Uncle and sister-in-law

Hu Fei's joy was evident upon hearing the admiration for his father, but as he caught sight of his mother's smile, a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. "Who's to say you're not just saying kind words about my father because you've seen us, mother and son?"

Song Qingshu's expression turned serious as he spoke with a natural tone. "Neither, nor!" His voice carried a weight of sincerity. "In today's world, the title of 'hero' seems to be thrown around loosely. But true heroes, how many can truly embody the spirit?"

Curiosity sparked within Madam Hu as she found herself increasingly interested in his words, her cold demeanor melting away.

"There are so many supposed heroes in the world, I wonder which two and a half truly deserve such honor?" she inquired.

"Guo Jing, the defender of Xiangyang, is a hero for both the nation and its people, deserving every bit of recognition," Song Qingshu began, his thoughts drifting, regretting that his own focus had been consumed by national affairs, neglecting his family.

"Guo Daxia is indeed a remarkable hero," both mother and son nodded in agreement.

"As for the remaining half," Song Qingshu teasingly left them hanging, before continuing, "it is Wu Liuqi, the beggar in the snow, who embodies true kindness, deserving of gratitude that can never be forgotten. He is a man of extraordinary character." Deep down, Song Qingshu pondered whether the Wu Liuqi he knew from Jin Yong's writings was the same as the one in this era, or if they were separate entities in history.

"Although I have never heard of this person, as you describe him, he is undeniably a hero," Madam Hu confessed, her admiration for such figures evident. She couldn't help but radiate brilliance.

"And who is the other?" the impatient child blurted out, unable to contain his excitement. Observing Song Qingshu's hesitation, Hu Fei pressed for an answer.

Rather than giving a direct response, Song Qingshu recited a poem. "In Liaodong, heroes wield their blades. Their martial prowess spans the world, their heroic spirit soaring high. Their loyalty encompasses the heavens and earth, their tenderness envelops all."

The words ignited a spark in Mrs. Hu's beautiful eyes once again, as she gazed deeply at him. "For the son to bestow such a heartfelt poem in remembrance of my husband, I offer my gratitude. It seems you truly knew and admired him." A wave of relief washed over her. Without genuine familiarity and admiration for her late husband, Song Qingshu could never have composed such a fitting poem. In those few lines, Mrs. Hu felt as if she could hear her husband's laughter, brimming with heroism, once more, and it stirred a bittersweet ache within her.

The more Hu Fei looked at Song Qingshu, the more he found himself drawn to him. Hearing such regret in his words, the young boy's pride swelled within him. He firmly grasped Song Qingshu's sleeve and spoke with solemnity. "I admired your courage at the restaurant earlier. Though I may lack martial prowess, my spirit is unyielding. If my father were here, he would surely appreciate meeting you. Hearing your regrets, I would like to extend a friendship on behalf of my father. Would you be willing?"

Mrs. Hu's shock was palpable as she swiftly attempted to cover her son's mouth. "Fei'er, don't go fooling around!"

Unfazed by the interruption, Song Qingshu smiled warmly. "As expected, he truly is the son of Daxia Hu! Your earnestness is commendable," he remarked. With a gentle hand, he raised Hu Fei to his feet before dropping down to his knees, facing the northeast. His fingers dug into the earth, serving as makeshift joss sticks. "In the presence of Song Qingshu, a humble servant of the Lower Song Dynasty, I hold great admiration for the valor of the Hu family from Liaodong. I am willing to become sworn brothers with Hu Fei, cementing our bond with the testimony of heaven and earth, the unity of mountains and rivers, and the approval of the emperor and empress. Let it be a true union of hearts."

Hu Fei mirrored his actions, solemnly joining him on his knees. "I, Hu Fei, representing my deceased father Hu Yidao, hereby become sworn brothers with Song Qingshu. May we share a bond that transcends blood ties. May our lives be intertwined until the end, like the same day and year of our departure..." As a young boy, Hu Fei struggled to conjure appropriate vows, his words stumbling as he tried to recall lines from a play he had once heard.

"Mischievous child, your father..." Mrs. Hu couldn't hold back her embarrassment as she watched her son stumble through his oath.

"Sister-in-law, it's alright. The younger brother has long departed, but his spirit lives on," Song Qingshu reassured her truthfully. The real Song Qingshu had indeed perished.

The term "sister-in-law" struck a chord within Mrs. Hu, causing her heart to skip a beat. She responded awkwardly, "Fei'er is simply being foolish."

"I genuinely appreciate his spirited nature. If not for your late husband, I might have even considered him as my mentor," Song Qingshu chuckled. "Fei'er, let's keep our brotherhood between ourselves."

Hu Fei, overjoyed by the notion of having an older brother, eagerly stepped forward and exclaimed, "Good brother!"

Observing the playful interaction between the two, Mrs. Hu couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow. She closed her eyes briefly, then changed the subject. "Uncle... Uncle, I can't help but notice that you don't seem to be in a state of anger. Considering your youthful appearance, such an ailment shouldn't befall you."

Caught off guard by his sudden title of "uncle," Song Qingshu quickly responded, "Sister-in-law, you are perceptive. I suffered severe injuries in the past, resulting in the rupture of my meridians..."

Mrs. Hu's astonishment was evident as she interjected, "Uncle, may I examine your pulse?" Despite the difference in gender and social norms, her concern outweighed any hesitation.

Understanding that there was little hope for a remedy, Song Qingshu politely extended his arm. As Mrs. Hu's delicate, fair fingers made contact with his pulse, Song Qingshu couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine, as if the touch was icy and slippery.

"Who could have inflicted such cruelty upon you, uncle?" Mrs. Hu's face contorted with distress.

Reluctantly, Song Qingshu withdrew his arm and offered a wry smile. "I committed a grave mistake in the past, and I deserved this fate. Sister-in-law, please don't concern yourself."

Impressed by Song Qingshu's humility, Mrs. Hu cast a surprised glance at him and suddenly had an idea. Her eyes lit up with hope. "By the way, we are planning to visit the Poisonous Medicine King. I've heard that he possesses great expertise in both poisonous arts and healing. Perhaps he can aid in healing your injury, uncle."

"Coincidentally, I came to Dongting Lake in search of him as well," Song Qingshu remarked, feeling the hand of destiny at play.

"If uncle doesn't object, let us travel together," Mrs. Hu suggested softly.

"I would be delighted!" Song Qingshu's joy was evident. Realizing his enthusiasm might have come across as excessive, he quickly added, "I wonder if my sister-in-law knows the whereabouts of the Poisonous Medicine King?"

"After years of searching, my son and I only discovered a few months ago that he resides in the vicinity of Dongting Lake, but we are uncertain of the precise location," Mrs. Hu explained, her delicate eyebrows furrowing in helplessness.

"I know that he can be found at the White Horse Temple near Dongting Lake, but despite my inquiries, I have been unable to ascertain the precise location of the temple," Song Qingshu lamented, frustration evident in his tone.

"Mother, didn't we pass by a small town called Baima Temple a month ago?" Young Hu Fei suddenly interjected.

Anticipation surged within Mrs. Hu as she realized that the long-standing doubts might finally be answered. She couldn't help but smile. Song Qingshu, too, let out a sigh of relief. He hurried to the lake to freshen up, cleansing his face of the residual bloodstains. Observing the transformation before her eyes, Mrs. Hu couldn't help but think, "Uncle possesses such remarkable handsomeness, yet his heart remains as proud as that of my late husband."

"Sister-in-law, may I inquire about the reason behind your search for the Poisonous Medicine King?" Song Qingshu asked, toweling his damp hair, his gaze fixed upon Mrs. Hu.

"At that time, my elder brother Hu fell victim to poison. Through subsequent investigations, I discovered that the poison afflicting him was none other than the infamous Black Evil Cold Ice, a secret concoction of the Poisonous Medicine King. However, neither my husband nor I had any prior grievances with him or his wife, leaving no plausible motive for harm. Therefore, I suspect that someone else had obtained his potent medicine. I wish to confront him personally and uncover the identity of those who possess this highly toxic substance," Mrs. Hu recounted, her lovely countenance unable to conceal the sorrow that still lingered in her heart.