《Pink Conspiracy》 Chapter 0 - Prologue During the 135th year of Southern Qi, a time when the emperor was weak and with two generations of Queens from the Xu Family, the imperial in-laws 1 held important positions at court. The power of the imperial family was contested. The Queen wasn¡¯t competent, easy to be jealous, as a result, the imperial heirs were not the best. While the Emperor was barely handling the imperial in-laws¡¯ situation, the Northern Zhou took the opportunity to wage war. An army of a million soldiers and horses, coming fast and furious was the urgent message from the Southern Qi border. Since the establishment of the Southern Qi empire, for 200 years, each emperor has advocated in governing the empire by civil authority and serve with virtue, but a lack of focus on military. This resulted in the court having many civil officers, but very few military men. General Su, the only General had also resigned 20 years ago, from the guilt for the death of the Duke and Duchess of Rong-an. Taking his family with him and left the Imperial City. It is in such a situation, that in the face of the Northern Zhou invasion, the entire Southern Qi court can not choose one person to counter. The Emperor although angered, had no other solutions, in a moment his hair all turned white from stress. Guo-zhang2, saw that things were not turning for the better, nominated his own grand son, Xu Yun Chu, to lead the army, but was met with objection from half of the officials that valued the future of the imperial family. The Xu family has brought up two queens, and at the current time, their influence was still high. If they are allowed access to military control, then, even if they fight off the Northern Zhou, it¡¯s hard to guarantee that the Xu family won¡¯t take things into their own hands and take over the Southern Qi empire. Besides, Xu Yun Chu at the start of the year was just soft crowned 3. Although he is well known across the imperial city to be talented, and hailed as the Imperial City¡¯s #1 Gong-zi 4, but he hasn¡¯t even been to a military camp before, how could he lead an army? or fight a battle? After hearing so, the Empress Dowager and Queen, also wasn¡¯t happy about it. The Xu family only had this one offspring that was well equipped with talents and sparkles in a pile of silver, their maiden family was the only pillar that allowed them to cast storms and call upon rain in the harem. How could they just allow him to go to the border to die? It¡¯s known that swords have no eyes, what if he couldn¡¯t make it back and died at the battlefield, then who will carry on the Xu family¡¯s status? While everyone was arguing, the Prime Minister spoke up, nominating the Shi-zi5 of the Rong-an Wang-fu6, Ye Xiang. The Rong-an Wang-fu7 was a branch of the Imperial Clan and should be considered a part of the imperial family. The Duke and Duchess of Rong-an were skilled in military tactics. 20 years ago, although they had won big in the battle with Northern Zhou, but the couple had also died at the battlefield. During that time, only leaving behind a young child, and that was Ye Xiang. The Duchess of Rong-an¡¯s maiden family was the prominent Ye family of Jiang-nan8 with the title of Shi-zi Manor, and Ye Xiang was bestowed the title of Shi-zi, and after his coming of age ritual, would carry on the Duke of Rong-an title. This year, Ye Xiang was also soft crowned. When the Prime Minister nominated the only heir of the Rong-an Wang-fu11, Ye Xiang, the entire court also greatly objected. If one were to say that Xu Yun Chu was the Imperial City¡¯s #1 Gong-zi, then Ye Xiang would be the Imperial City¡¯s # 1 Prodigal. In the large Rong-an Wang-fu12, Ye Xiang rules the house, makes the decisions, and with the addition of the Emperor¡¯s spoiling, the Empress Dowager¡¯s pitying, and losing his father and mother at young age, the orphan never had anyone to control him. Due to that, he is drinking poems throughout the day, hanging around the gentle caves of the brothel with a group of prodigals, being absurd and ridiculous. A Ye Xiang like this, of course can not lead an army to battle. Let¡¯s not say that the military men disapprove, even the Emperor shook his head upon hearing the Prime Minister¡¯s nomination. The Prime Minister continued, ¡°20 years ago, the Duke and Duchess won the battle over the Northern Zhou, their names sounded throughout the land, there¡¯s a saying: like father, like son. Although Ye Shi-zi13 has always been absurd, but in his body runs the Duke of Rong-an¡¯s blood. If the Northern Zhou hears that it¡¯s Ye Shi-zi leading the army, they¡¯d have to weight it. To add, Ye Shi-zi although he carries his mother¡¯s family name, but he is of royal blood. So, with him leading the army would show that our Southern Qi imperial family is not to be trampled on. ¡° After the officials heard, some of them thought it made sense, but there were some that still didn¡¯t feel at ease. Even so, could Ye Xiang really lead an army? fight a battle? The Prime Minister, to sway the majority, yet once again proposed another nomination, that General Su Che to go with Ye Xiang to the border. Upon hearing Su Che¡¯s name, the officials eyes all lit up, but then quickly dim down. Su Che is Southern Qi¡¯s very few military prodigies. Even the Emperor who advocated a civil rule, commended him. Honoring him the title of Commander General, and bestowing his manor the title of Commander General¡¯s Manor. Although in Southern Qi military men held low rankings, but his position across all the entire court was not low at all. However, due to 20 years ago, during the battle with Northern Zhou, the Duke and Duchess¡¯ death, lead him to be guilty thinking it was his own faulty military plan that caused the death of the Duke and Duchess. Even though the Emperor and the court did not think he was at fault, just that the cunning Northern Zhou had used immoral tactics, but he couldn¡¯t get past himself and resigned. Back then, the Emperor had tried hard to keep him, but Su Che was set on leaving. Helpless, the Emperor could only allow it. Now, 20 years have passed, could Su Che still return to the to the Imperial City to take on the duty of defending against the enemies at the border? The officials weren¡¯t sure and for a moment, there was no sounds of objection. The Prime Minister spoke up again, ¡°Back than, Su Che left the Imperial City due to guilt from the death of the Duke and Duchess of Rong-an. Now, if it¡¯s Rong-an Wangfu¡¯s14 Shi-zi is to lead the army, how could Su Che reject?¡± After hearing so, the officials all nodded. It made sense, although Ye Xiang was out of place, but if Su Che is there, it would be a victory against the Northern Zhou. The Emperor saw that the whole court¡¯s opinion was unified, and besides sending Ye Xiang and Su Che, there seems to be a slim chance against the invading Northern Zhou. He nodded, approving the Prime Minister¡¯s nomination and sent someone to call Ye Xiang to court. At this time, Ye Xiang was drunk and sleeping soundly with a big white cat in his arms. When the eunuch sent to deliver the imperial message couldn¡¯t wake up this master no matter what he tried, he ordered servants to carry him to the palace to see the Emperor. When the Emperor was angry when he saw Ye Xiang in this state and ordered someone to shout at him, but still wasn¡¯t able to wake him up. They splashed water, pushed and pulled him, tried everything, but he was still sleeping soundly. After calling the imperial doctor, after one look, found out that he had just drank the Sanyuezui [wfn]A wine called Three Month Drunk[/wfn]. The Sanyuezui, means what it says, after you drink one cup, you¡¯ll feel fluttering, and drunk for 3 months. There¡¯s no anecdote. To wait 3 months for him to wake up, the Northern Zhou would probably be riding up to the gates already and already on Southern Qi soil. The meal would already be left cold. The Emperor was mad but had no ways to deal with it, Ye Xiang had always been inappropriate. This type of situation wasn¡¯t the first or second time already. All he could do was call back the Prime Minister to the palace to discuss. When the Prime Minister saw that Ye Xiang could not be woken up, also shook his head and sighed. After a thought, he presented his request to the Emperor, for Ye Xiang to be carried out to see Su Che and request him to go to battle. The Emperor approved it. And so, the Prime Minister had servants carry Ye Xiang out, departing overnight to Su Che¡¯s residence. Three days later, they arrived at Su Che¡¯s residence. The Prime Minister saw Su Che and told of his reason for coming. Su Che saw the drunk and sleeping Ye Xiang. After a moment of silence, agreed to lead the army to battle, but his only condition was that Ye Xiang didn¡¯t need to follow. He didn¡¯t want Ye Xiang to repeat the fate of his parents dying at the border. The Prime Minister was happy to agree, as long as Su Che went to battle, whether Ye Xiang went to the border or not wasn¡¯t important. He only dealt with the hassle to carry out Ye Xiang so that he could get Su Che to agree. With Su Che leading the army, the Southern Qi empire would be protected. And so, the Prime Minister yet again carried the drunk Ye Xiang back to the Imperial City. Su Che took the Tiger General Stamp, and lead the army towards the border. Two months later, a message from the border said that General Su had won the battle against Northern Zhou. The entire court rejoiced. The Emperor was very happy and sent a messenger to bring Su Che¡¯s family to the Imperial City. The message was: although the General¡¯s Manor had been left vacant ever since General Su left, it is cleaned periodically. Since the General is back to post, then his family shouldn¡¯t be left in the countryside. And so, half a month later, the Su family was brought to the Imperial City and returned to reside in the General¡¯s Manor. Su Che has 3 sons and 1 daughter. They had all went with him to the border, only his wife was picked up and brought to the Imperial City. The Emperor had personally invited Madam Su and after finding out that their youngest daughter, Su Feng Nuan, was of suitable age, and not engaged yet, he was in the mood to bestow an engagement for her. After the Empress Dowager found out about the Emperor¡¯s plan, she to was very interested and had mutual thoughts. The two had coincided without having discussed. And so, in the Imperial City, it starts to spread that the Emperor and Empress Dowager wish to select one from the gong-zi in the Imperial City manors to marry Su Feng Nuan. Everyone begins making guesses on who would be the final candidate and quickly, this becomes the hot topic. Chapter 1 In this world, what is the hardest to be cover? It would be rumors. The news that the Emperor and Empress Dowager want to bestow an engagement for Su Feng Nuan didn¡¯t take days to spread out of the Southern Qi Imperial City and gradually spreading further towards the border. Su Feng Nuan was sitting inside the old cattle carriage on her way back to the Imperial City when she heard the news. The old cattle was slow and swayed as it walked, three shakes with each step along the way as if it would collapse at any time. Yet, she didn¡¯t seem to be worried, just holding onto the book she had in her hands that she was reading casually while she sat with her legs slightly folded, inside the wagon which covered the heat of the sun. There was also a handsome young man of similar age as her, about 16 or 17. He sat in front of her in the wagon, holding a broken whip woven from a bad rope, bored from rushing the cattle. The mountain road was clear of commuters, only the sound of the old cattle wagon ¡®kazhi kazhi¡¯ echoing as the wagon moved. Near noon, the old cow was tired, and couldn¡¯t move. After the young man waved a few whips, he glanced back and muttered, ¡°What useless book is that? You look so revel in it .¡± Su Feng Nuan raised her head, her eyebrow also lifted as she smiled, she reached out and tapped at the book in hand, pointing to a spot in it with a smile. ¡°Reading literature and poems in vain, a waste of talents; being merry in the clouds. This poem is too accurate!¡± The young man scoffed, rolling his eyes, ¡°Indeed, a useless book.¡± Su Feng Nuan shook her head, ¡°This isn¡¯t a useless book, I think this book is the most interesting.¡± The young man lightly laughed again, ¡°Absurd statements made in the marketplace, random writings, what use is it being interesting? After all, it is not serious material.¡± This time, it was Su Feng Nuan¡¯s turn to roll her eyes, ¡°In Third Brother¡¯s eyes, only the Four Books and Five classics1 are good stuff.¡± This youth was Su Feng Nuan¡¯s third brother, Su Qing. ¡°Of course!¡± Su Qing said merrily, ¡°It¡¯s my little sister that knows me well.¡± Su Feng Nuan lightly snorted. ¡°You are so pedantic at a young age. I have to see what kind of wife you will find in the future.¡± ¡°You¡¯re worried that I can¡¯t find a wife?¡± Su Qing glanced at her. ¡°You should be the one to be careful that you can¡¯t get married off. Running east and west every day, can¡¯t even see you all year long. A wild girl no one wants.¡± Just when Su Feng Nuan wanted to talk back, a crow flew over and landed on her shoulder. She extended her hand to take off the piece of paper from the bird¡¯s leg. Opening it, she suddenly becomes cheerful and said to Su Qing, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about me not marrying off, I¡¯m afraid that all of the world¡¯s men will be for my choosing.¡° Upon hearing, Su Qing¡¯s eyes rolled, almost like it was going to roll up to the skies. Grabbing the piece of paper from her hand and took a look. Clicking his tongue and said, ¡°What northeast or northwest wind is blowing the Emperor and Empress? Don¡¯t they know you are a wild girl? Want to bestow an engagement for you?¡± Su Feng Nuan shrugged. Su Qing casually crushed the piece of paper, ¡°Don¡¯t know who is the unlucky one to marry you.¡± Su Feng Nuan raised her feet to kick him. Su Qing sensed and quickly jumped off the wagon. Putting his hands to his waist, ¡°Wild girl, you kick me again, you want to fight?¡± Su Feng Nuan extended her head out, looking at him, ¡°You can win over me?¡± Su Qing choked, after a split moment said, ¡°I¡¯m your third brother! Older brother is like a father! If you hit me, it is like hitting our father!¡± Su Feng Nuan laughed, ¡°It¡¯s elder brother is like father, and you aren¡¯t big brother!¡± Su Qing glared at her, ¡°Father had me follow you, is to manage you! Even though I am only third brother, but they are not with us, so I am oldest, so you should not be disrespectful to me!¡± Su Feng Nuan pouted, ¡°It doesn¡¯t even take my fingers to hit you.¡± After saying so, she glanced at the burning sun, and again retreated back into the old wagon. ¡°Wild girl,¡± Su Qing muttered, asking impatiently, ¡°We¡¯ve been riding this useless old cattle wagon for half a month already and we only have gone 200 miles, if we continue like this, how long until we reach the Imperial City?¡± ¡°What¡¯s good about the Imperial City? Not worth going.¡± Su Feng Nuan said with a lack of interest. Su Qing suddenly realized, ¡°Oh, I understand now! I thought you insisted on taking this useless old cattle wagon was for enjoying the sceneries along the way, so it¡¯s actually because of not wanting to go to the Imperial City!¡± ¡°What sceneries are there to see? These years, what sceneries haven¡¯t I seen?¡± Su Feng Nuan laughed. After hearing so, Su Qing again went back into the wagon, ¡°I heard mother was already brought to the Imperial City Su Manor by the Emperor.¡± ¡°And you heard that from me.¡± Su Feng Nuan reminded him. Su Qing pouted, ¡°The Imperial City is great, during the younger days when we left, I remember you wouldn¡¯t go, and you would frequently sneak back to the Imperial City, but these two years, how come you become tired of the Imperial City? and not willing to go anymore?¡± ¡°Bored, I guess.¡± Su Feng Nuan said. Su Qing stared at her, studied for a while, but couldn¡¯t make of anything. ¡°Father had me follow you because he was afraid you¡¯d sneak away again. So right now, you don¡¯t want to go to the Imperial City, I¡¯m afraid won¡¯t do. The message just then, didn¡¯t it say that the Empress Dowager and Emperor want to betroth an engagement for you? If you don¡¯t quickly return to the Imperial City by the time the Royal Decree comes out, even if they give you a crooked melon or cracked date, you wouldn¡¯t just marry would you?¡± ¡°This really is something.¡± Su Feng Nuan, massaged between her eyebrows, complained, ¡°Northern Zhou have peaceful days they don¡¯t want, what¡¯s with the battle? They really are too comfortable. If not for that, our family would still be enjoying the quietness, Emperor wouldn¡¯t think of Father, the Prime Minister wouldn¡¯t nominate, Father wouldn¡¯t need to get back to post, and the Su family wouldn¡¯t need to move back to the Imperial City.¡± Su Qing was speechless for a moment, ¡°You just want to have fun, why blame the Northern Zhou?¡± and than continued, ¡°That¡¯s not right, this time, you insisted on going to the border with father to the battle, after father and big brother were injured, you used a serial tactic to heavily injure Chu Han, the 2nd Price of Northern Zhou and won over the Northern Zhou army. That tactic, even father said was very cruel. Could you have been taking it out the Northern Zhou, your anger of not wanting to go back to the Imperial City?¡± ¡°Not killing Chu Han, I went easy on him.¡± Su Feng Nuan snorted. Su Qing was speechless for a moment, looking to the sky, ¡°Really worry about my future brother in law, the most poisonous but the heart of a small woman.¡± Su Feng Nuan glanced at him, putting her thumb and forefinger on her lips, and blew a whistle. After the whistle sound, from not too far away came a shiny coated black and a red stallion pair. Su Qing¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°You agree to go back to the Imperial City?¡± Su Feng Nuan nodded. When the horse came up, she grabbed the rein, leaping out from inside the wagon, and landed onto the stallion. Su Qing was momentarily jealous, ¡°Skunk girl, these years you didn¡¯t put effort into learning martial arts from father, just running around, but still learned some good martial arts.¡± Su Feng Nuan sat on the horse, holding the rein close, looking in the direction of the Imperial City, her stare gradually deepens, ¡°Third brother, how about a race?¡± ¡°Sure!¡± Su Qing also jumped up and sat on a horse, ¡°These few days sitting in the cattle wagon have been suffocating me, race for 80 or 100 miles what¡¯s the fun, why don¡¯t we race into the Imperial City? How¡¯s that? See who makes it to the Imperial City first. Su Feng Nuan slightly turned her head to look at him, ¡°You started such a big race, is there a big bet you want? Say it, what do you want?¡± ¡°The Hanxiang-yu [wfn]type of cool jade[/wfn] that you took from the 2nd Prince of Northern Zhou.¡± Su Qing said immediately. Su Feng Nuan decisively shook her head, ¡°Not that.¡± Su Qing blinked, ¡°You¡¯re afraid of losing?¡± Su Feng Nuan rubbed the horse rein, not speaking. Su Qing glanced at her and spoke proudly, ¡°These few years, 2nd Brother and I frequently raced. If in marial arts, you have quite some random types and also tricky, your brother I am not your opponent, but if in racing¡­.¡± Su Feng Nuan cut him short, ¡°If I bet the Hanxiang-yu[wfn]type of cool jade[/wfn], what are you taking out?¡± Su Qing thought for a while, biting down, ¡°Than I will out that thousand-year snow lotus that I¡¯ve been keeping for 10 years. Its value is equivalent to the Hanxiang-yu. Even a million gold is hard to buy one. What do you say?¡± ¡°Deal!¡± Su Feng Nuan replied quickly. The two set their bet deal and together galloped off towards the Imperial City. Chapter 2 The Imperial City in June is the season when the heat is hard to bear. In the Southern Qi Imperial City, since the founding of the empire, the emperors of the past have advocated a civil ruling of the empire, and they liked poetries, elegant hobbies of pen and ink. Therefore, both inside and outside of the Imperial City are planted to be full of flowers. All kinds of flowers bloom all year round, with the scent of flower fragrance present throughout the Imperial City. It has always been known as the Flower Capital. Although there was the Northern Zhou invasion this year, trampling up to the border, it did not affect the flowering of the Southern Qi¡¯s Imperial City. Su Feng Nuan has not yet entered the city and could already smell the scent of flowers from the Imperial City. She inhaled and takes her horse into the city. Behind her, besides the commoners passing by, her third brother Su Qing¡¯s sight could not be seen. Since General Su¡¯s defeat of the Northern Zhou invasion, the atmosphere of Imperial City has changed, people talked louder and it was very lively. She took the horse and went to a teahouse, asked for a pot of high-grade tea, not in a hurry to return home. Then she sat down and leisurely listened to the storyteller tell his story. The teahouse and wine cellars in the Imperial City have always been the most lively places where people gather after various major events. Today, the storyteller was telling of a major event that has happened recently. General Su defeated the Northern Zhou army, the Emperor was greatly pleased, gave words of heavy rewards: After General Su had handled the border issues and returned to the Imperial City, he will be bestowed the Wu-hou 1 title, and the Su Manor would become the Wu-hou Manor . In addition to this incident, the Emperor and Empress also let out the message, to bestow a marriage for Lady Su. Currently, there are two candidates that are brought up the most. One is the Duke of Rong-an Wang-fu¡¯2s Shi-zi3 Ye Xiang; the other is the Emperor¡¯s Xiao Guo-jiu 4, Xu Yun Chu from the Guo-zhang 5 Manor One is the royal family, and the other is an aristocratic family. Both¡¯s background are prominent. The Su Manor is the General¡¯s Manor, and it is about to become the Wu-hou Manor, so it is also very prominent, making Lady Su and the two candidates a naturally compatible match. It is said that the Empress Dowager proposed her own grand-nephew, Xu Yun Chu, and the Emperor proposed his nephew, Ye Xiang, the son of the Rong-an Wang-fu6, these three months that you¡¯ve slept over, you hadn¡¯t just missed a good show, if you hadn¡¯t been drunk and unconscious, you almost went with General Su to the battlefield!¡± The person earlier, who expressed their regret, upon hearing that said, took a change of tone and said joyfully, ¡°That said, it¡¯s fortunate that I drank the Sanyuezui8, otherwise the swords on the battlefield have no eyes. I heard that even General Su was seriously injured and he is still nursing at the border. If I go, eight out of ten I¡¯d be like my father and mother and can¡¯t come back. How could I still sit here and drink tea?¡± ¡°Exactly, exactly.¡± Someone answered. ¡°Shi-zi is a lucky person and will have a blessed life.¡± Someone chimed in. Su Feng Nuan took her eyes off of them and took out some silver, putting them on the table and got up. At this time, the person smiled and said joyfully, ¡°I really am a lucky person with a blessed life. In this case, the tea of everyone in this tea house will be paid by me!¡± His moment his words fell, instantly a wave of cheers followed. Su Feng Nuan steps paused and looked upstairs again. Seeing that grandeur room filled with laughter, about seven or eight people seated. Someone downstairs asked, ¡°Shi-zi, do you really mean it?¡± ¡°Of course whatever I say is true. When had I ever said anything that I didn¡¯t mean?¡± The person upstairs said with a smile, ¡°Shopkeeper, listened well, today in the tea house. All the tea from the visitors is counted on my bill.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± The shopkeeper immediately smiled and answered. Su Feng Nuan retracted her glance and returned to her seat. She waved over a young assistant and whispered to him. The young assistant looked at her with a stunned expression after hearing her words. Su Feng Nuan had on a bamboo hat, wearing a white dress that was not old or too new and carried a sword at her waist. A jianghu people look. The young assistant looked at her for a long while, and still could not clearly see her features. He could only stutter and say, ¡°This¡­miss, this¡­is not too appropriate?¡± ¡°What¡¯s not appropriate? Didn¡¯t he clearly say it? That today¡¯s tea for all visitors in the teahouse, he will pay for? ¡± Through the veil, Su Feng Nuan¡¯s pair of clear and innocent eyes stared at the young assistant, ¡°Do the dignified Rong-an Wang-fu¡¯s9 Ye Shi-zi say things that do not hold up? ¡± The young assistant hesitated, and said quietly, ¡°But¡­ Ye Shi-zi is saying for those drinking here, he didn¡¯t say¡­ those for taking out are counted¡­¡± Su Feng Nuan extended her hand and knocked the table twice, laughing and saying, ¡°This teahouse, is it that there is money that you don¡¯t want to earn? You go ask your shopkeeper to see if he will or not.¡± The young assistant sighed and looked upstairs and saw the laughter from upstairs. He immediately ran to find the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper listened to what the young assistant said, looking towards Su Feng Nuan, was stunned, but after a moment, nodded to the young assistant. The young assistant having the approval of the shopkeeper, ran to the back, and brought out ten boxes of good quality new tea. Su Feng Nuan took off the bag behind her, opened it, wrapped up the ten boxes of good quality new tea, and leisurely walked out of the teahouse. The young assistant watched Su Feng Nuan leave the teahouse and took the horse away. Again, he turned and ran back to the shopkeeper. He whispered, ¡°Shopkeeper, 10 boxes of good quality new teas, a box is like a thousand gold, these ten boxes are 10 thousand gold.¡± You even agree to that, Ye Shi-zi made a big loss today.¡± The shopkeeper was making noises with his abacus and shook his head, not talking. The young assistant said, ¡°Shopkeeper, should we tell Ye Shi-zi?¡± The shopkeeper shook his head. The young assistant saw that the shopkeeper didn¡¯t say anything, so naturally, he said nothing, but his heart pained for Ye Xiang. 10 thousand gold was not a small amount. Ye Shi-zi¡¯s ancestorial properties must have been spent by him in these years already. What can he live off of in the future? The news that Ye Shi-zi was paying for tea in the teahouse soon spread. After one pass, ten passes, and many people heard it, they all flocked to Yipin Xiang 10 Teahouse. The young assistant was bringing out tea back and forth, his legs were numb, and he couldn¡¯t help feel sorry for Ye Xiang¡¯s money anymore, he now felt for his legs. Ye Xiang did not stay in the teahouse for a long time. After drinking two pots of tea with a group of people, he went out of the teahouse and went to find a place to have fun. He slept for three months, and did not sleep himself limp, but instead, he was very full of energy. On a hot day, he took a group of people to the hunting ground. Su Feng Nuan led the horse back to the Su Manor. Madam Su heard that she had returned to Capital, and came out to greet her with joy. She looked at left and right and was relieved to see that she was not injured. Su Feng Nuan took off the bag and handed it to Madam Su, laughing and saying, ¡°There are ten boxes of good Tianxiangjin 11 that your daughter robbed, Mother loves to drink tea so accept it.¡± Chapter 3 Madam Su quickly opened the bag when she heard that there were ten boxes of Tianxiangjin in there. When she saw that it was Tianxiangjin 1 even her eyes lit up. She opened the box one by one and smelled them, giving a confirming nod. ¡°It really is Tianxiangjin 2. Since it leaves its fragrant on your lips and teeth after drinking it, soft like silky satin that¡¯s why it¡¯s named Tianxiangjin 3. A box is worth a thousand gold, who did you rob?¡± ¡°There¡¯s tea to drink, why ask so much?¡± Su Feng Nuan took down the sword and handed it to Madam Su, ¡°Mother, look, is my sword good?¡± Madam Su looked up only to see Su Feng Nuan pulling the sword out of its carrier, the cold aura flashed around, like snow like jade, she nods, and praised, ¡°It is a good sword. And, who did you rob this sword from?¡± ¡°This sword is called Xueyu 4, but it is not robbed, your daughter won it from a fight with a friend of Jianghu who is good at welding swords. He dug out a thousand year Hanyu 5 from an ice cave on Tianxue Mountain and was only able to weld one sword, but before it was ready, I won it. If it¡¯s not for this Hanyu 6 sword, I wouldn¡¯t be able to injure the Northern Zhou¡¯s second prince, Chu Han¡± ¡°Good sword,¡± Madam Su took her eyes from it and looked at the bag, eyes full of love, ¡°but not better than this tea.¡± Su Feng Nuan rolled her eyes. Madam Su no longer asked about the origin of the tea, and happily holding the bag pulled Su Feng Nuan into the house. After Madam Su made a pot of Tianxiangjin 7 to drink and put the rest away, she engaged Su Feng Nuan in some small talks for half a day before feeling satisfied and finally remembering and asked, ¡°What about your third brother? Your Father sent a letter, said you and him were returning together, how come only you¡¯ve returned? Where is he?¡± Su Feng Nuan rested on the pillow and was sleepy, ¡°Behind.¡± ¡°You and your brother fought again? How come one in front and one behind?¡± Madam Su asked . Su Feng Nuan made some noise and closed her eyes. Madam Su asked again, but she was silent. Taking a look, she had fallen asleep. Madam Su than discovered that she was full of dust, her shoes were also stained with soil, and the clothes looked like she hadn¡¯t change for two or three days. Seeing her lying on the mattress¡¯ clean, brand-new satin sheets, sleeping soundly, only then did she start feeling repulsed about it. Even so, she couldn¡¯t bear to wake her up, gets up and walks to the front of the house to receive Su Qing who was coming later. Su Qing ran back to the Su Manor panting, his head and face of dust and dirt. Seeing Madam Su and immediately asked, ¡°Mother, is that skunk girl back?¡± ¡°Already back! Just entered the house and sleeping.¡± Madam Su looked more repulsed at her third son, ¡°You both look like you came out from the soil. Who did you fight a mud fight with?¡± Su Qing hears that and blew out anger from his nose that it becomes disfigured. Cursing, ¡°Dead girl, she pulled a trick, she did something to my horse.¡± ¡°Sure enough, it was a fight.¡± Madam Su covered her nose and waved her hand, ¡°Quickly go wash, so dirty.¡± Su Qing threw the reins and rushed into the courtyard, going to look for Su Feng Nuan to get even. Madam Su grabbed him, ¡°Are you a older brother? Do you not know to go easy on your little sister? She looks tired, you are not allowed to wake her, if she wakes, I¡¯ll have no ends with you.¡± Su Qing was unhappy, ¡°Mother, we¡¯re all your own, how can you be so bias?¡± Madam Su snorted, putting her hands to her waist, ¡°They all say that said that the daughter is the mother¡¯s cotton jacket, this really is true. Your sister came back and gave mother ten boxes of Tianxiangjin 8, what did you bring to your mother?¡± Su Qing choked, bug-eyed. ¡°She raced back with me, where¡¯d she get ten boxes of Tianxiangjin 9?¡± Madam Su looked at him, looking distasteful, ¡°Why do you care about where she got it, you didn¡¯t get it for me anyway. Quickly go back to your room to wash. Although we have been away from the Capital for 12 years, the Emperor has definitely sent people to clean it from time to time. Everyone¡¯s room is clean, you are still in your previous yard. If you¡¯re not cleaned up, don¡¯t enter my room and dirty my place.¡± After saying those words, she turned and went back into her room. Su Qing looked at Madam Su slowly return to her yard and blinked. This is what¡¯s so-called same people, but different lives! Su Feng Nuan probably didn¡¯t wash up either, dirty, but soundly sleeping on the pillow in Mother¡¯s room. He blinked at the master room for a long while, reluctantly thinking about it, that Mother favored daughter, but she gave birth to three sons in a row. When she finally gave birth to a daughter, she loved her like she was really something, even if she wanted the stars in the sky she would naturally take them off for her. However, the skunk girl was an overturn, since young she didn¡¯t like to stay at home. When she was younger, every two or three days she¡¯d run out. After she grew up, the times she came home in a year could be counted with five fingers. Each time she came home, she would always bring back things for Mother that was at the top of her heart, knew how to sweet talk, and make people happy, so like this, Mother loved her even more! Apart from losing the thousand-years snow lotus, coming home and not being treated well, don¡¯t need to say how wronged he felt. I only hate myself for not being a daughter. If he is a daughter, there is no such thing as Su Feng Nuan. After all, Mother was afraid of giving birth. If it wasn¡¯t because she wanted a daughter that much, but only giving birth to three sons in a row. His mother gave birth to big brother and allowed the Su family to have a heir she hadn¡¯t wanted to give birth again. Therefore, after giving birth to Su Feng Nuan this daughter, she finally got what she wished and determined not to give birth again. If thinking this way, if it wasn¡¯t for his mother wanting to give birth to Su Feng Nuan, it would seem that he and Second Brother wouldn¡¯t be a thing. Quickly, his feeling of wronged lessened. Going back to his room, after washing clean, he was already sleepy to the state of being upside down, so unable to pain over the loss of the thousand-year snow lotus, he fell asleep already. At the time, Ye Xiang was hunting with a group of people. The hot day had a group of people crying out to the heavens. Ye Xiang was also soaked in sweat, but still pursuing to hunt after the lion without giving up. Chen Shu, the second son of the Anguo-gong 10 Manor complained loudly, ¡°Ye Xiang, are you still human? It¡¯s been an hour, are you done yet? Do you want us to die of heat?¡± Shen Qi, the son of Jingyang-Hou Manor11, also shouted ¡°Ye Xiang, you have this fierceness, you should go to the border, the Northern Zhou¡¯s shitty second prince can not be your opponents.¡± The Ping-jun Manor¡¯s Xiao Jun-wang, 12 Qi Shu also could not take it, and joined in the uproar, ¡°I¡±m not playing anymore! He slept for three months, and now he is full of energy. Even we play til tomorrow, all of us together can¡¯t win him.¡± ¡°So, are we seven admitting defeat?¡± The three men heard and all turned to look at him and shouted in unison. ¡°Not admitting defeat, then you go at it!¡± Liu Yan, wiped off the sweat and shook his head, ¡°Dying from the heat.¡± The three looked at the other people. The others were also too hot, motioning with their hands and shaking their heads. ¡°Than we¡¯ll admit defeat.¡± Chen Shu used his sleeves to shield from the burning sun over his head, and said with annoyance, ¡°Ye Xiang that a bastard, he offered to pay at the teahouse, but didn¡¯t expect in the end, it¡¯s us seven that pays the bill for him.¡± Qi Shu hit his head, ¡°Yah, we each lost a thousand gold to him, seven people together lost seven thousand gold. So, him insisting to come hunting and put down a hunting bet was for this purpose.¡± ¡°Too inhumane!¡± Shen Qi also came to a realization, ¡°Seven thousand gold don¡¯t say pay for one day of tea, can pay to drink ten days of tea with commoners of the Imperial City lining up ten rounds wouldn¡¯t drink up so much money. I¡¯m kind of broke lately, had I known, I wouldn¡¯t gamble with him.¡± ¡°Too late.¡± Liu Yan was also regretful. At this time, Ye Xiang had already captured the lion who could not move. He looked at the seven people full of spirit and asked proudly. ¡°Are you all sure about admitting defeat?¡± The seven men looked at him and gritted their teeth. ¡°Not convinced? Then come again, don¡¯t say up til that tomorrow, even the day after tomorrow, Shi-zi, I have the energy.¡± Ye Xiang said. The seven quickly deflated, waving their hands in unison, ¡°Consider us defeated.¡± Ye Xiang laughed and let go of the lion. The lion was not injured, but he was already tired and could not run. After he let go, he lies on the ground, looking at him with grief. Laying on the horse, Ye Xiang glanced at the lion, and slowly said, ¡°I am a Shi-zi, you are a lion 13, we can¡¯t count as a family. How about you follow me in the future?¡± The The lion suddenly stood up and rubbed against the horse¡¯s leg. Qi Shu was amazed, ¡°Even animals know to kiss the horse¡¯s leg. 14¡± Ye Xiang removed a rabbit from the saddlebag in front of the saddle, throw it at it, and proudly said, ¡°Follow me the Shi-zi and there¡¯ll be meat to eat, but you have to be obedient, without my permission, you are not allowed to eat human.¡± The lion suddenly became energetic and started pulling and eating away the rabbit. Liu Yan couldn¡¯t bear to see such bloodiness and moved his eyes away. ¡°Ye Ge Ge15, what does it mean that if you do not allow, it is not allowed to eat human? Do you mean that you would allow it to eat human after all?¡± Ye Xiang nodded. ¡°So, you should weight it a little bit, don¡¯t offend brother, I.¡± Liu Yan suddenly shrunk his neck. Qi Shu glanced at Liu Yan and smirked. ¡°Look at you, not in the bit promising, even afraid of that? What did you come to hunt for?¡± ¡°Hunting is hunting, this is raw tearing.¡± Liu Yan¡¯s body felt chilly while he looked at the lion¡¯s bloody mouth; seeing Ye Xiang still looking at the lion, smiling like he was appreciative, and pointed at him, angrily said, ¡°You are too¡­ bloody.¡± Ye Xiang turned back and looked at him laughing, ¡°Courage is really small indeed, a shame for the grandson of the Prince Jin 16Manor.¡± Liu Yan suddenly hardened his neck, dissatisfied with the comment, ¡°Not bearing to watch blood and killing, what does that have to do with shame?¡± Ye Xiang twisted up the horse¡¯s reins and turned the horse¡¯s head. A faint smile on his face, ¡°A rabbit even though small, but if it is clever, and runs fast, it might not become the lion¡¯s dinner. But, a rabbit is a rabbit, born a rabbit, not a lion. This is just the so-called law of the jungle.¡± After saying that, he hit the horse with the whip and called everyone, ¡°No fun, let¡¯s go back to the city.¡± Chapter 4 Ye Xiang rode the horse and left. The lion had finished eating the rabbit, flicking its big tail and followed behind Ye Xiang¡¯s horse. Liu Yan touched his nose and turned to ask Qi Shu. ¡°What did Ye Ge-Ge¡¯s words mean?¡± Qi Shu rolled his eyes. ¡°Rabbit is rabbit, lion is lion, even this you don¡¯t understand. You really lost face for the Prince Jin¡¯s Manor¡± Liu Yan glared, ¡°Who doesn¡¯t understand the meaning? What I asked was what he was trying to say with his words.¡± Qi Shu smiled. ¡°You living to this age is not easy. Prince Jin probably worried til his heart broke.¡± After saying that, with a whip of the reins, chased after Ye Xiang. Liu Yan flared up into a fury, ¡°Bullying me is it?¡± Shen Qi rode his horse close, patted him on the shoulder and whispered, ¡°He means that if you even fear the bloody sight of lions eating rabbits, you really shouldn¡¯t have been born in the royal family. When Prince Jin was as big as you, he was not afraid at all. You didn¡¯t inherit any of your grandfather¡¯s character.¡± Liu Wei was speechless for a moment. Chen Shu rode his horse by as well and also patted Liu Yan. ¡°Jin Wang-shu1 holds you very dearly, it is better for you to not follow us in the future. What¡¯s so scary about a lion eating a rabbit? Ye Xiang has eaten human flesh even.¡± Liu Yan¡¯s face suddenly turned white, ¡°He¡­¡­when¡­¡­..has he eaten human flesh?¡± ¡°It was twelve years ago I think, at the border, The Duke and Duchess died from being trapped in battle, in a radius of ten miles were all scorched soil, lives were lost everywhere. At that time, Ye Xiang had just turned five years old and couldn¡¯t find food. So he ripped out flesh from the dead to eat. Otherwise, how could he still be alive? When General Su found him, he had been eating that for seven days. Therefore, General Su later resigned and even til today is deep in guilt.¡± Liu Yan¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°There was such a thing? Is this¡­..true? How come I haven¡¯t heard of it before?¡± ¡°So I said that Jin Wang-shu protects you too well. So, better to listen to his words, don¡¯t come out with us. Our gang of people, are like him, all climbed out of bloody piles, as long as can live, so what to eating human flesh?¡± Chen Shu stated. Liu Yan¡¯s voice suddenly disappeared, his handsome face becoming extremely pale. ¡°Let¡¯s go, we still have to go back to get the gold to pay the bet.¡± Chen Shu rode off with his horse. Shen Qi also hit the horse and followed. After everyone left, Liu Yan rode on the horse in the same place for a long time before he also hit his horse and chased after them. Shen Qi and Chen Shu was going side by side, reproachfully said to him, ¡°Why did you tell him that? If you scared him too badly, Prince Jin would find trouble with you.¡± Chen Shu sneered, ¡°He has a good grandfather is so great? We are all a bunch of people who nobody cares about, no one loves and no one controls. I just told him clearly to stay away from us in the future. It¡¯s better for a pastry that grew up in a golden jar to stay put in the jar.¡± Shen Qi looked at him,¡± What is it, you lost the bet and not able to let it go, so you are letting it out on a kid! ¡± Chen Shu snorted,¡± What is a thousand gold? Although my grandfather don¡¯t pamper me, stepmother don¡¯t like me, but my birth mother had left a street of shop for me. What can¡¯t I afford to lose.¡± Shen Qi is speechless. ¡°That is your mother¡¯s dowry. If you spend it all, your mother will not be able to rest in peace down under.¡± ¡°If she is afraid that I would spend it all, then she should not have died early.¡± Shen Qi coughed and looked at Chen Shu, ¡°It¡¯s because you think Ye Xiang treats Liu Yan too good, right? So you are angry, right?¡± Chen Shu choked. Shen Qi sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t understand either. Liu Yan is just a child who is not weaned. Why does Ye Xiang always let him stick around? Jin Wang-shu is afraid that following him, Liu Yan will learn bad, always blowing his beard and glaring at him how many times already? But he doesn¡¯t seem to care. Can¡¯t be that he hasn¡¯t married and have kids yet and already grew a fatherly heart?¡± Chen Shu hearing the statement burst into laughter and pointed at Shen Qi. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go ask Ye Xiang that?¡± Shen Qi also that was funny, shrugging, ¡°I am afraid that the lion he just subdued would eat me.¡± Chen Shu laughed, ¡°I am afraid too.¡± ¡°Since we are all afraid, this talk we will keep in our stomachs than.2,¡± Shen Qi said laughingly. Chen Shu also laughed and nodded. The group returned to the city and it was already dark. Ye Xiang did not return to manor, but rode the horse directly to the Yipin Xiang3 Teahouse. Qi Shu, Chen Shu, Shen Qi, and the others to enter the city one by one, after hearing that he went to the teahouse, also wanted to know how much money he spent today, how much remaining from the seven thousand gold bet he had leftover, and all went to the Yipin Xiang Teahouse without a prior set arrangement. The teahouse has stopped taking in customers, and the shopkeeper is counting the spendings for the day. Ye Xiang came to the front of the building and dismounted from the horse. The lion also followed him, swishing his tail and following him into the building. The young assistant saw the big lion behind Ye Xiang and his face went pale from fear, his legs also weakened. Trembling and unable to speak, ¡°Ye¡­Shi-zi¡­Lion¡­¡± Ye Xiang glanced back, a rare situation of stopping in his tracks. Saying with a smile, ¡°Without my permission, it doesn¡¯t eat human.¡± The young assistant was still scared, his face earth-tone. Ye Xiang seeing him like this, simply decided to not go in. He stood at the door and asked, ¡°How much did today spend me? Have the shopkeeper calculated it?¡± The young assistant stuttered, ¡± currently ¡­ currently counting¡­¡± Ye Xiang nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll wait here for a while, you go in and have a look, after calculated, come out and tell me.¡± The young assistant repeatedly nodded, holding onto his soft boned legs and barely crawled into the restaurant. Qi Shu laughed, ¡°You have a lion now. I¡¯m afraid all the ladies in the Imperial City will need to reroute when they see you. Even the Red Powder House4, I¡¯m afraid won¡¯t invite you in.¡± Ye Xiang uninterestedly said, ¡°In this case, isn¡¯t it more to Xu Yun Chu¡¯s advantage? With me to compare to, the ladies in the Imperial City will like him more. Doesn¡¯t he like to be surrounded by the ladies of the Imperial City? He would want to thank me all the more. ¡± Qi Shu mouth twitched. ¡°So what if he is The Imperial City¡¯s # 1 Gong-zi? Since the engagement thing for Lady Su came out, you and him are regarded the same. He does not have any advantage over you.¡± Chen Shu said in disdain. Ye Xiang turned to look at Chen Shu, ¡°Being regarded the same as him is not a glorious thing. Yet, you still have to pay attention to that.¡± The Chen Shu looked at him, ¡°Have you slept for three months and slept stupid already? That¡¯s the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady, the only daughter of General Su. Treasured like a pearl in the palm. The Empress Dowager and Emperor have been glued to this matter in recent days. Even all the officials of the court have grown long grass in their hearts from this5. Marrying her, what does that represent? It¡­¡± Ye Xiang continued the words for him, ¡± Marry her, is married to a tigress who plays with knives and swords. I now have a lion is enough, why do I want a tigress for? To watch her and the lion fight? ¡± Chen Shu choked. Qi Shu was greatly amused, ¡°If you let the people of the Su Manor hear that, you would definitely have no game in marrying Lady Su.¡± ¡°The lady who grew up in the countryside, no loss in not marrying, who knows what kind of wild girl she is.¡± Ye Xiang smoothed his clothes, ¡°I still want to play for a few more years, I don¡¯t want to die early.¡± Everyone laughed, ¡°Makes sense.¡± The Shopkeeper came out of the building with an account book and after greeting everyone, said to Ye Xiang, ¡°Shi-zi, it¡¯s at total of 11,000 gold.¡± ¡°What?¡± Chen Shu exclaimed, patted his ear, and looked at the Shopkeeper. ¡°My ears must not be good, could I have heard wrong?¡± The Shopkeeper shook his head. ¡°Chen Er Gong-zi 6 didn¡¯t hear wrong. It is 11,000 gold.¡± ¡°Are the people in this teahouse not drinking tea, but gold instead? How is it so much?¡± Chen Shu face tensed up, ¡°Don¡¯t think that because we are all prodigals, and you open your mouth like a lion7. Be careful of the lion that Ye Xiang just trained, he will swallow you whole.¡± The Shopkeeper bowed, ¡°Your servant8, I dare not to cheat Shi-zi. It¡¯s really because today there was a guest. She packed up ten boxes of Tianxiangjin and took it away.¡± Chen Shu blanked, ¡°Take away?¡± The Shopkeeper nodded. ¡°What kind of guest? How dare they think of robbing Ye Shi-zi!¡± Qi Shu swiftly asked. The Shopkeeper looked at Ye Xiang and saw that he also showed curiosity. He hesitated and whispered. ¡°It is Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady.¡± Chapter 5 Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady? It was the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady! Ye Xiang was treating people to tea and she packed up ten boxes of Tianxiangjin1, this is really too¡­..unmodest! Ten boxes of Tianxiangjin is ten thousand gold. On this busy day, all the customers in the teahouse today only drank away a thousand gold. Everyone looks at one another. Ye Xiang was stunned for a while, but started smiling and turned his head to everyone. ¡°Now do you feel even in your hearts? I won seven thousand gold from you guys, but I still lost four thousand gold. Compared to you, I am the biggest loser today. Everyone started coughing. Chen Shu wondered, ¡°Didn¡¯t Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady go to the border with General Su? Only Madam Su was brought back to the Imperial City. How could she pack ten boxes of Tianxiangjin from the Yipin Xiang Teahouse?¡± After saying so, he looked at the Shopkeeper, ¡°Have you gotten it wrong?¡± The Shopkeeper shook his head. ¡°Your servant definitely had not mistaken. It is the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady. Your servant has spent most of his life in Yipin Xiang Teahouse. In addition to reading the account book, this skill of mines for recognizing people is my only prided talent. The Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady seems to have just entered the Imperial City from outside, only drank three teas, listened to some storytelling for a while, and after hearing Shi-zi¡¯s invitation, she packed up ten boxes of Tianxiangjin and took it away.¡± Qi Shu was surprised. ¡°So, we were still drinking tea in the teahouse at that time? Why didn¡¯t we see her?¡± ¡°She was downstairs, and you Gong-zi2 all have been in the grandeur room.¡± The shopkeeper said. ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you tell us? What were you plotting? Do you think this money was easy to earn?¡± The Shopkeeper looked at Ye Xiang and lowered his head. ¡°Your servant thinks that it has been a troublesome autumn. The Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady also has a special status, it is better to not make a big deal in case it gets to the palace¡­¡± Chen Shu¡¯s anger retreated and look at Ye Xiang. Ye Xiang reached out and touched the head of the lion and smiled at the group. ¡°It really is true that only women and villains are difficult to raise, really shouldn¡¯t mess with them. Now you know why I don¡¯t dare to marry her? If you don¡¯t want to marry a tigress like her and be controlled, in the future if you see her be sure to stay far away.¡± Everyone thought of the Tianxiangjin, which is worth ten thousand gold, being taken away by her so easily, they nodded with the same feeling. Chen Shu asked, ¡°Is there still stocks of Tianxiangjin in the teahouse?¡± The Shopkeeper shook his head. ¡°Lady Su asked for all the Tianxiangjin in the teahouse, a total of ten boxes of new tea, all given to her. This year, Tianxiangjin only has 11 boxes. Gong-zi together you¡¯ve all drank away one box, so now there is none. If you wish to drink Tianxiangjin, will have to wait for next year.¡± Shen Qi quickly blinked, ¡°Why were you being so honestly? Just say that there is only one box in the teahouse and give it to her would be sufficient.¡± The Shopkeeper sighed, ¡°Lady Su said to the young assistant, she wants all the Tianxiangjin, if the teahouse is not honest and did not give them all to her, if she finds out that there is Tianxiangjin that comes out from the teahouse, she would set fire and burn the teahouse, making this century-old brand disappear into nothingness. The Commander General Su Manor right now is very famed, and Lady Su hadn¡¯t even arrived at the Imperial City and already has the Emperor and Empress Dowager thinking of her, not to say just burning down the teahouse, even if she wants to burn the whole street. I am afraid that no one can say no.¡± ¡°That makes sense!¡± Qi Shu nodded. Shen Qi inhaled, ¡°Heaven! This Lady Su¡¯s heart is cruel!¡± Chen Shu turned to Ye Xiang, ¡°Comparable with you.¡± Ye Xiang reached out and patted the lion, turning to Chen Shu, ¡°Bite him.¡± The lion¡¯s hair suddenly puffed out and it jumped after Chen Shu. Chen Shu quickly pulled out his sword, and jumped 3 yard high up to the roof of the teahouse. Angrily asked Ye Xiang, ¡°Have you gone mad? Telling it to bite me?¡± The lion also jumped up wanting to climb onto the roof. Chen Shu held his sword and pointing below, ¡°If it dares to come up, I will kill it and make your training it for nothing you believe it or not?¡± Ye Xiang heard his words and slowly looked up, taking a careless glance at Chen Shu. ¡°Come back.¡± The lion sucked back it¡¯s puffed-up hair and returned to Ye Xiang¡¯s side. Ye Xiang pet its head again and said to Chen Shu, ¡± I was just pulling a small joke.¡± ¡°This is joking? You actually wanted my life right? If I jumped a little slower, I would enter his bloody mouth.¡± Chen Shu put away his sword and jumped off the roof.¡± ¡°I slept for three months and wake up to see you all one by one like you¡¯ve become disabled. Don¡¯t even know how to hunt anymore, so I¡¯m just helping you recover. If still so wasted, there¡¯s no more playing around later.¡± After Ye Xiang finished and said to the Shopkeeper, ¡°Tomorrow I will take four thousand gold from my manor, for the rest ask from them, each person a thousand gold.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The Shopkeeper nodded. Ye Xiang turned and left the teahouse, the lion following behind him. ¡°Hey, where are you going?¡± Shen Qi shouted. ¡°Going back to the manor for dinner, I¡¯m starving to death.¡± Ye Xiang said. ¡°Let¡¯s eat outside,¡± Shen Qi said. ¡°You been asleep for three months and finally woke up. Today we have to have to drink some.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine with drinking, but who is treating? You?¡± Ye Xiang said without turning back. Shen Qi stunned, ¡°I lost a thousand gold to you, I am tight handed3.¡± ¡°I lost four thousand gold, my hands are tighter,¡± Ye Xiang continued to move forward. ¡°Who asked you to open invitation for a day of tea?¡± Shen Qi rolled his eyes. ¡°Under a blissful moment,¡± Ye Shoudao. Shen Qi was completely speechless and turned to look at the others. The others shrugged together, a thousand dollars was not a small amount. In the near days, it looks everyone would be tight handed. Ye Xiang was far ahead, one man and one lion disappeared into the street. Qi Shu turned back and wondering at Chen Shu. ¡°Why did he suddenly get angry with you?¡± Hearing that, Chen Shu became angry. ¡°I just said that the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady was comparable with him and he got angry and let the lion bite me.¡± Qi Shu was momentarily stunned and then suddenly laughed. ¡°He seems to not want anything to do with the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady.¡± ¡°I guess the Su Manor¡¯s Young lady is ugly.¡± Chen Shu said angrily. Qi Shu shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve asked and heard that the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady is a natural beauty and inherits the beauty of Madam Su.¡± ¡°Since she inherited Madam Su¡¯s beauty, so she probably also inherited General Su¡¯s bad temper.¡± Chen Shu said, ¡°If not ugly, then is a fearsome warrior.¡± Qi Shu hearing so believed more of the latter and nodded. ¡°Should be it. So even though Ye Xiang heard that the Emperor intended to have him marry Lady Su, he tries avoiding it with all he can, even though the Su Manor¡¯s is so reputated now it doesn¡¯t work on him.¡± Chen Shu sneer, ¡°If talking about reputation, the Su Manor now is no more so than the Rong-an Manor in the past? Even if the Rong-an Manor is now fallen, it is not necessary to kiss up to the Su Manor, and marry the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Qi Shu nodded. ¡°Ye Xiang doesn¡¯t need to kiss up to General Su, so not marrying is ok.¡± ¡°Let it go to Xu Yun Chu.¡± Shen Qi clicked his tongue. ¡°The Empress Dowager has been so troublesome these years, the Emperor has long already become impatient. The Xu family already has two queens, but still not satisfied, they also want to taint the military power, really is dreaming. The Emperor is weak, but not stupid. Xu Yun Chu wants to marry Lady Su? Unless the kingdom changed its surname.¡± Chen Shu said in disdain. ¡°Hey, you want to die, you dare to say these things.¡± Qi Shu covered Chen Shu¡¯s mouth. Chen Shu reached out and pushed him away. ¡°Since there is no wine to drink, let¡¯s each go back to their own manor.¡± Shen Qi nodded. ¡°Ye Xiang has returned to his manor. What are we doing here? Go, let¡¯s all return to our manor.¡± Everyone nodded and leaving from the entrance of the teahouse, returning to their own manor. Chapter 6 When Madam Su was brought to the Imperial City, she didn¡¯t bring many servants. With the Su Manor¡¯s reputation being so high lately, there was no shortage of servants who were sent as gifts to the Su Manor. Apart from the servants bestowed by the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the Queen, many high ranked officials in the court also one after the other had also sent servants to the Su Manor. Madam Su did not to offend anyone. Whoever was sent into the manor she would receive them. In a short period of time, the Su Manor had a large group of footmen and maids available for service, and the Su Manor which had been empty for many years became lively with noise and shouts. However, because with many people under a manor, the news that Su Feng Nuan had returned to the manor naturally could not be held back, and soon spread quickly in the Imperial City. It has been some time since the topic about the Emperor and Empress wanting to bestow and engagement to the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady had spread, but with the key person not in the Imperial City, what spreads is just pure talk. Now that the key person has returned to the Imperial City, it is not the same. Countless pairs of eyes have been fixed on the Su Manor. Naturally, the Palace also got the news. On the morning of the second day, the palace sent a messenger, to summon Madam Su to bring along Su Feng Nuan into the palace. Su Feng Nuan was tired from the horse racing with Su Qing. After returning to the manor, she had not washed, had not eaten, had not changed clothes, had not changed shoes, and had been sleeping in Madam Su¡¯s room till it became dark and bright again. Madam Su heart ached for her daughter, and naturally, she did not want to wake her up and just let her sleep in. On the second day, when she just woke up, she heard that someone from the palace came to summon her to the palace. Madam Su rushed her to take a quick shower and change clothes. Su Feng Nuan was nestled on the bed, with no plans to move. Madam Su reached out and pulled her. ¡°Get up, lazy girl!¡± Su Feng Nuan took the opportunity to hug Madam Su¡¯s arm, behaving in a spoiled manner. ¡°Mother, I am so tired, can I not go to the palace?¡± Madam Su also felt sorry for her daughter. Coming back from the border, run such long distances, how could she not be tired? But she still shook her head, ¡°No, it is the Emperor who sent the messenger to summon, not going is Resistance1. ¡°Resistance than so be it¡± Su Feng Nuan said. Madam Su reached out and knocked her on the head. ¡°Resistance is a big offense!¡± Su Feng Nuan quietly snorted, ¡°The Emperor still relies on Father to protect his kingdom. If I really resist the order, he¡¯d really killed me?¡± Madam Su glared at her and whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense, here is the Imperial City, not outside. You just came back, so maybe you don¡¯t know, but the manor just took in a lot of people. Now, it¡¯s no longer like before, every talk every move is being watched, and with many people in the manor it is complicated. Your lack of respect towards the Emperor, these disrespectful words, in the future can not say it again. Although your father is protecting the kingdom for the Emperor, but it is also protection for the people of Southern Qi. You not listening to the summon, the Emperor probably would not find fault with you, but it is inevitable that it would lead the Emperor and court to think that the Su Manor has made great achievements and have become arrogance. In times like this, the more we must guard against arrogance and act carefully.¡± Su Feng Nuan sighed, ¡°So, I have to enter the Palace than? ¡± Yes, you can¡¯t escape. The Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Queen all wants to see you, even if you can hide from them today, you can¡¯t hide tomorrow. ¡± Madam Su rushed her again, ¡°So better to quickly get ready, letting the Emperor wait is not good. ¡° Su Feng Nuang could only get off the bed and muttered, ¡°The Imperial City is really bad.¡± Madam Su also deeply that that as well, ¡°Imperial City is indeed not good.¡± Su Feng Nuan went to bathe. Madam Su quickly ordered someone to take out her clothes. Seeing Su Feng Nuan come out from her bath, she pointed to a large stack of clothing. ¡°These are the new clothing that your Mother had the tailor rush out these days. ¡°Come and take a look, see if they fit?¡± ¡°The clothing that Mother has made all fit.¡± Su Feng Nuan smiled and walked forward. After taking a glance, she frowned. ¡°Why are they all such complicated clothing? The colors are too bright, and the colors are too fresh. Not one is simple.¡± Madam Su glared at her, ¡°These are all premium grade silk and satin awarded by the Palace. This Imperial City is all embroidered piles and paved with red powder2. The Empress Dowager and Queen both like bright colors in clothing. If you are dressed too plain, it is not good to enter the Palace to see them.¡± Su Feng Nuan sighed again. ¡°But Mother, have you not done a few pieces of clothing that I usually wear? I will not always enter the Palace.¡± ¡°No, from now on, you are no longer the former Lady Su, you are the Lady Su of the Imperial City¡¯s Commander General¡¯s Manor, your clothing must be up to par with your identity.¡± Madam Su shook her head. ¡°All your plain clothing from before, have been thrown away by me, now you are going to stay put with Mother in the Imperial City, you are not allowed to run around outside again. Your Father had also sent letter to tell me to watch you. You are also of age to seek engagement, you can not do the same nonsense as in the past. ¡° Su Feng Nuan stared at her, ¡°Mother, I heard that the Empress and the Emperor intend to engage me, it couldn¡¯t be your request could it?¡± Madam Su shook her head. ¡°No, the Emperor and Empress Dowager asked, I can¡¯t lie, so I just told the truth. When my daughter grows up, it¡¯s not like I can keep hiding it, not to mention my daughter is not unsightly.¡± Su Feng Nuan looked at her proud look and became speechless for a while. Madam Su had been picking from the pile of clothings for a long time, and chose a pink dress with embroidered bell orchids and handed it to her. ¡°Just wear this one.¡± ¡°Mother, this dress is so flowery!¡± Su Feng Nuan covered her face. Madam Su scoffed, ¡°You are in your best age of 16, most suitable for wearing pink, otherwise you will not be able to wear it when get to your mother¡¯s age.¡± Su Feng Nuan unhappily pouted, ¡°Change to a different one.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s this one. ¡± Madam Su shoved the clothes into her arms, not allowing her to say another word and pushed her behind the screen. Su Feng Nuan was helpless, could only fluff out the tedious dress in her arms and wear it. In order to accommodate the movement of her fist and feet, she has always been dressed simply, and now to wear such a complicated dress is very troubling to her. It took the time of two cups of tea to put the dress on, holding onto the skirt and walked out from behind the screen. Madam Su clapped her hands and praised, ¡°Your mother eyes are still as good as ever. It was right to choose this one. This dress is worn on you, is the look of delicate under pink, brilliant hiding under delicate, and handsome within beauty. In addition, my daughter¡¯s beauty is unparalleled, wearing this dress, no matter standing where, is a delicate flower. According to my perspective, among the countless ladies in this Imperial City, no one can compare to you.¡± Su Feng Nuan rolled her eyes, ¡°Yes, yes, yes, your daughter is the most unparalleled, the world finest!¡± ¡°Of course the finest.¡± Mrs. Su beamed, ¡°Don¡¯t know which lad is blessed to marry my daughter in the future.¡± She sighed, ¡°I have been thinking about it before that when you are at the age of marriage, mother would pick from a thousand out of the million to find the best groom for you, but from the looks of it nowadays. I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s not up to mother.¡± Su Feng Nuan looked at Madam Su. ¡°Just because the Emperor and Empress Dowager said they would engage daughter, so it¡¯s not up to us anymore?¡± ¡°Yes, one is the Emperor, the other is the Empress Dowager, now overtly or covertly, they playing a game of tug-a-war, you are this rope, and no matter who wins or loses, I¡¯m afraid the kingdom will get quite a shake from it.¡± Said Madam Su. Su Feng Nuan ran her hand through her hair. ¡°Could it be more intense than the Northern Zhou¡¯s invasion into our mountains and rivers?¡± Madam Su sighed. ¡°The internal affairs are as fierce as a tiger. The Emperor and Empress Dowager¡¯s battles of wits are a small thing, but if it affects the empire it is a big thing. If the empire is unstable what threat is the Northern Zhou army? Even if your father can fight off the Northern Zhou invasion, but can do nothing in the face of internal affairs, so do you think that the effect is big?¡± Su Feng Nuan pouted, ¡°You¡¯re to blame, if you said you don¡¯t have a daughter, it¡¯d be the end of it? Now I¡¯ve become that dry wood3.¡± Madam Su was enraged into laughter and reached out to knocked her on the head. ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy for me to have a daughter. I was afraid the world would not know, it¡¯s already been spread long ago. Although these years have not been in the Imperial City, but have never lost connection with your ancestral4family. The Grand Secretariat¡¯s Manor is in the Imperial City, who does not know that I have a daughter? How can I just say I don¡¯t have one?¡± Su Feng Nuan kneaded her head, ¡°Mother, this habit of knocking people, you have to change it.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go, the Emperor I¡¯m afraid had been waiting for a long time already. The Emperor favors Ye Xiang, The Empress Dowager favors Xu Yun Chu, when we go into the palace just act as suitable. Wait until they fight out a decision, then we will discuss the whole thing, and make our choice. Of course, we can¡¯t really be at their mercy. Even if you are dissatisfied today, don¡¯t be tempted to take action, understand?¡± Madam Su instructed. ¡°I know.¡± Su Feng Nuan said helpless, ¡°Are you afraid that I will fight with Palace people?¡± Once the words fell, she suddenly felt that the words shouldn¡¯t be to firm and changed her word, ¡°As long as no one provokes me, I will not make trouble.¡± ¡°This temper of yours, if I don¡¯t watch you carefully, you could really make trouble for me.¡± Madam Su smiled and dabbed at her forehead, pulling her out the doo Chapter 7 Madam Su and Su Feng Nuan stepped out of the room and there were many greetings of ¡°Madam. Lady,¡± Sounded from outside. Madam Su waved her hand to quiet them, ¡°Ding Xiang and Shao Yao follow.¡± ¡°Yes, Madam.¡± Two pretty maids swiftly bowed their heads. Su Feng Nuan took a casual glance, seeing that there was about a hundred in the in the courtyard which were maids, maid-women, and cooks. The two maids that her mother called were not familiar to the eyes, not old servants, seeing how the two dressed, was different from the other maids. The clothing they worn were better than those of ordinary ladies, it was apparent that they were maids gifted by the palace. If her mother had not forced her to change into the new clothing, she would definitely fall short to them. Madam Su turned her head and said to her, ¡°Yesterday I instructed all the servants to come over this morning. One, I want them to meet you. Second, these years you haven¡¯t wanted to have maids serve you, but now you have returned to the Imperial City, so it can¡¯t be like before. You have to pick a few maids. Initially, I wanted you to choose a few that you like, but I didn¡¯t expect the Emperor to send someone to the Su Manor to summon you to the Palace so soon, so today we can only skip.¡± Su Feng Nuan said uninterestedly. ¡°These small matters, Mother can make the decision.¡± ¡± Madam Su reached out to tap her forehead and smiled as she scolded her. ¡°Don¡¯t expect it, your own maids, you choose yourself.¡± ¡°Alright then, let¡¯s talk about it when we come back from the Palace.¡± Su Feng Nuan rubbed her forehead hurting from the dab, ¡°Where¡¯s Third Brother? Has he returned the manor yet?¡± ¡°Back already. ¡°Madam Su snorted, ¡°That stinky boy, probably still sleeping, since the Emperor did not summon him, he doesn¡¯t need to go the Palace, let him be. ¡± ¡°Being a man sure is a good life.¡± Su Feng Nuan muttered. Hearing that, Madam Su was mad and amused at the same time. The mother and daughter reached the front door. Someone had already prepared the carriage. The two went into the carriage and headed to the Palace. In the carriage, Su Feng Nuan whispered, ¡°Our Su Manor now has enough servants to make a herd. How did Mother take so many? My father¡¯s little income, definitely can¡¯t feed them all. Big Brother, Second Brother, and Third Brother all have not married. Don¡¯t end up needing to spend even their saved up money for getting a wife.¡± Madam Su started laughing, ¡°Rest assured, even if don¡¯t have money for their wedding gifts, there would still be money for your dowry.¡± Su Feng Nuan¡¯s lip twitched, there really isn¡¯t a moment to forget about her. ¡°After Mother returned to the Imperial City, the Emperor, Empress Dowager, Queen, the Imperial Consort have rewarded us plentifully. When your father returns to the Imperial City, there¡¯d probably still be bigger rewards. Currently, the warehouse is already full, so feeding these people is not a problem.¡± Madam Su said, looking at her with a sly look and whispered, ¡°You father is a rough man with a straight heart and a simple heart, him taking on the Commander General position is just for the people of Southern Qi, and to guard the Empire¡¯s territory. But, if a Empire wants to establish stability, how can it do only by military power, it is still dependent on internal affairs. Twelve years ago, if there weren¡¯t people inside the Palace playing games, the Duke and Duchess of Rong-an would not have fallen into attack during the battle with Northern Zhou, and your father would not be resigned. So this time your mother returns to the Imperial City, no matter who send servants I would not turn them away. This also because if we want to be secured in the Imperial City, so that your father can also be stabled in the military with no worries, so we can not just isolate ourselves inside our manor and just try to listen carefully. The eyes of others1 we can also take advantage of. ¡± Su Feng Nuan thought it funny, ¡°So that¡¯s what Mother is plotting, it is a good method.¡± ¡°Whoever sent the person, it can be told at a glance, already know the background, it¡¯s easier than finding new people and than needing to spend time to do background checks. Much more worry-free ¡°Madam Su said. ¡°Mother is also a lazy one.¡± Su Feng Nuan made fun of her. ¡°Stinky girl, the words I used on you, you take it to use back on me.¡± Madam Su scolded in fake anger. The carriage came to the entrance of the Imperial Palace, and Feng Sheng, the chief eunuch of the Emperor, looked to have been waiting for a long time. As soon as the Su Manor¡¯s carriage arrived, Feng Sheng immediately greeted them. ¡°Madam Su, has Lady Su come? The Emperor have been expecting for the whole morning.¡± ¡°She has come along.¡± Madam Su pulled Su Feng Nuan out of the carriage. Feng Sheng saw Su Feng Nuan and was stunned. ¡°Is this Lady Su?¡± Madam Su said with a smile. ¡°The real thing, it is my little girl. Greetings, Gong-Gong2.¡± Afterwards she turned to Su Feng Nuan, ¡°Feng Nuan, be quick and greet Sheng Gong-Gong.¡± Su Feng Nuan gives Feng Sheng a courtesy. ¡°Oh dear, Lady Su, please don¡¯t be too polite, having you greet me an old slave is too much.¡± Feng Sheng¡¯s face piled up with smiles, and quickly avoided it. Laughing he said, ¡°The old slave has long heard that Lady Su inherited Madam Su¡¯s beauty, but I didn¡¯t expect it to like green out of blue, yet green surpasses blue. Really is even 3 degrees more beautiful than when Madam Su youthful days. At first glance, she was like a fairy from the heavens, blinding3 your old slave¡¯s eyes.¡± Su Feng Nuan saw his old face, bringing up all the wrinkles as he laughed, and thought it to be funny. As for Madam Su, her heart was flowering. Her most unbearable thing is when people praise her daughter, she also laughed like a flower. ¡°Gong-Gong really knows how to praise people. One praise for the two of us, make my heart feel like I¡¯ve eaten honey.¡± After saying so, she took out a box of Tianxiangjin4 from her sleeves and handed it to Feng Sheng, whispering, ¡°This box of Tianxiangjin, Feng Nuan brought back from the outside, I don¡¯t know who she robbed. If Gong-Gong don¡¯t look down on it, please take it!¡± ¡°Oh my, a box of Tianxiangjin is a thousand gold, I¡¯m not worthy. Madam should keep it. It is too good of a tea for this old slave.¡± Feng Sheng quickly refused. ¡°I know that the Gong-Gong also loves to drink this. You are a fellow drinker like me, so don¡¯t turn it away.¡± Madam Su pushed it into his hands. Feng Sheng indeed really loves tea. Seeing Madam Su put it in his hands, he naturally could not refuse anymore. He quickly took it and whispered. ¡°Madam Su has been away from the Imperial City for so many years, I didn¡¯t expect you to remember that this old slaves loved tea. The Emperor only received five boxes of Tianxiangjin, kept two boxes, a gave a box to the Empress Dowager, a box for the Queen, and a box for the Imperial Consort. This Tianxiangjin is very precious and rare. This old slave thank you Madam.¡± ¡°These years, the Su Manor have been cleaned without dust, all thanks to Gong-Gong¡¯s hard work cleaning up. Besides, my friendship with Gong-Gong does not require any thanks.¡± Madam Su smiled. ¡°This stinky girl running around outside all of these years, she has many good things in her hands. I don¡¯t know where it was robbed. If there is something that Gong-Gong can¡¯t get your hands on, just tell her, let her get it for you.¡± Feng Sheng immediately looked at Su Feng Nuan and smiled. ¡°The old slave heard that Lady Su has learned martial arts from the Commander General since a young age, and since it¡¯s all good martial arts, but from the looks, obviously is a petite person. Looks nothing like someone Madam says who runs outside all the time?¡± ¡°Gong-Gong do not be fooled by her appearance. This is a minx that can jump on roofs of the house. ¡°Madam Su whispered, ¡°Fights with her brother, going up the mountains to catch loach, go underwater to fish, shave an old monk¡¯s eyebrows, pulled on old daoist¡¯s beard, everything she has doned before¡­.¡± Su Feng Nuan lips twitched strongly, unable to listen anymore, and extended her hand to pull Madam Su¡¯s sleeves, ¡°Mother, how can you say everything, aren¡¯t you afraid of Sheng Gong-Gong will laugh that you do not know how to teach your daughter?¡± Madam Su hadn¡¯t replied and Feng Sheng laughed repeatedly, ¡°Old slave, I, am on your side, and a lively daughter is a good thing, the Emperor also like lively young ladies.¡± Saying so, he continued¡± The Emperor have been waiting since after the court meeting early in the morning to see Lady Su, old slave, I will take Madam and Lady to meet the emperor. ¡± Madam Su pats away Su Feng Nuan¡¯s hands that held on her sleeve, and walked in front. Feng Sheng led the way, whispering while walking, ¡°Because the Emperor and the Empress Dowager¡¯s preferences between Ye Shi-zi and Xiao Guo-jiu, they are in disagreement right now with no ends. These two days, they are both not in a good mood, fighting on the surface and under, it¡¯s been awkward. The Emperor today did not go to greet the Empress Dowager at her quarters. Earlier today, the Queen had strike Consort Qi because yesterday Consort Qi was not feeling well and the Emperor initially already flipped Consort Lin¡¯s panel, but he left her to go see Consort Qi. The Queen was angry, and striked Consort Qi, saying that she had pretended to be sick in order to seduce the Emperor. Consort Qi¡¯s face was striked swollen, and Imperial Consort Yue who was protective of her cousin, after finding out about it, was enraged as well. She brought the servant that striked Consort Qi to see the Emperor. The Emperor enraged, had the Queen put under confinement, and let her think about her wrongdoings.¡± Madam Su nodded, understanding enough about the Palace affairs. Su Feng Nuan thought that the affairs of the Royal Family was really a mess. In the day or darkness of this Imperial City its either becomes cloudy or rainy. Sometimes, there might be an addition of lightning and thunder. It¡¯s no wonder Mother was willing to give out a box of Tianxiangjin to draw closer the relationship to Sheng Gong-Gong. Sheng Gong-Gong is the chief eunuch by the Emperor¡¯s side. Having him, can have some special protections and know about the affairs in the Palace to some degree. If want to establish a foothold in this Imperial City, you really need to have your own connection in the Palace. ¡°In addition to summoning Lady Su, the Emperor today also summoned Ye Shi-zi of the Rong-an Wang-fu5 to entered the palace. Ye Shi-zi has not come yet.¡± Feng Sheng whispered again. ¡°After the Empress Dowager heard about that, she also summoned the Guo-jiang Manor¡¯s Xiao Guo-jiu. Xiao Guo-jiu also has not come yet.¡± Su Feng Nuan¡¯s eyebrows drew together when she heard. If they both come, won¡¯t it be a lively day today? Chapter 8 Feng Sheng saw that Su Feng Nuan did not display any shyness when she heard that Ye Xiang and Xu Yun Chu would also be coming into the Palace, he silently applaud in his heart. Madam Su was still concerned about her daughter¡¯s marriage. After hearing so, whispered, ¡°Although the Emperor and the Empress Dowager have their own preferences, but what do the two Gong-zi1 think about it? Do Gong-Gong2 know?¡± Feng Sheng shook his head. ¡°The two Gong-zi, are not ordinary masters. It¡¯s hard to say.¡± ¡°Not ordinary in what ways?¡± Madam Su asked, ¡°Gong-Gong has been by the Emperor¡¯s side for many years, in terms of judging people, I trust you the most.¡± Feng Sheng thought for a moment , ¡°Xiao Guo-jiu3 needless to say, the Empress Dowager , Queen, and the Xu family all think very highly him. He is the successor that will be carrying the Xu family¡¯s honor. Xiao Guo-jiu himself is also full of talents, both in civil and military, and is also the secret admiration of countless ladies, even if the all the matchmakers breaks through the threshold of the Xu Manor, it¡¯s a hard match to request. No matter in background, talents, looks, character it¡¯s the best of the best. No one can pick out any problems with him. Although the Emperor doesn¡¯t prefer him, but he also can¡¯t say that he is not good. To put it simple, everything is good about him.¡± Madam Su nodded. ¡°The other one, Ye Shi-zi4, his background, need not say much, the only remaining blood of the Rong-an Wang-fu5, Imperial Clan, noble identity. But because he was an orphan since child, whether it is his temper, character, and actions, it is like the rumors outside, simply absurd, a headache. To put it plainly, no matter what, he is not good at all. ¡± Madam Su sighed,¡± My husband, the General has been guilt because of the Duke and Duchess¡¯s death. Ye Shi-zi is a poor child . ¡± Feng Sheng heard and nodded,¡± Ye Shi-zi is indeed pitiful, but to how old slave, I see it, he is not all good for nothing. His appearance is a perfection and incomparable is one. His skill of coaxing the Emperor has been trained to a perfection, throughout the year, complaints against him can be piled up into a mountain, but the Emperor acts as if he doesn¡¯t see them, and always let him act freely, that is the second one. Whether there are other advantageous traits or not of not, old slave, I can not say. But let me share some heartfully thoughts with Madam, even if old slave I is the Emperor¡¯s servant, but these two masters, no one dares to offend. If I see them, still must be very respectful.¡± Madam Su nodded, and thinks about it in her heart. Feng Sheng lowered his voice. ¡°Madam also knows that for many years, the Emperor has always respected the Empress Dowager . Even if the Queen is slightly wrong, the Emperor will not be too harsh. But today, he did not go to pay respect to the Empress Dowager , and also punished the Queen. This time, the Emperor seems to be heart set.¡± Madam Su sighed. ¡°These years, it¡¯s been not easy for the Emperor either.¡± ¡°Yes. Old slave, I am at the Emperor¡¯s side, sees and understands it clearly.¡± Feng Sheng said again, ¡°This is what it means by ¡®the gods fight, and the little ghost suffers.¡¯¡± These days old slaves I have been in this deep water and fiery environment. Now Lady Su has returned to Imperial City, I¡¯m afraid would need to add a ¡®more¡¯ in front. This fire once lit will be hard to extinguish. Although Madam and the Young Lady have Commander General Su to hold the sky, but should still be careful.¡± ¡°What Gong-Gong said is very true.¡± Madam Su nodded. ¡°Today, the Emperor summoned to meet in the Royal Study.¡± Feng Sheng felt that he had hinted enough, and stopped. Madam Su¡¯s was stunned, ¡°Isn¡¯t the Royal Study not the place to summon the court officials? How can the Emperor be waiting there? Shouldn¡¯t it be in the Imperial Garden?¡± ¡°The Emperor said that Madam Su and Lady Su are different from other madam and ladies of other manors. So, had specially summoned to meet in the Royal Study.¡± Feng Sheng said with a profound tone, ¡°This is the Emperor¡¯s grace to the Commander General Su, but also the value he sets to Lady Su¡¯s marriage.¡± Madam Su, understood the meaning, and look at Su Feng Nuan. A heavy feeling casted over her face, thinking that today could not be good. Su Feng Nuan on the other hand, did not care much. She returned to Imperial City yesterday, and heard the storytelling in a Yipin Xiang Teahouse, so she was prepared. If the world is a big chess game, the Imperial City is a small chess game, than this Palace is the chess game of chess games. The emperor is playing the chess game, the Empress Dowager is playing the chess game, and the court officials are also both playing chess and being the chess pieces. Su Manor is now the center of the board and unfortunately she has become the chess piece in the middle of the board. But is the chess piece necessary easy to move? She doesn¡¯t think so. Madam Su saw that Su Feng Nuan¡¯s expression was very carefree. She said to Su Feng Nuan with a voice only heard by the two of them. ¡°The Royal Study has always been a place where women of the harem could not step into. The Emperor today specially summoned you in the Royal Study. It seems that he was deliberately trying to avoid the Empress Dowager , so that the Empress Dowager could not see you and fix this marriage in advance. I¡¯m afraid, today the Emperor want mother and you to agree to it. Once the Royal Decree is issued, the Empress Dowager cannot do anything about it. ¡± ¡°Mother don¡¯t have to worry about it, if the Emperor eats meat, the Empress Dowager is not vegetarian either. There is still a distance to the Royal Study. The news should have long reached the Empress Dowager ¡¯ Palace. So whether or not we can make it to the Royal Study, it is hard to say.¡± Su Feng Nuan also said with the voice only heard by the two of them. ¡°Although the Imperial Power is higher than the sky, but the Empress Dowager always referred to herself as the heaven beyond the sky, so this kingdom is not set by one person, so just one two person can not be the final say. Ye Shi-zi and Xiao Guo-jiu are not necessarily those that are subject to other¡¯s mercy. So daughter¡¯s marriage is not so easy to be decided, what should Mother be nervous for? ¡± After hearing, Madam Su thought it made sense and felt reassured. Feng Sheng led the two in the direction of the Royal Study. Although June is in the summer of unbearable heat, but the Imperial Palace had ice placed everywhere, and the occasional breeze blowing by, have a slightly cooling feel. Sure enough, as the Su Feng Nuan expected, not having made it to the Royal Study, from the side came rushing by a group carrying a Phoenix Carriage. ¡°It¡¯s the Empress Dowager¡¯s Phoenix Carriage. ¡± Madam Su quickly straightened up. Su Feng Nuan lifted her eyes to look. Although she expected that the Empress Dowager would not sit still, but did not expect her to come so soon, and to personally intercept, it can be seen that she and the Emperor are really at the point of neither letting the other get pass one step. Not long, the Phoenix Carriage was in front of them. Feng Sheng quickly got down on his knees, ¡°Your servant pays respect to the Empress Dowager! Long live the Empress Dowager for ten thousand years!¡± Madam Su pulled Su Feng Nuan to kneel down, ¡°May the Empress Dowager have plentiful of happiness and peace!¡± The curtains were parted, and a palace lady helped the Empress Dowager off the Phoenix Carriage. The Empress Dowager snorted, ¡°Feng Sheng, are you hoping for me to die early? Long live for for ten thousand years, hearing from your mouth makes my lips cold and want to laugh.¡± 6 Feng Sheng head was fast to be lowered to the ground, and quickly said, ¡°Empress Dowager, your old slave just¡­.¡° ¡°Alright, say no more. I don¡¯t like to hear you speak.¡± The Empress Dowager interrupted his words crudely. Feng Sheng quickly quiet down. The Empress Dowager took two steps forward, her annoyance and haughtiness were instantly retracted, looking at Madam Su and Su Feng Nuan on the floor, she smiled cheerfully. ¡°In the future when Madam Su comes to see me, you do not have to pay such ceremonial respect. Quickly get up! ¡± Madam Su stood up and quickly thanked her. ¡°Generous kindness of the Empress Dowager. When I see the Empress Dowager. It is like golden rays shining on to my face, how can I not pay ceremonial respect?¡± ¡°Look, you are still the same as before. This mouth when it sees me, it is as sweet as honey, really know how to speak.¡± The Empress Dowager laughed openly and her eyes fell on Su Feng Nuan. ¡°Is this Feng Nuan?¡± She said lovingly. ¡°Quickly get up, I have been thinking of you for a long while, and finally you are finally here in the Palace. Come over and let me have a good look at you. ¡± Su Feng Nuan got up, seeing that the Empress Dowager was wearing a wide sleeved purple shirt, with red and purple skirt, on the whole outfit was phoenix tail flower embroidery patterns, although her face was full of loving smiles, but her appearance was sharp and with a compelling luxurious and powerful aura, really was like golden rays shining on your face, making it hard to look at her straightly. She only took one look, and bow her head down, thought of something and walked over, just took two steps and she stepped on her skirt, letting out an alarmed cry, and her whole body sprang forward. ¡°Feng Nuan!¡± Madam Su was shocked greatly and quickly reached out to help, but was unable to help balance her. Everyone else was also unable to help in time. Seeing that she was going to hit the Empress Dowager, everyone called out in unison. The Empress Dowager¡¯s face instantly turned white, if she gets hit by her. Her old bones, could it withstand? In a nick of time, Su Feng Nuan suddenly tilted and jumped up three feet high in mid air where she did two roundabouts. Everyone eyes went blurry when she landed steadily on the ground. Chapter 9 Madam Su let out a big sigh of relieve, and everyone else was relieved as well. Madam Su saw that the Empress Dowager¡¯s face looked terrible, and quickly lectured, ¡°Feng Nuan, what is with you? You almost run into the Empress Dowager.¡± Su Feng Nuan lifted her skirt and grievously looked at Madam Su, ¡°Mother, you are to blame, making me such a long skirt, I¡¯m not used wearing them and tripped on it. ¡± Madam Su choked. ¡°Daughter has been as carefully as possible, but this skirt is too long, too complicated and troublesome, taking a step requires great effort, and seeing the Empress Dowager, I got nervous for a moment ¡­¡­¡± Su Feng Nuan muttered. Hearing so, Madam Su could not continue to lecture her, and quickly pleaded to the Empress Dowager. ¡°Empress Dowager, my little girl these years has been use to being unruly. She has been use to being dressed very simply. Now returning to the Imperial City, she is not use to wearing this clothing and almost run into the Empress Dowager, please be forgiving.¡± The Empress Dowager have not returned from the shock, the loving smile on the face was long gone. Her majestic aura was has changed into a pale tone. After a while, was barely able to squeezed out a smile and asked Su Feng Nuan, ¡°In these years, you have never worn such clothing?¡± Su Feng Nuan warmly nodded honestly, ¡°Haven¡¯t worn them before.¡± The Empress Dowager looked to Madam Su. ¡°Why is that? You are a lady from the Han-lin Grand Secretariat¡¯s Manor. Matters of etiquette shouldn¡¯t be something you are unfamiliar with. Why have you not taken care of your daughter? Is it because these few years finances have been tight?¡± Madam Su quickly said, ¡°Is not a financial matter, is just that this kid since young have been like a boy, even more naughty than her brothers, very wild. Since a very young age she has practiced martial arts with the General, for many years have been wearing men clothing, over time, becomes not used to wearing women clothing, especially ones so complicated.¡± ¡°Since it is not a financial matter, then you are to blame. Why have you discipline properly?¡± The Empress Dowager reproached. ¡°Daughters must know etiquettes, be disciplined, she character is mischievous, you can¡¯t just let her be, you are actually harming her.¡± Madam Su sighed, ¡°When the General resigned, we moved out of the Imperial City and thought that we would not return to Imperial City in this lifetime. The country-side are not as strict. It was not easy for me to have a daughter and so I spoil her greatly, thinking that as long as she is not bullied, it¡¯s alright. I didn¡¯t expect to go back to Imperial City¡­¡± The Empress Dowager was speechless for a while, and after a moment, she sighed. ¡°Aye, you¡¯re really¡­¡± Madam Su also sighed, ¡°If it is not difficulties in the court, the General would not return to the Capital to resume his position and Feng Nuan naturally¡­.¡± ¡°Let it pass, right now you are all back to Imperial Palace why talk about these?¡± The Empress Dowager waved her hand and looked towards Su Feng Nuan, her face carried a look of innocence, she could also no longer blame her, and kindly said, ¡°Before in the country-side, your mother let you be, now back in the Imperial City, it is different, fashion and etiquette, female codes, all must be learned.¡± Su Feng Nuan obediently nodded. The Empress Dowager thought about it and said to Madam Su, ¡°Let¡¯s do this, Feng Nuan will stay in my palace for some days, and I will personally teach her.¡± Su Feng Nuan was startled. Madam Su was also startled, glanced at Su Feng Nuan and saw her head bowed down. She quickly said, ¡°Empress Dowager, I will take her back to the manor to teach will be alright, how can I trouble you? This girl has been unruly since young, causing problems left and right. If she is to offends you that would be my big sin.¡± ¡°Do you look down on me, thinking that these old bones is no use?¡± The Empress Dowager put on a solemn face. ¡°Of course not, the Empress Dowager¡¯s wellbeing is the most important thing.¡± Madam Su immediately said, ¡°This girl is really difficult to manage¡­¡± ¡°I knows that you can¡¯t bear to part from your daughter, love your daughter, you can rest assure, leave her to me, I will help you teach for some days, and I guarantee to return you an unscathed and etiquette young lady.¡± The Empress Dowager looked at Madam Su and said not allowing any alternates, ¡°Do you not trust me? Are you afraid that I would eat her up?¡± Madam Su naturally could not bear for her daughter to enter this wolf cave, and said difficulty, ¡°Of course I trust the Emperess Dowager, but¡­¡± ¡°No buts, it has been decided.¡± The Empress Dowager said in a firm tone and blocked off the words of Madam Su. Madam Su was blocked speechless. She looked anxiously at Su Feng Nuan, but could not find a solution. At this time, Feng Sheng spoke up. ¡°The Empress Dowager, today it is the Emperor who summoned Madam Su and Lady Su. The Emperor is still waiting in the Royal Study. To me, I think let Lady Su go see the Emperor first, perhaps the Emperor have another arrangement¡­¡± The Empress Dowager upon hearing, her eyes suddenly turned to Feng Sheng like a sword, and angrily said, ¡°You have been serving the Emperor for many years, but you are getting more and more ignorant. The royal study is a place that women can easily enter? The Emperor was muddle this morning, and you followed his madness. Come someone, discipline1 him!¡± Feng Sheng was startled. For many years, he was the chief eunuch of the Emperor. Although the Empress Dowager was dissatisfied with him, but she had not beat him in public before. After all, before beating the dog one has to look at his owner. He is a close person of the Emperor. The Empress Dowager knew that the Emperor was not muddled, and but today still wanted to display her power. A old Mo-Mo2 besides the Empress Dowager who looked very strong immediately stepped forward, pushed up her sleeves and just about to strike Feng Sheng. Su Feng Nuan stepped forward, stopping the old Mo-Mo, looking at her full of excitement, ¡°Beating people is very fun, let me do it!¡± The Mo-Mo was startled. The Empress Dowager was also startled. Su Feng Nuan also pushed her sleeves up and then bent over to pick up her skirt. The skirt was too long, her fingers cleverly twisted it like a fried dough twist and fastened it to her leg. She rubbed her fists and wiped her palm, raising her hand just about to strike Feng Sheng. The Empress Dowager looked at Su Feng Nuan¡¯s stance and was shocked. Madam Su hurriedly scolded, ¡°Feng Nuan, what are you doing? Quickly stop!¡± Su Feng Nuan glanced over at Madam Su and innocently withdrew her hand. ¡°Mother, this old Mo-Mo is so old, what if she strike someone and injures her hand? If daughter does it, I promise to beat this Gong-Gong until his lips and eyes are in contorted, all his teeth knocked out, that even the Emperor could not recognize him.¡± Madam Su pointed at her, angrily, ¡°You, quickly come back. You dare strike one of the Emperor¡¯s? You don¡¯t want to live!?! ¡± Su Feng Nuan was puzzled, extending her arm to point a finger at the old Mo-Mo, ¡°She can strike him, why can¡¯t I strike him?¡± ¡°The Mo-Mo is taking the order of the Empress Dowager!¡± Madam Su immediately said. Su Feng Nuan listened and turned to the Empress Dowager and said, ¡°Empress Dowager, you can also give me an order, so if I help you strike someone, the Emperor will not be find fault with me.¡± Empress Dowager watched her become full of excitement and was momentarily speechless. Su Feng Nuan blinked her eyes and asked tentatively, ¡± Empress Dowager?¡± Empress Dowager coughed and covered her face with her sleeves. Like she couldn¡¯t bear to look at her appearance at the time and quickly said, ¡°You¡­.you put down the skirt. A young lady, moving your hands and legs like that, if someone sees, what will they make of it?¡± Su Feng Nuan looked down at herself and quickly said, ¡°It¡¯s easier to beat someone like this, it would be inconvenient to beat someone with it down.¡± Empress Dowager was speechless again. Su Feng Nuan tried again, ¡± Empress Dowager? Are¡­are we still going to beat him? Make it fast!¡± ¡°Feng Nuan!¡± Madam Su thundered anxiously, ¡°Mustn¡¯t be rude!¡± ¡°Mother, I wasn¡¯t rude.¡± Su Feng looked at her innocently. Madam Su looked at her and didn¡¯t know what to say. The Empress Dowager put down her sleeves and waved her hand reluctantly. ¡°No beating. No beating. If let you beat him, and he gets beaten to death, what to do?¡± After the words fell, she waved to Feng Sheng with a cold face, ¡°You go back to tell the Emperor, Madam Su and Lady Su can¡¯t go to the Royal Study, it will break the rules of the ancestors. They will first go to the Ci¡¯an Palace with me. If the Emperor wanted to see them, than come to the Ci¡¯an Palace. Be off!¡± Feng Sheng this time got up orderly, ¡°Yes, old slave will leave now!¡± Chapter 10 The wave of crisis just calmed like that. Su Feng Nuan watched as Feng Sheng walked away, unsatisfied she turned her head around and unhappily asked the Empress Dowager, ¡°How come the Empress Dowager gone back on her words?¡± Empress Dowager looked at her, straightened her face and lectured, ¡°You are a lady, your every action should be gentle and composed, how can you be so hot-tempered, and really take matters to your hands? ¡° Su Feng Nuan extended her arm to point to the Mo-Mo, ¡°She is also a woman.¡± Empress Dowager choked, ¡°She is Mo-Mo!¡± ¡°A Mo-Mo is also a woman.¡± Su Feng Nuan was unwilling to give in, ¡°She can hit people, why do I have to be gentle and composed?¡± ¡°She is a Mo-Mo, you are a lady.¡± Empress Dowager was starting to lose her temper, ¡°How can you be like her?¡± Su Feng Nuan was more unsatisfied, turned to Madam Su and complained, ¡°Mother, the Empress Dowager is not being reasonable!¡± ¡°Recklessness!¡± At this time another Mo-Mo besides the Empress Dowager scolded in a loud voice. Su Feng Nuan turned her head and went back to Madam Su¡¯s side, and started to throw a tantrum. ¡°Mother, the Palace really is no fun, even the Empress Dowager doesn¡¯t stand by her words and is unreasonable. I don¡¯t want to stay in the Palace, I want to go back to the Su Manor, I¡¯ll absolutely not live in the Empress Dowager¡¯s Palace, it¡¯s no fun.¡± Madam Su reached out and grabbed her, her face anxious, ¡°Feng Nuan, stop messing around, no rudeness in front of the Empress Dowager.¡± Su Feng Nuan glowered at her, ¡°It¡¯s obviously the Empress Dowager is being unreasonable!¡± After those words, she pushed away from Madam Su and said angrily, ¡°If you want to stay you stay, I will not stay. The Imperial Palace is not fun at all.¡± With these words, she started running towards the direction out of the Palace. Madam Su did not catch on to her, and she staggered from her hasty movement. The Empress Dowager immediately shouted, ¡°Come, stop her!¡± The guards immediately stepped forward and stopped Su Feng Nuan. Su Feng Nuan was initially angry, but seeing this, she was excited. Since going into the Palace she had to remove her sword, so she did not have any weapons. In a hurry, she bent over and only to hear a slamming sound. She tore off the extra skirt length tied to her leg. After that, she swayed her wrist and in a flicker of the eyes, the fabric transformed into a rope. She poured in her internal energy, whipping the rope towards the guards who intercepted her. The court guards were all top of the tops, the best¡­ However, Su Feng Nuan only took two or three steps to beat-up more than a dozen of them. Seeing this, the Empress Dowager instantly said in rage, ¡°Come, more people!¡± Quickly, another dozen rushed forward. Seeing this, Su Feng Nuan lit up, twirling into the air, the twisted rope in her hand danced into a circle around her body, and the guards were scattered from the attack. But it was dozens of people, after all, and not just a few. After being scattered apart, they took up their swords again. What Su Feng Nuan held onto was not a sword, but a satin twisted rope, after a few attacks it was cut into pieces, leaving her without anything to rely on. Seeing that she was trapped into the center by many swords, she stood still, discarding the remains of the rope in her hand. ¡°The Empress Dowager is bullying me, fighting like this is unfair. I have no sword in my hand.¡± . ¡°You still want a sword?¡± The Empress Dowager laughed from the madness. ¡°Definitely a spoiled girl! Daring and reckless!¡± Su Feng Nuan looked at her sullenly, ¡°Big bullying the small, many against one, strong against the meek. Not a honorable win!¡± ¡°Feng Nuan!¡± Madam Su glared, ¡°Still not coming back!?!¡± Su Feng Nuan shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t want to!¡± ¡°Do you want to anger me to death?¡± Madam Su was mad. Su Feng Nuan¡¯s face quickly collapsed, murmured, ¡°It¡¯s Empress Dowager who is not unreasonable, but still blame me, I had been behaving before!¡± Madam Su choked. The Empress Dowager laughed sardonically, ¡°Do you know that this is the Palace? The Emperor¡¯s territory, in front of me, recklessness is not tolerated!¡± Su Feng Nuan nodded, ¡°I know, but even in the Emperor¡¯s territory, in front of the Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager still shouldn¡¯t be unreasonable.¡± The Empress Dowager was flabbergasted. At this time, from not far away came a laugh, the laughter wasn¡¯t very loud or clear, but it seems very carefree, ¡°Yes that is right, even in the Emperor¡¯s territory, in front of the Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager should not be unreasonable.¡± When everyone heard they all turned in unison and saw a middle-aged man in a golden robes walking in front. Feng Sheng and a dozen servants followed orderly behind. Without the grandness displayed by the Empress Dowager, just walking over in a casual manner. Madam Su quickly kneeled to the ground. The group of Mo-Mo, palace ladies, eunuchs, and guards behind the Empress Dowager also quickly knelt orderly on the ground. At this time, only Su Feng Nuan stood in the same spot, staring at the approaching person. He was similar to her father¡¯s age, but he looks older than his father. Under the rays of the son, the dragons embroidered on the golden robe shined brilliantly onto the Emperor¡¯s face reflecting his magnificence, but his facial features were gentle, did not look a bit overpowering. ¡°This is Lady Su? Definitely have inherited the good looks of Madam Su.¡± The emperor came forward and smiled at the Su Feng Nuan. Madam Su looked up and seeing Su Feng Nuan still standing in the same place, immediately instructed, ¡°Feng Nuan, quickly kneel down!¡± Su Feng Nuan with a ¡°Oh¡± quickly knelt on the ground, but did not bow her head, just starting at the emperor, smiling as she greeted, ¡°Long live Huang-shang1 for ten thousand years!¡± The Emperor laughed again. ¡°Well, I will take your kind words and hope that I can really ten thousand years. Be excused!2¡° Su Feng Nuan immediately stood up. The Emperor also said to Madam Su, ¡°Madam may be excused too.¡± Madam Su also stood up. The Emperor turned to the Empress Dowager. ¡°I had summoned Madam Su and Lady Su, didn¡¯t expect to have disturbed Mother. I thought that Mother was still upset with me because I had punished the Queen this morning.¡± Empress Dowager scoffed, ¡°If the I did not come out of the Ci¡¯an Palace, would the Emperor have muddly broke the rules of the ancestors? Women can not step into the Royal Study, does Huang-shang3 not know?¡± The Emperor shook his head. ¡°Mother is wrong, I remember it is harem women. Madam Su and Lady Su are not women of the harem. Since the establishment of the Southern Qi Dynasty, the ancestors have not established such rule. So I have not broken any rules.¡± The Empress Dowager was flabbergasted again. The Emperor looked up at the sun above his head and said gently, ¡°The hot sun is hot today, it is not suitable for Mother to be sun basking outside for too long, how about go back to the palace to rest.¡± After those words, he turned to Madam Su and Su Feng Nuan, ¡°Follow me!¡± Madam Su looked at the Empress Dowager. The Empress¡¯s expression was grim and said angrily, ¡°Although the ancestors did not have such rules, but neither has the ancestors of the past dynasties allowed any woman to step foot into the Royal Study, this is an unwritten rule. Huang-shang4 breaking the rules like this, what is the intention? Where can¡¯t you have a meeting, that you insist on the Royal Study?¡± The Emperor heard her words and nodded. ¡°What Mother said, it makes sense.¡± After saying so, said to the two, ¡°How about this, the Hanlin Academy has been working on edits for historical accounts, so the Grand Secretariat have not been to the Palace for many days. I also want to see his progress and have been wanting to go to the Grand Secretariat Manor, let¡¯s make it today. The Grand Secretariat Manor is Madam Su¡¯s maiden house, you both come with me!¡± Madam Su looked at the Empress Dowager. The Emperor suddenly laughed, ¡°Madam Su why are you always looking at my Mother? Is my words not as useful on you as the Empress Dowager?¡± Madam Su hurriedly bowed her head. ¡°Your steward¡¯s5 wife do not dare!¡± ¡°Than let¡¯s go!¡± The Emperor started walking first, and beckoning to Su Feng Nuan, ¡°Little girl, is fighting fun?¡± Su Feng Nuan immediately ran up to him him, nodded and saying happily, ¡°It¡¯s fun!¡± The Emperor looked at her torn skirt showing a pair of bare feet that was larger than the average woman, asked with a funny smile, ¡°Not use to wearing complicated clothes?¡± Su Feng Nuan nodded, ¡°The skirt is too long, too many streamers to, and layers after layers, difficult to even light up my feet.¡± The Emperor laughed, ¡°All the ladies in the Imperial City all are dressed like this. After you get used to it it¡¯s fine.¡± Su Feng Nuan hearing that her face went dejected. The Emperor laughed again, ¡°But you are the daughter of the General. The General¡¯s Manor is different from others. If the general¡¯s daughter is weak, and cant weld a sword. Don¡¯t know martial arts, is a waste of your background. So, I will allow you to not need to worry about etiquette and dressing, as long as acceptable is fine.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Su Feng Nuan¡¯s eyes lit up instantly. ¡°Of course it is true, what comes out of the Emperor¡¯s mouth are jaded, how can it not count?¡± The Emperor smiled. ¡°Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years, many ten thousands of years!¡± Su Feng Nuan cheered. The Emperor let out a big laughter. Madam Su saw the Empress Dowager¡¯s sulky face, yet not seeming to have the intention of stopping the Emperor from bringing her and Su Feng Nuan out of the Palace. She quietly bid farewell to the Empress Dowager, and followed after the emperor, leaving the Palace with the Su Feng Nuan. Chapter 11 A line of people walked out of the Palace gate1 and soon disappeared. The Mo-Mo besides the Empress Dowager saw that her face was very ill, stepped forward, and said in a lowered voice, ¡°Why did the Empress Dowager not hold on to Lady Su? If you insist on keeping her, Huang-shang2 perhaps would not be able to find a way to go against you.¡± ¡°In front of that little girl, I have become an unreasonable person? How could I insist?¡± The Empress Dowager told off. ¡°Lady Su is too badly behaved!¡± The Mo-Mo said. The Empress Dowager was angry. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect the daughter of the Grand Secretariat¡¯s Manor can teach her own daughter into some mountain girl. The meeting today, really disappoints me. How can she be worthy to be paired with Yun Chu?¡± The Mo-Mo also believe so, ¡°This Lady Su really is rowdy. She dare to in the Palace, in front of the Empress Dowager, tear her skirt, fight like that, not even a hint of being cultured, indeed not worthy of the Xiao Guo-jiu 3. But, is the Empress Dowager just going to stop at that? And let Huang-shang marry her to Ye Shi-zi?4¡± The Empress Dowager grunted, ¡°What Huang-shang is calculating on? Don¡¯t think that I don¡¯t know. He wants reinstate Commander General Su so he can rely on military power as his backing, and using marriage alliance with the Imperial Clan to support the honor of the Royal Family and Imperial Clan with intentions to weaken the influence of the Guo-jiang Manor. ¡°But Rong-an Wang-fu¡¯s5 Ye Shi-zi is really unspeakable, him like that, can he really be supported? ¡± The Mo-Mo said. ¡°What do you know? This time the Huang-shang is really bent on it. The honor of the Imperial Clan, among the young princes and grandsons, only Ye Xiang¡¯s age is appropriate with Su Feng Nuan. The rest of the if not already married, are too young. Moreover, Ye Xiang is the Shi-zi6 of Rong¡¯an Wang-fu7, so status wise is compatible with the daughter of the General¡¯s Manor. And to add, with the benevolence of the Duke and Duchess of Rong-an still lasting, the Imperial Clan although they frown upon the ridiculousness of Ye Xiang, but in remembrance of the Duke and Duchess of Rong-an, would still look out for him. Prince Jin for example, although rebukes Ye Xiang, but in reality, he still allows his grandson to follow Ye Xiang. The Rongan Wang-fu8 is the centripetal factor of the Imperial Clan, Ye Xiang is the centripetal character. So no matter how unspeakable he is, his identity will be there, and the Imperial think of the past.¡± ¡°The Empress Dowager¡¯s meaning is that Huang-shang chose Ye Xiang, to use him as the centripetal force to combine the power of the Imperial Clan to counter with the Guo-jiang Manor?¡± The Mo-Mo suddenly became wary, ¡°Empress Dowager, than you¡­¡± The Empress Dowager gave a cold laugh, ¡°Ye Xiang that rascal, is naturally not something to be afraid of, and the Imperial Clan, not one can be lifted. Huang-shang¡¯s plan, I have known for a long time, wanting to suppress the Guo-jiang Manor, has not been something of just one or two days. Su Feng Nuan is so wild, no etiquettes, no female customs, truly unbearable. But if able to understand her temper, naturally is easy to control, just then, didn¡¯t Huang-shang get her happy? These all are not to be feared, I¡¯m only afraid that I don¡¯t know what Commander General Su is thinking.¡± The Mo-Mo quickly said, ¡°The meaning of the Empress Dowager Mother is that there is something wrong with Commander General Su?¡± Empress Dowager¡¯s expression got colder, ¡°Not just something wrong, it¡¯s very wrong! Su Che this person, is very loyal to the Imperial Power, and has disdain for Imperial In-laws. Before he resigned he had always contempt the Guo-jiang Manor. Now that he is back to position and also with big victory and accomplishments from the Northern Zhou battle. He will become a hero of the Southern Qi and will claim credit. Huang-shang wanted to bestow him the title of Wu-hou9 but he also is well deserving. In the court, naturally there were no objections among the civil and military officials. If he returned to the Imperial City and he knew of the Huang-shang¡¯s plan, to rely on his military merits to alliance with the Imperial Clan, than the Guo-jiang Manor , I¡¯m afraid will be at a real crisis. ¡± ¡°The Guo-jiang Manor is the support of the Empress Dowager and the Queen, it must not fall.¡± The Mo-Mo said immediately. ¡°It is.¡± The Empress Dowager sighed. ¡°Otherwise, for so many years, I would not so painstaking support the Guo-jiang Manor. Only the Queen is disappointing, only given birth to three Princesses, not even able to give birth to one Prince. Not a chicken that knows how to lay eggs.¡± The Mo-Mo also sighed. The Empress Dowager said again, ¡°It was a big mistake to choose her to enter the Palace. I thought she was a Di Daughter10 and should have the customs and aura of a Di Daughter. Most suitable for the Queen position, only to find out later that she was a easily jealous one, a person of extreme pettiness, following after the temper of her mother, unable to accept the consorts in the harem. In these years, gotten Huang-shang disgusted with her, not to mention making a mess in the Palace. All the Princes either died, became disabled, or sickly, not a good one left.¡± Mo-Mo whispered, ¡°I heard that the Crown Prince is sick again.¡± The Empress Dowager snorted, ¡°Imperial Consort Yue protects him too well, afraid of the wind, afraid of the rain, even afraid that the roof tiles on in the Palace would sudden fall and kill him, so he¡¯s become disabled from the care, sick every three or five days, too weak. Like this, how can inherit the throne in the future? ¡° Mo-Mo was also worried, ¡°The Crown Prince is even weaker than the Emperor during his age.¡± The Empress Dowager said, ¡°Huang-shang is my son, but the Crown Prince is not the son of the Queen. Although the Queen is a jealous person, but these years have been very respectful to me, so I am also can not bear her future to be a no good end. If the Crown Prince ascends the throne,¡± she snorts, ¡°Imperial Consort Yue will go up with her son, nothing can be said of the future. ¡± Mo-Mo heard this and look to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager looked at the entrance of the Palace. ¡°Why hasn¡¯t Xu Yun Chu enter the Palace yet?¡± Mo-Mo tested for her reaction, ¡°Perhaps there was some hold up? Would you like to send someone to hurry him?¡± ¡°Whatever, he probably also heard that Su Feng Nuan is a wild girl and don¡¯t want to marry her. Everyone says that he is perfect, but he grew up in front of me, so I am understanding. He heart is very proud, his coldness and frost is more so than the plum blossoms. I don¡¯t think it is a holdup, probably just not willing to enter the Palace to see the Su Feng Nuan, and delayed it. ¡± Mo-Mo heard that and said, ¡°Than¡­will you still have Yun Chu Gong-zi marry Lady Su?¡± ¡°To marry or not, is not to be decided in a short time. Seeing Su Feng Nuan today, the nonsense really is giving me a headache, I really need to go back to the Palace11 and think hard about it. Besides, didn¡¯t Ye Xiang also not come? Although he is ridiculous, but the noble blood in his bones sets him to like beautiful woman that are gentle as water. He always runs off to the red powder floor isn¡¯t that the case?¡± The Empress Dowager waved her hand, ¡°Like this than, you send to deliver a message, tell Yun Chu that since there is something holding up today, than no need to enter the Palace today.¡± ¡± Yes.¡± The old Mo-Mo nodded. The Empress Dowager¡¯s Phoenix Carriage was back into the Ci¡¯an Palace. Out of the Palace, the Emperor took a glance, and saw that Su Feng Nuan¡¯s face was relaxed and filled with a bright smile, he laughed, saying, ¡°Little girl, today you offended the Empress Dowager, aren¡¯t you afraid that the Empress Dowager would punish you?¡± Su Feng Nuan blinked her eyes innocently. ¡°Huang-shang12, when the Empress Dowager is unreasonable, can she still blame, push, and bully in the status of the Empress Dowager?¡± The Emperor laughed. Madam Su blinked. ¡°Su Feng Nuan, you are too beyond description today.¡± Su Feng Nuan turned her head and stuck out her tongue at Madam Su, saying nothing. The Emperor laughed and sighed. ¡°These ladies in the Southern Qi Imperial City are all as if carved out of a mold. No matter how beautiful, talented. After a long time, they are also tasteless. Back then, when Imperial Consort Yue entered the Palace, she too had a little temperament, I was happy with her temperament. Later, the Palace gradually grinded her temperament to almost nothing.¡± After a brief pause, he said to Madam Su, ¡°This little girl of yours is excellent. Madam Su does not have to change her.¡± Madam Su immediately said, ¡°But the Imperial City is not like the outside, Feng Nuan this child, really cause people to worry. Today, offended the Empress Dowager, what if in the future she cause a major disaster, I only have such a daughter who I love dearly at the palm of my heart, what to do?¡± The Emperor smiled at her, ¡°Since you love her at the palm of your heart, naturally can¡¯t bear her grievances. You can rest assured, for each day I am here13 I will protect that this little girl of your¡¯s. I should be able to live for a few more years hopefully, after I¡¯m gone she would be grown up already, married, her husband will naturally protect her.¡± Madam Su was overjoyed, but also flattered and quickly knelt on the floor. ¡°The Emperor¡¯s great grace, your steward¡¯s wife¡­¡± The Emperor smiled and waved his hand, interrupting her words. ¡°What are you doing? Get up. Back then, when you swore not to enter the Palace, I did not find trouble for you, and now I definitely would also not find trouble for your daughter. Protecting her, is not just for you, but because she is the Commander General¡¯s daughter. The Commander General protects the family and defends the kingdom, and now reinstated, even though the Northern Zhou has retreat, I made up my mind this time I will no longer let him go. I need him, I will entrust him with important duties. ¡± Madam Su slightly blushed, understanding the meaning of the Emperor¡¯s words, and slowly stood up. Su Feng Nuan glanced at the Emperor, and then glanced at Madam Su, thinking of her father in the border. Her smile widen until her eyebrows curved. Chapter 12 The Emperor did not sit in the Jade Carriage1. Feng Sheng had already ordered for preparation of the horse carriage, and the Emperor alone got onto the carriage. Madam Su pulled Su Feng Nuan along and got onto the carriage behind it. On the carriage, Madam Su saw Su Feng Nuan laughing without a care, and reaching out and harshly dabbed at her forehead. ¡°Dead girl, what did you promise me? You said you would not fight in the Palace, why did you start something in front of the Empress Dowager, and also this¡­,¡± as saying, started looking at her in distaste, ¡°The clothes are torn, what do you look like?¡± Su Feng Nuan took off Madam Su¡¯s hand and whispered, ¡°Mother, I initially just wanted to try the Empress Dowager. I didn¡¯t expect the Empress Dowager¡¯s to be so vulnerable to being shocked. Later, bumping into her was because I had no ways. If I didn¡¯t do that, the Empress Dowager would keep me in the Palace to teach. Where is the palace? It¡¯s a place where people eat people and do not spit bones, can you bare if I was left in the Palace?¡± Madam Su put down her hand, ¡°Of course not.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t fine than isn¡¯t it? At that time, I saw you did not have any plans and you were anxiously staring at me. Sheng Gong-Gong wanted to help, but the Empress Dowager pressured him with her status and wanted to beat him. I was forced to make this decision.¡± Sighed, looking at the clothing on her body, ¡°Aye, such a good piece of clothing torn, I¡¯m afraid it cost at least a thousand silver? My heart also hurts.¡± Madam Su laughed. ¡°Your heart hurts and you still tear it. Much more than a thousand silver. Your Mother likes it the most and it is torn up by you just like this. But compared to your reputation, the clothing of couple thousands of silvers are petty things. This time in the Palace, the news that you acted up in front of the Empress Dowager I expect will be spread out before tonight. After then, see who still dares to marry you.¡± Su Feng Nuan thought it funny. ¡°Even if I don¡¯t to tear clothing and fight in front of the Empress Dowager, and pretend to be proper my reputation will be fine? There is no wall in the world that wind does not pass through. Whoever goes out to inquire will know that I am a wild girl.¡± Madam Su was further angered into an angry smile and reached out to knock on her head. ¡°How did I bore such a daughter? Although your father is the Commander General, but when he is not fighting battle he is more gentlemanly than a teacher. Your mother is from the Grand Secretariat Manor, most serious about etiquette training. How come down to you, haven¡¯t inherit a bit of our good traits?¡± Su Feng Nuan heard the words and laughed, ¡°My father is gentlemanly? I can remember that many times Mother¡¯s neck have been planted with plum flowers by him2.¡± Madam Su¡¯s face flushed red from hearing that, hits her with a lighting move of her hand and scolding at the same time. ¡°Dead girl, you¡­ not bashful at all!¡± Su Feng Nuan dodged, looking at Madam Su¡¯s bright red face, and laughed until she was almost out of air. The mother and the daughter fought into a mess in the carriage. The Emperor heard the laughter coming from the carriage behind and couldn¡¯t help but smile. Feng Sheng also smiled and whispered, ¡°Madam Su and Madam Su do not look like mother and daughter, but more like sisters.¡± The Emperor smiled and nodded, asked, ¡°What is Ye Xiang doing today? Up to now have not heard that he has arrived at the Palace?¡± ¡°Ye Shi-zi is said to have drank Sanrezui3 and is asleep, don¡¯t think tomorrow, even the day after would not be able to enter the Palace. ¡± Feng Sheng said. The Emperor heard the words and was angered into laughter, ¡°This Ye Xiang, he has quite some good wines. Tomorrow I will write a decree, if he drinks whatever Sanrezui4, Banyuezui5, Yiyuezui6, Sanyuezui7, I will bestow him a bottle of Yongshengzui8 and let him be drunk till death.¡± Feng Sheng covered his smile, ¡°Ye Shi-zi loves wine. If he is not allowed to drink, probably will go crazy.¡± ¡°Going crazy is still better than being drunk all day.¡± The Emperor said, ¡°When I look for him, even the summoning decree is no use. He always uses drunkenness to stall me. Even not meeting Lady Su now. Is he planning to not marry forever?¡± Feng Sheng hearing so, said with a low voice, ¡°Lady Su¡¯s behavior before the Empress Dowager today is not pleasing to the Empress Dowager, suppose the will be hesitating with the initial plans. After all, the Empress Dowager¡¯s favors Xiao Guo-jiu, certainly will feel that Lady Su is not worthy to be matched with Xiao Guo-jiu.¡± The Emperor scoffed, ¡°The Empress Dowager is not content. For so many years, seeing that I have been tolerant, and have been become ¡®get an inch and want a foot.¡¯ The Xu family have two Queens, have already become so prominent. I don¡¯t understand, what else does can she ask for? Must I offer this Dragon Chair to the Xu Family? Xu Yun Chu is good, but he is not the only good one the world has.¡± Feng Sheng sighed, ¡°If the Crown Prince is more physically strong, the Emperor would not have to be so tired.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention the Crown Prince, you mention him, and I am more tired.¡± The Emperor massaged the point on his forehead, ¡°I thought that although Imperial Consort Yue was a little temperament, but is understanding, but now I it is really not so. I really shouldn¡¯t have given in and agreed to let her raise the Crown Prince. Really should have kept him to teach by my side. Right now, it¡¯s too late to say anything.¡± ¡°In these years, the Palace is like a tiger¡¯s lair, and Imperial Consort Yue is also afraid that the Crown Prince has any mishaps, and her protection has been too tight.¡± Feng Sheng said. The Emperor sighed, ¡°Really can not blame her, the Queen is easily jealous, and my situation is because of the Queen, but the Empress Mother does not understand me, and sometimes I doesn¡¯t understand. Is the son closer or the Maidan Family? Why is she is so ful hearted towards her Maidan Family? Not even a worry for the Southern Qi Empire.¡± Feng Sheng for a while did not know what to say and simply did not answer. ¡°I don¡¯t know how many more years this body can last, and some things are really imminent.¡± The Emperor spoke again. Feng Sheng could only say, ¡°The Emperor must take care of his body, you will be able to live a long life, the future is still long.¡± The Emperor scoffed, ¡°These are words good to say, also good to hear, but it may not be the case.¡± Feng Sheng sighed deeply. The carriage arrived at the Grand Secretariat Manor. Feng Sheng got off the carriage and went to kock at the front door. Someone in the corner door poked his head out, took a look, and was shocked. Quickly opening the door and knelt to the floor to greet the guest. The Emperor waved his hand and looked back to see Madam Su and Su Feng Nuan already off the carriage, and started walking into the manor. Su Feng Nuan wrapped around Madam Su¡¯s arm and whispered, ¡°Mother, should I go back to the manor and change my clothing before go in?¡± Madam Su laughed while looking at her, ¡°Are you afraid that your Wai-gong9will see how you look and lecture you?¡± Su Feng Nuan face looked dejected, ¡°Yes, Wai-gong10¡¯s stern face when lecturing is scary!¡± Madam Su snorted, ¡°Serves you right!¡± ¡°Your old steward did not know that Huang-shang11was coming, this is a belated welcome, may the Emperor be forgiving!¡± The Grand Secretariat Wang Lu arrived with some others in a hurry and knelt to bow. The Emperor stepped forward and reached out to raise him. ¡°The Grand Secretariat is excused. You have been editing the history records recently. It must be very hard work, you seem to have been tired and gotten thin. Quickly rise.¡± Wang Lu stood up and wondered. ¡°Why had Huang-shang12suddenly pass by today? And without sending someone to inform your old steward beforehand, so that your old steward could be prepared.¡± The Emperor smiled, ¡°It just came up today, I suddenly had this intention to have Madam Su and Lady Su accompany me to visit you.¡± Wang Lu after all had been in the Imperial City for many years. After hearing so could make some assumptions within the moment and glanced towards Madam Su and Su Feng Nuan. When he saw Su Feng Nuan¡¯s hair loose, skirt torn, and there were several sword marks on her body, although not cutting through the clothing, but also made a hole, he immediately glared at her. Su Feng Nuan braced herself and stepped forward to greet her Wai-gong13. Wang Lu snorted and scolded, ¡°Unacceptable!¡± Su Feng Nuan let out a cute smile trying to win their favor. ¡°Huang-shang, please come inside.¡± Wang Lu invited the Emperor to step inside, and told the woman besides him, ¡°My wife, you bring the little girl into the inner quarters to change, give her a decent outfit, what is this look.¡± The old lady nodded, different from Wang Lu¡¯s face, and her eyebrows showed delight as she waved at Su Feng Nuan. Su Feng Nuan quickly ran over as if under a great pardon15 and wrapped her arm around her Wai-po arms and entered into the inner quarters. Hi everyone! I¡¯ve been busy this week preparing for a work trip later this month, so I will not able to translate as much this month. Will try to post once a week at least. The story in the beginning is quite slow moving because each chapter is like one scene. We are starting to move over the large hump in the beginning of the story. Those who can listen to Chinese are strongly encouraged to try the audiobook because it¡¯s super good quality. -Chancy Chapter 13 Madam Wang walked into the inner quarters with Su Feng Nuan and found a new dress for her to change into before pulling her aside to question her. Su Feng Nuan told about exactly of every details of today¡¯s happenings in the Palace today. After finished listening, Madam Wang reprimanded her, ¡°Child, how can you offend the Empress Dowager just because you don¡¯t want to go to the Palace for her teachings and to protect Feng Sheng, Now not to say you¡¯ve left a bad impression in the Empress Dowager¡¯s heart, if the happenings of today spreads, your reputation will be over.¡± ¡°Wai-po, even if today¡¯s happenings are not spread, I don¡¯t have any good reputation either.¡± Su Feng Nuan reminded her. Madam Wang listened and became merry, reached over and dabbed her forehead. ¡°You, you are just naughty, like a boy you¡¯ve followed your father to the border and now you¡¯ve come running back, compared to last year when I saw you, you¡¯ve become thinner.¡± Su Feng Nuan pouted, carrying her skirt, and her eyebrows twisted. Nudging her body against Madam Wang and said softly, ¡°Wai-po, this dress is very complicated. Since the Emperor has allowed me to dress simply, you can give me another one, let¡¯s not wear this one alright?¡± Madam Wang shook her head. ¡°No, if your Wai-gong sees you unproper, he will lecture you again.¡± Su Feng Nuan sighed, ¡°Wai-gong is an old antique, even the Emperor is more open.¡± Madam Wang pat her merrily, ¡°Let¡¯s go, don¡¯t let the Emperor wait for a long time. He left the Palace today and came to the Wang Manor is also to avoid the Empress Dowager and talk to you.¡± Su Feng Nuan nodded, carrying her skirt, and followed Madam Wang out of the inner quarters. When arriving at the front quarters, Wang Lu was chatting with the Emperor. Seeing Madam Wang come with Su Feng Nuan and took a glance at her. Only until seeing her carrying her skirt and behave in a proper manner, like a lady of a prominent family, his facial expression turned better. The Emperor smiled and looked at Su Feng Nuan, ¡°Xiao Ya Tou1 looks better this way!¡± Wang Lu snorted. ¡°She can¡¯t be praised, since a child hasn¡¯t looked proper. If the Emperor praised her, her tail just might perk up.¡± The corner of Su Feng Nuan¡¯s lips twitched, secretly protesting, she¡¯s not a fox, perk what tail? The Emperor laughed. Madam Wang glanced at Wang Lu. ¡°Whenever Lao-ye2 sees Nuan Er3, Lao Ye puts on a scary look, and when the little girl sees you is like a mouse seeing a cat, so she don¡¯t dare to return to the Imperial City and come to the manor in the past two years. Last year, I really missed her, and I couldn¡¯t help but leave the Imperial City myself to go see her.¡± ¡°You are all spoiling her.¡± Wang Lu straightened his face and said to Su Feng Nuan, ¡°Now you¡¯ve returned to the Imperial City, your words and actions must be of a Lady from a Prominent Family. Avoid being gossiped about outside and become a laughingstock.¡± Su Feng Nuan thought that her Wai-gong still did not know what went on in the Palace today, and silently stepped behind Madam Wang. Madam Su glanced at Su Feng Nuan with a smile and said nothing. The Emperor also thought it funny and then switched the topic. He asked Wang Lu, ¡°I want to bestow Xiao Ya Tou4 a marriage, does Official Wang have a person in mind?¡± Wang Lu glanced at Su Feng Nuan and saw her ears perked up, he stroke his beard and snorted, ¡°Huang-shang5 has thought too highly of her. She is still a foul and haven¡¯t grown up yet. Getting married? These years, her father and mother have spoiled her, and she is used to the outside world. Now she is back to the Imperial City. Who is willing to marry her? Keep her in the manor and raise her up a few more years, after she¡¯s well trained let¡¯s talk about it.¡± Su Feng Nuan was overjoyed. She came out from behind Madam Wang and ran to Wang Lu¡¯s side. Giving him a shoulder massage like a goon and nodded her head like hammering garlic. ¡°Wai-gong is so right.¡± Madam Wang couldn¡¯t help but let out a laugh. Madam Su smiled and took a glance at Su Feng Nuan. Although Wang Lu seems to dislike Su Feng Nuan with his words, but for her initiative to give him a shoulder massage, it is still very useful trick, even his snorting is much lighter. The Emperor heard and gave a smile, ¡°Xiao Ya Tou6 is now of good age. Although she doesn¡¯t look to have grown up, but she is of age already. Even if not be married, can still set an engagement first.¡± Wang Lu heard his words and nodded. ¡°What Huang-shang says makes sense.¡± Su Feng Nuan¡¯s hand halted and the movements on the shoulder slowed by half a beat. The Emperor laughed again, ¡°The Empress Dowager is fixed on Xiao Guo-jiu of the Guo-jiang Manor, so I¡¯m afraid she won¡¯t cast away that though easily. Xiao Guo-jiu is indeed equipped in both civil and military, with no bad traits to pick at. What do the Grand Secretariat think?¡± Wang Lu thought deeply about it and said, ¡°The Guo-jiang Manor has two Queens, likely will have many etiquettes and rules. I am afraid that it is not suitable for the girl.¡± The Emperor nodded, ¡°I have also given this consideration, therefore, I feel that Xiao Guo-jiu is not suitable. In the entire court, of all the civil and military official¡¯s manors, more or less there are some rules. Only the Rong-an Wang-fu, with only Ye Xiang, so all the rules have already been deposed by him. Therefore, there¡¯s no rules to be brought up. Ye Xiang is one year older than Xiao Ya Tou7, and his background and age are suitable. He has not been married and no engagements, and definitely no bedroom maids8 in his manor. I have already looked for someone to check the birthdate and time of the two, and is a heaven made match. He is a suitable choice.¡± Wang Lu heard so and said, ¡°Huang-shang¡¯s considerations are very precise.¡± Su Feng Nuan suddenly used some strength and hammered him. Looking back at her, her hand¡¯s strength immediately lightened and smiled trying to please him. Wang Lu said again, ¡°However, Ye Shi-zi has always been wildly unreasonable and very uncooperative, it¡¯s been well known. And this Xiao Yao Tou9 is also very wild, since young have always play with knives and swords. If in disagreement with someone will act upon it physically, if putting them together, I am afraid there will be no peace in the future. Not considered a good marriage.¡± Su Feng Nuan quickly gave her grandfather a shoulder rub, the strength was a technique she had specially learned and was extremely comfortable. The Emperor Nodded, ¡°This is also a problem.¡± Wang Lu spoke again, ¡°The Northern Zhou army have just retreated and still unsure if they will come back. Su Che is said to have been seriously injured and the meantime, is taking care of the wounded soldiers, post-war affair, and nurturing his own injuries. In a short time, afraid would not be able to return to the Imperial City. Although Huang-shang and the Empress Dowager both have their preferences, but Su Che only has this one daughter, so about her marriage, he must also have his own considerations. Your old steward also cannot make decisions in his place as a father. Why don¡¯t Huang-shang wait for him to return to the Imperial City and then discuss with him before making a selection for the marriage bestowment. The Empress Dowager also has a heart that is concerned about the empire and its people, so should be able to understand that this matter cannot be rushed, and to prevent a good thing being turned into a bad thing. The Emperor hearing so nodded, ¡°What the Grand Secretariat says makes sense. In this case, let¡¯s put this matter aside first and wait for the Commander General to return to discuss about it.¡± ¡°That is right.¡± Wang Lu nodded. Su Feng Nuan winked at Madam Su, thinking older gingers are indeed more spicy. With just a few words, Wai-gong had stopped the Emperor¡¯s thought on the marriage bestowment. His hidden meaning was, that if the Emperor goes ahead and issues the Decree, the Commander General would be unhappy, the Empress Dowager would be unhappy, and if the Empress Dowager is pushed too far, she might just do something. If the Empress does raise a hand10, if light the court would be rocked, if intense would affect the empire, if so isn¡¯t it a good thing turn bad? After the matter was decided, the Emperor stayed over at the Grand Secretariat Manor for a while longer before getting up to leave. Wang Lu led the group to send the Emperor on his way out the manor. Seeing that the Emperor¡¯s carriage did not go back to the Palace, but instead changed route and headed towards the East Road he squinted his eyes and asked Madam Su, ¡°The Imperial City have been spreading news that the Empress Dowager and the Emperor wants to bestow marriage for Xiao Ya Tou for some time already. By now should have spread to the border already?¡± Madam Su nodded, ¡°Yes, Father. The General by now should have heard of the rumors and daughter have already sent him letter about this matter.¡± Wang Lu said, ¡°These years Su Che have been guilty for what happened 12 years ago. The Emperor favors Ye Xiang, I think he will not object.¡± Madam Su sighed, ¡°The death of the Duke and Duchess of Rong-an has always been a knot in his heart.¡± Wang Lu let out a snort, ¡°Back then if it was not for internal spy leaking out the military affairs, the Duke and Duchess of Rong-an would not have died at the border. However, guilt is guilt, the marriage of children is the marriage matter, each its own matter.¡± ¡°Father thinks that Xiao Guo-jiu and Ye Shi-zi not one suitable?¡± Madam Su said with a lowered voice. Wang Lu nodded, ¡°Both are not fuel-efficient lamps11, not marrying them is fine!¡± Su Feng Nuan hearing so burst into a laughter, ¡°Wai-gong is the best.¡± Wang Lu turned his head towards her, his face hardened and said, ¡°Heard that in the Palace, you had gotten physical and fooling around in front of the Empress Dowager and offended her? Is there such thing?¡± Su Feng Nuan jumped from shock and immediately glanced at Madam Wang. Madam Wang shook her head. Su Feng Nuan thought so too, Wai-po was by her side the whole time and did not see her tell Wai-gong. She immediately turned towards Madam Su. Madam Su also shook her head. Wang Lu snorted, ¡°You don¡¯t need to look at them, it¡¯s not them who told me. If I am not even aware of any wind or move of grass in the Imperial Palace and just have my eyes shut and ears plugged this position12 I do not need to sit on.¡± After hearing so, Su Feng Nuan looked at her Wai-gong with admiration, that is the meaning of being in a cottage but knowing the world, very impressive. Wang Lu did not blame her and instead said, ¡°What you did today was not wrong, the Empress Dowager to have doubts is a good thing. Or else with her impetuousness, if she was to go at it with the Emperor who is now stone hearted on the matter, there is no good in it for you, and no good for the Su Manor. However, with her temperament, she will not let it go easily. So, starting today, you will stay at the Grand Secretariat Manor. I will have someone to teach you etiquettes and disciplines. If the Empress Dowager knows you are learning rules, in a short time will not be able to come up with any plans to bring you into the Palace to take care of. Su Feng Nuan hearing she needs to study disciplines her face collapse, but staying at the Grand Secretariat Manor is still much better than being sent to the Palace. Chapter 14 Madam Su had no objections about leaving Su Feng Nuan at the Grand Secretariat Manor. After lunch, she quickly left without her. Leaving behind Su Feng Nuan who was looking at Madam Su¡¯s backside as she left, those expressions, even Madam Wang could not bear to watch. Wang Lu was steel-hearted on educating Su Feng Nuan in ettiquites, and sent someone to invite to the Grand Secretariat Manor the now retired old Mo-Mo who had once taught the Empress Dowager and the Queen. This old Mo-Mo was already eighty, although a slave, but because of training two Queens, her seniority was high. The entire court, all royalties and officials, even the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, all paid her some respects. The old Mo-Mo arrived at the Grand Secretariat Manor on the same day, with servant supporting her along the way, trembling each step she took. Wang Lu called Su Feng Nuan to come in front of the old Mo-Mo. Afterwards, he said to Su Feng Nuan. ¡°Liu Mo-Mo is old, not to say bumping into even if just angered, you¡¯d be in big trouble. So, don¡¯t think about horsing around, be a good student, and when Liu Mo-Mo says that you have passed, that¡¯s when you don¡¯t have to learn anymore.¡± Su Feng Nuan¡¯s face collapsed quickly. Wang Lu instructed for Madam Wang to arrange Liu Mo-Mo to the reside in Su Feng Nuan¡¯s quarter, to teach her from clothing and food to ceremonial etiquette, not separating from her side. Su Feng Nuan looked at Liu Mo-Mo. To teach her, Wai-gong found a Mo-Mo of such old age who could be blown down by a cast of wind. How can she not listen and dare to act up? She¡¯d even be afraid of talking loudly and not able to afford any thing happening to this Mo-Mo. Thinking in her heart, Wai-gong1 is worthy of being a high-ranking official for this many years, someone that even Guo-zhang2 need to pay respect to. Really is a crafty old man. After Madam Wang settled down Liu Mo-Mo, she saw Su Feng Nuan standing pitifully at the door. Smiling, she said to her, ¡°Liu Mo-Mo lived in the Palace for most of her life. She moved out of the Palace only because she was old. The entire court, only your Wai-gong has the merit to invite Liu Mo-Mo. You should pay attention to learn the etiquette with her, Liu Mo-Mo¡¯s knowledge is very rich, perhaps even unable to use it all up in your life. Your Wai-gong is well-intentioned.¡± Su Feng Nuan could only nod. Madam Wang again ordered the servant serve attentively and left. Liu Mo-Mo waited till after Madam Wang left, sitting on a chair and stretched out her dry hands at Su Feng Nuan. Su Feng Nuan could only walk over carefully and stood three steps in front of her. Liu Mo-Mo smiled lovingly, ¡°Xiao Ya Tou3 come closer, my eyes are blurry, let me take a closer look at you.¡± Su Feng Nuan took two more steps. Liu Mo-Mo looked at her for a moment, smiled and said, ¡°Xiao Ya Tou is a blessed person.¡± Su Feng Nuan lifted the corner of her mouth, ¡°There was a old bull-nosed Taoist that once said that too.¡± ¡°Oh? Has anyone said that too?¡± Liu Mo-Mo asked with interest. ¡°Which old bull-nosed Taoist? Does he have a name?¡± Su Feng Nuan thought for a moment, ¡°His name was Qing Feng.¡± ¡°Oh him, I know him.¡± Liu Mo-Mo smiled. ¡°He has a big nose, and when he is angry it looks like a cow¡¯s nose, you call him bull-nose, is the most appropriate.¡± Su Feng Nuan blinked her eyes. Liu Mo-Mo smiled and grabbed her hand, asking lovingly, ¡°I heard that you have learned martial arts from your father? You know martial arts?¡± Su Feng Nuan nodded, ¡°Learn a little, flowery acts of sword and knives.¡± ¡°Xiao Ya Tou4 is modest, I heard it today, you fought in front of the Empress Dowager, more than a dozen imperial guards have been defeated by you. How is that just flowery acts?¡± Liu Mo-Mo smiled and looked at her, ¡°It is still early today, let¡¯s go outside, you show Mo-Mo a few tricks, let Mo-Mo experience it too.¡± Su Feng Nuan was shocked and was quickly shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t dare to swordplay in front of Mo-Mo.¡± Liu Mo-Mo smiled, ¡°It¡¯s because you think my old bones are no good anymore? You listened to your Wai-gong and afraid something will happen to me? You don¡¯t need to worry; nothing will happen to Mo-Mo by a little sword play.¡± Su Feng Nuan still shook her head. Liu Mo-Mo smiled while looking at her, ¡°I¡¯ll sit at the doorway and you¡¯ll be in the courtyard, far away from me. I also like to watch swordplay. If do it well, these etiquettes, we¡¯ll keep the trainings to a discreet. Su Feng Nuan¡¯s eyes lit up upon hearing so, ¡°Liu Mo-Mo you really mean it?¡± ¡°Really, really.¡± Liu Mo-Mo smiled. Su Feng Nuan saw that although she was old, but was full of energy, throwing such a big bait, not short for being a old Mo-Mo from the Imperial Palace. She had confidence in her maneuver of her martial arts that she would not rashly hurt her. She nodded firmly. A servant guided Liu Mo-Mo out of the door, moved over a stool, and she sat down by the doorway. Su Feng Nuan untied the soft sword5 from the waist. This soft sword was like a silk satin, wrapped around her waist. When she entered the Palace, the guards of the Palace did not recognize that it was a sword, but at the time she still did not dare to reveal it in front of the Empress Dowager. As soon as she removed it, Liu Mo-Mo praised, ¡°This really is a good sword, most suitable for self-defense, soft as satin.¡± Su Feng Nuan said smiling, ¡°This was stolen from the old bull-nosed Taoist.¡± Liu Mo-Mo merrily said, ¡°He has been traveling for many years, bound to have many good things. If you will see him again later, ask for some more.¡± Su Feng Nuan nodded and started dancing with the sword. The afternoon sun was very hot, non-stop requests came from the courtyard. The serving maids, chefs all hid far away, holding up their sleeves to block the sun. Su Feng Nuan was displaying different flowery acts with the sword, the shadows of the sword danced as the silhouette moved, and the light and shadows are mixed together, clothing fluttering, dazzling to the eyes that almost are unable to distinguish between the sword and the person, it seems that the sword and the person have merged. Completing one swordplay act, Su Feng Nuan retraced her stance, looking refreshing, not a single sweat dripping, where she stood, even the wind seems to be cool. ¡°Good!¡± Liu Mo-Mo clapped her hands. ¡°Xiao Ya Tou6 dances very well.¡± Su Feng Nuan put away the sword and asked her, ¡°Is Mo-Mo satisfied?¡± ¡°Satisfied, satisfied.¡± Liu Mo-Mo nodded. Su Feng Nuan then continued to ask, ¡°Then those etiquettes¡­¡± Liu Mo-Mo smiled and said as promised, ¡°We¡¯ll learn them discreetly.¡± Su Feng Nuan beamed as a smile adorned her face, no longer that afraid of the old Mo-Mo, and volunteered to support her back into the room. After returning to the room, Liu Mo-Mo really did as she said, and did not ask Su Feng Nuan to learn the rules, but instead rested on the kang7 and chatted with her. Su Feng Nuan originally wanted to just make the Old Mo-Mo happy as a way to deal with not learning those annoying rules but did not expect that after chatting with her for a while and found out, as Madam Wang said, Liu Mo-Mo is very knowledgeable. Although old, but not muddled at all, so chatting with her was very enjoyable. In these years, Su Feng Nuan although haven¡¯t traveled to the ends of the world, but at least have traveled the most of the South and North. So she thinks herself of knowing quite a bit. Although she had quite some smug satisfaction, but hearing it from Liu Mo-Mo was also interesting and refreshing. Unknowingly, they¡¯ve chatted for half a day. When it got dark, Liu Mo-Mo was tired. After eating, the two fell asleep and were very safe and sound. The next day, Liu Mo-Mo ordered people to bring strings and needles, wanting to do some needlework by herself, and let Su Feng Nuan do whatever she pleases. Su Feng Nuan had nothing to do, can¡¯t think of what she can do, so she stayed with her. Yesterday she spoke too much and now her throat felt uncomfortable, so today did not feel like talking. Since she could not chat, she suddenly felt extremely bored. She rested her chin on her palms and at watched Liu Mo-Mo¡¯s embroidery. After watching it for a while, she asked, ¡°What is Mo-Mo embroidering?¡± ¡°After three months, is Xiang Xiang¡¯s8 birthday, it¡¯s an embroidered piece of clothing for him.¡± Liu Mo-Mo said. Su Feng Nuan looked at the embroidery. This pair of embroidery is not a big piece. She was able bundle it up in her hands, couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Is this a piece of clothing? This small? I don¡¯t think he can wear it?¡± Liu Mo-Mo said with a smile, ¡°This is brocade9, it¡¯s supposed made a small piece of cloth at a time and then all sew onto the clothing.¡± ¡°But this color is too bright.¡± Su Feng Nuan said. Liu Mo-Mo was instantly laughed, ¡°Not glamorous at all, it to be worn for his big wedding.¡± Chapter 15 Wedding? With whom? Su Feng Nuan became stalled for a moment and looked at Liu Mo-Mo. Liu Mo-Mo said with a smile, ¡°It haven¡¯t been decided yet. I¡¯m making it ahead of time, and giving it to him as a gift for his birthday so he¡¯s prepared.¡± Su Feng Nuan responded with a ¡°Oh,¡± and thought, if it¡¯s a wedding robe, it definitely not too bright since weddings should be festive, but he has not yet set an engagement yet, so isn¡¯t it too early to be embroidering a wedding outfit? ¡°Your mother¡¯s embroidery work is quite well known. Has she taught you since childhood?¡± Liu Mo-Mo asked. Su Feng Nuan rubbed her nose in embarrassment. ¡°Taught, but I can¡¯t learn it.¡± ¡°Xiao Ya Tou1 is smart, not can¡¯t learn it, just won¡¯t learn.¡± Liu Mo-Mo smiled and looked at her. ¡°You have nothing to do, why not help Mo-Mo, I. Now my eyes are blurry, in a day I can¡¯t embroider much, and I am rushing to catch up every day. I am afraid won¡¯t be able to catch up with Xiao Xiang¡¯s wedding. His parents are gone, he is a poor child. Mo-Mo watched him grow up, there¡¯s not much I can help him with, just this one task, and don¡¯t know what day the dirt will bury over, and it¡¯ll turn into dust.¡± Su Feng Nuan listened to her saying it pitifully, and thought about her old age, and felt difficult, ¡°But I don¡¯t know how to embroider.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll teach you.¡± Liu Mo-Mo said. Su Feng Nuan hesitated, ¡°I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t embroider good enough, if the embroidery is ugly, how can he wear it out later? Nevermind.¡± Liu Mo-Mo suddenly smiled, ¡°You have me watching besides you, how can you embroider poorly? It¡¯s just helping me with the needles. Besides, your sword skill is very good, these needle skills sometimes have similarities with sword skills, only the needle is finer and need be more accurate, you try it, you might do well.¡± ¡°This¡­¡± Su Feng Nuan indeed had nothing to do, and listened to Liu Mo-Mo say so, seeing her beautiful embroidery work, was also a little eager to try it and nodded, ¡°Why don¡¯t I give it a try? If not good, I¡¯ll return it to Mo-Mo? ¡± ¡°Yes, try it.¡± Liu Mo-Mo handed over to her. Su Feng Nuan has picked up a few days of needlework, so the starter¡¯s embroidery work was still present, and it was all because Madam Su had hounded her into practicing it. So now taking it up again, although her hands were out of practice, but with Liu Mo-Mo guiding on the side, although the needle went down a bit crooked, but if not examining closely, really can¡¯t notice. Liu Mo-Mo was smiling besides her, ¡°I said that Xiao Ya Tou is smart, see, you picked it up and can embroider.¡± Su Feng Nuan had her eyes wide open, not daring to look elsewhere, just focusing on the embroidery as she set the needle, and said, ¡°Mo-Mo, don¡¯t leave me, you have to always keep an eye on me, if I don¡¯t embroider it right, and somewhere goes wrong, than it¡¯s ruined, not to mention that this fabric is crazy expensive, most important is it¡¯s hard to buy.¡± Liu Mo-Mo smiled and nodded. Su Feng Nuan is indeed smart. Some things she just couldn¡¯t find interest in, don¡¯t want to learn, but once takes interest, she¡¯ll learn it quickly. After an hour, she was able to set the needles swiftly and getting the grasp of it. Occasionally, her eyes dare to look away. All because she is mastered in sword skills and the needle skills are indeed somewhat similar, so she can set the needle very precisely. ¡°Am I right? Look at how good you embroidered? After some time, your embroidered product will be better than what Mo-Mo embroiders.¡± Liu Mo-Mo laughed happily. Su Feng Nuan said with a smile, ¡°Don¡¯t praise me Mo-Mo, I¡¯m one who can¡¯t sit still. If keep me at home doing embroidery work all day, I will go crazy.¡± Liu Mo-Mo smiled and nodded. ¡°If you help me, Xiao Xiang¡¯s2 robe can be finished very quickly. You are young and embroider fast. When you have finished embroidering, I will talk to your Wai-gong3 and let¡¯s go to Lingyun Temple for a few days.¡± Su Feng Nuan¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°Mo-Mo likes to worship Buddha?¡± ¡°Well, I don¡¯t like it, it¡¯s just that the Lingyun Temple hosts a ceremony every summer. It is a ritual for the dead buried on the mountain behind it. I want to offer some incense for Xiao Xiang¡¯s parents. The Lingyun Temple is located 50 miles from the Imperial City, on the foot of the mountain is a small town called Lingyun Town. On 7th day of the 7th month of every year there is Double-Seventh festival4 and it is very lively. You have not been in the Imperial City for many years, so likely have not gone before.¡± Su Feng Nuan heard and her eyes lit up. ¡°Yes, Lingyun Town has the Double-Seventh Festival on the 7th day of 7th month every year. I know about that, but just in the past when I came to the Imperial City the date was not right, so I couldn¡¯t make it. There is still one month till this year¡¯s right? Can the embroidery be finished in time?¡± She thought of something, and immediately continued, ¡°Wai-gong is locking me in to study the rules, will he agree to let me go?¡± ¡°If I go to ask, your Wai-gong will agree.¡± Liu Mo-Mo said, ¡°You and I will embroider together, work harder, will be able to finish it.¡± Su Feng Nuan instantly smiled widely. ¡°Alright, Mo-Mo go ask him sooner, let¡¯s hurry and finish embroidering it and go early.¡± Liu Mo-Mo nodded, ¡°When the embroidery is done, when I go offer the incense to Xiao Xiang¡¯s parent I can also tell them about it.¡± Su Feng Nuan nodded. Liu Mo-Mo watched as her embroidery skills gradually becoming more and more skillful and could not help but show a loving smile. If Su Feng Nuan wants to do something, and do a good job, there will always a never ending supply of unyielding energy in her. Ever since Liu Mo-Mo talked about going to Lingyun Temple, she was bent on helping her finish up the embroidery earlier. Every day she stayed quietly in the room, and the two talked while doing embroidery. Working day and night, Su Feng Nuan and Liu Mo-Mo, still took 20 days to finish up the embroidery. Liu Mo-Mo smiled as she looked at the embroidered robe, reached out and touched it, and said with a smile, ¡°If it was by myself, it will take at least three months, Xiao Ya Tou¡¯s hands are swift, with you helping me, we¡¯ve finished it already.¡± Su Feng Nuan¡¯s eyelids are already fighting, thinking that she was taking the energy she used to practice day and night in order to beat her three brothers. If she can¡¯t finish up the embroidery this quickly, she¡¯d have been doing it in vain. ¡°You take a day off, then we¡¯ll head off.¡± Liu Mo-Mo looked at her lovingly, ¡°Xiao Ya Tou is really tired out.¡± Su Feng Nuan glanced at the sky and shook her head. ¡°No, Mo-Mo, I am already suffocating from boredom, it¡¯s still early now, let¡¯s set off?¡± Liu Mo-Mo looked at her. ¡°Look at you so sleepy, your eyelids are already fighting.¡± Su Feng Nuan rubbed her eyes, ¡°I can sleep in the carriage.¡± Liu Mo-Mo started laughing, ¡°It seems you really have been suffocating. Alright, let¡¯s send someone to tell Official Wang and his wife and then we¡¯ll set off.¡± Su Feng Nuan immediately cheered and called out the door, ¡°Someone come, quickly go tell my Wai-gong5, Wai-po6, that Mo-Mo and I will go to Lingyun Temple. Also, hurry and prepare the carriage, we are set off now.¡± Someone answered outside and went quickly. Liu Mo-Mo wrapped up the embroidered robe and called over someone close-by and gave them instructions. The servant left with the robe. Su Feng Nuan had nothing to pack, Liu Mo-Mo was also a simple, the two didn¡¯t take long to be ready. Madam Wang came quickly with some servants to the courtyard. After seeing Su Feng Nuan, she smiled and said, ¡°Your Wai-gong has heard that Mo-Mo and you are heading to the Lingyun Temple, he¡¯s worried that you won¡¯t be able to take care of Mo-Mo, so he had me follow along as well.¡± ¡°Wai-gong isn¡¯t following right?¡± Su Fengwen asked immediately. ¡°He¡¯s not following, he is still busy working on the history records.¡± Madam Wang said. Su Feng Nuan breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°It¡¯s alright as long as he¡¯s not following.¡± Madam Wang was amused, ¡°Xiao Ya Tou, you¡¯re not even afraid of your father, how is it that you are afraid of your Wai-gong?¡± Su Feng Nuan is already impossibly sleepy, and said tiredly, ¡°Wai-gong is an old antique, have too many rules.¡± Madam Wang looked at her, and then she finally take notice of her state, in surprised she asked. ¡°Nuan-er, why are you so sleepy like this?¡± Liu Mo-Mo said with a smile, ¡°The initial etiquettes training is indeed a bit more difficult.¡± Su Feng Nuan nodded again and again. ¡°Yeah, I really should let my Wai-gong see, what these etiquettes have done to me in 20 days? If still don¡¯t let me go outside, I will go mad.¡± Madam Wang also knows that she has been learning embroidery work with Liu Mo-Mo for more than 20 days. This is something that everyone maiden must learn. Her heart started hurting, holding her hands, and quickly promised, ¡°In the manor, that old man said the final say, but out of the manor, I have the final say, after going to Lingyun Temple, I will let you have some fun.¡± Su Feng Nuan started nodding, ¡°Wai-po is still the best.¡± The group went out of the manor gate and got on the carriage. The Wang Manor guards followed after, heading towards the city gate. Chapter 16 The Gua-yue Tower1 is located in the very center of the main street of the Southern Qi Imperial City. It has the best food in the Southern Qi Imperial City. It happened to be Shen Qi¡¯s birthday, so the these gong-zi whose hands have been tight for 20 some days already, no long was able to hold back and took upon that excuse to gather together. Shen Qi booked the entire Gua-yue Tower and invited the most famous Opera crew to sing ¡°Broken Spring¡±. Soon after the play started, Qi Shu glanced out of the window unintentionally, and turned to ask Ye Xiang, ¡°There¡¯s still about ten and some days till your parents¡¯ memorial right?¡± Ye Xiang nodded with his attention still on the two actors on the stage. Qi Shu took another glance out the window, and thought strangely, ¡°Liu Mo-Mo seems to be leaving the city. In the past, she went to Lingyun Temple only a day or two earlier. How come so early this year?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Ye Xiang turned towards him. Qi Shu pointed out the window, ¡°You take a look, although it¡¯s the Wang Manor¡¯s carriage, but there seems to be Liu Mo-Mo¡¯s servants among the group. Ye Xiang moved his eyes and looked outside the window and saw a line of carriage and horses passing by. It was the Wang Manor¡¯s carriage and servants. Qi Shu continued, ¡°I heard that after the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady returned to the Imperial City, the Emperor summoned her and in front of the Empress Dowager she was being inappropriate and offended her. Official Wang was angry about it and called upon Liu Mo-Mo to train her in rules. Did you hear about it?¡± Ye Xiang nodded. Qi Shu was delighted to elaborate, ¡°This Su Manor Young Lady is really something, who is the Empress Dowager? She dares put up a fight in her presence. Really is a newborn calf making little of a tiger, courage big enough to cover the sky.¡± Ye Xiang was without comments. Qi Shu glanced at him, ¡°I heard that day the Empress Dowager had summoned Xu Yun Chu. It was his first time his disobeyed a summon, it seems he also doesn¡¯t want to marry the Su Manor Young Lady. Ye Xiang lifted a corner of his lips, not saying anything. Qi Shi sighed, ¡°I initially thought that the Su Manor Young Lady was a fragrant pastry and was waiting for a show of who wins. Didn¡¯t think that each of you were not willing to go on stage. Recently the news of Su Manor Young Lady¡¯s big fuss in the Palace had spread, both you and Xu Yun Chu don¡¯t want to marry her, everyone else also flinched. I think this Su Manor Young Lady will be difficult to marry off. Ye Xiang turned slightly and gave him a slanted glance, ¡°You seem quite interested in her.¡± Qi Shu blinked, ¡°I heard that the Su Manor Young Lady is beautiful like a goddess, when not fighting, looks exactly like a proper maiden, even when fighting looks very nice as well. I¡¯m just a little interested, but unfortunately it¡¯ll never be my chance. My family is not highly regarded by the Emperor or have the favor of the Empress Dowager. My father and Official Wang are counterparties, and definitely no relations with the Su Manor, not say a marriage decree, let along just going to their door to ask for marriage would be difficult. Ye Xiang let out a laugher, ¡°Don¡¯t forget that besides those reasons, you also have a green plum bamboo horse paired marriage arrangement since young with a cousin. Qi Shu abruptly started coughing. Ye Xiang turned back to watching Broken Spring. Shen Qi perplexedly looked at Qi Shu coughing nonstop and asked with interest, ¡°What are you guys talking about?¡± Qi Shu casted a glare at Ye Xiang and snorted, ¡°Talking about the Su Manor Young Lady.¡± Shen Qi hearing that also caught interest, moving closer to them and said, ¡°Lately the rumors about the Su Manor Young Lady seems to have taken a turn, seems to be saying that her actions are very barbaric, untrained, do not know etiquettes, just inappropriate, are those true?¡± ¡°Of course, it¡¯s true. How many pairs of eyes are watching in the Palace? The Empress Dowager¡¯s face even turned blue. A dozen so guards were hit.¡± Qi Shu said. ¡°Such good martial skills, but in a lady, besides being inappropriate, it also makes one see her differently, really is the daughter of Commander General Su. A tiger dad does not have a puppy daughter.2¡± Shen Qi clicked his tongue, ¡°Don¡¯t know what the Su Manor Young Lady look like. Is she really as the rumors, beautiful like a goddess?¡± Qi Shi stared at him, and then suddenly said, ¡°Why don¡¯t we go early to the Lingyun Temple? Just ten and some days would be Qixi3, Lingyun Town will have the Double Seventh Festival. I heard that the Su Manor Young Lady is being trained by Liu Mo-Mo. Official Wang ordered her to not be able to part from Liu Mo-Mo¡¯s side even a single step. Right now Liu Mo-Mo and the Wang Manor¡¯s carriage and horses are heading out the city, she¡¯s likely in the carriage as well. We can send someone to find out, if she is also there, let¡¯s go to the Lingyun Temple earlier, we might be able to see her.¡± Shen Qi hearing that turned towards Ye Xiang, ¡°There¡¯s still ten some days. Isn¡¯t it too early to go to Lingyun Temple? When are you going this year?¡± Ye Xiang answered uninterestedly, ¡°I¡¯ll decide when it draws closer. I feel so lazy lately, don¡¯t want to move.¡± Shen Qi nodded, ¡°There¡¯s still ten some days, still earlier. No rush.¡± Qi Shu was disappointed, ¡°It¡¯s early, but still can go out earlier to have some fun, I¡¯ve been suffocating in the Imperial City.¡± Ye Xiang turned his head towards him, reminding, ¡°Isn¡¯t your father having you memorize some books? With the Golden Autumn Exam drawing close, if you were to run off ten some days earlier to have fun at the Lingyun Temple, won¡¯t your father break your leg?¡± Qi Shu hearing that sucked in a breath of frighten air, ¡°Right, I forgot about that.¡± Ye Xiang turned away again. Shen Qi patted Qi Shu¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Us few, only you are of age, cram hard, get first place on the Golden Autumn exam, shed some light on our face, let others know that us prodigals don¡¯t only know how to fight, we are good in both literature and martial. Qi Shu sighed, ¡°No playing around.¡± Shen Qi laughed, ¡°If you want to see the Su Manor Young Lady, there¡¯s many chances, she¡¯s now returned to the Imperial City, won¡¯t just leave again.¡± Qi Shu nodded, ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± During the time they chatted, the Wang Manor¡¯s group had long left the city, no glimpse of them in sight. On the stage, Broken Spring was being performed, the Dragon and Phoenix¡¯s performance was great, applauds sounded throughout the Gua-yue Tower. After two cups of tea, a pageboy made his way to Ye Xiang¡¯s side and said something in his ear. After hearing, Ye Xiang¡¯s eyebrow raised and then he motioned for the pageboy to retreat. He turned towards Qi Shu, Shen Qi, and the others, ¡°That lion I adopted suddenly fainted, I have to go back to the manor to take a look, you guys stay here.¡± A few of them was struck, ¡°Why did the lion faint.¡± Ye Xiang shook her head. ¡°Likely because it¡¯s too hot, lions are hairy, so probably it had a heatstroke.¡± Shen Qi looked at him, ¡°You can just have someone get a veterinarian to take a look, don¡¯t need you to go back. This opera is just half way in, today I risked getting in trouble by requesting Broken Spring to be performed. If let those from the Censorate4 hear something of it and know that we¡¯ve been listing to banned opera, they¡¯d likely report my father. Won¡¯t it be a loss if you don¡¯t finish watching it?¡± ¡°You guys watch, the show can find opportunities to listen to again, there¡¯s only this one lion that¡¯s is pleasing to my eyes.¡± Ye Xiang said. Shen Qi heard so and agreed, they all nodded. Ye Xiang left the Gua-yue Tower. The pageboy waited outside the building, seeing Ye Xiang come out, he was quick to guide the horse over. Ye Xiang got onto the horse. Gua-yue Tower was two streets away from the Rong-an Wang-fu5. Ye Xiang rode his horse through the street and returned to the manor quickly. Once entering the door of the manor, a servant who carried a parcel in his arms, respectfully waiting at the entrance, saw Ye Xiang return and quickly saluted. Ye Xiang took a glance at him and asked, ¡°What did Mo-Mo send? So urgent to give to me?¡± The servant responded, ¡°Mo-Mo instructed to hand it to Shi-zi personally, let Shi-zi return back to his quarters before opening the parcel.¡± Pausing for a moment before continuing, ¡°Mo-Mo also has some words she tells me to tell Shi-zi.¡± Ye Xiang nodded upon hearing and walked towards the inner quarter. The servant quickly followed him. Coming to a courtyard and into a room, Ye Xiang pointed to the table. The servant set the parcel onto the table. Ye Xiang watched him, seeing that he was not going to speak, reached his hands out to open the parcel. After seeing what¡¯s inside the parcel he was blank for a moment and then let out a laugh, ¡°What has Mo-Mo made?¡± The servant immediately answered, ¡°This is a Lucky Robe6 to take good care of it so it can be worn on your wedding.¡± Ye Xiang was speechless for a moment, stretched his hands to take the robe out, a glamourous, bright red brocade robe, fine and brilliant that was a perfect fit for him. Taking two glimpse and said, ¡°This doesn¡¯t seem to be Mo-Mo¡¯s embroidery work.¡± The servant immediately said, ¡°Mo Mo is old and was afraid of not being able to finish it in time by Shi-zi¡¯s birthday to give it to you as a gift. While just happen to be teaching the Su Manor Young Lady these few days, so asked the Young Lady to help her finish embroidering. Ye Xiang was stunned. The servant continued, ¡°Mo-Mo said, if she was to embroider it by herself, would probably need 3 months to finish. With Lady Su together, working day and night had only used 20 days to finish embroidering it. Lady Su¡¯s hands that are use to holding swords is not any short in embroidery work. Clever hearted and with skillful hands, even the world¡¯s best embroiderer can not compare. Ye Xiang put down the robe, raising an eyebrow, ¡°This is what Mo-Mo want you to tell me? What else did Mo-Mo say?¡± The servant shook his head, ¡°Mo-Mo does not have anything else to say, only told Shi-zi to take good care of it. She and Lady Su is heading to the Lingyun Temple early. Lady Su is awfully tired so wants to go to have some fun at the Double Seventh Festival.¡± Ye Xiang was quiet for a moment and gestured to the servant. The servant went out of the room and left the Rong-an Wang-fu9. Chapter 17 Although there were many servants in the Rong-an Wang-fu and Ye Xiang is quite wild outside, but when inside the manor he liked it quiet, and so, the servants in the manor knew not to be loud and cause commotions, each doing their own things. Most of the times, the large Wang-fu was very quiet. After the servant left, Ye Xiang did not leave the room. He rested on the mattress. The robe on the table was also not stored away. The sunray came through the window and onto the bright red brocade clothing reflecting flashes of bright reflections, making the already bright room more gleaming. Even the color of Ye Xiang¡¯s outfit became brighter. After an hour, the housekeeper came to ask, ¡°Shi-zi, the Jingyang-Hou-Manor¡¯s 3rd Gong-si sent someone to ask if the Lion is better? Asked if you can return to Guo-yue Tower yet?¡± Ye Xiang turned his glance towards outside, lazily said, ¡°You go return words, the lion is still not well, I¡¯m in no mood, so will not be going back, tell them to have fun by themselves.¡± The housekeeper nodded and turned to leave. Ye Xiang turned towards the robe on the table, holding a look of concentration for a moment before calling towards outside, ¡°Qian Han.¡± ¡°Shi-zi.¡± Qian Han pushed open the door and stepped in. Ye Xiang pointed to the table, ¡°Put it away.¡± Qian Han nodded, carefully folding up the robe and paying careful attention while wrapping it side the parcel. Put it into the closet and putting on a gold lock. Ye Xiang rubbed the center of his eyebrow, ¡°These few days have the Palace been action packed?¡± Qian Han shook his head, saying quietly, ¡°Since the Su Manor Young Lady went to the Palace, the Queen is still being locked up for reflection by the Emperor. The Empress Dowager also did not help the Queen this time and just let the Emperor punish her. The Crown Prince is sick again and Consort Yue has been taking care of him day and night, not daring to rest. Since the Emperor came to our manor that day, after returning to the Palace has not went to see the Crown Prince. Only instructing the Imperial Doctors to diagnosis and use prepare medicine. These ten some days the Palace has been very peaceful. Ye Xiang put down his hand, ¡°How about Xu Yun Chu? What has he been doing these few days?¡± Qian Han glanced at him and said, ¡°Yesterday Lady Xu¡¯s old symptoms surfaced again, Xiao Guo-jiu brought her to Lingyun Temple. It seems today they have not arrived yet.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Ye Xiang squinted his eyes. Qian Han stared at him, lowering his voice, ¡°I heard that the Guo-zhang Manor¡¯s Camwood1 are all used up. Xiao Guo-jiu had no options so can only take her to ask help from Lingyun Da-shi2.¡± Ye Xiang¡¯s expression was ordinary, ¡°Lingyun3 can find a solution?¡± Qian Han said, ¡°These years, Lingyun Da-shi has been closing off himself isolating himself behind lose doors to study the skills of healing. He has come out from isolation just not too long ago. Shi-zi has not been to Lingyun Temple for a year already, so perhaps Lingyun Da-shi already found a solution.¡± Ye Xiang laughed, unable to hear his emotions from it. Qian Han watched him, testing, ¡°It¡¯s almost the Duke and Duchess¡¯ memorial, when is Shi-zi planning to go to Lingyun Temple? Each year Shi-zi goes with Mo-Mo, but this year Mo-Mo has gone with the Wang Manor¡¯s Madam and the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady.¡± Ye Xiang stiffened his eyebrow, ¡°I actually forgot, they also went to Lingyun Temple today. Qian Han nodded, ¡°They left not too long ago. I have checked, only Madam Wang, Mo-Mo, Lady Su, and also bringing along some guards. No one else, even Madam Su did not follow.¡± Ye Xiang took a look outside the window and instructed, ¡°Prepare the carriage, bring the Xiao-Shi4. We are heading for Lingyun Temple immediately.¡± Qian Han nodded and then said, ¡°How about over at Gua-yue Tower¡­..?¡± ¡°If they send someone to ask, say that Xiao Shi is very sick, only Lingyun Da-shi can save him.¡± Ye Xiang gestured him off. Qian Han nodded and quickly went off to prepare the carriage. After half an hour, Ye Xiang brought with him, Xiao Shi, Da Bai5, Qian Han, and some guards, and left the Rong-an Wang-fu and out the Imperial City. Up in the Gua-yue Tower, Qi Shu casually turned around and saw, exclaiming, ¡°Hey, you all come see quickly, that¡¯s the Rong-an Wang-fu carriage right?¡± Ten some people turned to look out the window at the same time. Shen Qi thought it strange and said, ¡°It seems they are heading out the city? Isn¡¯t Xiao Shi sick? Where is Ye Xiang going?¡± ¡°Come! Quickly go downstairs and chase up to him and ask.¡± Qi Shu quickly ordered someone. A servant quickly ran downstairs and chase after the Rong-an Wang-fu¡¯s carriage. The carriage in front did not stop because there was someone chasing after them. A guard with the group answered them. That person quickly went back upstairs to report back, ¡°Gong-zi, they say that Ye Shi-zi¡¯s lion is very sick, only Lingyun Da-shi of Lingyun Temple can heal it. Ye Shi-zi is in a rush to take the lion to Lingyun Temple. Everyone finally understood what it was about. Qi Shu sighed, ¡°Lingyun Temple is 50 miles always from the Imperial City. Can¡¯t say it¡¯s far or close. Ye Xiang is also a lazy person, bringing the lion there now likely he would not be coming back to the Imperial City before his parent¡¯s memorial.¡± Shen Qi sighed, ¡°Today is my birthday, really human is less than an animal, he is not spending my birthday with me, but accompanying an animal to see the doctor.¡± Qi Shu laughed, ¡°You really are less than an animal.¡± Shen Qi reached out to give him a fist, turned back to say to the rest, ¡°He goes his way, we continue our fun. I¡¯m telling you all, no ends until we finish up all the good alcohols today.¡± Qi Shu nodded, ¡°Alright, we¡¯ve got nothing to lose, sacrificing for a noble man6. No leaving until we¡¯re all drunk! It¡¯s Ye Xiang¡¯s loss.¡± Everyone continued bustling up. Although Lingyun Temple was not the largest temple in Southern Qi, but since there had been a time that monk armies that fought and protected the country, so they been graced with title. They were also close to the Southern Qi Imperial City so attendance we high with many Buddhist followers and those who liked to offer. Moreover during this generation, there was a Monk from this temple who was knowledgeable in healing skills, that those whom the Court Doctors could not help, under Lingyun Da-Shi¡¯s hands would be able to recover, and so, royalties, officials all hold highly of this place and the Lingyun Temple became temple of Southern Qi with the highest reputation. There were tens of thousands of manuscripts kept in the temple, only monks whose six roots of sensations are pure and clean7 can go pass their doors. They were extremely selective, so there was not many monks in the temple, only about 100 and so, but each were risen above the common crowd¡¯s. The Lingyun Temple¡¯s guard is very strict, no one dares to pick up problem on the temple ground. Royalties, court men and their families, officials, and commoners were all willing to go the extra mile to offer incense at Lingyun Temple. However, most of the time it is mostly the aristocrats that come often. The commoners usually avoid times when the aristocrats would come to offer incense. Su Feng Nuan once on the carriage fell fast asleep and was soundly asleep. Madam Wang felt sorry for her oldest granddaughter. Not wanting to jolt her awake, she specially ordered the group to slow down in pace, as long as they arrived before sundown would be fine. After going about an hour, a carriage group came approaching them quickly. Someone reported to Madam Wang, ¡°Madam, it is Rong-an Wang-fu¡¯s carriage behind us.¡± Madam Wang was stunned and questioned, ¡°It is Ye Shi-zi in the carriage?¡± The person shook their head, ¡°Still not sure.¡± Liu Mo-Mo quickly said, ¡°Quickly go ask, is it Xiao Xiang?¡± That person went off quickly. Not too long after the person came back to report, ¡°Mo-Mo, it is Ye Shi-zi.¡± Madam Wang thought it strange, ¡°Ye Shi-zi is also going to Lingyun Temple?¡± ¡°Halt the carriage first, go ask him.¡± Liu Mo-Mo said happily. Madam Wang nodded, instructing to have the carriage halted. Not long, the Rong-an Wang-fu carriage came close. The carriage in front stopped, Ye Xiang drew the curtain aside, casually greeted Madam Wang and Liu Mo-Mo. ¡°Greetings Madam. Greetings Mo-Mo.¡± Madam Wang smiled and nodded. Liu Mo-Mo endearingly asked, ¡°Xiao Xiang, are you going to Lingyun Temple?¡± Ye Xiang nodded, ¡°Xiao Shi is sick, only Lingyun Da-shi can help.¡± ¡°Who is Xiao Shi?¡± Liu Mo-Mo questioned. ¡°It¡¯s a lion that I had just tamed.¡± Ye Xiang said. Liu Mo-Mo was shocked, ¡°When have you tamed a lion?¡± ¡°Just a few days ago.¡± Ye Xiang replied. Liu Mo-Mo nodded and waved him off, ¡°Is it very sick? Go off quickly then! We are not in a rush.¡± Ye Xiang lifted his glance to the sky and said, ¡°Lingyun Temple have not renovated for many years, but because this year they are hosting a big ceremony, so it¡¯s been told that some days ago they have started large renovations. Not sure if it is completed by now. If they are not done yet, I¡¯m afraid there will not be boarding in the temple.¡± Liu Mo-Mo was blank for a moment. Ye Xiang looked towards Madam Wang, ¡°Madam has brought quite some servants along, have you notified the temple chief ahead of time? Madam Wang nodded, ¡°Yes I¡¯ve notified them, but indeed have brought a little too many servants along, I have overlooked the Lingyun Temple¡¯s situation of renovation. If there is no place to stay¡­.,¡± She looked at the color of the sky. finding it to be difficult situation. Ye Xiang suggested, ¡°I heard that Madam have a farmhouse in Lingyun Town. Why don¡¯t you stop at the farmhouse first today? Since I have to go to the Lingyun Temple for Xiao Shi¡¯s sickness, when I go there I will check, if the renovations are finished and can take in this many servant to stay, I will send someone to let Madam know, how is that?¡± ¡°This¡­.,¡± Madam Wang was a little hesitant, ¡°It¡¯s too troubling for Ye Shi-zi.¡± Before Ye Xiang said anything, Liu Mo-Mo was quick to respond smiling, ¡°No problem at all. No problem at all. I watched Xiao Xiang grow up, Madam does not need to be too modest with him.¡± Madam Wang also smiled when hearing so, ¡°If so, then we will first head to Lingyun Town. I have not been to the farmhouse for a long time. Lingyun Town is just on the foot of Lingyun Mountain, to go up the mountain is very convenient as well.¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± Liu Mo-Mo smiled while nodding. Ye Xiang said that the two had decided and did not say anything else, letting down the curtain. Rong-an Wang-fu¡¯s carriage passed by the Wang Manor¡¯s carriage and headed quickly towards the direction of Lingyun Temple. Not long, was out of sight. Thank you Chika, Faa, and Kimberley for your comments! Both feedbacks and the story picking up on it¡¯s pace both helps me greatly in translating faster. If anyone has suggestions on my translations feel free to let me know anytime! Will Ye Xiang and Su Feng Nuan finally meet in our next chapter? See everyone again this Friday! Chapter 18 Madam Wang instructed the crew to turn in the direction of Lingyun Town. Liu Mo-Mo was chatting with Madam Wang, ¡°Xiao Xiang that kid, was without parents since he was little. Growing up to this age alone, never had any big fallouts. Others only see him as having royal background, and do outrageous things, but never seeing his sufferings behind it all. He really is a great kid that is difficult to find even when holding a lantern.¡± Madam Wang nodded, ¡°A kid growing up to this age in a flesh eating place like the Imperial City really is not easy. Liu Mo-Mo, was quite pleased, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s really not easy. Yes years, I¡¯ve always been worried that he could not live on, and now he finally has grown up, and I am old now. Whatever day I suddenly close my eyes, in the nether world when I go see his parents, I can feel relieved.¡± ¡°Mo-Mo is not old yet, one can live a hundred years. Ordinary people probably can not, but Mo-Mo¡¯s body is still strong so living to one hundred is not a problem.¡± Madam Wang smiled assuring her. Liu Mo-Mo started laughing, ¡°I also want to live till one hundred and see Xiao Xiang marry and have kids.¡± ¡°Definitely will,¡± Madam Wang said smiling, ¡°Ye Shi-zi does not need to worry about finding a wife.¡± Liu Mo-Mo shook her head and sighed, ¡°Aye, how not worried? These years, the ladies in the Imperial City all stay far far away from him, no one is willing to marry. If he is as likable as Xiao Guo-jiu, than I do not need to be worrisome.¡± Madam Wang found it funny, ¡°There has to be someone willing to marry.¡± Liu Mo-Mo rubbed the center of her eyebrow, smiling while nodding, ¡°Hopefully it will be settled soon, taking the load off of this old lady¡¯s heart.¡± The two picked up casual talks here and there, after an hour they arrived at the Lingyun Town at the bottom of the mountain of Lingyun Temple. The crew arrived at the farmhouse, the carriage stopping in front of the entrance. The servant that attended to the farmhouse had gotten message ahead of time and was waiting at the entrance to receive them. Madam Wang woke up Su Feng Nuan. After taking a nap, Su Feng Nuan was very alert, pushing aside the curtain and looking outside. Not seeing the temple on the mountain, she questioned, ¡°Wai-po, weren¡¯t we going to Lingyun Temple? Why are we here?¡± ¡°We came across Ye Shi-zi along the way, he said that Lingyun Temple was undergoing renovation, and we brought many servants so there probably wouldn¡¯t be enough boarding space, so we came to the farmhouse.¡± Madam Wang said. Su Feng Nuan momentarily wasn¡¯t able to return from the thought, ¡°Ye Shi-zi?¡± ¡°It was Xiao Xiang.¡± Liu Mo-Mo said merrily, ¡°You were asleep and did not see him. The lion he just tamed is sick, so he is in a hurry to go to Lingyun Temple to look for Lingyun Da-shi to heal it.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Su Feng Nuan said, nodded, and got off the carriage. Madam Wang took with her a group of servants and entered the farmhouse. The farmhouse was spacious, with a large courtyard, and had ten and some rooms. In the back was a semi-hillside field, with fruits and melons planted. Farther out was a mountain forest. This place was at the outskirts of Lingyun Town, not close or far from town. The air was very fresh, away from the noisy atmosphere, very tranquil. Su Feng Nuan inhaled a breath of fresh air, and stretched herself, exclaiming happily, ¡°This place is so close to the mountains, can go to the hillside forest to hunt some pheasants.¡± Madam Wang laughed and hit her head, ¡°Piggish girl.¡± Su Feng Nuan stuck out her tongue. Since they were away from the Wang Manor and Madam Wang sympathized with Su Feng Nuan for being locked up these few days to learn etiquettes, she told Liu Mo-Mo ahead of time that while outside she did not need to learn etiquettes. Liu Mo-Mo smiled in agreement and so Madam Wang arranged a separate room for Su Feng Nuan. After settling in, Su Feng Nuan found herself a bow and arrows, and ran to the mountain in the back. Arriving at the back mountain, it didn¡¯t take much work to strike down two pheasants. When she was planning to go back, she saw a fiery fox, very beautiful one. She cast aside the pheasants, unwilling to hurt it by the arrow she started chasing after it. The fiery fox¡¯s speed was very quick, it was lucky that her martial skills were good since the fiery fox had ran some ten some miles before she was able to catch up to it. Finding the opportunity, she flung out a silk belt from her waist to wind it up. Just when she got the fiery fox entangled, before she reached it, from an angled proximity an arrow soared over. The feathered arrow came by with a sense of swift and fierceness in sound as it broke through the air. If it was hit, the fiery fox would be left with half a life if not dead. Su Feng Nuan chased the little fox ten some miles was because she didn¡¯t bare to hurt it, which was the reason why she didn¡¯t use an arrow, and at this moment definitely would not let anyone hurt this treasure that is in her hands already. In a hurry she brought out the soft sword from her waist to block the arrow. Only hearing a ¡®ding¡¯ sound and that arrow strike right at the handle of the sword. Su Feng Nuan¡¯s sword was a very good and so the arrow was bounced back, but since the strength of the arrow was too strong, too overpowering, so even though she used 70 per cent of her force of the blow still still hurt her arm and forced her back a good few steps. The arrow bounced back at least 4 feet and rested on a tree, its strength landing it into the wood. Su Feng Nuan saw that the little fox was not hurt and let out a sigh of relief, stepping forward immediately and bringing it into her embrace, ¡°Little thing, finally caught you.¡± The little whined a bit and was very active in her embrace. ¡°Miss¡¯ martial skills are very good!¡± A young voice came from an angled direction, warm and gentle, very nice to the ears. Su Feng Nuan turned her head around and saw the approaching person. Only seeing a person, a young man about the age of her 3rd Brother. Dressed in a simple yet elegant robe, tall, and wore a jade adorned belt. His face was like his voice, warm, gentle, and elegant. In his hand is a very good bow, very apparent was that the arrow from earlier was shot out by it. Su Feng Nuan observed him from up to down, her final glance rested on the bow and arrow in his hand, ¡°Gong-zi also have very good arrow skills.¡± ¡°Good arrow skills, but not as good as Miss¡¯. The man smiled and extended his hand to pull out the arrow from the wood, ¡°Although the strength of the arrow has shot it into the wood 30 percent, but of it 10 or 20 percent is likely of Miss¡¯ own martial skill.¡± Su Feng Nuan raised an eyebrow, not knowing what to say, smoothing the fur coat of the little fox in her arms she said, ¡°I¡¯ve already chased this fox ten some miles before catching it, so definitely would not want it to be killed. Gong-zi should find another hunt.¡± The man smiled and nodded, ¡°Since its Miss¡¯ catch, this little fox naturally belongs to Miss, how can I take what one desires.¡± Su Feng Nuan seeing that he was not pressing, was very mannered, and easy talking, held the little fox and turned around to leave. She left very swift and straightforward, the young man was a little shocked, calling out after her, ¡°Miss, please wait a moment.¡± Su Feng Nuan stopped in her track, turned around to look at him, ¡°Is Gong-zi turning back on his words? Thinking that you should not have let me leave with the fox that easily?¡± The man laughed, shaking his head, ¡°Although meeting by chance, but meeting in this quiet mountain forest is also a destined encounter. May I ask for Miss¡¯ name?¡± Su Feng Nuan blinked her eyes, her glance unconsciously roaming at the jade on his belt, smiling as she asked, ¡°Normally when a man ask a lady for her name it¡¯s because they have wishful thinking. Could it be that Gong-zi has only met me once and already has wishful thinking towards me?¡± The man stiffened. Su Feng Nuan smiled watching him, waiting for his reply. The man let out a laugh, shaking his head, ¡°I do not have wishful thinking. Only, I think that I may encounter Miss again in the future, so to avoid not knowing how to acknowledge you, so that is why I asked.¡± Su Feng Nuan¡¯s expression changed a bit, nodded, ¡°What you say makes some sense.¡± After saying so, she looked to be in difficult situation and said, ¡°But my mother told me I¡¯m not to tell my name to men that I do not know.¡± The man stiffens again. Su Feng Nuan said innocently, ¡°I can only say sorry I can not tell, may Gong-zi pardon.¡± The man was speechless for a moment. Su Feng Nuan continued to turn around with the little fox in her arms, at the same time thinking, chasing this little thing for ten some miles, now how to go back? After taking two steps, the man again spoke, ¡°Miss please wait.¡± Su Feng Nuan stopped and sighed helplessly, ¡°What is it you want? If you want the little fox just say so, why keep telling me wait, wait, again and again?¡± The man watched her, not knowing what to say for a moment before saying to her, ¡°I¡¯m loss, do Miss know the way? Please take me with you.¡± Chapter 19 Bring him along? What does that mean? This time it was Su Feng Nuan¡¯s turn to be speechless and looking at the man. The man watched her pair of eyes, like pools of water, observing him with scrutiny and was quick to explain, ¡°Have Gu-niang1 not noticed? This mountainous forest goes very deep in and is very thick. The sky is covered and vegetation everywhere, it is hard to find tracks. I am indeed lost and have been going around for half a day already and haven¡¯t made it out, luckily I have encountered Gu-niang2.¡± After hearing so, Su Feng Nuan looked around, it¡¯s as he says, her focus has been on the little fox and the man, so had not noticed. She stayed quiet for a moment, and said, ¡°I¡¯m afraid I do not recognize the way either.¡± The man stared at her, ¡°I saw that Gu-niang3 was in a hurry heading east just then.¡± Su Feng Nuan replied, ¡°That¡¯s because I chased the little fox from that direction.¡± The man asked, ¡°Can I ask, where Gu-niang4 came from?¡± Su Feng Nuan¡¯s lashes flickered, said, ¡°From the farmhouse at the mountain foot.¡± The man let out a sigh of relieve, ¡°It¡¯s alright as long as Gu-niang5 remembers the way you came. Once we reach the farmhouse, we¡¯ll be able to get out of this mountainous forest.¡± Su Feng Nuan didn¡¯t want to overwhelm him, but still had to say, ¡°That farmhouse I mentioned is at least ten some miles away. I had chased this little thing across a few hilltops. If I have not assumed wrong, probably have already went pass the Lingyun Town boundaries.¡± The man heard so and was speechless for a moment. Su Feng Nuan stared at him, ¡°Gong-zi you are still sure you want me to take you with me?¡± The man put away his bow and arrows, saying helplessly, ¡°I¡¯ve already been going around for half a day but still have not been able to get out of this mountainous forest. If Gu-niang6 can take me out, if it would take some distance then so be it.¡± This time Su Feng Nuan nodded quickly, ¡°Alright, then follow me.¡± The man nodded. Su Feng Nuan carried the little fox in her embrace and turned around, the man started after her. The little fox was struggling and whining non-stop in her embrace, not accepting its fate of being captured. Su Feng Nuan acted as if she did not hear it, stepping over the vegetations, one step after the next in the same direction. After walking some distance, the man spoke up, ¡°What did Gu-niang7 capture this little fox for?¡± ¡°Not for anything.¡± Su Feng Nuan replied. The man seemed use to her swift talks and smiled, ¡°This fox¡¯s fur is fiery red, no inconsistencies, but its eyes are icy blue, seems to be the legendary Lan-huo8 Fox. It¡¯s told that these Lan-huo9 Fox, although they look like fire, but it¡¯s body and blood is actually very cold, can be used as medicine. A good antidote for any weak health and hot blooded conditions. Su Feng Nuan let out a ¡°Oh,¡± and said carefreely, ¡°I don¡¯t know much about it, only saw that it was pretty and wanted to capture it to play with.¡± The man let out a light laugh, ¡°I dare ask where Gu-niang10 is from? Hearing your accent, don¡¯t seem like you are from the Imperial City.¡± Su Feng Nuan extended a hand to hit the little fox¡¯s head, it instantly stopped whining, she said, ¡°Indeed I can¡¯t be considered from the Imperial City.¡± The man¡¯s glance turned, ¡°Not considered?¡± Su Feng Nuan rolled her eyes, ¡°Gong-zi first asked me my name, now you ask me where I am from, it¡¯s hard for me to not think you don¡¯t have wishful thinking for me.¡± The man immediately became speechless. The corner of Su Feng Nuan¡¯s lips lifted, thinking it was funny, ¡°Gong-zi have asked me many things, but have not said anything about yourself. What¡¯s your sur and name? Where are you from?¡± The man lightly coughed, ¡°My surname is Xu and my family is from the Imperial City.¡± Su Feng Nuan turned around and glanced at him, ¡°Xu Family of the Imperial City is a prominent family. Two Queens from one household, the grandness is almost overflowing the Royal Family.¡± The man¡¯s expression stiffened a little, shaking his head, ¡°a King is a King, an Official is an Official. Even though the Xu Family has two Queen it is all by the favor of the Royal Family.¡± Su Feng Nuan smiled lightly, ¡°What Gong-zi says makes sense.¡± The man did not say anything else. Su Feng Nuan also did not say anything else. The little fox resumed to whining and struggling. Seeing her not paying any attention, opened its mouth to bite her hand. Su Feng Nuan feeling the pain of the bite, used her hand to pry apart it¡¯s teeth, ¡°Little thing, if not for me, you almost died under his arrow. You don¡¯t know how to be grateful for me and even want to bite me. I ask you, follow me and have plenty to eat and drink, everyday I will catch wild chicken for you to eat, if you don¡¯t want to follow me, I will kill you now. Which will you choose?¡± The little fox instantly looked up at Su Feng Nuan. Su Feng Nuan released her hand and watched it. The little fox watched her with watery eyes for awhile and finally submitted, no longer struggling. Using its head to snuggle against her hand and stuck out its tongue to lick the teeth mark it made. Su Feng Nuan was pleased, ¡°This is so called, knowing your situation and not be ignorant. In the future I will call you Xiao Hu11.¡± Xiao Hu let out two sound of acknowledgement. The man already caught up to her, walking side by side with Su Feng Nuan, watching her tame the little fox he said smiling, ¡°The Lan-huo12 Fox is said to be even more intelligent than the white fox. It seems that not all tales told in the urban of spiritual objects 13 bonding with a master are entirely false.¡± Su Feng Nuan tilted her head towards him, ¡°You also like to read urban tales?¡± The man nodded, ¡°I read a few of them in my spare time.¡± Su Feng Nuan smiled looking at him, ¡°You are from the Xu family, you know Xiao Guo Jiu of the Xu Family?¡± The man froze. Su Feng Nuan stopped staring at him, looking ahead and said, ¡°There¡¯s a urban saying of two poetic lines to describe Xiao Guo-jiu of the Xu Family. The poem is: With good origin like that of a golden tower, the daughters of the city admire his glory and brilliance.¡± The man let out a light cough, ¡°There is urban sayings like that, I am not aware.¡± ¡°It seems that you haven¡¯t read many urban books.¡± Su Feng Nuan laughed. ¡°May I ask which urban book Gu-niang14 read?¡± The man asked. ¡°Hong Yan Zhuan15.¡± Su Feng Nuan answered. The man was surprised, ¡°Isn¡¯t that a book about women?¡± Su Feng Nuan shook her head, ¡°Who says that beauties only refer to women? It can not be used for men? That book records all the notable men and women in this world who is either famous, good looking, wealthy, or skilled and their stories. Even General Su is on it.¡± The man sniffled a laugh, ¡°I see, I had thought it is about women. It turns out I am really do not see or hear enough.¡± After saying that, he said smiling, ¡°It actually gave Xiao Guo-jiu an appraisal like that, then what does it say about the Rong-an Wang-fu¡¯s Ye Shi-zi and General Su?¡± Su Feng Nuan¡¯s eye lashes fluttered, smiling she said, ¡°The Rong-an Wang-fu¡¯s Ye Shi-zi? Does Gong-zi know him?¡± ¡°Acquainted, but not close.¡± The man replied. Su Feng Nuan nodded, ¡°The saying about him is: Books and poems read in vain, romancing among stacks of satins.16¡± The man sniffled a laugh again, ¡°Not quite suitable.¡± Su Feng Nuan glanced at him again, ¡°What¡¯s not suitable?¡± The man did not answer and asked again, ¡°General Su?¡± Su Feng Nuan seeing that he was not answering, did not chase after it and continued, ¡°It¡¯s appraisal of General Su is: Golden Horse stranded in the Jade Hall, great aspirations haven¡¯t returned the zither of the mountains and rivers.17 The man absorbed it for awhile before letting out a sigh of approval, ¡°This one is very precise.¡± Su Feng Nuan laughed, ¡°There¡¯s also sayings about the 3 beauties of the Imperial City. Do you want to hear?¡± ¡°You are referring to Sun Qing Xue, Shen Zi Lan, Xu Ling Yi?¡± The man asked. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s them, known as the Imperial City¡¯s 3 Beauties.¡± Su Feng Nuan winked. The man smiled, ¡°Since it¡¯s still a long way, talking with Gu-niang has been interesting, no problems listening on.¡± Su Feng Nuan said, ¡°Sun Qing Xue is the Prime Minister Manor¡¯s Young Lady, Shen Zi Lan is the Jing-yang Hou-fu¡¯s Young Lady, Xu Ling Yi is the Guo-jiang Manor¡¯s Young Lady. All from prominent manors and with aristocratic backgrounds. It says that the three each have their own talents, one in zither, one in drawing, one in chess. Each famous near and far.¡± The man nodded. Su Feng Nuan said, ¡°I¡¯ll say the poem and you guess, see if you can match it with the right person.¡± The man smiled, ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°The clouds carry the sounds of the wind and knows her gracefulness. Jade fingers sending the phoenix flying.¡± Su Feng Nuan said. The man did not need to think and said, ¡°Sun Qing Xue.¡± Su Feng Nuan continued, ¡°Jaded Ink splatters bamboos and rain, the dews carrying the scent of magnolia from the Ling-zhi18.¡± The man said, ¡°Shen Zi Lan.¡± Su Feng Nuan continued again, ¡°Extending her hand to pull the curtain. Snow hitting the plum flowers. The fragrant burner not lit unable to complete the game.¡± The man smiled, ¡°Xu Ling Yi.¡± Su Feng Nuan turned to look at him, smiling as she said, ¡°Gong-zi guessed them all, I should praise you for being smart or think you must be very familiar with the ladies in the Imperial City so can answer so easily and sure?¡± The man started coughing, his cheeks a little flushed. Chapter 20 Su Feng Nuan hid a smile, his face this red, seems those rumors of flocks chasing after him were true. The man stopped coughing and looked at Su Feng Nuan and asked, ¡°What about the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady? Is there a verse to describe her?¡± Su Feng Nuan missed a beat. The man said warmly, ¡°Since the urban book is titled ¡®Hong Yan Zhuan1¡¯ and the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady¡¯s beauty is rumored to be able to overrun the city, it should also have her records.¡± Su Feng Nuan shook her head calmly, ¡°No.¡± ¡°No?¡± The man raised an eyebrow. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t not have.¡± SU Feng Nuan shook her head with certainty, ¡°It really doesn¡¯t, if Gong-zi does not believe it, if there¡¯s opportunity in the future, can go through ¡®Hong Yan Zhuan¡¯, it can be found in most of the black market bookstores.2.¡± The man wondered, ¡°Why is there no comments about the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady?¡± Su Feng Nun also made a puzzle expression, ¡°Maybe the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady is not famous? A girl growing up in the countryside, even if a beauty to some degree is still not enough. Many aristocratic ladies are also not mentioned in the book. Compared to them, what type of onion or green is the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady?¡± The man was speechless for a moment and said, ¡°The Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady can¡¯t be considered unknown, General Su is well-known for his great reputation, and so the Su Mansion¡¯s Young Lady is also regarded by the world. She is not a simple green onion that Gu-niang3 talks of, also should be considered an aristocratic lady.¡± Su Feng Nuan scorned, ¡°What kind of aristocratic lady is she? Fooling around with swords and knives, just a wild girl that goes into the rivers to catch fishes. Recently, rumors in the Imperial City have spread. Being improper in front of the Empress Dowager, no etiquettes. A aristocratic lady like that, isn¡¯t that a laughing stock? ¡° The man looked at her, ¡°Gu-niang4 knows the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady?¡± Su Feng Nuan nodded, ¡°Of course I know.¡± The man watched her, taking a detailed glance, ¡°Lately heard that the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady is learning etiquettes from Liu Mo-Mo, is Gu-niang aware of that?¡± Su Feng Nuan stared at him, ¡°Gong-zi purposely asked about the Su Manor¡¯s Young Lady appraisal in the ¡®Hong Yan Zhuan,¡¯ and now ask me about her, do you have wishful thinking about her?¡± The man started coughing again. Su Feng Nuan observed him, ¡°Do you have a coughing condition?¡± The man shook his head, ¡°No.¡± Su Feng Nuan thought it strange, ¡°Then why do you keep coughing?¡± The man became speechless again, sighing, ¡°Gu-niang5¡®s words are very astonishing, leaving me awestricken. Why do you keep on thinking I have improper thoughts towards others? Do I look so much like a pervert?¡± Su Feng Nuan broke out in laughter, saying in a serious tone, ¡°My mother told me that besides my father, my brothers, if other guys come close and try to make talks with me, they either have wishful thinking or have bad intentions.¡± The man rubbed between his eyebrows, saying helplessly, ¡°I am only making casual talks with you. How about it, I will not talk anymore, Gu-niang6 can quickly lead the way, it will be dark soon.¡± Su Feng Nuan nodded. The two person stopped talking, the mountainous forest was very quiet, only able to hear the sounds of foot stepping over plants and scrubs. After an hour, the sky started turning dark. Su Feng Nuan stopped in her track, not taking any steps forward. The man asked, ¡°What is it?¡± Su Feng Nuan glanced at him, ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡± Helpless, the guy said, ¡°This is the wild, where would there be something to eat, if we get out sooner¡­.¡± Before he finished, Su Feng Nuan¡¯s ribbon from inside her sleeves sprang out, and wrapped around a wild chicken. The little fox in her arms started excitedly making noises. Su Feng Nuan with a motion of her hand retracted the ribbon, the wild chicken also was dragged to her hands. The little fox immediately opened it¡¯s mouth. Su Feng Nuan slapped a hand at it¡¯s little head and then let her hand loose letting it go. Looking down from a high position and saying to it, ¡°This pheasant7 is mine¡¯s.¡± The little fox immediately looked at her with complaint in its eyes, it¡¯s meaning was what you say don¡¯t count. Su Feng Nuan watched its little figure, making compromise, ¡°How about this, after I roast it, I will share half with you. If you follow me in the future, no more raw food, only can eat cooked food.¡± The little fox was so happy it jumped up twice, indicating it agreed. The man looked at her, ¡°Gu-niang8 is going to roast the pheasant to eat?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Su Feng Nuan watched him, ¡°One wild chicken is just right for me and Xiao Hu, if Gong-zi is hungry too, than must trouble yourself to catch another one. I will be roasting here. My pheasant roasting skill is not bad. After Gong-zi is back with the hunt, I will help Gong-zi to roast it.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± The man took his bow and arrow started out, after taking two steps, he turned his head back and said, ¡°Gu-niang9 will be here roasting? Will not leave me here and just leave by yourself, right? If I come back and can not find Gu-niang10, I really can not get out of this mountainous forest.¡± Su Feng Nuan raised her hand, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m quite a righteous person and enjoy helping others. I won¡¯t leave without being full, but don¡¯t go too far, in case you can not find your way back.¡± The man nodded. Su Feng Nuan seeing the man gone, used her feet to kick Xiao Hu, ¡°Go the roots of the three and use your claws to dig a big hold. After you see water coming out, let it fill the hole.¡± Xiao Hu instantly glanced at her unpleased. Raising her claws, rubbing it against its mouth, shaking her head. Su Feng Nuan thought it funny, ¡°Your claws are precious, but madam I¡¯s skills are very precious too. After eating my roasted pheasant, this lifetime you won¡¯t want to eat raw pheasant anymore.¡± After saying so, she used her feet to kick it again, ¡°Go off, no work, no eat.¡± Xiao Hu dejected, as instructed, went to the tree root and started digging a hole. Su Feng Nuan took out her dagger and started on the pheasant. Her moves were swift and skilled, not long, she had already butchered the wild chicken, let out the blood, and stripped all the feathers. Glancing towards Xiao Hu only to see it using its four claws and hardworkingly digging. Pleased, she turned her head and started picking dry branches. After she was back, Xiao Hu already digged a big hole under the tree and the hole was already filled water from under the tree. Xiao Hu seem to be tired out, panting as it rested on the side, it¡¯s four legs sticking upwards, very unproper sight. She put down the dried branches and went to take out some of the water from the big hole. Using the water the wash the pheasant before turning around to roast it with the dry branches. When the man came back, holding a pheasant and a rabbit, he saw Su Feng Nuan using her fair hands to squeeze some juice from some leaves, pouring on top of the roasted pheasant on the fire. He stepped closer and asked, ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± ¡°It¡¯s some herbs I picked, used for flavoring, pheasant roasted like this is the most flavorful.¡± Su Feng Nuan turned around to take a glance at him, ¡°It took you that fast to hunt down two, very skillful.¡± ¡°I can only rely on bow and arrow to hunt, Gu-niang is able to hunt wild chicken with a ribbon, who is more skilled is easy to see.¡± The man said laughing, ¡°I am ashamed, I do not know how to roast pheasant, so will have to trouble Gu-niang11.¡± ¡°You¡¯re welcome! Share me half a rabbit.¡± Su Feng Nuan said immodestly. The man laughed lightly, ¡°Of course.¡± Su Feng Nuan said again, ¡°Do you know how to butcher and remove the fur and feather?¡± The man shook his head. Su Feng Nuan sighed, putting down the juice in her hands, saying to him, ¡°You are sure a Gong-zi, you don¡¯t know how to do anything, why do you come running into this mountainous forest? Isn¡¯t it better to sit at home eating and drinking comfortably?¡± The man smiled. Su Feng Nuan took the pheasant and rabbit from his hands. Raising her hands and the knife coming down, two fair hands started striping the fur and feathers. Extremely swift with butchering. Not long after was already done, putting them on the dry branches. The man praised, ¡°Gu-niang12 seems to frequently do this?¡± Su Feng Nuan nodded, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m always outside all year long, if I encounter uninhabited places, then just work with what¡¯s available.¡± ¡°Gu-niang has been to many places?¡± The man asked after hearing, ¡°Alone? What about your family?¡± ¡°My family is of course at home.¡± Su Feng Nuan¡¯s two hands were not idle, one hand squeezing juice, the other hand adding branches. ¡°Your family isn¡¯t worried about you?¡± After asking, the man laughed first. ¡°Gu-niang¡¯s martial skills are so good, what I ask is unnecessary.¡± Su Feng Nuan nodded, thinking it sure is unnecessary. Her family is rather afraid she is out bulling others and one day someone will show up in their doors. The pheasant was done roasting, fragrant and rich, it seems to have spiced up the forest around. The man could not help say, ¡°It¡¯s very fragrant.¡± Su Feng Nuan glanced at him proudly. Extending a hand to pull apart half of the pheasant and threw it to the greedy looking little fox who was almost dripping saliva. Afterwards, taking the remaining half and giving half to the man. The man smiled and took it, ¡°Thank you, Gu-niang.¡± Su Feng Nuan was indeed very hungry, waving her hands and chowed it down with big bites. Her eating appearance was really what¡¯s considered gobbling and the man¡¯s eating appearance was mannered and elegant, creating a very sharp contrast. The little fox¡¯s blue eyes stared at Su Feng Nuan and then glanced at the man. A moment taking a few mannered bites and then couldn¡¯t hold up and started gobbling. The mountainous forest was quiet, the pheasant¡¯s smell was very fragrant, there was no one speaking, only hearing chewing sounds, sometimes loud sometimes light. Chapter 21 After Su Feng Nuan had eaten and drank enough, she became sleepy. She glanced around, locked her eyes on a large tree, pulled out a ribbon, and threw it upward, having it wrap around the tree branch. She flew up against the force of the tightly wrapped ribbon and onto the tree branch. The tree branch was thick, able to accommodate her slender and still had space left. She found a comfortable position and laid down, closing her eyes. The man couldn¡¯t make sense of it for a while before asking, ¡°What is the meaning of this, Gu-niang1?¡± Su Feng Nuan yawned and said sleepily, ¡°I chased Xiao Hu for more than ten miles, I¡¯m tired, I can¡¯t walk, the sky is also dark already. Let¡¯s sleep here for a night and find a way out tomorrow during the day.¡± The man seemed to be looking at her in speechlessness, ¡°You can sleep like that?¡± Su Feng Nuan sounded out a yes, and then said in drowsiness, ¡°Of course can sleep, you do as you please.¡± The man stopped talking upon hearing so. The little fox was full and ran to the pit it dug to drink some water, afterwards it ran to the foot of the tree and wrapped itself against it, scratching hard. Su Feng Nuan heard the movement, opened her eyes and glanced down and asked, ¡°Do you want to come up too?¡± Xiao Hu nodded noisily. Su Feng Nuan let down the ribbon, entangled the little fox, and easily dragged it up to the tree branch. The little fox nestled happily in her arms, finding a comfortable posture and closed its eyes. The man looked at the person and the fox. After a moment, he shook his head and broke out in a smile. Finding a clean trunk and leaned against it. He felt no drowsiness, watching Su Feng Nuan on the tree, with no effort she¡¯s already fell asleep and was sleeping very peaceful. Apparently was used to this way of sleeping. Xiao Hu was in her arms with its eyes closed and lay comfortably in her arms, in the same posture as her, and slept soundly. One person, one fox and one big tree became the most peaceful scenery of the night. He watched for a moment and couldn¡¯t help smiling. At ten o¡¯clock in the morning, the birds were screeching around him coming out in search for food, and Su Feng Nuan, who had been sleeping all night, had finally woke up. She opened her eyes and saw the man leaning against the trunk. In the morning, the sun shot from the gap between the branches and sprinkled on his face. His appearance was like a beautiful jade sculpture, gentle and flawless. She sat up and the man hearing the movement, turned to look at her. She greeted in a spirited mood, ¡°Morning!¡± ¡°Morning.¡± The man smiled. Su Feng Nuan looked at him and saw a slight blue shadow under his eyes. She raised her eyebrows, ¡°You didn¡¯t sleep all night?¡± ¡°Slept for a while, but I¡¯m not too used to it.¡± The man rubbed between his brows. Su Feng Nuan mumbled, ¡°Really a Gong-zi, so finicky.¡± Then she said, ¡°You seem like a road blind, so how do you dare to hunt alone in a mountainous forest?¡± The man said with a smile, ¡°Not by myself, there was a pageboy following me, but we got separated. I didn¡¯t go into the forest to hunt, I was looking for a type of medicine ingredient herb, and the bow and arrows were to defend myself.¡± ¡°What herb? Have you found it? ¡°Su Feng Nuan asked. The man shook his head, ¡°Zi-mu 2 Grass, have n¡¯t found it.¡± ¡°Zi-mu Grass?¡± Su Feng Nuan raised her eyebrows. ¡°This is a plant that only sprouts in winter due to its roots being soaked in snow, but it is also extremely rare. You come at this time of the year to find Zi-mu Grass, it¡¯s like searching for a needle in a haystack.¡± ¡°No other way, I¡¯m eager to save someone with it. Lingyun Da-shi 3 said that just the roots of the Zi-mu Grass are enough.¡± The man raised his hand to his forehead, ¡°It really was hard to find.¡± Su Feng Nuan looked at him, ¡°Since you did not find it, doesn¡¯t that mean you can¡¯t save them?¡± The man sighed,¡± I¡¯ve done my best and can¡¯t find the Zi-mu Grass. Will need to think of another solution.¡± Su Feng Nuan thought for a moment and said to him,¡± You want to save someone, how many days have they been sick?¡± ¡°Three days, ¡°the man said. ¡°People who need Zi-mu Grass to save are generally those who have heat poisoning. Due to the cold nature of Zi-mu Grass, it is just to curb the heat poisoning.¡± Su Feng Nuan looked at him and analyzed, ¡°So, when you saw Xiao Hu yesterday, you immediately drew your arrow. It¡¯s because you found something better than Zi-mu Grass, so you stopped looking for Zi-mu Grass.¡± The man nodded with a smile.¡±Gu-niang4 is smart, obviously very knowledgeable in medicine as well. The Lan-huo Fox5¡¯s body nature is cold and should be rarer than Zi-mu Grass and is a better cure.¡± ¡°The power of your arrow is fierce. It was aimed at the heart of the little fox. It¡¯s to kill it and take it¡¯s heart?¡± Su Feng Nuan asked. ¡°The coldness of the Lan-huo6 Fox comes from a ice-like heart. Only the heart can be used as medicine.¡± The man admitted, not denying it,¡± It is true. ¡± Xiao Hu instantly glared at the man from Su Fengnuan¡¯s arms. Su Feng Nuan patted its head calmly and said, ¡°Unfortunately, Xiao Hu was the one I wanted since the beginning and naturally I can¡¯t give it to you.¡± Then she asked, ¡°So, the person you want to save must be very important to you? That you¡¯d risk coming out to find it in person?¡± The man shook his head, and then nodded helplessly. Su Feng Nuan carried Xiao Hu and jumped down from the tree, looked at him, and said generously, ¡°How about this, I can¡¯t give you the little fox, but I have Zi-mu Grass with me. When we leave the forest, I will give one to you.¡± The man was slightly stunned, ¡°Does Gu-niang7 really have Zi-mu Grass with you?¡± ¡°For sure. ¡°Su Feng Nuan held the little fox and started walking ahead. The man quickly walking to keep up with her, holding his hands together in salute to her, ¡°Zi-mu Grass is very precious, Gu-niang8 should not give it to me for nothing, how should I thank you?¡± Su Feng Nuan smiled, ¡°Is Gong-zi accustomed to exchanging benefits? Don¡¯t believe that under the sky there is there such thing as giving away for nothing in return?¡± The man paused. Su Feng Nuan said in a no care attitude, ¡°Although Zi-mu Grass is precious, but I have more than one with me and so I don¡¯t feel too big a loss about gifting you one. In the past, when I traveled alone in Jiang-hu, I was always helped by friends from Jiang-hu. If everything is for exchange, it¡¯s too harsh for friendship. People of Jiang-hu are not so calculating. Since you and I met in the mountainous forest and the mountainous forest is also a part of Jiang-hu, so Gong-zi just needs to remember this kindness. If we meet again, if I happen to offend you in anyways, Gong-zi just need to remember I having once lead you out of the mountainous forest and also gifted you a Zi-mu Grass, and let me off easy.¡± The man laughed and said, ¡°Gu-niang9¡¯s words are too heavy. In this case, I will not be too modest with you. Thanks.¡± Su Feng Nuan stopped talking, holding the little fox and went on. Due to a good night¡¯s sleep, she was extremely energetic today and was moving fast. After about two hours, the trees became thinner, and a large amount of sunlight came in. The man said joyfully, ¡°The exit is ahead.¡± Su Feng Nuan nodded with a smile. The two went out and saw a half-hill slope. The Lingyun Town could be seen in a glance. The man said, ¡°Lingyun Town is in front. Where is the farmhouse Gu-niang mentions of?¡± Su Feng¡¯s eyes moved slightly and said to the man, ¡°The farmhouse where I live is still far away. This exit is a randomly found one. Gong-zian can give me an address and after I return and get the Zi-mu Grass I will send it to you.¡± The man looked at her, ¡°Is it inconvenient to go with the Gu-niang10 to get the Zi-mu Grass?¡± Su Feng Nuan laughed, ¡°If you let my mother see you, maybe something would happen, don¡¯t forget, I didn¡¯t return overnight.¡± The man coughed suddenly. Su Feng Nuan looked at him, waiting for his address. The man said, ¡°I¡¯ll be at the Lingyun Temple these few days. If Gu-niang11 sends the Zi-mu Grass to Lingyun Temple, just say you are looking for¡­¡± ¡°Looking for a Gong-zi by the surname Xu. I know. Alright, you wait. It will be delivered to you by noon today at the latest. ¡°Su Feng Nuan said, turning around, embracing Xiao Hu and returned to the mountainous forest. Before the man could say something, Su Feng Nuan¡¯s figure has already entered into the mountainous forest. Chapter 22 Although Su Feng Nuan went into the mountainous forest, she didn¡¯t leave, but hid inside a dense tree and observed outside from it. The tree was large and had many leaves. She stayed on the tree. She could look outside clearly from the slight gaps in the shade, but from the outside could not see her hiding place at all. She could see the man standing outside the forest for a while, then slowly turned around and walked down the mountain. When he reached the middle of the mountain, a pageboy-like person carried a basket and walked towards him in surprise. Because of the distance, Su Feng Nuan couldn¡¯t hear the two of them, and could only see the pageboy circling around the man with great joy, as if checking whether he was missing a bone or limb, and finally under the man¡¯s helpless expression the pageboy stopped and joyfully left the man. The two left in the direction of the Lingyun Temple. After the two were gone without a trace, Su Feng Nuan jumped off the tree, out of the mountainous forest, and towards Lingyun Town. Arriving at an inconspicuous small herb shop in Lingyun Town, Su Feng Nuan called for a store attendant and gave him some instructions. The young attendant continuously nodded and then she left the small herb shop, out of Lingyun Town, and returned to the farm. When she appeared at the farmhouse holding the Xiao Hu, the farm steward was overjoyed, ¡°Young Lady, you¡¯ve finally come back, if you still have not come back, Madam was going to start sending out everyone to go looking for you. Where did you go?¡± Su Feng Nuan thinking that her Wai-po was indeed an elderly, if it was her mother, even if she would be gone for a few months, although she would miss her, but likely would not send out people to find her. She pointed to the little thing in her arms, ¡°To catch it.¡± Only then did the steward realized that she had a fox in her arms, was stunned for a moment before hurried back to report to Madam Wang. When Madam. Wang heard that Su Feng Nuan was back, she hurried out, closely looking over her from up to down. Letting out a sigh of relief and rebuked, ¡°You child, not telling me and then leaving the farm without a sound. You didn¡¯t come back last night, I almost died worrying.¡± Su Feng Nuan said guiltily, ¡°I just wanted to go to the mountainous forest to catch two wild chicken. I thought I would come back in a little while, so I didn¡¯t tell Wai-po. I didn¡¯t expect to meet to see this little fox. It took a long time to catch it, all night before I finally caught it. ¡° Xiao Hu cooperatively gave two barks. Upon hearing so, Madam Wang looked into her arms, and nodded, ¡°It¡¯s really a beautiful little fox.¡± Then she said, ¡°You must be hungry?¡± Without waiting for Su Feng Nuan to answer, she quickly instructed someone, ¡°Quickly make some food.¡± Su Feng Nuan added, ¡°Stew a chicken. ¡± Madam Wang froze, ¡°Chicken this early in the morning?¡± Su Feng Nuan pointed to the little fox in her arms, ¡°It¡¯s for it to eat.¡± Madam Wang smiled suddenly, ¡°Alright, alright. Stew a chicken, quickly go.¡± Someone answered immediately. Su Feng Nuan followed Madam Wang into a room. Liu Mo-Mo happen to be sitting on brick bed1, and when Su Feng Nuan came in, she smiled and said, ¡°Xiao Ya Tou2 has been bored for so long, have you refreshed yourself?¡± Su Feng Nuan held Xiao Hu in front of her and asked with a smile, ¡°Mo-Mo look, is this little fox pretty?¡± Liu Mo-Mo nodded with a smile, ¡°Ah, it even has blue-eyed fox, very beautiful,¡° Liu Mo-Mo nodded with a smile, ¡±These Lan-huo3 Fox are rare.¡± ¡°It¡¯s blue-eyed? I didn¡¯t notice.¡± Madam Wang looked over and was surprised, ¡°It really does have blue eyes. Mo-Mo¡¯s vision is very good.¡± ¡°It must have took a lot of effort to catch it?¡± Mo-Mo said. ¡°The Lan-huo4 Fox are good mind readers and understands human language, it¡¯s a legendary creature.¡± ¡°Yes, been chasing it all night, running dozens of laps in the mountains and forests, really exhausted me.¡± Su Feng Nuan made-up. Liu Mo-Mo smiled looking at her, ¡°No wonder your clothes are stained with leaves, go wash and eat.¡± Su Feng Nuan put down Xiao Hu and head for her own room. After eating, Su Feng Nuan asked Madam Wang, ¡°Wai-po5, what are you doing today?¡± Madam Wang said, ¡°Ye Shizi hasn¡¯t sent anyone yet, we¡¯ll just wait in the farm. It happens that there are some matters in the farm. If you have nothing to do, can come with me to work on the ledger.¡± Su Feng Nuan shook her head when she heard that, ¡°Wai-po, I don¡¯t know how to read the ledger.¡± Madam Wang reached out and knocked at her forehead, ¡°If you go out to marry someone and want to take charge of the household, how can you not know how to read the ledger? Your mother really, for so many years, let you be so carefree. Not knowing embroidery and handwork is fine, there will always be a few embroidery maids in the manor to do embroidery work, but not knowing how to manage the account is not alright. Today you will learn to take care of the account with me.¡± Su Feng Nuan got closer to her, holding her arms and pleaded, ¡°Wai-po, you were the one who said I was too tired from studying, and I could have a good time here. How can you change and be like Wai-gong6? ¡± Madam Wang was mad, but also thought it funny. ¡°There¡¯s not many ledgers in the farm. We can handle it in one day. You ran outside yesterday all night, haven¡¯t I been lenient on you? If I wasn¡¯t lenient, you¡¯d be able to go catch the little fox?¡± Su Feng Nuan pouted, ¡°Because I ran all night, I¡¯m tired.¡± ¡°Since you¡¯re tired, then go to bed. If you aren¡¯t sleepy, then stay by me. I¡¯ll review the ledger and you accompany me. I will bring you a soft bed and you can rest. That should be ok right?¡± Madam Wang said. Su Feng Nuan slept well all night, how can she be sleepy? Seeing Madam Wang set on teaching her to review the ledger, even if she can hide from it today, she won¡¯t be spared tomorrow, could only nod bitterly. Madam Wang was teaching Su Feng Nuan as she scanned through the ledger. The little fox was soundly asleep on the side. Su Feng Nuan looked at the little fox jealously, wanting to grab it by its tail and throw it out, but considering its a rare breed, kept from doing so. After an hour of reviewing ledgers, Su Feng Nuan tilted her head and her body soundly fell down besides the little fox and doze off. Madam Wang shook her head helplessly. After a long nap, Su Feng Nuan woke up refreshed, thinking that indeed, beds were more comfortable. She has also become more delicate these days since she has returned to the Imperial City. She was alone in the room. Unsure of when Wai-po had stopped reviewing the ledgers in the room. Xiao Hu who had been soundly sleeping beside her was also no longer there. Sitting on the bedside, she listened intently for a while, and when she heard that there was movement in the outer courtyard, it seemed very lively, so she started heading out. Arriving at the outer courtyard and saw a group of people bordering around a person and a fox fooling around in the center. That person wasn¡¯t a stranger, it was her third brother Su Qing who had been cheated into arriving at the Imperial City after her. He had in his hands a pheasant striped of feathers and Xiao Hu was chasing him up and down to get the pheasant, seemingly having lots of fun. Su Feng Nuan rolled her eyes and looked at Su Qing with folded arms, shouting clearly, ¡°Third Brother, are you here to deliver me the Snow Lotus?¡± Su Qing stopped his movements. Xiao Hu took the opportunity to rob the pheasant from his hand and ran towards Su Feng Nuan. It¡¯s two front feet were lifted, and the hind feet were on the ground, raising the pheasant to her proudly like it was seeking merits. Su Feng Nuan patted its¡¯ head and said to it, ¡°Take it to the cook, and let her cook it for you for lunch.¡± Xiao Hu was overfilled with joy, taking the pheasant and ran to the kitchen. Su Qing came over at this time, putting his arm over Su Feng Nuan¡¯s shoulder, and looked at her with a smile, ¡°Good sister, let¡¯s talk about that.¡± Su Feng Nuan looked at him. ¡°Are you trying to be shameless? Don¡¯t want to give me the betting stake?¡± Su Qing glared, ¡°Stinky girl, if it wasn¡¯t because you cheated, how could I lose to you?¡± Su Feng Nuan didn¡¯t feel the slightest bit wrong about cheating and confidently say, ¡°All fair in war.¡± Su Qing grunted, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll give you the Snow Lotus, but you have to lend Xiao Hu to me to play with for a few days.¡± ¡°No.¡± Su Feng Nuan refused decisively. Su Qing smashed her shoulder with his arm. ¡°I don¡¯t want it, knowing you wouldn¡¯t give it away, can¡¯t even lend it for a few days to play with?¡± ¡°No.¡± Su Feng Nuan knocked off his arm. Su Qing immediately called out in pain, holding his arm, and asked angrily, ¡°Why not?¡± Su Feng Nuan glanced at him, ¡°I¡¯m afraid its¡¯ character would be distorted after being raised by you for a few days.¡± Su Qing was smoking out anger, thinking, ¡®Stinky girl, growing up, who is the one that was raised with a distorted character?¡¯ Hi Everyone! I¡¯ve stored up all the chapters I¡¯ve been working on to deliver a big Christmas update. I¡¯ve been busy catching up with finishing reading the final chapters of this book so have been MIA. Lately I¡¯ve saw the new Wonderwoman Trailer and I think Wonderwoman reminds me a lot about our main girl. Halfway in the story, I thought I was going to feel awkward reading a novel where the female lead is wayyyyyyy powerful than the male lead in this story, but luckily there¡¯s all reasons for that and they are actually quite similar in terms of personality. This book has politics, royal family problems, war, kingdom conspiracies, wuxia involvement, and many characters so it¡¯s length won¡¯t really make it boring. I think the pacing is good for drama material. The last few chapters have all been mainly about Su Feng Nuan and Xu Yun Chu¡¯s first meeting.