Honestly, Qin Yuanxi wasn’t feeling too great about this whole Cangnan Valley situation. It’s a classic setup from ancient times – you ask someone for a favor, and they’ll surely give you a hard time. He had no clue how that Valley Lord inside would make things difficult for him. The path to the valley was adorned with vibrant flowers, looking all beautiful, but Qin Yuanxi couldn’t care less.
Claiming not to worry would be a lie. After all the trouble of traveling through mountains and rivers, if he returned empty-handed, Qin Yuanxi had no idea what he’d do next.
After walking a bit further, he caught sight of faintly visible structures concealed behind a bamboo forest. It had an air of elegance, resembling a place where some hermit would reside.
Taking a deep breath, Qin Yuanxi walked in with determination, and suddenly, his hand was grasped by someone.
Warm palms, fingers entwined, a comforting feeling washed over Qin Yuanxi. Just as he was about to console Zhao Tuo, he noticed the guy wearing a twisted expression, not making eye contact, lips slightly parted, conveying a hint of compromise: “I won’t resort to violence easily. Don’t worry, I won’t stir up trouble.”
Qin Yuanxi chuckled.
Returning the grip on Zhao Tuo’s hand, he pulled him inside.
When the two arrived, the little girl in green was already waiting with a sword in hand. Seeing them approaching, a smile immediately lit up her face. She dashed over, the bell on her clothing jingling happily.
“You’ve finally arrived. I’ve been waiting for you.” The green-clad girl reached out to grab Qin Yuanxi, “Come, I’ll take you to see my sister. The path further inside has obstacles; ordinary people can’t get through. Did you see the flowers on that road? Looks pretty but can be deadly.”
Unfortunately, her hand didn’t touch Qin Yuanxi; instead, it encountered the cold hilt of a sword and the warning gaze from Zhao Tuo.
The young girl, Meng Yu, didn’t seem annoyed at all. She pursed her lips and chuckled lightly, “I’m Meng Yu, and my sister is Meng Xuan. Every year, many people come seeking help from my sister. Among those who came this year, you two are the most good-looking, or wait, it’s only halfway through the year; there might be even better-looking ones later, hehe.”
Meng Yu, being of a young age, meant no offense with her compliment. Qin Yuanxi pressed down on Zhao Tuo’s sword hilt, giving him a warning glance, then caught up with Meng Yu, engaging in a gentle conversation, “Really? Are all those people coming to ask your sister for help?”
“Some are, some aren’t,” Meng Yu sighed, “Some seek my sister’s help when they’re in trouble, while others come looking for trouble.”
“Oh,” Qin Yuanxi glanced at Zhao Tuo, who had a stern expression. Afraid he might be sulking again, Qin Yuanxi discreetly squeezed Zhao Tuo’s finger and continued talking to Meng Yu, “Why would some people come looking for trouble with your sister? Shouldn’t people respect her for treating illnesses and saving lives? Aren’t they afraid they might need her help someday?”
After all, that’s how it’s portrayed in novels. People in the martial world shouldn’t offend doctors because if they get injured or sick while traveling, their lives would be in the hands of the doctors. How could they not be polite?
Meng Yu turned her face with a surprised expression, covering her mouth, “Who told you my sister treats illnesses and saves people? No, don’t get it wrong. My sister is the number one witch in the Miao region, not a doctor!”
The tone was proud, with a hint of disdain for doctors.
Qin Yuanxi didn’t dare to express any more opinions, fearing he might accidentally say something inappropriate. It would be troublesome if he offended Meng Xuan. He continued to chat with Meng Yu about the witch’s preferences and stories. When he asked about the witch’s favorite things, Meng Yu answered quite matter-of-factly.
“Of course, it’s handsome men. My sister loves handsome men the most.”
Qin Yuanxi: … Wondering if this ‘love for handsome men’ was the same kind of love he was thinking of, and if so, what should he do?
He felt like he and Zhao Tuo were now pastries waiting to be served. No, wait, make that two distinct pastries.
“Ah Yu, so cheerful! Do we have guests again?”
Before seeing the person, the voice reached them.
The voice was a bit hoarse, sounding like an old woman’s voice. Qin Yuanxi was a bit puzzled, furrowing his brow slightly. Something seemed off; could this witch be an old hag?
“Yes, sister, two guests, and they’re quite handsome.”
Meng Yu had already flown away, leaving Qin Yuanxi in place. In a short while, a beauty walked out of the bamboo house in front of him.
Truly a beauty. After so many years of human evolution, Qin Yuanxi had seen many beauties, but someone with this appearance, if put on the screen, would undoubtedly become a global sensation solely based on that face. And that wasn’t all – her figure was equally alluring and spicy. Before Qin Yuanxi could scrutinize further, his eyes were covered by Zhao Tuo beside him.
“Pfft,” Meng Yu laughed, “You, this cold-faced ice block is really interesting. How come it’s okay for you to admire my sister’s beauty, but not for Mister Qin? That’s so unreasonable.”
“Release quickly and let Mister Qin also take a look at my sister.”
The ice block nonchalantly threw out a sentence, “Don’t be disrespectful. Miss, please put on some clothes.”
“Haven’t seen each other in many years, and you’re still so conservative.”
Meng Xuan wore a thin purple gauze that covered the necessary areas, but it seemed as if it covered nothing at all. The exposed parts, combined with her sizzling figure, would likely captivate any ordinary man at first sight. Yet, these two, one had his eyes covered, and the other showed no interest.
“The lord has come from afar. Is it just to criticize how I dress?” Meng Xuan smiled faintly, “If that’s the only reason, it seems you’ve made a wasted trip. Ah Yu, show our guests out.”
“What? Show them out?” Meng Yu seemed a bit unwilling, “Sister.”
“Not showing them out, what should we do then? Do you know who this person is? He’s the Regent Prince Lu Bohuan, with influence across the court. Your sister is not even on his radar. Our small place can’t accommodate such a big shot. Show them out.”
“Wait, wait, Miss, wait!” Qin Yuanxi hurriedly pulled Zhao Tuo’s hand apart and said anxiously, “We came with a request.”
“I know.” Meng Xuan’s gaze fell on Qin Yuanxi, and she glanced at the person behind him, “Came for him, two souls living in one body, indeed interesting, but…”
When she reached this point, Meng Xuan’s lips curved into a smile, enchanting.
“I can try, but what will you give me in return?”
Qin Yuanxi felt awkward.
“It depends on what the lady wants. If it’s too difficult, I might have to think about it.”
Meng Xuan smiled again, “You’re a smart person, you should know. So, here’s the deal. You accompany me for a night, and I’ll agree to give it a try.”
Exactly as expected!
Though mentally prepared, when he heard this request, Qin Yuanxi’s heart still shivered. What a cliche and vulgar plot, though fitting the witch’s character, it didn’t quite align with the character of a great beauty!
“Um, how about discussing it again?” Qin Yuanxi’s smile was a bit pale, “Miss is as beautiful as a celestial, and I, a mere mortal, truly dare not offend the Miss.”
“Then let him sleep with me for a night. I’d be more than happy.” Meng Xuan laughed even more, “I prefer that.”
Qin Yuanxi turned to look at Zhao Tuo. He needed to consult the party involved. This incredibly beautiful celestial, a night’s sleep could even cure illnesses. Ignoring personal feelings, they were definitely gaining from this deal.
Who knew the ice block’s face became even colder, grabbing Qin Yuanxi’s hand and walking away, giving off a feeling similar to Elsa when she ascended the mountain – truly the Ice Queen from the East.
Qin Yuanxi could only smile wryly, “Wait, let’s discuss this again.”
“No need for discussion.”
Qin Yuanxi freed himself from Zhao Tuo’s grip and looked at Meng Xuan with a hint of helplessness, “Miss, please don’t make it difficult for us. If you have any requests, feel free to ask. But, let’s not play such jokes. In his current state, he can’t distinguish between serious and playful matters. Miss, please don’t lower yourself to his level.”
Meng Xuan, as if watching a show, strolled down after it was over. She looked at Qin Yuanxi with some interest, “Who are you to him? Since when did Prince Lu in the capital have someone like you by his side? Did he become like this because of you? Could it be that he got jealous and ended up in this state? Though not entirely, it doesn’t seem too far off.”
Qin Yuanxi replied, “I am his lover.”
“Lover? What a novel term.” Meng Xuan glanced at Zhao Tuo again, sighing slightly, “He also has a lover?”
This question was obviously not directed at Qin Yuanxi; it was more of a casual inquiry. Then, she shifted her gaze back to Qin Yuanxi, “You’ve come for me to hypnotize him, right?”
Qin Yuanxi nodded, and Meng Xuan continued, “It can be done, but I have conditions. If you agree to my conditions, I’ll give it a try. However, let’s be clear upfront—I can’t guarantee his recovery. I’ve already investigated his condition, and I’ve been to the royal mansion in the capital. Although I had personal motives back then, I was genuinely interested. Unfortunately, at that time, well, forget it. If he had cooperated with me back then, he might have recovered already.”
“Now is different from the past. My confidence is not even half of what it used to be. I can only give it a try. The outcome depends on him, fate, and chance. It might get better, remain the same, or even worsen. He might become slightly more conscious, or he might become even more confused, unable to distinguish who you are or who he is.”
“If you’re sure you want to try, let’s talk about the conditions.”
Meng Xuan’s voice was hoarse and aged. If you only heard her voice, it seemed like a summons from hell. From her voice, you couldn’t hear any hope, only endless vastness. What awaited you were one chasm after another, with no hope, only the continuous descent into the boundless darkness.
As the sun set in the west, casting their shadows long, Qin Yuanxi sat on the steps in front of the bamboo house, and Zhao Tuo stood nearby, holding his sword. With the backdrop of the beautiful scenery of Cangnan Valley, it should have been a tranquil and pleasing scene. However, the atmosphere was somewhat solemn.
This was a very serious decision. Qin Yuanxi had to bear the consequences. If, if it turned out worse than now, if Zhao Tuo lost all consciousness, not recognizing who he was, trapped in a bewildering world with no communication, and Qin Yuanxi couldn’t enter Zhao Tuo’s world anymore, he felt a suffocating sensation.
“We should go.” He stood up to pull Zhao Tuo.
Meng Yu on the roof immediately jumped down, “Don’t leave! My sister is very powerful. Won’t you give it a try? What if it works?”
Qin Yuanxi stopped again.
Yes, what if it worked? Then Zhao Tuo could be a normal person, someone who could live with dignity. What if it worked? This slim hope, was he really going to give it up?
Just as Qin Yuanxi hesitated, Zhao Tuo let go of his hand, knocked on the bamboo house’s door, and Meng Xuan opened it. She glanced at Zhao Tuo and smiled, “Is this the decision? Alright, let’s talk about my conditions.”
Meng Yu’s expression changed immediately when she saw Zhao Tuo trying to enter. She pushed him out and pointed at Qin Yuanxi, “I’m negotiating conditions with him. You, come inside with me!”
Then she locked Zhao Tuo out.
Still feeling a little uneasy, she closed the door from the inside, covering her chest. Qin Yuanxi also adjusted his collar, cleared his throat, and took a small step back, “Well, first of all, Miss, please behave yourself.”
Meng Xuan lifted her chin, indicating for him to sit. She leaned against the door, scrutinized Qin Yuanxi for a while, and then spoke, “I want you to help me find someone. Once you find him, deliver him to the palace to be a eunuch. That’s my condition.”
“Cough…” Qin Yuanxi was truly caught off guard, “To be… a eunuch?”
“Why not?” Meng Xuan crossed her arms, “It’s just a matter of saying a word for you.”
“Do you know who I am?” Qin Yuanxi cautiously asked.
Seeing his careful appearance, Meng Xuan chuckled, “Originally, I didn’t know. Who made you say you’re his lover? Now, who doesn’t know about the love-hate relationship between Prince Lu and the current emperor? Although I live far away, the information is quite well-connected. How about it? Emperor, my condition isn’t difficult, is it?”
“It’s not difficult, but may I ask for the reason?” Qin Yuanxi thought of the words at the valley entrance and asked tentatively, “That person wouldn’t happen to have the surname Ye, right?”
Shouldn’t this be a story of love and hatred? Sending someone to the palace to be castrated, what kind of deep-seated grudge was this? If it was really surnamed Ye, Qin Yuanxi looked at Meng Xuan cautiously. Such a beautiful woman being wronged by someone surnamed Ye, was this Ye person blind?
“A smart person indeed.” Meng Xuan didn’t hide anything, “It’s him, my enemy. You help me take revenge, and I’ll help you with the hypnosis. How about it, agree or not?”
Before Qin Yuanxi could answer, the door was knocked twice, accompanied by an impatient, urging voice. Meng Xuan immediately jumped away from the door, her movements quite fast. She urged Qin Yuanxi, “Hurry up. That guy outside is quite mad now. Don’t provoke him, or it won’t end well.”
Her tone wasn’t one of fear but irritation. It seemed this witch had suffered from Prince Lu’s hands before. Qin Yuanxi was getting a bit curious.
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
