Traveling back to ancient times to get rich

Chapter 320 Lonely Song Ming

The rumors and gossip in the capital hung over Fuling like an inescapable gloom. She often sat on the stone bench in the courtyard, listening to the whispers from afar, her eyes filled with disdain and stubbornness. "What do those people know? I, Fuling, am not someone to be talked about so casually," she thought to herself, gently stroking a pot of orchids on the stone table. The orchids swayed gently in the breeze, seemingly a reflection of her current state of mind.

In Medicine King Valley, Song Ming led a monotonous yet busy life. At the crack of dawn, he would rise and wander through the herb garden, carefully examining the growth of each plant. The morning dew soaked his trousers, but he remained oblivious. His world seemed to consist only of these herbs, the obscure medical texts, and the various medicine jars. The Medicine King, watching his disciple, felt a mixture of helplessness and anxiety. "Ming'er, you're not getting any younger. It's time to think about your future," the Medicine King said earnestly, sitting in a rocking chair in the courtyard, watching the busy Song Ming. Song Ming's hoe paused slightly. He looked up, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes, then lowered his head again, saying softly, "Master, I only want to focus on studying medicine. I don't want to think about anything else for now."

Days passed in this way, and although the capital and Medicine King Valley seemed to have no connection, they were as if tightly linked by an invisible thread. Until one day, Bai Zhi, Fu Ling, and a few others accompanied Ye Qingchen to visit Empress Duan Ling'er of Southern Xinjiang and her child with Dong Nanxi. Upon returning from Southern Xinjiang, they went directly to Yun City and visited the Gu residence to see the Emperor Emeritus, Empress Dowager, the Eldest Princess, the Medicine King, Grandpa Lu, and Old Master Wu, who were recuperating there. These individuals had brought a large group of children with them to the Gu residence, making it far more lively than the imperial palace.

After exchanging pleasantries with the elders, Ye Qingchen heard that a wealthy man in Jincheng had sought medicine from Medicine King Valley to cure an illness. Medicine King Valley didn't have this particular medicine, but Ye Qingchen did. Without hesitation, she gave the medicine to Fuling, asking her to take it to Medicine King Valley. To be honest, although Fuling had lived there for quite some time, she had hardly ever been to Medicine King Valley. Only Ye Qingchen had been there; the other women hadn't. Mainly, it was just a place for martial arts practice, medicine making, and medical study—not very interesting. So Ye Qingchen was too lazy to go. Her main purpose in coming to Yuncheng was to stay at the Gu residence.

Fuling entered Medicine King Valley, where the air was filled with the fragrance of herbs. The herb garden was filled with various medicinal plants, and many disciples in white robes were busily gathering and preparing them. She inquired about Song Ming's residence from a disciple, who sized her up before bowing and asking, "What business does the young lady have with the Second Master?" Fuling respectfully returned the bow, saying, "My master sent me to deliver a dose of good medicine to the Second Master." The disciple nodded, pointed to a courtyard ahead, and said, "That's the Second Master's residence. He has a strange personality; he ignores us when we speak to him. Please go ahead, young lady."

Fuling arrived at the courtyard and gently knocked on the door knocker. A moment later, the door opened, and Song Ming appeared in the doorway. Looking at the unfamiliar woman before him, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes. He asked, "Who are you? What brings you here?" Fuling looked at Song Ming, her heart skipping a beat. Although the man before her was dressed simply, he possessed a unique air about him. She composed herself and said, "My name is Fuling. The Medicine King and Her Majesty the Empress sent me to deliver this precious medicine, saying it will be useful to you." Song Ming frowned slightly and said, "It seems my master isn't returning from the Gu residence. I only wanted him to come back briefly, which is why I said I didn't have this medicine. But since you've brought it, please thank Her Majesty the Empress for me. You should go back now; I need to start preparing this medicine." Upon hearing this, Fuling's heart sank. Although she hadn't gone to great lengths, and this place wasn't far from the Gu residence, not even being able to get a proper greeting made her, now an aunt, lose face. She was unwilling to leave just like that, and said, "Second Master Song, I have come all this way with great difficulty. May I have a cup of tea in the valley?" Song Ming hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded and said, "Then come with me."

Song Ming led Fu Ling to the room and said, "I don't have many good teas here, only this Zhuyeqing. It's made from the tender bamboo leaves I selected. The light bamboo leaf flavor is refreshing and can help clear away internal heat. Why are you so angry, young lady?" Fu Ling watched Song Ming's departing figure, feeling inwardly angry. Was he subtly insulting her? Judging by his age, he was definitely not a young boy anymore; he looked about the same age as the Emperor. With such a bad temper, he probably hadn't found a wife. But then she thought, she wasn't married either, so she shouldn't laugh at others.

Fu Ling, seething with anger, sat there, picked up her teacup, and gulped down the tea. The moment the tea entered her mouth, she felt a cool sensation slide down her throat, as if extinguishing the fire in her heart. The faint bamboo leaf flavor was accompanied by wisps of delicate fragrance, invigorating the senses. Even as she spoke, she could almost feel the subtle aroma lingering on her lips and teeth.

"Hmm, this tea is quite good." Fu Ling thought to herself, it seems that the tea-brewing skills are indeed excellent.

Setting down her teacup, Fuling began to survey her surroundings. This was Song Ming's outer room, quite different from the outer rooms of other men she had seen. Instead of numerous decorative items like porcelain and calligraphy, it possessed a simple and elegant charm.

Looking through the blue window frame, she saw some elegant calligraphy on the window screen. The characters flowed naturally like clouds and water, yet carried a touch of strength. Fuling couldn't help but wonder if these characters were written by Song Ming.

Looking at the other furnishings in the room, there was a shelf neatly arranged with various boxes, all of which looked quite exquisite. Several tables and chairs were also placed perfectly, and everything, from the boxes on the shelf to the plates and bowls on the tables and chairs, was arranged meticulously without the slightest clutter. There was also a writing desk, with calligraphy brushes arranged meticulously according to the color of the brush handle and the length of the brush tip.

Fuling was looking at the words on the window screen when Song Ming ran out of the inner room, completely losing his previous composure. He said anxiously, "Miss, you said this medicine was sent by the Empress? How old is this medicine? How can it be so big? I just checked, the quality and efficacy of this medicine are quite good!" Fuling said, "Second Master Song, my master's medicine is naturally of good quality, why make such a fuss? I think Second Master Song should indeed drink more of this light bamboo leaf medicine, so as not to be so alarmed."

Song Ming choked, wondering if he had said something wrong. Why did this girl's words sound so fiery?