Li Xuanshi recounted every detail of her work and life in her diary. The days that followed seemed to return to their former tranquility, but she gradually became anxious and irritable, losing her former calm and easygoing nature. Even her son, Zuo Jing, noticed something was amiss with her and became even more afraid to anger her. He diligently studied his lessons, his child so well-behaved and clever that it was heartbreaking.
Towards the end of her diary, Li Xuanshi recorded an unbelievable incident that also raised my alarm. She explained that on a certain day in a certain month, her father's friend, He Kun, suddenly showed up. Li Xuanshi didn't know him well, but she remembered meeting him once before, at a dinner party with her husband, Zuo Yuxuan. He Kun, under the guise of examining her pulse, acted somewhat frivolously, which greatly displeased Li Xuanshi. She also felt uncomfortable discussing intimate matters like sex. However, He Kun kept prying at her and even invited her to dinner alone with ill intentions. Li Xuanshi began to resent him and declined repeatedly, only escaping when a call from work arrived.
He Kun continued to harass her, finding excuses to do so time and again. This annoyed Li Xuanshi to no end, and she was worried that she and her mother might fall prey to his tricks. She was so distressed that she finally called her husband to discuss moving out, fearing the situation.
At the time, Li Xuanshi was also having a difficult time at work. The reason, naturally, was that a beautiful woman is always sought after by a gentleman. A beautiful and charming woman with a charming demeanor would always attract many men, and those who couldn't get her would deliberately spread rumors about her romantic affairs. The rumors quickly spread, leaving her in a state of embarrassment.
After reading the diary, Zuo Jing realized that Li Xuanshi's predicament in Hengyang was also fraught with frustration. In a world rife with self-interest and desire, human nature is unpredictable. Some appear impeccably dressed but harbor hidden daggers. Even more so are those who repay kindness with enmity and possess a ruthless heart. Zuo Jing couldn't help but think of his mother-in-law, Tong Jiahui. Had she not come from a prominent political family with a strong background, how difficult would it have been for such a beautiful woman to rise to the powerful position of Vice Minister of Finance? This, too, attests to Tong Jiahui's work aptitude, her social skills, and her uniquely tenacious perseverance.
Ye Qian was waiting anxiously downstairs, so she took the initiative to go upstairs to find Zuo Jing. Zuo Jing also needed to communicate with her, and then he told her about his discovery.
Ye Qian's beautiful eyes widened, gleaming like gemstones inlaid in the night sky. She pondered for a moment, then spoke thoughtfully, "According to your speculation, this man named He Kun is indeed quite peculiar, perhaps harboring some secrets. This won't be difficult. I'll immediately assign my men to investigate him, and we'll have results soon! Also, don't you find the ancient Chinese medicine prescription he gave your father suspicious?"
It's true. Although I had my doubts about the prescription, I ultimately failed to delve into the deeper conspiracy theories. It was only after Ye Qian's reminder that I realized the entire matter was shrouded in mystery. After a moment's pause, I nodded and said, "Sister Qian, you're right. Um, this matter..."
At this point, a light bulb suddenly flashed in my mind, and I thought of someone. I told Ye Qian about this incident as if it were a funny story.
During my time in prison, trapped behind high walls, I had no freedom or happiness to speak of. But thanks to the arrangements of my father-in-law, Bai Xingjian, and later, my connection to Ye Qian, I became almost a special case in Tangshan Prison. The prison guards, including the warden, were all polite to me, practically fawning. Even my cellmate, Tan Yonglin, often teased me, saying I wasn't incarcerated but rather on vacation. I could only offer him a wry smile. How could he possibly understand the anguish and uncertainty I felt?
Yet, his story is truly speechless and both laughable and sad. First, his name alone is surprising. Remember, in that era, a music superstar with the same name and surname was a supreme figure, known in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and mainland China. Of course, this is nothing. What's even more remarkable is that the Tan family, not only in Hengyang City but also throughout Changsha and the entire province, is renowned, thanks to his father, Tan Jiuming, known by his peers as the Medicine King.
The Tan family has been practicing medicine for generations, and their reputation is well-known. The Tan family has been practicing medicine for many years, with deep roots in the local area and a huge fortune. Mr. Tan has only one son, Tan Yonglin, who has been doted on since childhood and obeyed his father in everything! The result of indulgence is rebellion. No matter how his father instills in him, he refuses to follow in his father's footsteps, saying that he has no interest in studying medicine. But if the foundation of the Tan family, which has been passed down for generations, is destroyed, Mr. Tan will be ashamed to face his ancestors.
Neither party was willing to compromise on this matter, and the situation was deadlocked. Tan Jiuming was exhausted and had no choice but to give in and help his son find a daughter-in-law with good character and appearance. After the young couple got married, he would pass on all the family heirlooms such as medical skills, pharmacology, and prescriptions to his daughter-in-law. When he returned to the throne a hundred years later, his grandson would continue the family business, which would be considered as living up to the ancestral teachings! The candidate for the daughter-in-law had already been selected. She was originally from Changde and came from a poor family, but she had good character and appearance, studied hard and made progress, and was an excellent girl with knowledge and manners. Little did he know that when Tan Yonglin heard that his father wanted him to marry a female student, he immediately got angry again and firmly disagreed, saying that he already had a partner, who was a little older than him, but he liked that woman very much and would not marry anyone else.
Tired and helpless, Tan Jiuming secretly sought information from others. Upon learning the truth, he nearly died. How could the woman his son chose be only slightly older? She was already 36, a widow with a family to support. The Tan family was a prominent medical institution. How could their only son, in his early twenties, marry a 36-year-old widow?
Tan Jiuming devised a plan to trick his son into coming home for dinner. The girl from Changde was also invited to the party. For a Medicine King, a little trickery during the meal was a piece of cake! Sure enough, Erxiao and Erxiao had sex after dinner, and they became a de facto couple. The girl from Changde already had feelings for Tan Yonglin, but things change, and the wife he longed for was the 36-year-old widow. Could it be that the goddess had a heart, but the king had no dreams?
Things got even more bizarre. Frustrated by his father's scheme to deprive him of his virginity, Tan Yonglin's mind was consumed with thoughts of the widow. One day, struck by a whim, he went to the widow and threatened to elope. The widow asked him how he could support her and her child. Tan Yonglin was disheartened. He had never worried about money, and now, his young shoulders were burdened with the burden of supporting three people. But how could a man be so timid at this crucial moment?
He racked his brain for three days and three nights, unable to think of any strengths or money-making skills he could possess. If he couldn't come up with a solution, the Pretty Widow might lose everything. Just as he was at his wit's end, a sudden lightbulb struck his brain, which had been stagnant for so long. Thus began his glorious journey of selling counterfeit medicine, initially using the Tan family's name to deceive several innocent victims. Just when things seemed promising, he was reported and his crimes were exposed. To make matters worse, an elderly patient who took his medicine died of an underlying illness, ultimately leading to his successful imprisonment.
Fortunately, my father used his money and connections to get him sentenced to only one year and six months. The widow disappeared without a trace after hearing the news. Fortunately, Miss Changde agreed to wait for him.
After hearing Tan Yonglin's fantastical story, Ye Qian's expression was essentially the same as mine had been when I'd first heard Tan Yonglin's tale. Initially stunned, she burst into laughter, practically rolling on the ground.
"So, you are planning to take the prescription to Tan Jiuming for advice?" Ye Qian asked me while rubbing her cheeks, laughing so hard that she was out of breath.
I nodded in agreement.
Ye Qian also took out her professional mobile phone, dialed a number, and instructed her subordinates to secretly investigate He Kun's affairs.
The next day, we took the prescription, drove around, asked along the way, and finally found the Tan family's pharmacy.
The Tan Family Pharmacy, located west of Chuan'er Park and next to Yulin Primary School, offers a tranquil escape amidst the bustle and convenient transportation. As leaders in Hengyang's medical field and a family steeped in tradition, the Tan family maintains a remarkably low-key approach to life. Instead of a luxurious, modern high-rise, the shop operates from three wooden structures. However, the architectural style perfectly adheres to the traditional codes of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with wooden doors, windows, high beams, brackets, and columns all painted vermilion, evoking a simple and solemn air. The lobby's furnishings largely follow the traditional style, with a shopkeeper and staff. Numerous cabinets and shelves display a dazzling array of precious Chinese herbal medicines, a dazzling array that's truly dazzling! A couplet hangs high on the wall facing the hall: "May the world be free of illness? Why should the medicines on the shelves gather dust?" A knowing smile evokes a sense of detachment from the worldly realms of this place.
At this time, seeing that the house was full of customers, a sharp-eyed waiter came forward and respectfully asked what I was here for. I said that I was a friend of Master Tan and that I had come here specifically to ask for advice from the Medicine King Tan.
The waiter was surprised when he heard this, but without asking any more questions, he invited Ye Qian and me to the side to serve tea. He then turned around and reported to the manager at the counter.
The shopkeeper was an ordinary middle-aged man, about 45, of medium height and a beard, the kind you'd easily miss in a crowd. He glanced at Ye Qian and me, then approached us and said, "Excuse me, sir, is your last name Zuo?"
I was stunned for a moment, then slowly nodded and said, "Yes! My name is Zuo Jing, and I'm a friend of Young Master Tan Yonglin!" He paused, then continued, "We met in prison, and he recommended that if I had any questions about Traditional Chinese Medicine, I should come here and consult Mr. Tan. I have an ancient prescription, but I don't understand its meaning, so I'd like to ask Mr. Tan for his guidance!"
The shopkeeper nodded, stroking his short beard habitually, and said, "That's it. The young master mentioned you to the master when he visited him last time. When the master came back, he told him that as long as you come, you can go directly to the inner hall, and the master will receive you personally!"
Being personally received by the King of Medicine is a great honor, much more distinguished than getting a VIP card in the club. With Tan Jiuming's current status, how many dignitaries are waiting to be summoned?
The inner hall is not spacious, only about 20 square meters, separated from the outer hall by a curtain. It houses several sets of valuable furniture, including chairs made of red sandalwood and rosewood. The tea sets are unique Yixing purple clay pottery. The tea is naturally of the highest quality, and the subtle, refreshing fragrance and elegant aroma alone clearly indicate the unique quality of Mingqian Longjing tea.
When I first met Medicine King Tan Jiuming, I had a feeling he bore a 60-70% resemblance to Tan Yonglin. In his youth, he must have been imposing, with both good character and good looks.
Nearly 70 years old, he has a gaunt face, white hair, and a youthful appearance! The way he walks with his head held high makes people doubt his actual age.
When meeting, be honest and frank; there's no need for pretense. Zuo Jing took out the prescription and handed it to Tan Jiuming, saying earnestly, "Uncle Tan! Is there any secret to this ancient recipe?"
Tan Jiuming glanced at the prescription, his expression suddenly faltering. He stared at me intently, his expression solemn, and shouted, "Where did this prescription come from?"
I did not hold back and told him everything that happened.
Tan Jiuming sighed deeply and told the whole story.
Back then, He Kun joined the Tan family to study medicine. He was clever and skilled in flattery, and he deceived his mentor into teaching him everything he knew. However, his evil intentions ultimately led to disaster.
One day, his master, Tan's father, suddenly died, and many of his traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions were stolen. He Kun took this opportunity to leave the Tan family and make a name for himself.
There were many suspicions surrounding Tan Jiuming's father's death, but the investigation had yielded no results, leaving him helpless. Now, a clue had been found. Upon seeing this object, Tan Jiuming burst into tears, overcome with indignation. Years later, the truth was finally revealed!
Tan Jiuming, knowing I was still unsure, explained the truth. The Tan family has been providing medical services for generations. They have accumulated a wealth of medical expertise and a collection of folk remedies. These remedies can be both righteous and sinister. The one I've handed him is a sinister, potentially devastating recipe.
As expected, he still broke out in a cold sweat. He collected his thoughts and humbly asked the Medicine King for advice.
Tan Jiuming smiled bitterly and told me bluntly, "My dear nephew, this recipe is a recipe for extinction. It's extremely toxic. The various herbs counteract each other. After your father takes it, his kidneys will initially be filled with excess yang, but this is draining the pond to catch fish, damaging the root. According to my old deduction, within ten doses, your father will suffer the backlash. The yin and yang are out of harmony, and he will never have children!"
I nodded sadly, clasped my fists and saluted, looking dejected.
Tan Jiuming also sighed deeply, and then said soothingly, "My dear nephew! Misfortune often brings blessings, and blessings often bring misfortune. Everything is determined by fate. Just like my junior brother He Kun, harming others ultimately harms himself. Now he is imprisoned. It can be said that this is retribution!"
I laughed bitterly and stood up to say goodbye. Tan Jiuming didn't try to keep me. He just said he hoped to see me again in three months when his son Yonglin was released from prison.
Ye Qian and I drove back to Zhuhui Hotel.
Three days later, the Secret Service Bureau presented Ye Qian with detailed background information on He Kun.
Ye Qian's expression changed several times as she flipped through the book. She looked up at me several times while reading. Until she finished reading all the information, she couldn't help but sigh and ponder the mystery of the world!
The investigation revealed He Kun's entire life story, revealing his birthplace, family background, and the story of his rise to prominence. Furthermore, investigators, leveraging their special positions, secretly interrogated He Kun in prison, unexpectedly uncovering crucial secrets.
He Kun was originally from Yuanling, Huaihua, Hunan, and was five years younger than Zuo Yuxuan. His ancestors, whose background was questionable, suffered from raids and struggle sessions during the Special Period, leading to his family's downfall. At 13, he was displaced and exiled. As an adult, he married Wang Chunhua, a woman from Pingxiang, Jiangxi, and had a daughter, He Hui. About two years later, Wang died of illness, leaving father and daughter destitute. Desperate, they met a PLA officer from Hengyang named Zuo Yuxuan, who enthusiastically helped him and gave him his contact information. They kept in touch, and Zuo Yuxuan selflessly supported them throughout their lives. It wasn't until He Kun was accepted as an apprentice at the Tan Family Pharmacy in Hengyang that they finally found a safe place to live.
He Kun had a meager income, so Zuo Yuxuan voluntarily paid for He Hui's tuition and miscellaneous fees until she was admitted to university. Even his wife Li Xuanshi was unaware of this.
In the early 1980s, the spring breeze of reform swept across China. He Kun was a cunning and deceitful man. After studying medicine under his master, Tan Runsheng, for over a decade, he gained a glimpse into the art of medicine. However, he felt that since his master and his senior brother, Tan Jiuming, were father and son, he would never inherit the mantle. He became rebellious and plotted to have his master killed. He then stole half of the Tan family's treasured medicinal formulas and fled. Two years later, he opened a pharmacy in Changsha, where he prospered.
On one occasion, He Kun reunited with his benefactor, Zuo Yuxuan, at a banquet in Changsha. Upon first meeting Li Xuanshi, one of the Three Beauties of Hengshan, who had accompanied her husband, He Kun was struck by her beauty and secretly captivated by her. Drawing on his years of medical knowledge, He Kun observed Li Xuanshi and noticed a hint of gloom between her brows, a rosy complexion, and a hint of lust in her eyes, suggesting a desire for more. Furthermore, given the twelve-year age difference between Zuo and Li, he speculated that their sexual life was not harmonious. This intensified his desire for Li Xuanshi, and he could not forget her, day and night.
This meeting indirectly led to increased correspondence between He Kun and Zuo Yuxuan. Under the pretext of gratitude and concern for his benefactor, He Kun insinuated himself into the couple, culminating in a desperate attempt to harm Zuo Yuxuan with a recipe for a complete annihilation of the household. Calculating his time, he exploited Zuo's business trips to Hengyang several times in an attempt to seduce Concubine Li, but each attempt ultimately failed. This, in turn, alarmed Li Xuanshi, who became wary of him and kept her distance.
Furious and humiliated, he slowly lost his rationality and was about to resort to desperate measures when he heard the news that Lao Zuo had died in a plane crash. He was overwhelmed with joy, thinking his chance had finally arrived! After much effort, he tracked down Li Xuanshi's new address in Changsha and finally got his chance. After another rejection from Li, He Kun finally lost his patience and abandoned his pretense of a gentleman, attempting to pounce on Li Xuanshi and force her. During the struggle, Xu Lin arrived just in time, incidentally averting another dangerous situation for Li Xuanshi.
During this period, Li Xuanshiwenjun was newly widowed and was in an extremely low mood. Her best friend Xu Lin was afraid that she would be depressed or depressed, so she often came to accompany her.
He Kun fled in panic, having lost all his chances, and was speechless.
Therefore, the word "fate" is so mysterious and wonderful that it is beyond words!
At this moment, Ye Qian, seeing my melancholy expression, reminded me, "He Kun, a ruthless and heartless man, deserves death, but he's endured a constant stream of bad luck. He worked so hard to plant the trees, only to find someone else picking the peaches. Isn't it strange that He Kun seems to have been plagued by bad luck ever since he met your mother?"
I could only rub my forehead in silence. Actually, Ye Qian wasn't wrong. Currently, based on my assumptions and calculations, no one associated with Li Xuanshi—including my father and me, He Kun, Hao Laogou, and that bunch of sluts—could have a good outcome. What a strange cycle!
The Hao Laogou that Ye Qian was referring to was naturally Hao Laogou.
After He Kun fled without success, he waited a long time. However, Li Xuanshi had already taken a long leave from school and was recuperating at home. She was accompanied by her two best friends, Xu Lin and Cen Jingqing. Her son Zuo Jing had also taken leave from his Peking University professor to return to Changsha to see her and planned to take her to Beijing to relax.
He Kun's obsession with Li Xuanshi became a deep-seated obsession, reaching the point where he could not stop thinking about her. He spent years meticulously planning, yet his long-cherished wish of intimacy with this beautiful woman remained unfulfilled. This gradually twisted his mind, leading him to devise a sinister and despicable plan. He would find an ugly and lowly beggar to molest Li Xuanshi, using this as evidence to coerce her into submission. This mad plan, and the one who instigated it, nearly brought ruin upon everyone involved! This included himself and his daughter, He Hui, but that's another story.
What happened next was very simple, yet also complicated.
He Kun spent all his efforts to find a man named Hao Jianghua. He came from a remote and backward village called Haojiagou in the impoverished Hengshan County. He was begging along the way and brought with him a dying child suffering from leukemia.
So, God wove another incredible, bizarre, and absurd plot.
From now on, the evil, the despicable, the cunning, and the ungrateful will laugh with grimace. The dissolute, the lascivious, the greedy, and the shameless will run rampant. The kind, the benevolent, the compassionate, and the selfless will be damned forever!