"Oh? I see." Li Xi suddenly realized that Xu Shanzhang was actually from Sichuan.
She recalled her time playing the role of a saintess in Sichuan. The headquarters of the Red Lotus Sect in Sichuan had long been uprooted and was now deserted.
Those followers who wanted to leave the cult but were controlled by the leader with poison have finally had a chance to break free.
They used the antidote concocted by Lan'er, and many people successfully broke free from the cult leader's control and regained their freedom.
However, not all believers can leave easily.
Only believers who have not committed serious crimes or harmed others are allowed to leave. As for those whose crimes are more serious, the Zhenfu Division will determine the severity of their offenses and impose appropriate punishments.
"Yes, Sichuan is indeed a land that produces many talented people." Li Xi praised repeatedly.
“By the way,” she changed the subject, “Where is Master Luo’s hometown? I heard he returned home a few months ago.”
"Master Luo?" The attendant beside him was slightly taken aback, a hint of hesitation on his face. "Well, I'm not quite sure, but the headmaster is quite familiar with him."
It is said that Luo Yun, also known as Yun Yi, is a person of great talent and proficiency in music.
His mastery of music is exceptional, making him a true master.
She had once met him at the bottom of the cliff in Huangshi Village, and was fortunate enough to find her way out with his guidance.
Unexpectedly, he later became a teacher at Baichuan Academy.
Even more coincidentally, Qi Xuan had also studied music under him. However, there were quite a few members of the royal family who studied under him as well.
That's quite an extraordinary person.
Just as she was about to ask more questions, footsteps approached, and then two figures appeared at the doorway.
It was Xu Shanzhang and Li Yi.
Xu Shanzhang walked over with a smile and asked, "General Li, what do you think of my courtyard?"
As he spoke, he stroked his beard, seemingly full of anticipation for the question.
Li Xi: "Excellent! Headmaster Xu, your courtyard is quiet and elegant, far from the hustle and bustle of the world. It is indeed an excellent place for self-cultivation and academic study."
Upon hearing this, Li Yi nodded in agreement.
"He An, warm a pot of wine. This old man wishes to share a few cups with General Li," Headmaster Xu instructed the page standing beside him.
The boy responded and left. Before long, he returned carrying a pot of warm wine and several delicate dishes, which he gently placed on the stone table in the pavilion.
"General Li, please sit down," Headmaster Xu invited her to sit.
Seeing this, Li Yi picked up the wine pot and filled the wine cups for the two of them.
Master Xu said, “This wine was brewed by me personally and is called ‘Youlan’. It is made from mountain spring water and the dew of flowers in all four seasons, and it takes years to make this fine wine.”
Li Xi picked up the wine glass, took a light sniff of its aroma, and praised, "Truly, good wine needs no bush. Headmaster Xu is not only erudite, but also so skilled in winemaking. This wine is clear and sweet, as if it can cleanse the dust from one's heart."
Master Xu said, “I don’t have many hobbies, but I am most fond of playing chess and brewing wine. Chess can calm the mind, and wine can soothe the soul. The two complement each other and are a great pleasure in life. It is rare for General Li to be able to appreciate this sentiment. Come, let’s have another drink to celebrate this rare time together.”
After saying this, the two smiled at each other and raised their glasses to drink together.
After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious, and the conversation gradually shifted from the aroma of wine and the fun of chess to strange and interesting stories.
"It's such a pity. I went to Sichuan a while ago. If I had known you were from Sichuan, I would have brought you some local specialties."
Li Xi shook her head regretfully.
Xu Shanzhang was slightly taken aback, then smiled brightly, "I'm sorry to have troubled you. It's been a long time since I've been back to my hometown, so I should find some time to go back and visit."
"Sichuan is truly bustling and changing rapidly these days. If you go back, you will surely be amazed by the new look of those emerging towns and ancient sites. I heard that a new Yunyin Academy has been built outside Chengdu, with a collection of tens of thousands of books, attracting countless scholars and literati to study and discuss the Dao. It is simply a holy land in the hearts of scholars." She recalled what she had seen in Sichuan.
"Oh? Is that so? Then this old man must find some time to go back and see for himself." A hint of longing flashed in Xu Shanzhang's eyes.
He stroked his beard, his tone tinged with emotion: "Time flies. I never imagined that after all these years I've been away, Sichuan would have nurtured such a cultural treasure. I remember back then, a few close friends and I dreamed of having a quiet place in Sichuan where we could take on many disciples and pass on our knowledge. Now, this Yunyin Academy seems to have fulfilled our dream from our youth."
“Yes, times are changing, but people’s thirst for and pursuit of knowledge remains unchanged,” Li Xi continued.
Changing the subject, he asked, "Oh, by the way. Rumor has it that the Red Lotus Sect started more than ten years ago, and their headquarters are in Pengle Town in Sichuan. I wonder if you've heard of them there?"
Upon hearing this, Master Xu frowned slightly, a hint of solemnity flashing in his eyes. "Forty years ago, I left Sichuan to study in the capital. I would hear about the ups and downs of the martial world through various channels, but I knew very little about them. Fortunately, they have now been eradicated, and Jingyuan has been able to return to peace."
It is clear from his words that Headmaster Xu was not very familiar with the situation of the Red Lotus Sect.
After downing a cup of warm wine, a warm current flowed down Li Xi's throat, making her feel incredibly comfortable and warm.
She slowly stood up and straightened her clothes.
Then he bowed deeply to Headmaster Xu and said softly, "It's getting late, so I won't disturb your rest any longer."
Headmaster Xu nodded slightly. "Alright, go back early. The roads are difficult to travel in this cold winter. Be careful on the road."
"Okay, thank you for the reminder, Headmaster."
When the two returned to the general's mansion, it was already dark.
"Young Master, there's a secret letter for you." Chen Quan happened to meet them at the door.
"Come on, let's go inside and talk first." Li Xi led him to the study.
Inside the study, the charcoal fire burned brightly, its warmth dispelling the chill of the winter night.
She took the secret letter from Chen Quan; it was written by Old Sun.
The letter stated that he had arrived in the Northern Ji Kingdom and reunited with his children and grandchildren.
His words revealed that he was very satisfied, and he mentioned at the end that he had successfully made contact with Xiao Cheng.
Currently, there is no news from the informants in Beiji that the leader has arrived in Beiji; perhaps the leader is still in Kyoto.
After all, no one could withstand the punch she threw with all her might; perhaps he is still recovering somewhere in Kyoto.
However, finding his whereabouts is easier said than done.
Li Xi frowned, pondering to herself. Right now, she could only search for his whereabouts secretly, without alerting him.
Li Xi turned to look at Chen Quan, seeing his haggard face, and knew that he had indeed been very tired these days.
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