Feng Zheng

"Sister, are you alright?" 

It was not until she heard her brother's questioning voice that she realized that the arm around her waist had been withdrawn.

"Brother, I'm fine. Thank you Brother Xu for saving me." Wen Die bowed to Xu Wenwu.

"Since you call me Brother Xu, you don't need to be polite to me."

"Miss, I'm so sorry! There is moss growing on the stone where the oars are placed. I accidentally slipped just now and almost made you fall into the water. It's all my fault!" The boatman bowed and apologized repeatedly.

Wen Die replied: "Uncle, I'm fine. This was an accident. You don't need to blame yourself."

The boatman thanked her and said: "Thank you for your understanding, Miss. You are not only beautiful, but also kind-hearted."

Wen Die smiled embarrassedly.

Wen Yuan asked: "Brother Xu, do you know Qinggong?"

Xu Wenwu nodded and replied: "Yes, I've learned some basic techniques."

Wen Yuan said enviously: "There aren't many body movement formulas, I only know some punches and exercises for strength-building. I'm amazed to see you can use qinggong so well, despite being so young."

Xu Wenwu said: "Brother Wen Yuan, you are too kind. I only know a little bit."

Wen Yuan said: "Brother Xu, let's go and get a good seat first."

Qibao took in the view. The little island wasn't so little after all. Flowers bloomed in clusters, and dense green grass carpeted the ground. A faint floral scent filled the air. She spotted small pavilions here and there, and groups of people walked about in threes or twos.

Wen Yuan explained: "This island does have an owner. He's a nature lover who created this paradise. He couldn't bear to enjoy such beauty alone, so he opened it up for everyone. There's just one rule: Don't harm a single flower or blade of grass. If you do, you'll have to pay 100 taels of silver and can never set foot on the island again."

Xu Wenwu said: "Sounds like this island owner really loves flowers."

"Oh, he's a real flower fanatic! Dozens of different flowers are grown here, and he even hired a gardener just to look after them." Wen Yuan replied.

Qibao saw a pot of violet butterfly orchids in full bloom and was surprised. These orchids usually don't bloom this early in the season—about half a month too early. It looked like this gardener was really skilled.

Wen Yuan suggested: "Let's find a pavilion up ahead. It'll give us a better view of the sunset and the flowers in competition with each other."

As they moved forward, they encountered more and more people.

"Brother Xu, this pavilion has the least people, so let's sit down here and rest." Wen Yuan said.

The others had no objections and walked toward the pavilion together. They found empty seats inside.

The pavilion was built much higher than the ground, with a layer of steps leading up. The four of them climbed the steps to join a few teenagers already seated.

When these teenagers saw the newcomers, they turned to look at them. Their eyes lit up when they saw Wen Die's face.

Wen Yuan led his three companions to some empty seats and said: "Brother Xu, look below."

Xu Wenwu turned back to look at the path they'd taken. From this height, everything came into view. Just as Wen Yuan had said, it was like a sea of flowers—exactly as beautiful as he'd imagined!

Below the pavilion was a shimmering lake. The sun was setting, and the evening clouds had turned half the sky red. The reflection of the sunset on the water made it shine like red lotus blossoms, it was dazzlingly beautiful.

Xu Wenwu said: "The color of Xia is in vain to show the craftsmen, the divine work is ancient Xun, the clouds venture into the Peiyang, traveling and competing in flight, there is wine among the flowers, and the pines and cypresses have a lingering fragrance."

"Clap, clap"

Wen Yuan clapped: "Brother Xu is indeed very talented in writing! It's just that there are only flowers but no wine, what a pity."

Wen Die's gaze was full of hidden meaning as she looked at Xu Wenwu.

"May I ask your name, young man?" a youth inquired, hands cupped respectfully.

Xu Wenwu looked up at the speaker, noticing that while he seemed to be asking himself, his eyes kept glancing over at Wen Die.

Xu Wenwu crossed his arms, but said nothing.

Wen Yuan also noticed the youth's improper gazes, which annoyed him: "Who are you? Can you please tell us what you want?"

The youth dropped his polite act: "I overheard the poem by this young man. It's such a good fit for the view here. He must have prepared that long poem just to make a good impression on this beautiful lady!" He stroked his chin thoughtfully.

"Who are you? What does this conversation have to do with you?!" Wen Yuan snapped, growing agitated.

"Me? My Father is the governor of Xuanyang Town. My name is Feng Zheng." the youth replied smugly.

"That doesn't mean you can act so rashly in our Qingyun." Wen Yuan responded firmly.

Feng Zheng sneered: "I'm just telling the truth."

"Yes! Young Master Feng is only telling the truth. This pretty boy looks good, but he doesn't mean it. Miss Wen, don't let him fool you!" It was one of the people who had been sitting in the pavilion earlier.

Wen Yuan asked: "Are you from Qingyun City?"

The man replied: "No, I came from Xuanyang Town with Master Feng. I just met Master Wen, Miss Wen, and Magistrate Wen in Juxiang Pavilion a few days ago, so I recognized you."

"I think there's been a misunderstanding." Wen Yuan said quickly: "I think a few of you have misunderstood, this brother of mine is also coming to this place for the first time, it's still my impromptu intention, how could there be any talk of advance preparation!"

Feng Zheng, unfazed by the dismissive treatment, stepped up to Wen Die: "For a long time, I've heard about Wen Die, Lady of Qingyun, who's said to be as lovely as flower and jade, gentle and captivating. Meeting you now, it's clear that the stories don't do you justice. I brought some top-quality biluochun tea from this year's harvest, would you be willing to accept a taste?"

Wen Die didn't look at him, remaining seated without saying a word. Her refusal was obvious.

Feng Zheng looked somewhat embarrassed, and a hint of irritation flashed in his eyes. But he quickly put on a friendly smile again and said regretfully: "If Miss Wen isn't available, then I won't push the matter."

After speaking, he returned to his seat, pausing briefly as he passed Xu Wenwu.

Wen Yuan commented: "Brother Xu, I've heard about Feng Zheng. He's a well-known playboy, often hanging out at various brothels and small taverns. He's the youngest son of Xuanyang Town's governor. He's a late-born son, and his Father dotes on him."

Xu Wenwu remained silent, he had never bothered talking to such people.

Wen Yuan quickly changed the topic, saying: "Brother Xu, you will be leaving Qingyun City tomorrow, and we don't know when we'll meet next. It's rare to find a friend like you who we can really talk to."

Xu Wenwu said: "That's not difficult. Brother Wen, please come to Xujia Village to find me when you are free. You can stay as long as you want."

"Great." Wen Yuan replied: "It's not far anyway. When the time comes, I'll expect brother Xu to give me a proper tour of your village's customs and culture."

Xu Wenwu smiled: "Our village doesn't have many strict rules, and it's similar to others around. The only difference is, my family tends to eat more."

Wen Yuan chuckled: "That sounds perfect! I'll try everything delicious you have. I heard from Grandpa Xu that you also have a younger brother, and you two are twins?"

"Yes." Xu Wenwu confirmed: "There are seven siblings in my family. I'm the eldest, and the youngest is Qibao."

Wen Yuan said: "Your home must be quite lively, then?"

A small smile played on Xu Wenwu's lips as he answered: "Mm, my home is... very nice!"