As Liu Mengmei spoke, a hint of sadness crept into his voice: “To be honest, even now I still don’t know whether my experience back then was merely a dream or something that truly happened. If it was a dream, how could it feel so real? And if it was real, why have I never been able to find that place again?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment before slowly replying, “Master Liu, during all these years of searching, have you ever discovered the direction you were heading when you ran away back then?”
Liu Mengmei nodded: “Although I was quite young and terribly frightened at the time, through years of searching, I’ve come to understand the general direction I took. Even the tall ginkgo tree at the top of the hill where I fell matches my memory perfectly. However, from that hillside down into the valley, there’s nothing but a very deep and secluded ravine. Around there, not only is there no valley of plum blossoms, there isn’t even a patch of flat land. I’ve often thought, perhaps after the fairy rescued me, she took me elsewhere? Otherwise, I’ve searched the surrounding area countless times, and there’s definitely no such valley.”
Mei Qing nodded thoughtfully before slowly asking, “So this journey of yours is to search again for the plum blossom valley?”
A faint blush appeared on Liu Mengmei’s face as he shyly replied, “In the past, I sometimes wondered whether the fairy’s advice to focus on my studies meant she wouldn’t appear to me until I completed my education. Last year, I studied diligently and ranked highly in the local examination, so I felt I had finally fulfilled the fairy’s earlier instructions. Thus, I’ve had this foolish hope lately of returning to that place once more, hoping for a miracle.”
Mei Qing smiled and shook his head: “Master Liu, I think you might be mistaken. The fairy’s encouragement was likely meant to help you understand your parents’ hopes for you to succeed, not just about your studies. If you take my advice, if you truly believe the fairy’s words, you should continue to strive, cultivate yourself, manage your family, and achieve something meaningful. That would bring you closer to the fairy’s intent. Otherwise, continuing this fruitless search will likely lead to nothing.”
Liu Mengmei, with a hint of melancholy, said, “Now I’m not sure whether my experience back then was just a dream or if it really happened. If it was a dream, how could it feel so real? But if it was real, why can’t I find that place no matter how hard I try?”
Mei Qing pondered for a moment before slowly responding, “Mr. Liu, over the years of your relentless search, have you ever managed to pinpoint the location where you were when you left that day?”
Liu Mengmei nodded, “Although I was young and terrified at the time, through my searches over the years, I’ve roughly figured out the direction I was heading. Even the towering ginkgo tree on the slope where I fell matches my memory perfectly. However, descending from that slope where the ginkgo tree stands, where I should have fainted, there’s only a deep, secluded ravine. There’s no sign of the plum blossom valley, nor any flat land nearby. I can’t help but wonder if the fairy who saved me took me to another place. Otherwise, after countless searches in the surrounding area, I would have surely found such a valley.”
Mei Qing nodded in agreement and then asked, “So, Mr. Liu, is this journey of yours another attempt to find the plum valley?”
Liu Mengmei’s face turned slightly red, and he said somewhat sheepishly, “In the past, I thought perhaps the fairy told me to focus on my studies and wouldn’t appear to me until I had achieved something academically. Last year, I worked very hard and ranked high in the provincial examination, finally fulfilling the fairy’s wish. So, I’ve been a bit delusional these days, always wanting to revisit the old place, hoping for a miracle to occur.”
Mei Qing shook his head with a smile, “Mr. Liu, I think you might have misunderstood. The fairy’s encouragement was for you to understand your parents’ hopes for you to succeed, not just academically. If you take my advice, you should continue to strive, cultivate yourself, manage your family, and achieve something significant. That might bring you closer to the fairy’s intention. Otherwise, just aimlessly searching like this might not yield any results.”
Liu Mengmei, feeling somewhat indignant, retorted, “Mr. Mei, your words are mistaken. If one is to cultivate oneself, manage the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world, how can it be achieved without education? Although I am young, my academic achievements are among the top three in De’an Prefecture. I dare not belittle my own talents. If you don’t believe me, feel free to test me!”
Seeing Liu Mengmei’s defiant expression, Mei Qing couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. In Mei Qing’s view, Liu Mengmei’s words were not false. However, he seemed like a dreamer, and if he became obsessed with finding the fairyland, it didn’t seem like he had the destiny for it, and his life might be wasted. Therefore, Mei Qing wanted to wake him up. But Liu Mengmei, with his youthful spirit, couldn’t help but argue back.
Mei Qing remained silent, but Bi Zhen, standing behind Mei Qing, was not satisfied and kept urging him to humble the arrogant young man. Seeing Mei Qing pretending not to care, Bi Zhen immediately scolded him in her thoughts, “Bad A Qing, if you don’t put this arrogant boy in his place, I won’t go with you to find the plum valley!”
Mei Qing had no choice but to smile wryly and say, “Mr. Liu, what are you talking about? I haven’t even entered school, how could I dare to test you? However, all knowledge in the world ultimately converges. If you’re interested, we can discuss and learn from each other.”
Liu Mengmei, with his youthful eagerness, immediately started asking questions and debating with Mei Qing.
At first, Liu Mengmei was excited, eager to showcase his knowledge. But soon, he began to falter. Before long, his face turned pale, and he hung his head in defeat, unable to speak.
This was not surprising, as Mei Qing was a prodigy, possibly one of the best in the cultivation world in terms of memory. His ability to recall and cite numerous ancient texts, their phrases, origins, interpretations, and corrections was unparalleled, far beyond what Liu Mengmei, a mere child, could match.
“Brother Mei, you are truly talented. This contest… I have lost,” Liu Mengmei said, his face red with effort, speaking softly. “May I ask under which great master you studied? You must have achieved fame long ago.”
Mei Qing shook his head with a smile, “I have no master, nor have I achieved any fame.”
“Then why is that?” Liu Mengmei asked in surprise. “Do you not aspire to it, wishing to follow the path of Xu You?”
“Not at all,” Mei Qing replied with a bitter smile, “Since childhood, I was considered an idiot. Everyone saw me as a fool, how could I enter school, find a master, or follow the path of imperial examinations?”
“An… idiot…?” Liu Mengmei was dumbfounded, then his face turned as red as chicken blood, and he angrily said, “If you’re an idiot… then what am I… what is everyone else? I sincerely seek your advice, why do you mock me?”
Mei Qing smiled bitterly, “Mr. Liu, if you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do. But since childhood, it was indeed so. Although my memory was exceptional, I couldn’t think independently until I was over ten years old, when I suddenly recovered. Because of my family’s legacy, I had a means of livelihood, so I didn’t pursue the path of imperial examinations.”
Liu Mengmei’s expression softened, and he said with great embarrassment, “It was my fault for being so abrupt. But with your talents, it’s a pity.”
Mei Qing shook his head with a smile, “There are always greater mountains beyond the mountains, and greater people beyond the people. As for my abilities, in the grand scheme of things, what do they amount to? As for you, Mr. Liu, at such a young age, you are far better than I was at your age.”
Liu Mengmei, feeling flattered by Mei Qing’s praise, became excited again, pulling Mei Qing and starting to discuss the unclear points in his studies, treating Mei Qing as a teacher.
Watching Liu Mengmei’s figure as he walked away, constantly turning back to wave, Bi Zhen said with a hint of jealousy, “He’s quite the romantic, isn’t he? Do you feel a kindred spirit? I saw how your eyes almost popped out when he mentioned a fairy.”
Mei Qing laughed, “Fairies do exist, but I’ve already stolen one to my side, so what’s there to feel a kindred spirit about? That boy is facing a treasure mountain without realizing it, it’s his own foolishness.”
Bi Zhen smiled but snorted, “You just say nice things!” Then she asked, “You’ve been probing him for information, and now we know the location. Shall we go and take a look?”
Mei Qing shook his head and communicated with Bi Zhen through his thoughts, “Let’s go back and see if anyone follows us.”
Bi Zhen was startled but didn’t show it, continuing to chat and laugh with Mei Qing as they walked back the way they came.
“Please wait a moment,” a hoarse voice called from behind.
Mei Qing and Bi Zhen turned to see the old man who had been chatting with the woodcutter in the teahouse earlier.
The old man wore a square scarf, a brown robe, and simple boots. He appeared to be around fifty, with a beard and sideburns that had turned gray, giving him a somewhat aged appearance. His face, however, was smooth as jade, and he was smiling warmly.
“Old sir, how may we assist you?” Mei Qing turned and asked.
“Ah, it was I who was a bit rash. Just now, I overheard this young man’s clear and upright speech, and his extraordinary knowledge. I’ve lived here for a long time but have never seen such a young talent. I was a bit abrupt and wanted to invite you for a chat, if you don’t mind?” the old man asked with a smile.
Bi Zhen was about to nod in agreement, but Mei Qing stepped forward and bowed, “It’s an honor to be noticed by you, sir. However, my brother and I are here visiting relatives, and we didn’t inform them of our outing today. It’s getting late, and we must return. May I ask where you reside, so we can visit tomorrow after informing our family?”
The old man chuckled, “Indeed, you are mature beyond your years, handling things properly. Very well, I won’t be coy. Tomorrow, I’ll prepare and wait for you. My humble abode is about four or five miles ahead, by the roadside. My surname is Liu, from Hedong. You can ask around when you arrive.”
Mei Qing quickly introduced himself and Bi Zhen, claiming to be from the capital, having arrived a few days ago to visit relatives and explore the mountains. The old man laughed, “My surname is Liu, and yours is Mei, fitting the phrase ‘Plum and Willow Cross the River in Spring.'”
Mei Qing and Bi Zhen smiled, agreed on a time, and bid farewell to Old Man Liu, slowly walking away along the road.
“How did you know he would follow us?” Bi Zhen asked through her thoughts. “Since you knew he had ulterior motives, why did you decline his invitation to chat and wait until tomorrow?”
Mei Qing smiled and countered, “Didn’t you notice something unusual about this old man?”
Bi Zhen frowned and thought for a moment, “No? I didn’t sense any fluctuations of true energy around him; he seemed like an ordinary old man.”
“Really?” Mei Qing hesitated, “I felt there was something unusual about him. Although the fluctuations of true energy weren’t obvious, there was something around him that subtly resisted my probing. Also, didn’t you notice that after we entered the teahouse, although he was chatting with his companion, his attention was actually focused on me the whole time?”
Bi Zhen was startled, “Does that mean the old man has ill intentions? Did you sense anything else?”
Mei Qing shook his head, “I didn’t sense any malice. It’s just that he was paying close attention to me, so I guessed he might approach us when we left, and I was right. But the situation is unclear, and it might be inappropriate to interact with him rashly. Besides, we’re strangers here, and if we appear too eager, it might arouse his suspicions. That’s why I postponed it to tomorrow, to go back and ask my mother-in-law for advice. It also gives him some time, so he doesn’t think we have any ulterior motives.”
Bi Zhen laughed, “You’re always so cunning, always scheming, aren’t you tired? But since the old man was secretly watching you, he probably didn’t have good intentions. Being cautious isn’t a bad thing.”
Liu Mengmei, with a touch of melancholy, said, “Even now, I’m not sure whether that experience of mine was a dream or if it really happened. If it was a dream, how could it feel so real? But if it was real, why can’t I find that place no matter how hard I look?”
Mei Qing pondered for a moment before slowly responding, “Mr. Liu, in all these years of your relentless search, have you ever managed to pinpoint the location where you started your journey that day?”
Liu Mengmei nodded, “Although I was young and terrified at the time, over the years, through my continuous searching, I’ve roughly figured out the direction I was heading. Even the towering ginkgo tree on the hilltop where I fell matches my memory perfectly. However, descending from that hill where the ginkgo tree stands, where I should have fainted, there’s only a deep ravine. There’s no sign of the Plum Blossom Valley, not even a flat piece of land. I wonder if the fairy who saved me took me somewhere else after rescuing me? Otherwise, having walked around that area countless times, I should have found such a valley.”
Mei Qing nodded in agreement and then asked, “Is this trip of yours, Mr. Liu, another attempt to find the Plum Valley?”
Liu Mengmei’s face flushed slightly, and he said somewhat sheepishly, “In the past, I thought perhaps the fairy had told me to focus on my studies and wouldn’t appear to me until I had achieved something academically. Last year, I worked very hard and ranked high in the provincial examination, finally fulfilling the fairy’s advice. So, I’ve been indulging in some wishful thinking these days, hoping to revisit the old place in case a miracle might occur.”
Mei Qing shook his head with a smile, “Mr. Liu, I think you might have misunderstood. The fairy’s encouragement was meant for you to understand your parents’ hopes for you to succeed, not just academically. If you take my advice, you should continue to strive, cultivate yourself, manage your family, and achieve something significant. That might bring you closer to the fairy’s intentions. Otherwise, just aimlessly searching like this might not yield any results.”
Liu Mengmei, feeling somewhat indignant, retorted, “Mr. Mei, your words are mistaken. If one talks about cultivating oneself, managing a family, governing a state, and bringing peace to the world, how can one achieve these without education? Although I am young, my academic achievements rank among the top in De’an Prefecture. I dare not belittle my own talents. If you don’t believe me, feel free to test me!”
Seeing Liu Mengmei’s defiant expression, Mei Qing couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. He thought to himself that Liu Mengmei’s words were not false, but the young man seemed too obsessed with finding a mythical place, which might lead him to waste his life. Therefore, Mei Qing wanted to wake him up a bit. However, Liu Mengmei, with his youthful spirit, immediately countered Mei Qing’s words with defiance.
Mei Qing remained silent, but Bi Zhen, standing behind him, was not satisfied and kept urging him to humble the arrogant young man. Seeing that Mei Qing pretended not to care, Bi Zhen immediately scolded him in her thoughts, “Bad Aqing, if you don’t put this arrogant boy in his place, I won’t go with you to find the Plum Valley!”
Mei Qing could only smile wryly and said, “Mr. Liu, what are you saying? I haven’t even entered school, how could I dare to test you? However, all knowledge in the world ultimately converges. If you’re willing, we can discuss and learn from each other.”
Liu Mengmei, with his youthful eagerness, immediately started asking questions and debating with Mei Qing.
At first, Liu Mengmei was excited, eager to showcase his knowledge. But soon, he began to falter. Before long, his face turned pale, and he hung his head in defeat, unable to speak.
This was not surprising, as Mei Qing was an extraordinary individual, possibly one of the best in the cultivation world in terms of memory. He could recall dozens of ancient texts, their phrases, sources, interpretations, and corrections with ease, something Liu Mengmei, a mere child, could not match.
“Brother Mei, you are truly talented. This contest… I have lost,” Liu Mengmei said with a red face, struggling to speak softly. “May I ask under which great master you studied? You must have achieved fame long ago?”
Mei Qing shook his head with a smile, “I have no master, nor have I achieved any fame.”
“Then why is that?” Liu Mengmei asked in surprise. “Do you not seek these, wishing to follow the path of Xu You?”
“Not at all,” Mei Qing replied with a bitter smile. “Since childhood, I was considered a fool. How could I enter school or find a master, let alone pursue the path of imperial examinations?”
“A fool…?” Liu Mengmei was stunned, then his face turned as red as chicken blood, and he said angrily, “If you are a fool… then what am I? What is the rest of the world? I sincerely seek your advice, why do you mock me?”
Mei Qing smiled bitterly, “Mr. Liu, if you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do. But since childhood, it has been so. Although I have an exceptional memory, I couldn’t think independently until I was cured in my teens. Because of my family’s support, I didn’t pursue the path of imperial examinations.”
Liu Mengmei’s expression softened, and he said somewhat apologetically, “I was too abrupt. But with your talents, it’s a pity.”
Mei Qing shook his head with a smile, “There are always greater mountains beyond the ones we see, and more talented people beyond ourselves. My abilities are nothing in the grand scheme of things. As for you, Mr. Liu, at such a young age, you are far more capable than I was at your age.”
Liu Mengmei, flattered by Mei Qing’s words, became excited again and started discussing his academic doubts with Mei Qing, treating him almost like a teacher.
Watching Liu Mengmei’s figure receding into the distance, still waving, Bi Zhen said with a hint of jealousy, “He’s quite the romantic, isn’t he? Do you feel a kindred spirit? I saw how your eyes almost popped out when he mentioned a fairy.”
Mei Qing laughed, “Fairies do exist, but I’ve already stolen one to my side, so what’s there to feel kindred about? That boy is facing a treasure mountain without realizing it, that’s his stupidity.”
Bi Zhen smiled but snorted, “You just talk sweet!” Then she asked, “Earlier, you were probing him for information and now you’ve got the location. Shall we go and check it out?”
Mei Qing shook his head and communicated with Bi Zhen through his thoughts, “Let’s go back and see if anyone follows us.”
Bi Zhen was startled but didn’t show it. She continued to chat and laugh with Mei Qing as they walked back the way they came.
“Please wait a moment,” a hoarse voice called from behind them.
Mei Qing and Bi Zhen turned to see an old man who had been chatting with a woodcutter in the teahouse earlier.
The old man wore a square scarf, a brown robe, and simple boots. He appeared to be in his fifties, with a beard and sideburns that were already gray, giving him a somewhat aged appearance. His face, however, was smooth as jade, and he was smiling.
“Old sir, what can we do for you?” Mei Qing asked, turning around.
“Ah, I was a bit rash. Just now, I heard this young man speak with such clarity and knowledge. Having lived here for so long, I’ve never seen such a talented young man. I was a bit abrupt, but I’d like to invite you for a chat, if you don’t mind?” the old man asked with a smile.
Bi Zhen was about to nod in agreement, but Mei Qing stepped forward and bowed, “It’s an honor to be noticed by you, sir. However, my brother and I are here visiting relatives and didn’t inform them of our outing today. It’s getting late, and we must return. May I ask where you reside, so we can visit you tomorrow after informing our family?”
The old man chuckled, “Indeed, you are mature and thoughtful for your age. Very well, I won’t be presumptuous. Tomorrow, I’ll be waiting. My humble abode is about four or five miles ahead, just by the roadside. My surname is Liu, from Hedong. You can ask around when you arrive.”
Mei Qing quickly introduced himself and Bi Zhen, claiming they were from the capital and had arrived a few days ago to visit relatives and explore the mountains. The old man laughed, “My surname is Liu, and yours is Mei, fitting the phrase ‘Plum and Willow Cross the River in Spring.'”
Mei Qing and Bi Zhen smiled, agreed on a time, and then bid farewell to Old Liu, turning to walk slowly along the road.
“How did you know he would follow us?” Bi Zhen asked through her thoughts. “Since you knew he had ulterior motives, why did you decline his invitation to chat and wait until tomorrow?”
Mei Qing smiled and asked in return, “Didn’t you notice something unusual about this old man?”
Bi Zhen frowned and thought for a moment, “No? I didn’t sense any fluctuation of true energy around him. He seemed like an ordinary old man.”
“Really?” Mei Qing hesitated, “I felt there was something unusual about him. Although the fluctuation of true energy wasn’t obvious, there was something around him that subtly resisted my probing. Also, didn’t you notice that after we entered the teahouse, although he was chatting with the people at his table, his attention was actually on me the whole time?”
Bi Zhen was startled, “Does that mean the old man has ill intentions? Did you sense anything else?”
Mei Qing shook his head, “I didn’t sense any malice. But I felt he was always watching me, so I guessed he might approach us when we left, and I was right. However, the situation is unclear, and it might be inappropriate to engage with him hastily. Besides, we are strangers here, and if we appear too eager to connect, it might arouse his suspicions. That’s why I postponed it until tomorrow, to go home and ask my mother-in-law for advice. It also gives him some time to think, so he doesn’t suspect us of having any schemes.”
Bi Zhen laughed, “You always have so many schemes, always calculating, aren’t you tired? But since the old man was secretly watching you, it’s probably not with good intentions. Being cautious isn’t a bad thing.”
Mei Qing didn’t respond, but Bizhen behind him was clearly displeased and kept urging him to put the arrogant youth in his place. When Mei Qing pretended not to notice, she immediately sent a sharp mental message: “Naughty Qing, if you don’t teach this arrogant kid a lesson, I won’t go with you to find the plum blossom valley anymore!”
Mei Qing could only smile bitterly and reply, “Master Liu, I haven’t even entered a school, how could I dare to test you? However, all knowledge ultimately converges into one path. If you’re willing, we can certainly discuss and exchange ideas.”
Eager to show off his talent, Liu Mengmei immediately began asking questions. At first, he was excited, but soon his enthusiasm began to wane. Before long, his face turned pale, and finally, he lowered his head, looking dejected and tongue-tied.
It wasn’t hard to understand. Mei Qing was a prodigy, perhaps even among the top in the cultivation world for his memory. Being able to recall everything at a glance was an understatement. When discussing a particular passage, he could quote dozens of ancient texts, explaining the phrases, their sources, interpretations, and corrections with ease—effortlessly pulling out references that a kid like Liu Mengmei could never match.
“Master Mei, you truly are talented. I’ve lost this match,” Liu Mengmei said, blushing with embarrassment. “May I ask which esteemed master you studied under? I imagine you’ve already achieved great academic success?”
Mei Qing smiled and shook his head: “I have no master, nor any academic honors.”
“What?!” Liu Mengmei exclaimed in surprise. “Then are you choosing to live like Xu You?”
“No, I was just born dull-witted,” Mei Qing smiled bitterly. “Everyone saw me as an idiot, so how could I enter a school, find a teacher, or pursue the imperial examination path?”
“An idiot…?” Liu Mengmei was stunned, then his face turned red with anger. “If you’re still considered an idiot, then what does that make me? Are you mocking me?”
Mei Qing smiled wryly: “If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do. I really was like that since childhood—although I had an extraordinary memory, I couldn’t think for myself. It wasn’t until I reached adulthood that I suddenly recovered. Since I inherited a position through my ancestors, I didn’t need to pursue the imperial examinations.”
After hearing this, Liu Mengmei’s expression softened a bit, and he felt somewhat embarrassed: “I was too hasty. But with your talent, it’s still a pity.”
Mei Qing shook his head and laughed: “There’s always someone better beyond the mountains and beyond people. Compared to the entire world, what am I? As for you, Master Liu, being so young and already so accomplished, you’re far superior to me back then.”
Hearing Mei Qing’s praise, Liu Mengmei became excited again, grabbed Mei Qing’s hand, and began discussing his academic doubts, treating Mei Qing like a teacher.
Watching Liu Mengmei’s figure gradually disappear while still turning back to wave, Bizhen said with a hint of jealousy: “What a romantic soul! Don’t you feel you two are kindred spirits? I saw how wide your eyes opened when he mentioned the fairy.”
Mei Qing laughed: “Of course there are fairies, but I’ve already stolen one for myself. What more could I want? That kid doesn’t realize his own fortune—he’s just too foolish.”
Bizhen smiled but still huffed: “Just talking sweetly!” Then she asked, “Earlier, you kept asking him questions and got the location clear. Shall we go check it out now?”
Mei Qing shook his head and sent a mental message to Bizhen: “Let’s go back and see if anyone follows us.”
Bizhen was startled but showed no emotion on her face, following Mei Qing as they walked back along the path, chatting casually.
“Hold on a moment, young sirs,” a suddenly aged voice called from behind.
Mei Qing and Bizhen turned around and saw the old man who had been chatting with the woodcutter in the teahouse earlier.
The old man wore a square-collared headpiece, a brown robe, and simple shoes. He looked about fifty, though his beard and temples were already streaked with gray, giving him an aged appearance. Yet his face was smooth like jade, with a warm smile.
“Esteemed elder, may I ask what you require of us?” Mei Qing turned and asked.
“Hehe, I fear I’ve been rather impulsive,” the old man chuckled. “Earlier, I overheard this young man’s refined speech and impressive knowledge. Having lived here for a long time, I’ve never met such a talented youth. In my eagerness, I wanted to invite you both for a chat. Would that be acceptable to you, young sir?”
Before Bizhen could nod in agreement, Mei Qing stepped forward to bow: “It is a great honor for us to receive your attention. However, my brother and I are visiting relatives from afar, and we haven’t informed our hosts that we’ve gone out. It’s getting late, so we must return. May I ask where you reside, so we may call upon you tomorrow?”
The old man laughed heartily: “Indeed, you are mature beyond your years, very proper. Very well then, I shall prepare for your visit tomorrow. My humble dwelling is about four or five miles from here, a house by the roadside. My surname is Liu, from Hedong. You may inquire about me when you come.”
Mei Qing hurriedly introduced himself and Bizhen, claiming they were from the capital and had come here a few days ago to visit relatives and enjoy the mountains. The old man laughed again: “You are surnamed Mei, and I am surnamed Liu—how fitting, like ‘plum and willow crossing the river in spring.'”
After exchanging smiles and agreeing on a time, the two bid farewell to Master Liu and slowly walked along the path.
“How did you know he would follow us?” Bizhen asked through mental communication. “And since you sensed he had ulterior motives, why did you refuse his invitation to talk today and instead postponed it to tomorrow?”
Mei Qing smiled and countered, “Didn’t you notice something unusual about this old man?”
Bizhen frowned thoughtfully: “No? I couldn’t sense any qi around him; he seemed like an ordinary old man.”
“Really?” Mei Qing looked doubtful. “I felt there was something peculiar about him. Although his qi wasn’t obvious, there was a subtle barrier around him that resisted my probing. Also, did you notice that ever since we entered the teahouse, although he was chatting with others, his attention was actually on me the whole time.”
Bizhen was startled: “Could this old man have ill intentions? Did you sense anything else?”
Mei Qing shook his head: “I didn’t detect any malice. But I did feel he was watching me, so I guessed he would approach us when we left. And indeed, I was right. However, since we don’t know the situation yet, it would be unwise to engage with him rashly. Besides, we’re strangers here. If we appear too eager to connect, it might raise his suspicions. That’s why I postponed it to tomorrow, so we can go home and ask my mother-in-law for advice. Also, it gives us time to observe him further and avoid giving him the wrong impression.”
Bizhen smiled: “You’re always scheming and calculating. I don’t know how you don’t get tired. But that old man secretly watching you—surely he doesn’t have good intentions. Being cautious isn’t a bad thing.”
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