Kiyomi Tsuki and His Fox

Chapter 50

As evening fell, a light autumn rain began to drizzle. Adjacent to the main courtyard of the Shuxiang Academy was a very unique courtyard with three red-brick houses. The garden was filled with strangely shaped rocks forming various animal shapes; a first-time visitor might mistake it for a zoo. Although it was late autumn, the exotic flowers and plants were still blooming brilliantly, full of vitality, showing no trace of the decay of late autumn.

Pushing open the carved door of the third room, which was gleaming with light, one could clearly see a pretty, slender fifteen or sixteen-year-old maid in green. "Young Master Jianyue, I've placed your change of clothes on the couch."

Separated by a large screen, in a large bathtub filled with floating chrysanthemums, a white fox chirped, shook its head, and sent the water droplets and two small chrysanthemums clinging to its white fur to the floor.

“Little fox, if you dare to crawl out and run away, I’ll pluck all your fur. You’re not allowed to sleep in the master’s bed until you’ve washed away your fox smell.”

Through another large screen, Kiyomi Tsuki's lazy voice could be heard.

The white fox climbed halfway out of the bathtub and then shrank back into the hot water, grumbling in frustration. Poor thing, having to soak in hot water twice a day, it's practically turning itself into a plucked chicken.

"Little sparrow, thank you for your trouble. Go ahead."

"Yes, this servant will take her leave. If you have any orders, please just give me a call."

The carved door creaked open, and the maid in green, nicknamed Little Sparrow, retreated.

The white fox cried out excitedly, leaped half its body out, swishing its tail, as if it couldn't wait to jump out.

"Fox, shrink back, I'm angry."

Helpless, the white fox fell back into the hot soup with a splash. It shook its head uncomfortably, sneezed, and its wet white fur drooped down, dripping water. It whimpered, "Master, all my fur is soaked!"

The carved door closed, and Kiyomi Tsuki sighed.

Seven days have passed since the battle of Maple Forest Valley. Following the great victory at Maple Forest Valley, Tianyi Ranch has brought more good news. Lei Yongxiang has successfully encircled and annihilated the main force of the Sky Eagle Sect. Just as Li Ying had predicted, his eldest brother, Li Hong, was killed by an arrow in the battle, while his youngest brother, Li Lin, was captured alive by He Zhiqiang. Poor Li Ying, he had foreseen everything, but he hadn't anticipated his fate, like a stray dog.

This decisive battle turned the tide for Lujiabao from a passive, defensive position. Li Anguo, He Zhiqiang, Liu Xicheng, and Du Fangwei divided their forces into four groups to recapture the shops scattered throughout the country that had been occupied by the Tianying Sect and began reconstruction work.

War costs the most money. After the war, there are expenses for the wounded and the families of the dead, and for rewarding the meritorious soldiers. Then winter comes, and soon it will be the New Year. To have a good New Year, you need money again.

All of this was within Lu Qingcheng's calculations. Therefore, after the battle of Maple Forest Valley, he, Qingfeng, and Bai Yiting immediately began dealing with business matters. As for the various miscellaneous affairs after the battle, they were entirely left to Cai Bo'an, Lin Feng, and Lei Yongxiang to handle.

So busy! So busy she didn't even have time to recover from her injuries. Even so, Lu Qingcheng still had the leisure to have the courtyard next to the Shuxiang Academy opened up, bringing in all sorts of strange and exquisite rocks, and planting them full of exotic flowers and plants. On a fine, sunny day, she invited Qing Jianyue to move in, and also sent two maids to serve her.

Although Lu Qingcheng had assigned two maids to Qing Jianyue when he first arrived, Qing Jianyue soon refused, citing unfamiliarity with the place. But this time, when he refused, the two maids immediately burst into tears.

The little sparrow cried and said, "The lord of the fortress ordered that if Young Master Jianyue does not like us, he should send us back to our homes in the countryside and send other sisters to serve us until Young Master Jianyue is satisfied."

For them, it's not just the warmth and comfort of living in such a house that matters, but more importantly, the considerable monthly salary that allows the whole family to eat well and stay warm.

Kiyoshi surrendered with both hands raised, no longer mentioning driving them away, lest they cry and cause the three red-walled, green-tiled houses to collapse.

A garden, a house, maids—Lu Qingcheng's treatment of him was far too lavish. Logically, Qing Jianyue should have been moved to tears by such a gift. But no, Qing Jianyue was irritated. This treatment far exceeded the expectations of a lowly servant. Receiving something one shouldn't have is like a pie falling from the sky. A pie may taste good, but if it hits you on the head, it can be deadly.

Of course, these were secondary; what puzzled him most was that black vest.

Why didn't he wear that precious robe, but gave it to me, a mere servant in status? He risked inflicting new wounds on his old ones, choosing to give it to me instead of protecting himself. Did he value my safety more than his own? If so, my previous assumptions about him were simply malicious. But even if he valued me highly, there was no need for him to risk his life.

Confused? Yes, Kiyomizuki was extremely confused and couldn't understand it.

The white fox leaped out of the bathtub, vigorously shaking its body, splashing water everywhere. Then, it grinned slyly with its small, pointed snout, "Hehe, I'm out. I am the Fox King. The Fox King can do whatever it wants. That's right."

Through the screen, Kiyomi Tsuki's voice called out, "Fox."

In an instant, the white fox's cunning and smug smile vanished. With a sudden leap, it splashed back into the bucket. Water sprayed everywhere, and more tiny golden chrysanthemums drifted and floated onto the floor.

In the fragrant bedroom, candlelight illuminated a beautifully carved floor-standing bronze mirror, clearly reflecting the images of Kiyomi Tsuki and the white fox. Kiyomi Tsuki stood with his hands on his hips, his clear, bright black crystal eyes wide open. The white fox perched on a round stool, grinning as it gazed at its beloved master in the mirror.

The little sparrow, who had made the great contribution, also stood with her hands on her hips. It's true that even Buddha needs gold plating, and people need clothes to make them look good. The handsome young master Jian Yue, after being dressed up by her skillful hands, was even more beautiful, making it impossible to look away.

"Is that me?" Kiyoshi pointed at the noble young man in the mirror, dressed in gold and jade, and wearing brocade robes.

The little sparrow said with a beaming smile, "Who else could it be but you, young master? Now you've witnessed the little sparrow's skills, haven't you?"

Kiyomi Tsuki suddenly looked dejected and muttered, "What is he thinking? Standing next to him like this, I don't look like a little servant at all."

The carved door was pushed open, and another maid, Crow, flew quickly into the hall and then into the room, chirping, "Young master, young master, the head steward requests an audience."

Kiyomi Tsuki said, "Please invite him in."

"Yes, young master." The crow flew in and out quickly.

Kiyoshi picked up the white fox and led the little sparrow into the living room. Not long after, the carved door opened, and the chief steward and Lü Liang appeared one after the other, followed by six burly men carrying three large boxes.

"Bring it in, bring it in. Carefully place it on the floor." The head steward directed the men to put the box on the floor.

Kiyomi Tsuki looked inside and asked, "Grand Steward, what rare items are inside this time?"

The head steward said with a smile, "Young Master Jianyue, please take a look."

The three boxes were opened one by one, immediately eliciting exclamations of surprise from the little sparrows and crows. Kiyomi Tsuki also stared wide-eyed.

The head steward introduced with a smile, "Young Master Jianyue, these are ten sets of autumn clothes and ten sets of winter clothes that Young Master Qingfeng asked the embroidery workshop to make for you."

Kiyomi Tsuki was greatly surprised.

The head steward took out a robe to display and praised it, saying, "Look at these styles and the fabrics; they are all the newest and best this year."

Kiyomi Tsuki's dark, crystal-clear eyes widened, and beads of sweat the size of soybeans dripped down his forehead. His heart felt like a pot of boiling water, bubbling and gurgling.

What exactly are Lu Qingcheng and Lu Qingfeng up to?

Lu Liang came over to pay his respects and smiled, saying, "Young master, please feel free to accept these. They cost less than a penny from Flower Castle." The implication was that Qingfeng had paid for the clothes herself.

Qing Jianyue shook her head hastily, "No, no, these gifts are too valuable, I can't accept them. Tell them to take them back. Please tell Young Master Qingfeng that I appreciate his kindness."

As if he had expected this, Lü Liang said unhurriedly, "Young Master Jianyue, why make things difficult for me? If I take it back, the young master will surely think that I am incompetent and have offended Young Master Jianyue."