Chapter 10, Demonic Energy

Zhou Shaomeng raised his head abruptly and asked urgently: "Is it true?"

Zhou Shao once again felt dejected and lowered his head, saying: "It's meaningless"

Less going out, more reading, less contact with people; it has been over half a year living by the principle of two less and one more

Two disciples, engaged in open and covert rivalry countless times, find that studying is the most worry-free endeavor. Bai Guan possesses exceptional talent, which goes without saying. Even Zhou Shao is quite clever; however, he had never focused on his studies before. Now, having turned over a new leaf, he has redirected his flirtatious thoughts towards his studies, making remarkable progress at an astonishing pace. His grandfather was so pleased that he came to invite me for a drink. The local wine is bitter and hard to drink, and I could not refuse. Frowning, I was forced to down half a pot, nearly getting knocked out.

Until Old Master Zhou made a decisive effort and arranged a marriage for Zhou Shao.

I am filled with unease, tossing and turning each night, finding it difficult to sleep

This matter spread quickly; Old Master Zhou knows, the elders of the Zhou family know, the housekeeper of the Zhou family knows, the servants of the Zhou family know, Le Qing knows, Bao Heilian knows, Bai Guan knows, Sai Chang'e knows, the roadside aunts and gossipers know, ... I also know, yet only Zhou Shao remains unaware

Zhou Shaopu rushed over, grabbing me and saying: "Master Beauty, save me, I do not want to marry that Liu family's girl."

Zhou Shaolian, accustomed to cherishing beauty, felt quite uneasy about neglecting the fair lady. He was just thinking of stepping forward to hold the lady's delicate hand and offer some comfort.

Unexpectedly, Sai Chang'e raised her eyes and saw me transformed into the appearance of her master. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she immediately abandoned Zhou Shao, lightly moving her lotus steps to come over and softly inquire: "What is your surname and given name, sir? Where do you reside? Do you have a wife and children at home?"

I was overly startled, nodding vigorously.

Zhou Shao is still causing trouble every day, and after being severely beaten by Old Master Zhou, he has become much more subdued

I felt a deep sense of melancholy, realizing that the mother in Bai Guan's heart was so perfect, and I was but a fraction of that perfection

I have no fondness for such courtesans, so I responded politely with a few words and then turned my gaze away, not daring to look again at her partially concealed bosom beneath the white garment

Zhou Shao glanced at me, quickly lowered her eyelids, and said nervously: "I have someone in my heart"

The five thunder-warding talismans I had placed in the yard suddenly stirred, and several bolts of lightning struck down from the sky, hitting the yard. A muffled groan of a man in pain startled everyone awake

Lady Chang'e, calm and unhurried, surveyed the small room, counted the number of houses, and smiled as she asked, "Your mother is so virtuous; I wonder where she is now? Young master, do not be angry; I mean no harm, merely curious. After all, I was sold to the teaching house by my heartless mother since childhood, my background is humble, and I cannot know the wives of respectable families. Hearing your praise, I can only feel envious."

Sai Chang'e's eyes were filled with tears as she angrily said: "I never said where I had seen it! Fine, after all, we courtesans are lowly, and we can only go to brothels and nowhere else."

It is said that he remained in a daze in the Zhou residence hall for half an hour, causing a commotion, adamantly refusing to marry. When asked about his original intentions, he stammered and could not articulate them, persistently acting like a rogue, expressing a desire to run away from home and to break off the engagement

Zhou Shao hesitated for a moment, as if he had made some kind of decision, and directly asked me: "Master Beauty, do you truly not know who I have in my heart?"

I received my military order and, after inquiring in detail about Liu Wan's appearance and character, I felt that she was indeed the destined person for him. Thus, I steeled myself, brought Bai Guan to assist, and together we went to the Zhou residence, where we found Zhou Shao in his room, disheveled and restless.

Have you really seen me?

Everyone is uneasy about his temperament and has decided to deliver a fatal blow only after the situation has become irreversible

Zhou Shao shook his head: "No matter how beautiful she is, I will not marry her"

Sai Chang'e was even more delighted, and she said: "Five months ago, during the Menglan Festival, my sisters and I went to the Guangxiao Temple in the Xishan Mountains to offer incense. I found the car stifling, so I lifted the curtain to look around. In the distance, I saw an exceptionally handsome man standing on a rock, but unfortunately, the shadows of the trees were swaying, and I couldn't see him clearly. By the time I called for the car to stop to take a closer look, the man had already vanished. I thought I had encountered a fox spirit or a celestial being, and I felt a sense of loss for a long time. That shadow, however, was imprinted on my heart, and I could never forget it."

I was so frightened by her that I did not dare to go out for three months

What should be done in this situation

Bai Guan angrily said: "Nonsense!"

The Zhou family has no expectations of Zhou Shao's abilities; marrying him off is merely to support the family lineage. Not only must the bride be good-looking, virtuous, well-educated, skilled in managing the household, and possess exceptional capabilities, but she must also come from a reputable family, have a capable family background, and be well-matched in social status, avoiding those who are greedy and petty.

The master had a slightly cold expression and said with a smile: "Thank you for your kind guidance, Fairy. Jinyu understands."

Rejecting him is akin to seeing the rejected version of myself

Zhou Shao smiled bitterly and said: "I know, you are my master"

If a capable official has such a good legitimate daughter, they would either keep her for the palace or seek a more distinguished young man from a prominent family for marriage. How could they possibly take a fancy to a notorious and aimless dandy?

The two families matched the birth dates and agreed on the auspicious day, both were very satisfied, and the arrangement is set for six months later, when Liu Wan turns fifteen, she will enter the household.

I do not wish for you to suffer

The terrifying gaze before departure frightened me so much that I couldn't sleep well for three days

Before he finished speaking, Zhou Shao interjected chaotically: "I do not like the Liu family girl. If she is outstanding in both virtue and talent, wouldn't it be a waste to bring her over? If she is lacking in both, then... then wouldn't that be a waste for me? Although marriage is a significant matter decided by parents, I cannot marry a girl from another family. I cannot let both of us be held back; this is truly a tragedy of human existence"

Zhou Shao said: "I do not want a next life, I only want the present."

By the time Zhou Shao learned of this matter, the bride was set to enter the household next month

I never expected that, after three thousand years, I would still be foolish...

They all understand my meaning and will not become overly close

Due to the significant loss of income from him, the "filial son" of this flower street, Hong Jie'er of Xinghua Tower mistakenly believed she had encountered a formidable rival. She sent someone to inquire in detail and even personally visited the place.

Chang'e smiled and comforted me with a few words before gracefully departing

I was left speechless, yet I could not rely on him. With a heavy heart, I hurriedly pulled Bai Guan away.

As I reached the door, I saw Zhou Shao glaring at me from the window, saying, "I will not give up just like that"

I praise him, and he is happy; I scold him, and he is still happy; I reject him, and he shamelessly clings to me; if I treat him a little better, he climbs up the ladder; yet he stubbornly maintains boundaries, leaving me unable to find a place to vent my anger

I hurriedly bowed to Lady Sai Chang'e and asked, "May I ask, Miss Sai, where have you seen my brother?"

From then on, Zhou Shao no longer climbed over the wall. Every day, under the cheerful send-off of his servants, he would bring along seven or eight food boxes, as well as writing materials such as ink, paper, and inkstones to pursue his studies. The black-faced fellow, who was obsessed with money, often took advantage of his past success in the imperial examination to shamelessly visit Zhou Shao under the pretext of guiding him in his exams, hoping to enjoy a meal. Le Qing, concerned that my life in the mortal world was difficult, frequently accompanied him to help manage household affairs, which was quite appropriate.

I have read countless volumes of poetry and prose, yet none contain a record of a solution

The only fairy that Zhou Shao knows is me, so my heart trembled slightly. I pretended to be foolish and said: "Aside from fairies, monsters, and witches, you can marry anyone you love, so why frown? The Matchmaker is attentive to your matters; you and the Liu family are destined to be together, and you will harmonize like a zither and lute, growing old together."

Even if it is Le Qing, Bao Hei Lian, or Bai Guan

Coming to his senses, he heard Bai Guan, wearing an innocent expression, joyfully speaking to Sai Chang'e: "My mother is more beautiful than a celestial being, with a dignified and elegant demeanor, gentle and amiable. Moreover, she excels in managing the household and is proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She shares a deep bond with my father, a perfect match, which is why my father has never visited brothels or pleasure boats."

Descending to the mortal realm has also been classified as a top-tier matter of terror, and I am determined not to set foot in it for the entirety of this life.

Bai Guan Leng Dao: "Get lost! Where did the wine come from? If you want to flirt, go elsewhere!"

His feelings for me are almost identical to my feelings for my master

Zhou Shao said: "Sister Chang'e, you are truly being ridiculous. My master is certainly not a lecher, and he has a brother who looks very much like him that has gone missing and is currently searching everywhere, greatly troubled. You must not use such words to entrap him, lest he be left with false hopes."

I find myself in a difficult situation. With a small door and a small courtyard, it is impossible to claim that my wife never leaves the main door or the second door. If I were to randomly disguise myself as a woman and say that I am my wife, it would eventually be unsustainable. If I were to say that my wife has passed away, I fear that matchmakers would come to propose marriage. If I were to say that my wife has been serving my in-laws at home for many years, I worry that people would think I am ungrateful. Fortunately, Zhou Shao has already explained that I have a biological elder brother, so there is no need to impersonate a master. Suddenly inspired, I said: "A few years ago, during the war, my hometown was ravaged. We had agreed to come to Luoshui together, but encountered misfortune along the way. My elder brother's family and my wife became separated, their whereabouts unknown, and their lives uncertain. Therefore, I am here waiting to search for them." I also fear that matchmakers will come to propose marriage, and if I say that my wife has been serving my in-laws at home for many years, I worry that people will think I am ungrateful. Fortunately, Zhou Shao has already explained that I have a biological elder brother, so there is no need to impersonate a master. Suddenly inspired, I said: "A few years ago, during the war, my hometown was ravaged. We had agreed to come to Luoshui together, but encountered misfortune along the way. My elder brother's family and my wife became separated, their whereabouts unknown, and their lives uncertain. Therefore, I am here waiting to search for them."

I comforted: "Rest assured, it is written in the book of life and death that the one you hold dear will surely be yours."

Zhou Shao: "This... Sister, please don't be angry. I spoke carelessly and will punish myself with three cups."

I was unable to respond and stiffly smiled, saying: "I don't know, don't think too much about it."

Fortunately, the master did not go to visit the brothel

I believe that Sai Chang'e is far less beautiful than Chang'e, but a woman accustomed to the pleasures of the world, when dressed appropriately, naturally exudes a certain charm in her every gesture and movement

"Wait, you want me to say..." I was pulled in so many directions that I hurriedly interrupted him, rearranging my appearance, trying my best to keep the smile at the corner of my mouth from being too obvious, and calmly said, "I have consulted the heavens for you; you are destined for wealth and nobility, with a virtuous wife and beautiful concubines. Therefore, the Liu family must have a first-rate beauty. Even if your parents deceive you, the heavens will not. You can rest assured and marry into the Liu family."

For the small obsession and infatuation in my heart, I do not wish for anyone to like me at all, so I maintain a certain indifference towards everyone, keeping my distance, and live on only with my affection for that person

I gradually let go of my heart

Bai Guan leisurely said: "Except for the fairy"

I inexplicably felt at ease

Could it be that the master... the master is visiting a brothel

I want him to be well, but I do not want him to like me

Only Zhou Shao is not capable. Over the past year, his affection for me has been blatant, employing nearly every means to capture my attention. Sometimes he climbs the western mountain to pick flowers adorned with dew, at other times he sings amusing tunes he has heard, albeit off-key. He occasionally teases passing young girls, causing trouble for me to resolve, and sometimes he deliberately mentions celestial maidens, speaking nonsense to provoke my anger. Sometimes he climbs the western mountain to pick flowers adorned with dew, at other times he sings amusing tunes he has heard, albeit off-key. He occasionally teases passing young girls, causing trouble for me to resolve, and sometimes he deliberately mentions celestial maidens, speaking nonsense to provoke my anger.

Bai Guan looked at him with disdain

I am quite helpless, and can only hope that he has a fondness for beautiful women, wishing that the Liu family girl is indeed a celestial beauty. With the assistance of the matchmaker's red thread, I hope to win his heart in one fell swoop

At night, that strange man did not appear at all

The fairy Lingmeng, her face turning pale with anger, shot him a resentful glance, pushed aside the heavenly soldiers, and jumped down the Immortal Well herself

Lady Chang'e, busy and tightly dressed, shyly inquired: "Sir, you seem familiar; may I ask where we have met before?"

From time to time, I would "coincidentally encounter" her on the road, conveying my feelings to the beauty. At night, I would send someone to deliver messages, stating that I am a virtuous gentleman, a worthy partner to be entrusted with her fate. She wishes to seek my help in redeeming her, offering a dowry of a thousand gold pieces, willingly becoming a concubine

This time, it is not a dream

Zhou Shaoyang looked up with a small face and kept pleading: "Master, what must I do for you to like me? I can change all my bad habits. But I do not want to marry a wife; I know that if I marry, you will not take me back. I will obediently listen, and after my grandfather and parents have passed away, I will inherit a son from the clan, take over the family business, and then you can come to take me to heaven, okay? I like you, Master; I liked you the first time we met, regardless of whether you are male or female. Even if you do not like me, it does not matter; I just do not want to leave your side." I will obediently listen, and after my grandfather and parents have passed away, I will inherit a son from the clan, take over the family business, and then you can come to take me to heaven, okay? I like you, Master; I liked you the first time we met, regardless of whether you are male or female. Even if you do not like me, it does not matter; I just do not want to leave your side."

I have heard countless teachings, yet none can be applied to this situation

Old Master Zhou tried every possible way to persuade, but in the end, he became furious and locked him in a room on the spot, ordering that the groom be tied to the horse to ensure that the virtuous daughter-in-law would be brought back no matter what. Then he came to find me and earnestly requested: "I know that Shao'er has always listened to your words, so why don't you go and persuade her?"

I saw that he was fidgeting, so I quickly patted him away, cleared my throat gently, and said softly: "Listen to me..."

Zhou Shao's pupils instantly constricted, his breath halted, and his complexion turned a terrifying shade of pale. His fair fingers nearly crushed the bedsheet as he stared at me intently. After a long while, with a tone of pleading inquiry, he said: "Actually, I have known all along that you were forced to take me as your disciple, and that you never truly cared for me. So whether I act mischievously or behave obediently, it makes no difference to you, does it?"

As a virtuous daughter from a respectable family, how could I possibly go to a brothel? I wouldn't even dare to set foot nearby!

The master took the opportunity to educate me: "This is love turning into hate. A Yao must be obedient and not casually like men. One must think things through and not recklessly violate the rules of the heavenly realm, otherwise one will face misfortune in the mortal world."

Could it be that the libertine has changed his ways

Perhaps it is because I asked Le Qing to bring vermilion and talisman paper, and covered the entire courtyard with the Five Thunder Exorcism Talismans

I stood there in a daze until Bai Guan pushed me, waking me from my reverie. Hesitantly, I said: "It’s not that I don’t care about you... this kind of thing is too difficult to endure. If you were to suffer in this life, that would be one thing, but you are a person of virtue chosen by the Heavenly Emperor, watched over by all the gods and Buddhas, destined to enjoy a life of wealth and honor. I am a celestial maiden of the heavenly realm, bound by rules, and I should not defy fate to change your destiny. You should follow the path laid out for you. After this life, I will come to guide you to the heavenly realm in your next life." I am a celestial maiden of the heavenly realm, bound by rules, and I should not defy fate to change your destiny. You should follow the path laid out for you. After this life, I will come to guide you to the heavenly realm in your next life.

Zhou Shao was cruelly abandoned by his old flame, who had once said "Every day is filled with love and affection." This caused him to lose some of his interest in flirting with earthly beauties, and he devoted himself to studying diligently and cultivating his immortality. Bai Guan remarked that he was suppressing his desires, waiting for the future when he could flirt with the pure fairy sisters in heaven.

I was greatly alarmed, ordering Bai Guan to stay inside and not come out, then I drew my sword and rushed out of the room. However, amidst the lightning, I saw a white shadow swiftly darting across the agile eaves, leaping onto a large tree, and crossing a small stream, disappearing into the darkness faster than lightning, leaving a trace of magical energy in the air

I am in great embarrassment; if I dare to call her Chang'e, I would surely be pursued by Sister Chang'e wielding the Frost Moon Blade from the Southern Heavenly Gate to the Northern Heavenly Gate. In the end, I compromised and addressed her as: "Miss Xiao'e."

On the sixth day of the second month, it is not suitable for any activities. There are three days left until Zhu Shaocheng's wedding. The rain falls steadily from dusk until deep into the night, and dark clouds obscure the starry sky.

I thought for a long time and shook my head: "You are my disciple, and I still care about you."

I was so frightened that I made him recite "Form is emptiness" an extra one hundred times

Zhou Shao smiled and said: "If others do not understand me, could it be that even my master does not understand me? In my ten lifetimes, which one ended due to a desire for wealth and nobility?"

Turning back, I saw Sai Chang'e gazing at me with an obsession in her eyes, reminiscent of the time when the spirit of Lingmeng, driven by her mad infatuation with my master, went to the Matchmaker to eavesdrop on heavenly secrets, attempting to recklessly alter the red thread of fate, only to be cast down to the mortal realm. Before we set off, we went to see her off, only to find Lingmeng with disheveled hair, no longer the elegance of her past, yet laughing heartily as she mocked my master: "Your intricate schemes are ultimately futile, you have only made a wedding dress for others, how tragic, how tragic!"

Old Master Zhou was selective for over half a year before finally choosing the fourteen-year-old illegitimate daughter Liu Wan of Liu Quan, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. It is said that she possesses both beauty and talent, and the Liu family is considered a prominent clan. Although their fortunes have declined, their noble character remains, and they are very attentive to the upbringing of their children, not being sycophants. Given that Old Master Zhou has a clean official reputation and that Zhou Shao is his legitimate grandson, with no significant faults aside from his romantic escapades, after much hesitation, he finally agreed to marry his daughter to him.

I frowned and asked: "Why?"

Chang'e lowered her head and said shyly, "Just call me Chang'e."