I Am Immortal in Great Yu

Chapter 190: Chapter 79: City Slaughter

Brilliant golden sunlight bathed the vast wilderness, outlining the imposing silhouette of Yunshan City, which resembled a colossal beast crouching on the plains.

”We’re finally about to arrive!”

Fang Rui gazed into the distance. ’The Earth Armor Centipede at Eagle’s Beak Gorge was just a freak accident. Nothing else happened after that. Looks like I’m not some walking disaster magnet who brings trouble wherever he goes!’

’Rogue soldiers, mountain bandits, master thieves, beautiful assassins, a shapeshifting white fox spirit... I can’t believe I didn’t get the full set. Lame!’

But this self-mockery was mostly a front to hide his inner apprehension.

Because once they reached Yunshan City, the question of Fang Baicao’s survival would be answered. He would no longer be like Schrödinger’s cat; the uncertainty would collapse into a definite reality.

The feeling was like the anxiety of waiting for college entrance exam scores to be released.

In fact, Fang Rui wasn’t the only one. Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family and Third Lady were just as anxious.

Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family was mostly filled with worry. Though she said nothing, she habitually lifted the carriage curtain to peer outside.

Besides worry, Third Lady felt an indescribable nervousness, much like the feeling of meeting one’s in-laws for the first time.

Fang Ling and Nannan, on the other hand, were purely excited. Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family and Third Lady had told them that once they reached Yunshan City, they would get to see their father and uncle.

”Lord Fang,”

Just then, Steward Chen came over from outside to inform them. ”We’ll be entering the city shortly. The plan is to procure supplies in Yunshan City and rest for two days... And of course, we’ll send someone to ask about your esteemed father immediately.”

”Thank you!”

After the incident at Eagle’s Beak Gorge, Fang Rui’s relationship with the caravan had improved significantly, so he had told them about his situation two days ago.

The caravan’s owner, Jiang Yan, was more than happy to do him this favor. Steward Chen had even thumped his chest and promised to personally oversee the matter.

’With the caravan’s network, if they’re genuinely helping, they’ll most likely find some news,’ Fang Rui thought.

...

Perhaps because Li Xuantong had been defeated and grievously wounded, the Taiping Army was on high alert, and the inspection at the city gates was exceptionally strict.

But thanks to the caravan’s connections, they entered the city with ease after verifying their identities.

After entering the city, Fang Rui didn’t have to worry about a thing. Not far from the caravan’s lodgings, Steward Chen had already rented a small courtyard for the Fang Family, adjacent to the residence of the caravan owner, Jiang Yan. The family was also placed under the protection of the caravan’s guards.

Steward Chen, knowing how anxious the Fang Family was, then hurried off to ask about Fang Baicao.

...

Upon arriving at the small courtyard, Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family tidied up briefly before going to the main hall to wait. She was too restless to sit still, so Fang Rui, Third Lady, Fang Ling, and Nannan had no choice but to join her and keep her company.

”Mother, don’t overthink things. The more you dwell on it, the more anxious you’ll become,” Fang Rui said, shaking his head.

”That’s right, Auntie,” Third Lady added soothingly. ”Steward Chen has already gone to ask for news. We just need to wait. There’s no need to torment yourself with speculation.”

The two little girls, Fang Ling and Nannan, didn’t dare to speak. They sat obediently on their stools, their wide eyes darting back and forth.

To diffuse the tense atmosphere, Fang Rui had to sit down and tell a few amusing stories to distract Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family and keep her from becoming overwrought with anxiety.

About an hour later, Steward Chen returned, but his expression was grim, and he seemed hesitant to speak.

Seeing this, the hearts of Fang Rui, Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family, and Third Lady all sank.

Third Lady glanced at Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family, then at Fang Rui, looking as if she wanted to say something but held her tongue.

”Just say it, Steward Chen. I want to know!” Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family said, her face turning a little pale.

Steward Chen looked to Fang Rui. Only after Fang Rui gave a slight nod did he begin to speak. ”When the Rebel Army used ruses to take the three counties of Yunshan, Bai Chuan, and Changhuai, your esteemed father took part in the operations. The Nanxi County operation was no exception. But during that campaign, Grand General Xuantong was grievously wounded. Your father also suffered serious injuries and retreated back to Yunshan City...”

Fang Rui let out a quiet sigh of relief. ’As long as he isn’t dead, it’s fine. With my Medical Skill, I’m confident I can save him, even if he’s badly injured.’

But just then, Steward Chen glanced at Fang Rui apprehensively and added, ”A few days ago... he succumbed to his injuries. He’s already been buried...”

Hearing this, Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family’s face turned ashen. Crying out ”Baicao!” in anguish, she felt the world spin and collapsed sideways.

”Mother!”

”Auntie!”

Fang Rui’s expression shifted drastically. He rushed over to catch Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family, quickly took her pulse to diagnose her, and carried her into an inner room, calling over his shoulder, ”Third Sister, bring me my silver needles!”

”Oh!”

Third Lady acknowledged and hurried off.

The two little girls, Fang Ling and Nannan, followed them into the inner room, their faces filled with apprehension.

Steward Chen was left alone in the main hall, not knowing whether to stay or go. It was certainly not appropriate to follow them inside. He slapped his own face in frustration. ’Look at how you said it! Couldn’t you have been more tactful? Now look at this mess...’

In the inner room, Fang Rui finished administering acupuncture to Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family through her clothes, a thin layer of sweat beading on his forehead.

”Brother Rui, how is Auntie?” Third Lady asked with concern.

”She was overcome by grief. The shock was too much, and she fainted. But after my treatment, she’s out of immediate danger.”

Fang Rui shook his head. ”Third Sister, Ling’Er, Nannan, let’s go outside. Let Mother rest for a while.”

Once they were outside, Third Lady saw Fang Rui’s blank expression. Ignoring the presence of the two little girls, Fang Ling and Nannan, she gently took his hand and offered a word of comfort. ”Brother Rui... my condolences. Even though Uncle... the living must go on. You have to take care of yourself.”

”I’m fine, Third Sister,” Fang Rui said, shaking his head.

But despite his words, how could he possibly be fine?