Meister der Mehrdeutigkeit

Kapitel 96

He was stunned when he heard those words.

Seeing his surprise, Qi Heng laughed, "Hey, what's wrong? Didn't expect your identity to be exposed!" He took a deep breath, somewhat unwilling, and said, "Auntie said that if you really want to leave, we can't stop you... Please accept these things."

Huai Ren stared blankly at the things in his hands: a pot of wine and a piece of paper.

“Your aunt was going to invite you to the ‘Qu Fang’ pear blossom spring wine. Now you can take it with you,” Qi Heng said.

Huai Ren nodded, then looked at the paper again.

“That’s an IOU,” Qi Heng smiled. “My aunt said that although you’ve been teaching here, she hasn’t paid you any wages and has made you work as a painter for a long time. But you’ve been eating and living here for free. Since you’re leaving, let’s settle the accounts. All in all, you owe her thirteen copper coins. She said that if you need a reason to come back here in the future, then come and pay her back…”

After Qi Heng finished speaking, his expression turned sorrowful. "...Master, don't forget to pay back the money."

Huai Ren looked at the illegible IOU and smiled somewhat helplessly.

Seeing him smile, Qi Heng felt relieved and said, "Master, take care."

Huai Ren put the note into his pocket, and a warm feeling rose in his chest.

"Take care," he said with a smile, then turned and walked away.

A warm breeze carried pear blossoms, drifting like snow. The little one in my arms happily reached out to grab the petals, humming a soft, melodious song.

He smiled as he listened to the off-key rendition of "Joyful Spring"...

...

Volume Four: All Paths Return to the Source

No going back

Once the Lesser Heat arrives, the scorching sun burns everything.

She stood there blankly, letting the heat envelop her entire body.

After landing, she followed the elderly couple. In the battle of the East China Sea, many people surrendered to the imperial court and fled the seventy-two islands. The government offices on the shore were ordered to take them in, and the streets were bustling with activity, fathers and sons walking hand in hand, mothers and daughters supporting each other. Though there was sorrow, there was even more warmth and affection among the people.

Xiao Xiao knew her identity was special and that she shouldn't provoke the authorities. So she bid farewell to the elderly couple and walked away at a distance.

She walked for a while, then turned back to look at the bustling crowd in the distance. At that moment, a sudden thought arose in her mind: the world is vast and desolate, and she has nowhere to belong.

I remember feeling the same way when I got lost in a crowd as a child. But back then, someone would always find me, pat me on the head, and say: "If you run off again, your master won't take care of you."

Master… The thought caused a pang of pain in her heart, and her nose stung with tears.

Once she started crying, it was unstoppable. All the emotions that had been suppressed burst forth all at once, beyond her control.

She simply squatted down, hugged her knees, and buried her head in her hands, crying.

The sun burned her back, stinging intensely, but she felt nothing at that moment. She had lost everything; all her possessions were left behind in the East Sea. Even longing was a luxury now. For the first time, she realized how terrifying it was to be utterly destitute…

As she cried, her stomach suddenly growled, hunger churning wildly within her. She clutched her stomach, her sorrow deepening. Why, no matter what she did, was she still hungry? What could she do to go back to the way things were before…?

"Miss." At that moment, a gentle voice came from above.

Xiao Xiao choked back tears and looked up. She saw a man in his forties standing in front of her. He was dressed in official robes and had two attendants behind him; it was clear at a glance that he was an official. Beside him was a girl of about eleven or twelve years old; judging from their appearance, they were father and daughter.

"Young lady," the man reached out and gently patted her small shoulder, "what's wrong?"

Xiao Xiao saw that he was an official and got up to run away, but she had been squatting for too long and her legs went numb, so she immediately sat down on the ground.

Upon seeing this, the man immediately reached out to help him up.

"Young lady, are you alright?"

Xiao Xiao instinctively shrank back when she thought about the various things in the East China Sea.

Seeing this, the man sighed and said, "Young lady, you don't need to be afraid. I am the prefect of this place, ordered to take in the people of the East Sea. If you have any difficulties, tell me, and perhaps I can help you."

Xiao Xiao just shook her head and didn't say anything.

Just then, a group of soldiers came running up. Upon seeing the man, they saluted and said, "Lord Ye, the Lian family just sent word that the East Sea has been captured, but a group of wanted criminals have escaped and their whereabouts are unknown. This is a portrait sent by the Lian family. Please assist in the pursuit."

Hearing this, Xiaoxiao was so frightened she couldn't cry anymore. A wanted criminal—no doubt about it, she was one of them! If these people saw the portrait, she was doomed!

Lord Ye took the portrait and slowly began to examine it. Suddenly, he stopped flipping through the pages, staring intently at one of the portraits with a look of utter surprise.

Xiao Xiao was terrified, feeling as if her life hung by a thread, and for a moment, she even forgot to breathe.

Suddenly, Lord Ye slammed the portrait shut and announced loudly, "Reinforce the defenses of the port gates. Instruct the painter to make thirty copies of this portrait and post them in prominent places."

After receiving the order, the soldiers left.

Xiao Xiao's eyes widened in disbelief.

At this moment, the girl next to Lord Ye squatted down and handed him a handkerchief, saying, "Sister, wipe your face."

Xiao Xiao then realized that, given the hot weather and her burying her face in her hands while crying, her face was now covered in grime; it would be strange if anyone could recognize her. She couldn't help but hold the handkerchief, tears of joy streaming down her face.

"Sister, don't cry." The girl reached out and gently stroked her back.

Seeing this, Lord Ye sighed and said, "Miss, you..."

Just then, the little belly started growling, the sound continuous and lingering.

Lord Ye immediately laughed, "Miss, don't cry. Even if you're heartbroken, you still need to eat, right?"

She lowered her head slightly, remaining silent. Yes, even the most heartbroken person needs to eat. What she should be thinking about is how to save her own life. The darkest place is under the lamplight; now, the only safe place is…

“My lord…” she looked up and began, “My parents are dead, I’ve been separated from my family, I’m penniless and homeless… Please have pity on me and take me in…”

Lord Ye hesitated for a moment, "This..."

"Father, my sister is so pitiful, let's take her in, okay?" the girl said gently, tugging at her father's sleeve.

Lord Ye frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "Alright. The manor is also short of maids. If you don't mind, young lady, you can stay at my humble abode to help out until you find your relatives."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Xiao immediately nodded, "Thank you, sir!"

Lord Ye smiled and nodded, "Miss, you don't need to be so polite. Come, let's go."

Xiao Xiao stood up, watching their retreating figures. Her master's words echoed so clearly in her ears: "If you run off again, I won't take care of you anymore… But even if I don't take care of you, you'll find it yourself, right? Xiao Xiao is so smart, she'll definitely find it, won't she?"

We will definitely find it...

Xiao Xiao took a deep breath, took a step, and followed.

...

...This is a dividing line indicating "two sides of the story" = =+...

Thousands of miles away, within the Heroes' Fortress of Jiangling, a peaceful atmosphere prevailed.

Yesterday's rain left the gardenias in the yard glistening with raindrops, releasing a moist fragrance.

Looking out the window at the gardenias filling the yard, she forgot all about her work.

"Sister Yan'er." Suddenly, a maid rushed into the kitchen and called out, "Sister Yan'er, Madam sent me to ask if the ginseng and lotus seed porridge is ready yet."

Zhao Yan then came to her senses, stood up, and said with a smile, "It'll be ready soon. Please ask Madam to wait a moment, and I'll send it over right away."

The maid nodded, thought for a moment, and then went up to her again. "Sister Yan'er, there's something I've been wanting to ask you."

Zhao Yan picked up the stew, still smiling, and said, "Go ahead and ask."

The maidservant stepped closer and whispered, "Does the second young master like you?"

Zhao Yan was surprised, "Huh? How could that be?"

"Isn't that so?" the maid asked curiously. "Didn't the Second Young Master stay in the fortress for your sake, Sister Yan'er? When you were kidnapped, it was the Second Young Master who stepped forward to help you. Actually, we all privately think that in terms of character and martial arts, the Second Young Master is superior to the Third Young Master. I'm afraid the position of fortress lord is probably..."

"Shh, don't talk nonsense, or someone will hear you. You'll be in big trouble." Zhao Yan reached out, touched her lips, and whispered.

"It's not nonsense. The Third Young Master frequents brothels every night and is usually idle and irresponsible. Lord Sanying must think so too." The maid looked around and said, "Sister Yan'er, I think the Second Young Master must like you. If you marry him, you'll be the Lady of the Fortress!"

Zhao Yan smiled and said, "Don't be silly. I'm just a servant. How could I possibly be worthy of such a high position? Besides, Madam has been incredibly kind to me. I've already decided to serve Madam for the rest of my life. You should stop thinking about these things and just focus on your work."

The maid laughed, "Sister Yan'er, you're so kind. No wonder Madam and the Second Young Master like you so much. By the way, next time, could you teach me how to embroider peonies?"

"That's good. But don't be like last time, getting tired after only learning half of it," Zhao Yan said with a smile.

"Who told me I'm not as skillful and lovable as Sister Yan'er, hehe..."

"You're all talk and no action!" Zhao Yan gently pushed her.

The maidservant laughed and ran out.

Zhao Yan smiled and watched her leave. Then, she sighed softly and began preparing the porridge beside her.

"Skilled and charming, loved by everyone... Second Young Master, aren't you going to come out and clarify things after hearing such words?" Zhao Yan asked as she picked up the porridge.

Mo Yun leaned against the window, his back to her, and said, "What kind of person you are is none of my business."

Zhao Yan turned around, looked at his back, and said, "Since it's none of your business, please stay away from me. Don't worry, this is Hero's Fortress. I won't harm anyone except you. You don't need to keep such a close watch on me."

Mo Yun was silent for a moment, then said, "What exactly do you want for me to come with you to see Master?"

"If you die, I'll go." Zhao Yan said with a smile, her tone relaxed.

Mo Yun remained silent and did not speak again.

Zhao Yan smiled dismissively, picked up the porridge, and walked out of the kitchen.

She walked to Madam Xi's room and saw Wei Ying come out, her face full of displeasure. Upon seeing her, Wei Ying's brows furrowed, and the disdain in her eyes was clearly visible.

"Third Young Master," Zhao Yan nodded and addressed him respectfully.

Wei Ying turned her head away, "Stop putting on airs with me. What else can you do besides gossip in front of my mother? If it weren't for my second brother protecting you, I would have already..."

Zhao Yan looked up. "How is it?"

Wei Ying sneered, "Zhao Yan, remember this: you're nothing but a servant girl. My mother was only foolish enough to listen to you for a moment. One day, I'll show you who's the master here!"

After he finished speaking, he walked away quickly.

Zhao Yan looked at him, wanting to laugh. She suppressed her laughter and pushed open the door to enter the room. She saw Madam tide sitting on the edge of the bed, secretly shedding tears.

"Madam," Zhao Yan put down the porridge in her hand and called softly.