Chapter 2, Under the Moonlight, a Person Leans Against the Building

Su Lili nodded, "Be careful in everything while you are alone." As she spoke, she walked into the hall. The wooden figure had finished copying the order and paused to look at the accounts. Upon seeing them come out, he paid no attention and picked up the jasmine tea that Su Lili had left to cool.

Su Lili did not listen, put down the cloth, and said fiercely: "Call me sister!"

As soon as she finished speaking, the door was slammed open with a loud "bang," and three tall servants rushed into the room. Upon seeing the wooden figure and Yan Huan on the bed, they were momentarily stunned, not understanding the situation.

I have an elder sister who is trapped in a brothel. No matter how much silver I have, I cannot redeem her. I wish... you could go and bring her out.

In a good mood, I passed by a weapons shop on my way home and spent ten taels of silver to buy a fine long sword. Upon arriving home, the carpenter was sweeping away the snow from a solid piece of wood, preparing to change materials. He took the sword with a look of delight. Having not handled swords for a long time, he couldn't help but feel an itch in his hands. With a swift motion, he drew the blade and exclaimed, "Good, yes, good. Although it lacks weight in the edge and the steel lacks toughness, it is still considered quite good among the common goods in the market."

Mo Dadao: "That two hundred taels is what you deserve from our last parting."

Su Lili shook her head profoundly, "It doesn't harm the dead. The coffin's dimensions are ominous; it might just be able to accommodate a zombie."

The wood sighed, "Your father is a wise man"

The wood does not speak

*

As Su Lili rushed into the courtyard, Uncle Cheng was sitting on a few stacked wooden boards, carving a piece of wood. Both of them were startled and looked up. Su Lili was slightly out of breath but relaxed her expression, smiling and saying, "Uncle Cheng, you haven't gone to sleep yet"

I do not ask, simply because many things may be of no use, so why should you be afraid?" Mu Tou took her other hand and held it in his, "Did you ever think of fear when you saved me back then? You said that if my enemies found me, you would not be to blame. Have you ever considered that if my enemies were to come here, it is not that I would not blame you, but rather that you should not blame me for bringing you harm.

Master Zhang smiled and said, "When using a brush, one must be delicate; when using a knife, one must be bold. Practicing calligraphy from large to small teaches you not to lose the overall spirit; practicing with a knife from small to large teaches you not to lose the intricacies within."

Without even glancing, he sheathed his sword with a "clash" and said, "You always hide behind me, making it impossible for him to face you directly." He turned to Su Lili and continued, "Ever since he returned from Dingling that time, he has been following you. The last two times he came, he was also rummaging through the study. My leg injury had not healed, so I did not disturb him."

Su Lili cast him a sidelong glance and said, "So you are a person; I thought this whole courtyard was filled with wood." After saying this, she turned her head and walked towards the kitchen without looking back. The wooden figure watched her go further away, then finally raised his head, but his gaze followed the direction of the kitchen. After a long while, he gritted his teeth and shook his head, feeling that things were not good.

After the two exited the backyard, Su Lili asked, "Brother Mo, what are your plans?"

This question is impolite. However, Su Lili, disguised as a man while conducting business, did not pay attention to her name being called out by the gentlemen, nor did she mind this inquiry. After a moment of hesitation, she replied: "My surname is Su, and I am the owner of the Su Ji coffin shop at Ruyi Fang."

Su Lili shook her head: "In a world where the truth is obscured, one cannot tolerate him. It is better to be as the world is, all intoxicated, and I too shall be intoxicated."

Su Lili sighed, "With your two hundred and ten taels, you can only buy a bit of golden silk nanmu; this camphor wood is not considered the best either"

Su Lili nodded, "I... I fear that I may have been targeted by someone"

Su Lili found the words quite unpalatable, wondering what kind of talk this was, a subtle threat? "What do you mean by saying I don't want to talk? I even told you my name, yet I don't know yours."

You know what he is looking for said Mu Tou in a flat and unremarkable manner, as if stating a fact rather than asking a question

Su Lili removed the gift box, pulled out the gown, the ribbons fluttering, filling the room with splendor, and said with a smile: "This is a gift for my sister"

With a playful demeanor and a cold smile, she scrutinized Mu Tou with a professional gaze, assessing him from head to toe for a long time, "What gives her the right to take me away?"

In half a day, Su Lili shouted: "Mu Tou, if you keep causing trouble, I will be angry!"

Yan Huan held a red thread as thick as a little finger in his hand and raised it, asking: "Do you know what this is?"

Su Lili entered through the side door, spending a few coins to engage the idle bouncers in the back corridor, and led them to meet the madam. Madam Wang was busy arranging a colorful silk in the main hall when she saw her; after a moment of recognition, she said, "Little Su, what brings you here?" She leaned towards Su Lili, and a wave of musky fragrance wafted over.

Su Lili opened her mouth, knowing this to be true, yet unable to articulate why. Even though she was fully aware that saving him was perilous, she still chose to do so. In the darkness, Mu Tou's eyes sparkled as he smiled and said: "You were not afraid then, and you need not be afraid now. The people of this world cannot bring us down; the only one who can defeat us is ourselves"

No

Su Lili felt so overwhelmed that she nearly fainted, yet she smiled gently and said, "I just want to see Sister Yan Huan and bring her something before I leave." Mother Wang chuckled, "It’s been over half a year since we last met, and you’ve become even more handsome. I didn’t expect you to be thinking of Huan-er." Su Lili could only smile in response, "Of course, I must first think of Mother Wang here before I can think of Sister Yan Huan."

As summer begins and spring lingers, the transition of seasons makes it easy for ailments to arise. The wood is like the rising sun, gradually recovering day by day; however, Cheng Shu is like the heavy dusk, deteriorating day by day. As the weather warms, his cough and wheezing worsen. Every deep night, Su Lili hears him cough incessantly, and it weighs heavily on her heart. When she suggests that a doctor prescribe medicine, Cheng Shu dismisses the idea. Su Lili immerses herself in the study, poring over books all day, and later buys some cough-relief and cooling medicine, preparing nourishing meals for him to eat.

Su Lili sneered, "It must be this Qi Huancheng from Youzhou."

Yan Huan slowly put down her hands, slightly dazed, and absentmindedly said: "Yes, July 7th, I completely forgot. I have nothing to give you."

The wood made a sound of "hm".

Su Lili was still holding her hair up with one hand, now staring wide-eyed in disbelief. After a moment of shock, she let out a startled "Ah!" and quickly grabbed a large bath towel, wrapping it around herself in haste, and exclaimed angrily, "How did you get in here!"

Su Lili placed the box on the table and turned around to close the door Yan Huan adjusted her rouge and after a moment spoke up saying "What brings you here at this time"

Mo nodded and said, "I understand, I understand"

The doctor said: "There is no such thing; my family has been practicing medicine for nine generations, and I have never seen such a severe injury before."

On the seventh day of the seventh month, thousands of households engage in the Qiqiao Festival. Su Lili finished her dinner early and said to Uncle Cheng, "I will go out for a while." Uncle Cheng nodded, pondered for a moment, and simply said, "Don't stay out there for too long." Su Lili took the clothing box and went out. The wooden figure watched coldly, not asking any further questions.

The wooden figure responded in a nonchalant manner, while Su Lili counted the silver coins and picked at the details, "Is it really that good? What does 'remarkable bone structure' even mean? To me, it seems more like an odd bone structure. He hasn't even walked yet; how does he know if one leg isn't longer than the other?"

At that time, Su Lili and Mu Tou were still young, and although they had experienced loss, they could not comprehend the harsh realities of the world. Many years later, as the birds flew into the forest and the fish entered the depths of the pond, when all attachments were released, they still could not let go of the thought that lingered in that small coffin shop.

Yan Huan was taken aback, "Who sent you to take me away?"

She tugged at the rope, leisurely and with a smile as radiant as a flower, continuing, "It seems you have never been to such a place. There is a rope like this by every bed in the rooms. Many patrons of the brothel do not regard the courtesans as human beings. When a guest poses a threat to a girl's life, she pulls this rope, and the bouncers downstairs will come up."

Su Lili hesitated and said: "I... actually... I don't know either. It was just last time at Dingling, I was keeping watch for Brother Mo and accidentally stumbled upon this claw-faced person interrogating a young eunuch, saying he was looking for something."

In the afternoon, under the gourd trellis in the backyard, he would either gesture with his fingers in understanding or wield a wooden stick as a weapon, occasionally demonstrating a move. It seemed he spent more time in thought than in action, lost in contemplation of something unknown. Su Lili often observed him standing there in a meditative state, his aura resembling that of towering mountains, serene rivers, and silent valleys, vast and profound as if all things were concealed within his form. She felt a twinge of envy, mixed with a sense of unease. Glancing around at the blue tiles and white walls, and the vendors outside the wall, she understood that this was ultimately not his realm, which oddly brought her a sense of calm.

After a while, Su Lili shouted: "Not coming, not coming. Look at this mess all over the ground."

Once the funeral is over, I will leave and venture outside to see what I can find, while also looking for my brother. At that time, I won't say goodbye to you; I will return and discuss it then

She looked up and saw Mu's concerned expression, and suddenly smiled, saying: "Actually, making coffins is fine. My father once said that birth, aging, illness, and death are inevitable, so those who sell vegetables, rice, medicine, or coffins will never go hungry. Selling coffins is even better; when the day of reckoning comes, one can send themselves off, having a beginning and an end"

Wood, Su Lili said softly, "Do me a favor."

Su Lili leaned against the corner of the large table, her hand resting on her lips, smiling gently. She gestured to the wooden figure, saying, "Try that outfit on over there and see if it fits." The wooden figure was slightly taller than Su Lili and was wearing an old outfit belonging to Uncle Cheng, which was ill-fitting at the shoulders and elbows. After a while, he emerged wearing a dark blue outfit that was long and well-tailored, fitting perfectly in every aspect. Boss Li couldn't help but give a thumbs up, saying, "Boss Su, your young brother is truly a remarkable talent."

Having announced my disturbance, I made my way to the inner courtyard of the Mingyue Building. Along the way, I heard lewd sounds and vulgar words. After much effort, I climbed to the second floor of the back hall, in front of an embroidery room. Su Lili first knocked on the door and called out, "Is Sister Yan Huan there?"

Where is that girl from

The minister you mentioned is the former Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, Ye Zhiqiu

The wooden figure took a sip of porridge and murmured, "I said it, you don't have the slightest appearance of a man; you are indeed a woman."

The wooden figure does not speak nonsense; when it does, it is not without reason. Su Lili looked into his starry eyes and felt a pang of self-reproach: today, I actually found Qi... Qi Fengxiang is more handsome than the wooden figure, yet the wooden figure is clearly much more attractive than him. Then she recalled his mention of 'us,' which was originally vague, but upon closer reflection, it carried a hint of intimacy! She also felt that the warmth of his hand was particularly comforting, her face flushed slightly, and she raised her hand to give herself a light slap, scolding inwardly: Su Lili, what is wrong with you! Again, she thought of his mention of 'us,' which was originally vague, but upon closer reflection, it carried a hint of intimacy! She also felt that the warmth of his hand was particularly comforting, her face flushed slightly, and she raised her hand to give herself a light slap, scolding inwardly: Su Lili, what is wrong with you!

What about Youzhou

The young gentleman in splendid attire lightly tapped his fingers on the table, expressing seven parts approval and three parts depth, and slowly said: "Su Lili... Miss Su is not only intelligent but also profoundly insightful." With a gentle smile, he continued, "My surname is Qi, as in 'Cai Fan Qi Qi', Qi Fengxiang. I am the third son in my family, commonly referred to as Qi San Gongzi. Miss Su, remember this, and we shall meet again."

After sending off the client, Su Lili turned back. Mu Tou had a look that was both disdainful and not disdainful, his gaze coldly measuring her from head to toe, from chest to hips. Su Lili picked up the peeled loquat and ate it. Seeing Mu Tou looking at her this way, she coldly pointed out: "Looking at your face and figure, you have no dominant bone in your forehead, no guarding eyes, no supporting bridge in your nose, and no heavenly roots in your feet. In this lifetime, you can only end up in ruin. If you continue to stare with those dead fish-like eyes, the little bit of luck you might have will also be squandered."

"I don't know, so please stop asking," Su Lili sighed

I am unwilling! "I will tell you a story, do you want to listen?" She leaned closer to the wood

Yan Huan asked coldly, "Who exactly are you?!"

Su Lili wandered through the streets and alleys, arriving at the heart of the city. At this hour, most businesses had closed, leaving only the Qin Lou and Chu Guan gradually opening their doors. Under the dimming twilight, the vibrant lights and the allure of wine slowly became clearer. The Mingyue Building, located right on the street, was one of the most renowned places for entertainment in the capital. The beautiful courtesans welcomed guests at the door, offering a mix of three parts insincerity and seven parts pretense, calculated and sold by the pound.

The wooden figure took the cake, drank a mouthful of porridge, swallowed it, and then raised his eyes to look at her: "Why are you disguised as a man?"

The wood stood there watching her slam the door shut. When he turned around, he saw Uncle Cheng's withered face illuminated by the candlelight. For some reason, a sudden emptiness filled his heart. He lowered his head to pick up the carving knife and scraps, turned around, and threw the wood aside. Gripping the large chive leaf carving knife, he walked straight into the bedroom

Su Lili angrily exclaimed: "I am a woman!"

Su Lili took a closer look. One piece was engraved with the character "寿" (longevity), and another with the character "福" (blessing), both of which are commonly used inscriptions on coffins. However, there was another piece that bore the character "苏" (Su). Su Lili was taken aback and exclaimed, "This cannot possibly be engraved on a coffin. In our line of work, we do not mark with names. Otherwise, the clients might lie comfortably and come to thank me all at once at night, and I wouldn't be able to handle it."

Yan Huan smiled gently, "She said it, but no one believes it. The young lady has run away, and she cannot be found. Everyone hopes she is that young lady; she is isolated and helpless in this world." She stood up lightly, her steps unsteady as she walked towards the bed, leaning sideways onto it, filled with both joy and deep sorrow, and suddenly burst into laughter

A woman's voice inside was soft and languid, saying: "Come in"

After a brief pause, Mu Tou said: "She really wants to save you, which is why I came." This can be considered a response to her words.

The wooden figure did not swallow the water, choking it out, and coughed incessantly, spilling the brownish-yellow tea all over the cabinet

The wood was somewhat annoyed by her gaze, "Do you want to do this here?!"

At the sound of the door, someone entered. Su Lili glanced up and saw the person who had been speaking outside the window earlier, dressed in light blue garments, with his sleeves elegantly flowing. She took a hurried glance, then lowered her head and walked away, pondering: even in the brothel, there are such figures. This young man, at first glance, resembles the snow falling on a tall building, with a vermilion pavilion under the moonlight, strikingly handsome and ethereal, almost more attractive than the wooden figures in my home.

Su Lili avoided the candlelight and replied, "Understood, I will go to sleep now." Tonight, for the second time, a mouse scurried away, heading straight into the bedroom

On the first snowfall of winter, Su Lili went to find Yan Huan again. Yan Huan said that Qi Fengxiang was a merchant from Youzhou, who had come to the capital to explore the market and had now returned to Youzhou. Having been in the entertainment industry for seven or eight years, she had a keen eye for people's backgrounds and family status. Neither Yan Huan nor Su Lili believed this statement. However, knowing that he was not in the capital eased their minds significantly

Su Lili gritted her teeth and placed the last piece of broken silver into his hand. The doctor brought it to his mouth and bit down on it, then tucked it into his pocket. Leaning close to Su Lili's ear, he said: "To treat a leg that is shorter than the other, there is an unspoken secret method. It is simply to raise the sole of the shoe on the shorter leg a bit."

Su Lili pushed the door open and saw a woman sitting in front of the dressing table on the west side of the room. She wore a loose nightgown that slightly revealed her shoulders, still showing signs of sleep, as she applied makeup in front of the mirror. She cast a sidelong glance at Su Lili in the mirror, her charm tinged with a hint of coldness, yet she remained silent.

Yan Huan walked out gracefully, rinsed a cup, and poured tea. The young gentleman in splendid attire had just praised her for her everlasting beauty, yet now he did not even glance at her, instead focusing on Su Lili and saying: "Did you not say last time that you are a woman because the person accompanying you did not know you were a woman?"

The doctor smiled broadly, saying, "Eat less spicy food and keep your legs warm. If this leg happens to be a bit shorter, it's quite common, and there is a good method to address it."

At this point, both the maid and the young lady understood without needing to say anything, as it was clearly evident

It rained for a while that day. Su Lili, feeling hot, was too lazy to eat much, so she cooked some plain porridge and made a cold cucumber salad. During mealtime, she said to Mu Tou, "Your legs are much better now. Would you like to go out with me for a stroll later?" Mu Tou agreed.

The wooden figure interrupted her with a smile, saying: "I am fine now, nothing is wrong."

You may speak. This time, Mu Tou did not retreat; he simply turned and sat down on the embroidered stool beside him

Mo Da observed his indifferent demeanor and felt somewhat uneasy. He turned to Su Lili and said: "Lili, while I'm away, don't get too close to this fellow. When I return, we can sever ties properly."

After enduring a winter, Su Lili's condition improved. While taking on work and business, she felt that life was just like that, and perhaps she had been overthinking. One day, after drinking too much water, she got up at night. The spring chill was biting, and a gust of cold wind made her shiver. In a daze, she felt as if there were faint sounds coming from the study.

Yan Huan's expression softened somewhat as she gazed at Su Lili for a moment and said: "You are also fifteen now, at the age of coming of age, why do you still dress this way?"

The wood immediately yielded, and began to carefully carve flowers, honing its character. The two engaged in mutual teaching and learning, and when they reached a point of agreement, they were completely absorbed, exchanging words back and forth, sometimes debating, sometimes inspiring each other

Su Lili looked into his eyes and nodded, saying, "Since that's the case, I won't hold back." She grabbed a handful of wood shavings and threw them at him. The wooden sleeve seemed to carry the wind; with a wave, the shavings flew back and covered Su Lili from head to toe

Mu Tou's eyes narrowed slightly, his brows not furrowed, yet exuding a calm seriousness. "I came to rescue you for her; you only need to follow me."

The wooden figure remained silent, while Su Lili bent her knees and sat beside him. Although it was somewhat cold, she felt safe. As her heart settled, drowsiness began to take hold, and before long, her head drooped. The wooden figure shifted slightly towards her, offering his shoulder for her head. Su Lili leaned in, resting her entire self against him.

Su Lili broke free from his hand and repeatedly shook her head, saying: "No, no, today I was indeed a bit stunned, my mind is not clear."

Mu Tou stopped the knife, raised his eyes to look at her, and said calmly: "The shop at the corner across the street, the Shunfeng Lamb Restaurant, will do. If you want to move, just move there."

Su Lili jumped forward and climbed up the stack of boards that were more than half a person high, leaning against the piled-up wood behind her. "How do you know he has a master?"

Su Lili couldn't help but frown, fearing that a mouse had gnawed at the book. Drowsily, she walked over and kicked the door open with her foot. A sense of gloom suddenly rose from the depths of her heart, and the hair on her neck stood on end. Something beside her flickered, and Su Lili was startled to see a shadow. As she looked up, all the blood in her body rushed to her head. The clawed face from the tomb in Dingling, with skin uneven like that of a corpse, had only its eyes glaring at her with a sinister gaze

I do not sell coffins; am I supposed to embroider instead

Su Lili has always been bold enough to break through the serious atmosphere. Noticing the tension in the air, she stood behind the wooden structure, peeking out with half her face, and asked as calmly as possible: "What are you looking for? Just tell me what it is; I know this place best."

Once upon a time, there was a minister who offended the emperor. The emperor ordered the execution of his entire family. That year, his daughter was five years old, and she had a maid who had accompanied her since childhood, the daughter of her wet nurse. They were fated to be born on the same day, which was an inauspicious day. To avoid disaster, the minister took his daughter and fled to a distant land. The loyal little maid followed closely, never leaving her side. For three years, they hid and sought refuge, experiencing the ups and downs of life. Her tone was calm as she recounted the story, truly resembling someone telling a tale that had no bearing on themselves.

Uncle Cheng's cough has eased somewhat, and he seems to be in better spirits. Seeing her return safely, he nodded and said, "I just went to sleep; young master should also rest early." He then got up to wash up. Su Lili sat down beside the wooden figure, lost in thought and speechless. The wooden figure, using the light from a pine branch oil lamp, held a square wooden block about a foot on each side and was carving the character for longevity.

There is none in the court

As she walked under the eaves, the wooden structure approached her, saying, "You are up." Su Lili, still half-asleep, numbly responded with a "Hmm" as they brushed past each other

Su Lili, feeling helpless, could only respond: "My name is Lili, which means to leave this place."

Su Lili counted another piece

Su Lili clung on and refused to let go, "No! You accompany me to sit in the courtyard for a while. Just in case... later... that person..."

The doctor kindly looked at the patient and said, "Don't exert yourself this year. Even if you can walk, take it slowly."

Su Lili and others waited under the gourd rack in the backyard of the coffin shop. Suddenly, a wooden figure flew in from outside the wall and landed in front of her. Seeing him return alone, Su Lili was slightly stunned and immediately grabbed his sleeve, saying, "How are you? Are you injured? Why did you jump in? Aren't you afraid of hurting your leg..."

The wooden finger scratched on a small gourd the size of a fist. "Everyone has their own aspirations, there is no need to compete with each other. If she doesn't want your help, just let her be."

The wood does not speak, "I will take you away."

Helpless, Su Lili's ears turned red as she walked back, looking at the wooden figure across the table. When the wooden figure raised its head and saw her expression, its demeanor changed abruptly, and it retreated slightly. With a murderous glint in her eyes, Su Lili spoke slowly, "Did you do it on purpose"

The wooden figure cast a deep glance at her, causing Su Lili's heart to skip a beat, "... actually ... it was just a joke ..."

The originally pale face of the wooden figure flushed slightly, struggling to suppress it, and with a twisted neck said: "So what if it's a woman..."

With her slender, fair fingers gracefully pointing, she lightly parted her crimson lips and said, "This little thief has come here to steal; capture him."

She suddenly became so frank, and the well-dressed young man retracted his smile, casting a silent glance at her, his gaze sharp as a knife, and said solemnly: "Are you also one of the young ladies here?"

Su Lili loves to eat all kinds of fruits and vegetables. She bought a big basket of them, picked one, and tore open the yellow skin. The flesh of the loquat is juicy, and biting into it is as sweet as candy with a refreshing fragrance. Su Lili leaned back on the bamboo rocking chair, licked her lips, and sighed to the wood, "Is there anything more comfortable than eating fresh fruit in the world?" (Playfully teasing someone:).

Su Lili snorted coldly and said, "A good general in times of peace, a treacherous minister in times of chaos."

In a moment of stillness, Su Lili stood there like a fool. The wooden figure appeared quite pleased with itself, yet maintained a stern expression, nodding slightly. With a flick of its hand, the wooden stick flew back into the pile of scraps.

Su Lili placed the box beside her dressing table on the spring-scented hibiscus couch, untied the string, "Today is the seventh day of the seventh month, our birthday"

The young master in splendid attire let out a light scoff, saying, "I am not a ghost; why do you wish to leave upon seeing me?"

Boss Li smiled ambiguously, "You won't find such beautiful clothing anywhere in the entire capital. Boss Su must have spent a fortune to gift it to the lady he admires."

Uncle Cheng took a few steps forward holding the candle, gazing at the wooden door, his eyes filled with confusion and innocence.

Su Lili was momentarily taken aback. "Which one?" Seeing that Mu Tou was looking at her and the box, she realized he was referring to that dress. She couldn't help but chuckle, but then she kicked the corner of the door and called out, "Uncle Cheng, open the door, we are back."

Su Lili had been wandering the jianghu for ten years, hiding in the marketplace, aware of the warmth and coldness of her own heart. She only felt a trace of warmth from the wood flow into her heart, making her feel a deep, unutterable sorrow, causing her eyes to sting. She lowered her eyelashes and said sadly, "I know she hates me; it is because I owe her."

Suddenly, the courtyard resembled a June snowfall, with a flurry of poplar fluff rising and scattering everywhere, creating a scene of laughter and joy

"Who is looking for you?" Mu Tou asked softly

After a while, Su Lili called out from behind, "It's time to eat." Mu Tou put down his work, leaned on his cane, and walked to the dining table outside the kitchen. Su Lili served some porridge, fried a plate of golden, soft pancakes, rolled up some pickled vegetables and tofu, and dipped them in sauce to eat. Uncle Cheng drank a bowl of porridge and ate two pancakes, but he noticed that Su Lili was not her usual cheerful self, and Mu Tou was only picking at his rice grain by grain. He chuckled and said, "What’s wrong with you two? Are you upset?"

That afternoon, Su Lili spent two hours applying the third coat of lacquer to a cypress wood coffin, leaving it to dry in the courtyard. She felt her waist and legs ache, and her clothes were soaked with sweat. Not in the mood for a meal, she simply boiled some water and brought it to the eastern wing's bathing room, taking a hot bath that left her feeling refreshed. As she dried herself, a few damp strands of hair clung to her body.

When Uncle Cheng leaned in to take a look, he saw that Mu Tou was pinned down on the table by Su Lili, gritting his teeth, burying his head, and clenching his fists, completely motionless. Su Lili was happily slapping a greasy cloth, making a series of loud smacking sounds.

Su Lili was startled and looked up, directly meeting a pair of clear, elongated eyes. His voice was as rhythmic as when he said, "On a moonless night of murder, on a windy day for arson." Su Lili felt like a cat that had seen a ghost, her mind buzzing, and her whole body bristled.

The wooden figure sat down and, hugging his knees, pondered: "You mentioned that he interrogated a young eunuch at Dingling last time. Since it involves the inner palace, it is not a matter of the Jianghu. This person is neither an official nor a noble, so he must be serving someone."

There is no criticism that cannot be borne in this world, only kindness that cannot be tolerated. A few smiles and laughter carry a hint of loneliness, which can be considered a response to his words

Su Lili let down her hair, ran her fingers through it, and then twisted it back up again. With a hairpin, she pressed and lifted it, but before she could finish, the wooden door creaked open. There stood Mu, leaning on two crutches, opening his mouth as if to speak, yet he seemed struck by lightning, staring at her. The girl's body was as white as jade, devoid of any emotional hues, yet it possessed a refreshingly exquisite beauty akin to fine craftsmanship

Su Lili found it difficult to grasp her elusive emotions and said softly: "Sister Huan, the Emperor is currently preoccupied with his own affairs. I have heard that the governance of the capital is in the hands of Grand Tutor Bao Hui. I have saved some money over the years; perhaps I can use some silver to redeem you."

Su Lili choked slightly, receiving a deep glare from him. Mu Tou turned around with his sword and began to leave. She grabbed him and asked, "Where are you going?"

The pine oil branch erupted in a burst of flames, casting flickering shadows all around, which quickly collapsed to the ground and extinguished. Suddenly, the surroundings darkened, and the courtyard was engulfed in pitch blackness, rendering one blind. Su Lili seemed lost, hesitating for a moment before walking towards the back courtyard. After taking two steps, her arm was suddenly pulled back by a piece of wood.

Su Lili listened to his warm voice, which was unusually calm and gentle, and questioned, "Where is Yan Huan?"

"Yes," Yan Huan wiped the corner of his lips with silk and habitually asked, "What is your name, young master?"

Her expression gradually became more intense, "Words of joy are born without receiving pity from others; whether it is suffering or joy, it is all my fate. Anyone can help me; I just do not need her to act on my behalf"

The wooden figure nodded, "Alright, I will follow your lead"

The wooden figure, finding her speechless, suddenly felt a surge of interest. He casually picked up a long strip of scrap wood and, with a swift motion, aimed it diagonally at her third eye. Su Lili only felt a breeze at her brow; before she could react, her vision blurred, and the wooden figure had already executed a series of moves, sealing off twelve vital points on her body. Each point was critical, and yet each was merely a hair's breadth away from being fatal.

In the following months, Su Lili was constantly worried that Qi Fengxiang would come knocking at her door; however, he seemed to have vanished without a trace. That phrase "we shall meet again" acted like the most effective charm, causing Su Lili to occasionally feel a chill. Eventually, Mu Tou became accustomed to it, calmly offering guidance on where she should move, pointing out every shop along the street, yet not a single one of Su's coffin shop locations was changed.

With a faint smile, there was a hint of indifference and a touch of desolation. "Why do you want to redeem me? The girls outside are just blossoming at the age of fifteen, while the girls here at fifteen have already withered."

Yan Huan saw Qi Fengxiang gazing at the door, still lost in thought. Although feeling displeased, she managed to present a bright and captivating smile, "Third Master has been away for half a month; why did he suddenly think of Yan Huan yesterday and send someone to say he would come today?"

The wooden board self-disassembled, and he practiced walking with crutches every day. After more than a month, he was able to put down the crutches, and after another month, he could walk steadily. Su Lili scolded him, "You haven't even learned to crawl yet, and you're already trying to run. Haste makes waste. Don't be afraid of breaking bones again and becoming a cripple for life." At the same time, she bought pig trotters, stewed them with yellow beans, cooked them until they were tender but not mushy, and forced him to drink the soup, eat the meat, and gnaw on the bones.

As the moon changes and the stars shift, the splint on the wooden leg has been bound for three months and has finally been removed. After the doctor examined it, he said the recovery was excellent. While praising the remarkable nature of the bones, he also extolled his own exceptional medical skills, claiming he had managed to align the bones so perfectly. In conclusion, he patted the wooden shoulder and said, "Young man, take good care for another two months, and I guarantee that in the future, no one will be able to tell that your leg was broken."

Su Lili was taken aback and looked up, staring into his eyes, unsure of how much he knew and how to begin speaking. His gaze was calm and unperturbed, just as it always was. He called her Liyanhua from a distance; no matter how much Liyanhua complained or spoke out, he only thought of her, demonstrating complete trust.

The wooden board jumped down, reaching out to Su Lili, "You go cook, I'll help him bring in the lumber."

Wood was taken aback

Having finished speaking, the disciple carried the medicine box and said, "Goodbye," then left gracefully. Su Li Li stood dumbfounded, watching the person leave in the distance. After a long while, she came to her senses and cursed, "What kind of world is this! Doctors are like grave robbers." Mu Tou bent his knees and moved his ankles, saying, "I didn't dig any graves, what's the big deal about taking someone away."

Yan Huan slightly closed her eyes, letting him caress her. Her expression was a mix of pain and joy, as if revealing a deep wound in her heart. Half mocking, half sour, she said, "My surname is Ye, a fallen leaf drifting in the wind. Ye Yanhuan, remember it, young master."

Su Lili was reminded by his mention that Mu Tou had been living here for a year, and her thoughts began to drift. She gazed at his profile; over the past year, Mu Tou had grown quite a bit. Every time she looked up to speak with him, the angle of her gaze inadvertently increased. Mu Tou turned his gaze towards her and asked, "What are you looking at?"

What happened

Su Lili picked up her chopsticks, paused for a moment, and felt that both of their words were too profound, so profound that it seemed pretentious. She laughed first, put down her chopsticks, and said: "You should eat quickly. After you finish, help Uncle Cheng with the boards. In a couple of days, when I have some free time, I will teach you how to make a coffin." As she spoke, she took her and Uncle Cheng's bowls inside.

Just as Mu Tou was about to speak, there was a sound at the back door. Su Li Li focused and listened, exclaiming joyfully: "Uncle Cheng has returned"

At the moment when dawn is about to break, a low sound seems to resonate in the air, as if emanating from the very fabric of the universe, devoid of any human presence, as if time and space have been inverted, leaving one uncertain of their whereabouts. This period feels detached from life, irrelevant to both the past and the future. The wood gazes intently at the sky turning a pale blue, with a hint of golden edge reflecting upon it.

The wooden figure turned and leaped onto the stacked wooden planks, sitting down. "There are others behind him. If his master does not say to kill you, then he will not kill."

Su Lili smiled like a flower, "Boss Li is talking nonsense again, this is actually a gift for an older sister." He teased without saying much more, only watching as the person wrapped the clothes, letting Mu Tou carry one box while he held another, and they exited the Yan Yi Pavilion.

Su Lili moved to the counter, counted the silver, and without any hesitation, shamelessly packed her belongings. Then she raised her head and asked, "What kind of coffin do you want?"

Su Lili slowly raised her head, silently gazing up at him for a long time, wanting to say something, but ultimately held back.

Someone was watching her, and she was unwilling to leave

The wood fell into that thin-skinned box and did not get up for half a day

Seeing her half-drunk, Mu Tou resolved in his heart that he could only knock her out and carry her back to report. He stood up, adjusted his clothing, and said: "Miss Yan Huan, I apologize for the offense."

You speak

Mu Tou withdrew his hand, and Su Li Li, disregarding the shavings clinging to her body, grabbed a handful of wood chips and threw them directly at his face

Su Lili let out a gentle sigh, pondered for a moment, then placed her hand on the back of his hand, and softly said: "I only wish for your lifelong peace, and that there will be no more times like last year."

The little gourd swayed gently, brushing against the leaves and shaking the vines, charmingly graceful, as if in response to his words

A vein appeared briefly on the wooden forehead, and in silence, he opened the drawer to organize the accounts and documents. Su Lili sat down on the rocking chair, unable to suppress a smile, and casually instructed, "Wipe the water off the cabinet and come over to rest."

As Su Lili entered the store, Boss Li of Yanyi Xuan greeted her with a broad smile, saying: "Boss Su, you must be here to pick up your clothes"

She suddenly turned around, and in the darkness, her gaze finally focused on the wooden face. The wooden figure stood up and grasped one of her hands, asking, "Where are you going?"

Su Lili pondered for a moment and said, "Do you know which high-ranking official has the surname Qi?"

Yan Huan slowly approached him, her fingers brushing against his lapel. In the blink of an eye, Mu Tou stepped back. Yan Huan smiled faintly and said, "You're very curious about her, aren't you?"

At the first move, Wood takes the lead, taking the lead in every move, both attacking and defending. Claw Face advances with several attacks, but they are all easily parried by Wood, who relies solely on sword techniques to win. After a moment, Claw Face sees an opening and throws a punch at Wood. Wood stands firm, the sword blade descends, and he says coldly, "Withdraw your move."

As soon as the words fell, someone outside the house laughed loudly and said, "While other flowers may wither, Miss Yanhuan's flower will never wilt." The voice was rich and pleasant.

Wood sat behind the counter in the shop's lobby, copying this month's orders for her. Upon hearing this, she glanced at him. Su Lili then peeled a loquat, removed the pit, and was about to use it to entice Wood when she saw a person slowly walking in through the main entrance of the shop. Su Lili put down the loquat, wiped her hands, and Mo Da had already thrown a bundle onto the counter, saying, "Today, I came to buy a coffin."

Is Su Lili her real name? Wooden Scoop asked.

The wooden board remained unresponsive, and Su Lili pleaded, "Wood, Uncle Cheng has not returned from fetching the lumber yet. In this courtyard, it is just you and me. If I go back and that person realizes something is amiss and comes back to kill me, I will be finished if you are just a moment late."

Su Lili counted one more piece.

Hearing this, Su Lili felt an urge to kick him. Twelve taels of silver, half a year's worth of food and drink, in exchange for his remark, "Not bad for a piece of common merchandise." Unbeknownst to her, Mu Tou had already become adept at the coffin shop's tasks, handling everything from material modification, sanding, board assembly, gluing, to painting, without missing a single step. Initially, the coffins he made did not fit their lids, and after several painful lessons from Su Lili, he finally got it right, gradually becoming more familiar with the craft.

Su Lili exchanged a few pleasantries and then said, "Li Laoban called for the assistant to bring out two large paper boxes from the store, and opened one on the shiny mahogany table. Inside were two plain-colored men's suits, neatly tailored with even stitches, and the colors were simple yet elegant.

The wooden figure observed that she finally ceased to be lost in thought, yet her demeanor became even more inscrutable. After a moment of astonishment, he exclaimed in alarm, hesitatingly saying: "Sister, you... what on earth has frightened you? Please do not hold it in; you mustn't lose your mind."

Within just two days, Master Zhang felt that this apprentice was exceptionally satisfactory, praising the wooden youth as a hero with extraordinary insight. The wooden youth accepted this praise with a calm demeanor, replying with a saying about an old steed in the stable, aspiring for a thousand miles. Su Lili, upon hearing this, couldn't help but frown, feeling both amused and exasperated. She privately remarked to Uncle Cheng, "Indeed, a gem must be polished to shine, and a person must be flattered to feel content. When the wooden youth is apart from Master Zhang, he is like a closed gourd, but together they are well-suited companions." Uncle Cheng laughed heartily.

"Stop right there." He casually waved his sleeve, as if strolling leisurely, fully in control of the situation. "What is your name?"

Autumn departs and winter arrives, winter departs and spring arrives, from decay to desolation, from desolation to vitality

"He is dead," he said softly, turning away from the saw. Seeing Su Lili speechless, he added ominously, "Whoever injures me with a sword or a blade, I will surely take their life."

As the skirt was spread out on the table, all eyes in the room were drawn to it. Boss Li gestured at the dress, speaking eloquently about how elegant it was here and how dazzling it was there, describing the garment in a way that was both real and fantastical. Su Lili looked at it one by one, nodded lightly, and said, "Not bad, it is worth my money. Please wrap it in a prettier box, as I intend to give it as a gift"

The wood is neither warm nor cold: "If you do not dig it up, the zombie will surely not be able to act violently."

Qi Fengxiang laughed heartily and said, "Since you say it this way, even if it is not specifically for you, it can still be considered as a visit on your behalf." He pulled her closer, embracing Yan Huan, and lowered his head to inhale the subtle fragrance on her body, suddenly asking, "What is your surname?"

In the next moment, Su Lili had turned the table and charged towards the wooden object

Su Lili once again forcefully pulled out her wrist and weakly said: "I too am struck by how bizarre the twists of life can be"

Su Lili casually remarked: "He must have drunk too much strong tea yesterday and couldn't sleep." Yet, the corners of her lips inadvertently curled into a slight arc

I do not wish to be here, yet I do not want her to come and save me. Slightly intoxicated, my words become difficult to control my emotions.

Su Lili exclaimed, "I have nailed coffins and pried them open, but I have never encountered anything like this."

Su Lili. Although Mu Tou had known Su Lili for over a year, it was the first time he called her by her name. The few words were uttered plainly, yet a strange feeling arose in his heart, subtly reflected in his expression, and a touch of tenderness was added to his gaze.

She cast aside this fleeting, delicate thought, sat on the edge of the bed, and let down her hair. Between her fingers, there were some entangled and chaotic stirrings that could not be severed, penetrating deep into her heart, compelling her to let go and instead think of that Qi Fengxiang. She felt that this person was inexplicably strange and frightening, tossing and turning, unable to fathom his true intentions, and thus buried her head in sleep. As soon as her head touched the pillow, she fell into a deep slumber, without dreams, sleeping until the sun climbed to the third window sill. Su Lili felt she had slept very soundly, and when she got up, her whole body felt uncomfortable. She wrapped herself in clothes and headed towards the land of the cycle of grains.

I was just ... ... momentarily ... ... that surge of anger ... ...

"No, it is not." The wooden figure suddenly put down the bowl and chopsticks, raising its voice and saying: "Of course it is not!"

The first ray of sunlight streamed into the courtyard, and Su Lili stirred slightly, her eyelashes slowly lifting. Her head rested on the wooden shoulder, leaning against a pile of timber, with a thin blanket draped over her. She knew that the wood had covered her while she was asleep. She wrapped herself up a bit more, feeling somewhat empty yet also full, experiencing an indescribable joy, as if basking lazily in the sun. It felt as though they had been sitting together like this for a long time, longer than the time she was aware of.

Qi Fengxiang turned her head, her gaze tracing the outline of her lips as depicted in the illustration, and softly said: "To come is what I wish to come; to go is what I wish to go. How could Yan Huan, so transparent, ask such a foolish question"

The wooden voice was calm and cold, "Why don't you ask how the person who hurt me is doing"

Mo Daqi cast a strange glance at him, while Su Lili was on the verge of tears. She pulled Mo Da out the door and earnestly advised, "Brother Mo, the term 'broken sleeve' is overly pretentious; as common folks, we should just say 'tomb raiding,' it's straightforward!"

This move, if not retracted, can certainly injure his vital points, yet one hand would be lost. Although the clawing technique was executed swiftly and the follow-through was steady, upon retracting the hand, the myriad of murderous intent was instantly concealed. He gazed at the wooden figure as if he had seen a ghost, and after a long pause, said: "Your technique is exquisite, but your internal energy is insufficient; you cannot compete with me."

Master Zhang, with his grizzled beard and thin, bony hands, is capable of carving the most delicate and graceful floral patterns. As he becomes engrossed in his work, Su Lili pours him a cup of liquor. After taking a sip, his spirits soar, and he skillfully twirls his carving knife. With his eyes gleaming, he scans the wood, determined to take him on as an apprentice to learn the art of carving.

Mu Tou waited quietly for a moment before responding, "Is it the ghost from the last tomb robbery?"

The wood asked: "If the dimensions are fierce, can it still harm the dead"

Su Lili lowered her head and pondered for a moment, then said quickly and lightly: "I don't know, I have to go, they are going to find me."

Mo Da also helped Su Li Li carry wood a few times. Seeing that the board was seven inches thick, he shook his head repeatedly, "No, no, no, my mother has only ever had that much in her life. Don't scare her with this whole board of camphor wood. That twisted five-piece pine is just fine, let's go with that. My mother likes good colors, so please paint more flowers on it."

Su Lili, although dressed in male attire, bent her knees slightly, adjusted her clothing, and performed a bow before swiftly darting out the door like a mouse.

Su Lili shamelessly smiled and nodded, saying, "Of course." She tugged at the sleeve of her wooden garment, looked at it for a moment, and casually said, "Wear it back and take those two pieces. What about the other one?"

Yan Huan tilted her head slightly and smiled, saying, "I am fifteen years old this year and have been in this entertainment industry for seven years, having met countless people. Young master, you came, but not for me."

Yan Huan suddenly burst into laughter, turned her body to face him, and gently touched his chin with her finger. It seemed quite amusing to her as she softly uttered, "The one you're looking for may not necessarily be me."

Mr. Li brushed aside the fabric on the desk, and Mr. Zheng, with a sense of importance, opened another thick yellow paper box. Along the edge of the box, he carefully pulled out a set of women's clothing and laid it out on the desk. It was a light pink wide-sleeved long skirt, with a satin lining inside and a thin gauze outside. The slender waist and long hem of the skirt were embroidered with delicate and well-spaced peach blossoms, creating a harmonious and elegant impression.

The substitute was sent to the brothel, taught in singing and dancing, and began receiving clients at the age of thirteen. Surrounded by the atmosphere, she was immersed in the seductive affairs. The conversation paused for a moment over the cup, "Just like this mosquito, struggling desperately, it can only drown. One day, this young lady felt a pang of conscience and wanted to rescue the mosquito. You say, the mosquito has already drowned; what use is it to pull it up? Even if it were not dead, how could it endure this young lady bestowing her favors upon it again?" One day, this young lady felt a pang of conscience and wanted to rescue the mosquito. You say, the mosquito has already drowned; what use is it to pull it up? Even if it were not dead, how could it endure this young lady bestowing her favors upon it again?

The wooden block suddenly stuttered: "I... I, why... why can't I come in?"

In the pavilion, men and women call it "taking the water route," while men and men call it "taking the land route," but it contains some hidden and intricate meanings. Upon hearing this, Yan Huan quickly pulled his sleeping clothes, blushed first, half-lowered his eyebrows, and said softly, "Master Qi, please sit first, forgive me for changing my clothes." Then she turned and went behind the screen.

Yan Huan's expression changed slightly, as if feeling somewhat invigorated. She urged Su Lili, saying: "You should go, my guest has arrived." The two exchanged glances, hesitating, yet neither could find the words to speak. Yan Huan opened her mouth, but ultimately said softly: "Go ahead."

Early the next morning, when Su Lili opened the door, Mu Tou was sitting in front of a coffin board, diligently planing it. Fluffy white wood shavings fell from his hand onto the ground. Su Lili squinted her eyes and looked at him angrily, but Mu Tou didn't even glance at her. After a moment of silence, Su Lili sneered, "How come there's not a single person in the courtyard early in the morning?"

Su Lili looked at his seemingly affectionate but actually cold eyes, and earnestly said: "Young master, this humble woman is just an ordinary commoner, seeking only to live in peace in troubled times and not to provoke any trouble. It is fortunate to have met young master today. I dare not ask young master to visit my business often. Sister Yanhuan is beautiful and gentle. If young master wants to talk to her, I will naturally leave. We are just strangers who meet by chance, why ask for more?" She threw a glance at Yanhuan. "Sister Yanhuan is beautiful and gentle. If young master wants to talk to her, I will naturally leave. We are just strangers who meet by chance, why ask for more?" She threw a glance at Yanhuan.

Mo nodded, "I went the day before yesterday. This is two hundred and ten taels of silver, earned that day, and we split it in half. Ten taels from the remainder is for buying a coffin"

The air was clear and slightly cold. She sat motionless against the wood for a while before looking up at him. The sunlight cast a mix of light and shadow on the side of his face, outlining his features. He gazed at the eaves covered in frost, his eyes filled with a serene ripple.

The expression on the wooden figure was inscrutable, "I have heard of this esteemed individual, and it aligns perfectly with what you have just said. Why does that substitute not reveal that it is a fake?"

As she was lost in thought, passing by that person, he suddenly grabbed her wrist and said with a lazy smile, "Indeed, where in life do we not encounter one another"

Mo Daodao: "You estimate and give it to me, I need it urgently, the ready-made one is the best."

Su Lili was so furious that she was left speechless. With an unknown surge of strength, she lifted her foot and kicked him into a thin-skinned box that was left open at the door. Her long, snow-white legs were fully exposed, presenting an infinite allure and a fleeting glimpse of beauty

After finishing speaking, the wooden man didn't listen and respond. He rubbed his sleepy eyes, washed his face, combed his hair, and went to the kitchen to find food. Uncle Cheng sat at the dining table, drinking soy milk. Su Lili brought a piece of fried dough stick from a takeout, tore off a piece and put it in her mouth. Then she heard Uncle Cheng say, "This child, he was messing around in the yard before dawn today. I guess he didn't sleep last night."

The two people exchanged smiles at each other

The dandy gentleman raised the cup of fragrant tea presented by Yanhuan, but set it aside without drinking. He calmly said, "I know your surname is Su, I'm asking for your given name."

The wooden man did not argue, succinctly said: "You have come for the third time, if you come again, I will show no mercy." With a swift movement, the sword blade broke through the wind, displaying an undeniable determination.

Su Lili remained silent, and Mu Tou glanced at her without saying a word. Uncle Cheng put down his bowl and smiled, saying, "Truly a child." He then went out to busy himself. Su Lili shot a glance at Mu Tou, feeling that she was older than him and deciding not to bicker with a child. She picked some vegetables, wrapped them in a pancake, and handed it over, saying, "Have you become an immortal? Why aren't you eating anything?"

The wooden head shook and said, "That's not what I mean."

Su Lili saw his serious and dignified attitude, and no longer felt angry with him. Looking at the blue and white porcelain on the edge of the bowl, she said softly, "The year my father died, I had nothing. I worked with Uncle Cheng to make a coffin for him. That was the first coffin I made. I can't even remember how many coffins I have made since then... Fortunately, Uncle Cheng has been helping me."

One day, the officials found them. Under pursuit, the minister was severely injured and had little time left. At that time, the young lady was only eight years old. Surrounded by the pursuers, she pushed her young maid out as a substitute. The emperor captured this substitute, still filled with anger, and said, "Since that minister considers himself upright and noble, untainted by the mud, let his daughter become a courtesan, and no one shall be allowed to redeem her"

The Dragon Boat Festival has just passed, yet the weather has become hot and dry. In the small courtyard behind, the green shade of the yellow jujube tree outside the wall faintly reveals the intensity of early summer. Cicadas sing on the branches and leaves, while young larvae weave their silk nests. Su Lili tidies up and takes care of everything, still living her days carefree and without a worry.

The wooden figure observed her anxiety and said little, only stating: "This sister of yours seems to harbor some resentment towards you; your schemes may not be appreciated by her. Since she does not appreciate them, it would be better for you to keep your distance from her."

Upon returning, I saw that there were four or five pieces of scrap wood piled up in the yard, along with a ground covered in wood shavings. Su Li, with her disheveled hair, yawned and pointed at the ground, saying: "Did you carve all of this this morning?"

Su Lili lowered her head and said: "Indeed. If the young master has no other matters, I shall not disturb you further. Farewell."

Uncle Cheng hurriedly exclaimed: "Li Li, stop messing around."

The two individuals each harbor their own thoughts, falling into a moment of silence

Mu Tou coldly added, "This person is in his fifties, was transferred to Youzhou three years ago, and is responsible for guarding the north. He is indeed a capable general"

This season, golden loquats have been newly launched, carried in bamboo baskets, complemented by simple green leaves, and sold along the streets

Su Lili then led him to the inner courtyard and pointed to a large coffin, saying: "How about this one? It was previously ordered by an old gentleman's family. When he passed away, his son did not want it and opted for a cheaper one. So this one has been left here."

Su Lili wrapped herself in a quilt, supported his hand, jumped down from the pile of boards, and each went about their respective tasks as instructed

Su Lili was not pleased: "Hey—I'm talking to him, why is he ignoring me?!"

Yanhua calmly spoke, "She is not as good as you imagine."

Su Lili also looked at the eaves and smiled, saying, "What? Is there money on the eaves?" Having just woken up, her voice was hoarse, adding a touch of sweetness.

In Youzhou, there is the governor Qi Huancheng

To the point

The wood examined her expression and, after a long silence, said: "If you do not wish to speak, then do not. I believe he will not give up easily."

The wooden figure let out a faint sigh, seemingly unmoved by hetushu.com, and did not notice the approaching assailants. He said to Yan Huan, "Although I can take you away, I do not wish to do so." Without glancing aside, he extended his hand and just managed to catch a punch thrown by one of the assailants. With a twist of his wrist, he dislocated the man's bone, lifted him aside, and blocked the two others behind him. With a push off the window frame, he leaped out, his figure graceful like a wild goose, and in an instant, he vanished into the night.

Since the beginning of the dog days, it has been extremely hot. The work in the shop is done in the morning and finished at noon. Su Lili covered the wood with white cloth and sprayed some water at night to prevent it from cracking due to the sun. When the wood saw her spraying water, it questioned, "Will mushrooms grow on it?" Su Lili rolled her eyes and retorted.

Although the wood does not speak, it has taken on most of Cheng Shu's work, working from dawn till dusk in the courtyard every day. Su Lili then taught him to use the Dinglan ruler to measure dimensions, where auspicious positions are always auspicious, and inauspicious positions are always inauspicious.

She let out a strange cry, and as she reached out with her claw-like hands, a steady force pulled her back. A shiny object shot from behind towards the front, forcing the claw-like hands to retract. Su Lili felt a tightness around her waist as she was thrown backward. By the time she steadied herself in the courtyard and regained her senses, the wooden object had already engaged with that person under the moonlight

Two people were struggling there, when the door suddenly opened, Uncle Cheng, holding a candle and wearing clothes, stood at the doorway, squinting and stretching his neck to look at them, saying, "It's so dimly lit here, what are you still talking about?" Although the candlelight was dim, it was enough for Mutou to see clearly the blushing face of Suli, which made him stunned and filled with mixed thoughts instantly.

Su Lili throws again, and the wood swings again.

The dandy turned around and saw Yan Huan still wearing her nightgown, with her creamy bosom partially exposed. He couldn't help but sigh and say, "I really didn't expect that the young master could handle both water and drought."

After a moment of silence, the wooden figure softly said, "I also wish you a lifetime of peace, never to experience a night like last night again."

When I lifted my head, I saw a black-clad young man standing by the window, with a slender waist and long arms, handsome features, eyes like bright stars, arriving with the night breeze. Although it was strange to meet unexpectedly, I was not alarmed, just staring at him blankly. It is indeed a mood killer to see a beauty vomiting, the wooden expression said calmly, "Are you Yan Huan?"

"What is your relationship to her?" Mu Tou asked again

Su Lili turned around and gazed at the wall of the courtyard, slightly lost in thought, as if speaking to herself or perhaps asking him, "Where should I move to?" Just a moment ago, she had appeared calm and composed in the Mingyue Pavilion's room, but now her expression was tranquil, yet deep within her eyes lay the fear of a startled bird, concealing profound terror.

The wooden face is stretched tight, without lifting its head, as if it hears nothing.

Su Lili placed a piece of broken silver into the doctor's hand.

Last year today, you threatened me, saying, "If I die here, only a thin wooden box will be given to me."

When feeling bored, lie down and take a nap next to it. Wake up and cook a pot of mung bean soup to cool down for everyone; or cut a watermelon, peel it, and pick it up with a toothpick to eat. In the evening, sprinkle water on the ground to dispel the heat, spread out a bamboo mat to enjoy the coolness, stay there until the stars fill the sky, fall asleep in a hazy state, unaware of the passing of time. The days are as leisurely as a poor person, and as carefree as a fairy.

The man still spoke warmly and with a smile, saying: "Why are you trembling when you see me, young master?"

After more than a month of absence, Su Lili was stunned and asked, "Did your mother go away?"

Su Lili couldn't help but feel a slight anger. "I am a virtuous woman, not someone from the world of dust," she said. As soon as she finished speaking, she saw Yan Huan change into a light purple dance dress and lean against the screen, quietly watching her. Su Lili suddenly fell silent.

This sentence passed through Su Lili's mind: who is looking for her? As she pondered this, Su Lili seemed to suddenly awaken a bit, her gaze less dazed, yet she remained silent, allowing him to hold her hand, as if she needed this strength and warmth to support her from within

Su Lili rolled her eyes but was at a loss for words

The wood sighed, saying: "It is not entirely so; to blend with the light and dust inevitably leads to being buried beneath the ashes. When the end comes, regret is of no avail."

The two individuals finished their meal, stepped onto the accumulated rainwater, and slowly made their way to the front street of Ruyi Fang, arriving at Yanyi Xuan. Yanyi Xuan is a tailor shop, elegantly and uniquely decorated, frequented exclusively by the servants and maids of high-ranking officials and noble families.

Su Lili was furious, her waist twisted, just about to explode in anger, when Mu Tou put down his legs, looked up with a smile, and said: "This cane is quite stifling, but now it will be much more convenient." He was usually silent, spoke little, and rarely smiled. Now, with this smile, the entire room brightened, as if fireworks had burst forth, creating an instant brilliance that was unforgettable. Their eyes met, silently communicating. Su Lili was stunned for a while before she murmured: "Perhaps I should use it for another month."

Su Lili hesitated for a moment and said, "Let's wait a few more months. I'm worried about your leg injury... I'll tell you when the time comes."

Qi Fengxiang's hand pressed on her waist involuntarily exerted force, and he said in a low voice, "Ye Yanhuan, it's you I've been looking for."

In May, the weather is pleasant, and a gentle breeze refreshes the air. The bright moon shines on the building where flowers rest and willows sway, truly a tender place where one forgets to return. This night, I spent half the time drinking merrily, feeling somewhat intoxicated. Upon returning to my room, my head felt heavy and my eyes droopy, yet my mind was extremely clear. I lay in bed for a long time, feeling regretful for having consumed so much alcohol today. By the fourth watch, I finally found myself leaning over the porcelain basin to vomit.

Su Lili, although she did not understand the waterways or land routes, could see that Yan Huan's face had turned red, which naturally indicated that it was not a pleasant remark. She immediately adopted a serious tone and said: "Young Master, please do not jest. I am a woman, not a man. Yan Huan is my sworn sister, and I have come here today to see her"

The doctor looked at the silver and said, "I have never seen someone recover so quickly. Don't be in a hurry to leave in the next two months."

As the wooden figure saw her raise her hand, he instinctively extended a finger to press on her right wrist's Taiyuan point. Su Lili felt a numbness in her hand and did not react in time, yet her momentum did not diminish; her left hand had already struck the back of the wooden figure. The wooden figure retracted his hand, his legs unable to match her agility, leaving him with no way to evade or retaliate, fearing he might misjudge the force. The room was instantly turned upside down.

The wooden hands do not shake, and he said in a deep voice, "I am human."

Yan Huan sat across the table, chuckling lightly, and said softly: "Young Master Qi, you have come with great difficulty, yet you are here to tease this little sister of mine? She has not seen much of the world, so please do not frighten her."

What are you looking at? Su Lili lazily stood up and said, "You still have that expression."

Su Lili leaned against the door, neither lighting a lamp nor grooming herself, instead closing her eyes and smiling, feeling truly bored. The deep courtyard moon-gazing and flower-beneath-heartfelt feelings that a fifteen-year-old girl should experience did not belong to her, nor did the joy of laughter. Such tranquil moments had already been stolen from the flow of time, and as her hidden worries gradually eased, they abruptly turned again, repeating this cycle, leaving her unable and unwilling to hope for more

Wooden Path: "Why don't you want her to save you?"

The wooden figure, feeling guilty, muttered softly: "Sister."

Go back to sleep! Soon it will be dawn.

Yan Huan quietly observed him for a moment, then leaned down to sit on the stool by the table. She poured a cup of cold tea and only upon bringing it closer did she notice a tiny mosquito floating in the tea. She turned the cup in her hand, watching the tea color ripple over the pristine white porcelain, as the mosquito struggled for a moment, drifting with the water

The wooden figure shook its head and said, "I do not use such a small knife"

Su Lili suddenly woke up, filled with rage: "With such skills to show off in front of me, how did you end up being chopped into pieces back then, forcing me to piece together a complete person with great difficulty?"

On the way back, Su Lili was somewhat silent. Upon reaching the quiet alley in the back street, Mu Tou suddenly said: "I think that outfit suits you well"

Su Lili suspected that Qi Fengxiang had set his sights on Yan Huan, and she pondered with her head lowered: "Whose person is she? What should we do? We absolutely cannot let her fall into someone else's hands"

He glanced at her with a disdainful look, then turned to the wooden figure and said, "I am familiar with your martial arts style. Today, I will not fight with you out of respect for your master." Having said that, he leaped into the air like a bat in the dark night, soaring out of the courtyard

What have you done to upset someone

Having just outlined the contours, Su Lili suddenly stood up, gazing in the direction of the shop's main hall, and asked: "How many tasks are still pending?" Without looking up, Mu Tou replied while continuing to carve: "The three cypress wood coffins for the funeral shop on West Street have had their boards unloaded; the other two miscellaneous tasks have had their felt and mud laid as a base and the seams joined, just waiting for the paint. There are still two that have not been started on the table, with a deadline for delivery in March, for which a deposit has been placed."

Yan Huan said: "You come when she asks you to come?"

Where is it? What is it called?

*

Su Lili tightened her clothes, observing the two individuals standing opposite each other in the courtyard, each firmly entrenched in their position. A subtle aura of killing intent lingered in the air. The early spring night breeze blew in, stirring a few strands of her disheveled hair, while the sleeves of her garment remained motionless, as if contemplating whether to take action or refrain from doing so. The wooden figure stood its ground, the tip of the sword in its hand unmoving.

Su Lili hesitated for a moment, and seeing that he was engrossed, could not help but interrupt: "Um... I seem to have... also hit you..."

Uncle Cheng laughed and shook his head, then turned around and patted his waist. He saw the morning sunlight spilling into the courtyard, bright and dazzling, which lifted his spirits. With a cough, he bent down to continue sawing the cypress wood board.

Su Lili said in a bad tone, "Is it possible for a girl to sell coffins in public?"

Su Lili spoke kindly until the end. Finally, Muto Fang raised his head and said with a mixture of disdain and magnanimity: "I don't argue with women." However, there was an unmistakable hint of amusement in his eyes.

No

Why sell coffins