Chapter Sixty-Five: When Water Flows, a Channel is Formed

Xianyang

Li Yu had never felt his home so lively.

For Li Yu, who had suffered from severe lack of affection since childhood, this was the life he had always dreamed of.

The household’s servants were clearly insufficient, but fortunately, many sisters from the Zilan Pavilion lent a hand.

Otherwise, feeding over a hundred people would have been a real problem.

Liu Feixu, who had followed Li Yu home, glanced around and immediately sensed the situation. She took Li Yu’s hand and said, “Husband, running this residence is no small expense! We’re clearly short-staffed. Tomorrow, I’ll go to the agency and purchase more servants.”

Li Yu smiled, “Thank you, wife. Truly, a household must be managed by its mistress.”

Liu Feixu gave a gentle smile, “This is what I ought to do.”

Li Yu said, “Come, let’s go in and meet the sisters.”

Liu Feixu clutched Li Yu’s hand, a bit nervous. Li Yu patted her soft palm reassuringly, “They’re easy to get along with—don’t worry.”

Entering the hall, it was already overflowing with people.

The sight of so many beauties dazzled Li Yu’s eyes.

Zi Nu stepped forward and apologized to Li Yu. “Husband, with so many sisters, you must be troubled.”

Li Yu laughed, “Why troubled? They’re all my sisters-in-law—I’ll take care of them. If any wish to marry, just let me know and I’ll prepare the dowry.”

Zi Nu spat, “You’re incorrigible.”

Then she looked at Liu Feixu, whom Li Yu was holding, and asked, “Who is this sister?”

Li Yu introduced her, “Liu Feixu, my wife, carrying my child—she’s due soon. Zi Nu, you may not know, but she’s just like you. The Zilan Pavilion branch in Xianyang is hers. You two are colleagues.”

Zi Nu smiled, “Zi Nu—pleased to meet you, Miss Feixu.”

Liu Feixu returned the smile, “Likewise. Zi Nu, you’re truly beautiful.”

Zi Nu glanced at Liu Feixu’s belly, somewhat envious. “Husband, you still play favorites.”

Li Yu laughed, “It will come—none shall be left out.”

Zi Nu said, “I can’t return to Han for now, so I want to open a Zilan Pavilion here in Xianyang. Even if I go back, it’ll just be a branch.”

Li Yu frowned and patted Zi Nu’s alluring hips, “Even if there’s a Zilan Pavilion in Han, you’re not allowed to go. If you leave, I’ll miss you to death.”

Zi Nu rubbed her hip, “You’re so domineering.”

Li Yu said, “If you go, I really will die. Not one must leave—you know I’ve always lacked love.”

Though Zi Nu protested, her heart felt warm.

Wei Zhuang and Han Fei, new arrivals in Xianyang and unfamiliar with the city, promptly showed up at Li Yu’s house for food and drink.

Li Yu’s household was grand and lacked nothing.

When Li Yu’s special hotpot was served, everyone was eager to try this novel way of eating.

Wushuang Ghost couldn’t stand the slow pace, grabbed a large plate of meat, and went outside to roast it alone.

Hu Ningyue felt most awkward, certain everyone was looking at her oddly.

She pulled her own sister aside.

“Sister, maybe we should find our own place to live. Something doesn’t feel right, as if everyone’s watching me.”

Hu Shuangxue rolled her eyes at her sister; sometimes she wondered who was the elder. “Sis, it’s all in your head. What’s wrong with a mother-in-law relying on her son-in-law? You have only one daughter—if you don’t rely on Li Yu, do you plan to die alone?”

Hu Ningyue thought of something and glanced at Hu Shuangxue in confusion. “I rely on Li Yu because of Nong Yu. What about you?”

Hu Shuangxue, hardened by palace life, smiled calmly. “I rely on my sister and my niece. Who dares gossip?”

Hu Ningyue: “!”

After supper,

Li Yu led a group of beauties to the plaza.

“To celebrate our reunion in Xianyang, tonight we’ll have fireworks!” Li Yu said, taking out a folded paper and pointing it at the sky.

With a sharp whistle, a white light shot across the sky and vanished into the night.

Just then, the little fairy in a blue dress walked softly to Li Yu’s side. “Master, your fireworks show is rather unimpressive—”

She hadn’t finished speaking

When a series of bangs erupted, instantly turning the night sky bright as day.

Colorful and dazzling, too beautiful to take in at once.

People of Xianyang came out of their homes,

Watching the fireworks from Li Yu’s residence.

The display lasted nearly half the time it takes incense to burn.

Ying Zheng, in the Xianyang Palace, also saw the fireworks blooming over Li Yu’s mansion.

“My royal brother still loves his so-called romance.”

Grand Zheng Palace

Li Yu, arm around Zhao Ji’s waist, said, “Mother, I must go out for a while.”

Zhao Ji asked, “Do you have business, Yu’er?”

Li Yu replied, “I need to visit Mirror Lake.”

Zhao Ji: “Mirror Lake?”

Li Yu: “Yes, Mirror Lake. There, the greatest physician’s heir in the world resides.”

Zhao Ji: “Is it dangerous? Why not have someone summon them?”

Li Yu: “Some can be summoned. Others, even with a blade at their throat, would not so much as frown.”

Zhao Ji: “Return soon.”

Li Yu kissed Zhao Ji, “I will.”

……

Zhao State

Zhao King’s City

When the Queen of Zhao saw the world’s first glass mirror for the first time, she could hardly believe her eyes.

Zhao Qian, with his mother, gazed at the mirror Li Yu had presented.

“Mother, this is truly a treasure!” Zhao Qian exclaimed, visibly excited.

The Queen gently stroked the mirror’s surface, gradually becoming entranced by it—she adored this gift.

“The King arrives!”

The eunuch’s voice called from outside.

“Father is here?” Zhao Qian’s face lit up.

Li Yu was surprised—he hadn’t expected to meet King Yan of Zhao so soon.

A stately elder entered, his temples graying, body robust, age showing wisdom; his complexion, a spitting image of Zhao Qian, with deep dark circles and corpulent figure—a study in contrasts.

“King, why are you here?” The Queen gracefully moved to Yan’s side, nestling against him, her alluring body pressing and reshaping itself against him.

“I heard Qian brought gifts to celebrate the Queen’s birthday, so I came to see.” King Yan scanned the room, spotting a strikingly handsome young man inside, beside a mirror clear as a painting. He approached,

Looked around, nodded.

“Did you present this?”

Li Yu bowed, “Indeed, it was I.”

King Yan nodded approvingly, “What reward do you seek?”

Li Yu looked up, smiling, “No reward, only the wish to paint another portrait for the Queen.”

King Yan paused, “Oh? Are you skilled at painting?”

Li Yu smiled, “I excel in music, chess, calligraphy, painting—all.”

Zhao Qian scoffed, “Anyone can boast.”

Li Yu smiled, “I never exaggerate. If the King is present, let’s test it.”

King Yan stroked his nearly vanished beard, “Very well.”

Li Yu took out his prepared charcoal pencil and paper, spreading them on the table.

He closed his eyes, recalling the Queen’s seductive figure and enchanting face.

No—his body reacted again.

He quickly composed himself,

Took up the brush and began to draw.

Zhao Qian, having never seen such painting methods, looked on disdainfully, “You came prepared, at least.”

Soon, half the time of an incense stick, the outline appeared on paper.

King Yan, who’d begun as a spectator, grew increasingly serious.

After a full stick of incense, a portrait of the Queen admiring her reflection emerged.

Li Yu wasn’t finished; he took up the brush and began writing poetry.

The first line:

“This woman is not human.”

Zhao Qian recited it aloud,

And was stunned, then furious, raising his fist and shouting, “How dare you!”

Li Yu didn’t even glance at him, continuing:

“A fairy from the Ninth Heaven descends to earth.”

This time, King Yan read it,

“Interesting,” he chuckled.

Li Yu bowed to King Yan, then continued:

“Raised a son who’ll become a thief.”

“?” Zhao Qian was incensed, stepped forward and threw a punch.

Li Yu dodged nimbly,

And continued:

“Steals the peaches of the immortals for his mother.”

The Queen read this line,

And burst into laughter.

“King, this youth is so talented—he deserves a great reward.”

King Yan looked from his son to Li Yu, an idea forming.

“Would you be willing to serve as Young Mentor to Qian?”

Li Yu: “?”

Zhao Qian: “?”

The Queen’s joy was obvious, “Excellent idea, King. You always say Qian is idle and unmotivated. This talent can be his tutor, help him focus.”

Zhao Qian protested, “Mother, I can study on my own—I don’t need a tutor.”

Before the Queen could reply, King Yan barked, “Nonsense! How will you learn on your own? I considered your ages close, so you could learn more. Previously you complained your tutors were too old and stodgy—this one won’t be. It’s settled.”

He flung his sleeve and sat at his desk, his body trembling with anger.

The Queen sat beside him, soothing him with her delicate hand,

But as she stroked, her hand moved lower.

King Yan was stunned, waving at Li Yu and Zhao Qian:

“Go. That’s settled. If you disobey your tutor, I’ll break your legs—go!” His face flushed, seemingly from rage.

Li Yu alone noticed King Yan trembling.

The Queen, eyes full of allure, gazed at Li Yu, meeting his eyes.

Her mesmerizing glance winked at him flirtatiously,

Making Li Yu’s spine tingle.

He bowed and left,

Leaving behind the Queen’s barely perceptible smile.

She then pinned King Yan to the floor, climbing atop him,

Her mind replaying Li Yu’s posture as he painted.

Zhao Qian glared at Li Yu,

Never expecting that a gift for his mother would yield himself a teacher.

“Don’t think that with my parents behind you, you can boss me around,” Zhao Qian said, trying to intimidate Li Yu.

Li Yu took out his folding fan, unfurled it with a snap, and smiled, “Are you worried I’ll be too strict?”

He stepped forward, “Rest easy. We’re kindred spirits. Talent and pleasure are inseparable. I can teach you how to enjoy life and learn at the same time—effortless and effective. I call this joyful learning. After all, interest is the best teacher, isn’t it?”

Zhao Qian’s eyes lit up, increasingly convinced, and grinned, “Is that true?”

Li Yu replied suggestively, “Of course. Have you considered that the King himself was a romantic in his youth, and now he’s ruler of the world?”

Using King Yan as an example—what better role model?

Zhao Qian was ever more convinced, looking at Li Yu as a kindred spirit.

……

Xianyang

Li Yu’s Residence

A blue skirt, sheer as mist, graceful steps like lotus petals.

Li Yu watched the dancing darling of heaven before him, the little fairy embodying all earthly beauty.

He was intoxicated, understanding why kings neglect their duties for love—why beauty could ruin nations.

Her lively blue eyes, arms moving like jade lotus roots, her perfect feet fluttering to the sound of Li Yu’s flute, especially her slender waist, soft and supple, twisting gracefully.

Li Yu put down his flute, gently, tenderly, drew the little fairy into his embrace.

“Ling’er, you are heaven’s best gift to me,” Li Yu said dotingly.

“Yu, knowing you is my happiness. You are now my only support,” Yan Lingji nestled against Li Yu’s chest, listening to his heartbeat.

“Ling’er, I will cherish you forever,” Li Yu whispered, softly touching Yan Lingji’s chin as he kissed her.

Though it wasn’t their first kiss, Li Yu’s heart raced every time.

Yan Lingji was his dream.

“Ling’er, I want to kiss every inch of you, so you’ll bear my mark forever,” Li Yu said, lifting Yan Lingji and carrying her to the bed.

The night sky above Xianyang

Was shrouded in violet light,

Even the bright moon radiated a purple glow, enchanting and pure.

At Li Yu’s residence,

The purple aura was densest.

The wives watched in awe toward Li Yu’s bedchamber,

As Li Yu and Yan Lingji lost themselves in each other, body and soul entwined.

Within Li Yu’s chest, at his dantian,

The golden core showed hairline cracks, like an eggshell breaking.

With a gentle pop,

A tiny sapling broke through,

The golden shell dissolved into nourishing soil at its roots,

Strangely anchoring itself in Li Yu’s dantian.

But Li Yu, wholly absorbed in his fairy, noticed none of this.

Celestial Sect

Beimingzi

“A sage descends, chaos stirs, cause and effect cycle, misfortune follows fortune.”

Yin-Yang House

Star-Picking Tower

Donghuang Taiyi

“A unique fate, beyond the five elements, stars move abnormally—is it fortune or calamity?”

Little Sage Manor

Xunzi

“I’ll go to Xianyang to meet the Grand Craftsman of Qin. Fuyan, Wuming, the manor is yours to manage.”

An hour later

Li Yu held his fairy close,

His hand still trembling uncontrollably.

Yan Lingji’s beautiful eyes gazed at her lover, so enamored with her,

Her heart was filled with joy.

She gently held his trembling hand,

“Yu, why are you still so nervous?”

“I feel as if it’s my first love.”

“Yu, are you truly so infatuated with me?”

“Of course.”

“Then—carry me to wash up. I’m covered in your kisses.”

“Gladly.”

“Yu, will you always treat me this well?”

“Certainly.”

“If you ever leave me, I’ll die.”

“Silly girl, you’re my greatest love.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

……

Notting City

Li Yu held Xiao Wu’s little hand,

Strolling through bustling streets.

Behind them followed a third wheel, teeth grinding as he watched the pair laugh and chat like lovers.

“Brother, let’s check that out—so many people!” Xiao Wu loved crowds, pulling Li Yu toward the throng, but being small, she couldn’t squeeze in.

Li Yu simply picked her up, sitting her on his shoulders.

“Brother, I can see—it’s a street performance!” She wiggled her little bottom excitedly.

“Xiao Wu, get down!” Tang San called up anxiously.

“I won’t!” Xiao Wu shook her scorpion braid, ignoring him.

So adorable.

After watching the show, Li Yu wandered the streets with Xiao Wu perched atop him.

Tang San followed helplessly, eyes fixed on Li Yu, teeth clenched.

……

“Teacher, do we really have to go to Sunset Forest?” Tang San protested.

“Only real combat reveals your weaknesses. You treat Li Yu as your rival, but let me tell you—in five years at most, he’ll never be your equal. Aim higher,” Yu Xiaogang said, sounding profound and self-assured.

“But Xiao Wu—” Tang San voiced his concern.

“She’s just a woman. A real man need not worry about wives. If your strength is great enough, what woman won’t you have? Once you surpass Li Yu, Xiao Wu will see you differently. In five years, she’ll only be seventeen or eighteen—why rush?” Yu Xiaogang encouraged his favorite pupil, using Li Yu as motivation.

Unexpectedly, it worked. Tang San, trusting his teacher, nodded, “I’ll follow your guidance.”

Tang San had transmigrated as a child, and over time, naturally adopted the role.

By actual age, he was probably not much younger than Yu Xiaogang,

But years as a child made Tang San instinctively see himself that way,

And earnestly regarded Yu Xiaogang as a guide in life.

Three days after Tang San left,

Li Yu sat with Xiao Wu on a rooftop, watching the sunset.

“Xiao Wu, let’s leave Notting Academy.”

“Brother, where to?” Xiao Wu asked curiously.

She had come to Notting Academy for experience, but her cultivation was different, more a matter of natural progression.

Li Yu raised his hand, pointing south, “Heavenly Dou City.”

Xiao Wu played with Li Yu’s hand, leaning against his shoulder, “Alright—wherever you go, I go.”

Li Yu stroked her hair,

The setting sun cast long shadows,

A beautiful scene.