My Lady Always Lacks Ambition
Author: Yan Xiaomo
Chapter 667: 651: Wei Jun, the Store Manager I Trapped
Surgery to cut away necrotic flesh will inevitably require rest afterward, and Qin Liuxi currently lacks appropriate surgical tools. Also, preparations must be made for an adequate supply of golden sore medicine and regenerative medicine, and since Prefecture City is not far from Li City, Du Mian’s injuries being as they are, it doesn’t make a significant difference to wait a couple more days. After discussions, it was decided to return to Li City before treating his multiple injuries, which would also be more convenient for his recovery.
Qin Liuxi purchased some items from the Funeral Shop, then left Prefecture City with Teng Zhao for Li City, only this time, Du Mian was an additional companion.
Wei Xie watched as Qin Liuxi spread out the items she bought in the carriage, then began to make, her goosebumps rose, her orchid fingers pointed elegantly, her trembling finger pointing at her: “You said you’d make me a body, you’re not going to make me a paper figurine, are you?”
“Smart. Don’t worry, the paper figurines I make are also lifelike,” Qin Liuxi assured as she used bamboo to form a framework, smilingly saying: “I even bought your favoritepurple-pink color, and I will make sure it’s fashioned with the ample robes and wide sleeves you like.”
Wei Xie floated chaotically inside the carriage: “A paper figurine just collapses when drenched with water. If I were to walk on the street and it suddenly pours or I get splashed, and the figure suddenly collapses, wouldn’t that scare someone to death?”
Teng Zhao, picturing that scene, thought to himself that many people would probably scream out that they’ve seen a ghost in broad daylight.
“Then don’t go out in the rain, avoid getting wet.”
Wei Xie got impatient: “Do you not understand something like unpredictable weather? Especially now as we’re approaching a rainy season, it’s not like I can actually forecast it.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll coat you with tung oil for waterproofing, and don’t underestimate my spells, they should keep you protected from rain for a while,” Qin Liuxi retorted with a glance.
Wei Xie: I trust you a ghost, you little swindler!
He looked rather regretfully at those papers and the bamboo framework, thinking he had been too hasty. Knowing it was a paper figurine, he might as well have stayed in Lei Ming’s body!
During this regretful journey back to Li City, Wei Xie found himself at a loss for words upon seeing his newly crafted ‘physical body.’
His current attire, a lifelike purple-pink wide robe, had been carefully brushed with tung oil, waterproofed and protected against insects, with the lines of the robe’s pattern painted on, a bun on top of his head, and a paper-made brocade flower by his temple—so vividly and delicately made. The paper figurine’s delicate facial features were exactly like his, the eyes not yet granted spirit through eye-drawing, but already full of expression.
It seemed rather good.
“Should this face have some powder applied?” Wei Xie asked, looking at the rather dull face.
This man has a great obsession with applying face powder.
Qin Liuxi: “If you want to be human, you need the self-awareness of one. A face so pale it resembles a ghost, are you afraid people won’t know you’ve been dead for several centuries?”
Wei Xie choked: “I was just suggesting.”
“Giving you a flower hairpin is already giving you face, and now you want to apply powder, too? Look how many men on the streets put powder on their face; those who do are the pretty boy gays with affected manners,” Qin Liuxi rebuked.
Wei Xie closed his mouth.
He couldn’t provoke her; he kept silent!
He looked at the paper figurine; with such quality, it would do with reluctance.
The two carriages stopped at the alley entrance of Feichang Dao; Qin Liuxi got off first and approached the carriage with Du Mian, knocking on the door.
Wa Song opened the door and said, “Junior Temple Master, have we arrived?”
Qin Liuxi replied, “Treating his injury won’t take long, it’s the recovery that takes time. I need to prepare medicines and tools. There’s a shop here that I own, called Feichang Dao. Rent a small courtyard nearby to stay for now, and I’ll come over once I have everything ready.”
Du Mian forced a smile: “Thank you, Junior Temple Master.”
Qin Liuxi handed over a Jade Bottle, saying, “These are elixirs for soothing the spirit and nurturing the body. Take them for now. You need to replenish your spirit before surgery, or it’ll be difficult for you to endure.”
“Thank you.”
Wa Song took over and also gave Qin Liuxi a bow.
Qin Liuxi told them to go ahead and unloaded everything from her carriage, giving the driver a wallet and dismissing him. She then lifted the paper figurine onto her back basket and headed towards Feichang Dao.
After more than two months of travel, she was finally back.
Inside the shop, Chen Pi and Wan Ce were both idly sitting around. Suddenly seeing Qin Liuxi appear, they sprang up in excitement.
“The master has returned.” They rushed out.
Seeing Qin Liuxi, Chen Pi had a look of mournful and heart-wrenching sorrow: “You’ve been gone for too long this time.”
Wan Ce, meanwhile, was looking eagerly at Teng Zhao. The young master had grown taller and thinner, but his features now showed even more determination.
Qin Liuxi smiled and said, “Traveling here and there, it’s no surprise I’m late. Any issues at the shop?”
“There were those who came seeking medical help and expelling evil; we sold all the talismans we could, and directed unsolvable cases to the Daoist Temple,” Chen Pi took the items from her hands, filling her in, “In April, Mr. Yu had a chubby baby boy. He donated a large sum of incense money to the temple and lit a long-burning lamp. The little gentleman sent an invitation to the shop for his full moon celebration, hoping you would join the banquet, but you had not returned, so I took the liberty of sending a Peace Jade Talisman as a congratulatory gift.”
Qin Liuxi nodded, “Good.”
“As for the mansion, a guest did arrive,”
Qin Liuxi: “What guest?”
“It’s Madam’s family from her mother’s side, the same servant and Madam’s nephew who had visited before. However, accompanying them was a young master from the Northwest Quan Family, the direct grandson of the current Great General Quan, seeking medical attention.”
The Northwest Quan Family?
The Quan family has been defending the northwest borders for generations, their power overwhelming, virtually dominating the northwest. The hundred thousand soldiers of the Quan Family Army are strictly disciplined, iron-clad in their military conduct, each capable of taking on ten enemies, exceedingly valiant.
Coming from such a background, what kind of skilled doctors wouldn’t they be able to find, and yet they’ve come to her for help?
“How long have they been here?”
Chen Pi answered, “They arrived more than half a month ago. The Old Lady has been urging Madam every day to inquire at the Daoist Temple about when you will return, even contemplating writing a letter for you to hasten back.”
Qin Liuxi lowered her gaze; the Old Lady was so anxious, she must feel that cozying up to the Quan Family—those grand lords of the northwest eating dust—was now within hopeful reach!
“Never mind that for now; prepare my set of knives and thread for sterilization. They will be put to use,” Qin Liuxi instructed him, then noticing something missing, she turned and saw Wei Xie standing at the doorway, looking pale. “Why stand there like that? Wanting to pose as a Door God?”
Wei Xie pointed to the signboard of Feichang Dao and said with a pallid face, “Have you forgotten I’m a ghost? These runes are nearly shattering my soul, and you’re asking me to come in?”
You little scammer, how evil!
“Rid your mind of evil thoughts, and you shall enter. It’s made from Yew Wood; it won’t cause any harm.” She thought about it and then flicked a spell onto him with her hand.
Wei Xie’s soul body shook, feeling as if something had been added to his soul. He looked up at the signboard again; the former dizziness and ringing in his ears were gone.
He stepped inside, unobstructed.
To Chen Pi, Qin Liuxi said, “This is Wei Jun. From now on, he will be our capable Store Manager in Feichang Dao, who can communicate with ghosts and spirits and handle matters with people.”
Wei Xie was flabbergasted: “?”
What shopkeeper?
What a guy, you really are the big trickster who’s been duping me!
Qin Liuxi purchased some items from the Funeral Shop, then left Prefecture City with Teng Zhao for Li City, only this time, Du Mian was an additional companion.
Wei Xie watched as Qin Liuxi spread out the items she bought in the carriage, then began to make, her goosebumps rose, her orchid fingers pointed elegantly, her trembling finger pointing at her: “You said you’d make me a body, you’re not going to make me a paper figurine, are you?”
“Smart. Don’t worry, the paper figurines I make are also lifelike,” Qin Liuxi assured as she used bamboo to form a framework, smilingly saying: “I even bought your favoritepurple-pink color, and I will make sure it’s fashioned with the ample robes and wide sleeves you like.”
Wei Xie floated chaotically inside the carriage: “A paper figurine just collapses when drenched with water. If I were to walk on the street and it suddenly pours or I get splashed, and the figure suddenly collapses, wouldn’t that scare someone to death?”
Teng Zhao, picturing that scene, thought to himself that many people would probably scream out that they’ve seen a ghost in broad daylight.
“Then don’t go out in the rain, avoid getting wet.”
Wei Xie got impatient: “Do you not understand something like unpredictable weather? Especially now as we’re approaching a rainy season, it’s not like I can actually forecast it.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll coat you with tung oil for waterproofing, and don’t underestimate my spells, they should keep you protected from rain for a while,” Qin Liuxi retorted with a glance.
Wei Xie: I trust you a ghost, you little swindler!
He looked rather regretfully at those papers and the bamboo framework, thinking he had been too hasty. Knowing it was a paper figurine, he might as well have stayed in Lei Ming’s body!
During this regretful journey back to Li City, Wei Xie found himself at a loss for words upon seeing his newly crafted ‘physical body.’
His current attire, a lifelike purple-pink wide robe, had been carefully brushed with tung oil, waterproofed and protected against insects, with the lines of the robe’s pattern painted on, a bun on top of his head, and a paper-made brocade flower by his temple—so vividly and delicately made. The paper figurine’s delicate facial features were exactly like his, the eyes not yet granted spirit through eye-drawing, but already full of expression.
It seemed rather good.
“Should this face have some powder applied?” Wei Xie asked, looking at the rather dull face.
This man has a great obsession with applying face powder.
Qin Liuxi: “If you want to be human, you need the self-awareness of one. A face so pale it resembles a ghost, are you afraid people won’t know you’ve been dead for several centuries?”
Wei Xie choked: “I was just suggesting.”
“Giving you a flower hairpin is already giving you face, and now you want to apply powder, too? Look how many men on the streets put powder on their face; those who do are the pretty boy gays with affected manners,” Qin Liuxi rebuked.
Wei Xie closed his mouth.
He couldn’t provoke her; he kept silent!
He looked at the paper figurine; with such quality, it would do with reluctance.
The two carriages stopped at the alley entrance of Feichang Dao; Qin Liuxi got off first and approached the carriage with Du Mian, knocking on the door.
Wa Song opened the door and said, “Junior Temple Master, have we arrived?”
Qin Liuxi replied, “Treating his injury won’t take long, it’s the recovery that takes time. I need to prepare medicines and tools. There’s a shop here that I own, called Feichang Dao. Rent a small courtyard nearby to stay for now, and I’ll come over once I have everything ready.”
Du Mian forced a smile: “Thank you, Junior Temple Master.”
Qin Liuxi handed over a Jade Bottle, saying, “These are elixirs for soothing the spirit and nurturing the body. Take them for now. You need to replenish your spirit before surgery, or it’ll be difficult for you to endure.”
“Thank you.”
Wa Song took over and also gave Qin Liuxi a bow.
Qin Liuxi told them to go ahead and unloaded everything from her carriage, giving the driver a wallet and dismissing him. She then lifted the paper figurine onto her back basket and headed towards Feichang Dao.
After more than two months of travel, she was finally back.
Inside the shop, Chen Pi and Wan Ce were both idly sitting around. Suddenly seeing Qin Liuxi appear, they sprang up in excitement.
“The master has returned.” They rushed out.
Seeing Qin Liuxi, Chen Pi had a look of mournful and heart-wrenching sorrow: “You’ve been gone for too long this time.”
Wan Ce, meanwhile, was looking eagerly at Teng Zhao. The young master had grown taller and thinner, but his features now showed even more determination.
Qin Liuxi smiled and said, “Traveling here and there, it’s no surprise I’m late. Any issues at the shop?”
“There were those who came seeking medical help and expelling evil; we sold all the talismans we could, and directed unsolvable cases to the Daoist Temple,” Chen Pi took the items from her hands, filling her in, “In April, Mr. Yu had a chubby baby boy. He donated a large sum of incense money to the temple and lit a long-burning lamp. The little gentleman sent an invitation to the shop for his full moon celebration, hoping you would join the banquet, but you had not returned, so I took the liberty of sending a Peace Jade Talisman as a congratulatory gift.”
Qin Liuxi nodded, “Good.”
“As for the mansion, a guest did arrive,”
Qin Liuxi: “What guest?”
“It’s Madam’s family from her mother’s side, the same servant and Madam’s nephew who had visited before. However, accompanying them was a young master from the Northwest Quan Family, the direct grandson of the current Great General Quan, seeking medical attention.”
The Northwest Quan Family?
The Quan family has been defending the northwest borders for generations, their power overwhelming, virtually dominating the northwest. The hundred thousand soldiers of the Quan Family Army are strictly disciplined, iron-clad in their military conduct, each capable of taking on ten enemies, exceedingly valiant.
Coming from such a background, what kind of skilled doctors wouldn’t they be able to find, and yet they’ve come to her for help?
“How long have they been here?”
Chen Pi answered, “They arrived more than half a month ago. The Old Lady has been urging Madam every day to inquire at the Daoist Temple about when you will return, even contemplating writing a letter for you to hasten back.”
Qin Liuxi lowered her gaze; the Old Lady was so anxious, she must feel that cozying up to the Quan Family—those grand lords of the northwest eating dust—was now within hopeful reach!
“Never mind that for now; prepare my set of knives and thread for sterilization. They will be put to use,” Qin Liuxi instructed him, then noticing something missing, she turned and saw Wei Xie standing at the doorway, looking pale. “Why stand there like that? Wanting to pose as a Door God?”
Wei Xie pointed to the signboard of Feichang Dao and said with a pallid face, “Have you forgotten I’m a ghost? These runes are nearly shattering my soul, and you’re asking me to come in?”
You little scammer, how evil!
“Rid your mind of evil thoughts, and you shall enter. It’s made from Yew Wood; it won’t cause any harm.” She thought about it and then flicked a spell onto him with her hand.
Wei Xie’s soul body shook, feeling as if something had been added to his soul. He looked up at the signboard again; the former dizziness and ringing in his ears were gone.
He stepped inside, unobstructed.
To Chen Pi, Qin Liuxi said, “This is Wei Jun. From now on, he will be our capable Store Manager in Feichang Dao, who can communicate with ghosts and spirits and handle matters with people.”
Wei Xie was flabbergasted: “?”
What shopkeeper?
What a guy, you really are the big trickster who’s been duping me!