Chapter 733: Being Observed
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Jiang Zhouzi couldn’t believe his eyes, “When did these spikes and ropes appear?” They weren’t there when he first came, making the path treacherous. Was this a special arrangement for Mingzhu?
Ye Xiu calmly replied, “They were installed recently. As Wangfei was recovering, we didn’t bother her with such matters.” His Highness had planned everything meticulously. Problems solvable with money weren’t real problems; the hardest ones were those money couldn’t solve.
Unaware of this, Jiang Zhouzi silently accepted the vast difference between him and others, feeling discouraged. But he quickly cheered up. Even a free-spirited person like him chose to help Yuwen Chu, and Shi Jiuqing, another eccentric, was no exception. Yuwen Chu’s resourcefulness and willingness to spend money were good signs for Jiang Zhouzi, indicating that after acquiring the book, he could thoroughly study and expand its teachings.
Jiang Zhouzi consoled himself while the others ignored him. Ye Xiu tied a soft rope around his own waist and then had Donghui secure the other end around Mingzhu’s waist, saying, “I will protect you with my life, just like Yang Dianjun did.”
Mingzhu nodded and gripped the rope handhold tightly.
Donghui glanced at Ye Xiu, who didn’t meet her gaze but meticulously checked the rope again. Donghui then drew her soft sword and followed behind the two.
“Are we all ready? Wangfei, just don’t look down,” Jiang Zhouzi said as he led the group up.
There were no unexpected incidents, and after more than an hour of climbing, they finally reached the top of the cliff. The summit was surprisingly beautiful, with flowers, water, houses, a vegetable garden, and fields, though there were also logs and stones piled at the edge.
Two strong, armed men stood at the edge, guiding them in. They were silent and moved with an agility that even Mingzhu, a layperson, could tell indicated their skill.
Ye Xiu whispered to Mingzhu, “Shi Jiuqing is not an ordinary person. When I came before, I couldn’t meet him directly. His first disciple received me, a straightforward and decisive person. I saw about ten people, and each one seemed highly skilled. They must be; otherwise, how could they protect such a valuable book?”
At the entrance stood a scholarly middle-aged man who greeted Mingzhu with a bow, “You must be the Wangfei?”
Mingzhu returned the bow, and he stepped aside, smiling, “I am Hao Yunsun, here on my master’s orders to welcome you.” He then greeted Jiang Zhouzi, “Originally, only the Regent Wangfei and her guard were allowed, but knowing you were coming, my master specifically asked me to bring you to him as well. He has some words for you.”
Jiang Zhouzi was excited and whispered to Donghui, “Could it be that he sees me as the most talented and wants to pass his legacy to me?”
Donghui replied sarcastically, “Yes, out of all his disciples, he’s just missing you.”
Due to Jing Song’s death, Jiang Zhouzi could never be stern with Donghui and always tried to please her. He wasn’t offended by her sarcasm and cheerfully said, “As long as it’s good news, I’m happy.”
His thick skin and lack of his former lofty demeanor made Donghui ignore him.
Following Hao Yunsun, they crossed golden rice fields and arrived at a courtyard built of blue stone. Outside the courtyard, several young men and women were either reading, practicing swordplay, or playing chess. Seeing Hao Yunsun, they stood and greeted, “Senior Brother is here.”
Hao Yunsun nodded good-naturedly, “Yes, I’m here to welcome distinguished guests on master’s orders.”
The young men and women smiled, pretending to be nonchalant but clearly curious about Mingzhu. As Mingzhu entered the courtyard, she heard a clear female voice whisper, “Is this the famous Regent Wangfei…? Mmm…”
Mingzhu turned to see a round-faced girl with wide eyes being silenced by a handsome boy. Both looked embarrassed when they noticed her glance.
Hao Yunsun apologized, “I’m sorry, my junior brothers and sisters are not used to outsiders. Please forgive their curiosity.”
Mingzhu smiled at the young people, “Yes, I am Fu Mingzhu. This is my first time here; please take care of me.” They were obviously here to see her, so she let them.
The round-faced girl smiled brightly, revealing a set of neat, white teeth, her tanned skin glowing with health, “We will definitely take good care of you. I’ll even light an extra lamp for you later.”
Mingzhu nodded slightly and followed Hao Yunsun into the house.
Inside, the decor was traditional, with floor mats, low tables, and large windows. An old man with white hair and beard sat with his back to them, sipping tea and looking out at the autumn leaves.
“Master, the guests have arrived,” Hao Yunsun removed his shoes, walked up, and bowed to Shi Jiuqing.
Shi Jiuqing turned and smiled at Mingzhu and her companions, “Welcome, esteemed guests. I apologize for not greeting you properly due to my physical limitations. Please, have a seat.”
Mingzhu removed her shoes, approached gracefully, and bowed, “Sir, you are a sage. There is no need for formalities.”
Shi Jiuqing also indicated he couldn’t accept her bow, instructing Hao Yunsun to serve tea to Mingzhu and Jiang Zhouzi. He amiably inquired about her journey, if it was smooth, if she was tired, and if she needed rest, treating her with the kindness of a family elder. His eyes, however, occasionally revealed a sharp wisdom.
Mingzhu maintained her composure, balancing her status with humility, making sure not to appear arrogant. She felt she handled it perfectly and saw satisfaction in Shi Jiuqing’s eyes. Smiling, she steered the conversation, “I have heard from Jiang Zhouzi about some of your rules, but not in detail. Could you please explain them?”
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