Married Thrice to Salted Fish

Chapter 79

Gu Fuzhou’s trusted guards did not keep the two of them waiting for long. After searching for a fortnight, they brought good news back to the capital.

“We followed the general’s instructions and went all the way to the south. Finally, we found Shen Gongzi in a fishing village in the Southern Border. We then showed him the Madam’s token and told him that the Madam wished to meet and speak with him. He agreed to meet with the Madam without any hesitation.” The Mansion’s guard took out a secret letter from his bosom. “This is what Shen Gongzi asked me to give to the Madam.”

The Southern Border fishing village was the place where Gu Fuzhou had asked his trusted guards to focus their search. In the original book, Shen Huaishi met his very first friend in this fishing village. He lived with simple fishermen and gradually let go of the past. After three years of peaceful days, he was found by the Tianji Camp.

In the book, in order to avoid the pursuit of Tianji Camp, Shen Huaishi left the fishing village and ran away again. Xiao Cheng, who by then was already the emperor, couldn’t wait for his return and unexpectedly he left the capital to personally go and find him. By force, he dragged him back and imprisoned him in the palace.

It was said that when Xiao Cheng faced the blatant hatred in Shen Huaishi’s eyes, he said, “You hate Zhen. At least you still have Zhen in your eyes. Zhen would rather you hate Zhen for the Zhen’s life than not have you by Zhen’s side.”

In the present world, Gu Fuzhou found Shen Huaishi first while the Tianji Camp was still searching in vain in the north. At first, Xiao Cheng had only half-believed that Shen Huaishi was in the north. But now, there was a “rumour” from the north that the Princess Jingchun was a man, which strengthened his suspicion that Shen Huaishi really was there. After all, the only people in the capital who knew Jingchun’s true identity were him and Shen Huaishi.

Lin Qingyu opened the letter. Only five words were written in it: Insect’s Wake, the old haunt.

In three it would be Insect’s Wake. The old haunt should be the Changsheng Temple, where he and Shen Huaishi had met several times.

Gu Fuzhou said, “Well done, go and receive your rewards.”

After the guards retreated, Gu Fuzhou said pensively, “It seems that you remain to be someone of import to Shen Huaishi. With the single invitation, he returns to the capital heedless of the danger. He’s not even afraid of being caught by the Tianji Camp. You’ve obviously been nothing cold towards him, all harsh words and stern looks, yet why does he still have such a good impression of you?”

Lin Qingyu burned the secret letter with the candle’s flame. “I treated his wounds for him. You could say I saved his life. I told him the ‘truth’ regarding the destruction of the Heavenly Prison Sect. And besides, all my harsh words and stern looks were in order to make him see Xiao Cheng’s true face as soon as possible. I reminded him he ought not to hold himself so cheaply. Shen Huaishi is a loyal and honest person. It is only reasonable that he be friendly towards me.”

Gu Fuzhou was playing with the candlelight, shuttling his fingers back and forth through the flame. “I still think the main reason is that you’re beautiful. Were you anyone else, try to reason with Shen Huaishi and you’d be lucky if he doesn’t immediately take out his sword on you. At the invitation from a great beauty, one would come even at the cost of one’s life.”

Lin Qingyu begged to differ, “Shen Huaishi may be gay but I’m not the type he likes.”

“Do you have some sort of misconception about yourself, Madam?” Gu Fuzhou smiled, “With looks like yours, you are everyone’s type.”

Three days later, as per their agreement, Lin Qingyu came to Changsheng Temple. Gu Fuzhou accompanied him. Lin Qingyu asked, “Do you think Shen Huaishi will agree to testify for us?”

Gu Fuzhou didn’t even have to think about it. “No. Regardless of whether or not he harbors any love for Xiao Cheng, in order to protect Jingchun, he will not reveal the truth.”

Lin Qingyu pondered, “Then how can we use Shen Huaishi to confirm this matter?”

Gu Fuzhou smiled and said, “Call me ‘Lao Gong’, I’ll help you find a way.”

Lin Qingyu’s mood suddenly turned complicated. He had already confessed his feelings for Gu Fuzhou and Gu Fuzhou was still thinking about going to the palace to be a eunuch. No wonder he was only willing to kiss his forehead even after establishing their relationship. Gu Fuzhou was reluctant to take a step closer.

It matters not. After all, sexual passion, this kind of thing wasn’t necessary for him. So long as the two of them love each other and can stay together, it was enough. Hopefully, this was all just talk on Gu Fuzhou’s part and that he wasn’t going to actually going to mutilate himself.

Without any expression on his face, Lin Qingyu called, “Lao Gong”. Gu Fuzhou was dissatisfied and he joked, “That was such a flat delivery. You need to soften your voice a little otherwise I won’t feel anything from it. Try again; you can do it.”

Lin Qingyu would not be persuaded. “Are you going to think up of something or not?”

Seeing the beauty’s face darken, Gu Fuzhou decided to quit while he was ahead and said, “Once you meet Shen Huaishi, there is no need for you to force him; just…”

Shen Huaishi only trusted Lin Qingyu and would not reveal himself with Gu Fuzhou around. The two parted in the front hall and Lin Qingyu headed alone to the back of the temple. Shen Huaishi was someone who keeps his word. He might even be shadowing him right at this moment. He would appear in front of him when the time was right.

Lin Qingyu, saying that he wasn’t feeling well, asked a monk for a spare room to temporarily rest in. He waited in the side room for about as long as it took to burn a stikc of incense when suddenly a gust of wind blew in, making the windows creak. Lin Qingyu walked to the window and closed it. Upon turning back around, there was now another person in front of him.

After not seeing each other for a long time, Shen Huaishi seemed to have completely changed. His appearance hadn’t changed much save for being a lot more tanned; it was his temperament that was the biggest change. The last time Lin Qingyu met with him was when Xiao Ting was assassinated. At that time, Shen Huaishi knew the truth that Lin Qingyu wanted him to know, and was dejected and depressed. But now, those eyes are looking at it, there is no waves, the distant silence, like the vicissitudes of life.

“Imperial Guard Shen.” Lin Qingyu said, “I trust you’ve been well since we last met.”

Shen Huaishi gave him a shallow smile. He seemed not to have smile for a long time; the movement at the corner of his lips appeared stiff. “Doctor Lin.”

Lin Qingyu looked at the plain-looking man in front of him. It would be a lie to say that he felt nothing in his heart. As Gu Fuzhou had said, Shen Huaishi had finally settled down in the Southern Border but because of his invitation, he return to the capital. This friendship was certainly not easy.

The two sat opposite each other. Lin Qingyu made a cup of tea and pushed the tea cup in front of Shen Huaishi. “You must have had a difficult journey.”

Shen Huaishi stared at Lin Qingyu’s jade-white slender hands. He asked softly, “Doctor Lin… How did you find me in the Southern Border?”

“If I told you it was a coincidence, would you believe me?”

Shen Huaishi hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

Lin Qingyu sighed, “You simply believe what others tell you. How have you managed to live until now?”

Shen Huaishi was a little dazed. “Probably, because I’m skilled.”

Lin Qingyu chuckled. “Well, you are right in saying that.” It was undoubtedly one of the reasons but the main one was because Shen Huaishi, like Xiao Cheng, was a protagonist of this world.

With Lin Qingyu’s smile, the simple and unadorned side room brightened. Shen Huaishi looked at him and couldn’t help be reminded of Jingchun. Their eyes looked so similar that every time he saw Lin Qingyu, he would a sense of closeness.

He and Jingchun had grown up together. Even with Xiao Cheng between them, his desire to protect Jingchun would not change.

Shen Huaishi said, “Your messenger told me that Doctor Lin has a life-or-death matter with which you need my help with. Could it be…” Shen Huaishi paused, “that person is making trouble for you again?”

Lin Qingyu said indifferently, “Xiao Cheng no longer harbors such thoughts towards me.”

Hearing Xiao Cheng’s name, Shen Huai’s eyes darkened a little. “That’s good.”

“Now, all his focus has been on finding you.” Lin Qingyu said while observing Shen Huaishi’s expression, “Judging by his actions, it seems he won’t ever give up until he finds you. It is unfortunate you were unable to finish him off. With him gone, I reckon there wouldn’t be all this fuss now.”

Shen Huaishi was dazed. After a while, he said quietly, “I’m useless, I couldn’t even take revenge for the Heavenly Prison Sect.”

“And if I give you another chance to take revenge?”

Shen Huaishi’s pupils shrank. “…Doctor Lin?”

Lin Qingyu breached the main topic, “Let me ask you, is Princess Jingchun a man or a woman?”

Shen Huaishi suddenly stood up. He got up so violently that he accidentally bumped into the table, sending the teacups colliding together with a clinking sound. “How did you know?”

“I don’t. I heard that there are such rumors in the North.” Lin Qingyu said, “Looking at your reaction, this rumor seems to be true.”

Shen Huaizhi pursed his lips without speaking, his lips pressed tightly into a straight line.

Lin Qingyu added, “You are but a mere shadow guard. Thinking about it, you wouldn’t have had the ability to put in effect this sort of deception for Jingchun. Undoubtedly, this was Xiao Cheng’s doing. Looking at the bigger picture, this is a crime, a deception of the Emperor.”

Shen Huaishi’s tone stiffened a bit. “If this is what Doctor Lin has come looking for me for, then I’m sorry but I cannot tell you.”

Lin Qingyu glanced at him. “Is this for Xiao Cheng’s sake or for Jingchun’s?”

“Me and His–… Xiao Cheng and I have already settled our accounts when I wounded him with me sword.” Shen Huaishi said, intricate and obscure, “But Jingchun has nothing to do with this matter and I can’t involve him.”

“Settled your accounts?” Lin Qingyu’s eyes went fierce, “Your whole family died tragically because of the Xiao Clan and with a single stab of your sword, your accounts are now clear?”

“I don’t know…” Shen Huaishi closed his eyes in pain, “I just want to live a peaceful life now. Doctor Lin, don’t force me.”

Shen Huaishi’s refusal came as no surprise. Lin Qingyu knew that it was useless to try and persuade him. He said, “If you insist that you two are now even, how can I force you? I’m sorry to have trouble you into making this trip. You should go now.”

Shen Huaishi made as if to speak but hesitated. His hands clenched into fists and then loosened, “I shall see you again.”

“Wait.” Lin Qingyu took off the golden stone serving as an ornament tied around his waist, “Take this. If you wish to find me in the future, you can show this token as proof. Give me something of yours as well.”

Shen Huaishi took the golden stone and put it away carefully. He hesitated for a moment, then took out a purple palace sash from his bosom. Handing it to Lin Qingyu, he said solemnly, “Doctor Lin, no matter what it is you wish to do, please do not hurt Jingchun.”

As long as his goals were achieved, Lin Qingyu cared not a whit whether others lived or died. But looking at Shen Huaishi’s pleading eyes, Lin Qingyu promised him nonetheless, “Do not worry. Jingchun has a husband who loves him like his own life. No harm will come to him. If you have the energy to worry, I suggest you worry about yourself. I’ve already caused the Tianji Camp to conduct their search to the North. Take care of yourself.”

Shen Huaishi placed a fist against his palm in salute. “Thank you, Doctor Lin.”

Another gust of wind blew and Shen Huaishi disappeared.

Lin Qingyu returned to the main hall, but did not see Gu Fuzhou, who should have been waiting here for him. He asked the monk about Gu Fuzhou’s whereabouts and was told that he was at the mountain behind the temple, sitting in consultation with the National Teacher.

Lin Qingyu remembered the last time he and Gu Fuzhou came to Changsheng Temple together. Gu Fuzhou had also met Xu Junyuan then. Xu Junyuan was often in closed-door cultivation year round. It was difficult even for the Empress to seek an audience but Gu Fuzhou was able to see him every time. This seemed to be the true for both Gu Fuzhou as well as when we was Lu Wancheng.

Xu Junyuan was unfathomable. He seemed to know everything but at the same time, nothing. It made it difficult to pin him down.

When Lin Qingyu went looking in the mountain, Gu Fuzhou and Xu Junyuan had already finished their conversation. Xu Junyuan was personally seeing Gu Fuzhou off when he saw Lin Qingyu coming. He raised his eyebrows, “The General’s wife is here.”

Lin Qingyu nodded lightly, polite yet distance. “Greetings to the National Teacher.”

Gu Fuzhou said, “Qingyu, we should thank the National Teacher.”

“Why?”

Because he’ll be doing us a little favor.

“The General exaggerates.” Xu Junyuan said with a smile, “It is my honor to be of service to the General.”

Lin Qingyu said, “Is it not enough of an honor for the National Teacher to be of service to His Majesty?”

Xu Junyuan heard Lin Qingyu’s unspoken implication and said calmly, “How the General and His Majesty, two different matters altogether, be lumped as one?”

“No need to waste you time arguing with him.” Gu Fuzhou was quite experienced, “The National Teacher is a man of enigma and he will never answer your questions directly. All your questions will simply be in vain.”

Xu Junyuan couldn’t help laughing. “The General; one who knows me best.”

Lin Qingyu thought for a while and said, “Be that as it may, there is still one matter I wish to consult with the National Teacher.”

“I invite the Madam to speak freely.”

“The National Teacher once said that the reason for His Highness the Sixth Prince’s dullness is the loss of his soul.”

“Madam, you’ve seen His Highness the Sixth Prince’s medical records? Indeed, His Highness lost his soul when he was young, no medical remedy would be of any use.” Xu Junyuan sighed, “Only Heaven knows how long His Highness will last.”

Lin Qingyu frowned. “What do you mean by this?”

Xu Junyuan said, “A soul is separated from the body, this runs counter to Heavenly law. How could it possibly last?”

Lin Qingyu’s heart suddenly sank. He asked, “A soul separated from the body cannot last. Then what of a soul in a different body?”

Gu Fuzhou looked at Lin Qingyu and said helplessly, “Qingyu…”

Xu Junyuan smiled and said, “The humble one does not know.”

On the way back, Lin Qingyu was worried and his brows furrowed. Gu Fuzhou coaxed him for a long time could not get him to cheer up. Back in the mansion, the servants had already prepared their evening meal but Lin Qingyu had no appetite. “You finish eating, I’ll go to the study.”

How could Gu Fuzhou dare to eat when Lin Qingyu would not. He chased after him to the study room where he saw Lin Qingyu holding a book of which he didn’t turn even a single page even after a long time. He came over and took the medical book from his hand.

Lin Qingyu stood up and stretched out his hand to take it back: “Give it back to me.”

Gu Fuzhou grabbed his hand and said, “Xu Junyuan was talking about Xiao Li, not me. Don’t substitute it indiscriminately, Doctor Lin. Didn’t he say that he doesn’t know about this matter of soul transfers.”

Lin Qingyu said slowly, “I can’t not worry. Your soul is too confusing.”

Gu Fuzhou leaned against the table and actually began spinning the book on the tip of his finger. “Then now is not the time to worry about this. We should focus on the things that are right in front of us.”

“That’s easy for you to say.” Lin Qingyu pressed down on the space between his brows. “You’re not the one who’s going to be left behind.”

Gu Fuzhou fell silent.

“Do you think I don’t know that thinking about this is useless?”Lin Qingyu said softly, “I just… can’t control it.”

Gu Fuzhou smiled, “Then what should we do? How about we do something to distract you?”

Lin Qingyu could not muster any interest. “Like what?”

“Like…” Gu Fuzhou paused and the book stopped spinning. He threw the book onto the table, bent down, and pressed his lips against Lin Qingyu’s cool lips.

Lin Qingyu’s heart skipped a beat. Whether Shen Huaishi or Xu Junyuan, they all disappeared from his mind the moment he felt those lips touch his.

Gu Fuzhou’s kiss was soft and warm but due to lack of romantic experience, it lacked method.

In any case, this time, Gu Fuzhou acted as he wished and he was more than equal to the task, doing so calmly and unhurriedly.

But hand against Gu Fuzhou’s chest, Lin Qingyu could feel his heart pounding from nervousness.

Gu Fuzhou’s heart was beating so fast, even faster than his.

You sure are good at pretending, Jiang Gongzi.

Thinking so, Lin Qingyu tentatively stuck out the tip of his tongue, a clumsy response borne of inexperience to his kiss.