Chapter 56 - 28 Storytelling_2
Shi Fengju slightly surprised, laughed and said, "I didn’t expect you to enjoy reading this! In the old days, Han Wu was obsessed with the teachings of immortals and alchemists. Yearning for it, he summoned Dongfang Shuo to inquire personally, and later recorded it in this book. Dongfang Shuo, too, was compelled by the emperor’s authority and fabricated his words helplessly. The contemporary people believed it as true, and it was passed down as a mere deceit to others!"
Sang Wan also did not expect Shi Fengju to be aware of this book, and her eyes brightened as she tilted her head and smiled, "Though it is fabricated, it’s quite interesting to read! ’Shengzhou is located in the eastern sea between Ugly and Yin, 170,000 li from Penglai, covering an area of 2,500 li. It’s 230,000 li away from the west coast. Above it, tens of thousands of immortals reside. The weather is calm, and nourishing herbs grow continuously. No extreme cold or heat, nurturing myriad things. There are also many mountains and valleys rich with magical herbs. The water of the realm tastes like sweet milk.’ Listen, how interesting! If only such a fascinating place truly existed in the world, it would be wonderful to visit just once!"
Upon hearing this, Shi Fengju let out a laugh, amused, "Indeed! It’s quite interesting! The ’springs like wine’, ’gold herbs and jade grasses’, and the ’immortal herb that grows in Qiong fields, also called nourishing herb. Its leaves, resembling reed sprouts, grow in clusters, one plant alone can save a life,’ it’s all too fantastical! Only those who have become foolish from excessive reading would believe in these things!"
Hearing this, Sang Wan revealed a pout, seemingly annoyed yet smiling, and stared at Shi Fengju as she retorted, "I wonder who exactly has become foolish! I just casually read and mentioned it, and some people firmly disbelieve, yet they remember every word and easily recite them!"
Under the soft lamplight, the young girl before him appeared half-feigned anger and half-shame, her eyes sparkling and crystal clear. In such light, she exuded an extraordinary charm and loveliness, which left Shi Fengju momentarily stunned, feeling something stir within his heart.
Once Sang Wan spoke, she immediately felt regret and embarrassment. It seemed they were not yet familiar enough for such casual interactions. To speak to him in this way—
The room fell silent, and an awkward tension flowed through the air.
"Ahem," Shi Fengju coughed lightly into his fist near his lips and awkwardly laughed, "Actually, my memory is not too bad! I also have books like ’Great Tang Records on the Western Regions,’ ’A Brief Account of Island Barbarians,’ ’Miscellaneous Morsels from Youyang,’ and ’The Eastern Capital: A Dream of Splendor.’ They are quite interesting too. Would you like me to find them for you tomorrow?"