Chapter 6, The Lotus Supporting the Moon

Bai Xiaobi was taken aback

Regarding what he said, Bai Xiaobi did not take it to heart at all. After thinking for a moment, she leaned close to Zhu Quan's ear and asked, "Uncle Zhu, is your master really that capable?"

It seems both casual and yet deeply meaningful, he said lightly: "The Minister of Rites enjoys the Emperor's favor, and several generals under him hold significant power, having also made contributions in court. When they speak, even the Emperor must yield a little. How can one deal with his family?"

He furrowed his brow slightly, as if deep in thought

Bai Xiaobi sensed something was amiss, immediately taking two steps back, while simultaneously retracting her hand slightly into her sleeve, feeling secretly anxious, fearing that he might act impulsively again

Bai Xiaobi had long known his name, but since he was considered an elder of Zhu Quan, it felt too distant to address him as Young Master Wen. Unable to find another suitable title, she hesitated. At this moment, he took the initiative to prompt her, and feeling awkward, she tightly grasped the edge of the wooden basin, finally managing to squeeze out a complete sentence: "Uncle Zhu asked me to bring water."

Bai Xiaobi said softly: "I do not know during the day, Young Master Wen, please do not take offense, quickly rescue Uncle Zhu."

Bai Xiaobi asked curiously, "I have seen the Fan family's ancestral grave, is that place really that good?"

A stranger approached and immediately asked the girl for her birth date and time. Bai Xiaobi felt a bit at a loss, but someone who possessed such wise eyes could never be a person like Young Master Fan. After hesitating for a moment, she decided to tell the truth.

"What does the good or bad of the Fan family have to do with me?" He interrupted her and picked up the pen again

After the young master in white left, Bai Xiaobi listened to Zhu Quan's detailed account for half a day, and only then did she understand the course of events. It turned out that this young master was surnamed Wen and named Hai. He happened to pass by this place today and took shelter at the Fan family. Zhu Quan had suffered for ten years, and his past transgressions had already been absolved. It was time for him to break free and make a name for himself. While sweeping the floor outside, he happened to be seen by Wen Hai.

He wrote to himself, as if he had not heard anything.

Bai Xiaobi let out a sigh of relief, half in flattery: "Young Master Wen possesses extraordinary abilities and will surely find a way to punish them"

"Zhu Quan did not heed my words, thus he suffers the consequences," he withdrew his gaze and lowered his head to adjust his cuffs, "You came to see me, is it to seek revenge on your behalf?"

The sky had already darkened, and as soon as I stepped into the kitchen, I heard Master Fan scolding the servants. Bai Xiaobi hurriedly wanted to retreat.

Bai Xiaobi regretted deeply, wishing she could slap herself a few times. Clearly, she had come to seek his help, yet it had turned into cursing him for being "unable to distinguish right from wrong." Indeed, trouble arises from one's words; one should not act solely on impulse but should think carefully before speaking.

Come in. A somewhat chilly voice.

Zhu Quandao: "That is merely an empty grave, the true resting place..." A rare look of pride appeared on his old face, resembling that of a geographer. He stroked his beard and smiled mysteriously: "The place I have in mind is something no one would expect, not only will it bless future generations, but the remains will also be protected by the water spirits of the dragon palace. At that time, I reluctantly drank something called 'Lotus Holding the Moon' for it."

Zhu Quandao: "Now that he has come, it is good; not only am I saved, but you also have a hope."

Bai Xiaobi hesitated to leave, precisely with this intention in mind, but little did she know that he would see through her thoughts so quickly. Consequently, she became even more anxious, unable to articulate everything she had prepared. Considering that he was a senior relative of Zhu Quan, she simply stepped forward and knelt down: "The Fan family is truly wicked. If Young Master Wen does not believe it, he can ask the neighbors around..."

Having been advised, Young Master Fan surprisingly did not linger any longer. With beauty before him yet unattainable, he merely vented his frustration on her: "Work carefully, our Fan family does not support those who live off others!" He turned and instructed the servants beside him: "Tomorrow, tell them to bring a few more bags of wheat for Zhu Quan, let them grind it out." After saying this, he stormed off.

Bai Xiaobi was much more cautious this time, responding subtly: "Uncle Zhu is a distinguished geography teacher, and Young Master Wen is his mentor, so he must be even more formidable."

Bai Xiaobi cautiously walked over and placed the wooden basin, then stepped back to the side

He frowned: "Zhu Quan is my disciple, I have my own reasons, you may return."

Zhu Quan's mood is also quite good, explaining: "I met him when I was fifty-eight years old, and he was only sixteen at that time. Now, a full ten years have passed, and I am sixty-eight, while he is now twenty-six years old."

Bai Xiaobi took a deep breath, calmly pushed open the door, and walked in holding a cup of hot water

Young Master Fan has seen her: "Stop right there."

Hearing him refer to "the old man," Bai Xiaobi couldn't help but chuckle.

The recently extinguished unnamed anger flared up again as Bai Xiaobi rushed into the courtyard and blocked Zhu Quanmian's path, glaring at him: "What kind of person bullies the elderly? After receiving such a great gift, aren't you afraid of shortening your own life?"

He is quite polite: "My name is Wen Hai"

A few parts of interest, a few parts of measurement, Bai Xiaobi felt extremely uncomfortable under that gaze, unable to resist the urge to retreat

The Fan family is a prominent local gentry, equipped with dedicated guest rooms to receive officials sent from above for inspections or distinguished guests from afar. At this moment, only one room in the courtyard is lit, and Bai Xiaobi steps forward to knock on the door

Zhu Quandao: "If he says there is a way to save me, then there must be one"

Zhu Quan hurriedly groped to pull her back: "Young lady, do not be rude, this is my master"

Noticing her unease, he turned to look at her

Bai Xiaobi found it refreshing and praised, "Lotus Holding the Moon, what a beautiful name"

In the midst of worry, I suddenly heard him murmur: "There is reason."

As soon as she left, a shadow flashed in through the window. It was a man in black, in his thirties, agile in movement, with a long sword at his waist

He set down his pen and washed his hands, then sat down on the chair and casually said: "Zhu has told me everything about your matters."

Young Master Fan walked up to her, staring at that delicate and fair little hand, his eyes shining with light

Unexpectedly, he did not answer but instead looked her up and down: "When were you born?"

Bai Xiaobi could only stand still

It is strange that the gaze was not as stern as imagined, and was even quite amiable. However, Bai Xiaobi still involuntarily shivered and took a step back, feeling inexplicably more anxious.

The table is covered with pristine and precious Chengxintang paper, half of his face illuminated by the light, a straight nose revealing a hint of coldness. He stands by the table, pen in hand, writing with a fine gold lacquered Xiangfei bamboo brush. His upright posture makes his movements appear more casual; it is more a display of presence than elegance. The innate aura of superiority instills a sense of fear in Bai Xiaobi, who hesitates and dares not approach.

Seeing that he seemed to be impatient, Bai Xiaobi also refrained from saying anything further, quietly got up, tidied the wooden basin, and walked out the door

Bai Xiaobi reproached him: "Why didn't you say earlier that your master is so young"

Knowing that he intended to please Wen Hai, coincidentally Bai Xiaobi was also focused on her own plans. Upon hearing this, she indeed got up, took a wooden basin, washed it clean, and went to the kitchen to ask for hot water

"This matter is extraordinary," Zhu Quan said. He paused his writing and glanced at her, "You know what I do."

He nodded to indicate that she should put it down

Zhu Quantan said: "I fear I have tarnished my name, is this not blinding? Now that I have encountered a master, it can be considered a chance for both of us. My eyes cannot see, and I am unable to serve the esteemed elder. Please bring him some warm water in a basin, as he prefers cleanliness"

Bai Xiaobi thought that he was afraid of power and wanted to back down, and her eyes immediately turned red with urgency: "Even if Fan Batai has merit, it does not mean that the Ren family can act recklessly. Uncle Zhu helped them, yet they repay kindness with enmity. My father was killed by them; can this just be overlooked? It is too unfair! Has Young Master Wen lost the ability to distinguish right from wrong?"

The young man in white cast a glance at her, slightly furrowing his brow, before turning to Zhu Quan

Bai Xiaobi instead breathed a sigh of relief, as the Fan family indeed believed in Zhu Quan's words without a doubt. It was evident that what Zhu Quan said was true; the Fan family had prospered precisely because of the ancestral tombs he pointed out. Zhu Quan's master must be even more formidable. With this thought in mind, she disregarded the gazes of those around her, quietly filled a wooden basin with hot water, and carried it towards the courtyard of Wenhai.

The young man in white has a tall and slender figure, standing with his back to Zhu Quan, hands clasped behind him. From this angle, his profile can be seen, appearing to be under thirty years of age. The straight line of his nose is somewhat harsh, exuding a sense of determination and coldness. There is a hint of authority between his brows, and he possesses an elegance and nobility that Bai Xiaobi has never witnessed before. In his hand, he holds an unopened folding fan, and his eyes are surveying the surrounding environment, remaining indifferent to Zhu Quan's pleas.