6. Settling Down

"Elder Sister, he regained consciousness!"

Lui Xian brought his hands up to cover his ears from the shrieking voice right beside him. He looked up to see a little girl putting away a dish almost full of peeled potatoes. She turned and also stared back at him smiling at the man who had been sleeping for a whole week.

"How do you feel? Should I call for the doctor?" The little girl asked attempting to rise but she was pushed down by a hand which moved quite faster than lightning. She had known that the man knew martial arts after all her Elder Brother often took her along on his many voyages. Also the sword and bloody appearance were very familiar in her memories.

"I'm okay. Is there any adult around? I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude." Lui Xian asked in a hoarse voice. He felt that it was weird to be talking to a toddler about his health. It made him feel as if he was burdening her at such a young age.

"There is no need. We are very happy that you ended up here." Hexiu spoke in a gentle voice as she entered the small room seeming as graceful as ever. She wore a pink hanfu with some peony embroidery on it. Her hair was plaited in a neat manor. Her face filled with a beautiful glow.

"Daiyu go look after the pot still cooking outside." She told the little one. Daiyu got up from where she was sitting and nodded. Hexiu watched as her little helper went out before taking her sit beside Lui Xian. She looked at the bandaged area and felt relieved after seeing that the wound wasn't bleeding anymore. Nevertheless, she reached over for a clean bandage, then removed the one on his body.

"What do I call you Sir?" She asked as she continued tending to him. After wrapping it neatly, she assisted him to sit and then handed over a cup of water. It was room temperature and made him feel refreshed.

"Thank you... Please call me Xian." Lui Xian spoke after taking a gulp and putting the empty cup down. He thanked her before looking around the cramped room feeling quite uncomfortable, not knowing where he was. All he remembers upto this moment, is his fainting and the villagers asking for a doctor.

"Wow, what a good name. I'm Lady Hexiu. People here call me Lan're. I am from the Lan family." She spoke as she looked at the other's handsome face. Feeling giddy, her heart pounding with excitement.

After his bandage was changed, Lui Xian was now wearing a robe covering every nook of his body, it was a pity for Hexiu who had gotten used to seeing his chest and poking him at every chance she got whilst he was sleeping.

"I had planned to steal a kiss today. What a pity." She thought then pouted looking away from the man as she asked, "Do you want to stay in the village? I will arrange a room for you." She was hopeful that he would agree to stay.

Lui Xian looked through the opened window only to see that it was morning and the small village seemed quiet and homy. He stayed quiet for a while, seeming enchanted by the blossoms flattering outside the window. He then looked back at her, ready to give her an answer.

"I would love to. Thank you for looking after me this past week. What can I do to repay you?" He asked sincerely. Recalling all the trouble she put up with during this whole week. Even though he didn't have any money with him, he still wanted to find something to give her back.

"Be my husband!" Hexiu shouted excitedly in her mind but smiled politely showcasing her good side, "There is no need to repay anything. We are happy to welcome a new member in the family. As you have seen, this is a small village. Few people live here so it is fortunate to have you here."

"Thank you." Lui Xian spoke with a tone filled with so much gratitude.

"As I have said, there is no need. You can do so to the doctor who treated you that day."

"Doctor?" He was surprised. He remembered that just before his conciousness faded, he heard someone saying the doctor wasn't available. It was obvious that such a small village would not have many doctors. He wondered how they had managed to find him so fast.

"Yes. He came back later that night. He is friendly and humble. You will see him around." She explained while currying favour for the benevolant doctor. She had known him for so many years. And everytime she witnessed him healing and interacting with patients, she would admire him more and more.

Lui Xian didn't speak a word for a while. Hexiu left him to his own devices as she followed after her aid. She knew that the little one wouldn't be able to finish everything on her own. She exited the room, before joining little Daiyu.

After resting for some time Lui Xian followed them outside, the sun was very hot. He could see some hazes rising from the soil. The trees nearby had shade but those could not block the heat from reaching his skin.

He continued to endure and walked to the market observing everything as if he wanted to embed all of it in his memory. He looked at the people who were watching him with a much friendly manner compared to the first day he got here. They were now smiling at him and some even came forward to him and offered some snacks. Others even attempted to start a conversation with him.

He entered one of the shops that did not have much but necessary daily needs. On the shelf there was some packed porridge powder put on a pile on one side, some dried meat suspended on a rusty wire and different herbs, some medicine and dried fat. He went on to the next shop looking at the variety of things until he ended up to the last one. Where a butcher was busy selling fresh pork and chicken in front with his own crooked stall. At some distance people could also find some snack stalls next to each other, also selling at an affordable price.

After all that Lui Xian took a detour to the forest that was surrounding the village. There was a hilly area nearby where he climbed to the top and looked down to see the whole village. He somehow felt attached to it. He really wanted to continue staying here.

What if they wanted him dead. He still have his life. He is breathing .

What if he could no longer stand by his side. His feelings are still with him.

What if he can't go back. He still has a place to stay.

"Your Majesty, I want to see you. I also want to know the person who is after my life, there are so many things I want to know the answers to."

He was speaking to himself not aware of the arrival of the other who had been collecting herbs in the forest.