At first light, the sky barely brightened when Bai Yuan and his family prepared to depart.
A dozen Bai family retainers and dozens of tenant farmers were heading back with him to Bai Fortress. The trip from Gaojia Village to Bai Fortress took a full two hours, so everyone needed a proper meal before leaving.
Sanshier borrowed pots and bowls, gathered white rice, cabbage, and chicken strips, then cooked several huge pots of chicken-cabbage porridge. The smell drifted everywhere—everyone got two full bowls.
The tenant farmers of Bai Fortress had never eaten anything this good. Some were moved to tears. How is it that while fleeing for our lives and being chased by bandits for miles, we're eating better than we ever did at home? What kind of absurd fate is this?
If we want a life like this… what must we do from now on?
Bai Yuan sighed from the side.
"My ability is limited. I cannot yet lead you to such a good life. But it's fine—now that the Celestial Honored One watches over us, Bai Fortress will surely rise again."
Before departure, Madam Bai and Young Master Bai climbed into the carriage—only to immediately poke their heads out, shouting:
"Master! The entire carriage is full of flour! We can't stay in here!"
"Endure it," Bai Yuan snapped.
And so, they endured it. Half the carriage was filled with flour balls; every bump sent them rolling, spraying white dust everywhere. The two of them were coated in flour clouds the whole ride. Several times they tried to jump out and walk—but pampered nobles can't walk dozens of miles. They had no choice but to suffer. By the time the carriage arrived, both of them looked like white-chalk ghosts.
Bai Fortress had indeed been looted clean. Every bit of wealth—furniture, cloth, grain, coin—everything was gone. Only the empty estate remained.
But Bai Yuan wasn't worried.
He waved his retainers away, taking only his son into the back courtyard. He pried up a large stone slab, revealing a hidden tunnel. They followed it down into an underground chamber—piled with gold and jewels.
Scooping up a heavy bag of treasure, Bai Yuan sealed the chamber again and smirked.
The Bai family… has risen once more.
He stepped outside and commanded:
"Each of you—take one tael of silver and two jin of flour. Then go summon the scattered villagers. We rebuild Bai Fortress starting today. Remember—do not commit crimes, or even the gods won't save you."
"Yes, sir!" everyone responded.
Bai Yuan thought smugly: There! I've passed on the teachings of the Celestial Honored One properly. With this, the 'ritual' portion of the gentleman's Six Arts should be restored on my record.
Back in Gaojia Village
The sky was bright and clear.
Third Madam clutched a mountain of jars, overjoyed. Each jar held medicine—given directly from the fingertips of the Celestial Honored One. She transferred each into the best containers she had and labeled them carefully:
"Burns," "Wounds," "Skin," "Cold," "Stomach"…
There were all kinds—some like ancient remedies, some modern.
Li Daoxuan didn't truly understand medicine, but he had shared some of his household's usual supplies. Ointments were easy—just scoop out a bit. But pills and granules? He had to cut tiny pieces for her to grind into powder.
The whole process took two days. She filled more than ten jars in total.
Li Daoxuan repeatedly warned her about dosage.
External ointments were safe—but internal medicine was dangerous if misused. He couldn't tell her "grams," since ancient measurement units didn't match. So he improvised by comparing to something she understood.
"This cold medicine—use very little. At most half a fingernail. Three times a day, only after meals."
Third Madam bowed seriously, taking notes. "Honored One, rest assured—I treasure these too much to overuse them."
"This detox medicine—be even more careful. Also half a fingernail. Twice a day. Never more."
She noted everything down. Sheets of instructions were pasted on each jar.
She guarded the jars like priceless treasure. For two straight days, anyone who approached—she hid them behind her back. When Sanshier tried touching one, she beat him with the ferocity of a mother tiger until his nose was bruised.
"Do you know what these are?" she roared. "Heavenly elixirs! Given by the Celestial Honored One himself! And you dare stretch your filthy hand toward them? Cut it off if you want to live!"
Sanshier of course didn't cut off his hand. He apologized so desperately he nearly kneeled.
Once peace was restored between husband and wife, Sanshier whispered:
"Madam… now that you have these elixirs, what do you plan next?"
"Return to the county," she declared. "The Honored One tasked us with saving the people. How many can I save in this tiny village? Everyone here has divine protection already. I must return to the county—only there can I spread the Honored One's grace widely."
Sanshier frowned.
"The situation in the county is still chaotic. If another madman attacks, you'll be in danger. The Honored One only manifests here in this village—you've seen that."
The words shook her. But within seconds her fear was overridden by the zeal burning in her eyes.
"Hmph! I walk the path of Heaven to save the world. I may not be a saintess, but I am still a divine emissary. Demons and monsters should flee at my presence. What danger is there?"
Sanshier: "…"
What was he even supposed to say to that?
Even Sanshier—proud of his quick mind—was speechless.
He sighed.
"Fine. After I finish things here in the village, I'll gather some strong young men and escort you back to the county. Once you're settled, I'll return to handle the Honored One's affairs."