kvmb Chapter 321 Bring a Gift
Chapter 321 Bring a Gift
Song Ming pondered for a moment, feeling that he hadn't done anything heinous. He composed himself, trying his best to ignore the sharpness in Fu Ling's words, his eyes fixed on the packet of medicine like a hawk's, and said solemnly, "Miss may not understand, but this packet of medicine is a lifeline for a critically ill patient in the valley! Its quality directly affects the patient's life or death. The fact that Her Majesty the Empress bestowed such a high-quality packet of medicine is truly beyond my expectations, which is why I lost my composure. Please forgive me, Miss."
As he spoke, he carefully held the packet of medicine in his hands, as if it were a priceless treasure. He examined the medicine repeatedly, his eyes revealing surprise and appreciation, as if the medicine had become a part of his life.
Seeing how much Song Ming valued the packet of medicine, Fu Ling's nameless anger subsided somewhat. She realized her words had indeed been a bit too harsh and felt a pang of regret. So, she coughed lightly, trying to ease the tense atmosphere, and said, "In that case, it can be considered that this packet of medicine has served its purpose. My master has always been kind-hearted and helpful; knowing that this medicine can save a life, he will certainly spare no effort to help others."
After speaking, Fuling picked up her teacup again and took a small sip of Zhuyeqing tea. The refreshing aroma of the tea filled her mouth, gradually calming her down.
After carefully arranging the medicine, Song Ming returned to the outer hall, his gaze towards Fuling now filled with scrutiny. He pondered for a moment before speaking, "Miss Fuling, your accent doesn't sound like that of a local, and your style of doing things is quite efficient. I suppose you hold an important position by Her Majesty the Empress's side."
Fu Ling raised her chin slightly, a hint of pride flashing in her eyes, and said, "We were not originally from Yuncheng. When I was 12 years old, thanks to the help of my master, my family was freed from human slavery. I have been following my master ever since then, and over the years I have honed some skills. Although this trip to Medicine King Valley to deliver medicine is just a small matter, I will definitely handle it properly."
Song Ming's lips curled into a faint smile, a hint of barely perceptible joy flashing in his deep eyes. He nodded gently, indicating his approval of Fu Ling, and at the same time, he felt a greater understanding and appreciation for this seemingly temperamental but actually straightforward girl.
He turned and walked to the shelf, reaching out to take down an exquisite wooden box. The box had a smooth surface and fine grain, clearly meticulously crafted. Song Ming carefully opened the box, and a delicate fragrance wafted out, instantly soothing his senses.
The box contained dried flower petals, their pale colors seemingly frozen in time at their most beautiful moment. Bathed in sunlight, these petals retained their natural fragrance, blending seamlessly with their surroundings.
Song Ming placed the wooden box on the table, then took out some flower petals and gently placed them into the Poria cocos teacup. His movements were elegant and practiced, as if this were something he did every day. Next, he picked up the kettle and slowly poured hot water into the cup.
When the hot water meets the petals, it instantly creates ripples. The petals slowly unfold in the water, like sleeping flowers awakening in the morning sunlight. Their colors gradually become more vibrant, and their fragrance grows stronger, blending with the refreshing scent of bamboo leaf tea to create a unique and captivating aroma.
Fuling watched all this quietly, her gaze drawn to the tiny world within the cup. When she smelled the blended aroma, she couldn't help but take a soft breath, savoring the wonderful flavor.
She picked up the teacup and carefully took a sip. The tea slid down her throat, bringing a slight coolness, and the originally chilly taste now had a touch more mellowness and sweetness. Fuling's eyes lit up slightly; she was clearly pleasantly surprised by this unique taste.
"I never expected this combination to be so wonderful. Second Master Song, I underestimated you." Fu Ling said with a smile, her voice filled with admiration and respect.
Just then, footsteps sounded outside, and a disciple hurried over and respectfully said at the door, "Second Master, there are several people outside the valley who claim to be the young lady's companions requesting an audience." Upon hearing this, Fuling immediately stood up, "It must be Baizhi and the others, I'll go right away."
Song Ming followed Fu Ling to the valley entrance, where Bai Zhi and the others stood. Upon seeing Fu Ling, their faces showed anxiety. "Fu Ling, you've finally come out! Why did you stay for so long? Master sent us to check on you," Bai Zhi said, quickly stepping forward and taking Fu Ling's hand.
Fuling smiled and reassured him, "Don't worry, I'm fine. Thanks to Second Master Song's hospitality, I even got to drink the delicious tea he personally brewed." As she spoke, she turned to look at Song Ming, a hint of a smile in her eyes.
Bai Zhi and the others looked at Song Ming and bowed. Song Ming returned the bow slightly, his gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Fu Ling. He said, "Miss Fu Ling, thank you for bringing the medicine today. If you need anything in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."
Fuling nodded slightly, "I certainly won't be polite." After saying that, she turned and left with Baizhi and the others.
After Fuling and her group disappeared at the valley entrance, Song Ming turned and returned to the valley. He felt a strange emptiness in his heart, and Fuling's stubborn yet playful image kept flashing through his mind. "This girl is quite interesting," he murmured to himself, a smile unconsciously playing on his lips.
Back at his lodgings, Song Ming refocused his attention on the precious medicinal herbs. He knew that while the medicine was valuable, a complete cure would require careful preparation of other medications and a detailed treatment plan. In the days that followed, he devoted himself entirely to research and pharmaceutical work, yet he would often find himself thinking of Poria cocos.
After returning to the Gu residence, Fuling often thought of her brief time in Medicine King Valley, of Song Ming's seemingly aloof yet gentle demeanor, and of the unique aroma of the bamboo leaf green tea paired with flower petals. "That Second Master Song is truly a strange person," she thought to herself, a slight smile playing on her lips.
Days passed, and Medicine King Valley and the Gu Residence continued their separate operations. However, some strange phenomena occurred in Medicine King Valley. Several precious herbs in the previously thriving herb garden suddenly withered inexplicably, without the disciples responsible for guarding them noticing. Upon learning of this, Song Ming felt uneasy and immediately went to the Gu Residence to see the Medicine King. Before coming, Song Ming felt he should bring something, so he put a packet of light bamboo leaves and a packet of dried flower petals in a wooden box. As for his Medicine King master or Gu Mochen? They didn't need any gifts!