Chapter 52 - Thats The End (2/2)

Gao Pan’s death didn’t slow Xu Yi’s footsteps. He ignored both the humiliating abuse and supportive cheering. Nothing could get to him.

Clang! The large gong sounded for the second time. It had first sounded before the duel. The host announced, “I declare that the winner is Constable Yi Xu from Furong Town! In addition, the second duel between the Black Dragon Hall and Xu Yi will be held seven days from now!”

Suddenly, Xu Yi vomited blood before he collapsed to the ground!

…

The moon was bright, and the stars were few. It was already midnight. The gardenia flowers swayed and stirred in the late night breeze, sending their fragrance into the rooms.

Since his collapse on the duel platform, Xu Yi had been carried away. Yuan Qinghua was flustered, and he was jumping up and down. He fetched the physician at lightning speed. The physician came to the conclusion that Xu Yi’s internal organs were injured and needed to recuperate for some time.

Xu Yi was fed two huge bowls of a bitter-tasting medicinal concoction. Worried for his master’s injuries, Yuan Qinghua decided to leave Xu Yi at the medical centre while he darted out to run several errands. He returned at dusk to ferry Xu Yi back home on a large carriage.

Once they were back home, Yuan Qinghua gave instructions to two servants. After he had settled his master on his bed, he led the two servants away. There seemed to be many urgent chores to be taken care of.

Once the door was shut, Xu Yi lifted his quilt and sat on the bed. Despite the chilly late night’s breeze, Xu Yi was boiling with rage.

He had pretended to be unconscious at the duel venue.

Yuan Qinghua had hired a physician and checked his medicine. Xu Yi was initially moved by his genuine concern for him. He was upset that he had abandoned him at the medical centre after he feeding him two bowls of the unpleasant concoction. He thought the physician was a quack.

If only he could sleep in peace. He had intermittent visitors, mainly the gamblers who had made some winnings due to his victory at the duel. They came to ask Xu Yi about his chances of winning at the second duel.

He was barely able to manage his fury over such incessant inconsiderate acts.

He was miserable in his pretense. He had to tolerate this for several hours before Yuan Qinghua returned to take him home on a huge carriage.

Once they made it home, Yuan Qinghua rushed off to run his errands after settling him on his bed with two other servants.

Xu Yi had no one to confide in. He was thirsty and hungry. However, it seemed that no one was bothered about his needs.

While Xu Yi was fuming, he heard some movements outside his door and immediately pulled up his quilt and lay still.

The door was pushed open. It was Little Qiu. She tiptoed stealthily towards his bed after carefully closing the door. The short-legged girl climbed onto his bed with some difficulty.

She nudged her way to Xu Yi’s head. She touched his forehead and flipped open his eyelids. She stared at Xu Yi for a long time, and after she had made up her mind, she moved her fair, chubby arms to Xu Yi’s mouth and whispered, “Uncle Beardo, wake up and buy me many many super big succulent chicken drumsticks.”

They snuggled for a while. Xu Yi opened his eyes and held the girl in his arms. He chided, “All you can think of is food. How come you are always hungry?”

The little one was caught by surprise. Soon, she was giggling. She clapped. “Oh, Uncle Beardo is awake! Uncle Beardo is awake. Oh…”

“Sshhh, lower your voice. Uncle Beardo’s pretending to be sick. Only family members shall know the truth. Please do not tell others.” Xu Yi covered Little Qiu’s mouth.

“Uncle Beardo is cheeky.” The dainty darling yawned as she spoke. She looked tired. “I’m sleepy, and I’m going to bed. Tomorrow morning I want to see a big meat bun, osmanthus jelly, chicken drumstick, desserts…”

The kid counted with her fingers. She was busily counting.

“Alright, alright. I’ll buy all of them for you. Go sleep now. Do let Grandpa know secretly, lest he worries about me.”

Xu Yi patted Little Qiu on her head before putting her on the floor. He watched those dainty short legs creep out through the door.

Several minutes elapsed. The door was opened again. Yuan Qinghua was carrying a large bowl. Before his entry, the aroma of the bitter-tasting medicinal concoction had already permeated the air in the room.