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墨書 Inktalez
Lingjiang Province, Ying Mansion
"Ah, Junior Sister, you finally made it! You have no idea how much Father has been talking about you. He was hoping you'd come; if you hadn't arrived soon, I would have had to go fetch you myself."
Even though it was getting late, Ying Fushan showed no signs of impatience. Instead, he warmly welcomed Liu Qingxi, a girl around the same age as his daughter.
"Hello, Senior Brother. Thank you for your concern," Liu Qingxi said with a smile. "I’ll go see Master first."
Ying Fushan quickly led the way to Elder Ying's courtyard. The winding path felt even more enchanting, with groups of koi swimming in the ornamental ponds on either side. The crimson corridor featured flying eaves and walls adorned with glazed tiles that formed flowing wave patterns, graceful and beautiful.
After passing through the corridor, there was a set of steps leading to a pavilion. On both sides of the pavilion was a bamboo grove, where emerald-green bamboo leaves danced gently in the breeze.
Beyond this bamboo grove was the courtyard where Elder Ying lived. Compared to the ornate beams and painted pillars in front, this area had a distinctly different style. A bamboo fence enclosed the yard, with intricately woven patterns resembling gentle flowing water.
Inside the bamboo courtyard stood a simple yet perfectly tranquil house.
The enchanting atmosphere of this secluded path blended seamlessly with the leisurely beauty of the surroundings.
An elderly man dressed in gray cotton clothing, with graying hair, gazed out from the courtyard, appreciating the distant and nearby scenery.
"Master." The girl's clear voice rang out like an oriole's call, causing the old man to turn abruptly.
A smile spread across his wrinkled face: "Qingxi, you’ve come!" His tone was filled with surprise and satisfaction after anticipation.
"Yes, Master, I’m here." The genuine longing in the elder's voice deeply moved Liu Qingxi. She felt truly sorry for this devoted master.
"I’m late."
"Not at all! It’s never too late. Eldest Brother, hurry and prepare accommodations for Qingxi. Make sure her food and living arrangements are all set." Turning back to Liu Qingxi, he added, "Don’t leave; just stay here at the mansion."
Liu Qingxi nodded slightly. Since she had already acknowledged this master, it was only natural for her to stay at Ying Mansion.
This time, the places she passed through brought her a different feeling. The bamboo courtyard and bamboo houses blended seamlessly with the pavilions and towers, creating a harmonious unity of opulence and tranquility.
Indeed, a master is capable of achieving such a combination of contradictions that ordinary people cannot accomplish.
"You're just in time. This time, stay for a while. I can't wait to teach you properly," he said.
"Thank you, Master!" Liu Qingxi replied cheerfully. "I missed you! It's just that family matters kept me busy, and as soon as I had time, I rushed over."
Liu Qingxi's playful tone gave him a sense of satisfaction akin to that of a grandparent enjoying the company of grandchildren. His voice softened involuntarily. "Alright, alright, I know you're busy. Didn't someone urge you? You're quite the girl; even the imperial edict has arrived."
It turned out that yesterday, news of Liu Qingxi receiving rewards from the emperor had spread beyond Biqi Town and Linyi County; even people in Lingjiang Province were aware of it.
"Don't ask me how I know. Our Governor also received commendation."
No wonder! The recent earthquake posed a significant crisis for the people. Correspondingly, due to effective disaster relief efforts, the situation was quickly brought under control—a feat unprecedented in the history of Western Moon.
"Alright, you've had a long journey today. We'll start learning tomorrow morning. I must tell you, once we begin, there can be no complaints about hardship or fatigue. We'll start at dawn and study for two and a half hours, then take an hour's break at noon.
In the afternoon, we'll continue until the hour of You. Can you manage that?"
When Elder Ying proposed this schedule, he knew that five periods of study were not light work because every moment allowed for Liu Qingxi's learning left no room for slack.
He would utilize all the time to explain concepts; as for digestion of the material? That would be dealt with outside of class.
"Master, rest assured. Qingxi will study hard and live up to your expectations."
Liu Qingxi naturally understood that such learning was not easy to come by, and making a trip to the Provincial Capital was indeed challenging, so he had to make every second count.
"By the way, Master, I brought you some snacks that I made myself, as well as some local specialties from the mountains. I know you have everything you need, but this is my heartfelt gesture."
"Good, good, good! It's the thought that counts. Come on, you haven't eaten yet, let's have a meal together." At this moment, Elder Ying had completely regarded Liu Qingxi as part of his family.
This inexplicable sense of intimacy felt as if it was destined for them to be master and disciple.
Stepping out of the bamboo gate and walking through the shaded path, they were greeted by a different scenery.
The dining area at Ying Mansion was in a large courtyard, where two big Eight Immortals Tables were set up in the main hall. When Liu Qingxi and Elder Ying entered, a large group of people had already gathered in the room.
Men and women of all ages were present, all members of the Ying Mansion.
"Since everyone is here, last time we were in a hurry and didn't have time to introduce each other. This time I will introduce you again. This is Liu Qingxi, my newly accepted disciple. He will be one of us at Ying Mansion from now on. You all should unite, help each other, and get along well."
"Yes, Father (Grandfather)!" everyone responded in unison.
Despite Elder Ying's gradual retreat from public life, he still held authority at home. His long-standing reputation meant that he remained a respected patriarch for everyone in Ying Mansion.
"Qingxi, come and meet everyone. This is the eldest daughter-in-law."
"Sister-in-law, hello!"
"This is the second son and his wife."
"Sister Two, hello!"
"Liu Qingxi" greeted everyone with a smile. Since she was a disciple of "Elder Ying," she was considered a peer to "Ying Fushan" and his brothers, so it was natural for her to address their wives as sisters-in-law.
It took about a quarter of an hour for everyone to get acquainted.
Finally, "Elder Ying" spoke up, "Alright, everyone take your seats!"
According to past arrangements, those sitting at the same table as "Elder Ying" were the younger generation, including "Ying Fushan" and his brothers along with their wives, while the rest of the grandchildren were seated at another table.
Unlike some families that had the custom of separating men and women, the arrangement in the "Ying Mansion" clearly indicated their disregard for gender bias, reflecting "Elder Ying's" progressive mindset.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have so readily accepted "Liu Qingxi" as his female disciple.
"Everyone sit down; Qingxi will sit next to me."
This clearly showed how much importance "Liu Qingxi" held in "Elder Ying's" heart.
The brothers of "Ying Fushan," having lived most of their lives, naturally wouldn't compete with a young girl like "Liu Qingxi" for the elder's affection. However, the younger generation felt differently.
Several teenagers, eager for approval from their elders, naturally felt a bit dissatisfied.
But with "Elder Ying" present, they rolled their eyes and buried themselves in their meals, adhering strictly to the habit of eating without speaking or engaging in conversation.
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