Chapter 14

The cicadas cry incessantly, the weather gradually warming, and before one knows it, summer has arrived.

The wolf-hair brush met the white Xuan paper, elegant handwriting detailing medical records without a hint of sloppiness. From the initial wound treatment to detoxification, and up to clearing meridians three months ago, each treatment step and medicinal approach is described in meticulous detail, bound into volumes for future medical reference.

As for Yue Wuhuan's psychological state, Song Qingshi hesitated on how to articulate it. After some consideration, he merely sketched a few lines in the medical records. Comparing before and after, it seemed there was a trend toward improvement.

Yue Wuhuan's life became more structured, bustling with activity.

He would find an unused sword in the treasury and practice for two hours before dawn. Then, after Song Qingshi had groomed himself, they'd read for another two hours, study medical knowledge, spend the afternoon researching anatomy or attempting to compound medicines. In the evening, after handling internal affairs in Medicine King Valley, they'd meditate and cultivate Qi for two more hours.

As a cultivator, he didn't require much sleep, so he was unwilling to waste time and would sleep only one to two hours a day. If it weren't for Song Qingshi's insistence on dining together, he would even replace meals with fasting pills.

Song Qingshi never thought he'd see the day when he'd have to advise someone to pace themselves in learning.

Yue Wuhuan insisted that he'd already wasted too much time and now had to seize every moment.

Thanks to his previous experience in building foundations, and with enhanced aptitude, he swiftly returned to the sixth level of Qi cultivation. Rebuilding the foundation was just around the corner.

Seeing the steady improvement in the medical records, Song Qingshi simply let him be.

　...

With the arrival of summer, Song Qingshi discovered the benefits of ice silk. In his previous life, he had a fondness for real silk pajamas, enjoying the soft and natural touch of silk against his skin as he drifted to sleep. It was a small but steadfast luxury in an otherwise unpretentious life. The celestial realm's ice silk was several grades above the silk of the mortal world—weightless, slightly cool, and velvety to the touch, it swept away all traces of heat instantly.

He instructed his herbal servants to purchase several yards of plain ice silk, which were then tailored into a modern two-piece pajama set. Every night he wore these loose-fitting, long-sleeved T-shirts with a wide neck, and drawstring pants, finding them exceedingly comfortable for sleep.

He attempted to recommend this revamped sleepwear to Yue Wuhuan.

Yue Wuhuan glanced at the pajamas he wore for quite some time, and then declined. Instead, he spent another hour practicing his swordsmanship.

Song Qingshi also considered cutting his hair, uncomfortable with the idea of a grown man sporting such long locks. Homebound most days, he found it a waste of time to comb through his mane. Just as he took a pair of scissors and was about to cut it himself, Yue Wuhuan entered the room, snatched the scissors, and got angry for the first time: "What are you planning to do, My Lord?"

Upon learning the reason, he thoroughly chastised Song Qingshi.

"Your hair and skin are precious. In the eyes of the world, a man would only cut off his hair for three reasons," Yue Wuhuan could hardly contain his anger, his voice stern. "Firstly, those who have taken monastic vows; secondly, criminals; and thirdly, the arrogant fools. Which one do you wish to be?"

Song Qingshi shook his head vehemently, "None of them. I simply find my hair too cumbersome and difficult to manage."

"Let me try," Yue Wuhuan sighed with relief upon hearing the reason. He took the aromatic wooden comb from the dressing table, applied a bit of orchid balm on his palm, meticulously organized Song Qingshi's disarrayed locks, tied them into a long, thin braid, then looped it up into a bun. He adorned it with a white jade hairpin, then reluctantly withdrew his hand. "Is this better?"

"It's excellent, you're quite skilled," Song Qingshi looked at his hair—now many times neater than when he did it himself—and praised him before asking, "Should I look for a lady's maid to comb my hair?"

Yue Wuhuan's hand, still holding the comb, paused momentarily. He controlled the malevolent thoughts that started to form, and softly inquired, "My Lord, are you not pleased with the way I arrange your hair? Do you wish for someone else to do it?"

Song Qingshi immediately negated the idea: "I'm just worried you're overqualified for the task."

Yue Wuhuan turned around and smiled, "Being blessed with My Lord's favor, I have nothing with which to repay you. Restless nights plague me; if I could perform such trivial tasks for My Lord, it would set my mind at ease."

Convinced that it would make Yue Wuhuan feel better, Song Qingshi readily agreed, "If it's no trouble for you, then I entrust my hair to your care."

Yue Wuhuan gently smoothed a few strands of hair by Song Qingshi's temple and nodded, a smile lighting his face.

In his youth, he had watched his elder brother, the crown prince, delicately arrange the hair of his consort with utmost gentleness and care.

Back then, he couldn't fathom why his fearsome, battle-hardened brother would indulge in such mundane acts. His brother cheerfully explained, "The bond grows deeper when hands guide the comb through tresses. Once you find someone you're fond of, Little Wuhuan, you'll understand the joy it brings."

At that time, he didn't understand.

Now, he knew the intricate sensation of love flowing through his fingertips, causing his heartstrings to quiver.

He placed the fragrant wooden comb near his lips and bestowed upon it a gentle kiss.

If I could comb your hair for a lifetime, could we weave a destiny for the next life?

　...

Song Qingshi resolved his troubles and felt immensely relieved.

Suddenly, he remembered something and asked Yue Wuhuan, "Would you like to accompany me to Yuecheng in a couple of days? I've custom-ordered some experimental equipment from Tianji Pavilion. The items are both valuable and intricate, so the Pavilion would like me to be there to clarify the specifications. Also... I heard Yuecheng is a haven for gourmet food, fine wine, and exquisite performances at Xianwu Tower. How about we broaden our horizons?"

Having been confined within the pages of books by his System Teacher for some time, Song Qingshi had been too busy treating patients to truly explore the celestial realm. Even as his memory of his past life integrated with his current one, he felt somewhat bewildered and detached.

Recently, he came to the realization that he now possessed a healthy body and an extended lifespan. Unlike in his previous world, he no longer needed to race against time, fearing an unexpected collapse that would leave him helpless.

People say that such a life can be dull...

Now, he could afford to spare some leisure time to explore the interesting aspects of a 'normal' life.

He could eat the foods doctors had previously advised him to avoid, engage in prohibited physical activities, and even sample some wine, investigating why it captivates so many people.

Although he wasn't sure if he would enjoy these activities, he knew he had to try them to find out.

Song Qingshi felt a small sense of excitement and anticipation at the prospect of this new phase of his life.

Inviting Yue Wuhuan to Yuecheng served two purposes: on one hand, he wanted Yue Wuhuan to break free from the reclusive lifestyle they'd been living; on the other, he was concerned about potential communication barriers with strangers at Tianji Pavilion, particularly when explaining medical terminologies. Yue Wuhuan's assistance would be a great help.

Yue Wuhuan pondered for a moment before agreeing.

On the day of departure, Yue Wuhuan donned a veil, hiding his face beneath layers of dark gauze.

Song Qingshi was puzzled, "Are you afraid of getting tanned?"

Yue Wuhuan chuckled, "You will understand eventually."

After some thought, Song Qingshi understood: With his alluring looks, Yue Wuhuan was no doubt concerned about attracting unwanted attention. He immediately equipped himself with all his magical tools and poisons. He also handed Yue Wuhuan a simple anti-harassment spray, informing him that it would at least blind any harasser for half a month. Yue Wuhuan gladly accepted it and added it to his collection of assorted concoctions.

The two mounted celestial beasts and set off for Yuecheng.

Yuecheng was the nearest major city to the Medicine King Valley. Built along a river, it was a bustling hub with convenient transportation, replete with all kinds of wares and frequented by numerous cultivators.

Song Qingshi felt like a country bumpkin stepping into the city for the first time, his eyes wide with amazement. What were the "Golden Nectar" and "Blue Moon Elixir" that the celestial maidens were selling in the tea houses? He had to try them! What were those strange fruits at the fruit stand? He'd buy some for research! The paper dolls performing opera sold by the street vendors were utterly fascinating, and the beauties in the pleasure houses were dressed like the celestial dancers in ancient murals. They floated in the air, beckoning for customers with alluring glances; he watched them for a long time, even extending his spiritual sense to investigate...

Should he really be captivated by such frivolities?

Yue Wuhuan, after waiting and holding his patience, finally turned Song Qingshi's head towards him and asked, "Do you find it interesting?"

Song Qingshi retracted his spiritual sense and quietly answered, "That girl has a yellow spot in her eye, possibly indicating liver issues."

Yue Wuhuan: "???"

What kind of obsession does my lord have with eyes?