Li Muzhan shook his head, managing only a wry smile; there was truly little more he could say to explain. He was, in fact, in the wrong for staying at the Dugu estate in the first place, which had led to such a significant problem.
“That’s enough, Brother Li. Since you’ve made the trip, let’s go out for a drink!” Dugu Heng stood up, opened the door, and headed out.
Li Muzhan didn't force his way in; Dugu Jinghua wasn't inside. He turned and followed Dugu Heng out of the Dugu residence, strolling along the main thoroughfare.
It was the hour when the sun dipped low, bathing the entire Tianjing City in the glow of twilight. Facing such magnificent scenery, Li Muzhan had no heart for it; his spirit was heavy.
Dugu Heng said, “Brother Li, it’s really nothing. Aunt says she should have died long ago. In an ordinary family, she would have reincarnated countless years ago, perhaps now grown into an adult. To have clung to life for so long already satisfies her; she has no other desires.”
The two walked side-by-side on the street. People bustled all around them, yet Li Muzhan felt an overwhelming sense of desolation, an emptiness, with Dugu Jinghua’s delicate, jade-like face flickering before his eyes.
Li Muzhan sighed, “Brother Dugu, what exactly is Miss Jinghua suffering from?”
“The old ailment; it has relapsed,” Dugu Heng replied.
Li Muzhan frowned. “It shouldn’t relapse. If she had persisted with the cultivation method I taught her, not only would it not recur, but her progress would have been swift, turning her into a master.”
Dugu Heng shook his head. “That, I do not know.”
Li Muzhan knitted his brows, utterly baffled. Dugu Heng glanced at him. “Brother Li, forget it. Stop dwelling on it. Life and death are fated, wealth is determined by Heaven. It is Aunt’s time; no one can save her. Doctors cannot cure what is fated. Even Divine Doctor Hua is helpless.”
Li Muzhan only shook his head, his brow tightly furrowed.
Dugu Heng continued, “Brother Li, you are a broad-minded person. Why take this so hard? If Aunt is meant to go, let her. Truthfully, I have long been prepared for this over the years.”
“It shouldn’t be so…” Li Muzhan shook his head, looking up. “Brother Dugu, I must see Miss Jinghua, no matter what. I need to understand exactly what has happened. Perhaps I possess a cure.”
“Forget it. Aunt doesn’t wish to see you, and I cannot defy her orders,” Dugu Heng replied, shaking his head.
He suddenly stopped and pointed to the “Unfettered Tower” ahead. “Brother Li, let’s have a drink here today!”
Li Muzhan nodded. “As you wish.”
Dugu Heng stepped forward, and soon a young waiter rushed out. Seeing Dugu Heng, he hurried to greet them with utmost warmth. “Young Master Dugu! Please, come in, come in!”
Dugu Heng gave a slight nod. “Arrange a private room, somewhere quiet.”
“Right away, right away! Follow me!” The waiter nodded eagerly.
Li Muzhan and Dugu Heng followed him up to the third floor, arriving at an ancient and simple room. Outside, the plaque read “Zhuo Gu Shi”—the Room of Rustic Antiquity—possessing an air of aged style.
The two sat facing each other; the table was positioned right by the window. A slight lean forward offered a view of the busy street below, bathed in the evening glow. The capital was indescribably prosperous.
As the first lanterns began to illuminate, and lights flickered in countless homes, Li Muzhan felt an even deeper melancholy settle upon him.
The waiter quickly brought the wine jar, followed by a plump, middle-aged man radiating the warmth of a spring breeze. He chuckled heartily. “Young Master Dugu, your presence honors our humble establishment! This is my private collection—a thirty-year-old vintage. Please sample it.”
“Hmm, that’s fine. You can leave now, and bring the dishes quickly!” Dugu Heng waved his hand, pulling a cloth pouch from his robes and tossing it over. “For your service!”
“Thank you, Young Master! Thank you, Young Master!” The portly proprietor snatched the pouch with surprising agility, his eyes narrowing with delight as he bowed deeply in thanks.
Dugu Heng waved them off, and they retreated respectfully.
Li Muzhan watched this display without a trace of amusement, his gaze still distant and perplexed. He kept turning over why Dugu Jinghua’s old illness had returned. Logically, it shouldn't have. Having undergone the marrow-cleansing treatment from him, coupled with his cultivation method, she should have been safe.
Dugu Heng offered no further words. He expertly broke the yellow wax seal, and a mellow fragrance immediately filled the room. He poured two generous bowls and, raising one, downed it in a single gulp.
Li Muzhan remained lost in thought. Dugu Heng slammed his bowl down heavily. “Brother Li, please!”
Li Muzhan took his bowl, drank it all down, and let out a long breath before shaking his head. “Fine, if it must be so, I won't push it anymore. Today, we drink until we drop!”
Dugu Heng snorted. “To avenge Aunt, I must get you drunk!”
Li Muzhan offered a strained smile and shook his head. “You don’t understand what happened between Miss Jinghua and me. By the way, how is Tang Tang now?”
“Very well,” Dugu Heng grunted. “She’s keeping Aunt company.”
“Is Miss Meng there too?” Li Muzhan asked.
Dugu Heng nodded. “Yes.”
As he spoke, he refilled the large bowl and finished it in one draught. Li Muzhan matched him, draining his own bowl. The two exchanged no more words, finishing the entire jar bowl by bowl, until it was empty in moments.
The wine, while fragrant, had a tremendous kick. Soon, Dugu Heng began to feel the effects; he chuckled, and the expression on his face grew significantly more animated.
Li Muzhan remained outwardly unchanged. Due to his unique physique, it was difficult for him to become intoxicated even without actively circulating his internal energy. Furthermore, he was actively seeking an opportunity to probe deeper, to learn exactly where Dugu Jinghua was convalescing.
He began to drink more fiercely. Dugu Heng, engaging in a silent contest, refused to yield and drank just as hard. Within a short time, a hazy look began to cloud his eyes.
Seeing that the time was nearly right, Li Muzhan slowed his pace. If he continued at the current rate, Dugu Heng would be fully drunk in a few more bowls, and then he wouldn't be able to ask any meaningful questions.
Li Muzhan set down his bowl with a sigh. Dugu Heng snorted, “Brother Li, sighing constantly like this—it’s not like you!”
Li Muzhan managed a smile. “What am I like?”
“You are strong and open-minded. Faced with a situation like this, you would merely smile—what is life and death to argue about? You are a Grandmaster; you should be able to roam the world freely, right?” Dugu Heng rambled.
His words were still clear, but his gaze was undeniably vacant. Li Muzhan judged that his mind was mostly clear, but his vision was poor; he probably couldn’t see things sharply.
Li Muzhan sighed again. “This matter is different. Jinghua clearly underwent my treatment; she absolutely should not have relapsed. This isn't some other injury, is it?”
Dugu Heng snorted, “Aunt has not suffered any injury!”
Li Muzhan asked, “I heard your relationship with the Zhu family has improved?”
“Yes. Father has eased relations with them. He said there’s no need for the Four Great Families to be so antagonistic, nor to corner the Zhu family too tightly, lest they genuinely push them toward the Emperor.” Dugu Heng explained.
Li Muzhan frowned. “Which side the Zhu family should lean toward is not changed by whether we pressure them or not. It’s about profit. With Consort Zhu being so favored, how could the Zhu family not harbor undue ambitions?”
“You didn’t know?” Dugu Heng revealed, “Consort Zhu has given birth to a prince.”
“Hm—?” Li Muzhan’s expression shifted subtly.
Dugu Heng snorted. “Well, that’s true. Since you never come around, you naturally wouldn't know the news here.”
Li Muzhan frowned. “Consort Zhu bore a prince… that is troublesome. Logically, how could the Imperial Family allow her to have a prince?”
Dugu Heng suggested, “Perhaps this is the Emperor displaying his resolve, which is why the Zhu family is wavering.”
“And what did the Family Head decide?” Li Muzhan pressed, his brow furrowed. “Just saying it won't convince the Zhu family; there must be another reason?”
Dugu Heng’s eyes flickered, avoiding Li Muzhan’s gaze.
Li Muzhan let out an “Eh?” and snorted, “Brother Dugu, are you trying to hide something from me? Are you treating me like an outsider, which is why you can’t speak?”
“This…” Dugu Heng shook his head. “Perhaps we should drop it.”
“Speak!” Li Muzhan snapped, losing patience. “What is this unspeakable matter that makes you so nervous?”
“This… it seems related to Aunt. I’m not entirely clear myself,” Dugu Heng said hesitantly, looking helpless.
“Hm—?” Li Muzhan’s eyebrows shot up. His mind raced, and he snorted, “The Family Head isn't trying to get his hands on Miss Jinghua, is he? Planning to marry Jinghua off to the Zhu family?!”
As he voiced this, Dugu Heng felt the air in the room instantly grow heavy. It became incredibly difficult to draw a breath; a sense of suffocation washed over him.
He inwardly sighed. Anyone would be furious in this situation. He had been afraid to say anything, fearing Li Muzhan would cause an uproar.
Li Muzhan suddenly let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “Brother Dugu, you haven’t properly inquired about this?”
“I asked Father, but Father refused to tell me,” Dugu Heng shook his head helplessly. “I asked Aunt, but she wouldn't say much either.”
Li Muzhan asked, “Then did those two have a falling out?”
Dugu Heng shook his head. “It doesn't seem like it. Father has always been in secluded cultivation, rarely seeking out Aunt, and that hasn't changed.”
Li Muzhan shook his head. “If the Family Head truly did such a thing, then I must truly see him in a new light!”
“I don’t think Father would,” Dugu Heng hurried to insist.
Li Muzhan smiled, looking at him. “Do you even believe what you’re saying? ... Truly impressive. The Dugu Family Head is quite something; for the benefit of the family, anyone can be sacrificed—including you lot!”
“Father wouldn’t do it,” Dugu Heng insisted again.
Li Muzhan asked, “Did you and Tang Tang receive your father’s approval?”
“Father did not approve,” Dugu Heng quickly denied. “But seeing us now, he couldn’t object; he could only default to it.”
Li Muzhan laughed drily, shaking his head. “You are so naïve! … Forget it, I really don’t want to talk about him. Take me to see Jinghua!”
“Aunt doesn’t want to see you,” Dugu Heng insisted, shaking his head. “If I take you there, she will simply avoid you. You won’t get to see her.”
Li Muzhan snorted, “Why doesn’t she want to see me? ... Did her illness relapse because of the Dugu Family Head? Is that why she’s disillusioned and resolved to die?”
“No,” Dugu Heng quickly denied.
Li Muzhan snapped impatiently, “Who do you believe? Your father, or me?”
“That…” Dugu Heng scratched his head, appearing conflicted. “I believe both of you. Aunt is indeed gravely ill.”
Li Muzhan cut him off. “That’s enough talk. I want to see her, take me there now!”
“But…” Dugu Heng shook his head.
Li Muzhan waved his hand. “If you won’t take me, I’ll find her myself. I’ll go straight to your father and demand an explanation!”
Dugu Heng’s face crumpled into a difficult expression. After thinking it over, he sighed in resignation. “Fine, fine. I’ll take you. Really!”
Li Muzhan broke into a smile. “That’s more like it! Let’s go!”
Dugu Heng shook his head helplessly and led Li Muzhan out of the Zhuo Gu Shi. They walked directly east, continuing until they passed through the East Gate of the capital and arrived at a manor further east.
The estate spanned nearly a hundred acres, nestled within a dense forest, making it hard for outsiders to spot unless they approached closely. The surroundings were quiet and secluded, bordered by a large river—a convenient escape route by boat should trouble arise.
Li Muzhan surveyed the grounds. Here, without the oppressive aura of the Dan Xin Tie Quan, he could unleash his full Grandmaster abilities. He activated his Void Eye and immediately located Dugu Jinghua.
His expression changed slightly, and he let out a short sound. “Brother Dugu, walk slowly. I’ll go on ahead!”
With that, he flickered and vanished, keen to prevent Dugu Heng from sending word ahead to give Dugu Jinghua time to evade him.
He reappeared instantly inside a room. In the quiet interior, the setting sun cast a soft, somewhat dim light through the window. Dugu Jinghua lay quietly asleep on the couch.
No one else was in the room. Li Muzhan’s sudden appearance caused Dugu Jinghua’s slender body beneath the brocade quilt to stir slightly.
Li Muzhan stood by the couch, gazing down at her. Dugu Jinghua lay facing the ceiling, her full chest rising and falling gently. Her hair was spread out to one side, resembling black satin.
Her hair was raven black and glossy, but her face was deathly pale, completely lacking color, as if covered in a layer of powder. Her once full and rosy lips were cracked and bloodless.
She appeared as withered and spent as a blighted flower. Li Muzhan’s heart clenched. He took a deep breath to suppress the incessant pain twisting in his chest.
Dugu Jinghua’s eyelids suddenly fluttered. She slowly opened her eyes, her bewildered gaze gradually focusing until it fixed directly on Li Muzhan’s face. She smiled faintly. “Sir, we meet again.”
Li Muzhan smiled and reached out, gently caressing her cheek. “Jinghua, why subject yourself to this?”
He understood immediately: Dugu Jinghua must have stopped practicing the cultivation method he taught her a long time ago, causing the internal coldness to surge and nearly consume her entirely.
“Sir, I will be leaving soon; I fear I won't have another chance to see you,” Dugu Jinghua murmured with a faint smile.
Li Muzhan’s hand rested on her face; it was still smooth and delicate, but carried a chilling coldness. He sighed softly. “Why speak of leaving?”
Dugu Jinghua smiled. “I am going to another world, and I fear I might forget you.”
Li Muzhan snorted. “Where do you think you’re going! … I am here; you are not going anywhere!”
Dugu Jinghua suddenly froze, her bright eyes snapping wide open. “You… Sir?”
Li Muzhan said, “Jinghua, this is not a dream!”
“This…” Dugu Jinghua looked around frantically, then pinched herself. The sharp pain was a reminder that this was indeed real.
Li Muzhan sighed. “Jinghua, why are you torturing yourself?”
Dugu Jinghua shut her mouth, abruptly turning her body away from him.
Li Muzhan sat on the edge of the couch, shaking his head with a sigh. “Jinghua, is this because I haven't come to see you?”
Dugu Jinghua remained silent, lying perfectly still facing inward, as if she had fallen asleep again.
Li Muzhan patted her fragrant shoulder. “Jinghua, it is my fault.”
Dugu Jinghua merely shifted her shoulder slightly, refusing to acknowledge him.
As the two remained locked in this stalemate, hurried footsteps suddenly sounded outside, followed by someone knocking urgently. “Auntie, Auntie?”
Li Muzhan recognized Tang Tang’s voice and smiled faintly. “Jinghua, do you want Tang Tang to come in?”
Dugu Jinghua asked, “Tang Tang, what is it?”
“I’m coming in.” The door creaked open, and Tang Tang, clad in purple silk, slipped in as lightly as a spirit cat. After closing the door, she lifted the curtain and entered, letting out a startled cry when she saw Li Muzhan sitting by the couch.
Li Muzhan stood up and smiled. “Tang Tang, why such fright? Do I look like a ghost?”
“Li… Mr. Li?” Tang Tang stammered. “I didn't think you would actually come! Heng-ge told me, and I thought he was joking!”
Li Muzhan asked, “You came to find Jinghua to relay a message, didn't you?”
“N-no, I didn’t,” Tang Tang stuttered.
Li Muzhan smiled. “That’s fine. I’m not some fierce beast; I won’t harm Jinghua. You should go rest first.”
Tang Tang looked towards Dugu Jinghua, who had turned her head. Dugu Jinghua pulled her arm out from under the covers and waved it gently. Tang Tang nodded. “Alright then, I’ll leave. I’ll go prepare some food.”
“Yes, thank you for that,” Li Muzhan said with a nod.
Tang Tang’s bright eyes darted between Li Muzhan and Dugu Jinghua, but she could discern nothing concrete, so she retreated reluctantly, closing the door behind her.
Silence returned to the room. Dugu Jinghua was already lying on her back again, and when Li Muzhan moved closer, she turned her head away.
Li Muzhan sighed. “I just heard you were gravely ill. Why didn’t you notify me?”
“I didn’t wish to trouble you with the journey,” Dugu Jinghua huffed. “You are very busy; there was no need to disturb you.”
Li Muzhan frowned and sighed. “Even if you’re angry with me, you shouldn’t play games with your own health. How could you stop practicing my cultivation method!”
Dugu Jinghua shook her head. “I don’t want to practice anymore!”
Li Muzhan retorted sharply, “If you don’t practice, you will die. You’d rather die than owe me a favor, is that it?”
Dugu Jinghua slowly nodded. “Correct.”
Li Muzhan sighed heavily. “Jinghua, I didn’t want to see you precisely because I wanted to sever our ties, but I am far from heartless. It’s just that we are impossible together.”
“How are we impossible!?” Dugu Jinghua’s bright eyes shone.
Li Muzhan shook his head. “Would your brother agree to it?”
Dugu Jinghua’s gaze dimmed once more. Li Muzhan sighed. “Since he would object, you wouldn't agree either… To be honest, Jinghua, I am not a good man. I don't just like you; I like several other women. You have always been a proud young lady, how could you tolerate such a thing? It’s better to sever things now than to suffer in the future.”
Dugu Jinghua’s bright eyes sparkled with light. Hearing Li Muzhan finally admit he liked her brought her boundless joy. She huffed, “How do you know I can’t tolerate it?”
Li Muzhan smiled bitterly. “A woman like you—to gain even one portion of your affection is already a great blessing. I am ungrateful and insatiable. I feel I have gone too far, so I have deliberately cut off my improper thoughts. I haven’t dared to see you because I feared I wouldn’t be able to control myself!” (To be continued)