Judging from her expression, it seemed to be more than just a maid's affection for her master... Just then, a hand reached out from behind me. I instinctively retaliated, but quickly withdrew my hand after recognizing the person's face. It was Xiao Nuo! I almost hit him!
"You..." I had only uttered one word when he shushed me, pointed to Xiao Jian's room, and then pulled me away.
He stopped under a willow tree after walking a hundred paces. The tree was by the lake, and the evening breeze brought a refreshing coolness to the early autumn night.
"What are you doing here?" We said at the same time.
Xiao Nuo said, "I wanted to come see my second brother. What about you?"
"I just happened to be passing by." We looked at each other and saw the same emotion on each other's faces.
In that instant, only in that instant, I suddenly realized how similar my situation was to his—both of us were caught in the middle of the situation, yet isolated from it.
For me, it's because I'm an outsider, while for him, it's because he's not valued.
Does he mind? Or rather: does he... care?
—————————————————I am a dividing line—————————————————
I have something to do tonight, so I'm posting this early. Please feel free to offer your opinions, discuss it if you have any, and those who want to read this article, please continue reading.
Also, thank you again to Coco, Mingmei, Caomuren, and all the other ladies for their comments... It's a pity that Coco's post wasn't featured! It was so well-written and so long; it must have taken so much time and effort! And yet, it wasn't featured! I'm really angry...
However, considering Jinjiang's strict rules now, it seems only strong, critical comments get a post featured, so I think it would be best if this post remained unfeatured until its completion, hehe. I've never been a humble person, and pretending to be humble is even more unnecessary. As for welcoming criticism, I said it once in *Fengyan Yin*, and I regretted it terribly, so I'll never say it again!
Alright, enough rambling. Enjoy reading! ^*^
—————————————————Still me, dividing line——————————————
FT! Does drinking always mean going to karaoke? I'd rather buy a block of tofu and smash my head against it than go to karaoke with seven or eight karaoke enthusiasts! So, head home!
I just happened to see some comments from new and old friends, so I'll say a few words.
First of all, thank you all for your love and support for the characters in the prequel, such as Xiao Zuo. I am truly touched by your kind thoughts...
Secondly, can't we give him some trust? Xiao Zuo is so wise, and Yi Lü is so powerful (hahaha), they won't let our great Lord Xiao's glorious image be ruined like this! Everyone, relax... However, to find out more, we'll have to wait for the next installment.
Finally, while watching TV through my drunken eyes, I realized... I realized that Uncle Zhu Jun really looks like a potato... Does anyone else feel the same way?
Drifting away...
But in the midst of the mystery
In the boundless night, Xiao Nuo and Feng Chenxi stared at each other silently. After a moment, Xiao Nuo smiled bitterly and said, "Let's go."
Feng Chenxi didn't ask any questions and followed him.
A night breeze swept by as we walked along the lake. The water rippled and the withered lotus swayed. The lakeside was shrouded in mist and the bamboo shadows were dappled. In the distance, there seemed to be pavilions and towers, but they were indistinct and not clearly visible. Even Xiao Nuo, who was walking ahead, seemed to be melting into the thick, ink-like night.
Everyone says that the third young master of the Xiao family is innocent and naive, a child who will never grow up. But Feng Chenxi found that as long as he turned his back and didn't let anyone see his signature innocent smile, the feeling completely changed. It was as if only his smile was innocent, not the person himself... Of course, it was also possible that all of this was just her imagination. People usually become suspicious when they are in an abnormal environment.
At this moment, Xiao Nuo stopped and pointed to a large rock, saying, "Let's sit for a while."
The stone stood by the lake, its face reflected in the moonlight and the lake's shimmering light. There was no smile on its face; the chiseled lines of its features outlined a resolute silhouette in the night.
Although the three brothers had very different personalities, they had one thing in common: they all inherited the good looks of Xiao Zuo and Gong Feicui.
Feng Chenxi sat down on the rock, remained silent for a while, and then said, "Is something on your mind?"
Xiao Nuo shook her head and said, "I just find something strange."
Feng Chenxi immediately asked, "What is it?"
Xiao Nuo remained silent, gazing at the lake for a long while before finally asking, "Sister, do you know about your master and my parents?"
He suddenly brought up something from thirty years ago. Although Feng Chenxi was a little surprised, she still replied, "I know a little about it."
How much is one point?
"Probably 60% or 70%. My master... isn't someone who likes to reminisce."
Xiao Nuo said, "I know everything." He turned to look at her, "I'll tell you."
Feng Chenxi was taken aback. He said, "I'll tell you," instead of "Shall I tell you?"... Clearly, he didn't care whether she wanted to listen or not.
So Xiao Nuo began by recounting the story of the Luoyang Treasure Exhibition thirty years ago, telling the tale in detail, even including some small details. One by one, names came out of his mouth. Some were unfamiliar to Feng Chenxi, such as the Dragon King; others were very familiar to her, such as Baili Chenfeng... Time flowed slowly, and when the moon was high in the sky, he finally unveiled the mystery of that long-buried past for her.
Feng Chenxi was completely stunned by this wonderful, strange and unique story, and finally understood the profound meaning of her master's muttered drunken words, "Since the wind is born, why is the flute born?"... Master, her pitiful, lamentable and respectable master!
Rubbing her eyes and letting out a long sigh, Feng Chenxi turned to Xiao Nuo and said, "Alright, now you can say what you really want to say."
She was certain he hadn't told her this story on a whim.
Xiao Nuo smiled and said, "I just want to say that my mother, including my father, has never forgotten your master. And your master certainly won't forget them either."
Feng Chenxi admitted that no matter who has experienced such a story, they will never forget the people in the story.
“I think my mother will be very happy to see you. After all, your master is someone she grew up with.”
Feng Chenxi recalled the way Gong Feicui looked at her in the Youzhu Yourou Pavilion that day and nodded, saying, "That should be it."
“And my father…” Xiao Nuo smiled, “As far as I know, he cares about everything my mother cares about. Besides, he has always told us that your master is the most courageous and special woman he has ever met. So, I think he must like you very much too.”
Feng Chenxi turned her face away uncomfortably and asked, "What exactly are you trying to say?"
Her tone was rather unfriendly, but Xiao Nuo didn't seem to care at all, and said calmly, "From a personal standpoint, you are a disciple of an old friend; from a legal standpoint, you are a guest from afar. Whether from a personal standpoint or a legal standpoint, my father shouldn't have been so neglectful of you, and even forgot to tell my elder brother to treat you well."
Feng Chenxi felt a sudden unease and blurted out, "And what about you? You're his son, and he didn't even say a word to you either."
Xiao Nuo wasn't annoyed, and chuckled to herself, "Yes, my father is really biased, isn't he?"
Seeing his expression, Feng Chenxi felt embarrassed and forced a smile, saying, "That's not quite right. Your father is probably just focusing all his attention on your mother, so he can't take care of anyone else."
“Yes, that must be it.” Xiao Nuo nodded seriously. “Otherwise, how could he not care even though his second brother has become a murderer?”
Feng Chenxi was stunned again. Although his words seemed to acknowledge her thoughts, they didn't feel quite right to her. Moreover... just as he had said earlier: one was a friend from afar, another was a mentally challenged young son who needed constant reminders, and the third was a second son burdened with a blood feud. How could Xiao Zuo just ignore them all like that?
“That’s just how my dad is!” Xiao Nuo said, pursing her lips. “If he wants to, he can handle any trouble in the world. If he wants to give up, even if my mother isn’t sick, he’ll find an excuse to run away…”
Feng Chenxi asked suspiciously, "But this matter is no small thing. If things go wrong, your second brother might have to pay with his life. Isn't your father afraid?"
Xiao Nuo was silent for a moment, then a half-smile appeared on his face. He said, "What is he afraid of? He knows that as long as he lets go, someone will naturally take over..."
For some reason, he stood up before finishing his sentence, blinked, and said, "I'm hungry. Are you hungry?"
Hungry? Feng Chenxi stared at him, bewildered. He was the one who said he had no appetite just now, and now he's saying he's hungry. What on earth is Xiao Nuo up to?!
The Xiao residence was vast, comprised of numerous courtyards of varying sizes. Entering through the main gate, one would find a front hall, a rear hall, and side wings with auxiliary rooms on either side, forming two large courtyards. The front hall was the main building, located in the center of the entire estate. Behind the side wings were several courtyards. To the left and right were workshops, warehouses, and servants' residences; behind the long corridor on the right was a stage, and further back was a garden. The kitchen was located in a small courtyard behind the garden.
It was past midnight, and all the servants should have gone to bed by now, but the kitchen lights were still on.
Seeing the candlelight streaming through the window, a hint of a smile seemed to flicker in Xiao Nuo's eyes. He grabbed Feng Chenxi's hand and said, "Hurry up..."
Before he could finish speaking, Feng Chenxi forcefully pulled her hand away. He was taken aback and turned to ask, "What's wrong?"
“I…” Feng Chenxi glanced at him, then quickly lowered her eyelashes and said, “It’s nothing.”
After speaking, she couldn't help but frown at herself. What was wrong with her? Since they met, he had held her hand countless times, and she had always treated him like a child, never thinking anything of it being unreasonable. But just now, when he suddenly grabbed her hand, she felt a sudden unease. Was it because his hand was so warm, or because his palm was so large? She didn't know... Perhaps, she simply realized: he was no longer a child.
"Sister?" Seeing her lost in thought, Xiao Nuo couldn't help but reach out and wave her hand in front of her eyes. "What's wrong with you?"
Feng Chenxi looked up in a daze, but saw his eyes were clear and bright in the moonlight, like a pool of autumn water, almost reflecting her image. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly composed herself, saying, "I'm fine. Aren't you hungry? Is that the kitchen?"
"Yes, let's hurry and find something to eat!"
Xiao Nuo must have been really hungry, because she practically ran to the kitchen door, pushed it open, and called out without even looking out, "Sister You Li!"
Feng Chenxi looked and saw that the person standing by the kitchen stove was none other than You Li, the red-clad maid she had seen outside Xiao Jian's door... This Xiao Nuo, his eyes are too sharp!
You Li was holding a sieve with several rows of dumplings neatly arranged on it, seemingly waiting for the water to boil. When she saw Xiao Nuo come in, she was first surprised, then smiled and said, "Third Young Master, you didn't have dinner. Are you hungry now?"
“Yeah.” Xiao Nuo sauntered into the kitchen. “Second brother didn’t have dinner either. I guessed Sister Youli would make him a midnight snack here, hehe.”
Youli turned her head and smiled, "So you came, didn't you?"
Xiao Nuo said smugly, "Of course. Who doesn't know that Sister Youli's cooking skills are even better than the head chef of Yipintang in the capital?" Suddenly, her eyes lit up as she stared at the three-drawer food box on the small table and asked, "Sister Youli, what's in here?"
As he spoke, he stepped forward and opened the box.
You Li's expression changed, and she said urgently, "Third Young Master, don't touch that..."
"Wow!" Xiao Nuo suddenly exclaimed, as he had already opened the food box.
What made him scream was nothing more than a plate of pork hock.
"Jiangsu Crystal Pork Knuckle!" Xiao Nuo's mouth seemed to be watering. "I love it the most!"
"Third Young Master..."
Xiao Nuo opened the second layer of the food box. This time, he didn't call out, but instead sighed and said, "Gourd duck, gourd duck is my favorite dish among Anhui cuisine..."
With a sigh, he opened the third layer, and a tempting fragrance suddenly wafted into the air.
Xiao Nuo stared blankly at the food box and said, "Oh, it's winter melon soup. To be honest, I don't like Cantonese food... Sister You Li?"
"What?" Youli stared at him warily.
Xiao Nuo took a deep breath, then suddenly frowned and said, "I can't take it anymore. Just let me have one bite, please?"
"No!" You Li rushed forward, hurriedly closing the food box, and refused in a harsh tone, "Not a single bite! This is for the second young master, no one can touch it!"
After saying that, seeing Xiao Nuo's aggrieved expression, he softened his voice and coaxed, "The water will be boiling soon, Third Young Master, please bear with it for a moment, I'll make dumplings for you later."
Xiao Nuo stared at her with resentment and said in a low voice, "You made so many delicious dishes for Second Brother, but you only let me eat dumplings?"
Suddenly, she pouted and went berserk, yelling "I won't eat! I won't eat!" before running out the door.
Feng Chenxi and You Li were both stunned on the spot, and it took them a while to come to their senses. She smiled at You Li, shook her head and chased after her.
He went outside and saw that it was pitch black all around. There was no sign of Xiao Nuo. He shook his head again and walked out of the courtyard with his head down. Suddenly, he saw a figure flash in front of him. He looked up and saw that it was Xiao Nuo. He immediately laughed: "So you weren't angered to death by You Li?"
"Almost," Xiao Nuo said with a straight face. "Those are all my favorite dishes, hmph!"
Feng Chenxi deliberately provoked him, saying, "That's food that people make for their sweethearts. If it were me, I wouldn't give it to you either."
Xiao Nuo glanced at her and said, "Can you cook? I don't really believe it... Besides, if you don't give me food, will I not be able to eat? Look at this—" He mysteriously spread out his palm.
Feng Chenxi looked closely and almost burst out laughing—there was a piece of duck skin lying in Xiao Nuo's palm.
"Good heavens!" She tried to suppress her laughter, but the smile still escaped her lips. "If you're going to steal something, at least steal a bigger one! What can you do with this?"
“It’s not enough to fill our stomachs, but…” Xiao Nuo said leisurely, “it’s enough to do other things.”
Feng Chenxi sensed the hidden meaning in his words and unconsciously stopped laughing, asking, "What do you mean?"