Light and Shadow

32 - Friends and Help

Xun Yu awoke the next morning as the smell of something bitter and strong wafted over him. He opened his eyes and contorted his face in disgust. What is that awful smell? As his eyes adjusted to being awake, he saw that Cao Cao was standing in front of him, holding a cup that was filled with something emitting a foul odor.

"Here is your medicine. It would be best if you drink it before it gets cold." Cao Cao stated softly.

Xun Yu thanked him and reluctantly grabbed the drink. He gazed down at it, seeing that it was almost yellow in color, as steam emitted from it. It even looks gross. Do I really have to drink this? He glanced up at the man who handed him the cup only to see that he had stepped out of the room. Is he really going to leave me here and expect me to drink this? He sighed. Of course, I am going to drink it; I told him that I would, and I plan to stick by those words. He gazed down at the cup's contents, feeling disappointed and disgusted. He waited a few more moments for it to cool down before pinching his nose shut and drinking the foul-tasting concoction as fast as he could.

He coughed once he finished drinking it and released his nose. The awful taste lingered in his mouth. It was bitter and tasted strongly of earth combined with the faint taste of bitter plants and flowers, and he desperately wanted the taste to go away. It tasted as bad as it smelled. Why must I suffer the misfortune of drinking this? Xun Yu thought bitterly to himself. He gently placed the cup down on the nightstand next to the bed and sighed. Where did my Lord go? Oh, he probably went to divide my duties up among the other Ministers. Xun Yu yawned. I already feel exhausted again, but I haven't done anything. Maybe I am worse than I thought?

Xun Yu sat there for a few minutes, gazing out at the peaceful winter scenery through the window behind the headboard of the bed. He sighed and reluctantly turned around to face forward; he felt tired and somewhat bored. I usually have work or something else to keep me occupied, but, right now, there is nothing. Maybe it won't hurt if I stand up for a bit? Xun Yu got up out of bed and nervously looked at the door as Cao Cao returned to the room. He looked to be slightly annoyed as he focused his gaze on the ground, oblivious to his surroundings as his eyebrows furrowed in frustration. He looked up to see Xun Yu standing next to the bed and his look of frustration melted into one of care and concern. He walked over to Xun Yu and gently touched his arm.

"Xun Yu, are you okay to stand? Please don't push yourself." Cao Cao said.

"My Lord, I am fine. There is no need to worry," Xun Yu replied. He looked into his deep brown eyes to assure him that he was being genuine before changing the subject. "How did the others react? I hope that it is not too much of a burden for them."

Cao Cao frowned, but then grinned and laughed.

"You are sick, yet all you think of is work and the welfare of others?" Cao Cao asked. He sighed. Why am I surprised? It is just like Xun Yu to put work and others before his own health. "The three that I assigned your duties to did not complain. Rather, they said that they hope you recover swiftly and that they will come visit you later; even Yang Xiu said that he will pay his respects to you. However, I did notice that a few of the officials present were mortified when I announced that you were staying with me until you recovered. I want to see if you can guess who reacted in such a way."

Cao Cao grinned as he eagerly awaited Xun Yu's response. He knew that Xun Yu was good at judging people's character and should have no problems with naming those who would react in such a way. Cao Cao was always impressed by Xun Yu's accuracy, and he hoped to provide him with at least some form of entertainment while he was cooped up and expected to rest.

Xun Yu averted his gaze, choosing to focus on anywhere but on the ruler's face. Of course he would try to make this into a game. If I think about who has advised against me becoming too close to our Lord before, then the ones who reacted in such a way would be...