"Li'er, Lord Yan had urgent matters to attend to. Your Uncle Yang and I will stay here for a few days."
"Lord?" Mo Lixia asked.
"Yan Xiuye is the Prefect of Fucheng," Yang Baiwen explained.
Mo Lixia nodded. It wasn't unexpected, given his bearing.
Since Lord Yan had left in a hurry without eating, Mo Lixia felt she should at least provide some hospitality. She turned to Mochen. "Mochen, let's fetch some water so your Uncle Yang and the others can freshen up."
"Okay!"
As the children left, Yang Baiwen whispered to Mo Wushang, "Brother Mo, our niece must have hit her head when she fell from the cliff. It's a miracle she survived at all. Give her time to adapt... she'll eventually remember her old life."
"I know," Mo Wushang sighed. "I mustn't push her too hard. She was always such a quiet, sensible child."
"Once the... patient is better, we must return to the Capital. Have you sent word home yet?"
Mo Wushang shook his head. "Not yet. Those people in the Capital are watching us like hawks. Better to keep this secret for a few more days."
"Uncles, time to freshen up!" Mochen entered, carrying two cups of water.
"This is..." The men looked at the cups, confused. How were they supposed to wash their faces with a cup of water?
"Hehe... Uncles, this is a toothbrush, and this is tooth powder," Mochen explained. Then he slapped his forehead. "Wait! One moment!"
He dashed out and returned with another cup and his own toothbrush. Perched on his shoulder was A'Mu, also clutching a tiny, custom-made brush.
"I'll show you how to use it!"
The two grown men watched in fascination as the little boy and the chinchilla began a synchronized demonstration.
"Master invented this. It's called a toothbrush. It makes your mouth feel so fresh! First, dip it in water, then press it into the powder. Take a sip of water to rinse, then... brush left, brush right, up, down, inside, and out!" Mochen scrubbed vigorously, and A'Mu mimicked his movements perfectly.
Mo Wushang and Yang Baiwen followed suit, their movements clumsy at first.
"Brother Mo, this is indeed refreshing! Much better than salt water and willow branches," Yang Baiwen marveled.
"It is. Why have I never seen this before?"
"Haha! Only Master and I know about this... and A'Mu!" Mochen chirped.
"This creature... is called A'Mu?"
"Squeak!"
"It doesn't look like a common rat."
"A'Mu is a chinchilla. Master calls it a 'Dragon Cat.' It loves pine nuts and ginseng," Mochen explained.
"Fascinating," Yang Baiwen murmured, reaching out to stroke the soft fur. "I've never seen such a creature."
"Master says A'Mu isn't from around here. It probably got lost and ended up in our mountains."
Mo Wushang watched his daughter with growing pride. She had survived alone and possessed knowledge that even high-ranking officials lacked.
Later, Mo Lixia took her father to visit the grave of her master, Doctor Qian.
"Li'er," Mo Wushang said as they walked back. "Are there people here you need to say goodbye to? If so, prepare quickly. In a few days, you will come home with me."
"Can I... can I choose not to go?"
Mo Wushang's heart sank. "Why? Don't you want to see your mother? She... she lost her mind for several years after you went missing. And your brother... he adored you when you were little."
Mo Lixia fell silent. The word "Mother" hit her with unexpected weight. A mother who went insane with grief... she couldn't say no to that.
"If you miss this place, your mother and I will bring you back to visit later," her father added gently, sensing her hesitation.
Mo Lixia thought for a long time. "Then... can I take Mochen with me? I rescued him. He's like my own."
"Of course! Anything you want, Father will grant."
"Yo! Look who finally came out of hiding. Found yourself a new backer, have you?"
Just as they reached the foot of the mountain, a voice rang out. It was Er Dan, squatting by the path. He had been waiting for days, too afraid of Mo Lixia's "traps" to climb the mountain, but persistent enough to wait for her to come down.
Mo Lixia's smile vanished instantly.
"Listen, you little slut," Er Dan sneered, oblivious to the man beside her. "Follow me, and I'll make sure you're well-fed. Don't waste your time with—" He looked at Mo Wushang, whose face was like a block of ice.
Er Dan felt a chill but pushed through. "I didn't realize you liked them old. This guy could be your father! Is he really better than me? I'm telling you, Mo—"
THUD!
Before Er Dan could finish his insult, he was sent flying. He hit the ground face-first, coughing up dirt.
In the blink of an eye, Mo Wushang was on top of him. He grabbed Er Dan by the throat and lifted him into the air with one hand. The raw, terrifying aura of a battlefield general radiated from him. Er Dan's legs shook so hard he almost wet himself.
"Spare me! Spare me, Lord! I was just joking with Miss Xia'er!"
"Joking?" Mo Wushang's voice was like a death knell. "Is it fun? Let's play then."
With a powerful flick of his wrist, he hurled Er Dan against a nearby tree.
CRACK!
The sound of a bone snapping echoed through the clearing. Er Dan let out a blood-curdling scream.
"You dare insult my daughter? You must be tired of living," Mo Wushang growled, picking him up and slamming him onto the ground once more.
Er Dan rolled on the ground, clutching his broken arm, and scrambled away as fast as he could. "I'm sorry! I'll never do it again! Spare my life!"
"If there is a next time, it won't be just an arm," Mo Wushang shouted after him. "I'll send you to see the King of Hell!"
Mo Lixia couldn't help but chuckle softly. Serves him right.
"Li'er, who was that wretch?"
"A local bully. He thinks I killed his wife and wanted me to marry him as 'compensation.'"
"Shameless! He wants to marry my daughter? He really is looking for death." Mo Wushang patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, child. Now that I'm here, no one will ever bully you again."
Mo Lixia felt a strange warmth spreading through her chest. She had spent years being the protector—for herself and for Mochen. Now, someone was standing in front of her.
When they returned home, they found the injured patient awake. He was sitting in the living room, eyes closed, resting.
As Mo Lixia looked at his face, a sense of déjà vu washed over her. I've seen this man before... but where?