Chapter 140: The Right Hand

"Disaster—Young Master Ling is hurt!"
All rushed out—Luo Ling supported in—right hand drenched in blood—horrific.
"Cousin Ling!" Luo Tan cried—he was held up—pale despite bearing pain—in deep winter sweat rolled on his brow.
"Physician Gao—" Luo Xueyan hurried—"please see Luo Ling."
Gao Yang looked helpless—thought Luo Tan could run about—task done—now another hard case—as if he were a street doctor—yet outward calm. "Bring him inside—I'll look."
When they entered the room Shen Xin raged at the man who brought him. "What happened—how so badly hurt!"
The man nearly cried. "Tip—seemed Shen Miss's trail—Young Master Ling led us—then a note—alone—trap—they meant Young Master Shen Qiu—Ling came instead—fight—ambush—right hand cut." Pause—worry. "Ling's right hand was hurt years ago training—healed—today the blade hit the old wound—he collapsed—we arrived—he's like this."
Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin did not know the old wound—looked at Luo Tan.
She nodded. "Childhood hunt with Uncle—beast chase—fell—sharp rock cut the hand—grave—all doctors said hand gone—he pulled through."
Severity doubled—wound on wound—worse. Shen Qiu asked. "Who plotted—see their faces?"
The man shook head. "Skilled—not common thugs—above Ling's skill."
"Odd." Shen Xin said grim. "First Jiaojiao—then Qiu'er—targeting whole Shen house. Damn it—I'll skin him or I'm not Shen!"
Luo Tan urgent. "First see Cousin Ling's wound—so heavy—"
Tension filled the house.
After an incense Gao Yang came out—closed the door—all watched—Luo Tan rushed. "Physician Gao—how is Cousin Ling?"
"Dressed the wound—blade—deep—poison on blade—not lethal—I cleared it—but—"
"But what?" Shen Qiu asked.
"But his hand was injured before—old trouble stirred—not light—after healing—likely cannot lift heavy things with the right hand."
Luo Tan stepped back—stared. "Heavy things—what about weapons?"
Gao Yang shook his head.
Luo Xueyan dropped a cup—Shen Xin and Shen Qiu gasped cold air.
Luo Ling was martial—Luo Su sent him to Ding with Shen Xin to train—later lead Luo army in Xiaochun—trained from childhood—forbid the right hand—nearly waste all his skill—what blow to him.
"Impossible!" Luo Tan grabbed Gao Yang's sleeve. "Before doctors said the same—he recovered. You're the best—you saved me when they said die—you can save his right hand—yes?"
Gao Yang pulled sleeve back—patient. "Miss Luo—not unwilling—your brother's injury is too grave." He said. "Forgive blunt words—if I say no cure—under heaven none can."
Last hope cut—Luo Ling might never sword with right hand again.
"How—" Luo Xueyan nearly fainted—"how tell brother and sister-in-law."
"Cousin knows his condition?" Shen Qiu asked.
Gao Yang nodded. "More than wound—mind these days—sudden blow—especially proud men—like ruin from sky—without counsel—trouble—and slow healing."
He lifted the medicine chest. "I must return palace—prepare herbs—come needle again—I'll leave now—farewell."
Days at Shen house—long absent from institute—Luo Xueyan nodded. "Thank you these days. Qiu'er—see Physician Gao off."
"I'll go!" Luo Tan seized his sleeve—dragged him to the gate.
Gao Yang stared at the wrinkled sleeve—at the gate she stopped—hesitated. "Physician Gao—is Cousin Ling's right hand truly lost?"
"I never lie."
Despair on her face—then. "Then thanks—for covering the Rui Manor visit today."
"Cover?" He looked surprised. "When did I agree to cover for you?"
She stared. "You lied to Aunt and Uncle—"
"I only went along—when I think of trade terms we'll discuss." He ignored her changing face—looked out. "Too late—I must go—see you, Miss Luo." He bowed and left—after so many "Physician Gao"—she must suffer a little—he would not yield.
Behind her almost grinding teeth. "Good riddance, Physician Gao."
Gao Yang nearly tripped.
When he was gone she sighed—worried—turned in—saw a carriage racing from the other direction—too grand—dusk—stopped at Shen gate—two figures stepped out.
She rubbed eyes—screamed. "Little Cousin!"
Shen Miao was sent by Princess Rongxin's maid Lu Xi—at the gate Luo Tan's shout reached her—Xie Jingxing said Luo Tan was grave—this vigorous cry eased her fear.
The shout alarmed Shen Xin inside—all rushed—disbelief seeing Shen Miao.
Luo Xueyan blank two seconds—ran—embraced her—hot tears. "Jiaojiao!"
Shen Qiu ran too—"Sister—you're back!"
Shen Xin stepped forward—she scanned surroundings—evening—search had frightened people—few outside—no witness at gate. "Inside first—and don't spread word yet."
Shen Xin puzzled—but signaled Shen Qiu—orders to servants—all entered.
In the hall Luo Tan asked. "Little Cousin—what is this—and she is—" looking at Lu Xi.
Lu Xi bowed—all etiquette—not ordinary. "Your servant is Princess's lady officer—day before Princess's guard saved Miss Shen from villains—Princess feared Miss could not explain—sent me to escort—delivered—your servant returns."
Two years ago lantern festival Princess saved her—again now—too coincident—Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan puzzled—Shen Miao stood—smiled at Lu Xi. "These days thank Aunt Xi—please thank Princess for saving me. I remember—will call to thank in person."
Lu Xi sidestepped her bow—smiled. "Don't—old acquaintance—no formality. I go—Miss rest—tomorrow Princess will speak to the capital magistrate."
Thanks again—after Lu Xi left—they burst out—Shen Qiu asked. "Sister—what really happened?"
Her words with Lu Xi showed she had a plan—Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan knew her will—she likely had design.
She smiled. "Nothing much—kidnappers dragged me into another case—wrong person. When they meant to send me out—Princess house men passed—guards had seen me—felt wrong—saved me. I explained to Princess—she will clear my name." She would not tell all yet—Ming'an—Qin—Ming Qi tangled—Shen Xin might worsen—she had worked hard to keep Shen house from the old whirlpool—could not repeat last life.
Most important—this story was agreed with Xie Jingxing—however he acted—Ming'an and Xie brothers would eat bitter fruit—Shen Xin joining would be bad.
Shen Xin frowned. "Jiaojiao—tell Father honestly—is Ming'an involved?"
Her heart jumped.
Shen Xin was no fool—just returned—kidnap for private feud—who offended—likely that proud Qin princess—Qin might dare.
She said. "Father imagines too much—this is Ming Qi soil—even if Ming'an hated me—Qin crown prince is not fool—why provoke now." Seeing disbelief—she raised arms coquettish. "They threw me from the carriage—hands hurt—belly hungry—Mother—I want food."
Luo Xueyan forgot all—heartache—kitchen for snacks—maids help Miss to yard rest.
Luo Xueyan went to cook soup herself—Shen Xin pulled Shen Qiu away frowning. Luo Tan and Shen Miao to her room—on the couch Luo Tan said. "Little Cousin—you lied—Ming'an did it, yes?"
Heart jump—when did Luo Tan grow clever—"Why say so?"
Luo Tan rubbed her arm—feigning gooseflesh. "That spoiled act—gave me chills—clearly brushing off Uncle and Aunt—only they indulge you."
She laughed—studied Luo Tan. "I heard you were badly hurt—why up already—not rest more?"
Luo Tan waved. "Palace Physician Gao—miracle worker—I survive. Speaking of—" eyes bright—"this afternoon I begged Prince Rui—tonight you're back—he's miraculous—I thought days more—so Aunt Xi is act too?" She sighed. "That Liang prince thinks ahead."
Shen Miao: "……"
Xie Jingxing had saved her before Luo Tan went—she was likely already at princess house—poor Luo Tan thought instant rescue—he was no god—she did not correct. Remembering—"But Cousin Ling—I haven't seen him—out?"
Luo Tan's mood dimmed—Shen Miao puzzled. "Why that face?"
"Cousin Ling is hurt." Luo Tan dull. "Gao Yang says never use right hand again—go see him."
……
At Lin'an Marquis house Changwu was frantic.
After feast with Shen Ding—Changchao vanished—chamber empty—Shen Miao gone too—no fight marks—utter confusion.
Because of Shen Xin they could not move Shen Miao—now captive and brother both gone—Ming'an asked when send Shen Miao—Changwu lied on surface—burned inside.
He searched everywhere—habits—nothing—both evaporated—longer time—more dread—Shen house news—no Shen Miao found—comfort—not rescue taking Changwu too.
Days passed—Shen Ding suspicious—no Changchao all day—Changwu said hunting with friends—Fang Shi told same—Ming'an pressed—if brothers did not act—she would take Shen Miao herself.
Bitter—no Shen Miao—no Changchao—Ming'an would blame—no praise before Fu Xiuyi—more torment—first regret taking the hot potato.
Still he sent men to find Changchao—ironic—days ago they kidnapped Shen Miao—Shen family searched city—now he searched Changchao—some karma.
He did not know his brother was in Xie Jingxing's hands.
Tieyi followed the purple-robed youth. "Changchao's body in tower prison—ice coffin—when use, Master?"
"Keep it—not urgent." Xie Jingxing said. "Such good goods—cannot waste."
Entering the manor courtyard—Ji Yushu in purple and silver mask chased the white cub "Jiaojiao"—shouting. "Little beast—don't know this prince? Open your dog eyes—come to me!"
Tieyi's face twitched—Ji was talent—only he would play Xie Jingxing to tease a tiger.
The cub dodged—saw Xie Jingxing and Tieyi—veered—lunged—bit his robe hem—wagged happy.
Xie Jingxing picked it up—looked at the remaining "Xie Jingxing" in the yard—half-smiled. "Without me—you play happy."
"Third Brother!" Fake Xie tore off mask—sweaty Ji—gasping—waving. "Not my idea—a girl came for help—Gao Yang made me play you—I looked alike—she knelt and kowtowed many times—worried about lifespan."
"Girl?" Xie Jingxing raised brow—looked at Tieyi. Tieyi hurried. "Afternoon Luo cousin and Lord Gao came—Young Master Ji as you agreed her request—they left."
Ji stressed. "Gao Yang forced me!"
Tieyi said. "Lord Gao comes."
White robes approached—Gao Yang—white less crisp—face weary—Ji had been shocked by kowtows—now startled. "Gao Yang—you look ten years older."
Beside Xie Jingxing he had been dashing—now somewhat dusty.
"Don't mention it." Gao Yang said. "Days treating that Luo girl at Shen house—as if I'm clinic doctor!" Angry. "I'm not clinic doctor—I'm imperial physician!"
"All heal people." Ji ignored him—looked at Xie Jingxing. "Found Fifth Miss Shen?"
He nodded.
Ji exhaled. "Scared me—if such a good person suffered—I'd sleep poorly."
Cold glance. "Oh? You know Shen Miao well?"
Ji felt danger—shook head—Xie Jingxing's gaze deep—hurried. "Third Brother—you have ties—I worry you—not her—saved now—I'm relieved—she must thank you."
"Bootlick!" Gao Yang scorned.
"Mind your business." Ji snapped back.
Gao Yang breathed deep—serious. "Was it Ming'an princess?"
In Ding—who dared kidnap Shen Miao besides Ming'an—others weighed Shen Xin—touch his daughter—pull tiger whiskers—only brainless Ming'an—yet shocking bold.
"Not only." Xie Jingxing flat. "Changwu and Changchao too."
"Mad?" Gao Yang startled. "Even if Ming'an promised—how risk life?"
Risk and reward—a scale—this deal too poor—hard to understand—climb at cost of Shen house—no future sight?
"Perhaps ease too long—forgot heaven and earth." Xie Jingxing smiled cold. "Ten years the same fools."
Silence—chill from him—they mourned the Xie brothers a moment—Gao Yang spoke. "This time—not only Shen Miao."
Xie Jingxing turned—frowned. "Meaning?"
"They meant to trap Shen Qiu too—note with Shen Miao's trail—lure Qiu alone—strike—skilled—palace-trained—I think Ming'an's hand."
Not only ruin Shen Miao—ruin Shen Qiu—two young pillars—Shen house hard to rise—deep sibling bond—if Shen Miao returned learning Qiu suffered for her—lifetime guilt—living in pain worse than death—Ming'an was cruel enough.
He stirred. "Result?"
"Qiu did not fall for it." Gao Yang said.
His gaze eased—before more words—Gao Yang continued.
"But Qiu did not—Luo Ling at Shen house did not fare well—they thought they called Qiu—it was Ling—skill below Qiu—suffered in their hands."
He raised a brow. "How is he now?"
"Poor." Gao Yang said. "Beyond my art—likely never sword with right hand again."
Xie Jingxing stiffened—fine brows sank—eyes turned ice cold.