Chapter 27: I Embellished Luyang (Part 2)

Little Yue’er followed her mistress’s instructions and, early in the morning, led two ladies into Yunshu Inn, waiting outside Gu Yi’s door.

Gu Yi had nothing to bring with him except Ma Yuan. Oh, wait—this fellow insisted on going back to tidy up his own place first. There were many girls in the Jade Pavilion, and he fancied staying there. How pleased he was with himself.

Their plan was set. They would split up. Gu Yi would remain in the Jade Pavilion to continue searching for clues, though the chances were slim; it was clear Little Yiyi was not there. Thus, Master Ma would head to more flamboyant places, hoping to find something.

After a brief farewell on Tianmu Street, the two parted ways. Little Yue’er guided Gu Yi along a small path to enter the Jade Pavilion from the back door. All the way, the young girl kept sneaking glances at him. To her, this sudden guest carried many unique labels: he was the one her mistress awaited, he was handsome, and he seemed to be an Outlander.

Gu Yi felt somewhat awkward being observed by a young woman and took the initiative to speak. “To identify me by a single line of poetry—don’t you think that’s a bit hasty?”

Little Yue’er curved her lips in a smile, her voice pleasant as always. “Though we serve by our mistress’s side, she has always treated us as sisters. Yet, for so many years, she’s never revealed the second line of ‘In Tibet, scrolls blossom in the courtyard’ to anyone, nor spoken of it. Because of this, most people have long overlooked the first line placed at the entrance.”

“I understand, Young Master, that you find it difficult to accept such a change in identity. But our mistress has truly waited for you—for a very, very long time.”

Gu Yi replied, “But you haven’t even determined whether I’m a good person or a villain.”

“Master Ma may be an ordinary student of the Immortal Academy, but he hails from Luyang Immortal Academy. He has met His Majesty, knows the Tower Master, carries his ticket, and his background is recorded in the General’s mansion. Since Master Ma calls you his teacher, Little Yue’er naturally trusts your character.”

So she was thoroughly confident.

Gu Yi teased, “Just because he calls me teacher, you feel at ease? He’s a lazy, gluttonous, and lustful fellow. I am not an immortal cultivator—what can I teach him? Yue’er, you are as lovely as a flower; you’d best be careful.”

Little Yue’er was not shy at all, instead laughing, “And what if I don’t want to be careful? All the women in the Jade Pavilion are sisters; it’s rare to have someone as extraordinary as you adding some color. So, Young Master, you should be the one to be careful.”

Gu Yi was taken aback—he’d forgotten that Little Yue’er, accustomed to greeting guests in the hall, would be more adept at playful banter than he.

Entering the Jade Pavilion through the back door, they followed the garden path to a secluded courtyard marked “Literary Retreat.” Because it was relatively independent, Little Yue’er said he would live there in the future, but for now, he needed to see her mistress.

Her mistress wished to see him.

“That day, you said you were somewhat familiar with Mistress’s illness. Is it true?”

They had arrived. Gu Yi did not answer her, but walked straight inside. Mistress Ye had placed a small table by the edge of an artificial lake and now stood, supporting herself with one hand, gazing at him.

“You’re here.” Mistress Ye gestured for him to sit. “I’m sure Yue’er has told you—now that we siblings are reunited and you are unmarried, you should live here. The Literary Retreat was designed for you.”

The surroundings were clean and elegant, with flowers, grass, water, and trees—a perfect place to live.

“It was designed for me? You knew I would come?”

Mistress Ye, frail as she was, shook her head slowly. “No. How could I have known?”

Such heartfelt care for her family left Gu Yi unable to find fault. He didn’t wish to waste someone else’s affection, yet she truly seemed connected to Little Yiyi.

“Mistress Ye…”

“If you don’t want to call me sister, ‘Mistress’ is fine. Don’t call me Miss Ye—I don’t like it.”

Gu Yi met her gaze and nodded. “Mistress, I am not your brother. I believe you will eventually find him. I have come here to look for someone.”

Mistress Ye seemed unconcerned with his repeated denial, responding warmly, “You needn’t worry. Just stay and let me care for you. When you trust me enough to tell me who you’re seeking, I can help you search.”

Was it stubbornness, or something else? Gu Yi couldn’t tell.

Fine. Since things were as they were, he would do his best to ease her suffering, as a kind of repayment.

Mistress Ye returned to her room, to her large soft couch where she had long nursed her health. Outside the window, spring filled the garden, but the sick seldom had the heart to enjoy it. Just moments ago, Mistress Ye had complained of the heat; now she suddenly felt cold. Little Yue’er hurried her inside, covering her with blankets and firing up the stove, as if winter had come.

Before everything was settled, Mistress Ye couldn’t help but speak to him. “All these years, how have you managed alone?”

Gu Yi pursed his lips. “Must you ask me that?”

Little Yue’er glanced at him, and Mistress Ye’s expression froze for a moment, then relaxed into a smile. “Oh, forgive me. I won’t ask. Let’s not dwell on the past; let’s speak of the future…”

“…I am only a cook, but I’ve had good fortune, meeting some important people in Luyang. If there’s anything you wish for, don’t hesitate to tell me. I may not be able to help much, but I’ll try.”

Gu Yi felt it was almost unreal—she knew nothing about him, yet considered his needs so thoroughly.

“Thank you. But I am not an ambitious person; I only want to live comfortably. If I can find some happiness, that will be enough.”

The only thing he truly wanted was to find that rascal Little Yiyi and resolve the doubts in his heart.

“Yes, that’s perfectly fine too. But have you ever studied in other provinces? Do you wish to enter Luyang Academy? It’s the dream of many young men and women.”

“My cultivation does not require an academy.”

Little Yue’er and Mistress Ye exchanged a glance.

They cared less about the question itself; if Gu Yi had not cultivated, then lack of spiritual power was expected. But if he had cultivated and still possessed no spiritual power, he was very likely an Outlander.

Gu Yi sensed their hidden intentions and narrowed his eyes. “If there’s something you wish to ask, say it plainly.”

“It’s nothing,” Mistress Ye replied, covering her tracks. “By the way, would you like to eat brocaded perch?”

Was that even a question?

“Mistress, I doubt you’ve ever heard anyone say ‘no’ to that.”

“Thank you for the compliment.” The lady gave a gentle smile and shrugged off her blanket. “Wait here. I’ll make it for you myself.”

She started to rise, and Gu Yi was startled.

Little Yue’er hurried to stop her. “Mistress! How can you cook in your condition?!”

“Just one fish—it’s no trouble. I’ve been cooped up here for so long, I’m bored to death. Today is a good day; how can I not make a fish?”

Her body had been weakened by years of persistent illness—her cheeks lacked color, even her fingers were pale. The long-term sickness had also dampened her spirit, with sorrow lingering between her brows.

Now, with rare enthusiasm, Little Yue’er couldn’t dissuade her, and Gu Yi didn’t try either. When a patient wishes to do something, so long as it’s not truly harmful, let them.

Mistress Ye left both of them standing outside the kitchen, with Little Yue’er looking anxious.

“Young Master, could you not help me? Someone else could make the brocaded perch.”

Gu Yi leaned against the window. “Has she really waited for her brother for so long?”

“Of course.”

“Then I mustn’t stop her. Sometimes, the best way to treat family is to let them do something for themselves. This brocaded perch is her pride; if she’s making it for her brother, how could she let someone else do it?”

Little Yue’er was doubtful. “How do you know?”

“Because I am someone’s family, too. I miss them; even making them a plate of cold cucumber would do.”

Just as he finished speaking, the girl inside turned to smile at them. Her bright eyes shone, and her smile was like the warmth of March, melting hearts.

It was moments like this that made Gu Yi feel all the fighting was pointless—why not just sit down and enjoy a fish?

That smile seemed to melt Little Yue’er’s worries as well. Suddenly, she felt it was wonderful that the Young Master had appeared.

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