Meister der Mehrdeutigkeit

Kapitel 69

When the master saw this, he shook his head and scolded: "You put it in your mouth without even checking if it's poisonous or not. Something bad will happen one day!"

She sucked on a wild strawberry and retorted confidently: "Better to die from poison than from starvation!"

After listening, the master looked at her, both amused and exasperated, before finally uttering, "You've always been like this since you were little. As long as you're given food, you'll follow anyone, no matter who it is. Whoever marries you in the future will be crying their eyes out!"

At that time, she completely ignored her master's complaints. Marriage was too far removed from her life. But... what about now?

Little Xiao rested her head on her hand and sighed at the wild strawberry.

“Miss Zuo.” A deep voice sounded from behind.

Xiao Xiao immediately jumped up and turned around, "Elder Ba!"

The newcomer was Morinda officinalis, one of the Seven Lords of Shennong. He glanced at Xiaoxiao, then at the snakeberry on the ground, smiled, and said, "Miss Zuo, are you also interested in herbs?"

Xiao Xiao scratched her head. "No... I was just looking around... Elder Ba is here to collect herbs?"

Bajitian shook his head slightly and said, "I came here specifically for you, young lady."

She was slightly startled. Oh no! During her earlier pulse diagnosis, Ba Jitian should have already known that the gleaming silver light in her wrist had been removed. Was he here now to interrogate her?!

Ba Jitian smiled and asked, "I heard that it was you who stepped on and killed the Longevity Female Gu in the underground palace of Jiyu Manor?"

Xiao Xiao was initially terrified, but after hearing his words, she didn't know whether she should still be terrified. She swallowed hard and nodded.

"The Longevity Gu is a treasure coveted by everyone in the world. Who among us doesn't desire immortality..." Ba Jitian raised his eyes, looking at the herbs covering the mountain. "For us healers, saving lives is our duty, but to try to reverse fate and bring the dead back to life is an obsession. Ling You and Shi Mi are both outstanding members of our school, and they understand this principle well. However..." He withdrew his gaze, looking at Xiao Xiao, "yet you were able to let go of your obsession and destroy the Longevity Gu..."

"Ah? I accidentally stepped on it and killed it..." Xiao Xiao immediately explained.

Bajitian shook his head, "Everyone regards the Longevity Gu as a rare treasure. Even if they are bound by moral taboos and do not touch it, they will still be cautious and dare not underestimate it. I truly admire your 'carelessness', young lady."

Xiao Xiao could only smile sheepishly after hearing these words.

Bajitian sighed softly, "Life and death are predestined, and the cycle of Heaven is inevitable. If there were more women like this, I, Shennong, wouldn't have had to shut myself away and refuse to treat patients..."

"Uh... I actually... didn't think that much..." Xiao Xiao blinked and spoke.

Bajitian smiled and said, "It is truly fortunate that the young lady has a clear and peaceful mind."

Xiao Xiao was speechless.

Ba Jitian took something out of his robes and handed it to Xiaoxiao. “The calamities you have encountered are all caused by our sect. This Crimson Flame Token is a token of Shennong. All pharmacies and clinics in the world that see this token must obey Shennong’s command. Please take it with you as our sect’s apology.”

Xiao Xiao stared at the token, even more speechless. She looked at Ba Ji Tian, who was also looking at her with a kind smile. After hesitating for a long time, Xiao Xiao carefully accepted it and thanked him.

Ba Jitian nodded in satisfaction and said, "Just now, both Master Wen from the East Sea and Young Master Lian from the Divine Arrow Lian family inquired about the young lady's injuries..."

Xiao Xiao was putting the token into her bosom when she heard this sentence, and she froze.

"I do not know who removed the snow-white silver light from your wrist, young lady, nor do I intend to delve into it," Ba Jitian said with a smile. "However, those two seem dissatisfied with my answer. If you are so inclined, young lady, please go and explain further."

He chuckled a few times and nodded.

Morinda officinalis left with a smile, leaving behind a small person who sighed to the heavens.

Life is unpredictable these days. Even trampling on a rare treasure can be considered a sign of inner peace… The Shennong family's way of dealing with the world is truly extraordinary. Oh well, let nature take its course…

Xiao Xiao carefully placed the token and turned to descend the mountain. She hadn't gone more than a few steps when she saw Wen Su standing on the mountain path ahead, his face indifferent.

Although it was already April, and the mountains were full of medicinal herbs, spring hadn't faded, and the scenery was still beautiful. Standing on this lush mountain path, carrying such a chilly air, was truly an eyesore. Xiao Xiao walked over somewhat helplessly and said, "Uncle-Master..."

Wen Su glanced at her and said, "The Lian family's carriages have arrived..."

Xiao Xiao never expected Wen Su to say this first thing. She replied blankly, "Oh..."

Wen Su was slightly annoyed. "Are you really going?"

Xiao Xiao thought for a moment and nodded.

Wen Su was silent for a moment, then said, "Fine, you really won't give up until you see the Yellow River. I'll make a bet with you then..."

Xiao Xiao was a little confused.

“I can send you to the Lian family. If the Lian family accepts you, I will agree to the marriage,” Wen Su said. “...Otherwise...you must immediately return to the East Sea with me and give up on this idea.”

Xiao Xiao laughed, "Huh? Bet on this?"

Wen Su frowned. "Is there something wrong with it?"

Xiao Xiao smiled and shook her head, "No, no."

Wen Su was displeased and said, "That's good. The Donghai disciple's injuries haven't healed yet, so I'll stay with the Shennong family. I'll be waiting for you in Shanghaipu in five days... Take care of yourself..."

After he finished speaking, he turned and left.

Xiao Xiao continued to sigh deeply. Why gamble? It would be strange if the Lian family accepted her. ... Perhaps, only in this way could she truly give up and "cut off all hope" as Wen Su had said.

She smiled and ran briskly down the mountain, all the way to the gate of the Shennong family.

She was slightly out of breath as she looked at the carriages adorned with the family crest of flying dragons soaring through clouds.

"Xiaoxiao!" Yue Huaixi rushed over as soon as she saw her. "Why are you so late? Are you shy because you're about to meet your in-laws?" She took Xiaoxiao's hand and smiled.

She smiled slightly but didn't say anything.

At this moment, Shi Le'er also came over and sighed, "Alas, I was planning to invite you to stay in Taiping City for a while after you finished healing..." Shi Le'er smiled with relief, "Well, if you go to the Lian family of Divine Arrow, Le'er has no reason to stop you."

Xiao Xiao remained smiling and silent.

She looked up and saw Lian Zhao standing not far away, also smiling silently. The warm April breeze brushed against his hair, as if reluctant to leave.

She took a deep breath and stepped forward...

...

...This is a scene divider = =+...

The capital city of Lin'an was a scene of bustling prosperity. Xiao Xiao, however, was filled with trepidation and had no interest in exploring it whatsoever.

Four or five li south of Ling'an Prefecture lies the residence of the Lian family, known for their archery skills. The Lian family has been officials for generations, with the current patriarch, Lian Yi, holding the rank of Grand Master of the Palace. Xiao Xiao never imagined that the residence of such a high-ranking official would be so simple. Apart from the embossed family crest and plaque above the main gate, which were quite impressive, the rest of the house was no different from any other ordinary dwelling.

Xiao Xiao vaguely remembered the five-bay, six-pillar, eleven-story archway at the entrance of Hero's Fortress, and the vermilion gate and gilded plaque of Jiyu Manor... Compared to these two families, the Lian family inevitably looked rather shabby.

Standing at the door, Xiao Xiao looked at the faded beams and pillars, then looked up at the plaque inscribed with "Lianfu" by the emperor himself, her thoughts filled with countless emotions.

At this moment, the gate of the Lian residence opened, and a boy of about eleven or twelve years old came up with servants. When he saw Lian Zhao and Lian Ying, he smiled and bowed his head, saying, "Aunt. Elder brother."

Big brother? Xiao Xiao opened her eyes wide and carefully examined the boy. Judging from his features and expression, he did indeed resemble Lian Zhao by five or six points, so they must be siblings.

“Father and Mother are already waiting in the main hall,” the boy said.

Although he was young, he spoke gently and politely, and was quite mature for his age.

Lian Zhao smiled, nodded, and said to Xiao Xiao, "Xiao Xiao, let's go in."

Xiao Xiao snapped out of her daze and nodded stiffly.

Only then did the boy notice Xiaoxiao. He looked up and sized her up briefly.

Xiao Xiao glanced at her clothes. Well, after her last one tore, this was all she had left. It was a bit old, but still clean enough. However… it definitely looked a little shabby…

Just as Xiao Xiao was thinking, she heard the child speak, saying humbly, "Lian Yu greets sister-in-law."

Xiao was startled and stood frozen in place.

The child smiled gently, his face full of sincerity.

Xiao Xiao was speechless and could only turn to look at Lian Zhao. Lian Zhao's expression, however, was one of complete nonchalance. Seeing Xiao Xiao looking at him, he smiled faintly, "My younger brother, Lian Yu..."

Lian Ying sighed and said, "Alright, let's not stand here anymore. Let's go inside and talk."

After she finished speaking, she reached out and gently pushed Xiaoxiao from behind, "Let's go, Xiaoxiao."

The push caused Xiaoxiao, who was lost in thought, to stumble and step into the Lian residence. Looking up, she realized that everyone in the mansion, from servants to maids, was staring at her, making her feel uneasy…

She slowly walked towards the main hall, inwardly groaning. The wealthy were truly different! Don't be fooled by their seemingly simple entrances! She had long heard rumors that the Lian family's servants were their personal guards, each exceptionally skilled and ready for battle at any moment. Even the seemingly delicate maids were adept at martial arts, no less so than men. And now, the gazes of those people held curiosity, suspicion, and amusement…

Xiao Xiao walked helplessly to the lobby entrance, then steeled her heart and stepped inside.

In the hall sat a couple. The man, around forty years old, was tall and stern, with a refined and gentle appearance, yet a hint of martial prowess lurked between his brows. He must be the patriarch, Lian Yi. Beside him sat a woman of about thirty-four or thirty-five, Lian Yi's wife. Her graceful and dignified demeanor clearly indicated she was from a distinguished family.

Xiao Xiao unconsciously stopped in the hall and stared blankly at the two people.

"Father, Mother," Lian Zhao said, bowing.

Upon seeing him, the lady's eyes lit up with a smile. Lian Yi nodded slightly and said, "Sit." Then, he looked at Xiao Xiao, "This must be Miss Zuo?"

Xiao Xiao was startled and said, "Uh, this humble subject greets Lord Lian and Madam Lian."

The lobby fell silent as soon as she said those words.

She blinked slightly. That's right, the Lian family official and the chief physician, while she was a commoner, so it was only natural for her to address him as "Sir," wasn't it?

Just as she was wondering what was going on, Lian Yi spoke up gently, saying, "Miss Zuo, please don't stand on ceremony, please sit down."

Xiao Xiao sat down stiffly, feeling uncomfortable all over.

Lian Ying smiled and said, "Brother, look at your entourage, you've scared the girl away."

Lian Yi glanced at her and said, "It's your unrestrained speech that scares people."

Lian Ying sat down with a smile and said, "People of the martial world don't care about formalities, so what's there to hide?"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall smiled.

Lian Yi felt somewhat helpless and stopped speaking.

The lady had been observing Xiaoxiao for a while, and now she asked, "Miss Zuo, where are you from, and who else is in your family?"

Xiao Xiao finally realized what was going on when she heard the question. She had anticipated this scene, so she looked up and answered honestly, "I am an orphan with no fixed abode."

The lady was slightly taken aback and glanced at Lian Yi beside her.

Xiao Xiao quietly observed her reaction. Indeed, with her background, it was impossible for her to be well-liked. She and Lian Zhao were of vastly different social standing, an unequal match. Xiao Xiao placed her hands on her knees, clutching her sleeves. Let them despise her; then, she could give up.

"I misspoke..." At this moment, the lady spoke up, saying, "Please don't take it to heart, young lady."

Is this... the etiquette and formalities of a wealthy family? Xiao Xiao nodded blankly.

"If I may be so bold, does the young lady truly have no relatives at all?" the lady asked carefully, then asked again.

Huh? What does that mean? Xiao Xiao was puzzled.

Seeing her silence, the lady added, "Well... in the future, it's always best to have an elder present when performing rituals..."

Upon hearing this, Xiaoxiao froze in her chair. How...how could this be? This is completely different from what she expected! Shouldn't they be looking down on her because of her birth?

Seeing this, Lian Zhao pondered for a moment and whispered to Xiao Xiao, "Xiao Xiao, don't you still have your martial uncle?"