Chapter 91

Even at the age of thirty-five or thirty-six, she remained transcendently beautiful; she was truly worthy of being the number one wife in the Jin novels—Huang Rong.

Gu Gu Hanyuan felt that if he hadn't already seen the beauty of Dai Dai Qisi and the Little Dragon Maiden, his expression might have crumbled right then and there.

Although her beauty was no longer at its peak, Gu Gu Hanyuan still silently gave Huang Rong a high score of 97.

Seeing that Gu Gu Hanyuan had only cast an appreciative glance before withdrawing his gaze, Huang Rong nodded to herself in satisfaction.

Over the years, she had seen too many men lose their composure upon seeing her beauty, especially since she had deliberately smiled brightly just now, harboring the intention to test him.

As someone who had been through it all, Huang Rong could tell from Guo Fu’s expression that even if it wasn't love, her favor toward Gu Gu Hanyuan was extremely high; calling it a first crush would not be an exaggeration.

Before returning, she had already heard about what happened at the restaurant.

She was satisfied with Gu Gu Hanyuan’s character and Wu Gong, especially the fact that he had struck the Profound Truth Sect, which she felt had vented some of her pent-up frustration.

When Huang Rong was young, the Seven Freaks of the Profound Truth were not fond of her, constantly calling her a "demoness."

Yet Guo Jing respected them deeply, leaving Huang Rong with no choice but to swallow her resentment, or at most, curse them silently in her heart.

Therefore, the first time she heard Gu Gu Hanyuan’s name, Huang Rong had felt a strong sense of affinity.

Not to mention his deeds at the restaurant: a Grandmaster at such a young age, and having saved Guo Fu twice.

He had even managed to repel an evil expert like the Whiteboard Fiend while burdened with a "dead weight" like Guo Fu.

He was also gentle and polite, showing no offense even when the Big and Small Wu brothers were repeatedly rude.

If Guo Fu truly set her heart on Gu Gu Hanyuan, Huang Rong would be happy to see it happen.

The only issue was that Gu Gu Hanyuan was too handsome—so handsome that even she, having weathered many storms, couldn't help but look twice.

Because of Ouyang Ke and Yang Kang in the past, Huang Rong had an instinctive aversion to handsome men.

Huang Rong disliked Yang Guo not only because he was Yang Kang’s son, but also because he had been quite handsome from a young age.

Yet Gu Gu Hanyuan was even more handsome than Yang Guo, and possessed a unique, charismatic aura.

Since she had fallen for the very plain-looking Guo Jing, she tended to prefer plain-looking men for her daughter as well.

Otherwise, knowing full well that the Big and Small Wu brothers were incompetent, why would she let them hover around Guo Fu?

Fortunately, her brief test just now had earned Gu Gu Hanyuan another point of approval.

Guo Fu blushed at Huang Rong’s words and began to act spoiled, refusing to let it go.

"Mother, Brother Gu is my savior; I am very grateful to him."

As Guo Fu spoke, she stole a glance at Gu Gu Hanyuan, and seeing he still wore that gentle smile, she breathed a sigh of relief.

After all, since he hadn't objected, it meant he still had some affection for her.

Huang Rong watched Guo Fu’s little glances with amusement, sighing that her daughter had truly grown up.

"I am Gu Gu Hanyuan. Madam Guo, I have long admired your name."

Gu Gu Hanyuan’s expression management remained top-tier, revealing nothing, and his etiquette was flawless.

Yet inwardly, he thought: The outcome for those I call 'Madam' isn't very pleasant.

Huang Rong naturally could not see Gu Gu Hanyuan’s thoughts and simply nodded in satisfaction.

"Young Hero Gu, you are too kind. It is truly remarkable that you have become a Grandmaster at such a young age, even surpassing me."

Huang Rong’s natural talent was actually very high, and with the *Nine Yin Manual* and the Peach Blossom Island heritage, she should have broken through to Grandmaster long ago; yet, she was still stuck at the peak of Innate.

The main reason, besides not being diligent in her cultivation, was that she had spent too much mental energy guarding Xiangyang alongside Guo Jing.

Guo Jing was inherently dull; he was poor at both interpersonal relationships and logistical coordination.

Moreover, Guo Jing was not the garrison commander of Xiangyang City and lacked direct jurisdiction.

He could only offer suggestions to the city’s commander, Lu Lu Wenhuan.

And in this world, the Song Guo imperial court had enough treacherous officials to fill several mahjong tables, all busy fighting for power and profit.

Without support from the rear, the defense of Xiangyang City had become difficult.

It was entirely due to Huang Rong’s strategies that Guo Jing was able to gain a firm foothold in Xiangyang.

Consequently, Huang Rong’s cultivation base had not advanced for ten years.

"Just luck, Madam Guo, you flatter me."

Gu Gu Hanyuan remained as humble as ever.

"I heard Young Hero Gu is looking for the Bodhisattva-Curved Snake; is this true?"

Huang Rong had also heard of the snake, but it was hard to track, and she had never seen one in her many years in Xiangyang.

"I forced a breakthrough to Grandmaster some time ago, which damaged my meridians. I need the snake gall to use as medicine."

This was an excuse Gu Gu Hanyuan had prepared long ago.

Hearing that Gu Gu Hanyuan’s meridians were damaged, Guo Fu asked with worry and self-reproach:

"Brother Gu, your meridians are damaged? It’s all my fault for making you fight the Whiteboard Fiend and the others."

Gu Gu Hanyuan smiled gently:

"A minor injury, it’s nothing. It’s just damaged meridians; how could that compare to your safety, Sister Fu?"

Guo Fu looked moved upon hearing this.

Although Huang Rong felt Gu Gu Hanyuan’s words sounded a bit glib, she figured he only said it to comfort Guo Fu.

She had never heard of damaged meridians being considered a "minor injury."

"Damaged meridians should be treated as soon as possible."

Huang Rong advised.

Gu Gu Hanyuan followed her advice readily.

Afterward, the three chatted idly.

Huang Rong discovered that Gu Gu Hanyuan’s breadth of knowledge was vast.

Whether it was astronomy, geography, human history, strange tales, or even current politics and military affairs, he had his own unique insights.

Many times, Huang Rong felt a sense of sudden enlightenment after listening to him.

She couldn't help but feel that Gu Gu Hanyuan and her father, Huang Huang Yaoshi, would surely have much in common.

Guo Fu listened from the side; at first, she could keep up, but later she was completely lost.

Her face was filled with an expression of "I don't understand it, but it sounds amazing" worship.

As the three were chatting enthusiastically, a servant suddenly reported that Lu Youjiao had arrived.

Huang Rong felt a bit reluctant to stop, but she knew that official business was more important.

She took the two to the front courtyard to meet Lu Youjiao.

After asking Lu Youjiao about the Bodhisattva-Curved Snake, they indeed had a breakthrough.

After all, the Beggar Sect had many members, including many skilled snake catchers, and since Beggar Sect disciples were often bitten to death by these snakes, they were quite clear about their whereabouts.

Having obtained the location of the snakes from Lu Youjiao, Gu Gu Hanyuan bid the two women farewell.

In any case, he was in no rush regarding Huang Rong and Guo Fu; leaving a good impression on this first meeting was enough.

Guo Fu had wanted to follow Gu Gu Hanyuan to find the snakes, but was stopped by Huang Rong.

Finally, fearing she would be a burden to Gu Gu Hanyuan, Guo Fu was uncharacteristically obedient, only asking Gu Gu Hanyuan to come see her when he had time.

Seeing Guo Fu staring at Gu Gu Hanyuan’s departing back for a long time, Huang Rong sighed.

She was quite satisfied with Gu Gu Hanyuan; it would be perfect if he could become her son-in-law.

Especially after their conversation, she even felt a sense of having found a kindred spirit.

If Gu Gu Hanyuan and Guo Fu were to marry, she could often discuss various insights with him.

A moment later, Huang Rong suddenly realized what she was thinking.

She cursed herself silently; was there something wrong with a mother-in-law discussing insights with her son-in-law?

In any case, Gu Gu Hanyuan had certainly left a deep impression on both Guo Fu and Huang Rong during their first meeting.

Meanwhile, Gu Gu Hanyuan followed Lu Youjiao’s directions and found traces of the Bodhisattva-Curved Snake in the woods on the outskirts of Xiangyang.

The snakes had fleshy horns on their heads, moved like the wind, and their bodies emitted a faint golden light.

Upon seeing them, Gu Gu Hanyuan unleashed sword qi to kill them, then took their snake galls and placed them into his storage space.

The snake galls were very effective for increasing internal energy and could also be saved for alchemy later.