Wen Caishang softly said, "Xiaotuan, please escort City Lord He into the pavilion to take a seat and wait for a moment. I need to make some preparations." She stepped toward the bedroom, her robes fluttering, leaving behind a fragrant breeze.

The pavilion’s scenery was delightful, like a spring day, with mist diffusing. On the second floor, a waterfall cascaded, intertwined vines, flowers competing to bloom, all arranged with exquisite skill.

He Wentian, with a harmonious smile, clad in splendid attire, his face square and dignified, elegant and handsome, glanced around at the pavilion’s view, and couldn’t help but admire, "Madam Wang is truly remarkable! The layout of this pavilion is indeed ingenious."

Xiaotuan said, "My lady always loves beauty, thus she has carefully prepared her appearance to meet Master Fu. We hope City Lord He doesn’t mind the wait."

City Lord He laughed and said, "The second greatest delight for a man in this world is waiting for a woman to adorn herself. It is indeed my pleasure, how could I mind?"

Xiaotuan curiously asked, "Since there’s a second greatest delight, there must be a first. City Lord He, what is the greatest delight?" Her age was still tender, her words straightforward and innocent.

City Lord He chuckled and said, "Naturally, it is a woman dressing up specifically for him." Xiaotuan said, "Then City Lord He must be constantly delighted, with so many wives and concubines, each beautiful and dignified, all waiting for your favor."

City Lord He said, "Haha, indeed. You are quite knowledgeable despite your young age." He sat by the stone pavilion next to the waterfall. Xiaotuan poured tea and water, responding, "Hehe, I’ve learned everything from my lady."

City Lord He sipped the tea, raised an eyebrow slightly, casually asked, "Xiaotuan, how long have you been following your lady, have you learned any skills?"

Xiaotuan smiled silently, anything related to her lady, she did not speak of. City Lord He, sensing discretion, stopped questioning. Sipping the tea, savoring its aroma, about a stick of incense time passed, suddenly a fragrant breeze wafted in, and a voice came from behind his ear, "City Lord He, you have waited long."

Wen Caishang was already behind him. City Lord He laughed, "Not long, not long," he stood to greet her, seeing the lady with her hair high and cascading, three silver hairpins diagonally inserted, lightly powdered face, modestly adorned yet astonishing like a celestial being. Cold elegance without losing charm, seductive yet ethereal. Her red lips like blood, dazzling like a flower, aptly so, never overshadowing.

He trembled slightly, his heart racing a few beats, goosebumps rising on the back of his neck, gazing at the exquisite face, flawless demeanor, fitting adornment, dreamlike as a painting, yet filled with trepidation. When Wen Caishang approached, he was completely unaware.

City Lord He mused secretly, "This woman has mysterious origins while her martial arts are deep and unpredictable. Several encounters have led me to have Duan Ni follow her orders, fully assist her, wanting to foster good relations while subtly exploring her background, yet till now I haven’t grasped her details, proving her mind is deep, actions flawless, and she wants to visit Master Fu, what is her intent?"

Wen Caishang smiled and said, "City Lord He, please lead the way." City Lord He said, "Certainly, certainly, right this way."

Two carriages rode side by side on the road, stopped at the side gate of Cui Zhu Residence. City Lord He got off the carriage to tidy himself, Wen Caishang lifted the curtain, raised her brows slightly, and said, "So this is Cui Zhu Residence? It doesn’t seem far at all."

He Wentian said, "As the saying goes, this humble abode owes its virtue. My Flying Dragon City’s bustling street unexpectedly houses someone like Master Fu, thinking of this, I feel honored. Sometimes just a wall apart, truly two realms. If not stepping into this dwelling, who would know Master Fu lives within?"

Wen Caishang nodded and said, "Indeed." The two moved into the residence. He Wentian was familiar with the route, turned through several corridors, headed directly forward, the courtyard became serene with green bamboo, quite elegant.

Wen Caishang moved gracefully and calmly, strolling lightly. Her skirt was made of fine material, named "Lotus Swaying Skirt," as she walked the skirt hem swayed slightly, concealing boundless beauty. He Wentian walked alongside, pondering secretly, "If this woman is not extremely dangerous, she truly is an exceedingly rare beauty. Despite having many wives and concubines, none could compare to her even a fraction."

He Wentian said, "Madam Wang, why have you taken such interest today, wishing to visit Master Fu?" Wen Caishang said, "I’ve long heard of Master Fu’s reputation, admire him in my heart, hearing he’s here, I must pay a visit. It’s just that my reputation is small and talents are shallow, Master Fu probably does not know me. I ask City Lord He later to kindly introduce me, I am grateful."

He Wentian felt a twinge in his heart, laughed and said, "Of course, of course."

Wen Caishang said, "Fu Haoran... Celestial Official of the Great Wu Dynasty, later degraded to Qiong Heavenly Mansion. He excels in characters, painting, poetry, music, history... several arts, possessing seven strands of fate, truly his presence is grand, reflecting antiquity and now."

He Wentian exclaimed, "Madam Wang, who exactly are you? Your knowledge is truly..."

Wen Caishang laughed and said, "I am but a weak woman, what identity do I possess, it’s not worth mentioning. City Lord He, Master Fu is right in here, please enter first."

The two arrived at the circular arch gate. Inside the grass was lush, Antez table and meditation cushions were set up, seated was one elder with two youths, none other than Fu Haoran, Li Xiaofan, and Zhou Shijie. All were engaged in tasks.

Fu Haoran was painting, Li Xiaofan shaking his head reading, Zhou Shijie absorbing classical texts. As it turned out... Zhou Shijie and Gu Nianjun were visiting Fu Haoran, temporarily residing in the residence. They studied poetry and books locally.

Gu Nianjun had matters early in the morning, already left the residence. Zhou Shijie and Li Xiaofan remained to study in the hall, advancing their knowledge. So absorbed, none knew a guest had arrived.

He Wentian adjusted his attire, stepped over the arch gate. Zhou Shijie immediately noticed, stood to greet with cupped hands. Li Xiaofan regained awareness, stood to follow. Fu Haoran was engrossed in painting, thus did not engage.

Zhou Shijie said, "City Lord He, you’re here!"

He Wentian said, "Once entering the academy, there are no distinctions of high or low. We are all disciples of Teacher Fu. Do not address me as City Lord, calling me Wentian is fine."

Zhou Shijie felt quite proud, "Brother Wentian!" He Wentian said, "Where’s Miss Nianjun, why is she absent today? Ah, my mind, she must have gone hunting."