Meister der Mehrdeutigkeit

Kapitel 9

The woman frowned slightly and said, "Yan'er, go and find the Third Young Master."

The maid nodded, "Yes, Madam."

"Le'er, your brother Wenxi has a lot of important things to do, you have to be understanding," the woman said to Shi Le'er with a smile.

“Madam…” Shi Le’er raised an eyebrow, smiling innocently, “After the betrothal at birth, can’t Le’er fall in love with someone else?”

"This..." The woman was speechless.

Shi Le'er lowered her head sadly and said, "Grandpa told me that I was engaged to the young master of Hero's Fortress. But all this time, I've only ever met Brother Wenxi. I've only heard of Brother Yingyang and Brother Moyun. And Brother Wenxi never pays any attention to Le'er... Le'er is so sad..." After saying that, her eyes reddened and she was about to cry.

The woman grew increasingly anxious. “Le’er, your brother Yingyang is away from home all year round, so naturally he can’t see you. And Mo Yun… is no longer a member of Hero’s Fortress. Wenxi is still young and has neglected you, but things will get better after you get married.”

Shi Le'er pouted, "But right now, I'd rather marry Brother Lian."

Immediately, Xia Yun choked on her wine, Yue Huaijiang spat out his rice, Xiao Xiao choked on a chicken bone, and Lian Zhao froze, unable to move. The woman's beautiful face was distorted with surprise, looking extremely ugly.

Shi Le'er looked serious, her eyes filled with pure innocence.

"Le...Le'er, don't talk nonsense..." The woman's voice trembled.

Shi Le'er tightened her grip on Lian Zhao's hand, "Le'er isn't talking nonsense."

The woman was speechless for a moment. After exchanging a few pleasantries, she left quickly.

Shi Le'er's eyes were full of cunning, but she immediately put on an innocent smile and served food to Lian Zhao.

Lian Zhao stiffened slightly and said, "Le'er, what you just said..."

"Of course I'm serious!" Shi Le'er said earnestly.

Lian Zhao was also speechless. He lowered his head awkwardly and ate his food.

She sighed softly. "Tsk, I wonder how many people will find this meal unpalatable."

Having finally endured until the banquet ended, Lian Zhao immediately went to his guest room with his maid to rest, completely avoiding the situation. Shi Le'er, on the other hand, didn't bother him and leisurely strolled to the pavilion inside the fortress. After confirming that no one was around, she immediately smiled smugly.

"Hehehe... Did you see Lady Xi's expression?" Shi Le'er laughed, "It's a mixture of fear and worry, truly unique in the world!"

Yue Huaijiang and Xia Yun nodded at the same time, and Xiao Xiao, after observing the situation, immediately nodded as well.

"Hmph. You want me to marry her son? Dream on!" Shi Le'er raised her eyebrows and said disdainfully.

“Lord, I’m worried that this is Hero’s Fortress after all. If you go too far, I’m afraid…” Xia Yun began.

"Don't worry, no matter what I do, they'll just think I'm young and ignorant. But if we can use this opportunity to cancel the marriage, that would be the best outcome," Shi Le'er said with a smile.

"What about the Lian family, the divine archers?" Xia Yun was still worried.

"Don't worry. Young Master Lian is kind and gentle, he won't do anything to me. I haven't reached marriageable age yet, so even if I were to marry Lian Zhao, it wouldn't be for a while, there's still room for reconciliation." Shi Le'er smiled wickedly and said, "Even if it turns out to be real and I marry into the Divine Arrow Lian family, I won't be at a disadvantage!"

Yue Huaijiang and Xia Yun immediately clasped their hands in greeting and said, "The city lord is wise."

Xiao Xiao was stunned. So, from beginning to end, Shi Le'er had been using Lian Zhao to deal with "Brother Wenxi"? Uh… Shi Le'er is too… wait, this is the real villain! Xiao Xiao watched Shi Le'er, using her innocent age to manipulate adults and navigate between two powerful young heroes. Compared to herself, what astonishing talent and decisive action! A role model…

Xiao Xiao grew increasingly impressed, yet also puzzled. The third young master of Hero's Fortress was the only remaining heir apparent, a shoo-in for the position of fortress lord. In terms of family background and status in the martial world, Shi Le'er and he were naturally a perfect match, especially considering it was an arranged marriage, a union ordained by their parents. Yet, Shi Le'er had resorted to all sorts of underhanded tactics to sabotage the engagement. If there were no feelings between them, Shi Le'er and Lian Zhao, having only met briefly, should have been even more distant. But Shi Le'er's tone suggested she didn't care about the marriage. Why this discrepancy? Could there truly be a grudge?

Xiao Xiao then realized something was amiss. Shi Le'er was engaged to the Third Young Master. Today, in the main hall, the matchmaker caused trouble; someone pushed her, forcing Shi Le'er to take action. Afterwards, Shi Le'er went so far as to use Lian Zhao to sabotage the marriage... All these things combined seemed to suggest some kind of conspiracy.

Seriously… all Zuo Xiaoxiao wanted to do was be a bad person, so why was it so difficult? Not only did she get off to a bad start, but she kept getting into complicated trouble. She looked up and sighed. When would she finally be able to do something bad?

A clear song

Just as Xiao Xiao was lamenting the impermanence of life and the envy of heaven for talent, the maid named "Yan'er" entered. After bowing, she said to Shi Le'er, "Lord Shi, the Third Young Master has returned. Shall I invite him over?"

A hint of gloom flashed in Shi Le'er's eyes, but she immediately smiled innocently again. She stood up and said happily, "I'll go find him myself." She then turned to look at Yue Huaijiang and Xia Yun, "You don't need to come along."

After saying that, she skipped away.

The remaining three sighed simultaneously.

Seeing this, the maid said, "You must be tired. Please come with me to the guest rooms to rest."

Xiao Xiao had just finished eating and had been thinking about many things, so she was already feeling tired. When someone mentioned taking a break, she was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly, saying, "Okay, okay."

Yue Huaijiang smiled and said, "Sister Xia, Le'er won't be back for a while, let's go and rest."

Xia Yun nodded, "Alright." She turned to look at Xiao Xiao, "Xiao Xiao, Hero's Fortress is a mixed bag, don't wander around unnecessarily."

"I know!" Xiao Xiao immediately agreed.

Of course, the article that follows this "I know" is probably only known to Xiaoxiao herself.

Upon entering the guest room, Xiaoxiao went straight to the bed and sprawled out on her back. Sure enough, there were high pillows, gauze curtains, and soft, luxurious quilts. Xiaoxiao had never slept in such a fine bed before. She pulled the quilt over and smelled it. It still carried a faint sandalwood scent, clearly scented with perfume. Even a quilt from a wealthy family was so exquisite.

She rolled over and sat up on the bed. She reached into her pocket, took out the bag of dried plums, picked one up, and carefully took a small bite.

A sour and bitter taste mingled, slowly spreading in her mouth. She frowned slightly, chewing carefully. She really didn't understand why Master would like to eat this… Wasn't this something only pregnant women ate?

She swallowed the dried plum in her hand, wrapped the rest up again, and put it in her bosom.

Although it tasted terrible, it was quite effective at relieving fatigue. She stood up and shook her arms. Hmph, with so many treasures in Hero's Fortress now, any one of them would be priceless. While petty theft is better done at night, scouting the terrain is best done during the day. Just as Xia Yun said, Hero's Fortress is a melting pot of all sorts of people, and it's in a state of chaos right now, making it the perfect time to find one.

Having made up her mind, Xiao Xiao opened the door and went out, pretending to admire the scenery as she wandered around. The disciples and maids of Hero's Fortress recognized her as a disciple of Taiping City and treated her with great courtesy, without questioning her further. However, this was, after all, Hero's Fortress, and many areas were off-limits to unauthorized personnel. Xiao Xiao naturally knew the rules, so she laughed it off, claiming she was lost, and wandered off. In the martial arts world, the more heavily guarded a place was, the more valuable the items inside. Xiao Xiao understood this principle, but with her skills, she probably couldn't get into such a place. Tsk, sigh, her skills were inferior; she'd better just grab something and call it a day. After walking for a while and seeing no one around, she took out a white stone and marked the places along her path.

As Xiaoxiao walked, she unknowingly arrived at the back garden. She had only been to this garden once before, led by Shi Le'er, and even then, it was just a quick glance, and she hadn't really looked at it carefully. How many people in the martial arts world had the chance to see the back garden of Hero's Fortress? If she didn't see it now, she wouldn't have another chance! She immediately put away the white stone and turned inside.

It's March now, flowers are just beginning to bloom, fragrant breezes carry butterflies, the scenery is beautiful. Little Xiao walks slowly, her smile bright. Trumpet creeper climbs the trellis in the garden, its tender leaves already sprouting, so lovely. Little Xiao reaches out and gently strokes the tender green leaves. She remembers her master saying that if she ever really didn't want to wander the world anymore, she should find a beautiful place to live. Plant flowers in front of the house, vegetables in the back, and trumpet creeper all over the fence. Back then, hearing this, she was so excited that she begged her master to plant peach trees too, so she could have peaches to eat. Her master just kept smiling. But this dream has never come true…

Thinking of this, Xiao Xiao smiled helplessly. She wondered if she would ever find a place like this in her lifetime, where she could live out the rest of her days in peace and tranquility.

She untied the sanxian from her back and sat down on the ground. She reached out and tuned it, testing a few notes. Then, she strummed the strings and sang:

"Where can one find a celestial abode by a stream bridge, where wine is brewed over a stove and flutes are played under the moon? The window frames distant mountains, swallows perch on the beams, and a scaffold climbs to the heavens. A thousand pieces of gold are enough to settle the mortal world, and a drunken revelry can cast aside fame and fortune. What is fate? I do not cultivate for the next life, but only ask about today."

She had just finished singing when she heard someone clapping.

She was startled and turned her head sharply. When she saw the person, she froze. Of all people to ask, it had to be Wei Ying, the third young master of Hero's Fortress, the "Brother Wenxi" that Shi Le'er always talked about.

Xiao Xiao jumped up with a "whoosh," hugged the sanxian, and gave an awkward laugh, "Uh... Third Young Master..."

Wei Ying smiled and said, "You sang it very well. 'I don't care about the next life, I only care about today.' The person who can sing this song must not be an ordinary person."

Xiao Xiao said awkwardly, "Uh... sir, you flatter me. I... I'm just a traveling singer. I learned that song from someone else..."

Wei Ying smiled and said, "Are you here to attend the Fair of Rare Goods, Miss?"

Xiao Xiao slung his sanxian over his shoulder, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, "I...I came with Taiping City..."

Upon hearing the name Taiping City, Wei Ying frowned, her expression showing some displeasure.

Xiao Xiao also found it strange. Logically speaking, shouldn't the Third Young Master Wei have been brought back to see Shi Le'er? Why is he in the back garden now? However, given her status, she had no right to ask any more questions.

"Well, Third Young Master, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now." Xiao Xiao thought for a moment and prepared to leave.

“Young lady, since you’re a traveling singer, why don’t you sing another song?” Wei Ying said as she sat down on the ground.

Xiao Xiao paused for a moment, then timidly held up five fingers, "One song, five coins."

Wei Ying immediately laughed, "Then, does the previous song count?"

Xiao Xiao sat down and said with a smile, "Then consider this song a gift for you."

"Okay." Wei Ying nodded.

Xiao Xiao picked up the sanxian and asked, "What would you like to hear, Third Young Master? A flirtatious tune, or some poetry and prose?"

"Whatever, whatever you're good at," Wei Ying said.

"Oh." Xiao Xiao lowered her head, her forte... she had heard her master sing since she was little, there was only one song, she plucked the strings and sang loudly:

"Alas, the vicissitudes of time have brought forth wars across the land, staining armor with blood. Grand ambitions and ambitions, thwarted in the blink of an eye, have turned to white hair. Success and failure are but fleeting moments, leaving behind only the desolate aftermath of life. Awake from wine and shattered dreams, half a lifetime of ups and downs, who cares for me now?"

"What a desolate tune..." Wei Ying said after hearing it.

"Hmm..." Xiao Xiao asked cautiously, "Young master, did I sing the wrong song and spoil your mood?"

Wei Ying shook her head. "It's strange, the song you sang doesn't suit you at all. I guess the person who composed this song must have experienced a lot of hardship and seen a lot in life. You're so young, you can't possibly sing out the sorrow in this song, can you?"

Xiao Xiao immediately smiled, "This song was one that Master loved to sing when he was alive. If he were still alive, he would be very happy to meet a kindred spirit like you, young master."

Wei Ying laughed, "That's a real pity..."

"Third Young Master." Suddenly, a gentle and humble voice came from the side.

Looking up slightly, he saw the maid named "Yan'er". She walked over and bowed. "Third Young Master, Lord Shi has been looking for you. Madam wants you to return to your room."

“I’ve already returned to Hero’s Fortress, what more does she want from me?” Wei Ying’s tone was slightly dissatisfied.

"What Madam wants from Young Master is something he knows better than anyone. Why ask me?" the maid replied with a charming smile and gentle tone.

“You’re the one who understands her best, aren’t you?” Wei Ying said after pacing a few steps.

"This servant doesn't understand what the Third Young Master is talking about," the maid replied.

"Zhao Yan, I underestimated you," Wei Ying said, uttering a seemingly nonsensical remark.

The maid remained humble, saying, "This servant doesn't understand what the Third Young Master is talking about." She paused, then looked up at Wei Ying, "However, this servant knows that the marriage between the Third Young Master and the City Lord Shi is of great importance; not only the Madam, but the entire martial world is eagerly awaiting it. I urge the Third Young Master to respect this..."

Xiao Xiao, listening from the side, broke out in a cold sweat. This maid was no ordinary person; the tone of her voice just now was clearly threatening. What kind of place was Hero's Fortress? A maid actually threatening the young master?

“I’ve always been self-respecting.” After saying that, Wei Ying reached out and grabbed the small arm, dragging it away. “Let’s go.”

It froze a little.

All traces of humility and gentleness vanished from the maid's eyes, replaced by a sharp glint that pierced straight to the heart.

Xiao Xiao felt a chill in her heart and immediately realized one thing: this woman was not someone to be trifled with.

"Brother Wenxi!"

Just then, Shi Le'er's voice came from not far away. Her face flushed red, and her eyes held a hint of anger as she strode over.

Shi Le'er looked at the two people in front of her, pointed at Wei Ying's small hand, and said indignantly, "Brother Wenxi! I've been looking for you, but you're holding another girl! I don't want to talk to you anymore!" After she finished speaking, she turned around and ran away crying.

Xiao Xiao immediately broke free of his hand and took several steps back.

She glanced at Wei Ying, then at the maid not far away, and said timidly, "Uh... I, I'm leaving too..."

After saying that, she ran away as fast as she could. A chill ran through her as she ran. Just now, Shi Le'er had run away in tears, filled with grief and indignation. Although Shi Le'er didn't like this fiancé, there was no guarantee…

Oh no, she's doomed! Even if she had several lives, she wouldn't be enough for Shi Le'er to mess with!

Xiao Xiao dared not wander around anymore and obediently went back to her room. As soon as she entered, she saw Shi Le'er sitting at the table, with Yue Huaijiang and Xia Yun standing behind her. Shi Le'er rested her head on her hand, staring straight at her with a meaningful smile on her face.