Then the Third Young Mistress answered Wei Xiaobao's request for lodging, her tone softening:

"The guest is only asking for lodging for the night and has no other intentions. So please stay at the mansion for the time being."

She turned to the side and gestured for them to proceed.

"Since the guests are hungry, they can wait in the living room for a while while we prepare a meal to entertain them."

She added another sentence, her tone becoming much more sincere:

"Chief Steward Wei captured Ao Bai, avenging the blood feud for us poor and helpless women. We, the entire Zhuang family, will never forget this great kindness."

This statement explains why they were willing to receive Wei Xiaobao, a member of an official family.

"So that's how it is."

Upon hearing this, Wei Xiaobao understood and felt a surge of emotion.

The fate of this dealer is truly a human tragedy.

His expression was solemn as he clasped his hands in greeting to the third young mistress and the other women:

"Madam, please accept my condolences. That corrupt official, Li Zhirong, aided and abetted the wicked and persecuted the loyal and virtuous. He truly deserves to die."

His words came from the heart; he also deeply abhorred the evil deeds of Ao Bai and his cronies.

"Don't worry,"

He reiterated his promise.

"I will leave at dawn tomorrow, and I would never dare to disturb the peaceful rest of Zhuang's spirit."

He made it clear that he would not stay long and that he respected the deceased.

The projected Wei Xiaobao also sighed, expressing both sympathy for the Zhuang family's plight and helplessness at the darkness of the court and the harm done to the country by powerful ministers.

The misunderstanding was initially cleared up, and the atmosphere eased considerably.

The women of the house remained sad and vigilant.

But the hostility in their gazes toward Wei Xiaobao had noticeably decreased, replaced by scrutiny, curiosity, and a hint of hidden gratitude.

Soon after, the women of the Zhuang family worked quickly and efficiently, preparing a table of dishes that, while not luxurious, were steaming hot and quite delicious.

There is homemade cured meat, air-dried game, fresh seasonal vegetables, and fragrant white rice.

The projected bodies of Wei Xiaobao and the others were indeed hungry, so they didn't hold back and ate a big meal.

The guards were seated in a side hall for their meal and were treated just as well.

After dinner, it was completely dark. The rain didn't fall, but the night wind was even cooler.

Under the orders of the third young mistress of the Zhuang family, the projection of Wei Xiaobao was taken to a relatively secluded courtyard in the inner quarters.

There were a few clean guest rooms there, clearly prepared for occasional guests.

The girl who led the way looked to be about fifteen or sixteen years old, dressed in plain white mourning clothes, and with her hair in two buns.

The young girl had delicate features and large, bright eyes. Although she was dressed in mourning clothes and wore no makeup, she was beautiful.

Yet it possesses a natural, ethereal beauty, like a lotus emerging from clear water.

She moved with light steps, silently, revealing her impressive foundation in light-body skills.

"What's your name?"

The projected Wei Xiaobao looked at the girl's back as she silently led the way and suddenly asked a question.

This girl gave him a very peculiar feeling.

It was not only because of her beautiful appearance and graceful movements, but also because of her eyes, which were clear yet contained a calmness and resilience beyond her years.

Hearing his question, the girl turned around, her face showing little shyness.

Instead, with a natural respect, he replied to the projected Wei Xiaobao:

"Young Master Qi, my name is Shuang'er."

The sound was crisp and clear, like jade beads falling onto a plate.

Upon seeing the projected image, Wei Xiaobao's heart skipped a beat. "Shuang'er?"

This name really suits her; it's a perfect match, and she's sweet and adorable.

He felt like teasing her and praised Shuang'er:

"It's a nice name, just like you, very cute."

He meant it sincerely; the girl was indeed very attractive.

Upon hearing this, Shuang'er's face immediately turned red, the redness extending all the way to her ears.

She seemed unaccustomed to being praised so directly, especially by a young man.

She lowered her head, her voice becoming much softer, carrying a hint of barely perceptible panic:

"Young master is too kind. Let Shuang'er lead you to the guest room to rest."

If we fail to provide adequate hospitality, and the Third Young Mistress holds us accountable, Shuang'er cannot bear the consequences. Young Master, would you please come this way?

She turned sideways to lead the way again, her pace seemingly quickening slightly.

"Um."

The projection of Wei Xiaobao nodded slightly, said nothing more, and followed her.

He could sense that the girl meant him no harm; on the contrary, she seemed to be curious and fond of him.

Led by Shuang'er, they walked through a corridor and arrived at the door of a guest room.

The guest room was very clean. Although the furnishings were simple, the bedding was new, and there was burning mugwort to repel mosquitoes, which gave off a faint fragrance.

"Young master, please rest early. If you need anything, you can ring this bell. Shuang'er is in the next room."

Shuang'er pointed to a small copper bell on the small table beside the bed and whispered,

He then bowed and left, gently closing the door behind him.

Wei Xiaobao looked around the room and, after confirming that there was nothing unusual, lay down fully clothed.

He wasn't completely off guard, but he could sense that the women from the Zhuang family, at least for now, didn't seem to have any intention of harming him.

Listening to the faint sound of the wind and the indistinct chirping of insects outside the window, he gradually drifted into sleep, continuing to deduce the changes of Yin-Yang Fist and Palm in his dream, hoping to gain some insight.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Wei Xiaobao got up.

He habitually practiced a set of Yin-Yang Fist in the courtyard to loosen up his muscles and bones, and felt refreshed.

Although the Zhuang family mansion has a heavy yin energy, its quiet environment is suitable for calming the mind.

After washing up and having a simple breakfast brought by the Zhuang family's servants, Wei Xiaobao went to the reception room of the Zhuang family mansion to bid farewell to his hosts.

The projected image of Wei Xiaobao stood in the hall, facing the Third Young Mistress of Zhuang and several older women who were already waiting there. He clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, and said loudly:

"Thank you all for your help and hospitality. I am deeply grateful," Wei Xiaobao said sincerely.

He had a peaceful night and enjoyed a delicious meal; he remembered this kindness.

The third young mistress of the Zhuang family bowed slightly in return and hurriedly said:

"My benefactor is too kind."

She looked at Wei Xiaobao, her eyes filled with even deeper gratitude.

"You captured Ao Bai and avenged us, these helpless women. We, the entire Zhuang family, will never forget this great kindness and virtue."

Now, we are able to offer our benefactor some assistance, which is merely a small token of our gratitude, and it is our duty to do so.

She paused, glanced at Wei Xiaobao, and, as if having made up her mind, continued:

"If you don't mind, we would like to give you a gift as a token of our gratitude. We hope you will not refuse."

As she spoke, she glanced at Shuang'er, who was standing beside her.

The projection of Wei Xiaobao showed a solemn expression. He guessed that the other party might want to give him some gold, silver, or local specialties, and he wanted to decline.

However, since the other party was so sincere and mentioned the debt of "revenge," refusing again would seem pretentious and heartless.

He thanked him:

"In that case, if we postpone it any further, it would seem like we're not giving the bookmakers any face."

Wei Xiaobao thanked the young mistress for her generous gift.

Wei Xiaobao planned to accept whatever the other party gave him for now, and find an opportunity to repay them later.

However, what the Third Young Mistress of the Zhuang family said next greatly surprised Wei Xiaobao.

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like