Chapter 94: Gu Maiden (7)

“I heard that a great beauty arrived at Tongyue Inn yesterday?”

“Indeed! As she moved, her bracelet tinkled melodiously, leaving behind a lingering fragrance wherever she went. Even the little gongzi couldn’t stop thinking about her…”

“If she captivated the little gongzi, doesn’t that mean this woman must be even more beautiful than the renowned first beauty of the realm?”

Hearing this discussion, Tan Yushu folded his white jade fan adorned with beauties, a hint of interest flickering in his eyes. “Even more beautiful than the number one beauty?”

His friend at the table chuckled teasingly, “Ah, Yushu, you’ve created your own list of jianghu beauties and boasted that it encompasses all the loveliest faces. Who could have imagined such a significant omission!”

“It seems I spoke too soon.” Picking up his wine cup, Tan Yushu downed three cups as self-penance before saying, “I’ll take my leave now.”

His friend didn’t try to stop him. “Once you sketch this beauty, we’ll be eager for a glimpse too.”

Tan Yushu gracefully employed his lightness martial arts and swiftly departed.

“Yushu’s mastery of lightness is truly elegant and effortless.”

“But his paintings are unmatched! Without him, who else could reveal the hidden beauty of those secluded within their chambers?”

“With skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, coupled with his exceptional good looks, no wonder beauties willingly pose for him.”

As these friends exchanged wistful remarks over drinks, their curiosity about the beauty causing new waves in the jianghu grew.

Just what kind of enchantress could captivate even the little gongzi, who had shown no interest in romantic affairs?

The little gongzi was feeling quite dejected.

As he hurried from Wan Jian Manor to Xiling’s residence, he couldn’t escape the chatter about his infatuation with this beauty at every turn. It left him somewhat uneasy and embarrassed.

“Was my admiration…that obvious?” the little gongzi asked his guards.

Daring not to say much, they merely nodded cautiously.

Speechless, the little gongzi pressed a hand to his chest, internally grumbling, Love sickness—this vexing affliction truly wreaks havoc!

Sanar was diligently practicing swordplay when he heard sounds outside the courtyard. His brow furrowed, and he leapt onto the roof for a better view.

He spotted a group approaching with several large redwood chests. The leader knocked on the gate and called out, “Is Miss Xi Ling present?”

Concerned that these newcomers might unwittingly disturb the weary priestess, Sanar swiftly vaulted over the wall, landing outside the courtyard. With a cold expression, he demanded, “What brings you here?”

Still gripping his curved blade, Sanar was ready to slay them on the spot if their intentions proved malicious.

The group had respectfully halted outside the courtyard, showing no alarm even upon seeing Sanar appear. The leader bowed courteously to him and said, “This must be Young Hero Meng of the Meng clan, I presume? We are attendants from Wan Jian Manor, sent by our manor lord with humble gifts for Miss Xi.”

“Wan Jian Manor?” Hearing this name made Sanar frown instinctively. He recalled the young master groveling before the priestess yesterday—could it be that he was already trying to cling to his saintly lady?

“What ‘humble gifts’? We don’t need any such things. Leave at once!” Sanar urged them away.

“Young Hero Meng, please convey my request. Whether to accept these gifts is ultimately up to Miss Xi…” the attendant persisted.

Just as Sanar prepared to chase off the entire entourage, the priestess’s voice carried over from within the courtyard.

“Meng Chi, let them in.”

Sanar glared furiously at the group but reluctantly opened the gate, allowing them entry.

The priestess leaned against the doorframe, her hair slightly disheveled, eyes hazy, and cheeks flushed—a captivating sight reminiscent of a beauty freshly awoken.

At the sight of the priestess’s state, warmth surged within Sanar’s heart. He hastily returned to her side, but before he could speak, she addressed the crowd.

“I accept your gifts,” said the priestess. “Many thanks for the manor lord’s kindness, but I won’t detain you further.” With that, she turned and disappeared through the door, which slammed shut behind her, blocking everyone’s view from outside.

The attendants from Wan Jian Manor had been frozen in place since entering the courtyard. They’d heard rumors about Miss Xiling’s beauty on their journey, but they never expected…they never expected her to be so breathtakingly lovely. No wonder the little gongzi was struck with lovesickness! No wonder the manor lord personally instructed them to deliver the gift directly into Miss Xi’s hands!

Any resentment these attendants previously harbored towards the white-haired outsider for his perceived lack of etiquette vanished without a trace. As they carried box after box of presents into the courtyard, each attendant couldn’t help but gaze distractedly towards Miss Xiling’s room, hoping fervently for another glimpse of her beauty.

Alas, the enchanting vision did not reappear even as they departed.

“On our way here, I thought with Wan Jian Manor’s reputation, wealth, and the little gongzi’s good looks, any woman would be easily attainable. Now, I’m not so sure,” one of the attendants remarked during their return journey.

“That Miss Xiling isn’t an ordinary woman; even with gifts from Wan Jian Manor, she didn’t spare them a second glance.”

“Such beauty wouldn’t be swayed by mundane material wealth…”

As they recalled her appearance, melancholy once again filled their hearts. Just what kind of exceptional hero would catch the eye of such a stunning maiden? Certainly not plain attendants like themselves. Indeed, it seemed best to avoid beholding beauties too exquisite—gazing upon them only brought additional sorrow and nothing else…

Meanwhile, Tong Ling, whom everyone believed held money in contempt, after the servants left…

“Sanar, bring all those chests inside.” Any trace of sleepiness vanished as Tong Ling eagerly resumed ordering around her left guardian.

[Hearing about presents instantly wakes you up, huh?] m577 snarked internally.

“Wan Jian Manor’s gifts won’t disappoint,” Tong Ling said cheerfully. “To enjoy a life of luxury, capital is indispensable.”

Sanar had been stationed outside the priestess’s door this whole time. Upon hearing her voice, he promptly set about carrying out her instructions.

Once Sanar hauled all the chests inside, Tong Ling opened one and was immediately dazzled by the sight of gold and silver jewelry, precious gems, and fine silks within.

“True to its reputation, Wan Jian Manor doesn’t hold back!” Tong Ling marveled. With supplies from Wan Jian Manor at their disposal, they would have no trouble thriving in the jianghu.

Sanar muttered hesitantly, “Xiling, do you really think that little gongzi…is quite promising?”

Tong Ling understood that Sanar’s infatuation was clouding his judgment, but she didn’t scold him. Instead, she plainly stated, “Sanar, you must consider the bigger picture. It’s not just about the little gongzi; it’s about the entire Wan Jian Manor. The wealth they provide is crucial for our Holy Order’s growth and stability. Without these resources, how could we survive in the Central Plains or strengthen our Holy Order?”

After a moment of silence, Sanar replied, “I understand. For the sake of the Holy Order, we should accept all such gifts.”

Tong Ling’s gaze softened, as if seeing potential in him. “Very well. Whenever anything is lacking in our courtyard, go ahead and purchase it without hesitation. Don’t be frugal. Oh, and hire a chef, maidservants—any necessary staff. We don’t want you overburdened…”

“N-no need for maidservants!” Sanar hastily interjected. “I can manage everything myself!”

“But what about when I need to bathe?” Tong Ling asked. “Can you handle that responsibly?”

Sanar hesitated for a moment before vigorously nodding. “I can do it!”

M577 could hardly bear to watch any longer: [How much more will this unfortunate kid suffer?]

Tong Ling responded innocently, “As I’ve said, he’s perfectly willing. You see, even when I don’t ask him to work, he insists on doing so.”

Just then, Sanar spoke up again, “Xiling, I… I want to take back what I said before.”

“Hmm?” Tong Ling prompted.

Sanar lowered his head, his expression solemn. “From now on, you may touch me as you please!” After much deliberation, he finally managed to utter these words, his handsome face slightly flushed. “I won’t say things you dislike or do actions that upset you anymore. I’ll also diligently train with my blade to seek vengeance for the Holy Order, so…please touch me.”

[…]

Oh no, something seems seriously off with this sword wielder.

Sanar knew he couldn’t touch the priestess, but if the priestess was willing to touch him…

Not only did Sanar keep his head bowed, but he also bent at the waist, showing utmost humility.

The hood concealed the young sword wielder’s eyes and expression. At an age when he should have been brimming with youthful vigor, he humbled his proud spirit for the sake of his beloved, pleading only for her to spare him more kindness.

How could Tong Ling not be moved? She wasn’t made of stone. Without hesitation, she lifted the young sword wielder’s hood and gently caressed his long, snow-white hair.

As the priestess’ hand touched his hair, Sanar quietly edged closer to her.

“Sanar,” Tong Ling said, cradling the youth’s face in her hands and placing a soft kiss on his cheek, “you’re wonderful. Good boys deserve rewards.”

Sanar’s restless heart finally settled completely. Even if it was just a simple kiss, he felt utterly content.

Outside the courtyard, the little gongzi paced back and forth nervously.

Qianyi whispered from beside him, “Little Gongzi, shall I call at the gate?”

Rumors had spread that Miss Xiling accepted gifts from Wan Jian Manor, suggesting that the little gongzi still stood a fair chance.

The little gongzi paused, stammering, “N-no need! I’m ready!”

Taking a deep breath, the little gongzi strode up to the courtyard gate and raised his hand, knocking loudly with a series of “bangs.” “Xiling! Xiling! I’ve come to see you!”

His voice, strained from tension, cracked as he shouted.

Inside the courtyard, Tong Ling frowned. “What duck is making such racket?”

The sound was truly grating on the ears.

Sanar snorted coldly, “After sending gifts, now he’s showing up uninvited.”

“Go send him away,” Tong Ling said, showing no immediate inclination to meet the little gongzi. After all, she certainly didn’t lack for money anymore.

Upon hearing this, Sanar’s lips curved upwards, delighted. “Yes, ma’am!”

As soon as the little gongzi heard his own voice, he was startled by its harshness. Could that painfully raspy sound really have come from his mouth? Embarrassing! Absolutely embarrassing!

He gently rubbed his throat and cleared it, feeling not just tightness in his throat but stiffness throughout his entire body.

He had actually done it—come to seek out that woman.

But what would he say when they met? Should he confess that being apart from her caused immense discomfort? No way! Such a humiliating admission couldn’t be voiced. Perhaps instead, he should express how much he longed to see her?

The little gongzi retrieved a storybook from his lapels and began to study it intently. This was the most popular pamphlet among commoners, telling of a scholar who fell instantly in love with a young noblewoman. After their clandestine meetings, the star-crossed lovers ultimately ended up together.

In the past, the little gongzi never bothered with such trifles. But earlier, passing by a bookshop, he had overheard patrons praising this particular tale for its exquisite writing, claiming that reading it would deepen one’s understanding of love.

Realizing his own ignorance on matters of affection, the little gongzi decided to purchase a copy, hoping diligent study might enlighten him.

The beginning of the story held no surprises: The scholar fortuitously encountered a governor’s daughter at a temple and became infatuated. However, due to their vastly different social standings, he could not approach her, leaving him deeply sorrowful. Just then, bandits besieged the temple. Their leader, captivated by the governor’s daughter’s beauty, sought to abduct her. The scholar heroically saved the maiden, and upon being rescued, she pledged her heart to him.

Alas, fate did not align with their desires. The governor and his wife vehemently opposed their daughter marrying the scholar, obstructing their union at every turn. Consumed by lovesickness, the scholar secretly visited the governor’s residence at night to rendezvous with the lady…

Having read up to this point previously, the little gongzi continued onwards.

As he read further, the little gongzi’s face instantly flushed scarlet.

T-this scholar is so indecent! Upon entering the mansion, he—he actually picks up the young lady and starts kissing and fondling her…

Just as the little gongzi was about to fling away this obscenely lewd pamphlet, the courtyard gate suddenly swung open…

Panicking, he hastily stuffed the booklet back into his robes and looked up to see that peculiar white-haired, red-eyed figure standing with arms crossed, eyebrows raised at their group. The expression on its face radiated unmistakable smugness.

“Xiling said she won’t receive visitors,” Sanar declared.

“Not receive?” Never had it occurred to the little gongzi that someone could refuse him when he took the initiative to call upon them. “How dare you not receive me?! Is it because of your interference, you freak?” He lifted his head, his handsome features filled with unwavering confidence. “Xiling would never turn me away!”

Sanar scoffed. “My mistress says, ‘What quacking duck is this, making such annoying noise?’”

“You—!” How could the little gongzi endure such mockery? He promptly ordered his guards, “Seize this odd creature immediately!”

The guards, including Qianyi, acknowledged their orders with a resounding, “Yes!”

Sanar had long found the little gongzi irritating. Seeing his opportunity as they made the first move, he unsheathed his curved blade and charged straight at him.

While the guards were occupied surrounding the odd creature, the little gongzi reached for the courtyard gate. Suddenly, a chilling gust swept past the back of his neck, causing his hairs to stand on end. Relying on his barely passable third-rate martial skills, he swiftly twisted aside to evade the attack.

“I’ve said it already—Xiling isn’t receiving visitors. If she doesn’t wish to see you, none of you will set foot inside!” The white-haired sword wielder radiated icy coldness, his red eyes fixed intently on the group before him. With extraordinary ferocity, the blade in his hand descended sharply.

Qianyi hastily stepped in front of the little gongzi, saying, “Little Gongzi, since the mistress is not seeing guests, let’s return.”

This sword wielder held his own against their dozen-strong assault without faltering; continuing this fight would undoubtedly lead to unfavorable consequences. Qianyi couldn’t discern the young man’s martial style, but his sword technique was exceptional, placing him among the top-tier practitioners. Moreover, given his youth, it seemed likely that with time, he could become one of the jianghu’s foremost masters. Engaging such an adversary was unwise. They had come to pay respects, not create enemies—why escalate matters so unpleasantly?

The little gongzi didn’t truly intend to harm anyone, as it would be difficult to justify his actions to Xiling later.

Seeing that Xiling hadn’t emerged, he reluctantly said, “Then I’ll come back tomorrow to see her.”

Sanar sheathed his curved blades. “Tomorrow? You won’t be welcome then either.”

The little gongzi retorted angrily, “Odd creature! It’s only for Xiling’s sake that I spare you!”

“Oh?” Sanar shrugged. “Same here.”

Just as the system alerted Tong Ling about the impending fight outside, another uninvited guest stealthily arrived at the courtyard, evading notice from everyone else.

M577: Bell Sister, someone has come and is now standing on your roof.

Tong Ling asked, “Who is it?”

M577 responded: Tan Yushu.

The name sounded familiar to Tong Ling. In the original storyline, Tan Yushu never pursued the female supporting character. This individual, known as Yumen Gongzi or Jade-faced Scholar, was genuinely a gentle and affectionate man who cherished beauty. He had a penchant for beauties, especially painting them. His greatest offense against the female supporting character was…

“That guy dared not include her in his Beauty Scroll!” Tong Ling exclaimed unhappily. “He even claimed she wasn’t worthy of being called beautiful. Is he insulting my allure?”

Feeling somewhat speechless, m577 reminded her: [Bell Sister, don’t forget we need to follow the female supporting character’s storyline. You mustn’t let him include you in his Beauty Album.]

Tong Ling chuckled lightly, “How difficult can that be?”

“Simply ensure the portrait isn’t made public, and he won’t have to draw for others anymore. He can create portraits exclusively for me in private.”

[m577: [What?]]

What kind of maneuver was this?

Tan Yushu had a knack for finding people, especially beauties. There wasn’t a single beauty in the jianghu he couldn’t locate. Even the world’s most renowned beauty proved easy for him to approach. With permission granted, he entered the Meng household to paint Meng Qing’s portrait.

This painting became his most satisfying work yet. The depicted beauty, akin to a flawless jade sculpture, seemed to embody all the spiritual essence of the world, radiating grace and purity untainted by earthly concerns. Could there exist any woman more exquisite than she?

While Tan Yushu believed no one could surpass Meng Qing’s beauty, he nonetheless developed great interest in the woman who had captivated the young gongzi’s affections.

As Tan Yushu arrived at the four-sided compound, he inadvertently witnessed a captivating scene unfold.

The little gongzi from Wan Jian Manor wished to see someone but couldn’t even enter the courtyard. A formidable bodyguard with exceptional swordsmanship guarded the lady closely; attempting a formal visit would likely result in treatment similar to what the young gongzi received.

With this intrigue, Tan Yushu decided to pay her a clandestine visit. His lightness martial arts were exceptionally graceful and subtle; unless confronted by a top-tier jianghu master, his presence would go undetected…

“Who’s hiding on the roof?” a woman’s sweet and alluring voice suddenly rang out. “Could it be some petty thief?”

Taken aback, Tan Yushu wondered if he had been discovered. Was this beauty also a formidable martial artist? Yet, listening to the woman’s breath inside the room, it didn’t exhibit the steady depth characteristic of someone trained in martial arts…

Tan Yushu’s curiosity intensified.

He gracefully descended, lightly tapped on the door, and apologized, “My apologies for the unannounced visit, Miss. I assure you, I mean no harm. Having heard of your renowned beauty, I couldn’t resist seeking a glimpse.”

“I only receive guests who enter through the main gate,” Tong Ling replied. “Please leave, Gongzi.”

Undeterred, Tan Yushu acknowledged that rarity was expected with such beauties. He respectfully stepped back and asked, “Then, may I inquire what must happen for us to meet, Miss?”

“I am Tan Yushu,” he continued, “and my purpose in meeting you is to create a portrait… of your lovely visage.”

“I don’t require others to paint my portrait,” Tong Ling replied. “Especially not artists who fail to capture the essence of beauty. They are unworthy of painting me.”

Tanyu Shuhua’s portraits of beauties were highly sought after and commanded exorbitant prices; he held immense confidence in his artwork. Never before had anyone belittled his skills like this.

“Miss, do you truly believe Tan Yushu’s paintings lack essence?” Tan Yushu asked, eyebrows slightly furrowed.

“I’ve seen Young Lady Meng Qing herself, and she is far more beautiful than your depiction,” Tong Ling murmured softly. “For such a radiant beauty, how can her most captivating aspects be fully conveyed through just one painting?”

“Have you witnessed her with cheeks flushed, delicate and bashful?”

“Have you seen her deep in melancholy thought, sorrowfully subdued?”

“Have you observed her radiant smile, filled with joy?”

Tong Ling let out a soft scoff. “Without understanding a true beauty, how can you capture her essence in your art?”

Tan Yushu shuddered, suddenly feeling utterly foolish for his self-satisfaction.

“Gongzi, please leave,” said Tong Ling.

Initially, Tan Yushu’s interest in this beauty was moderate, around six or seven parts curiosity. However, following her words, his intrigue soared to its fullest extent.

With his artwork criticized so harshly, Tan Yushu naturally sought to regain some dignity.

“Miss, please grant me a chance. I, Tan Yushu, will undoubtedly capture your beauty and essence in my painting, leaving you utterly satisfied.” As he spoke, Tan Yushu closed his folding fan, brought both hands together at his chest, and bowed deeply towards Tong Ling’s direction within the room.

This was the first time Tan Yushu had ever pleaded so earnestly for permission to paint someone, without even catching a glimpse of her face.

“If you wish to paint me, from now on, bring me the most beautiful, vibrant flower you encounter each day by evening hour. When the time is right, we shall meet,” Tong Ling said.

Tan Yushu felt a sense of relief. “Understood.”

He bowed once more. “Miss, until tomorrow then.”

Without any further snooping, Tan Yushu bid farewell and swiftly departed the courtyard using his lightness martial arts skills. He needed to ponder what kind of flower would be suitable for the next day.

Initially, m577 didn’t understand the host’s intentions, but later…

[“Wow, you’re having Tan Yushu pick flowers for you just to turn around and gift them to Meng Qing?”] m577 observed as the host presented various precious blooms to Meng Qing, clearly turning Tan Yushu into another pawn after the little gongzi who served as a money dispenser. Now, she even had a tool for delivering flowers!

“It’s called borrowing flowers to offer Buddha,” Tong Ling explained to the system. “As long as Meng Qing is happy, Tan Yushu deserves encouragement.”

[m577 remained speechless.]

Yet another evening awaited for their date.

Meng Qing gazed dreamily at the night outside her window. A profusion of fresh flowers adorned her bedside, some already withered, but she couldn’t bear to discard them. Instead, she dried the fallen petals and stored them in her dressing case. Only by looking at these flowers each day could her mood improve.

“Miss, Miss?” Peach Branch asked anxiously, “What’s wrong? Why have you suddenly decided not to marry?”

Peach Branch found her mistress’s behavior quite peculiar. Initially, Meng Qing seemed fine, albeit slightly anxious about marriage. But within just a few days, after both families had confirmed the engagement, why did she now declare she didn’t want to wed? Moreover, there was an inexplicable abundance of flowers in the room, and every night, her mistress insisted on sending her away. Peach Branch sensed something wasn’t right…

“Miss?”

The duration of her mistress’s dazed spells was growing longer. As Peach Branch tried to rouse her, the second young master’s voice unexpectedly sounded from behind.

“No need to wake her.”

Peach Branch watched as the second young master silently approached Miss Meng, tapped her acupoint to induce sleep, and then handed her over gently.

“You take A-Zi away.”

The second young master cleared his throat softly, and Peach Branch noticed a sickly, rosy flush on his face as radiant as peach blossoms. He opened Miss Meng’s wardrobe, selected a dress, and then…

A faint crackling sound emanated from the second young master’s bones. Within moments, the tall and slender figure of a man transformed seamlessly into that of a delicate and fragile woman.

Peach Branch watched, slightly awestruck. Before she could observe further, the second young master glanced at her mildly. “Still here?”

Shaken, Peach Branch hastily helped Miss Meng out of the room.

Regardless of what the second young master intended, their best course of action was to swiftly stay clear. If he didn’t fully indulge in his games, he would invariably become angry.

An enraged second young master was truly terrifying; witnessing it once had extinguished any fondness Peach Branch might have harbored for him.

Once Peach Branch and Meng Qing left, the youth inside the room gently pinched a flower petal between his fingers. Infusing it with inner strength, he flung the petal like a sharp arrow, effortlessly shutting the door as it struck its target.

Ensuring no one remained nearby, the youth leisurely removed his long robe and donned A-Zi’s silk skirt instead. Facing the mirror, he smoothed his cheeks with his hands, and soon, an exact replica of Meng Qing appeared before him.

With a curling smile, the youth spoke in A-Zi’s voice, “Let’s see just who you are!”