Chapter 134: Jiang Chengyan Risks His Life to Save the Rabbit

As Mother Zhao pushed open the courtyard gate and prepared to enter the west room, Jiang Chengyan blocked her path.

"She is not in a condition to receive visitors right now. You should find somewhere else to rest for a while," Jiang Chengyan said clearly.

Father Jiang prepared to lead Mother Zhao away; he knew that trusting his son was the right thing to do. Mother Zhao, however, did not share this sentiment. Yet, just as she attempted to take another step forward, Jiang Chengyan barred her way again.

"Chu Jiu has already brought the medicine. You will only be wasting time standing here," he said, reaching out to take the medicine from Zhao Chujiu’s hands.

Mother Zhao looked back and, sure enough, saw that Zhao Chujiu had followed them.

"There will be a time when I need your help later, but for now, please step aside." With that, Jiang Chengyan took the medicine and slammed the door shut behind him.

After taking the medicine, Jiang Chengyan mixed it with freshly boiled water and began feeding it to the rabbit, spoonful by spoonful. He was keenly aware, however, that this medicine only treated the symptoms, not the root cause. If an ordinary person had been poisoned, the medicine would certainly be effective; but this was a natural reaction inherent to the rabbit itself, not true poisoning. Therefore, while the medicine provided some relief, it could not truly resolve the issue.

Because the rabbit was unconscious and lacked awareness, feeding her was a grueling task. By the time Jiang Chengyan finished, an hour had already passed.

When Jiang Chengyan went to find Mother Zhao, she was staring expressionlessly at the small vegetable patch outside the courtyard, where Bai Yan had planted various flowers and herbs. For some reason, the plants Bai Yan tended—even the nameless wildflowers—grew with exceptional vigor.

"Help me watch over her for a while. I will be back soon."

Mother Zhao had always cherished Bai Yan, so she would certainly guard her well. Once Jiang Chengyan left the house, he hurried toward the mountain.

Below the far slope of the hill lay a frigid pool of water. It was not deep, but its temperature was remarkably low—a masterpiece of nature’s own design. Upon reaching the edge of the icy pool, Jiang Chengyan did not hesitate. He set aside his outer garments and plunged in. He submerged himself completely, not surfacing for a long time. It was nearly an hour before he finally emerged from the depths of the pool.

Mother Zhao remained by Bai Yan’s side, while Father Jiang went to the fields to gather some of the vegetables that Bai Yan liked.

Mother Zhao did not know what kind of poison Bai Yan had been afflicted with; she could only watch as the girl lay there silently. She had maintained this posture for some time when she heard the door open. Looking up, she saw Jiang Chengyan, his clothes still dripping with water.

"You should head back now." Jiang Chengyan’s expression was calm; ever since he had opened the door, his gaze had been fixed solely on Bai Yan.

Seeing his resolve, Mother Zhao thought for a moment before rising to leave. Once she was gone, only Jiang Chengyan and Bai Yan remained in the house.

Bai Yan still lay motionless. Jiang Chengyan stripped off his wet clothes and lay down beside her. He was using his own body as an ice pack to draw the heat from her.

In her haze, Bai Yan felt as though there were a massive block of ice beside her. She let out a soft moan and snuggled closer to him.

Jiang Chengyan held this position, staying perfectly still until Bai Yan began to stir. Just moments before she regained consciousness, he suddenly sat up, a trail of blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.