When Jiang Ning worked as an assassin, she was skilled in tracking, locating, investigating, wiretapping, and surveillance.
But that was in modern times, with various satellites, networks, surveillance systems, and big data at her disposal. In this ancient era, even a skilled cook can't make a meal without rice. Her abilities couldn't be put to use, so she had to resort to the most primitive methods of gathering information.
She definitely needed to find Blind Yang again, but she couldn't bring Liu Ming'an along.
After returning from the Yang residence, Jiang Ning pretended to be unconcerned about her background. After lunch, she made an excuse to go downstairs for a stroll. Liu Ming'an was engrossed in painting a portrait of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, and only gently reminded her, "Dress warmly, be careful not to catch a cold."
"Mm-hmm," Jiang Ning responded, then headed straight for the medical clinic once she left.
"Doctor, I'd like to buy some sleeping aids," Jiang Ning said to the old doctor in front of her, following the pharmacy boy into the shop.
The experienced doctor, having practiced medicine for many years, was skilled in observing, listening, questioning, and taking pulses. From the moment Jiang Ning entered, he had been carefully examining her facial features, making an initial diagnosis.
Hearing Jiang Ning's request for sleeping aids, the old doctor stroked his beard, somewhat puzzled: "I see that the young lady has a rosy complexion and a radiant glow. You don't look like someone suffering from insomnia."
Jiang Ning replied without batting an eye: "I'm here on behalf of my husband. He often overthinks and can't sleep at night. He looks quite haggard, so I've come to buy some sleeping aids for him, hoping to help him sleep soundly until dawn."
"Why didn't he come himself? There are many causes of insomnia. It would be better if I could diagnose him in person to prescribe the right treatment," the old doctor said sincerely, with a healer's compassion.
"He's reluctant to seek medical help and doesn't want to come," Jiang Ning said casually. "But I'm really worried about him and want him to get a good night's sleep. Doctor, please just give me some medicine."
The phrase "reluctant to seek medical help" was probably the last thing any doctor wanted to hear.
Sure enough, after Jiang Ning said this, the old doctor stopped asking questions and simply instructed the pharmacy boy: "Give this young... " He had just said "young lady" when he remembered she was here for her husband, so he quickly corrected himself: "Give this madam a few packets of sleeping powder."
The pharmacy boy handed her five packets of medicine sealed in yellow paper. Jiang Ning felt them and realized they were powder. She asked the old doctor, "Does this sleeping powder have any taste?"
"It has a slightly bitter taste, like tea," he replied.
"Are there any side effects?" Jiang Ning asked again.
"What are 'side effects'?" The old doctor was puzzled, having never heard this term before.
Jiang Ning realized that in ancient times, there was no concept of "drug side effects" or "adverse reactions" from modern medicine. No wonder the old doctor looked confused.
Jiang Ning rephrased her question: "Will this medicine harm the body when taken?"
The old doctor now understood and stroked his goatee with a smile: "Madam need not worry. The herbs used in this are mild and harmless to people. However, all medicines have some toxicity, so it's best not to use them long-term."
Jiang Ning nodded, made a mental note, paid for the medicine, and returned to the inn.
After dinner, Liu Ming'an was painting the Bodhisattva again. Jiang Ning helped grind ink for a while, and as she saw the sky gradually darkening, she brought Liu Ming'an a cup of water.
"Have some water and take a break. Painting for too long can make your back ache and eyes strain," Jiang Ning said, handing the teacup to Liu Ming'an.
Liu Ming'an straightened up, smiled at her, and took the water. After a couple of sips, he noticed something odd about the taste and frowned, asking, "Why does this water taste a bit bitter?"
"The shop assistant said it's water boiled with herbs that have a calming effect. It's fine, just drink it," Jiang Ning said nonchalantly.
Liu Ming'an, not suspecting anything, finished the cup of water. He then chatted idly with Jiang Ning for a bit before picking up his brush again, intending to finish the portrait.
However, for some reason today, as Liu Ming'an painted, his eyelids began to droop, his head felt dizzy, and drowsiness washed over him uncontrollably.
Jiang Ning had been quietly observing Liu Ming'an's reactions. Seeing this, she first yawned herself, then pretended to be sleepy and said, "I'm so tired. This calming tea seems quite effective. Why don't we turn in early?"
Liu Ming'an looked at the time. It was only the hour of You (5-7 pm), too early to sleep. But since both he and Jiang Ning were exhausted, they decided to go to bed.
Jiang Ning lay down with Liu Ming'an and found that he fell asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow.
The sky had darkened, with a crescent moon casting faint light.
Jiang Ning silently got up, took a candle, slipped into her space, and left the inn undetected, heading towards the Yang residence.
The Yang residence wasn't in the center of Qushui City. It was far from the hustle and bustle during the day, and at night, the surroundings were even more quiet.
Jiang Ning circled to the side of the Yang residence, emerged from her space, and looked at the nearly five-meter-high wall before her. She stepped back, took a running start, and using her forward momentum, kicked off the wall twice, grabbing onto the decorative tiles at the very top. Then, using the strength in her waist and legs, she swung her body up and over.
There were trees inside the wall. Jiang Ning looked around, aimed for a clear spot, pushed off with her hands, and dropped down from the wall.
The entire process took less than five seconds.
Having successfully entered the Yang residence, Jiang Ning entered her space again and began to explore the layout of the house, hoping to find Blind Yang alone.
However, after circling around several times and thoroughly scouting the Yang residence, she couldn't find any trace of Blind Yang.
"Where has that old fool gone?" she thought.
The idea of returning empty-handed tonight and having to drug Liu Ming'an again next time irritated her.
But just as Jiang Ning had climbed back over the wall and taken a few steps away from the Yang residence, she suddenly saw someone stumbling towards her. As the person drew closer, Jiang Ning realized it was Blind Yang!
"My luck isn't too bad!" Jiang Ning smirked, muttering to herself.
Blind Yang was drunk, his steps unsteady and faltering, walking as if he were treading on cotton.
He had originally planned to sleep at Spring Breeze Tower, but when his usual favorite courtesan approached him coquettishly as always, he only felt annoyed.
How affected and vulgar!
He thought of the woman who had come to his residence today. How beautiful she was, with her cold eyebrows, cold eyes, cold words, cold voice, and cold demeanor. She stood right in front of him, yet he felt as if they were separated by vast waters and mountains.
This was a true ice beauty, keeping people at arm's length!
The more Blind Yang thought about it, the more his heart itched. Looking at the heavily made-up, common beauty in his arms, he felt not the slightest interest.
He pushed away the coy woman and left Spring Breeze Tower. He had thought about gambling a bit more, but the night wind was cold, so he decided to go home and sleep.
So Blind Yang walked home drunk, thinking about that woman, occasionally chuckling to himself.
However, at one point, Blind Yang suddenly felt a sharp pain at the back of his neck. Everything before his eyes seemed to flip upside down, and he heard himself hit the ground with a "thud."
Then, his consciousness was uncontrollably pulled into a dark abyss.
Home was just within reach, but he would never make it there.