Upon seeing her, Tang Huan stood up and said, "I'm hungry. What would you like to eat?"
Before Mo Xi could answer, Mu Fengting called over the waiter and said, "Bring all your local specialty snacks in portions for six people, and two more servings of braised beef tendon."
The waiter said "okay," tossed his white towel, and dashed off to the kitchen to place the order.
Mu Fengting said to Mo Xi, "Those mountains are barren, only rabbits grow there. They've eaten so many that their ears have grown long. We should eat something better to make up for it."
Mo Xi nodded and smiled, "Yes, especially since you lost the seasoning bottle." She thought to herself: "You're such a busybody, aren't you? Turns out you've been eating rabbit all your life..."
Mu Fengting laughed and said, "As long as you're alive, that's good."
Mo Xi deeply agreed.
The first thing served was a piping hot mushroom and beef bun.
Tang Huan was always polite, waiting for others to start eating before he did. Mu Fengting, however, didn't care about such formalities. He picked up a steamed bun and placed it in Mo Xi's bowl, saying, "Be careful, it's hot. Let it cool down a bit before you eat it with your left hand. I ordered the braised beef tendon for you; eat more so your injury will heal faster."
Mo Xi said helplessly, "I'm not a monkey, I can't grab everything with my hands. I should practice holding chopsticks with my left hand. I can pick them up myself."
The snacks were served one after another. As expected, Mu Fengting did not serve Mo Xi any more food. Mo Xi's left hand was not very nimble, and she sometimes made mistakes. Tang Huan wanted to serve her food several times, but she secretly forced herself to resist.
Whether by coincidence or not, each dish was placed precisely in front of Mu Fengting. When the braised beef tendon arrived, he simply pushed the entire plate in front of Mo Xi.
Mo Xi ate silently, noticing Tang Huan staring at her intently. She sighed inwardly, "Oh well." She deliberately smiled and said to him, "If you're staring like that, do you want some too?" She picked up a piece of braised beef tendon with her left hand and handed it to him, saying softly, "Thank you for coming to find me." She wasn't ungrateful; Tang Huan must have been exhausted from his journey. Knowing he was easily embarrassed, she figured that since he'd said that, he would probably eat properly.
Tang Huan replied softly, "It's good that you're alright." He obediently ate the braised beef tendon, and then, as expected, stopped looking at her and just kept eating in silence.
The old immortal, being an experienced man, had observed the three's behavior throughout the journey and understood perfectly well. His heart was stirred once more, and he found himself somewhat unable to enjoy his meal.
After breakfast, the group set off for the Tang Clan.
Five days later, the group entered the outer city of Tangmen.
In just a few months, the outer city has become thriving and well-organized. The entire city is undergoing a vigorous reconstruction, sweeping away the desolation and ruin that Mo Xi saw on his last visit.
The pavilion and high platform she had made up on the spur of the moment were actually under construction, with a huge stepped stone base already rising from the ground. Tang Huan followed her gaze and said softly, "After 'Muxi Terrace' is completed, can I invite you to come again?"
Mo Xi assumed it was the name "Mu Xi" and thought to herself, "Oh no, this is a huge mess." The prestigious Tang Clan was named after her, a mere assassin's stage name. In her past life, she'd longed to name a satellite, a building, or a luxury cruise ship after herself, but she lacked the means. Now, with that opportunity finally within reach, she was too ashamed to be seen in public… She was just about to explain to Tang Huan that her work required discretion, lest the boy have something to hide and her name be plastered on the city walls.
Seeing that Mo Xi did not answer, Tang Huan said again, "This time I only invited you." In her heart, she silently prayed: Amidst the hustle and bustle of the world, I only ask that you stand quietly in a corner within my sight.
Mo Xi knew he was referring to her leaving without saying goodbye at the last sect leader ceremony. She said softly, "As long as you change the name of the platform, I'll keep the appointment." She breathed a sigh of relief. Going alone was better than being a special guest at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Being a temporary worker with too much exposure was a side job that would jeopardize her main job.
Tang Huan's gaze swept over her plain features like water, and she said softly, "It's not your name." After a pause, she added in a low voice, "It's the 'Mu' in 'Si Mu' (to yearn for). Don't worry."
Mo Xi: "..." sighed inwardly: This child is even more irrational than I thought.
The group traveled to Yaohe.
Mo Xi had originally planned that if she had the chance to see He Qun again, she would at least find out his intentions in gifting him the sword. If he admitted to taking advantage of her, and while he still had some conscience and felt a little guilty, she could also extort some Shushan manuals as compensation. Unexpectedly, the medicine she had given him last time was too strong. He Qun, this grandmaster, lacked mental fortitude and the spirit of dedication and selflessness. He actually abandoned his ferrying mission and disappeared.
This time, crossing the river cannot be done manually; we must rely on machinery.
Tang Huan pulled a jade flute, its surface entirely emerald green, from his robes. His thin lips parted slightly, and his fingers moved slowly, producing a torrent of notes. The music was clear and melodious, like a hand brushing a beaded curtain, ethereal as a butterfly's wings fluttering. At its lowest, it was plaintive and wistful; at its highest, it soared like an eagle. Throughout his performance, he kept his gaze fixed on Mo Xi's eyes. When he finished, he softly said, "This piece is called 'A Glance Brings Joy'."
A fleeting encounter in this world, a quiet joy unfolds. Among millions, I await only your single glance.
Mo Xi remained silent for a moment before saying, "Although I am not knowledgeable in music, I think it sounds very nice."
Tang Huan smiled and said softly, "You're so smart, you'll naturally understand what you want to understand."
Mo Xi: "..." She thought to herself: Why are you so smart too?
The people on the opposite bank had already received Tang Huan's instructions. As soon as the flute music ended, the iron chain at the bottom of the river slowly emerged from the water, like a dragon emerging from the water, stirring up a wave of rolling waves, which was quite a spectacular sight.
The four men crossed the river on the iron chain pontoon bridge as if walking on flat ground.
Upon entering the inner city, Tang De had been waiting for some time. Seeing Mo Xi, he showed no surprise at Luan Su's departure, instead greeting her with exceptional warmth, saying with a smile, "Miss Mu's arrival at the Tang Clan is an honor. The Sect Leader, fearing for your safety, insisted on going to Mount Shu alone. Although this old servant was worried, I couldn't refuse his wishes. Today, Miss Mu and the Sect Leader have returned safely; this old servant can finally sleep soundly." Mo Xi was speechless again. So, even people in ancient times hoped to get promoted and receive a raise by acting as a pimp for their bosses… A wave of indignation washed over him: Tang Huan is truly skilled at managing his subordinates; Tang De can even greet his own daughter's rival with a smile…
Tang Huan coughed softly.
Tang De, not wanting to leave too much of a trace, stopped joking while he was ahead. He turned and sized up Mu Fengting several times, secretly wondering what connection this handsome young man had with Miss Mu. It seemed the Fourth Young Master was in for a headache. When he saw the Immortal Elder, he paused slightly, then composed himself and smiled, "You are all distinguished guests of the Tang Clan. Please feel free to ask for anything." He then led them to their lodgings with great courtesy. However, the Immortal Elder and Mu Fengting were both arranged to stay at Yunxia Terrace, while Mo Xi remained at Chongyao Terrace, just steps away from Qinghui Pavilion. As a guest, Mo Xi naturally had no reason to complain.
Author's Note: Actually, I also think it's cliché for many men to fight over one woman. But there's a reason for that. The important plot points will become clear as you read on. There's really no need to be scared off by the teasing preview of the cat and the girl. The two will have many opportunities to interact in this episode, and it should be quite sweet. And the so-called level of angst is nothing compared to some other angst-filled novels. (Niubb Novel Reading Website)
Red Demon
( ) The room is separated by a four-panel screen. One side is embroidered with the thirty-nine kinds of peonies recorded in the "Fresh Fragrance Manual", including "Ice Beauty", "Iron Wire Purple", "Guanyin Face", "Lotus Fragrance White", "Gold and Jade Intermingling", "Rouge Dot Jade", etc. The other side is embroidered with four "Plain Crown Lotus Cauldron" orchids. This kind of orchid with connected petals is a rare treasure among orchids.
Both sides of the screen are embroidered with an inscription: "Think carefully, and seize the day. When wine and flowers appear, laugh and be proud, let the jade mountain fall. Let us be intoxicated by the scenery, for life is like dew on fragrant grass. Fortunately, we have recently arrived, with wine as plentiful as the Mian River, and we shall sing and laugh for a thousand autumns." There is no need to guess; it is naturally Tang Huan's handwriting.
Peonies are herbaceous plants, so they lack hard, woody stems. They resemble willows swaying in the breeze and are as beautiful as delicate young girls, hence the name "boneless flower." Mo Xi gazed at the magnificent expanse of flowers, a tapestry of beauty, and thought to herself: You are the orchid, a queen of heavenly fragrance, while I am not the graceful and charming peony.
However, since she was already there, she might as well make the best of it. Mo Xi had just sat down when a maid came to serve tea. It was none other than Lü Yun. She walked cheerfully to Mo Xi's side, put down the tea tray, and said, "Fourth Young Master said before he left that Miss was coming, and Lü Yun has been waiting for you for a long time." She then poured tea for Mo Xi.
Mo Xi genuinely liked this girl and smiled, "You sit down too." He took a sip of tea, which was indeed fragrant and refreshing.
Tang Huan arrived shortly afterward with a medicine box.
"I will heal your wounds."
Mo Xi knew that her hand was more precious than a surgeon's; it was her lifeline, so she naturally dared not be negligent. Therefore, she obediently cooperated, saying, "Okay."
Tang Huan gently took Mo Xi's hand and saw that her wrist was already swollen. She knew that Mo Xi must be in a lot of pain, so she hesitated to touch her. She said softly, "Bear with it for a moment, I'll massage it to help reduce the swelling."
Mo Xi nodded and let him do as he pleased.
It did hurt quite a bit, but compared to the countless injuries Mo Xi had suffered in the past, this pain was nothing.
Tang Huan kept a close eye on her expression, afraid of hurting her too much. Seeing her peaceful expression, Tang Huan felt a pang of pain in her heart. What kind of suffering must she have endured to be able to completely disregard pain that ordinary people could not bear?