Chapter 189: Paying a Visit

A few days later.

Compared with the clear weather of the past few days, this morning fine snowflakes began to drift, shrouding Zhongjia Village in a hazy white.

The once bustling village fell back into silence, only the curling cooking smoke appearing faintly through the snow curtain.

Dong— dong— dong—.

A light knocking sounded.

"Here." Zhong Xiao Mei, who was embroidering a handkerchief, set down her needle and thread, rose, and opened the Wooden Door.

Outside stood a young man, about twenty years old.

He stood tall as a pine, with thick brows and large eyes, a proper face, shoulders dusted with snow, his dark hair flecked with silvery white, giving him a weather‑worn look.

Though his clothing was plain, he exuded a scholarly aura.

Zhong Xiao Mei looked at him puzzled and asked, "Young master, who are you?"

The man clasped his hands in a bow, his voice warm, "I am Du Ping, and I have come today to visit Brother Zhong."

Zhong Xiao Mei had never heard the name, and gently shook her head, "My elder brother has gone out; he may not return until later tomorrow evening."

Du Ping heard this, a hint of regret in his eyes, "I see. Then I will visit again tomorrow; I have caused much disturbance."

He was about to turn and step into the snow when Zhong Xiao Mei hurriedly called, "Young Master Du, the snow is so deep; stay and wait, lest you lose warmth in the snow."

Du Ping shook his head, "A lone man and a lone woman sharing a room might damage the lady's reputation."

"I'll go quickly..."

Seeing he still intended to lecture, Zhong Xiao Mei reached out and pulled him inside, "Ah, I'm not afraid of anything you fear. Let me fetch you a cup of hot water."

Du Ping, seeing this, had no choice but to stay.

He watched Zhong Xiao Mei's back as she walked to the stove to pour water, silently praising, "She truly lives up to being his sister; such boldness is remarkable."

After handing him a warm tea bowl, Zhong Xiao Mei returned to her seat to continue embroidering and casually asked:

"Young Master Du, are you friends with my elder brother?"

Du Ping shook his head, "I only admired his writings, felt a yearning, and came specifically to exchange knowledge; I did not know him before."

Zhong Xiao Mei nodded and smiled, "So that's how it is."

"My elder brother is indeed that formidable!"

Du Ping also nodded, "Indeed."

"Brother Zhong's talent ranks among the very best I have ever seen."

After saying that, there was a moment when he seemed at a loss for what to say next.

The room fell into a brief silence, only the faint sound of needle and thread moving.

Du Ping looked at her focused profile and suddenly asked:

"Did you embroider it for Brother Zhong? Truly skillful and clever."

Zhong Xiao Mei shook her head, a hint of shyness on her face, "It was for another elder brother."

"Oh? Do you have other brothers?"

"No," Zhong Xiao Mei whispered, "it's my elder brother's friend, surname Yu."

Du Ping immediately recalled the rumor from the county town about Yu Lin, who slew Li Lin and another, and thought this must be the "elder brother Yu."

He mused, "So that's how it is... the lady... likes him?"

Seeing his blunt question, Zhong Xiao Mei's cheeks flushed, but she shook her head with a wry smile, "Elder brother Yu is an immortal; I know I could never match him."

"All I can do is try to repay his kindness."

She gazed at the falling snow outside, her eyes landing on the dead tree, sighed deeply, "I fear that when I grow old and lose my beauty, Elder brother Yu will still be in his prime..."

Du Ping pursed his lips, saying no encouraging words.

After all, the distinction between immortal and mortal was evident: immortals enjoy Longevity, while mortals live only a few decades per cycle, perhaps through seclusion cultivation, separating life and death.

He simply thought Zhong Xiao Mei was bold and her mind extremely delicate; had she been born into a prestigious family, she might also be a talented lady.

It's just a pity, but their humble origins... no matter, when they succeed in the imperial examinations, it will be their time to soar.

Du Ping stopped his thoughts and spoke:

"The lady's thoughts are not bad; we have no immortal fate, cannot attain Longevity, so we should not seek those beyond comprehension."

"But do you have thoughts of marriage? I do know someone of good family and character."

"In the future, with Brother Zhong's abilities, he will surely hold high office; you need not worry outsiders looking down on your family background."

He listened.

Zhong Xiao Mei shook her head, "I have no such thoughts now."

"Moreover, whether they are good or not, your words don't count, Young Master; I must see for myself."

"Now you want me to judge? The impression you give is quite good."

She gave Du Ping a faint smile.

It was not empty flattery.

Rather, Du Ping's impression of her was indeed good, far better than Wang Congwen.

Du Ping, taken aback by her words, suddenly laughed, "What the lady says, says, you must see for yourself to know if it's good!"

"I was reckless."

"Thank you for the compliment, lady."

Zhong Xiao Mei lowered her head to continue embroidering, about to say something when a movement came from outside, followed by a knock:

"Sister, I'm back."

It was Zhong Kui.

Zhong Xiao Mei hurriedly rose, opened the door, and saw only Zhong Kui inside, then exclaimed in surprise:

Big Brother, where is Elder Brother Yu? He didn't go out with you, did he?

Zhong Kui brushed off the snow on his clothes, walked in, and explained: "On the way back, we saw an old Daoist collapsed by the roadside."

"Brother Yu revived him and asked; he said he came to visit our nearby Louguan Tai, so he had me return first, and he escorted the Daoist there."

"Eh, is it you?"

His gaze fell on Du Ping, showing a hint of surprise.

Du Ping was also puzzled, but first he bowed and said: "I am Du Ping; I have met Brother Zhong."

Zhong Kui nodded: "So it's Brother Du."

"I don't know what brings Brother Du here."

Du Ping took out a slip of paper from his bosom and said solemnly: "I have read Brother Zhong's works, deeply impressed by his talent, so I specially came here to exchange learning with Brother Zhong."

"But Brother Zhong, those remarks just now... did you know me before?"

Zhong Kui shook his head: "No, I didn't know you before."

"It's just that the other day when I went to the county town, I happened to see you selling calligraphy and paintings, and that's how I recognized you."

"Since we're here to exchange learning, please come this way."

He pointed to his own room.

Du Ping nodded: "Of course, thank you, Brother Zhong."

"You're welcome." Zhong Kui waved his hand, then took out the oil-wrapped bundle hidden in his bosom and handed it to Zhong Xiao Mei:

"I bought this roast chicken especially for you; eat more, eat your fill."