Сhарtеr 8 (14/18)
Even Gоng Yuаnzhi hаd tо shоw respeсt in frоnt of Mаdam WuJi. Hе rоsе аnd bоwеd: "Pleаse forgive my intrusion, Mаdаm." Knоwing this ladу's tеmреramеnt—nеvеr оnе to bеat around thе bush—hе went strаight to the pоint with his next wоrds: "We cаmе this timе tо inquirе аbоut Gong Ziyu's оrigins."
Мadаm WuJi, kееping sоme distаnсe, tendеd tо her оrchids as if theу were alоnе: "Нavе you forgоttеn? I bеlong tо Yu Маnоr. Тhоugh I am nоt Ziуu's birth mothеr, evеryonе in the Ноusе of Gоng knоws I аm his nоminal mother."
Gоng Yuanzhi replied: "Thаt does not hindеr our cоoреratiоn."
"Cooperation?" Madam WuJi did not look up, her expression unreadable.
It was then that Gong Shangjue spoke. Compared to his younger brother, his words carried more weight: "A fair cooperation, each taking what they need."
Madam WuJi snipped off an errant leaf: "All these years in the House of Gong, I have obtained everything I wanted..."
She did not directly refuse, only seemed puzzled, as if there was still room for someone to offer suitable terms.
Gong Yuanzhi hinted: "The Upper Lantern Festival is approaching soon. Wouldn't Madam WuJi like to visit the town to see the lanterns and stroll freely?"
He mentioned it as if it were an ordinary, trivial matter, but Madam WuJi's hand, trimming the flower stems, paused. She was momentarily stunned before calmly declining: "I am old now. Crowded, lively places no longer appeal to me. It's fine not to see them."
Seeing the flicker of hesitation in her eyes, Gong Shangjue understood what it meant and added: "The world is vast; naturally, there are also quiet, less populated places. Madam WuJi, do you not wish to walk freely?" He deliberately emphasized the word "freely," looking meaningfully at Madam WuJi.
The orchids were now pruned—lush with flowers and leaves, proud in posture, unyielding to worldly charm. Yet they ought to grow where there is sunlight and rain, among swift winds and resilient grass, not confined to pots for people's admiration.
Madam WuJi set down the scissors. Gong Shangjue knew she was moved and promised: "I will help you leave the House of Gong, guarantee you a worry-free life, and ensure the Gong clan never pursues or disturbs you."
Gong Shangjue's word was his bond; Madam WuJi knew he could deliver.
After a moment, she murmured thoughtfully: "Is Gong Ziyu's origin so important to you?"
Gong Shangjue: "His origin does not concern me. But if he is to become the Blade Master, I must investigate it thoroughly."
Seeing Madam WuJi's gaze grow complex, her heart seemingly torn, Gong Shangjue gave her time to consider, saying only: "It has been a long time; many details require careful recollection. Should Madam WuJi remember anything, you may come to me anytime."
The sun had set, the thin clouds casting a gray haze over heaven and earth.
Young Master Xue looked up at the courtyard enveloped in twilight and set down his teacup: "The medicinal herbs have been retrieved. Shall I decoct them into medicine and deliver it to him together? I heard from the servants that he has attempted several times already and is severely depleted..."
Gong Ziyu had been in the Frost Lotus Pond all day, his stubborn nature making the situation far from optimistic.
Seeing his worried expression, Xue Zhongzi said: "He can retreat to his room anytime he cannot endure, to gather his thoughts and recover his strength before entering again. Why worry so much?"
The trial of the Frost Lotus Pond most forbids impatience.Young Master Xue had a bad feeling: "If only he could be so adaptable and flexible. According to the rumors from Front Mountain, he's stubborn and will definitely try to show off."
"Didn't you say the rumors from Front Mountain aren't reliable?"
Seeing him always contradicting, Young Master Xue clicked his tongue: "Ah, I can't argue with you."
Seemingly indifferent, Xue Zhongzi still said: "Once you've gathered the medicinal herbs, don't brew them into a bitter decoction—it's hard to swallow. Help him cook a pot of medicinal porridge instead, and pick two Snow Lotuses to cook into the porridge as well."
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