27. A Conversation Between Mothers
The dishes Miss Gong prepared were undoubtedly delicious.
Paired with fragrant white rice, the white-robed woman devoured everything in the wooden box, even considering swallowing the box itself.
Finally, she took a large swig from the gourd of wine, a drunken blush appearing on her cheeks.
“Phew~~!”
She let out a long, satisfied sigh. “Even better than last time.”
Yan Chuyue rested her chin on her hand and said with a smile, “Although my friend wants many wings and is a bit of a scoundrel, she’s a good cook.”
“Many wings?” The white-robed woman paused. “Does he want to be a birdman?”
“Uh… that’s not exactly what it means… well, it’s close enough.” Yan Chuyue glanced at the pleasant weather outside. “He wants to be a great roc. I wonder if this sky is big enough for him to fly.”
“Hmm?”
“Nothing.” Yan Chuyue picked up the empty lunch box, tidied up a bit, and stood up. “I have some other matters to attend to. I won’t disturb you any longer.”
“Matters…?” The white-robed woman asked curiously. “Is there anything I can help you with?”
“No, just looking for someone. You can continue with your business.”
“Then I won’t see you off. Don’t get lost again.”
“That’s my line!”
Yan Chuyue turned and left.
Since she was already in the East Courtyard, she might as well help Qiu Shui find her mother.
When she was writing the novel, she had intended for Qiu Shui’s mother to no longer be alone.
But Qiu Shui’s storyline was cut short with her death, only serving to introduce Leng Yuli and some people from Shenqi Daoist Mountain.
So she didn’t know Qiu Shui’s mother’s exact location, but if they were in the same small space, she should be able to recognize her.
As she was thinking, holding the lunch box, she bumped into a veiled maid at the door.
“I apologize, my lady!”
The maid reflexively stepped back and bowed. “It was my fault for not looking.”
“Ah, it’s fine, it’s fine.” Yan Chuyue waved her hand and continued walking, brushing past the maid.
The maid didn’t pay much attention to her, simply composing herself and entering the room. “Lady Mu, your room has been prepared.”
This lady had only arrived yesterday.
Although the maid didn’t know which Daoist sect she was from, as long as she had a letter of introduction, she could request a residence from the instructor’s office.
As a maid responsible for cleaning the instructor’s residences, this was her duty.
“Yes, I know.” Just as the white-robed woman was about to say something, her eyes suddenly sharpened. With a wave of her hand, the maid collapsed unconscious.
Gong Muzhi looked at the black apple that had appeared on the table and said calmly, “What is it?”
“My technique has covered half of Qian Yue Academy, but I haven’t found any useful information.”
“Then why are you talking to me?” Gong Muzhi rolled her eyes. “Your technique will inevitably leave traces on the barrier. Although I can weaken the effect, if you act recklessly, I’ll beat you when we get back.”
Ghost Lord Nine: “…”
Haven’t you beaten me enough already?
“I mean, I can’t extend my technique to the North and West Courtyards. You’ll have to investigate those areas yourself.”
Gong Muzhi crossed her arms and considered. “This earth puppet’s range can only reach the outer forest of the North Courtyard. If I go any further, my power might trigger the barrier, and our time will be limited.”
“Then I’ll quickly investigate the other areas. If you need me, I can draw away some of the pursuers—”
“Do you think I’m afraid of them?”
A cold glint flashed in Gong Muzhi’s eyes. “They forced me to leave Ling’er behind, causing us to be separated for over a decade, and she almost died. I haven’t forgotten that.”
“But, Big Sister…”
Ghost Lord Nine’s voice was filled with concern. “Last time you…”
The last time Gong Muzhi entered Qian Yue Academy alone, she almost died, and her body was left with a chronic illness, limiting her future cultivation to only one more major breakthrough.
“Last time, I was in a different state.” Gong Muzhi became angry at the memory. “A group of them ganged up on a pregnant woman about to give birth.”
“If it weren’t for that, what could those stinking Daoists do to me?”
“…The Pear Blossom Blood Orchid Palace cannot be without you.”
“Can you stop jinxing me with those strange flags?” Gong Muzhi snatched the black apple from the table and threw it. “Go back to where you came from. Don’t disturb my rest.”
The apple vanished mid-air, but Gong Muzhi’s expression was no longer so carefree.
“Qin Pingqiu, if I run into you here this time, even if I have to fight like I did ten years ago, I’ll make you pay.”
After her vicious threat, she waved her hand again, and the unconscious maid moaned and opened her eyes. “What… happened…?”
“You fainted from exhaustion.” Gong Muzhi casually made up an excuse. “Go and rest. I’ll call you if I need anything.”
The maid thought about it… it seemed plausible, so she didn’t say anything more. As she was about to leave, Gong Muzhi spoke again. “Wait.”
“Ah… is there anything else, my lady?”
Gong Muzhi stood up, picked up a small, worn-out doll from the floor, and handed it to the maid. “You dropped this when you fell. Don’t forget it.”
“This!” The maid quickly took the doll and held it to her chest, sighing in relief. “Thank you for reminding me, my lady.”
“The craftsmanship and style don’t look like they’re from the market. More like a memento made by someone who can’t sew.” Gong Muzhi smiled. “Is it from a friend or a lover?”
“Neither…” The maid looked at the doll, a faint smile appearing beneath her veil. “It’s… from my daughter.”
“Daughter?” Gong Muzhi, also a mother, raised an eyebrow.
The woman wore a veil, and it was difficult to tell her age from her upper face.
“Yes.” The maid nodded, her voice filled with nostalgia and a hint of sadness. “My daughter… who is far, far away.”
