Time Is Slow - Chapter 14

“Ahem, ahem! ” Yang Houcheng coughed violently a few times before regaining consciousness.

He looked around in confusion. Noticing the three additional people in the room, his expression changed drastically, and he drew his sword, charging forward.

Chi Can grabbed the back of his clothes and said coolly, “Calm down. This has nothing to do with us anymore.”

Yang Houcheng stopped in his tracks, puzzled, and asked, “What do you mean?”

Chi Can tilted his chin in Qiao Zhao’s direction.

“She’s going with the Divine Doctor.”

When Yang Houcheng saw that Qiao Zhao was awake, his brows filled with genuine joy. He strode over and said, “That’s great! You’re finally awake.”

In his sudden surge of happiness, he forgot to address her formally as Miss Li.

Qiao Zhao didn’t mind. She looked at him with a gentle smile. “I’m awake.”

Her voice was hoarse, causing Yang Houcheng to frown.

“Your throat is so hoarse. Are you still feeling unwell?”

“Mm, I’m still a bit dizzy. The Divine Doctor said my illness is quite severe, so he wants me to go with him for treatment.”

Yang Houcheng paused, then smiled.

“That makes sense. With the Divine Doctor taking care of you, that’s definitely better than staying with us.”

Chi Can pressed his lips into a tight line but remained silent.

At that moment, a gentle male voice came from the doorway. “Who does Miss Li plan to travel with?”

Everyone turned to look. A refined young man, as warm as jade, stepped into the room. Behind him followed a maid, around fifteen or sixteen years old.

Yang Houcheng quickly explained the situation to Zhu Yan.

After listening, Zhu Yan glanced at Qiao Zhao and said meaningfully, “You’re right. It’s better for Miss Li to travel with the Divine Doctor.”

Then, he bowed deeply to Doctor Li and said in a clear voice, “I entrust Miss Li’s well-being to you, Divine Doctor.”

Seeing that both of his friends had agreed, and noticing how utterly unconcerned the little girl seemed, Chi Can felt even more irritated. It was as if he had casually picked up a cabbage on the roadside, only to watch a pig come along and take it away.

Not that I even wanted that cabbage, he thought bitterly. But still, it’s frustrating that the cabbage would rather go with the pig.

“Well, hurry up and pack, then. Safe travels.” Chi Can’s voice was cold.

He was already stunningly handsome, but with that frosty expression, he looked breathtakingly striking.

Zhu Yan cast a deep look at his friend.

He had a strong suspicion that someone was sulking.

Holding back a laugh, he nudged the maid standing beside him toward Qiao Zhao. 

“Miss Li, the journey back to the capital is long. Traveling alone would be inconvenient for you, so I bought a maid to accompany you.”

Qiao Zhao was surprised. She looked at the maid who had delicate features, composed demeanor. Though slightly nervous under the crowd’s gaze, she didn’t shrink back. Clearly, she had been carefully selected.

A warmth spread in Qiao Zhao’s heart, and she sincerely thanked him.

“Brother Zhu, you’ve been very considerate.”

Zhu Yan smiled warmly at her before turning to Doctor Li.

“We’ve booked this entire boat, and there are plenty of empty rooms. Since we’re all heading to the capital, why not travel together?”

Yang Houcheng smacked his forehead. “Oh yeah! We can all just go together. I was so flustered I didn’t even think of it.”

Zhu Yan shot him a questioning look.

Since when do you ever get flustered?

Yang Houcheng sighed helplessly.

The Divine Doctor standing before them could easily poison him with a handful of embroidery needles, and the spicy taste of the antidote was something he’d never forget in his lifetime. How could he not be nervous? 

Of course, in front of everyone, it was best not to mention such an embarrassing matter.

Chi Can didn’t say a word, but his ears twitched slightly.

Qiao Zhao, however, remained calm. She already knew Doctor Li would refuse. The reason was…

Doctor Li waved his hand dismissively and said, “No. I get seasick.”

Everyone: “……”

Doctor Li, utterly unconcerned with their reactions, turned to Qiao Zhao.

“Hurry and pack. I’ll wait for you at the dock.”

“Yes.” Qiao Zhao nodded obediently.

After everyone left, only Qiao Zhao and the new maid remained. 

“I’ll have to trouble you,” she said gently.

“Miss, you’re being too kind,” the maid said deftly as she packed things up.

She found it odd that her new mistress, despite her delicate appearance, had a cold and reserved demeanor.

What she didn’t know was that Qiao Zhao’s body and soul were in agony at that moment. Now that the tension had eased, she had no desire to speak.

Qiao Zhao didn’t have many belongings, so it didn’t even take the time of a single cup of tea before the maid had finished. She lifted a small bundle and turned to the girl leaning against the bed.

“Miss, everything’s ready.”

Qiao Zhao opened her eyes. Her dark pupils gradually regained their clarity as she forced herself to sit up.

“Help me out.”

She was so weak from the fever that she had no strength to walk on her own.

The maid stepped forward, gently supporting her by the arm.

As they stepped outside, they saw Zhu Yan and Yang Houcheng waiting for them.

Chi Can, however, was nowhere to be seen.

Before they could say anything, Qiao Zhao let go of the maid’s hand. She gracefully curtsied and said, “Brother Zhu, Brother Yang, thank you both for taking care of me these past days. If I ever have the opportunity in the future, I will be sure to repay your kindness.”

Yang Houcheng quickly waved his hand.

“No need, no need. As long as you can return home safely, that’s enough.”

Zhu Yan’s gaze lowered to the girl’s smooth forehead, where a fine layer of sweat had gathered. Yet, despite her exhaustion, her posture as she bowed was elegant and dignified.

With a sigh in his heart, Zhu Yan spoke. “Miss Li, I am Zhu Yan. If you encounter any difficulties after returning to the capital, you may seek me at the Marquis of Taining’s residence.”

Qiao Zhao was momentarily stunned.

By telling her his real name and identity, he was truly acknowledging her as a friend.

Yang Houcheng was surprised. He glanced at his friend before adding, “I’m Yang Houcheng, from the Marquis of Liuxing’s residence. Little girl, don’t forget your Brother Yang.”

He had always thought that Zhu Yan, with his reserved nature, wouldn’t reveal his true identity so easily to a young lady. Yet, to his surprise, Zhu Yan had spoken first.

“I certainly won’t forget.” Qiao Zhao’s lips maintained a soft smile, but cold sweat was already trickling down her face. She paid it no mind and instead asked straightforwardly, “Where’s Brother Chi?”

Brother Chi…

Zhu Yan and Yang Houcheng exchanged silent glances.

That guy had been acting a little strange lately.

Yang Houcheng chuckled and joked.

“Him? Seeing you leave must have broken his heart. He’s probably hiding somewhere, crying his eyes out.”

Of course, no one took his words seriously.

Qiao Zhao simply said, “Then I’ll trouble you both to bid farewell to Brother Chi on my behalf.”

She curtsied once more. With the maid’s support, she turned and walked toward the carriage waiting at the dock.

Zhu Yan and Yang Houcheng silently watched as she boarded, never once looking back.

“She really just left without hesitation,” Yang Houcheng muttered, feeling an odd sense of loss.

“Yeah, my days are about to get harder,” Zhu Yan sighed.

“Hm?”

“I’ll have to play chess with Shi Xi again.”

As they joked and turned to head back to the boat, they suddenly noticed the curtain of the carriage lift.

The maid jumped down and quickly ran toward them.

They both halted in their tracks.

Reaching them, the maid first gave a polite bow before hastily handing over a small white porcelain bottle. “This is a wound medicine the young lady asked for from the Divine Doctor, for Young Master Chi.”

Placing the bottle into Zhu Yan’s hand, she bowed again and then dashed off.

“That girl is really thoughtful,” Yang Houcheng murmured as he watched the carriage slowly move away.

Zhu Yan chuckled, tightening his grip on the bottle as he turned around, only to see Chi Can standing at the doorway, silent.

He had changed into fresh clothes, and the bloodstains on his shoulder were no longer visible.

Without a word, Zhu Yan raised his hand and tossed the porcelain bottle over.