Chapter 194: The Sima Family
For the past three or four years, Sima Yugong had been in a foul mood.
To be precise, it all started on the day he received the order from Sima Zheng, the head of the Sima family, to study medicine.
“Learning medicine at my age, over fifty… what nonsense.”
A flurry of thoughts crossed his mind. Was Sima Zheng trying to keep him in check? Was he trying to distract him from martial arts so he wouldn’t pose a threat to his position?
But that theory didn’t hold much weight. Sima Zheng’s standing within the family was rock solid, and his martial prowess was significantly ahead of Sima Yugong’s.
Both Sima Zheng and Sima Yugong were top-tier masters, but even among the best, there were differences in skill.
“Why would he do this? We weren’t on bad terms.”
In fact, their relationship was more than just amicable; it was exceptionally good. They had been close since childhood, and Sima Yugong had always supported Sima Zheng’s rise to the head of the family.
Sima Yugong trusted Sima Zheng implicitly, and Sima Zheng never doubted Sima Yugong’s words.
Yet, the directive to learn medicine was baffling. Fortunately, he had a knack for it; otherwise, he might have considered running away at his age.
After enduring three years of discontent, Sima Yugong was now experiencing unparalleled happiness. He had never wielded as much influence within the family as he did now.
The insane plan to artificially create a condition that would forever alter the martial world of Zhongyuan. And the success or failure of this audacious plan rested entirely in Sima Yugong’s hands.
“I was chosen. Sima Zheng picked me to etch our names into the history of Zhongyuan’s martial world.”
Every time Sima Yugong saw Sima Zheng, his heart swelled with emotion. Who would have thought that the order to learn medicine held such profound meaning?
It seemed his fortunes were finally turning. Not only was he entrusted with a significant role, but everything was progressing far better than expected. He might even be able to recruit Tang Mujin.
Just a few days ago, Tang Mujin seemed unable to focus on his research all day, prompting Sima Yugong to gently inquire.
“Tang, is something troubling you?”
”…It’s nothing.”
Though he tried to brush it off, it was clear he was wrestling with something.
“Feel free to talk. If it’s obvious enough for me to notice, it must be quite burdensome.”
“Well…”
“If it’s an uncomfortable topic, you don’t have to share it. No pressure.”
Tang Mujin hesitated before responding.
“Actually, if I must talk to someone, it should be you, Sima Yugong.”
“Oh? Now I’m curious.”
Tang Mujin fidgeted a bit more before stepping out to brew some tea, bringing it back in a small teapot.
Whenever Tang Mujin brewed tea, he would add a variety of herbs, which gave off a peculiar but not unpleasant aroma. Initially, Sima Yugong had been suspicious of any potential toxins, but Tang Mujin’s tea had never been tainted. From what Sima Yugong had observed, Tang Mujin was inherently gentle.
They shared the tea, and as it cooled, Tang Mujin spoke with a hint of embarrassment.
“Sir, about the research we’re conducting…”
“Yes?”
“Sometimes, I can’t help but feel a bit selfish.”
It was a statement that piqued Sima Yugong’s interest, though he maintained a neutral expression.
“What kind of thoughts are you holding back?”
“We’ve been working tirelessly for months since we first met at the inn. To share the fruits of our labor so freely… doesn’t it feel a bit wasteful?”
At that moment, Sima Yugong nearly leapt up to applaud. Instead, he controlled his expression and replied calmly.
“Ah, so you’re not entirely selfless. You can think like that too?”
“I didn’t realize it myself. But it’s the first time I’ve been so invested in a single topic for months… I guess I’ve grown attached.”
Sima Yugong didn’t respond immediately, pretending to ponder before answering.
“You’re right. The plan was devised by the Sima family, and the research was conducted by you and the family. Even the sacrifices were made by the Sima family…”
“Sacrifices?”
Sima Yugong quickly covered his slip.
“No, I misspoke. I meant financial sacrifices. Research isn’t cheap, after all.”
“Of course. The cost of the elixirs and herbs alone is staggering.”
“Anyway, it does seem odd for everyone to reap the benefits equally when we’ve done all the work.”
The conversation paused briefly.
In that moment, Sima Yugong felt an inexplicable chill. He looked around but couldn’t pinpoint the source. The room held only him and Tang Mujin, who appeared as unassuming as ever.
“Anyway, I understand your thoughts. I’ll convey them to the head of the family.”
Surprised by Sima Yugong’s proactive stance, Tang Mujin waved his hands in protest.
“There’s no need for that. I think I overstepped. Please forget it.”
“Don’t worry. It won’t lead to anything drastic. At most, we might keep the research results to ourselves for a generation or two before sharing them. That way, we can still contribute to medicine, and you’ll receive due recognition.”
Of course, a generation or two later, it wouldn’t matter what happened. By then, Tang Mujin would be an old man, and Sima Yugong would be long gone.
Relieved, Tang Mujin nodded shyly. Sima Yugong smiled inwardly.
“After all, you’re only human. It’s natural to have desires.”
Tang Mujin offered Sima Yugong another cup of tea.
“Please, speak to the head of the family.”
“Of course.”
Sima Yugong finished his tea.
Sima Yugong headed straight to the Sima family head’s quarters.
“Master, are you in?”
His voice carried a newfound strength.
Unlike before, when he would shrink in Sima Zheng’s presence, Sima Yugong now stood confidently before him. Responsibility had a way of instilling confidence.
Sima Zheng opened the door himself and replied.
“Master? When it’s just us, speak freely.”
“Haha, right.”
What delighted Sima Yugong even more was that Sima Zheng accepted his demeanor as natural.
Indeed, before being superior and subordinate within the family, they were friends.
Sima Zheng gestured for Sima Yugong to sit and asked.
“What brings you here? Is it about the research?”
“Partly. But I also have some good news.”
Sima Zheng’s eyes lit up.
“What news?”
“Tang Mujin. I think we can bring him into the Sima family.”
Sima Zheng’s reaction was less than enthusiastic.
“Weren’t we planning to eliminate him once the research was done?”
“That was because we thought he might become a problem. But as the research nears completion, it seems he’s developed a sense of ownership. He’s reluctant to share the results. Besides, his skills are genuine. It would be a waste to kill him now.”
Despite Sima Yugong’s persuasion, Sima Zheng remained cautious.
“He’s still an outsider. We can’t predict when he might change his mind.”
“There’s no need to worry. Lin-ah is making progress.”
“Sima Lin?”
“Yes. She’s been spending time with Tang Mujin whenever I step away. The other day, he saved the snacks I gave him to share with Lin-ah.”
Hearing this, Sima Zheng smiled contentedly.
“Sima Lin is indeed quite beautiful and sociable.”
Though Tang Mujin showed no interest in other women of the family, he had grown comfortable with Sima Lin over time.
Her exceptional beauty and persistent attention had gradually broken down his defenses.
A man might resist a woman’s advances once or twice, but not indefinitely. Eventually, Tang Mujin invited Lin-ah into his quarters and even shared his snacks with her.
The path ahead was clear. Their meetings would grow longer, transitioning from daylight to evening, and eventually, tea would give way to wine.
In such a scenario, a single flirtatious gesture from someone like Lin-ah would seal the deal.
Sima Zheng pondered a bit more before nodding.
“True. Tang Mujin comes from a humble family of doctors.”
In that case, his wife was likely from a similarly modest background.
Once he experienced the allure of a beauty backed by the Sima family, his old life would fade into obscurity.
Whether by instinct or reason, joining the Sima family as a son-in-law was the wiser choice.
And from what Sima Zheng and Sima Yugong had observed, Tang Mujin wasn’t foolish enough to miss that.
“Then we’ll keep an eye on Tang Mujin. Having a skilled doctor in the family would be invaluable.”
Ultimately, Sima Zheng decided to leave the door open for Tang Mujin’s survival.
However, there was one more issue to address. Sima Yugong broached the subject.
“The remaining issue is Dang Mujin’s friends. Those guys are a real headache.”
Three of Dang Mujin’s so-called friends had made themselves comfortable in the guest quarters. If they started spreading rumors, things could get complicated. Other sects and clans would surely swarm in, demanding the results of their research.
Their actions might lack justification, but power often trumps reason. Even in the righteous martial world, this was no exception.
The problem was that dealing with Dang Mujin’s friends wasn’t easy.
The beggar was less of a concern, but the other two were accomplished martial artists, well-known in the central plains.
Of course, this didn’t mean the Sima family couldn’t handle them. The family’s strength was far beyond that.
The biggest issue was their prestigious backgrounds. One was from the Wudang Sect, another from the Namgung clan, and even the beggar had five knots in his belt.
However, Sima Zheng spoke as if it were no big deal.
“There’s no need to worry about that. Just make sure they can’t escape.”
“Got a plan, do you?”
“The key is to deal with them quietly. Cleaning up afterward is easy. It’s not like it’s my first time…”
Running a family inevitably involves getting your hands dirty. For a family as large as the Sima’s, reaching out for profit is a necessity.
In this regard, Sima Zheng’s skills were exceptional. He had led the Sima family for over a decade, eliminating countless people without a whisper of scandal.
His clean-up was so thorough that not only was there no evidence, but suspicion rarely even arose.
Sima Zheng stretched and looked at Sima Yugong.
“So, is that all you wanted to discuss today?”
“No, there’s one more thing.”
As Sima Yugong began to speak, he felt oddly dazed.
Was it because he was full from the snacks, or was it the warm sunlight resting on his shoulders?
Since Sima Yugong didn’t continue immediately, Sima Zheng prompted him.
“What is it?”
“The research is nearly complete. It’s time to start moving forward.”
“Feeling confident, are you?”
Even in his daze, Sima Yugong pictured Dang Mujin’s face, his confident voice and expression vivid in his mind.
“Yes, it’s definitely improved. I don’t see any room for further development at this point.”
“What’s the success rate?”
“I’d say over eighty percent. Maybe closer to ninety…”
They had grown accustomed to treating blocked meridians. The problem was that artificially creating them was extremely risky.
A small mistake in the process could cause the energy to backfire into the brain, and if not handled quickly, it could drive a person mad.
And they still didn’t know how to restore someone driven mad by blocked meridians.
But Sima Zheng thought that was acceptable.
Even if two out of ten went mad, saving eight was a significant gain.
The prestige of a martial family wasn’t tied to a few who faded young. What mattered were the few who survived and reached a certain level.
It’s better for eight out of ten to break through, even if two die, than for three to succeed and seven to fail.
“Is there no room for improvement?”
“Not entirely, but it’s better to start now than wait and miss the opportunity.”
As with martial arts training, building inner strength is more effective at a young age. That’s why clans invest their resources in the young.
Sima Zheng nodded.
“Alright. But we won’t do it all at once. We’ll perform the procedure on one person, monitor for a few days, and then move on to the next.”
“Of course. If we did it every day, Dang and I would collapse from exhaustion.”
“Well then, prepare for some hard work.”
Sima Zheng and Sima Yugong shared a smile as they rose from their seats.