Chapter 25: A Touch of Lingxi, Blossoms of Wonder Emerged

After leaving the Wuhua Pavilion, the two made their way down the mountain. Suddenly, Xia Zhaoyun noticed a pavilion in the distance, with green tiles and red walls. Curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, "What place is that?"

Hua Junsi followed Xia Zhaoyun's gaze and quickly replied, "That's Qingshui Pavilion, an old neighbor of Wuhua Pavilion. We don't usually have much interaction, except for exchanging small gifts during the holidays."

Xia Zhaoyun nodded and asked, "Who lives there?"

Hua Junsi replied, "I've never met the owner, but I've heard that a renowned doctor resides within. Beyond that, I don't know much."

As they gazed at the pavilion, smoke curled gently from the chimney, a sign that it was also a place touched by the ordinary fires of life.

After descending the mountain, they made their way toward the outskirts of the city. After walking for about half an hour, they finally arrived at the entrance of Lue Estate. For Xia Zhaoyun, a martial artist, the journey had been easy, but for Hua Junsi, it was a different story.

By the time they reached the estate's entrance, Hua Junsi was already out of breath. He pulled out a white handkerchief, carefully wiping the sweat from his forehead, and said, "Had I known it would be this tiring, I would have hired a carriage at the market."

Seeing his exhaustion, Xia Zhaoyun felt a pang of guilt. "Brother, it's my fault. I was too focused on the road and neglected how you were feeling."

Hua Junsi waved his hand dismissively, returning to his usual languid demeanor. "No harm done. This isn't your fault. I can only blame my own laziness. Maybe I should've taken your advice and learned a thing or two."

Xia Zhaoyun's eyes lit up with excitement. "If you're interested in learning, I would gladly teach you."

Hua Junsi immediately stepped back in alarm. "Brother, I was only joking."

Just then, a young girl of about ten appeared at the gate. Recognizing Hua Junsi at once, she said, "So it's Master Hua visiting! Please wait a moment, I will inform my mistress right away." With that, she skipped off inside.

Moments later, someone emerged from the estate. Her skin was fair, with small dimples on her cheeks, and her bright eyes sparkled with an almost ethereal charm. She smiled softly, a smile that could make hearts flutter. She moved gracefully, dressed in a flowing white gown, and when she saw Hua Junsi, her smile grew even more radiant.

This was Lingxi.

"Master Hua, what brings you here today?"

Hua Junsi glanced up at the sky, a thoughtful look on his face. "Judging by the wind, it must be an east-southeast breeze today."

Lingxi burst into laughter. "You're always the same whenever I see you, never changing one bit."

Hua Junsi replied, "Today, I'm not alone. I've brought my sworn brother, Xia Zhaoyun."

Lingxi cast a glance at Xia Zhaoyun, studying him with curiosity. "A sworn brother of Master Hua? I must get to know him better. Please, follow me." With that, Lingxi led them into Lue Estate.

The estate was filled with flowering trees, all of them green calyx plums. Each tree bore a different name, and as they passed, Xia Zhaoyun glimpsed a few: "Plum Hill Green Calyx," "Brocade Leaf Green Calyx," "Longevity Green Calyx," "Bean Green," "Late Green Calyx," "Osmanthus," and "Moon Shadow." Though it was not yet the blooming season, Xia Zhaoyun could imagine the breathtaking sight of the entire estate in full blossom.

After passing through the grove, they arrived at the main hall, which was adorned with many paintings. Xia Zhaoyun recalled Hua Junsi mentioning that Lingxi was an artist, and these paintings must be her work. Though he didn't understand art, even he could see that the paintings were vivid and lifelike, brimming with spirit.

Hua Junsi said, "Every time I visit your estate, I can't help but crave your homemade plum wine. Entertain Zhaoyun while I fetch the wine."

Hua Junsi's casual manner took Xia Zhaoyun by surprise. He acted as if this place were his own, freely taking the wine without even asking the host's permission. It was clear that the two were indeed very close.

After Hua Junsi left, Lingxi suddenly asked, "Do you find him a little strange?"

Xia Zhaoyun glanced at Lingxi, noticing her thoughtful gaze, unsure of her meaning. Not daring to respond hastily, he simply smiled awkwardly.

Lingxi laughed. "Don't be fooled by his gentle and feminine mannerisms. Deep down, he's as manly as they come."

Xia Zhaoyun nodded, half-understanding, and politely echoed, "Indeed, my brother's voice is rather soft and gentle."

Lingxi continued, "Aren't you curious as to why he is the way he is?"

Xia Zhaoyun immediately replied, "I dare not speculate."

Lingxi poured Xia Zhaoyun a cup of tea and motioned for him to sit. "You speak so politely, it makes you seem a bit reserved. Here at Lue Estate, there's no need for such formality. Hua is my friend, and as his sworn brother, you are naturally my friend as well. Friends should feel at home." She smiled sweetly, her dimples appearing briefly, giving her an irresistibly charming look.

This display of warmth eased Xia Zhaoyun's tension. He finally relaxed his arms and took a sip of the fragrant tea, its aroma delightful.

Lingxi went on, "The reason Hua seems so feminine is because of his mother. Madam Hua always wanted a daughter, so she raised him as one. This habit has stuck with him to this day."

Suddenly enlightened, Xia Zhaoyun thought to himself, "Madam Hua must be a peculiar person indeed." As this thought crossed his mind, his gaze drifted to the paintings on the wall, many of which depicted beautiful women.

Curious, he asked, "These paintings of women—are they all your friends?"

Lingxi shook her head quickly. "Not at all! I don't know a single one of them."

Surprised, Xia Zhaoyun asked, "Not a single one? Were these women all imagined?"

"Not exactly."

Now thoroughly confused, Xia Zhaoyun asked, "If you haven't seen them and they aren't from your imagination, how did you paint them?"

Lingxi gave a soft smile. "If you wish to know, follow me."

She led him into a studio, where she painted. Turning to Xia Zhaoyun, she asked, "Do you have someone in your heart?"

The sudden question caught Xia Zhaoyun off guard, and he blushed instantly. Stammering, he replied, "I—I think not."

Lingxi raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, 'think not'? Either you do or you don't. There's no room for uncertainty in such matters."

Xia Zhaoyun thought for a moment and sighed, "I truly don't know."

"No matter," Lingxi said. "Close your eyes. The first woman who appears in your mind is the one you hold dear."

Half skeptical, Xia Zhaoyun followed her instructions. In that brief moment, the face that appeared in his mind was none other than Shangguan Shuoyue. Startled, he immediately opened his eyes.

Lingxi laughed. "It seems your heart has already made its choice. Now, tell me about her appearance."

At that moment, Xia Zhaoyun's thoughts were swirling. Had Lingxi not pressed him, he might never have realized he had feelings for Shangguan Shuoyue. Ever since she left Hengshan without a word, he had lost track of her. He didn't know where she was now, or if fate would allow them to meet again. This thought made him sigh deeply.

Seeing his dejected look, Lingxi smiled. "Don't sigh, young man. You will see the one you long for again."

"Really?" Xia Zhaoyun asked, his voice filled with the innocence of a child.

"Of course," Lingxi said with confidence. "Now, describe this young lady for me."

Xia Zhaoyun's memories of Shangguan Shuoyue began to surface, and as he recalled her, he spoke slowly, "She has long lashes, a delicate oval face, and her eyes are beautiful—clear and bright. Like you, she also has dimples when she smiles. Oh, and she loves to laugh."

As he described her, Lingxi painted. About the time it took for a stick of incense to burn, the painting was complete. She held it up for Xia Zhaoyun to see, and he was stunned. The woman in the painting looked exactly like Shangguan Shuoyue, just as she appeared in his memory.

Xia Zhaoyun couldn't help but exclaim, "Lingxi, you truly have a gift. You've captured someone you've never met with such astonishing likeness."

Lingxi smiled. "This painting is my gift to you."