Chapter 6, Interests

Qiyang was eating pastries while gossiping: "Did you know? The news has spread in the city that Qishimen is recruiting disciples, and in the past half month, four to five dozen women have come. There are many jokes in this, do you want to hear some?"

Qi Yang hurriedly stopped her: "Don't go call her."

It seemed as if he had eyes in the back of his head, suddenly reaching out to block her path, holding two books in his hand

Si Tian quickly expressed her gratitude

Qi Yang also laughed: "Exactly! Did you not see her fierce appearance? Whoever marries her in the future will be out of luck." He took a sip of water and suddenly chuckled: "The funniest part is that girl. After she kissed the senior brother, she said something: 'You are so good-looking, not to mention letting me kiss you, even if you asked me to marry you, I would be willing.' When the senior brother heard this, his face nearly turned black, haha. That girl even asked the master if the senior brother was married yet. You should have seen it; the senior brother was radiating killing intent at that moment. The master didn't dare to keep her and immediately asked her to leave the mountain, she was even fiercer than the second girl!" The more Qi Yang spoke, the funnier he found it, slapping his thigh and laughing so hard he could barely catch his breath.

She felt a bit embarrassed, leaning back slightly, took the pastry herself and placed it in her mouth; indeed, it melted in her mouth, sweet and fragrant

Qi Yang pouted and said, "There is none, just you delicate little girls. It would be impressive if you could even climb up here. Back in the day, when I first came, I almost cried from the effort of climbing up."

Oh dear, Senior Brother, spare me! Everything I said is the truth, it is a fact. Not a single word of mine is distorted or fabricated. Sigh, sigh, Master is also aware of this matter, why are you afraid to pull Master's ear?

Suddenly, a chilling sound came from outside the room

However, Brother Shang's face turned red, and he turned around and left

She listened anxiously in the room, secretly cursing her bad luck. Now, not only did she know his secrets, but she also had no idea how he would deal with her in the future

"You should try this; it is a specialty pastry made by Auntie Ke, and it is extremely delicious." Qi Yang took a piece of the pastry and brought it to her mouth

The heavenly ladder at the mountain gate is so high that no one can ascend it in one breath without resting. The master intentionally had the senior disciple say that those who have rested will not be seen by the master. Upon hearing this, more than ten people turned around and descended the mountain. They are truly quite naive, having made the trip in vain.

She felt a rush of embarrassment and anger, her whole body flushed, and her heart began to race wildly. Her menstrual cycle had just come for the third time, and each time it was a mess, leaving her clothes and bed linens in disarray, which made her very frustrated. Her mother comforted her, saying that she would get used to it. However, this time, she had embarrassingly made a fool of herself right under Shang Yu's nose. How would she face him in the future?

Qiyang said with a playful smile: "Senior Brother, ah, you are still not asleep, I am having lotus cake with Sitian, would you like to have a piece too?" He eagerly offered a piece of lotus cake, his eyes squinting with laughter. It seemed a bit too late to be flattering.

Hastily finishing her meal, she put down the bowl, her face flushed, and attempted to sneak out from behind him.

Si Tian widened her eyes: "So everyone has taken a break, I thought there were really people who could keep climbing without resting"

The two individuals in the room seem to have hearing abilities, but they are unable to speak. Upon hearing her voice, they both turned their heads to look at her

Yes, approximately half

She has an excellent memory, and in the past, her recitations always amazed her teachers. Therefore, by dusk, she had already memorized half of this book

The two individuals laughed heartily together

Qiyang pointed sympathetically at the next room and said with a wink, "Let her focus on her memorization, don't waste her time. Poor thing, she probably won't be able to memorize it anyway"

There are more than thirty young ladies, making it relatively difficult to give up. They know how to be flexible and are pestering the senior brother for a chance to be lenient. You must know what conditions the senior brother will propose, right? Qi Yang smirked slyly, his face full of mischief.

Si Tian was not in a hurry; three days was enough time for her to memorize it. What was urgent for her now was to go to the kitchen to borrow a hand warmer to dry her dress, which had only dried halfway after being hung for an afternoon. The thought of having to stand on the plum blossom piles in the mud tomorrow made it certain that she would need to change her clothes as soon as she returned, so it was better to prepare in advance.

After waiting for a moment, she softly asked, "Excuse me, sir, could you lend me a hand warmer? I would like to dry my clothes."

Qi Yang and Si Tian suddenly stood up. At the door appeared the fierce-looking Shang Yu, who this time truly embodied what it meant to exude a murderous aura. He glared at Qi Yang with malice, then coldly cast a glance at her.

How is your memorization coming along

She walked to the kitchen of the lotus courtyard, and as she reached the door, she was about to enter when she noticed two people sitting opposite each other in front of the kitchen stove, "chatting" about something. Both of them were gesturing with their hands. One of them was the man who had guided her in the morning.

Returning to Zhuque Courtyard, she gave a copy of the book to Lin Xiyan, and then went back into the room to open it. It turned out that the book was titled "Strange Flowers and Unusual Grasses"

She quickly washed her clothes in shame and hung them up, only to discover another problem. The one she was wearing had gotten dirty again, and she no longer had a spare skirt to change into. What should she do? She was so anxious that she was jumping up and down. Lin Xiyan returned after having breakfast. Si Tian, feeling helpless, had no choice but to muster the courage to borrow a skirt from her. Lin Xiyan was somewhat reluctant, but seeing that she truly had no clothes to change into, she had no choice but to lend her one.

She did not understand at first, but when she lowered her head and prepared to sit down again, she understood

Why did the master ask the senior brother to do this

Returning to Zhuque Courtyard, Si Tian thought about the fact that she only had two skirts, which made her a bit worried. She thought to herself that she needed to wash them quickly and hang them out to dry, otherwise she would have no clothes to change into. That detestable Senior Brother Shang actually came up with such a scheme to discipline them, and even had the audacity to call it "Strict Teachers Produce Outstanding Students." However, this tactic was nothing but uncomfortable; could it be that he was taking revenge for the "indecent proposal"? He seemed to regard them all as those who took advantage of him.

Si Tian quickly changed out of her dress and washed it as well. After tidying up efficiently, she finally went to the He Yuan to have breakfast

The woman, in her thirties, smiled and nodded. She picked out some fine charcoal from the furnace and handed it over in a small hand stove.

"Auntie, is there a late-night snack today?" Suddenly, the voice of Qi Yang emerged from behind Si Tian. She turned around, holding the stove, and felt a bit embarrassed. Qi Yang had probably just come out of the bathroom; his hair was still wet, and he carried a scent of soap.

Her face immediately began to warm, and her heart started to race. She felt that this embarrassment was unprecedented and would not be repeated. She wondered if it was her illusion, but it seemed to her that his expression was somewhat stiff; after sitting down, he did not even lift his head, as if he had not seen her. This was for the best

Shang Yu tugged at Qi Yang's ear and pulled him out the door. The thought that she was also mocking his "romantic encounter" made him inexplicably furious

Shang Yu's gaze shot over like a hidden weapon, and Qi Yang quickly vanished once again

Shang Yu put down her chopsticks, turned her face, and cornered her against the wall. She stiffly leaned against the wall and, with a forced expression, said: "Senior Brother, I have memorized up to page six."

Si Tian then entered and said with a smile, "I will go call Senior Sister over."

On the sixth page, he stared at her with a fierce expression, as if he had heard some shocking and bizarre tale, his face reflecting a complex mix of disbelief, disdain, frustration at her lack of ambition, and a desire to lash out. In truth, he was not usually this intense, but after the incident that occurred this morning, he felt uncomfortable upon seeing her, and thus, he unconsciously resorted to a "ferocious" demeanor to mask that discomfort

Si Tian quickly expressed her gratitude, while Qi Yang had already taken the initiative to carry the tray into the courtyard and walked into her room

Halfway through her meal, a person she least wanted to encounter at that moment also came in to eat, sitting not far from her.

The pants and shoes covered in mud were so foul that one could hardly bear the smell for even a moment. As soon as her hand touched the water, the palm that had been struck by the sword sheath immediately felt a sharp pain, and she dared not scrub the clothes too hard. Gritting her teeth, she muttered softly while rubbing the clothes: "I will scrub you to death, and twist your nose out of shape..."

"Is it delicious?" Qi Yang looked at her with great satisfaction, as if the pastry were made by him

The second young woman, upon seeing the master, urged him to accept her as a disciple. The master did not respond with a yes or no, but first asked her why she had come to the Seven Forces Gate. She surprisingly replied that the Seven Forces Gate was renowned in the martial world, and she wished to join it so that others would fear her.

She hurriedly set down the book in her hands, opened the courtyard door, and Qi Yang, with a beaming smile, swiftly entered carrying a tray.

Regarding this matter, Qi Yang said to others, "It is acceptable." However, when speaking to her, he said, "It is not possible"

She was greatly startled, secretly cursing her bad luck. How did he arrive so silently? And by chance, he even heard her muttering?

Si Tian also laughed out loud, thinking of the moment when Senior Brother Shang was teased, feeling an indescribable sense of comfort and joy

I will definitely memorize it early. " Si Tian quickly added another sentence upon realizing the situation was not good.

Sure. When a person wants to gossip, it is quite inhumane to deny them the opportunity. Therefore, Si Tian poured a glass of water for Qi Yang, allowing him to moisten his throat and begin speaking, thoughtfully sitting beside him as a listener. In her heart, she felt that this Third Senior Brother was a hundred times friendlier than the First Senior Brother

They are not exactly cooks; they are family members of a friend of the master, rendered mute by poison. The master has to support them, yet they refuse to eat for free, insisting on doing something to feel at ease. As you can see, there is not much work to be done here, aside from the kitchen, haha

Qiyang chuckled, "As for this request, it is said that only five young ladies are willing to do it. You and Lin Xiyan are two of them. Let me tell you about the other three young ladies; it's quite interesting.

Si Tian hurriedly said: "Thank you, Third Senior Brother"

"Senior Brother." She put down the clothes in her hands, stood up, and looked at him timidly, unsure of what to say. With a guilty conscience, she attempted to smile at him. However, Senior Brother furrowed his sword-like brows, maintained a stern expression, and his gaze, as cold as a starry night, froze her smile into a forced grin.

Si Tian quickly finished eating and said softly, "Senior Brother, Senior Sister, please enjoy your meal." Then, she stood up, intending to slip away first

Si Tianru, upon encountering a general amnesty, hurriedly said: "Yes, then I will go and memorize the text"

Qi Yang smiled broadly and said to Si Tian: "Are you hungry? I can bring you something to eat later."

Qi Yang patted her shoulder and said, "What are you being polite for!" The sudden pat made Si Tian's heart skip a beat. Ah, does he really not know that there is a saying about men and women not being close to each other?

Yes

He stood behind her in a bold manner, completely unaware of the implications of propriety between men and women, stretching his head and leaning his body to look into the kitchen, his chest pressing against her shoulder

Qi Yang stared with wide eyes, describing in astonishment: "On her second day here, she accidentally saw me practicing the Seven Stars Flying Rain Needle and insisted that I teach her. I first taught her nine phrases of the incantation, but to my surprise, she spent an entire day memorizing them and still got them wrong. Therefore, it would be best if you did not disturb her, allowing her to quickly memorize the book. The senior brother is not as easy to talk to as I am. If she cannot memorize it, I do not know how she will be punished." So, it would be best if you did not disturb her, allowing her to quickly memorize the book, as the senior brother is not as easy to talk to as I am. If she cannot memorize it, I do not know how she will be punished.

She blushed and stepped aside, intending to withdraw sideways.

Si Tian was puzzled: "Why?"

Where has the book been placed?

Returning to Zhuque Courtyard, she dried her two skirts before picking up her book, intending to continue her memorization

She carefully examined a page, feeling a secret shock. The words "strange" and "unusual" actually refer to various toxins. The book lists various poisonous plants and their respective characteristics of mutual growth and restraint.

I don't know either. Initially, I was quite envious of Senior Brother for having such a beautiful job, but after meeting that infatuated girl, I felt sorry for Senior Brother. Haha. Qi Yang clapped his hands and laughed heartily; he had been holding onto this joke for a long time, and finally had an audience to share it with, so he laughed particularly joyfully and freely

Qi Yang greeted the two with great cheer, while Shang Yu maintained her usual cold demeanor

In the evening, as Lin Xiyan closed the door to her room, she began to study diligently

She stood there, watching a man and a woman illuminated by the glow of the fire. The flickering flames cast a peaceful warmth on their faces. In the past, her father and mother also gazed at each other like this, gently and lazily chatting in the courtyard, while little An would run over to play for a while and then run off again

I understand, Senior Sister. She has already discerned Lin Xiyan's competitive nature and readily agreed.

Lin Xiyan quickly coughed a few times. Si Tian understood her meaning. If she were too quick, it would naturally make Lin Xiyan appear too slow, and she would likely face punishment

Lin Xiyan called out in the yard: "Si Tian, it's time to eat?"

Upon seeing Shang Yu, she couldn't help but think of the embarrassing incident from the morning, and her face began to flush again uncontrollably. Therefore, she hurriedly focused on eating her meal, "busy" enough to have no time to look at anyone.

"When?" he coldly pressed, his gaze sharp as the glint of a dagger, and his mood could change faster than the turning of a page.

Si Tian smiled and said, "How strange, why not be a likable person, but insist on being someone who instills fear?"

The sky turned a dusky yellow, casting an ambiguous twilight over the courtyard

She felt inexplicably puzzled as she looked at his back, finding something off no matter how she viewed it. He usually walked with an air of arrogance, but today was truly strange; he arrived quietly and left without a word. Moreover, his pace was not as graceful as usual, seeming somewhat hurried.

Late-night snack, the best fluffy soft cake.

Blood seemed to surge to his face in an instant, accompanied by a wave of dizziness. Such a thing could actually happen, and it occurred right under his eyelids

She hurriedly said, "Alright, alright." After taking the book, she fled in a panic

Upon leaving the Lotus Courtyard, she let out a sigh. This Shang Yu is merely a senior brother, just a few years older than them, yet he carries himself with the airs of a master, quite fierce indeed, humph

Well then

Are you referring to Uncle Ke?

Lin Xiyan felt somewhat displeased, took a couple of steps, and then said: "If you happen to run into him during the meal later, you must not mention that you carried half of it; otherwise, it will seem as if I am not putting in the effort."

He also let out a sigh of relief; it was the first time he had encountered such a situation. To say it wasn't awkward would be a lie. That small red mark had been lingering in his mind ever since he left the Zhuque Courtyard, making him feel like he wanted to explode with anger

Qi Yang did not know where he had slipped out from, and he looked at the two junior sisters with sympathy. To avoid suffering another blow to the head, he deliberately hid far away and said a fair word for them: "They are not lotus flowers, do they really need to be nurtured with mud? Senior Brother, you should abandon this lofty ideal."

Why should I memorize this? She felt somewhat puzzled but was too embarrassed to ask Shang Yu. After such an incident, she wished she would never see him again. However, living under the same roof, there would inevitably be many days of encountering each other. She could only put on a brave face and pretend that the incident did not happen. She sighed, helplessly hoping that he was someone with a poor memory, wishing that he would forget about it.

Suddenly, I received a sharp blow to the head

Si Tian was puzzled: "How do you know?"

Her face was almost buried in the bowl, as she was eating too quickly, nearly choking herself

Qi Yang stepped out of the courtyard with her. The path was narrow, and Qi Yang walked on her left side, almost brushing against her. She felt a bit awkward and tried to make conversation: "Was that uncle just now a cook?"

Indeed, when she was having dinner with Lin Xiyan, Qi Yang and Shang Yu walked in.

In the stillness of the deep night, her heart felt particularly at peace as she studied rapidly. Suddenly, she heard a voice at the courtyard gate: "Si Tian."

She shuddered at the thought of how just a moment ago, when Qi Yang entered, the main door was left open, and the two of them were laughing and joking here. The night was so quiet, and with his high martial arts skills, it would be strange if he couldn't hear them just a courtyard away.

One of them, upon meeting the master, presented a red envelope, which was likely a banknote. The master did not even glance at it and asked her to leave the mountain. She thought the master found the amount insufficient, so the next day she returned with an even larger red envelope. It was truly amusing; did the master really lack silver?

The woman nodded with a smile and gestured slightly

Si Tian was also very surprised; in an entire afternoon, she had only memorized seven pages? She quickly comforted, "Senior Sister, do not worry. The Senior Brother only said for us to memorize, but did not specify when we should finish. We will do our best."

You want to kill me, don't you

Behind his back, he was caught red-handed; he certainly would not let it go easily. She obediently awaited Brother Shang's "revenge"

Lin Xiyan exclaimed in surprise: "Half? My goodness, I have only memorized seven pages"

Qi Yang, you rascal, your skin is itching again, isn't it

Si Tian could not even spare time to eat, rolling up her sleeves to place the clothes she had changed out of into a basin and carrying it to the well platform to wash. Fortunately, the well water was warm in winter and cool in summer, not icy at all. She sat on the bluestone bench, recalling her mother’s words that one should not catch a chill during the month of Xinyin, so she placed two old books on the bluestone for extra padding.

He was not very satisfied, but considering that she had only memorized six pages in half a day, memorizing an entire book in three days was indeed a significant challenge. Therefore, he softened his tone a bit and said, half jokingly and half seriously: "If you can't memorize it in three days, don't blame me for being rude."

A small patch of dark red blood was reflected on the old book

Master, can it be accomplished in three days

The morning practice finally came to an end, and the foul-smelling Si Tian and Lin Xi Yan returned to the Lotus Courtyard. The first thing they did was take a shower and change their clothes. Both of them were in a bad mood, feeling dejected and full of grievances. As young girls in their prime, there was no one who did not love cleanliness

His gaze did not even glance at her, as he harshly instructed: "This afternoon, you and Lin Xiyan will memorize this."

Si Tian blushed, lowered her head pretending to drink water, burying her face in the teacup

Si Tian responded and put down the book, walking into the courtyard, where she saw Lin Xiyan groggily rubbing her temples, looking quite troubled.