Chapter 6 Part I

    The seventh month still sweltered. Xuyao rose early to journey into town with Xiaoxin, before the sun could intensify the day's heat further.

    Today, she had an appointment with Huang Tan to check on the conditions of Huang Furen and the little young master. Ever since her initial visit, she had been returning every seven days to monitor their progress and adjust the medications as needed. Thanks to the improved living conditions—clean air, appropriate temperature, and an environment free from the pungent fumes of incense and repellents—the poisons from the incense was gradually eliminated from Huang Furen's body through Xuyao’s herbal treatments. As a result, the patients' condition improved gradually. By now, the patients were able to get out of bed and walk around fairly well. Although she was not as robust as a healthy person, she was much better than before.

    The little young master too showed clear signs of recovery under proper care. Such transformations had deeply impressed Huang Tan, who almost wanted to bow down every time Young Master Xianfeng stepped into the Huang manor. The talisman bearing Xiaoxin’s face was now revered as a sacred object in both Huang Furen’s and the young master’s residences, deemed worthy of veneration by all household members.

    Every seven days, Xuyao's visit not only allowed her to check on the patients but also ensured she received a bag of gold as a token of gratitude, which grew larger with each visit as Huang Tan’s faith in her abilities increased.

    By now, Xuyao was no longer concerned about money as before.

    She had rented a small house in Fufen, which served as a place for her to transform into Young Master Xianfeng without needing to find secluded spots for changing. This time was no different. The siblings headed to the rented house.

    “Xiaoxin, play here while I finish my tasks. Afterwards, I’ll take you shopping and sightseeing in town.”

    “Yes,” Xiaoxin nodded, looking at the tall figure of Young Master Xianfeng, understanding now how his sister managed to treat the wealthy. Indeed, she treated them in this brother's guise. This was still practicing medicine without a license, but at least it was somewhat safer, as if caught, there would be no direct evidence against his sister. The leather mask was truly useful, the boy thought.

    As Xuyao made her unhurried way to Huang Tan's manor, she noticed something unusual as she approached: a large crowd stood in front of the mansion.

    Suddenly, someone tapped her on the back—it was the steward of the Huang household. “Shh, Young Master Xianfeng, keep quiet and follow me through the back entrance.”

    “What’s happening?” she whispered, asking.

    “Come with me first, I’ll explain later.”

     Xuyao had no choice but to follow the steward around to the back entrance, away from the crowd. Once secluded, the steward recounted the events.

    Due to Huang Furen and the young master's long illness, the townspeople were well aware of their condition. The story of the swindling monk was meant to be a secret, but the illness of the residence’s occupants was not. Master Huang Tan had continuously sought skilled physicians to treat his wife and son.

    However, the townspeople had assumed that both Huang Furen and the young master wouldn't survive. There were rumors that their illnesses were due to evil spirits residing in the Huang manor. However, a month or two ago, their conditions began to improve. Furthermore, a few days ago, a merchant delivering eggs to the mansion noticed that Huang Furen had recovered, which aroused her curiosity. She asked a servant—a new hire of just two months who turned out to be rather talkative—about their recovery, so the servant recounted the tale of the swindling monk and Young Master Xianfeng. Consequently, this story now spread among the townspeople and was embellished as it passed from mouth to mouth.

    Now, Young Master Xianfeng was famed throughout the city, spreading from mouth to mouth. Eventually the saying emerged that Young Master Xianfeng, who suddenly appeared in Fufen City, was believed to be a divine emissary capable of divining fortunes and exorcising demons. His talismans, thought to be incredibly powerful, were reportedly valued at one hundred taels on the black market, though sadly only two existed and were owned by the most powerful man in town—Master Huang Tan.

    Hearing this, Xuyao was astounded. How had she become a fortune-teller? “So... why are those people gathered here?”

    "They're waiting to meet you, Young Master. Some wish to invite you to expel evil spirits from their homes, others are ill and believe malevolent spirits are afflicting them and seek your healing, and some wish for you to divine their fortunes."

    Xuyao held her temples in bewilderment. Since when did she become a ghostbuster or fortune teller?!

    She followed the steward into the Huang’s manor, confused about how the tale of Young Master Xianfeng had escalated so wildly. Initially, her aim was merely to save Master Huang’s life, but now the story had spiraled out of control.

    Moreover, Young Master Xianfeng was a fabricated identity; if authorities were to investigate and couldn't substantiate his existence, things could turn dire, and her use of this persona in Fufen could become problematic.

    Who among the servants gossiped so freely?

    Upon entering, Master Huang Tan, along with his servants, greeted her with great deference, and even Huang Furen came out holding the young master to welcome her personally.

    "Greetings, Young Master Xianfeng."

    "Umm, Huang Furen, you are too kind," she glanced over and scanned Huang Furen and the young master who were carefully supported by her husband. The woman had improved significantly; though still frail, she was much better than before, showing the success of Xuyao 's treatments. The young master also seemed healthier and plumper.

    "Please, Young Master, let us go to the guest house," Master Huang said, leading the way and instructing the servants to prepare refreshments and fine tea for their esteemed visitor. The welcome became grander each time in line with the improvements in Huang Furen and the young master's health, which Xuyao did not mind the hospitality of the host.

    However, this time she was discontented with the rumors that had spread among the townspeople, complicating her life as Young Master Xianfeng.

    Huang Tan, who had been closely observing the expression of his important guest, immediately spoke up with embarrassment when he noticed that Young Master Xianfeng's expression was different from usual. "Uh... Young Master Xianfeng, I must apologize for these rumors... ahem... Uh...," he was unsure how to excuse the indiscretions of his people. After having been assisted by this man for some time, he knew well that this young master was a loner by nature, not inclined to mingle or form deep relationships unless necessary. Moreover, he was uninterested in money or power, making it difficult for Huang Tan to predict his thoughts.

    "What will you do about this situation?" Xuyao asked sternly, increasing the seriousness in her tone, which made the atmosphere tense enough that the servants almost wished they could bury their faces in the ground. The esteemed guest was clearly displeased. What would they do if he decided to sever ties with the Huang household?

    "Young Master, I will have the talkative maid punished and sold into slavery, and I will ensure that the townspeople stop gossiping!" Huang Tan proposed resolutely, showing his way of resolving issues.

    Hearing this, Xuyao nearly choked on her tea. Why did he escalate matters so drastically? Did he think such measures would stop the town's chatter? This was more likely to fan the flames. Why was such a foolish man a person of influence in Fufen? He really had a head just to block his ears. She had no idea that the proud and powerful Master Huang Tan would behave in such a manner.

    Was he going to incite the townspeople to hunt her down? And he was going to punish the maid by selling her into slavery? Was he going to make her bear the sin alone?

    Seeing that Xuyao was still unsatisfied with his solution, Huang Tan grew anxious again.

    "Uh... Young Master... What I mean is..." What should he do now?

    "Let it be," Xuyao raised her hand in frustration to stop him. What was done was done, like water spilled out, it couldn't be put back into the bucket.

    "The conditions of Huang Furen and the young master have greatly improved. I likely won't come here anymore," Xuyao decided then and there. Their health had significantly improved, and if she continued visiting the Huang Manor frequently, Master Huang would undoubtedly continue to generously compensate her. Although she was an unlicensed doctor, she maintained her ethics, understanding right from wrong. Once she ceased working for someone, it wasn't right to accept their gifts. Besides, the wealth she had accumulated from treating them was already far more than she had earned in her entire life.

    With this amount of money, Xuyao could buy several plots of land and a medium-sized house in Fufen City. Master Huang is indeed wealthy. However, Xuyao has decided to put off moving for now because she still has an important task pending—taking the medical seal exam.

    "Wh… what! Are you leaving Fufen City already?" Huang Tan asked anxiously.

    It must be said that ever since this young master had begun helping in his household, many things had improved. The health of his wife and son had progressively gotten better. Additionally, this young master had warned about certain deceitful servants and advised the steward on proper nutrition for warriors like himself, improving Huang Tan's own vital energy flow, which had previously been blocked without his realizing.

    It's evident that just a few dietary and herbal adjustments improved his health significantly, making Huang Tan wholeheartedly believe that this young master, aside from having clairvoyant abilities, possessed profound medical knowledge. He might even hold a high-level medical seal and was not greedy but honest and sincere. Such a person was good to befriend.

    Seeing that Young Master Xianfeng was about to leave, Huang Tan became very anxious.

    "Hmm, I have matters to attend to."

    "Ah, then will you come to Fufen City again, Young Master?"

    "I will return. I like this city quite a bit," she wanted to show Xiaoxin around a big city for a change. Though not her hometown, she had grown attached to Fufen City over the years.

    "Oh, then, Young Master, don't forget to visit the Huang family again," Huang Tan said regretfully, but anyway, they were friends now. Next time, he would have to repay the kindness of this Young Master Xianfeng.

    "Thank you, Master Huang Tan."

    After Xuyao checked on the health of Huang Furen and the young master and wrote down some prescriptions, she accepted the money that Master Huang Tan handed to her. This time, she also received a jade plaque from the Huang family, signifying her honored guest status. Xuyao then said her goodbyes and returned to the small house she had rented. Xiaoxin sat swinging his legs in front of the house, bored.

    "Big Sister! You’re back."

    "Mm, wait a moment for me to change clothes, and then we can go shopping," the young woman entered the house and came back out shortly in her usual female form.

    "Let's go. What would you like today?"

    "I don’t want anything," the little boy replied honestly. Everything he wanted, his big sister had already bought him after she had treated the rich people. Their financial situation had improved significantly, and his sister was not stingy—everything that needed to be bought, she had bought. Now, Xiaoxin didn’t really need anything else.

    "Xiaoxin, after we gather the last of the herbs, how about I take you to Xiangzhou City?" They talked as they walked.

    "Ah, that would be nice," he had never traveled to another city. From the geographical books he had read, Xiangzhou was a major city to the north of the Dacheng Region. It was filled with warriors, sorcerers, and skilled physicians—a major city that ranked third in Dacheng Region and also a place where one could take the medical seal exam.

    "Big Sister, are you going to take the exam for the medical seal?"

    "Correct. We have enough money to travel now."

    "That’s really great, Big Sister, you will definitely pass the medical seal exam," Xiaoxin murmured happily. His sister had been saving money for a long time and was finally able to pursue what she wished. Plus, he was confident in her; his big sister was more skilled than many doctors in the city. She was bound to pass and become a renowned physician.

    "Do you want to join a martial arts school in Xiangzhou City?" With the money they had now, not only could they afford the trip for the exam, but there was also enough to send Xiaoxin to a small martial arts school. If he could enter one, it would certainly advance his martial arts training.

    "Big Sister, I don’t want to join a martial arts school. I want to stay with you," even though he wanted to join a school, being with his big sister was what he truly wished for. He would diligently train in martial arts quickly to protect his big sister.

    "Good boy..." She was about to pat his head as usual but stopped abruptly, realizing if she touched his hair, it might reveal something. Xuyao quickly withdrew her hand.

    The siblings walked along the various streets in the town, relaxed, chatting and planning for the upcoming journey.

    "Our journey may take one or two months, or perhaps even longer. You should say goodbye to your friends in the village too, Xiaoxin."

    "I don't have many friends, just two or three." Most of the time, he stayed indoors, helping his sister with chores and practicing martial arts. How could he have made friends in the village? Only the children of the sick who frequently visited his sister were somewhat known to him, but even then, they weren't particularly close.

    "Hmm."

    "Ah, Big Sister, there are a lot of people over there. What are they looking at?" Xiaoxin pointed to a street crowded with townspeople who were forming a large circle around something.

    Seeing this, the siblings veered off their path to join the crowd.

    "Auntie, what are they doing?" Xuyao asked a middle-aged woman standing nearby.

    "That’s Young Master Xianfeng, quite famous indeed. He can exorcise spirits and his fortune-telling is as accurate as if he can truly see the future. He even managed to rid Master Huang Tan's manor of evil spirits, earning genuine respect."

    It must be said that Master Huang Tan, a prominent figure in Fufen, garnered genuine respect which practically served as a seal of approval. Most of the townspeople accepted him too, and with long-held beliefs in spirits, fortune-telling, and mythical beings intertwined with their daily lives, their faith was strong.

    "Ha!" Xuyao was stunned by what she heard for a moment. How could there be another Young Master Xianfeng? She was standing right here.

    "Why are you so surprised, miss? If you want Young Master Xianfeng to read your fortune, you'll have to wait; there are already hundreds with appointments," the woman said, regretting her own tardiness.

    "Is he really Young Master Xianfeng?" she asked to sow a seed of doubt among the townspeople.

    "Yes, someone saw him coming out of Master Huang Tan’s manor."

    "And did anyone from Master Huang Tan's manor confirm it's really Young Master Xianfeng?"

    "No, that manor is quite sealed off. Who would dare disturb Master Huang Tan? Since the egg merchant spread the news, no one else has been allowed in. The servants are keeping quiet too. Just seeing him walk out of the manor is enough. What more do you doubt? It’s not like anyone can just enter Master Huang Tan’s manor,” the woman became irritated with Xuyao’s probing questions and doubts about Young Master Xianfeng’s identity.

    “…" Xuyao instantly held her forehead. Just because someone was seen leaving Master Huang Tan’s manor, he could be considered Young Master Xianfeng? It was unclear if there were genuine sightings, surely a group of scammers were at work.

    Enough already!

    Where is that fool Huang Tan hiding? Just by walking out of the manor, she had been impersonated by someone else. Was this how her reputation was being protected? In less than a shichen, such a mess had unfolded. If she really went to Xiangzhou, the reputation of Young Master Xianfeng would be ruined completely.

    She really wanted to set fire to the Huang family manor!

    Xuyao took Xiaoxin’s hand to weave through the crowd; she wanted to see what this fake Young Master Xianfeng looked like, how audacious he was to impersonate her.

    Once they made their way through, Xuyao saw a thin young man dressed in pristine white, yet his skin was slightly tanned, his face gaunt, his nose hooked, and his eyes cunning. He was maintaining a dignified demeanor with all his might. Xuyao grew even more furious. Why did this Young Master Xianfeng lack dignity? If they were going to imitate someone, couldn’t they find someone who looked more like her? Every time she transformed into Young Master Xianfeng, she would look in the mirror. How could she possibly have such an undignified face like him?

    "Big Sister, what’s wrong?" Xiaoxin tugged at Xuyao’s trembling hand, sensing his sister's anger over something.

    "Come here," Xuyao pulled Xiaoxin away from the crowd and rummaged through her pouch. She picked up a piece of charcoal lying nearby, scribbled something hastily, and handed it to Xiaoxin. Xuyao whispered something into the young boy's ear, and then he dashed away towards the corner of the street.

    Xuyao tried to calm herself down immensely.

    "Innkeeper, bring me a bowl of tea," she settled down at a small tea shop by the roadside, ordering tea to quench her inner fire.

    After about two ke, Xuyao saw Xiaoxin jogging back. Soon after, Master Huang Tan, dust billowing, followed on horseback.

    "There!"

    "Look, is that Master Huang Tan?"

    "He even came out himself? This Young Master Xianfeng must be someone special to make Master Huang Tan leave his manor. Truly impressive."

    "Lucky, I booked an appointment in advance. A tael of silver well spent."

    "Indeed."

    Xuyao, overhearing the townspeople, widened her eyes in shock. This! This was too much! An appointment card selling for a tael of silver? Even at such a high price, there were still people buying them. The townspeople are blind and thoughtless. A tael of silver was not a small amount; it could buy several months' worth of rice, and yet they squandered it like this.

    "Big Sister, I’ve taken care of everything," Xiaoxin said, his smile broad despite the sweat on his forehead.

    "Well done, good boy. Sit down and rest for a bit. Innkeeper, bring some water and a bun," she said, while fanning her brother with a piece of paper to cool him down.

    Both glanced at the crowd not far away, especially focusing on the main character of this spectacle, Master Huang Tan.

    As Master Huang Tan dismounted from his horse, the crowd parted neatly for him to approach the fake Young Master Xianfeng.

    The fake Young Master Xianfeng, who was solemnly giving a fortune reading to an old woman, had to look up as he felt someone towering over him.

    Huang Tan’s face was grim as the young man felt his body go cold. What now? Why had Master Huang Tan come out from his manor? Wasn’t Young Master Xianfeng supposed to be in Huang’s manor?

    He had heard that Young Master Xianfeng was supposed to be at the manor today. A messenger boy had even said Young Master Xianfeng entered through the manor’s back gate. It had not been long; Young Master Xianfeng should still be there. Moreover, Master Huang Tan and his servants would surely be busy hosting such an important guest. There was no way they could neglect him. He had also heard that for the past month or two, the Huang family manor seldom opened its doors to guests, and people from the manor only went out to shop once a week. It was clear no one would leave the manor at this time. Therefore, he took the opportunity to spread false rumors that he was Young Master Xianfeng, planning to collect money from the townspeople and then disappear into the clouds, leaving behind a rotten reputation for the real Young Master Xianfeng.

    But how could Master Huang Tan be standing right in front of him?