Yu Tang, the renowned apothecary, sat at his desk, his long, slender fingers hovering over a piece of parchment. The flickering candlelight cast shadows over his face as he began to write a letter to General Xie. The ink flowed smoothly as his thoughts spilled onto the paper.

  To the Esteemed General Xie,

  I trust this letter finds you well, despite the circumstances. As per our previous conversation, I have located an individual who may be able to aid in the recovery of your family. However, I must caution you that while the remedies he proposes are unconventional and potentially promising, I cannot guarantee their success. The treatment involves a series of intricate procedures, including the use of acupuncture, medicinal herbs, and a demanding regimen. I have done my best to provide you with all the necessary details.

  This man, whose identity I cannot disclose for now, is a schor of profound knowledge, particurly in the field of rare poisons. He believes that your family’s condition can be treated, though it will require time, patience, and significant resources. He has already begun his work on a young patient who is suffering from the same symptoms, and the initial results, though promising, have been grueling. The treatment is painful, but the boy’s health has not deteriorated further, which is an optimistic sign.

  The next steps are in your hands, General. Should you wish to proceed, I will facilitate your meeting with this person and ensure he has all the resources needed for the treatments. Time is of the essence, and I must warn you that the costs will be considerable. I trust you will make the decision that best serves your family’s interests.

  Yours faithfully,Yu Tang.

  Yu Tang had asked some general questions from Xuan Zhi earlier but the young man didn't disclose his identity and only said they were merchants who came from another nd and decided to settle down here.

  He took a deep breath and summoned his servant, a young man named Xu Lan, who stood waiting at the door. The servant bowed low.

  As the servant left, Yu Tang leaned back in his chair, a deep sigh escaping his lips. He had done all he could. Now, the fate of the Xie family rested in the hands of the General and his decision. Yu Tang could only hope that his actions would lead to a positive outcome.

  Meanwhile, back at Xing Manor, the evening had descended in a soft silence. The warm scent of herbs lingered in the air, mingling with the faint fragrance of the blossoming flowers in the courtyard. Xuan Mei stood by the closed door of the guest room, her eyes fixed on the wooden panels as if trying to will the boy’s recovery into existence.

  Xuan Yan, stood next to her, arms crossed, a faraway look in her eyes. Despite her usual wild demeanor, Xuan Yan was unusually quiet. She knew the weight of the situation.

  She knew that this young boy’s fate was now intertwined with their own.

  "Do you think he will be fine?" Xuan Mei asked, her voice filled with quiet concern. "He looks so fragile. I’m worried that Xuan Zhi might be too ambitious, trying to heal someone like this."

  Xuan Yan gnced over at her younger sister, her expression serious. "He will be fine," she said, her voice carrying a quiet confidence. "Xuan Zhi’s teacher is a famous schor, and he’s not someone who would risk the life of a patient without knowing what he’s doing. Besides, you know how stubborn he is. He won’t give up on someone who needs help."

  Xuan Mei nodded slowly but could not shake the worry in her heart. The boy’s condition had worsened rapidly. She had watched, helpless, as Xuan Zhi prepared his treatments. The boy’s pulse was weak, and his body trembled with the strain of the poison. Xuan Mei looked down at her hands, feeling a pang of guilt. She wasn’t sure she could bear to lose anyone else.

  Xuan Yan sighed and patted her sister’s shoulder gently. "It is good that Xuan Zhi never showed off in front of the third and fourth princes. They would have used this against us. You know how they are."

  Xuan Mei looked up at her elder sister, unsure whether the comment was meant to reassure her or to warn her. Either way, Xuan Yan’s words had a calming effect. She gnced back at the door, her worry momentarily repced with a quiet determination. The boy would survive this. Xuan Zhi wouldn’t let him die.

  Inside the room, Xuan Zhi stood over the boy, his hand hovering over the frail body as he prepared for the first session of acupuncture. The boy’s breathing was shallow, his eyes closed in a deep, unconscious state. His body was stiff, paralyzed by the poison that had coursed through his veins for far too long.

  Xuan Zhi carefully selected the silver needles, each one thin and delicate, their sharp points glinting in the soft light of the ntern. He had spent hours learning acupuncture techniques, and he knew that each needle had to be pced with precision to affect the correct meridians and help the body’s energy flow freely.

  His first task was to stimute the flow of Qi. He inserted the needles into the boy’s back, each one bringing a slight jolt of discomfort. The boy’s body twitched at the intrusion, but he did not wake. Xuan Zhi worked methodically, making sure the needles were in the correct spots. The boy’s condition was severe—this treatment was his only hope for survival.

  Xuan Zhi’s brow furrowed in concentration as he performed the acupuncture. The boy’s body trembled, reacting to the foreign energy coursing through him. The process was painful—excruciating, even—but it was necessary. Each needle was a step toward breaking the grip of the poison, to reversing its effects. The boy’s pulse had to stabilize, his body’s natural energy needed to be restored.

  After an hour, Xuan Zhi moved to the next step: moxibustion. The smoke from the burning herbs filled the air, the warmth spreading over the boy’s body as the heat penetrated his skin, invigorating his blood flow. The heat was intense, but it was necessary to force the poison out. Xuan Zhi stayed by the boy’s side, watching for any sign of improvement.

  Five hours ter, Xuan Zhi emerged from the room, his face pale with exhaustion. He leaned against the doorframe for a moment, taking in a steadying breath. The treatment had been intense, and the boy had suffered greatly, but he had made it through the first session. There was hope yet.

  He walked into the courtyard and saw his two sisters sleeping on a bench under the moonlight. Their faces were peaceful in their slumber, and for a moment, Xuan Zhi allowed himself a brief moment of respite. He ordered the servants to bring bnkets for them, careful not to disturb their rest.

  He sat beside them, feeling the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him. Xuan Zhi knew that there were still many obstacles ahead—treatment for the boy would take time, and he needed to start business and keep growing his forces or else he will not be able to leave if they get in serious trouble.

  But for now, he could afford to close his eyes and take a brief rest. Tomorrow would come with its own challenges, but for tonight, he could let his guard down and find soce in the presence of his family.

  As Xuan Zhi settled beside his sisters, his eyelids grew heavy, and he finally allowed himself to sleep. The warm breeze of the evening carried with it the scent of flowers, and for a brief moment, he found peace.

  Later that evening, the tranquility of the manor was broken by the soft voice of Fan Yi, calling from the doorway. "Young Master, Young Misses, it’s time to wake up."