The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star Chapter 246
Translated by Pure
Chapter 246 Wen Yantong’s Prescription
The one who slept the most soundly that night was Mu Yang. The other three individuals each had their own thoughts, preventing them from finding rest.
The following day, Mu Yang rose early and expressed his desire to go out. He had remained indoors since falling ill, initially due to his waning mood and lack of energy.
However, this time he unexpectedly requested to venture outside. Observing his pale complexion, Wen Yantong offered advice, urging him to remain indoors and refrain from wandering about.
But Mu Yang was adamant. "I've been in Yibei for so long, yet I haven't truly seen what it's like here."
Wen Yantong persisted, "It wouldn’t make a difference to do that after you have fully recovered."
Mu Yang offered a faint smile but remained silent. It appeared he had come to terms with his limited time left and no longer engaged in arguments with Wen Yantong as before. Instead, he pleaded softly, "Please, just let me go out and have a look."
In the end, it was Chi Jingxi who acquiesced.
Wen Yantong trailed closely behind Mu Yang as they ascended the tallest tower in Yibei City. The tower boasted a series of stairs leading upwards, the sole means to reach its summit.
Wen Yantong, typically less accustomed to physical exertion, found herself surprised as Mu Yang struggled more than she did on the ascent. Initially, he managed well, but as they progressed, his breath grew labored, necessitating frequent pauses after just a few steps.
Mu Yang's brow furrowed with frustration and self-directed anger, his head now dampened with sweat, a visible manifestation of his vexation at his own weakness.
Observing Mu Yang's struggle, Wen Yantong descended a few steps, retrieved a brocade handkerchief, and gently dabbed away his perspiration. She grasped his hand reassuringly and spoke softly, "Take your time, there's no rush."
The red patches adorning the back of Mu Yang's hands appeared rather alarming. Servants in the house shied away, fearful of potential infection, and thus refrained from approaching him too closely.
Yet, Wen Yantong showed no aversion to the contact and instead held his hand firmly, their palms touching.
It was a rare display of tenderness from Wen Yantong. Despite their frequent squabbles, Mu Yang often demonstrated thoughtful consideration for her. His temper may be proud, yet he never caused undue trouble or treated others harshly based on their status.
Wen Yantong had long considered him as a younger brother, one still in the midst of growth.
Using Wen Yantong's hand for support, Mu Yang leaned against the wall with his other hand. Encouraged by her reassurance, he proceeded slowly, step by step.
Upon reaching the tower's summit, Mu Yang's garments were nearly drenched. A gust of wind swept by, leaving him feeling clammy all over.
At the tower's peak lay a balcony offering a panoramic view. Standing by the railing, they gazed out at the vibrant tapestry of Yibei. The streets below teemed with a constant flow of people, their voices blending into a distant hum.
Peering beyond, they beheld the sprawling mountains encircling Yibei City, their peaks basking in the radiant Yibei sunlight. It was a realm apart from Chaoge, where the wind carried a ruggedness and the people exuded strength and allure.
"I've often wondered," Mu Yang mused, his posture relaxed against the railing, "if I were born here, would I resemble the Yibei men, with their sturdy frames and bronzed skin? That, to me, is a real man."
As she listened, Wen Yantong cast a sidelong glance at him. The breeze played with Mu Yang's long locks, intertwining strands of red silk with the darkness of his hair, accentuating the delicate curve of his brows
Mu Yang's fair complexion stood out among the locals, likely inherited from his father, Mu Yuan. Despite his father's exposure to the elements on the battlefield, he still retained a fairness that rivaled that of most women when he bared his chest.
Wen Yantong interjected, "You're wrong. Being a real man isn't about appearing big and burly."
The sunlight filtered through his tousled hair, casting a gentle glow on his face as he squinted slightly. "So, what do you think defines a real man?" he asked.
"In my view, being a real man isn't about outward appearance," Wen Yantong replied with a smile. "Little Marquis was able to remain composed even when severely injured, Fu Zixian displayed agility during assassination attempts, and His Fifth Imperial Highness adeptly navigated through political stratagems. While men from Chaoge may appear delicate, they possess both literary and martial skills, as well as sharp minds."
Listening to her examples, Mu Yang furrowed his brow and asked, "And what about me?"
"You..." Wen Yantong purposely drew out her words, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "You're self-reliant and brave, and let's not forget your remarkable skill in writing with your left foot. You're the best of them all!"
At her direct praise, Mu Yang couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed. He leaned against the railing, partially hiding his face behind his sleeves, and chuckled shyly.
From their vantage point high above, the two shared a moment of quiet reflection. Eventually, Mu Yang spoke up, "Despite Yibei's men not quite measuring up to our Chaoge counterparts, the scenery here is truly breathtaking."
Wen Yantong agreed with a nod, "Indeed, although the sun here is just too strong. I've already gotten quite a tan in the short time I've been here."
Mu Yang remarked, "Even if I have to remain here, it’s okay too."
Wen Yantong stared at him incredulously. "What nonsense are you talking about?"
"Although it's not as good as Chaoge here, it's not that bad," Mu Yang declared, straightening up and extending his arms. For a moment, the warmth of the wind enveloped his face, sleeves, and chest. "Fortunately, the wind here is strong. Maybe I can ride it and float back to Chaoge."
Wen Yantong sensed that Mu Yang might be speaking his final words. Her nose tingled with emotion as she raised her hand and landed a punch on him. "Stop talking nonsense!"
Mu Yang glanced at her with a smile before shifting his gaze to his hands. The wind billowed, rolling up his sleeves and revealing the red patches on his arms. For a long moment, Mu Yang stared at the marks, his expression unreadable.
Wen Yantong sensed fear and reluctance within him, but upon closer inspection, she found his eyes brimming with freedom and serenity. She gently took hold of his arm, pulling down his sleeves, and reassured him, "Don't dwell on it. We'll make it back to Yibei safely, I promise."
Mu Yang sighed softly, offering no response.
Inside the house, Chi Jingxi sifted through the epidemic records while Fu Zixian collaborated with the doctor in the medical clinic to study the condition. Meanwhile, Mu Yang, stationed atop the tower, shared the unspoken understanding that time was running short.
If a remedy for this nameless disease wasn't found within a few days, Mu Yang would rest eternally in Yibei.
However, Wen Yantong remained unconvinced. Concealing a prescription within her sleeve, she resolved to procure it from the medical clinic on her return journey.
She transcribed the prescription that had been the result of collective deliberation among several doctors attending to Mu Yang, yet she supplemented it with three additional herbs:
Vine cassia stem, single free reed, and chaste song bloom.
These three herbs proved to be the life-saving remedy for the Chang'an plague. In the original storyline of the book, the plague claimed numerous lives in Chang'an. To halt the disease's spread, Chi Jingxi resorted to ruthlessly sealing off the city. Despite everyone within the Marquis Mansion becoming infected, only a handful managed to survive; even the Marquis fell victim to the illness.
In a desperate bid to find a cure, Chi Jingxi conducted numerous experiments and paid a heavy toll. Ultimately, after much sacrifice, he succeeded in discovering these three life-saving herbs.
Even though Wen Yantong harbored doubts about whether Mu Yang was afflicted with the same disease, at this crucial juncture, such concerns faded into insignificance.
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T/N: Since these herbs are all made up, I've opted for literal translations to enhance readability.
