Love at First Sight, Chapter 41: The Wandering Alchemist Is Him

Zun You held Wen Yueqing tightly in his arms, holding on with all his strength. It took nearly five minutes before she finally calmed down. Imperial Physician Hu, too, was at his wits’ end. He had already administered every possible medicine, but not only had Wen Yueqing shown no improvement, her condition seemed to have worsened.

At this point, Zun You was drenched in sweat, his heart heavy with anxiety. He was still shaken by what had just happened, terrified that if things continued this way, she would not survive five days.

“Imperial Physician Hu, this is already the third day. Do you have any other solutions?” He helped Wen Yueqing lie down and tucked her in carefully.

“I…I have already done all I can, Your Highness,” Imperial Physician Hu replied helplessly, spreading his hands. “I can only prescribe some medicine to dispel the poison. The rest depends on her own strength.”

Zun You rose to his feet and bowed respectfully to the physician. “Please, I beg you to think of another way. She means everything to me.”

“Please, Your Highness, you mustn’t say such things,” Imperial Physician Hu said, hurriedly moving to support Zun You, unable to accept such a gesture.

He had seen all this with his own eyes over the past few days—how deeply the prince cared for Wen Yueqing, watching over her with the utmost attention. The physician was deeply moved. Since the prince valued her so much, he did not wish to see Zun You’s heart broken either, and so he racked his brains for another solution.

“Your Highness, why not post a notice throughout the city and beyond?” Imperial Physician Hu suggested. “This kind of illness is more common among the common folk. Perhaps among them, there is someone of extraordinary skill or knowledge of a folk remedy.”

Zun You considered this. It was indeed a good idea; for ages, it had been said that true masters often lived among the people. Perhaps someone truly could save Wen Yueqing’s life.

“Very well. I will draft the notice at once and have it posted everywhere.” Without delay, Zun You hurried to his study and composed the announcement himself.

That very afternoon, notices appeared everywhere throughout the capital city and its outskirts, in all the busiest places.

It read: “Sincerely seeking all divine physicians and skilled healers. Any who can cure the poison of the blood-sucking parasite, or know of remedies for recovery, are invited to present themselves at the Third Prince’s residence. Generous rewards await, and any reasonable request will be granted. In addition, one thousand taels of silver will be given.”

A crowd quickly gathered, and those who could read began to read the notice aloud for all.

“My goodness, it’s a notice from the Third Prince’s residence. I wonder who has fallen ill?”

“Yes, what kind of sickness could be so severe that even the imperial physicians are helpless?”

“You don’t understand. I’ve heard that this parasite, also called the bloodsucker, can be deadly if it’s poisonous.”

“Oh, that’s terrifying! But a reward of one thousand taels of silver? That’s astonishing!”

The townsfolk began to discuss the matter in earnest. Since it concerned the royal family, it naturally became the hottest topic in the city.

On this day, Shangguan Yinchun had nothing to do and originally planned to meet a friend for a bout of martial arts. Passing through the market, he saw a crowd gathered around a notice. Normally, he would have ignored it, but as he passed by, he happened to overhear mention of the Third Prince’s residence.

Intrigued, he squeezed through the crowd to study the notice.

He recalled that his master had once spoken of these bloodsucking parasites—not fatal by themselves, but the aftereffects of their poison could be severe and, if mishandled, could easily worsen.

When he read the line about being able to make a request, an idea formed in his mind. If he could cure the sufferer, perhaps he could ask the Third Prince to let Wen Yueqing leave the residence, so he could finally be with her.

Fortunately, he had brought a few bottles of antidote pills with him when he came down from the mountain this time, along with two bottles of Vitality Elixir, which could restore energy and blood.

Though he wasn’t sure if the medicine would work, he was willing to try.

With that thought, he didn’t hesitate. He stepped forward, tore down the notice, and, under the astonished and admiring gaze of the crowd, hurried home. There, he changed into a blue-gray long robe and tied his hair with a black-and-white sash.

Looking the part of a wandering healer, with an air of the martial world about him, his refined bearing and the aura gained from years of cultivation in Mount Taiyan made him someone not to be underestimated.

“I have a cure and request an audience,” Shangguan Yinchun said, presenting the notice to the gatekeeper.

Knowing how serious the matter was, the guard examined the notice, sized up Shangguan Yinchun, and, without further questions, rushed inside to inform Zun You.

At last, someone had come forward. Overjoyed, Zun You immediately sent Liu Yi to bring the man in. He had been waiting all afternoon—by now, the sun was nearly set.

All the way, Shangguan Yinchun thought that if he succeeded this time, he could openly take Wen Yueqing away with him. Hope filled his heart.

When he arrived at the front courtyard, Zun You was already waiting at the door. Seeing that the visitor was a young healer with phoenix-shaped eyes, their corners slightly raised, sharp and discerning, Zun You greeted him.

“Your Highness, I am but a man of the martial world. My master has given me some miraculous remedies, and I have come today to help you in your hour of need.”

As he spoke, Shangguan Yinchun bowed deeply.

Zun You helped him up. “Please, there is no need for such formality. Sir, time is of the essence—please, come see the patient at once.”

Liu Yi hurried to lead the way. “This way, if you please.”

“Thank you,” replied Shangguan Yinchun calmly.

In the outer chamber, he ran into Tong’er, who was carrying a basin of water. Their eyes met, both surprised.

Tong’er nearly dropped the basin in fright, but Shangguan Yinchun reacted quickly, steadying her hand so the water didn’t spill.

He gripped her hand for a moment and exchanged a meaningful glance.

Understanding immediately, Tong’er said, “Thank you, sir, I almost bumped into you. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s nothing,” Shangguan Yinchun replied, releasing her hand and continuing inside, his heart pounding. Why was Tong’er here?

When he saw Wen Yueqing lying on the bed, pale and haggard, he closed his eyes tightly, unable to accept the scene before him. “How could it be Qing’er who’s ill? Her condition is truly grave,” he thought.

Zun You noticed his strange, uneasy expression and began to worry that perhaps this healer, too, could do nothing.

“Sir, what do you think of her condition? Is there a way to save her?” Zun You asked anxiously, standing by the bed.

Shangguan Yinchun steadied himself. “Your Highness, as the notice described, has the poison from the parasite already been completely removed from her body?”

Imperial Physician Hu entered at that moment. “It has been fully removed, and the wound has been treated.”

“Good. Then all she needs now is to take my medicine.”

He produced two bottles from his sleeve. “This one is the Heavenly Dragon Blood Renewal Pill, which cures all manner of parasitic poisons. This one is the Hundredfold Vitality Elixir, especially for restoring blood and strength after grave illness.”