1314: A Thousand Peonies Bloom
The Truth Luo Shu

Shuwan looked at the sword he had been unable to touch for some time. He then took it, and took it out of its sheath.

“I'd really like to play you again. Continuous breaks without doing anything really bore me.”

Suddenly Jiao enters Shuwan's room, and realizes Shuwan is holding his sword. “Shuwan, do you want to kill someone? Why are you holding your sword like that?”

Shuwan immediately narrowed his eyes and smiled. “A-ah... It's not what you imagined Jiao to be. I just miss my sword.”

“So apparently. Your condition is still not fully recovered, so do not act rashly.” 

“I understand.”

Jiao understood Shuwan's heart's desire, but she also had no choice but to keep her friend from getting hurt again.

***

Every now and then His Majesty seemed like he was mentally preparing to talk about the alchemist Luo Shu. Finally, he got his timing.

“Alchemist Luo Shu is the greatest alchemist in the history of the Cloud Country. He was able to create a potion that could increase one's stamina in a short period of time.

He was then adored and glorified. Many were eager to learn from him, but none of them were accepted. The reason, he saw that the people who wanted to study him were only ambitious for their own sake. And that, very contrary to his idealism.”

He rejected the great people who applied to be his students? But, now that he accepted Jiao? Hm... Did Jiao really manage to tear it down? Inner Yu Hao was curious.

“At that time, the eastern region of Cloud Country was hit by a contagious outbreak. There are many doctors I have sent to deal with the problem. But nothing works. Until finally, I begged Luo Shu to help the territory.

He had thought all night before confirming my request. After he agreed, he went there, and put his son and wife under my protection. Luo Shu had already dealt with the plague for almost half a month, everything was still fine.

Until, one night his house which was still near the palace was burned. I who know this directly send people to save the people in it.

My soldiers managed to break through the fire, but they were only able to find his son. His wife was burned to death and only found after the fire was extinguished.

I'm scared and worried about this. I want to tell Luo Shu about the tragedy that befell her family. But, again I was plagued with fear that he would immediately stop doing his duty to treat the plague. So I hid it.”

“Even you should have told him when the tragedy happened?” zhang asked seriously.

“Yes... I should have given it to him. But, I fear the officials who will doubt my administration if it is until Luo Shu returns before the outbreak is over. This is what made me undo the intention to renew it, until it came back. 

And.. As soon as he found out the truth about his wife's death, he was angry with me. He brought his son back, and took him away. To a remote place and far enough from here. He no longer wanted to be involved in the affairs of the palace, nor did he say hello back to me.

It was natural for him. I was the one most responsible for his wife's death. Although he won't see me again, but I always find out his progress and also his son.

After that incident, Luo Shu only lived with her son. He seemed happy with his son. Again, he needs to be tested. His son is very sick. There are many ways he could heal his son. But nothing worked. Until finally his only son had to give up on death.

As of now, I'm really still guilty. I wanted to get Luo Shu to speak, but she always rejected me out loud. I sent her various items and herbs, she also returned them. She really still hates me.”

His noble face looked sad. There was a deep regret that always haunted him. “I sacrifice the trust of others for my ambition. This me, really does not deserve to be king.”

Zhang took his breath. He then said, “What has happened will not come back. So did wife and daughter of alchemist Shu. I guess all you can do is stand still and fight as king. It was the best way.”

“T-but, what about Luo Shu? I'm really sorry to do it.”

“You can't keep running in the past. There are many great things waiting for you.  If alchemist Shu hates you, then make it a lesson and whip your heart so that you can be even better. And... Keep trying to communicate with him. I'm sure he'll forgive you one day.”

“A-is that true?”

“Stone is as hard as anything if it is dripped with water continuously, it will definitely weathered and destroyed as well. So does the human heart. I'm sure, one day Mr. Shu will also melt down and forgive you.”

The King of the Cloud Country was silent for a moment. I don't know what he's thinking right now. He again sighed, trying to make up his resolve. “I understand. Thank you for giving me advice.”

He then ate the remaining dishes in his bowl. There is no true perfection in this world. You, even a king, have made mistakes. I am too. The mistakes of the past are completely unforgivable.

After the meal, the king asked his guards to lead Zhang and Yu Hao to the palace temple. Upon arriving, they were greeted by a monk.

Zhang and Yu Hao paid their respects. 

“I understand what you're coming for. Everything has been explained to me. Are you ready?” ask the monk to Zhang.

“I'm ready.” This is the day I look forward to. Inner Zhang with confidence and hope. 

As it became dark, Zhang began his ritual. He took off his top clothes and gave them to Yu Hao.

“I drop my stuff,” he said.

“Yes, I understand. You beware.”

Zhang smiled. “I know that. Then, are you going to leave this place?”

“Hah? How could I leave you who is ascetic? I will wait for you here, until you are done,” Yu Hao added.

“Didn't you feel bored waiting for me?”

Yu Hao clucked. “I'm used to waiting. So now you quickly soak and start your hermitage.” Yu Hao pushed Zhang's body towards the pond for Zhang to immediately execute his ritual.

The pool is a circle. The water is so clear. There is a pole like the gate that became the gate. There was a gap for the moonlight to enter, a circle the size of a pond, with the engraving of the Yin Yang emblem so perfect.

Zhang, who was by the pool, threw his right foot into the pool. It's so cold! I could feel my bones freezing too. I must survive!

Zhang inserted his left leg as well. He momentarily stood still, feeling a cold sensation that was so bone-piercing.

Why did he stop? Did something happen? Yu Hao tried to get close to Zhang. But his hand was pulled by the monk.

“You can't bother him. Right now he was probably receiving a chill that pierced through that bone. If he succeeds, then he'll be fine. If he fails, he will freeze to death,” said the monk.

“A-what? Why is it so horrible? Isn't this just a regular cold pool?”

“This does look like a regular pool. But once you get into it, there'll be a lot of energy there. That energy will be a cure or even worsen the disease, of course depending on itself.”

Wh-what? It's very dangerous. Zhang, are you sure you did? Yu Hao who accompanied her felt so anxious.

***

Shuwan was still sitting in his daydream. His hands were extremely unable to bear to play the sword. Therefore, Jiao confiscated his sword.

“Hah... I was so bored,” Shuwan complained.

“Shuwan, rather than you sitting and boredom here, shouldn't you be seeing Shifu?” jiao said.

Shuwan's eyes are perfectly rounded. “You're right. I almost forgot. Thank you for being reminded.”

Shuwan moved out of his bed. He walked as best as he could towards Luo Shu's study. He looked around the house full of art.

If this were to get to my world, it would have already become a museum of antiques. Inner Shuwan.

After he walked for a few minutes, he arrived in a room with a door with a bamboo tree. Well, it was Luo Shu's study room.

This alchemist... What do you want to talk to me about?