I, Wang Ha, the Three Red Unparalleled Assassin

Kaguya Houraisan looked up at the old man of the mountain with her watery eyes, her gaze filled with expectation, but the answer she received was destined to disappoint her.

"I will not set foot in the mortal world, and even if I did, I would hide my whereabouts. It's too boring."

As expected, Kaguya Houraisan felt a slight disappointment upon hearing the old man's words, but she did not try to change his mind by acting spoiled.

Kaguya Houraisan knew very well that this usually easygoing man was surprisingly stubborn in certain aspects, or rather, it was a principle he had set for himself.

"You may set off early tomorrow morning, and decide on your own return date."

As the old man spoke, he took out a small bone whistle from his storage bag containing premium items from the Great Tomb of Nazarick and tossed it into Kaguya Houraisan's hand.

"If you encounter a danger that you cannot handle, blow it, and I will sense it."

Kaguya Houraisan carefully examined the white bone whistle in her palm for a moment, but couldn't discern anything special about it, nor did she sense any powerful energy fluctuations. Nevertheless, she solemnly hung it around her neck.

"Father, please don't worry, I will be careful."

"But Father, you must take good care of yourself while you are alone in the bamboo house. I'm not too worried about the rest. Anyway, even if monsters attack, they can't beat you."

A few days later, led by Hieda no Rei, Himari and Kaguya Houraisan arrived at the foot of Heian-kyo Castle.

Himari was dressed in a samurai outfit, with a long sword at her waist. She had put away her cat ears and tail, and looked quite heroic.

Kaguya Houraisan, dressed in a gorgeous kimono, with a white veil on her face and holding a paper umbrella, looked every bit like a noble lady on an outing.

As for Hieda no Rei, she was still dressed as a scholar, and after she revealed her identity as a retainer, the soldiers guarding the city gate readily let the three of them pass.

Kaguya Houraisan ran through the city gate and looked into the interior of Heian-kyo, where she saw a vast expanse of densely packed buildings.

The streets were bustling with people, not quite shoulder to shoulder, but the flow of people was still quite dense, with vendors hawking their wares everywhere.

The taverns and restaurants were noisy, with people dressed in all sorts of clothes sitting inside, drinking and having fun, or meeting friends and talking about business, showing all walks of life.

Having grown accustomed to the quiet and aloofness of the Lunar Capital, this was Kaguya Houraisan's first time in such a bustling place. Although she felt a little uncomfortable at first, she also began to appreciate the vibrant atmosphere.

Come to this shop and ask about the prices, go to that shop and browse the small items, or buy some snacks you've never seen before to try.

The novelty delighted Kaguya Houraisan, and even Himari and Rei Hieda joined in the joy of shopping as they watched the lively girl, who seemed like a bird released from its cage.

People walking down the street were very curious when they saw the group of three, especially Kaguya Houraisan, whose face was covered, who was the focus of everyone's attention.

The merchants who were fortunate enough to exchange a few words with Kaguya were almost captivated by the girl's melodious and clear voice, which was as sweet as a nightingale's song.

Although Kaguya Houraisan had concealed her appearance, her innate noble and elegant temperament could not be hidden, causing passersby to whisper among themselves.

But upon seeing Himari holding a sword hilt and Hieda Arei dressed as an official, no one dared to approach them or try to get close to them. Even the arrogant playboys understood the situation and dared not act recklessly.

All people could guess was that perhaps it was a princess or young lady from a royal family who had gone out for a walk.

After wandering around and strolling through the most bustling streets several times, Hieda Rei, feeling exhausted, pressed the button for the Houraisan Kaguya game, which she had been eagerly anticipating.

"It's getting late, and we still have plenty of time to play. We've had a long and tiring journey these past few days, so let's call it a day."

"That's true. After all, we'll be relying on Sister Ali as our tour guide in the days to come, so we can't let her get too tired."

Kaguya Houraisan raised her hand to cover her mouth and chuckled teasingly, her eyes forming crescent moons, looking quite playful.

"Lord Ali is, after all, just an ordinary person, and he should get some rest."

Himari had no further objections. She had lived in Heian-kyo for hundreds of years and was so familiar with it that she could walk around it with her eyes closed.

If it weren't for Suzuki Satoru's orders and her genuine concern for Suzuki Take's safety, she wouldn't have come to Heian-kyo.

Hieda Rei breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Kaguya Houraisan wasn't being willful or throwing a tantrum, and then told her the arrangements he had planned.

"Alright, I'll take you to Lord Fujiwara no Fuhito's residence now."

“My house is too small to accommodate so many people. I think that Fujiwara-sama, who has met Suzuki Satoru a few times, would not be stingy with a few rooms.”

Meanwhile, at Fujiwara Mansion.

Fujiwara no Fuhito was pacing back and forth in front of a room, looking extremely haggard, with anxiety and unease in his eyes.

He kept glancing up at the door, as if waiting for something, yet also afraid of hearing a disappointing result.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the door was pushed open from the inside, and an elderly man with white hair carrying a medicine box came out.

Seeing this, Fujiwara no Hitoshi quickly stepped forward to greet him, but before he could even ask anything, the old man raised his hand to stop him from speaking and slowly and heavily shook his head.

"I apologize, Lord Fujiwara. Please forgive my lack of medical expertise, but your wife suffers from a terminal illness, and there is nothing I can do to save her!"

Chapter 107 Fujiwara no Mokou

"Is there really no other way?"

Fujiwara no Fuhito stared eagerly at the old man before him. This was the best doctor in all of Heian-kyo, a royal physician who treated the imperial family.

"Lord Fujiwara, I understand how you feel. But your wife is truly terminally ill, and my meager medical skills are certainly insufficient."

"Alas, perhaps there are truly miraculous doctors in Tian Tang, across the sea, but right now, it's too late to help those in need."

The old man stroked his snow-white beard, shaking his head and sighing, his face showing a hint of dejection.

As a doctor dedicated to saving lives, one might feel helpless if one is unable to cure the patient lying in front of them, but more likely, one will feel self-blame for their own incompetence.

"Lord Fujiwara, I must hurry back and check the ancient texts to see if I can find anything useful. For now, we should continue with the previous prescription to alleviate your wife's condition. We must hold onto hope until the very end!"

Before Fujiwara no Fuhito could reply, the old man hurriedly left, even forgetting to collect his consultation fee.

He may not be able to overcome the difficulties and cure the patient until the very end, but it is precisely because of such tireless medical researchers that more and more terminal illnesses are truly conquered.

Thank you.

Fujiwara no Hitoshi bowed deeply to the old man's receding figure, then composed himself and stepped into the house, looking at the frail figure lying on the bed wrapped in a blanket.

Due to the torment of illness, the person in bed had become as pale as paper, her once fair and rosy complexion now pale and thin. Because of her extreme emaciation, her skin looked as if it were glued to her bones, and she had lost all her former beauty.

"Is she already asleep? Or maybe we shouldn't wake her up?"

Fujiwara no Hitoshi stopped himself from approaching the bed, turned around and walked out of the house, gently closing the door behind him.

"Let's go and see how the medicine is being prepared. If it weren't for the fact that I'm so busy with official duties, I should be the one to handle this personally."

Fujiwara no Fuhito muttered to himself as he walked out of the courtyard, his eyes reddening. He was finding it hard to accept the possibility that his wife, whom he had married, might pass away at any moment.

Even a day as husband and wife is worth a hundred days of kindness, let alone Fujiwara no Fuhito, who had already spent more than ten years with his wife.

However, as the head of the Fujiwara family, he could not let his personal affairs interfere with the family's official business; this was something a qualified clan leader had to distinguish.

"Take a look at the medicine, then go back to your study to continue your work. There's always more work to be done, but it's something you have to do."

Fujiwara no Fuhito's figure was somewhat desolate, his face revealing an indescribable weariness. He was tormented by both public and private matters, and he didn't know how much longer he could hold on.

Fujiwara no Fuhito passed through an archway and saw a little girl being played with by the family's servants in a small courtyard.

The little girl had the same red eyes and silver-white hair as him, and was wearing thick red and white clothes, so she didn't seem to feel cold.

She skipped and hopped around in the snow in the courtyard, her soft snow crunching under her feet, and the sound of her innocent, silvery laughter echoed from the yard.

"Father! Father has arrived!"

The little girl spotted Fujiwara no Hitoshi at a glance and skipped over to him, leaping into his open arms and nuzzling him affectionately.

Fujiwara no Hitoshi concealed his weariness, revealing a loving smile. He raised his hand and patted the girl's head, then took her small, red hands and rubbed them a couple of times.

"Mohong, go back inside after playing for a while. Be careful not to catch a cold, or you'll have to drink bitter medicine again."

Upon hearing her father's admonition, the twelve or thirteen-year-old Fujiwara no Mokou looked up at Fujiwara no Fuhito and pouted her little mouth in dissatisfaction, seemingly deeply resenting the medicine.

"I don't want to take medicine! I won't get sick, I won't!"

"Okay, okay, no, no. Our little sister Hong is perfectly healthy and will never get sick."

Fujiwara no Mokou raised her hand and pinched the little face of her daughter in her arms, which made Fujiwara no Mokou giggle and stand on tiptoe to hug her father's waist.

"Daddy, can you come and play with me too? It's been so long since you've played with me. And how is Mommy doing? Is she still sleeping? I don't remember her being so lazy before."

Upon hearing Fujiwara no Mokou's innocent question, Fujiwara no Fuhito was momentarily at a loss for words, and even the hand that was stroking his daughter's head slowed down.

How long has it been since I last spent quality time with my family?

How will the mother's situation be explained then?

A variety of questions flashed through Fujiwara no Fuhito's mind, filling his thoughts and making this powerful figure, who could wield considerable influence in the court, feel powerless for the first time.

After a long while, Fujiwara no Fuhito slowly squatted down, placed his hands on Fujiwara no Mokou's shoulders, looked at his most beloved youngest daughter's face, and said earnestly:

"Sweetie, Daddy has things to do and can't play with you for now. As for Mommy, she must be tired, so don't disturb her rest, okay?"

"Okay, I'll go back to my room in a bit."

The obedient Fujiwara nods heavily. She has never caused her father any trouble, unlike her older brothers and sisters who are punished every few days.

"You're such a good girl, a real daughter to your father. Once I'm done with official duties, I'll definitely take you out to play."

Fujiwara no Hitoshi pulled Fujiwara no Mokou into his arms again and hugged her tightly. He felt all his worries and fatigue disappear, as if he had found the meaning of working hard again.

Just as the father and daughter finished embracing, the steward of the Fujiwara residence hurried over, bent down, and whispered to Fujiwara no Fuhito:

"Master, Lord Hieda no Rei has arrived at the manor with two guests and is waiting in the reception room."

"Heida Rei? Wasn't she sent by His Majesty the Emperor to stay with Suzuki Satoru? Why is she suddenly back?"

Although Fujiwara no Hitoshi had some doubts, he didn't pay much attention to them, figuring he would understand everything once they met.

He looked down at Fujiwara no Mokou, who was holding his hand, and asked with a smile:

"We have a guest at our house. It's Aunt Hieda, who always brings you candy. Would you like to go see her?"

Fujiwara no Mokou nodded without hesitation, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, eager to know if Hieda no Rei had brought her any treats during his visit.

Chapter 108 It's All About Chops Soup Choices

Inside the reception room, Hieda Rei and Himari were drinking hot tea, while Houraisan Kaguya was kneeling properly on her cushion, showing none of her usual carefree nature.

In her words, she was, after all, Suzuki Satoru's daughter, and she absolutely could not embarrass her father in formal settings; she had to maintain her image.

When Kaguya Houraisan used the same retro etiquette that she had honed to the bone in the Lunar Capital, even Himari and Hieda Rei were stunned, feeling that she was clearly a different person.

From a playful and willful spoiled young lady to a dignified princess of royal lineage, her ethereal temperament and subtle aura of authority meant that no one dared to question her noble birth.

When Fujiwara no Fuhito stepped into the reception room and exchanged a glance with Houraisan Kaguya, he almost bowed deeply on the spot, thinking that a princess had arrived.

While Fujiwara no Hibi was still in a daze, Houraisan Kaguya lightly tapped the ground with her hands clasped together, bowed slightly, and then straightened up.