Chapter 120: Writing a Book and Becoming an Overnight Sensation: The Thoughts of the Bai Sisters

Evening, the setting sun fell to the west.

After finishing his Medicine Bath, Luo Zijun changed into a new set of clothes and came to the front courtyard.

Zhiyuan had delivered a sumptuous dinner.

Today's dinner even included an extra portion of pale red meat broth.

Before Luo Zijun had even walked close, he caught a whiff of an alluring fragrance.

Zhiyuan explained, "This was sent over specifically by Third Miss. I heard it is game that the Second Young Master hunted in Cangyun Mountain outside the city. It is a very large specimen, and Third Miss said to send it over for Young Master to nourish your body."

"Cangyun Mountain?"

Luo Zijun's heart stirred. He looked at the meat in the soup bowl and thought to himself: Could it be Demon Beast meat?

If it truly were Demon Beast meat, then the Bai Family was indeed wealthy and extravagant.

Many martial artists in the city might not even be able to eat Demon Beast meat, and even if they could, they would be reluctant to spend the money.

He never expected that a mere tutor in their mansion would be able to eat it.

Of course, it was mainly because that Third Miss was exceptionally generous toward him.

Thinking of this, he hurriedly said, "Zhiyuan, thank Third Miss on my behalf."

Zhiyuan nodded and then asked, "Does Young Master have time tomorrow night? Third Miss said she has a friend who is having a birthday tomorrow and invited her to a gathering. There will be many talented scholars and ladies there to show their support, and Third Miss would like to invite Young Master to go along."

Hearing this, Luo Zijun hesitated for a moment and asked, "Is it in the Inner City, or the Outer City? Or perhaps, outside the city?"

If it were outside the city, he was determined not to go again.

Having gone outside the city twice, and having been toyed with by that female flower-thief both times, he was truly terrified.

Even if it wasn't a temple, he wouldn't dare go again.

Zhiyuan said crisply, "It is in the Inner City, at the residence of the Bowang Marquis; it is for the eldest daughter of the Bowang Marquis family."

The Inner City?

Upon hearing this, Luo Zijun finally set his mind at ease and said, "That's fine, then tell Third Miss that I will accompany her tomorrow night."

"Understood, this servant will go tell Third Miss now."

Having received the answer, Zhiyuan left immediately.

Luo Zijun looked at the pale red meat broth in the bowl and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Since he had accepted someone's favor, there were some things he had to do, even if he was unwilling.

Human favors were reciprocal.

Besides, that Third Miss was indeed quite good to him.

He, Xiaohuan, and his sister and brother-in-law were currently living under someone else's roof.

He would give the other party face whenever he could.

Xiaohuan asked from the side, puzzled, "Young Master, why would Third Miss invite you along to attend a friend's banquet?"

Luo Zijun sat down at the stone table and said, "Since many talented scholars and ladies will be attending, it is naturally inevitable that poetry and songs will be used to add some interest and amusement. As a young lady of the Bai Family, she represents the face of the Bai Family, so she naturally doesn't want to be outdone by others."

Xiaohuan immediately understood: "This servant understands now. No wonder many noble households keep so many capable advisors; it is to help the household come up with ideas inside, and to help their masters gain face outside."

She then smiled and said, "Young Master is very impressive now, a proper advisor to the Third Miss of a Duke's household."

Luo Zijun ate his meal and said, "Xiaohuan is also impressive, a proper bed-warming Young Maid to the advisor of the Third Miss of a Duke's household."

"Pfft..."

Xiaohuan giggled, her face full of joy as she said, "Mm-hmm, Young Master is impressive, and this servant is impressive! The master and mistress are all impressive!"

"Only you know how to talk, eat your food."

"This servant isn't hungry."

"What, do you want to sneak and eat the things I hid away again tonight?"

"Hee hee... this servant won't sneak any tonight, I'll sneak some tomorrow night."

Luo Zijun ignored her and lowered his head to eat, thinking about his plan to perform Soul Out-of-Body tonight and possess the white cat to cultivate.

After finishing the meal.

He washed up and returned to his room.

After the Young Maid entered, she got onto the bed, blinked her eyes, and looked eager to try: "Young Master, this servant feels... feels like it doesn't hurt anymore..."

"Sleep obediently, I have things to do tonight."

"Oh, then tomorrow night."

The young girl didn't press further, giggled, and burrowed into the quilt.

Outside the window, the night grew deeper.

After the young girl fell asleep, Luo Zijun waited for a while longer before sitting properly on the bed and performing Soul Out-of-Body.

This time, the separation was even easier.

With a movement of his Divine Sense, his soul instantly detached and flew onto the roof.

After circling the room, he passed through the wall and went outside.

Who would have thought that just as he reached the corridor, a gust of night wind blew, and he immediately felt a stinging pain all over, his entire body swaying and nearly scattering.

Startled, he hurriedly turned around and returned to the room.

Only then did he recall what the book said: in the initial stages, the soul is as fragile as a leaf in the wind; if struck by a strong gale, it is even possible for the soul to dissipate and be unable to coalesce again.

Not daring to go out easily again, he could only fly up to the rafters and search everywhere for something to possess.

His gaze pierced through the darkness, walls, windows, bed, and table, searching everywhere.

Finally, he discovered a mouse again.

"Eh?"

Looking closely, it was actually that same silly mouse from last night.

He did not hesitate and immediately lunged over.

That mouse was hiding in a pitch-black corner, its pair of glowing little eyes wide open, looking around everywhere.

When Luo Zijun arrived before it, it did not even notice.

It seemed to only feel a sudden chill.

"Whoosh!"

Luo Zijun quickly burrowed into its body.

The mouse's body stiffened instantly, freezing in place, motionless, and its pupils soon dilated.

After Luo Zijun entered, he knocked its soul unconscious with a punch and took control of its body.

Immediately, he crawled into the burrow.

Following the burrow, he crawled to the small courtyard.

Who would have thought that at this very moment, a "squeak" sound suddenly came from the grass nearby again.

Luo Zijun turned his head to look, and it was actually that same female mouse from last night that had begged for mating.

At this moment, that female mouse had an arrogant and conceited look, squeaking at him while shaking its head and wagging its tail.

"Kid, what are you dazed for? Why aren't you coming over here quickly! First lick the poop behind me clean, then mate with me properly! If you don't serve me well, hmph, just like last night, I'll bite you until your skin is torn and flesh is mangled, squeaking for mercy!"

Luo Zijun clearly heard her mouse language.

So it turned out that last night, the mouse he possessed had been severely retaliated against.

"Squeak, squeak..."

"Respected Queen, I'm coming! Quickly turn your butt toward me!"

Luo Zijun immediately moved his four short legs and ran over.

That female mouse was very smug, grinned and squeaked a few times, then immediately twisted its body, turned its butt toward him, and said, "Lick it clean; if you lick it until it hurts, hmph hmph..."

"Bang!"

Who would have thought that before it finished "speaking," Luo Zijun suddenly rushed over and slammed into it head-first.

"Squeak—"

The female mouse let out a miserable shriek instantly and was sent flying from the impact.

Just as it landed, Luo Zijun lunged over again, waving his four little claws, and began punching and kicking it.

"Squeak, squeak... squeak, squeak..."

It shrieked miserably.

At this moment, a larger female mouse rushed out from the grass and lunged at Luo Zijun.

Luo Zijun leaped upward suddenly, dodging its pounce.

The large female mouse pounced past from beneath him, immediately braked, and just as it turned around, a claw suddenly came back, and with a "chi" sound, it scratched open its face.

The large female mouse shrieked instantly, panicked.

Luo Zijun used all four limbs again, transforming into a kung fu mouse, and began punching, kicking, clawing, and biting at it.

The previous small female mouse, seeing him so terrifying, dared not linger and immediately "whooshed" away, scared into fleeing back to the burrow.

The large female mouse could not hold him off, shrieking repeatedly, and also hurriedly turned and fled.

Luo Zijun chased after it and gave it a few more claw swipes before stopping.

At this moment, he felt his entire soul warm and comfortable, as if hot blood were flowing rapidly within it, and controlling this mouse's body also became increasingly light and easy.

It seems that possessing and fighting like this can also temper and strengthen the soul.

He wandered around the grass with a kingly air for a while longer, and seeing no more mice dared to come and challenge him, he followed yesterday's burrow and crawled out of the small courtyard.

"Squeak, squeak..."

"Squeak, squeak..."

He exited the small courtyard.

As he walked, he deliberately squeaked arrogantly.

Sure enough, that white cat as elegant as a queen appeared again!

The white cat appeared on the courtyard wall ahead, looking down from a high position, its pair of azure eyes staring at him coldly and chillingly.

Huh?

Last night, the color of this white cat's pupils seemed to be ordinary amber.

Why did it suddenly change tonight?

Could it be that it is not the same cat?

However, with a mouse's keen perception of cats, he knew clearly that the white cat tonight was the same one from last night.

"Squeak, squeak..."

Forget it, he continued to squeak arrogantly and provocatively.

Then he immediately turned around, burrowed into the door crack, returned to the small courtyard, and continued squeaking in the courtyard.

"Whoosh!"

Sure enough, the white cat soon chased to the wall of this small courtyard.

Luo Zijun turned around in the small courtyard, his pair of nimble little eyes staring at it with a burning gaze.

The white cat suddenly leaped down from the courtyard wall.

A white shadow flashed, rushing toward him like lightning.

This is the moment!

Luo Zijun's soul immediately flew out from the mouse's body, and with a "swish" sound, lunged toward the white cat that was darting over, burrowing directly into its body.

The white cat's darting figure stalled instantly, freezing in place.

That pair of deep blue eyes suddenly widened.

Luo Zijun plunged into pitch-black darkness, and at a glance, he saw the phantom of that Xiaobai in front of him.

It was just that this phantom looked unexpectedly solid.

The phantom of the mouse from before was a true phantom, hazy and indistinct, in an almost transparent state.

But this phantom of the Xiaobai now was almost approaching a physical form.

A sudden, ominous premonition arose in Luo Zijun's heart, but since he had already entered, the arrow had been fired—how could he turn back!

"Whoosh—"

He charged toward the soul of the Xiaobai and threw a fierce punch.

Who would have thought that the Xiaobai would react with such speed; it immediately leaped up, dodged his fist, and then, baring its fangs and brandishing its claws, charged toward him.

The two souls, one human and one cat, immediately began to grapple.

Although Luo Zijun was in a soul state, he naturally felt no fear facing a cat and immediately began throwing punches and kicks.

After being struck by a few of his punches, the Xiaobai immediately began using its speed to dodge, and catching him off guard, it landed a claw strike.

Luo Zijun chased it with all his might, raining down blows.

But the Xiaobai was extremely tenacious, still jumping around to dodge, and even dared to counterattack.

The human and the cat fought for nearly half a stick of incense's time.

Luo Zijun began to feel exhausted, and his movements started to slow down.

The Xiaobai seized this opportunity and lunged with a claw strike.

Luo Zijun's soul was immediately pierced by the claw, nearly split in two.

Pain washed over him.

Luo Zijun was shamed into anger; he immediately erupted with all his strength, rushed over, and kicked the Xiaobai flying.

The Xiaobai fell heavily to the ground, but to his surprise, it jumped right back up.

Luo Zijun knew that he would not succeed tonight.

The strength of this Xiaobai's soul was clearly more powerful than he had imagined.

He did not linger and immediately flew out.

His soul flew out from the top of the Xiaobai's head, and as the night wind blew, he immediately felt a bone-chilling cold and pain.

He hurriedly and unsteadily flew onto the corridor.

Then, passing through the window, he returned to his room and immediately returned his soul to his body.

His physical body, sitting on the bed, slowly opened its eyes and immediately felt a splitting headache.

And at this moment.

The Xiaobai stood dazed in the small courtyard for a while longer before gradually coming to its senses.

Its deep blue eyes glanced at the window, then it turned, jumped onto the courtyard wall, and leaped down, jumping over the wall to leave.

Luo Zijun rested on the bed for a while longer, and the headache gradually eased a little.

Damn it, his soul had actually been scratched by a little cat!

He thought about it carefully.

With his current strength, he feared it would be very difficult to subdue the soul of this Xiaobai; after all, that was the creature's own physical body, and the opponent's combat power was multiplied many times over, unless he were at least ten times stronger than the opponent. Therefore, according to the previous method, it was impossible to possess the Xiaobai's body.

However, he had another method.

The book said that when a living creature is ravaged, tortured, sick, aged, injured, or feels fear, panic, or terror, its soul will weaken. At this time, even if the Soul Cultivator's soul strength does not reach several times that of the opponent, they can easily suppress or destroy the opponent's soul, thereby controlling the opponent's body.

He decided to try again tomorrow night.

The soul of this Xiaobai was so powerful, its constitution should also be quite good; if he could possess it to practice, he believed the progress of his Soul Cultivation would become much faster.

He thought a bit more.

He took out the book "Soul Cultivation Techniques" and flipped to the back.

The back pages were filled with ink, recording a set of techniques named: Soul-Startling and Spirit-Shaking Art.

It could be practiced by both the soul and the physical body.

For soul cultivation, one transmits sound via the soul without needing to open one's mouth, which can cause the opponent's soul to be startled and instantly weakened; when practiced to a profound level, it can even cause the opponent's soul to suffer heavy damage instantly, causing them to lose all power to resist.

As for physical body cultivation, it requires one's own soul to be stronger than the opponent's, then silently reciting the soul incantation in one's heart, using the thunderous sound from the throat to instantly shock and frighten the opponent's soul, causing the opponent to instantly become sluggish and lose their wits, though this process can only last for a few seconds.

He was already engaged in Soul Cultivation, so he could indeed try this set of techniques.

After reading for a while, he suddenly felt another wave of headache.

The battle just now had clearly injured his soul, injured his spirit.

He dared not read or think any further, immediately put away the book, lay down, and closed his eyes.

Soon, exhaustion washed over him.

Unknowingly, he drifted into dreamland.

The next day.

It was not until noon, when the sun had risen to the center of the sky, that he finally woke up leisurely.

His head was still a bit dizzy.

However, after a night of sleep, the symptoms of the headache had already disappeared.

It was just that his spirit was still a bit listless.

Seeing him get up, Xiaohuan hurriedly served him to wash up and went to the kitchen to help him heat up some food.

Luo Zijun sat down at the stone table in the courtyard.

Xiaohuan brought over the food, meat soup, and fruit, and looking at him with some worry, she said, "Young Master, why did you sleep so late? I called you this morning, but you didn't wake up."

Luo Zijun first picked up a piece of fruit to eat and said, "I practiced all night last night and only fell asleep this morning."

"Oh, no wonder."

Xiaohuan handed the chopsticks into his hand and added, "Sister Ziyuan came by this morning and said that Third Miss will come to find Young Master this evening. Sister Ziyuan also brought a new Confucian robe; I put it on the bed in the room. Did Young Master see it?"

Luo Zijun said, "I didn't notice, I'll go try it on in a while."

Xiaohuan smiled, "Young Master, we don't lack anything living here, and we even have new clothes to wear. I have also been learning to sew clothes recently, so we won't have to trouble others in the future."

Luo Zijun looked at her and said, "Can you sew a bodice?"

Xiaohuan was stunned upon hearing this, then said somewhat shyly, "I can, I am currently learning."

Then she blinked her eyes and said, "What kind does Young Master want me to wear?"

Luo Zijun said, "I was just asking casually. What kind you wear is your own business; what does it have to do with me?"

"Oh."

"Go to the room later, I will draw a few pictures for you, and you can make a few according to the drawings."

"..."

Luo Zijun lowered his head to eat, ignoring her further.

After finishing the meal.

He rested for a while, went to the backyard, and continued practicing his punches.

During his Medicine Bath in the evening, he suddenly felt that someone had sent a message to the Copper Mirror in his Storage Bag.

Besides that lunatic "Fairy of Yaochi", who else could it be? He didn't want to pay attention to it, but thinking that soaking in the bath was boring anyway, he would just treat it as watching a clown perform.

He took out the Copper Mirror and looked at the mirror surface.

Fairy of Yaochi: 【Can't sleep】

Dongfang Junnan: 【Get lost】

Fairy of Yaochi: 【Selfie of a fairy bathing, does anyone want to see?】

Dongfang Junnan: 【Get lost, get lost, get lost】

Suddenly, a picture was sent over.

Mist swirled, water rippled, flower petals floated, and a head of long, pitch-black hair was scattered in the water, revealing a snow-white, jade-like, delicate fragrant shoulder.

This time it wasn't a drawing, but a real person!

Luo Zijun widened his eyes, looked carefully for a while, and hurriedly replied: 【This doesn't look like a fairy either? What about the face? Even if there is no face, what about other parts?】

Fairy of Yaochi: 【Can't sleep】

!

Dongfang Junnan: 【Fairy, if you can't sleep, just keep sending pictures】

Fairy of Yaochi: 【Selfie of a fairy bathing, does anyone want to see?】

Dongfang Junnan: 【Don't nag, send it】

The other party did not reply again, nor were there any more pictures sent over.

He waited for a long while.

Luo Zijun cursed, and put away the Copper Mirror.

There were still things to do tonight, so he couldn't soak for too long.

After the Medicine Bath, he washed his body thoroughly before changing into the brand-new Confucian robe that Ziyuan had sent in the morning.

Sitting in front of the dressing table, Xiaohuan helped him comb his long hair, stealing glances at his handsome face in the mirror from time to time.

"Young Master, you are so handsome, I like you so much."

The Young Maid had a lovestruck look on her face.

Luo Zijun looked indifferent and taught her seriously, "Pretty skins are a dime a dozen, but interesting souls are one in a million. Xiaohuan, you cannot judge a person only by their appearance; you must look at their inner heart. Inner beauty is the true beauty."

Xiaohuan said, "Then when Young Master marries a bride, do you want one who is pretty on the outside but not beautiful on the inside, or one who is ugly on the outside but beautiful on the inside?"

Luo Zijun said, "Naturally, I want to marry a wife who is pretty on the outside and beautiful on the inside. With my handsome appearance and peerless talent, isn't this to be expected? Which ugly monster has the qualifications and the courage to marry me? My fists are not just for show; I'd beat her into a pulp with one punch!"

Xiaohuan suddenly remembered something, leaned to his ear, and whispered, "Young Master, I went to Su Guo Fu to see the Madam today. Guess what the Madam told me to tell you?"

Luo Zijun said, "What?"

Xiaohuan whispered, "The Madam said, let Young Master perform well here and curry favor with Third Miss, hoping that Young Master can take the initiative to marry into her family as a son-in-law. The Madam said if that happens, she can die without regrets."

Luo Zijun's mouth twitched: "Marry into her family? Are you sure you heard correctly? Didn't my sister say that if I dared to marry into another family, she would break my legs and cripple me?"

Xiaohuan smiled, "That was marrying into somewhere else. If it's marrying into here, the Madam would surely be so happy she couldn't close her mouth all day."

"Sure enough, people are fickle. My sister has only lived here for a few days and already wants to betray our ancestors."

Luo Zijun sighed.

Xiaohuan said, "The Madam said that if the ancestors knew Young Master had married into this family, they would surely be so happy they'd jump out of their coffins to congratulate you."

Luo Zijun: "..."

At this moment, a knock came from outside the door.

Ziyuan's crisp voice came through: "Young Master Luo, are you ready? Third Miss is here."

Luo Zijun hurriedly got up and went to open the door himself.

The courtyard gate opened.

Bai Qingtong was wearing a green dress, her figure tall and slender, standing gracefully outside the door. Seeing him changed into the new Confucian robe, she was slightly startled, looked him up and down, and smiled, "Sir, you are so handsome after just a simple dressing up that I almost didn't recognize you."

Luo Zijun bowed and said, "It seems I was too slovenly before and offended Third Miss's eyes. My apologies, my apologies."

Bai Qingtong couldn't help but laugh out loud and said, "That's not what I meant. Sir was also very graceful and handsome before."

She then smiled and said, "If Sir is ready, let's set off."

Luo Zijun nodded and instructed Xiaohuan to stay at home.

Going out of the manor alone was already unsettling enough; if he brought this Young Maid along, he might not be able to protect her if an accident occurred.

Ziyuan did indeed follow by his side.

A group of people, surrounded by maids and matrons, exited the mansion through the side gate.

Two carriages were already parked outside.

Two rows of guards, holding the reins of tall horses, stood guard on both sides of the carriages, looking quite reassuring.

Bai Qingtong turned her head and invited, "Would you like to share a carriage with me, Sir? There are no outsiders today, so there is no need to be too concerned."

As soon as these words were spoken, the maids and matrons surrounding her were all taken aback; those matrons immediately frowned, preparing to speak.

Luo Zijun hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "Many thanks for Third Miss's kindness, but I shall sit in the carriage behind."

One must be grateful for others' favor, but one cannot be ignorant of the rules.

If he were to truly sit in the same carriage as this Third Miss today, once they returned, these maids and matrons would certainly spread the word; if it reached the ears of the master and mistress of the Bai Family, he would likely be kicked out immediately.

Even if this Third Miss were to defend him, what use would that be?

In ordinary families, a girl's reputation is as important as her life, let alone in such prominent noble households.

Seeing him so nervous, Bai Qingtong could not help but smile; she did not insist further and boarded the carriage first.

Luo Zijun and Ziyuan walked to the carriage behind and boarded it together with several maids and matrons.

Seeing that he was talented, good-looking, and understood the rules, the several matrons all liked him very much.

One matron asked with a face full of smiles, "Has Mr. Luo taken a wife at home? If not, I have a good match; my granddaughter just turned fifteen this year, and she is as beautiful as a flower, praised by everyone. Moreover, she has studied since she was young, is sensible and well-behaved, and is obedient. If Mr. Luo has time, shall I take you to see her?"

Another matron laughed, "Enough, Mother Liu, what kind of status does your granddaughter have that Mr. Luo would fancy her? Mr. Luo is a scholar who will go on to take the provincial and metropolitan examinations. The Young Lady said that with Mr. Luo's talent, he will surely pass in the future. By then, Mr. Luo will be a noble official, a Literary Star descended to earth; would he fancy your granddaughter?"

That Mother Liu was displeased upon hearing this, immediately glared, and said, "I didn't say to let Young Master Luo take my granddaughter as his wife; being a concubine would be fine, wouldn't it? Young Master Luo would surely like my granddaughter's looks."

Another matron laughed, "Mother Liu, how does your granddaughter's appearance compare to Ziyuan's?"

Ziyuan smiled from the side.

Mother Liu glanced at her, gave an awkward smile, and said, "Naturally, she cannot compare to Ziyuan. Ziyuan grew up in our Anguo Mansion following the Young Lady; how many young ladies can compare to her temperament alone?"

"Exactly."

That matron laughed, "Since she cannot compare to Ziyuan, why would Young Master Luo abandon the near to seek the far and want your granddaughter?"

Once these words were spoken, the others realized what was meant.

Ziyuan's fair face was immediately stained with two blushes, and her eyes still held a smile, though she did not speak.

Mother Liu also understood something at this moment and hurriedly laughed it off, "I must have been muddled, but it doesn't really matter; Young Master Luo will be a high official in the future, so it is only right for him to take a few more wives and concubines to take care of things at home."

The others hurriedly changed the subject.

"We are going to the Jia Mansion later; I heard that the young ladies of the Jia Mansion have also invited our Young Lady to go together."

"I heard that Miss Tanchun is also going. Tsk tsk, that young lady is truly beautiful—good figure, good skin, good face, and an even better temperament. And I heard she is truly sensible, clever, and understands everything. No wonder she can be good friends with our Young Lady."

"You don't know, but there is actually another young lady in the Jia Mansion who is even better looking; she is truly delicate and graceful, so pitiful that one cannot help but love her, and she is truly moving."

"That must be Lin Guniang, right? I saw her last time I went with the Young Lady; she does look moving, but she seems too weak in health, coughing constantly, and her complexion is not very good either."

"Do you all know that little maid named Qingwen in the Song Mansion? She is the one who spoke up for Mr. Luo at Jinshan Temple last time. That little girl is not very old, but she is very bold, and her looks are truly pretty; she is quite similar to that Lin Guniang."

"Indeed, that little girl's looks are truly pretty, making one like her at first sight, but I heard her temper is not very good and she likes to talk back."

Luo Zijun could not help but interject, "Actually, I feel that the little maids in our Anguo Mansion are the most beautiful, such as Ziyuan, Yun'er, and Tao'er."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the carriage burst into laughter.

Ziyuan, Yun'er, and Tao'er, who were sitting nearby, also covered their mouths and laughed.

"Scholars really know how to talk."

"Young Master Luo's mouth is truly sweet."

The matrons all smiled and praised him.

The carriage moved slowly, traveled for about another quarter of an hour, turned into a small alley, and then stopped.

Ziyuan lifted the curtain to look and said, "So many people."

The alley was already lined with carriages, and many people were beginning to get off, carrying gifts, accompanied by maids and servants, walking inside while chatting and laughing.

Ziyuan also hurriedly pulled back the curtain, got off the carriage, and then extended her slender hand, saying, "Young Master, be careful."

Luo Zijun held her soft little hand and jumped down.

At this moment, Bai Qingtong also jumped off the carriage and was talking to several people who had come out to greet them from the alley.

Other guests saw this and also hurriedly came over to greet them.

Bai Qingtong could not get away for a moment, so she had to wave to those behind, telling them to follow.

Luo Zijun and his group hurriedly followed behind and entered the alley.

The guests who came to attend the banquet and offer congratulations today were lined up from the entrance of the Marquis Mansion all the way to the street outside the alley.

The head steward of the Bowang Marquis Mansion was at the entrance with a group of people to welcome them.

When they heard that the Bai Family's Young Lady had arrived, the female relatives of the Marquis Mansion all came out to greet her; among them, a young girl wearing a light purple dress, dressed in an exceptionally eye-catching manner, affectionately took Bai Qingtong's arm and led her inside.

Luo Zijun and his group also followed behind and entered the mansion.

Ziyuan whispered, "Young Master, the one holding Third Miss's arm is the little birthday girl of the Marquis Mansion tonight, Miss Qianzi. That is her sister, Miss Qianhong... and that one is the eldest daughter of the Wang Family..."

Luo Zijun listened to her whispering introduction one by one and nodded slightly.

The group stood outside the corridor for a while before being led by the Marquis Mansion's maids to the garden pavilion in the back to have some snacks and rest while waiting for the other guests to arrive.

After a while.

After Bai Qingtong finished exchanging pleasantries with other noble guests in the front, she also came to the garden; just as she was about to walk toward Luo Zijun's group, she was suddenly called over by other young ladies, chatted for a while, and went to another pavilion near the pond to talk.

Then, another group of people entered the garden.

Among them, several men and women were wearing Confucian robes and skirts, looking like scholars.

Fortunately, this Marquis Mansion was large enough that besides this garden, there were other places to rest.

Luo Zijun sat in the pavilion, chatting with the maids and matrons while observing the other guests in the garden.

The young masters and misses seen today are likely all people of status and standing; otherwise, they would not have been able to enter this marquis mansion.

Of course, a private secretary like him cannot be counted as a young master or miss.

He can only be considered a servant.

Although he has not sold himself to the Bai Family as a servant, when others mention him, they would certainly say, "That is the Bai Family's tutor," or "That is the Anguo Mansion's servant."

Because those who live in the mansion, aside from the masters, are servants.

At this moment, that group of young men and women wearing Confucian robes and skirts passed by on the side path, seemingly discussing something with great excitement.

Luo Zijun listened carefully and was surprised to find they were discussing the few books he had written.

"I waited a long time for a reservation before I could buy that *Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai*, and I even had to pay extra for it, but after finishing the book, I felt it was completely worth it. I wonder who that Jun Chujian is, to be able to write such a tortuous, interesting, and heart-wrenching love story."

"I actually prefer that *West Chamber Romance* more..."

"A *Qiannu Youhun* was just released in the last two days; have you heard of it? It is said that it was also written by that Jun Chujian, and it tells of a romance between a human and a ghost..."

"Tsk tsk, a romance between a human and a ghost? Is it that outrageous? I only went to the bookstore this morning, but I didn't see it."

"I heard it was just printed, and the first few dozen copies were likely sent to those well-connected nobles first. If we want to buy one, we'll probably have to wait a few more days."

"I heard that someone in the Jia Mansion has already finished reading it, and that Baoyu Gongzi praised it endlessly, saying he wishes he could meet that Jun Chujian immediately to become sworn siblings..."

"What if the other party is a woman?"

"Heh heh, then she would probably be married home by that Jia Gongzi immediately."

The group chatted as they walked away.

While Luo Zijun was lost in thought, Ziyuan whispered, "Young Master, have you read those books they mentioned? This servant has also heard about them in the mansion; that *West Chamber Romance* and *Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai* are especially good and very famous. Third Miss also bought two copies to read. The Madam took them to read as well, praised that Jun Chujian for being overflowing with talent, and guessed that they must be a very formidable literary master."

Luo Zijun could only say, "I have read them; they are indeed written well. From those words, I can feel the talent gushing forth from the author. If the author is a man, I estimate his looks are on par with mine."

"Pfft..."

Yun'er and Tao'er nearby both burst into laughter.

Ziyuan laughed, "If the author's looks are truly on par with Young Master's, that would be incredible. Based on his talent and current popularity, it would be effortless for him to enter any noble family or wealthy clan."

At this time, a nanny said, "This old servant followed Third Miss to the Jia Mansion two days ago and heard that the Noble Consort of the Jia Mansion also loves reading those two books in the palace. She even sent someone out to ask that Baoyu Gongzi and other young ladies if they knew the author of those two books. Once the Old Madam of the Jia Mansion found out, she immediately ordered the eldest master and second master of the Jia Mansion, along with others, to send people out to inquire."

Yun'er said with a face full of envy, "Since that person is so talented, why use a pseudonym? If they used their real name, I fear the immense wealth they would receive would be beyond measure."

Luo Zijun listened silently from the side and did not join the conversation again.

At this moment, a group of people suddenly walked out from the courtyard gate, surrounding two young, youthful girls in the middle.

A young girl with a tall figure, sloping shoulders, and a slender waist was particularly eye-catching in the crowd.

"Tanchun and Yingchun from the Jia Mansion have both arrived."

A nanny saw the two young girls and whispered.

At this time, Bai Qingtong and the few young ladies in the gazebo over there immediately stood up and went to greet them at the round gate.

A group of young ladies chatted and laughed together, while the maids and nannies surrounded them.

After a moment.

Bai Qingtong's gaze turned toward the gazebo where Luo Zijun was.

Following that, the two young ladies from the Jia Mansion also looked over.

Jia Yingchun took a glance and then lowered her head.

Jia Tanchun, however, had a burning gaze as she looked at the youth in the gazebo, a smile on her face, seemingly saying something.

At this time, Bai Qingtong smiled and led the two toward the gazebo.

The others remained where they were, looking at the gazebo, whispering to each other with expressions of curiosity.

"Third Miss is coming."

The maids and nannies sitting in the gazebo immediately stood up.

Luo Zijun naturally stood up as well.

"Young Master Luo, Tanchun heard that you had also come, so she specifically wanted to come over and greet you."

Bai Qingtong arrived at the gazebo and said with a smile.

Luo Zijun hurriedly bowed his head and cupped his hands toward the two young girls behind her: "Greetings to the two young ladies."

Jia Tanchun had a smile in her eyes and said, "Young Master Luo, why do you look so different? Back at the Taoyuan Jiulou in Peach Blossom Spring, you did not have such a demeanor."

Jia Yingchun, standing to the side, looked at the delicate and handsome youth before her, and not knowing what she remembered, her cheeks were instantly flushed with red; she lowered her head, shy and timid, not daring to speak.

Luo Zijun said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "I was out on an excursion at the time, meeting friends through literature; furthermore, I did not know the young lady's true identity."

Jia Tanchun laughed, "But based on the spirited and disdainful nature Young Master Luo had back then, I fear that even if you had known my identity at that time, Young Master Luo would still have been the same, mercilessly driving people away from the second floor."

As soon as these words were spoken, the others nearby were startled.

Bai Qingtong was also hearing this for the first time and said in surprise, "Tanchun, did Young Master Luo drive you away?"

Jia Tanchun smiled and said, "It is nothing; Young Master Luo truly did not know my identity at that time. And with Young Master Luo's talent, and the three poems he composed there, let alone driving me downstairs, even if he had scolded me on the spot, I could have endured it. Of course, if Young Master Luo really wanted to scold me, he would have to compose another poem for me."

Luo Zijun lowered his head and said, "Jia Miss is joking; I would not dare."

Jia Tanchun laughed, "Just call me Tanchun, no need for 'Jia Miss' or 'true Miss'. I am a Jia Miss, Yingchun is also a Jia Miss, and Xichun is also a Jia Miss. All the misses in the Jia Mansion are Jia Misses. If they all come later, how should Young Master Luo address them?"

Once these words were spoken, the other maids and nannies in the gazebo all laughed.

Luo Zijun could only say, "Tanchun."

Jia Tanchun smiled, gestured with her eyes toward behind her, and laughed, "There is one more, why not call her?"

Luo Zijun could only cup his hands and lower his head again: "Yingchun."

Jia Yingchun raised her head, glanced at him, and also hurriedly bowed with a flushed little face: "Young Master Luo."

Just as Jia Tanchun was about to speak, someone over there suddenly waved and shouted, "Tanchun, Tanchun, come over quickly! I will introduce you to some talented men and women! Qingtong, you come over too!"

Jia Tanchun could only say, "Young Master Luo, I will come back to talk to you when I have time later. Qingtong, let's go over."

Bai Qingtong agreed, and just as she was about to leave, she glanced at her expression, her gaze shifted, and she immediately said to the maids and nannies in the gazebo, "Just let Ziyuan stay here to accompany Young Master Luo; you all come with me."

"Yes, Miss."

The maidservants and nannies immediately followed her out.

Just as Jia Yingchun was about to turn and leave, Jia Tanchun suddenly held her shoulders and pushed her toward the pavilion, smiling: "Second Sister, wait for me here; I will be back in a moment. There are too many people over there, and you don't like it anyway."

As she spoke, she cast a meaningful glance at the young man in the pavilion and smiled: "Young Master Luo, keep my Second Sister company and chat with her. Ever since she returned from the Anguo Mansion school that day, she has been praising how amazing you are in our ears."

"Tanchun..."

Jia Yingchun was suddenly flustered and uneasy, wanting to leave with her, but she was pushed back in by Jia Tanchun, who laughed: "What are you afraid of? Young Master Luo won't eat you."

With that, she smiled and left with Bai Qingtong.

Thus, only Luo Zijun, the Second Miss of the Jia Family, and the paper kite remained in the pavilion.

The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat strange.

Jia Yingchun lowered her head, her face flushed; she wanted to run away, but felt too embarrassed to do so.

Luo Zijun took the initiative to speak: "Miss Yingchun, please sit. As it happens, I have some words I would like to say to you in private."

This young lady of the Duke's mansion would have a miserable fate in the future; since he had met her today, he naturally had to offer a reminder.

Jia Yingchun was startled by these words and sat down with her head lowered.

On the horizon, the setting sun was tipsy.

At the same time.

In front of the Chujian Bookstore, a carriage was parked, bearing the emblem of the Bowang Marquis Mansion.

A moment later.

Liu Chujian, wearing a pink long dress and a veil, carrying a guqin, and accompanied by Bi'er, came out of the shop and boarded the carriage.

She had received an invitation a few days ago; there was a banquet at the Bowang Marquis Mansion tonight.

She was a guest, and also a performer of the zither.

When her father had not yet been dismissed from office, the relationship between the two families had been quite good, and she and the young lady of the Bowang Marquis were considered good friends.

Therefore, since it was the other party's birthday tonight, she had been specially invited.

At the same time, the other party knew her zither skills were superb, so she also hoped that she could play a piece in the mansion tonight to add to the refined atmosphere.

Yet for some reason, she suddenly felt a sense of unease in her heart.

(End of this chapter)