Chapter 900: Caution and Planning (2)

It wouldn’t be too difficult to train another mynah bird to deliver messages after successfully training one in such a short time, right?

The next day, on his way to the Hanlin Academy, Mo Qingze "coincidentally" ran into Zhao Fengnian, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, who had just finished the morning court session and was heading to the government office to handle his official duties.

In the Da Chu, only officials of the fifth rank or higher were eligible to attend court, while those of the lower ranks had to arrive at their offices before the time of Chen (7-9 AM) to handle their duties. This allowed lower-ranked officials an extra hour of sleep compared to those of higher rank.

Seeing Zhao Fengnian’s face adorned with a benevolent smile, Mo Qingze, already aware of the man’s schemes, responded with a well-timed smile of his own. He made a respectful gesture of salutation as a subordinate would to a superior, greeting Zhao Fengnian, "This official greets Lord Zhao."

Seeing the favored minister of the crown prince show such respect, Zhao Fengnian felt quite pleased. However, noticing Mo Qingze’s indifferent expression, he thought it would be hard to build a closer relationship.

Remembering his mother’s words from the night before, Zhao Fengnian studied Mo Qingze, finding him more and more agreeable. Not only was Mo Qingze one of the most handsome scholars in the court, but his future was also bound to be bright. If they could become family, the benefits in the future would be immeasurable.

The more he thought about it, the more pleased Zhao Fengnian became, his wrinkled face breaking into a smile like a blooming chrysanthemum. He laid a familiar hand on Mo Qingze's shoulder, his tone growing even gentler. "As I’ve said before, we serve in the same court, no need for such formalities. Does Lord Mo not consider me a friend?"

The overly familiar tone made Mo Qingze’s skin crawl, and his expression became even more respectful. "Your Excellency is most considerate. I am truly grateful, but I cannot neglect the proper formalities. I would never dare to treat Your Excellency with disrespect."

Zhao Fengnian didn’t know whether to feel proud or frustrated. Though Mo Qingze seemed polite and courteous, it was clear that he wasn’t easily approached. Zhao Fengnian couldn’t exactly say, "Lord Mo, my niece has taken a liking to you. When would you be free to come to my house and propose?" If he said something so direct, his career in the court would be over, and the reputation of the Zhao family would be ruined.

After thinking for a while, Zhao Fengnian decided to bring up the matter more subtly. Seeing that there was no one nearby to overhear them, he cautiously asked, "I’ve heard that Lord Mo lives alone in the Scholar’s Residence, without anyone to care for you. Is that true?"

Mo Qingze’s eyes flickered, and he replied half-truthfully, "In response to Your Excellency, my family is impoverished. I had only one wife, but she passed away early. Since then, I have not remarried. Currently, there is an elderly couple taking care of my daily needs at the Scholar’s Residence."

Zhao Fengnian’s eyes brightened, and he pressed on, "Lord Mo is still young and highly favored by His Majesty. Your future prospects are undoubtedly bright. Have you never considered remarrying?"

Mo Qingze’s face immediately showed a hint of embarrassment, and he said, "I have no intention of remarrying, and I already have three children. What young lady would be willing to marry someone with children from a previous marriage?"

Zhao Fengnian frowned upon hearing this. Was Mo Qingze looking for a young unmarried woman, or someone from a good family background?

Mo Qingze didn’t care what Zhao Fengnian thought. He continued, "I already have children, so whether I remarry or not is of little concern to me. If I do meet someone suitable in the future, I won’t raise more children, as it would create imbalances and cause unrest in the family."

These words were from Mo Qingze’s heart. He genuinely had no intention of remarrying and certainly didn’t want more children. Having said this, he hoped that Zhao Fengnian would back off and abandon his matchmaking efforts. If the matter was pushed further, it would only lead to more trouble.

Zhao Fengnian felt somewhat disheartened. His brows furrowed deeply as he studied the serious-looking Mo Qingze, struggling to understand how someone could turn down the prospect of having more children. Was Mo Qingze aware of something and purposely using this excuse to shut him down?

[End of Chapter] 

 Chapter 899: Caution and Planning (1)

The night passed, and by the time Mo Yan woke up, the fifteen birds that had drunk from the spirit spring had been trained by Xue Tuanzi into real messenger birds.

Mo Yan was eager to test them out, so she immediately wrote a letter to her father, warning him to be cautious of Zhao Fengnian, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, and briefly explained the reason behind it. After writing the letter, she had one of the jet-black mynah birds deliver it.

The mynah bird was smart. Mo Yan carefully explained the address to it, and after confirming it understood and could find its way, she released the bird.

When Mo Qingze returned home in the evening, he found the messenger mynah bird perched on the steps outside the door of the Scholar’s Residence. At first, he thought the little creature was just resting, but to his surprise, it hopped onto his shoulder and extended a yellow claw toward him.

Noticing the letter tube attached to its leg, Mo Qingze paused. Uncertain whether the letter was for him, he initially didn’t plan to open it. Just as he was about to brush the bird off and continue on his way, the mynah bird pecked open the seal on the tube, its bright eyes fixed on him.

Amused, Mo Qingze reached out to poke the bird, which pecked his finger lightly while chirping with a "cheep-cheep" sound, looking surprisingly intelligent.

Smiling, Mo Qingze finally opened the letter in front of him. When he saw the familiar handwriting, his gaze shifted to the bird still perched on his shoulder, preening its feathers. A flash of understanding crossed his eyes. He carefully tucked the letter away and knocked on the door.

The door was opened by an elderly man, about sixty years old. Upon seeing Mo Qingze, the old man respectfully greeted him, "Master, you’re back!"

Mo Qingze smiled slightly and said, "Uncle Sun, I need to discuss something. Please tell Aunt Sun to delay dinner for half an hour."

"Yes, Master!" Uncle Sun hurriedly replied.

Uncle and Aunt Sun were a couple Mo Yan had bought from a shop recently to look after Mo Qingze’s daily needs. They were unfortunate people who had lost their son in middle age. Afterward, they lived with their only grandson and daughter-in-law. However, as they grew older and could no longer do farm work, they were kicked out by their grandson and granddaughter-in-law. With no other means of survival, they ended up selling themselves to find a living. But due to their age and lack of skills, no one wanted to buy them, even when they offered their services for a mere six taels of silver. Mo Yan happened to see them when the shop was about to turn them away, so she bought them and brought them home.

The couple now lived at the Scholar’s Residence, where they didn’t have to do much work. They mostly cleaned, washed clothes, and cooked for Mo Qingze, tasks that were relatively easy for the elderly couple.

Mo Qingze nodded at Uncle Sun, then went straight to his study with the mynah bird.

After reading the letter carefully, Mo Qingze's face showed a look of realization. The puzzling issues of the past few days had now been cleared up.

With his thoughts now in place, Mo Qingze couldn’t help but feel a bit of a headache. He took up his brush and wrote a simple reply to his daughter, which he placed in the mynah bird’s leg tube.

As he stroked the bird’s smooth feathers, thinking about how patiently the little creature had stood at one end of the desk while he was writing, quietly not making a sound, he felt a sense of fondness.

Turning around, Mo Qingze took half a piece of pastry from the drawer and broke it into small pieces to feed the bird. When he saw the little one’s eyes light up as it eagerly hopped over, he couldn’t help but laugh, speaking gently, "Eat up. When you’re full, take the letter back."

"Cheep, cheep!"

The mynah bird understood, chirped twice, and hopped onto his hand, eagerly pecking at the food. It quickly finished the pastry.

After eating its fill, the mynah bird disappeared into the night. Mo Qingze cleaned up the pastry crumbs on the desk, then decisively decided to have his daughter bring the bird over to raise it when he returned. 

[End of Chapter]

 Chapter 1712: His Name is Qin Kun

 Chapter 1711: Finding the Armory

 Chapter 258.2: Tell Her Story Properly

Yet the gazes at this moment were entirely different from before.

Though they were looking at him, it seemed as if their eyes passed through him, fixed upon another person beyond.

This was no illusion.

Wei Miaoqing pressed a cup of tea into his hand, urging eagerly,

“Brother, quickly tell us about Young Miss Chang! Are those rumors true or false?”

Wei Shuyi felt a sense of ‘as expected’ — indeed, this tea was not offered for nothing.

Just as he was about to find an excuse to slip away, footsteps sounded behind him.

It was Duan Shi, arriving with several maids in attendance.

But Duan Shi had not come to break up these young ladies — she had come to join them.

She did not even first greet her son, who had just returned to the capital, with the tenderness of a mother.

Instead, she sat down directly and urged him to “speak of serious matters first.”

A mother’s order could not be defied, so Wei Shuyi resigned himself to his fate and sat down.

Before he could even open his mouth, the young ladies already assumed attentive postures.

One of them, seated properly, had a low table before her on which lay paper and brush, while Yao Xia busied herself grinding ink for her swiftly.

That seated young lady’s surname was Wu.

She was born to a family of scholars, proud by nature, a celebrated talented lady of the capital.

But since the Dragon Boat Festival banquet at Dengtai Tower, she had been utterly won over by Chang Suining, and had faithfully followed her ever since.

By virtue of her lively personality, she held a modest position within this circle of young ladies who all adored and supported Chang Suining.

Previously, when Wei Miaoqing had tried to monopolize Chang Suining, it was this Lady Wu who had taken the lead to correct her.

The effect of that correction was evident.

Now, Wei Miaoqing had come to understand the true meaning of “to like is not to possess, but to share.”

For example, today, she was the first to share news about Young Miss Chang — along with her own brother — with everyone.

Lady Wu held her brush poised, waiting for the Deputy Minister Wei to begin.

Seeing this, Wei Shuyi could not help but laugh inwardly —

so, they even brought along a “court historian”?

Well.

Her deeds were indeed worthy of being recorded and widely told.

Since that was the case, he would play the storyteller today —

to tell her story properly,

to tell properly the story of the one who ought to be seen by the world.

When several dozen young ladies emerged from the Marquis of Zheng’s residence, dusk had already begun to fall.

The group surrounded Lady Wu, chattering noisily, all wanting to borrow the booklet in her hands to copy it down for themselves.

“No rush.” Lady Wu hugged the booklet to her chest calmly and said,

“Let me first check it over for mistakes. Once I’m sure everything is correct, I’ll have servants make several copies, and each of you shall have one.”

As the central figure of this circle, she well knew how to balance all sides.

Lending it to one person first would not be fair — better to distribute it together later.

Everyone agreed with her suggestion readily, and soon their attention shifted back to Yao Xia.

“Second Miss Yao, the letter mentioned us too, didn’t it? Let us have another look!”

Chang Suining had indeed written a letter to Yao Xia.

On the envelope were the words “To Yao Xia personally.”

Yet within, she had sent greetings to many of the young ladies.

Faced with the outstretched claws reaching toward her, Yao Xia knew that once she handed the letter out, it would be devoured like a lamb among wolves.

So she clutched it tightly and ran off in a flash.

“Come find me tomorrow!” she called as she fled. “We can read it together then!”

She thumped, thumped, thumped up into her carriage.

The coachman, understanding at once, cracked the reins and drove off swiftly, leaving no chance for the girls to catch up.

Behind her, the young ladies stamped their feet, crying out in mock complaint.

But Yao Xia cared little.

It was Lady Wu’s job to keep everyone satisfied.

As for herself — she had once been the first person to be close to Sister Chang, practically a founding member of this circle.

Naturally, she had every right to enjoy the privilege of reading Sister Chang’s letter alone!

Although, to be fair, at first her affection for Sister Chang had been born from a certain… admiration for her looks.

The carriage swayed gently.

The girl hugged the letter against her chest, smiling brightly, her eyes shining, feeling proud and elated.

She and Sister Chang were both amazing.

Sister Chang painted brilliantly, struck fiercely, demanded justice superbly — and slew her enemies magnificently.

And as for her, Yao Xia — she had excellent taste in the people she liked!

When the formidable Second Miss Yao returned home, she was told by a servant that her grandmother, father, mother, elder brother, and even her uncle were waiting for her to dine together.

Yao Xia was startled — it was already dark, and how could she possibly be worthy of such an honor?

Even her uncle and grandmother waiting for her to eat?

That kind of treatment was reserved for the head of the family!

She felt both flattered and overwhelmed.

In the dining hall, all the Yao family members were present — except for the young lady who lived in the small Buddha hall.

At the table, Yao Gui repeatedly picked up dishes for his younger sister and could not help but ask,

“Sister, what news did you hear at the Marquis of Zheng’s residence today?”

If he could learn the latest about Young Miss Chang, then tomorrow at the academy, he could practically walk sideways in pride!

There was nothing strange about that — young men were always most fascinated by the deeds of other youths, even if that youth happened to be a girl.

Especially if that youth was a girl.

Yao Xia had been holding herself back all evening, just waiting for someone to ask.

In the past, when her eldest aunt, Pei Shi, was still alive, there could not be the slightest sound at the dinner table.

If she dropped even a single grain of rice, it would earn her a cold sneer and a sharp look.

But since Pei Shi’s departure, the atmosphere had relaxed; the suffocating rules had gone with her.

Still, Yao Xia did not begin speaking immediately.

She merely said, “Brother, don’t be impatient. Let’s finish eating first.”

It wasn’t that she wanted to keep them in suspense — but the things Sister Chang had done were so astonishing that she feared someone might choke on their food in shock.

That would be her fault!

At her words, Yao Gui promptly bowed his head and began eating faster.

Yao Tingwei, though silent, also began chewing more briskly.

In the end, it was the dignified Old Madam Yao who first set down her chopsticks.

Meeting the gaze of the younger generation, she smiled and said,

“Old age dulls the appetite.”

With that, everyone else followed suit, upholding the “not eating too much in the evening” principle of healthy living.

The dishes were soon cleared away, replaced by steaming tea.

Having spent the whole day handling cases at the Ministry of Justice, and having missed the chance to “run into” Wei Shuyi at court, Yao Tingwei now pricked up his ears attentively.

Yao Xia began with a single line that decided everything:

“…Deputy Minister Wei said that all those rumors are true!”

Yao Tingwei’s eyes widened.

All true?

She really went to the battlefield to find General Chang?

She truly slew General Xu Zhengye’s top commander — and Li Yi?

She actually did it?!

— What on earth was she planning?!

— And how in the world had she managed it?!

Just as Yao Xia was about to continue, a servant came in to report: Yao Ran had come.

Everyone was surprised.

Since Yao Ran had resolved to live a life of quiet devotion and prayer, she had secluded herself in the Buddha hall, leaving only on the first and fifteenth days of each month to greet her grandmother and father.

But today was neither the first nor the fifteenth — those days had long passed.

The young woman wore plain garments, her hair coiled simply with a wooden hairpin, no jewelry of any kind upon her person.

The long scar across her face remained strikingly visible.

Yao Xia rose in delight. “Cousin!”

“Ran’er, come here to Grandmother,” the Old Madam said with a warm smile.

She did not ask why Yao Ran had come — a child’s willingness to come out and move about was a good thing.

This was her home, after all; she could come whenever she wished.

Yao Yi also looked at his daughter with a gentle smile.

After giving her salutations, Yao Ran spoke softly,

“Ah Xia, were you just speaking about Young Miss Chang?”

Yao Xia hesitated slightly and nodded, somewhat uncertain.

Though it had been Pei Shi who had harmed Sister Chang, her cousin had long felt guilty over it.

It was that guilt which had driven her to destroy her own face and retreat into the Buddha hall.

Now that her cousin had suddenly appeared, Yao Xia was unsure what attitude to take.

Yet Yao Ran smiled — a rare, gentle smile — and said,

“May I listen as well?”

End of Chapter

Xiao Wei: Frightened to death by star-chasing fans!

Uncle: Frightened to death by people who keep stirring things up!

A glimpse of the long-missed faces of the capital — good night!

 Chapter 258.1: Tell Her Story Properly

Perhaps because the execution of Ming Jin back then had caused such a great stir, the people of the capital still remembered the name Chang Suining and the events that took place at the Confucian Temple vividly and clearly even to this day.

Now, upon suddenly hearing that the well-known young lady of the Chang family had somehow gone to the battlefield to kill enemies, the citizens could not help feeling astonished.

Apart from the families of officials and nobles or those who had close ties with Chang Suining, most people in the capital had no idea when this young lady had left the city.

For a woman to go to war and slay foes was already shocking enough; what’s more, it was said that she had personally killed one of Xu Zhengye’s fierce generals, and even the Left Commandant of the Imperial Guard—Li Yi—who had suddenly rebelled, had also perished by her hand!

Could that not be mere rumor?

It sounded nothing like something a frail young woman could have accomplished.

As for this “rumor,” opinions in the capital were divided. The city buzzed with talk as everyone sought to verify whether the story was true—especially the students of the Imperial Academy.

Qiao Yubai, Cui Lang, and Hu Yi were surrounded by fellow scholars almost every day, endlessly questioned about the matter.

Even Head Master Qiao could not find peace. His colleagues at the Imperial Academy constantly pestered him for updates, and even Grand Tutor Zhu—who usually detested noise and commotion—had started coming to the Academy nearly every day, each time pressing him for news of Jiangnan and whether the rumors could be believed.

For this reason, Grand Tutor Zhu had practically turned into the very sort of nagging old man he most loathed.

Head Master Qiao could only sigh helplessly. “What’s the use of asking me?” he muttered. “Am I not as baffled as anyone else?”

Yet even as he tried to stay silent under repeated questioning, Grand Tutor Zhu lost patience before he did.

“…What kind of teacher are you, exactly?” the old man snapped. “Your student leaves without a word, you have no idea where she’s gone or what she’s done—utterly negligent! What manner of teacher is this? In all my long years, never have I seen such a one!”

After scolding him fiercely, Grand Tutor Zhu’s expression grew even darker. He flicked his sleeve and stormed off. “Since you’re so unfit to teach, why not resign early? Step aside and let someone more capable take the post—and you may then go and fish to your heart’s content!”

Having been berated so harshly and unilaterally stripped of his title as “Head Master,” Head Master Qiao attempted self-reflection, but found himself at a loss as to where to begin.

A gust of wind rose outside, and he heard the departing old man mutter irritably as he walked away, “Where did this wretched wind come from? No sense of propriety at all—blustering about, senseless and unruly!”

Head Master Qiao: “…”

So now even a winter wind could be in the wrong?

In the past, even passing ants were scolded; now, not even a gust of wind could escape unscathed before the Grand Tutor.

The wind itself had meant only to blow dutifully across the winter streets, but after such an undeserved scolding, it seemed almost cowed, curling into a small whirlwind that spun upward into the sky with a sorrowful “woo.”

Head Master Qiao sighed again, this time with a complicated tone.

His confusion and disbelief regarding this matter were no less than the Grand Tutor’s own.

But what could he do? His student—his “daughter in all but name”—had sent him no letter.

The girl was young; it was understandable she might act without full consideration. But how could Old Chang—her father—not send a single word to inform him? She was the daughter of a respected family, after all! As her senior and elder, this was simply unacceptable!

Thus, there was nothing to do but wait for that Tenth Young Master Wei to return to the capital.

As the Imperial Envoy dispatched to Jiangnan, he would surely know the true situation and details of what had happened.

Grand Tutor Zhu had also placed his hopes upon Wei Shuyi. Upon hearing that Wei was expected to arrive in the capital within the next few days, the old man had finally let loose his pent-up frustration at Head Master Qiao today.

And indeed, Wei Shuyi reached the capital the very next day.

His first stop was naturally the palace, where he went to report in person to the Holy Emperor.

When word spread that the envoy from Jiangnan had returned and entered the palace, officials flocked to the Ganlu Hall one after another, each seeking audience to learn firsthand about Li Yi’s rebellion and the progress of the southern campaign.

Grand Tutor Zhu, however, remained seated in the Ministry of Rites, unmoved.

He was eager to know news of that girl, but some things simply could not be rushed.

Ever since he had assumed the office of Minister of Rites, he had become notorious for his “extreme lack of initiative” and “questionable temperament.” For him to take the lead and seek imperial audience would be far too conspicuous—and suspicion-arousing.

There was something intangible lingering in his mind, something he could not quite name; yet precisely because he could not grasp it clearly, he dared not act rashly. Any misstep could bring unnecessary trouble upon himself—or upon that girl.

Although he could not say exactly what that “trouble” might be…

Still, as the current Minister of Rites—responsible for the upcoming imperial examinations, the subject of the entire nation’s attention—his every move could be twisted into political fodder by others.

For his own sake, for the girl’s, and for the countless scholars across the realm who were still studying late into the cold winter nights for next year’s examinations…

A man, after all, must know when to be bold and when to be cautious.

Since Wei Shuyi had returned safe and sound, the matter would surely be discussed at court tomorrow morning. He would hear all he needed then.

For now, Grand Tutor Zhu simply instructed his subordinates to brew him a pot of tea. Sitting by the brazier, he drank leisurely and continued his habitual “fishing.”

Meanwhile, after reporting in detail to the Holy Emperor, Wei Shuyi left the palace. By then, it was already afternoon.

As he stepped down from his official carriage before his residence, he saw his younger sister, Wei Miaoqing, waiting at the gate with her maids and attendants. She was wrapped in a thick cloak, holding a small hand-warmer, stamping her feet against the cold.

The moment she caught sight of him, her eyes brightened. She hurried forward, calling, “Brother! You’re finally back!”

Seeing her nose reddened from the chill, Wei Shuyi clicked his tongue and smiled. “How could I allow the future Crown Princess to wait outside like this? Truly, I am unworthy of such honor.”

Wei Miaoqing rolled her eyes at him, too anxious to argue. She tugged his sleeve and urged, “Come inside quickly!”

The servants, seeing their master return, stepped forward to greet him respectfully.

“What’s the rush?” Wei Shuyi protested after a few steps, freeing his sleeve from his sister’s grasp and smoothing the wrinkles she’d made. “I should at least change my robes first.”

“Don’t worry!” Wei Miaoqing said cheerfully. “I had good tea brewed especially for your return. Just have two cups to warm yourself first, then you can go and change at leisure!”

Wei Shuyi gave her a skeptical look, but allowed himself to be ushered toward the main hall. Only when he entered did he realize what kind of “trap” she had set for him.

Even with mental preparation, he was still taken aback by the sight of the hall—filled to the brim with young ladies, at least several dozen of them.

“Lord Wei has arrived!”

“Greetings to Lord Wei!”

Voices rang out one after another as the girls curtsied politely. Though they kept proper distance, the combined effect was enough to make Wei Shuyi feel thoroughly surrounded.

They were all of similar age to Wei Miaoqing, and each pair of eyes shone brightly as they looked upon him.

Having entered the court as zhuangyuan (the top scholar in the imperial examinations) and, while still young, risen to the post of Deputy Minister, favored by the Holy Emperor himself—Wei Shuyi was already accustomed to admiration. Handsome in both appearance and demeanor, he had long since grown weary of the countless infatuated gazes directed his way.

Yet even so, this sudden ambush by an entire hall of spirited maidens left him momentarily speechless.

 Chapter 898: The Consequences of Taming a Bird (4)  

Mo Yan glanced at her, clearly unconvinced. "That's the reason? Your mother would never let you out for just that."

Liu Tinglan stuck out her tongue, unable to keep the truth in any longer. "The government held a public trial for the Du family. The father and two sons were sentenced to fifteen years in prison for their crimes against the authority. They won’t be able to bother my family anymore."

As for the elderly and women of the Du family, since they hadn’t directly participated in the plot against the County Princess, the Magistrate of Jingzhao gave them three lashes each as a warning, and then released them. Despite their cries and pleas to seek justice for the Du family men, no one paid attention.

Mo Yan hadn’t interfered with the trial of the Du family. She had made sure that the punishment for their crime was severe, but the sentence could range from five years to several decades, and if certain influential figures were involved, execution was not out of the question.

Although she despised the Du family, their actions didn’t warrant death. She had personally injured the three men as a form of retribution for Liu’s family. The fifteen-year sentence was decided according to the law, and whether it was severe or not, Mo Yan didn’t know.

Before the trial, the Magistrate had consulted Mo Yan on how to handle the elderly and women of the Du family. Mo Yan had advised against punishing them too harshly, as it would be excessive to give them fifteen years as well. She simply said, "No further action."

Without the Du family's ruffians inciting them, the women of the Du family didn’t dare to cause trouble at the Liu household. This light punishment served as both a warning and a measure of mercy. As for Du Wencai, Mo Yan had no intention of letting him go.

If she hadn’t intervened, Du Wencai would have passed the imperial examination and had a successful career. Once such a schemer rose to power, he would surely seek revenge on anyone who had crossed him. Not to mention the Liu family, she herself could also become his target. Rather than waiting for the snake to bite and then striking back, it was better to act first.

This time, she wouldn’t take his life, but she would ruin his prospects, ensuring his career would be permanently destroyed.

Seeing her friend happy, Mo Yan's mood brightened as well. She laughed, "That’s wonderful news!"

Liu Tinglan subdued her smile and grasped Mo Yan's hand tightly. "Yanyan, thank you. Meeting you is the luckiest thing in my life!"

My friend, without you, how much less color would my life have? Without you, my happiness in the second half of my life would have been buried in the hands of that scum. Without you, how could I face the rumors and gossip, and how could I hold onto that happiness…

Mo Yan was about to say, "It's nothing," when she looked up and saw the glistening tears in her friend’s eyes. She instinctively put down the wooden bucket and gently wiped away the moisture at the corner of her eyes, but teased her playfully, "If you really want to thank me, why not offer yourself in return?"

"…"

Liu Tinglan widened her eyes, her gratitude choked in her throat, unable to say a word.

"Heh, I’m just teasing you! Look how scared you are!" Mo Yan patted her stunned friend’s shoulder and laughed loudly. "If I really wanted you, Brother Shen would probably try to kill me! I may have the heart, but I definitely don't have the guts!"

Liu Tinglan's face turned bright red, and her heart full of gratitude was immediately replaced with embarrassment. She reached out her "claws" and pinched Mo Yan's waist hard, growling, "You little brat, you dare say such things! What if others hear? Do you want to ruin your reputation?"

Mo Yan broke free, dodging while continuing to tease, "What’s the big deal? If it’s for you, who cares about my reputation?"

Liu Tinglan was furious, lifting her skirt and chasing after her. "You—stop right there! If I don’t teach you a lesson today, I’ll change my surname to something else!"

The two of them started playfully chasing each other down the narrow mountain path, one running ahead, the other in hot pursuit. Their laughter startled many birds into flight.

Xin’er watched in helplessness, unsure whether she should step in to break up the scene, worried that others might think the two sisters were being too reckless. But as she listened to their joyful laughter, she decided against it.

Liu Tinglan stayed at Mo Yan’s house that day, and the next morning, Mo Yan took her into the city to buy fishing nets. Afterward, she sent her back to the Liu family. By the time the nets were ready, the six beasts had already captured the birds that fit the taming conditions from the mountains.

It wasn’t exactly "catching" them; it was more like "tricking" them, with the help of their fellow bird, Mao Mao.

"Just a few peaches and you’ve completed the task? Mao Mao, you’ve done well! I’ll give you two extra peaches every day from now on." Mo Yan looked at Mao Mao, who was proudly strutting over to claim credit, and generously rewarded it with its favorite peaches.

"Chirp, chirp!" Mao Mao was overjoyed, its sharp beak affectionately rubbing against Mo Yan's hand.

After feeding Mao Mao two peaches, Mo Yan went to check on the dozen or so birds that had been lured back. 

The birds were of different species, with varying sizes. There were hawks like Mao Mao, with wings that could stretch up to ten feet, as well as sparrow-sized birds, and wild pigeons that looked much like homing pigeons. There was even a colorful parrot.

Although the parrot was clever and could learn to speak after being tamed, and flew fast, its bright feathers made it too conspicuous to be used as a messenger bird.

Originally, the six beasts and Mao Mao hadn’t planned to bring the parrot back, but after tasting the juicy peaches and hearing Mao Mao's promises of rewards, the parrot insisted on coming along, refusing to leave despite being shooed away.

In the end, the Golden Beast thought the parrot would make a good pet bird, and convinced the others to bring it back to cheer up Mo Yan.

Mo Yan also thought it would be nice to have a parrot, and since it was so beautiful, with bright eyes that seemed full of intelligence, she couldn’t help but like it at first sight.

Although Xue Tuanzi wasn’t initially planning to train the parrot, the chatty bird kept talking to itself even when no one was listening. Seeing that Mo Yan liked it, Xue Tuanzi decided to put up with it.

[End of Chapter]