Chapter 33 of 100
Chapter 33
8 min read1,886 words
Amidst the thick spring atmosphere and the swaying willows, Feng Jueyu, along with Feng Jue and Yu, sat in a luxurious carriage heading to the West Lin Lake in the eastern part of the city. Along the way, the lake scenery and the lush mountains were picturesque, with many talented scholars and beauties strolling by the lake, enjoying the serene views.
The Southern Sky Kingdom was a place of both literary and martial prowess, a prosperous era. The Spring Scholar Gathering was a major event that captivated the hearts of many. The crowds coming and going were endless, creating a bustling scene.
Enjoying the lake and appreciating the scenery was the favorite pastime of literati and scholars. Feng Jueyu indulged in the role of a talented scholar, listening to Shangguan Ruomeng's spontaneous expressions of sentiment and her descriptions of the West Lin beauty. Occasionally, he would compose a couple of poems, delighting Xing'er, who clapped her small hands in joy. The driver in front, unhurried, would occasionally sing out a beautiful line in the old mountain tune.
The tranquil, peaceful, and harmonious atmosphere enveloped Feng Jueyu in the carriage. For a moment, he was captivated by the beautiful scenery and subtly moved by the ambiance.
Seeing Shangguan Ruomeng's crescent-moon smile, Xing'er's joyful excitement, and the driver's honest and straightforward demeanor, Feng Jueyu genuinely smiled.
Such days had not been experienced for decades. If they could continue without conflict, without killing, without scheming, and without open or hidden struggles, it would indeed be a blissful life.
Thinking about his past life, Feng Jueyu felt he had lived thirty years in vain. Why did he kill? For money? Fame? Or to gain everyone's recognition?
They feared him? Feared him? No one dared to provoke him, but was he truly happy?
Or was it this quiet, sweet, carefree life that he truly yearned for?
This is what life is all about!
"West Lin Lake has arrived..." Xing'er's joyful cry interrupted Feng Jueyu's thoughts.
Following Xing'er's gaze, the rippling West Lin Lake came into view. The vast lake surface shimmered like a mirror, smooth and silky.
Beneath the clear waves, the water was crystal clear, with carp and mandarin ducks playing in the water, a lively scene...
Looking further, there were misty green mountains, pavilions in the fog, arched bridges, and fairy-like pavilions, even more enchanting...
The spacious lake was already filled with large and small boats, numbering in the hundreds. In the vast sky, poetic voices echoed, and occasionally, a fine poem would be recited, prompting young women rowing boats to call out in clear voices, guiding the poems from the foot of the distant mountains and the peaks of the mist into the prosperous era, where others would transcribe the beautiful scenes and pass them on, leaving them for future generations...
Feng Jueyu, who had just arrived after the New Year, had never seen the prosperity of the Southern Sky Kingdom. Today, accompanying the young lady to enjoy the lake and the scenery, his mood was extremely pleasant, and the unease caused by his穿越 (穿越 means "穿越" in Chinese, which can be translated as "穿越" in English, but in this context, it means "time travel" or "穿越" in a more general sense) was finally swept away.
Xing'er was also very happy. This young girl, who had been trained in the cutthroat business world since a young age, was usually not involved in such joyful events. But today, the young lady explicitly allowed her to play to her heart's content, and the little girl was overjoyed, like a bird finally released from a cage, running out happily.
No matter how much Xing'er looked down on this young master, the excitement of the Scholar Gathering temporarily made her forget everything. The key was that this young master was very entertaining, running around at the sight of anything interesting, never stopping.
"Hey, how much is a skewer of candied haws? Five coins? Too cheap, give me three."
"This clay figure is nice, give me a pair."
"Damn, breaking a stone with his chest, impressive!"
Feng Jueyu, like a naive young boy, walked around without stopping. Xing'er followed closely behind, and seeing the young master's enthusiasm, her dislike for him vanished, and she eagerly followed, cheering him on.
"Young master, look, that man can spit fire."
"Sure, it's not easy to practice, and the movements are dangerous, don't try to imitate it!"
"Ha, I'm not stupid, why would I imitate that? What if I get burned?"
"Then you can sell it as a pig's snout, half a coin per pound."
"Is it that expensive? Ah? Young master, you're bad, saying I'm a pig..."
"I didn't say that, you did..."
"Ha ha..."
The master and servant, who usually didn't get along, unexpectedly got closer at the Scholar Gathering. Of course, they hadn't yet noticed this subtle change.
Feng Jueyu himself wasn't a childish person, but the depression of recent days had weighed heavily on him. Today, he finally felt at ease.
Whether in China or in the mystical Taixuan Continent, I am still me, just in a different environment. There's no need to dwell on it anymore.
With the depression lifted and the gloom released, Feng Jueyu decided to have a good time and relax.
However, he couldn't just focus on his own fun. Looking around with Xing'er, Feng Jueyu noticed that Shangguan Ruomeng was still following behind, seemingly appreciating the scenery but with a hint of melancholy. Is she thinking about tonight?
Feng Jueyu stopped and held Xing'er back, saying, "Wait a moment."
"What for? There's a stall selling crystal cakes ahead. Look at the crowd, if we go too late, they'll be gone." Xing'er pouted, displeased.
Feng Jueyu glared at Xing'er and said, "You're only thinking about your own fun. What about your young lady? Are you going to ignore her?"
"Ah? Young lady?" Xing'er suddenly realized, turned around, and saw Shangguan Ruomeng staring at the calm lake.
"Why didn't you say so earlier?" Xing'er stomped her foot and shot a glance at Feng Jueyu, "It's all your fault?"
"Is it my fault?" Feng Jueyu was exasperated; arguing with a woman was futile.
"Young lady, why are you not happy?" Xing'er ran to Shangguan Ruomeng and asked.
Feng Jueyu walked over, a fan in his hand, and said, "Yes, today's weather is so nice, why are you so gloomy, Shangguan sister?"
Can you be happy? I came out today to relax, but I didn't expect...
Shangguan Ruomeng clenched her fists, still holding the paper ball in her hand. Not wanting to dampen Xing'er's spirits, she forced a smile, "As long as you two are having fun, I'm fine. Xing'er, I'll give you the day off today, do whatever you want."
Xing'er said gloomily, "If the young lady isn't happy, how can I be happy?"
Feng Jueyu's gaze shifted to Shangguan Ruomeng's hand, understanding the situation. He chuckled and asked, "Shangguan sister, is there something on your mind? Are you still thinking about Huairen Hall?"
Xing'er was taken aback, "Young lady, isn't everything resolved?"
Shangguan Ruomeng smiled helplessly, "Yes, it's all taken care of, but there are a few things that still need to be considered."
Feng Jueyu chuckled and said, "Shangguan sister, since you're here to relax, you shouldn't bring your worries with you. Even if you have something on your mind, you can put it aside temporarily. Remember, when you reach the mountain, there will be a path, and when you reach the bridge, there will be a way. No matter how big the problem, there is always a solution, isn't that right?"
"Hmm?" After this speech, Shangguan Ruomeng was somewhat dazed, thinking, why does this fool's words seem to have a deeper meaning today? He usually doesn't say such things.
When you reach the mountain, there will be a path, and when you reach the bridge, there will be a way...
Is he comforting me? Telling me to relax?
No matter how big the problem, there is always a solution.
But if this issue isn't addressed promptly, it could lead to a major problem?
Shangguan Ruomeng stared at Feng Jueyu, feeling that he seemed different after his speech.
He exuded a sense of confidence, as if nothing could bother him, with a calm and composed demeanor.
Why do I have this feeling? She herself is nothing special?
Shangguan Ruomeng couldn't explain the change in her mindset, but at that moment, Feng Jueyu opened the fan he had in his hand...
He opened it with a very graceful and flawless motion...
On the fan, four fresh ink characters appeared:
"难得糊涂" (Hard to be confused)
"Hard to be confused?"
Shangguan Ruomeng's heart stirred, suddenly enlightened: Yes, the cargo terminal is under our control. If there is a traitor who has designs on the cargo, it means someone has been planted in Huairen Hall for a long time. To catch him, I can't act rashly.
Hard to be confused, then I'll be confused once, pretending not to know. This way, the enemy will think I am in the open while he is in the dark, but in reality, the situation has already reversed.
I understand!
Shangguan Ruomeng never expected that Feng Jueyu would solve her temporary dilemma with just those four words. They made her realize the solution.
But then, Shangguan Ruomeng became even more puzzled: He didn't have a fan when he came out, when did he get it? The ink is still fresh, did he write it just now? Does he know something? Is he deliberately hinting at me?
How is that possible? For so many years, he has been aimless, barely surviving. He has no talent and no ambition, how could he have such a sharp mind?
"Young lady, young lady..."
Shangguan Ruomeng didn't realize she had been lost in thought, making wild and unreliable guesses, which she found amusing. It wasn't until Xing'er called her that she snapped out of it.
Because of Feng Jueyu's antics, her mood improved significantly. She immediately showed a bright and charming smile, "You're right, since we're here, we should enjoy ourselves. I ruined your fun just now."
Seeing Shangguan Ruomeng smile, Xing'er jumped up, like a happy little bird, skipping around the lake, "The young lady is happy, we can play to our heart's content."
Feng Jueyu put away the fan and nodded inwardly. This girl isn't stupid, she understands quickly. If we return now to make arrangements, even if we can protect the cargo, it might alert the enemy. The best strategy is to use the lake tour to mislead them, turning the situation from open to hidden, making it easier to act.
"That's right, smiling is so beautiful." Feng Jueyu said with a playful tone.
Shangguan Ruomeng's cheeks turned red, and she smiled genuinely at Feng Jueyu, "Thank you, Brother Feng."
"Thank me? Ha ha, no need, no need. Hey, there's a nice pavilion over there, we can enjoy the mountains and water. Xing'er, wait for me."
Shangguan Ruomeng looked at Feng Jueyu's back, feeling a mix of emotions: What's going on with him?
To the readers:
PS: Phew, finally finished this chapter. Laying the groundwork is always the most exhausting part.
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