Chapter 49 Chengyuan Joined the Battle, Breaking the Khitan Lines

　　Imperial Physician Feng was summoned to the residence of Lord Geshu Han. Upon arrival, he took his place beside the bed and, with great care, placed his fingers upon the nobleman’s wrist, feeling the pulses at the inch, the gate, and the foot positions. After a prolonged moment of silent concentration, he finally spoke. “My lord”, said he gravely, “your left foot pulse lies deep—an unmistakable sign of wind affliction. It is a complaint that visits itself upon those of wealth and high station. I daresay Your Grace has long indulged in rich meats and strong drinks. At first, such ailments show themselves as tenderness in the toes—but if ignored, the pain rises to the joints, rendering movement both difficult and disagreeable.”　　Geshu Han, propped in bed, gave a weary sigh. “You are not mistaken”, he murmured. “I have always had a fondness for flesh and wine. It was last year that I first felt a twinge in the toe, but I gave it no thought. Never did I imagine that it would come to this—that I would be laid up entirely, unable even to rise from my bed.”　　Physician Feng, as he tucked away the small silk pillow upon which his patient’s wrist had rested, replied in a measured tone, “The ailment is not beyond remedy, Your Grace. I shall prepare a few draughts to ease your suffering. Yet mark my words—if you would see yourself well again, you must forswear strong drink, take meat only in moderation, and favour fruit and vegetables in your daily fare. Otherwise, even the best prescriptions may come to nought.”　　At that moment, an attendant stepped forward with brush and inkstone. Feng accepted them with the ease of long practice and began to compose his prescription in elegant, flowing strokes. The formula he prescribed included: Ephedra, Astragalus, the Three Immortals (charred), Cinnamon Bark, Red Citrus and Peony Root, Dioscorea Tokoro, Lysimachia, Soapthorn, Dandelion, White Aconite, Dry-Fried Ginger, Honey-Fried Liquorice, Tribulus, Cortex Fraxini, Epimedium, Ganoderma, Agrimony, Madder Root, Fresh Ginger, Butterfly Bush, and Wolfberry.　　Meanwhile, Liu Chengyuan had spent several days scouring the hills around Taihang Manor. He had searched high and low, following faint trails and whispered rumours, but not a trace could he find of the mysterious figures in black.　　One afternoon, Liu Chengyuan found himself in a quiet conversation with Mistress Kang Wei. Their talk, as it often did of late, turned to the matter of the elusive black-clad figures. “I recall”, said Kang Wei thoughtfully, her hands folded before her, “when I was last in Y