As Ji Chun passed by a stall selling sour plums and sweet fruits, he noticed several pregnant women bargaining with the vendor. Suddenly, he recalled Mu Miefeng's words: "No different from ordinary pregnant women." This meant that Su Ran might also enjoy these treats. Remembering the satisfied expression on Su Ran's face after eating the candied fruits earlier that morning, Ji Chun felt certain that Su Ran would appreciate them. Without hesitation, he walked over to the stall, balancing the bedding in one hand and the clothes in the other. He placed two coins on the stall's shelf and said calmly, "I'd like to buy some sweet fruits and sour plums."
The vendor was momentarily surprised but quickly pocketed the money, filled a paper bag with the fruits, and handed it to Ji Chun with a cheerful smile. He didn't care whether the buyer was a monk or a woman—business was business. The women who had been haggling with the vendor paused and exchanged curious glances, wondering why a monk would buy such snacks. It was unusual, especially since he was already carrying so much.
Ji Chun took the paper bag, tucked it into his pocket, and nodded politely to the onlookers before continuing on his way. Soon, he arrived at Renhetang and entered through the front door. The shop was empty, and the old doctor sat at the table, squinting at a medical book in his hands. It was unclear whether he was awake or dozing.
"Ah, you're back! Young Dashi why did you buy bedding? We have some here," the old doctor said, noticing Ji Chun's return. He slowly raised his eyelids and saw the quilt in Ji Chun's hands. Surprised, he stood up to help.
Ji Chun, young and strong, didn't find the load heavy. He politely declined the old doctor's assistance, saying, "Don't trouble yourself, Doctor. I can manage. I'll take these to the backyard. If you need anything later, just call for me."
"Alright, go ahead," the old doctor said, nodding and stepping aside.
Ji Chun carried the items into the backyard, where he saw the old woman hanging clothes to dry. Remembering that Su Ran was still asleep, he decided not to disturb him and placed the bedding and clothes on a bench in the courtyard.
"Young Dashi you're back! Why did you buy these things? We have plenty at home," the old woman said, wringing out wet clothes and smiling at Ji Chun. Her words echoed the old doctor's.
"We've already caused you enough trouble. I couldn't keep relying on your kindness," Ji Chun explained, grateful for the couple's hospitality. He knew they weren't well-off and wanted to avoid burdening them further. Besides, he suspected Su Ran wouldn't want to use bedding that others had used.
As he spoke, Ji Chun walked over, bent down, and picked up a piece of clothing from the basin. He wrung it out effortlessly, the water draining quickly. Standing tall, he hung the garment on the clothesline with ease. Turning to the old woman, he said, "Go and rest. I'll hang the rest of the clothes for you."
The old woman protested, "Oh, no, I can't let you do that!"
"You've helped us in our time of need. This is the least I can do," Ji Chun insisted, his movements quick and efficient. Seeing his determination, the old woman relented.
"Alright, then. I'll go prepare dinner," she said, nodding before heading to the kitchen.
As Ji Chun continued hanging the clothes, he paused, frowning at a piece of clothing that looked familiar. It was clearly a young woman's garment, and he felt he had seen it somewhere before. He thought for a moment but couldn't place it, so he hung it up and moved on to the remaining items.
After finishing, he poured out the water from the basin. Just then, the old woman returned from the kitchen to fetch water for washing vegetables. Ji Chun hesitated before asking, "Excuse me, ma'am, whose clothes are these?"
The old woman glanced in the direction he pointed and sighed. "That belongs to a girl we met a month ago while returning from visiting relatives. She was very beautiful, but… poor thing, she was battered. When we found her, she was lying in the woods, badly injured and barely recognizable. My husband checked and realized she was still alive, so we brought her back and cared for her for a few days. After that, she left without telling us where she was going."
Ji Chun's expression grew serious. The only woman he had encountered recently was Wenshi. Could it be her? It seemed unlikely, yet the clothes looked exactly like what she had worn when she left. "Do you remember her name? Was it Wenshi?" he asked.
The old woman looked surprised. "Do you know her?"
Ji Chun nodded solemnly. "Yes, I do."
"That poor girl… If you see her again, please help her," the old woman said, her voice tinged with sadness.
How unfortunate. Ji Chun thought. What could have happened to Wenshi after she left? The old woman had mentioned she was "tortured beyond recognition." Was this the same Wenshi he knew? The clothes matched, so it had to be her. But what had caused her injuries?
After a moment of thought, Ji Chun asked, "Did she say anything about what happened to her? Why was she injured and lying in the woods?"
"That day, we brought her home and treated her injuries. She..." The old woman hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with the topic. After a long pause, she glanced at Ji Chun. Seeing his serious and upright demeanor, she felt reassured that he wasn't a bad person and continued, "She had been assaulted by a group of evil men and was left severely injured and unconscious. Fortunately, we found her in time and managed to save her. After she woke up, we asked her why she was alone out there. She told us she had gotten separated from her family. As a woman traveling alone, she had no way to defend herself. Those men saw her beauty and... did such monstrous things to her. Such a kind girl, it's truly a tragedy."
Ji Chun frowned, deep in thought. He had initially struggled to understand why Wenshi had framed Su Ran without reason, but now, with this context, it began to make sense. He couldn't help but feel pity for her. A woman traveling alone, leaving the dilapidated temple, only to encounter such horrors—it was heartbreaking. Yet, if she hadn't insisted on staying with them, perhaps none of this would have happened. In the end, it seemed like fate had played a cruel hand.
"Young Dashi?" The old woman's voice broke through his thoughts. She called out uncertainly, "Is something wrong?"
"No, it's nothing. Please, go ahead with your work," Ji Chun replied, nodding to her. Assured that he was fine, the old woman returned to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
After she left, Ji Chun placed the basin back in its spot and walked over to the bench where he had left the bedding. Picking it up, he paused at the door of the guest room. He thought that if Su Ran continued to sleep now, he might struggle to rest at night. Deciding it was time to wake him, Ji Chun pushed the door open and entered.
As he approached the bed, Su Ran's eyes fluttered open. He looked dazed, his body sticky with sweat from sleep. His hair clung to his neck in a tangled mess, and he shifted uncomfortably.
"Awake?" Ji Chun's voice softened instinctively as he looked at Su Ran. He set the bedding on a nearby chair, poured a cup of cold tea from the table, and walked over to the bed. Gently, he slipped an arm around Su Ran's shoulders to help him sit up, then handed him the cup. "Here, drink some ice tea. It'll help."
Su Ran took a few sips, his throat feeling less dry as he gradually regained full awareness. Realizing he was half-leaning against Ji Chun, he suddenly felt awkward and straightened up, pulling away from the monk's hold. Clearing his throat, he asked in a dignified tone, "What time is it?"
Ji Chun thought for a moment. "Around Shen,[1]" he replied. He took the cup back from Su Ran, placed it on the small wooden table beside the bed, and stood up. "How are you feeling? Does the wound still hurt?"
Su Ran wasn't used to Ji Chun speaking so much all at once. When asked about his injuries, he replied gruffly, "I'm fine. It's just internal injuries. These superficial wounds are nothing."
Ji Chun knew Su Ran was reluctant to show weakness, so he didn't press any further. He stood silently, unsure of what to say next. He wanted to stay in the room but felt the atmosphere growing awkward.
"What are you doing here?" Su Ran asked, pulling at his clothes uncomfortably. The fabric stuck to his skin, and he tugged it loose, exposing his chest to the cool air. Seeing Ji Chun just standing there, he couldn't help but glance over and ask, "Well?"
Ji Chun suddenly remembered why he had come in. "The mattress is stained with blood," he said, his voice low and slightly embarrassed. Seeing Su Ran's sharp glare, he quickly added, "I came to change it so you can sleep more comfortably tonight."
"Oh," Su Ran responded simply. He threw off the quilt, revealing his round belly as his shirt rode up. Unaware of his exposed state, he felt a refreshing coolness wash over him. Placing his palms on the bed, he tried to turn and stand, but his legs gave out the moment he shifted his weight. He nearly fell to the ground, but Ji Chun, who had been standing a few steps away, rushed over and caught him by the waist, steadying him.
When Su Ran had first moved to get out of bed, Ji Chun had considered helping but held back, knowing how proud and stubborn Su Ran could be. He had stayed where he was, not wanting to overstep. But when Su Ran lifted the quilt, revealing his pale, rounded stomach, Ji Chun's face flushed. He didn't say anything, not wanting to embarrass him. Soon, as Su Ran turned, the hem of his shirt fell back into place, barely covering his belly. Just when it seemed he would manage to stand on his own, his legs buckled.
Ji Chun acted on instinct, rushing forward to catch him. Su Ran, startled, quickly pushed Ji Chun away once he regained his balance. "I've been lying down too long. My legs are just weak," he said, his tone defensive. "Go away."
[1] Around 3PM-5PM