Chapter 10, the mountains are green and the clouds break apart.

Su Lili took a look at it and said, "The wood here is sufficient, where do we need to go to chop the boxes?"

The peasant woman glanced at the wood, hesitated for a moment, and nodded, saying: "Alright, I cannot let him be buried with the mat like this."

The wooden figure took her hands and said: "Three years ago, you saved me, and I have made up my mind since then. Sister, as long as you are a person, I will surely follow you and protect you. During this past year in the Three Character Valley, I have often thought in the quiet of the night that even if I were to leave the valley and die, I would be willing just to see you once. Unfortunately, if I leave the valley, I might die before I even get to see you."

Su Lili raised her face and said: "Since he has chosen, why should he regret it? Even if he is still sweeping the floors at Shaolin Temple now, does that mean he will be satisfied for a lifetime?"

Mu Toudao: "She has a solid foundation and possesses martial arts skills"

Su Lili gazed at the brilliant stars in the sky and softly said, "When I was young, I hardly ever went out. Later, when I did venture out, I was always rushing about... Now that I think about it, I knew nothing at all..." She propped her chin on her hand, looking at the wood, "What were you up to back then? Tell me about it."

Su Lili furrowed her brows and asked, "Did you notice it early on?"

Before she could finish her words, he had already pressed his lips against hers, his tongue brushing against her pearly white teeth. It was neither sweet nor fragrant, resembling the bamboo by the azure pond, the colorful pebbles at the bottom of the pool, all refreshingly pleasant, making one reluctant to let go

Su Lili paused for a moment and said: "Hatred is a bondage, but is love also a bondage?"

Then wouldn't it be even more powerful if you used all of them?

The wood helped her scrape the sand, "What good is this warping and deformation on this side"

Su Lili felt as if struck by lightning, "What did you say?!"

Not mentioned

It was mentioned

Hearing her call this rather unrefined nickname with such familiarity, he said in a melancholic tone, "I am called Xu Moge"

Su Lili listened to him speak earnestly, feeling pleased in her heart, but she deliberately found fault and said: "I remember teaching you how to make coffins before, and I mentioned various types of wood, including dark wood. How could you forget?"

Amidst the noisy sound of rain, the wooden board shot her a glare and asked, "What did you see?"

Su Lili lowered her head and thought for a moment, frowning slightly, and shook her head, saying: "I want to go into the mountains"

The wood does not refuse, "as long as you can eat it."

Su Lili was immediately enraged, "Nonsense, aren't you blushing as well"

Su Lili listened, and amidst the silence, she smiled, "When did you become so talkative"

The peasant woman maintained her usual expression, revealing no signs of sorrow or joy, and said: "I have finished speaking, you may leave now." After saying this, she went straight into the thatched cottage

Su Lili was left speechless, "This... this is already quite impressive."

Su Lili felt that both of them were not very talkative, "What are you talking about?"

The wood was turned over with branches, and after a moment of thought, I said, "If I were to mention the person who left the deepest impression on me in the past, it would actually be Qi Fengxiang"

Su Lili asked curiously, "What are you crying about?"

Mu Tou turned back and glared at her, saying: "Go back and clarify it."

Xu Moge handed a box wrapped in oiled paper to Su Lili, saying, "This is for you." Su Lili was somewhat taken aback, hesitating as she took it and looked at it. Mu Tou glanced over and asked, "Where is your master?"

The farmer's wife did not explain why, insisting on it nonetheless. Su Lili then affixed it to the front shield, trying her best to make it even. That evening, she brought wood to the mountain path outside the courtyard and said: "This big sister is deceiving us; they are not locals."

He picked up a firm paulownia leaf and tossed it into the sky. The leaf floated gently upward. With two fingers, he picked up a small twig and casually swiped it through the air. The twig and the leaf were three feet apart, and the leaf, like the wings of a butterfly, gracefully separated, swirling and falling. He withdrew his hand and stood still, saying: "This is the difference"

Then there will be no one like me

The wooden figure pondered seriously and said: "I cannot say. My father was once a janitor monk at the Shaolin Temple. During the time of the previous emperor's pacification of the chaos, he saved the previous emperor and thereafter followed him closely, receiving titles and honors. Four years ago, on his deathbed, he told me that when he left Shaolin, the abbot advised him that the world of politics is fraught with peril and that achievements are fleeting; why should he venture into that noisy and superficial world? But he did not heed the advice. It was only after his downfall and disgrace that he felt regret."

I used to study in my father's army school, but unfortunately, I was still young at that time and did not apply myself to learning

On that day, Han Zhen did not make an appearance

Embracing her and kissing, like diving into the depths of a crystal-clear pool, holding one's breath, yet warm water flows over the skin, slow and light. Su Lili could not resist, wrapping her arms around his waist, partly in response, partly in acceptance, feeling that this tender touch brought a sense of peace, joy, and a slight, intoxicating warmth. The intertwined breaths merged together, soft yet profound

Although years have passed since the farewell, seeing the wood again feels as if there is no barrier of time or space between them. The two of them sawed the coffin, as if they had long been in agreement. On the third day, the coffin was completed. Without a tarpaulin lining the bottom, and without a lacquer finish, this plain white coffin solemnly buried the man. The farmer's wife stood silently before the newly raised grave mound, her gaze somewhat profound and fierce. Su Lili and the wood washed their hands by the creek and were about to take their leave when she suddenly spoke: "Are you going into the mountains?" The farmer's wife stood silently before the newly raised grave mound, her gaze somewhat profound and fierce. Su Lili and the wood washed their hands by the creek and were about to take their leave when she suddenly spoke: "Are you going into the mountains?"

The farmer's wife was not picky; her sorrow quickly faded, leaving only a look of numbness on her face. She said not a word and cooked the remaining coarse rice for the three of them to eat. The next day, the base of the coffin was completed. Su Lili, lacking a ruler, estimated it to be about seven feet long. The crossbar at the top was approximately one foot eight inches, made from three planks. The farmer's wife chopped a piece from the lid of a box in the house, suggesting it be used for the front panel.

The piece of wood she gave me that is embedded in the front panel is cedar, which is only used for coffins in the area around Qixian, Jinzhong. Regardless of the material, cedar must be used on the front board, or at least a piece of it must be spliced in. Yet she told us she is a local.

The pond was divided, and a wooden plank surfaced with a person on it, leaping straight onto the shore. Su Lili was in a good mood; upon seeing the person, she called out, "Brother Clawface, what brings you here?"

Su Lili let out a soft laugh. The wooden figure turned his head, noticing the flickering firelight reflected in her eyes, creating a shimmering effect that momentarily captivated him. He gently cupped her face and leaned in closer. Su Lili understood his intentions all too well and couldn't help but straighten her expression. As he drew near, she felt his features magnifying oddly before her eyes, and she couldn't resist breaking into a giggle.

The wooden figure glanced at her and said lightly, "The medical texts state that a woman's occasional irritability and agitation are often due to irregularities in her menstrual cycle"

The Way of Time: "So what do you want?"

Xu Moge said: "I have returned to the capital. Although this expedition was victorious, half of the troops and horses suffered casualties, and my subordinate General Li Keng was also killed by a stab wound. My lord asked me to inform you that he has fulfilled the promise he made to you"

Su Lili said: "Would you accompany me to Liangzhou?"

The wooden figure stated: "In life, there are things to pursue and things to refrain from. Is it not true that having good martial skills means one should become a bandit?"

Su Lili pulled him and said, "Come with me to see."

The wood nodded

Although the wooden-faced person appeared flushed, they calmly stated: "My face is red because I like you, and your blush indicates that you like me too"

Do not seek the heights of the temple, nor be enamored by the depths of the rivers and lakes. The world is vast; all I desire is to reach far.

He turned around, looking into her eyes in the morning light, which shone as brightly as the sun. "Hatred is a bondage; without revenge, one cannot find peace; love is also a bondage, willingly accepted."

The wooden figure turned its head to look at her in silence. Su Lili suddenly closed her mouth, noticing his gaze wandering over her brows, lips, and chin. She began to understand, yet felt a bit flustered. The wooden figure slowly lowered its head, and Su Lili felt her skin brush against his breath, causing her own breath to falter momentarily

Su Lili peered through the gaps in the thatched wall, the door of the thatched cottage tightly shut, and said to the wooden path: "Shall we quietly go and see what she is crying about?"

Seeing her struggle between morality and reality, Mu Tou could not help but advise, "Do not make things difficult for yourself; the world is vast, and as long as I am not starving, neither will you."

You naturally have your reasons

What?

The wood is added to the fire, "It is nothing more than the achievements of a man, such as quelling chaos and maintaining order."

Wooden Path: "I know him. I have seen him in the Youzhou army and even fought a match with him, which ended in a draw. I stayed there for two days and spoke with him a lot."

Su Lili untied the rope on the oil cloth, revealing a brocade box, within which a Su embroidery of magnolia flowers shone brilliantly. She opened the box and was taken aback. Inside was a hairpin made of tortoiseshell, adorned with flowing patterns, and the pinhead was unevenly set with two pearls the size of small fingers, glistening and translucent. Such gifts of hairpins, rings, and handkerchiefs between men and women often carry a hint of ambiguous affection.

The intimate breaths intertwined with each other, Su Lili weakly said: "It's not..."

As they descended along the valley, the dense jungle gradually opened up. It had rained the previous two days, and a small river flowed gently by, carving out a patch of accumulated sand in the flat area. Su Lili searched through the sand, and after a moment, she dug through the gravel, revealing a dark object beneath the mud. Su Lili tapped it and asked, "What do you think this is?"

Do you have something to discuss

Su Lili, inhaling the scent of rain, focused intently and asked Mu Tou, "Did you hear any sounds?"

The wooden figure knelt beside her and bowed his head, saying: "My esteemed uncle, although Li Li has no relatives, from now on I shall be her family, and I will surely love and protect her, ensuring that she no longer suffers from hardship."

The peasant woman finally raised her head, her swollen eyes resembling two peaches, and with tears overflowing, she asked: "Why did you make a coffin for him?"

At this moment, just as it was half-past, a loud "bang" echoed, and the surface of the Bi Bo Pool suddenly stirred. Mu Tou gazed at her with lingering affection, then leaped into the water like a rainbow piercing the sun, creating a beautiful splash. Su Li Li couldn't help but laugh, rushing to the edge of the pool to watch the shadows moving in the water, thinking to herself: Lu Bo really knows how to choose the right moment to throw someone in

When the leaves of the phoenix tree fall, the mandarin ducks will grow old and die. No matter how many tender affections exist in the world, a hundred years later, they will all be but illusions. In truth, with this moment of mutual understanding and companionship, what more could one desire?

After a long pause, the wooden head surfaced from the water, releasing a breath that brushed against her forehead. Su Lili chuckled softly, "The chicken is burnt." He smiled, turned, and poked at the dying embers of the fire, extracting the two hardened clay lumps, and then cracked their shells by the fire. A rich aroma wafted out, instantly awakening Su Lili's appetite

Su Lili was taken aback for a moment, then recalled that today was almost her birthday, "Is today July 7th?"

Su Lili turned around in that area and finally leaned on her bamboo staff, standing at the edge of the pit. After standing for a while, she chose a clean spot to sit down, staring blankly at the road and fields below the mountain. Seeing that she was silent, Mu Tou lifted his garment and sat beside her, softly asking: "Is this your father's grave?"

Su Lili said: "Will you still be able to walk?"

It was agreed. A cool breeze suddenly arose, tousling the corners of his garments. He reined in his internal energy, like a small boat entering the sea, feeling insignificant yet content in the vastness of the world.

She remained composed, yet her heart was content, and with a faint smile, she said: "Good."

Su Lili looked up at the sky and said: "Father, I have lived well these years. That tyrant has been punished by the people of the world, and you can rest in peace beneath the nine springs."

He has always been inscrutable, and I feel like a mouse in front of a cat; how could it possibly be...

Without needing instruction, he pressed against her neck, prying her lips apart with his tongue

In a daze, Mu Tou took her hand and said: "Let's go back." Having him in this life is already a great fortune

What is clearly stated

Nonsense, this is dark wood! I took a look at this section the other day; the outer layer is black and the inner layer is green, which indicates it is Phoebe zhennan. From this perspective, it is not just three people who can embrace it; if it is long enough, it could be made into a nine-foot coffin

The wood said: "Then let's go"

The wooden figure nodded, "At that time, he injured me, and he himself fell into madness. Little did we expect that today we would have to heal each other's internal wounds, which illustrates the principle of cause and effect, endlessly cycling."

Su Lili earnestly educated him: "Confucius wandered through the six states, impoverished and destitute. This is the consequence of having principles that one does not compromise."

What a calm, composed, and splendid life that would be, Su Lili could only imagine it, and her heart was already captivated. She took the wooden hand and gently kissed the back of it. This was a deep-seated emotion, swirling through countless days and nights in the coffin shop, an unceasing longing in an unknown place. Because it was sincere and profound, it had been tempered by time and had blossomed subtly.

Su Lili's breathing was delayed as she reluctantly pushed him away, her voice soft as she said: "It's not like that, it's a kiss on the forehead"

Mu Tou listened attentively and nodded slightly, pointing to the narrow path along the cliff, saying: "This path can lead up."

The wooden figure said: "Everything I say is true"

Su Lili has always been eloquent and never at a disadvantage in front of him, yet at this moment, she appeared as if she had been choked by a steamed bun, scalded by hot pot, and caught by a fishbone, her face flushed and silent.

Mu Tou examined the wound on his hand closely; it indeed resembled a snake bite. The nails were dark purple, and his complexion was pale, which were also signs of poisoning. Su Li Li pulled the peasant woman and said: "Elder sister, it is midsummer now, leaving a person like this is not a solution. Is there anywhere nearby that sells coffins?"

Su Lili turned around, gazing at the distant mountains, steep and towering, under the morning light and evening shadows. A solitary green mountain pierced through the clouds, devoid of any trace of hostility. After pondering for a moment, she said: "Do you know why I must go?"

It cannot be cured

I accompany her in making coffins, and she accompanies me in socializing with the world

Su Lili raised an eyebrow, pointing her gaze at Han Zhen in the distance, "You agreed so readily; what will you do about your romantic entanglements?"

... ...

The wood loosened her grip and stood still, saying: "You are blushing"

Su Lili withdrew her smile. The mountains were desolate, and the scenery was starkly clear.

The mountains and forests are silent, the paths winding and meandering, only to hear Su Li Li angrily say: "You wooden-headed fool, I clearly told you, and you have forgotten it yourself"

In early June, Shi Yizhi took his leave and departed. Su Lili asked him where he intended to go, to which Shi Yizhi replied: "The rivers and lakes are vast; I seek a secluded corner to live independently and conclude this remaining life." After hearing this, Su Lili fell silent for a moment and said nothing further, but solemnly prepared a table of dishes to send him off. Standing on the main road of Cold Water Town, seeing that Shi Yizhi possessed no inner strength at all, like an ordinary commoner, he walked away slowly, leaving Su Lili with a sense of old matters settling in her heart.

The wood gazed at her and said without emotion: "You spoke of many things that happened afterward that day, yet not a single word about him."

We won't do anything; everyone has their own matters to attend to. We will finish making the coffin for her and then leave

Su Lili was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "How could that be? In such a remote wilderness, what disputes could there possibly be?"

Han Zheming waved his hand and said: "Go on, go on. In my lifetime, I have treated many people, and if I were to ask for repayment, I would have long been unable to receive it."

The wooden figure nodded. Su Lili took it, sniffed it, and found the chicken exuding a fragrant aroma. Although it was not a refined dish, it was prepared in a simple and pure manner. She praised, "Not bad, it seems you have hidden talents. From now on, you will be the one to cook our meals."

The wooden figure stood still, its gaze fierce, and with a slight movement, it unexpectedly found itself before her. Su Lili had not yet reacted when she saw its face rapidly magnifying in front of her. It cupped her face and gently bit her lip, the soft sensation evoking a sticky affection deep within her heart, unable to resist rubbing against her, it asked close to her nose: "Is this how one kisses?"

Su Lili, in deep sorrow, said: "How could it be bad! The dark wood buried underground for a thousand years remains unspoiled. If it is excavated and polished, without the need for lacquer, its grain is more lustrous and bright than brocade, finer than rosewood. A small piece crafted into a decorative item is worth a fortune. Haven't you heard the saying, 'Even with a chest full of jewels, it is not as valuable as a piece of ebony'? In the previous dynasty, it was forbidden for the common people to use it privately; it could only be chosen for the palaces and coffins of emperors. There is also a poem that says, 'The mud pit does not tarnish the steadfast bone; once entering the grand hall, it illuminates the attire.'"

The dark, deep-set eyes of the wood were somewhat sharp, and with a faint interruption, it said: "How intriguing."

The wood said: "Okay"

Su Lili said: "Yes"

Seeing this, Mu Tou's expression turned serious as he walked slowly towards the pharmacy. After taking a couple of steps, noticing that she remained still, he turned back and took her hand. Su Li Li struggled for a moment but could not break free, so she had to let him pull her along, though the corners of her lips slightly curved into a smile, and the skin of her palm brushed against his, causing her heart to race.

"Words flow from the heart." He grasped her hand, "Have you agreed to me?"

The farmer's wife listened quietly and examined her for a moment, saying: "Little girl, this is a place of conflict; do not go there. Although his martial arts are impressive, going would only lead to certain death." As she spoke, she pointed to the wood.

In the scorching summer, with lotus flowers reflecting the sun, I plucked two large lotus leaves to shield my head from the sun as I passed by a lotus pond. In the evening, I arrived at the foot of the mountain and sought out a dilapidated land temple. After circling around the wooden structure, I caught two plump mountain chickens, plucked their feathers, and skillfully pulled out a packet of fine salt to rub on them. I wrapped them in lotus leaves, covered them with mud, and placed them in the fire to roast.

Xu Moge turned back and took two steps, unable to resist turning around again, hesitatingly and awkwardly asking: "Mr. Han, your medical skills are remarkable; can you remove scars?"

Mu Tou lowered his head and thought for a moment, "It’s impossible. If you had mentioned it, I would definitely remember."

Why?

Su Lili's face shone with a sympathetic light, yet she nodded and said: "Business opportunity"

Shi Yi nodded slowly and said, "Have you all agreed on this?"

Su Lili was delighted to hear this, "That's wonderful. The other day, I discovered a treasure by the riverbed at the bottom of the valley. Once you have recovered, we will go dig it up."

The sound of the wood was neither angry nor fiery, "You remembered it wrong, and yet you are flustered."

Shi Yi possesses an exceptional talent for the martial arts, and his decades of internal cultivation are beyond my comprehension. What I can currently utilize is merely one-tenth or one-twelfth of his abilities

The farmers are all locals. Due to the recent rain, the mud on the mountain is abundant, and a small red snake, locally referred to as "Lao Tie Tou," washed down and coiled under the firewood shed. In the morning, the farmer went to gather firewood without paying attention and was bitten on the hand by the snake. He experienced vomiting and dizziness, and before long, he passed away.

The wooden figure blew on it to cool it down, tore off a leg and handed it to her, saying: "Today is your birthday, I invite you to have a drumstick"

Su Lili said: "I definitely mentioned it"

Su Lili certainly could not eat it; tasting such game in the moment is acceptable. Eating the meals he prepares every day would only lead one to despair, contemplating the end of life. Just as she was about to tease him a bit, suddenly the sound of dozens of galloping hooves came from the mountain path, and in the twilight, it seemed to be several soldiers.

In the past month, Shi Yizhi's internal energy has continuously flowed into the wooden body, repairing and stabilizing its meridians, accumulating in the dantian. However, since it is not his own cultivation, Han Zheming still needs to assist from the side to prevent the true energy from going awry. Only when Shi Yizhi's true energy can circulate freely can it be considered fully healed

Heading west, they finally arrived at Wuzhao Mountain, where Su Lili was going. Just as they were passing by a rural household, dark clouds rolled in, a fierce wind suddenly arose, and large raindrops fell from the sky. Mu Tou hurriedly pulled her to take shelter under the thatched eaves of a cottage, watching the turbulent clouds above as the thunder rumbled, sweeping away the oppressive heat.

As the saying goes: "Mulberry, Zao, Du, Pear, and Huai, do not enter the Yin-Yang house." Su Lili took some wood and went to the nearby mountain to find a few pine trees, borrowing a vegetable knife from a farmer's family. With the internal strength focused in the wood, she chopped down one tree with two strikes and carried it back. Given its size, she could only make a half-flower thirteen circles. The materials and tools were limited, making it impossible to achieve perfection. It was rare for Su Lili to have not touched a coffin for a long time, and her strength was abundant.

Su Lili was not worried; there seemed to be a hint of calmness in her expression. "No, I haven't revealed a single word to him," she said after a moment of thought, smiling slightly. "That thing is of no value. It has been harming me for so many years, and I have been burdened by it in my heart. Now that I have let it go, my matters are also settled." She stood up, knelt facing north, and bowed her head once. Although her expression was faint, it made Mu feel a wave of sadness.

It has been ten years

Three days later, as he was about to take his leave, Mu Tou said solemnly: "Mr. Han, Mrs. Han, I am deeply grateful for your care over the past year. I have no way to repay you. If there is anything I can do for you in the future, I will certainly do my utmost."

The wood is full of energy, and the senses are keen. "There is a woman crying in the room."

Su Lili turned back and looked at Mu Tou helplessly, who raised an eyebrow. She turned her face and said: "It's nothing in particular, I just want to stay here for a couple of days, if you have some rice, let us have a bite, and let him catch some game to cook. " She pointed at Mu Tou.

Su Lili, seeing her pressing for answers, said: "My uncle used to do business here in his early years. After his business failed, he became a Taoist priest at the temple on Wuzhao Mountain, and later died here. Before he passed, he entrusted someone to send a message, expressing his desire to return to his hometown. Now we have come to take a look and bring his coffin back to his hometown."

The wood glared at her, and she endured it; with a shift in her thoughts, she could not help but say: "What I owe is not a debt of peach blossoms, but your tortoiseshell hairpin is the true debt of peach blossoms"

The wood did not turn back and said: "When I left, it was solely because of the enmity between my parents and their enemies that could not go unavenged. For this reason, I did not even tell you my name. Now that everything is settled, I am no longer bound."

The wooden figure furrowed its brow and asked, "What treasure?"

The wood asked: "How do you know?"

The wood also tapped, producing a somewhat resonant sound, like the clash of metal and stone, "Is it a stone?"

Su Lili remarked, "I didn't expect you to have this skill."

On the yellow earth, their shadows are elongated.

Su Lili stood there lost in thought. Mu Tou waited for a moment, and seeing that she remained silent, asked: "Are we still leaving?"

Xu Moge fell silent for a moment, then turned and climbed up the path, drenched.

No

Upon hearing him speak in such a manner, Su Lili realized that he was genuinely angry. With a firm resolve, she thought, "Only once... in a moment of great peril... he kissed me."

Shi Yizhi laughed heartily and said, "Good, good, it is quite rare for a young person to be so understanding. In this world, it is difficult to find a person with a sincere heart; even with gray hair and a wrinkled face, we do not part from each other." He raised his face, but his eyes were already moist.

The wooden figure gazed at her with a sense of melancholy, and Su Lili stopped laughing and leaned in. They approached each other tentatively, sharing a kiss that was gentle and soothing, drawing closer, deepening the embrace.

Su Lili turned her head to look at him, noticing his serious expression. She was suddenly struck by a wave of emotion, yet she smiled playfully and took his hand, saying: "What are we being so silly about? It feels like we're acting in a play."

Have you known each other since early morning

Su Lili nodded, "That's right, it's it. The dark wood is quite heavy and has already been buried almost like a stone. Let's cover it up first, so that Mr. Han doesn't take it to make medicine."

The sun has risen, and the muddy path on the mountain is half dry, still somewhat slippery, yet unknown white wildflowers sway gently. The wooden figure pulls her up the mountain, where the wind howls fiercely at the ridge pass. Su Lili discerned the direction and said, "Let's go left." On the left, halfway up the mountain, there is a slope of earth, sheltered from the wind in the bend of the hillside. The grass is lush and verdant. As they slowly walked over, they noticed a large pit on the ground, seemingly freshly dug, with some tender green grass shoots already sprouting.

What should we do now

The wood did not inquire what to do, but nodded and said: "Alright"

The wood loosened his collar, wrung the water from his hair and clothes, "Cure the illness?"

The Yuefu poem states: "What need is there to ask the one who is left behind, for the double pearl and tortoiseshell hairpin?" This hairpin is a personal gift from a lover, symbolizing longing. Su Lili felt indignant; Qi Fengxiang had never been a sentimental person. Now, presenting her with this double pearl tortoiseshell hairpin could not be a mere expression of longing, but rather an indication of teasing!

Under the guidance of Shi Yizhi, Mu Tou's internal energy flowed increasingly smoothly, moving with ease. Shi Yizhi sighed, "Indeed, heroes emerge from the youth; given time, you will surely become a great talent." Mu Tou halted his movements and replied, "I do not seek to become a great talent."

The wooden figure pondered for a moment and agreed, taking her in one arm and leaping into the courtyard, standing under the eaves. Su Lili then peered through the broken window gap and saw a peasant woman, her hair disheveled, sitting on the ground weeping. Though her voice was weak, it was filled with sorrow. Lying motionless on the ground was a man, also dressed as a peasant. After observing for a moment, she turned her face away.

In the height of summer, Su Lili was shredding radishes when a thought suddenly crossed her mind. After dinner that day, she asked Mu Tou, "Have your internal injuries healed?"

As his shadow faded into the distance, Su Lili asked, "What did Qi Fengxiang mean when he spoke to you?"

What about Lili?

Clarify the events of the past year for me

Su Lili shook her head, "No, my father died here. Uncle Cheng and I buried him without leaving any markers, and I don't even remember where it is myself." She glanced at the large pit, "This is built as a desolate grave, yet what is buried here is the decree of the Son of Heaven."

The wooden figure let out a "hum," but Su Lili's face gradually turned red, and she exclaimed in exasperation, "You... you think it's impressive to have learned a half-baked version of medicine?"

Xu Moge said: "I have been instructed to convey a message"

He casually mentioned it, yet how could Su Lili not understand? Jiang Qiudi's family was destroyed, and for many years his life hung by a thread. All the ambitions and aspirations from back then, like vibrant sparks, were no match for the flames that had been extinguished. Su Lili moved closer to him, linking her arm with his and asked, "Mu Tou, do you have any regrets in your heart?"

Su Lili said again: "I can make a coffin; why not let me make one for my elder brother? It will only take two days, and it is better to be buried sooner for peace."

Ask him: "With your martial arts skills being so impressive now, isn't it a piece of cake to earn a little money?"

Wooden Path: "Alright"

The wooden head did not lift, "he said"

The peasant woman lowered her head, shaking it in silence

The wood looked at his face and asked, "How long has that scar been there?"

As they walked along the official road to Lengshui Town, the smoke from the breakfast of the households rose in wisps. Su Lili said, "Mu Tou, how about we come back here in the future and open a coffin shop in the town?"

Su Lili looked at him from left to right and said, "I see no significant difference from a couple of days ago"

The wood looked at her face and said seriously, "That doesn't matter, it's just that I am definitely not satisfied"

Su Lili immediately surrendered.

She did not say

This lifetime

The wood said: "Use it sparingly." After all, the weather is hot, and the accommodation is only in the woodshed, with ventilation on all sides, making it quite refreshing. Su Lili either rested her head on his lap or leaned against him, sleeping very soundly.

There is something.

Su Lili gazed at the distant dark silhouette of the mountains, pondered for a moment, and said: "Alright"

Su Lili nodded repeatedly while listening, counting the copper coins twice before handing them over

What is the matter

Liangzhou is located in the western corner, connecting Yong and Yi, with abundant resources, yet far from the capital. It offers the opportunity to contend for the world or to establish a stable governance in retreat, making it a historically contested area for military strategists. After leaving Lengshui Town and traveling west for ten days, one has entered the territory of Liangzhou. Su Lili's silver is nearly exhausted, and she spends her days contemplating ways to generate wealth

Mu Tou helped her bury it according to her wishes and took note of the surrounding geography. Su Li Li reluctantly walked back along the river valley. Mu Tou led her across a small stream and said, "This place is remote and has wild animals. You shouldn't come here alone."

The summer sun gently illuminates the people with the last bit of tenderness of the morning

Mu Tou pondered for a moment and asked, "Could it be that your careless words have led Qi Fengxiang to find out?"

Su Lili exclaimed with great enthusiasm: "If I were to talk about timber, I would definitely mention the dark wood!"

The wooden figure looked up at Xu Moge's silhouette gradually shrinking as he climbed through the mountains. "Qi Fengxiang promised me he wouldn't harm you. Now that he tells me it's done, it means he will not hold back in killing or torturing you in the future." He turned back to glance at Su Lili and pointed at the box in her hand. "What is it?"

The wood gazed at the dark, somber wood that resembled charcoal. "I have only seen in Mr. Han's medical book that 'the dark wood emits a subtle fragrance at night, lingering for a long time. It is sweet, neutral, detoxifying, and is effective for cholera, vomiting, and dysentery. The shavings should be ground into powder and taken with warm wine.' I also asked him if it was the kind of dark wood commonly found in the south. He said no, it is the kind that has been buried underground for thousands of years, called shadow wood sand.

The tortoiseshell pattern of the hairpin is uniquely intricate, and the pearl shines brilliantly, making it quite valuable. Su Lili considered throwing it into the Bi Bo Pond, feeling it would be a waste; she also thought about giving it to Madam Han but felt reluctant to part with it. After much hesitation, she decided to take it to the market another day to sell it for money, reasoning that it would be more economical to buy food and drinks for everyone. Mu looked coldly at the hairpin and said, "If you sell it for money, use it for yourself; don’t drag me into it." Su Lili fell silent.

A handsome face made of wood was shaped into the most primitive coffin style. Su Lili noticed his unfriendly expression and said, "I have nothing to do with him"