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墨書 Inktalez
The pale blue light of dawn filtered through the paper-covered window, casting a patchwork of squares on the kang. Li Hong had long been awake, tugging at the thick cotton quilt draped over him, feeling somewhat out of place. In Nine Li Cave Heaven, there was no distinction between winter and summer; it was always neither cold nor hot. It had been a long time since he had slept on such a warm kang, and he had tossed and turned all night.
He listened intently to the sounds outside. It was quiet, with two distinctly different rhythmic breaths—one coarse and the other delicate.
As he pondered his thoughts, footsteps approached from outside. The person paused at the courtyard gate, hesitating for a while as if debating whether to knock.
The footsteps were lighter than those of an ordinary person. Li Hong jumped off the kang, put on his outer clothing, and quietly lifted the curtain to step outside. At one end of the northern kang, Wanyi was wrapped in a thick blue quilt, her snow-white face peaceful in deep slumber, with a slight smile gracing her beautiful lips. A long cascade of black hair lay on the pale red silk pillow.
Li Hong stole a hurried glance, feeling a bit flushed. He quickly walked to the door and gently pulled out the bolt.
Just as dawn broke, a figure dressed in white was pacing outside the courtyard. Upon seeing Li Hong emerge, the person’s eyes brightened, and they quickly stepped forward, bowing deeply until their head nearly touched the ground, saying, “Yao Shu from Qingyou Manor pays respects to Ancestor.”
Ancestor! Li Hong was taken aback by this title. The person before him appeared middle-aged, with numerous wrinkles on their face, likely around forty or fifty years old, yet they referred to themselves as Ancestor! Li Hong hurriedly helped him up, repeatedly saying, “No need for such formalities.”
Yao Shu respectfully clasped his hands together and replied, “It is only right. I am Yao Shu, an outer disciple steward of Nine Li Sect from the Yao lineage. Ancestor belongs to the Chu lineage; by seniority, you are indeed my Ancestor. May I ask how many days Ancestor plans to stay this time?”
The seniority in Nine Li Sect follows a specific order: “Zhen Yue Ling Chu, Chong Yao Ming Guang…” Li Hong calculated that he indeed was this steward's Ancestor! However, he felt somewhat uncomfortable with this recognition. He smiled and said, “By age, I should still call you uncle; I truly cannot accept such honor. This time I have received permission from Master to stay for half a month; during this time, I will rely on your care.”
Yao Shu adjusted his white robe and said humbly, “How could I dare! I am eager to seek guidance from Ancestor.”
Yao Shu also wore a white silk robe—this was the standard attire for disciples of Nine Li Sect—but his robe was noticeably different. The cuffs and hem were adorned with two prominent blue borders, unlike Li Hong's all-white robe that only featured a red flower emblem at the edges of the cuffs.
With an obviously flattering smile, Yao Shu continued, “I went outside the mountain and heard that Ancestor had returned to visit family; I rushed back overnight. Is Ancestor comfortable here? Would you like to move to a guest room specifically designated for our disciples?”
Upon hearing this, Li Hong quickly declined. Seeing that he was sincere and not pretending otherwise, Yao Shu did not insist but insisted on inviting him to his own residence for tea. Li Hong felt uneasy under his respectful demeanor.
Just then, Wanyi opened the door and stepped out. She seemed quite familiar with Yao Shu and smiled as she said, “Li Hong, you go ahead; I’ll join you at noon with Aunt. By the way, Steward Brother, did you bring back what I asked for? I was just thinking of asking you to exchange some things.”
Yao Shu cheerfully replied with a smile, “Yes indeed! Everything you wanted has been brought back; just come over to collect whatever you need.” After saying this, he respectfully bowed to Li Hong and gestured for him to proceed.
Li Hong took a step forward, and Yao Shu followed closely behind, behaving very cautiously. After walking about ten steps, seeing Yao Shu's restrained demeanor, he scratched his head and said, "There's no need to be so polite, please lead the way."
"Yes, yes, I see, I'm just so happy to see Ancestor that I've become a bit muddled!" He quickly moved ahead a bit and extended his right hand in a gesture of invitation. Although he was leading the way, he dared not step beyond an elbow's distance from Li Hong, turning sideways and showing utmost respect. Li Hong couldn't help but smile.
The farmstead covered a large area, with a dense cluster of dark houses and a tall wall that enclosed the entire estate. Outside the wall lay vast fields of fertile land.
This farmstead was actually a small-scale settlement. A main street divided the entire farmstead into two parts; Wanyi and Aunt lived on the left side. At the end of a small street about two hundred steps long stood a small courtyard, which was Yao Shu's residence.
Upon opening the courtyard door, a little girl rushed up joyfully upon seeing Yao Shu return, exclaiming, "Dad, you're back!"
Yao Shu affectionately ruffled her hair but scolded her gently, "No disrespect! You should greet Ancestor!"
The little girl had delicate brows and bright eyes, looking quite clever at around ten years old. She put her finger in her mouth and hesitated while looking at Li Hong, saying, "He's only a bit older than me; why should I call him Ancestor...?"
"Nonsense! Quickly bow!" Yao Shu frowned and pushed the little girl away slightly. Then he turned to Li Hong with an apologetic smile, saying, "This girl has been spoiled by me since her mother passed away. Please forgive her, Ancestor."
Li Hong recalled the customs of the Mortal Realm that required younger generations to show respect upon meeting their elders. He hurriedly reached into his sleeve but then remembered that all the gifts he brought were left with Wanyi; he had nothing with him.
The little girl watched Li Hong's actions with great interest. When she saw he couldn't produce any gifts, she giggled and said, "This big brother is stingy!"
After saying that, she turned and ran away.
Yao Shu could only scold her repeatedly while smiling wryly in apology.
Li Hong waved his hand with a smile, saying, "It's fine, it's fine. Your daughter is quite lively and adorable."
Yao Shu opened the door to the main room and invited Li Hong to take the seat of honor. He personally brewed tea and respectfully served it in front of Li Hong while saying, "Ancestor, please enjoy."
Li Hong took the tea and placed it on the table. He scratched his head again and decided to speak frankly: "Brother in charge, I need to ask you to take care of my aunt and sister-in-law; you are truly my benefactor in this matter. If you continue being so polite and calling me Ancestor all the time, we won't be able to have a proper conversation. Please sit down; it's easier to talk while seated."
Yao Shu finally sat down, picked up his tea bowl and pretended to drink, but after a while, he seemed to be struggling to find the right words and hesitated to speak.
Li Hong couldn't help but feel curious. Wasn't he supposed to ask for advice? It seemed he wanted some Elixirs and Spirit Talismans. These two items were quite popular among the Outer Sect Steward Disciples, and Li Hong had already inquired about them. While he didn't have any Elixirs, he had plenty of Spirit Talismans ready.
For Aunt and Wanyi, Li Hong decided to win him over. He smiled and said, "I just met my niece and couldn't even present her with a gift. I feel quite embarrassed as your little Ancestor! Here are some Spirit Talismans that I personally drew. Although they are low-level Spirit Talismans, they can still provide some protection. I'll go get them for my niece later, just as a bit of fun."
Yao Shu sincerely clasped his hands together and said, "Thank you, Ancestor. The Spirit Talismans drawn by you must be excellent; I'm afraid my girl will waste them!"
The two exchanged pleasantries, mostly discussing matters within the Nine Li Sect. Before descending the mountain, it had been instructed that they should not disclose internal details to Outer Sect disciples. Li Hong chose to share only trivial matters.
After finishing a bowl of tea, Yao Shu still hesitated to speak. Li Hong grew curious; why had Yao Shu come to see him so early? It didn't seem like it was just for a few Spirit Talismans. Could it be that he wanted to inquire about cultivation? He carefully observed Yao Shu.
It was clear that Yao Shu was a simple and honest person. With Li Hong's current insight, it was not difficult to see his cultivation level. He was likely practicing the most basic techniques of the Nine Li Sect; he probably hadn't even touched the likes of the Li Fire Scripture. His cultivation level was evidently low; he hadn't even reached the early stages of foundational building, meaning he hadn't even crossed the threshold of cultivation yet. However, compared to so-called martial experts from the Jianghu, he was still much more skilled.
Yao Shu seemed to sense his thoughts and was about to say something when suddenly a little girl outside called out, "Wanyi, you're here! Qiu Yi was just looking for you to learn some sewing!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Aunt and Wanyi walked in side by side. Wanyi was holding a bamboo basket filled with bright sewing materials, and she was holding hands with the little girl named Qiu Yi as they happily entered.
Wanyi's expression was gentle as she listened attentively to the little girl's chatter. Just as Li Hong was about to speak, he noticed a similarly gentle expression on Yao Shu's face—only this time it was directed at Wanyi.
Seeing this scene, Li Hong finally began to understand what Yao Shu wanted to say; an indescribable feeling welled up in his heart.
In the following days, Li Hong tried his best to avoid running into Yao Shu. Yao Shu came several times asking him out for drinks or something similar, but Li Hong always found excuses to decline. He had many reasons: wanting to catch up with Aunt, craving hometown delicacies, needing more rest... Gradually, Yao Shu stopped visiting altogether, which made things easier for Li Hong.
Aunt was getting older and often dozed off. However, one afternoon she seemed particularly energetic and kept chatting with Li Hong about family matters for quite a while. When she heard that Chuxiong had the largest appetite in the Nine Li Sect, she laughed heartily; but then she suddenly changed the subject and asked, "Li Hong, what do you think of Yao Shu?"
Li Hong was taken aback. Before he could respond, Aunt sighed and said, "You probably don't know yet. Your elder brother sent someone to find us at Li Family Hollow. He... sigh... actually voted for Golden Dog!"
Li Hong felt as if lightning had struck him; his elder brother actually voted for Golden Dog! The ghost of that 'elder brother' he encountered at Golden Lantern Gorge during Refining the Heart had spoken the truth! He really did vote for Golden Dog—had he truly died on the battlefield? His mind became chaotic as Li Hong stood there in shock.
"Yao Shu has inquired about your elder brother's strongman team. On their way to Taiyuan Prefecture, they were ambushed and scattered. He was seriously injured and saved by a Golden Dog soldier. Somehow, he ended up defecting to the enemy. It is said that he fights bravely, and over the past two years, his position has risen higher and higher, eventually becoming a high-ranking official in the Golden Dog! Several times he has sent people to Li Family Hollow to look for your mother, you, and your sister-in-law. The remaining villagers in Li Family Hollow were frightened and have all moved away. Because of your elder brother, our ancestral village has become desolate! What a sin!"
Aunt wept bitterly and continued, "Your sister-in-law is determined to divorce your elder brother; she has already sent the divorce papers. She said that your mother and so many villagers died at the hands of the Golden Dog, and she absolutely cannot share wealth and glory with someone who betrays his country. She treats it as if your elder brother is already dead! I support this! Wanyi is a good girl with principles! These days I have treated her like my own daughter; besides, I am already your Aunt. This matter is up to me! I have decided to treat it as if your mother never gave birth to your elder brother! None of us will recognize him!"
As she listened, a surge of anger gradually filled Li Hong's chest, and he clenched his fists tightly. His mother died at the hands of the Golden Dog, and his elder brother actually defected and became a high-ranking official in the Golden Dog—how dare he!
"These days, thanks to Yao Shu for taking care of us. He has a good heart; I can see that he is quite fond of Wanyi. Although he is a bit older, he is considerate. Qiu Yi also calls her 'Wanniang' affectionately. Wanyi will have support for the rest of her life; I can close my eyes in peace now. I just wait for you to come back and ask for your opinion..."
Li Hong was stunned at this point. Before he could speak, someone suddenly lifted the curtain and rushed in.
It was Wanyi. Her face was pale as she glanced deeply at Li Hong before quickly kneeling in front of Aunt, saying loudly, "I appreciate Aunt's good intentions, but I must refuse! Even if Li Wu is dead, I will remain loyal to him for life; I will never marry again! Please do not mention remarriage again! If Aunt insists on forcing me to remarry, Wanyi can only die to make my point clear!"
Aunt was anxious and wiped her tears as she reached out to pull Wanyi closer, saying, "Aunt only wants what’s best for you; you have suffered so much! Since it’s like this, I won’t bring it up again. But please don’t think of any extreme measures; do you want Aunt’s life?"
The curtain swayed slightly as Li Hong came back to his senses and rushed to the door just in time to see a figure in white stumbling away. It was Yao Shu; he had heard everything.
Looking at that unsteady figure and then at Wanyi's tear-streaked face, Li Hong felt as if his heart had been turned upside down.
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