Chapter 18

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A little bashful

On the long street, the tide of people made it difficult to run quickly. Huo Linfeng relied solely on his legs to carry him along.

He caught the little thief and took a careful look. It was a youth around the age of ten. That was clearly the age of growth, yet the young thief had wax-like skin and a pair of sunken eyes. His whole person was skinny like a shriveled dry vegetable.

Huo Linfeng seized the brocade pouch. When he loosened his hand, not only did the youth not run, he even toppled to the ground from the lack of strength. At this moment, in a narrow alley nearby, an old man rushed out, his footsteps sluggish and anxious.

They were a pair of grandfather and grandchild. The grandfather was also malnourished and sickly and seemed to be suffering from an illness. Before he could even reach them, he had already fainted. Upon seeing this, the youth exhausted the rest of his strength to crawl to the old man, exerting his energy to hug him, sobbing and crying.

The nearby pedestrians all stopped, murmuring among themselves upon seeing this devastating scene. Those with a soft heart shed a few tears. Huo Linfeng really didn’t know what to say. What kind of situation was this, for him to be stolen from yet appear as an evil person fighting for money?

He took a step forward: “I’ve yet to ask you, why did you steal the purse?”

The youth was frightened: “Grandfather is starving to death. I want to buy Grandfather some food to eat.”

This reason seemed absurd, but Huo Linfeng leaned over and took a close look at the old man. He had once surrounded an army of enemy soldiers, cutting them off from receiving supplies. Both people and horses starved to death, resembling the situation here with the old man.

With a life on the verge of disappearing before him, Huo Linfeng weighed the pouch in his hands. From his own sleeves, he fished out a piece of silver change. “Go buy something to eat.” He tossed it to the youth, “If you attempt to steal again after you’ve eaten, I will break both your hands.”

The youth was moved to tears. He promised over and over that he wouldn’t.

Huo Linfeng thus considered it done and headed back. Forty steps away, he caught sight of Rong Luoyun through the crowd of peddlers, the men, women, young and old. Rong Luoyun stood there like a white poplar tree, unmoving in the blowing wind, steadfast in the moving crowd.

He strode towards him and handed over the money pouch that was not missing a cent.

Rong Luoyun received it, peering behind him: “Where’s the thief?”

“Ran away.”

Rong Luoyun, who had just been well-behaved and polite, suddenly scowled: “You can’t even catch a punny thief. Are you even fit to serve the Extraordinary Palace?”

Huo Linfeng replied truthfully: “I caught him, but let him go.” As he described what happened in detail, he felt a headache coming. After all, Rong Luoyun was an evil bandit. He fears that he would want to claim the grandfather and grandchild’s lives.

Unexpectedly, Rong Luoyun asked after he finished listening: “Did you give him some money to buy food?”

Huo Linfeng nodded, bewildered.

Rong Luoyun pursued the subject no longer. He turned around to find the vendor to pay for the plain tank. He easily lifted up the large tank the height of half a person with the diameter of a tree trunk and tied it securely to the donkey’s back.

They continued forward and eventually reached the opening of the alley where the thief was caught. The grandfather and grandson pair were sitting beneath the wall. The old man dazedly held half of a warm bread and the youth held the other half. He really wanted to wolf down the food, but at the same time, he also couldn’t bear to eat it so quickly.

Rong Luoyun watched quietly. When the youth saw him, he unexpectedly took the initiative to come running over to apologize. Rong Luoyun thought, this was not what a thief was like, but instead like someone who was pushed to the corner and thus took the wrong path. He asked: “Where’s your home?”

“Han Prefecture. We had to flee due to calamity.”

Han Prefecture was three hundred li north of Xiqian Ridge. It was a precious piece of prosperous land, but in face of natural disasters, they were powerless. Rong Luoyun tilted his head and peered into the alley, meeting a crowd of beggars resting there. He moved to the alley opening to get a clearer look. Men, women, and young children, all sickly and gaunt from starvation.

He untied his pouch and handed it to Huo Linfeng, ordering: “Buy some filling food for them to eat.”

Huo Linfeng received the command. With Du Zheng following behind him, he bought some pastries. Like hungry wolves, the famine victims snatched all the food the moment they stepped into the alley.

At the corner of the alley, there came the sound of wailing. It was yet another young child. Rong Luoyun made his way to the small girl and crouched down: “Little girl, what upset you?”

The young girl sobbed: “If only you appeared earlier……” Pearl-like tears rolled down her cheeks, “My little brother, my little brother wouldn’t have starved to death……”

Rong Luoyun felt his nose go sour [1]. Only now did he take notice of the basket placed on the side of the alley. The basket was covered by cloth, evident that the child had just recently passed. He didn’t know what to say, so he simply stayed silent and turned to leave.

Once they left, he saw Huo Linfeng and said, downcast: “Du Zhong, I want to go home.”

Huo Linfeng nodded, helped Rong Luoyun onto the donkey, and personally led them back to the Extraordinary Palace.

When they arrived at the Palace, he then took them to the Nameless Abode and tied the donkey to a tree in the courtyard. Once he tied it up properly, the other person was still sitting there. He tugged at Rong Luoyun’s sleeve: “Palace Lord, we’re home.”

Rong Luoyun snapped out of it, dismounted, and continued to walk in silence to the veranda to sit down. Huo Linfeng can only go and finish his tasks [2]. He unloaded the large tank, filled it with water, transferred the fish, and scattered some fish food. From the outside came a penetrating stare. The bobcat was once again stealing glances. Now, there were both fish and birds, making the cat burn with hungry desire.

After everything was in order, Huo Linfeng withdrew. He looked back as he left. Rong Luoyun was still sitting there gloomily.

He had seen death too many times and had long grown numb. Towards human life, he held pity, but no compassion. He had thought that Rong Luoyun was even more detached, but seeing the turn of events today, it really was unexpected.

By the time he returned to Thousand Opportunities Hall, Du Zheng had already prepared a warm wet towel for him and even managed to clean up the bedroom. Huo Linfeng sighed and went to clean his face. After washing up, he laid down on his bed. After his bitter experience of living alone, the feeling of having a servant to serve him again was truly gratifying.

Du Zheng massaged his leg for him, feeling distressed: “Young Master, what have you been busy with these past few days?”

Huo Linfeng ran through a list: caught fish for Rong Luoyun, massaged leg for Rong Luoyun, went to the market with Rong Luoyun…… As Du Zheng listened, his long face wrinkled into a short face. If this goes on any longer, is this master of his going to personally change clothes and feed that person surnamed Rong in the future? How attentive!

He did not read much, but a phrase surfaced in his head — one who is overly considerate harbors evil intentions. With that, he put down his worries. Fortunately, Rong Luoyun was a man, so it wasn’t too inappropriate. Gaining trust to grasp their weak point isn’t too much of a bad idea.

“Young Master,” Du Zheng suddenly had some misgivings, “Rong Luoyun helped the famine victims. It seems like he’s a decent person.”

“Perhaps it’s because his mood is rather good today,” Huo Linfeng replied.

Du Zheng “oh”ed. Seeing his master shutting his eyes appearing to be tired, he spoke no more and went to silently clean up the bamboo house. Huo Linfeng laid there unmovingly. With the sweet fragrance of bamboo at the tips of his nose, he was able to relax.

Just as he was drifting asleep, Du Zheng came running over: “Young Master, how come the official seal and documents are gone?”

Huo Linfeng said in a low voice: “I hid them in the General Estate [3].”

“But why didn’t you hide Mirrors of Retribution?!”

So annoying. Huo Linfeng gave the other a shove. What hiding, he didn’t even finish reading it yet. Furthermore, Tang Zhen passed away seventeen years ago. Nowadays, those who could recognize the book are all his own people, so it wouldn’t be an issue if he was discovered.

His sleepiness slowly dissipated. Huo Linfeng thought he might as well go read. The formation after “Dragon Ensnaring” was “Jiao Deceiving”.

Five days passed like this. The Extraordinary Palace passed its days as usual, save the fact that Rong Luoyun spent five whole days holed up in the Nameless Abode. Another day passed with him huddled up in his study, immersed in a scroll opened on his desk. It was drawing near dusk, yet he had not left his study even for a moment.

Suddenly, he heard the loud braying of the donkey. Only then was he finally willing to put down his brush. He came out to see Duan Huaike standing in the yard. “Big Brother,” he greeted. Under the veranda was placed a food box. It was the lunch sent by a disciple that he had forgotten to eat.

Duan Huaike lifted up the dinner he brought over, saying: “You won’t eat even when you’re starving. I might as well feed the donkey.”

Rong Luoyun smiled and strode to the donkey to feed it hay. As he stroked the donkey’s head, saying: “Sorry for starving you. You’ve gotten so skinny.” As he said this, he remembered the events a few days ago while he was visiting the market. He didn’t know how those disaster victims were doing now.

Duan Huaike had come specifically to discuss this matter: “The number of beggars within the city is growing by the day. I checked in the early morning. The riverside is full of disaster victims resting about. There are many abandoned corpses behind Mount Lengsang as well.”

The two of them walked towards the house. As Rong Luoyun ate, Duan Huaike described the situation within the city. After a round of discussion, they decided they would distribute congee for disaster relief below the mountain. Rong Luoyun had shut himself off from the outside world for many days, so he said: “I need to move around a little. I’ll arrange these tasks myself.”

Everything was set for the time being. Duan Huaike returned to his Drunken Elegance Courtyard, but before he left, he brought the donkey back to the stables. He removed the bag on the donkey’s back and discovered an item within. He picked out a double-sided white silk fan.

Rong Luoyun took it over, thinking how careless Du Zhong was, not even coming to search for his lost item after five whole days. He had just padded his stomach with food, so he left the Nameless Abode to aid his digestion with the fan in hand. Unhurriedly making his way to the Thousand Opportunities Hall, he perfectly bumped into the disciples who had just returned from practice.

From behind the tide of people, Huo Linfeng, who was a head taller than most, could be seen walking leisurely over carrying his sword. When he lifted his eyes, he caught sight of Rong Luoyun standing there with his hands held behind his back. After five days of not seeing him, the other seems to have lost some weight. He took the initiative to speak: “Palace Lord, are you searching for someone?”

“Found them.”

Huo Linfeng pointed at his own chest: “Searching for me?” As the other disciples trickled into the Thousand Opportunities Hall, Huo Linfeng made his way towards Rong Luoyun until he was a step away. He asked with a hint of expectation: “What’s Palace Lord searching for me for?”

Rong Luoyun answered: “Go prepare tonight. Tomorrow morning, go to the foot of Mount Lengsang and prepare congee for disaster relief.”

Huo Linfeng was secretly startled. This person had been quite benevolent that day. Now he even wanted to distribute disaster relief? He stared at the other as if looking at a rarity. For a moment, he even forgot to answer. Rong Luoyun was stared at by him until he felt uneasy. His eyebrows pulled together: “What are you staring at?”

Huo Linfeng spun a lie: “Palace Lord seems to have gotten skinnier……”

Rong Luoyun’s eyebrows relaxed. Except for Rong Duanyu, there were very few people who fussed over him losing or gaining weight. He gave out another order: “The distribution location is next to the army barracks. Humiliate those dog officials and stinky soldiers.”

The orders were given one after the other, everything was explained clearly. The day was growing dimmer. It was time for them to return to their respective homes.

Yet Huo Linfeng sensed something odd. This whole time, Rong Luoyun had his hand held behind his back, as if he was hiding something. He took half a step closer and turned sideways to take a look: “Palace Lord, what’s that in your hand?”

Rong Luoyun brandished his hand out: “The fan you wanted to give for your little lover.”

Before it was “sweetheart”, now it was “little lover.” In the future, perhaps he was even going to change it to “mistress”. Huo Linfeng took it over and suddenly gave a fan to the side of the other’s face, saying: “Such a pretty item, what are you shyly hiding it for?”

Rong Luoyun scolded: “That’s a lady’s item, this Palace Lord despises such shamefulness.”With that, he turned and stormed off.

When Huo Linfeng heard this, he thought, this person had plucked so many flowers and even visited brothels often, yet felt bashful over a silk fan? That was the most ridiculous thing he’s ever heard. In his eyes, Rong Luoyun was the type of person who can parade around in only his undergarments and still feel no shame.

The other’s back slowly disappeared from view. He stepped into the Thousand Opportunities Hall and saw to prepare for tomorrow.

At the hour of zi [4], a team of disciples left in the night, buying grains from Xiqian Ridge and a neighboring prefecture. When day broke, a second team of disciples went to prepare in the kitchen. Once the first team returned, they immediately set to prepare congee. A third squadron patrolled around the city, gathering the starving and burying the dead.

The third squadron worked in separate groups. By the hour of chen [5], the disaster victims had already flocked over, blocking even the troops and generals of the nearby barracks. Huo Linfeng had toiled away for a night. He stood in the distance, yawning as he watched. He suddenly smelled the aroma of congee. A young girl shyly tugged at the hem of his robes.

He crouched down: “Little girl, is something the matter?”

The young girl grasped a bowl of congee: “My little brother was buried, thank you, benefactor.” Looking around, she felt a little disheartened. “Where’s the other benefactor? We couldn’t find him.”

Huo Linfeng suddenly remembered. This was the sobbing little girl from the alley. He swept his eyes over. The youngster, the old man, all of the disaster victims who were in the alley were all present. These people were searching for Rong Luoyun, wanting to thank him for saving their lives.

He thought, without bringing up other topics, Rong Luoyun really did do a pile of good deeds this time.

He stayed until noon, observing the disciples as they took turns on duty. Huo Linfeng returned to the Extraordinary Palace to rest for a while. Before returning to the Thousand Opportunities Hall, he first dropped by the Nameless Abode to make a report. When he walked past the little lotus pond, he slowed down his footsteps, suddenly changing his route.

Within the Nameless Abode, Rong Luoyun stood alone in front of the tank, feeding the fish. He scattered a bit of food, watching the six red carp wagging their tails happily. He did not look up when he heard footsteps. From the corner of his eye, he saw Huo Linfeng walk in with his hand held behind his back.

Huo Linfeng arrived at the side of the tank. He leaned over to watch the fish, first catching a glimpse of Rong Luoyun’s reflection in the water. Rong Luoyun was also looking at Huo Linfeng’s reflection. He sprinkled some fish food in, making it look like he was smashing the reflection’s face.

Huo Linfeng reported: “Palace Lord, everything is in order.”

Rong Luoyun hummed, not even sparing him a “you’ve worked hard.”

Huo Linfeng thus took the initiative: “The disciples have been rushing about for a night and are exhausted.” He paused a little after this. Only after a moment did he clench his teeth and act spoiled, “I……I’m also very tired. I still haven’t eaten yet either.”

Splash! Rong Luoyun scattered a large amount of fish food into the water. The red carp fought over the food. He lifted up his sleeve and dipped his hand into the water for a rinse. He gathered some water in the center of his palm and sent a gentle splatter towards Huo Linfeng. Watching the other’s handsome face that was now dripping with water, he laughed: “Still not going to rest? What are you following me to idle around for?”

With cold water rolling down his face, Huo Linfeng’s head suddenly cleared out. He retreated as he spoke: “Then this subordinate will withdraw.”

Rong Luoyun finally realized, that person came with his hands hidden and left with his hands hidden. It was obvious he was hiding something behind his back. “Show me your hand,” He ordered. He detoured around the fish tank to investigate. Huo Linfeng’s expression was playful. As he retreated and tried to hide, his playfulness turned into loud laughter.

The gravel was stepped into a mess. The magpies left their nest and the red carp popped out of the water, wagging their tails.

Rong Luoyun sprung forward, hurriedly pouncing towards the other person. He grabbed the other’s shoulder and tugged out his arm. He gave Huo Linfeng a turn so Huo Linfeng’s back was faced toward him. The hands behind his back held a bundle of lotus flowers, some blooming and others buds. A hint of its sweet fragrance floated through the air.

“Did you pick those for me?” He asked in a daze.

Huo Linfeng turned his head sideways: “Yeah.”

“Then what are you hiding them for?”

Huo Linfeng used the same excuse Rong Luoyun previously gave: “First time sending flowers, feeling a little bashful.” On one hand, he was being attentive, on the other hand, he was also trying to please him. Yet, his ears were burning and his forehead and temples broke out in a sweat.

He shook his hand, prompting the other to take it.

Rong Luoyun obediently received it, his finger brushing against his.

This time, it wasn’t just the ears, even his cheeks flushed red. Huo Linfeng refused to turn back around to face Rong Luoyun, only lightly saying a “goodbye” before heading straight out of the Nameless Abode.

The surroundings quieted down. Rong Luoyun held the bouquet of lotus flowers, feeling somewhat at a loss. He ambled to the side of the tank, placing the flowers one by one into it. They drifted apart, creating gentle ripples.

This time, the reflection in the water was smiling.

It was him letting out a burst of happiness.

The author has something to say:

Xiao-Huo: My face is red when I give flowers, but I walked straight out of the Nameless Abode, so I am not bent.

Translator’s Notes: I did not expect myself to take 3 months to get this chapter out… Sorry y’all (ᗒᗩᗕ). I’ve been quite busy with school and only recently found some time to translate. I also have several major exams coming up scattered across the next few months, so updates would be extra slow (hopefully not 3 months again, I’ll try my best).

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