Minglong

Chapter 387 The Moon Rises Over the Branches
Although Lin Zisu is young, she is very smart and a master of palace intrigue. The timid aunt can now confidently claim to be the boss, all thanks to Lin Zisu's support.

Lin Zisu knew that Lady Ye also had feelings for Xie Lang, and by asking these questions, she was clearly thinking about taking charge of the household.

As the eldest daughter, she certainly couldn't expect her timid aunt to obediently give way, but she also couldn't persuade her older sister Ye to serve tea as the younger sister. Therefore, she glanced at the opposite side and winked, the meaning of which was probably:

Auntie, say something!

Keeping quiet is tantamount to admitting you're just making a fuss...

Lin Wanyi wanted to speak, but facing a group of bigwigs from both the underworld and the legitimate world, including Fairy Nangong, the Eldest Princess, and her master, no one would believe her if she insisted that she was the eldest sister.

Lin Wanyi could also tell that this Lady Ye had some ambition for the position of mistress of the household. After a moment of careful consideration, she took out a pill from her waist:
"Xie Jinhuan is a cultivator, and those who embark on the path of cultivation naturally become Daoist partners. There's none of the scheming and intrigue of the mortal world. Miss Linghu and I don't usually care about these things. Even if we have some disagreements, consuming this pill can clear our minds and smooth over all our misunderstandings..."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this explanation, Ye Yunchi's eyes showed a slight hint of doubt:
"What kind of pill is this?"

"Hmm... A sudden realization!"

Lin Wanyi couldn't reveal the real name of the "concubine's self-awareness pill," but instead explained earnestly:
"This pill won't bewitch the mind; it simply helps people understand the root of their problems. For example, if Zisu is disobedient and resentful, give her one, and she'll immediately feel guilty, realize she's wrong, and should obediently apologize. But if she's not wrong, she'll still be self-righteous and won't bow her head even after taking the pill..."

This was the first time Ye Yunchi had ever heard of such a bizarre elixir. After thinking for a moment, he said:

"Does it mean to make people see through everything and realize the truth of scheming and intrigue?"

"almost."

Lin Wanyi handed the pill to Ye Yunchi:
"Miss Ye is well-educated and reasonable, and certainly doesn't need this pill to smooth over her troubles. However, carrying one with you might come in handy if you encounter a dilemma in the future."

Ye Yunchi was indeed in a dilemma. If this pill could truly make one's mind clear, then he would give it a try; perhaps he could find a way to have the best of both worlds. Therefore, he accepted it.

"Dr. Lin, you are very kind. How much silver does this elixir cost?"

"Sigh, with our relationship, why even mention money..."

……
-
into the night.

After Xie Jinhuan finished reporting to the Imperial Observatory, his journey to Dragon Bone Beach was finally over. Seeing the moon rising high in the sky, he quickly returned to the Marquis of Danyang's residence so as not to miss the victory celebration banquet that evening.

Knowing he would be busy today, the landlady started preparations in advance. The mansion was brightly lit, and countless maids walked through the corridors. Music and laughter echoed by the lake.

Xie Jinhuan landed in the corridor and followed the sound of laughter toward the banquet hall, only to see the fair-skinned and beautiful Da Duoduo jump out from the corner of the wall halfway there and grab her arm:

"My lord, you're finally back! His Highness has been waiting for so long..."

"Sigh, the Imperial Observatory asked a lot of questions, and we still need to exchange materials from the national treasury, which has caused quite a delay."

As Xie Jinhuan spoke, he took out a jade pendant from his sleeve:
"We've gathered quite a few precious materials this time, and I've also given you a new pendant. It can ward off evil spirits and diseases, nourish your body, and is beneficial for your cultivation. You must also cultivate diligently in the future. If you need any pills or anything else, just tell me. Don't let your youth go to waste and cause your lifespan to fall behind, which would make Her Highness the Princess feel sorry for you."

Duoduo was secretly touching and groping the chest muscles when she saw this, and then her movements became more proper:
"Young Master Xie, I'm just a maid, why are you taking this so seriously..."

Xie Jinhuan found it somewhat amusing and put the pendant around Duoduo's neck:

"Don't underestimate yourself. I used to be just the son of a county magistrate and a personal lady-in-waiting to the princess. I couldn't even come close to her..."

Duoduo had long been a die-hard fan of Xie Lang. She thought that being able to drink soup and take advantage of the prince would be enough for her. She never expected to be genuinely cared for. She looked down at the pendant around her neck, wanting to express her gratitude but feeling that just saying it wouldn't be sincere. So she crossed her arms and pulled him into the next room.

"Eh?"

Xie Jinhuan was pulled into the house, somewhat puzzled:

"What? You have something to tell me in private?"

"There wasn't much to say, it's just that when the master rewards a maid, the maid has to reciprocate in some way..."

As Duoduo spoke, she glanced outside a few times, then closed the door, hugged her neck, and stood on tiptoe to get closer:

Kiss kiss~
?

Xie Jinhuan had actually secretly kissed Duoduo before. Seeing that Duoduo insisted on thanking him, he could only reluctantly play along, engaging in the wicked master's game of teasing the little maid. In the end, he discovered that Duoduo was indeed a clever and virtuous woman...

Duoduo's intention was to express her gratitude, but after hugging him twice, she still felt like she was taking advantage of the handsome man!
Duoduo then slightly separated them, her face flushed, and asked:
"Is Young Master Xie dissatisfied?"

"How could that be? What am I dissatisfied with?"

"If you are not satisfied, young master, you may speak. I have seen some methods of serving people in His Highness's treasured Yangchun Yanshang, and I am also knowledgeable in music..."

Xie Jinhuan found it somewhat amusing that Duoduo was unusually shy.

"You've read those kinds of books?"

"Sigh~ Sneaking a peek to kill time..."

Duo Duo was too embarrassed to express her thoughts directly. After glancing at Xie Jinhuan a few times, she simply knelt down in front of him...

"Eh?!"

Xie Jinhuan saw Duoduo suddenly perform a deep bow and quickly reached out to help her up, only to find halfway through that Duoduo's face was flushed and she was putting her hair up in a bun...

? ?
Xie Jinhuan was taken aback, then realized what was happening and quickly waved his hand:
"That won't be necessary, they're still waiting over there..."

Duoduo paused, her eyes filled with grievance:
"Young master dislikes me? I've never been with another man before..."

"No, um... I'm afraid this matter won't be finished in a short time, or... hey hey... Sister Duoduo, calm down, His Highness will break my legs if he finds out..."

"Hehe~ I'll just look, I won't do anything..."

Xie Jinhuan felt that he was indeed being teased, and raised his hand to resist, but Naiduo was too understanding and he couldn't resist at all.

rustling...

Duoduo was all smiles at first, but when she looked up, the shadow of the sword hilt, longer than her round face, was reflected on her delicately sculpted face, and her eyes widened slightly.
"Wow~..."

"Okay, okay, have you seen enough? I need to... wait, didn't we agree you could only look?"

"Hehe, I'll just touch it..."

Isn't this my strategy?

hiss……

Xie Jinhuan was suddenly enveloped in warmth, and secretly gasped for breath. He raised his hand, but couldn't push Nai Duo away, so he could only grit his teeth and endure the humiliation while gently stroking Duo Duo's hair and looking around.

In the blink of an eye, he found a ghost dressed in a red herringbone skirt standing next to him, holding a crystal ball and recording the event.

"Fine, fine, so you dare bully even the maids? If you ever dare to disobey me again, I'll show this to the landlady..."

?

Xie Jinhuan already had countless pieces of evidence against him by his ghost wife. He could only say that he had too much to bear. Seeing that Duoduo was hesitant to speak, he launched a sneak attack on A Piao.

Ye Hongshang had been busy the whole way, and now that she finally had some free time, she didn't spoil the mood by avoiding him. Instead, she diligently recorded the evidence...

zizi...
-
On the other side, the tea room.

While Zisu and Wanyi were enjoying themselves in the banquet hall, Nangong Ye, who had already returned from Zihui Mountain, changed into a white home dress, sat in a chair with a teacup in his hand, and his untouched demeanor was a world apart from that of the Princess and others who were playing around.

Linghu Qingmo sat before him, and even though he already knew his master had fallen in love with a mortal, seeing his extraordinary demeanor, he still felt somewhat inferior. After thinking for a moment, he asked:
"Master, don't be so down. Things can always be resolved. How about we go have a couple of drinks?"

Nangong Ye wasn't being irrational; rather, he was already utterly despondent and simply couldn't bear to face the gazes of the enchantress, Wanyi, and Ling'er. For now, he merely smiled and said:

"I like peace and quiet. You go and play with them. I'll come over later."

Faced with the situation of both men having their eyes on the same person, Linghu Qingmo didn't know how to offer comfort. She simply rose, bowed, and went into the corridor. Looking towards the banquet hall, she asked a passing maid:
"Xie Jinhuan hasn't returned yet?"

"It seems not yet."

Linghu Qingmo frowned slightly, feeling that this lecherous man was a bit unenthusiastic today. With so many stunning beauties waiting at home, what was he busy with outside?
Could it be that there's another mistress out there...?

Linghu Qingmo pondered for a moment, then turned and walked outside, intending to ask Liu Qingzhi about the situation at the Imperial Observatory.

As soon as she reached the corridor, she saw Duoduo running towards her, trembling, and bowing slightly upon seeing her.
"Miss Linghu, Young Master Xie is back, he's behind us..."

After saying that, he lowered his head and ran away.

?

Seeing this, Linghu Qingmo looked slightly suspicious. After watching them go, he turned back and continued forward, only to bump his head into a solid chest.

Thump~
"Eh?"

Linghu Qingmo quickly stepped back, only to find her waist being wrapped around. Looking up, she realized that Xie Jinhuan was standing in front of her at some point, and immediately gave her a jolt:

"You pervert, did you bully Duoduo just now?"

Xie Jinhuan wasn't bullying Duoduo; rather, he was dragged into the house by Naiduo and given a taste of her own medicine. However, he didn't complain about being electrocuted and just smiled.
"Do I look like the kind of person who would bully a girl? Are you getting impatient with me?"

"Who's in a hurry? I'm just worried about how we can start eating if you don't come back with so many guests..."

Linghu Qingmo, afraid of being seen by a passing maid, twisted and turned, pushing her arm away:

"Hurry up and go there."

Xie Jinhuan put his arm around Mo Mo and walked forward, saying, "We haven't seen each other for so long, and I even found you a flying sword. Aren't you going to do something for me, Miss Mo Mo?"

Linghu Qingmo blinked: "Who said we didn't meet? Wasn't it to help you last time..."

"That's Senior Nangong's body. We haven't had a proper meeting for over a month. Miss Momo, you can't just be generous with someone else's food..."

"..."

After receiving the flying sword, Linghu Qingmo wanted to properly thank her boyfriend and even planned to have seven or eight children.

But with so many people in the house, standing in the hallway, she couldn't very well pull Xie Jinhuan inside for a kiss...

Seeing that Xie Jinhuan wouldn't let go, Linghu Qingmo had no choice but to grit his teeth and give her a quick, light kiss before pushing Xie Jinhuan inside.

"Alright, stop being so greedy. Hurry up and go serve the guests. We can talk about the rest later."

"Later? Then I'll sleep alone tonight and wait for you to come over..."

"Who wants to go over there? You'd better hurry up and leave..."

Xie Jinhuan was pushed along by Momo, her eyes crinkling with smiles. When they arrived at the lakeside entertainment hall, they saw that it was brightly lit inside.

Duoduo sat behind the beaded curtain, playing the pipa. The landlady clearly noticed the strangeness of her personal maid and glanced at Duoduo out of the corner of her eye, making Duoduo's cheeks almost bury in her chest.

The Fairy of Perilla was dressed very beautifully and was playing dice with the landlady, while Coal Ball was placing bets next to her, holding a dried silverfish he bought from Dragon Bone Beach.

Wanyi and Yuehua, the two bespectacled women, were leaning against the chessboard, seemingly playing Go, but their heads were close together, and their expressions told them they were gossiping about women, though it was unclear what they were saying.

Tuotuo, however, was rather aloof, sitting alone in the tea room next door. She exuded an ethereal air, but her gaze kept glancing at Wanyi Yuehua, clearly trying to determine if the enchantress was talking about her behind her back...

Xie Jinhuan looked at the room full of wings and felt a sense of accomplishment, but after a brief look, he asked with doubt:
"Didn't Lady Ye and Miss Mingji come?"

Linghu Qingmo looked inside:

"Master Ye came over this afternoon and went back to his room to rest. He didn't disturb you since you hadn't returned yet. As for Miss Mingji, I haven't seen her..."

Xie Jinhuan thought that Sister Guo was probably still wandering around outside, while Senior Sister Naigua was too embarrassed to come over.

In such a celebratory occasion, it would be inappropriate not to gather all the wings, so Xie Jinhuan stopped in his tracks:
"You go in first, I'll go check and come back in a bit."

"Then hurry up, or you'll disappear again."

"How could that be? Please wait a moment."

After watching Mo Mo enter the house, Xie Jinhuan turned and headed towards the guest room where Senior Sister Naigua was staying...

(End of this chapter)