Chapter Ninety: The Detoxification Pill

So it turns out he’s just lamenting the loss of someone to cook for him.

Liu Qin had barely muttered this to herself when, out of the corner of her eye, she saw the youth glaring angrily at the two of them before standing up and heading outside.

Was he upset? Perhaps their jokes had gone a bit too far—after all, being teased by a younger girl at such an age, when pride runs high, might make him do something foolish.

Liu Qin quickly scrambled to her feet and ran to grab the youth’s hand. “Big brother, don’t be upset. I won’t say anything else, all right?”

He looked down at the little girl in front of him, tongue peeking out playfully as she smiled, her tiny hand soft and warm in his. He found that he simply couldn’t stay angry; something tender within him had been touched. Even if he wanted to feign displeasure, he couldn’t.

He sighed inwardly and let himself be led back to where they’d been sitting.

Once there, she made him sit on the ornamental rock, clambered up herself, and settled beside him. She was so small that her legs dangled in the air, swinging back and forth right before his eyes.

Afraid she might fall off, the youth steadied her by the shoulders and told her, “Don’t move.”

But Liu Qin took the opportunity to lean against his shoulder, covered a yawn with her hand, and thought, Why is it I get so sleepy every time I’m full? Still, this is quite comfortable—much more so than leaning against the rock.

The youth froze, his whole body stiffening. This little girl was certainly lacking in manners, but why did he feel… secretly pleased?

He glanced at her childish face, and soon relaxed. The discomfort and inexplicable delight vanished like mist. She was just a child—he was overthinking things.

Old Hua, observing the scene, had a different glint in his eye. He knew his apprentice well: though he appeared gentle and easy-going, he always kept people at arm’s length. It was rare for anyone to get close to him, yet this little girl seemed unusually special.

Drowsy-eyed, Liu Qin hadn’t forgotten their lack of a place to stay. “Uncle Hua, big brother, how about you both come to my house? Don’t worry, my father and mother love me very much. Anyone I bring home gets a warm welcome.”

“Your house?”

“Yes! Oh, I forgot to say—I don’t live here. This is my fifth great-uncle’s house.”

Old Hua took his time, sipping his wine, wiping his lips before asking, “Wouldn’t that be Magistrate Liu’s residence? Are you Magistrate Liu’s daughter?”

“Yes, that’s right! Uncle Hua, do you know my father?”

Old Hua shook his head. “How would a wandering man of the martial world like me know Lord Liu? Thank you for the offer, little one, but we won’t intrude on your family. To be honest, talking with you is pleasant enough, but dealing with your parents? I’m not up for that. I’m not one for rules and have no desire to follow them. I’m more at ease here. Still, come here, little one, I do have something to ask you.”

Liu Qin hopped down and ran to his side. “What is it?”

Old Hua lowered his voice conspiratorially, his face full of enthusiasm. “You grew up in Wucheng—tell me, where can I find good food here?”

This stumped Liu Qin. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to answer; she really didn’t know much, having seldom ventured out. She couldn’t very well boast about her family’s cooking and invite him to sneak in, could she?

Suddenly inspired, she smiled slyly. “Uncle Hua, recently there’s a new tavern in the north city called Nectar Pavilion. Both the wine and dishes are excellent—I’ve tasted them myself. They even have a cellar stocked with fine wines.”

Seeing Old Hua nod approvingly, she went on, “There’s also Hongxing Restaurant in the south city. I’ve heard it’s quite good, though I haven’t been there myself. You could check it out. But Uncle Hua, you should be careful—the place is run by the Fang family, and they’re quite devious. If you get spotted, be careful! If anything happens, just run to my house on East Main Street. As long as you make it onto our grounds, you’ll be safe. I’ll protect you. If the Fang family dares to follow, I’ll break their legs!”

Old Hua burst into hearty laughter. “Very well, little one! I’ll be sure to pay both places a visit.”

Relieved to have diverted trouble elsewhere, Liu Qin was quite pleased. She hoped Old Hua would eat and drink the Fang family’s establishment dry. As for Nectar Pavilion, it would be best if he went easy on them, but if not, she supposed she could consider it a token of filial piety to him. After all, the two of them had hit it off, in their own way.

They were still joking when Cuiyu arrived. “Miss, the Old Madam is looking for you. The banquet is about to begin.”

“Alright.” Liu Qin waved to Old Hua and the youth. “Uncle Hua, big brother, I’m off now. If you come to my house, you must visit me!”

“Wait,” Old Hua called after her. With a quick turn of his hand, he drew a small bottle from who-knows-where and placed it in Liu Qin’s palm. “Little one, we’ve become friends despite our age difference. I have nothing much to give you, but keep this as a token.”

Before Liu Qin could reply, he leaned back down and sprawled out on the ground.

Liu Qin stared blankly at the little porcelain bottle in her hand. It looked quite ordinary. She wanted to open it, but thought that might be rude, so she restrained her curiosity and smiled sweetly. “Thank you, Uncle Hua.”

Old Hua waved a hand without looking back, rolling over to face away from her.

The youth stepped to Liu Qin’s side and lowered his voice. “Little sister, that’s a treasure. My master never gives it lightly—it’s an antidote pill that can neutralize any poison. Keep it safe; you might need it one day.”

Liu Qin was startled. An antidote to all poisons—could such a thing truly exist?

Suppressing her doubts, she waved goodbye to the youth and left with Cuiyu.

As the little figure in red turned a corner and vanished, the youth’s hand unconsciously drifted to the twin-fish jade pendant at his waist, his thoughts wandering to distant places unknown.

Lost in thought for who knows how long, he was startled by a voice behind him. “What is it, thinking of that little childhood bride again?”

The youth’s face flushed red as he turned to glare at his master.

Old Hua stretched, sat up, and took a swig from his wine gourd before rolling his eyes. “Stubborn boy! You only dare glare at me—why not try that with your father? Let me give you some advice: don’t dwell on it. Your mother arranged the betrothal, but your father hasn’t mentioned it in years. He’s never even told you which family it was. He probably wants to break it off and find you a better match, or maybe he never really meant it in the first place. Yet here you are, clinging to it all these years.”

He shook his head, but the youth, cheeks still flushed, protested, “That’s not true, not at all…”

His voice grew quieter and quieter, until he wasn’t sure himself whether he meant his father wouldn’t break the engagement, that it wasn’t a casual promise, or that he himself wasn’t attached.

In his mind, his mother’s voice echoed: “Rui’er, do you think this jade pendant is pretty?”

She had looked so delighted, holding the pair of jade pendants in her hands. He had nodded, “It’s beautiful.”

“Rui’er, Mother has arranged a marriage for you. You each get one of these pendants—keep yours safe.”

He had just turned eight that year, knowing little of marriage, only that it meant he would have a wife someday. He’d accepted the jade with a shy but willing heart, knowing that, sooner or later, everyone would have a wife.