TNIBFT -Chapter 267 Use Your Brain

Qin Fengyi lowered the curtain, instantly shutting out the white expanse of snow and the howling north wind.

Inside the carriage, it felt like an entirely different world.

The carriage had been specially prepared by Qiu Feibai for Xiao Jiang. Warmth steamed through the interior, medicinal scents lingered in the air, and a faint fragrance of herbs and wood filled the space, soothing the mind.

Qin Fengyi looked up and briefly scanned the carriage. Every detail—from the decoration to safety and practicality—was carefully considered. It was clear that this divine doctor genuinely cared for his disciple. When she got the chance, she would have to thank him properly.

Xiao Jiang, sitting on her lap, twitched his eyelashes slightly.

Qin Fengyi reached out lovingly, gently patting his back.

Her hand was soft and warm; each pat brought a sense of reassurance. Xiao Jiang, who had been pretending to sleep, now felt his head grow heavy, his mouth slightly open, drifting peacefully into slumber.

Meanwhile, Duan Qingshan and Old Yang, leading a group of riders, trailed behind the Medicine King Valley contingent.

Rushing overnight, Old Yang’s nose was bright red from the cold, his hair disheveled, and damp strands stuck to his cheeks.

Frowning, he said, “I see it now, Old Duan—you’re just scared of dying!”

“I’m nothing like that!”

“You were screaming at home about going out to kill, but when it comes to the field, squatting outside for hours, I knew you were unreliable. When it really counts, you still have to rely on me!”

Finishing his scolding, Old Yang drew the heavy long sword from his back, looking at Duan Qingshan with disdain.

The Sifang City cavalry he had brought were all Duan Qingshan’s ragtag men; they wouldn’t obey him. There was no choice but to go himself.

Cursing under his breath, Old Yang pressed his legs against the horse’s sides. The horse let out a sharp neigh.

“What are you doing?”

Duan Qingshan suddenly spoke, grabbing Old Yang by his clothes. “Do you know why you’ll never be a general?”

“You damn—” Old Yang started, but before he could finish, Duan Qingshan muttered dryly: “Use your brain more!”

“See the troops?”

“Besides Medicine King Valley’s contingent, there’s the Black Armor Army. Who in Sifang City can mobilize the Black Armor Army of the Great Zhou?”

Old Yang was left dumbfounded.

Duan Qingshan didn’t hold back: “Lord Meng!”

“Do you know the relationship between Lord Meng and the master? Judging by this, they’re likely about to become one family. What are you muddled about? And isn’t the Medicine King Valley contingent just fine?”

“Ah…” Old Yang nodded slowly, thinking it over.

Somewhat understanding.

Seems like it made sense!

“Let’s not meddle unnecessarily. That man looks familiar; he’s probably Lord Meng’s subordinate. Maybe he’s here to pick up Xiao Jiang. We just follow from a distance,” Duan Qingshan continued to instruct.

Old Yang sheathed his long sword, muttering curses: “Afraid of death, yet calling it ‘wise strategy’—you really know how to flatter yourself. I’ve always hated hypocrites like you!”

“One day, the master will understand that the most reliable person is still me!”

Duan Qingshan smiled, waved his hand, and led the riders forward at a slow pace.

“Let’s pick up the pace—aim to return to Sifang City by this afternoon!”

“Keep your spirits up!”

…

Meanwhile, inside the hotpot restaurant.

Ye Tian had spent the early morning taking his daughter to Sun Wuji’s room in search of clues, but found nothing.

Then he brought in Zhao Kang and mobilized everyone in the city who could help, trying to trace Sun Wuji’s whereabouts, starting from Sifang City and expanding outward.

Breakfast was tasteless.

Worried for his daughter, Ye Tian kept his attention on Ye Shuangxue the whole time.

“When will Xiao Jiang arrive?”

“I’ll go wait at the city gate right now!”

Fang Shenghu, fully dressed, was beaming with excitement as he headed to the city gate to welcome Xiao Jiang. Beside him, Duan Yingying insisted on coming along, hoping to make a good impression on Xiao Jiang. After all, in Fang Shenghu’s heart, the three children mattered more than anyone else. Anyone he cared about was automatically someone Duan Yingying considered important.

Several of the shop employees were eager to join in as well.

“After finishing up at the shop, I’m going to wait too! The painkillers Xiao Jiang gave me last time were amazing!”

“That kid Xiao Jiang… maybe he brought gifts for everyone.”

“Of course he did…”

Everyone’s faces lit up with joy.

Ye Shuangxue, distracted, set down her bowl and chopsticks and looked at Ye Tian. “I’ll go wait for Xiao Jiang too. Once he comes back, maybe Master will return as well.”

Ye Tian nodded.

It wasn’t that he wasn’t worried about Sun Wuji, but he had no leads—right now, all he could do was wait.

Ye Tian carried his daughter and held the hand of his eldest son. Fang Shenghu walked alongside Duan Yingying, followed by several employees. Within minutes, word spread throughout Sifang City: the Ye family head was going to the city gate to welcome the youngest son back. The citizens hurried to spread the news. Recently, Ye Tian had brought hope to everyone’s lives. His countless deeds, combined with Tao Lichun’s glorification and publicity, had made Ye Tian revered by the people.

A savior, a living saint.

By the time Ye Tian arrived at the city gate, quite a crowd had already gathered.

An hour passed.

Ye Tian grew a little bored, but the crowd of citizens only continued to grow. Several street vendors even set up stalls near the gate, making the scene lively and festive.

Two hours.

Three hours.

Ye Tian’s gaze scanned endlessly. Tao Lichun and Tao Ling’er, upon learning of the situation, hurried over from home. Everyone waited joyfully to see Xiao Jiang.

The sun began to tilt westward, its light waning.

Ye Shuangxue puffed out her cheeks and turned to Ye Tian. “Is Xiao Jiang coming back?”

A gentle breeze stirred the wisps of hair on her forehead. Her big eyes squinted slightly, like crescent moons. Ye Tian reached out and lifted his daughter. “The blizzard yesterday probably made the roads difficult. He’ll likely be a bit late.”

“Father! Look!”

Ye Yunting’s voice trembled with excitement. His little face broke into a smile as he pointed into the distance.

Bathed in the red sunset, a group of riders was slowly making their way toward them. From this height, the people and everything around them seemed tiny, their faces and clothing indistinct.

“It must be Xiao Jiang!”

“Xiao Jiang is back!”

Ye Shuangxue hugged Ye Tian’s neck excitedly. Since childhood, the three siblings had relied on each other. Apart from Ye Tian, Xiao Jiang and their eldest brother were the most important people in their lives.

“Let’s hurry down!”

“Yes, to the city gate!”

Fang Shenghu spoke up.

Tao Lichun and Tao Ling’er followed closely. Many people who had been standing on the city walls quickly ran down to the base, leaving only the soldiers on duty.

…

Meanwhile, on the other side:

Looking toward Sifang City in the distance, Xiao Jiang’s heart raced with the longing to return home. He pulled back the curtain, got out of the carriage, and sat beside the driver. “Uncle, let the horses run a bit faster. Once we reach the city, everyone can rest sooner.”

“You’ve worked hard helping me drive for over half a month. Once I see Master, I’ll be sure to tell him.”

“You don’t need to be so polite, Little Junior Uncle!”

At once, the driver seemed energized, as if injected with adrenaline. He cracked the whip on the horses’ backs. “Little Junior Uncle, sit tight!”

“Driving for Little Junior Uncle is my honor!”

The driver grinned.

The Valley Master’s only disciple, a five-year-old prodigy healer with uncanny talent—and on top of that, a genuinely considerate Little Junior Uncle—how could anyone dislike him?

To ensure everyone could rest sooner, he had traveled tirelessly all day. Not once did he complain of hardship or fatigue.

Even an adult wouldn’t be able to manage that, right?