Chapter 58: Intimate Connection

The preparation of Black Widow poison was exceedingly troublesome, its toxicity unparalleled. Even concocting the antidote was a complex endeavor, requiring ginseng from the Changbai Mountains, snow lotus from the Tianshan, holy water from Everest, pine nuts from Mount Tai, and white dewdrops from the Qilian Mountains.

Yet, such difficulties only daunted ordinary men. For Xiao Fei, who could traverse a thousand miles in a single day, gathering these ingredients was no great challenge. Coupled with the wealth and power of Governor Jin Shaohua, acquiring these rare herbs was but a trifle.

These, however, were mere prerequisites. The most crucial step was to have someone of profound internal strength deliver the antidote into the poisoned person's belly, using their inner force to help the medicine circulate throughout the body. Only then could the poison be truly purged.

In the past, Xiao Fei might have been unequal to the task, but since Grand-Uncle Xiao Yuanfeng had passed on his century’s worth of cultivated inner power, it was now a feat easily accomplished.

Nevertheless, a concern remained in Xiao Fei’s heart: Jin Wanyu was, after all, an unwed maiden. To use inner force to deliver the antidote required both parties to be unclothed, for otherwise there was a risk of disastrous consequences. In doing so, Jin Wanyu’s reputation would be irreparably tied to Xiao Fei.

Before acting, Xiao Fei called Jin Shaohua aside and explained everything. To his surprise, Jin Shaohua responded with cheerful candor, “Brother Xiao, to tell you the truth, I have long seen that my daughter fancies you. No one knows a daughter better than her father. I have always hoped for you as my son-in-law. If you don’t mind, take her for your wife. I’ll betroth you two right now. Once this bond is set, no one will dare gossip about whatever you must do.”

Without waiting for Xiao Fei’s reply, Jin Shaohua strode out and, before the gathered company, announced the engagement of his daughter Jin Wanyu to Xiao Fei.

Though Qin Tianxiang, Liu Ruyan, and Li Shishi felt some displeasure, the matter having come to this, none dared object.

“Big Brother—no, Brother-in-law! We are finally family, haha! Brother-in-law, hurry in and save my sister,” chimed in Jin Zhengri.

This father and son were remarkably forthright, thought Xiao Fei.

But saving a life brooked no further delay. Xiao Fei shed his hesitation and entered Jin Wanyu’s chamber.

There, Jin Wanyu lay utterly bare, encased in ice within the bath. Gazing upon her exquisite beauty, Xiao Fei’s heart raced uncontrollably. The thought that such a woman would soon be his wife filled him with irrepressible excitement, but recalling that she was at risk of devolving into a creature of the water, he swiftly removed his own garments, released Jin Wanyu from her icy prison, and leaped into the great bath, joining hands with her palm to palm.

Since Jin Wanyu was still unconscious, Xiao Fei had no choice but to take the antidote into his own mouth, then press his lips to hers, gently passing the medicine into her mouth. He then drew a mouthful of warm water, delivered it to her as before, and channeled his inner force into her body.

At that moment, Jin Wanyu’s delicate breasts became even more firm and rosy, dazzling Xiao Fei’s senses. No, he could not look any longer—if he did, something untoward would surely happen. He quickly closed his eyes, unwilling to risk further temptation.

Yet how could he bear to deny himself the sight of such celestial beauty? Before long, he could not resist and slowly opened his eyes again.

With the passage of time, the antidote began to work. The scales on Jin Wanyu’s face gradually faded, leaving her complexion rosier than before. The hand that had transformed into a fish’s fin slowly returned to its original form—slender, pale fingers, as though carved from jade. It was as if that classic phrase—delicate hands like scallion roots—had been coined just for her, and any man would be compelled to kiss those lovely fingers.

Who knew how long had passed—lost in her beauty, Xiao Fei suddenly felt Jin Wanyu’s hand move, her eyelids quiver, and soon enough, she awoke.

When Jin Wanyu realized Xiao Fei was right before her eyes, she let out a startled cry and quickly covered her face, believing herself still disfigured. “Ah, Xiao Fei, don’t look! Don’t you dare look!”

“Wanyu, don’t be afraid—the poison has been purged from your body. You’re safe now. Open your eyes and see for yourself,” Xiao Fei reassured her.

“I don’t believe it, I don’t! You’re not allowed to look!” Jin Wanyu sobbed.

“Wanyu, just open your eyes. I truly wouldn’t deceive you,” Xiao Fei gently pried her hands away.

Slowly, Jin Wanyu opened her eyes and looked at her hand. It was just as it had been before, perhaps even more beautiful. Her arm was free of scales. She touched her face—it was smooth and flawless. At last, she believed him. “It’s true! It’s really true! I’m not a fish anymore…”

“Yes, it’s true. The nightmare is over. I will never let anyone harm you again. Think of it as nothing more than a terrifying dream,” Xiao Fei said, holding her hand.

Only then did Jin Wanyu become aware of her own body. Realizing she was unclothed, as was Xiao Fei before her, she shrieked, “Ah…go away!”

“Wanyu, listen to me—I did this only to save you, and your father agreed to it!” Xiao Fei explained hurriedly.

“Go away! Put your clothes on this instant!” Jin Wanyu cried.

“Oh, all right.” Flustered, Xiao Fei scrambled out of the bath and hurriedly dressed himself.

“Give me my clothes…” Jin Wanyu said, covering her eyes.

Xiao Fei quickly handed her the clothes.

“Turn around. Don’t look!” she whispered.

“Oh, all right,” was all Xiao Fei could manage.

Jin Wanyu quickly dressed, then ran out of the room in a panic. As soon as she opened the door, she found her anxious father, brother, and the other young women waiting for her.

“My daughter, you’re safe?” Jin Shaohua exclaimed, overcome with joy.

“Sister, sister!” Jin Zhengri cheered, delighted.

Qin Tianxiang and the other girls, seeing that Jin Wanyu was now even more beautiful than before, were overjoyed as well. After all, it was a blessing that such a lovely young lady had been spared harm.

Yet Jin Wanyu, thinking of how she and Xiao Fei had been unclothed together in full knowledge of everyone, blushed furiously and fled the inn, running straight home.

“What’s going on?” Jin Shaohua asked in confusion.

“It’s all right, all right…” Xiao Fei answered awkwardly, stepping out of the room.

“Husband, what did you do to Lady Jin?” Qin Tianxiang teased.

“Stop…don’t talk nonsense…” Xiao Fei’s face burned as he retreated back into the room.

At last, the ordeal was over.

The previous day, while Jin Wanyu was in her chamber embroidering a scarf for Xiao Fei, she had suddenly been pricked in the back by something like a needle. She had no idea that it contained the venom of the Black Widow. Agonizing pain soon followed, and scales appeared on her face and arms. Later, one of her hands began to turn into a fin. She was plunged into utter torment and terror.

From the most beautiful woman in Jiangnan, she had become the ugliest in the world. Jin Wanyu wished only for death, but concern for Xiao Fei made her wrap her face in black cloth and sneak to the Spring Inn where he was staying.

That day and night felt like an endless, horrific nightmare. Luckily, the nightmare had ended and all was right again. Yet Jin Wanyu could not find peace; her body had been seen by a man for the first time, and she herself had, for the first time, seen a man’s naked form. The image of Xiao Fei’s strong, muscular chest, and the accidental glimpse of his manhood, made her flush and her heart pound. She berated herself for her lack of propriety, for even daring to think about a man.

Yet, having shared such intimacy and now with her father’s blessing, her fate with Xiao Fei was decided.

That night, Jin Wanyu brought the finished scarf to Xiao Fei. “Autumn is here, the weather grows cool. Take this scarf and wear it,” she said.

The other young women gathered around, and the family conversed and laughed together in high spirits.

“Sister Shishi, even Lady Jin has joined our husband’s household. Don’t be so reserved—join us, and let’s all serve our husband together,” Qin Tianxiang said, ever forthright.

Li Shishi blushed, but neither refused nor consented.

Xiao Fei looked at the four most beautiful women in the world and smiled quietly. He walked to them, gathering them in his arms, gazing at the bright moon, and silently pledged an oath of eternal love. At that moment, the moon above seemed to take the shape of a heart, as if bestowing its blessing upon them.

In that tranquil instant, Xiao Fei’s thoughts turned to his sister-in-law, Liu Susu. It had been some time since their parting—it was time to return to Qinglong Mountain.

Sister-in-law, are you well? Xiao Fei looked in the direction of Qinglong Mountain and spoke to her in his heart.