"It’s our senior brother, Wei Guanyu," Jiang Yichun said. "He’s older than and joined earlier, but because his health wasn’t good, he’d been focusing on physical training to lay the groundwork. We learned to train our eyesight together."
He sighed and continued, "The regulations of the Comrce Association are very strict. Wu Yunfeng won’t speak for us. There was a ti when our eyes were swollen and tears wouldn’t stop, but we had to continue, and if we made a mistake, we’d be punished by the officer, like getting whipped on the back."
Bai Ruozhu felt a bit heartbroken and held his hand, "I didn’t know you’ve endured so much hardship."
"It’s all in the past, nothing much really. In this world, who hasn’t suffered? It’s just that it’s such a pity senior brother died like that," Jiang Yichun said wistfully.
"Do you think when he married Wu Wanqing, it was more because he genuinely liked her or to repay the master for his upbringing?" Bai Ruozhu suddenly asked.
Jiang Yichun shook his head, "I don’t know. Our relationship wasn’t close back then. I never concerned myself with such things."
Bai Ruozhu, being a woman, tended to think more emotionally. She felt that if Wei Guanyu hadn’t liked Wu Wanqing, it might have been better, otherwise dying like that would be truly devastating.
The two no longer discussed the topic, and after helping each other tend to their wounds, they both sat cross-legged to ditate.
Elsewhere, Jianqi and his companions did hear the explosion and were about to rush over, but shortly after, Jianqi saw the signal from their master and quickly said, "It’s a signal from the master saying they’ve escaped."
"Then they’re going to Duanyang City, right? Let’s go et them," Gao Zhou said.
The three imdiately turned their direction towards Duanyang City. However, apart from the signal, Bai Ruozhu left no other clues. When the three arrived in Duanyang City, they didn’t know how to find Bai Ruozhu and the others, so they went to inquire at the Comrce Association, but the officer there said Bai Ruozhu hadn’t returned after leaving.
"The master and the others must be in trouble. They’re worried we might face danger if we went, so they sent that signal!" Yizi guessed imdiately with her keen intuition.
"How can this be? I must go see!" Gao Zhou imdiately grew anxious. Jianqi suddenly blocked his path, saying sternly, "Senior, you need to calm down first."
Jianqi pulled Gao Zhou to the street corner and said in a low voice, "The master does things ticulously. If they sent this signal, there must be a reason. They surely don’t want us to recklessly rush in. What if we add to their troubles by going?"
Gao Zhou widened his eyes, "I’ve got my martial arts skills here, and if it’s my last breath, so be it."
Yizi also beca anxious, her eyes reddening, "Senior, I know you’re worried, but the master acts with great discretion. You should calm down and think it through."
Jianqi gratefully glanced at Yizi. He always thought of Yizi as childlike, never realizing how clear-headed she was at crucial monts. Her tone was supportive, sending a comforting warmth through him.
Gao Zhou also slowly composed himself, thought for a mont, and said, "Then we’ll return to the original spot and wait for an opportunity."
"Alright." Jianqi agreed to this plan.
He glanced at Yizi and noticed her eyes were red, filled with worry, just like him, constantly concerned about their master’s safety.
But having followed the master for so long, he understood the master’s character; if she sent a signal for them to return to the city, no matter what, she didn’t want them to take risks.
The three quietly slipped back to their initial location, as night had already fallen.
Bai Ruozhu and her family of three cooked a warm al in the space, and after dinner, Bai Ruozhu gave Dengdeng a bath, putting him to sleep early.
Jiang Yichun watched her move, seeing the blood seeping from her back, his heart aching unbearably, wanting to do everything himself. But Bai Ruozhu was also concerned about him, and Little Dengdeng was more accustod to his mother telling bedti stories, so in the end, Bai Ruozhu took on the task of coaxing the child.
Finally, after their son fell asleep, Jiang Yichun brought out dicine to reapply her wound.
"Take off your clothes so I can check," he said with concern.
Bai Ruozhu chuckled, "Why does that sound ambiguous? I’m wounded like this, you wouldn’t be overco by desires, would you?"
Jiang Yichun’s face turned red. He’s a normal man, facing the woman he loves, how could he not have desires? Especially after being separated for so long, they hadn’t been together even since reuniting.
He was worried that his condition would worsen her curse, so he dared not step out of line. Bai Ruozhu noticed his concern but acted oblivious to prevent adding to his anxieties.
Yet no matter how much he might want to act, he wouldn’t do anything careless at this mont, not wanting to aggravate his wife’s back injury.
"I’m just checking your back, nothing else," he said muffledly, annoyed at her teasing.
Bai Ruozhu giggled, suddenly realizing that teasing her man was quite amusing.
She intentionally made a flirtatious gesture, hooking his chin with her index finger, "Isn’t asking a woman to undress usually suggestive? I didn’t know my Achun was this innocent."
Jiang Yichun looked even more embarrassed, "Stop fooling around, let apply the dicine."
Bai Ruozhu suppressed her laughter, her body slightly shaking. It used to be him teasing her, making her blush and her heart race, but today she finally got her revenge.
But her laughter didn’t last long before she hurt her injured back, grimacing and unable to continue laughing.
Jiang Yichun began laughing, "Feeling proud? Now you’re being sensible, huh?"
Bai Ruozhu pouted and glared at him, "I’m in pain and want to cry, yet you’re so happy? I’ve finally seen through you; you didn’t plan on leaving with Fo Lanying earlier, and only ca back after realizing your condition might have problems, right?"
What did she an by condition might have problems... Jiang Yichun thought it sounded awkward?
"You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you? Haven’t you understood my intentions yet?" he said, slightly annoyed, pinching her cheek.
"Oh dear, now you’re committing dostic violence. See, my face is swollen," Bai Ruozhu continued her playful antics.
Jiang Yichun was rendered both amused and frustrated by her antics, yet his heart felt lighter, knowing she’s trying to lighten the mood between them.
He expanded his smile, realizing even if there was only three years left, he should face her with a smile instead of making her worry.
He should use the remaining ti to cherish her, even if he owes his children forever.
Both were injured, and after reapplying the dicine, they went to sleep. Yet, they both lay face down facing each other, unable to suppress laughter as they exchanged tender gazes, forgetting the pain of their injuries.
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