"you say."
"Everyone is saying that you and Young Master Yun are like a beautiful flower stuck in cow dung."
"Little Pouch, you should change your name to Little Stutterer." This girl used to speak very fluently, what's wrong with her today? It's like she bit her tongue.
The little purse gave me a resentful look and then looked down at the corner of her clothes.
Yunzhou is so handsome, how could he be called cow dung? I threw off the covers, jumped out of bed, rushed to the dressing table, and looked at myself in the mirror. It was dark, and the candlelight was dim, so I couldn't see clearly.
I could only ask Xiao Hebao, "Am I better looking than Senior Brother Yunzhou?"
The little purse lowered her head and after a long while hummed, "Miss, you are also beautiful, but Young Master Yun is even more handsome."
That's strange. I then asked, "Then what else did they say about a beautiful flower stuck in cow dung?"
The little purse lowered its head even further, frantically scratching at the corner of its clothes.
It took me a while to realize what they meant, and I said in a hoarse voice, "You mean, they said I'm cow dung?"
The little purse quickly looked up and said, "Miss, you are indeed very handsome. It's true that Young Master Yun is too good-looking, not only in appearance but also in background. That's why he is only slightly inferior to you, just a little bit."
I looked at the little finger sticking out of the purse and nodded, understanding. Yunzhou's father was the Fujian Military Commander, a high-ranking official of the second rank, a powerful regional governor. He was a pillar of the court, having rendered unparalleled service to the dynasty by guarding the coast for many years. In the future, who knows, the emperor might suddenly decide to arrange a marriage for Yunzhou, bestowing upon him a princess or something. As for me? My background is unknown, I'm penniless. There's a good phrase, "light as a swallow," but unfortunately, I'm a bit chubby, so I can't use it.
I asked hesitantly, "Do you know what Yunzhou answered Master?"
The little purse said timidly, "I heard that Young Master Yun neither said it was good nor bad, and he was drinking alone in his room."
My mind immediately conjured up his frowning, troubled and pained expression. Sigh! I sighed softly. It seems he's drowning his sorrows in alcohol.
I straightened my clothes, intending to go and offer my condolences to Senior Brother Yun.
On a spring night, a gentle breeze blew, and the bright moon shone—a perfect time for romantic moments under the flowers and moon. I walked alone to Yunzhou's door and, sure enough, smelled the aroma of wine—my master's favorite, Xifenglie. This wine was one I bought for him; true to its name, it was strong and pungent, making me dizzy just from the smell. It seemed he was heartbroken to be so self-destructive. A wave of guilt washed over me.
They say it's easy for a woman to pursue a man, but it seems like it's like there's an iron shirt between us.
I took a deep breath, pushed open the door, looked at Yunzhou, and whispered, "Brother."
He looked up at me, a slight surprise on his face, but he didn't seem as pained as I'd imagined. It seems men are different from women; when Xiao He Bao and I are unhappy, our lips pout so much they could hang a gourd. His expression, however, remained unchanged, only his face, flushed with alcohol, appeared even more handsome than usual, and his eyes held a hazy, alluring gentleness and depth.
I mustered my courage and said, "Well, I was just saying it casually with Master. I didn't mean to force you to agree, brother. Don't be sad. Just pretend I never said that."
I finished speaking hastily and turned to leave.
Suddenly, my wrist tightened; he had grabbed it.
I turned to look at him, and his eyes had returned to their usual coldness, his expression also seeming quite solemn. I didn't think he was drunk at that moment.
He frowned slightly: "You just said it offhand?"
I nodded quickly: "Yes. Brother, don't take it to heart, just think of it as me being silly."
He gave a barely audible hum, loosened his grip, and said coldly, "You'd better be more serious in the future. These things aren't things you can just say and then take back."
I nodded nervously, "Yes, yes."
He gave me a cold look: "You're not a child anymore, fifteen years old, yet you treat such an important matter so lightly. I'm truly impressed."
I was speechless, choked by his words. Although he was aloof, he was always peaceful and never spoke hurtful words, let alone a harsh one. For him to be so harsh on me today showed how deeply I was hurt. I felt utterly guilty. Looking at his handsome, jade-like face, I felt ashamed. I had been so foolish to even think of having designs on such a celestial being. I immediately decided that if I ever had the chance, I would act as a matchmaker for Yunzhou and find him a fairy-like girl to match with him.
Gentle embrace, stinky poop
Ever since I made that foolish attempt to "pluck" Brother Yunzhou, the other disciples of the Xiaoyao Sect have kept their distance from me, fearing they might become the next one. I was quite disheartened, my confidence plummeting like the setting sun.
Seeing that I was listless and dispirited, Master asked Senior Brother He Xiaole and Senior Brother Zhao Yebai to take me down the mountain to cheer me up.
These two senior brothers were responsible for procuring the daily necessities of the Xiaoyao Sect, so they knew every nook and cranny of Kang Le City like the back of their hand. Master asked them to take me to some fun places to relax, and so they took me to what they thought were fun places.
This place is called Yuyu Qinghuan Garden.
I was quite impressed when I heard the name! I wondered if this place must be so elegant and refined, like a scene from a classical Chinese novel. I was somewhat bewildered, wondering if my attire was appropriate for such a noble and elegant place.
When I arrived, I discovered it was like a giant, steaming steamer, utterly saccharine. The area was dotted with restaurants, teahouses, a theater, pastry shops, and even a brothel called "Gentle Paradise"!
This Jade Palace Garden encompasses all the pleasures of eating, drinking, and entertainment, and is a vibrant and sensual haven. Therefore, the garden is almost entirely frequented by men.
Among all the men, I am like a rare flower.
With my head down and feeling anxious, I followed Senior Brother He Xiaole into a teahouse, secretly glad that my senior brothers had chosen a relatively virtuous place to settle me in.
Senior Brother He Xiaole, adopting an air of extravagance, said to the waiter, "Bring me the finest Longjing tea and the best pastries."
I said nervously, "Senior brother, anything is fine."
He Xiaole patted his purse and said, "Master has allocated special funds, so Xiao Mo, you can enjoy them without worry."
I was secretly moved; my master was incredibly kind to me.
After I had enjoyed the finest Longjing tea and the best pastries with great trepidation, Senior Brother Zhao Yebai said, "Xiao Mo, are you going to see a play? I heard they're performing 'The Romance of the Western Chamber' today."
Upon hearing the name, I was overjoyed and immediately followed Senior Brother Zhao Yebai to the theater.
Before long, the show began. I watched with great interest, intending to learn from the matchmaker's tricks so I could wholeheartedly become a matchmaker for Yunzhou in the future. However, after watching the show, I had a profound realization: if you encounter a strong-willed young lady and gentleman, the matchmaker is actually dispensable, especially since she must gracefully withdraw at the right moment, otherwise she will become disliked.
After leaving the theater, I felt much better and was about to return to Xiaoyao Sect with my two senior brothers when suddenly, Senior Brother He Xiaole's eyes, which were usually as narrow as slits, seemed to double in size.