Chapter 164: Miracle Grass

Chapter 164: Miracle Grass

When Mei Changsu returned after his visit to the Eastern Palace, his expression was clearly abnormal, but he kept his facial expression forcefully in check. After drinking his medicine, however, he threw it all up, including two mouthfuls of blood towards the end. This frightened everyone out of their wits, but he told them he was okay. Physician Yan hurried over to treat him with some acupuncture needles, to calm him down and let him sleep. Then, Lin Chen called Fei Liu over to question him, but the boy didnt seem to know anything. No matter how he asked, he just said, Foya! Sleep! Wont wake up! and other such words. No matter how intelligent Lin Chen was, no matter how long he frowned in thought, he couldnt figure it out.

Foya was a battle wolf raised by the former Prince Jing, who was very close to the Young Commander, said Wei Zheng as he and Nie Feng left Mei Changsus bedroom quietly, bringing Lin Chen with them to the courtyard. Based on what Fei Liu is saying, its likely that Foya has died, so Young Commander must be broken hearted.

Lin Chen shook his head and said, Im afraid thats not it. His old affection for the wolf is not as great as that. If the Crown Prince suddenly died today, spilling all those years of accumulated hearts blood*, then that would be more likely.CHeCk for new stories on no/v/el/bin(.)c0m

*I cant find the right English words, so this is an approximate literal translation

Nie Feng hadnt associated with Lin Chen for very long so he was unaccustomed to his unrestrained manner of speaking and started at him with wide open eyes, while Wei Zheng, who was standing to the side, frowned and said, Master Lin, dont speak of such taboo matters, alright?

What did I say? Lin Chen shrugged. If the Crown Prince is truly the dragon son of heaven, how could I curse him simply by opening my mouth? Theres no need for you to keep worrying and circling the courtyard. Changsu is a very tough and resilient person. He is also doing his best to manage his state of mind to avoid harm to himself. Vomiting the two mouthfuls of blood is a good thing. He wont die today.

The more he spoke, the more excessive he was, but unfortunately there was no one in the whole of the Su Residence who knew how to deal with him. Although the two former Chiyan generals glared at him for a long time, he acted as if he didnt notice. In the evening, Mei Changsu woke up and had some food, then went out to the courtyard to play the zither, but when the melody reached its most sorrowful peak, it suddenly cut off with a resounding twang when one of its strings broke unexpectedly. There was a fine cut on his finger where a bead of red blood was forming. There he sat, under the moonlight, his pale face frozen. Nobody dared approach him. Only Lin Chen, who sighed faintly as he asked, Changsu, is your blood still red?

Mei Changsu smiled slightly and said, This blood is still red, this body is still here.Lin Chen, my pride has failed me lately. Its all tangled up with the grief and sorrow in my heart. Youre probably mocking me, to see me in this state.

Lin Chen looked up at the sky and after a long while, said, Ive always been arrogant, making fun of everything under the sky. You worry so much about so many things, and there are many things you do that could make me laugh, but I always find it difficult to laugh at you. Do you know why?

Mei Changsu pinched the broken string between his fingers, looking at it as he replied vaguely, I do. Then, not saying anymore, he got up and returned to his room. Lin Chen lowered his head and walked slowly to the outer courtyard. Those looking on were confused and extremely worried. They pushed Wei Zheng forward to enquire. Lin Chen smiled for a moment then said, Dont worry. Changsu is alright. In any case, even if he wasnt, what can we do to help?

Wei Zheng was impatient and was just about to retort when Lin Chen suddenly said in a loud voice, Its a fine night, a fine wind and a fine moon. That cultured and enigmatic Changsu has gone to bed. Everyone, stop trying to figure him out. Why dont you join me for a drink instead?

Seeing that he was making a ruckus again, Li Gang and Zhen Ping knew that they would get no further information from him and immediately made their escape, leaving only the inexperienced Nie Feng, who was promptly dragged away by him, so Wei Zheng had no choice but to follow along to keep him company. The three of them went to the kitchen to fetch food and drink, then bringing them to the stone table and stools in the courtyard, they ate and drank while chatting about everything under the sun.

After drinking three pots of wine, they were all in high spirits. Even Nie Feng joined in with his vague syllables and hand gestures, and Wei Zhengs face was as red as Guan gong*. Tugging at Lin Chen, he said, Master Lin, our Young Commander.its rare for him.to have a friend like you..please.

*Guanyu, famous general the Three Kingdoms period who has a red face

I know, I know. Lin Chens eyes were like stars, and he wasnt even the least bit drunk. Lightly rotating the wine cup in his left hand, he said, Theres no need for you to ask. Although Ive not known him for as long as the both of you, weve been friends for more than ten years..

Wei Zheng wiped his face and was just about to say something when swift footsteps sounded from outside the courtyard. As they got closer, they heard Li Gang say, Here, theyre drinking in the courtyard.

Before the words had faded away, a figure rushed in, heading directly for Lin Chen. Clutching him tightly on the arm, he shook it vigorously while exclaiming excitedly, Found it! Ive found it!

Lin Chen blinked. Without struggling, he asked calmly, What have you found?

Eternal Ice Grass, Eternal Ice Grass*! The person who had just arrived looked travel worn, and his lips were dry and blistered, but his eyes were bright and shiny, and he was in high spirits. As he spoke, he felt around among his robes. Have a look! Ive used a glass bottle, and Ive been very careful. Even the roots are still intact.

Weve never mentioned it because we knew that it was pointless. Lin Chen couldnt stop the sadness that swept across his face. Since it was pointless, why mention it and cause more worry?

Nie Duo stamped his feet impatiently and asked, Why is it pointless? It has cured someone before.

Yes, its cured someone before, but do you know how he was cured? Lin Chen looked at the miracle grass in the glass bottle, with its branches and leaves outspread and sighed. The method of treatment is recorded in another book. It requires ten men with great vitality and abundant qi and blood, to exchange their blood with the patient. Only after this can the patient be reborn. But the ten men who gave of their blood, they not only have to suffer, but their blood would eventually dry up and they would die. Simply put, to use the Eternal Ice Grass to save someone, its equivalent to exchanging ten lives for the sake of one.

Nie Duo didnt think twice. He grabbed Lin Chens arm and held it in a tight grip as he said in a loud voice, Im willing to exchange my life!

Wei Zheng followed closely, saying, I am willing, too!

I know that all of you are willing, said Lin Chen as he looked at both the men, Its not difficult to find ten men who would die for Changsu, but have you wondered if Changsu would be willing?

Cant we keep this a secret..?

No. The entire process requires both parties to be absolutely focused and clear-headed, with absolutely no hesitation. It requires the patient to proactively absorb the qi and blood from each and everyone of these men. Lin Chens tone was stripped of all emotion, yet carried with it an indescribable sadness. You are the ones who know Changsu best. If you want him to do this, you would be better off killing him..

Nie Duos knees were weak and he dropped onto the stone bench.

The man who was cured of the Poison of the Bitter Flame more than a century ago took away the blood of ten brothers willing to exchange their lives for his, continued Lin Chen without looking at him, To save his life, he discarded the relationships closest to his heart. Compared to him, Changsu never considered this path to save his life, not even as a last resort, but he preserved the affection he had for the brotherhood he most valued on earth.Life and righteousness. To choose one is to lose the other. To make a choice, one only needs to examine ones own heart.

But.but. Wei Zhengs hands were clenched as he said through clenched teeth, Why is it that those who think only of preserving their lives can live, but Young Commander, who cannot bear to hurt us, must die? How cruel are the Gods, to create such a choice. Where is the fairness in this?

I had similar questions, but even my father couldnt answer them. Instead, it was Changsu who said, In the eyes of the world, life and death are matters of great importance, but in the eyes of the heavens, the world is large. Its vastness, the vastness of the universe, the fairness of all living beings, all these are by no means reflected in the length of a persons life. For every so-called gain, there must be loss. Although the person who survived then kept his life, isnt what he lost more important than his life? Though Lin Chen kept smiling, his eyes were bright with tears. Listening to these words of his, one could attain enlightenment. If you can understand his thoughts, then dont try to persuade him with your loyalty. He will never agree. Instead, he would have to spend his limited energy to dissuade and console all of you, so why bother? If you continue to force him, Im afraid hell become a monk before he dies.

At this point, Lin Chen made an attempt to smile mockingly, but the muscles in his cheeks wouldnt obey, so he grabbed hold of the wine pot and took a few swigs before saying, Dont feel sad. This grass isnt completely useless. Itll at least give him a few more days. Saying this, he put the bottle into his robes, patted his lapel, and left, alone.

Footnote:

There may be some inconsistency in terminology, but Ive used the term grass and herb interchangeably, using the latter when I am referring to it as a medicinal herb while the former when Im just referring to it on its own.

Afterthought:

This line did me in: Lin Chen, my pride has failed me lately. Its all tangled up with the grief and sorrow in my heart. I dont think Ive seen MCS as vulnerable with anyone as he was here with LC.

He also says he knows why LC never laughed at him. But maybe my brain is too tired from translation. I couldnt figure it out. Though its also probably the author prefers to leave it unspoken. Any thoughts?

*answering my own question* LC just loves MCS too much, and understands him too well understands everything that MCS/LS needs to do before he can (die) be at peace, understands MCSs essential self. The depth of their friendship has never been so apparent until this chapter. It just makes me think XJY may have been his boyhood friend, but LC was the one with whom he grew into the man he is.

*after even more reflection* Throughout this novel, Ive ended up with the impression that although LS was about 2 years younger than XJY, he was the wiser, more protective one in the relationship, the one on whom XJY depended on. And if thats the case, then his relationship with LC would appear to be one that is more equal. This makes me feel very sad for XJY. That his relationship with LS never got to mature, that he missed out on that with his best friend.