Shangguan Tou was now embarrassed: "Zhi'er, that's not what they said. Don't listen to their nonsense."
Xuezhi didn't listen.
"But to be honest, putting aside her identity, there are very few people in the martial arts world who are so young and have such high martial arts skills."
"That's all just hype. The only thing I think Chong Xuezhi resembles her father in is her face! Haha, don't think I'm too old to be eyeing young girls. In two or three years, Chong Xuezhi will definitely be a national disaster. Sigh, why bother with all this shady business? She should just marry me as a concubine... Why are you all looking at me like that? What happened next?"
As the man spoke, he turned around and saw Shangguan Tou, his face turning pale instantly. Shangguan Tou pulled two chopsticks from the table, pinched one in his hand, spun the other around a few times, and then let it fly out, hitting the man's hat and passing through the door.
Shangguan Tou left a silver ingot with the shopkeeper and chased after Xuezhi.
The hat slid down the door, which began to crack and eventually shattered. The man's pale face turned blue.
30
After saying goodbye to Shangguan Tou, Xuezhi went straight to Zitang Manor.
After climbing the steps and exchanging a few words with the person at the door, the person immediately went inside to announce her arrival. Xuezhi had only circled the doorway twice when a man dressed in pure white with exquisite tailoring came out and smiled, "Zhi'er, I knew you would come."
"Uncle Xuetian!" Xuezhi's eyes immediately welled up with tears when she saw the youthful face of someone in his thirties who hadn't changed much. "I was kicked out of Chonghuo Palace..."
Situ Xuetian said, "I had already guessed this. Come in first, and we can talk about it slowly."
Since Situ Xuetian revived his family's fortunes and returned to business, carrying on the spirit of his father and grandfather, Zitang Manor has grown more magnificent year by year. A few years ago, Situ Xuetian rose to become the youngest richest man in Chang'an's history, and the manor was built to be even more grand than the imperial palace. However, life is rarely perfect. Situ Xuetian had just married a few years ago when his wife died in childbirth. The child survived, but his name is Yan, and he has never had a drop of his mother's milk. At less than seven years old, he is already learning business from his father and is remarkably precocious. Upon seeing Xuezhi, he immediately acted like a little adult, calling her "Miss Chong." But as soon as Situ Xuetian glanced at him, he immediately changed his address to "Sister Chong."
Situ Xuetian had a room prepared for Xuezhi and then led her to sit down in the living room.
"Time flies," Situ Xuetian said with a smile. "You used to love hitting people when you were little, and now you've grown into a beautiful young woman."
"That's because you've been too busy making money to remember us kids who grew up in this remote area."
Situ Xuetian smiled helplessly, "You're starting to act cute again."
Upon hearing this, Xuezhi's childish temper flared up, and she pouted, saying aggrievedly, "Uncle Xuetian, the elders didn't even give me a chance, and people in the martial arts world are talking nonsense. I don't know what to do now..."
"The problem of rumors is easy to solve. After the New Year, I will go to Lingjian Manor with you. Their people will go and clarify the rumors, which should be of some use."
"Oh. You said you were going, so don't say you're not going later." Xuezhi was particularly upset. But this meant she would have to see the people on her hated list again.
"Don't worry, these are minor matters. It's about Chonghuo Palace that I should be telling you about."
"What's wrong?"
Why were you kicked out?
"The Lotus God Nine Forms was stolen, and I broke the rules." Xuezhi briefly explained what had happened.
"I see, someone committed a crime in Chonghuo Palace."
Xuezhi was taken aback: "Uncle means that the secret manual was stolen by people from Chonghuo Palace?"
"It's not necessarily someone from the palace who stole it. It's more likely that someone helped release the water, allowing someone outside to steal the secret manual."
"Why?"
"I don't think the Nine Forms of the Lotus God are so easy to obtain, but I really can't understand this person's motives."
"Then why did they kick me out? Even though I can't be of much help by staying, it's still better than kicking me out."
“Think about it, if they hadn’t chased you away at this time, you would likely be the first one to get into trouble. You are Chonglian’s daughter, and they must protect you no matter what. However, you are young, and Elder Yuwen probably thinks you don’t understand and can’t act, so he simply carried out the order without explanation—of course, these are all just speculations, and there is no actual evidence yet.”
"I see. So, I'll have a chance to go back someday?"
"However, Zhi'er, you should learn from your father more. Personal feelings can be considered, but the big picture should always come first."
“My father? He doesn’t care about the big picture at all. He forgets everything when he’s with Second Uncle.”
"I'm talking about your second father."
"Huh? Uncle is joking?"
"Well, don't let his usual carefree attitude fool you. He has his own balance, and once that balance is shaken, he'll put aside even the deepest feelings. That's probably why he couldn't accept the fact after your great-uncle passed away. He always felt like he owed your great-uncle something."
All I know is that he left me in Chonghuo Palace and went off to live his carefree life.
Situ Xuetian sighed: "Anyway, you can stay here with me for now. If you need anything, just tell me."
So Xuezhi settled down at Zitang Manor. Whenever she had free time, she helped Xuetian organize the ledgers and flip through the documents. At night, she studied martial arts manuals and practiced martial arts. Before she knew it, it was New Year's Eve. That night, Xuezhi, Situ Xuetian, Situ Yan, and the maids, stewards, accountants, and others from Zitang Manor had a reunion dinner and set off firecrackers in the garden. Situ Yan burned quite a few trees and almost caused a fire. It was a lively New Year's Eve celebration. The next morning, Xuezhi found a dragon-shaped sachet strung with colorful string at the foot of her bed. After examining it for a while, she discovered it contained a stack of silver notes. When she asked Situ Xuetian, he actually said it was New Year's money.
On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, it was snowing, and people were going out to pay New Year's visits. They asked Xuezhi if she wanted to come along. Xuezhi couldn't refuse, so she had to agree.
The carriage rumbled through several streets in Chang'an and stopped in front of a large mansion. Looking up, one could see a plaque that read: "Residence of the Imperial Preceptor."
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The Imperial Preceptor's Residence was built on the east side of Chang'an, stretching for several kilometers. The main gate was over ten feet high, large enough for eight people to carry a sedan chair to enter and exit freely. Two giant drums were placed on the left and right sides, with celestial lions and phoenixes carved on the drum walls and soldiers in relief on the drum surfaces.
Before Xuezhi could back down, Situ Xuetian called her off the carriage.
At this moment, the place was bustling with activity, with many people coming and going to offer New Year's greetings. Just by looking at their clothes and expressions, it was clear that they were all high-ranking officials and nobles. Among them, however, there were also some who came out with dark faces.
Xuezhi asked, "What's wrong with these people?"
"The Imperial Preceptor is an incorruptible official who does not accept lavish gifts." After saying this, Situ Xuetian spoke to the guards while carrying the gifts. The guards immediately let them in.
The courtyard of the Imperial Preceptor's residence is quite spacious, with stone lions of various shapes placed at the four corners and the entrance. In front of it is a long paddy field, which looks like a small boat lying on its side in the courtyard, and is very exquisite and beautiful.
Many people passing by struck up conversations with Situ Xuetian, exchanging New Year's greetings. Situ Xuetian introduced Xuezhi to them one by one, saying she was his niece, a guest visiting the capital. Most strangely, here, the renowned Chong Xuezhi was merely given a three-character name.
Upon entering the main hall, a huge plaque inscribed with "Benevolence, Righteousness, Loyalty, and Filial Piety" stands in the middle, the characters large and imposing.
Situ Xuetian said, "These are the words written by His Majesty."
Xuezhi nodded.
A short while later, several officials and their wives arrived with their beautiful daughters. Situ Xuetian said, "The businessmen have arrived."
Xuezhi nodded.
"Wait here for me, I'll go in and find the Imperial Advisor."
Xuezhi nodded again.
Not long after Situ Xuetian left, Xuezhi saw them heading towards the East Garden. This place was both magical and unfamiliar to her. She remained obediently where she was.
Then, an official who was "doing business" said, "It seems that we can't get the young master Shangguan to come out today no matter how we call him." His wife chimed in, "How about we try calling the second young master?" The official said, "The second young master only got married last year, and he might even bring his wife with him. No need, no need."
Xuezhi stared at them blankly, but was too scared to look at them again because of their glares.
Not long after, Situ Xuetian came out, accompanied by Shangguan Tou.
Several people who were "doing business" nearby rushed forward, but they all stopped when they heard the words "Zhi'er" from Shangguan Tou.
Xuezhi looked around and whispered, "Weren't you saying you weren't coming out?"
"I didn't know that the relative you mentioned was Uncle Situ."
Situ Xuetian said, "I didn't know you and Shangguan Xiaotou knew each other. I watched this child grow up; he even peed on me when he was little..."
Shangguan Tou asked, "Ahem, Zhi'er, how was your New Year?"
"That's good." With Situ Xuetian around, Xuezhi's true nature easily comes out. She even winked and nudged Shangguan Tou with her elbow, "You're not married yet, are you?"
Shangguan Tou was taken aback: "Yes, that's right."
"Then think about getting married. I see quite a few girls like you. Don't just play around; be considerate of other girls' feelings." As soon as he finished speaking, Situ Xuetian tapped him on the head: "Your second uncle is right. You crazy girl will definitely suffer when you go out." He immediately covered his head with his hands: "Don't use your inner strength. You'll kill your uncle."
Xuezhi covered her head and rubbed it, saying, "Ouch! Don't keep hitting my head!"
Situ Xuetian was utterly astonished: "You're not going to hit me anymore?"
Shangguan Tou smiled and said, "Didn't we agree to go to Suzhou?"
"Uncle Xuetian has agreed to come with me."
"What? You've already made a decision?" Situ Xuetian said, "Since Shangguan Xiaotou is going, I won't go."
"Uncle Xuetian!"
"Zhi'er, be good. It's no use for me to go. Besides, there are many things to do at the manor. Xiao Tou is a trustworthy person."
"You promised me!"
"Don't be stubborn, be good."
"You broke your promise!" Xuezhi slapped Situ Xuetian's hand. "Huang'er doesn't want me, and you're pushing me to someone else too. Fine, I'll go by myself!" With that, she ran out.
Everyone was stunned. Many officials and their families who were involved in business secretly gossiped, saying things like, "This girl has a strange temper," and "She's not likable."
Shangguan Tou said, "I'm going to find her."
"Xuezhi has been an orphan since she was little, which has made her a bit withdrawn, with a difficult personality and a sensitive nature. Xiaotou, you must be careful what you say, so as not to make her cry."
"I know."
The weather was bitterly cold, and snow was falling outside. Shangguan Tou went out wearing a cloak. At first, it was just fine snowflakes, but after walking for a while, it gradually became as heavy as goose feathers. During the Lunar New Year, pedestrians came and went on the streets, and the sound of firecrackers could be heard from time to time in the city center. Families often went to the market to buy things or walked home hand in hand.
The sky had turned completely dark, and snowflakes were falling densely, forming an endless net in the air, contrasting with the black and white of the night sky, swaying as they fell.
Shangguan Tou found Xuezhi in a small pavilion by the river. Snowflakes, like crane feathers, drifted into the pavilion and landed on Xuezhi's head. She hugged her arms and exhaled gently; the white mist took a long time to dissipate into the air.
"I know, I made a mistake again." Shangguan Tou took off his hat and stood behind her. Before he could even speak, Xue Zhi suddenly threw out these words.
"Who said you made a mistake?" Shangguan Tou tilted his head to look at her. "You don't think my house is too boring and are making excuses to slip away, do you?"
"I don't!"
"I'll go and try to persuade Uncle Situ later."
“I’m not angry about that!” Xuezhi turned her head away angrily, her eyes red. “I know he’s really good to me, but I feel like… he’s trying to get rid of me.”
"How could that be? Don't overthink it. I just told him in the backyard that you're as important to me as a younger sister, and that's why he felt comfortable letting us go."
Xuezhi stared at him for a long time, then suddenly gritted her teeth and said, "What exactly do you want? Let me tell you directly, I have no status in Chonghuo Palace, and I know nothing about the 'Nine Forms of the Lotus God.' Give up!"
Shangguan Tou stepped closer and took her arms in his hands: "Silly Zhi'er, can't I be good to you if I have no ulterior motive?"
"I don't believe you!" Xuezhi raised her voice and took a step back, but then she saw a family of three walking hand in hand happily down the street. Tears streamed down her face, and her voice softened considerably. "I miss Huang'er."
Shangguan Tou couldn't bear it any longer, so he stepped forward and pulled her into his arms: "I'll go with you to find him."
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