Chapter Nine: Lady He

Half a month later, at the entrance of the dilapidated temple, two large vats were steaming vigorously, boiling ceaselessly. Xiao Liu, drenched in sweat, darted between the two vats, adding water and wood, bustling with activity.

Li Yang sat cross-legged on a large green stone, taking nourishing pills from his pocket and swallowing them silently to restore his health. Compared to half a month ago, his complexion had improved significantly; though still a bit weak, he could at least stand steadily.

A toad and a rooster crouched on either side of Li Yang, breathing in the fresh morning air as the sun rose.

"Li Yang, I've come to see you!" Just as Li Yang finished his breathing exercise and the golden toad shrank down to rest at his feet, a lively young girl in emerald attire approached, her voice tinkling with laughter before she even arrived.

Her brows and eyes were elegantly shaped, her face bare yet radiant with youthful charm, though her figure still retained traces of adolescence.

"I've told you, my name is Li Yang. Why has Sister Jinling come to visit me today?" Li Yang's face was filled with helplessness at her teasing.

The girl, Jinling, was Lady He's personal maid. Over the past weeks, every time Li Yang visited Nuqing County, he brought a carp for the He family. Gradually, the two became acquainted.

"As if I'd want to come to this rundown temple—it's only because Lady He ordered me to bring you food. Otherwise, I wouldn't set foot in this place," Jinling replied, her tone sharp and full of disdain.

Li Yang accepted the bamboo basket she handed over, filled with oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, roasted chicken, duck, and a bar of bright silver. He took it without protest; after all, he already owed Lady He plenty and didn't mind owing a bit more.

"Sister Jinling, you must be tired after your journey. Please rest for a moment." Seeing sweat beads on her forehead, Li Yang awkwardly offered the stone he was sitting on.

There was little he could do; in the whole temple, only the stone was relatively clean. There were no chairs, not even a cup of hot water, which made Li Yang feel embarrassed.

Jinling laughed at his shy expression and sat down without fuss. "Li Yang, Xiao Liu says you raise a giant toad. Bring it out for me to see!"

She glanced around and spotted the Nuqing rooster dozing nearby. "What a huge rooster!"

"Wow! It really is big, and so handsome," she exclaimed, jumping up and circling the rooster.

Annoyed by the commotion, the Nuqing rooster rolled its eyes, jumped onto the temple roof, and resumed its nap.

"Did you see that? The rooster rolled its eyes at me!" Jinling pulled at Li Yang's sleeve, shouting excitedly.

"I saw. Sister Jinling, would you let go of me?" Li Yang sighed, quietly explaining, "That's a Nuqing rooster, not an ordinary chicken."

"If it's not a regular rooster, what is it? And I heard you have a giant toad—show it to me!" Jinling pressed, her curiosity unflagging.

"Croak." At that moment, the golden toad let out a soft cry and hopped into the temple to avoid the madwoman.

"That’s the toad I keep," Li Yang said, pointing to the escaping creature, betraying it without hesitation for some peace and quiet.

"Hmph... don’t try to fool me! Xiao Liu said your toad is bigger than a vat—this one is tiny," Jinling pouted, rolling her eyes in dissatisfaction.

"Enough. I don’t know where you got all these strange creatures. I have another reason for coming today: Lady He wants you to visit the manor," Jinling said, finally remembering her purpose.

She had realized that Li Yang was no longer the little beggar she’d seen two years ago. His appearance had changed greatly, and he carried an air of mystery.

Looking at Li Yang’s jade-like face, a blush crept across hers, and her gaze began to dodge. She thought, He truly has grown into a handsome young man.

"If Lady He wishes to see me, then let us leave at once."

Li Yang secretly invoked his powers, shrinking the Nuqing rooster on the roof to palm size. While Jinling was distracted, he tucked both the rooster and the golden toad into his sleeve.

The innate abilities awakened by his spirit beasts could be used on other creatures, and even himself, though due to differences in physiology, their full potential could not be realized on his own body. Still, for assistance, they were quite useful.

He instructed Xiao Liu to watch over the vats, then followed the girl toward Nuqing County.

Though Jinling was curious about the medicine brewing in the vats, the pungent smell quickly dissuaded her interest.

"Sister Jinling, do you know why Lady He wants to see me?" Li Yang asked out of boredom as they walked.

"Heh... I thought you weren't curious! Can't hold back anymore, can you? Pretending to be mature in front of me," Jinling laughed, her eyes twinkling like a mischievous fox. After a moment, she stuck out her tongue and said, "I won't tell you."

Li Yang found her impishness hard to deal with and kept quiet, focusing on the road.

Soon, they reached the He manor and entered the rear garden. In the courtyard, a lotus pond less than ten meters across sparkled with clarity. Goldfish swam among the lilies, and a figure in pale pink leaned against the railing, scattering feed.

Her form was full and mature, like a ripe peach. Her delicate hands occasionally stirred the feed, and her refined eyes sparkled, radiating a noble aura.

This unique presence was unlike that of a typical wealthy merchant’s wife; rather, she resembled an aristocrat from an ancient palace.

"Lady, I've brought the little monkey!" Jinling announced, smiling as she approached.

Lady He looked up at Li Yang and was stunned. The boy before her was refined, with rosy lips and bright eyes, his skin like polished jade, the innocence of youth still lingering on his face. Despite his rough linen garb, his handsome features shone through.

"Are you truly Li Yang?" Lady He stared at him, unable to reconcile this youth with the starved little beggar from before.

"Greetings, Lady," Li Yang replied respectfully.

"Good child, come closer!" Lady He beckoned him forward and, taking his hand, pinched his smooth cheek. "Such lovely skin! How have you changed so much in just a year?"

"I learned some fishing skills, ate fish daily, and gradually grew stronger. With proper nourishment, it’s only natural to improve," Li Yang answered with a smile.

Lady He’s hand was cool, like warm jade—pleasant to the touch, with no trace of chill.

"I happen to need a page boy. Would you like to stay and help me?" Lady He smiled, leading him into a nearby pavilion.

The prospect of a stable life was appealing; Li Yang had no wish to remain in the temple, exposed to the elements. Though he possessed some skills, his time practicing was short, and a peaceful environment was most desirable.

"I would be honored! To serve by your side is my wish," Li Yang replied, nodding vigorously.

Lady He’s smile blossomed, and she pinched his cheek again. "Such a good child—just unfortunate in fate!"

"My husband and I have no children, so he spends his time with those seductive women in the city. The whole family rejoices in the provincial capital, while I stay here for some peace," she said with a hint of bitterness, then turned to Jinling. "Set up a room for him nearby."

"If Lady He wants children, why not try harder? Surely you’ll conceive in time," Jinling offered comfort.

Lady He’s expression grew complex, words on the tip of her tongue before she sighed.

She wished dearly to bear a child, but her body was peculiar. Any man who approached her seemed afflicted by impotence. Since their marriage, Master He had never managed to be intimate with her, let alone conceive. Otherwise, with her beauty, why would Master He leave her in this small county while he sought pleasure in the provincial capital?

These private matters could not be discussed openly; the pain was hers alone. Thinking of this, Lady He was overcome by sorrow once more.