"No, really." Zhu Yanyi shook her head. "I just don't want to leave."
"Oh, please." Old Master Li snorted. "Don't give me that. You refused to transfer to the capital, yet you claim you can't bear to part with us? How often do we even see each other now? If you said that outside, you’d be too embarrassed to show your face." Of course, this teasing was softened by the warmth in her eyes.
"Grandma Li, how can you say that?" Zhu Yanyi acted shy. "Is it wrong to show I care about you?"
"No, no, no. Please, just let go. Every time you say you can't bear to leave, I worry you’re eyeing my belongings. My stuff isn’t as valuable as your Medicine Grandpa’s." Old Master Li laughed heartily. Though they bickered, the air around them was thick with warmth. Onlookers could clearly see the deep bond between master and disciple.
Zhu Yanyi’s plan to return to Yao City was interrupted. She had to stay for the embroidery competition. Meanwhile, news spread that Zhao Guangzong’s surgery was a success.
"Are you sure? Zhao Guangzong’s surgery actually succeeded?" The man in the shadows seemed stunned. He had spent great effort breaking Zhao’s legs and destroying his vitality to seize his position. Now, hearing he would recover soon felt like all his planning was wasted. This was bad news.
"Yes. Reports from the capital say Hua Tianyao performed the surgery himself. Success is expected," the messenger replied, his mood dark. He had assumed another doctor was involved. Now, he suspected a trap.
"So, everything in Jinling Hospital was likely calculated to get Zhao Guangzong to the capital for treatment," the shadowy figure said, punching the armrest of his chair hard.
"We underestimated the capital. We must have been exposed. There might even be a mole among us," the messenger added, thinking further.
The shadowy figure knew caution was key. "Check the personnel in Jinling. If you find anyone suspicious, eliminate them." His voice held deep killing intent. One mistake had led to this; he would not allow another. "Our best move now is to eliminate Hua Tianyao."
"Killing Hua Tianyao won’t be easy," the man said.
The shadowy figure paused. "With careful planning, it is possible."
"How do we do it?"
"We do this…" The shadowy figure slowly outlined the plan.
The man nodded. "It’s a good plan, but it will take at least three years to arrange."
"Then let Hua Tianyao live a few more years. As long as the result satisfies me, I don’t mind waiting," the shadowy figure said calmly. "I heard Hua Tianyao has six disciples. When executing this plan, be most careful of them. If they interfere, it could affect our outcome."