Chapter 3 is worthwhile

Chu Wangshu looked at the words on the paper and couldn't help but smile: "You are the first person to call the Imperial Advisor a charlatan."

"If you can't predict my fate, aren't you a charlatan?"

Chu Wangshu nodded in agreement, "Perhaps, your life should be unrestrained and unpredictable."

Chu Wangshu didn't have a good appetite and only ate five dumplings before putting down her chopsticks. Shen Qingmeng didn't say anything, but simply handed Chu Wangshu a small piece of candied melon.

When worshipping the Kitchen God, you must eat candied melon.

Chu Wangshu had a sweet tooth, so she obediently took the candy and put it in her mouth.

It's very sweet.

Shen Qingmeng pointed to the candy: "Can I stay with you?"

Chu Wangshu nodded; there were no restrictions on the items in his room.

The attic was very clean, but Shen Qingmeng still dragged Chu Wangshu to do a symbolic cleaning of the room, saying that this would sweep away bad luck and bring Chu Wangshu a peaceful and prosperous new year.

Chu Wangshu was slender but tall, and the way he bent over to hold the broom was quite different from the sickly figure sitting at his desk.

Chu Wangshu swept away non-existent dust from the ground and asked with a smile, "Who exactly is the charlatan?"

Other things are fine, but you should worship the Kitchen God and the God of Wealth.

It had probably been a long time since he had consulted the oracle, and Chu Wangshu's health had improved somewhat compared to before, but he was still not very robust. In addition, he had been exposed to the cold wind for a while, and he had a fever. Before long, he became drowsy and could no longer maintain his ability to talk and laugh with Shen Qingmeng.

Shen Qingmeng helped Chu Wangshu back to the bed, lit the charcoal fire, boiled a kettle of water, cooled it to the right temperature, and then brought it to Chu Wangshu's lips.

This water tastes strangely sweet.

Just like when they first met, Shen Qingmeng held Chu Wangshu's hand and gently patted him to lull him to sleep. This was the only way that the silent Qingmeng could think of to ensure that Chu Wangshu could still feel her presence even with his eyes closed.

When Chu Wangshu woke up the next day, all she found was a note: "Take your medicine obediently. I'll come again tomorrow night. Come early, and remember to make sure the room is warm and not drafty!"

That night, Shen Qingmeng arrived at the attic window as promised, carrying stacks of red paper.

She looked at the closed window, nodded in satisfaction, and then knocked on the window again.

Chu Wangshu opened the window to welcome Shen Qingmeng in.

This was the first time that a charcoal fire had been lit inside, making it very warm. Chu Wangshu obediently put on her cloak, closed the window, and waited in the attic for Shen Qingmeng's arrival.

Shen Qingmeng put down the red paper, smiled, and gave Chu Wangshu a thumbs-up: "Great, it's warm and comfortable."

Even though it was just a very common compliment, Chu Wangshu blushed slightly.

He doesn't light charcoal or close the windows on weekdays. In a sense, he doesn't care whether his body can withstand the ravages of winter, or rather... he hopes that one day he will truly fall ill and never recover. He has never thought of committing suicide, but he also has no desire to live...

But this little girl named Shen Qingmeng entered Chu Wangshu's field of vision without warning, and always did some mindless things, yet she seemed to care a lot about his health.

Shen Qingmeng folded the red paper several times, sketched some patterns, then picked up scissors, carefully cut out the outline, unfolded it, and showed it to Chu Wangshu as if seeking praise.

Chu Wangshu nodded. "It looks very good."

He seems to do everything with gentleness and subtlety, like a fine work of art.

Shen Qingmeng handed the red paper to Chu Wangshu: "Give it a try."

Chu Wangshu copied the pattern drawn by Shen Qingmeng and cut out a paper-cut that was almost identical.

Feel free to cut it however you like, try different patterns.

Chu Wangshu stared at the red paper, unsure where to begin. He had never done anything like this before, and couldn't think of a way to do it.

Shen Qingmeng took the scissors and made a few random cuts on the red paper without any lines. When unfolded, it was still very beautiful.

They are all very beautiful.

Chu Wangshu tentatively made a few casual cuts and unfolded it.

"Yes, they are all very beautiful."

Chu Wangshu cut many more paper-cut window decorations until Shen Qingmeng noticed that his knuckles were red from being rubbed by the scissors, and then she took away his right to use the scissors.

Shen Qingmeng had never imagined that Chu Wangshu's hands were so delicate. Fortunately, she noticed in time and no blisters formed, otherwise it would have been painful for a while.

Later that evening, Shen Qingmeng stubbornly tucked Chu Wangshu into the quilt and coaxed him to sleep.

Chu Wangshu slept for a long time during the day and was not sleepy at all. After a while, he opened his eyes again. Qingmeng did not notice him and continued to mechanically pat Chu Wangshu's back, staring blankly at a certain place.

"What are you thinking about?" Chu Wangshu asked.

Shen Qingmeng regained her composure and wrote on the paper: [What should I take you to do tomorrow night?]

“You always come into the mountains at night, which is not safe for a young woman. You shouldn’t come here so often.”

You really don't want me to come?

Chu Wangshu hesitated. During the days Shen Qingmeng was missing, he really wanted to see that joyful figure outside the window again.

"I'm the daughter of a bodyguard, and I'm very skilled. Once the weather gets warmer, you can rest and recuperate, and I'll teach you boxing!"

Why did you come looking for me?

Shen Qingmeng suddenly felt a little shy, slowly wrote a line on the paper, and still smiled as she handed it to Chu Wangshu to read.

[This commoner has long admired the Imperial Preceptor, and after finally seeing his true face, she finds herself even more captivated by his presence.]

Chu Wangshu stared at the words on the paper, which seemed frozen in place, completely still.

She said she admired him.

Shen Qingmeng mistakenly thought Chu Wangshu was somewhat displeased, so she quickly wrote again: [You don't need to respond. It was you who asked me why I came to see you that I told you I'm fond of you. But I never dreamed of becoming the Imperial Preceptor's wife. I just wanted to tell you that I have no demands of you; I simply wanted to see you, see you smile, and spend time with you doing ordinary, everyday things.]

Chu Wangshu shook his head sadly, "I will be confined to a high place for the rest of my life, and I will do my last bit of strength to protect the royal family from disaster, and die in the divination. A person like me is not worthy of admiration."

Shen Qingmeng found a new piece of paper and wrote only two large characters: 【Worth it】

“Since childhood, everything I care about will become unfortunate, and will become a hindrance to me by the royal family. Aren’t you afraid?”

Shen Qingmeng shook her head cheerfully: "I'm good at martial arts and know a bit about medicine. If anyone bullies you in the future, I'll help you fight back."

Chu Wangshu didn't continue speaking; he quietly looked at Shen Qingmeng.

The person before him was not someone he could use, had no kinship with, was not his master or servant, and today was only the fourth time they had met.

She wanted to protect him.

He suddenly wanted to indulge himself just once.

Chu Wangshu neatly gathered the paper Shen Qingmeng had written, folded it up, and put it into the wooden box beside the bed. "Don't always come at night; it's safer during the day."

If the emperor were to ask, Chu Wangshu could at least threaten him with her own life. After all, the emperor was genuinely afraid that Chu Wangshu would choose to end her life.

This time, however, Shen Qingmeng looked troubled.

During the day, I need to stay with my father and also help Wanwan's family greet guests at the restaurant.

“You seem to be very busy,” Chu Wangshu chuckled. “Then come again when you have some free time.”

With the year-end approaching, there were indeed many things to do at home, and most of the rough men from the escort agency were also unemployed, so they had been huddled together these days. Shen Qingmeng was busy day and night.

Let me take your measurements and make you a new outfit. I'll bring it to you on the first day of the Lunar New Year, okay?

"New clothes?" Chu Wangshu always wore whatever the emperor gave him. Indeed, he was given new clothes every year, but he never thought of such personalized treatment.

Of course, you have to wear new clothes for the Chinese New Year.

Chu Wangshu nodded. "One day earlier, is that alright?"

New Year's Eve? Shen Qing thought for a moment. Her father would probably be drinking with his brothers from the escort agency all night, so she would have time to sneak over. The little girl smiled and nodded.

As expected, Chu Wangshu was different from others.

Shen Qingmeng would also help the tailor take measurements for the brothers in the escort team on ordinary days. At most, those rough men could only ensure that their clothes didn't smell bad.

But Chu Wangshu is fragrant, a somewhat cool fragrance, like a unique fragrance from the north.

When Chu Wangshu stood up, he was a full head taller than Shen Qingmeng. He had broad shoulders but a slender waist.

Shen Qingmeng wrapped the rope around Chu Wangshu's waist, getting closer, and she secretly swallowed.

I want to hug you, I want to hold you tight, what should I do?

Finally, reason prevailed, and Shen Qingmeng took a deep breath and took a step back.

"What's wrong?" Chu Wangshu looked at her with great confusion. "Is something the problem?"

Shen Qingmeng shook her head frantically.

No, she's the one who's wrong; she's been blinded by lust.

Shen Qingmeng chose a pink, blue and white gradient robe for Chu Wangshu. The wide sleeves had some dark patterns, and there was a little bit of red on the belt. It was very suitable for the New Year.

Let's choose another jade pendant. Although the Grand Preceptor certainly doesn't lack these things, Shen Qingmeng felt... great just thinking that Chu Wangshu could wear the clothes she bought and the jade pendant she personally crafted in the new year.

Fireworks burst open on New Year's Eve, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere. The entire capital city was filled with the festive spirit of the Spring Festival, except for Lingtai Mountain.

When Shen Qingmeng initially put the robe she wanted to give to Chu Wangshu into the box and said that she was going to see the Imperial Preceptor on New Year's Eve, her father thought his precious daughter had really developed hysteria. It was only after Shen Qingmeng explained their previous events to her father through writing and gestures that her father finally nodded in agreement.

“My child, the Imperial Advisor is not an ordinary young master. Your father… I may really be unable to help you.”

Shen Qingmeng smiled and shook her head: "No need for help, I'll pursue her myself."

Shen Qingmeng always had a smiling face. Ever since her father took her home and helped her recover from her injuries, she was like a little bundle of joy, always around her father and bringing a lot of life to the escort agency.

It was warm inside the attic today. Chu Wangshu lit the charcoal fire early and prepared a hand warmer for Shen Qingmeng. He sat obediently by the window, waiting for Qingmeng.

He quietly opened the window a few times, seemingly hoping for Shen Qingmeng's arrival, but then, remembering her telling him not to let the cold wind blow on him, he guiltily closed the window again.

Chu Wangshu opened the wooden box in her hand and took out a very exquisite hidden arrow. Shen Qingmeng had mentioned before that she would accompany her father on a镖师 (bodyguard/escort) mission after the New Year, and since she loved martial arts, she would probably like this kind of thing.

Knock, knock, knock—it was that familiar sound of knocking on the window.

Chu Wangshu carefully pushed open the window and saw Shen Qingmeng's smiling face.

She handed the two boxes in her hand to Chu Wangshu, braced her hands on the window frame, and with a swift leap, entered the attic with practiced ease.

Shen Qingmeng immediately noticed the hidden blade on the table and pointed at it: "A gift for me?"

Chu Wangshu smiled and nodded, handing it over. "Try it on, do you like it?"

Shen Qingmeng nodded quickly. She liked it, she liked it very much. She liked everything the Grand Preceptor gave her, let alone such a beautiful and practical hidden arrow.

Shen Qingmeng opened the food box first and handed it to Chu Wangshu.

It was dumplings again, but the shape was different from last time. There weren't many, just a small plate.

If you find a dumpling with a copper coin inside tonight, you'll have good luck all year.

"How do you know that one of the six dumplings contains a copper coin?"

Because I wrapped it.

Chu Wangshu chuckled. She really was a girl who didn't believe in fate.

[Everyone in the caravan had to eat it, for good luck.]

Chu Wangshu nodded, picked up a dumpling, and put it in her mouth.

Wow, that's the first one.

[Great things are sure to happen to the Imperial Advisor in the new year!]

Shen Qingmeng pried open the window a crack, squinted and aimed at the withered tree outside. With a "whoosh," she hit the trunk and caught a drifting leaf. Unfortunately, the leaf had lost its moisture and was brittle, so it broke into small pieces with the hit.

She ran out excitedly, pulled the arrow back, wiped the dust off her clothes, and put it back in the quiver.

【It works great!】

"I'm glad you like it." Chu Wangshu smiled as he looked at Shen Qingmeng's beaming face. "Come back quickly, it's chilly outside."

Shen Qingmeng obediently nodded, then quickly slipped back and closed the window.

Not bad, at least you know it's cold.

Chu Wangshu poured a cup of hot tea and handed it to Shen Qingmeng: "The Imperial Advisor isn't stupid, of course he knows what's hot and cold."

Shen Qingmeng pointed to the box containing the clothes: [Open it and take a look.]

Chu Wangshu opened the wooden box and gently touched the robe inside. Although he didn't understand the materials of clothing, he could tell that it was probably made of high-quality fabric.

"It looks great, thank you."

Try them on.

Chu Wangshu was somewhat surprised: "Now?"

Shen Qingmeng nodded; she really wanted to see how good Chu Wangshu would look in it.

"Okay, I'll go change it now."

Shen Qingmeng really wanted to ask if she could peek, but she held back, thinking it would be too presumptuous.

No, don't the young masters in wealthy families always have someone to help them change clothes? This doesn't count as peeping. Shen Qingmeng took small steps over and knocked on the screen.

Chu Wangshu's head peeked out from the side of the screen: "What's wrong?"

Do you need any help?

He blushed instantly and quickly shook his head: "No, no need, I can do it myself."

Seeing Chu Wangshu emerge from behind the screen in this outfit, Shen Qingmeng once again marveled at her own taste—whether it was choosing clothes or choosing men, she had such excellent taste.

Chu Wangshu had been in slightly better health these past few days. Although he was still not a normal person, at least he was no longer sickly. Now, dressed in new clothes and standing there upright, Shen Qingmeng felt that the person standing in front of her was like a banished immortal.

Shen Qingmeng swallowed again.

Could it be that you can't predict my fate because my destiny is to be intertwined with yours?

Chu Wangshu looked at Shen Qingmeng with some hesitation. He had thought about it before, but... how could he expect Shen Qingmeng, who was so unrestrained and carefree, to illuminate all his gloom?

"I don't know."

【Let's change the subject. May I have another New Year's gift?】

Chu Wangshu nodded. "What do you want?"

Shen Qingmeng took out the jade pendant and carefully hung it on Chu Wangshu's waist.

"Didn't you want a gift? Why did you give me one instead?"

I made it myself.

Chu Wangshu held the jade pendant in his hand and gently stroked it: "Qingmeng is amazing."

Shen Qingmeng took a deep breath and made up her mind to open her arms to Chu Wangshu.

Chu Wangshu was puzzled and didn't understand what to do.

Shen Qingmeng hugged Chu Wangshu tightly, wrapping her arms around his waist.

Chu Wangshu froze on the spot for a moment, completely unsure where to put his hands. Shen Qingmeng was pressed against his chest, and could even hear his heartbeat.

Shen Qingmeng, having had her fill, released her grip and took two steps back. Ah, Chu Wangshu really smelled wonderful; his waist was so slender.

Although Chu Wangshu did not react, he did not resist either. Shen Qingmeng looked at him and blinked rapidly, as if she was expecting something.

"Should I... give one back?"

Either is fine, but I'd be even happier with one more.

Chu Wangshu took a step forward and carefully put his arm around Shen Qingmeng's shoulder. It wasn't a close embrace, but he could clearly feel the presence of the person in front of him.

After a while, Chu Wangshu took out another red envelope and handed it to Shen Qingmeng, "Money to ward off evil spirits."

Shen Qingmeng accepted the red envelope and carefully put it away.

Should I come to wish you a Happy New Year tomorrow morning?

Chu Wangshu shook his head: "There is a sacrificial ceremony tomorrow, and I will not be at the Astrology Pavilion."