Fallen At A Glance Chapter 2
byWhat Business Is It Of Yours
On the way back to the city, a faint rustling sound came from the depths of the dense forest, like dry leaves being crushed by heavy footsteps. Suddenly, a tall but staggering figure stumbled out from between the shadows of the trees.
The young man was dressed in black, his clothes stained with mud and dark red bloodstains, as if he had been repeatedly torn by thorns.
Lian Mu looked over, his eyes catching the sight of a shocking wound on the boy’s arm.
A deep, bone-visible gash ran diagonally across the outer side of his left arm, from the shoulder down to the elbow. The flesh was turned out, the edges already purple, and blood mixed with dirt had congealed into a dark brown scab. Yet, crimson blood beads still slowly seeped out, dripping down his forearm and pooling into a small patch of dark red on the ground.
The pant leg on his side was torn, exposing his calf. A penetrating wound ran through the muscle; the injury was swollen and inflamed, its edges tinged with an ominous green, clearly indicating a venomous injury. With every step he took, his muscles and bones were strained, causing cold sweat to pour down the young man’s temples.
His topknot was long undone, his ink-black hair plastered messily against his sweat-dampened neck and cheeks. Several strands were matted together with blood. His lips were pale, his breathing rapid and shallow, as he barely managed to lean against a tree trunk.
The wind picked up in the forest, fluttering his tattered clothes, making him look like a broken-winged bird fallen in the silent woods. But even so, the faint light in his eyes had not extinguished—like a dying ember in the cold night, weak, yet stubbornly burning.
“Do you need help?” Lian Mu stepped forward.
“If you don’t want to die, then get lost immediately,” the young man hissed, his voice low but his tone extremely harsh.
“If you don’t treat that, you might actually die.”
“What business is it of yours.”
For the first time in his life, Lian Mu was genuinely provoked into a laugh.
“Indeed, it’s none of my business. I’ll be going then.”
Struggling to hold on until the person left, Yun Suiyi suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed straight onto the ground.
“Hey,” Lian Mu caught him.
“Who… who told you to come back?” Yun Suiyi, relying entirely on sheer willpower, questioned.
“Shh,” Lian Mu said softly. “Close your eyes and rest. You are safe now.”
Hearing the word “safe,” even Yun Suiyi could not suppress his mind, which was teetering on the brink of collapse. He drifted into unconsciousness, fainting in Lian Mu’s arms.
When he woke up again, Yun Suiyi instinctively scanned his surroundings with vigilance.
“Such strong alertness,” Lian Mu, who had been observing everything clearly from the side, was surprised. Despite such severe injuries, the young man only took one hour to wake up from his coma.
“Who are you?” Hearing the sound in the room, Yun Suiyi’s expression was cold and his demeanor aggressive, not at all like an injured person.
“The benefactor who just saved your life,” Lian Mu raised an eyebrow. “Even if you don’t thank me properly, you don’t have to be so fierce, do you?”
“Who asked you to save me? Presumptuous.”
“But I have already brought you back to life,” Lian Mu said with a teasing tone. “What now?”
“Consider it meddling.”
Lian Mu felt helpless.
“Where is this place?”
“A courtyard inside Pingyang City.”
“Isn’t Pingyang City ravaged by the Plague and already closed to traffic?”
“It’s been brought under control.”
“Then…” Yun Suiyi hesitated slightly.
“What do you want to ask?”
“Nothing,” Yun Suiyi shook his head, sitting up. “Thank you for saving my life. Today, I will spare you and not kill you.”
Lian Mu was momentarily stunned by the young man’s words, unsure how to respond.
Yun Suiyi felt a surge of satisfaction seeing the person before him choked speechless.
“You are covered in injuries. Are you sure you want to get out of bed and leave right now?” Lian Mu reminded him.
“What business is it of yours.”
“Tsk,” Lian Mu was rarely provoked, but the young man managed to stir his temper. “You are still wearing my clothes, you know.”
Yun Suiyi looked down. His black Combat Attire had been replaced by a white Wide-Sleeved Robe. He was shocked and furious. “Who told you to take off my clothes?”
“I took them off because I wanted to.”
“You!” Yun Suiyi was enraged.
“Careful,” Lian Mu reached out and caught the unsteady Yun Suiyi.
“Let go of me,” Yun Suiyi pushed Lian Mu’s hand away.
“Don’t fall again,” Lian Mu tightened the arm wrapped around Yun Suiyi’s waist.
Confirming that Lian Mu was genuinely trying to help and not taking advantage of him, Yun Suiyi’s anger subsided.
Looking at the suddenly quiet Yun Suiyi, Lian Mu was somewhat surprised. He released his grip and said, “This courtyard is unused. You can rest here temporarily. The ointment and food are on the table. Seeing your condition, you can take care of yourself. I have matters to attend to and cannot stay here long.”
“Although the Plague in the city is controlled, it’s best not to wander around inside the city,” Lian Mu warned before leaving.
Seeing the young man nod, Lian Mu turned and departed.
Pingyang Prefect’s Office
Seeing Lian Mu’s figure, Chi Yan followed beside him, reporting on the situation in the city throughout the afternoon.
“Lian Mu, was the situation at the water source very serious? Why are you returning so late?” Chi Yan asked curiously.
“Not serious. It’s been resolved. On the way back to the city, I happened to save someone in the forest.”
“Oh,” Chi Yan nodded. “Lian Mu, the Plague here is controlled. How much longer do we have to stay?”
“The situation has only temporarily improved. A complete resolution will take more than a month.”
“That’s true,” Chi Yan casually picked up a piece of fruit from the desk and took a bite. “There are still some people who haven’t taken the medicine yet.”
“There are still people who haven’t taken the medicine?” Lian Mu frowned.
“Yes,” Chi Yan nodded. “This afternoon, I heard from the Prefect that some citizens, afraid of being taken to the isolation area outside the city, have secretly hidden themselves. The entire city still needs a thorough search.”
“Hey, Lian Mu, where are you going?”
“There’s nothing to do here. I’m going outside to take a look.”
“I’ll go with you, Lian Mu, wait for me.” Chi Yan quickly chased after Lian Mu.
…
Inside the room, Yun Suiyi confirmed Lian Mu had left and walked over to the table. He looked down at the plain white porridge and ointment, paused for two seconds, then sat down and slowly ate the porridge, spoonful by spoonful.
His injuries only looked terrifying. The reason he appeared so weak outside the forest was a deliberate act upon hearing the footsteps of an outsider, to guard against any unforeseen circumstances.
Now that his wounds were treated and he had entered the city, it was time to return to the Yun Manor to see what the situation was.
Finishing the porridge in a few quick bites, Yun Suiyi flashed out of the courtyard.
The unknown courtyard returned to its original silence.
For seven consecutive days, all citizens in the city took the medicinal decoction daily. Water sources both inside and outside the city were disinfected. Citizens who were uninfected or only lightly infected and out of danger spontaneously cooperated with the Constables to carry out a thorough disinfection of Pingyang City.
The Constables went door-to-door distributing Disinfectant Powder—a mixture ground from Atractylodes, mugwort leaves, and realgar. This powder was mixed with stove ash and sprinkled in dark corners, under beds, and in wall cracks.
In addition, the Prefect of Pingyang City personally went outside the city, directing officials to set up iron cauldrons in open spaces. Old clothes and tattered mats from infected households were thrown into the cauldrons and set ablaze in a ritual called “Filth Burning Ritual.” As the smoke rose, it not only eliminated the filth but also comforted the people.
Half a month later, the “Plague” that had enveloped Pingyang City for over three months dissipated with the last wisp of foul mist. The long-lost scent of cooking smoke drifted through the streets and alleys, and life returned.
The Prefect of Pingyang issued another proclamation, stating that “the plague poison has been eliminated, and all districts may resume normal business,” and ordered Constables to post “Disinfection Completed, Notice to the People” signs at the city gates. Passing merchants and travelers could see this and enter the city with peace of mind.
Shops in Pingyang City gradually reopened. Children ran and played in the streets and alleys. Cooking smoke once again connected the homes, and Yunyang County finally emerged from the shadow of the Plague, welcoming a long-awaited vitality.
Lian Mu and Chi Yan finally had time to sit in a teahouse, sipping tea and listening to the casual gossip of the town.
Suddenly, Lian Mu’s attention was drawn to a white figure on the roadside.
At a small food stall by the road, the oil sizzled, and the aroma wafted everywhere. A young man was wearing an ivory-white long robe with an off-white gauze shirt over it, the cuffs slightly rolled up, revealing a section of his fair wrist.
He leaned his hands on the wooden railing of the stall, slightly peering in, watching the master fry lotus root sandwiches. A gentle breeze blew, and a few strands of hair fell across his smooth forehead. That white attire, next to the stall shrouded in the smoke of daily life, looked particularly lively and fresh, completely harmonious with the surroundings.
Lian Mu was somewhat surprised. After a few days, the fierce, cold, and ruthless young man he had seen that day had transformed into the lively and bright young man before him.
“Young Master Zhao.”
The young man in white turned his head, his voice clear and pleasant, carrying the innocence and playfulness of his age, sounding like someone who had grown up spoiled by his family. “Cailian, you’re late. The old man has already fried them for me.”
Lian Mu’s momentary surprise instantly subsided. He thought, how could the change be so drastic? It turned out they were not the same person.
However, this young man in white looked exactly like the young man in black he had seen that day. They must be brothers.
“Young Master Zhao, you’ve just recovered from an illness. You shouldn’t eat so many fried foods. The family head will worry if he finds out.”
The young man in white’s eyes flickered upon hearing the maid speak, his expression momentarily stunned. He smiled and said, “How could that be, Cailian? I’ll just eat a little bit, as long as we don’t tell… Mother.”
“Alright, Young Master Zhao can only eat a little bit, okay?”
“Mhm, Cailian, don’t worry.”
“Young Master Yun, your lotus root sandwiches are ready.”
“Thank you, Old Man. Your lotus root sandwiches are the most fragrant. I buy some every time I pass by.”
“You are Yun Zhao, the Second Young Master of the Yun Manor. I remember you. You always loved coming to eat my fried lotus root sandwiches, but you haven’t been here for a while.”
“Yes, I was seriously ill for a while recently.”
“It seems Young Master Yun Zhao was also infected. Thankfully, the Immortal Masters came to Pingyang City to help us, which is why the Plague ended so quickly,” the old man chuckled. “Here, your favorite extra-spicy lotus root sandwiches. I specifically used new chili peppers this time. You always used to say my chili wasn’t spicy enough.”
“Thank you, Old Man,” Yun Zhao took the sandwiches. “Old Man, you gave me too much. I only asked for half a jin, but this is over a jin.”
“It’s no trouble, no trouble. I haven’t fried lotus root sandwiches for a long time because of the Plague. Now that it’s finally over, I’m in a good mood, so I’ll give you extra. But it’s not good to eat too much fried food at once, so eat less.”
“Thank you, Old Man.”
The young man in white took the sandwiches and turned to leave with the maid beside him.
“Young Master Zhao, you still love chili so much. The smell makes this servant choke.”
“Spicy food is flavorful, isn’t it?” Yun Zhao stopped and took out a piece to hand to Cailian. “This piece has less chili. Try it. This old man’s fried lotus root sandwiches are the best.”
“Thank you, Young Master,” Cailian took a bite. “Young Master, it’s too spicy!”
“Hahahaha,” Yun Zhao’s eyes curved like crescent moons, and the corners of his mouth lifted into a smile. He looked like a child whose prank had succeeded, innocent yet cunning.
“Don’t be angry, Cailian. There’s a pear tea stall over there. I’ll buy you a cup. I guarantee you won’t feel the spice after drinking it.”
“Thank you, Young Master Zhao.”
“Let’s go.”
A voice shouted from behind, “Watch out!”
By the time Yun Zhao reacted, he and Cailian had already been pulled aside by Lian Mu.
“Thank you, Immortal Master, for your timely assistance,” Cailian, having narrowly escaped danger, quickly thanked him.
“It’s nothing. As long as you weren’t hurt by the rolling log,” Lian Mu looked at the quiet young man in white beside him. “And this is?”
“This is my Young Master, Yun Zhao, the Second Young Master of the Yun Manor.”
Lian Mu nodded.
The shop owner quickly ran over to apologize. “I am so sorry, Young Master Yun. The rope came loose, and the log rolled straight forward. My assistant didn’t react in time.”
“It’s fine, it didn’t hit me,” Yun Zhao smiled. “Don’t worry about it. Go back to your work.”
“As long as you weren’t hurt. Then I’ll get back to work.”
“Mhm.”
After saving them, Lian Mu turned, intending to leave.
“Immortal Master saved Cailian and me. Would you like to come to the manor for a cup of tea?” Yun Zhao extended an invitation. “The pastries at the manor are very delicious.”
Chi Yan, who was right behind them, immediately nodded upon hearing the word ‘pastries.’ “That sounds great, thank you, Young Master Yun Zhao.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
Because of Chi Yan’s gluttony, Lian Mu was now sitting in the living room drinking tea, watching Chi Yan eat with great delight.
Yun Zhao occasionally introduced delicious pastries to them.
“This pastry is sweet but not greasy, crispy and delicious. Would Immortal Master like to try some?” Yun Zhao offered a piece to Lian Mu.
Lian Mu looked down at the pastry.
Yun Zhao thought Lian Mu was being dismissive and awkwardly withdrew his hand. “There are fresh ones on the plate. I’ll bring them over for you.”
“It’s fine,” Lian Mu took the pastry from Yun Zhao’s hand and took a small bite.
“How is it? Isn’t it delicious?”
The young man’s eyes were bright, looking eager for approval.
Lian Mu nodded. “It’s very delicious. Thank you, Young Master Yun Zhao.”
“You saved me, so there’s no need to be so formal with the title. If Immortal Master doesn’t mind, you can call me Ah Zhao. Everyone close to me calls me that.”
“Mhm, Ah Zhao.”
Yun Zhao smiled at Lian Mu.
“Does Ah Zhao have a brother who looks exactly like you?”
“Yes,” Yun Zhao nodded. “My older brother, Yun Suiyi. He has a fierce personality and a bad temper, and he’s often away. Has Immortal Master met my brother?”
Lian Mu nodded but didn’t elaborate. Yun Zhao didn’t seem very interested either and ran off to introduce more pastries to Chi Yan.