Capítulo 126: Chapter 126: Shizun, Wait One More Chapter For Me!
The end of Yuheng Elder's seclusion was naturally a cause for celebration for the entire sect. But Xue Zhengyong knew that Chu Wanning disliked the bustle of gatherings and didn't have much of a way with words, so he planned out what to say and what to do for him ahead of time. Chu Wanning was worried that he might be a bit awkward at the banquet at first, but he soon found out that he really didn't have to worry at all.
Xue Zhengyong may be a big, burly man, but he was keenly perceptive and had a full grasp on the mood in the room. Before the gathering of all the elders and masses of disciples, he spoke some words from the bottom of his heart— not so many as to come off like a deliberate attempt to stir up emotion, but being genuinely moving instead. Only Lucun Elder couldn't read the air, laughing as he shouted:
"Yuheng, why the long face on this happy occasion? You should say a few words too, some of the newer disciples here don't even know what you look like." Xue Zhengyong tried to save him. "Lucun, I've already said everything there is to say for Yuheng, don't put him on the spot." "That's different, he's gotta put in at least a couple of words." "But he——" "It's fine." Xue Zhengyong was about to say something else when he was interrupted by a deep, cool voice. "Since there are new disciples here, I'll just say a few words," Chu Wanning stood up as he spoke. His eyes scanned Mengpo Hall, through the bustling crowd of a couple thousand people all looking at him.
But Mo Ran wasn't among them.
Chu Wanning thought for a moment, then said, "The Red Lotus Pavilion on the southern summit has myriad defensive mechanisms and mechanical guardians. In order to prevent accidental injuries, new disciples are advised against visiting without cause." The crowd fell silent.
Lucun couldn't help asking, "...That's it?"" "That's it." Chu Wanning responded, then dropped his gaze and swept his sleeves aside to sit back down.
The silence stretched on.
The new disciples were pensive: dying and then coming back to life after five years of seclusion from the world was definitely not something that most people would ever experience. Shouldn't you at least say something heartfelt about your feelings, or express some gratitude to your saviour, things like that?
But he just tossed out that one line like he was reading out the tenets or something and left it at that, where's the sincerity?
But the older disciples couldn't help laughing quietly, several of them whispering to each other, "That's Yuheng Elder, alright." "Still doesn't like talking." "Pfft, seriously. Bad temper and short fuse. He's got a good-looking face, but that's about it." Someone quipped under the cover of everyone else's chattering, from where they stood far enough away that Chu Wanning wouldn't hear. The crowd chuckled amongst themselves as they talked, then turned to look toward that white-robed person sitting next to Xue Zhengyong.
The banquet began. There were spicy and savory Sichuan dishes of course, but also lots of finely-made desserts and beautifully arranged, mild and sweet Jiangnan dishes, covering entire tables in abundance.
Xue Zhengyong also opened a hundred-some jars of top quality pear blossom white wine to share between the tables, and cups were generously filled with the amber-colored wine. Chu Wanning was on his fourth stewed crab meatball when a large bowl was suddenly put down in front of him with a clang.
"Yuheng! Let's have a cup!" "...That's a bowl." "Aiyah who cares if it's a cup or a bowl, just drink it! It's your favorite, pear blossom white!" Xue Zhengyong's bold features were practically glowing with joy in the cheerful atmosphere. "I know how much you can drink! A thousand cups won't even get you tipsy! C'mon, cheers!" Chu Wanning smiled and picked up the big bowl, clinked it with Xue Zhengyong.
"Since Sect Leader says so, cheers." With that, he downed the bowl and flipped it over to show Xue Zhengyong.
Xue Zhengyong was overjoyed, but the rims of his eyes turned a little red.
"That's my man! I remember, five years ago, when you asked me for a jar of the top quality pear blossom white from the cellar and I wouldn't give it to you back then. I couldn't regret it enough later on, thought I'd never… never get to…" He trailed off, then abruptly lifted his head and huffed out a long exhale before declaring loudly, "Nevermind! No point dwelling on it! If you want it, you can have the whole cellar of pear blossom white! I'll make sure you have good wine to drink for the rest of your life!" Chu Wanning said with a smile, "Deal." While they chatted, Xue Meng was over in a corner with someone,
whispering back and forth for a good while before Xue Meng suddenly grabbed that person and came over with them in tow, both of them bowing together to Chu Wanning in proper, upright form.
"Shizun!" Xue Meng lifted his head, his youthful face handsome and commanding.
"Shizun." The other person lifted his head as well to reveal a face that was beautiful like a lotus coming into bloom, like whisps of clouds drifting lightly between peaks—who else could it be but Shi Mei?
Shi Mei said bashfully, "This disciple was held up seeing patients at the free clinic in Wuchang Town today, and only just now came to visit Shizun. Pray forgive this disciple's shameful tardiness." "...It's no matter." Chu Wanning looked Shi Mei over carefully through lowered lashes, and though his expression remained neutral, he was caught off guard by a sudden sense of loss deep inside.
Mo Ran's beloved person had grown up to be way too incomparably beautiful.
If the Shi Mei of five years ago was still a fledgeling beauty, then the grown up Shi Mei standing before him now was like a queen of the night[14] in full bloom, its tender green sepals no longer able to hide the glistening white within, snowy petals quivering as they unfurl, its loveliness eclipsing everything else around it. He had a pair of sweet peach blossom eyes that were clear and dewy. The curve of his nose was gentle and perfect; a little more would've seemed too harsh, and a little less would've look too weak. And his lips were red and full, like a dew-laden cherry, and every word spoken was sweet and soft.
"Shizun, this disciple missed you so much." He rarely ever expressed his feelings so openly. Chu Wanning didn't know what to say for a moment, caught by surprise as he was.
Shi Mei's eyes were red-rimmed with emotion, and Chu Wanning couldn't help feeling a little ashamed of himself.
What was he being jealous of Shi Mingjing for? He was so much older than them, and their superior to boot, why should he be jealous of Shi Mingjing?
Thinking thus, Chu Wanning nodded and said mildly, "You can both get up." His two disciples stood up by his leave.
...
Chu Wanning had only just gotten his feelings under control, but then he glanced at Shi Mei and froze.
"..." Shi Mei was taller than Xue Meng?
Chu Wanning choked a little, cleared his throat twice, and couldn't resist stealing a couple more glances.
Not just a little taller, either.
But Shi Mei's figure was even better like this, with broad shoulders, a slim waist, and long legs, looking gentle and demure but with a suggestion of subtle assertiveness, an air of grace and elegance that defies words. This grown up Shi Mei was nothing like the fragile-looking adolescent he used to be.
Chu Wanning's face fell again despite himself.
He felt like he had lost a little too pathetically.
But...forget it.
He had kept his feelings for Mo Ran to himself even until death, so there was no way he'd ever say it in the future. As for Mo Ran, that guy had chased him all the way to the Underworld and still couldn't tell that he liked him, so there was no way he'd ever notice in the future either.
The two of them can just be master and disciple for the rest of this life. That's a strong bond too, it's fine.
As for anything beyond that... no point forcing something that wasn't meant to be.
Xue Meng, red-faced, suddenly nudged Shi Mei with his elbow and shot him a meaningful look.
Helplessly, Shi Mei said in a soft voice, "You really want me to do it?" "Yeah, it'd be better if you do it." "But you're the one who got these things over the five years…" "Yeah that's why it'd be awkward for me to! You do it. Besides, you brought back some stuff with you today, right?" "...Alright." Shi Mei sighed and gave in, taking a huge rosewood box that Xue Meng had been hiding behind his back and holding it in both hands as he walked over to Chu Wanning, who had already sat back down to continue eating his stewed crab meatball.
"Shizun, the young master and I...prepared some gifts over the past five years, just some… small gestures, please accept them." As he spoke, Xue Meng's face grew redder and redder behind him. In an attempt to cover up how flustered he was, he crossed his arms and turned his head away in feigned nonchalance, as if suddenly fascinated by the decoratively carved pillars of Mengpo Hall.
Generally speaking, opening a gift in front of the giver was impolite, but as their shizun, Chu Wanning didn't want to accept anything too valuable, so he thought for a moment and then asked, "What is it?" "It's...just some little things we got here and there." Smart and perceptive as he was, Shi Mei immediately figured out Chu Wanning's concern and said,
"Nothing expensive. Just take it back and open it for a look then if that's what Shizun is worried about." But Chu Wanning countered, "There's no difference between opening it now or when I get back. I'll just go ahead and open it." "No no no!!!! Don't open it!" Xue Meng froze for a second, then immediately rushed over in a panic and tried to grab the box.
But Chu Wanning had already opened it, and even threw him an impassive look.
"What are you running for, don't trip and fall." Xue Meng: "..." Sure enough, the box was stuffed full with all kinds of interesting-looking little things, including a few delicately embroidered hair ribbons, finely crafted hair clasps, and intricate belt buckles made of jade. Chu Wanning casually picked up a bottle of sedatives, and saw on it the seal of Hanlin the Sage glistening under the candle light.
The contents of the box were quite costly indeed.
Chu Wanning really didn't know what to say, opting instead to look up and shoot Xue Meng a glare. Xue Meng's face grew even redder.
Xue Zhengyong watched on from the side, amused. He said, "Yuheng, just accept it as a token of Meng-er's thoughtfulness. The other elders all got you fairly pricey gifts too anyway, what's one more?" Chu Wanning said, "Xue Meng is my disciple." The implication being that he didn't want to accept this many things from his own disciple.
"But it's just some things I picked up over the last five years that I thought would suit Shizun!" Hearing him say that, Xue Meng panicked. "And I only used money I earned myself, not a cent of dad's money. Shizun, if you don't take it, I… I…" "He'll be upset, won't be able to sleep," Xue Zhengyong filled in for his son, "might even go on a hunger strike." Chu Wanning: "..." He really didn't know how to deal with this father-son pair, so he looked back down at the box, and noticed another, even smaller wooden box lying inside the pile of stuff.
"What's this…" He took it out and opened it to reveal four little clay figurines. Confused, he looked up at Xue Meng, only to see that Xue Meng's face was currently the color of a ripe tomato. Seeing Chu Wanning look his way, Xue Meng hurriedly lowered his head, the handsome young man acting like a bashful little boy under his shizun's stare, unable to make eye contact.
Chu Wanning asked, "What is this?" Xue Zhengyong was curious as well. "Let's take it out and have a look." "No...don't…" Hand on his forehead, Xue Meng mumbled helplessly. But his old man had already cheerfully taken out the four little clay dolls and arranged them in a row. The little figurines were crudely made, ugly and crooked, and all looked basically the same except for one being slightly taller and the other three being slightly shorter. Xue Meng's work, to be sure.
Xue Meng had originally wanted to learn the mechanical arts from Chu Wanning, but it only took a day before Chu Wanning had him switch to the blade instead, for no other reason than the fact that the boy had managed to make absolutely nothing after an entire afternoon spent at the Red Lotus Pavilion, but had nearly managed to tear down the machine room with just a file.
It must've been hard work to make these clay dolls with nothing but the power of his pure heart.
Xue Zhengyong grabbed one of the dolls and looked it over, turning it this way and that, but still couldn't figure it out. So he asked his son, "This thing that you made, what is it?" Xue Meng said stubbornly, "N-nothing, I was just messing around." "This black one is really ugly, that taller white one looks much better," Xue Zhengyong mumbled as he thumbed at the little clay doll's head.
Xue Meng yelled, "Don't touch it!!!!" But it was too late. The little doll spoke.
"Hands off, Uncle." Xue Zhengyong: "..." Chu Wanning: "..." Xue Meng gave himself a sound slap, then covered his eyes with his arms,
not wanting to even look any longer.
It took Xue Zhengyong quite a while to put two and two together, laughing out loud when he finally figured it out, "Oho, Meng-er, is this supposed to be Ran-er? Didn't you make him a bit too ugly? Hahahahaha!" Xue Meng shot back angrily, "That's cause he is ugly! Look at the Shizun I made instead! Pretty, right?!" His face was bright red as he spoke, pointing at the white-painted clay doll.
But the tip of his finger inadvertently brushed against the little white doll's head. It hmph'd coldly and said, "Don't be impudent." Chu Wanning: "..." "HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!" Xue Zhengyong laughed so hard he nearly cried.
"That's pretty good, pretty good! You put a voice charm in them didn't you? The little one's actually doing a pretty good impression of Yuheng's tone, hahahaha!" Chu Wanning said with a flick of his sleeves, "Ridiculous." But then carefully picked up the four little clay dolls, tucked them back into the box, and put the box next to himself. His face betrayed nothing the entire time, looking calm as ever, but there was a hint of lingering gentleness in his eyes when he looked back up.
"I'll take this one, you can keep the rest. It's all things you can use too, and this master isn't wanting for any of them."
"But…"
"Young master, just do as Shizun says." Shi Mei smiled and consoled him quietly, then lowered his voice to say, "What the young master wanted to give the most was the box of little clay dolls anyway, right?" Xue Meng was so mad there was practically smoke rising from his head. He shot Shi Mei an angry glare, stomped his feet, then bit his lip and refused to talk any more.
Xue Meng had always been flattered and fawned upon while growing up,
never had words he couldn't say or things he couldn't do, so if he liked something or disliked something, he'd always express it loudly and frankly.
Chu Wanning felt like he was extraordinary for that reason, because this kind of candor was something that he himself never had, and one of Xue Meng's most remarkable qualities. He envied that about him, that openness that was so unlike the way that he himself could never be honest, claiming to not care about something even as it occupied his thoughts.
He had gotten a little better about it since coming back to life, but it was what it was, and the changes weren't really too noticeable. It would take more than one cold day for a river to freeze three feet deep; he felt like he probably wouldn't really change all that much, even if he were to try for the rest of his life.
And besides, he wouldn't really be him anymore if he changed too much.
The banquet was nearly over, but Mo Ran had still not come back.
Chu Wanning's chest felt all stuffy, but he said nothing about it, even though he really wanted to ask Xue Zhengyong what exactly Mo Ran had written in that letter from earlier today, wanted to ask if he knew where exactly Mo Ran was right now.
But instead he only gripped the wine cup and downed one drink after another, his joints white with the force of his grip. The wine burned all the way down, but it did not burn enough to warm his heart, not enough for him to summon the courage to turn around and ask when he would be back.
Author's Notes:
There are perks on Weibo today~ Thankieww "Xu Liang" for your picture of Shizuwun walking in the snow looking for plum blossoms~~ A very very handsome Shizuwun with his thick cloak, I can't help but want to bury my face into the fur of his hood hehe~ It's suwuper great I want to lick it~~ thanks~ Thankieww "Salted Fish in Flying Snow" for little cutie Xia Sini~ while we're on this topic, Xia Sini will not be coming online ever again, although he's Shizun's child form, I feel kind of sad for some reason QAQ Cradling osmanthus cake and asking Dog-gege for lotus flower crisp and stuff, is he really not afraid of repeating the Fourth Ghost King's mistakes hahaha thanks~ Thankieww "Shuanghua stabbing Meatbun" for Nangong Si...hahaha I really need to have a good laugh at this, mermaid Nangong Si hahahahaha, Ye Wangsi is probably laughing himself awake from this dream, he went again the ship dynamics hahaha. Is this cold and heartless mermaid Nangong-gege x passionate prince loyal dog Ye, hahaha~ but little koi Nangong-gege is really cute, I want to tease him~ thanks~ Mini-theatre "The Reason Behind The Team's Tardiness" Chu Wan Ning: Late is late, I don't want to explain, just punish me.
Mo Ran 0.5: There was an old woman walking too slowly on the way here, and she got in my way. I came here right after killing her, arriving a little late. Hand this venerable one a clean handkerchief, some blood splattered onto my face.
Mo Ran 1.0: Hahaha~ An old granny was crossing the road, the way she was leaning on her cane was sooo funny. I snatched the cane she was using to cross the road because I wanted to see something comedic happen. But I returned it to her afterwards, don't worry, don't worry~ Mo Ran 2.0: On the way here, I saw an elderly person who had difficulty walking, so I helped her cross the road and delayed my journey, my apologies.
Shi Mei: I ran into a patient kicking up a fuss so that he could attain some benefits he wasn't entitled to and really couldn't leave...sorry...
Xue Meng: None of your shitty business.
Nangong Si: The one above is really uncouth, I'll be more polite--what does that have to do with you?
Ye Wangxi: I am never late. Look again, it should be your hourglass that's malfunctioning.
Mei Hanxue: For every step I take, there'll be female cultivators coming up to pester me. Even if I leave the house four hours earlier, I'll still end up late. I've given up on fighting it.
[14] 昙花 Queen of the night is a flower that blooms rarely and only at night, and the flower wilts before dawn
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