"The boatman's name is Aling. More than ten years ago, he was a top Gu master in Miao territory."

The attendant led Shen Yulou across the Miao River and into a dense bamboo forest. The boatman's song drifted further and further away behind them until it could no longer be heard.

"And then? Why did he become a boatman?"

"Ten years ago, a man from another family entered Miao territory and was rescued by Aling by chance."

"Just like in the sketchbook, the two fell in love while spending every day together."

"And then what?"

Shen Yulou was very interested in these stories, which were like illustrated books.

"People in Miao areas are not allowed to marry outsiders. If they must get married, the outsider must abandon everything outside and follow the other person to live in Miao territory."

"Is it because the man is unwilling?"

Upon hearing Shen Yulou's words, the servant shook his head.

"That's not the case. The man was deeply in love with A-Ling and was willing to give up everything outside and stay in Miao territory for him."

"But it's strange, because on the very night they were preparing to get married, the man suddenly ran to the Miao River and jumped in, committing suicide."

"A-Ling chased after him, trying to rescue the man, but in the end all she managed to pull out was a corpse."

"ah?"

Why did it turn out this way?

Shen Yulou was somewhat surprised.

"Nobody knows why it turned out this way."

“That day, A-Ling was wearing a wedding dress and cried her heart out by the Miao River. Her hair turned white overnight, and she looked more than ten years older.”

The servant looked on with a sigh, his voice filled with emotion.

"If Your Majesty wishes to know, perhaps one day you can board A-Ling's ship."

“Give him a piece of bread and he will tell the Holy Son the story of what happened back then.”

"Then why didn't anyone ask? Didn't anyone give him any bread?"

Shen Yulou tilted his head, thinking that everyone should be curious.

"No, many people in Miao territory have ridden on Aling's boat."

"Unfortunately, every time Ah Ling gets to the most crucial part, which is why the man jumped into the river to commit suicide..."

"The small boat will travel over the waterfall and then capsize and fall off the waterfall."

"What a coincidence? Did A-Ling do this on purpose?"

Shen Yulou looked back and saw only dense, crooked bamboo.

"Maybe, who knows?"

"Anyway, no one dares to ride on A-Ling's boat anymore, since nobody really wants to experience the feeling of diving."

The servant touched his nose sheepishly and then fell silent.

"Did you ride on A-Ling's boat and give A-Ling some cakes?"

Shen Meiren's eyes darted around, as if she had guessed why the servant was unwilling to say more.

The attendant was silent for a moment, then nodded.

"I've already sat here."

"How many times have you given them cookies?"

"More than ten times?"

"So it seems you're also a big listener of this story."

"Was it Ah Ling who saved you?"

Hearing Shen Yulou's words, the servant felt a little embarrassed.

“Some people in Miao territory have been given nearly a hundred cakes, but they still haven’t heard anything. I’m considered lucky.”

Shen Yulou clenched his fist.

Why do these people all seem so stupid? Is this Ah Ling just a con artist trying to scam people out of food?

"Don't you think Ah Ling is lying to you? What if he just wants to trick you into eating the cakes?"

The attendant thought for a moment and then asked in return.

"What if he wasn't lying to us?"

Shen Yulou: ...

Well, the Miao people are all a bit silly.

Just as the two continued on their way, a loud splashing sound came from afar.

The servant curtsied and turned around, giving Shen Yulou a look that said, "Look, another fool has gone to listen to the story."

Shen Yulou initially thought they were all fools, but seeing their eagerness to follow the outcome despite knowing it already happened, he was surprised.

I want to be a fool for once too.

Shen Yulou walked from dawn until the sun was high in the sky before finally returning to his house.

Shen Yulou quickly filled a tub with hot water, took a bath, casually draped her clothes over the screen, and fell into a deep sleep while hugging her beloved quilt.