TGWM Ch. 13

Chapter 13: Invitation

As soon as Lin Aoxue saw Yun Yan, Yun Yan’s astonished gaze also landed on Lin Aoxue. Neither of them had expected to run into each other under such circumstances.

Lin Aoxue had important matters to attend to. Though she was surprised to see Yun Yan at the clinic, she did not show much emotion. She merely nodded politely at Yun Yan before passing by her.

She quickly walked to the counter, stopped a shop assistant, and asked, “Do you have xuduan in stock?”

The assistant paused, then shook his head. “A batch of medicinal herbs was taken by the military last month. Right now, our supplies are low. The doctor went into the mountains to gather more herbs a couple of days ago and hasn’t returned yet. We don’t have any xuduan at the moment.”

Lin Aoxue furrowed her brows, disappointment evident on her face. Pressing her lips together, she walked out of the clinic with heavy steps, her expression clouded with concern. She didn’t know how she was going to return and report back.

She didn’t want to see Lu Sheng go from hopeful to disappointed—especially while pretending to stay composed. But she had already searched every pharmacy in Xingbei and had found no xuduan. If she didn’t return soon and the opportunity to treat Lu Sheng’s injured leg was delayed, his leg might become completely useless—even standing up could turn into an impossible dream.

It had been a long time since Lin Aoxue had felt so helpless. She let out a long sigh and stepped over the clinic’s threshold to leave.

However, she had barely taken two steps when she sensed someone waiting outside. She halted and looked ahead, only to see that Yun Yan had not gone far. She stood elegantly in the distance, as if waiting for someone.

When Yun Yan noticed Lin Aoxue looking over, she smiled faintly. Her breathtaking beauty drew the attention of many passing pedestrians.

“Young Master Lin,” she called softly.

This was just outside Yanyu Tower. Yun Yan’s usual teasing smile was toned down, and she had even changed the way she addressed Lin Aoxue—from “Officer” to “Young Master.” The lack of a courtesan’s flirtatious air made Lin Aoxue feel a little more at ease.

Though her expression remained cold, she did not treat Yun Yan like a snake or scorpion to be avoided. When Yun Yan called out to her, she took two steps in her direction and asked, “Miss Yun Yan, are you waiting for me?” Her tone was neutral—neither close nor distant.

Yun Yan nodded with a smile, then got straight to the point. “I just saw that you were looking for xuduan. Is someone suffering from a bone injury?”

Lin Aoxue was slightly surprised. She glanced at Yun Yan in astonishment, not expecting her to have any knowledge of medicine. However, this matter wasn’t a secret. Considering Yun Yan’s connections, perhaps she could even be of help.

With a sigh of resignation, Lin Aoxue admitted, “A soldier under my command fell from his horse and broke his leg. The military camp doesn’t have this herb, and I’ve searched every pharmacy in Xingbei without success. I fear his leg is beyond saving.”

She found it ironic—after all her years of experience, she had still reached a point where she was grasping at straws, even going so far as to confide in a courtesan. Lin Aoxue couldn’t help but let out a wry smile.

Her answer surprised Yun Yan, though it also made perfect sense.

She had assumed that a high-ranking officer in the military must have been injured for Lin Aoxue to be in such a rush. But unexpectedly, the person Lin Aoxue was so concerned about was just an ordinary soldier under her command.

For a moment, Yun Yan couldn’t quite describe how she felt. She only thought that Lin Aoxue was indeed different from most people. That little girl Yueqin had quite the eye for people.

Seeing Lin Aoxue furrowing her brows, visibly troubled, Yun Yan took the initiative to speak. “If I tell you that I can find this herb for you, would you agree to one request from me?”

Lin Aoxue was quite surprised. Although she did have some expectations, Yun Yan’s sudden proposition made her instinctively wary. She stood there in silence, saying nothing.

Yun Yan naturally understood her concerns and added, “I won’t ask you to do anything immoral, nor anything that goes against your principles.”

Lin Aoxue felt a bit embarrassed, as if her thoughts had been exposed so easily. “Tell me what it is first.” Although she was eager to obtain the xuduan, she had not lost her reason or judgment. She remained cautious to avoid falling into a trap.

Perhaps Yun Yan wasn’t that kind of person, and she was being overly suspicious. But given her unique situation, she couldn’t afford to be careless. It was always wise to stay on guard.

Yun Yan, understanding Lin Aoxue’s vigilance, didn’t beat around the bush and got straight to the point. “I simply wish for Young Master Lin to visit Yanyu Tower more often whenever you have the time.”

If Lin Aoxue never set foot in Yanyu Tower, then no matter how much Yueqin longed to see her, it would never happen. Since Yueqin and Yun Yan were close, Yun Yan found it reasonable to help her out.

Lin Aoxue had not expected Yun Yan to say something like that. She was stunned for a moment before her back tensed, her expression turning serious. The tips of her ears quietly turned red.

She recalled their first meeting—when Yun Yan had whispered softly into her ear. Now, combined with this invitation, Lin Aoxue inevitably misinterpreted the meaning behind it.

She wanted to refuse, but thinking about Lu Sheng’s injury, she hesitated.

Yun Yan had only asked her to visit Yanyu Tower occasionally if she had time—nothing more. If she refused outright, not only would she not get the xuduan, but she would also seem overly paranoid and petty.

After weighing her options, Lin Aoxue finally nodded. “If the military has no urgent matters, I will consider it.”

Yun Yan’s smile deepened, making Lin Aoxue feel even more uneasy.

“Then please come with me to Yanyu Tower to retrieve the medicine,” Yun Yan said, brushing her sleeve lightly before turning gracefully to leave.

Lin Aoxue’s eyelid twitched. She sighed inwardly, realizing that, in the end, she still had to step into Yanyu Tower. But then she thought—if she truly managed to get the xuduan from Yun Yan, she would owe her a favor anyway. Visiting Yanyu Tower a few more times after this didn’t seem like such a big deal anymore.

Yanyu Tower wasn’t far from the clinic, and since Lin Aoxue was in a hurry, the two of them walked quickly. In less than half the time it would take for an incense stick to burn, they arrived at Yanyu Tower. The courtesans at the entrance saw Lin Aoxue following Yun Yan inside and exchanged knowing smiles, making Lin Aoxue feel extremely uncomfortable.

Yun Yan ascended the stairs and sent for Yueqin.

Yueqin had not expected to see Lin Aoxue at this time and was instantly overjoyed.

Under Lin Aoxue’s puzzled gaze, Yun Yan calmly instructed Yueqin to take Lin Aoxue to the medicine storeroom to retrieve the xuduan. Yueqin happily agreed and eagerly led Lin Aoxue toward the storeroom, step by step.

The walk wasn’t long, at most a hundred steps, but since there wasn’t much to talk about between Lin Aoxue and Yueqin, the silence felt even more pronounced.

Midway, as if something had come to mind, Lin Aoxue pressed her lips together before suddenly asking, “Does Miss Yun Yan know medicine?” Yun Yan had not only accurately stated the effects of xuduan but also had a separate pharmacy inside Yanyu Tower, which made Lin Aoxue curious.

Yueqin was momentarily stunned by the question. Then, the smile on her face stiffened slightly, and a trace of disappointment and dejection appeared in her eyes. Lin Aoxue had always been accustomed to silence. Now that she finally spoke, it was only to ask about “Miss Yun Yan.” Taking a deep breath to compose herself, Yueqin suppressed the sour feeling in her heart before nodding and answering, “Yes, Yun-jiejie has read many medical books and often visits nearby villages and towns to provide free treatment. She’s done a lot of good deeds.”

Yueqin’s words surprised Lin Aoxue, making her eyes flicker with thoughtfulness. Her impression of Yun Yan subtly shifted. She nodded slightly and didn’t ask further.

They soon arrived at the pharmacy. Following Yun Yan’s instructions, Yueqin retrieved the xuduan and handed it to Lin Aoxue. As Lin Aoxue took it, she said, “Please pass on my thanks to Miss Yun Yan.”

Yueqin sniffled, forcing a small smile before nodding in agreement.

Lu Sheng’s leg injury couldn’t afford any delays, and Lin Aoxue had already been out for half an hour. After entrusting Yueqin with her gratitude, she quickly left Yanyu Tower.

Lin Aoxue moved swiftly, successfully bringing back the xuduan within an hour. Her return not only filled Beichen Long with joy but also earned the admiration of the military doctor, who sincerely praised, “Platoon Leader Lin, your care for your subordinates is truly admirable!”

Beichen Long gave Lin Aoxue a firm pat on the shoulder. “Well done!” Then, he turned to the military doctor and said, “Hurry and set Lu Sheng’s bone.”

The military doctor responded without delay, taking the medicinal herbs to treat Lu Sheng’s injury. He carefully set the bone, applied the medicine, and secured it with a splint. Letting out a deep breath of relief, he saw that Lu Sheng’s complexion had improved significantly. Only then did he murmur a reminder, “Platoon Leader Lin truly managed to find xuduan within an hour. If your leg heals, you must never forget this kindness!”

A person should always remember and repay their debts of gratitude.

Lu Sheng’s eyes involuntarily reddened. He would never dare to forget Lin Aoxue’s immense kindness.

His entire family had been slaughtered by the barbarians, forcing him to flee his homeland and seek refuge in Xingbei, where he joined the military. However, due to his own shortcomings, he had suffered constant bullying in the camp. He had always carried a burning desire for revenge against the barbarians, stubbornly enduring in silence.

Then, last winter, Lin Aoxue had spoken to him at the sentry post, solidifying his determination. From that day on, she had looked after him in every way—teaching him martial arts, urging him to study, and even today, she had given up a good horse for him, just so he could better apply what he had learned over the past few months.

Yet, he had let her down. He hadn’t even been able to train his horse properly, and worse, he had fallen off and broken his leg.

If Lin Aoxue hadn’t gone out herself to find xuduan for him, he wouldn’t even have had a forty percent chance of recovery.

Lin Aoxue’s care for him was like that of a brother or even a father. A true man does not shed tears easily, but at this moment, Lu Sheng’s eyes were red. He swallowed back his emotions and silently made a vow—no matter if he could take revenge or make a name for himself in the future, he would follow Lin Aoxue for life, serving her with unwavering loyalty to repay this great kindness.

The military doctor reminded Lu Sheng that his leg injury required rest and recovery before he left to report back to Beichen Long.

Beichen Long led Lin Aoxue to check on Lu Sheng and said to him, “For now, don’t worry about participating in the training drills at camp. Once your leg has fully healed, you can catch up on what you’ve missed.”

Seeing that Lu Sheng’s condition had improved, Lin Aoxue finally felt a sense of relief. She patted his shoulder, offering a few words of comfort, urging him to focus on recovery and not to concern himself with military affairs for now. Only then did she leave the tent with Beichen Long.

However, the moment she stepped outside, Lin Aoxue’s expression darkened.

Beichen Long glanced at her and asked, “You have something to say?”