Xu Feng’s long and rounded fingers unfolded the crumpled letter, ironing it straight with deliberate patience. His gaze shifting from the neat handwriting that adorned the page to the peculiar symbols that decorated the bottom section of paper.
It was a simple letter, devoid of any pressing information, yet it was the strange characters at the end that held his attention.
As he read through the contents, his expression remained composed, betraying no hint of the curiosity that gnawed at him from within. He was a master at concealing his emotions, his calmness a mask that few could penetrate.
Beside the letter lay another piece of paper, previously folded and neatly stored away, yet still bearing the markings of their ticulous planning.
It was their decoding sheet, a tool crafted in anticipation of encounters such as these. He and Momo had prepared for the old foxes of the Bai and Deng families, though perhaps not as thoroughly as they should have.
anwhile, Xu Hu Zhe stood above him, devouring the at buns with relish. The savory fillings, a combination of pheasant and boar, tantalized his taste buds, reminiscent of the culinary delights Xu Feng often prepared.
They were buns made by San the previous day, and had been reheated. Her cooking skills were only getting better with ti, and it was inching closer and closer to the level of Xu Feng’s cooking skills.
With each bite, he savored the flavors, his eyes never straying from the makeshift desk before him.
Though he enjoyed the food, his focus remained fixed on the letter and the mysterious symbols that adorned it. It was a puzzle waiting to be solved, a challenge that both intrigued and frustrated him in equal asure.
anwhile, the jar of jam, safely stowed away in his sleeves, remained untouched for now. It was a small comfort. But for now, their attention was consud by the task at hand, unraveling the secrets hidden within the ssage before them.
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The main contents of the letter is as follows:
Dear Xu Feng of the Xuan Family,
I hope this letter finds you well. I write back to inform you that I have safely arrived at my family’s estate in Jinghua, the capital of Donghua. It is quite exhilarating to be back among family once again, especially after spending so much ti alone in Yilin Town as the sole mber of our branch of the Bai family.
It has been over 14 moons since my safe arrival in Jinghua, yet I have barely scratched the surface of all the wonders this mansion has to offer. The treasures scavenged from what remained of my inheritance, combined with the goods we acquired from the old traveler, have created a rather impressive collection. Although I may no longer possess wealth of my own, I am grateful for the support of the main Bai family, who have graciously taken under their wing now that my immortal bloodline has been unleashed.
Speaking of which, I must admit that strutting around the estate as a mber of the immortal bloodline does have its perks. Unlike so, I have not resorted to deceiving my in-laws with fabricated tales of purity and farfetched hair coloring. Perhaps it would be wise for you to co clean to your family about the true strength of your lineage. Who knows, they may still accept you despite your less than pure blood.
Nevertheless, your main focus now should be on bearing healthy children for Xuan Yang, the esteed young master of the Xuan family to maintain your standing. You are of uncertain lineage after all, and you must firmly plant your feet in the Xuan family for your own sake. Do not allow your values to the Xuan young master to cloud your judgnt. You are a ger, and a ger has one duty and one way to secure their standing in an immortal bloodline rich family.
I have been diligently visiting the city’s shops and auction houses in search of treats to indulge you upon my return. Unfortunately, it may take so ti before I am able to make my way back to Nanshan Estate, as I have depleted much of my family’s wealth. I am currently awaiting the approval of a stipend from the Bai family elders, who have been eting to discuss my value and contribution to the family.
Rest assured, once I am able to return, I shall shower you with many delicious treats and beautiful flowers to adorn your courtyard. I can only hope that my efforts thus far have been enough to impress the elders and secure their support.
Yours sincerely,
Bai Mo,
Master of the Yilin Bai Family
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Translation of the decoded gibberish is as follows:
I made it safely, no doubt from the elders. They won’t let leave, but no trouble, just showing their power. Sorry for my rude words above, I don’t want them to target you in any way.
There are many shops to sell good quality tea and goods, 2 are my top contenders. The auction houses would be a good place for you to visit, many strange seeds are sold along with other items. There are eyes everywhere.
I miss ho, I have eaten almost all the food you sent with , I would ask for more, but not sure it would make it to . The old fox will not outwit the young fox.
Congratulations on becoming a child. We shall sit for the Juren exams in the fall, this ti no one will bother you.
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Xu Feng chuckled softly as he read the ssage from his friend, Bai Mo. The man’s pompous yet cunning nature brought a smile to his face. It was no surprise that Bai Mo had claid the top spot in the Xiucai exam; his intellect was unmatched.
And now he had beco more cunning and less of a recluse.
Taking up the items Xu Hu Zhe had arranged in the back of the courtyard before his arrival, Xu Feng swiftly penned a response with ink, quill, and fresh paper.
The setup was not ideal, but it would do.
His handwriting was neat and deliberate as he conveyed his "gratitude" and acknowledgnt of Bai Mo’s barbed "advice." It was all for show for the elders of the Bai and Deng families, and whoever else they would share the contents of these ssages with.
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The response letter read:
This one thanks Master Bai Mo for his favor and has heard his advice. This one has already told a lie, an untruth that cannot be taken back and will work hard to bear a child. The young master’s seed seems to be compromised, but his trusted servant is strong in bed.
We will conceive a child soon, this one is sure of it. This one congratulates the Master Bai on his Zhuàngyáu position; we shall learn from your lead, shall work hard in the fall to be worthy of your friendship. I look forward to the treasures you bring back and the glory from your esteed family.
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In a coded ssage at the end, Xu Feng wrote:
Momo, I’m pregnant. I miss you. And I’ll likely co to the capital after a full moon cycle and a few nights. I’ll contact you beforehand if you’re still in Jinghua. I have many goods to sell; we will be alright. I miss you friend, be safe.
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With a satisfied nod, Xu Feng set the letter aside for the ink to dry. After it was dry, it would need to be folded up neatly, then sealed with a dab of wax, and sent back to Jinghua with a ssenger. This part could be left up to Xu Hu Zhe.
Xu Feng trusted Xu Hu Zhe with most things.
Yes, he even knew about Xu Feng’s storage ring, they would need to work together to pack up the jars in this back courtyard and the ones stored down below in the cellar. There was only so much ti till Xu Feng was due. If it were a normal ger, they would already be on strict bed rest. And soon, Xu Feng would have to be too.
Xu Hu Zhe also knew about Xu Feng’s abilities—from his wood-based abilities, to cultivating in the Dong Ancestor’s space and all the information both Xuan Yang, and Xuan Jian shared with him about Dongzhou.
The biggest secret of all, he even that Xu Feng wasn’t from this continent. He knew more clearly than Xuan Yang and Xuan Jian, and Xu Feng wasn’t finished telling him everything. Xu Feng had promised they would take more before the children ca.
They’d even looked at maps together and discussed the truth, that there was more than the five nations of Dongzhou. Xu Hu Zhe was part of Xu Feng’s long term and short term plans. While San and Si couldn’t leave the continent, he wouldn’t leave Hu Zhe behind.
There was nothing Xu Feng held back from him—that he knew of... He was more than a servant to Xu Feng and Xu Feng was more than a master to him.
He would keep all the information in preparation for their future plans...
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