Chapter 21 : Repaying Kindness
21: Repaying Kindness
"Peak Master..." Fu Peibai opened her mouth awkwardly.
Lu Yanran raised her eyes to look at her. Perhaps because she had just emerged from her bath, her face held a faint mistiness, and her pupils shimmered like water, lacking some of the daytime coldness and distance.
"Why are you here?"
"I was bathing..."
Lu Yanran's brow furrowed. "Last time I ran into you upstream by the creek, you also said you were bathing."
"Well..." Fu Peibai didn't know how to explain for a moment. Then she heard Lu Yanran speak again. "What, you've taken a liking to the water here too?"
She knew this was teasing and felt rather embarrassed. She could only go along with it. "Yes, soaking in this spring water is very comfortable."
Lu Yanran gave a soft snort. "What a coincidence indeed. Last time I was taking a late-night walk and happened to run into you. This time, just past midnight, I was bathing and happened to run into you again. Twice in a row, such coincidences?"
"Peak Master, this... it really is a coincidence. I never expected to run into you at this hour either. I absolutely have no improper thoughts in mind, and certainly no designs on you. If I do, I'm willing to accept any punishment from the Peak Master!" Fu Peibai spoke these words with sincere candor, afraid that Lu Yanran would misunderstand her as some lustful scoundrel.
The scolding she had imagined did not come. She only saw Lu Yanran turn and walk away alone.
She hurried to catch up, following a few steps behind Lu Yanran.
The two walked along the forest path. The moonlight was hazy and somewhat desolate. Fu Peibai looked at the slender shoulders of the person ahead of her. With one gust of wind, she felt as if the other might topple over. Without the slightest hesitation, she removed her outer robe, strode forward, and draped it over Lu Yanran's shoulders.
Lu Yanran stopped in her tracks and looked back at Fu Peibai. A strand of hair hung down over her forehead, and her eyes carried a searching quality. Her thin lips were pressed together.
Fu Peibai retreated two steps, suddenly realizing that her earlier action had crossed a boundary. She hastily explained, "The night wind is cold. The Peak Master should have worn more clothing before coming out."
Lu Yanran said nothing. She glanced at the coarse outer garment on her body, then turned and continued walking. Only after seeing the scattered lights of the back courtyard did she speak again. "How old are you this year?"
"I'll turn seventeen by the end of this year."
"What are your plans for the future?"
"To train seriously in martial arts, and strive to join the Heavenly Pole Sect as a formal disciple next year. To make myself stronger, and avenge my family."
"The ones who killed your family were merely members of the Falling Shadow Sect. They have long since been executed. From whom do you seek revenge?"
"I seek the master of that Demonic Sect. Didn't she escape? Once I've mastered my skills and descended the mountain, I'll find her no matter where she's hiding, even if I have to search to the ends of the earth. I'll subject her to a thousand cuts to avenge my blood debt." Fu Peibai spoke with hatred.
Lu Yanran was silent for a moment, then asked, "After you've obtained your revenge, then what?"
Fu Peibai paused. Meng Yan had asked her a similar question. How had she answered at the time? She seemed to recall saying that once her wish was fulfilled, she would find some place to live out the rest of her days. But now her thoughts had shifted somewhat. After revenge, she wanted to live well, to live on behalf of her father, mother, and Jiaxu. She wanted to see the great rivers and mountains of this land, to experience all the world had to offer, to become a carefree wandering hero who protected the weak and walked the martial world.
So she answered, "I'll wander the martial world and live a free life."
"Have you never thought of marrying and starting a family?"
"I've never thought about it. Although my parents were loving and harmonious, I've also seen too many relationships where the couple is seemingly together but hearts are apart, filled with deception and betrayal. I don't really believe that one person can give their all to another, completely and without reservation, making sacrifices and dedicating themselves."
Lu Yanran didn't speak for a long while. When she finally spoke, she changed the subject. "What do you think of A-Ruo?"
Fu Peibai didn't know why Lu Yanran had brought up Yun Ruoling, but since she asked, she answered earnestly. "She has superb medical skills, a kind heart, and a gentle nature. She's never harsh or severe with anyone, and treats everyone with care and patience."
"She seems to have feelings for you. Since she came up the mountain, I've never seen her be so intimate with any man. You're the first. If the two of you have mutual feelings, you should speak of it sooner rather than later. You need not be bound by convention. Marriages where the wife is older than the husband are common enough in this world."
This was a huge misunderstanding. Fu Peibai stopped in her tracks and said helplessly, "Peak Master, you've misunderstood. A-Ruo and I are just friends. There has never been any romantic feeling between us. Because she helped treat my injuries last time, we've grown closer. I've always regarded her as an older sister."
Lu Yanran also stopped walking. She turned her head and stared into Fu Peibai's eyes, seemingly judging the truth of her words.
"Truly. And I can guarantee that A-Ruo has no romantic feelings for me either. She treats me like a younger brother, and I regard her as an older sister. Apart from friendship, at most there's only a sibling bond between us."
Hearing this, Lu Yanran withdrew her gaze, turned, and continued walking.
Fu Peibai inexplicably felt relieved.
The two reached the fork where they needed to part ways. Lu Yanran removed the cotton-padded garment and handed it back. Fu Peibai didn't take it. Instead, she said, "Peak Master, please keep it on. There's still a distance to go before you return."
Lu Yanran was not one to be overly coy. She withdrew her hand, and as she turned to leave, a light thank you floated back.
Fu Peibai stood in place, somewhat surprised. This was the first time Lu Yanran had thanked her. Although given the other's status, such a thing didn't require thanks at all, she still felt a bit happy. She had always been thinking about how to repay the Peak Master. Being able to do such a small thing now satisfied her.
The next day, Fu Peibai's garment was not returned. She didn't give it much thought herself. It was just an inexpensive cotton robe. Besides, she had received her monthly wages today and was no longer empty-pocketed. Although living on the mountain required almost no expenses, she still needed to save some money for future plans.
She finished practicing martial arts in the cave and walked toward the back mountain. Now she could stand steadily in the horse stance for a full two hours with a stone balanced on her head. Although her body still appeared somewhat thin, only she knew that her strength had increased considerably compared to before. All these obvious changes made her feel joyful, and she found herself unconsciously humming a little tune as she walked.
"Hey, stop! Didn't you see me?"
She heard the shout from behind and turned around with confusion on her face. She saw Lu Qingwan looking displeased, so she stepped back a few paces and said respectfully, "This humble one greets the Second Young Miss."
Lu Qingwan pouted, her eyes drifting about as she kicked at the stones beneath her feet and asked, "Where did you go? I asked someone earlier and they said you weren't around."
Fu Peibai's heart beat a little faster. Could she be here to settle the score from last time? But on the surface, she calmly replied, "This humble one went for morning training just now."
Lu Qingwan made a sound of acknowledgement and said nothing.
Since she hadn't told Fu Peibai to leave, Fu Peibai naturally didn't dare to go. The atmosphere was somewhat awkward. She hesitated before speaking. "Is the Second Young Miss's injury any better?"
"Much better already."
"That's good then." After saying this, the two fell into silence again. Fu Peibai felt uncomfortable with this atmosphere. "If the Second Young Miss has nothing else, this humble one will go attend to other matters."
"You, you wait a moment!"
"What instructions does the Second Young Miss have?"
Lu Qingwan looked here and there, appearing casual as she said, "Although you were disrespectful to me with your words, the fact that you saved me remains. I, Lu Qingwan, don't like owing anyone favors. Tell me what you want. As long as it's not too excessive, I'll try my best to satisfy you."
So that was what this was about. Fu Peibai thought to herself that as long as she wasn't here to settle scores, it was fine. "No need, Second Young Miss. The Sect Master already granted this humble one's wish yesterday."
"My father is my father, and I am me. I don't care how he rewards you. What I owe you, I absolutely won't leave unpaid. Whatever you want, gold and silver treasures, secret martial arts manuals, or fine horses and carriages, I can provide them all." After speaking, Lu Qingwan lifted her chin rather haughtily, putting on the airs of a wealthy young miss.
Fu Peibai looked at the young girl before her. Although she was the same age as herself, she always felt that the other was like a twelve-year-old who knew nothing of the world. Her words and actions were quite immature.
"Truly no need, Second Young Miss. I have nothing else to ask for. Besides, I am merely a servant of this sect. How could I not help when I saw the Second Young Miss in danger? So please don't take it to heart. It was only my duty."
"Don't be ungrateful!"
"Truly no need, Second Young Miss."
Lu Qingwan became angry and shouted loudly, "You just wait for me!" Then she turned and ran off.
Fu Peibai touched her nose, thinking that Meng Yan's description of her as a little tyrant was extremely accurate.
Lu Qingwan told Fu Peibai to wait, but she didn't say what she was waiting for. As it turned out, after this day, that waiting came to fruition. First, the old steward from Cangqiong Peak came running over carrying a chest of gold bars, his face full of misery as he said, "Please just accept it. If you don't accept it, this old man won't be able to report back to the Second Young Miss."
Fu Peibai had never seen so much gold in her life. Rows of gold bars lay neatly and gleamingly in the chest. To say she wasn't tempted would be a lie. With this much gold, she could exchange it for a peerless legendary sword. But she had her principles. Accepting was out of the question, so she flatly refused the old steward.
Who would have thought that the next day, the old steward would come running again with a long box? He set it down with a thud before Fu Peibai's eyes and said breathlessly, "Young Master Fu, please, just accept it. The Second Young Miss said in no uncertain terms that if you don't accept it, she'll keep sending things. Please have pity on this old body of mine and accept it."
Fu Peibai opened the box, and a sword of superior material and exquisite craftsmanship came into view. The blade reflected her tempted face, but she still closed the box and firmly refused. "You should go back, old uncle. Please explain things properly to the Second Young Miss. I truly cannot accept such a generous gift."
The old steward's eyes went dark as he shakily carried the box back.
On the third day, the person who came was not an old man, but a strong, sturdy young man. He said the steward had fallen ill and he was taking over. This time he brought a chest of jewelry and jade ornaments. Everyone in the back courtyard looked on with envy. Meng Yan in particular pulled Fu Peibai close and whispered, "Little Bai, just accept it. If you don't want it, you can distribute it to everyone else."
Fu Peibai pushed him away and told the man to carry the things back.
And so it went. For several days in a row, Lu Qingwan sent people to deliver things to Fu Peibai in ever-changing varieties, without fail.
Fu Peibai was worn down miserably by this. She was truly afraid of this Second Young Miss. Remembering what Meng Yan had said about this little tyrant only listening to her older sister, she found a time during her midday rest to go to the Bamboo Grove Cottage. The guards were still the same two solemn-faced ones. They said the Peak Master was currently taking her noon rest and no one was allowed to disturb her.
Fu Peibai was just about to leave when she ran into A-Fu coming out. After asking her purpose, A-Fu said the Peak Master hadn't gone to sleep yet and let her in.
The room rippled with that familiar faint fragrance. The agitation in her heart settled down. Through the thin gauze curtain, she roughly explained the recent situation to the blurry figure on the bed.
Fu Peibai said helplessly, "Peak Master, please go speak to the Second Young Miss. Tell her to stop sending things over. I really don't need them."
Lu Yanran was lying on her side, one hand loosely supporting her head. Her silhouette through the thin gauze outlined graceful curves. Fu Peibai only swept a brief glance, not daring to look closely, and lowered her head.
Soon, a light laugh came from behind the white gauze. "You certainly attract people."
Fu Peibai didn't understand what this meant. She made a sound of confusion, and then heard another sentence from behind the gauze. "I understand. I'll go speak to her. You may withdraw."