TNIBFT -Chapter 147 I Have Something to Tell You

After speaking urgently, Ye Yunting seemed to be comforting Tao Lichun—yet also comforting himself.

His small hand clutched Tao Lichun’s thin, bony palm as he sobbed uncontrollably, watching the frail figure curled up in bed, his tiny shoulders trembling without stop.

Lying on the sickbed, Tao Lichun looked deeply gratified. His eyes were filled with affection as he gazed at Ye Yunting, as if he could never get enough of looking at him. What a fine child—filial, grateful, sensible, steadfast, and patient, with unparalleled talent. Tao Lichun tugged at the corner of his lips and said, “Alright, don’t cry anymore.”

“Your teacher won’t die. I still want to watch you grow up, to see you achieve great success and make your name known across the world…”

He pulled out one hand and gently stroked Ye Yunting’s little head.

Tao Ling’er’s tears streamed down as she quickly turned her head away, not daring to look any longer.

Zhao Kang wore a sorrowful expression as he comforted her, “Junior Sister, Teacher will be fine.”

“He will surely be blessed by fate.”

Ye Tian let out a helpless sigh and turned to look at Qiu Feibai beside him. “Can this illness still be treated?”

Qiu Feibai frowned, remaining silent for a moment before replying, “It’s not easy. It’s been delayed for too long. Even with the Revival Pill, it would only extend his life by about a year. If combined with long-term recuperation and treatment, he might last a bit longer.”

Ye Tian knew this was probably the best possible outcome.

Xiao Jiang and Ye Shuangxue also had reddened eyes.

Seeing Ye Tian standing outside the door, Tao Ling’er left Zhao Kang mid-conversation and came out to greet them. Standing at the doorway, she called, “Ye Tian?”

Her gaze then fell on Ye Shuangxue and Xiao Jiang. Wiping away her tears, she forced a smile. “Why did all of you come? It’s snowing so heavily—what if you catch a cold?”

“And this is?”

She looked at Qiu Feibai. He gave a slight nod, and Ye Tian introduced, “The divine physician of Medicine King Valley—Qiu Feibai.”

Medicine King Valley?

Inside the room, Zhao Kang was momentarily stunned. After realizing who it was, he quickly came forward and bowed to Qiu Feibai. “Doctor Qiu?”

“I’ve long heard of your great name. I must trouble you with my teacher’s illness.”

Tao Ling’er eyed Qiu Feibai suspiciously. When she noticed him looking back, she felt a bit guilty and quickly averted her gaze. Pressing her lips together, she said, “If you can cure my father, I can pay any amount of silver.”

She had never heard of Medicine King Valley.

Nor had she ever heard of Doctor Qiu.

Qiu Feibai smiled. “Ye Tian invited me. There’s no need to speak of money.”

With that, he stepped into the room.

Outside, Zhao Kang looked embarrassed. Seeing Tao Ling’er about to follow Qiu Feibai inside, he quickly reached out and pulled her back, his face flushed as he whispered, “Junior Sister, he’s the top divine physician of Medicine King Valley. Bringing up money in front of him—isn’t that insulting him?”

“A doctor of his caliber wouldn’t even bother treating the nobles in the imperial city. This isn’t about money.”

“Oh?”

Tao Ling’er’s cheeks turned red as she stammered, “He’s that amazing?”

“I didn’t expect Ye Tian to have such connections. Looks like Teacher’s fate isn’t sealed yet,” Zhao Kang said with a smile, visibly relieved.

Seeing his expression, Tao Ling’er also relaxed a little and looked toward Ye Tian as he followed inside.

The current Ye Tian was completely different from the one she had first met. Now he was confident and composed, with an air of mystery about him. The old Ye Tian had been slick-tongued and sloppy.

“What are you looking at?”

Zhao Kang waved a hand in front of her eyes, snapping her out of her thoughts. Flustered, she quickly replied, “Nothing… let’s go in.”

Is Ye Tian doing this for me?

Could he possibly have even a little affection for me?

After all, her father had always worried about her future marriage… and Ye Tian actually might…

Inside the room—

After briefly greeting Tao Lichun, Ye Tian stepped aside while Qiu Feibai sat by the bed and began to take his pulse.

The room was filled with the bitter scent of medicine, mixed with the heat of burning charcoal.

The three children stood nervously beside Ye Tian.

After about the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, Qiu Feibai withdrew his pulse-diagnosis kit.

“How is my father? What medicine does he need?” Tao Ling’er asked anxiously.

As Qiu Feibai wrapped up his kit, he said, “Master Tao’s illness has already reached an incurable stage. Even if Hua Tuo himself were alive, there would be no way to save him.”

What?

Tao Ling’er, who had been full of hope, widened her eyes. Her face turned grief-stricken, and her lips trembled as she found herself unable to speak.

Over these past days, they had invited Jiang Huichun—even famous physicians from the imperial capital—and every single one of them had said the same thing. Was there truly no hope at all?

Zhao Kang stepped forward to steady Tao Ling’er, whose body was swaying.

Ye Tian said, “Brother Qiu, stop keeping us in suspense. Hurry and bring out that treasure you’ve been hiding.”

Tao Ling’er froze in surprise.

On the sickbed, Tao Lichun frowned slightly. His cloudy eyes shifted from Ye Tian to the three children.

Qiu Feibai smiled and took out an exquisite brocade box from his sleeve.

“This is the treasure?”

Ye Shuangxue craned her neck, her eyes shining as she stared at the box in Qiu Feibai’s hand.

Xiao Jiang pursed his lips, his little face filled with curiosity.

Ye Yunting’s eyes were full of anticipation.

The box was opened, revealing a golden pill the size of a thumbnail. Tao Lichun’s pupils shrank, and he immediately became tense. Just as he was about to speak, a fit of violent coughing overtook him.

“Th-this treasure… I’m afraid it’s… priceless… I… I dare not accept it… cough, cough…”

Tao Lichun bent forward, coughing so hard he could barely catch his breath.

“Father…” Tao Ling’er said helplessly.

“Say no more. Such a favor… I…” Tao Lichun had lived his life with integrity—he would not accept rewards he had not earned. He had only just met Qiu Feibai, and he could not take something that could save a life.

“You’re already like this—just focus on staying alive first.”

Ye Tian stepped forward and, without another word, stuffed the pill into Tao Lichun’s mouth.

Tao Lichun’s eyes widened. By the time he reacted, it was too late. He looked at Ye Tian, his expression complicated—yet mostly filled with gratitude.

Qiu Feibai appreciated Ye Tian’s carefree nature. He laughed heartily and stood up. “Brother Ye, if you’re free these next few days, how about we sit around the fire and drink? I feel like I’ve met a kindred spirit—I must drink three hundred cups with you.”

Ye Tian blinked in confusion. “You’re inviting me to drink?”

“Of course!”

“Hahaha!”

The two burst into hearty laughter.

After taking the Revitalizing Pill, a flush of color returned to Tao Lichun’s cheeks. Qiu Feibai gave a few simple instructions before taking his leave.

Ye Yunting stayed in the room to keep Tao Lichun company, while Ye Tian took Ye Shuangxue and Xiao Jiang to look around Tao’s new home.

“Master Tao’s house even has a pavilion—I’m going to check it out!”

“Me too!”

Now that Tao Lichun’s condition had stabilized, the two children were in high spirits. In the blink of an eye, they ran off and disappeared.

Ye Tian shook his head helplessly. Poor father—left alone again.

“Ye Tian.”

Hearing Tao Ling’er’s voice behind him, Ye Tian turned around.

Amid the falling snow, Tao Ling’er’s long black hair was braided into a floral plait that hung over her chest, reaching her waist. She wore a crimson padded jacket, her delicate face breathtakingly beautiful. The tip of her nose was red from the cold, and snowflakes dotted her hair.

When she saw him turn, she smiled softly, like a lotus just beginning to bloom.

“I… I have something to tell you.”