Chapter 67 Bloodletting Therapy?

Page 1 of 3

The clouds surged like black ink, staining the sky with a somber gloom. The air grew heavy and suffocating. The rain intensified, pouring down as if the heavens had split open. Raindrops struck the ground and splashed up swathes of dust.

Clip-clop, clip-clop.

Horse hooves raced, splashing through muddy puddles, sending ripples outward in circles. Cheng Liunian’s hair was drenched, plastered to his forehead, and his already filthy robes appeared even more disheveled. Amidst the torrential downpour, Cheng Liunian felt as if he could no longer breathe. Icy rain lashed his face mercilessly, the chill gnawing into his bones, making him shiver uncontrollably. His face was pale, lips cracked and dry.

Cheng Liunian thought that if he continued to be soaked like this, even if Lin Cheng didn’t kill him, he might freeze to death. He had no cultivation, no way to protect himself with vital energy as Lin Cheng and the others did; if they wished, not a drop of rain would touch their clothes. Even in this deluge, Lin Cheng’s robes remained dry.

Cheng Liunian realized that Lin Cheng, riding behind him, was like a great furnace—he could feel a trace of warmth emanating from him. Though he loathed to admit it, Cheng Liunian couldn’t help but edge closer, seeking shelter in Lin Cheng’s arms.

He had never practiced cultivation; his body was not as strong and resilient as Lin Cheng’s. He truly wondered if he’d survive this chill. If he died here, he’d surely become a laughingstock in the annals of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

To save his own life, Cheng Liunian inched even closer, trying to press against Lin Cheng’s body. All his actions were witnessed by the group traveling with them. Qingluan and Bai Shuxuan merely cast him a sidelong glance and looked away. Hongzhu, accompanying them, stared at Cheng Liunian as if she had discovered a new continent.

How could this man, who looked exactly like the heir, behave in such a strange way? Creepy… He was even burrowing into Lin Cheng’s arms! This scene truly opened Hongzhu’s eyes. She hadn’t known humans could be so… inventive.

Hongzhu glanced at Cheng Liunian’s face, so like the heir’s, then looked at Lin Cheng, her mind filling with all sorts of indecent scenarios—her cheeks flushed bright red. She giggled softly, looking rather like a lecher.

Lin Cheng, on the other hand, was distinctly uncomfortable. He looked down at Cheng Liunian’s slender frame persistently wriggling into his embrace, and his lips twitched involuntarily.

“What are you doing?” Lin Cheng reached out to push Cheng Liunian away.

But Cheng Liunian ignored him, continuing to burrow closer. At this moment, survival mattered more than pride. Priorities.

Lin Cheng: “…”

If not for the heir’s instructions, Lin Cheng truly wanted to toss this beggar off the horse. Letting him ride with him was already a great favor, yet the man dared to take advantage?

Lin Cheng had enough. He grabbed Cheng Liunian by the collar and lifted him up one-handed, dangling him in mid-air like a chick.

“Ahhh!” Cheng Liunian was stunned, then flailed in panic. He’d been hiding in Lin Cheng’s arms, borrowing the warmth of his vital energy to shield himself from the rain, but now he was hanging in mid-air, directly exposed. The rain that had already been fierce now battered his face wildly.

The horses galloped on, and the whistling rain sliced into his flesh like steel needles, their chill biting deep. In agony, Cheng Liunian cried out instinctively, all dignity gone, his legs trembling uncontrollably. If he were set on the ground now, he likely wouldn’t be able to stand for days.

Lin Cheng ignored his cries, carrying him on like this until Cheng Liunian’s voice faded, his consciousness growing hazy. Only then did he set him back on the horse. Seeing Cheng Liunian’s breathing weak and shallow, Lin Cheng, fearing he might die, channeled some vital energy into him.

Warmth blossomed through Cheng Liunian’s body, and his awareness gradually returned. After a while, he managed to open his heavy eyelids and look around. The surroundings were unfamiliar—he no longer knew where he was. Before, he could still see the shadow of the capital, and had followed Qingluan and the others in hopes of returning quickly; now, he didn’t even know where the capital was.

At least the rain had lessened. Someone had just transferred vital energy to him, warming him a little—otherwise, he’d likely be in dire straits.

Cheng Liunian glanced at his companions. Of all these people, only Bai Shuxuan seemed to care for him and was willing to help maintain his body temperature. Cheng Liunian gazed at Bai Shuxuan, so heroic astride her horse, and felt momentarily entranced. Such a woman was surely his only true match.

As he stared, Bai Shuxuan noticed his gaze, turned to look at him, blinked her beautiful eyes, and smiled gently. Though she spoke no words, it was as if she’d said everything. Just seeing Bai Shuxuan’s smile swept away all the gloom in Cheng Liunian’s heart.

He watched her for a while, lost in thought.

Lin Cheng noticed Cheng Liunian’s gaze, saw the gratitude, admiration, infatuation, and deep love in his eyes as he looked at Bai Shuxuan, and felt goosebumps rise all over. He’d just given his own energy to Cheng Liunian, yet the beggar’s gratitude was directed at Bai Shuxuan? Lin Cheng couldn’t fathom his logic, but didn’t care.

The rain gradually eased. The sky seemed scrubbed clean, and the water splashed up by the horses’ hooves fountained into the air. The breeze after the rain carried the fragrance of earth and the freshness of rain, relaxing the heart.

Cheng Liunian’s mood brightened considerably after the rain ended. Though the journey had been miserable—especially with Lin Cheng hanging him out in the downpour—being able to travel alongside Bai Shuxuan made him feel content. This was an opportunity to see people clearly, to find someone who truly cared for him. Not bad, after all.

Cheng Liunian gazed at Bai Shuxuan with infatuation, feeling his very soul was shaped in her image.

At that moment, the horses drew to a halt. Ahead appeared a manor—White Deer Manor, a farming estate at the foot of Mount Taihang, under the jurisdiction of the Duke Protector’s estate. The residents raised spirit deer for three generations, providing fine meat and milk for the Duke’s household.

All the dwellings of White Deer Manor were built of local stone and timber, each house possessing a rustic and genuine beauty. After the rain, the fields were greener, the golden rapeseed flowers gleamed in the sunlight, and the air was heavy with the scent of earth.

Cheng Liunian stared blankly at the manor. He had arrived here several days prior, after much hardship, finally drawing nearer to the capital. Yet now, following Qingluan and her group, he found himself back at White Deer Manor. His face darkened—he couldn’t accept this outcome, but there was nothing to be said. After all, he’d asked to travel with them, not the other way around.

Bitterness welled within him. Here, no one regarded him as the true heir.

“We’re here. Let’s go,” Qingluan said as she dismounted. Before long, an elderly man in a gray robe, accompanied by several plainly dressed men, came to greet them.

“Miss Qingluan, we’ve prepared a courtyard for you. The spirit food you requested for nourishing blood and energy is ready and at your disposal. If it’s insufficient, I’ll see to more at once,” the manor lord said with a smile. Though over a hundred years old and slightly stooped, his body was robust and his eyes keen—a cultivator of no small attainment.

Qingluan did not put on airs before him, smiling and nodding. “Thank you. When I return, I’ll speak well of you before the heir.”

At these words, the manor lord Lü Changshou’s face brightened and he nodded immediately. “That’s all we ask—that the heir can uphold the Duke Protector’s house.”

Page 2 of 3

Qingluan replied with a smile, “He will.”

“No more talk, then. This way, please.” Lü Changshou stepped aside, bowing slightly to invite the group in. His gaze fell upon those behind Qingluan, and while Lin Cheng raised no questions, he paused when he saw Cheng Liunian, his expression odd.

Wasn’t this the boy who’d posed as the heir here, simply because he looked alike? Why had he returned—and with the young lady?

He turned to Qingluan, puzzled. “Miss Qingluan, why bring this beggar back?”

Qingluan merely replied lightly, “Don’t ask.”

Lü Changshou realized at once this must be an order from the heir himself. Everyone knew Qingluan was his personal attendant. If she handled it, it was by the heir’s command.

He asked no more, leading them through winding lanes to a small courtyard. Though modest, it was larger than a typical farmhouse, and under the eaves hung clusters of spirit corn, golden and bright. It seemed recently vacated for their use.

Qingluan, remembering Cheng Guang’s instructions, opened the door and saw the prepared food for nourishing blood and energy, nodding in approval. She looked at the group, her gaze lingering on Cheng Liunian.

“We’ll be staying here for some time. When we return to the capital, the spirit food set aside for the heir is not to be touched by anyone else.”

With that, she left the group, chose a room at random, and went in.

Lin Cheng handed the horses over and wandered in as well, uncertain what he was supposed to do. The heir had only asked him to follow, with no specific tasks. He felt a bit lost.

Ah well—when in doubt, beating up that beggar was always an option. Speaking of which, that beggar really did look like the heir. When hitting him, it almost felt like hitting the heir himself… No, that wouldn’t do—he’d only hit the beggar, not the real heir.

Passing by Cheng Liunian, Lin Cheng gave him a smack on the head. “What are you daydreaming about?”

Cheng Liunian yelped, clutching his head and staring at Lin Cheng in bewilderment. He hadn’t even spoken this time—why hit me again? Are you addicted to this?

He glared secretly at Lin Cheng, lowering his head whenever Lin Cheng looked his way. His heart was full of bitterness. Once a dignified heir, now he was afraid of his own servant—a situation he could never have imagined.

But now, he was helpless.

Despair flooded him. How had things come to this? All he wanted was to return to the capital—why was it so difficult?

He even considered running away, but White Deer Manor was still over a hundred miles from the capital. On his own, it would take more than seven days, full of complications. Traveling with Qingluan and the others, it would be only a day’s ride.

There were advantages to staying, especially being able to see more of Bai Shuxuan…

With this thought, he couldn’t help but glance at Bai Shuxuan, who stood quietly to the side, ethereal as a celestial maiden. Just one look and his whole being felt healed.

After a moment’s hesitation, Cheng Liunian decided to speak to her. After all, she was his fiancée, not that stable boy’s!

He moved closer, feeling justified. “Um… Miss Bai…”

Hearing his voice, Bai Shuxuan turned slightly, her brows arching, her smile gentle. Her beauty was unparalleled—when she smiled, it was like a spring breeze warming his heart.

She didn’t reply immediately. Hongzhu, at Bai Shuxuan’s side, frowned, stepping defensively in front of her mistress.

She could accept her young lady being infatuated with the heir—after all, the heir was at the pinnacle of power. But a beggar getting close? That was too much.

Hongzhu blocked his way, voice cold. “What do you want?”

Cheng Liunian felt awkward, but couldn’t help noticing Hongzhu’s own beauty—a simple red dress with a touch of elegance. Her voice, though, was cold, quite a contrast to her appearance and utterly unlike her gentle mistress.

He sighed inwardly. Miss Bai was undeniably softer.

With even more infatuation in his eyes, he asked, “Could I trouble you to let me speak with Miss Bai for a moment?”

He spoke slowly, with a faint smile, adopting the manner of an heir. Normally, he’d never speak so politely to anyone, but for Bai Shuxuan’s sake, he forced himself to be courteous.

He hadn’t expected, however, that even with such deference, Hongzhu would show him no courtesy at all.

“What is your status? And what is my lady’s? Don’t get too close! If the heir finds out, you’ll lose your head ten times over.”

At this, Cheng Liunian’s face darkened. No one had ever dared say such things to him—“What is your status?”—or threaten him with beheading. Which heir? Who could chop off his head? Who dared?

A surge of frustration clogged his chest, making his face turn even grimmer.

At that moment, Bai Shuxuan’s soft voice sounded in his ear. “Hongzhu, that’s enough. Perhaps this gentleman has something important to say. Let’s hear him out.”

She smiled at Cheng Liunian, her gaze gentle. “Is there something troubling you? Are you feeling better?”

Her words warmed his heart.

Page 3 of 3

Indeed, Miss Bai was his fated one—so attentive to his feelings. Even with his true identity concealed, she still treated him so kindly. Cheng Liunian was moved.

At that moment, he was more eager than ever to reveal his identity to her. He was the true heir! He was!

He looked around, finally settling his gaze on Hongzhu. “Miss Bai, my body is fine now, but I do have something very important to tell you. Could we speak privately?”

Hongzhu was about to protest, but Cheng Liunian had lost patience. He pointed at her, eyes fierce. “Be silent!”

Hongzhu was startled, clearly intimidated by his sudden aggression. She hadn’t expected such a forceful aura from a beggar. Flushing with embarrassment, she realized she’d been frightened by someone so lowly. But before she could speak again, Bai Shuxuan held her back, signaling her to remain quiet. She’d done enough—any further, and Cheng Liunian might truly lose control.

Bai Shuxuan smiled, appearing both willing yet hesitant. Cheng Liunian saw hope and pressed his advantage. “Miss Bai, it truly is important! It concerns your future!”

Seeing his insistence, Bai Shuxuan sighed softly. “Very well. If it’s so important, I’ll listen.”

Overjoyed, Cheng Liunian tried to take Bai Shuxuan’s hand to lead her to a secluded corner of the courtyard, but she quietly stepped back, evading his grasp. He froze, seeing her calm and distant expression, his own smile fading, growing flustered.

He quickly apologized, “Miss Bai, I didn’t mean to…”

He hadn’t yet realized that Bai Shuxuan’s every gesture now dictated his emotions; he was, without knowing it, already acting like a lovesick puppy.

Bai Shuxuan’s expression softened slightly. “Sir, please have some self-respect…”

He nodded quickly, not daring any further offense. This was a habit from frequenting brothels, where such gestures were commonplace, but to touch a respectable lady so boldly would mark him as a scoundrel. Fortunately, it was Miss Bai—otherwise, he’d be in real trouble.

Secretly relieved, his affection for her grew even deeper.

He led Bai Shuxuan to a secluded corner and, seeing no one nearby, spoke at ease. “Miss Bai, the truth is, you don’t know my identity.”

She immediately guessed what he wanted to say, but feigned puzzlement. “Your identity?”

He nodded solemnly, his bearing suddenly dignified. “I am the true heir of the Duke Protector! The one betrothed to you! The so-called heir in the manor is merely my stable boy!”

He spoke through gritted teeth, “For certain reasons, I arranged for a lookalike to take my place while I sneaked out, but I never expected… he somehow fooled my father and was allowed to leave the manor! Now he’s completely taken my place, deceiving everyone—including you!”

Bai Shuxuan’s features shifted to shock, her lips parting in disbelief.

Cheng Liunian took a deep breath. “I know it’s hard for you to accept all this right now, but just remember my words. When I return to the capital, I’ll find a way to contact my mother and prove my identity!”

Bai Shuxuan frowned slightly, as if not fully convinced. “You can contact Princess Yuemei? How?”

With a smile, he produced a jade pendant from beneath his collar. “My mother gave me this amulet for protection. As long as I’m in the capital, if it breaks, she’ll know. But outside the capital, she can’t sense it. That’s why only there can she know of my existence.”

He gazed at her with complete trust and infatuation.

After he finished speaking, he watched her closely. She seemed surprised but still doubtful, not fully believing—just as he’d expected, though he couldn’t help feeling disappointed.

Then she asked, “If you’re the true heir, has your bodily essence also been damaged?”

Cheng Liunian’s face lit up with joy. Yes, he’d almost forgotten—that was evidence of his identity!

He nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Would you like to examine me?”

Bai Shuxuan laid a hand lightly on his shoulder, sending her energy into his body. Her face grew serious; her lips parted in surprise and alarm.

“You… you really are…”

Cheng Liunian nodded earnestly. “Miss Bai, you mustn’t tell anyone else. I suspect Qingluan has betrayed me.”

Bai Shuxuan shook her head. “I don’t know. But if you truly are the heir, then perhaps the healing method brought back by Cheng Zhihai might help you.”

“My father’s healing method? To heal my essence?” he asked, startled.

She nodded. “Yes. We came here to gather spirit food for the heir’s recovery. You can secretly treat yourself in my room—Qingluan and the others won’t notice. I’ll help you keep it secret.”

Cheng Liunian was so moved he nearly cried, wiping at damp eyes. “Miss Bai, you are so kind. When I return to the manor, I will marry you as my principal wife!”

Bai Shuxuan’s lips twitched, saying nothing more. She told him not to speak about it yet; she would prepare the necessary medicines for him.

Still a bit suspicious, he asked, “Miss Bai, this healing method—does it have a proper name?”

She thought for a moment. “It does. It’s called the Bloodletting Method.”

“Bloodletting Method?” he repeated, feeling the name wasn’t very reassuring.

Bai Shuxuan ignored him. “Come to my room tonight and try it. If it works, we’ll continue. If not, we’ll stop.”

With the added allure of her room, Cheng Liunian gritted his teeth and agreed. He’d give it a try! After all, it was only a bit of blood—he’d suffered worse under Cheng Zhihai. A little bloodletting was nothing!

……

End of chapter.