Chapter 2, the grass appears green from a distance, yet is barren up close
I was astonished and speechless. The dark mark had vanished, the ointment blended seamlessly with the skin, and the area between the brows was as smooth as jade
Why
What is the matter
I do not quite agree with this statement. Who says that fighting and killing have no future? The key lies in who the targets of the fighting and killing are. If the targets are a group of tyrants, and one ultimately carves out a territory, then you would be a great hero, a founding emperor. If the targets are a group of treacherous and evil people, then you would be a chivalrous figure eliminating harm for the people. However, Awu's targets in his fighting and killing are a group of pigs.
Young Master Rong seemed to have choked for a moment, and a glimmer of amusement flashed in his eyes
I certainly want to, but I still think it is better not to go
I gazed at the woman in the painting; she seemed to be me, yet also not me
I felt a surge of joy: "Are you saying that you can help me get rid of it?"
I grinned and said: "Hmm, a spring dream"
I waited in vain all night, and finally he turned around. I couldn't contain my joy as I stole a glance... I woke up speechless
Since Awu has changed his profession, I had no choice but to place a deposit at other butcher shops in town, agreeing to have meat delivered to Jialuo on the first day of each month, along with some oil, salt, and other items.
The room is so quiet that not even a breeze can be felt, and the fragrance of the flowers is particularly strong
Why did you wake up so early as well
I stepped out of the Negative Snow Tower, filled with confusion. Who is responsible for this seal? Why must my brow wheel be sealed? There are very few in this world who possess knowledge of such matters; is this extraordinary talent a blessing or a curse?
Upon hearing this, Mei Wu's expression was more joyful than surprised: "Really?"
The corners of his lips curled into a silent smile, and within the depths of his sparkling eyes, it seemed as if the glow of a day's sunset had merged.
The eyebrows arched in a coy smile
He stared at me and asked seriously, "Do you still want to remove this seal?"
He propped himself against the table and leaped out of the window like a hawk, landing eight zhang away under a peach tree, trembling fingers and a slightly flushed face: "You ... ... "
Is it true
I did not expect him to be so infatuated and devoted, it even moved me somewhat. However, matters of the heart often leave outsiders feeling deeply touched, while the parties involved remain indifferent.
I am indeed curious: "What kind of special method is this? Could it be that you are sending me a husband?"
With a puff, he turned around. The pair of hands resting behind him had an unusual bone structure
After a while, he handed the painting to me
I : `` ... ... ''
I: "... ..." Those who have fallen in love indeed tend to have a somewhat unconventional way of thinking
The lotus flower said, I am too handsome
Mei Wu adopted a different approach to persuasion, saying, "I don't think there's anything wrong with being a butcher. Your wife can enjoy pig ears every day and drink pig liver soup."
Then you should wait for the master to return before discussing it further
He looked at me and said, "Naturally, it is you"
He thoughtfully changed the subject and looked at me subtly
In order to prevent Awu from losing hope in this world, I weakly raised my hand
I felt a darkness envelop me, and trembling, I said: "Could it be that I am a fairy?"
The moonlight is like silk, illuminating the courtyard with a misty atmosphere, as if it were gently rippling on the water's surface. Below, a faint sound of footsteps can be heard, and a figure emerges from the shadows of the trees
Alright, but there is one more thing
He held a morning glory in his hand and placed it on my golden plate, smiling gently: "Well, I have a gift to privately present to you"
Awu sighed and said softly, "Are there still women in this world who are not insincere?"
What are you doing
I asked with a smile, "Could it be the treasures of gold and silver buried underground?"
His finger paused between my eyebrows as he asked, "Is this mark between your eyebrows something you were born with?"
Are you going to that seal or not
I stepped forward, and he raised his sleeve, reaching out towards my cheek. Instinctively, I recoiled, my heart racing twice.
I wiped the spout with my sleeve and handed it to him
I was secretly pondering over the person before me, lost in a daze, until a voice called out from above, ruining the moment, and only then did I realize that I had been gazing at him, not knowing for how long.
Awu, under the influence of Meiwu, transformed into a different person after three days
I carefully held the jade bowl and sincerely exclaimed: "Exquisite to the extreme, Awu, you truly excel in both the parlor and the kitchen, capable of saving lives and captivating souls. You are simply a model of a virtuous wife and mother, a distinguished physician suitable for both home and family"
He sighed lightly and said, "Ah, you know, finding a wife in the future is also a hassle. If I marry someone like you, others will say I am a fresh flower placed in cow dung. If I marry someone like Meiwu, I fear she might overshadow my brilliance."
I : `` ... ... ''
His appearance is simply worlds apart from the past. In the entire town, there is no man more handsome than him. He joyfully took his leave, asking me and Meiwu to wait for his wedding candies.
Mei Wu and Rong Chen both let out a soft snort
Then you might as well not go to the seal, for if you see those things all day long, how can you live your life?" She suddenly widened her eyes: "Oh dear, if I enjoy the night with my husband, wouldn't I be able to see the onlookers by the bedside?
She seems to have forgotten that she is engaged in this unreliable endeavor
Of course I want to, how do I go about it
I have decided to go to sleep first; this matter is not urgent, so allow me to think it over further
Early the next morning, as usual, I got up before dawn to pick morning glories. At the moment the sun rose in the east, a clear and melodious exclamation suddenly came from behind me: "The sunrise over the East Sea is indeed magnificent and grand"
Isn't my current appearance the original one?
Meiwu pinched me again: "I hate it, you little brat"
If the black marks are removed, you will resemble this figure in the painting
I opened my eyes a crack and dryly laughed: "Perhaps it's better not to say anything after all"
It was again the lotus speaking. I patted his shoulder and said, "Awu, there is no need to be sad. Besides the lotus, there are also peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, chrysanthemum blossoms..."
I pressed my hand against my heart and said softly, "Young Master, allow me to return first to piece together my heart that has shattered into seven or eight fragments."
I solemnly state: "Form is emptiness ... ... "
With a graceful arch of her brow, she smiled with a charming pride: "It is indeed true, for I am a disciple of the renowned divine physician Mo Gui, and while I may not be a divine physician myself, I can certainly be considered a distinguished physician"
It is truly a brush that brings forth flowers with exquisite skill
Mei Wu also felt the same way, so she simply arranged for A Wu to have a complete makeover. A few days later, when the package was opened, A Wu was pleasantly surprised and spent the entire day admiring himself in the mirror. When he went to the well to fetch water, he couldn't help but lean over to admire his reflection, almost falling headfirst into the well.
Ah, well said, well said. I rubbed the goosebumps on my arms and asked, "How did you change your profession?"
Do you not believe it
Rong Chen fell silent for a moment and asked, "Why?"
He gently lifted a thing as thin as a cicada's wing from between my eyebrows
I couldn't help but be taken aback; in my lifetime, it is indeed surprising that a man would give me a gift! I turned my head to look at the sun, and it was indeed rising from the east.
I reached out and grabbed his belt, stating seriously: "The master has said that when practicing medicine and treating illnesses, one must completely forget oneself"
This scene is so reminiscent of my first encounter with Rong Chen, yet while Rong Chen exudes elegance and charm, this person seems to have endured the vicissitudes of life, dressed in a disheveled long robe, embodying profound solitude. Gazing at that lonely figure, I unexpectedly felt a deep, penetrating sympathy and heartache in my dream, as if this person's loneliness and desolation were intimately connected to me, evoking a shared emotional experience.
Is it good-looking
He walked straight to the desk, turned around, and waved at me, saying, "Come here"
Mei Wu and I thought that this time we would all be very happy to return, but unexpectedly, just one day later, A Wu came floating in to complain: "He Hua said that while my eyes are big, they make my nose look too small"
The handsome Awu left in sorrow. Both Meimu and I felt a deep sense of regret. Many things cannot be changed by external forces; although Meimu possesses exquisite skills that can alter Awu's appearance, she cannot change the heart of the lotus flower.
I rolled up my sleeves, ready to fight again
Remove the seal, and you will be able to unlock the knowledge of the heavens, witnessing things that ordinary mortals cannot see
Lotus is the beloved of Awu. Ever since I got to know him, the three words I have heard most frequently from his mouth are "Lotus said," which appears far more often than the Confucian saying "Confucius said"
With a dazed and confused expression, I spent the day in a state of oblivion. Just before going to sleep, I suddenly pinched myself fiercely and murmured, "I can't be dreaming, can I"
Awu floated over to Miss Meiwu and said, "I have heard that you are the best at changing people's appearances. Could you give me a pair of big eyes?"
Upon arriving in the town, Awu's butcher shop was unexpectedly closed. After inquiring with the neighbors for quite some time, he finally located him, only to discover that in the half month since they last met, he had surprisingly changed his profession and become an assistant to a private tutor.
The woman in the painting has eyebrows like distant mountains, her autumn-like eyes are lively, and her smile is serene and beautiful. Her skirt flutters gracefully, as if a gentle breeze arises, allowing her to soar through the clouds.
"There is no rush, take your time to think it over, and feel free to come to me whenever you are ready." His tone was extremely tolerant and gentle, resembling that of a caregiver soothing a gluttonous child who fears a stomachache.
Excessive alcohol is harmful to the body. A little is sufficient
I ask myself about my benevolence and skill, but by the age of seventeen, I have only had one male who loved me, and that was Wangcai
The lotus flower said that she cannot marry a butcher
Having grown accustomed to his short attire, I was taken aback by his sudden appearance in a long gown and a blue scarf atop his head. It took me quite a while to recognize him. Just as I was about to compliment him, saying, "One has to look at you with new eyes after not seeing you for three days," I heard him, in a refined manner, say: "Miss Linglong, it truly feels like a separation of three autumns after just one day apart. After three autumns without seeing you, I have nearly died from longing."
Three people were sitting under the camphor tree, happily enjoying their meal at a large square table, when suddenly they heard someone calling from outside the bamboo grove. Wangcai immediately struck a signature pose like a tiger descending the mountain, and upon seeing Awu, he sulkily squatted down to continue gnawing on a chicken bone
His smile froze
Indeed, there are fragrant grasses everywhere under the heavens. I believe Linglong is no less than the lotus.
Rong Chen let out a rather ungracious snort.
Um, reciting scriptures
Now you believe it, don't you
I am somewhat taken aback, as I never expected that in my lifetime, there would actually be someone willing to paint my portrait. Although my master and Mei Wu have never said that I am ugly, almost every man who sees me quickly averts his gaze, which shows just how unsuitable my imposing appearance is for a woman.
What gift
He showed a hint of surprise: "Don't you want to remove it?"
He did not seem to mind, tilting his head to take a sip, then shaking the wine flask, and with a displeased smile said, "Is that all?"
Let me think about it
I returned to Gallo carrying a bag of large fish and meat, and Mei Wu showcased her skills by preparing a splendid feast.
I sincerely praise: "Beautiful, who is this?"
He lowered his head and moved his wrist, the brush flowing like clouds and water in his hand. Strangely, since he was painting my portrait, why did he not even glance at me?
I nodded in agreement
He glanced at me and said, "Don't you think this meaning is too trivial?"
Come, I will draw a picture for you
"Sit still." He pressed me in front of the bronze mirror, took a ball of something from the brocade box, and applied it a few times between my eyebrows. There was a cool and smooth sensation on my skin, but as his fingers moved, a hint of warmth emerged amidst the coolness.
I swallowed hard and quietly got up
How should one choose? An internal struggle ensues, yet in the end, reason prevails slightly over emotion
He hurriedly grabbed the other end of the belt
Lotus, can you please finish your statement in one go
I ... ...
He spread out a sheet of rice paper, pressed down a jade Pixiu paperweight, and then began to write
... ... Puh, struck in the heart.
I couldn't help but exclaim: "I never expected that the young master’s skill in disguise was so remarkable, nor did I anticipate that I would be so... pleasing to the eye."
The woman in the painting is graceful and ethereal, with eyes that seem to hold a spring of water. Remove the seal, and she becomes just like this painting, no longer the shocking ugly woman that everyone sees, perhaps some men will be captivated by me.
He quietly waited for me to finish speaking, fell silent for a moment, then patted my shoulder and said seriously: "What you said is also true. For someone like me, women like me, but I don't know if they are attracted to my appearance or to me as a person. Therefore, being too good-looking can also be quite troublesome; having too many admirers can be very complicated."
I pondered for an entire day, yet I could not make up my mind whether to go or not to this seal, so I went to Hanyan Pavilion to discuss it with Meiwu
He smiled gently, his gaze soft as water, leaving one dazzled. "I haven't thought about this matter for the time being; just agree for now."
He said softly: "Among the pile of fresh flowers, I only pluck one. Apart from her, I want no one else"
He held the bronze mirror up to my eyes
Awu frowned and said, "You don't count as a woman."
Awu's eyes immediately glinted with a green light: "Then would you be willing to marry a butcher?"
Not yet decided
As a senior sister, I suddenly feel that I have been too low-key. I have been learning medicine from my master since I was young, while Mei Wu entered the field later and her medical skills are far inferior to mine. However, she is quite skilled in aesthetics. According to my master's words, every profession has its specialization. She excels at performing surgery on faces, while I excel at performing surgery on the human body
I am quite pleased, but privately I have another concern; now that he has become so handsome, he surely won't look down on the lotus, will he
He pointed to the dark mark between my eyebrows and said, "This is not a birthmark; it is the seal of the brow wheel"
He looked innocent and said, "What did I say?"
After tossing and turning all night, I still couldn't come up with a solution. In a daze, I fell into a dream and surprisingly had the same dream again. It was still that ethereal island shrouded in mist, and that person had their back to me, with an eagle perched on their shoulder
"Indeed, it is you, in your true form." His serious demeanor did not seem like a joke; his usually indifferent and casual expression was rarely so earnest and profound.
I was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter: "Do you think I have never looked in the mirror? How could I possibly be that good-looking?"
Well, it is said, "Fairies are all very beautiful."
Awu wiped away a tear: "Miss Meiwu, how can you utter such words that betray your conscience?"
Due to the arrival of esteemed guests, the lunch was exceptionally lavish, accompanied by the newly brewed rice wine from Meiwu, served in jade-green bowls
What else is there
I felt a bit unusual in my heart and closed my eyes
I nodded
He seemed to sense my concern and immediately said with a smile: "Rest assured, I will never let you do anything that goes against morality."
Little did anyone know that that night, Awu came crying to the door again
This mark dissolves into flesh and blood, unless this piece of flesh is cut away. Rather than having a large bowl embedded in my head, it is better to have a lump of ink on top, don't you think? In fact, this is quite good; it is very safe when going out, and besides, I cannot see it myself
I couldn't help but scratch the table leg ... ? ... It's just for looking, after all. ? Young master, just how high are your standards
What sutra to recite
Women generally have thin skin and do not speak such words
Some matters, although not morally reprehensible, are also not advisable to pursue. I have always preferred to engage in endeavors where I have certainty. This request, filled with uncertainty, resembles an invisible thread that may tighten at any moment, compelling me to accomplish something unknown. Whether I can achieve it and whether I am willing to do so remain uncertain. I do not appreciate this feeling of being out of control. The prospect of completing an unknown task, whether I can do it and whether I am willing to do it, is all uncertain. I do not like this feeling of being unable to control the situation.
The master dislikes noise and deliberately wishes to maintain an air of mystery, which is why he chose a place like Garo, akin to a secluded paradise. Everything here is quite good, but it is somewhat isolated, leading to minor inconveniences in daily life. Therefore, the master instructed Awu to deliver some meat, oil, and salt for living expenses from the town every half month
Meiwu covered her mouth and let out a sound, her expression transforming into one of surprise greater than joy
The master is a person of particular taste, insisting that each type of tea must be paired with a specific cup. Tieguanyin is served in a purple clay cup, Maojian in a glass cup, and snow chrysanthemum tea in a white jade bowl. The same applies to Meiwu, where rice wine must be presented in a jade green bowl to look appealing
Awu lamented softly: "I have changed my profession, yet the lotus still refuses to accept me. She says my eyes are too small"
He said softly: "One should not be too selfish; one must consider the feelings of others. With such a graceful figure, it is likely because she dines with you every day..."
The rice wine has a sweet and sour taste upon entry, with an aroma that is fragrant yet not overpowering, light yet not insipid, and it is also infused with a subtle fragrance of lotus leaves
My originally hesitant heart has become even more uncertain
He spoke slowly and deliberately: "Ghosts and spirits, or some unclean things. For example, if you wake up at night, you might see a few floating in front of your bed..."
... this is not good, is it? What if I am compelled to commit murder and arson?
His manner of eating is truly pleasing to the eye; with a mere gesture, he exudes elegance. Although he partakes in the mundane pleasures of food, there is an air of drinking in the wind and dew, which is quite delightful to behold
This statement is quite powerful, and I felt somewhat unsettled. I straightened my chest and said: "Am I not considered a woman? I have both a front and a back."
How could it be the butcher Awu from the town
I am a person who is content and happy, very satisfied with the peaceful and tranquil life I currently lead. The only regret I have is that my appearance is not entirely satisfactory, but in life, things do not often go as we wish; how can everything be to our liking? Naturally, having a good appearance can attract more affection from others. I also wish to have a pleasing appearance, to find a suitable partner, and to keep him in a golden house. However, look at Awu; no matter how his appearance changes, Hehua does not like him. I also wish to have a pleasing appearance, to find a suitable partner, and to keep him in a golden house. However, look at Awu; no matter how his appearance changes, Hehua does not like him. If one truly loves another, one should not mind their appearance. Perhaps I will meet someone who likes me not for my looks; in that case, it would be my good fortune.
I tugged at the ends of the belt with him several times, but ultimately could not match his strength, and the belt was pulled back by him.
She said that I spend my days fighting and killing without any future
I truly find it hard to believe that I could look this good
I stood there speechless. Meiwu was caught between laughter and tears. Awu's handsome face was reduced to a mess, resembling poorly kneaded dough
He nodded
I can manage with a vegetarian diet, but Rong Chen is a distinguished guest of my master; how can I continue to serve such bland food? I have decided to personally go to the town to buy some meat.
The art of enhancing beauty is easily mastered, have you never considered helping you remove it
I have always been accustomed to being low-key; the word "good-looking" rolled around on my tongue a few times before I ultimately swallowed it back.
I chuckled and changed the subject: "Young master, I have come to a realization. This seal can be regarded as a birthmark."
The white long shirt is adorned only at the hem with a few embroidered slender bamboos, complementing his noble and elegant, otherworldly appearance, resembling a figure from a painting. The appearance reflects the heart; I believe he must be an extremely refined person, possessing a slight obsession with cleanliness, an exquisite taste, and a pair of eyes that can see into the depths of one's heart, yet harboring a heart that is indifferent and unconcerned.
I shook the flask and said generously, "Come up and have a drink."
Her face flushed with two shades of crimson, yet she did not show any modesty, and said openly: "You are right."
I asked in astonishment, "Awu, what is wrong with you?"
Please wait a moment. He went behind the screen and took out a small brocade box
I have a head full of black lines
I was taken aback: "Sealing?"
He smiled and teased, "A very special gift"
I was left speechless, a wave of goosebumps quietly descended upon me
I sighed and stepped forward to pat his shoulder: "Brother, my condolences. Liking you, one reason is too many; disliking you, a thousand reasons are too few. This is just an excuse for the lotus flower."
If it weren't for this black mark, you would actually be a "well, a girl who is presentable"
As the night deepens, I climb to the Moon Viewing Pavilion, holding a pot of Forgetting Worries in my hands
He took a fine wolf hair brush from the pen holder on the rosewood table. The sunlight illuminated his fingers, which were long and fair, possessing a luster as smooth and warm as jade
I gently adjusted my sleeves and said, "That is what I say, but if one frightens someone away at first glance, how can there be any opportunity for later interaction and understanding?"
He nodded with a smile and said slowly, "However, you must promise me one thing"
It is said that after removing it, I opened my mind and could see some ghosts and spirits.
He smiled gently and coaxed softly, "Just go ahead and say it."
This is still not a trivial matter. Mei Wu, with a lively expression, pointed at the corner of Awu's eyes with her chopsticks, as if she were directing a grand strategy: "If you make this part a bit larger, your eyes will appear bigger. If you still find them not big enough, I can give you a double eyelid surgery, ensuring that your eyes will become bright and spirited."
I dread every time I consume rice wine, fearing that I might drop the jade bowl. Although the divine physician earns a fortune daily, he cannot withstand having a spendthrift master and a prodigal disciple. As the financial manager of Jialuo, I am truly distressed in my efforts to maintain a balance between income and expenditure
Do you want to remove this seal
Rong Chen stood downstairs with his hands behind his back, looking up at me.
She said again: "Linglong, if someone truly likes you, would they care about your appearance? Love at first sight is the least reliable of all."
I chuckled to myself, having cultivated an indomitable heart over many years of practicing medicine. To bully others in front of me with mere "power" is simply... After pondering for a long time, I could not find the right words, so I returned to Lingxi Pavilion to wash my handkerchief
He smiled brightly and said, "This is a gift for you from me"
It is said that what one thinks about during the day will manifest in dreams at night. Today is already the 3rd of April, and Awu has not yet arrived, so I dreamt of him.
Young master, you are truly a master of killing without a trace
He ascended the stairs and sat beside me
Awu, dressed in a long white robe, floated over with a melancholic air
I chuckled softly and returned to Lingxi Pavilion to sleep
I followed him while reciting scriptures to the Snowy Loft and entered the study
Oh, please don't go, I haven't finished speaking yet