Chapter 8: Love at First Sight

Fang Mengqing slightly bowed and said, "Sir, you flatter me. I have spoken out of turn, and I hope you will not take offense."

Upon finishing their words, everyone burst into laughter again

The following days were the happiest moments for Peng Wuxin, as he spent his time accompanying the woman he cherished most, exploring the picturesque West Lake, composing poetry and painting, and engaging in discussions about the world's affairs and martial arts anecdotes. After several days of this, Peng Wuxin could no longer contain his feelings and expressed his admiration to Fang Mengqing. Although Fang Mengqing gently declined, her words seemed to convey a hint of affection.

"When the young master created this painting, his inspiration surged like a torrent, and where he put his brush, the tension was palpable. The colors he applied were vivid and striking, quite contrary to the humble elegance and serene composure typically associated with the guidance of an immortal. However, the young master, in his fervor, allowed this painting to express his innermost thoughts, revealing that he indeed harbors great ambitions and is by no means a recluse." Fang Mengqing said slowly

The various memories of my initial encounter with Fang Mengqing at the Hangzhou branch emerged vividly before my eyes. At that time, in order to secure the top recording in the world, Fang Mengqing personally led the skilled individuals from Yishan Tingsong Pavilion to the Feihu Escort Agency's Hangzhou branch. Coincidentally, Peng Wuxin was staying in Hangzhou at that time, providing an opportunity to personally meet the admired figure in the martial world, the Wise Fairy. Dressed in male attire, Fang Mengqing wore a snow-white outfit, a white scholar's hat, and held a folding fan, exuding an elegant and extraordinary presence that was captivating and made it difficult to gaze directly at her.

Fang Mengqing smiled lightly and said, "Young Master, you overstate the matter. My visit this time is to discuss an important issue."

"Not good!" The Peng brothers exchanged glances and exclaimed simultaneously

Peng Wuxin said: "Miss, you flatter me https://m.hetushu.com.com"

Fang Mengqing smiled and said, "In the martial world, it is a contest of wits rather than strength. Young master, you are known as the Star of Wisdom, so you must teach me."

"Miss, please feel free to speak."

Peng Wuxin said, "Miss, if you have any valuable items that need safeguarding, please feel free to speak openly."

***

At the moment when everyone was enjoying themselves, a soldier responsible for guarding the gate rushed in and reported, "General, there are members of the Flying Tiger Escort Agency outside seeking an audience, claiming they have urgent matters to discuss"

It turns out that this painting, known as "The Immortal Points the Way," was created by Peng Wuxin during a drunken stupor. With both hands holding a brush, he employed the technique of the Taishan Judge's brushwork, starting from both sides simultaneously. In the flow of his strokes, the pauses and nuances subtly corresponded to the positions of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians and the Twelve Regular Meridians, making it a truly inspired masterpiece. After sobering up, he could never replicate such a remarkable work. However, the painting's profound mysteries are deeply concealed; even if the Taishan Cloud Concealment were to personally arrive, he would be unable to discern the intricacies of the artwork due to his lack of understanding of painting. Whenever Peng Wuxin reflects on this, he often feels a sense of melancholy. At this moment, Fang Mengqing, with a single remark, unveiled the mysteries, proving to be a rare confidant in a thousand years. Yet, the painting's profound mysteries remain hidden; even if the Taishan Cloud Concealment were to personally arrive, he would still be unable to perceive the subtleties of the artwork. Whenever Peng Wuxin reflects on this, he often feels a sense of melancholy. At this moment, Fang Mengqing, with a single remark, unveiled the mysteries, proving to be a rare confidant in a thousand years.

The young lady has a word to share, though I wonder if it may be too abrupt

"Alas," Cheng Zhijie waved his hand and smiled, "Old Ouyang is being too polite. In fact, I am just a rough fellow who knows very little. All these words were taught to me by Wei Zheng. I found his arguments reasonable, so I noted them down. I only understand how to fight in battle; as for governing the country, I truly know very little. I can only learn step by step, and do as much as I can."

She took out the "World's Best Record" from her bosom and handed it to Peng Wuxin, saying: "This World's Best Record is entrusted to your escort agency, and I hope it can be delivered to the residence of the esteemed Mr. Ouyang, the Divine Sword of Guanzhong, within three months"

Fang Mengqing did not answer him directly, but walked leisurely to the guest hall of the escort agency, where she stood before the newly created painting "Immortal Pointing the Way" by Peng Wuxin. She gazed at it silently for a long time, and suddenly said: "I have heard that Young Master Peng's dual-handed judge's brush technique is derived from the true teachings of the esteemed Lu Lin, who resides in the clouds of Mount Tai, and that he has made unique innovations. It can accurately pinpoint the 360 acupoints of the human body, including the eight extraordinary meridians and the twelve regular meridians. I often thought that the rumors were somewhat exaggerated, but after seeing this painting today, I realize that Young Master Peng truly lives up to his reputation."

Hearing the interesting words of Cheng Zhijie, the Peng brothers and the members of the escort agency all burst into laughter. However, Ouyang Xizhao did not laugh; he stood up and respectfully clasped his fists, saying: "General Cheng prioritizes the well-being of the people, possesses great ambitions, and upholds noble integrity. I am truly ashamed in comparison."

Peng Wuwang and Peng Wujun stood up simultaneously and said, "We brothers will go out to take a look and will return shortly."

Peng Wuwang hurriedly took the note, opened it, and saw it read: "The escort agency is in urgent need, proceed to assist immediately"

"Hehe, little brother, I didn't expect your words to be so sweet," Cheng Zhijie laughed heartily, "Alright, let's have another drink."

Peng Wuxin suddenly realized and smiled, saying: "Miss, your insight is astonishing, and I am truly impressed. If there are no other matters, I would be honored to accompany you on a tour of West Lake, and I can assure you that your trip to Hangzhou, known as paradise, will not be in vain."

"This little girl is in a state of confusion, and I must have made you laugh, young master." Fang Mengqing said with a faint smile and a respectful gesture. She continued, "This painting of the immortal pointing the way must have been created by you holding the brush with both hands, your left hand moving from left to right and your right hand from right to left, simultaneously. Your artistic skills are truly remarkable; with both hands starting at the same time, the immortal's eyes and expressions, as well as his attire, show no discernible difference. This is indeed rare."

Peng Wuwang listened and was filled with admiration, saying: "General Cheng, human effort has its limits; how can one be proficient in everything? However, as long as one strives wholeheartedly, one can be free of regrets. If all officials of the Tang Dynasty were like General Cheng, this world would surely return to peace."

Cheng Zhijie smiled and said, "Hurry there and back, the fine wine prepared here is waiting for your return"

This banquet continued until dusk, and everyone was still in high spirits, unwilling to disperse. At this moment, Ouyang Xizhao remarked that Cheng Zhijie’s residence was overly simple, lacking the grandeur of a general's estate. Cheng Zhijie sighed, saying: "Currently, the realm has only enjoyed peace for less than a few years. The recent Xuanwu Gate Incident has only just managed to suppress the rebellion of Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji. The common people have only just begun to live better lives; how can we officials demand luxury and waste at will? The recent Xuanwu Gate Incident has only just managed to suppress the rebellion of Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji. The common people have only just begun to live better lives; how can we officials demand luxury and waste at will? Ouyang, do you know that there are currently less than three million households in the realm, and a bolt of silk can only be exchanged for a dou of rice? Right now, the southern regions are not yet pacified with Xiao Xian and Lin Shihong still at large. In the north, Shuo Fang's Liang Shidu is colluding with the Turks, ready to invade at any moment. The Eastern and Western Turks continue to eye the Tang Empire covetously, with their intentions of southern invasion never having receded. The expenses for pacifying various factions and the costs of military supplies have left my general's estate with nothing but four walls, hahahaha. The Eastern and Western Turks continue to eye the Tang Empire covetously, with their intentions of southern invasion never having receded. The expenses for pacifying various factions and the costs of military supplies have left my general's estate with nothing but four walls, hahahaha.

As the Peng brothers stepped out of the door, they saw a guard with a look of panic handing over a note, saying: "Third Young Master, it seems that something serious has happened at the Flying Tiger Escort Agency; the old escort head has sent an emergency message by carrier pigeon"

At this moment, the shock in Peng Wuxin's heart was truly beyond description. He bowed deeply and said, "Today, Peng Wuxin has encountered a kindred spirit; it is indeed a fortune of three lifetimes." It turned out that under the current reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, the imperial examination system had been established, widely recruiting talents from across the land. Peng Wuxin had long harbored the ambition to go to the capital for the examination, aiming to stand out and achieve high office.

Peng Wuxin was astonished upon seeing such a beauty and hurriedly said: "I have heard that the Wise Fairy among the Seven Fairies of the Martial World has graced us with her presence. I did not come to welcome you from afar, please forgive my offense"

Peng Wuxin exclaimed, "The number one record in the world has far-reaching implications, and there are many who covet it. I fear that even the full strength of the impoverished escort agency may not be enough to ensure its safety."

"Miss Fang," Peng Wuxin said in astonishment, "Your discernment is remarkable, and I sincerely admire you."

Later, Fang Mengqing left Hangzhou and returned to Yishan. Peng Wuxin, consumed by longing, fell ill and was nearly bedridden. However, just a few days prior, a person claiming to be a guest from Tingsong Pavilion requested to see Peng Wuxin and presented a note. It contained a line of poetry: "A piece of longing should be rewarded, true sincerity awaits the phoenix's nod." The handwriting was unmistakably in the delicate style of Fang Mengqing's silk flower script. Upon receiving this love letter, Peng Wuxin miraculously recovered, filled with joy, and thus took the step to propose.

The saying goes, "Two flowers bloom, each representing a branch." Without inquiring about how Peng Wuwang and Peng Wujun hurried through the starry night to assist the Flying Tiger Escort Agency, let us first discuss the second young master of the Peng family, Peng Wuxin, who set out with the two of them. Peng Wuxin led a dozen capable and astute escorts from the agency, transporting seven carts of betrothal gifts and carrying a letter from his father, traveling day and night towards Yishan. His mind could no longer accommodate anything else; all that flickered within it was the enchanting figure of Fang Mengqing. Peng Wuxin led a dozen capable and astute escorts from the agency, transporting seven carts of betrothal gifts and carrying a letter from his father, traveling day and night towards Yishan. His mind could no longer accommodate anything else; all that flickered within it was the enchanting figure of Fang Mengqing.

General Cheng's residence is indeed large, yet its decor is simple, almost to the point of being bare. The number of maids and servants in the residence is pitifully small. When the members of the Flying Tiger Brigade arrived, along with several from the Guanzhong Sword Sect, the available maids and household staff were insufficient. General Cheng had no choice but to summon cooks from the military camp to serve at the residence, which barely sufficed. However, the banquet was provided by Mr. Ouyang, and it can be said to be exceedingly lavish, with a variety of exquisite dishes and delicacies. Everyone raised their glasses in joyous celebration, and the atmosphere was lively. All present were heroes filled with passion, and their conversations were imbued with mutual admiration. Mr. Ouyang's banquet was indeed sumptuous, with an abundance of fine food and drink. The guests enjoyed themselves heartily, and the atmosphere was vibrant. Among them, Peng Wuwang loved to tell jokes and was witty in his speech, while Peng Wujun was bold and unafraid to drink to the bottom of his cup, displaying great spirit. Cheng Zhijie was attentive in urging others to drink, showing no airs, while Ouyang Xizhao was amiable and kind, possessing a wealth of knowledge. When he spoke of the world's wonders and extraordinary tales, as well as heroes and legends, the excitement soared. In a short time, after several rounds of drinks, both hosts and guests were thoroughly delighted.

Fang Mengjing smiled and said, "Young master, you are too polite; I am afraid I have disturbed you."

Although Peng Wuwang did not dare to drink much, today he encountered a hero worthy of lifelong admiration, and a surge of boldness arose within him, prompting him to drink repeatedly in celebration

"I have long heard that the second son of the Peng family, Peng Wuxin, is a person of exceptional talent and charm, renowned as a top figure in the martial arts world. Today, upon meeting him, it is indeed true to his reputation," Fang Mengqing said gracefully upon seeing Peng Wuxin