The dog bit my sister... I'm still somewhat sensible...
Pei Xuanzhi's index and middle fingertips, bathed in the warm sunlight, were gently holding a black chess piece.
He casually observed the situation on the chessboard, not in a hurry to make a move.
She glanced up occasionally at Xue Yuannian, who was calmly drinking tea across from her, and remained silent.
Xue Yuannian swallowed the hot tea in his mouth, looked at the crystal-clear black tea in the cup, and smiled:
"It tastes sweet and not bitter, very good. I noticed that you have no one to serve you in your courtyard. You used the best red dates to brew this 'Sunset Melting Gold' tea. It seems that Madam Yan really cares about you and knows how to take good care of you."
Pei Xuanzhi remained silent for a moment, then said calmly, "I usually brew tea for Madam and put it in her room."
Xue Yuannian said with feigned surprise, "Oh...Is that so? Young Master Pei is frail, yet he still goes to such lengths. I truly admire him."
Pei Xuanzhi chuckled lightly, seemingly unconcerned. "Why admire me? I'm just doing what I should do. I admire Fellow Daoist Xue, though. Your younger brother made a mistake, and instead of letting him come forward, you personally went to apologize. Your elder brotherly conduct is truly admirable."
Xue Yuannian sipped his tea, still smiling, and said, "If he comes, would you and your husband like to see him? I'm just thinking of you, young man."
Pei Xuanzhi also smiled and said, "Whether we meet or not is a matter for my husband and me, and whether we come or not is a matter for Senior Brother Xue. It is really kind of you, fellow Daoist, to consider this for us."
Xue Yuannian sighed, poured himself another cup of tea, and raised his hand in a toast:
"It is true that Jing Nian was wrong. Fellow Daoist Yan hit him, that's fine. It was my fault for not disciplining him properly. I apologize to the young man and ask for your understanding. I will deal with him properly in the future."
Pei Xuanzhi casually arranged the chess pieces and said offhand:
"I dare not accept such praise. He did not offend me. I cannot make decisions for you, Madam. Also... I wonder if the Xue family has fallen on hard times? How can you still treat someone who casually fabricates rumors and slanders others as an honored guest?"
Xue Yuannian naturally already knew about what happened at Chunyu Tower this morning, and couldn't help but bow again, saying humbly, "It was our Xue family's fault."
Pei Xuanzhi put down the chess piece and said, "I understand your purpose, fellow Daoist. I will tell Madam after she finishes her meditation. I will then send someone to deliver a message to your residence, depending on her reaction."
Xue Yuannian took out a box from his treasure pouch and placed it beside the chessboard. He gently opened it, and inside was a pure crystal lamp.
"When this lamp is lit, it can help purify spiritual energy. This is just a small token of my apology. I have something to discuss with you, young man."
Pei Xuanzhi glanced at the lamp and asked, "What is it?"
"It concerns matters west of Xianyang. According to Sect Leader Pei's original plan, the Su and Xue families would jointly patrol the area, one family per year. However, each time the patrol was changed, it was inevitable that the previous family would have to check every place to see if they had done their job properly or if there were any oversights before the shift could be changed. It was really exhausting."
He glanced at Pei Xuanzhi, who was drinking tea with his eyes down and remaining silent, and smiled:
"Originally, the Pei family had no successor, which is why the Pei Sect Leader handed over the Xianyang Grand Array to the Su family. Now that the young master has recognized his ancestors and returned to the clan, why not do something for the elders of his hometown so that people will know that although the young master is sickly, he always cares about everyone in his heart?"
Those who have been slighted and ignored for a long time, upon hearing these words, will inevitably be moved by the idea of becoming famous and respected.
Pei Xuanzhi followed his words and said, "How can I, a sick man, bear such a heavy responsibility?"
Xue Yuannian smiled and said, "Young Master, you should go and discuss with Sect Leader Pei. The Xue family will do its best to assist you. If you are unwell, you can take care of your health first. The Xue family will help manage the family in your name. Every year, the collected spirit stones and herbs will be sent to your residence."
If Pei Xuanzhi were someone who was ambitious, loved to show off, or was eager to demonstrate that although he had half demon blood, he was a legitimate member of the Pei clan, he would be somewhat tempted.
Moreover, having not had a particularly pleasant childhood and being born with half-charming blood, how could one have the opportunity to completely turn things around and easily seize a territory?
Moreover, he doesn't need to spend any effort managing such a prestigious achievement.
Xue Yuannian had a pretty good grasp of what this young man was thinking.
As long as Pei Xuanzhi sets his mind to it, even if Sect Leader Pei doesn't give it to him, once the news reaches the Su family, they will at least show that the Su family is only managing it on behalf of others, and will take the initiative to offer him some areas.
To his surprise, Pei Xuanzhi lowered his eyes and said, "I am ignorant and my father's arrangements have their reasons. I have nothing to say."
Such matters should be explored first, so Xue Yuannian did not press the issue, and smiled, saying:
"As for the matter west of Xianyang, please speak with Sect Leader Pei, young master. The Su family is usually busy with affairs, and the old Xianyang area is where there are the most demon remains. It is difficult to spare energy for many things. Since we are in the same place, the Xue family is willing to guard the area west of Xianyang for everyone."
He then took out a list and gently placed it on the chessboard, placing a treasure pouch on top of it. "These are for the young master and his wife to buy some 'Sunset Gold'."
Pei Xuanzhi glanced at it and smiled, "Fellow Daoist Xue is very generous, but the journey back is long and we can't carry that much tea. Please keep it and give some New Year's gifts to the people patrolling west of Xianyang."
Xue Yuannian laughed and said, "My Xue family never mistreats those who have contributed. Keep the young man."
Pei Xuanzhi put down the chess pieces and stood up, saying, "I've said before that I'm not used to playing chess. Fellow Daoist, you don't need to tell me what you want to do. Take your things back."
Many things cannot be done well simply because people want to.
Xue Yuannian was not annoyed by the rejection. He simply cupped his hands and said, "It is no problem for the Xue family to do more. Please consider the Su family's problem and the problem of patrolling west of Xianyang."
Xue Yuannian was a man who knew when to stop and always spoke with others in mind.
Pei Xuanzhi didn't dislike this kind of person. People's hearts are complex, not black and white, and often, being straightforward doesn't guarantee success.
Chang'an does not produce spirit stones. In such a large area, it is possible to balance the interests of many parties, find a reliable way to exchange spirit stones, and provide for the needs of the retainers for cultivation, the needs for repairing the great array every year, and the needs of the people for spiritual medicine to dispel demonic energy.
At the same time, there have been almost no major changes, and the family has maintained peace and prosperity for a long time. How could such a family not have any ambition?
After some polite exchanges, Xue Yuannian left with his belongings, leaving behind only the glass lamp, the fate of which was beyond Pei Xuanzhi's control.
As dusk fell, the protective barrier around the main house dissipated.
Pei Xuanzhi carried a pot of tea and a food box as he pushed open the door and went in.
Yan Huanyue picked out the three drained spirit stones and placed them on the table. She took the tray from his hand, poured two cups of tea, and set out the bowls and chopsticks for him.
Pei Xuanzhi said, "Young Master Xue came alone at noon, regarding Senior Brother Xue's matter."
Yan Huanyue took the spoon from his hand, looked at his indifferent expression, and said, "He deserved it. He earned the beating himself. Did Xue Yuannian make things difficult for you because of it?"
Pei Xuanzhi's lips curled up slightly in a tiny arc. "No, he came to apologize and casually mentioned some things about Xianyang."
Yan Huanyue threw the spoon into the empty bowl, the series of crisp sounds tearing apart the warm and gentle tranquility of the room. "Did I send you to ask for the Xianyang Grand Array?"
Pei Xuanzhi nodded. "Some say it's the area west of Xianyang."
Yan Huanyue asked, "How did you reply to him?"
Pei Xuanzhi shrugged and said helplessly, "It was my father's idea to hand over the Xianyang Grand Array to the Su family. It's not appropriate for someone of my background to ask him for it."
No matter how eloquently Xue Yuannian spoke, in essence, he was still a person with demon blood who had no merit or virtue, and who held human territory because of his father's influence.
Let's set aside whether the local people who have lived here for generations can trust him or accept and tolerate this arrangement.
If anyone in the world heard this, they would all say that Sect Leader Pei was biased towards his son and unjustly held the position of head of the Tianyan Sect.
The Xue family has been living here for hundreds of years, and Chang'an is a prosperous and stable city. If only the area west of Xianyang were given to them, it would probably become completely Xue family property in just a few years.
Father's arrangement was the most suitable for this place. The area west of Xianyang is mostly mountainous, and patrols would require a lot of energy to search for the ravines and caves in the mountains. There were not many people willing to patrol regularly.
With both companies vying for dominance, the common people west of Xianyang ultimately benefited.
He had no interest in seeking recognition of his identity as a member of the Pei family, so why would he disrupt the balance for such short-term gains?
Yan Huanyue did not deny his statement, but only said, "You don't need to worry about these things, just take good care of your health."
"Fellow Daoist Xue also gifted me a precious glass lamp..."
Yan Huanyue said, "An apology doesn't mean you have to forgive. Please have someone send it back."
.
After the fifth day, Yan Huanyue and Pei Xuanzhi left Chang'an and visited the Su family in Xianyang. They continued their journey in less than half a day.
Su Huaiyuan, the head of the Su family, saw them off for a long distance before returning to Xianyang City.
I had just finished meditating and gone to sleep when someone came to report this.
It is said that Madam Lu suffered a bout of madness and secretly went into the pond at night, where she drowned silently. Overwhelmed with grief, Master Lu also went somewhat insane for a time.
Su Huaiyuan immediately sent people to Chang'an to offer condolences and also sent people to chase after Pei Xuanzhi to deliver the message, but they could not find any trace of Pei Xuanzhi and his group.
.
Inside the carriage, Yan Huanyue released her magic seal and habitually lifted the curtain to look at the moonlit scene outside.
He asked, "Weren't we supposed to take the same route we came by? We should be at Tongming City by now, so why are we still in the mountains?"
Pei Xuanzhi sat by the candle, drawing a talisman array over and over again, and said without looking up, "Let's see the different scenes."
After saying that, he looked up, smiled at her, and said with a hint of apology, "I didn't know I wouldn't be able to find a place to stay."
There were times like this when they arrived, but Yan Huanyue didn't say much. She just found some bedding and put it down, waiting for him to finish reading before putting away the small table to sleep.
A short while later, Pei Xuanzhi yawned slightly, drowsily put away the small table, spread out a thick quilt, wrapped himself in a brocade blanket, lay down, closed his eyes, and went to sleep.
He suddenly woke up in the middle of the night, covered in sweat. He couldn't help but cough twice and said in a muffled voice, "Senior Sister Yan, I'm not feeling well."
Yan Huanyue was woken up by him. She turned around and got up, feeling for the outer edge of his brocade quilt. She patted it gently and asked, "What's wrong? Give me your wrist."
Pei Xuanzhi remained quietly wrapped in the brocade quilt, without reaching out his hand.
He hesitated for a moment, gritting his teeth, and looked at her silhouette in the darkness. He murmured, "Senior Sister Yan... give me two Qingxin Pills."
Yan Huanyue was taken aback and asked, "What happened?"
In the darkness, he said softly, as if he had done something wrong, "I dreamt about what happened that night. The aura of the enchanting spirit is turbulent and I can't suppress it anymore."
Yan Huanyue felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. Without saying another word, she took two Qingxin Pills and fed them to him. Just as she did, he suddenly turned his head and spat out a mouthful of blood.
Upon hearing the sound, Yan Huanyue quickly got up and lit the candles.
He was lying on his side in the bedding, blood dripping from his lips.
Her neck and cheeks were pale with an unnatural red tinge, and her eyes were filled with restraint and forbearance, with two lines of tears silently streaming down her cheeks.
She quickly stuffed the calming pills into his mouth.
Pei Xuanzhi, looking fragile and broken, looked up at her and asked weakly:
"Does Senior Sister blame me for what happened that night?"
Yan Huanyue was unaware that suppressing the demonic energy would harm his body so much. She silently took out a plain handkerchief and gently wiped the blood from his lips.
"Why should I blame you? We are husband and wife."
Pei Xuanzhi stared at her intently with his misty eyes, his gaze seemingly blurred as he resisted the golden mist.
He asked softly, "It's all in the past, but I keep dreaming about that night. Sister, what's wrong with me?"
Yan Huanyue felt a chill run down her spine. After thinking for a moment, she said, "I had a nightmare because I was frightened."
"But... I seem to really like it..."
Yan Huanyue was so embarrassed that she wanted to cover his mouth, but she quickly stuffed another calming pill into his mouth and interrupted him, saying, "What nonsense are you talking about? Go to sleep!"
Pei Xuanzhi looked at her stubbornly, "Sister... am I still innocent?"
Yan Huanyue couldn't take it anymore. She covered his face with the blanket and said expressionlessly, "Don't ask anymore."
The voice from under the covers carried a sense of desolation, muffled as it said, "So that means it's over. You won't abandon me in the future, will you...?"
Yan Huanyue said, "Nothing happened to us."
A weak voice whispered from under the covers, "But you kissed me."
Yan Huanyue extinguished the candle, lay down beside him, and pulled the brocade quilt off his face. "That doesn't count."
"oh......"
In the darkness, he suddenly pulled her into his arms, half-pressed down on her, and kissed her lips passionately.
He was in a daze, acting purely on instinct, greedily sucking and biting her lips, his breath weak and disordered as he said, "Let's kiss you one more time, I've missed you so much..."
Yan Huanyue was about to push him away, but he gradually calmed down and, as if exhausted, slid down to her neck and fell asleep.
The next day, however, he acted as if nothing had happened, and had no recollection of what had occurred while he was in a daze the previous night.
Occasionally glancing up at her between reading sessions, I asked in surprise, "Senior sister, how did you manage to cut your lip? Did you put any medicine on it?"
Yan Huanyue sat cross-legged, closed her eyes, and said casually, "Biten by a dog."
Pei Xuanzhi smiled and said with concern, "Wake me up next time, and I'll help you catch up."
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Author's Note: Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 19:08:06 on December 2, 2023 and 02:58:22 on December 4, 2023!
Thank you to the little angels who watered the nutrient solution: Yiye Weirui and Xihongshi Chaodan 20 bottles; Did the author add roots today? 18 bottles; Mingwen and Touben Yangguang 10 bottles; Xiaoqi, Ajie, and Feng Xihuan 5 bottles; Yang Zhuyao, Suiyueran, Linxiafeng, Haaa, Keaizhishi, and shineyale 2 bottles; Mi, wutuo, kurosakiiji, Zhouman de Jiangu, momo, Jiuqiansheng Daren, and Xin 1 bottle;
Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
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