Chapter 4, where the willows are dark and the flowers are bright, there is another village
"Well, I am very tired. I spent the whole night grinding ink for the young master, and my hands and feet are sore. I need to hurry back and get some sleep." Xie Fangfei yawned widely, swaying as she walked with two heavy dark circles under her eyes. Serving Xie Tiao is not an easy task; one can easily incur blame. However, serving one person is certainly much easier than serving everyone in the household.
Oh, it is Fangfei. Have you been getting used to serving the young master these days?" Chen Liu stopped and asked with concern. Times have changed; Xie Fangfei's status is vastly different now due to her service to Xie Tiao
In front, there is a large ship towering three stories high, brightly lit, bustling with people, grand and magnificent, intricately carved, exuding a considerable presence. In the wind, the faint sound of silk and bamboo instruments can be heard, mingled with cheerful songs and laughter. I casually asked, "Boatman, do you know whose ship this is, so lavishly adorned?"
The hall is spacious and bright, arranged with one seat per person, lined up neatly on both sides, while the servants move quietly, refilling wine and adding dishes. Everyone is dressed in loose robes, seated at the tables, the wine is rich, and the atmosphere is lively. Some have loosened their outer garments and let their hair down, appearing quite casual. Xie Tiao sits at the head table, raises his cup, and speaks loudly: "Ladies and gentlemen, today I have acquired a new kind of medicine. After taking it, one truly feels as if floating into a fairyland, its benefits are beyond description. I encourage everyone to give it a try, as I have put in considerable effort to obtain it."
Daring not to return, I have walked along the Qinhuai River, where clouds and trees entwine the banks, small bridges and flowing water lead to homes, with wind curtains and emerald drapes, and the sounds of laughter and conversation fill the air, creating a scene of great prosperity. At the dock, boats come and go, with the sounds of calls and sales rising and falling, a flurry of activity. Xie Fangfei strolls leisurely along the embankment, the sound of water gurgling, crystal clear, with shimmering waves and deep reflections. As night falls, the sounds of oars and the shadows of lanterns, a gentle breeze wafts, creating a splendid dreamlike scene. Xie Fangfei continues her leisurely walk along the embankment, the sound of water gurgling, crystal clear, with shimmering waves and deep reflections. As night falls, the sounds of oars and the shadows of lanterns, a gentle breeze wafts, creating a splendid dreamlike scene. Mist envelops the cold water, the moon shrouds the sand, moored at night near a tavern by the Qinhuai, indeed, it is as they say! What a pity that on such a clear night with a bright moon and gentle breeze, what could be better?
Xie Fangfei was taken aback, her back breaking out in a cold sweat. Could it be that she had caused trouble? She lowered her head and spoke softly, "Replying to the young master, I, I, the servant girl, am newly entered into the residence, called Fangfei."
Xie Fangfei's cold sweat had yet to dry, and the scene from earlier still lingered in her mind, more surreal than a dream. Walking on the bustling streets of Jiankang, with sunlight pouring down on her, she finally realized that she had truly escaped, and couldn't help but exclaim her good fortune. Fortunately, there was a chivalrous hero who intervened when he saw injustice; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable. Qiu Kaiyu truly lived up to his reputation as a ruthless villain, striking with merciless ferocity. At this moment, she still couldn't fathom how he would have tortured her, causing her to shiver involuntarily, not daring to think further. Walking slowly along the street leading to the Xiao residence, she pondered for a moment before turning back the way she came. Qiu Kaiyu was clever enough; how could he possibly let her off so easily? He must have calculated everything in advance and was waiting nearby the Xiao residence. By colliding with him like this, wasn't she just walking into a trap? Before she even reached the door, she was already caught.
Showing mercy, he was neither angry nor agitated, but merely smiled faintly and nodded, saying: "I do not dare to ask for mercy. I only wish to plead for leniency; might the Autumn Sovereign spare these innocent individuals who have been unjustly implicated? What crime have they committed? I hope the Autumn Sovereign will show compassion."
The young master of the Xie family has recently been in a very bad temper, often flying into a rage at the slightest inconvenience, and venting his anger on the servants, resulting in many being driven out of the residence. This has caused chaos in the Xie household, with people feeling anxious and unsettled. There is a steward in the Xie residence who is a relative of mine, and he has frequently complained to me lately about the lack of manpower, saying that they are overwhelmed with many tasks. After hearing this repeatedly, even I, an old man, can hardly find peace of mind. He laughed heartily after saying this.
"Oh, which Xie family? Who is on the ship?" Xie Fangfei couldn't help but ask curiously
The boatman smiled and said, "Young master, you must not be a local, right?" At that moment, she was still dressed in male attire, her figure slender, her hair casually tied up, and she wore a plain silk scarf. Her voice was somewhat hoarse due to coughing. The old man, unable to see clearly in the late evening, mistakenly thought she was some young dandy from a wealthy family, thus addressing her as 'young master.' She did not correct him, allowing others to misunderstand. After all, she had dressed as a man before, but it was easy for people to recognize her.
Everyone was busy saying: "So it turns out that the medicine was personally refined by Master Tao, which is indeed priceless. Only Young Master Xie could persuade Master Tao himself." Master Tao refers to the renowned Tao Hongjing, the founding master of the Maoshan sect of Taoism, who was well-versed in medicine and alchemy, and whose knowledge encompassed astronomy and geography. He also possessed profound accomplishments in literature and painting, truly a natural talent known throughout the world, even the emperor Xiao Luan would show him respect. Gatherings of aristocratic youths, drinking, taking medicine, and engaging in idle talk have become a social trend. Most people, due to years of war and harsh political rule, often feel a sense of insecurity and impending disaster, adopting a mindset of enjoying the present with wine and indulging in drunkenness, leaving tomorrow's worries for tomorrow, living recklessly, and drifting through life aimlessly.
A young gentleman stood up, shaking his head and laughing, saying: "What Xie Shao has brought out is naturally good. It's just that I don't know where it came from; we should go back and ask about it." The crowd followed suit, creating a commotion.
As autumn rain opens, cold light shoots forth, and with a slight retreat of a step, both palms are slowly pushed out. What appears to be an unremarkable move is, in fact, the essence of his lifelong practice, seemingly effortless yet profoundly skillful. Rong Qing's breath momentarily falters, as an overwhelming momentum surges forth like a mountain pressing down upon him. He steadies his mind, unwilling to confront this move head-on, and can only evade by spinning away, floating like a leaf in the wind. Strangely, halfway through his flight, he suddenly darts to the side, akin to the character "之" written with force by Wang Youjun, concealing a subtle method with great mystery. However, the true lethal strike of Qiu Kaiyu lies in his right foot, filled with genuine energy, which has silently kicked at the spot three inches below Rong Qing's left knee joint. If struck by this powerful kick infused with Qiu Kaiyu's internal strength, it would not only be fatal but would at least leave him crippled.
Faint sounds of soldiers mobilizing could be heard outside, with footsteps in disarray and shadowy figures appearing. It was evident that the events occurring here had already attracted the attention of the authorities. Thus, there was no longer any need for the two to continue fighting
For those of us in the shipping industry, isn't it the same for everyone when it comes to doing things? In this day and age, we are all just trying to make a living; enduring some hardships and suffering is just part of it
The autumn rain fell without a heart for battle, and in a fit of anger, he coldly said: "Alright, alright, no wonder you are a disciple of the Heavenly Yi Daoist. I, Qiu, will personally visit the esteemed elder one day in the future." With that, he angrily withdrew, his words still echoing in the air as he had already walked far away. One could only catch a glimpse of a fleeting silhouette, vanishing in an instant, as swift as light smoke, disappearing in the blink of an eye. Rongqing also did not wish to have much to do with the authorities, and immediately turned to the other side, her movements light and graceful.
Xie Fangfei was busy and overwhelmed, never expecting to encounter such an opportunity, which is truly an unexpected joy
The boatman steadily maneuvered the oars in his hands and slowly said: "Young master, this is the boat of the Xie family, which often sails on the Qinhuai River. There is no one in the entire Jiankang who is unaware of it"
Xie Fangfei responded with a murmur, "How tedious this is, serving a dish feels like an audience with the emperor." Holding the tray, she stepped lightly, keeping her head down as she entered through the side door, not daring to look around.
In a moment of peril, he could not afford to be lenient, quickly retreating and swinging his sword three times. The momentum of the sword surged violently, flowing as smoothly as clouds and water, securing his escape route while forcing back the attacks from Qiu Kaiyu. Then, he leaped aside, his breath momentarily disrupted, his steps slightly unsteady, revealing a hint of awkwardness, clearly at a disadvantage. Secretly regulating his breath for a while, he waved his sleeve and calmly said, "Master Qiu, I concede." Although he was slightly outmatched, he had already achieved his goal of saving others.
Qiu Kaiyu, upon hearing this, coldly laughed and said, "If these words were spoken by the Taoist Tianyi, I might still show him a bit of courtesy." He held a rather disdainful attitude towards this notion of leniency.
As everyone began to drink and take medicine, before long, expressions of intoxication and confusion appeared on their faces, as if they had fallen into another wonderful illusion from which they could not extricate themselves. Xie Fangfei brought the dishes over and carefully observed Xie Tiao, such a handsome and talented young man from a prestigious family, who possessed power and influence, talent and looks, yet lived in such unhappiness that he resorted to this method to numb himself. Seeing his pale complexion and dazed consciousness, she felt a pang of sympathy. After a moment's thought, she softly said, "Young Master, may I assist you in lying down on the couch?" Xie Tiao unconsciously followed Xie Fangfei to the side of the couch. Xie Fangfei fetched some cool water and gently wiped his face, neck, and hands with a cold towel.
Xie Fangfei hurriedly stepped forward, wearing a smiling face, and said: "Manager Chen, I was introduced here by Old Liu to do some work. I wonder if you still need someone?" He carefully examined Xie Fangfei, looking her up and down, and then said: "Indeed, there is such a matter. I see you are quite clever and agile, so you should have no problem with the work. However, the Xie residence is not like an ordinary household; it is a prestigious family, a place of wealth and status, with many rules to follow. Since you are here, you should first go to the kitchen to help out. Today, the young master is hosting a banquet, and everyone is quite busy. You can assist there, and later in the evening, I will discuss the specific matters with you."
Xie Fangfei suddenly realized and exclaimed, "Oh, so it's their family. No wonder they have such an imposing presence." Unable to contain her curiosity, she asked again, "Is the one on the boat Xie Tiao, the young master Xie?" Xie Tiao is indeed a renowned literary genius in history. The phrase "Penglai's writings have the essence of Jian'an, and among them, the young Xie is particularly refined" refers to Xie Tiao. Amusingly, she thought to herself, I also share the surname Xie, but I wonder if we are from the same family five hundred years ago.
Suddenly, a commotion and scolding were heard on the boat, as several maidservants were brought out, crying and wailing. The boatman sighed, "It is the same again today"
Early the next morning, Xie Fangfei arrived at the side gate of the Xie residence to inquire, politely stating, "I am here to find Manager Chen Liu." The servants did not make things difficult for her and even offered her a seat. After waiting for a while, someone went in to relay the message. A sturdy man in his forties came out and asked, "Who is looking for me?" He was broad-shouldered and robust, with a simple and honest appearance.
The boatman laughed again: "Young master, where in the entire Jiankang can one find another Xie family? Of course, it is the Xie family of Wuyi Lane. The person on this boat is Xie Tiao, the young master of the Xie family." The Wang and Xie families have been prominent since the Eastern Jin dynasty, holding titles and serving as ministers for hundreds of years, producing numerous renowned figures and leaving behind many well-known stories, known to all under heaven and recognized by all in the world. Liu Yuxi once wrote in a poem: "Wildflowers grow by the Zhuque Bridge, the setting sun slants at the mouth of Wuyi Lane." Since the Eastern Jin dynasty, the Wang and Xie families have held titles and served as ministers for hundreds of years, producing numerous renowned figures and leaving behind many well-known stories, known to all under heaven and recognized by all in the world. Liu Yuxi once wrote in a poem: "Wildflowers grow by the Zhuque Bridge, the setting sun slants at the mouth of Wuyi Lane." In the past, the swallows in front of the Wang and Xie halls flew into the homes of ordinary people. It is here that one feels a sense of nostalgia and sighs for the Wang and Xie families, who once enjoyed such great honor and prominence, wielding immense power and basking in endless glory.
With a calm demeanor, Rongqing turned slightly and swung his sword to deflect the right palm, shifting his momentum to cleverly evade Qiu Kaiyu's left palm. Qiu Kaiyu let out a cold "hmph," his left palm transforming into a claw, channeling all his true energy, striking directly at the shoulder like the wind. If this palm were to hit, it would surely pierce flesh and bone, splattering blood on the spot. Sensing the opportunity, Rongqing shifted the sword's momentum, the tip of the sword lightly touching the ground like a dragonfly skimming the water, using the force transmitted through the sword tip to leap into the air, executing a beautiful move reminiscent of clouds and rain, gracefully avoiding the attack.
Xie Fangfei did not respond, giving a vague answer to brush it off
Xie Fangfei was taken to the kitchen, washing vegetables and fetching water, gathering firewood and adding it to the fire, busy to the point of sweating profusely, without even stepping out of the kitchen door. In essence, she was nothing more than a mere errand girl, even less than the average serving maid or young servant, being directed and shouted at by others, while having to respond with a submissive demeanor. However, compared to her life, these tasks were of little consequence.
A thought crossed my mind; if I could find a way to sneak into the Xie residence, wouldn't that solve everything? Even Ren Qiukai, with his unparalleled intelligence, could not have anticipated that I would be hiding in the Xie residence. Moreover, there is a chance I might encounter General Xiao during a visit, which would be a double benefit, allowing me to avoid returning to the Xiao residence altogether. The problem is that I cannot just brazenly deceive my way in; if I must enter incognito and under an assumed name, I will need to devise another plan.
After a long and exhausting day, my back ached and I could barely stand. Those people were too harsh, making her work without a moment's rest, treating her like a beast of burden! By the time the lights came on, even the back kitchen was brightly lit, as bright as day. Hearing the bustling voices in the front, lively and noisy, I suddenly remembered that Xie Tiao was hosting a grand banquet today. Xie Fangfei asked the sister-in-law beside her, 'Sister Wang, who are the guests that the young master has invited?'
Xie Tiao smiled: "This was obtained from Master Tao. The ordinary Wushi San is merely derived from multiple refinements of amethyst, white quartz, red quartz, stalactites, and sulfur. However, Master Tao was inspired by Ge Hong's 'Ta Qing Dan Jing' and added his own unique ingredients, undergoing numerous refinements, thus creating this exclusive secret formula. When taken with wine, it does not take long before one feels refreshed and in high spirits." The ordinary Wushi San is merely derived from multiple refinements of amethyst, white quartz, red quartz, stalactites, and sulfur. However, Master Tao was inspired by Ge Hong's 'Ta Qing Dan Jing' and added his own unique ingredients, undergoing numerous refinements, thus creating this exclusive secret formula. When taken with wine, it does not take long before one feels refreshed and in high spirits.
So where should one go to avoid the storm for the time being? Aside from the Xiao residence, there is truly nowhere else to go. She followed Xiao Yan, wandering everywhere, from north to south, from west to east, and she has just arrived in Jiankang, feeling quite unfamiliar. Moreover, there is secretly an ominous figure, Qiu Kaiyu, lurking with intent, so it is essential to find a safe place to hide for a while.
Xie Fangfei glanced at the remaining half ingot of silver that she had borrowed from Qiu Kaiyu during the day. She went to a nearby tavern to buy some food and called for a small boat, allowing it to drift freely on the river's surface. Lying down in the boat, with her hands resting behind her head, she closed her eyes to listen to the sound of the water "whooshing" by. However, her mind could not find a moment's peace; she felt restless and troubled, as she currently had no place to stay, which left her feeling quite uncomfortable. After thinking for a long time, she could not come up with a good solution, so she temporarily comforted herself: "Since I have come this far, I must make the best of it." Lying down in the boat, with her hands resting behind her head, she closed her eyes to listen to the sound of the water "whooshing" by. However, her mind could not find a moment's peace; she felt restless and troubled, as she currently had no place to stay, which left her feeling quite uncomfortable. After thinking for a long time, she could not come up with a good solution, so she temporarily comforted herself: "Since I have come this far, I must make the best of it." There is no road that heaven has closed off to man; the biggest issues can be dealt with tomorrow.
From then on, Xie Fangfei was assigned by the steward of the residence to serve Xie Tiao, which could be considered a significant advancement. "Steward Chen, you are up so early today?" Xie Fangfei asked cheerfully upon encountering Chen Liu on the way.
Oh dear, there are many people invited, mostly close friends and acquaintances who often interact with us, just drinking and composing poetry, why ask so many questions! Remember, when working in the Xie residence, the most important thing is to shake your head and know nothing when asked, so do not speak carelessly. Xie Fangfei quickly nodded in agreement, it seems that the rules of the Xie residence are quite strict. Wang Sao continued, "Oh, by the way, even though today is your first day in the residence, we are really short-staffed. You need to carry this up and place it on the young master's table, quietly enter from the left side, and then quietly exit, your movements must be swift. Do you remember everything clearly? Only young maidservants are allowed to attend to the young master, so be sure not to make any mistakes."
Xie Fangfei asked curiously, "Boatman, what is going on this time?"
Xie Fangfei smiled: "What habits do we still have? If the young master is happy, there will be plenty of nights spent writing and composing poetry."
The murderous intent in Qiu's eyes flashed and vanished, as he clasped his hands together and smiled gracefully: "Alright, today let me see if the esteemed disciple of the Heavenly Yi Daoist is truly deserving of his reputation." Before he finished speaking, his palms had already surged forward, creating countless shadows of his hands, his movements swift as lightning, actually arriving before his opponent. His left palm struck three inches above Rong Qing's right wrist, while his right hand formed a knife with his fingers, aiming directly at the chest, possessing the force to split mountains and shatter rocks. Each move was fierce, pressing forward step by step, launching lethal attacks from the very beginning, determined to defeat his enemy in one blow. His left palm struck three inches above Rong Qing's right wrist, while his right hand formed a knife with his fingers, aiming directly at the chest, possessing the force to split mountains and shatter rocks. Each move was fierce, pressing forward step by step, launching lethal attacks from the very beginning, determined to defeat his enemy in one blow.
With a respectful gesture, Rongqing said: "I am aware of my own shortcomings, therefore, Master Qiu, I must apologize for the offense this time." Drawing the Emotional Sword from his waist, a dazzling radiance slowly unfolded, resembling a lotus emerging from the water, both graceful and pure, noble and elegant. The Emotional Sword measures 3 feet 2 inches in length, with strange patterns engraved on the blade. The sword body is slender, and the edge is sharp enough to cut through jade seals, making it a renowned sword of the present age. Some have praised this sword: "It reflects a person as if in water, and cuts jade as if it were clay. The edges are frostily cold, and the scabbard feels the chilling wind." Rongqing understood the prowess of Qiu Kaiyu. With a swift step, he took the initiative; as the sword was drawn, it resonated like a dragon's roar and a phoenix's cry, shaking the heavens. The sword's edge pointed towards the vital point of Qiu Kaiyu, showcasing an extraordinary strike.
"Oh? Recently entered the residence? Your name is Fangfei, right? Well then, starting tomorrow, you will come to serve me." After saying this, he stood up from the couch and walked to the garden in the backyard without looking back. Xie Fangfei let out a sigh of relief; serving him was quite easy.
As the autumn rain fell, my heart sank. Without changing my expression, I smiled and said: "Who did I think it was? It turns out to be the esteemed disciple of the Heavenly Yi Daoist. Rongqing, have you come this time to meddle in my affairs?" The tone was rather impolite.
Chen Liu also sighed and said, "That must have been hard on you. You stayed up all night accompanying the young master without any sleep, right? Hurry back and rest, it is quite a burden for a young girl like you."
The boatman nodded and said, "Not bad, that is indeed a good point. Alright, young master, if you truly wish to take on this task, I will find an opportunity to speak with him. You can go to the Xie residence tomorrow to inquire whether it is feasible or not."
Xie Tiao raised his eyes to look at her a few times and coldly asked: "What is your name? Under whose command do you work? Why have I never seen you before?"
The medicine Wushi San is toxic; after ingestion, its properties disperse, causing the entire body to feel warm. Due to the fever in the flesh, everyone wears loose and flowing clothing, and they also wear wooden clogs on their feet. Xie Tiao seems to feel quite comfortable and cannot help but moan and chant. Xie Fangfei places a towel on his forehead and goes out to change a basin of cool water. When she returns, Xie Tiao has already regained consciousness, his face pale, and he supports his head, appearing somewhat dazed, and asks in a low voice: "Were you the one who stayed by my side all along?"
The boatman sighed and shook his head: "Of course, it is necessary. But working for such a wealthy family is not easy; one has to endure beatings and scoldings. Just look at what happened earlier, it was truly pitiful."
Xie Fangfei was taken aback, not expecting him to wake up so soon. Looking at the crowd, they were all still in a daze, lost in their own thoughts. She hurriedly lowered her head and replied, "Yes, young master." Not daring to move an inch.
Xie Fangfei felt a secret joy in her heart and pretended to be casual as she asked: "Is that so? I have a friend’s younger sister who is looking for a job. I wonder if the Xie residence is still in need of help?"