Chapter 27: Arrival

  "Qin Guan is foolish, please enlighten me, sir." Qin Guan took a step back, keeping a distance from Sir.

  Luofu Le said with a smile: "The plan has been decided. This time when we return to the capital, let's bring Qinquan along, are you willing?"

  "What merits or virtues does Guan have to receive such generous treatment from Master Xiang? Guan is just a humble dan in the Pear Garden, and having received Master Xiang's favor for one night is already a blessing of three lifetimes. Guan dare not harbor any improper thoughts." Guan's smile was somewhat stiff. He had only agreed to befriend Master Xiang due to Zhang Nai Chun's request and his own admiration for Bai Zhenxuan, and did not intend to engage in any real romance with this old man.

  Luofu, however, took his excuses as mere politeness and suspected that he was actually reluctant to leave the life of a performer. He said: "The theaters in Kyoto are even bigger, not something that can be compared to the small Jinxiu Troupe from Luoyang County. You should rest assured and return to Kyoto with me, I will take care of your life there, you don't need to think about those things, nor do you need to worry. Whether it's the precious mirror that was once placed in Wu Zetian's dressing room, the golden plate that Zhao Feiyan danced on, the wooden melon that An Lushan threw and injured Yang Guifei's breast, or the couch that Princess Shouchang slept on in Huanzhang Hall, as long as it's what you want, I will find a way to get it for you."

  Qin Guan thought that Luo Fu's position was too high and his power too great, fearing that if he pushed him away, it would be obvious and might provoke him, which would make his own sacrifices for the past few days all in vain. He also feared that it would implicate the White family, so he no longer refused, bowed and said: "Thank you, Lord Luo, for your kindness."

  Luofu got up and took Qin Guan's hand again, carefully examining this stunning beauty, even more joyful and excited, and thus couldn't help but entwine with Qin Guan once more. Qin Guan thought of Bai Zhenxuan in her heart, looking at Luofu's appearance even more disgusted, but still endured silently, quietly tolerating it, finally closing her eyes, pretending that Luofu was Bai Zhenxuan, and thus yielded to him for a night of passion.

  The next day, Luofu brought Qin Guan and boarded the carriage arranged by Master Huize to head towards Baojia Village in Luoxian.

  Arrived at the White Mansion, and was greeted by Bai Yuxu and the entire White family at the entrance of the mansion.

  Luofu got off the carriage and resumed his usual dignified demeanor, treating Guan with courtesy but keeping a distance, their conversation consisting of only official phrases.

  Entering the White Mansion, I first arrived at the Book Fragrance Hall and then moved to the Zhi Lan Pavilion. From a distance, I saw a book-filled pavilion bathed in soft spring sunlight, with the three characters "Qiang Jin Ge" (Strong Gold Pavilion) written in elegant and beautiful calligraphy.

  Luofu secretly thought it was wonderful, and under the accompaniment of everyone, he went up to the Smoke Wave Bridge on top of Qiangjin Pool. Only when he got close to Qiangjin Pavilion did he discover that the building had become very dilapidated. Not to mention a big fire, even a strong gust of wind could easily blow it down. He turned his head and said to Bai Yushu: "It's already a dangerous building, if we don't hurry up and repair it, it will be a pity."

  Bai Yushu hastily cupped his hands and bowed, "Lord, you are wise."

  "Is it true that Master Hui Ze said that the Bai family has an ancestral rule that outsiders and women are not allowed to enter the Qiang Jin Pavilion?" asked Luo Fu.

  Bai Yushu replied: "Lord Xiang is an honored guest, so it's reasonable to make an exception."

  Then he invited Luofu to ascend to the Qiangjin Pavilion to view all the books, while the others waited downstairs.

  White clouds warm eyes as they see off Father accompanying Luofu to Shuguan, with a gaze full of envy and bloodshot eyes.

  Qin Guan looked around but didn't see Bai Zhenxuan's figure, so he asked Bai Yunnuan: "Miss Bai, why hasn't Young Master Bai come out to greet General Xiang?"

  Bai Yun's eyes softened as she gazed at Qin Guan, who looked worn out after not being seen for three days. She knew that he had suffered a lot because of her brother and felt guilty for letting him take the blame. With a gentle smile, she said, "To be honest with you, sir, my brother has caught a cold and has been ill for two or three days."

  Qin Guan Wen

  The First Generation Demon King of the Primordial Chaos

  "Alas, her beauty has faded, and she anxiously asked: 'How did you fall ill? Could it be that the medicine given by Master Zhang had an adverse effect?'"

  Bai Yunnuan pressed her index finger to her lips, and he shook his head at her before falling silent. He looked at Bai Yunnuan with a sorrowful gaze, asking in a low voice, "Is the illness severe? What's to be done?"

  "Brother just caught a cold, the doctor has prescribed medicine and he's already much better, but still needs to rest. He can't see Master Xiang in his current state, so he hasn't shown up." Bai Yunnuan replied softly, then thought for a moment before whispering to Qin Guan, "Qin Minister, please don't spread the word, let's wait until Father invites Master Xiang to dinner and we'll arrange for you to visit Brother then?"

  Qin Guan nodded enthusiastically.

  Bai Yushu accompanied Luo Fu to visit the Qiang Jin Pavilion, where they browsed through many books. Luo Fu's eyes were opened wide and he lingered in the pavilion until noon before coming down. Immediately after, a banquet was set up in the flower hall to welcome and entertain the young master.

  At the banquet, Bai Yushu informed Luo Fu about Zhen Xuan's illness and apologized repeatedly for his son not being able to receive him. Luo Fu didn't mind it at all. Then Bai Yushu introduced Wen Shiran and his son Wen Luming to Luo Fu. Seeing that Wen Luming was extraordinary, Luo Fu asked him with a smile about his studies and encouraged him to work hard in the coming years.

  Qin Guan saw Luo Fu and Wen Lu Ming chatting happily, and also saw Bai Yun Nuan making eyes at him, so he got up and proposed to Luo Fu that they go to Mei Xiang Wa to visit the sick.

  Luofu thought that Qin Guan was Bai Zhenxuan's piano teacher, and if he followed him to Kyoto this time, it would be inevitable for them to bid farewell to each other as master and apprentice, so he agreed.

  Bai Yun said with a warm smile: "Alright, let Anuan lead the way."

  Bai Yushu nodded, and the banquet continued. Bai Yunnuan took Qin Guan out of the flower hall.

  Arriving at the gate of the Flower Hall, both of them couldn't help but let out a long sigh. Immediately, they summoned Xin Chen and Huang Ji to head towards Mei Xiang Valley.

  Arrived at Mei Xiang Wan, knocked on the copper hook hanging with a large red silk soft curtain, entered the inner room, and saw Bai Zhenxuan sitting on the kang under the south window. On the kang, a large red woolen blanket was leaning against the east wall, with a lock-shaped brocade backrest and a pillow, covered with golden heart green satin, and next to the cushion was an intricately carved lacquer spittoon.

  Bai Zhenxuan sat there, wearing a autumn-colored fox-fur hat, a jade-studded belt around his waist, a snow-white peach-blossom robe, and a stone-blue silk cloak with a gray mouse-fur lining. He looked frail and couldn't withstand the wind. He had already finished eating and was holding a small copper fire tongs in his hand to stir the ashes in the brazier. Song Ta was clearing the bowls and plates from the low table, while Yu Mo stood at the edge of the kang, holding a small lacquered tea tray with a small teapot on it. Bai Zhenxuan neither took the tea nor lifted his head, but continued to stir the ashes in the brazier.

  Bai Yunnu led a handsome and elegant young master in, followed by Xin Shuang and a tender-looking book boy. Yu Mo hurriedly reminded Bai Zhenxuan: "Young Master, there are guests arriving."

  Bai Zhenxuan looked up and saw that it was his sister and Qin Guan, so he hastily said to Song Ta: "Song Ta, put the bowls and plates aside for now, hurry up and serve tea to Miss and Officer Qin." As he spoke, he went over to take the tea from Yu Mo's hand.

  "Brother, it's not good to drink tea immediately after meals, it's not beneficial for the intestines and stomach."

  Bai Zhenxuan was taken aback and immediately withdrew his hand.

  Baiyun warmed up and instructed: "Yu Mo, you and Xin Zhen take Huang Ji to the ear room and pay attention. Leave Songta here to wait."

  Everyone nodded in agreement, Songta handed the tray with bowls and plates to Xinting, then took the tea tray from Yuemo's hand, and everyone followed the instructions, those who should stay stayed, and those who should leave left.

  Songta served tea to both Young Master and Miss Qinguan, then retreated outside the room to keep watch.

  For a moment, all the slaves dispersed, and the entire room was silent.