Chapter 28: A Terrible Blunder

“Alas…!” Dan Xiongxin glanced at Qi Guoyuan, who was tied up like a rice dumpling, and let out a heavy sigh. After eight failed suicide attempts by hanging, he was beyond saving, and his humiliation was complete. No one had anticipated that, just as the womenfolk were heading out to watch a play, they would run into a stark naked Qi Guoyuan. And to be fair, as the saying goes: a good man is covered in hair, a good woman in flesh. By that standard, Qi Guoyuan truly was a fine specimen of a man; his body came equipped with its own sweater and leggings, showcasing his masculine traits while keeping him warm. Indeed, it was both impressive and practical.

Xie Yingdeng’s face was ashen. If not for Wang Botang, he might have stormed into Yun Hao’s quarters right then and there to drag the boy out—falling out with Qin Qiong be damned.

“Brother, why did you save me? I’ve fallen prey to that Yun brat’s poison. He said if I don’t get the antidote, I’ll scratch myself to death! Brother, please, give me a quick end!” Qi Guoyuan lay on the bed, wailing like an infant in swaddling clothes. To think a murderous bandit could be reduced to this—both Li Mi and Wei Zheng felt a chill down their spines. The boy was only seven; what kind of monster would he become when grown?

“Master Xuancheng, could you take a look and see what poison has afflicted Brother Qi?” Dan Xiongxin turned to Wei Zheng for help; among them, only Wei Zheng had some medical knowledge. When it came to matters of health, his opinion was indispensable.

Wei Zheng scratched his head. “Brother Qi only complains of itching all over. But when I checked his pulse, there were no signs of poisoning—he’s perfectly healthy. I’ve never heard of mere alfalfa powder causing such symptoms. Ingesting it might be a problem, but applying it externally shouldn’t lead to full-body itching.”

“Uh…” Dan Xiongxin was at a loss—he couldn’t just stand by and let Qi Guoyuan kill himself. If that happened, Xie Yingdeng would fight Qin Qiong to the death.

“To untie the bell, one must find the one who tied it. Since this trouble was started by that child, naturally we must seek him out. I suggest we go to Brother Qin’s place. This must be resolved—if the boy hands over the antidote, we’ll let bygones be bygones. Besides, I hear the mother and son are almost recovered and plan to go to Jinyang. Master Dan, you can be generous with travel expenses and see them safely on their way.” Li Mi pondered and spoke.

Dan Xiongxin looked at Li Mi. It was indeed a sound plan—send Yun Hao away, and there would be no more conflict. After all, Qin Qiong’s standing in the martial world was significant; if his reputation took a hit, it would be awkward for everyone. Li Mi’s suggestion preserved both brotherly harmony and everyone’s dignity. Qin Qiong was a clever man—he would understand. After all, he had no real connection to the boy; he’d only helped in a moment of their misfortune. Now, with such a scandal, ensuring their safety was more than enough.

“I’ll fetch that brat right now. If he doesn’t give up the antidote, I’ll tear him apart!” Xie Yingdeng, seeing Qi Guoyuan’s state, was beside himself with rage. As he stormed out, Dan Xiongxin hurried after him, fearing things would get violent at Qin Qiong’s place.

A large group marched toward Qin Qiong’s courtyard. At that moment, Qin Qiong was already scolding Yun Hao.

“So young, yet so malicious. It’s one thing to play tricks with food, but you went so far as to poison Qi Guoyuan. In the martial world, this is called the lowest of the low. Hand over the antidote at once, or I’ll turn you over to Xie Yingdeng. You need to learn what happens to scoundrels.” Qin Qiong shot a cold glance at Wang Botang, whose face was grim.

Yun Hao knew full well that Qin Qiong was merely giving Wang Botang face.

“There’s no antidote—there was no poison. I only meant to scare him. Who knew he’d believe it?” Yun Hao said helplessly. Alfalfa powder didn’t cause intense itching—at least, not externally. He hadn’t put any in the bathwater, and didn’t even know what the stuff looked like.

“Then why is Qi Guoyuan itching all over?” Wang Botang demanded icily. He had no fondness for this vengeful child—this was no lovable boy, but a born troublemaker. Such cunning at this age boded ill for the future.

“If you’re soaked in cold water and then take a hot bath, you’ll itch too. Besides, I never put anything in the water—I don’t even know what alfalfa powder looks like,” Yun Hao replied, exasperated.

“Uh… Botang, this child truly hasn’t been out. And alfalfa powder is brought in by caravans from the Western Regions—such things might be found in big cities like Chang’an or Luoyang, but here in Luzhou, where would you find a Western merchant? Even if he wanted some, he couldn’t get it. Besides, have you ever heard of alfalfa powder causing full-body itching?” Qin Qiong turned to Wang Botang.

Qin Qiong was an official—solving cases was his trade. His reasoning was solid, and Wang Botang had to concede.

“But Qi Guoyuan really is suffering; he’s tried to hang himself eight times. Xie Yingdeng is frantic. You need to explain in a way he’ll believe,” Wang Botang said helplessly. Xie Yingdeng and Qi Guoyuan were like brothers; if not for Wang Botang’s restraint, Yun Hao might already be in pieces.

“Uh…” Qin Qiong was troubled. It was always hardest to convince someone stubbornly entangled in their own reasoning. What could he do? Left with no alternative, he shot Yun Hao a fierce glare. This child was simply too ruthless, thinking up such a scheme—how could Qi Guoyuan ever hold his head up in the martial world again?

“Where is that brat surnamed Yun? Come out, you!” A loud shout came from the door as Xie Yingdeng burst in. He lunged for Yun Hao, but Qin Qiong intercepted him. Their arms locked, and a contest of strength ensued.

“Old Xie, what are you doing? Let go!” Wang Botang saw Xie Yingdeng’s face flushed with fury—he was truly enraged.

“Wang Botang, stay out of this. Brother Qin, I respect you as a hero, but why are you protecting this evil child? If the antidote isn’t produced today, I’ll risk my life for justice for my brother!” Xie Yingdeng’s eyes were red as a rabbit’s, his face twisted with rage.

“Old Xie, let go—don’t let this harm brotherhood.” Dan Xiongxin, Li Mi, Wei Zheng and the others filed in, making the room uncomfortably crowded.

Yun Hao realized he was in deep trouble now; he hadn’t expected Qi Guoyuan to have so many friends. Since he was at fault, he had to resolve it himself—one boy could not stand against so many men, and not even Qin Qiong could shield him completely. But how to get out of this? After a moment’s thought, his eyes lit up—he had an idea.