Chapter 1097 – A Sudden Turn (5)
Nie Liang seemed to want to laugh, but with a movement too abrupt, he accidentally choked for a moment, the smile he just raised freezing at the corners of his lips.
“You are quite straightforward—” Nie Liang took a breath, looking at Wei Ci with a half-smirk, “I originally thought Zixiao had a temperament similar to your brother, but now I see I misjudged you. Are you not afraid of harming yourself and making things worse by saying this to me?”
Wei Ci slightly parted his thin lips, “Please, Mr. Nie, open your mouth… your tongue is thick and discolored. Have you noticed anything unusual in your daily eating or drinking?”
Nie Liang gazed directly at Wei Ci’s face, following his instructions like a well-behaved patient cooperating fully with the skilled physician.
“Unusual? Yes! Sometimes I can’t taste anything, or my tongue feels numb. Something that is obviously bitter seems not as bitter as I remember.”
After the whole examination routine, it was captivating to watch, every movement flowing like a stream.
If it weren’t for knowing Wei Ci’s identity, Nie Liang might have doubted whether Wei Ci was a reclusive healer with outstanding virtue.
“The discovery is quite timely; with proper detoxification, aside from being a bit weak, your life is not in danger. Remember, you must not overexert yourself and cannot waste too much energy; otherwise, Mr. Nie might meet an early demise,” Wei Ci said, “I can see that your elder brother considers Mr. Nie a close friend—based on his temperament, if anything were to happen to you under his watch, he would likely be downcast for a lifetime.”
Nie Liang intended to smile wryly.
Living in chaotic times, surviving one more day was a gain—how many years could the difference be between an early death and a natural death?
Nie Liang’s position meant he could not stand apart from the struggles; having escaped this time, could he escape the next?
However, he never expected Wei Ci would mention Wei Ying.
A flicker of astonishment crossed Nie Liang’s eyes, seemingly surprised that Wei Ci’s willingness to help was for Wei Ying’s sake.
“The world is full of heroes and talents, shining like stars, but—there is only one Nie Liang,” Wei Ci smiled lightly, his overly exquisite face suddenly coming alive like a blooming garden, “Of course, Mr. Nie’s life is just this one.”
Nie Liang was about to speak when he heard Wei Ying’s footsteps, quickly silencing himself.
“Zixiao, the prescriptions are all here.”
Wei Ying took out several prescriptions, some in bamboo slip form and others folded on bamboo paper, all exceptionally well-preserved.
Wei Ci examined them closely, his brows furrowing and then relaxing, making Wei Ying’s heart race.
“These prescriptions are fine; whether it’s the medicinal herbs or the measurements, they are all suitable for treating wind-cold,” Wei Ci said after reviewing, sorting them back into their place, “However—treatment must be targeted. Although Mr. Nie shows symptoms of wind-cold, the causes of these symptoms are due to poison instead of wind-cold. Drinking these medicines will not only fail to address the root of the problem but may also worsen the toxins in the body—”
After hearing this, Wei Ying trembled with rage. Had the occasion been more suitable, he would have unsheathed his sword and taken out those few accompanying doctors.
“Elder brother just said the doctors are speaking in unison; there must be something fishy behind this.”
Wei Ci said no more, but his meaning was clear: Nie Liang’s poisoning was no accident, and the actions of those doctors were instigated by unseen hands. Instead of venting anger on the doctors, it was better to play along with their schemes.
Nie Liang slightly bowed his head, his gaze gleaming with a hint of insight—
He smiled wearily and softly said, “Family scandals should not be aired; I wouldn’t want to make Zixiao embarrassed.”
Wei Ci wrote a new prescription for Nie Liang, “Mr. Nie has a buildup of toxins in his body, but detoxification is not a day’s work. Your current condition is not suitable for strong medicines; it must be gradual. My medical skills are limited; Mr. Nie should find a trustworthy physician later.”
With fingers as slender as green onions, he wrote with precision and elegance, the handwriting clean and beautiful, pleasing to the eye.
Nie Liang said, “No need; Zixiao’s medical skills are reliable.”
Wei Ci did not reply, instead passing the prescription to Wei Ying.
“Does Mr. Nie have anything else to instruct?”
Nie Liang knew Wei Ci was preparing to take his leave.
“There is indeed one thing…” Nie Liang’s gaze wandered, a little embarrassed, “The prescription contains licorice; may I request a larger quantity?”
Afraid of bitterness?
Wei Ci questioned with his eyes, and Nie Liang hesitated between “bitter death” and “losing face” for a second, decisively choosing the latter.
Feng Zhen, who had been an observer all along, was like: “…”
He seemed to have uncovered a secret.
Nie Liang, too ill to see him off, had Wei Ying代替 his formalities.
Once they had gone a bit away, Feng Zhen’s curiosity could no longer be contained.
“Why did Zixiao save him?”
Though not familiar with Nie Liang’s status in the Nie Clan, he felt this person was difficult to handle; leaving him alive could bring trouble.
“The head of the Nie Clan is Nie Liang’s grandfather; this old man was also a figure of renown in his youth, still vigorous even in old age, controlling the Nie Clan’s authority,” Wei Ci spoke with a cold expression, “Though he is not senile, he has failed to choose a suitable successor. As time drags on, his offspring grow ambitious, contemplating what they shouldn’t.”
Feng Zhen immediately thought of the Xu Clan of Zhejun.
Xu Pei and Xu Fei fought fiercely; is it not because the grandfather favored his younger grandson, leading to a struggle between the legitimate eldest and legitimate second grandsons?
The situation in the Nie Clan was even more complicated. The Xu Clan’s old patriarch had lost both sons, leaving only two branches of grandsons, while the Nie Clan was different.
“Each branch thinks it has hope; how can they coexist peacefully?” Wei Ci’s eyes flashed with a hint of memory. During his previous life when he was hidden away in Zhong Zhao Bianzhou, he had received invitations from the Nie Clan’s second branch, attempting to have him and his brother compete for the fifth branch’s favor, “Nie Liang happens to be the most outstanding among the younger generation, and he even holds the title of eldest legitimate son from the fifth branch. If he wins the old patriarch’s favor, the fifth branch would rise as well, so someone can’t help but act.”
After hearing this, Feng Zhen finally understood the whole picture.
“Now that you mention it—if Nie Liang were alive, wouldn’t he further stir the waters within the Nie Clan?”
Wei Ci nodded, “Exactly so.”
Feng Zhen clicked his tongue, “It seems that Nie Liang is not simple; if he were allowed to live and clean up the Nie Clan’s internal affairs, he would be a formidable opponent!”
“Zixiao said, Nie Liang’s constitution is not suitable for excessive expenditure of heart and energy,” Wei Ci lowered his gaze, “Moreover, the internal powers of the Nie Clan are entangled; cleaning them up is not something that can be accomplished in a day or two. Although Nie Liang is the most outstanding among the younger generation, the fifth branch’s influence is not substantial; otherwise, the diplomatic mission would not have fallen to him. He still has a long road ahead if he wishes to clear the Nie Clan.”
Feng Zhen’s expression twitched, and he dumbly asked, “What if he doesn’t follow your medical advice—”
Wei Ci replied, “It would be detrimental to his longevity.”
Internal strife is a common occurrence in every esteemed family, even those with upright family traditions like the Feng Clan cannot escape.
However, the Feng Clan is clear, Feng Jin and Feng Jue have been educated since childhood to not compete with their older brother Feng Gui, establishing a deeply-rooted impression. Although this practice seems somewhat cruel and merciless, the foundation and ethos of the Feng Clan are indeed among the cleanest of many noble families.
