Chapter 235 - 123: Just Call Me Godmother
Jiang Mu was, of course, being sincere.
Though the Demon Dragon was already grievously injured at the time, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse.
If Shui Miaozheng’s blade hadn’t grievously wounded the Demon Dragon and exhausted the last of its Demonic Power, he never would have had a chance to land the killing blow.
Let alone making it back alive.
In fact, he had recognized her earlier in the hall.
It was just that he’d been consumed by killing intent, focused only on slaughtering that traitor Du Yuanfei, so he hadn’t bothered with greetings.
As for it being awkward?
Not really.
Although the Demon Dragon’s poison had nearly caused them to make a terrible mistake, they had thankfully pulled back from the brink, and nothing had truly happened between them.
At this thought, Jiang Mu couldn’t help but feel a secret sense of relief.
’Thank goodness nothing came of it.’
’Otherwise, if my superior, Ran Qingshan, ever found out that I almost had my way with the holy, inviolable goddess of his affections, that old dog would probably come after me overnight with a forty-meter broadsword.’
Hearing the words "Red Forest Valley," Shui Miaozheng’s stunning face flushed slightly.
’So this kid recognized me long ago.’
’But judging by his calm expression, he probably doesn’t know about that night when I... lost control and splashed him.’
The woman’s heart settled slightly, and she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
After all, exploring herself in front of a junior...
If he found out, she’d be too mortified to ever face anyone again.
Shui Miaozheng composed herself and said softly, "I came over mainly to talk to you about Gui Xin."
Jiang Mu wasn’t surprised. He turned to the side. "It’s windy out here. Please, come inside, Water Director."
Shui Miaozheng nodded, her graceful steps light as she crossed the threshold into the room.
Her aqua-blue dress swayed with her movements.
Like a large millstone wrapped in silk, her hips traced a slow, heavy arc.
After entering the room, Shui Miaozheng’s gaze fell on the bundle at the head of the bed, her expression dimming slightly.
Jiang Mu asked a servant in the courtyard for a pot of hot tea. He poured a cup for Shui Miaozheng and said with a smile:
"Director Ran was talking about you constantly before I left. He said the Water Director is gentle and virtuous, a rare gem in the Demon-slaying Bureau, unparalleled in both talent and beauty. He told me I absolutely had to send his regards when I saw you."
Shui Miaozheng smiled, a gentle ripple of amusement spreading in her eyes:
"Director Ran is too kind. I am but a simple woman, hardly deserving of such praise. Director Ran, on the other hand, is the truly capable one, having governed Hu State so meticulously all these years."
She paused, looking at Jiang Mu with a hint of admiration in her eyes:
"The patrol team just sent word. They’ve confirmed that all the Demons in Red Forest Valley have been slain. All of Yan City is talking about you now.
"Charging into a den of Demons alone, killing over a hundred of them, and even slaying a Tier Five Great Perfection Pig Demon. Not even the veteran Hall Masters could necessarily match such a feat."
At this, Shui Miaozheng was filled with emotion.
When she first met this young man, she had dismissed him as just a reckless hothead who got lucky.
She never thought he would be so ferocious.
Both his self-control that night and his decisiveness today far exceeded her expectations for someone his age.
Jiang Mu just smiled and said nothing more.
Shui Miaozheng’s gaze returned to the bundle, her eyes welling up again as her voice filled with self-reproach:
"Speaking of which, Gui Xin’s death... it’s all my fault. If I had managed to get there in time to support her, maybe... things would have been different."
Jiang Mu shook his head and comforted her:
"The human heart is unpredictable. Even I never suspected Du Yuanfei was a traitor. You shouldn’t blame yourself too much, Water Director."
Shui Miaozheng looked up at him.
Her moist, shimmering eyes glistened in the candlelight as she said softly:
"Gui Xin was a warm person who treated everyone well. But with you, she was... exceptionally different."
"In the messenger dispatch she sent me, she praised you to no end. She said you were a young hero, loyal and righteous, destined for greatness. She said you reminded her so much of her son who died young.
"She also said... it was a shame her own daughter was too young, or else she’d definitely make you her son-in-law, just so she could keep you by her side and not have to worry."
Jiang Mu was speechless.
’Why does that sound like something you just made up?’
’Aunt Tang did mention it, but she wasn’t that blunt, was she?’
Jiang Mu cleared his throat and said frankly:
"Aunt Tang and I didn’t know each other for very long. It would be a lie to say we had some profound bond.
"But Aunt Tang was genuinely good to me. My parents are gone, and she treated me like an elder, giving me the Jade Pendant, cooking for me... She was the first person to truly care for me as her junior.
"Plus, her murder was partly due to my own negligence. So, even if it cost me my life, avenging her was something I had to do."
Hearing Jiang Mu’s heartfelt words, Shui Miaozheng’s gaze softened even more.
’No wonder Gui Xin praised him so much in her message.’
’This young man is truly likable.’
’He’s straightforward, loyal, and more... real than any other man I’ve ever met.’
’But...’
Thinking about the past she’d heard about Jiang Mu, a strange feeling stirred within her.
Before coming, she had specifically inquired about the young man’s background.
When she learned he used to be a dissolute playboy who did nothing but chase women, she found it completely unbelievable.
After all, under the extreme circumstances in Red Forest Valley, with the dragon’s poison coursing through his body, he had managed to restrain himself through sheer willpower. That kind of self-control seemed completely at odds with the label of a "lecherous fiend."
But the facts were the facts.
Especially when she heard his specialty was sleeping with other men’s wives, particularly older women...
Shui Miaozheng couldn’t help but shudder.
Even though he had apparently turned over a new leaf after the tragic death of his parents.
But as the saying goes, a leopard can’t change its spots. That particular hobby... was probably not so easy to change.
She was well aware of the devastating effect her figure and looks had on virile young men like him.
In the past, she would have surely kept her distance.
But now, he had offended Yan Wu for the sake of her subordinate. Given the weight of that gesture, it would be heartless of her to distance herself.
And yet, if they got close, what if this boy...
At this thought, Shui Miaozheng decided to put up her defenses preemptively.
She sat up straight, adjusting her posture to appear more dignified and solemn.
Then, looking at Jiang Mu with a gentle gaze and a benevolent, elder-like expression, she said softly:
"Xiaojiang, Gui Xin and I were like sisters for many years. Since she saw you as her own junior, then from now on... don’t call me Water Director. Just call me Aunt Shui."
Jiang Mu’s expression was odd.
’What’s with everyone in Yan City fighting to be my aunt?’
’Do I have some kind of "aunt magnet" constitution?’
Seeing Jiang Mu remain silent, perhaps she felt that just "Aunt" wasn’t safe enough, that it didn’t create enough distance.
So, Shui Miaozheng added a stronger dose of medicine:
"If you don’t mind, Xiaojiang... you can call me godmother, too.
"I’ve never had children of my own, and I feel a connection with you. It would be my blessing to take you in as my dear son.
"From now on in the Demon-slaying Bureau, your godmother will protect you like your own mother..."
Jiang Mu was so startled he nearly jumped out of his chair.
’Holy hell!’
’In just a moment, she’s already promoted herself to my mother?’
He quickly waved his hands dismissively.
"Uh... let’s forget about godmother. I think ’Aunt’ is just fine. I’ll just call you Aunt Shui."