Chapter Six: Starlight Illuminates the Sea of Qi, the Dragon Soars Through the Celestial Court

Fang Zheng found it difficult to describe what he felt at that moment. It was as if only an instant had passed, and yet as if an eternity had slipped by. The world before his eyes had changed in too many ways—it was like leaping straight from the depths of late autumn into the freshness of early summer. In an instant, the world became vibrant and colorful, even the bleak autumn wind seemed to have gained a spirit of its own. He could hear the heartbeats of both Madam Zhao and Yaya, smell the pure fragrance on the little girl, see a solitary ant in the corner of the wall, and even felt the direction in which his own blood was flowing. Everything hinted that he was no longer the same as before; it seemed that in that fleeting instant, his soul had shattered some kind of shackle and ascended to a higher realm.

At this moment, Fang Zheng felt the world was infinitely beautiful. That once indescribable “spiritual energy” now seemed to have taken on substance, as if sentient, swirling and drifting around him. Occasionally, a wisp would seep through his skin and into his body, bringing with it a cool, refreshing sensation that was not at all cold.

“Xiao Fang? Are you all right?” Madam Zhao’s voice brought Fang Zheng back to his senses. Seeing the worry on her face, Fang Zheng felt a pang of guilt.

“I’m fine, Auntie. I was just thinking about how to tell you what happened today,” Fang Zheng replied with a harmless little lie. After all, even he didn’t fully understand what had happened to him—how could he possibly explain it to someone else?

“Let’s go inside so Yaya doesn’t catch cold.” Fang Zheng glanced at the little girl, noting that she was still listless, and asked gently, “Yaya, did you sleep enough? Do you want to rest a bit longer?”

Although Fang Zheng knew this was not the best time to let her sleep, he didn’t want the child to know about the killing, for fear of causing her further trauma.

Madam Zhao, seasoned and worldly-wise, could tell that Fang Zheng didn’t want Yaya to hear the coming conversation, so she quickly chimed in, “Come, let Grandma take you inside to rest a little more. Looks like my little sleepyhead hasn’t had enough sleep.” She affectionately pinched the little girl’s nose.

Yaya nodded softly, but refused to return to the room she shared with her grandmother, insisting on staying in Fang Zheng’s room.

As a modern person, Fang Zheng understood the symptoms of being overly frightened—fatigue, listlessness, cravings for sleep, or sometimes insomnia. Madam Zhao didn’t know what had happened, but Fang Zheng did. He realized that Yaya was feeling deeply insecure and instinctively sought the comfort of company. With both adults standing by Fang Zheng’s door, she was reluctant to leave, even if her own room was only a few steps away.

“All right, Yaya can sleep here. Grandma and I will talk inside,” Fang Zheng decided. Madam Zhao, sensing there was more to the story, saw no reason to object. Fang Zheng carried the little girl in, laid her on the bed, took off her shoes, and tucked her in. Madam Zhao watched his careful, attentive movements and felt a surge of comfort and gratitude. When everything was settled, the two adults tiptoed out of the room. Fang Zheng didn’t go far but stood just by the doorway, with Madam Zhao joining him.

Fang Zheng then recounted everything that had happened that morning, from his visit to Elder Shen to all that followed. Madam Zhao listened quietly, showing none of the panic or shock Fang Zheng had expected.

When he finished, Madam Zhao suddenly bowed deeply to Fang Zheng, startling him into rushing forward to help her up.

“Xiao Fang, I have nothing with which to thank you, so all I can offer is this gesture,” she said, her voice trembling. “This child has had a hard life. Her parents died early, and she has been with me, fleeing for our lives, since she was only three months old. We only survived by the grace of heaven. In the darkest times, I fed her with my own blood. Only after we arrived here were we free from the ravages of war. Life is hard, but we manage. I gather herbs in the mountains and do odd jobs for a living. When she was three, she fell gravely ill. I brought her to Elder Shen for help. Famous doctors are easy to find, but good medicine is not. Elder Shen diagnosed her and prescribed a remedy, but one crucial herb was not only expensive but also out of stock. I was too ashamed to ask for more help, so I borrowed three taels of silver from that scoundrel Shen Wan, agreeing to pay him five taels in three months. I used the silver to buy the medicine and saved the child. That was in mid-summer. I worked day and night, gathering herbs and sewing, and in two months, I managed to save six taels. When I brought the money to Shen Wan, I never expected to provoke such a villain. He insisted I owed him sixty taels. For the next two years, he would come by, making a scene and bullying me. I kept paying him little by little, and over the years, I’ve given him more than ten taels. That wretch does nothing but laze about, and whenever he’s out of money, he comes to pester me. At first, it was just beatings and insults. As Yaya grew, he began to have evil intentions. I was wary and still had some strength, so he got nothing from me. Two years ago, I heard he went to town to stay with distant relatives and never came back, so I let my guard down—never thinking he’d return today. If you hadn’t been here, I dare not imagine what might have happened.”

By the end, Madam Zhao, this tough old woman who had weathered so many storms, was weeping uncontrollably. Every strong person has something they guard with their life, and that, inevitably, is also their greatest vulnerability. For Madam Zhao, that was Yaya.

Fang Zheng gently put his arm around her shoulders. For a woman old enough to be his mother, he felt only genuine sympathy and respect. There are many kinds of greatness in this world, but few can endure such hardship and never be broken, as she had.

Madam Zhao soon composed herself. “Don’t worry, Xiao Fang. When the authorities come, let them take me. My old life isn’t worth anything anymore. But Yaya will have to depend on you from now on. I can see how fond you are of her, and I trust you’ll never let her suffer. Even if she’s only serving tea by your side, all I ask is that she lives a safe and peaceful life. I can tell you’re destined for greater things—this little place isn’t big enough for you. Once I’m gone, whether you stay or leave is up to you.”

“Auntie, how can you say such things? Yaya is like a younger sister to me, and you’re my benefactor—just like a mother. What I’ve done is nothing at all. And the authorities won’t arrest me. I’m a scholar, after all, and the law these days is clear: unless a scholar commits an unforgivable crime, he won’t be imprisoned—at most, I’ll be fined some silver,” Fang Zheng said, mixing truth with reassurance to put her mind at ease.

“Really? That’s good. Don’t lie to me, Xiao Fang.” Madam Zhao brightened visibly. She didn’t fear being arrested herself—what she truly feared was that the authorities would insist on taking Fang Zheng.

“Of course. Why else would I be so relaxed?” Fang Zheng replied with a smile. “Yaya’s been frightened—she shouldn’t sleep too much and needs nourishment. I’ll wake her up now, and then take her to Elder Shen for some medicine. You go rest, Auntie.”

Having explained everything, Fang Zheng felt a weight lift from his shoulders. He had worried that Madam Zhao might hold a grudge—after all, he’d only been here a few days and already brought trouble. The more you care about something, the more anxious you become. His nervousness was because he truly cherished this warmth.

Entering the room, he saw Yaya still asleep, her little brow furrowed, her face troubled. Fang Zheng’s heart ached.

“Yaya, wake up now, don’t sleep anymore. Brother will take you to buy something delicious.” He coaxed her gently, as if soothing a child. The little girl opened her eyes, saw Fang Zheng, and softly called him brother, then seemed to drift off again. Fang Zheng had no choice but to pick her up. Only then did she finally lift her head, though fear still lingered in her eyes.

Madam Zhao entered as well, at a loss when she saw her granddaughter in such a state.

“Let Grandma help you wash your face, all right? Then Brother will take you to buy a pretty dress and something tasty,” Fang Zheng continued, coaxing.

“Tasty? I want a chicken drumstick. Chicken drumsticks are the best,” Yaya replied.

“All right, whatever Yaya wants, we’ll buy it.” Fang Zheng smiled. As long as he could distract her, everything else would be easier. A child’s world is always simple.

Madam Zhao recovered her composure and took Yaya to the east room to wash up. Fang Zheng waited in the yard, and soon saw Yaya come out wearing yesterday’s old clothes—her new dress from last night could no longer be worn.

The little girl looked a bit wan, her usual liveliness gone, and she seemed listless. Still, she was much better than before.

“Huh? What’s that scent on you, Yaya? You smell so nice!” Fang Zheng pretended to sniff the air, teasing her.

“Nothing! I just washed my face and changed my clothes,” Yaya replied, puzzled, and sniffed herself, finding no scent. Fang Zheng scooped her up. “Then let Brother check again—maybe I was mistaken.” Carrying her, he ran out the gate, and Yaya burst into giggles.

Madam Zhao stood by the door, her eyes red as she watched the scene.

Fang Zheng took Yaya to the street, but instead of heading straight to Elder Shen’s pharmacy, he first went to the tailor shop they’d visited last night and bought her two new outfits. At the tailor’s, Yaya remembered her little jacket and grew sad, needing much coaxing before she cheered up again. Afterwards, they bought some food, not forgetting the chicken drumstick she’d asked for, and headed to Elder Shen’s pharmacy.

Inside, Elder Shen was busy wiping down his medicine shelves, as if he could never get them clean. As soon as Fang Zheng entered, the old man spotted him. “Back again, Fang boy? What do you want now?” Elder Shen’s words were blunt, but after today’s events, the two had developed a rapport across generations, and Shen spoke more freely.

Fang Zheng led Yaya to sit at the consultation table. “Would you please check on Yaya first, and prescribe a few medicines? I’m sorry to trouble you again.” He gave a polite preamble.

Elder Shen noticed Yaya’s improved state and was pleased. He set down his cloth, came out from behind the counter, and sat at the consultation table.

“Come, Yaya, let Grandpa check your pulse.” After feeling her pulse, Elder Shen said nothing, simply headed behind the counter to prepare the medicine, not even bothering to write out a prescription. Fang Zheng had no objections. When the medicine was ready and wrapped up, Fang Zheng spoke again. “Please check me as well, Elder. I think something changed in my body after today—I’ll need your guidance.” He slipped in a little flattery.

“Stop buttering me up. I know my own limits,” Elder Shen grumbled, but Fang Zheng just grinned. The old man placed his fingers on Fang Zheng’s wrist.

Suddenly, Elder Shen leapt from his chair with a cry. “The Purple Mansion Star shines bright, and the heavenly dragon roams the court—?!”