Chapter 104: At Twenty

To Liu Xiaolou, Hu Toujiao was an inexplicably appeared “blood brother,” not by deep friendship, but by having shared life and death together.

This fellow had been extremely enthusiastic upon first meeting Liu Xiaolou, then volunteered insistently to accompany Liu Xiaolou and Tan Ba into Wulong Mountain to scout enemy movements, and afterward, no one knew whether he lived or died—this bond simply faded away.

Only last month, when Liu Xiaolou married, did he spot the man among guests offering congratulations, and only then learned his true identity—the son of the Jiao family of Shizi Ridge. But they had no chance to recognize each other until today, when they finally met formally.

Su Su brought hot tea, and the host and guest sat down. Liu Xiaolou sighed: “Back then, when we saw you captured by the Qingyu Sect, we were already planning a rescue. But the three sects’ joint siege of Qingyu Sect ended in a half-hearted, hasty fashion, and we lost track of Brother Hu Tou. Tan Ba and I felt deep guilt and constant regret—if not for seeing your figure at the wedding banquet, this knot in our hearts would never have untied.”

Hu Toujiao laughed: “When I was taken away from Wulong Mountain by the Qingyu Sect, they only released me after returning to Dongting Lake. My elders confined me to the house for half a year, so I couldn’t visit you two younger brothers. That was my fault.”

Liu Xiaolou said: “As long as you’re alive, that’s all that matters!”

Hu Toujiao suddenly rose from his seat and bowed deeply to Liu Xiaolou: “Younger brother, I’ve come today specifically to beg your forgiveness—please pardon me!”

Liu Xiaolou exclaimed: “What are you talking about? Get up at once!”

After much effort, they finally helped Hu Toujiao to his feet. His face flushed with shame: “Younger brother, you already know I’m not a wandering cultivator from the Jiangnan region. My family resides at Shizi Ridge, less than two hundred li from here. My concealment of this from you was my fault.”

Liu Xiaolou smiled: “What’s the big deal? Everyone has secrets they can’t reveal. When we first met, it was natural not to disclose one’s background—true friends reveal their roots later. That’s normal.”

Hu Toujiao shook his head: “No—it’s embarrassing to say, but back then, I truly came solely for you. I traveled a thousand li just for you. Of course, being recruited by the Zang family was coincidence—but had I not seen you, I never would’ve stayed quietly in their ranks.”

Liu Xiaolou asked in surprise: “Why? My name hasn’t reached so far, has it?”

Hu Toujiao confessed: “Younger brother, you don’t know—I went to Wulong Mountain for Nine Niang.”

It turned out that Shizi Ridge and Mount Shenwu had long been on good terms. This young Jiao had often visited the mountain as a child, growing close to the younger generation of the Su family, especially Su Dalang. Somehow, he had developed an inexplicable affection for Su Jiuniang, and it only deepened over time. But while his feelings ran deep, hers did not—he was heartbroken.

Last spring, while lingering at Dongting Lake, he encountered Su Jiuniang again, who was traveling outside. By chance, he overheard her mention the name Liu Xiaolou of Wulong Mountain.

Hu Toujiao felt embarrassed: “I heard Nine Niang mention in private conversation with Xiao Qin that you resembled Jing Zhao. So I came straight to Wulong Mountain, just to see what you actually looked like.”

Liu Xiaolou laughed and groaned: “All this for that? You traveled a thousand li just because I look like someone?”

Hu Toujiao grew serious: “Younger brother, you don’t understand—Jing Zhao is my greatest enemy, and Nine Niang has never forgotten him. The fact that you resemble him is no trivial matter.”

Liu Xiaolou fell silent: “And then? I suspect you didn’t come just to look at me, did you?”

Hu Toujiao was blunt, scratching the back of his head: “I wanted to give you… a taste of pain… Fortunately, I didn’t make a grave mistake, or I wouldn’t have the face to meet you today.”

Liu Xiaolou blinked, recalled for a moment, then shook his head: “Really?” He hadn’t felt the slightest danger at the time.

Hu Toujiao pleaded: “If you’re still angry, you can hit me back—I won’t resist.”

Liu Xiaolou laughed: “Enough, Brother Hu Tou—you can rest easy now. I married into the Su family through Wu Niang, not Jiuniang. Don’t keep thinking about me… Jiuniang has returned to the mountain too. You can go see her now.”

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Hu Toujiao suddenly rose again and bowed to Liu Xiaolou: “I beg you, younger brother—help me!”

Liu Xiaolou had to help him up once more: “What now? If you’re asking me to help you win her heart, I advise you not to even open your mouth—I’m a son-in-law living in, what power do I have? Honestly, that girl—I’d rather avoid her entirely.”

Hu Toujiao said: “I ask for nothing else—just one meeting with her! I won’t hide it from you: when I heard Jiuniang returned to the mountain, I waited here these past two days. I asked Su Dalang to deliver my greetings, but she refused. I heard you were summoned to Yunhai Pavilion these past two days—you speak with her, so I thought…”

Liu Xiaolou protested: “I don’t speak with her at all! You must be mistaken…”

Hu Toujiao said: “You resemble Jing Zhao—you naturally speak with her.”

“Resembling him means I can speak with her? It’s only a side profile… I don’t mean to offend you, but this is truly impossible…”

“If you can make this happen, I will surely repay you!”

“It’s truly impossible—even ten or a hundred taels of silver won’t help—it’s not about money!”

“What about one spirit stone?”

“No, brother, you’re putting me in a hard spot…”

“Two?”

“This… since you’re so sincere, I’ll give it a try.”

Liu Xiaolou had Hu Toujiao return to the guest quarters to wait for news, then began deep thought. Even among noble families, spirit stones were precious—yet Hu Toujiao was willing to pay two for one meeting with Su Jiuniang. Liu Xiaolou felt it was a waste.

The chance to earn two spirit stones lay right before him—if only he could seize it. But after thinking it over, he still felt it was impossible. Even Su Dalang had failed—what made him think he could get her to Yunhai Pavilion? He had helped Jiuniang with one task, but would that earn him enough favor?

Probably not.

So Liu Xiaolou changed his approach: if he couldn’t get Hu Toujiao up to Yunhai Pavilion, could he get Jiuniang down instead? Then, if Hu Toujiao appeared unannounced, they’d meet—and the two spirit stones would be his!

The only remaining problem: the invitation couldn’t seem too abrupt, or Jiuniang might punish him severely. But if all else failed, he’d just have to risk it—two spirit stones were worth a beating from her.

As he pondered how to summon Jiuniang down, Su Su entered Yiling Hall and asked: “Master, won’t you be going out tonight?”

Liu Xiaolou asked: “What’s up, Su Su?”

Su Su said: “Xiao Huan and I prepared wine and dishes to treat you. We have your favorite: Dragon Whisker Golden Carp, Ao Shrimp, Spirit Rice, and a flask of Dan Gui Aroma.”

Liu Xiaolou loved it: “Why the sudden feast? What’s the occasion?”

Su Su smiled: “It wasn’t meant for today—it was yesterday! Don’t you remember your birthday? But you didn’t come home yesterday, so Xiao Huan and I waited until today to celebrate late. Don’t mind the delay.”

Liu Xiaolou slapped his forehead—he’d truly forgotten. Yesterday was his birthday. In a blink, he was already twenty.

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