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墨書 Inktalez
It is just that the weather is cold now, and even if I were to ask Liu Qingxi for design plans to build a house, I would not choose the frozen time of winter in the Cold Region.
Winter construction greatly weakens the durability and safety of houses, especially in Linyi, where the cold season is long and temperatures are low.
At this moment, Ren Qiangsheng knows that he cannot complete his plans alone; he must rely on Liang Siji while also preparing the necessary work in advance, waiting for the right moment to let Liu Qingxi fall from the best place to the lowest valley, just as he has endured hardships himself.
As the saying goes, there are thieves who steal for a thousand days, but there are no defenses against thieves for a thousand days. Liu Qingxi cannot possibly prevent everyone from seeking revenge against her forever.
At this time, aside from taking good care of her master's daily needs, she is also seizing this opportunity to diligently absorb knowledge and learn from Elder Ying's lifelong experiences.
Regardless of her master's level or whether he possesses the best ideas or how open he is to new things, it is undeniable that traditional architecture, whether palace-style or garden-style, combined with ancient buildings is beyond her comparison.
Looking at the drawings she has created, they inevitably carry modern elements; although beautiful, they lack the historical weight and shock that ancient architecture possesses.
In her past life, she traveled to many places, witnessing the grandeur of the Forbidden City, the majesty of the Great Wall, the wonders of the Potala Palace, and experiencing the masterful craftsmanship of the Longmen Grottoes.
However, compared to Elder Ying, who has dedicated his life to this craft, she falls far short. Perhaps for a moment she can gain people's recognition or achieve unexpected success, but that feels more like a fleeting beauty rather than an achievement worthy of being recorded in history.
"Master, choosing the right feng shui is very important; it concerns every detail. However, sometimes it may be difficult to achieve."
"You are too obsessed with this. Striving for perfection is good, but do you know that extremes will lead to opposites? If every detail is perfect, they will inevitably influence each other negatively. Therefore, when each house is completed or designed, one must pay attention to flaws. Leaving a little imperfection means leaving some hope and room for movement. The principle of excess leading to loss also applies to Feng Shui."
"Everyone's learning must go through this process: from being overly focused at first to realizing this point and then being able to apply it skillfully. You still have much to learn and practice. However, your restaurant in Biqi Town is quite good; I wouldn't be able to build something six stories high like that. This is something I can learn from you."
Elder Ying's words were like a wake-up call for Liu Qingxi. She suddenly understood why she felt so strained while studying and researching; she always felt that her abilities fell short despite her enthusiasm. Now she realizes that leaving a little imperfection is essential.
"Master, are these experiences you have summarized?"
Elder Ying said earnestly, "Yes, everyone goes through many experiences. At your age, I was also full of passion, thinking I had learned well and could do my best. However, later on..."
As time passed, looking back at the houses he had dealt with, the wealth and prosperity that should have been contained within the feng shui did not manifest at all. This made him doubt himself for a while, but he refused to give in to superstition and became even more obsessed with feng shui gossip. Eventually, he discovered a family where the predictions came true; their children excelled in school, and the daughter lived a life of wealth.
After observing and analyzing for a long time, he finally found a flaw in one of the designs. Puzzled, he took a bold step and intentionally left a gap during the construction process. To his surprise, this led to unexpected results, and he suddenly realized something important.
Over time, this led to his current esteemed status and laid the foundation for his reputation as a Master Designer in the architecture field.
His lifelong learning was indeed well-deserved. Liu Qingxi gradually embraced new knowledge, feeling as if she was breaking free from old constraints and experiencing an outpouring of inspiration.
Elder Ying nodded slightly. "Ah, after staying here for some time, I really don’t want to leave. The scenery is beautiful here, the food is good, and there are many people to chat with. I truly don’t want to go."
Compared to Lingjiang Province, where people often raised chickens or walked birds at home, life here was vibrant and colorful with plenty of interesting conversations.
"Master, feel free to stay anytime! You are always welcome here; I’ll keep a room for you. How about this: why don’t you just stay?" Liu Qingxi also liked this elder. Although there was a significant age difference between them, he felt very much like a father figure.
He brought her warmth she had never experienced before. Although she received warmth from the Wen Family as well, it was a different feeling altogether—at least with Elder Ying, there was a clear master-disciple relationship.
"Hahaha! Just don’t bother me too much! By the way, that chicken dish you made last time—Beggar's Chicken—was quite delicious. When will you make it again?"
There it was; the master had brought up conditions again. Elder Ying truly enjoyed trying new foods. Although they were not exquisite or luxurious delicacies, the vegetables grown by farmers had a unique taste that made them endlessly enjoyable regardless of whether they were mild or spicy.
Liu Qingxi understood now why he mentioned Beggar's Chicken; that was her first time making it for Elder Ying. When she first opened the clay covering, he had looked quite disdainful: "How can you eat this lump of clay? Is it meant to be eaten like dirt?"
Liu Qingxi quickly cracked open the Beggar's Chicken to reveal tender chicken meat inside, infused with the flavors of mushrooms and spices. The taste awakened her palate instantly; it was an indescribable sensation that left a lasting impression.
Since then, after thinking for a while, I finally brought it up today.
Liu Qingxi nodded and said, "Master, just wait. I'll take care of it soon. However, this time there won't be any wild chicken; I'll use the domesticated ones instead. But remember to leave me some."
Thinking back to the last time when she was too stunned to react, watching Elder Ying devour the entire Beggar's Chicken in one go, leaving only a pile of bones behind, the feeling in her heart was simply too conflicted. Could you please leave me a piece?
However, Elder Ying didn't hear her plea at all and ended up eating to his heart's content.
This time Liu Qingxi specifically brought it up because she didn't often make Beggar's Chicken. Not only was it troublesome, but usually, they couldn't finish it all, which would be a waste. With Liu Qingyan not at home, it was just her and two maidservants, so it wasn't worth it.
Unfortunately, Elder Ying's eyes widened like copper bells: "You girl, I just praised you! Why are you getting angry now? It's just a chicken! With your current wealth, do you lack anything? Why do you have to compete with an old man like me? Once I leave, you can eat however you want."
"I don't care; I'm having Beggar's Chicken today." With that, Elder Ying waved his sleeves and left, looking like a petulant old child.
Storming out of the house and heading towards the village, he left Liu Qingxi standing alone in the wind, feeling disheveled. Hey! You're a Master Designer in the construction world; how can you act like a child?
At that moment, the petulant Elder Ying put away his feigned anger and cheerfully chatted with an old man sitting by the door enjoying the sun. There was no trace of his earlier demeanor. If Liu Qingxi had seen this, she would have felt even more frustrated.
Nevertheless, she quietly went to prepare food for her master. With nothing else to offer him, she could only try her best to satisfy his cravings as a way to express her filial piety.
This was Liu Qingxi's family situation—filled with a bit of conflict but more respect for her serious and stern master as she busied herself.
Meanwhile, in a remote courtyard of Ten Li Pu, a young man dressed in white stood beneath an unbloomed Winter Plum Tree, staring at its bare branches with a heavy heart.
Really now, ever since the restaurant opened and this master settled in without leaving, teaching Liu Qingxi knowledge has made it difficult for him to get close to girls. What should he do about this?
The girl is so outstanding, and the Village has been watching closely for years, like wolves eyeing their prey. If he isn't careful, he could easily be undermined; how can he not feel anxious?
At this moment, the boy is secretly pondering how to get his master to leave quickly. Even if Liu Qingxi needs to travel a long way to Lingjiang Province for her studies, he can just follow her. It’s better than being in a situation where he can see her but cannot reach her!
Time passes by minute by minute, and a certain plan gradually takes shape in the boy's mind.
Stern's upright figure slowly turns around and returns to the study, picking up a pen to write a letter, which is sent swiftly through special channels to Lingjiang Province.
Previously, in the Provincial Capital, his master's arrangements regarding the Inorganic Gate have also reached a temporary conclusion. News from the capital indicates that there has been some turmoil in the court; the Crown Prince, who has always held a stable position, has suddenly suffered a severe blow and nearly lost his power.
If it weren't for the Queen, his biological mother, intervening behind the scenes, he might have already been dethroned.
Yang Yichen understands that the Crown Prince will definitely not be the ultimate victor in court politics because it is those hidden figures behind the scenes who are truly formidable.
Therefore, when it comes to choosing a partner for cooperation, Yang Yichen ultimately settles on Dugu Hao, who is usually very low-key and seemingly incapable. This is because Dugu Hao stands behind the most powerful force—the Yu Family.
At this critical moment, countless letters are exchanged back and forth. While handling these matters, Yang Yichen must also keep a close watch on Liu Qingxi to prevent other men from getting too close to her, which keeps him extremely busy.
A thought gradually forms in his mind: only by doing this can his and Liu Qingxi's identities be justified. It would give her a label that belongs solely to her. Yes, this is how it should be done! Yang Yichen makes up his mind.
More importantly, he did not participate in this year's Imperial Examination—not because of lack of ability, but because passing it would mean taking up an official position. Compared to his current life, he does not enjoy being an official. However, now he feels compelled to succeed in next year's Imperial Examination; even passing it should not be an issue.
The reason for this change is that he wants to give Liu Qingxi a safe identity and provide her with assurance by openly introducing himself.
Additionally, due to this year's earthquake causing disruptions in the imperial examination process, the emperor has decided to add an extra year of testing next year, which conveniently provides him with an opportunity.
Various individuals began to develop their own thoughts, some with good intentions towards Liu Qingxi, others with ulterior motives, and some with schemes in mind.
Different purposes revolved around the same person, all centered on Liu Qingxi.
Meanwhile, Liu Qingxi, who was diligently working hard, had no idea that such layers of relationships existed.
She was busy taking care of her master.
Elder Ying arrived at Ten Li Pu and felt right at home. If it weren't for his age, he would have loved to run around the mountains like a fellow disciple, searching for fruits.
"Elder Ying, it must be nice to have houses like yours. However, our place is not bad either, especially since Qingxi is going to design and build a house."
Upon hearing this, Elder Ying straightened his back involuntarily, as if filled with pride. After all, that was his disciple; he nearly shouted out how amazing she was.
"Exactly! Qingxi is so sensitive to the construction industry and has a sharp mind. It would be a shame if she didn't learn."
Happy moments always seem to pass quickly. Elder Ying lingered longer than he intended. However, as winter set in, the cold air made even the water in the basin freeze over in the mornings. He forced himself to ignore the chill and stayed a bit longer.
One day, while Elder Ying was teaching something intricate in the courtyard, a young man burst in unexpectedly. "Excuse me, is this the Liu Family?"
Suddenly, his footsteps halted abruptly as he trembled and said, "Old man, there's been a problem at home. The Master asked me to hurry and bring you back."
"What? Something happened at home?" He had only been away for half a month; how could such a mess occur?
Elder Ying gradually set down the brush in his hand, realizing that the situation must be serious; otherwise, the children wouldn't have sent someone to fetch him.
"Old man, Master insists on having you return. The carriage is ready, let's head back!"
Thus, Elder Ying could only take a moment to say goodbye to Liu Qingxi and a few other important people, hastily gathering his belongings.
Now, Liu Qingxi suddenly faced the departure of his master, feeling dazed. The serious demeanor of Elder Ying lingered in his mind, making it hard to forget. He stood at the door, watching the carriage disappear until it became a mere shadow.
Recently, everything had been directed by Elder Ying, which had been quite pleasant. Now, suddenly being without that guidance felt very unfamiliar.
Meanwhile, in another location, a young man gazed in the direction of Liu Qingxi's home, a faint smile appearing on his lips. Finally, that annoying old man was gone, allowing him to openly appear in front of the girl and defend his position.
Otherwise, as her boyfriend, how could he feel secure?
At night, the air was cool as water, accompanied by gusts of chilly wind. The dry branches rustled against each other, devoid of leaves; winter was approaching rapidly.
At that moment, a figure slowly approached the window and leaped inside, suddenly appearing in Liu Qingxi's bedroom.
Immediately after, a tall figure carrying the coldness of the night drew closer. Liu Qingxi stiffened for a moment but then recognized the familiar scent and gradually relaxed.
"What brings you here tonight?"
"Why? Can't I come?" The young man's tone carried a hint of subtle grievance; though not overtly expressed, Liu Qingxi could sense it clearly.
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