Prologue
Unable to distinguish whether it was the unbearable itching of the throat or the stomach cramps that were causing the distress, the elderly man lying on a purple silk-inlaid golden brocade couch eventually vomited out thick, dark brown filth. Not long after, he began to cough repeatedly.
A horrifying bloodstain appeared before everyone's eyes. Fearing it might be the last flicker of life, the guards and maidservants had already knelt in rows at the foot of the steps, their heads bowed low in reverence.
Having expelled all the filth from his stomach, the old man's weary eyes flickered shut once more as he sank back into a deep, unconscious nightmare. His illness had already left him gaunt and frail; no matter how many doctors were called, it would prove futile.
Tears already spent, Lady Cao, though deeply saddened, maintained her composure as she firmly held her husband's hand. With the other hand, she gently wiped away the blood and filth from the corner of his lips and beneath his neck, tenderly and meticulously. Without a word, her actions moved those who witnessed them to tears.
Such deep affection, yet alas, heaven has no eyes!
As everyone else resigned themselves to fate, one person still refused to leave the elder's life in the hands of the heavens.
Yes, he would not give up. He absolutely, positively would not allow the celestial deities to take his godfather's life so easily.
"Doctor, please wait!" He intercepted Dr. Yun just in time in the side hall, bowing deeply with a heavy heart.
Yun Jingnong, with his half-gray temples, paused for a moment, gazing at this stern-faced, robust man. All he could do was sigh softly with profound feeling.
"You still haven't given up, have you?"