Idle flowers and shadows

Chapter 10

Before Su Xianhua could answer, he asked, "Your name is Su Xianhua, and you are the leader of Black Wind Stronghold in Luoyu Mountain, known as 'Green Butterfly,' right?"

He was absolutely right, so she had no choice but to say, "Yes."

"So, we knew each other long before today, didn't we?"

"right……"

"This hairpin, you gave it to me yourself, didn't you?"

Su Xianhua stared at the glittering silver hairpin in his hand for a long time before reluctantly nodding and muttering, "Yes."

A quiet murmur arose around them. Duan Ruhua looked at Cheng Hongxiao with disbelief, then at Su Xianhua, and after a moment of contemplation, she suddenly exclaimed in realization, "So you guys..."

“Well said.” He reached out and put his arm around Su Xianhua’s shoulder. “We have a very close relationship. She found you, which means I found you.”

"Nonsense! Cheng Hongxiao, you shameless bastard..." Her last words were swallowed back by Cheng Hongxiao's hand. Ignoring her punches and kicks, he gently blocked them with his other hand, smiling as he said to those around him, "Sorry, she's a bit restless, please don't take offense..."

The seemingly casual embrace was actually quite forceful, and Su Xianhua couldn't break free for a moment, only able to glare angrily. Just then, a deep, bell-like voice echoed through the empty valley, slowly saying, "Ruhua, let's not dwell on this matter anymore. Consider this question answered by both of you. Pearl, get this done as soon as possible; it's too noisy here, and this old woman is tired."

These words were like a royal decree, instantly igniting a surge of excitement within everyone. They could no longer care about the past entanglements, and all turned towards the suspended tower, watching as the Pearl Girl's two pearl-like, moist lips slowly uttered the words they had been waiting for—

"The sound of a horse's hooves travels a thousand miles without being heard, but at midnight the flute under the stars and moon is gradually heard. I take my child's hand and climb the west tower, gazing at the radiant light of dawn."

A seven-character quatrain, or rather, a rather mediocre one... The key question is, what exactly do these four seemingly ambiguous lines mean?

This poem, though not particularly sophisticated, was treasured by every young swordsman waiting in the Tortoiseshell Valley. They recited it in hushed tones and hurried away, each one afraid of being outmaneuvered.

At midnight, the sound of a flute playing under the stars and moon could be heard (5)

Cheng Hongxiao glanced down at Su Xianhua, who was still struggling, but the smile on his lips remained. Su Xianhua found it strange, stomped on the back of his foot, and shouted, "Cheng Hongxiao, let go of my claws!"

"Shrew." He stepped aside, muttering under his breath, but didn't grab her again. He released her and took a step back, watching as Ru Hua and Pearl walked into the tall gate on the high platform. His gaze gradually turned cold, and when he turned his head, his expression was stern and cold.

Do you know what those four lines of poetry mean?

“I’ve never studied poetry, how would I know? Besides, I have no interest in this. Please, sir, ponder it yourself.” She spoke with unusual eloquence, and couldn’t help but laugh at herself. From childhood, Qin Shao, a well-read scholar, had taught her poetry and prose, hoping to cultivate a virtuous and talented heroine. However, even he, with his exceptional patience, had to give up in the end. Now, Su Xianhua, while able to read and understand, was still quite far from being virtuous and talented.

Cheng Hong smiled but didn't answer. She looked up behind her, and upon seeing something, frowned slightly. Her gaze swept over Cheng Hong's smiling face, and she said coldly, "You think you're so clever, claiming you have no interest in this? Others might not think so..."

Before the words were even finished, the person had already turned and left, their clothes fluttering as they disappeared into the dense forest of the valley.

Why not take the path when there's one? Even the best light-footed skill isn't used like this… Su Xianhua hummed, smoothing her clothes. With this turn of events, the matter of Duan Ruhua was settled. She had no interest in the Sword Saint's sword manual, so she figured she wouldn't see that scoundrel again. Since leaving Black Wind Stronghold, she'd lost control of her emotions every time she encountered Bai Nianchen; her self-control was clearly lacking. Coming out to clear her head had only become a torment. She might as well go back.

Just as she was thinking this, she felt a cold, probing gaze behind her and couldn't help but turn around, meeting Bai Nianchen's icy eyes. He hadn't left yet? Not only had he not left, but behind him, the two sisters from the Situ family were talking quietly, their eyes occasionally drifting over, full of unfathomable meaning.

She suddenly felt uncomfortable all over. Although she didn't know what to say at this moment, she couldn't show weakness. She raised her head and glared at Bai Nianchen, her eyes clearly saying—I'll settle this score with you later!

But after taking only a couple of steps, she heard the heavy clang of a door latch. The door to the upper floor had opened again, and a pink figure rushed out, calling out before she even got close, "Sister Su, please wait! My mistress invites you in!"

At this moment, there were still half of the people in the valley who had not gone far. Upon hearing this, they couldn't help but turn around. Under countless surprised and strange gazes, Su Xianhua was pulled by Duan Ruhua towards Feihua Xiaozhu. She couldn't help but wonder, unable to figure out Madam Ji's intentions, so she could only ask, "Ruhua, what does Madam want with me?"

"I don't know," Duan Ruhua told the truth, but her expression was excited. She was a straightforward girl, and because Su Xianhua had chivalrously rescued her from the manor, she had always considered her a close friend. Seeing that her master favored her so much, she was happy as well.

As the heavy door slowly closed behind her, shutting out those strange looks, Su Xianhua felt awkward but also unconsciously relieved. As Duan Ruhua climbed the long stone steps, her pink dress swaying in the breeze, a thought suddenly occurred to her, and she asked, "Ruhua, does your father know you've returned to Madam Ji's place?"

Duan Ruhua stuck out her tongue: "I just returned to Feihua Xiaozhu yesterday and was just about to send someone to deliver a letter to Father."

"Aren't you afraid he'll get anxious?" Since the Sword Saint said that Duan Ruhua is a treasure that Duan Wenzheng would give up everything for, then if she suddenly disappears from the mansion and is not with her master for three days, wouldn't Duan Wenzheng get sick from worry?

Duan Ruhua lowered her head, a hint of unease and reluctance flashing in her eyes, yet she stubbornly pouted and said, "He thinks he's good to me, locking me up at home, forbidding me from coming to Madam's to learn martial arts, forbidding me from associating with Brother Tian, and even wanting me to marry that spoiled brat from the south of the city… I refuse to marry that纨绔子弟 (spoiled brat)! If he won't give me my freedom, I'll just leave!"

At midnight, the sound of a flute playing amidst the stars and moon could be heard. (6)

Su Xianhua remained silent, lost in thought. As the second mountain gate drew near, Duan Ruhua bit her lip and stopped, respectfully knocking three times on the door. The small vermilion door slowly opened, revealing the Pearl Girl who had just recited poetry standing behind it.

Su Xianhua stepped inside, but then suddenly turned back and said to Duan Ruhua, "Ruhua, I still think... you should go back and see your father."

Duan Ruhua, who had been standing with her hands at her sides, was stunned by Su Xianhua's words. Su Xianhua scratched her head, looking quite troubled, and finally sighed, saying, "Ruhua, actually, after I found out the answer to this question, I've been wondering why the Sword Saint would set such a question? What was the point of asking everyone to find Duan Wenzheng's most important treasure? Who exactly did he want to know?"

Duan Ruhua, standing below the steps, bit her lip, her eyes beginning to show conflict.

Su Xianhua continued, "Well, my mother died a long time ago, and my father died a few years ago at the Lingluo Sea. I'm not someone anyone would give up everything for, Ruhua, I think you're much luckier than me..." She looked up at the sky and chuckled, "I'm not very good at talking, please don't mind. Anyway, what I mean is, the Sword Saint wouldn't have given this question for no reason, so... why don't you talk to your father again?"

After saying that, Su Xianhua patted Duan Ruhua on the shoulder and followed Pearl into the room.

Su Xianhua wasn't a particularly observant person, but she was always more sensitive than other children when it came to her parents. Her mother disappeared without a trace after giving birth to her. The entire Black Wind Village kept her mother's existence a closely guarded secret, and Su Xianhua had never even seen a portrait of her. Her life revolved solely around her father—in truth, he wasn't old at all when he died, but in her memory, he was the irreplaceable father in the world. He never hit or scolded her; although he was a rather unrefined bandit, he would give her the gentlest embrace. While the other children in the village were chased by adults with brooms after causing trouble, she could safely hide in her father's arms, tugging at his prickly short beard and laughing heartily—there was no safer place in the world.

My father died on the desolate sea to the east. It is said that he encountered pirates—pirates robbed bandits, which is truly a strange thing.

Over the years, Su Xianhua has gradually learned to transform the grief of longing into tender memories. She has always felt that it is a great blessing to be alive and have parents who constantly guide and care for you! She wonders if Duan Ruhua can understand this.

two

After walking another hundred steps or so, turning through the corridor, and stepping onto the high platform, Pearl stopped in front of a warm pavilion. Like Duan Ruhua, she raised her hand and knocked on the door, and a deep, gentle voice came from inside: "Come in."

Su Xianhua recognized the voice as that of Madam Ji.

Pearl gestured for her to enter. Su Xianhua composed herself and pushed open the door, immediately enveloped by a rich, warm fragrance. The room wasn't as simple and elegant as she had imagined; instead, it was filled with exquisite porcelain and fresh flowers, exuding wealth without losing its refinement, and charm without losing its elegance. It didn't seem like the home of a master martial artist; it felt more like the home of a well-bred young lady.

Standing in such a beautiful room, Su Xianhua's eyes were full of envy, yet she was even more puzzled.

"Miss Su." The woman in front of the dressing table slowly turned around, holding a silver comb and combing her long, snow-white hair. Her face was still covered by a black veil, but her eyes, which were usually calm and composed in front of others, contained a faint smile.

Su Xianhua looked around and asked, "May I ask what business you have with me, Madam?"

"It's nothing important, I just find you quite pleasing to the eye, young lady, and wanted to chat with you." Madam Ji calmly put down her comb, walked to Su Xianhua, and gently brushed a few stray strands of hair from her face with her slender fingers. She said softly, "This won't do. A girl should always dress herself up beautifully..."

At midnight, the sound of a flute playing amidst the stars and moon could be heard. (7)

Before Su Xianhua could grasp the meaning of those words, Madam Ji clapped her hands lightly. Several young maids emerged from behind the curtain, each carrying a tray, and placed them one by one on the table. The trays contained a brass basin, a hand towel, hot water, and some bottles and jars that Su Xianhua couldn't understand. On the last tray, there was even a new set of smoky pink clothes.

Madam Ji led the dumbfounded Su Xianhua to the brass basin, pointed to the half-basin of warm water filled with flower petals, and said, "Miss Su, please wash your face."

Is the custom at Fei Hua Xiao Zhu to offer guests a face wash upon first meeting them? Su Xianhua, unaware of the custom, wrung out a fragrant towel and haphazardly wiped her face. Just as she was about to throw the towel back, Madam Ji stopped her, saying, "Miss Su, that's not how you wash your face."

Su Xianhua stared blankly as Madam Ji repeatedly soaked the towel in water, wrung it out until it was half-dry, and gently wiped her face, starting from her forehead, then to her nose, then her cheeks, and around to behind her ears. She then soaked the towel again, pressed the damp towel lightly against her lips, and after a moment, took it out, wrung it out in another basin of cool water, wiped her face clean, and then said softly, "All done."

The lingering fragrance of the floral dew remained on her skin. Su Xianhua touched her face; the smooth texture felt strange yet comforting. She awkwardly said, "Thank you, Madam."

“This is how a young lady should wash her face every day. Although you are still young and don’t feel it now, you will find in time that the skin on your face is the most vulnerable to the ravages of time. You must take good care of the things that God has given you.” Madam Ji gently patted her cheek and smiled, “You look much prettier now that you’ve wiped away the dust.”

“Um, Madam…”

"Let's go take a shower."

"Madam, you don't need to be so polite..." Why are the customs here so bizarre, even though we're also near Luoyu Mountain? Not only are they offering her a face wash, but they're also offering her a bath. It's not like she's getting ready to get married after a bath. Why all the fuss?

Su Xianhua initially wanted to refuse, but when she saw the white jade bathtub behind the door, which could easily accommodate ten people, she forgot all about refusing.

Light gauze fluttered around the bath, and colorful flower petals floated on the milky white bathwater. Crystal bottles held glistening fragrant dew… Su Xianhua had dreamed of bathing in such a beautiful place since childhood. In her imagination, only a true young lady could have such a place. Everyone in Black Wind Village knew that although her personality and behavior were not ladylike, she loved girls' items and sparkly things. Even when she traveled the world, she never changed into men's clothing… There was nothing wrong with being a girl, but for the past ten years, no one had been able to provide any constructive guidance on her path to becoming a lady.

Even the all-powerful Qin Shao couldn't do it. He had never been married, so no matter how careful he was, he couldn't understand a girl's thoughts, let alone know how to dress up... It's also possible that in his eyes, Su Xianhua looked the same whether she was dressed up or not, so there was no difference between dressing up and not dressing up.

Being the leader of a group of unmarried men is the saddest thing.

In short, the moment she saw Madam Ji's bathtub, she felt an itch all over her body. Counting on her fingers, she realized she hadn't bathed for at least ten days. It was all the fault of those three and four old men, who often went a month without bathing, causing her to suffer the same fate.

Su Xianhua quickly dressed and jumped into the water, ready to enjoy herself, when Madam Ji's admonition came from behind the door: "Miss Su, remember, the water shouldn't be too hot when you bathe, and don't stay in for more than half an hour—soaking for too long will cause your skin to wrinkle, and once it's dehydrated, it won't look plump. Don't use too much soap either, it's bad for your health. Rose-scented lotion is moisturizing; apply some before getting dressed..."

Madam Ji, who was usually quiet in public, suddenly became quite eloquent when discussing beauty and health. Su Xianhua was left dizzy and disoriented by her words. She had thought Madam Ji was just talking, but unexpectedly, half an hour later, several maids came in and half-dragged, half-pulled her out of the bath. They smeared her body with rose-scented lotion, dried her long hair until it was half-dry, then draped a moon-white robe over her and led her to the warm pavilion.

At midnight, the sound of a flute playing under the stars and moon could be heard. (8)

Madam Ji was sitting at her dressing table, applying rouge. Seeing Su Xianhua's flushed face and misty eyes, she nodded slightly, seemingly quite satisfied. She casually ruffled Su Xianhua's hair, then took a pair of gold scissors from the tray, held them up to Su Xianhua's forehead, and then pulled her to sit down, saying, "While a woman's hair is certainly more beautiful the longer it is, for a woman who often goes out, too much hair isn't good. In strong winds, it can easily cover her eyebrows and eyes, and the ends are prone to dryness and brittleness. Therefore, it needs to be trimmed frequently..."

As she spoke, Madam Ji raised the scissors in her hand and carefully trimmed Su Xianhua's uneven long hair. The long, messy bangs in front of her forehead were cut short, falling just an inch above her eyebrows, and the strands of hair were also smoothed out. Half an hour later, she nodded and said, "This is very good. If it grows long again, just cut it yourself."

Su Xianhua was completely bewildered. Under Madam Ji's soft words and gentle actions, she had no idea what to do and could only let herself be manipulated as if she were under a spell.

"Next, we need to shape your eyebrows. Young ladies from wealthy families usually have maids to attend to their hair and makeup. Miss Su is a woman of the martial world, so you probably don't have anyone like that around you. Therefore, you'll have to learn a little on your own... You see, your eyebrows are actually very well-grown, long and thick, but if you don't shape them, they'll grow more and more messy, making you look a bit fierce. Here, use a razor to scrape off some... Finally, add a touch of ink, but remember, not too much. Too much will just be superfluous."

"You don't need to wear powder normally. Although lead powder is white, it doesn't suit your appearance. Just use a little bit of light rouge to blend it in... I have some plum blossom snow cream that I made myself last year. You can use it."

When Madam Ji began to comb her hair, Su Xianhua was truly apprehensive.

"Madam, what exactly did you call me here for? Although I'm happy to help me dress up, this ambiguous situation makes Su Xianhua feel uneasy. I think I'd better take my leave..."

After saying this, Su Xianhua gathered her fragrant long hair and turned to look for her clothes. Madam Ji grabbed her arm and said indifferently, "I had your clothes thrown away a long time ago."

"Madam, how could you do this!"

Don't think you can bully people just because you're a senior!

“Miss Su’s skin is already a honey color, and wearing light blue clothes will only make her complexion look even more sallow. You absolutely cannot wear this color again!” Madam Ji flipped her wrist and pulled Su Xianhua back to sit down, placing a set of smoky pink clothes from the plate into her hands. “You must remember, from now on, never wear earth tones or light green. If you do, your complexion will be three points worse, and you’ll look extremely ugly.”

Is it really that serious? Su Xianhua stared at the pink dress in her hand. Such a vibrant color; she'd never worn anything like it before. If she went out dressed like this, those men would be utterly astonished!

“This dress is inspired by the clothing of Hu women, with narrow sleeves and a short hem, which is convenient for riding horses, running, and fighting. Don’t worry, go and change.” Madam Ji pushed her behind the curtain, her voice carrying a slight smile. “Miss Su, you must remember that every woman is beautiful. Women who are not beautiful are simply those who do not cherish themselves enough.”

A muffled voice came from behind the curtain: "Madam, why are you doing all this for me?"

"I did say it was because I found Miss Su very pleasing to the eye," Madam Ji said. "If you take good care of yourself from now on, no man will dare to look down on you. Wouldn't that be better?"

Did Lady Ji see what happened on the riverbank just now? Although Su Xianhua had doubts in her heart, she had no time to think about it, because the intricate sashes on that outfit had already captured her attention.

By the time Su Xianhua had finished washing and dressing and left Feihua Xiaozhu looking beautiful, it was already dinnertime, and the dark night was gradually falling.

Lady Ji dipped her fair and delicate hands in a basin of clean water for a moment, then picked up a silk handkerchief and gently wiped them. She smiled softly at the empty, dark corner of the warm pavilion and said, "Are you satisfied now?"

At midnight, the sound of a flute playing under the stars and moon could be heard. (9)

A soft sound came from somewhere, and a person suddenly emerged from the shadows. He was dressed lightly, with a beautiful face and a smiling expression. It was Zhong Zhan!

His lips still held that unchanging, faint smile as he said, "With Mo Lian on the case, it's naturally impeccable."

Lady Ji looked into his eyes thoughtfully and said, "You're quite something. After all these years, the first thing you do is ask this old woman to discipline a wild little girl. Quickly tell me the truth, what is your relationship with her?"

"I was entrusted with this task, so I must fulfill my duty," Zhong Zhan said vaguely. He walked to the dressing table, picked up a box of used rouge, examined it, and smiled, "Mo Lian, what do you think of her?"

"Although the girl is a bit wild, she has excellent natural features. If her skin were a little fairer, she would definitely be an outstanding beauty. It's just that she's still young and her upbringing isn't quite there yet, so she lacks a bit of charm. As for the remaining five points, as long as she doesn't ruin herself, she'll be quite conspicuous in the martial world. I think you..." She hummed meaningfully, then slowly continued, "I don't know what it means to be entrusted with this task, but if you don't keep a close eye on her in the future, I'm afraid you'll be in trouble... Sigh, maybe following her will only bring more trouble..."

Zhong Zhan smiled noncommittally: "Mo Lian, don't you think she looks a bit like 'her'?"