Chapter 208: Within the Jade Luo Courtyard
Tinkling
A faint light flickered, and Hua Shuya blinked, realizing that she was back in control of her body.
But as she regained her senses, she saw her hand cupping the Ninth Elder’s breast. She looked up, her eyes meeting the Ninth Elder’s.
“…”
Hua Shuya’s lips moved silently, her face flushed, not knowing what to say.
Mao Ruoyu leaned forward, her expression surprised. “Why did you suddenly change back…? Are you Shuya?”
“Y-yes.”
Hua Shuya nodded stiffly, quickly withdrawing her hand.
Seeing her embarrassment, the Ninth Elder smiled gently and gathered Hua Shuya’s long hair. “It seems that little spirit girl hasn’t fully mastered her new form yet.”
“Th-that’s probably it. If Miss Yu gets too emotional, she transforms back.”
Hua Shuya lowered her head, her voice filled with shame. “I apologize for my rudeness, Martial Aunt.”
“I’m too old to care about such trivial matters.”
The Ninth Elder’s smile was warm and reassuring as she helped Hua Shuya tie her hair up. “That little spirit girl seems quite innocent and playful. Don’t take it to heart.
Now that you’re back, why don’t you join us in the hot spring? I’ve added some nourishing herbs to the water. It will be good for your health.”
“Thank you, Martial Aunt.”
The Ninth Elder pulled her closer, her voice soft. “You’re sharing a body with that spirit girl. Is it uncomfortable?”
Hua Shuya was startled, then she quickly shook her head. “Miss Yu is very considerate. She doesn’t force her way into my body. I’m grateful to her.”
“You girls have such a pure and innocent friendship.”
The Ninth Elder couldn’t help but smile.
Most women, faced with their husband’s other lovers, would be filled with jealousy and resentment, engaging in constant power struggles.
But these girls were different. They were kind and understanding towards each other, like true sisters. It was truly heartwarming.
“So you’ve escaped a great tribulation?”
The Ninth Elder turned to Mao Ruoyu, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “If you had encountered some jealous and vindictive women vying for Tianlu’s affection, you would probably be crying your eyes out every day.”
Although she had never experienced romantic love herself, she knew that matters of the heart could be complicated and often led to conflict.
With Ruoyu’s gentle nature, she would have been easily bullied.
Her seductive constitution might even have caused her more harm than good.
Mao Ruoyu chuckled softly, understanding her master’s concerns.
That was why she cherished these kind and gentle women. They were all good people.
“But I heard from Tianlu… that there’s another woman in Changling County, a Miss Cheng?” The Ninth Elder asked curiously. “What’s your relationship with her?”
“Miss Yishi…”
Mao Ruoyu’s expression turned slightly awkward. “She’s very independent and strong-willed, quite stubborn. We had some disagreements at first.”
The Ninth Elder frowned. “Was she cruel to you?”
“No, no, our relationship is actually quite… good?”
Mao Ruoyu quickly explained, waving her hands. “Although she can be sharp-tongued, she’s never been rude to me. And sometimes, she even shows concern for me.”
“Madam Mao and Miss Cheng seem to have a special connection,” Hua Shuya chimed in, blinking her eyes. “They often share secrets. It’s quite enviable.”
“W-we’re not that close!”
Mao Ruoyu blushed, embarrassed.
After all, the topics they discussed were rather… private.
The Ninth Elder nodded thoughtfully. “It seems I was worried for nothing. It’s good that you can understand and support each other. But…”
Her expression turned serious. “The wedding is scheduled for after the Jia month, which is just around the corner. You should talk to Miss Cheng, Ruoyu, and make sure there are no misunderstandings or jealousy. Don’t let this ruin your friendship.”
Mao Ruoyu bit her lip and nodded. “I’ll talk to Yishi.”
The Ninth Elder smiled gently and caressed her cheek. “You’re all grown up now, Ruoyu. I’m sure you’ll handle everything perfectly. I hope I can attend your wedding next month.”
“Master…”
Mao Ruoyu blushed, not knowing what to say.
She quickly swam over to Hua Shuya and placed her hand on her shoulder. “Master, you’ll be attending Shuya’s wedding too, won’t you?”
“Eh?!” Hua Shuya was stunned.
“W-wait! Madam, I haven’t—”
The Ninth Elder chuckled, watching the two women playfully splashing each other. She looked up at the moon, her heart filled with warmth and peace.
“Tianlu, that boy, he’s truly a magnet for women. His love life is certainly… eventful.”
…
The Jade Luo Courtyard.
This was the residence of Fifth Elder, Ye Yujun.
Perhaps because it was late at night, the courtyard was quiet and serene.
“…”
Lin Tianlu and Yun Yue sat in the main hall, sipping their tea, waiting patiently.
Although they were here by invitation, they were still impressed by the surroundings.
Unlike the Ninth Elder’s simple and austere private chamber, this courtyard was luxurious and grand. Rows of ancient trees swayed in the night breeze, their leaves and colorful flowers falling gently, like a vibrant tapestry. Jade-colored screens and intricate murals adorned the walls, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
“This Fifth Elder must enjoy the finer things in life.”
Yun Yue couldn’t help but sigh.
Lin Tianlu nodded in agreement.
The vases on the table were filled with fresh flowers, their colors vibrant, their fragrance intoxicating. And in several corners of the hall, he saw exquisite paintings and calligraphy, showcasing the Fifth Elder’s refined taste.
“Hmm?”
Lin Tianlu’s eyes narrowed. “Is this Martial Aunt’s work?”
It seemed that the two elders had a good relationship.
At that moment, a graceful figure appeared, her robe flowing, her skin faintly visible, carrying a shower of flower petals as she entered the hall, bowing respectfully. “I apologize for making you wait, Master Lin and Miss Yun Yue. It was rude of me.”
She waved her hand, and a bouquet of colorful flowers appeared in her arms, which she offered to them with a smile. “Please accept this small token of apology.”
“There’s no need for apologies, Fifth Elder. We understand that you’re busy with important matters.”
Lin Tianlu quickly stood up and accepted the bouquet. “And the tea is delicious. Thank you for your hospitality.”
“This moon tea is usually cultivated by Eighth Elder in the Purple Fragrance Courtyard. The taste is similar, but I prefer it a bit sweeter, so I’ve made some adjustments. I hope you enjoy it.”
Fifth Elder chuckled softly, her voice warm and welcoming.
She glanced at Yun Yue, who had also stood up and bowed respectfully, her eyes widening in surprise. “I heard that you’re… the legendary Azure Fox, Yun Yue?”
“It’s just an old nickname.”
Yun Yue smiled faintly. “And I’ve left my past behind. I’m just an ordinary fox woman now.”
“Then congratulations, Miss Yun Yue, on finding peace after so many years.”
Yun Yue chuckled softly.
Fifth Elder’s expression turned serious, and she curtsied deeply. “We are eternally grateful for your help, Master Lin. Without you, the Lunar Valley would have suffered a terrible fate.”
“It was just a small effort.”
Lin Tianlu helped her up. “I heard that you didn’t agree with the plan to re-enter the world…”
“Indeed.”
Fifth Elder’s smile was gentle and warm. “I was orphaned as a child, brought to the Lunar Valley as a baby. I’ve never experienced war or conflict. I was raised by the previous generation of elders.
Although I’ve heard stories about the Moon Soul Sacred Sect, I can’t truly understand their desire for revenge. For our generation, peace and security are all that matter.”
“So I’m incredibly grateful that you stopped the First Elder, Master Lin.”
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