Chapter 210: Chapter 203: Leaving Seclusion in Disarray, Deeper Into the Cocoon

Li Xian knew well that Madam could not move, let alone meet anyone. But what Li Bo Hou mentioned was of great importance, involving the Dragon Appreciation Banquet.

Pondering in his heart, he decided to have the two remain, and wait for Madam’s decision.

So he said, “Madam is in closed retreat and will likely not emerge easily within three days. Since you’ve come from afar, why not stay at the manor for a while? You’ll certainly be able to see Madam within three days at the latest. Yihetang Manor is vast and beautiful. If you are willing to appreciate it, I can accompany you throughout.”

Li Bo Hou saw the wind and snow howling outside, the sky cold and frozen. Not being able to deliver the message directly was indeed not ideal, but waiting a few days was no harm. He said, “Please convey the message first, if Madam does not wish to come out of retreat immediately, my daughter and I will stay in the manor for two days.”

“Hmph.” Li Haitang was clearly displeased. After Li Xian left, she said to Li Bo Hou, “This Lady Zhe Jian is really something. Last time she came, she made me wait a whole night, fine. But this time, father comes, and she does the same.”

“We are only doing this for her benefit, yet it seems she’s ungrateful.”

“Haitang.” Li Bo Hou warned, “Do not speak recklessly. When walking the Jianghu, one must be cautious in words and actions. If you continue like this, you will suffer one day.”

The two of them sat quietly in the Reception Hall. Li Haitang felt extremely bored, looking around listlessly. Li Bo Hou, however, remained composed, knowing that the matter, though urgent, was not pressing for a day or two.

After sitting for almost half an incense stick, he stood up to stretch his muscles. His peripheral vision caught sight of the decor in the hall, and he was immediately drawn to it, with his boredom vanishing.

“These carvings are indeed rare.” Li Bo Hou gently touched a porcelain piece and murmured, “Amazing, this is ancient. A phoenix spreading its wings, golden rain descending, this is a noble pattern from the Yu Dynasty.”

With profound knowledge, his gaze shifted to another spot. He walked to a potted plant and marveled, “A Fortune Pine. This pine’s body is jade-like and shaped as if a child is welcoming with both hands. Such a pine must cost quite a bit of silver.”

Li Haitang said, “Father, it’s just a tree, isn’t it?”

Li Bo Hou shook his head, patiently instructing, “Ah, no matter how much I teach you, you just don’t learn. For a Martial Artist, vision and discernment in appreciating objects are extremely important.”

“You must be able to appreciate objects to appreciate people and situations.”

“It is indeed just a tree. But look at those pine needles, their tips are golden without being dry. The fragrance is refreshing, calming the mind when inhaled. This tree must have been sourced from the high regions of Su Mountain.”

“Such high-mountain pines cannot survive at low altitudes. Yet here it grows obediently in a copper pot, acting as a door-facing little host.”

“The techniques, effort, and expense involved are considerable.”

“The strength and character of a Martial Artist can be somewhat deduced from the things they possess.”

Li Haitang was indifferent and curiously asked, “Then father, what kind of person do you think this Lady Zhe Jian is?”

Li Bo Hou said, “It is impolite to speak of others behind their backs.” Li Haitang immediately fell silent. She wasn’t afraid of her father’s scoldings, but feared Lady Zhe Jian.

Li Bo Hou, having mentioned this, secretly observed, trying to gauge Madam’s temperament. Seeing the luxurious decor in the room, he guessed Madam was of noble spirit. Yet, with arrangements like the guest-welcoming pine and the cloud furnace… these are items with an air of remote mountains and solitary travelers.

Complex and ever-changing, with no definite nature.

Li Bo Hou sighed, “It seems this Lady Zhe Jian is not so easy to understand.” His interest piqued, he held his tea, gazing at each porcelain, screen, and painting for a long time.

Li Xian went directly to Jingxin Tower. The candlelight was faint red, reflecting Madam as delicate and supple as red and white jade. Slightly struggling.

Li Xian said, “Madam, Li Bo Hou has come to see you, saying he has important matters to consult.”

Madam Wen exhaled a turbid breath, her charming face was rosy. The Silkworm Robe Mismatched Jade Technique had reached the 5th Floor. The operation of energy and the Inner Cultivation Method were both different, complicated like a tangled ball of thread.

She was quite unaccustomed, crossing the river by feeling the stones, so focused she didn’t notice Li Xian ascending the tower.

Madam Wen, with a slight sweat on her forehead, said, “Let him wait, treat him well.”

Li Xian said, “He mentioned it’s related to the Dragon Appreciation Banquet, and closely concerns Madam.”

“It’s fine, let him wait.” Madam Wen replied. Sweat dripped, glistening in the candlelight, as her Silk Clothing shimmered transparently.

Li Xian immediately relayed the message. Li Bo Hou said, “If that’s the case, we’ll stay a few days.” His temperament was good, showing understanding.

Li Xian praised in his heart, “This Li Bo Hou is indeed a man of great capability, with excellent temperament. It is precisely because of this that his daughter is so spoiled.”

Personally accompanying, arranging a refined residence for the two, along the way, the flower gardens were splendid, the scenery serene. The green willows mingled with the cold wind, lotus flowers were mixed with frost and snow, the four seasons confused, the meaning unique.

Li Bo Hou admired the lake and the garden, exclaiming, “Your Madam has exquisite taste.”

About the flowers, trees, and landscape designs in the garden, he could speak of the underlying meanings and the anecdotes they contained… many nuances.

Li Xian was greatly impressed; he saw the manor’s scenery every day. Yet he never understood how to appreciate them; at first glance, they seemed beautiful and elegantly arranged. Upon another look, they also felt beautiful, but over time, they became invisible, and felt monotonous.

Now, through hearsay, knowing the nuances, he suddenly felt enlightened. Seeing the mountain wasn’t a mountain, seeing the water wasn’t water.

The scenery was the same, but the Mental Realm had changed.

So he actively sought advice.

Li Bo Hou, graceful and elegant, with a gentle nature, did not hesitate to teach. Walking and talking along the way, pointing and examining, they got along very well.

After a tour of the garden, Li Xian’s knowledge expanded greatly.

Upon arriving at the guest residence. Li Bo Hou stopped, sighing, “If only my Haitang were as eager to learn as you.”

Li Xian said, “Miss Haitang is lively by nature, not being interested in these scenic intricacies is normal.”

“Knowledge can perceive much.” Li Bo Hou shook his head and said, “In Jianghu, when catching criminals and solving mysteries, one needs a rich knowledge base, only then can one turn danger into safety.”

“Brother Li, if you are interested, you can still come to me tomorrow. I find our conversation enjoyable, as our spirits resonate well.”

Li Xian joyfully said, “I’d be honored!”

The next day.

Li Xian visited early in the morning. Outside the guest residence, Li Haitang was practicing martial arts, with a sword in one hand and a whip in the other, wearing light clothing.

Upon seeing Li Xian, she raised her eyebrows, intending to show off. Her moves changed suddenly, tossing the sword upwards while bending her foot backward like a scorpion’s tail, kicking the sword towards Li Xian. Then she flicked the whip, which coiled around the sword handle. With every flick of the whip, the sword gleamed, almost like controlling it from afar!

The sword’s momentum was exhausted, followed closely by the whip’s force. Continuously swinging, blending strength with softness, occasionally slicing out some streaks of brilliant sword light.

This was Li Xian’s first time witnessing Li Haitang’s skills, and he praised internally, “Such profound martial arts! Truly a disciple of the Divine Hunter, mastering both sword and whip! Although this is our second meeting, it’s my first time seeing her skills!”

After Li Haitang finished her performance, Li Xian applauded and laughed, “What excellent skills, what a heroic demeanor! Haitang girl is formidable!”

Li Haitang couldn’t hide her joy and said, “I want to go out and play. Since you’re here, accompany me.”

“No,” Li Xian replied with a smile. “I came to see Elder Brother Hou.”

“Hahaha.” Li Bo Hou emerged from the guest residence, stretched, and said, “Brother Li, you’re here so early.”

Li Xian said, “I was thinking all night about the opportunity to tour the garden with Elder Brother Hou, eager and excited the whole night.”

Li Bo Hou laughed, “It’s rare for you to be so enthusiastic.”

He said to Haitang, “Haitang, you’re not interested in these things. In one ear and out the other. Brother Li is interested. You go play by yourself.”

Li Haitang stomped her foot angrily and said, “I’ll go too. I must see for myself what’s so interesting about these rocks and flowers!”

She tagged along as well.

“Hahaha, don’t mind this girl.” Li Bo Hou shook his head with a chuckle and walked ahead with Li Xian.

The garden offered a hundred sights, from stone forests to bird and flower pavilions and rock gardens. Li Xian led the way while Li Bo Hou explained. Li Haitang followed, bored.

After walking for half an hour, they felt greatly enlightened.

Li Bo Hou sighed in his heart, “Such a good daughter, if you don’t strive harder, others will be learning your father’s true skills instead.”

When they reached the “Frost Listening Pavilion,” Li Haitang shouted to rest. The three sat in the pavilion, where the scenery was vast. A small mountain was behind, a lake in front. The frost wind blew over the lake.

As it flowed into the pavilion, there seemed to be a faint melody.

“Father, how does this place have a melody?” Li Haitang asked curiously.

Li Bo Hou stood with his hands behind his back, pointing to the surroundings, and said, “The mystery lies in the scenery. The flowers, grass, and trees around the pavilion are carefully arranged. During the big winter days, frost crystals form among them, and when the frost wind blows through, it produces a faint, crisp sound. All these elements come together to create this frost music piece.”

Li Xian asked, “Elder Brother, could you tell me about your stories of hunting down villains? I’m quite in awe.”

“Of course, of course,” Li Bo Hou said. “As a Qingning Martial Captain, technically we’re in the same line of work…”

Li Haitang interjected, “Father, how can a mere Martial Captain compare to you?” She didn’t dislike Li Xian but felt defending her father was the most important.

Li Xian said, “Haitang girl’s words are spot on.” Li Haitang agreed wholeheartedly, nodding with a smile, “You’re quite sensible.”

Li Bo Hou said, “Let’s not talk about that. I know you’re stationed in Qingning and have accomplished a lot. I admired you even before we met.”

“Touring the garden with you today, I find you neither arrogant nor impatient, much more composed than Haitang. Since you mentioned catching thieves and villains, I could share some tips. It wouldn’t hurt.”

Li Xian was taken aback and said, “It’s an honor, Elder Brother. Just on our first meeting, I dare not accept such a gift.”

“Hahaha,” Li Bo Hou laughed heartily. “I’m not passing on any martial arts legacy. It’s just experience. Learning it could help you catch villains.”

He briefly went over the essentials. Li Xian took mental notes, asking any questions as they arose.

For three consecutive days.

The manor was vast and difficult to explore fully.

At noon on this day, Madam was about to come out of seclusion.

In the Reception Hall, Li Xian arranged for Li Bo Hou and his daughter to sit, brewing Calm Qi Dragon Tea, ensuring proper etiquette. He said, “Elder Brother, Haitang girl, please wait a moment while I go see if Madam wishes to meet.”

Li Bo Hou sipped the tea and waved, “Go ahead.” Li Haitang watched him leave.

Li Bo Hou asked, “Haitang, how do you feel about these past few days?” Li Haitang’s cheek blushed slightly, “He’s quite handsome, very polite, and speaks courteously. It’s just that, like father, he has a penchant for strange things.”

“Not bad, not bad,” Li Bo Hou nodded with a smile.

He sighed softly:

“Elsewhere, he could be considered a budding prodigy, but under Wen Caishang, I fear he’s like a guest pine trapped in a copper basin. But nothing is absolute; life is unpredictable. Perhaps he can break free from his shackles?”

…

In Jingxin Tower.

Li Xian helped Madam remove the silkworm robe, soaked with sweat. The silk rope was fine and delicate, becoming extremely slippery when wet. After some effort, it was finally removed.

Madam Wen asked, “Is Li Bo Hou still in the manor?”

“Still here,” Li Xian replied. “Elder Brother is humble and amiable. I enjoy our conversations.”

“Very well, take me to see him,” Madam Wen said, putting on a white robe.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep