Whispers in the Night

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Wu Meifen completed her twelve-hour vigil, her legs numb and body weary. Slowly, she stood up and attempted to open the door of the ancestral home to exit, her posture wavering. Escort Hua and Xiao Feng, noticing her unsteady stance, rushed to assist her. Master Zhao held the night lamp high, casting a soft glow on the scene, while Escort Hua gently supported Wu Meifen as she stepped outside.

Xiao Feng stepped inside to fetch a cup of water from a low table, noticing the nearly empty pitcher—a sign that Mistress Wu had frequently taken time to rest and hydrate during her long vigil. 'A good thing,' he thought as he poured the water. Handing her the cup with a respectful gesture, Xiao Feng said, "Here, Mistress Wu. Please drink."

Wu Meifen accepted the cup with a grateful smile, her hands trembling slightly from exhaustion. "Thank you," she murmured, taking small, measured sips. The cool water revitalized her, relieving some of the weariness from her long vigil.

Master Zhao suggested gently, "Would you like to stretch your legs first to ease the numbness and cramping?"

Wu Meifen shook her head, feeling her strength slowly returning. "No need."

"Mistress Wu. Lean on me." Escort Hua offered with a reassuring smile.

With Hua Meilin's assistance, Wu Meifen's steps grew steadier with each passing moment. As they descended the cliff and walked along the river's edge, glistening under the moonlight, the air filled with the scent of freshwater and the distant sound of rustling leaves. Master Zhao began to recount the incident at the harvesting site earlier in the day. His calm, steady voice provided both information and a welcome distraction from her fatigue.

"Mistress Wu," Master Zhao began, "Xiao Lin discovered an unconscious person near the site today."

Wu Meifen's eyes widened slightly. "Unconscious? Are they alright?"

"Healer Wang assessed him," Master Zhao continued. "He's stable now."

"Healer Wang?" Wu Meifen asked, her confusion evident.

Comprehending Wu Meifen hadn't met the resident healer, Zhao Baiyi clarified, "He's the boatman healer on the passengers' boat the magistrate arranged for us to use."

"I see," Wu Meifen then pondered. "Do we know who this stranger is or where they came from?"

"That's the intriguing part, Mistress Wu!" Xiao Feng interjected excitedly, carrying a small tray with an empty pitcher and plates.

Both Wu Meifen and Zhao Baiyi turned their attention to him. Xiao Feng, grasping his mistake under Master Zhao's stern gaze, quickly bowed his head and whispered an apology. It was clear that Master Baiyi was delivering a formal report, even though it appeared casual.

Master Zhao gave him a measured look but continued, "No, we haven't yet determined his identity or origin."

Wu Meifen noticed Xiao Feng's excited expression and bright eyes, indicating his interest in the topic. She smiled softly, deciding to indulge Xiao Feng's enthusiasm. "Pray tell, Xiao Feng, what do you find so intriguing about this stranger?"

Xiao Feng's eyes lit up. "It's just that he was found with some very unusual belongings, Mistress Wu. Things we've never seen before." He glanced nervously at Master Zhao, whose expression remained unchanged, then at Escort Hua Meilin, whose smile widened. Finally, he looked back at Mistress Wu, who seemed eager for him to continue. Unsure if she was teasing or genuinely curious, he continued to share timidly.

"Master Wu initially thought the young man was a slave boy abandoned in the forest, but..." He trailed off, suddenly shy, and looked to Master Zhao to continue the report.

Wu Meifen nodded thoughtfully. "It seems we have a mystery on our hands." She tried to maintain a serious expression, but Hua Meilin's laughter was contagious. As Wu Meifen leaned on Escort Hua for support, she couldn't help but smile, her eyes twinkling as she struggled to hold back laughter. Zhao Baiyi, noticing Xiao Feng's flushed face, turned away to hide his grin and cleared his throat loudly to regain his composure.

Realizing he was being teased, Xiao Feng quietly moved ahead, his cheeks still red as he carried the small tray.

A moment later, the three regained their composure and followed Xiao Feng, resuming their conversation as if nothing had happened. Wu Meifen then asked, "What happened next after what Xiao Feng mentioned about Uncle's confusion regarding the young man's identity?"

Master Zhao replied, "Healer Wang suspects the young man could be of noble birth or someone of importance who might be fleeing from something. Despite his current state, the signs suggest he was well cared for before he ended up lost in the wilderness. It's evident that he has endured a significant ordeal."

Wu Meifen nodded. "Ensure he receives the necessary care," she said, confirming that Physician Chu was already attending to the young stranger in the hunters' cabin.

"Understood," Master Zhao affirmed, his expression growing serious. "We also need to keep a close watch on him until we learn more about his identity and situation."

They continued their trek, passing the river dock and heading up the slope towards the cabin. Suddenly, they encountered Healer Wang, holding a night lamp and approaching from the direction of the hunters' cabin.

Xiao Feng was the first to notice a night lamp coming in their way. Since he was walking ahead of them, he saw that Healer Wang was the one holding it. Xiao Feng called out respectfully, "Healer Wang, good evening!" He bowed as best he could with the tray in his hands.

Healer Wang nodded in acknowledgment. "Good evening."

The others soon noticed the healer as well. After greeting him with respectful clasped of fists, Zhao Baiyi said, "Healer Wang, may I introduce our Mistress, Ms. Wu Meifen, the owner of the Dragon's Edge Woodcutters company."

Healer Wang bowed slightly. "It is an honor to meet you, Mistress Wu."

"Likewise," Wu Meifen replied. "I understand you were the one who first attended to our unconscious guest. Can you tell me more about his condition?"

Healer Wang nodded gravely. "Certainly, Mistress Wu. The young man was found in a state of extreme fatigue and dehydration. Initially, his body was cold and shivering, indicating severe exhaustion and possible exposure from the recent storm. Soon after, he developed a high fever. I have administered remedies to reduce the fever and stabilize his temperature. However, he remains unconscious."

Wu Meifen's brow furrowed with concern. "What more can be done to aid his recovery?"

"I have advised your group's young physician and cook on further steps," Healer Wang assured her. "For now, see to it he gets plenty of fluids and proper nourishment."

"Thank you for your diligence, Healer Wang," Zhao Baiyi said. "We'll make sure your instructions are followed."

Healer Wang nodded. "You're welcome. The patient needs consistent rehydration and nourishment to regain his strength. We must also monitor him closely for any changes in his condition."

"Thank you, Healer Wang," Wu Meifen said. "Your efforts are greatly appreciated." She then glanced at Xiao Feng, recalling his earlier remarks. "One more thing, Healer Wang. What do you make of his unusual belongings that Xiao Feng mentioned?"

Healer Wang's brows furrowed slightly as he stroked his chin thoughtfully. "They are indeed peculiar. They suggest he might not be from around here. However, our immediate priority should be his recovery."

After providing the details, Healer Wang requested, "Mistress Wu, may I speak with you in private for a few moments?"

Wu Meifen agreed, and they stepped aside. Xiao Feng, Escort Hua, and Master Zhao stood at a respectful distance, unable to hear the conversation. Zhao Baiyi watched Wu Meifen and Healer Wang exchange words under the soft glow of the night lamp. The healer's expression was serious, while Wu Meifen's face remained calm but unreadable.

After a few moments, they bid farewell to Healer Wang. Wu Meifen returned to the group with an indescribable calm expression. Xiao Feng couldn't help but feel a mixture of curiosity and concern about the private conversation.

Wu Meifen cast a glance toward Healer Wang's departing figure before turning back to Master Zhao with a thoughtful look. "Healer Wang brought up something curious," she said, her tone deliberately vague, and her eyes reflecting a trace of intrigue. "He seemed particularly cautious about discussing it openly."

Master Zhao's gaze sharpened slightly, but he maintained his composed demeanor. "Discretion is essential when dealing with sensitive matters," he agreed, choosing not to delve further into the topic.

Wu Meifen gave a slight nod, her thoughts lingering on the private conversation with the healer. While her face remained serene, the weight of their discussion subtly cast a shadow over her calm presence, hinting at a deeper undercurrent of concern.

As they resumed their walk, Xiao Feng and Escort Hua noticed Wu Meifen's quiet strength and composure despite her evident fatigue. The conversation with Healer Wang seemed to have deepened her resolve.

They continued through the darkening forest, the soothing sounds of the night blending with their footsteps as they made their way back towards the cabin.

÷÷÷÷÷

As the night wore on, the atmosphere in the gathering hall grew warmer, filled with the scents of the meal and the soft murmur of voices. They ate heartily, grateful for the food and the company. Though questions about the mysterious patient lingered, for now, they found comfort in their shared efforts and the bonds they had strengthened through their work.

The conversations turned to lighter topics as the meal progressed, but the mysterious patient remained a point of intrigue for all.

"Did anyone find out anything more about him?" Wu Yunzhou asked as he bit into a steamed bun.

"No," Zhao Tao replied, shaking his head. "But the items he had with him... they make you wonder. Why was he carrying those strange tools and that mysterious light-bearing helmet?"

"The small bronze compass was unlike anything I've ever seen," Zhu Changli remarked, taking a second serving of rice. "The markings were unfamiliar, and the intricate design etched into the back was quite elaborate."

"Maybe he's some kind of scholar or alchemist," Chun Haoyu suggested. "Someone who deals with things beyond our understanding."

Bao Hong, always the optimist, added, "Or perhaps he's on a journey of discovery, seeking knowledge from distant lands."

This was the scene Wu Meifen and the others witnessed upon arriving at the cabin and entering the gathering hall. The workers were in the middle of dinner. When they noticed her, the three apprentices and the escorts hastily stood up to show courtesy.

Wu Meifen signaled them not to bother and to continue with their meal. She also informed the three who escorted her to join the others and have their dinner as well while she quietly made her way to the healer's room and made a soft but firm knock on the door.