Chapter 229
Chapter 229
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>Translator: Ryuma
>Chapter: 229
>Chapter Title: Hysteria
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When the somewhat headachy Li Huowang opened his eyes again, he found himself lying in a small tent. Beside him was Bai Lingmiao, dressed only in a bellyband, silently combing her hair with a cow horn comb.
Li Huowang reached out and pulled her over, holding her in his arms.
As she silently began to untie her bellyband, Li Huowang calmly recounted everything he had learned the night before.
Her shy gaze gradually gave way to shock and disgust. What Sun Baolu’s mother had endured was far beyond her imagination. They were all human—how could anyone do such things?
Li Huowang’s nail-less hand brushed over Bai Lingmiao’s shoulder.
“It looks like Liang Kingdom isn’t all that great either,” he said with a sigh.
“But... but we don’t have things like that back home. Our place is really nice,” Bai Lingmiao said weakly.
Li Huowang smiled. Of course that’s how Bai Lingmiao saw it. The world of most common folk was far too small—small enough that they lived their entire lives within twenty li. They were ignorant and simple, utterly clueless about anything beyond their own patch.
He knew it was rash to judge all of Liang Kingdom based on one woman’s experience. It might just be an isolated case.
But Li Huowang always planned for the worst. To survive in this world, he had to prepare for it.
Li Huowang hugged Bai Lingmiao a little tighter and buried his nose in her smooth neck, taking a deep breath.
“It’s fine. I never said I wouldn’t go back. Hearsay isn’t as good as eyewitness accounts. Once we reach Liang Kingdom and see the real situation for ourselves, we’ll decide what to do.”
Hearing this, Bai Lingmiao finally let out a huge sigh of relief. She had nearly thought Li Huowang wouldn’t go home with her.
“Get up. Sun Baolu’s gone home, and we’ve had our wine and meat. Time for us to keep moving.”
Though it was nice here, there was no need to linger in Qingqiu where dangers still lurked. They could rest all they wanted once they reached their destination.
When the two emerged from the tent, they saw that everyone else was already awake. After last night’s drinking, the others had grown close with the Qingqiu folk—even heading to the river to wash up with arms slung around each other’s shoulders.
They chatted away in each other’s ears, despite not sharing a language.
The morning air was crisp and fresh. Li Huowang took a deep breath in front of the tent, and his spirits lifted with it.
Looking at the vibrant life all around him, even his mood improved a bit.
Li Huowang scanned the area and finally settled his gaze on Sun Baolu. Despite all the wine from last night, he was up bright and early, driving some sheep into his flock.
“What are you doing? There’s no need to give us any more sheep. We won’t finish them all before we reach our destination,” Li Huowang said as he walked over.
Sun Baolu seemed much more cheerful since returning home. He flashed Li Huowang a bright grin.
“No worries. If you can’t eat them all, sell them. Qingqiu sheep fetch a good price in Liang Kingdom. Consider it an early betrothal gift for you and Junior Sister Bai.”
But as soon as Sun Baolu finished speaking, he realized Li Huowang wasn’t listening. His eyes had gone vacant, his body swaying, his face turning ashen.
“Not good!” Li Huowang’s sudden squat and clutch at his head startled Sun Baolu.
“Baolu! Quick! Get Gao Zhijian with the chains! Tie me up! It’s happening again!” Li Huowang shouted in agony.
Hearing Li Huowang, Sun Baolu knew right away that his senior brother was having another episode. He immediately dropped the whip he’d been using to drive the goats and dashed toward the distant cowhide tent.
By the time he returned panting, trailed by the others, Li Huowang was standing in place with his head tilted back, staring at the sky and muttering to himself.
“Wang Wei, there’s nothing for us to talk about. Just go.”
“I know my own problems. Don’t try that reverse psychology on me—someone’s already pulled that trick, and it didn’t work.”
As the others stood around unsure of what to do, the muttering Li Huowang seemed to sense their presence. He spoke as calmly as he could.
“Have you got the chains? If you have, don’t dawdle—tie me up quick. I’m holding still for now.”
“Once I’m tied, go pack up. We’ll have breakfast and head out.”
At Li Huowang’s instructions, the others snapped out of it and rushed forward together, binding him tight with the chains.
Seeing him secured, and remembering the last time, they quickly backed away to a safe distance.
“Heh, who I talk to is any of your business? Back again? Fine, you wanna throw your weight around? Got the guts to kill me today? If not, then get lost!”
This time, Li Huowang fell silent. Just as the others thought it was over, his sudden furious roar made them all jump.
“You wanna die?! I’m a mental patient now! Killing’s not a crime!!”
Bound tightly all over, Li Huowang suddenly stood bolt upright like a zombie. The sight sent the onlookers stumbling back in fear.
Sensing something was wrong, the Qingqiu folk gradually gathered around as well. Sun Baolu explained over and over what was happening to Li Huowang.
Hundreds of them formed a circle, silently watching Li Huowang’s performance in the center. The man who had just been raging now wore a look of profound helplessness and irritation.
“Mom? Why are you here? I was just venting earlier—I didn’t really want to kill anyone. Sigh... don’t cry. My condition really hasn’t gotten worse.”
It was as if he’d heard something. The irritation and helplessness on Li Huowang’s face slowly twisted into pain. He sank slowly to the ground, curling into as tight a ball as he could.
“Mom, I’m begging you—make Doctor Wang leave. I really don’t need treatment. I know my own situation. Don’t waste money hiring experts. Keep it for yourself.”
Seeing Li Huowang’s breathing quicken and his expression grow more pained, Bai Lingmiao bit her lower lip, her heart breaking. She started toward him instinctively to hold him, but Luo Jinhua and Chun Xiaoman yanked her back.
“Are you tired of living? Right now, Senior Brother Li could kill you with a twitch of his finger!”
After that, Li Huowang seemed to be listening to something. His pained expression twisted as he rolled over and writhed on the ground like a maggot, rubbing his face against the grass. His tears mixed with the dew on the blades until they were indistinguishable.
“Mom, is the family short on money? If we are, tell me. I’ll figure something out.”
“Don’t lie to me. Your hair was cut with scissors. I can tell...”
Suddenly, Li Huowang sprang to his feet, snarling ferociously at the empty air.
“Wang Wei! Shut your mouth! This is none of your business!”
(End of chapter)