Chapter 204 Emerging from Seclusion in a Disgrace, His Scheme Deepening
Li Xian knew that his wife was unable to move and could not possibly receive him. However, what Li Bohou said was of great importance, concerning the Dragon Banquet.
After careful consideration, he decided to keep the two men with him for now and wait for the lady to make a decision.
He then said, “Madam is currently in seclusion and will likely not emerge for the next few days. Since you two have come from afar, why don’t you stay at the manor for now? You will be able to see Madam within three days at the latest. Yihe Manor is vast and has beautiful scenery. If you wish to appreciate it, I can accompany you throughout the visit.”
Seeing the howling wind and snow outside, and the freezing cold, Li Bohou knew it wouldn't be right to not deliver the message in person, so he decided to wait a few days. He said, "Please convey this message first, young brother. If the lady is unwilling to leave the pass immediately, my daughter and I will stay in the manor for two days."
"Hmph." Li Haitang was clearly displeased. After Li Xian left, she said to Li Bohou, "This Lady Zhejian has quite the nerve. Last time she came, she made me wait all night, and it was fine. This time, when Father came, she was still the same."
"We're doing this for her own good, it's not like we're being ungrateful."
"Haitang," Li Bohou warned, "You must not speak recklessly. When you are traveling the world, you must be careful with your words and actions. If you continue like this, you will suffer sooner or later."
The two sat quietly in the reception hall. Li Haitang felt extremely bored, looking around listlessly. Li Bohou, on the other hand, was calm and composed; the matter, though urgent, was not something to be rushed.
He sat for about half an incense stick's time, then got up to stretch his limbs. Out of the corner of his eye, he was suddenly drawn to the interior decoration, so he went closer to examine it, and his boredom instantly vanished.
“These carvings are quite rare.” Li Bohou gently stroked a piece of porcelain and murmured, “Tsk tsk tsk, it’s so old. Phoenix spreading its wings, golden rain falling from the sky, this is a noble pattern from the Yu Dynasty.”
He was very knowledgeable, and his gaze shifted elsewhere. He walked up to a bonsai tree and exclaimed in amazement, "A Blessing Pine! This pine tree has a jade-like texture and its shape resembles a child welcoming someone with open arms. Such a pine tree must cost a lot of money."
Li Haitang said, "Father, it's just a tree."
Li Bohou shook his head and patiently instructed, "You, no matter how I teach you, you just can't learn. A martial artist's vision, knowledge, and ability to appreciate fine objects are also extremely important."
"You need to be able to appreciate objects in order to appreciate people and events."
“This is indeed just a tree. But look at these pine needles, the tips are golden and not fuzzy. The fragrance of the tree is lingering and refreshing. This tree must have been picked from a high place in [Sushan].
"This kind of high mountain pine cannot survive in low-lying areas. But now it grows obediently in the copper basin, serving as the facade and acting as the welcoming boy."
"The methods, effort, and money involved were considerable."
“A martial artist’s strength and character can be discerned from what he carries.”
Li Haitang didn't care at all and asked curiously, "Then tell me, Father, what kind of person is this Lady Broken Sword?"
Li Bohou said, "It is impolite to talk about others behind their backs." Li Haitang immediately shut up. She was not afraid of her father's scolding, but she was afraid of Lady Zhejian.
Upon hearing this, Li Bohou secretly observed and tried to discern the lady's temperament. Seeing the luxurious decorations in the room, he guessed that the lady was of noble birth. Yet, the presence of welcoming pine trees and auspicious cloud-shaped incense burners... these were objects that evoked the ethereal atmosphere of a secluded hermit in the deep mountains.
It is complex and ever-changing, and there is no fixed definition.
Li Bohou sighed, "It seems that this Lady Broken Sword is not so easy to understand." He was already intrigued, holding a cup of tea, and could look at a piece of porcelain, a screen, a painting... for a long time.
Li Xian walked up the Tranquil Heart Tower. The candlelight glowed red, making the lady appear like delicate, soft jade. She struggled slightly.
Li Xian said, "Madam, Marquis Li has come to see you, saying he has important matters to discuss."
Madam Wen exhaled softly, her pretty face flushed. Her Silkworm Robe Jade Inlay Technique had reached the fifth level. The methods of circulating her internal energy and cultivating it were now quite varied, as complex as untangling a ball of yarn.
She was very unaccustomed to it, and she was so focused on figuring things out that she didn't even realize that Li Xian had climbed the tower.
Madam Wen broke out in a light sweat and said, "Let him wait, and treat him well."
Li Xian said, "He said it was related to the Dragon Appreciation Banquet, and also closely related to his wife."
"It's alright, just wait," Madam Wen said. A light sheen of sweat dripped down her face; in the candlelight, her silk robe shimmered translucent.
Li Xian immediately informed him. Li Bohou said, "Since that's the case, then stay for a few days." He was very good-natured and expressed his understanding.
Li Xian thought to himself, "This Lord Li is a man of great ability, with excellent manners and temperament. It is precisely because of this that his daughter is so spoiled."
He personally accompanied them and arranged an elegant residence for the two. Along the way, the flowerbeds were vibrant and the scenery serene. Green willows mingled with the cold wind, and lotus flowers were adorned with frost and snow, creating a unique blend of seasons and atmosphere.
While touring the lake and garden, Li Bohou exclaimed, "Your wife has excellent taste."
He can explain the meaning and stories behind the flowers, trees, and landscape design in the garden, as well as the intricacies of the subject.
Li Xian was greatly impressed, as he saw the scenery of the manor every day. However, he never knew how to appreciate it. At first glance, he thought it was beautiful and the arrangement was very tasteful. Upon closer inspection, it still seemed beautiful, but after looking again and again... he gradually became blind to it and found it boring.
Now, having heard the inside story and learned the intricacies, I feel a sudden sense of enlightenment. Mountains are no longer mountains, and water is no longer water.
The scenery is the same, but the artistic conception is different.
So I took the initiative to ask for advice.
Li Bohou was handsome and refined, with a gentle and easygoing nature, and he was generous in offering his guidance. We walked and talked along the way, pointing out things and looking around, and we got along very well.
After his visit to the garden, Li Xian broadened his horizons and gained a great deal.
Upon arriving at the guest house, Li Bohou stopped and exclaimed, "If only my daughter, Haitang, were as studious as you."
Li Xian said, "Miss Haitang is naturally lively, so it's normal that she's not interested in these details about scenery."
"One can see the big picture from small details." Li Bohou shook his head and said, "To catch criminals and solve mysteries in the martial arts world, one needs a wealth of knowledge. Only in this way can one turn danger into safety."
“Young Master Li, if you are interested, you can come to see me tomorrow. We had a very pleasant conversation and got along quite well.”
Li Xian exclaimed with delight, "I couldn't be happier!"
The next day.
Li Xian visited early in the morning. Outside the guest house, Li Haitang, dressed in light clothing, was practicing martial arts, holding a sword in one hand and a whip in the other.
Upon seeing Li Xian, she raised an eyebrow, intending to show off. Her movements instantly changed; she threw the sword upwards, bent her leg backwards like a scorpion's tail, and kicked the sword towards Li Xian. Then she lashed out with her whip, which wrapped around the sword hilt. With each flick of the whip, the sword flashed, as if she were controlling a sword from afar!
And as the sword's momentum was exhausted, the whip's momentum followed closely behind. Continuous and uninterrupted, combining strength and gentleness, occasionally unleashing a few streaks of sword light.
Upon first seeing Li Haitang's skills, Li Xian secretly praised, "Such profound martial arts! No wonder she is the successor of the Divine Constable, excelling in both sword and whip! This is the second time I've met her, but the first time I've witnessed her skills!"
After Li Haitang finished her dance, Li Xian clapped and laughed, "Excellent skills, outstanding bearing! Miss Haitang is amazing!"
Li Haitang couldn't hide her joy and said, "I'm going out to play, and you just happened to come. Come with me!"
"No, thank you," Li Xian said with a smile. "I've come to see Senior Bohou."
"Hahaha." Li Bohou walked out of the guest house, stretched, and said, "Brother Li, you've arrived so early."
Li Xian said, "I was thinking about it last night, and I was excited all night about being able to tour the garden with Senior Li and broaden my horizons."
Li Bohou laughed and said, "It's rare to see you in such high spirits."
He said to Haitang, "Haitang, you're not interested in these things. They go in one ear and out the other. But Brother Li is interested. You go and have fun by yourself."
Li Haitang stomped her foot and said angrily, "I'm going too! I want to see what's so interesting about these stone flowers!"
So he followed.
"Haha, ignore this girl." Li Bohou shook his head and chuckled, walking ahead with Li Xian.
The garden boasts a variety of sights: a giant rock forest, a bird shed, an artificial rock garden… Li Xian leads the way, while Li Bohou explains. Li Haitang follows behind, looking sullen.
After walking for half an hour, I already felt I had benefited greatly.
Li Bohou sighed inwardly, "My good daughter, if you don't work harder, your father's true skills will be learned by others."
Upon reaching the "Listening to Frost Pavilion," Li Haitang exclaimed that they needed to rest. The three of them sat down in the pavilion, where the scenery was expansive. There were small hills behind and a lake in front. A frosty breeze blew across the lake's surface.
The wind blew into the pavilion, and a faint melody could be heard.
"Father, how can there be rhythm in this?" Li Haitang asked curiously.
Li Bohou stood with his hands behind his back, pointing to the surrounding scenery, and said, "The secret lies in the scenery. The flowers, plants and trees beside the pavilion are all carefully arranged. On a cold winter day, frost crystals condense among the trees and flowers, and when the frosty wind blows, they faintly produce a crisp sound. All these elements come together to form this frost music."
Li Xian asked, "Senior Li, could you tell me about your stories of chasing criminals and punishing evil? I admire you greatly."
“Of course, of course,” Li Bohou said. “You are the Commandant of Qingning, so you should be considered my colleague…”
Li Haitang interjected, "Father, how can a mere military officer compare to you?" She had no ill feelings towards Li Xian, but protecting her father was her top priority.
Li Xian said, "Miss Haitang is absolutely right." Li Haitang nodded in agreement and smiled, "You're quite sensible."
Li Bohou said, "Let's not talk about that. I know you are quite capable in Qingning, and I already admired you before I met you."
"Today, while strolling through the garden with you, I noticed that you were neither arrogant nor impatient, and your demeanor was much better than that of the crabapple tree. Since we're talking about catching thieves and criminals, I might as well share some tips on how to do it with you."
Li Xian was startled and said, "I am delighted that you value me so highly, senior. However, it is our first meeting, and I dare not accept such a great gift."
"Hahaha." Li Bohou laughed heartily, "I'm not going to pass on any martial arts skills to you. It's all based on experience. You can learn it to catch criminals, and it will be helpful."
He immediately gave a brief explanation. Li Xian silently noted it down, and asked for clarification on anything he didn't understand.
For three consecutive days.
The estate is so large that it is impossible to see it all.
That afternoon, the lady was about to leave the pass.
In the reception hall, Li Xian arranged for Li Bohou and his daughter to sit down, brewed some calming dragon tea, and performed all the proper courtesies. He said, "Senior Li Bohou, Miss Haitang, please wait a moment while I go and ask if the madam is willing to see you."
Li Bohou sipped his tea, waved his hand, and said, "Go." Li Haitang watched him leave.
Li Bohou asked, "Haitang, how do you feel about our time together these past few days?" Li Haitang blushed slightly and replied, "She is quite pretty and polite, and speaks very courteously. However, just like my father, she always likes strange and unusual things."
"Not bad, not bad." Li Bohou nodded with a smile.
He sighed softly again:
"If he were elsewhere, he would be considered a rising star. It's a pity that in Wen Caishang's hands, he's probably like that welcoming pine tree, trapped in a copper basin. But nothing is absolute, and the world is unpredictable. Perhaps he can break free from his shackles?"
...
Inside the Tower of Tranquility.
Li Xian helped his wife remove her silk-bound clothes. The clothes were soaked with sweat; the silk threads were fine and delicate, becoming extremely slippery when wet. It took considerable effort to remove them completely.
Lady Wen asked, "Is Marquis Li still at the manor?"
“He’s still here,” Li Xian said. “Senior Li is a humble person, and we had a very pleasant conversation.”
"Very well, take me to see him." Madam Wen put on her white robe.
(End of this chapter)
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