Jianghu Demolition Squad

The Child Returns Home (Part Twelve)

Several days later, Qing Jiu and her companions were ready to head back to Hangzhou, unconcerned about rushing to make it before the New Year.

The members from both Manors would travel with them. Bai Sang, aware of their impending departure, didn’t make a fuss. However, she did check on Mo Wen more frequently, often dropping by to take her pulse.

On the day they left the valley, they took a route through the back because Qing Jiu couldn’t travel by boat.

As they walked through the plum forest, the vibrant blossoms were in full bloom. Light red petals fell on the snow piles, the sun was just right, the air crisp and refreshing. Surrounded by such beauty, their spirits lifted, and laughter filled the air.

Yan Li, Hua Lian, and Yang Chun walked together. Hua Lian glanced back, noticing they had left the Valley but Wu Yu was nowhere in sight. “Where’s the Jile City Lord?” he chuckled. “No grand farewell? Remember the scene when you last left Paradise City? This time, she’s letting you go without any fuss, no tears or drama. Has she truly moved on?”

After their recent ordeal, everyone had a clearer understanding of the relationship between Yan Li and Wu Yu.

nitially, out of loyalty to Yan Li, they had held some disdain for Wu Yu, keeping her at a distance. But after witnessing her save the Wuwei Palace disciples and then risk her life for Yan Li, their perception had shifted. While they didn’t necessarily endorse the relationship, they couldn’t resist teasing Yan Li about it.

“Brother Hua Lian, you haven’t heard?” Yang Chun chimed in. “City Lord Wu Yu has urgent matters to attend to back in Jile City. She needs to sort out some political affairs. Once she has some free time, she’ll come find Yan Li.”

“You even know this? Where did you get this information from?”

“Oh, I just chatted with the attendants from Jile City during my spare time…”

Yan Li sighed. While she found their gossip irritating, she couldn’t help but listen.

These words were light as feathers, not carrying much weight, yet they rippled through her like a stone thrown into still water.

Feeling unusually disturbed, she quickened her pace to walk alongside Tang Linzhi, putting some distance between them and the others.

Qing Jiu, Mo Wen, and Yu’er walked together at the back. Mo Wen seemed reluctant to leave the plum forest and moved slowly, so the three of them fell behind.

Yu’er leaned against Qing Jiu, whispering in her ear, “Valley Master Bai didn’t come to see us off. Mo Wen doesn’t seem quite ready to leave either.”

When Qing Jiu had first taken Mo Wen away from the Xuhuai Valley, Bai Sang had pursued them all the way to the plum grove. In a way, that could be considered a farewell of sorts.

Over the past few days, Qing Jiu had shared some stories about her past with Mo Wen. Bai Sang’s attitude towards Mo Wen had softened considerably. At least now, when Mo Wen addressed her as Shishu, Bai Sang didn’t scold her.

Forgiveness and reconciliation took time, but their hearts were with Mo Wen, and they longed for a swift resolution.

Just as they were about to leave the plum forest, footsteps were heard from behind.

Qing Jiu glanced back. “Speak of the devil,” she chuckled, pulling Yu’er along, leaving Mo Wen behind.

“Shishu!” Mo Wen looked towards the approaching figure. Although she couldn’t smile, her voice was joyful, much like a loyal dog eagerly wagging its tail upon seeing its owner.

Bai Sang stopped three steps in front of her and handed over a bundle, “These are some medicinal herbs and fresh flower seeds.” She had overheard Hua Lian expressing envy for the Xuhuai Valley’s flower fields and knew about Mo Wen’s desire to cultivate herbs. She had gathered some seeds, hence her late arrival.

They owed a great debt to this group, and this small gesture was the least they could do to express their gratitude.

Mo Wen received them, visibly overjoyed and carefully storing them away, “Thank you, Shishu.”

Bai Sang suddenly admonished, “Mo Qingyan.”

Mo Wen looked up at her, but Bai Sang paused for a long time before softly adding, “Behave yourself out there. Don’t cause trouble for your friends. If you encounter someone in need of healing, offer your assistance. Remember, compassion is the foundation of a true healer. Don’t be reckless or cruel. Don’t ruin the reputation of the Xuhuai Valley.”

Don’t ruin the reputation of the Xuhuai Valley…

Mo Wen repeated these words in her heart a couple of times, then understanding dawned, and her eyes sparkled with excitement, “Shishu!”

Bai Sang changed the subject, then asked, “Do you remember the anniversary of your master’s death?”

Upon mentioning this, Mo Wen felt a twinge of fear, clasping her hands tightly together as she nodded her head.

“October fourteenth.”

Bai Sang’s voice lowered, “Remember to come back to pay your respects then.”

Mo Wen was momentarily stunned. The people of Xuhuai Valley had always resented her presence, let alone allowing her to pay respects to Xuan Shen. In the past, she hadn’t dared to sneak into the Valley, offering her respects from afar, facing in its general direction.

She said weakly, “But the elders won’t allow it…”

“It’s just paying respects,” Bai Sang interrupted. “It’s not a big deal. They understand they owe you a great debt…” She didn’t elaborate further, simply stating, “Don’t forget. It’s been so many years. He must miss you.”

Mo Wen responded, “I won’t forget! I will definitely come, and I’ll come early!”

Bai Sang gazed at her with an uncharacteristic softness in her eyes. It had been a long time since Mo Wen had seen such a gentle look directed at her, and it softened her heart, making her whole body feel weak.

Bai Sang said, “Alright, go now. Don’t keep your friends waiting for too long.”

Mo Wen nodded, bidding farewell. After taking a few steps, she turned back to see Bai Sang still standing there, her robes billowing in the wind.

Mo Wen called out to Bai Sang, “Shishu, you should go back too. You haven’t fully recovered. Don’t stay out in the cold too long.”

Mo Wen turned and caught up with Qing Jiu and Yu’er. Looking back, she could still see Bai Sang’s figure. She waved enthusiastically, calling out, “Shishu, I’ll definitely be back on October 14!”

After a while, as they continued their journey, Bai Sang disappeared from sight.

By the time they reached Hangzhou, the new year had arrived.

Yu’er had already contacted Liu Xiu, asking her to oversee the renovations of the Lin Estate.

The Hua family also offered their full support. In Hangzhou, where the Hua family and Yanyu Pavilion held considerable financial influence, it took less than six months for the Lin estate to be completely renovated.

It looked as splendid as it had in the past.

On the day they arrived in Hangzhou, Yu’er led Qing Jiu to the estate’s main gate..

Qing Jiu had no idea the renovations were complete. Standing before the gate, she looked up at the plaque bearing the characters “Lin Residence,” her throat tightening. Her brow furrowed, a flicker of pain crossing her features.

She had been away for so long, but memories of the estate’s former glory remained vivid in her mind: blades of grass sprouting between the tiles, moss clinging to the stone steps, each brick and every tile imprinted in her memory.

As she stepped forward, it was as if she crossed a threshold in time, transported back to her childhood.

A servant rushed over, exclaiming, “Oh my little dear, where did you run off to again? You had us searching everywhere. The madam was so worried she cried.”

Someone gently called out from behind her, “Si’er.”

Qing Jiu turned, a soft breeze brushing her cheek, like a tender caress.

Yu’er stood behind her, calling out, “Qing Jiu.”

Qing Jiu snapped back to the present, forcing a smile. “Come, everyone, let’s go inside.”

As they entered the main gate and approached the second gate, they noticed someone waiting.

On closer inspection, it was Kui Shan, who greeted them with a smile, “Benefactor, Miss Jun.”

Qing Jiu asked, “What are you holding in your hands?”

Kui Shan bowed, “Benefactor, on your glorious return to your ancestral home, my brothers from Juxian Hall and I didn’t have much to offer, so we made a plaque for you.”

He presented the plaque to Qing Jiu. Its frame was intricately carved and gilded, the inscription, “Seven Stars Gather in Righteousness,” rendered in bold gold characters against a deep blue background.

“Benefactor, if you don’t mind…”

Qing Jiu pondered, “The craftsmanship is exquisite, but the inscription… ‘Seven Stars Gather in Righteousness’…” She paused. Their actions were driven by their hearts, not by any grand sense of righteousness.

Yu’er laughed, “It’s the thought that counts. If the word ‘righteous’ doesn’t fit, just remove it.”

Kui Shan, as if afraid she would refuse, quickly said, “Then I’ll take it back and have the craftsman modify it. I’ll send it to the benefactor in a couple of days.”

Qing Jiu replied, “Sorry for troubling you.”

“No need for such words.”

As they entered the main hall, more people awaited their arrival.

With graceful and elegant demeanor, dressed in a light lake-blue robe and skirt, she smiled as she came forward, “You must be exhausted from your journey. It couldn’t have been easy to return this time.” Qing Jiu responded, “Young Mistress Liu Xiu.”

The main hall was furnished with elegant tables and chairs, adorned with calligraphy scrolls and antique treasures. Liu Xiu and Eldest Brother Hua had clearly spared no effort in preparing the estate for their arrival.

She said softly, “Thank you.”

Liu Xiu, quick-witted, understood her meaning and replied with a smile, “I dare not take all the credit. These were all arranged according to Third Miss Jun’s instructions; she provided the funds, and we simply did the work.”

Qing Jiu looked towards Yu’er; saying ‘thank you’ between them seemed redundant, if they were to start thanking each other, they wouldn’t know where to begin. Yet, these gestures made her very happy, warming her heart deeply.

Meeting Qing Jiu’s affectionate gaze, Yu’er’s expression remained neutral, but she playfully squeezed Qing Jiu’s hand.

Liu Xiu had arranged a feast to welcome them back and wash away the dust of their travels. By the time the banquet ended, it was already late. Everyone was exhausted from the long journey, and they retired to their rooms to rest.

Later that night, as the crescent moon hung high in the sky and a cold wind whistled through the courtyard, Liu Xiu, having instructed the servants to light the lanterns, made her way back to her room.

Qing Jiu and Yu’er were still busy settling their guests. As the mistresses of the estate, they were responsible for ensuring everyone’s comfort.

Liu Xiu, relieved of her duties, decided to stay the night at the estate rather than return to the Yanyu Pavilion. She bid the two women goodnight and headed towards her room.

As she passed through a moon gate and onto a stone path, a voice called out from behind her, “Liu Xiu.”

Recognizing the voice instantly, a smile tugged at Liu Xiu’s lips before she even turned around. “Miss Tang, what can I do for you?”

“I have something for you.” Tang Linzhi approached, fiddling with her sleeve before producing a small square box, which she held out to Liu Xiu.

Liu Xiu accepted the box, a delicate, pleasant fragrance wafting from it. “It smells wonderful! What is it?” she asked, curious.

She opened the box and dabbed a bit of its contents with her pinky finger. The texture was smooth and fine, and although she couldn’t see it clearly in the dim light, she recognized it as rouge. Surprise flickered across her face. She never would have imagined someone like Tang Linzhi selecting rouge, let alone gifting it to her.

Tang Linzhi coughed awkwardly, clearing her throat, “This is Yanzhi Cui from Suolong City. Umm… It’s for you, as a token of my gratitude for all your help.” She never used rouge herself and had no idea how to choose it. She had asked Hua Lian to help her select something while they were in Suolong City buying preserved meat for Mo Wen. Hua Lian had a good eye for such things.

“What exactly are you thanking me for?” Liu Xiu asked, her tone teasing. “If you’re referring to the Wu Chang incident, that was something all jianghu heroes should have contributed to. I was merely doing my duty. I’m honored you would remember and even go to the trouble of buying me such a lovely gift.” She emphasized the word “trouble,” her voice taking on a suggestive lilt that added a layer of intimacy to the moonlit night.

Although Tang Linzhi’s perception of Liu Xiu had changed considerably, she still found her difficult to handle.

She had purchased the rouge as a gesture of apology and gratitude. Liu Xiu had accused her of insincerity after their encounter in Jiangnan. Then, in Miaojiang, it was Liu Xiu who had diligently relayed the information about Wu Chang. And now, she had helped renovate the Lin Estate. Tang Linzhi felt it was important to express her appreciation, and the rouge was a way to do so. She hadn’t overthought it.

Seeing Tang Linzhi frown, Liu Xiu, worried she would scare her away again, toned down her teasing. “Why did you decide to give me rouge?” she asked, her voice softer now. It wasn’t a gift one gave lightly.

Tang Linzhi replied, “I thought it suited you, so I gave it…”

Liu Xiu broke into a coquettish laugh, her body shaking with amusement. This woman was too adorable, too easy to tease.

Tang Linzhi, determined to change the subject, blurted out, “You’re always in Hangzhou now. How can Suzhou function without you?”

Seeing Tang Linzhi’s discomfort, Liu Xiu decided to let her off the hook. “We’re moving the Yanyu Pavilion’s main headquarters to Hangzhou,” she explained. “Master is overseeing things in Suzhou for now, while I’m in charge here. I’ll be residing in Hangzhou permanently…”

She leaned closer to Tang Linzhi, her voice taking on a flirtatious tone, “In the future, we’ll be neighbors. Miss Tang, please take good care of me.”

To her surprise, Tang Linzhi didn’t pull away. She simply mumbled, “Mm.”

Liu Xiu was so astonished that she forgot to continue teasing Tang Linzhi.

Life in Hangzhou was about to become much more interesting.