Chapter 167: Madam’s Past, Contentment
The Ninth Elder’s smile slowly faded as she stared at the poem on the table, her eyes filled with a distant look.
“How… did you see that?”
“I have some understanding of poetry, calligraphy, and painting. I’ve also read many literary works. Although the meaning hidden within your poem is subtle, it’s not entirely invisible.”
Lin Tianlu said thoughtfully, “At least the last character of each line… your brushstrokes trembled slightly, as if your emotions were stirred. It seems you wrote this poem from the heart, Martial Aunt.”
“…”
The Ninth Elder remained silent.
She looked up at the ancient trees swaying in the wind, their leaves falling gently. A wry smile appeared on her lips.
She turned to look at the young man beside her, her voice filled with admiration. “You possess such talent at such a young age, Tianlu. Who was your teacher?”
Lin Tianlu smiled faintly. “I’m just a humble scholar, Martial Aunt. I haven’t had a formal teacher. I just enjoy reading books in my spare time, which has broadened my knowledge. Please forgive my shallow insights.”
“Your perception and understanding are far beyond that of ordinary young people.”
The Ninth Elder’s eyes softened, a gentle smile on her face.
This brief test had revealed a glimpse of his talent, and she was quite impressed.
And despite the early hour, he was still full of energy and had no complaints, showing his patience and good nature.
A strange longing stirred within her, and she couldn’t help but ask, “Tianlu, do you know… why I expelled Ruoyu from the Lunar Valley?”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment, then replied, “Ruoyu said she disagreed with the Lunar Valley’s philosophy and didn’t want to be a disciple anymore. After much pleading, she was finally allowed to leave. But…
It seems there’s more to the story.”
“It’s not easy to leave the Lunar Valley.”
The Ninth Elder chuckled softly. “I spent a long time persuading the other elders and the Valley Master. After removing the Moon Shadow Breath from her, they finally agreed to let Ruoyu leave peacefully.”
“Martial Aunt, you—”
Lin Tianlu’s eyes flickered. “You didn’t want Ruoyu to follow in your footsteps.”
“…You truly understand my heart, Tianlu.”
The Ninth Elder nodded, her eyes soft. “Life in the Lunar Valley is secluded and peaceful. It’s safe and secure, but also uneventful. Like stagnant water, we simply grow old and wither away.”
Her voice became distant and wistful as she recalled the past.
“Ruoyu and I had similar backgrounds. We were both orphaned children, taken in by the Lunar Valley during a time of chaos. We were raised here, learning Yin techniques and studying the classics. When the previous generation of elders passed away, I became the new Ninth Elder.”
“I have no complaints about the Lunar Valley. After all, I was raised here, and this place is precious to me. But… my life has been too uneventful. Decades, centuries… I’ve never experienced true love or adventure.”
“When I met Ruoyu, I was touched by her kindness and intelligence. I treated her like my own daughter, wanting to pass on everything I knew to her, so she could live a long and peaceful life in the Lunar Valley.”
The Ninth Elder picked up a fallen flower petal and let it dance in the wind, a melancholic look on her face. “But as she grew older and her emotions blossomed, I realized…
Perhaps what she needed wasn’t a life of sheltered protection, but the freedom to find her own happiness. To experience the joys and sorrows of life, the warmth and coldness of the world. Whether sweet or bitter, she should be able to live her life on her own terms. Not like me, trapped in this valley for centuries, like a caged bird.”
Lin Tianlu looked at the beautiful woman beside him, his heart touched.
“You’re truly a kind and caring person, Martial Aunt.”
To watch her own “child” leave her home, the pain and sorrow she must have felt…
“I don’t know if my decision was right for Ruoyu. I don’t know what hardships she’s endured these past few years. I feel both guilty and心疼for her.”
The Ninth Elder looked at him, her eyes soft. “But at least, she’s found a man who makes her happy. That’s all that matters.”
Her mature beauty radiated warmth and kindness, her gaze gentle and reassuring.
“Thank you, Martial Aunt.”
“Ah…”
The Ninth Elder was startled and quickly looked away.
“Don’t mind what I said.”
She bit her lip and picked up her brush, dipping it in ink. She smiled faintly. “Tianlu, why don’t I write another poem? You can critique it for me.”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently and bowed. “Please, Martial Aunt.”
The Ninth Elder pondered for a moment, then began writing.
A seven-character quatrain appeared on the paper, its strokes elegant and graceful, its rhythm flowing, showcasing her mastery of calligraphy.
The poem depicted a beautiful landscape, its hidden meaning filled with warmth and tenderness.
Lin Tianlu thought for a moment, then shared his insights.
The Ninth Elder listened with growing joy and satisfaction, her smile widening. She couldn’t help but praise him, finding this potential son-in-law more and more to her liking.
…
Unknowingly, the Ninth Elder stared at the dozen poems she had written, a wry smile on her lips.
She had never been so inspired and filled with such joy.
Usually, it would take her days to compose a single poem, constantly revising and rewriting. But today…
She had written so many without even realizing it.
Some were masterpieces that even she admired, while others were silly and nonsensical.
But Lin Tianlu’s insights echoed in her mind, and she carefully put away the poems, her heart filled with a strange sense of contentment.
“Tianlu, have some tea.”
She poured him a cup and smiled. “You must be tired after listening to me ramble on for so long.”
Lin Tianlu accepted the teacup politely. “It’s an honor to appreciate your calligraphy and literary talent, Martial Aunt.”
“You… You can even see through my hidden thoughts. There’s no need for such formalities.”
The Ninth Elder glared at him playfully.
Then she smiled gently, walking towards him and adjusting his collar. “Since we’re practically family now, you can relax and be yourself. Seeing you constantly bowing and being so formal makes me feel bad.”
But as she leaned closer, her ample bosom brushed against his arm, a rather distracting sight.
Lin Tianlu quickly looked away, his face flushed, and mumbled, “Thank you, Martial Aunt.”
Looking at his handsome face, the Ninth Elder couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Now I understand why Ruoyu fell for you.”
How could any woman resist such a charming and gentle man?
To spend every day with him… even the most unyielding heart would be moved. And his talent and intelligence made their conversations even more enjoyable.
“You flatter me, Martial Aunt. My relationship with Ruoyu… was a bit of an accident.”
“Tell me more about it when you have time.”
The Ninth Elder’s voice was warm and inviting. “There are many things to attend to in the Lunar Valley these days. You can stay here for a few days and relax.”
Lin Tianlu remembered hearing about the death of the Saintess yesterday. “Martial Aunt, is it appropriate for us outsiders to stay here…”
“No one will disturb you in my private chambers. But don’t wander around alone.”
“We won’t cause any trouble.”
The Ninth Elder smiled and picked up her brush, offering it to him. “I’ve been writing poems on a whim. Why don’t you try it, Tianlu? It’s still early, and Ruoyu and the others haven’t woken up yet. Let me see your true skills.”
Lin Tianlu accepted the brush, chuckling. “I’m afraid I’ll embarrass myself before you, Martial Aunt.”
“You’re quick-witted and perceptive, Tianlu. There’s no need to be so humble.”
She spread out a clean sheet of paper and encouraged him gently. “If you’re truly talented, I’ll be showering you with praise. And if there are any flaws, I’ll help you improve.”
“Then I’ll write a few lines.”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment, his hand holding the brush.
He had been reading constantly these past few months, exploring various types of literature. And with his enhanced memory and sharp mind, his literary knowledge was quite extensive. He was confident that he wouldn’t be inferior to any ordinary scholar.
As he thought, his gaze fell upon the beautiful woman beside him, her elegant demeanor and jade-like beauty inspiring him. Words flowed into his mind, and he began writing.
The Ninth Elder, noticing his intense gaze, felt her heart skip a beat. She watched as the ink flowed onto the paper, the strokes graceful and precise, like a master’s work.
To possess such skill at such a young age… he must have spent years practicing diligently. It was a testament to his talent and dedication.
“…Hmm?”
But as she read the poem, her expression slowly changed.
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