“Your mother is a talented individual, and the master has high expectations for you. He believes that you should be given the opportunity to train under him.”
Bing Zhi felt a mix of emotions at the mention of her mother’s legacy. Her heartbeat quickened, and she forced a smile. “I am grateful for the chance. It sounds like an honor.”
Yun Qi regarded her with a look of concern, noticing the strain in her smile. “I hope this can bring some peace.”
Bing Zhi nodded, though her thoughts were far away. The weight of her mother’s death and the choices that led there loomed over her like a dark cloud. She knew that her path would not be easy, but it was a path she needed to walk, both for herself and for the memory of her mother.
As they sat in silence, both consumed by their thoughts, the bond between them felt tenuous, like a fragile thread that could snap at any moment.
Bing Zhi couldn’t understand the Autumn Water Palace Master’s intentions – whether he wanted to meet his daughter’s rival or to give her a warning. But Yun Qi, who had traveled far and wide, should be a free-spirited person and unlikely to be so petty.
Bing Zhi shook her head, “No, I want to go. You’ve helped me so much, so I should help you. Moreover, this isn’t really helping – it might even be causing additional complications because of me. If I don’t go, the Autumn Water Palace Master might think you’re disrespectful, and things won’t go smoothly.” She truly didn’t want to owe Yun Qi anything and wanted to be his friend by helping.
Yun Qi lowered his head, thought for a moment, and said, “Alright. If you’re determined to go, I’ll tell you about the Autumn Water Palace Master so you won’t be caught off guard.” Bing Zhi nodded, indicating he should continue.
The palace master has been waiting for a long time. Please follow this old man.”
"Thank you for your trouble," Yun Qi said.
Following the steward to a small garden, which was quite elegant.
Along the way, it was clear that every blade of grass and tree was carefully tended, and the rockery was cleverly placed, obviously indicating that the owner was a person of refined taste.
“Where is the palace master?” When Yun Qi and Bing Zhi arrived at the garden, they had not yet seen the palace master.
The steward saluted and said, “Here’s the situation. The palace master would like to ask this Miss Murong to guess a riddle: among these two, who is the true master of Qiushui Palace?”
From behind the rockery, two middle-aged men emerged, one gentle and refined, the other with a hint of authority in his demeanor. They walked slowly in front of Bing Zhi, bowing politely.
“Please, Miss Murong, guess who the palace master is,” the steward said. “You can ask them to do some actions if they are willing.”
“Why would she do this? Bing Zhi has never seen the palace master! How could she possibly guess?” Yun Qi asked. The steward shook his head, saying, “I am just following the palace master’s instructions. Perhaps Miss Murong has this ability?” He gave Bing Zhi a meaningful look. Bing Zhi began to ponder.
Bing Zhi walked up to the two men and softly asked, “May I trouble you both to extend your hands for me to examine?”
“Certainly,” the refined gentleman said with a slight smile, extending his hands. The other man stretched out his hands reluctantly.
Bing Zhi carefully examined their hands and gave a light laugh.
It seemed she could at least rule out one of them. Bing Zhi thanked the refined gentleman, then turned to stare directly at the other man, almost confrontationally.
Seeing the man’s reaction, Bing Zhi laughed again and turned to the steward, saying, “Neither of these two is the palace master.”
The steward’s eyes flashed with surprise, quickly replaced by understanding, and he cupped his hands, saying, “Please enlighten us.”
“I’ve heard that the Qiushui Palace master uses double maces, so their hands must have calluses. The gentleman on the left has calluses only on his right hand, so he definitely isn’t the master. However, he is quite distinguished, and might be the master’s friend. If not for these calluses revealing his identity, I might have thought he was the master.”
“As for this one, his initial authoritative demeanor was quite well-acted and took some effort. Unfortunately, he mimicked the wrong temperament. The Qiushui Palace master enjoys traveling and should naturally be free-spirited. This man gives an extremely stern, serious impression, more like an official. He clearly doesn’t match the master’s character. Moreover, his confidence was lacking.
Though he initially concealed it well, his eyes later became confused and at a loss. “Am I correct?” Bing Zhi asked.
The steward praised her, “Miss, you are truly intelligent. These two are indeed not the palace master, and you’ve even discerned their true identities.”
Bing Zhi smiled slightly and added, “In my humble opinion, you are the true Qiushui Palace master.”
“In that case, please have Young Master World and Miss Murong stay for lunch,” Yi Tian Yun invited. “I also have some matters to discuss with Young Master World.”
“Thank you for your hospitality,” Yun Qi politely said. Bing Zhi secretly sighed with relief, glad she had guessed correctly.
“What about you, Brother Fang?” Yi Tian Yun asked.
“No need, I have some matters to attend to,” Fang Huai cupped his fists and said, “Excuse me.”
“Mu’er, see Uncle Fang off,” Yi Tian Yun instructed.
Yi Mu’er unusually obediently said, “Yes. Uncle Fang, this way please.”
“Thank you,” Fang Huai was extremely courteous, then left with Yi Mu’er.
“My, time passes quickly, it’s almost noon,” Yi Tian Yun said, leading the way. “Let’s go to the main hall, lunch will be served soon. We’ll eat first, then discuss business.”
Chapter 3: Proposal (1)
“Murong Bingzhi!” Yi Mu’er angrily shouted Bingzhi’s name. She had just passed through the hall and overheard her father’s conversation with Yun Qi. Yun Qi actually wanted to cancel the engagement, and her father had agreed! It was all because of this woman in front of her!
“Hmm? Is it Miss Yi?” Bingzhi came out of her thoughts and stood up to greet Yi Mu’er.
Although she didn’t understand why Yi Mu’er looked so angry, she was a guest in their home and should be more courteous.
“Is it you?” Yi Mu’er was very excited, pointing directly at Bingzhi.
“What is it about me? What have I done?” Bingzhi was confused by Yi Mu’er’s incoherent words.
“Don’t play dumb. Why would Yun Qi propose canceling the engagement in front of my father if not for you?” Yi Mu’er was still angry, her shoulders rising and falling as if suppressing her rage.
Bingzhi laughed softly, saying, “The palace master naturally did not agree to his request. Why is Miss Yi so angry?
Yi Mu’er was indeed a straightforward woman, with a youthful spirit that was pleasant to see, Bingzhi thought.
“Who said that! My father! He actually agreed! He agreed to cancel the engagement!” Yi Mu’er shouted loudly.
This was unexpected for Bingzhi. She hadn’t thought Yi Tian Yun would be so open-minded. Seeing Bingzhi silent, Yi Mu’er continued, “Isn’t it because of you, performing so well in front of my father! It’s because you recognized him that he’s taking sides!”
Bingzhi felt unhappy hearing this and argued, “Miss Yi, that’s not right. I didn’t want to show off in front of the palace master. If you hadn’t mentioned me to him, he might never have known me.”
Yi Mu’er was stunned by Bingzhi’s words, momentarily speechless: “You! You!” Indeed, she had mentioned Bingzhi to her father, but her purpose was for her father to teach Bingzhi a lesson!
Bingzhi knew Yi Mu’er was at the height of her anger, and further words would be futile. She tried to leave, “Miss Yi should calm down and think carefully. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”
