Chapter 103: Just Such an Outcome

Zhang Xiaolan understood what Elder Fu meant, yet she remained deeply grateful for his assistance. Though disappointed, she reminded herself that this was still a glimmer of hope; gaining another three years was, in itself, a blessing.

"This is already a tremendous help to Ling Xiao," Ling Xiao interjected, sensing her disappointment and speaking up to express his own gratitude. "If the poison were left unchecked, I would have had only ten years to live at most, and in the end, my life would still be forfeit."

He said this to comfort her, wanting her to know that he was truly content. Had he not met these people, his fate would likely have been far more brutal. Perhaps, even before the poison took its toll, he would have perished while carrying out a mission. To him, being able to live like a normal person now was a luxury and a stroke of great fortune.

"Oh? It seems the one who poisoned you is truly insidious. Not only does it control the timing of the onset, but it also gradually wastes the muscles and drains the essence until death," Elder Fu remarked, his suspicion regarding the nature of the toxin deepening. He had never encountered such a poison before; it was far more vicious than one that simply killed its victim outright.

"That is indeed the outcome," Ling Xiao replied in a low voice. His heart filled with resentment, knowing there were many others who shared his tragic fate.

"Might you tell me, young man, how you came to be ensnared in such a disaster? Is there some hidden story behind it?" Elder Fu’s curiosity was piqued. He could not discern whether Ling Xiao had been framed or if there were deeper, darker circumstances. What truly troubled him was the cruelty of the poison’s nature, and even more so, the malice of the person who had crafted it to control the lives of others.

"Elder Fu, Ling Xiao is a man of great hardship. He lost his parents in childhood and suffered immensely, only to be poisoned and controlled by others. Please, simply know that Ling Xiao has turned over a new leaf; his past actions were never of his own volition. I beg you, do not hold his past against him and please help him with his treatment," Zhang Xiaolan said. Sensing the Elder’s inquiry into Ling Xiao’s identity, she spoke before Li Rui could, appealing to the old man's reason and compassion.

She feared that revealing Ling Xiao’s background would be detrimental to both Li Rui and the Elder. In her eyes, Ling Xiao was a decent "boy" simply toyed with by fate; it was better that his past remained obscured.

"Heh heh! Miss Zhang is truly kind-hearted and full of passion," Elder Fu chuckled. "I do not inquire into the past; I only heal the sick. If he is a good person, I will certainly do my utmost to help. In three days' time, Prince Rui, bring Ling Xiao to see me."

Elder Fu understood the meaning behind Zhang Xiaolan's words. Since Li Rui was willing to assist them, he decided not to concern himself with their background, concluding that it was simply fate that had brought them together.

Three days later, Li Rui followed Elder Fu’s instructions and brought Ling Xiao to visit. Because Zhang Xiaolan insisted she could not rest easy unless she accompanied them, Li Rui agreed to let her come along.

Although Elder Fu possessed a residence in the capital granted by the Emperor, he had chosen to build a separate retreat at the foot of a secluded mountain to serve as his laboratory. While it lacked the grandeur of his urban estate, it was a place of his own careful design, fully equipped with everything necessary for the study and production of medicine.

"Welcome, honored guests. My master is already inside and prepared. Please, follow me."

Standing at the door to greet them was Lin Li. Though he was acquainted with Zhang Xiaolan, his demeanor toward Li Rui was one of profound respect and decorum, far more polite than when he had spoken to them the previous day—likely because he was now aware of Li Rui’s true status.

"Lin Li, you seem much more polite today," Zhang Xiaolan teased. But Lin Li merely put on a show of airs, maintaining a haughty and reserved expression.