Upon hearing this, Hua Wuduo was startled, and his expression darkened.
The scholar Fang Yuan raised the corners of his mouth, whether in mockery or laughter was unclear.
Wu Yin stared at Hua Wuduo with a dark look in her eyes. The other two women also looked at Hua Wuduo, raising faint, cold smiles.
Hua Wuduo asked in a deep voice, "Who wants to kill him?"
Asking this question was pointless; no one would answer her. Yet, she couldn't help but ask, her heart filled with worry for Gongzi Yi's safety. She wondered if he had safely returned to Nanshu Academy. With the eight guards and Gongzi Qi's group present, he should be safe, Hua Wuduo thought to herself. Suddenly, she remembered something: Gongzi Yi had been poisoned silently. Could it have been Tang Ye and his group who administered it?
This question naturally remains unanswered.
Time flies by like flowing water. Three days have passed in the blink of an eye, and everything is as usual. Apart from a few minor incidents, life is still going well.
Hua Wuduo's greatest strength is his ability to adapt to circumstances and enjoy life even in difficult situations. No matter how complicated the situation is, in Hua Wuduo's eyes, life must go on as usual.
One morning, looking up, you could see the morning dew on the leaves glistening with the white clouds and blue sky, as if foretelling a good day.
Early in the morning, when Tang Ye went out and saw Hua Wuduo and Fang Yuan sitting on the stone steps in the courtyard, eating steamed buns and practicing martial arts, he couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.
Fang Yuan was unpredictable and had very few friends, but he and Hua Wuduo hit it off immediately. Tang Ye remembered that the three of them went to the outskirts of Luoyang two days ago and happened to come across a market. Because of the crowds, the three of them got separated in the jostling and pushing. Later, they met up at a simple teahouse by the woods. Hua Wuduo and Fang Yuan said to Tang Ye at the same time, "Young Master, you didn't run into anyone, did you?"
After hearing what the other said, Fang Yuan and Hua Wuduo exchanged a smile, patted each other on the shoulder, and laughed, "Great minds think alike!"
Tang Ye glanced at the two of them and noticed that even their movements were quite similar.
Li She's Agreement
Several minor incidents occurred during these three days. The day after the news that Fang Ruoxi had become Tang Ye's maid was released, the number of people coming and going outside Qinglin Inn increased several times compared to usual, and the number of vendors selling things noticeably increased. Hua Wuduo could feel the gazes secretly watching him as soon as he stepped out of the inn, which annoyed him to no end.
There was one thing that puzzled Hua Wuduo greatly. Tang Ye seemed to have never deliberately hidden anything from her. She didn't need to sneak around to eavesdrop or watch. He always had her by his side, but she still didn't know anything except for vaguely guessing Tang Ye's other identity. But that seemed to be something Tang Ye had deliberately wanted her to know. Because of this, Hua Wuduo became even more cautious.
Hua Wuduo naturally moved into the West Garden. Fang Yuan disappeared the next day, and no one knew where he went. Hua Wuduo was puzzled, but he didn't ask, knowing that it would be pointless to ask.
Only Hua Wuduo and Tang Ye remained in the West Garden. Except for sleeping at night, they were practically inseparable. Unbeknownst to her, her status as a maid had become a reality. Every day, she had two things to do: bring in water for washing faces in the morning and for washing feet in the evening. The two basins were very similar. One time, Hua Wuduo deliberately turned them upside down. In the morning, she carried the foot-washing basin into the room for Tang Ye to wash his face. Tang Ye glanced at it and said, "I don't wash my feet." Hua Wuduo quickly pretended to be very surprised and leaned closer to examine it carefully before saying, "Oh dear, I took the wrong one. I'll switch it right away."
Carrying water to wash feet was originally a lowly job, but Hua Wuduo never took it to heart. In her opinion, it was just carrying a basin of water. However, it was a different story if she was asked to help wash the feet. Fortunately, Tang Ye never made such a request.
She was extremely relaxed and at ease in her role as a maid, but beneath the seemingly calm surface, there was always a sense of foreboding, as if it were a trap, and the calmer the appearance, the more it foreshadowed something big that was about to happen. Hua Wuduo was well aware of this, but she remained calm and composed, taking things as they came. During the day, with nothing to do, she would move a chair to the sun, put her feet up on the stone table in the courtyard, lean back in the chair, and read a storybook she had bought from the market a few days ago while munching on an apple. Her behavior, sometimes silly and sometimes loud laughter, made Tang Ye unable to help but glance at her frequently.
Xu Qingcheng from the East Courtyard visited several times during this period. She saw Hua Wuduo and Tang Ye inseparable from afar, and the mournful look in Tang Ye's eyes always made Hua Wuduo tremble with fear. Each time, she hid behind Tang Ye, watching him go about his business without a care in the world. She couldn't help but sigh repeatedly. After what seemed like the umpteenth sigh, Tang Ye suddenly pulled out a small golden bottle. The bottle was exquisitely crafted, with a golden dragon playing with a pearl carved on its surface; it was clearly priceless. Tang Ye placed the bottle in her hand. Hua Wuduo thought it was some rare treasure, but then she heard Tang Ye say, "This medicine is called 'Forget-Me-Not.' Just one sniff will make you forget the people and things that cause you pain. Would you like to smell it?" Hua Wuduo quickly threw the bottle back into Tang Ye's hand and respectfully replied, "Young Master, I will never dare to do it again..."
Hua Wuduo always referred to herself as "I" in front of Tang Ye and never called herself a servant. Tang Ye didn't mind, so Hua Wuduo was naturally happy not to mention it.
Later, when she saw Xu Qingcheng again, Hua Wuduo imitated Tang Ye's manner and pretended not to see her. Over time, Xu Qingcheng's sorrow turned into resentment.
There must be a story between Tang Ye and Xu Qingcheng, Hua Wuduo often guessed. Although Tang Ye disliked Xu Qingcheng, he would not hurt her as long as she did not get close.
On the fourth day after being poisoned, Tang Ye went out, and Hua Wuduo naturally followed him.
When they left, the sky was clear and blue, but when they reached the outskirts, it was covered with dark clouds. Hua Wuduo followed Tang Ye all the way to Fajue Temple, which was located deep in the mountains.
Fajue Temple was not a large temple, and it was located in a remote area. The path was winding and secluded through dense bamboo forests, and the overcast sky added to the eerie atmosphere beneath the bamboo groves. They traveled in silence, using their light-footed skills to cross two mountains before finally arriving at Fajue Temple.
Fajue Temple is situated halfway up a steep mountain. From afar, even ordinary people would marvel at how the temple could be built so high up on a mountainside. If Tang Ye hadn't led the way, Hua Wuduo would never have found the temple. Hua Wuduo had initially wondered if the monks and worshippers all possessed superhuman agility. Upon arriving at the temple, she learned that there was a dock at the foot of the mountain, from which stone steps led to the temple. Small boats from the dock could directly reach Luoyang City. Worshippers usually arrived by boat; only an oddball like Tang Ye would lead her through dense forests and leap over cliffs like a bird or beast. Thinking of this, Hua Wuduo secretly grimaced.
Tang Ye neither burned incense nor prayed to Buddha, but instead led Hua Wuduo on a roundabout route to the other side of the mountain. They followed a narrow path, winding and turning, towards the summit. Looking up, they saw a small, four-cornered pavilion in the distance. Four burly men stood guard outside the pavilion, the only way to reach it. Inside, a man casually leaned against a pillar, gazing back at where they had come from. Hua Wuduo recognized him at a glance: Li She, the third young master of the Li family of Luoyang.
Hua Wuduo had never disliked Li She since they met in Jiangling, and perhaps knowing they would soon become relatives, she held a rather favorable impression of him. Meeting him now was like reuniting with an old friend, but his current identity… she sighed inwardly: Tang Ye's maid, Li She's sister-in-law's sister, the sister of Wu Yi, the second young master of the Marquis of Xijing, or perhaps his bodyguard? Thinking of this, Hua Wuduo felt a little dizzy.
With a wave of his hand, Li She sent the men guarding the path and outside the pavilion back more than ten feet away, hiding in the surroundings. They were all very agile.
Tang Ye and Hua Wuduo arrived at the mountaintop one after the other.
Li She glanced at Hua Wuduo but said nothing. Hua Wuduo smiled at Li She in response. Li She nodded slightly in reply.
Li She had phoenix eyes, and when he wasn't smiling, his gaze always carried a hint of undisguised arrogance, except when he faced Song Zixing and Hua Wuduo in Jiangling. Li She admired Song Zixing, and when he looked at Hua Wuduo, a smile would unconsciously appear on his face.
Li She was undoubtedly born with a silver spoon in his mouth; wherever he went, everyone fawned over him. He experienced few setbacks in his life, was young and promising, and could be considered one of the most outstanding young talents in the world. The confidence and arrogance in his eyes, and the way he acted, all had their reasons.
Therefore, even when facing Tang Ye, Li She only nodded slightly and politely said, "Please."
Because of the Jiangling Phoenix Boat Race, Tang Ye knew that Hua Wuduo recognized Li She, and Li She was also aware of Hua Wuduo's current identity when he invited him, so he did not introduce him.
Tang Ye and Hua Wuduo stepped into the Four Corner Pavilion one after the other.
Looking out from the pavilion, one can see distant, layered mountains, with patches of red autumn maple leaves peeking through the forests. The overcast sky and rising mist add a touch of ethereal beauty. Below, the lake stretches out in azure water, dotted with fishing boats, creating a serene and breathtaking panorama.
Hua Wuduo took a deep breath and said loudly, "Looking out from a high place, the picturesque landscape is spread out before my eyes. It's truly wonderful."
Li She replied, "I'm glad Miss Fang likes it." This statement indicated that he already knew her identity.
Hua Wuduo said, "It seems that you already know a lot about me, young master."
Li She said, "My name is Li She, and I am the third child in my family. Li Kang is my elder brother."
Hua Wuduo raised an eyebrow and smiled, "So it's Young Master Li San. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Tang Ye remained silent throughout, letting Hua Wuduo write and act out his own story.
Tang Ye has this one good point: he doesn't talk much. That's what Hua Wuduo thought. But it was precisely this rare advantage of Tang Ye that often made Hua Wuduo feel like a madman talking to himself when he talked to him.
At this moment, Li She suddenly said, "I have heard that Miss Fang enjoys fine wines from all over the world. I have specially prepared three kinds of aged wines for Brother Tang and Miss Fang to taste together."
Li She turned around and pointed to three different wine bottles on the table.
Hua Wuduo glanced at the fine wine on the table, secretly swallowed, and then realized something was wrong.
If she drinks the wine and correctly identifies its vintage and origin, then she is the real Fang Ruoxi, and Tang Ye might even doubt that he is Fang Ruoxi. However, if she drinks the wine and deliberately doesn't answer or gives the wrong answer, then in Li She's eyes she is an imposter Fang Ruoxi.
She was most skilled in two things: weapons and fine wine. She wouldn't dare say she could appreciate every wine in the world, but she could at least tell the vintage of all the famous wines with just a taste, and even identify the type of wine on the table by its aroma.
At that moment, Tang Ye poured himself a glass of wine and placed it on the table. The strong aroma of the wine instantly spread. Hua Wuduo smelled it and could no longer help but stare at it with wide eyes, feeling as if a thousand insects were scratching at his chest.
To drink or not to drink? Hua Wuduo was struggling with this internal struggle.
***************
When he saw Tang Ye drink it, Hua Wuduo almost rushed up to snatch it away.
Then Li She said, "These three kinds of wine, I'm afraid there won't be another bottle of them in the world."
Upon hearing this, Hua Wuduo could no longer control himself, nor did he want to. He steeled his heart, stepped forward, picked up a wine bottle, and poured one of the bottles of wine into a glass. He looked determined and ready to die, which made Li She slightly suspicious.
Some things are Hua Wuduo's fatal flaws: fine wine, peerless weapons, and money.
Previously, Hua Wuduo had been repeatedly led by the nose by Gongzi Yi, precisely because Gongzi Yi had grasped Hua Wuduo's weakness of loving money. Now, Li She was catering to his tastes, and because Hua Wuduo was struggling internally, knowing he shouldn't drink but unable to control his urge to drink, he had created his current strange expression.
Fortunately, Hua Wuduo's expression completely changed after he picked up the wine cup. First, he smelled it with great satisfaction, and then he took a small sip as if it were a precious treasure, saying, "This wine is only found in heaven; how can one have the chance to drink it on earth?" All his troubles were forgotten because of a cup of wine.
Li She asked, "Miss Fang, can you tell what kind of wine it is?"
Hua Wuduo nodded repeatedly and said, "Good wine."
Li She stared at Hua Wuduo, his expression seemingly saying: And then what?
Hua Wuduo said, "This wine is so expensive." She finally added a seemingly pointless remark, not daring to say more, but she was also very greedy, so she could only pretend to be confused.
Li She smiled slightly upon hearing this and asked, "What do you mean?"
Hua Wuduo secretly groaned. Li She was pressing her for details; what should she do? If she explained the origin of the wine now, Tang Ye would surely doubt her identity. If she pretended not to know, Li She would definitely think she was an imposter. What use would Tang Ye have with her then? Thinking of this, she suddenly understood. She took another sip of the wine, indulging in it, but deliberately didn't answer Li She's question. At this moment, she heard Tang Ye interject, "This wine is elegant and frosty, cold and fragrant. It is the Cold Fragrance Dew brewed from the ice spring of Tianshan Mountain. It can cure all kinds of heat poisons. Back then, Xue Ningzi of Tianshan Mountain only made two jars because the Tianshan Snow Lotus needed to make the wine was hard to find. Later, his descendant Xue Wugen traveled the world and brought this wine to the common people. There was only one gourd of it. Many years have passed. Xue Ningzi has long since passed away, and Xue Wugen disappeared from the world ten years ago. This wine is now hard to find, and its value is probably priceless!"
Hua Wuduo was slightly surprised that Tang Ye had ever spoken so much before, and that he had even told a whole story in one breath. Then he sighed, "In that case, I'm afraid I've already swallowed thousands of taels of silver with that sip I just took."
At this moment, Hua Wuduo's expression and the metaphor of gleaming silver both made the rich young master Li She and the infamous Poison King Tang Ye frown.
But her analogy was absolutely correct. This wine was indeed very expensive, and even if you had money, you might not be able to get it. Not only did wine lovers treasure it, but its ability to detoxify was also incredibly valuable.
The wine poured from the second bottle was pale yellow. Hua Wuduo held it to her nose and smelled it. After opening and closing her eyes, she seemed to suddenly become a little more hazy.
Li She asked, "Miss Fang, can you tell what kind of wine it is?"
Hua Wuduo didn't drink the wine; he only smelled it and wrinkled his nose, saying, "This wine is very strong!"
Then Tang Ye chimed in, "I wanted to forget my troubles, but alas, sorrow upon sorrow only deepens. I only regret that a thousand cups cannot drown my sorrows, for they remain etched in my heart." This was a recounting of the origin and meaning of the wine.
Hua Wuduo couldn't help but sigh, "Qianzui." Many people have heard of such a famous wine as Qianzui, so it's not surprising that Hua Wuduo could mention it.
Li She nodded and said, "This wine is indeed Thousand Intoxication. An ordinary person will be knocked out after just one sip, and those with a low alcohol tolerance will get drunk just from the smell. Unfortunately, Liu Yiyang, who brewed this wine, could not forget that the woman he loved had become another man's wife, and eventually died in melancholy. Before he died, he smashed all the bottles of Thousand Intoxication he had brewed. The remaining wine was treasured by his apprentice as a memento of his master for many years, and this is the only bottle left in the world."
Hua Wuzhong sighed deeply, watching as Tang Ye poured the untouched "Thousand Drunkenness" wine from his cup back into the bottle. A pang of emotion struck her; perhaps this was the mark of a true wine lover—good wine wasn't about whether you drank it or not, but about its significance and the preciousness of its existence. Suddenly, she felt a different way about Tang Ye. Not only that, but she clearly remembered his earlier exclamation about "Thousand Drunkenness." She hadn't expected Tang Ye to be able to compose such a poem so eloquently… She initially wanted to dismiss it with disdain, but ultimately couldn't help but admire him. She had to admit, it did rhyme.
In her eyes, Tang Ye's poetry was only at this level.
Hua Wuduo also poured the Thousand Drunkenness wine from his glass back into the bottle.
Li She's expression changed slightly.
Since the first two wines were both extraordinary, the anticipation for the third wine was even greater. Li She once said that there would never be another bottle of these three wines in the world, and judging from the origins of the first two wines alone, this statement was not unfounded.
Hua Wuduo and Tang Ye poured themselves a third cup from the bottle. Hua Wuduo brought the wine to her nose and smelled it. The aroma was faint, similar to Zhuyeqing (Bamboo Leaf Green), but not quite. This aroma suddenly reminded Hua Wuduo of something. She remembered that in Jiangling, Li She had invited her to dine at Fenglou. That lavish lunch remained unforgettable for Hua Wuduo. Fenglou's famous wine was Zhuyeqing, but Hua Wuduo hadn't tasted it then. The wine served was Li She's own brew, and although she hadn't drunk it, the aroma...
Hua Wuduo brought the wine to his lips, took a small sip, was slightly surprised, took another sip, and was completely surprised.
Just then, Li She laughed and asked, "Miss Fang, can you tell what kind of wine this is?"
Tang Ye had already drunk his wine, but seemed lost in thought and remained silent.
When Li She asked her again, Hua Wuduo smiled and said, "Please forgive me, Young Master Li, I really don't know what kind of wine this is. It tastes similar to Zhuyeqing, but it's not. Its aroma is even stronger than Zhuyeqing. Although it tastes as light as water, the more you drink, the sweeter and more lingering the aftertaste becomes. It is a good wine, but not the best."
Hua Wuduo easily described the flavor of the wine, which made others think she was a drinker, but it didn't mean she was a master of wine. Hua Wuduo knew this perfectly well, and she showed no weakness in front of Tang Ye and Li She.
Upon hearing this, a smile appeared in Li She's eyes, and he said, "I never expected that Miss Fang would be able to appreciate the true meaning of this wine."
Hua Wuduo asked, "What do you mean by that?"
Li She said, "To be honest, this wine was brewed by me ten years ago. There was only one jar, and now only this one bottle remains. My original intention in brewing this wine was to share it with my close friends. The taste of this wine symbolizes a close friend. It may be as plain as water, but it is always sincere and unforgettable. The aftertaste of this wine is like a lingering fragrance on the lips and teeth. I am offering it to you two today as a humble offering."
Upon hearing this, Hua Wuduo said, "It's a very worthwhile wine to drink, but unfortunately there's only one bottle left."
Li She said, "Yes, I could brew this wine back then, but I can't anymore." Li She's status and position are vastly different now compared to ten years ago, and his state of mind is bound to be different. When a winemaker's state of mind changes, the same wine can never be brewed again. Hearing this, Hua Wuduo couldn't help but secretly regret not having tasted a single drop of the wine Li She had prepared for her in Jiangling that day.
Hua Wuduo asked, "What is this wine called?"
Li She said, "It has no name."
Hua Wuduo smiled, not taking it to heart. At this moment, he not only sat between Tang Ye and Li She without any hesitation, but also picked up the exquisite pastries on the table and began to eat them without waiting for the host's permission.
Li She raised an eyebrow, but Tang Ye didn't even glance at Hua Wuduo.
At this moment, Li She said, "I invited Brother Tang and Miss Fang here not only to enjoy drinks with friends, but also to discuss something with you both."
Hua Wuduo asked while eating, "What is it?"