrist to check his pulse, then frowned and said coldly, “Fetch Physician Tong. The rest of you, disperse and attend to your duties.”
Dalang quickly sent someone to fetch his aunt, while the others scattered immediately. Li Cuilan and Zhang Tieshuan led a group to Lei Dongzhu, who then accompanied them to inspect the wasteland and oversee the construction of greenhouses. Lin Chengxiang followed closely, noting every instruction from the planting official, not daring to slack. Dalang remained at the town office to handle matters related to the edict-bearing team.
Soon, Madam Tong arrived at the town office and efficiently began treating the eunuch. The accompanying physician tried to observe from the side but was pushed aside by Lin Zhongsi. Though annoyed, the physician dared not protest with Qi Biao present.
Madam Tong and Lin Zhongsi worked in perfect harmony—one administering acupuncture and massage, the other silently passing tools. Before long, the eunuch’s complexion improved, and his expression grew peaceful. The physician was stunned. Despite his formal medical training, he had been helpless, yet this village woman had succeeded where he failed.
Though the eunuch remained unconscious, his pulse and appearance clearly indicated improvement. After instructing the physician on follow-up care and prescribing medicine, Madam Tong and Qi Biao exchanged a silent glance before quietly departing with Lin Zhongsi.
The physician, now deeply impressed by Madam Tong, followed her instructions meticulously. Qi Biao stood and left the room, with Dalang following. In the courtyard, Dalang invited Qi Biao to rest in another room. Qi Biao agreed and was led to a large makeshift resting area for the town office staff, converted from the backstage of a theater.
Alone in the room, Dalang and Qi Biao sat facing each other. Dalang had many questions but remained silent, waiting for Qi Biao to speak first. Qi Biao, however, was even more composed, his expression serene, as if he were leisurely sipping wine in the Lin family courtyard.
With a sigh, Dalang broke the silence: “Has Wen’er returned with you?”
“No,” Qi Biao replied evenly. “He went ahead to the capital to handle some matters.”
“The disownment letter has been revoked. Wen’er can continue his studies. Has he spoken to you about his plans?” Knowing Qi Biao was well-informed about the Lin family, Dalang cut to the chase.
Qi Biao nodded. “He said that since he’s joined the army, he’ll strive there. It doesn’t conflict with his studies.”
Dalang sighed. “Your aunt and I are growing old. Our lives are set. But you, Wen’er, and Wu’er—as men, you must have ambition. Whatever paths you choose, we’ll support you fully. As for Fang’er, though clever, her health is frail. Your aunt and I will devote our lives to caring for her.”
Qi Biao’s heart ached. Lin Fang was merely clinging to life. If no antidote was found soon, Dalang and his wife would face the agony of outliving their child. He had already deployed his network, even reaching beyond borders to help Master Shen search for the cure, but so far, all reports had been fruitless.
To distract himself, Qi Biao changed the subject. “Uncle, I know you have many questions, but I can’t explain much now. Just know this: the revocation of the disownment letter, your appointment as mayor, Lei Dongzhu’s garrison in Lin Town to protect the imperial winter vegetable fields—none of this is coincidence. It was all arranged by me and General Li.”
Dalang responded with another sigh. Truthfully, he had no interest in official positions; he only cared for his family’s safety and happiness. But he understood that Qi Biao and Li Ziyi’s arrangements were meant to further protect them. With Lin Town under imperial recognition and Dalang personally named in the edict, few would dare harm them.
Qi Biao continued, “However, my return today wasn’t planned. While leading troops back to the capital, I heard reports of refugees flooding into Lin Town, straining winter supplies and shelter. Since we were nearby, I diverted here to assist. I’ve ordered the troops to set up tents for the refugees and leave behind military rations and winter gear to ease the shortage.”
Dalang was alarmed. “You can’t just divert military supplies! How will you account for this? If someone reports you, it’s a serious offense.”
Qi Biao shook his head. “It’s fine. I wouldn’t have acted without a plan to avoid repercussions.”
Just then, someone announced from outside: “General, Eunuch Zheng has awakened.”
“Good. Clear the room. I’ll be there shortly.” Qi Biao stood up and said softly to Dalang, “I’ll be leaving soon but will leave a small squad at your disposal. I’ll take care of the follow-up supplies and refugee resettlement issues, so you needn’t worry. Eunuch Zheng will likely need to recuperate in Lin Town for some time, but there’s no need for excessive concern—he’s a cautious man and devout in his Buddhist faith. You may handle all other matters as you see fit.”
Dalang nodded in agreement and left the grand lounge with Qibiao. Qibiao went to the mayor’s lounge to visit Eunuch Zheng, while Dalang stayed in the courtyard, instructing Tan Liu to arrange matters for Eunuch Zheng’s recuperation.
Once everything was arranged, Qi Biao stepped out from inside and gave Dalang a nod before leaving directly. A young eunuch attending to Eunuch Zheng came out to summon Dalang inside, saying that Eunuch Zheng had instructions for him.
Dalong followed the young eunuch into the room and saw Eunuch Zheng already seated at the town chief’s desk. Before Dalong could bow, Eunuch Zheng spoke first: “Lin Dalong, there’s no need for formalities. Given my current physical condition, I’m afraid I won’t be able to return to the capital immediately to report. I’ll have to impose on your town for a few days.”
Dalian quickly bowed and said, “You flatter me, sir. Please feel free to give your orders, and I will do my utmost to fulfill them.”
Eunuch Zheng requested to stay at Zixing Temple for recuperation, with Dalang accompanying and arranging everything for him. By the time Eunuch Zheng was settled in, it was already late in the evening. Only then did Dalang, finally relieved, find time to visit his beloved daughter at the small meditation courtyard where Linfang resided.
“Father!” No sooner had he stepped into the courtyard than Dalang’s arm was embraced by Lin Fang, who was beaming with joy. It turned out that Aunt Liu had been keeping an eye on the outside commotion, and Lin Fang, knowing her father was coming, had been waiting at the entrance for quite some time.
Dalian said with concern, “It’s freezing outside. You should just wait inside. You’re already frail—don’t catch a cold on top of that.”
“Don’t worry so much, Father,” Lin Fang laughed, patting the thick cotton coat she was wearing. “Aunt Liu has bundled me up like a little bear—it’d be hard to catch a chill even if I tried!”
Looking at his daughter’s comical appearance with only her big eyes peeking out from the layers of clothing, Dalang couldn’t help but laugh: “What kind of girl compares herself to a chubby bear?” He initially wanted to flick her forehead as usual but found no exposed skin to target—Lin Fang was bundled up so tightly she resembled a plump stuffed doll. “You really do look like a little bear,” Dalang chuckled.
Dalang proposed to Zen Master Zixing to take Lin Fang back home to reunite with Li Cuilan and her husband, but the Zen master dissuaded him, saying that leaving the temple at this time might be detrimental to Lin Fang’s condition. Dalang had no choice but to give up. Seeing his daughter’s increasingly gaunt face and her eyes that appeared even larger, his heart ached with even greater pity. He put his arm around his daughter’s shoulders and led her into the house.
At this moment inside the Lin residence, Li Cuimei was anxiously waiting for her elder sister and brother-in-law. Ever since Lei Dongzhu’s visit, she had meticulously prepared the guest courtyard, having it cleaned daily. Upon hearing that her elder sister would arrive today, she had even instructed the servants to prepare meals well in advance.
It wasn’t until the mansion began lighting its lamps that the travel-worn couple, Li Cuilan and her husband, finally arrived. Li Cuihong had been busy in the kitchen for half the day. At this moment, Lin Juan was in charge of setting the table, while Lin Xia, with a cheerful smile, massaged her aunt’s shoulders and back—she had just learned massage techniques from Madam Tong these past few days and was eager to practice on her aunt.
During the break before the meal, after checking the pulses of Li Cuilan and her husband, Mrs. Tong shook her head and said, “You’re not young anymore—you must act within your limits. Material possessions are fleeting; only your health truly belongs to you.”
After the meal, Li Cuilan began to recount the reason for their trip. It turned out that when they followed the Li family to the capital years ago, their original intention was to reunite with Li Ziyi, whom they hadn’t seen for many years. Additionally, their son Zhang Xiangfa had established a business in the capital, and they had hoped to enjoy their golden years with their grandchildren. However, after living in the capital for an extended period, they found it difficult to adapt. Meanwhile, Liangping Town had been submerged by floods, and land prices in the suburbs of the capital were exorbitant, making it impossible for them to find a suitable place to settle down…
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