Chapter 504: Chapter 313: With Xiaofan in Hand, Victory Secured; Li Xian the Thief, a Trapped Turtle (Part 2)

Zhou Shijie said: "Oh? I don’t know what Nianjun went to do so early in the morning. How did Brother Wentian know?"

He Wentian said: "Last night she sought me out privately, saying she wished to hunt the spirit fox and asked for my help. Such a small matter, naturally I’d help. I gave her the mountain map and informed her of the spirit fox’s habits. I suppose she has already tried." 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Zhou Shijie said: "For such things, why not ask for my help?" He Wentian smiled meaningfully and said: "Miss Nianjun is quite formidable, with a proud spirit. If you wish to gain her favor, you must improve yourself."

He Wentian said: "Xiaofan, what are you reading?" Li Xiaofan said: "I’m reading the ’Enlightened Heart Sutra.’" He Wentian admitted: "Even I find it hard to read the entire ’Enlightened Heart Sutra.’ Xiaofan, although young, has limitless potential."

Li Xiaofan smiled and said: "Brother Wentian jokes. I never think about such distant prospects."

He Wentian said: "Indeed, I came today to introduce someone to you."

Li Xiaofan and Zhou Shijie both thought that although He Wentian was easygoing, his status was indeed high. This person must be extraordinary, making them very curious. He Wentian said: "The Dew of Dawn... have you heard of it?"

Zhou Shijie said: "Of course, I’ve heard of it."

He Wentian said: "This person is Madam Wang."

Zhou Shijie joyfully said: "Ah, is Madam Wang here? I met her once before." He looked outside eagerly.

He Wentian laughed and said: "How coincidental, you must treat Madam Wang with utmost respect, not as casually as you treat me..."

A gentle voice came from outside the archway: "City Lord He makes me, this young woman, seem difficult to get along with. I’ve met this talented young man before, so how could there be any unpleasantness?"

A swaying hem appeared, and a woman came into view. Zhou Shijie had seen "Madam Wang" before and remembered her appearance and voice. But upon hearing the voice, he felt it was unlike her, vaguely recalling another figure.

Looking again, he was taken aback, quite stunned. The lady walked with grace, her skirt and hair swaying, making him feel ashamed and not daring to look. Wen Caishang approached and said: "Sorry for the trouble!"

Zhou Shijie was momentarily lost in thought. Li Xiaofan clasped his hands and said: "No disturbance, no disturbance, but this Madam Wang seems different from last time?"

Wen Caishang softly said: "Last time, I didn’t want to show myself, so I asked Madam He’s wife to take my place. This is my true self. Are you Li Xiaofan?"

Li Xiaofan nodded and said: "Yes. Madam Wang, good morning!" Wen Caishang nodded and said: "You’re very clever."

Zhou Shijie thought: "So... so Madam Wang and Madam Wen are the same person. She... she truly is an extraordinary woman, her ways unlike any other. I must be careful with my words; if I displease her, that would be bad." With clasped hands, he said: "Madam Wang, good morning!"

Wen Caishang said: "Since we last parted in Prefecture City, Young Master Zhou has become more handsome and extraordinary, making one happy to see."

Zhou Shijie’s face turned red, almost wanting to dance with joy, pretending to say casually: "Madam Wang, where is the young man who was with you?" Wen Caishang said: "His aptitude is dull, so I sent him away, no need to mention him again."

Zhou Shijie’s expression remained normal, shaking his head and sighing as if in regret. Yet inside he was wildly happy, feeling as if the world had renewed its brilliance. Wen Caishang silently observed Li Xiaofan, then looked toward Fu Haoran.

He Wentian said: "Master Fu is deeply engrossed in painting. Let’s go take a look, but we mustn’t disturb him."

Everyone came near Fu Haoran and observed his painting. Fu Haoran’s strokes were varied in speed and weight, displaying great mastery. The brush tip outlined, the bamboo shape appearing and disappearing, his skill truly world-class.

His presence seemed to resonate with the universe. As he painted bamboo leaves, it seemed as if the wind truly rustled, making a gentle sound. While painting the bamboo stalks, the stalks were upright and indomitable, giving the impression of reaching the sky.

It was truly magnificent, though only painting bamboo, it seemed to encompass all things. Everyone was captivated, and without realizing it, it was already noon when the wind and snow had ceased. The midday sun slanted in, illuminating the painting.

The subtle mysteries within were hard to express. Fu Haoran set down his brush, picked up the painting and admired it, feeling very satisfied, he laughed: "Hahaha, I haven’t produced such a work in a long time. Ah, what a pity, what a pity."

He Wentian said: "Congratulations, Master Fu, on creating a masterpiece for the ages!"

Zhou Shijie quickly chimed in. Fu Haoran paused at the sound, then returned to his senses and smiled: "City Lord He, you’re here. This is..." looking towards Wen Caishang.

Wen Caishang smiled and said: "I am Wang Yiyi, I’ve long admired Master Fu’s reputation and came specifically to visit."

Fu Haoran said: "Forgive me, forgive me. I vaguely heard Madam Wang, so you must be the esteemed Madam Wang. Indeed, your reputation precedes you, your grace is exceptional, rarely seen through the ages. Your acts of erecting a wooden sign for faith, praying at temple fairs... I have heard a little. You are a woman of great capability..." stroking his beard and smiling.

The latter part of the unspoken words was: You came to seek me for a specific purpose.

Wen Caishang smiled and said: "Master Fu, you overpraise me. The world is becoming chaotic, and as a weak woman, how can I stand without some means? I came to visit purely out of admiration, nothing more. Please don’t overthink."

Fu Haoran said: "A chance meeting, I have no other thoughts."

Li Xiaofan and Zhou Shijie both thought secretly: "Master Fu seems not very fond of Madam Wang."

Fu Haoran said: "This painting is freshly finished, hahaha, everyone come take a look."

Li Xiaofan, Zhou Shijie, He Wentian, and Wen Caishang all examined it closely. After a moment, Fu Haoran asked: "Can you discern anything? Xiaofan, Shijie, you two speak first."

Zhou Shijie said: "The painting contains snow and bamboo. Despite the howling wind and snow, the bamboo does not fall. Master Fu’s spirit is unyielding!" Fu Haoran said: "Superficial. Merely flattery."