Chapter Nine, affectionate yet vexed by indifference

The two arrived at the Xie residence. After announcing their arrival, the chief steward, Xie Cheng, came out to greet them, looking at Xie Fangfei with a complex expression. After a moment, he said, "The young master requests that Fangfei enter alone; please wait here for a moment, Young Master Rong." Young Master Rong complied and sat down in the living room to wait.

Looking at her with a hint of surprise, he asked: "May I ask where Miss Fangfei has seen these?" These masterpieces are all rare treasures, how could ordinary people easily come across them

Exhausted, they fell asleep, and there was no conversation throughout the night. It was not until noon the next day that Xiao Yan and the others returned. Xie Fangfei hurriedly followed behind Wang Mao to inquire: "Brother Wang, did you manage to capture Qiu Kaiyu?"

Rongqing said: "Manager Li has applied a heavy dose of powder to the ginseng, it is definitely not to be lost. I have been hiding in the shadows at the foot of the mountain for half a day, and upon seeing Qiu Kaiyu swiftly descend from this steep cliff, I dared to inform Lord Xiao. While he is away, let us descend the mountain; Lord Xiao has been waiting for us at the foot of the mountain."

Let us descend the mountain. Miss Fangfei held on tightly, as the mountain was quite steep. This desolate mountain is rarely visited by people, and no birds come here; it truly feels like the monkeys wish to cross but are troubled by the climb. At first, there was no path at all; the peaks reached the sky, and the withered pines hung precariously against the sheer cliffs. If it were not for those with exceptional lightness of body, it would be impossible to ascend. Only after descending to the halfway point did a long-abandoned narrow path for sheep appear, where the steepness eased somewhat, and the vines grew thickly, making the way indistinguishable. After walking for a while longer, the terrain became much flatter and more open. Xie Fangfei lay on the higher ground, looking around. She said, "Young Master Rong, I will come down and walk by myself. It is quite hot." The two of them leaned against each other on this hot day, and it was indeed quite warm. Moreover, there is a distinction between men and women; although the situation was urgent, it still felt somewhat awkward.

Xiao Yan also said from the side: "This is indeed a rare opportunity, a once-in-a-thousand-years chance. Qiu Xiaozai is ruthless and cunning, appearing and disappearing like a ghost, coupled with his unparalleled martial arts, he is truly a significant threat that must be eliminated swiftly. This time, who would have expected us to ambush him right at his doorstep?" Standing tall, he issued a series of commands to the crowd: "Lieutenant Liu Qingyuan will lead a number of archers to ambush in the dense forest ahead. As soon as Qiu Kaiyu appears within range, they are to shoot immediately, ensuring that his escape route is sealed. Wang Mao, the long history officer, will lead twenty skilled men to ambush in the thicket on the mountain. If the first strike fails, they are to retreat immediately. Show no mercy!"

Xie Fangfei, busy and covered in dirt, paid no mind as she hurried back to the Xiao residence with Zhang Yong and the others overnight. After such a night of turmoil and sweating profusely, her illness had surprisingly improved by more than half. Consequently, Xie Fangfei refused to drink the bitter traditional Chinese medicine. At that time, she had intentionally exposed herself to the cold, and the prescription she received had actually forgotten to include the sweetening licorice, forcing her to drink it down, which nearly cost her life and was unbearably苦.

Xie Fangfei felt a surge of emotion in her heart, and with a sigh, she said: "What excuse does the young master have to keep Fangfei here? Fangfei is neither a courtesan nor a servant girl, and a prestigious family like yours would not permit interactions with someone of my status. It is a mismatch. Moreover, your wife and children are still in Jingzhou, waiting for you to return. " She clearly refused

"Let me, Xiao, stand atop this precipice. I wish to personally meet the so-called 'Evil Monarch' who instills fear in the hearts of all under heaven, to see just how formidable he truly is. The autumn thief has rampaged for a lifetime, committing heinous crimes; it seems today is the end of his fate!" Xiao Yan declared with great ambition, indeed exuding the aura of one who reigns over the world. The crowd responded with a thunderous agreement, their voices echoing like a seismic tremor, instilling both fear and courage in the hearts of all.

Xie Fangfei deliberately broke the branches of the flowers and plants on both sides, leaving a nearby area in complete disarray. Anyone who pays attention would surely become alert. Such places are not frequented by ordinary people. After some thought, she hung her daily white sweat towel on the conspicuous grass, and the white against the green grass was indeed eye-catching. She only hoped that her painstaking efforts would not be in vain, and that when Qiu Kaiyu returned, he would notice it.

Rong Qing, following her words, set aside Xie Fangfei and led her down the mountain. Rong Qing walked ahead for quite a while, having just carried her through the clouds, yet showing no signs of fatigue. Xie Fangfei, panting heavily and drenched in sweat, gasped, "Young Master Rong, Young Master Rong, I truly cannot walk any longer; let us rest for a moment." She found a stone and sat down heavily. Looking around, she wiped her sweat and said, "Lord Xiao should be returning by now. I feel quite embarrassed that so many have been mobilized for just me."

Xie Fangfei entered Xie Tiao's bedroom with a slight tingling sensation in her scalp. She saw Xie Tiao lying facing her, his face gaunt, lips pale, and looking extremely haggard, lacking the charm he once had. Startled, she couldn't help but approach and softly ask, "Young Master, are you feeling any better? What have you been eating lately? How have you lost so much weight?"

"With grace present." With a step forward, Rongqing responded with a cupped-hand salute, still composed and elegant, neither hurried nor slow, with no discernible change of emotion on her face

Xie Fangfei was trying hard to recall the life of Zhang Sengyao and said: "So it is that Zhang Sengyao who is skilled in figure painting. I have seen his 'Wu Zhu Ge Hu Tu', which indeed looks as if it is alive. There is also a painting by Gu Kaizhi, 'Nushi Zhen Tu', which I have seen as well; the movements and expressions of the figures are extremely delicate and lifelike"

Rongqing stood behind her and said: "This is the original work of the great painter Zhang Sengyao, which is why this mural is so vivid, dynamic, and fluid, without a trace of chisel marks"

Xie Fangfei finally felt a sense of relief at this moment, but there was still some unease in her heart. Wasn't her action a betrayal to Xiao Yan? After much contemplation, she decided that this time, she would consider it as if Qiu Kaiyu's fate was not meant to end. Perhaps, perhaps he really did not return for a night, and it had nothing to do with her at all

I am not entirely clear either. According to Master Tao Hongjing, there is no major issue. Xie Fangfei let out a sigh of relief; since Tao Hongjing said there was no problem, then even the King of Hell could do nothing to Xie Tiao. She sighed and said, "The matter concerning Young Master Xie all originated from me, so this 'Jiao Wei' should naturally be returned intact to Zhao." Rong Qing took out a strap from her body and said, "Miss Fangfei, just in case there are any mishaps, it is better to tie it up securely." She tightly wrapped it around her back. She sighed and said, "The matter concerning Young Master Xie all originated from me, so this 'Jiao Wei' should naturally be returned intact to Zhao." Rong Qing took out a strap from her body and said, "Miss Fangfei, just in case there are any mishaps, it is better to tie it up securely." She tightly wrapped it around her back.

Everyone laughed and walked away cheerfully. Xie Fangfei said from behind, "Make sure to walk a bit further away." The others thought she was just a shy girl, and indeed, they walked far enough that they were no longer visible.

Without looking back, he walked out and said to Rong Qing with a forced smile, "Young Master Rong, we have been here for quite some time, it is time for us to leave." Rong Qing stood up and bowed to Xie Cheng, saying, "Please forgive me for the disturbance." Together with Xie Fangfei, they exited the Xie residence. Xie Fangfei turned back to look at the imposing and majestic Xie residence, which seemed unassailable, and said to Rong Qing, "I wonder how many lives have been imprisoned within such a deep and grand household."

Xie Fangfei looked at the gracefully fluttering butterfly with great interest, both surprised and amazed, saying: "The butterfly raised by Manager Li is truly an expert at tracking, managing to find its way to such a place." As she spoke, she reached out to tease the entirely black, unremarkable butterfly, but unfortunately, it flew away with an air of arrogance, completely ignoring her. Such a butterfly is difficult to detect, allowing it to take advantage of the element of surprise and attack when unprepared.

Xie Fangfei asked curiously, "Sir, what are you doing?" She did not understand why he had mobilized so many people.

Xie Tiao kept staring at her in silence, a look of pain crossing his face. Xie Fangfei also remained silent for a long time, and finally had to break the silence to explain: "Young Master, Fangfei indeed entered the Xie residence that day to escape the pursuit of Qiu Kaiyu, but I did not expect that not only did Fangfei implicate you and cause you to be seriously injured, but also allowed 'Jiao Wei' to fall into the hands of the thieves. Fangfei knows that her guilt is unavoidable, but fortunately, heaven has opened its eyes, and she escaped from death. Today, Fangfei has specially come to bear the burden and seek forgiveness, to return 'Jiao Wei' to you intact, and I ask for your forgiveness."

Fortunately, he showed no concern and simply smiled gently at Xie Fangfei, saying little, thus sparing her much explanation and defense.

The two finally arrived at the foot of the mountain in the dark. Xie Fangfei stepped forward and said, "My lord!" Xiao Yan was directing the others when he saw her, and he rarely showed a genuine smile, saying, "Fangfei, it's great that you are safe." He arranged for the others to protect her, then turned to Wang Mao, the Chief Historian beside him, and said, "Chief Historian Wang, immediately take a skilled team up the mountain from behind, and be sure to conceal your tracks carefully, so as not to alert the enemy."

Xie Fangfei lowered her head and said: "Lord Xie is concerned. Fangfei is already out of danger." Looking at the misty peak, her feelings were complex, and for a moment, she could not find the words to speak. Xiao Yan was skilled in military strategy, and the entire encirclement was naturally impenetrable, like a wall of bronze and iron. Qiu Kaiyu was caught off guard and found it impossible to escape.

Rongqing was the first to enter the courtyard, walking and laughing as he said: "The origin of this temple's name is quite interesting. The most famous feature of the Aotu Temple is the various concave and convex flowers painted on the temple gate. From a distance, they create a dizzying effect as if there is a sense of concavity and convexity, but up close, they appear quite ordinary, just like any other mural. The entire population of Jingkang is very curious, and visitors come in an endless stream every day. Thus, this temple is named Aotu Temple"

With a slight nod, he acknowledged the greeting and said: "Lord Xiao received Miss Fangfei's signal and quickly gathered a large number of men waiting at the foot of the mountain. However, this area is steep and hidden, making it difficult for ordinary people to ascend. I also followed this butterfly and managed to find my way up with great difficulty. This place is a stronghold, easy to defend but hard to attack, and having too many people actually complicates movement." As he spoke, he began to assess the terrain.

Xie Fangfei resolutely said: "Then, are you willing to hurt the hearts of the elders of the Xie family and your wife and children?" To hesitate in making a decision is to invite chaos upon oneself

As Xie Fangfei turned along the mountain path with her escort, she felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity with her surroundings. Suddenly, she recalled that this was the very place where she had once lamented to Qiu Kaiyu, saying, "This path is more difficult than ascending to the heavens, making one hear this and wither in beauty." The gentle expression of Qiu Kaiyu at that time remained vividly in her memory, as if it were right before her eyes. It is a pity that the world has changed so much, and everything has come to an end.

Xie Cheng murmured beside Xie Fangfei: "Fangfei, ever since the young master was summoned back to the capital from Jingzhou due to slander, not a single day has been filled with happiness. Previously, he spent his days indulging in brothels, drinking and reveling, gathering with others to take drugs, and recklessly ruining himself. After you arrived, the young master truly began to smile; although he still drank and composed poetry, he was cheerful and joyful every day, and his complexion improved significantly. After waking up from his injuries and learning about you, he became despondent, spoke little, and was reluctant to eat, becoming so thin that it pained us, his servants, to see. Later, when you came, the young master truly regained his smile; although he still drank and composed poetry, he was cheerful and joyful every day, and his complexion improved significantly. After waking up from his injuries and learning about you, he became despondent, spoke little, and was reluctant to eat, becoming so thin that it pained us, his servants, to see. Fangfei, considering how well the young master treats you, can't you stay a little longer?"

Xie Fangfei stood up with Rong Qing's support, feeling weak. Rong Qing slightly leaned forward and said, "Miss Fangfei, I apologize for my offense." He carried her on his back and was about to leave. Xie Fangfei thought of something and hurriedly said, "Wait a moment." Struggling to pick up the "Jiao Wei" from the table, she said to Rong Qing, "Young Master Rong, this unremarkable item is the 'Jiao Wei.' I wonder how anxious Young Master Xie must be."

Xie Fangfei could not help but stand for a moment, and suddenly said to the guards beside her: "Brothers, could you please step back a little? I will come shortly."

With such a grand and righteous accusation from Xie Fangfei, Xie Tiao was rendered speechless, unable to even utter his rebellious words. He trembled, unable to speak, and looked at Xie Fangfei with tears in his eyes as she resolutely pushed the door open and left

Upon entering the living room, I saw Rong Qing sitting there, elegantly sipping tea. With a smile, I said, "Young Master Rong seems to be in good spirits. May I also have a cup?" Rong Qing gestured for me to proceed, took out a teacup, and rinsed it three times before pouring fresh tea for Xie Fangfei. Without even glancing at it, Xie Fangfei drank it all in one go, then poured herself another cup before saying, "I have come this time to ask Young Master Rong for a favor."

Xie Fangfei curiously asked, "Is it really that amazing? I would like to see for myself." She ran to the front of the temple and stood at a distance, and indeed, the statues had a three-dimensional quality, appearing very lifelike. As she approached, she saw only a blend of vermilion and green. Xie Fangfei smiled and said, "It is indeed as such; it truly deserves the name of the Concave-Convex Temple."

Xie Fangfei did not expect that Rong Qing was actually an art enthusiast. As she observed the expression of fascination and amazement on his face, she was at a loss for words when suddenly, she heard a woman's voice behind her say: "Well said! It turns out that the young master is also a person of this field."

Xie Fangfei was at a loss for words and could only vaguely say: "I have seen it a long time ago as well." It was merely in an art textbook.

Xie Fangfei walked back and forth several times, and suddenly exclaimed, "Oh, I understand now." Rong Qing, slightly taken aback, asked, "What has Miss Fangfei come to understand?"

Xie Tiao's face grew increasingly pale as he trembled and said, "Fang Fei, how could you be so heartless as to hurt my feelings like this?"

Wang Maochui, feeling dejected and resentful, said: "All our personnel were fully prepared, lying in ambush all around, waiting for an entire night, and that fellow Qiu actually did not return! As dawn broke, unable to do anything, we had no choice but to sound the retreat and return. This time, it seems that this fellow has had a stroke of luck!" While cursing, he shook his head and went back to his room to sleep.

Fang Fei excitedly said: "Of course I understand why this mural has a sense of relief! It is entirely due to the parallax effect of light on the eyes. The reason people can see things is completely because the eyes reflect light. Therefore, because the absorption of visible light wavelengths by vermilion and emerald green is different, a three-dimensional sense of relief is produced visually..." Seeing Rong Qing looking at her with a blank expression, she quickly stopped, smiled awkwardly at him, and said: "I just, um, suddenly realized something and couldn't help but..." At that moment, she also found it hard to continue her rambling. The reason people can see things is completely because the eyes reflect light. Therefore, because the absorption of visible light wavelengths by vermilion and emerald green is different, a three-dimensional sense of relief is produced visually..." Seeing Rong Qing looking at her with a blank expression, she quickly stopped, smiled awkwardly at him, and said: "I just, um, suddenly realized something and couldn't help but..." At that moment, she also found it hard to continue her rambling, so she habitually shrugged her shoulders, said no more, and stood aside to avoid saying anything further that might be incorrect.

Xiao Yan arranged everything and walked over with concern, saying: "Fang Fei, are you feeling better from the wind and cold? It is not suitable to stay here for long; you must be tired. I will have someone take you back to the residence to rest."

With a sense of admiration towards the mural, Rongqing exclaimed: "Observing the masterful work of Master Zhang Sengyao, it has reached a level where even spirits and demons are exquisitely portrayed. Regardless of their strange forms and appearances, they remain timeless, truly a master of his generation". His words were filled with utmost reverence for him

Hearing this, Xie Cheng fell silent. Xie Fangfei continued, "Young Master has repeatedly suffered from slander and demotion, which is indeed unfortunate for him. However, if the Young Master cannot let go of it himself, no matter how hard others try to help, it will be of no substantial use. As the saying goes, 'To untie the bell, one must be the one who tied it.' The pain in the Young Master's heart must be resolved by himself. There is nothing in this world that cannot be let go of. Please take good care of the Young Master on the side."

With a gentle turn, Rongqing said: "Since the children of noble families enjoy numerous privileges, they should also make commensurate sacrifices." Having enjoyed wealth and splendor, the price paid is personal freedom

Xie Fangfei smiled and said: "I am not making things difficult for you. It is simply a matter of urgency that everyone must attend to, even the emperor cannot interfere. You go ahead and wait for me in front, I will come shortly."

Xie Fangfei stopped and said solemnly: "Xie Butler, why do you want me to come back? To continue serving the young master? And then what? Just like this for a lifetime? Fangfei is certainly not that kind of person. At that time, hiding in the Xie residence was truly a last resort, not an intentional deception. To put it another way, the Xie family, being a prestigious noble family, even considers interactions with second-rate noble families as a loss of status, so how could they allow the young master to associate with someone of Fangfei's status? Xie Butler, you are making it too difficult for Fangfei."

Wang Maosu has always been close to Xie Fangfei, jokingly saying: "Fangfei, this time we must take advantage of the autumn thief's unpreparedness, striking unexpectedly to capture and kill him in one fell swoop. No matter how many heads and arms he has, or how unparalleled his martial arts are, in such a perilous terrain, and being outnumbered, he will still have to drink the bitter cup of defeat beneath the Yellow Springs"

Xie Fangfei struggled to sit up, tightened her clothing, and tidied her disheveled hair before leaning against the corner to doze off. Reflecting on the many events that had transpired over the past few days, she felt quite emotional. At some point, she heard a sound, and a cold wind rushed in with a whoosh. Opening her eyes, she calmly said, "Oh? Why is Young Master Rong here alone? Where are the others?"

Xie Tiao had someone take the "Jiao Wei" and sighed deeply, saying: "Fang Fei, would you stay in the Xie residence? Without you, even eating and drinking lose their joy. There is no one to joke and tease me anymore, nor anyone to deceive me into believing that eating more tomato and egg is beneficial for enhancing my talent"

Xie Fangfei also sighed that heaven is ultimately fair, as there is no such thing as perfection in this world

Rongqing sighed lightly upon hearing this: "I heard that Young Master Xie has not woken up yet." Xie Fangfei asked with concern: "Oh? What happened? Is his injury serious?"

Rong Qing and Xie Fangfei slowly walked along the long street and arrived in front of a temple. Rong Qing said: "This temple is called the Aotu Temple, and it is quite famous in Jiankang. If Miss Fangfei is in the mood for some elegance, why not go in for a visit?" Xie Fangfei, naturally affected by the earlier events, readily agreed to this suggestion.

Rong Qing glanced at her and continued to drink his tea. Xie Fangfei sighed and said, "Master Rong must be aware that I have infiltrated the Xie residence as a maid. I have come this time to request that Master Rong accompany me to the Xie residence to apologize, and also—by the way—return 'Jiao Wei' to the Xie residence." Xie Fangfei truly lacked the courage to enter the Xie residence alone, after all, a guilty conscience is a heavy burden. Moreover, Xie Tiao's feelings for her were not so simple; if he were to become enraged and accuse her of deceiving a court official, she would truly be in a dire situation. This time, she sought to have Master Rong accompany her to the Xie residence to apologize, and also—by the way—return 'Jiao Wei' to the Xie residence. Xie Fangfei truly lacked the courage to enter the Xie residence alone, after all, a guilty conscience is a heavy burden. Moreover, Xie Tiao's feelings for her were not so simple; if he were to become enraged and accuse her of deceiving a court official, she would truly be in a dire situation. Seeing that Rong Qing was highly skilled in martial arts, she secretly hoped he would protect her, in case anything went awry, she would have a helper.

The leader, Zhang Yong, said with difficulty: "Miss Fangfei, Lord Xiao has repeatedly instructed us to ensure your safety and that there must be no mistakes."

Xie Fangfei felt a pang of sympathy; it seemed that Xiao Yan had long since laid out a meticulous trap, waiting for the autumn rain to fall into the net, catching him off guard and attacking him unprepared. Even if he possessed extraordinary abilities, this time he would likely find it difficult to escape death. Remembering how he had prepared medicine for her, she felt quite reluctant in her heart, yet did not dare to reveal it. As she watched everyone quietly stealthily ascend the mountain, her anxiety grew even more.

There was no further inquiry from Rongqing, who simply gazed intently at the mural, and seemingly feeling something, remarked: "There is naturally no need to speak of Master Gu Kaizhi's paintings; whether in figures or landscapes, each is a masterpiece. The 'Nüshi Zhen Tu' is said to depict women with grace and elegance, refined and virtuous, with flowing lines that are both relaxed and expressive; unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to see it in person. Since the Wei and Jin dynasties, many renowned artists have emerged in the history of painting. The 'Nüshi Zhen Tu' is said to depict women with grace and elegance, refined and virtuous, with flowing lines that are both relaxed and expressive; unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to see it in person. Since the Wei and Jin dynasties, many renowned artists have emerged in the history of painting. It is said that Cao Buxing from the Sun Wu period painted with a quick mind and deft hands, completing works in an instant; Dai Kui from the Eastern Jin was not only skilled in figures and landscapes but also proficient in Buddhist painting, with a style that is rich in charm and wit; during the Liu Song period, Lu Tanwei's brushwork resembled the silk spun by a silkworm, appearing very simple at first glance, and sometimes the forms seem to exist or not, yet upon careful appreciation, it possesses the six principles of painting."

Rong Qing handed her some water, gazing into the distance, and said: "Look, Lord Xiao is still waiting for us at the foot of the mountain." He pointed below. Xie Fangfei's eyes were somewhat nearsighted; even during the day, she could not see clearly from such a distance, let alone on this dark and pitch-black night. She smiled helplessly and said: "Young Master Rong, in fact, I can't see anything. I only feel a complete darkness."