1314: A Thousand Peonies Bloom
Morning Drama

The night had been overthrown the morning which began to reign on the throne of the heavens. Thin circles of dew soaked the leaves that looked like beads.

Shuwan and Zhang got up early, and started the conversation on the long seat on the porch of the house.

“Are we going to continue our journey with your condition like this, Shuwan?” zhang said worriedly.

“True.”

“Do you not want to wait until your bones recover? I'm afraid that if we hurry it will make your condition worse.”

“Zhang, but I can't keep waiting. My time is decreasing. If I can't finish this trip by the deadline, then I can't be free from the thing that binds me so.”

Zhang was silent, his gaze was lethargic. He was confused what else to say. On the other hand he is worried about Shuwan's condition but on the other hand he also feels he cannot delay the trip anymore.

“Alright if that's your wish. We'll walk slowly.”

Shuwan nodded in agreement. He only focused on looking at Ying Jie's courtyard which was filled with medicinal herbs despite being located in the middle of the jungle.

“Actually you guys want to go where?” sahut Ying Jie who suddenly just appeared from inside the house.

“Finding a cure and a new life,” sergeant Zhang who sat next to Shuwan earlier.

“Aidender? Maybe you can tell me what illness you're suffering from, so I can concoct medicine for you.”

Ying Jie then sat to Shuwan's left. Now Shuwan's position was between Ying Jie and Zhang. Shuwan said nothing, and continued to follow the conversation.

“It's a free thing. The cure for my illness is only one. And, it only exists in Cloud Country,” Zhang chimed in.

“Yes, Cloud Country is indeed famous for its alchemists. Many rumors circulating that the place is just nonsense, but there are also those who believe that the place does exist.”

“Then you believed which one?” Shuwan suddenly replied after only being a listener of the conversation of two men flanking him now.

“Of course I believe that the place does exist. The place was at the top of the mountain until it was covered by clouds, and protected by magic power. Not just anyone can get in there.”

“You seem to understand so much about the Cloud Country?”

“Because I'm from there.”

Shuwan and Zhang instantly became startled not to be confused by the remark that the mysterious Ying Jie had just made.

“You're from there?” Zhang stammered.

“Well, that's right. Because of my desire to live freely, that's why I went from there.”

Shuwan remained silent. This white-haired man was not in the red book story. Since Shuwan entered the story, the plot and also the character have changed. Don't know what's likely to happen. 

“Then, can you guide us there?” zhang asked expectantly.

But her hopes had to run aground right then and there, as Ying Jie rejected her. “Sorry, I can't. I decided to run away from that place. If I'd been seen there, I'd be in jail. Besides, how could I possibly leave my two disciples here? They were both orphans, and had no relatives. There is only me where they lean and depend.”

Shuwan sighed, “Ying Jie was right. We can't force him to lead us to that place. In any case, this is our journey, and we must complete it ourselves.”

Zhang nodded after hearing Shuwan's words, “I understand. But, can you tell us how much longer we have to walk?”

“If there are no meaningful obstacles, soon you will arrive,” Ying Jie said.

“Your words are ambiguous. For a moment it was unpredictable. A moment you think, not necessarily a moment in our opinion,” chirped Shuwan.

“Hey, don't get angry first. I said it because it was true. If there are no more obstacles on the way, about 15 days you will get there.”

“Really?” Zhang tried to confirm Ying Jie's words.

Ying Jie nodded, reassuring Shuwan and Zhang that the complicated journey they went through would soon be over.

“Hoam... Early this morning you guys are talking about serious things what the hell?” said Yu Hao who had just woken up from his sleep. Not long ago Jiao appeared from behind Yu Hao.

“Nothing. Well, since we are all awake, it is time for us to work, before we part with Ying Jie, and the twins,” Zhang said excitedly. “While you're Shuwan, it's best to stay seated here and don't do strenuous activity.”

“Heh, you always say as you please,” Shuwan said in an annoyed tone.

“Aren't you the one who exemplified it? You always say and act as you please. You walk forward alone. Leaving me and the others behind. Then let us watch your fight from afar. Heh, don't lure me anymore Shuwan.”

What's wrong with her? His temperament was changing all the time.

“Hey, there's no need to get like this, right? It's still early in the morning and you're sparking a showdown. How will a sunny day come today?” Yu Hao tried to calm the situation between Zhang and Shuwan.

Zhang just stood up and turned his gaze away. Walking forward, leaving Shuwan who was still sitting speechless.

“Shu’er, are you okay?” Ying Jie tried to ascertain Shuwan's state.

“I'm fine. I'd better get back inside.”

Shuwan got up with his pain. Both of his hands tightly grasped the two sticks that supported his body.

Zhang, who had turned his back on Shuwan, turned his body immediately, and watched the scene that made him more emotional. The annoyed face was clearly visible there.

“Yu Hao, what should we do?” whispered Jiao who started to fret with the situation before her.

“Okay, I also do not understand how to deal with this situation,” Yu Hao bowed lethargicly.

Jiao only watched her two friends walk away. “I really don't like it if Zhang and Shuwan have to fight.”

“What do you think I like? But, I've been thinking of a plan to get this thing done."

"What's the plan?" Jiao curious.

"I'll tell you later." 

Shuwan walked with his difficulty aided by Ying Jie. Shuwan chose to sit on the chair that was in the middle room.

“Thank you for helping me walk,” Shuwan said.

“It's okay. You, rest here, I'll make your medicine.”

Shuwan. Ying Jie replied with a smile, and then walked towards the kitchen to prepare Shuwan's medicine.

***

Buugg....

Zhang punched a tree in front of him. He felt annoyed with himself, plus the sight that made him dissolve in jealousy.

“Zhang, what are you doing? Hey, your hand's hurt. Are you upset because of Ying Jie's treatment of Shuwan?” said Yu Hao who was trying to ascertain Zhang's feelings.

Zhang was silent. He did not give any answer to Yu Hao's question.

“Zhang I know you're jealous. But please, don't hurt yourself. Is this what Shuwan wants?”

Again, Zhang was silent. He just bowed lethargic. There was a vexation in his heart, so he did not know how to handle it.

“Saranku, try to communicate well. His condition is now very fragile. I don't judge you wrong, but don't get carried away by your emotions and blur anything else in front of your eyes.”

“I know, Yu Hao. I was just helpless when I saw the usually nosy Shuwan become like this. As a man, I felt like I failed to protect him. As Ying Jie looked at him attentively, I was indeed jealous. Argh..! I don't know how to cope with my own feelings.” Zhang snorted in annoyance. Both of his hands tightly grabbed the hair on his head.

Yu Hao sighed, “I think you know better how to handle it. I'll give you some time alone. Calm yourself, just come back and face Shuwan. Remember, don't get carried away by emotions.” Yu Hao patted Zhang's left shoulder, and left.

Now, Zhang was alone under a tree not far from Ying Jie's residence. He sat still and thought hard, trying to reconcile his troubled heart.

***

While in the living room, Shuwan still sat in his daydream. Thinking about Zhang's attitude and also the words earlier.

“Shuwan!” Jiao called out to him and made him gasp in shock.

“Ah... What's up Jiao?” he said while smiling.

Jiao then sat down on the chair that was next to Shuwan. He started a trial. “Em... Are you thinking about what Zhang said?”

“Iya. I don't really understand him that every time can change like that.”

“Shuwan, I don't mean to blame you, nor defend Zhang. But, he's just worried about you. Ah... Sure did! He's not the only one who's worried. Me, and also Yu Hao are also very worried about you Shuwan. Seeing you fight alone, then fall and get hurt. Who wouldn't worry if he saw an important person hurt in front of his eyes?”

“I understand, Jiao. I just can't let you guys get hurt. It's my job to let you guys stay safe.”

“But Shuwan, you don't have to do it alone. There is me and the others. Shuwan, let's communicate well with Zhang. I just don't want to see my two friends constantly like this.”

Jiao started shedding tears. He was truly afraid of losing two important people who had led him to the path of good.

Shuwan patted Jiao on the shoulder, and tried to calm her down. “Iya, yes. I'll talk to Zhang. Don't you be sad anymore, okay? And regarding this selfish me, I will try to introspect myself again,” he said gently.

Jiao just nodded. He wiped his tears. It worked! His mind is happy because it managed to open the way for his two friends to make up.

After he finished talking to Shuwan, Jiao went outside. Just as he came out, Yu Hao returned to the house. “How? Did you manage to calm Zhang down?” whispered Jiao.

“Faith. He's starting to stop, just biding his time. What about your mission?” 

“Of course it worked. We'll watch the show later. Hopefully, this can bring them closer.”

“You're right. They have fought often. Let's hope this really becomes a way for them to be able to better understand each other,” Yu Hao said as he folded his arms forward. “With them back to make up, of course I can focus more on getting to know you.”

Jiao choked on her own saliva. He felt like he had been struck by lightning on a day that was not even noon yet. “A-what do you mean?”

“You didn't notice it? Well, I'm trying to catch up with you.” He then walked into the house, and left Jiao who still did not believe his words.

So, she likes me? Inner Jiao was still trying to understand Yu Hao's words. Jiao shakes. Heh, it's unbelievable.