Chapter 523 - 530: Just Showing Off

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Divine Doctor Mu seemed not to notice Sikong Ling’s true intentions, as he openly shared, “Madam Han is quite weak physically, but aside from that, there aren’t any major issues. With proper care, there shouldn’t be any problems as long as no unexpected situations arise. To prevent against any unforeseen circumstances, I will stay here for some time, until Madam Han’s condition has stabilized and she is out of danger before I leave.”

“Then we are in your debt, Divine Doctor Mu. If you need anything at all, just let me know, and I will do my best to accommodate,” Sikong Ling quickly replied, grateful that Divine Doctor Mu was willing to extend his stay, which was ultimately more reassuring. Regardless of the seemingly miraculous methods of Divine Doctor Mu, the fact that he had revived the patient was undeniable. Sikong Ling worried about potential emergencies that might arise if the Divine Doctor was not around. Since Divine Doctor Mu had offered, Sikong Ling was more than eager to accept.

“Nothing much else, I’ve wandered far and wide, and I’m not one to fuss about my conditions. Besides, life in Peach Blossom Valley is quite comfortable. However, I do have one habit—I enjoy gathering herbs deep in the mountains. When the time comes, I would appreciate it if Young Master Sikong could grant me this convenience. I am aware of Peach Blossom Valley’s rules, and I hope I won’t be obstructed then.” Divine Doctor Mu, familiar with the ways of Jianghu, knew quite a bit about Peach Blossom Valley, which is why he made this request.

To Sikong Ling, Divine Doctor Mu’s request was trivial and not at all suspicious. After all, the Divine Doctor was obsessed with the medical arts, and it was only natural for him to want to collect herbs in the deep mountains. Perhaps he mentioned it out of respect for the rules of Peach Blossom Valley; otherwise, such matters wouldn’t normally require approval from anyone.

“Of course, Divine Doctor Mu, please feel free to go. I will instruct the servants not to bother you. However, the mountains of Peach Blossom Valley are not like other places, with dense forests that have not been visited in years, and scarcely any human tracks. There are wild animals and poisonous insects as well. It would be dangerous for you to go alone, so why not let me assign someone familiar with the area to guide you?”

Although Sikong Ling did not doubt Divine Doctor Mu, as the master of Peach Blossom Valley, he had to take the necessary precautions. Assigning someone to accompany the Divine Doctor would ensure his safety and, implicitly, serve as surveillance.

Divine Doctor Mu had no objections; he was there to collect medicinal herbs, after all, and having someone familiar with the area guide him was naturally beneficial. He had no reason to refuse, and thus nodded, “That would be most kind of you, Young Master Sikong. You have my thanks for the trouble.”

Su Wenyue had slept for an entire day, and even Han Yu was becoming impatient by the time she woke up. She seemed to be in better spirits, likely due to good sleep quality and having eaten some food before. However, she was now feeling incredibly hungry.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Daughter-in-law, you’re awake,” Han Yu said with some relief as he noticed that Su Wenyue appeared to be in decent condition.

“Husband, I’m so hungry. I want to eat Roasted Chicken, Roast Duck, Sour and Spicy Fish, Braised Meatballs, and more…” Su Wenyue had forgotten about her intention to settle scores with Han Yu before she fell asleep. Having barely eaten anything substantial for a long time and being fed mostly soups and broths, she felt her stomach grumbling. She was practically drooling as she listed a whole array of foods, all of which she had dreamt about but hadn’t managed to eat.

Han Yu silently agreed but ordered the servants to bring the meal he had arranged previously, without any additions. The food had been specially prepared following Divine Doctor Mu’s instructions, tailored for Su Wenyue’s current condition. Moreover, given that Su Wenyue had just awakened and her stomach hadn’t been exposed to greasy foods for a long time, it was not wise for her to consume such items.

Su Wenyue’s face fell when she saw the food the servants brought in. What happened to all the delicious dishes she was promised? Han Yu had nodded in agreement and even gone out to instruct the servants, so why did they bring Bird’s Nest Porridge, White Fungus and Lotus Seed Soup, and the like? She really didn’t care for such bland food, and that Bird’s Nest was nothing more than a bird’s saliva, no matter how beneficial it was supposed to be.

It must be said that Su Wenyue was influenced by Chen Li’s views. Although she hadn’t been fond of Bird’s Nest before, she had forced herself to consume it, considering its beneficial properties. However, after Chen Li remarked that Bird’s Nest was nothing but a bird’s saliva, Su Wenyue asked around and confirmed it was true, and since then, she had never touched anything made with Bird’s Nest again.

“Husband…” Su Wenyue looked at Han Yu with a plaintive expression. The delicious food she was promised was missing, and the problem must surely lie with Han Yu.

Feeling the pressure of her accusing gaze, Han Yu consoled her by patting her head, “Daughter-in-law, you’ve just woken up, and your stomach is still weak. It’s not suitable for you to eat greasy foods, which are hard on the digestive system and difficult to metabolize. These dishes were prepared upon Divine Doctor Mu’s advice specifically for you. They’re the most suitable for your current state. Once you’re feeling better, I’ll have whatever you want to eat cooked and brought over.”

“But these are too bland, all soupy and watery. How can they fill my stomach? Plus, I’ve already said I won’t eat Bird’s Nest anymore. Even if it’s suitable for my stomach, there’s no need to eat just these items; I might as well not eat at all. I think you’re intentionally trying to starve me!” Su Wenyue complained petulantly. While Han Yu’s reasoning had some merit, she wasn’t fully convinced. She didn’t think of herself as that delicate; after all, there were times on the road with Phantom when the only food available was hard steamed buns or dry pancakes.

“Daughter-in-law, that’s unreasonable. There’s no way I would starve you. Behave yourself, please! Let’s just have this for breakfast today, and I’ll eat with you. For noon, I’ll have the kitchen prepare some tasty dishes,” Han Yu said in resignation, reminiscing about and yet helpless against her stubbornness. His wife’s whims were both endearing and exasperating.

“So what if I’m being unreasonable? I want those dishes, and if you don’t get them for me, I won’t eat,” Su Wenyue pouted, feeling secure with Han Yu by her side. No longer having to hold back her feelings as before, she was capricious and assertive. Seeing the indulgence and helplessness in Han Yu’s expression, she secretly delighted in her ability to act spoiled and demand his affection; after all, she had the privilege to be willful with her husband by her side!

Even in the past, Han Yu would coax her gently, let alone now that she had suffered so much. It was hardly any trouble to indulge her a bit more, especially after the ordeal of bringing her back. Understanding his wife, Han Yu knew she was not truly unreasonable, just reluctant and acting out. His patience was limitless, allowing her to express her displeasure and whims, eventually leading Su Wenyue to feel somewhat embarrassed by her own behavior. She reluctantly complied and let Han Yu feed her, one bite at a time.

“I really won’t eat this Bird’s Nest,” she said quickly, as Han Yu picked up the Bird’s Nest Porridge to feed her—it was not her being finicky, but just the thought of ‘bird’s saliva’ turned her stomach.

Han Yu was aware of his wife’s aversion to Bird’s Nest, so he had saved it for last, knowing she wouldn’t cooperate. Despite all other considerations, the Bird’s Nest was the most nourishing, even emphasized by Divine Doctor Mu himself. Yet, seeing his wife’s reaction, he was truly at a loss.