Chapter 22 : First Descent from the Mountain
22: First Descent from the Mountain
The next day, indeed no one came to deliver things to the back mountain of Chaoquan Peak anymore. But Lu Qingwan came herself. At that time, Fu Peibai was chopping wood, covered in sweat. Several other men on the grounds were also chopping wood together, equally drenched in perspiration.
Lu Qingwan stood far away, covering her nose, looking rather disdainful. "Fu Peibai, come here!"
Fu Peibai had no choice but to set down her axe helplessly, wipe the sweat from her face with the cloth on her arm, and walk over.
"Second Young Miss, is there something you need?"
"Can I not look for you if there's nothing?"
Fu Peibai didn't know how to answer. She couldn't figure out what this little ancestor wanted, pestering her all day long.
Lu Qingwan pulled out a small box from her bosom and held it out, but she didn't look at Fu Peibai. "Take it."
"What is this?" Fu Peibai was afraid that if she opened it, it would be something expensive again, so she didn't dare accept it.
Lu Qingwan bit her lower lip and explained with rare patience, "It's nothing valuable. Just some pills to prevent heatstroke."
"No need, Second Young Miss. The sun is strong, but I won't get heatstroke."
"Fu Peibai! Are you annoying or not! You've rejected my kindness time and again. Don't be ungrateful!" Lu Qingwan had grown up her whole life only receiving things from others. When has she ever humbled herself to give things to someone, only to have that person refuse her repeatedly, causing her to lose face?
Seeing Lu Qingwan get angry, Fu Peibai, mindful of her status, could only softly try to comfort her. "No, Second Young Miss, I'm not being ungrateful. I appreciate your kindness, but these things aren't necessary. Look at my brothers over there. They're working under the same blazing sun as I am. We exert the same effort and do the same work. Why should I receive special treatment? If this is about the last time, I've already said that was simply my duty."
Lu Qingwan's expression changed several times before she finally suppressed her anger, snorted, and left.
Fu Peibai thought to herself that surely it would be quiet now. But the next day, Lu Qingwan came again, bringing along a line of maidservants. Each maid held a food tray, and on the trays were strings of fresh, plump, round grapes.
She waved her hands and called out, "Everyone has worked hard. Come eat some grapes and take a break."
The people who were catching fish in the pond looked at one another, none daring to move.
Fu Peibai stood in the lotus pond farther away, her trouser legs rolled up as she dug for lotus roots. Her hands, legs, and face were all smeared with black mud.
Seeing no one move, Lu Qingwan's personal maid called out loudly, "Come over, everyone. The Second Young Miss, mindful of your hard work in the summer heat, has specially rewarded you with iced grapes."
Finally, someone moved. People gradually made their way toward the pond's edge. Lu Qingwan wore a gentle smile as she urged everyone to eat more, but her eyes kept glancing toward the distant lotus pond.
Although Fu Peibai heard the commotion over there, she was just a little bit away from finishing digging up the current lotus root. So she decided to finish this bit of work in one go and didn't go over.
Seeing that Fu Peibai showed no intention of coming over, Lu Qingwan's delicate brows furrowed, her face full of annoyance. "Give me the tray."
The maid glanced at the farming youth under the distant scorching sun, then thought of her young miss's undisguised attentiveness lately, and whispered, "Miss, let this servant bring it over for you. The path over there is narrow and muddy. It will dirty your shoes."
"Give it to me. I'll go myself."
Helpless, the maid could only pick a smaller bunch of grapes, place it on the tray, and hand it to Lu Qingwan.
Then everyone watched as a young girl in a light-colored silk dress walked along the field ridge, holding a tray in one hand and lifting her skirt with the other, swaying left and right as if she might lose her footing and fall into the field with the very next step.
Everyone watched with bated breath. Lu Qingwan herself wasn't doing much better. The field ridge beneath her feet could barely accommodate one person, and its surface was uneven and muddy. She was both disgusted and afraid of stepping into empty air.
Fu Peibai heard the commotion and looked up to see Lu Qingwan standing on the field ridge. She was somewhat surprised. "Second Young Miss?"
Hearing the other call her name, Lu Qingwan's face bloomed into a smile. Just as she was about to respond, her foot slipped, and she toppled sideways into the field.
"Miss!"
"Second Young Miss!"
The crowd exclaimed in alarm one after another, setting down the grapes and running over. Fu Peibai was closest to Lu Qingwan and also hurriedly set down the lotus roots in her hands, running over with large strides.
Lu Qingwan was now lying face-down in the mud of the field, her shoulders trembling uncontrollably.
Fu Peibai's hands were covered in black mud. She was in a dilemma, unsure whether to help or not, feeling rather helpless. "Second Young Miss..."
Fortunately, the group of maidservants arrived in time. The maid jumped directly into the field and took hold of Lu Qingwan's arm, wanting to pull her up.
But Lu Qingwan didn't move. She would rather keep her face buried in the mire as she shouted in a muffled voice, "All of you, go away!"
The maid had grown up following Lu Qingwan and naturally understood her mistress's temperament. So she also waved her arms and shouted, "All of you, go away! Don't crowd around here!"
The crowd dispersed, but Fu Peibai didn't move. Her conscience bothered her somewhat. After all, Lu Qingwan had fallen while coming to look for her.
"Second Young Miss, are you alright?"
By now, Lu Qingwan had stood up with the maid's support. She turned her back to Fu Peibai and said sternly, "Don't look at me! Leave!"
Fu Peibai scratched her head and returned to the lotus pond. She watched as Lu Qingwan limped away in the direction she had come from.
After this incident, Lu Qingwan indeed quieted down for a few days and didn't come to the back mountain of Chaoquan Peak again. Fu Peibai practiced martial arts every morning and late at night, worked during the day, and drank a little with Meng Yan in her spare time. Her days were peaceful and comfortable.
But the quiet days came to an end after only seven days. Lu Qingwan seemed to have forgotten the embarrassing incident from before and came running spiritedly to the back courtyard of Chaoquan Peak to find Fu Peibai again. As this happened more frequently, rumors gradually began spreading on the peak that the Second Young Miss had taken a fancy to Fu Peibai. Then the rumor spread throughout the entire Heavenly Pole Sect, and the story grew increasingly outrageous. They said the Second Young Miss had fallen for a servant, but the servant's heart belonged to another, a female physician alone, and the three of them were acting out a grand drama of love and hatred.
When this rumor reached Fu Peibai's ears, she was completely speechless and found it utterly ridiculous. Even Meng Yan teased her, saying she should just give in to the Second Young Miss and become a live-in son-in-law. Then she'd never have to worry about food or clothing and would rise to success.
Fu Peibai thought to herself, how could that be possible? How could a noble young miss like Lu Qingwan ever fancy her? Besides, she was just a girl disguised as a boy. If Lu Qingwan discovered the truth, wouldn't she be skinned alive? So she avoided Lu Qingwan whenever possible, leaving early and returning late, trying her best to avoid any contact with her.
And so the days passed into September. The peak was no longer as hot as in summer, and the weather became much more crisp and pleasant. The matter of establishing the Martial Supervision Hall was put on the agenda.
……
At the Bamboo Grove Cottage on Chaoquan Peak, Lu Yanran stood by the window, staring absently at the lush green forest in the distance. After a moment, a rustling sound rose from the forest. A pure white dove flew over and landed on the windowsill.
She reached out and removed the small bamboo cylinder tied to the dove's leg. The bird immediately flew back into the forest.
Opening the bamboo cylinder, she found a white paper with only five large characters: "Proceed with establishing the Martial Supervision Hall."
Her expression didn't change. She crushed the paper in her palm. Within moments, the white paper turned to ash and scattered with the wind.
The next day, Lu Yanran appeared at the regular meeting of the Heavenly Pole Sect. Previously, due to her health, Lu Wencheng had granted her special permission not to attend every day. So when she showed up today, the other Peak Masters and Hall Masters were somewhat surprised.
Lu Wencheng sat in the main seat, took a sip of tea, and spoke of official business. "The Martial Supervision Hall that was mentioned at the last assembly should be set in motion. As for how to build it, what regulations to establish, and details such as personnel appointments, these matters need to be carefully discussed with all of you. Whatever thoughts or opinions you have, please speak freely."
A thin but spirited middle-aged man on the left side was the first to stand up and say, "In my humble opinion, this matter should be done sooner rather than later. First, build the Martial Supervision Halls within the territories of each sect and faction, and send direct disciples from our sect to be stationed there permanently. Other minor matters can be decided after construction is complete."
As soon as these words were spoken, another sturdy middle-aged man immediately stepped out from directly opposite. He had a full beard and bore the typical appearance of a martial man. His voice was as booming as a bell, matching his appearance. "Impossible! This matter involves a hundred sects and is of great significance. We must be cautious. When the Sect Master first proposed establishing the Martial Supervision Hall, some already showed displeasure. If we rush into construction now, people with ulterior motives will spread rumors that the Heavenly Pole Sect has sinister intentions and is actually seeking personal gain. I believe we should first organize all internal systems and laws, including personnel deployment. Although our sect is leading this, we must also bring in people from local sects to put the hundred sects at ease."
"What do you know! If not now, then when? They're already reluctant. If we delay further, what if they change their minds later? Can you bear that responsibility?"
"I don't understand, so you do?! You claim to be doing this for the Sect Master and the sect, but aren't you just trying to seek personal gain for yourself? Don't think I don't know your true colors!"
"Stop spewing blood!"
Seeing the argument between the two grow louder and louder, Lu Wencheng shouted, "Both of you, silence!" The hall instantly fell quiet.
He rubbed his head with some exasperation, his gaze wandering among the crowd before finally landing on his eldest daughter. "Yanran, what is your view?"
"Yanran believes we should follow the Peak Master of Wuju Peak's suggestion and establish the Martial Supervision Hall as soon as possible. Although this move may lead people with ulterior motives to spread rumors and slander the Heavenly Pole Sect, in the long run, this is for the stability of the martial world and peace under heaven. In the future, all sects and factions will understand Father's good intentions." After speaking, Lu Yanran returned to her place.
The thin Peak Master of Wuju Peak lifted his chin smugly, as if provoking the man across from him.
Lu Wencheng pondered for a moment, then announced loudly, "Then let the establishment of the Martial Supervision Hall begin this very day. The Peak Master of Wuju Peak will oversee construction in the southeast region. The Peak Master of Yongxiang Peak will go to the northeast. The Peak Master of Yunkun Peak will manage the southwest. As for Chaoquan Peak, given Yanran's poor health, the responsibility will be delegated to the four Hall Masters to handle the northwest region."
Everyone responded in unison. Only Lu Yanran stepped forward and said, "Your daughter's health is fine. I can go to the northwest myself to supervise the construction of the Martial Supervision Hall. The four Hall Masters should remain on the mountain to assist Father in managing the sect's affairs."
"This... the journey will take at least a few months, and winter is approaching. Can your body withstand it?"
"It's fine. After treatment and recuperation, your daughter's health has improved. Since I am the Peak Master of Chaoquan Peak, I should handle this matter personally. I hope Father will grant this request."
Lu Wencheng hesitated, but seeing that Lu Yanran's tone was firm, he agreed. "Very well. But first, come with me to Red Feather Villa. It is Master He's birthday, and you will accompany me to offer birthday congratulations. After the birthday banquet, you may proceed to the northwest."
"Yes."
……
Soon the day of departure arrived. The foot of Jinyun Mountain was filled with people, all disciples of the Heavenly Pole Sect who had come to see off the four Peak Masters and the Sect Master. Among the departing group, a sneaky figure was crouched low. It was Fu Peibai. She carried a bundle on her back and scurried hunchbacked to the carriage where Lu Yanran sat. A-Fu saw her and exclaimed in surprise, "Little Bai? Why are you here? Did you come to see the Peak Master off?"
Fu Peibai quickly made a gesture for silence, as if hiding from someone. She whispered, "Miss A-Fu, do me a favor. Can I speak a few words with the Peak Master?"
Before A-Fu could respond, the carriage curtain was already lifted halfway. Lu Yanran sat inside and said indifferently, "What is it?"
From Fu Peibai's angle, she could only see a portion of Lu Yanran's pale neck. One look and her mind flashed to the scene of accidentally encountering the other bathing last time. Her heart tightened, and she immediately withdrew her gaze, speaking softly, "Peak Master, I heard you're going to the northwest. May I come along?"
After a long silence from within the carriage, a voice came out. "Why?"
"I have old friends in Xingyang City. It's been so long since I came up the mountain. I want to take this opportunity to go back and visit them, and also pay respects to my family..." Fu Peibai's voice grew quieter toward the end.
But aside from these two reasons, she had another motive. She wanted to take this chance to avoid Lu Qingwan. She was truly being pestered beyond endurance.
Soon, an indifferent sentence came from the carriage. "If you want to come, then come. Suit yourself."
Just as Fu Peibai was feeling delighted, a shout came from the distance.
"Fu Peibai! Stop right there!"
Before she could run, and with nowhere to hide, Lu Qingwan had already run up to her. Her face was filled with both grievance and indignation. "Am I really that annoying to you?! To avoid me, you're even running down the mountain now. What exactly about me doesn't satisfy you?"
"..."
The scene fell silent. Fu Peibai was so awkward she didn't know what to do with her hands. After speaking, tears welled up in Lu Qingwan's eyes.
"Second Young Miss, you, please don't cry. I'm not annoyed by you, and I wasn't avoiding you. I just, just wanted to take this opportunity to visit my hometown." The more she spoke, the guiltier she felt. After all, the other party was just a young girl. She began to reflect on whether her actions had been too hurtful.
"Then I'm coming too. You're going to the northwest, right? I'm coming too."
Before Fu Peibai could respond, Lu Yanran had already lifted the carriage curtain and stepped out, speaking sharply. "Ridiculous."