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墨書 Inktalez
In the springtime mountains, the grass and trees were lush, and the morning dew had yet to dry.
Su Wan'er carried a bamboo basket as she wandered along the winding path through the forest.
The fallen leaves beneath her feet were soft, and occasionally, birds startled into flight among the trees.
She bent down to carefully identify the wild herbs by the roadside, her fingers brushing against clusters of vibrant mugwort, contemplating which herbs would be most suitable for her family's needs.
Last night, her mother had reminded her to gather some mugwort and wild chrysanthemums, so Wan'er took advantage of the early morning to venture into the mountains alone.
The mist had not yet completely dissipated, and the mountains were so tranquil that only her footsteps could be heard.
As Wan'er bent down to pick a dandelion, just as she was about to place it in her basket, she suddenly heard faint footsteps coming from the path ahead.
Alert, she raised her head, tightening her grip on the herbs in her hand.
Before her stood a tall young man beneath an old locust tree, his back straight as he leaned down to examine the wild grass by the roadside.
He wore a coarse long shirt with a gray short cloak draped over it, and a wooden sword was slung at his waist. The morning light filtered through the leaves, illuminating his chiseled profile and casting a strong outline.
Wan'er's heart tightened slightly, and she instinctively softened her footsteps.
Seeing that the young man did not seem to harbor any ill intentions, she cautiously maneuvered around a bush, preparing to slip away quietly to avoid any trouble.
However, unexpectedly, the young man turned around, and their gazes met. His eyes were bright and clear, radiating an air of integrity.
Noticing her simple farmer's attire and the bamboo basket in her hand, he couldn't help but show a hint of concern in his smile.
"Miss," he said in a warm voice, "there are plenty of wild beasts in these mountains. Why have you come here alone to gather herbs?"
Wan Er was momentarily taken aback by his question, but quickly steadied herself and replied, "My mother has trouble with her legs, so I came to the mountains to gather some herbs. Although the mountain path is secluded, villagers often come by, so it's not a problem."
The young man nodded, his gaze falling on the basket she carried. Noticing the mugwort, dandelions, and wild chrysanthemums inside, a glimmer of approval flashed in his eyes.
"You have quite a knowledge of herbs, Miss. This dandelion can clear heat and detoxify, while mugwort warms the meridians and alleviates pain. You've made excellent choices."
Wan Er was taken aback for a moment, surprised that he understood herbal medicine.
Looking up to examine him closely, she saw that he had an extraordinary demeanor. Though simply dressed, he carried himself with an air of elegance.
Feeling slightly reassured, she asked, "May I ask who you are?"
"I am Chen Jun, residing in the downstream Chen Family Village." Chen Jun clasped his hands in greeting with a warm smile. "I happened to pass by while practicing martial arts and saw you gathering herbs alone. I was concerned for your safety and came to say hello."
Hearing him introduce himself eased Wan Er's mind, and she returned the greeting. "I am Su Wan'er from Dongtou Su Family. Thank you for your concern, Young Master Chen. I have been coming to the mountains since childhood, so I'm quite used to it."
Noticing her composed speech and agile movements, Chen Jun felt a growing fondness for her.
He casually plucked a herb from the ground and handed it to Wan Er. "This is called Di Gu Pi. When dried and brewed as tea, it can help dispel internal heat. If you have elderly people at home, it will be quite useful."
Wan Er accepted Di Gu Pi with a smile in her eyes. "You also understand herbal medicine, Young Master Chen?"
Chen Jun nodded slightly, his expression humble. "An elder in my family once fell ill, so I learned a bit from my ancestors. Those who practice martial arts inevitably face injuries; herbs are always useful."
They exchanged smiles, feeling an unexpected sense of closeness despite their first meeting.
Noticing the wooden sword at his waist, Wan Er couldn't help but ask curiously, "Is your swordsmanship good, Young Master Chen?"
Seeing her ask so candidly, Chen Jun smiled faintly and drew out the wooden sword, casually demonstrating a few moves.
Each move was executed with precision, the sword cutting through the air with a sharp whistle, showcasing a solid foundation in technique. He sheathed his sword and said, "It's just some family swordsmanship, merely for self-defense."
A spark of excitement lit up Wan Er's eyes as she couldn't help but applaud. "Young Master Chen, your swordsmanship is indeed impressive. If there's an opportunity, I hope you can teach me a few moves."
Chen Jun chuckled heartily. "If you’re interested, Miss, you can come to the open space at the village head one day. I practice swordplay every morning."
Wan Er nodded in agreement, secretly admiring him.
In her past life, she had encountered many who boasted of their abilities, but few were as humble and composed as Chen Jun.
At that moment, footsteps echoed through the woods, accompanied by a cheerful voice. "Wan Er, where have you run off to? We've been looking everywhere for you!"
Following the sound, they saw Zhang Cuihua approaching with a bamboo basket in hand, her bright red scarf contrasting against her sweaty face.
She hurried over and paused when she noticed Wan Er standing next to a stranger. After a brief moment of surprise, she smiled warmly. "Wan Er, who is this?"
Wan Er turned to introduce him. "This is Young Master Chen Jun from Chen Family Village; he happened to pass by here."
Chen Jun clasped his hands in greeting. "Hello, Cuihua."
Cuihua blinked and grinned innocently. "So you're Chen Jun from Chen Family Village! I've heard you're skilled with the sword and quite capable."
Seeing the two greet each other eased the atmosphere significantly.
Cuihua squatted down with Wan Er to pick wild chrysanthemums while chatting and laughing. "Wan Er, look at this patch of wild chrysanthemums; they’re so fresh! Perfect for drying and making tea."
Not feeling out of place among them, Chen Jun also crouched down to help pull weeds.
The three of them chatted casually while gathering herbs, gradually becoming more familiar with one another.
"While gathering herbs, Wan Er asked, 'Young Master Chen, has there been any news in the village lately?'
Chen Jun's expression grew serious as he replied softly, 'A few days ago, the night watchman in town reported that there have been strangers spotted on the mountain paths. It seems there are thieves lurking about. Although the authorities have sent people to patrol, the mountains are high and the roads are long, making it difficult to prevent any incidents. You all often venture into the woods for herbs, so you must be extra cautious.'
Cuihua's face changed upon hearing this. 'Thieves? Even in this remote and impoverished place, someone has their eyes on us?'
Chen Jun nodded, his gaze steady. 'They may be eyeing the village's harvest come autumn or looking to plunder the locals during a time of chaos. It would be best for you to travel in groups these days and secure your doors tightly at night. Do not let your guard down.'
Wan Er felt a heaviness in her heart. In her previous life, the village had indeed suffered from a bandit raid, causing heavy losses for every household.
At that time, she had only thought of escaping and had not paid attention to many details. Now, hearing Chen Jun's words heightened her sense of vigilance.
She casually asked, 'Do you know how many thieves there are or where they came from?'
Chen Jun shook his head. 'So far, I've only heard that it's a small group of bandits from outside. There is no concrete information yet. If I hear anything further, I will be sure to inform your family.'
Wan Er nodded gratefully. 'Thank you for the warning, Young Master Chen.'
Cuihua squeezed Wan Er's hand, still feeling anxious. 'Wan Er, we should gather herbs together from now on and not take risks alone anymore.'
Wan Er smiled and reassured her, 'Sister Cuihua, don't worry. I will be careful.'
The three continued to gather herbs in the forest. Chen Jun occasionally pointed out different plants to Wan Er and Cuihua. 'This is called Long Kui; it can clear heat but is toxic, so do not use too much.' He then pointed to a cluster of yellow flowers. 'This is honeysuckle; if you catch a cold due to wind and heat, brewing it in water is very effective.'
Wan Er also contributed by identifying several Difuzi and mint plants and explaining their uses for treating heat-related ailments.
Cuihua listened with great interest and praised them repeatedly. 'You two are amazing—one knows swordsmanship while the other understands herbal medicine. With you around, our lives will surely be much more secure.'
Chen Jun laughed heartily. 'It's my duty to help out in the village.'"
Wan Er looked at Chen Jun's serious yet humble expression, feeling a stir in her heart.
In these difficult times, it is rare to have someone like him to protect the village.
She lowered her head in thought, already beginning to consider how she could use her knowledge of herbs and medicine to safeguard her family and fellow villagers if thieves were to invade.
As the sun rose higher, the mist in the mountains dissipated. The three of them filled a basket with herbs and made their way down the mountain along a narrow path.
The sound of birds chirping filled the air, and a gentle breeze brushed against their clothes, bringing a rare sense of tranquility.
Wan Er glanced back at the depths of the forest, silently resolving that in this lifetime, she would not allow tragedy to repeat itself. Whether it be thieves or hardships, she would stand together with her fellow villagers to protect their land and home.
Chen Jun walked ahead, tapping his bamboo staff against the stones by the roadside. He turned back with a smile and said, "Miss Su, Cuihua, if you encounter any difficulties while gathering herbs in the future, feel free to come find me."
Wan Er smiled back, "That’s a promise then. Young Master Chen, please don’t think of us as a bother."
Cuihua chimed in playfully, "I’m quite clumsy, so I might be troubling you often!"
The three of them chatted and laughed as they walked along the ridge of the fields.
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