One doesn’t know how many people stayed up that night, or how many in the entire sect were eagerly anticipating tomorrow’s excitement. Nevertheless, Zanxing slept soundly. The next day, when Mimi woke her up by stepping on her, it was already early morning.
Zanxing got up, washed and dressed, then opened the door. As soon as she pushed it open, she heard a crisp voice coming from the courtyard: “Young Miss!” In the next moment, a flash of red dashed towards her, diving straight into her arms.
Zanxing staggered from the impact, looking down at the person in her arms. Hongsu clung tightly to Zanxing, joyfully exclaiming, “Young Miss, it’s been so long, Hongsu missed you so much!”
She pulled the girl out of her embrace. Hong Su had grown a bit taller since they first met, at the age where growth spurts were common. But during these days in Pingyang Town, the girl must have been well-fed and clothed, appearing a bit fuller than before. Standing in the courtyard, dressed in a coral-colored dress, which contrasted with the pink hues filling the room, she had a cute round face, looking very adorable.
Zanxing patted her head. “From now on, you’ll live here with me, no need to go down the mountain anymore.”
“I know!” Hongsu nodded her head vigorously like a little chick pecking at grains, “They said it was specially arranged by the Young Miss for Hongsu to stay in the sect. The Young Miss cares about Hongsu, and Hongsu is so touched!” The young maid then surveyed the courtyard again, her delight evident, “The Young Miss’s residence is truly beautiful, it’s different in the main sect. It’s even more spacious than the Wang family’s mansion in Yuecheng!”
“It’s not bad,” Zanxing remarked, “If you need anything, just tell me, we can always add more later.”
Hongsu nodded, looking at Zanxing, her eyes suddenly turning red as she grasped Zanxing’s hand, “Young Miss has finally made it through. When the former Young Master talked about breaking off the engagement before, this servant was worried. When we return to Yuecheng, who knows how many people will be gossiping behind our backs. But now, it’s different. The Young Miss has become a direct disciple of the sect, and no one will dare to bully us again.”
Zanxing felt that Hongsu’s demeanor resembled that of a proud mother whose daughter had been admitted to a prestigious school. She smiled, “Understood, so you better stay here well in the future. With me around, you won’t suffer any losses.”
Hongsu rubbed her eyes and obediently agreed.
For the rest of the day, Zanxing took Hongsu to explore various places in the Taiyan Sect. Hongsu was lively and curious, at the age where she loved to play and experience new things. It was her first time entering the sect, and she was incredibly curious. Zanxing took her to see over half of the sect, and they also visited Xuan Lingzi. Xuan Lingzi, being older, particularly enjoyed the innocence and liveliness of young girls like Hongsu, stuffing her pockets full of pastries and candies bought from the foot of the mountain.
By evening, Zanxing had finished her cultivation and returned to Mingxiu Courtyard. Hongsu had already prepared the bedding with warm blankets, heated the tea, and set out some snacks and fruits on the table. The young girl herself was sitting at the doorstep, playing with a spinning top while holding Mimi. This tranquil scene filled Zanxing with a sense of contentment. Life was so peaceful, what more could one ask for?
“Young Miss, it seems like people in this sect are not afraid of the cold,” Hongsu stood up and rubbed her hands, “They wear thin clothes and thin blankets. I… I was worried that the Young Miss might feel cold, so I warmed up the bed first. It’s more comfortable to sleep that way!”
Zanxing had already instructed her not to address herself as “this servant” anymore. Otherwise, constantly referring to herself as “this servant” would make everyone feel uneasy.
“That’s very considerate of you,” Zanxing sat down at the table, “I also feel cold sometimes.” Sometimes she wondered if the disciples in the sect secretly used some warming technique under their blankets at night.
After eating a few bites of snacks to fill her stomach, they heard a knock on the door. Zanxing got up to open it, and there stood a girl as graceful as a flower, nervously looking at her. It was Liu Yunxin.
“Miss Liu?” Zanxing was somewhat surprised.
Seeing that it was Liu Yunxin, Hongsu immediately ran over and stood by Zanxing’s side, looking protective.
“I… Today, I entered the sect together with Brother Mu. In the future, I will be living in the sect with Miss Yang,” Liu Yunxin seemed uneasy, “I heard Brother Mu say that Miss Yang exchanged her precious Xianyu Lingzhi for a Tianji Dharma Robe. Xianyu Lingzhi is very valuable�� I, I made a pair of cotton shoes. If Miss Yang doesn’t mind, please accept them.” With that, she handed the package in her hand to Zanxing, looking embarrassed.
“A pair of shoes is not worth much,” Hongsu rolled her eyes so hard they were about to fall off the sockets, “Who is she trying to fool?”
Zanxing covered Hongsu’s mouth and smiled at Liu Yunxin, “Miss Liu Yun is thoughtful. Thank you. These days are cold, and I indeed need a pair of shoes.”
Liu Yunxin smiled gratefully and said, “Then I won’t disturb you any longer. Miss Yang should also rest early.” With that, she lifted her skirt and left.
“Young Miss!” Hongsu broke free from Zanxing’s hand and watched Liu Yunxin’s figure disappear outside the courtyard, saying angrily, “Look at her, clearly coming to show off her might. If it were in the past, Young Miss would never have swallowed her pride like this!”
Zanxing took the package and turned to walk into the house, saying, “What show of might?” She sat down at the table and opened the package, revealing indeed a pair of cotton shoes inside. The soles were thick but extremely soft, and when she touched them, they felt warm. The shoes were simple black in color, but the shape of a plum blossom was carved into the soles. Walking in the snow with these shoes would leave plum blossom prints, just like little dog paw prints.
Looking at the stitches, they were fine and neat, clearly crafted with care.
Hongsu closed the door and walked a few steps to the table, looking at Zanxing with a solemn expression. “Young Miss, don’t hide it in your heart. Everyone knows that you have feelings for Brother Mu, so you handed over the Xianyu Lingzhi. But Brother Mu gave the Xianyu Lingzhi to Liu Yunxin, and even brought her to the Taiyan Sect. Isn’t this a slap in your face?”
Zanxing: “…” The rumors spread quite fast.
She asked, “Who said I have feelings for Brother Mu?”
“Everyone is talking about it,” said Hong Su. “Young Master Mu was indeed unremarkable before, but now he is a direct disciple of the sect, with high cultivation and a handsome appearance. If Miss wants him to be Hong Su’s son-in-law, that’s fine too.” There was one more thing Hong Su didn’t dare to say. After all, Zanxing’s facial injury was still not healed, and Liu Yunxin was already beautiful. Men, after all, love beautiful women. In addition, Liu Yunxin and Mu Cengxiao grew up together since childhood. If Zanxing and Liu Yunxin were to go head-to-head, Mu Cengxiao would definitely favor Liu Yunxin.
“Little girl, all you know is ‘son-in-law’ this and ‘son-in-law’ that,” Zanxing chuckled. “Look at our sect, there are so many talented young men. Senior Brother Mu is not bad, but I don’t fancy him.” Mu Cengxiao had taken eight wives in total, and she had no intention of being the ninth.
“What other outstanding young talents are there?” Hongsu persisted. “Let Hongsu help the young lady take a look.”