TGCFNM -Chapter 239 Arriving at Yuchuan

After lunch, Chu Ling and the others loaded the remains onto the carriage and set off.

On the way, Su He looked at the route and said, “We’re not too far from Yuchuan, but by the time we get there, it will probably be dark. We can rest for the night, and tomorrow we can go take a look at Zishi Mountain.”

Chu Ling gave a faint hum in agreement. “Let’s try our luck at Zishi Mountain.”

Wan Sanjin glanced at Chu Ling curiously. “Sir, you don’t seem very interested today. You didn’t eat much at lunch either.”

“Are you upset that you couldn’t catch the culprit?” Su He asked.

Chu Ling shook her head. “No. I just think that every day, so many people die in this world. How many of them die unwillingly, holding onto anger and despair?”

“Sir, some die and some are born,” Wan Sanjin said. “Once in the cycle, they come back again, don’t they?”

Hearing this, Chu Ling couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re right, Master Wan.”

Su He looked at Wan Sanjin in surprise. “Sanjin, I didn’t expect you to say something like that. If you keep practicing your calligraphy, you might really become like a master scholar.”

Wan Sanjin’s gaze turned deep as he looked at Su He. “Actually, I think it’s just a problem with the pen.”

Su He glanced at him, then silently turned to the map in his hands, reminding Zhang Dong of the route outside.

Wan Sanjin turned to Chu Ling. “Isn’t this just an excuse?”

Chu Ling glared at him. “What excuse? This is just speaking the truth.”

Wan Sanjin made an “oh” sound, then went back to bothering Su He, asking him to make a charcoal brush for him.

Chasing the wind, they ran most of the way, stopping a few times to rest. As Su He had predicted, they arrived at Yuchuan after dark.

After showing their identification, the group was allowed in.

Wan Sanjin lifted the curtain. “I remember Yuchuan has the Fulai Inn. We can go straight there.”

Chu Ling asked in surprise, “They have one here too?”

“Of course. Yuchuan is quite lively. It’s not a big place, but I remember my elder brother saying that the locals here are honest and simple. Some travelers stop here to rest for a while,” Wan Sanjin said.

Chu Ling sighed. “Is this the first county town we’ve encountered where the common people actually live in peace?”

Wan Sanjin widened his eyes. “It really is.”

Chu Ling felt a bit emotional. “Seems the county magistrate here is good. A decent official.”

Zhang Dong glanced at the streets and also felt at ease. “Yuchuan may not be big, but the carriage ride in was smooth—no rough jolts. The lanterns light up the area cleanly.”

At that moment, Xiao Hua poked her head out and shouted, “Fulai Inn!”

Zhang Dong stopped Zhuifeng just in time, jumped down from the carriage first, and placed a low stool for the others to descend.

Wan Sanjin was the first to approach and knock on the Fulai Inn’s door. Soon, it opened, and the waiter inside, seeing Wan Sanjin, quickly invited them in.

The innkeeper of Fulai Inn hurriedly put on a coat and came out to greet them. “Young master, why are you arriving so late? Would you like something to eat?”

“Are there any other guests in the inn?” Wan Sanjin asked casually.

The innkeeper shook his head with a smile. “They all left early this morning. There’s no one staying here at the moment.”

Wan Sanjin replied, “Alright then. Arrange some good fodder for Zhuifeng, and you all can go rest. We’ll get something to eat in the kitchen first, and then head upstairs to rest.”

“Sure!” The innkeeper ordered the waiters to take the horses, then lit the oil lamps on the first floor. “Young master, the rooms upstairs are all free. You can pick any you like. Tomorrow, we won’t be receiving guests.”

“Okay, you go rest. Later, just have that waiter lead us to the kitchen,” Wan Sanjin instructed.

The innkeeper smiled, bowed, and stepped aside.

Xiao Hua looked at Chu Ling and asked, “Sir, what shall we eat?”

“It’s too late. Let’s just make some noodles,” Chu Ling said, putting down her bag and rolling up her sleeves, preparing to help in the kitchen with everyone—it would be faster that way.

After Zhuifeng was settled, the waiter led them to the kitchen.

“I’ll stay and tend the fire for you all,” the waiter said with a simple smile, heading to the back to start the fire.

Chu Ling noticed that the man’s left arm didn’t move well and gave him a closer look. The waiter caught her gaze and smiled sheepishly. “My left arm’s broken, doesn’t move much.”

Chu Ling looked at him apologetically. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have stared.”

The waiter shrugged as he stoked the fire. “Don’t mind it, young master. It’s just my arm that’s broken, not me. I can still work here and earn my keep. The innkeeper’s kind too—on holidays, he even gives us chickens and ducks to take home.”

Curious, Chu Ling stepped closer and pointed at herself. “I know some medicine. Would you like me to take a look?”

The waiter turned and gave a hearty smile. “Young master, go ahead, take a look.”

Chu Ling rolled up the sleeve and carefully examined the left arm. The muscles were clearly atrophied, weak, and even the fingers seemed useless.

“It should improve with acupuncture, though it won’t fully recover,” Chu Ling said, gently letting the arm go.

The waiter was taken aback, incredulous. “Young master, this arm can be treated?”

Looking him in the eyes, Chu Ling said seriously, “My master is more skilled than I am. I’m only a half-baked practitioner, and no one dares let me treat them. I once said that if anyone lets me treat them, I won’t take their silver.”

The waiter immediately dropped the fire tongs and pointed at himself. “Young master, I’m willing!”

Chu Ling thought for a moment. “Alright then, come find me around noon tomorrow. I’ll perform the acupuncture in the main hall.”

“Thank you, young master! Thank you, young master!” The waiter was so excited he tried to bow, but Chu Ling quickly helped him up.

“Then you can tend the fire for us every day—that counts as payment for the treatment,” Chu Ling said and stood up.

The waiter nodded eagerly. “Young master, you’re so kind, just like our Lord Cheng.”

“Lord Cheng?” Wan Sanjin asked curiously. “The official of Yuchuan? We were saying on the road that he must be a good official—the roads are so clean.”

The waiter’s eyes shone. “Our Lord Cheng is wonderful. Even passersby think he’s good. At night, we don’t even have to close the doors, and nothing ever gets stolen. Everyone can find work they can do. Can’t afford treatment? You can gather herbs instead. He even uses his salary to repair roads and bridges. We can take carts to sell goods outside, and someone will always open the city gate for us, no matter the hour.”

Wan Sanjin let out a small exhale of admiration. “Truly a good official!”

The waiter nodded solemnly. “Our lord is the best. His sister even taught my mother and sisters to weave and embroider, so we can sell our work. Our family life keeps improving, all thanks to our lord.”

Chu Ling’s eyes smiled. Truly a good person… I’d like to meet him if I get the chance.

“By the way, young master, can you help our lord with his injury? He hurt his leg working in the fields, and no medicine works on it,” the waiter pleaded.

Chu Ling naturally nodded. “Sure, but I must be honest—I’m only a half-baked practitioner.”

The waiter grinned. “Young master looks kind. You’ll surely be able to heal him.”

Chu Ling laughed as well. “Then let’s give it a try.”