There was a spread on the table, including Lei Lei’s favourite “Su Su Brand” roast duck, according to Aunt Hong, these dishes cost twenty taels, just the duck alone already cost twelve silver taels.
Lei Lei felt reluctant: “Enjoy your meal, I will take my leave.”
The Young Master suddenly said: “Join us.”
Qin Liu Feng frowned: “Brother Xiao, regarding the longevity nut……”
The Young Master shook his head: “No problem.”
He Tai Ping and Qin Liu Feng exchanged glances, with worried expressions, the current situation in the martial arts world is critical, nothing must happen to the sole heir to the Xiao Family’s Feng Ming Dao, Xiao Bai has always been prudent, but is lacking when it comes to matters of the heart, easily taken advantage of by others, now he even gives special treatment to a lady of unknown background, knowing very well that an important topic is to be discussed, being too trusting, is not exactly a good thing.
Lei Lei was both pleasantly surprised and confused, “Xiao Bai” has always acted very mature, does not act recklessly, why would he trust her so easily?
Regardless, this kind of trust still made Lei Lei felt grateful, initially she wanted to leave so as not to put the others in a tight spot, suddenly she saw Qin Liu Feng’s glance, missed the timing to slip, and decided might as to stay instead, as she demonstratively took a seat beside the Young Master.
Only till now, that the ice cold beau Leng Sheng Yin took a few looks at her, obviously also feeling astonished, whereas Leng Zui stayed calm, followed after her brother to take her seat, luckily the relationships of these people are of the unusual sort, there was no need to act courteous, everyone ate casually, just everyone had their own thoughts.
Lei Lei felt grateful to the Young Master, just like how they usually eat, she peeled a large prawn and placed it in his bowl.
The Young Master made no sound, lowered his head and ate it.
Qin Liu Feng has been watching the two, raising his eyebrows immediately: “Are you not insensible, only taking food for your master, neglecting the guests, isn’t that impolite?”
Trying to drive a wedge between me and our “Xiao Bai”, and you still want me to serve you? Lei Lei shot him a look, suddenly she saw leeks picked out of his bowl, looking at the dishes on the table there was indeed a dish of fried eggs with leeks, noting that this person dislikes leeks, she grabbed a chopsticks full of it into his bowl: “Here, eat more, no need to hold back!”
Qin Liu Feng stared at the leeks for a long time, and muttered: “It’s different, this is different.”
Everyone laughed, even Leng Zui couldn’t hold herself back as she looked at Lei Lei smirking.
Our “Xiao Bai” is still the best, Lei Lei peeled another prawn and put it into the Young Master’s bowl.
The Young Master blushed slightly, in a low voice: “Much thanks.”
He Tai Ping looked at her intently: “Staying here forever as a maid is not a solution, can you remember anything else? Perhaps I can help you investigate your background, so that you can reunite with your family soon.”
This again! Lei Lei became anxious.
The Young Master took a glance at her: “No need to worry Brother He, I have already sent someone to investigate.”
Seeing how he insisted on helping this lady, He Tai Ping let out a sigh, and began formal talks: “I have looked into it, the news about the sale of the longevity nut at Bi Shui City, is indeed real.”
Both the Young Master and Lei Lei froze.
.
Qin Liu Feng said: “Hearsay it will be a bidding auction, price starting at a million, to be held on the night of the Lunar New Year, at Bi Shui City’s Gu Cha Alley, the seller calls himself Mister Shi, although the news was never spread, but secretly many have spent money to obtain this information, there are not many with the financial means to pay the price, but once the longevity nut surfaced, it is no longer just about the price, there will be chaos, besides such a treasure, Qian Yue Cave and Chuan Qi Valley would not stand by the sidelines, and definitely step in.”
The Young Master pondered: “We are unaware who that Mister Shi really is, and if the longevity nut is really in his hands?”
Lei Lei butted in: “The longevity nut is such a great item, who would want to sell it?”
He Tai Ping said: “Regardless, the longevity nut cannot fall into the hands of Shang Guan Qiu Yue and Fu Lou, that Mister Shi is purposefully attracting so many heroes to Bi Shui City, so unpredictable, when the time comes I will release the news of us heading to Jia Kong City for inspection, then secretly arrange a route to Bi Shui City, mobilise the three big sects to thoroughly check the entire city, to avoid misdeeds by the demonic cult, and also take the chance to see who that Mister Shi really is, spreading such news and yet still being able to keep his whereabouts hidden, without a trace, perhaps it could have a lot to do with the longevity nut.” Not sure if it was on purpose or not, when he spoke till this part, his tone was aggravated: “This matter must not be leaked, lest that person finds out, history will repeat.”
Lei Lei went blank.
Leng Sheng Yin suddenly said: “Perhaps this person stole the longevity nut, framed my father, causing him to die wrongfully……”
He Tai Ping patted his shoulder, and interrupted him: “My intention is to investigate this matter, find that killer to seek revenge for your father.”
At the side Leng Zui’s eyes were slightly red, as she hung her head down.
Leng Sheng Yin laughed coldly: “My father was hit by Xi Sha Sect’s unique palm move, who else could be the killer, back then they accused my father, arranged with him to meet at Hua Mountain Peak, with talks of attempting to clarify……” He did not continue, but merely snorted: “A thief calling out someone else as a thief.”
He Tai Ping smiled slightly: “It seems that this matter is still somewhat suspicious, Bi Shui City has always been under the care of your Nan Hai Sect, when your father was still alive, his actions were upright, and were always thoughtful of the citizens, hoping that Brother Leng too can look at the bigger situation, as there is still some time before the new year, you may wish to return first, please send more people to investigate in secrecy, and hopefully find the whereabouts of that person soon, not just as revenge for your father, but also a great contribution towards the citizens, I believe your father in the after world, would also be pleased.”
Leng Sheng Yin went silent.
Lei Lei kept sighing at the side, there is no shared hatred for the murder of his father, if he already reckons that his father was killed by Wen Ting, which in fact, could very possibly be the case, then a pity for Young Mistress Wen’s sincere heart, this ice block beau would not appreciate, what conniving plot would follow after?
The Young Master thought of something: “The day before when passing by Xi Sha Sect’s territory, seemed to have heard many complaints about taxes being too high.”
He Tai Ping immediately looked at Qin Liu Feng.
Qin Liu Feng nodded: “I will look into it.”
Lei Lei was shocked, so it turns out that Qin Liu Feng is in charge of economical problems, at Little Tai Ping’s side there are both brains and muscles, surrounded by talents, it is no wonder this Martial Arts world is not cast into chaos yet.
Matters had been decided, everyone was about to continue eating, when suddenly Leng Zui said: “On the fifteenth of this month, we are hosting a poetry session at Ting Yun Lou, and would like to invite Brother Xiao, if you free?”
.
Upon hearing the word poetry, Lei Lei was excited, even the roast duck was pushed aside, setting her chopsticks down immediately, blood surging in her chest, it’s here, the chance for her to shine, poetry! A traversing girl can definitely write poems! Let me shock all of you!
“Xiao Bai” can also write poems? She turned to look at the Young Master.
The Young Master frowned: “I’m not very apt at poetry……”
Leng Zui said: “Brother Xiao is being too humble, Brother He has business matters at hand so he cannot attend, on my account, please don’t reject the invitation.”
Young Master said: “For such elegant events, you should invite Brother Qin instead.”
Qin Liu Feng smiled without saying a word.
Leng Zui paid no attention: “Just a small gathering, would not want to delay Brother Qin’s business.”
Young Master looked at Qin Liu Feng.
Qin Liu Feng laughed: “Indeed I do have the intention to join in on the fun, but afraid given my ability, Young Mistress Leng might despise.”
Leng Zui smiled: “Brother Qin’s talent is widely known, it’s good if you can make it, who would dare to despise, please grace us with your presence.”
When it comes to poetry, how can we miss out the top talent, this lady probably wanted to invite Qin Liu Feng, yet dare not ask directly, so she beat around the bush by asking “Xiao Bai”, for example if you want to court a pretty girl, you would also have to ask her girl friends along, it’s the same logic! Of course if there is fun I would have to join, but if “Xiao Bai” is not attending, then there is no chance for me to shine?
Without waiting for the Young Master’s reply, Lei Lei quickly nodded her head, and agreed: “Let’s, we will be there.”
“We?” Everyone froze.
The Young Master quietly ate his food.
Qin Liu Feng held back his laughter: “Brother Xiao was the one invited, why are you going?”
Seeing how he is picking a fight on purpose, Lei Lei boldly replied: “Of course I have to follow the Young Master to take care of him, to ensure his safety.”
The Young Master looked at her, speechless.
This time even He Tai Ping couldn’t help but laugh.
Qin Liu Feng said: “I couldn’t tell, that your ability is not lacking.”
Lei Lei remained subtle: “Isn’t the more the merrier at a poetry session, I can also learn from you all.”
“You?” Qin Liu Feng scanned her from top to toe, “You know poetry?”
Leng Zui coolly said: “Brother Qin’s remarks are inappropriate, who says a lady cannot be versed in poetry, Miss Lei Lei is willing to attend, that’s a good thing.”
Being at a loss for words, Qin Liu Feng coughed: “Not implying that women cannot do poetry, just that she……” He looks at Lei Lei: “I have to test her to feel at ease, you can improvise a poem, no limit to the topic nor rhyme.”
Improvise a poem? Lei Lei surely did not see this coming, as she began to sweat, when I came here I memorised only those for admiring the moon and flowers while having drinks, but nobody is drinking now, it’s still early for the moon to come out, and there aren’t even flowers and grass around, currently there is only a table seated with people eating, which great poet wrote a poem about eating?
.
Qin Liu Feng used his chopsticks to pick at the leeks in his bowl: “Poet?”
As this came too sudden, Lei Lei had zero inspiration, she thought long and hard, and still could not recall any poem with regards to eating, as she looked up to see Qin Liu Feng’s cheeky expression, she felt even more depressed.
Had I known this would happen, I would have memorised more poems before coming!
Just like the suffering of the author of this book, it deeply confirms a truth——"inspiration is forced out", under depression, Lei Lei was also anxious to gain wisdom, and finally remembered a very famous poem with profound educational significance. The poems began in kindergarten, and must be memorized every time they eat, and continued to the third grade of elementary school. How many generations of New China have been educated since, so her impression is particularly deep.
To recite this now might be too easy, seemingly hard to bring this up…...
This is an emergency, use it first then deal with the consequences after! Lei Lei wiped the sweat off her forehead, and spoke: “Hoeing the grass, that day at noon, sweat dripping down the soil.” She paused, carefully examining everyone’s expression.
From the dishes in front of her to hard labour, the topic seems too far off, Leng Zui frowned, putting down her chopsticks.
The edge of the Young Master’s lips twitched.
“Interesting,” Qin Liu Feng picked up a strand of leek from his bowl, “Hoeing the grass at noon, sweat dripping down the soil, what comes next?”
Seeing that she was being despised, Lei Lei couldn’t care less anymore, as she recited the next two lines in a loud voice: “Who knows that on the dining plate, every grain means hardship!”
[T/N: The poem that was recited is one of the poems under 悯农 (Mǐn Nóng) written by a Tang dynasty poet, 李绅 (Lǐ Shēn) which are poems about the hardships of farmers.]
The entire table went silent.
The chopstick holding that strand of leek stopped midair, Qin Liu Feng stared at it for a long while, cleared his throat, and decided to sacrifice his taste buds, putting the vegetable into his mouth, frowning as he swallowed it.
Looking at the leftovers in her bowl, Leng Zui lowered her head, and once again picked up her chopsticks.
Nobody praised her, so Lei Lei felt dejected.
Just only after a short poem, a cold air seems to have blown by, He Tai Ping couldn’t resist but look at Qin Liu Feng, and laughed: “Good poem indeed, every grain is hard to come by, so all the more we must appreciate it, if only everyone in the world could understand this logic.”
Qin Liu Feng laughed bitterly, as he continued to finish the remaining leeks in his bowl.
As expected of Little Tai Ping! Personally having experienced the satisfaction that kindergarten aunties get when educating little children, Lei Lei ignored others’ pain, felt relieved, turned around to see that the Young Master was looking at her, his eyes curved slightly with a hint of smile, she felt herself becoming dizzy.
When a handsome man smiles, the charm is endless.
.
In the evening, after a detailed discussion about the longevity nut, and when they will next meet, He Tai Ping and the majority took their leave, Lei Lei accompanied the Young Master as they saw them off, when everyone got on their carriages, only then the two stayed.
Leng Sheng Yin turned around, held his fist up: “As the matter is urgent, I will set out tomorrow, Brother He will also be heading to Jin Jiang City for inspection in a few days, I leave my sister in both of your care.”
Turns out that Leng Zui refused to return with her brother, wanting to stay back to organise the poetry gathering, given her stubborn personality, Leng Sheng Yin did not say much on the matter.
The Young Master and Qin Liu Feng nodded: “Be rest assured.”
Leng Zui lifted up the curtain: “Brother Xiao do not forget the poetry gathering on the fifteenth, Ting Yun Lou.”
Lei Lei nodded as if she was pecking rice: “Yes, he won’t.”
Qin Liu Feng was half leaning on the carriage, as he raised his eyebrow: “Not just Brother Xiao, there is also Miss Lei.”
Noting that this person is up to no good, Lei Lei immediately hid herself behind the Young Master, scolding internally, so what if you are the top talent, till then when I have memorised a few poems of Old Li’s and Old Du’s I will shock you!
Finally, the few carriages disappear from sight.
Next to the pavilion, the two watched the guests leave. The setting sun disappeared, and the evening breeze was blowing on his clothes. The Young Master in the wind became more and more relaxed, his posture was upright, and his handsome face looked peaceful.
He turned around: “They’ve left.”
Lei Lei felt her conscience pricked, thinking of his trust in her, she felt guilty: “Xiao Bai.”
The Young Master looked at her.
Lei Lei pondered for a while, then looked at him: “Actually I made up the story about being hunted.”
The Young Master did not say a word.
Lei Lei added: “But I really lost my memory, I don’t know what happened before.”
The Young Master finally nodded: “I know.”
So he already knew that she was just leeching, no wonder he helped her cover up, Lei Lei was glad.
The Young Master shifted his gaze, as he walked away: “Regarding your matters, I will get someone to help investigate.”
Investigate? He can’t, I am a little devil! Lei Lei caught up to him: “Xiao Bai Xiao Bai you are the best, actually there is no need to investigate, in any case I have already forgotten, how about letting me stay by your side and serve you, be your personal maid?”
“......let go.”
“Xiao Bai Xiao Bai?”
“……”
His sleeves were being tugged, a person hanging onto his arm, the Young Master could not maintain his calm attitude anymore, as he tiredly brought her back with him.
.
The poetry gathering on the fifteenth of September at Ting Yun Lou, Lei Lei wanted to show off her talent, hence she decided to start preparing from now onwards, any poems that she could recall she would recite them a few times. After accompanying the Young Master for dinner, she would hide in her room, from “The moonlight by the bedside” to “Unconsciously sleeping in spring”, and then “Two orioles” to “Goose goose goose”, at the same time trying to guess, what topic would be presented on that day itself?
At the beginning of the night, a new moon hung in the western sky, resembling a waxing crescent.
Lei Lei felt inspired, as she sprawled on the window sill shaking her head at the moon: “When is the end of spring flowers and the autumn moon, how much of the past do we know!” Actually I am quite cultured.
At the side of her ear someone is laughing.
Having the experience of being kidnapped before, Lei Lei was frightened as she jumped away from the window, and was about to call for help, when an ice cold hand had already covered her mouth, then there was a waft of fragrance, someone held her in their arms.
“Don’t shout, it’s your brother.”
A gentle smile, filling the room with brilliance.
The full moon by her side, so glorious, who would still notice the new moon in the sky. Lei Lei was in a daze.
Under the light, the perfect face looks so elegant and gentle, but against the dazzling cold snow white clothing on the body, cold and warm alternates , forming an almost devilish demeanour.
“When will Chun Hua Qiu Yue come to an end, this line is bad, how can we come to an end?” Shang Guan Qiu Yue let go of her, his gaze dazzling, in a soft voice, “How much of the past do we know, yet how much of the past can you remember?”
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