Old Acquaintance
It was already late, and everyone was utterly exhausted. Seeing that Lรผ Yanjia looked displeased, and not knowing his background, Yu Jinnian did not want to cause any trouble. He simply stepped in front of Qing Huan and said, “We must have mistaken you for someone else,” and hurried back to their room.
Qing Huan was a bit confused but, constrained by the cold and stern expression of the richly dressed young man, did not dare to speak further. She frequently glanced back at the young lady in Lรผ Yanjia’s arms. The girl smiled faintly but kept her head down. Even as she followed her husband back to the front hall, she never looked back, as though she truly did not recognize Qing Huan.
In a low voice, Yu Jinnian asked, “Do you really know her?”
Qing Huan nodded, then shook her head, disheartened. “Not really someone I know well. We all used to live and work in the same red-light districts, so we would occasionally drink together. But since she redeemed herself, it’s been two or three years since we’ve met. I’m sure it’s her, but I don’t understand why she doesn’t recognize me.” After thinking for a moment, she sighed. “Perhaps now that she’s married into wealth, her status has changed, and she looks down on people like us…”
Seeing her looking so disappointed, Yu Jinnian could only comfort her, “Maybe there are other reasons.”
Both of them were lost in their thoughts as they returned to their room. Ji Hong was reclining on the bed, reading a book about strange stories. There were several more volumes of folklore scattered nearby. The books were a bit old, not in great conditionโlikely placed in the room by the innkeeper as decor. Normally, Ji Hong wasnโt interested in such books, but perhaps due to the boredom of waiting, he picked one up to read.
He was reading a story about a fox and snake demon descending from the mountain to repay kindness when the very person he had been thinking aboutโhis beloved little โdemonโโpushed the door open, dusty and travel-worn. Ji Hong quickly put down the book in his hand and reached out to take the food tray, carefully looking him over. After a while, he asked, “Are you tired?”
“How could cooking two dishes tire me out?” Yu Jinnian smiled, turning around to find the box with the cat inside. As soon as he opened it, Xiao Dingdang, the cat, hissed angrily, arched its back, and shot under the bed, turning its head and hissing in annoyance, paying no attention to the delicious-smelling cat food.
After failing to coax the cat for a long time, Yu Jinnian couldn’t help but laugh. He left the sulking cat in the corner, licking its fur in frustration, and climbed onto the small bed, sitting across from Ji Hong as they set the table. “I ran into someone Qing Huan knew downstairs, which caused a slight delay,” Yu Jinnian said as he started serving food.
Ji Hong pulled out a fine silk handkerchief, wetted it, and, as though it was the most natural thing in the world, took Yu Jinnian’s hand, carefully wiping each finger clean. “It’s strange to meet an old acquaintance of Qing Huanโs here, so far away from Xinan County.”
Yu Jinnian thought about the cold, sinister look from the man who called himself Han Xiao’s “husband” and the bruises on the young woman’s arms. He didnโt pay much attention to Ji Hong cleaning his hands as he lost himself in thought. “Something doesnโt feel right…” When he came to, he realized Ji Hong had been holding his fingers for quite a while, turning them red from the pressure.
“You always worry too much,” Ji Hong said, lightly rubbing the young manโs brow before picking up a round pastry glazed with syrup and placing it near his lips. The youthโs lips, still somewhat pale, were quickly glossed over with the sweet, shiny glaze from the candied hawthorn.
Embarrassed, Yu Jinnian pulled his hand away and bit into the pastry. Finding it delicious, his furrowed brows slowly relaxed. He reached for another, but outside, the inn suddenly filled with laughter and noise. The previously quiet inn was now bustling with people. Yu Jinnian perked up his ears and listened carefully, realizing it was because of the sudden rain outside, bringing in many people seeking shelter.
Opening the window, soft, slanted rain tapped against the wooden shutters, bringing a slight chill that felt comforting. The sky was dim, yet not fully dark, and off in the distance, a purple-red afterglow lingered in the sky. On the roofs of the distant gray-tiled houses, patches of green moss had started to sprout, and the fresh new leaves of the climbing vines quivered as they clung to the whitewashed walls. Peddlers hurried along, shaking off their clothes as they sought shelter under the flowering trees.
This kind of weather was perfect for leaning against the railing to enjoy the rain. If there was a pot of warm wine, it would be even better.
As he was thinking this, Min Mao returned, bursting through the door with two jars of wine and several beautifully packaged snacks, as if reading Yu Jinnianโs thoughts. The wine was good, not too strong, just right to pair with the food, though a bit cold. If Ji Hong were to drink it, Yu Jinnian would have to trouble himself to fetch a small stove.
Because of the rain, all the stoves had already been borrowed by other guests, leaving only a worn-out, half-broken one. The innkeeper, when handing it over, looked nervous, afraid that these wealthy young masters would punish him. Fortunately, Yu Jinnian was accustomed to living simply and didnโt feel mistreated. He carried the stove and a few pieces of coal back to the room.
As he walked out, he ran into Min Xuefei, who stood under the eaves, watching the rain. When he saw Yu Jinnian, he glanced down, said nothing, but as Yu Jinnian was about to pass, he muttered, “I hope you donโt drag Shuluan down. He shouldnโt have taken this path to begin with. Shuluan, heโ”
Yu Jinnian seemed to understand yet didnโt want to understand what this path meant. He looked up at Young Master Min, about to ask for clarity. The rain dripped from the eaves, following the damp strands of hair, and finally seemed to blend into the clear, bright eyes of the young man.
Min Xuefei let out a long sigh, a mix of frustration and helplessness. On the one hand, he wanted to pull the third son of the Ji family back onto the right path, but on the other hand, out of personal feelings, he couldnโt bring himself to say anything harsh. He still couldnโt figure out if this young healer was the fleeting dream of the Duke of Li’s heir or a treasure too valuable for Ji Hong to ever give up.
“Forget it,” he said, waving his hand.
Yu Jinnian stared at him for a moment and suddenly said, seemingly out of nowhere, “A pinch of sweet flag buds, three of cypress kernels, half a tael of white sandalwood, combined with three taels of mulberry wood charcoal powder, made into a honey pill incense. Burn it when at rest.”
Min Ji turned his head, puzzled by the sudden words.
Yu Jinnian explained, “Has Master Min recently felt irritable and sluggish, with a loss of appetite? This incense is called ‘Qingzhen incense.’ Its fragrance is refreshing, and it helps calm the mind and invigorate the spirit. Burning one pellet when you feel uneasy may bring some relief.”
With that, he left, carrying the small stove. Min Ji watched his slender back until he disappeared under the curtain, suddenly snapping out of his daze. In disbelief, he muttered, “โฆHow did he know?”
Min Ji was astonished. He prided himself on maintaining his composure and saw no sign of discomfort. How had this young man noticed his lack of appetite? Pondering this, he unconsciously followed Yu Jinnian’s footsteps. As they both entered the front hall, a sharp sound of a breaking bowl suddenly rang out. Though the sound wasnโt particularly loud, it stood out sharply against the rain’s rhythmic patter.
Everyone in the hall paused and looked over. The boisterous laughter quieted down. It wasnโt that the shattered bowl was anything particularly valuable that drew attention, but rather that the sound came from none other than the wealthy young master, Lรผ Yanjia, who was sitting by the window. In fact, it was not the broken bowl but the desire to witness a scene involving the Lรผ family that piqued the crowdโs interest.
The bowl had broken at Han Xiaoโs feet. She was standing there, head bowed, completely soaked as if she had just run in from the rain. Water dripped from her hair and skirt, leaving a damp spot on the floor. Lรผ Yanjia stirred the embers in the stove with a silver pick, then picked up the tea and poured himself a cup. Across from him sat another young woman dressed in apricot robes, not much older than Han Xiao, frowning as she stared at her.
Lรผ Yanjia said something absent-mindedly, and Han Xiao, without a word, crouched down to clean up the broken porcelain.
As Han Xiao cleaned, Lรผ Yanjia picked up the teapot and poured another bowl of hot tea. With a flick of his fan, he pushed the bowl to the edge of the table, silently raising an eyebrow. The apricot-robed woman shifted slightly as if to stand up, but Han Xiao quickly stopped her with a shake of her head. She gritted her teeth, picked up the scalding bowl of tea from the table, and held it in her hands.
The bowl was more decorative than practicalโtypically used for serving flower soup or wine, as it was delicate and thin. When filled with hot water, it became an instrument of torture.
Everyone had expected to see a spectacle, but no one expected this. The hall fell silent. Some kind-hearted souls thought to intervene, but Lรผ Yanjiaโs family status was too intimidating, and no one dared to step forward. The longer Han Xiao held the scalding bowl, the more her frail arms began to tremble. Just as the tea was about to spill, Lรผ Yanjia nonchalantly poured another bowl.
“This is outrageous!” Yu Jinnian could no longer bear to watch and was about to intervene when he felt a weight on his shoulder.
Min Xuefei held him back cautiously, saying, “What does this have to do with you? Donโt cause trouble.”
The two were secretly quarreling when Su Qingโer suddenly passed by, gracefully stepping in front of Lรผ Yanjia. Half-smiling, she took the bowl from Han Xiao’s hands and said, “Oh, look how anxious the little wife is! Even if itโs this cold, you still canโt drink something so scalding!” Then, turning to Lรผ Yanjia, she teasingly scolded, “Young Master Lรผ, this bowl was made with a lot of money! This Su feels distressed, it canโt handle the heat. In the name of these round delights, could you please show some mercy on this Su?”
Although Su Qingโer was just a woman, she had spent enough time navigating the rough and tumble of the streets, encountering all sorts of people. Lรผ Yanjia, while strange, was still a man, and men often loved to hear flattery. With a few words, she had eased the tension for Han Xiao and even managed to flatter Lรผ Yanjia enough to make him smile and gift her a handwritten calligraphy piece.
Seeing that the situation had calmed down, Yu Jinnian decided to return to his room. On his way back, he overheard a conversation at a nearby table. The people seated appeared to be scholars who had come specifically to enjoy the blossoming flowers. One of them sneered, “That Lรผ family young master, so outwardly dignified, turns out to be a shameless scoundrel! I used to think he was a faithful gentleman, but now I see he’s just a cruel, fickle beast hiding in fine clothes!”
Another person clicked his tongue and added, “In my opinion, that Lรผ family is nothing good. That whole story about falling in love behind a screenโit’s quite bold to take a woman from the brothels as a concubine. Shows heโs not lacking in nerve.”
A portly, lecherous-looking scholar chimed in, “What love behind a screen? When it comes down to it, sheโs just a woman who sells smiles. She used to sell them to a thousand men, now just to one named Lรผ. A concubine is still a concubine. Beating and scolding them is normal. How do you know that little lady didnโt provoke Young Master Lรผ with her infidelity?” He shook his head, looking smug. “Men should have multiple wives and concubines. As the saying goes, ‘A fair lady is what a gentleman seeks.’ That Mistress Su is quite a beauty too, really a lucky catch for that Lรผ fellow.”
The group was deeply engrossed in their discussion when one of them abruptly stood up, brushing off his sleeves. “The sage said, โDo not speak ill of others behind their backs.โ You all, youโve truly wasted your time reading the teachings of the sages!”
Another soft, sweet voice chimed in, “Wasted reading ascension books!” After shouting this with hands on her hips, the person tilted their head and asked, “What are ascension books? Do you turn into an immortal after reading them?”
“…”
Yu Jinnian, who had been listening in for entertainment, was shocked when he recognized the familiar voice. He turned around and saw none other than Su Ting and Ah Chunโone big fool and one little foolโalmost starting a quarrel with the others.
Laughing and exasperated, Yu Jinnian gave both of them a playful smack on the back of their heads. “What nonsense are you two up to! Su Ting, why are you dragging Ah Chun around like this?”
Ah Chun exaggeratedly cried out and turned around, sweetly calling, “Big brother Jinnian!” He began pulling out little trinkets from his sleeveโthings like grasshoppers made of straw and little flower pinsโchildish toys meant to please. Finally, he proudly declared, “Brother Su Ting bought all these for me!”
Yu Jinnian glanced at the items. “You donโt need to buy him so many things.”
Su Ting grinned foolishly, “Itโs just for fun! Besides, who else is there to spend my money on?” His tone became a bit sad. That money had originally been saved to live with Haitang, but now… He didnโt want to dwell on it, so he laughed it off.
Ah Chun, being a child at heart, was still very excited, though he also missed his missing brother. At this moment, the newness of their surroundings made him giddy. He excitedly suggested, “Letโs go spring gathering tomorrow, Brother Jinnian! They say that Peach Creek is especially beautiful after the rain!”
Spring gathering was a tradition in the Da Xia Dynasty. After the first spring rain, when the branches turned green and the weather warmed up, families would go out to enjoy the spring. The young men would bring their new horses, and the ladies would wear their new dresses. Some would even carry baskets, leading their maidservants to gather wild spring onions and other greens by the creek as a way of seeking good fortune.
It was said that by picking the first greens of spring, the whole year would be as prosperous and vibrant as those fresh greens.
“Really?” Yu Jinnian pinched Ah Chunโs cheek and smiled. “Alright! But you mustnโt eat any more sweets tonight, or youโll get a toothache.”
As if he had predicted it, Ah Chun immediately covered his mouth, looking at Yu Jinnian with a pitiful expression, trying to negotiate.
Since they had come to Peach Creek at the peak of the season, Yu Jinnian figured they should take advantage of the opportunity. After all, the cat and Sui Sui, had been cooped up in the carriage for days. It was time to let her out for some fun. He agreed enthusiastically and told Su Ting and Ah Chun to rest early.
After waving goodbye to the pair, Min Xuefei suddenly spoke up behind him, “Can you diagnose every illness?”
“Young Master Min, why are you still following me?” Yu Jinnian was startled and stepped to the side. He had completely forgotten about Min Jiโs presence. It wasnโt that he disliked Min Ji, but he wasnโt quite sure how to interact with him. Min Ji was different from Ji Hong. While Min Ji appeared gentle and refined, he gave off the impression of someone ready to unsheathe a sword at any moment.
Min Xuefei was at a loss for words after being stared at by Yu Jinnian. After a brief moment of awkwardness, he brushed off his sleeves and turned away. “I was just passing by.”
Yu Jinnian: “…”
The lanterns in Peach Creek gradually lit up, making the blooming trees on the streets even more dreamlike.
The rain fell softly and tenderly, like the hands of a woman playing the zither, tapping rhythmically on the eaves. Yu Jinnian lit the small stove, and Ji Hong quietly adjusted the lamp’s wick. A gentle warmth spread across the window as they sat down to enjoy the small dishes and wine. They spoke little, but each time their gazes met, there was a silent understanding between them.
Somewhere in the inn, someone began to play the zither, accompanying the rain with a peaceful melody. Yu Jinnian, though still recovering from his injuries, tried not to overindulge in the wine, especially with Ji Hong keeping an eye on him. After warming three or four cups, Ji Hong didnโt let him drink any more. Yu Jinnian grumbled softly in protest, but after rinsing his mouth, he climbed into bed, his eyes closing to the distant sound of the zither.
Ji Hong followed shortly after, carefully applying ointment to Yu Jinnianโs scars. Yu Jinnian lay on his stomach, enjoying the massage, and soon drifted into sleep. When Ji Hong finished and returned from washing his hands, he found the young man fast asleep, his breathing soft and steady, with a slight flush at the corners of his eyes, perhaps dreaming of something.
Ji Hong leaned down, quietly gazing at him for a moment before gently kissing the flushed corner of his eye. He then pulled Yu Jinnian into his arms, and together, they buried themselves in the soft blankets and fell asleep.
Suddenly, the zither music was interrupted by a snapping string, followed by the sound of something falling over. Shortly after, the muffled sound of a womanโs sobs, like a ghostly wail, could be heard. The eerie, sorrowful cries woke many guests during the night, filling them with unease, though none had the courage to investigate.
Yu Jinnian, however, slept soundly, undisturbed by the noise. Only Xiao Dingdang, the cat, opened its wide, alert eyes, scanning the room. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, it stretched lazily before curling up beside the two sleeping figures and licking the young manโs cheek.
The next day, the atmosphere in the inn was tense, with people whispering to each other. When Yu Jinnian woke, Ji Hong was already up, sitting at the desk, engrossed in his correspondence. Ever since they left Xinan County, Ji Hong seemed to have undergone a transformation overnight. He now spent his days giving orders with a cold, calculating demeanor, constantly buried in endless letters. Yu Jinnian had no idea what he was so busy with.
Pulling on one shoe, Yu Jinnian quickly tied up his hair in a messy ponytail, then slipped out quietly to find Duan Ming and Shi Xing to help prepare for the spring outing. After giving his instructions, he headed to the kitchen to prepare some snacks for the trip.
Just as he finished giving his orders, Min Mao appeared with dark circles under his eyes. Curious, Yu Jinnian asked, “What happened to you?” Min Mao immediately grabbed him, complaining about the terrifying, eerie crying from the previous night.
While comforting Min Mao, Yu Jinnian continued working, making some rice balls, frying sweet cakes, and preparing stuffed rice dumplings.
Tibetan rice ball is an ancient food made from a thick glutinous rice flour dough, filled with delicate red bean paste. Over time, creative chefs have developed various fillings for Tibetan Rice Ball, including red bean paste, jujube paste, meat floss, fried dough sticks, and salted vegetables, to suit different tastes.
Yu Jinnian, always considerate when cooking, made a variety of both sweet and savory versions. After making them, he arranged them neatly in a food basket, sprinkled with black sesame seeds. The finished Tibetan Rice Ball had a translucent, jade-like outer skin, with fillings that resembled gold and silver gems. They were so visually appealing on the white porcelain plates that Min Mao forgot all about the ghostly wails from the night before and eagerly demanded to try one.
As they joked and played around, a shadowy figure passed by, startling Min Mao to the point of nearly choking. Yu Jinnian took a closer look and realized it was the young woman from the previous day, presumably named Han Xiao. Today, she wore a high-collared skirt, her eyelids red, and she appeared haggard. Her steps were unsteady, and her high collar reached up to her ears, completely covering her swan-like neck.
Recalling Min Mao’s story about a weeping ghost, Yu Jinnian began to form a suspicion. He hesitated, unsure of how to broach the subject, but as he passed by Han Xiao, he quietly asked, “Do you need help?”
Han Xiao’s face turned pale, and she flinched away, grabbing a jug of wine in a hurry before limping out as if fleeing. She ran right into someone else, looked up in panic, and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw it wasnโt Lรผ Yanjia. In a soft, almost pleading voice, she called, “Sister…”
The person she ran into was none other than Lรผ Yanjiaโs legitimate wife, Qi Wenjun. Today, she was dressed more lavishly, with a jeweled necklace, exuding the poised elegance of a noble lady. She furrowed her brows slightly, casting a cautious glance at Yu Jinnian, as if wary of him, before gently fixing Han Xiaoโs disheveled hair.
The two women exchanged a glance, and Qi Wenjun pulled Han Xiao close, softly comforting her, “Donโt cry. If he sees, youโll suffer more.”
Han Xiao nodded, choking back her tears in silence.
Realizing it was inappropriate to stay, Yu Jinnian quickly dragged Min Mao away.
After they turned the corner, Qi Wenjun pulled Han Xiao into a secluded spot by the wall, hidden by dense branches. She raised her hand as if to touch something but hesitated, eventually letting her hand fall. She softly asked, “Does it still hurt? Let me see.” Her tone was gentle, as though comforting a sister with whom she shared a deep bond, rather than a concubine competing for affection.
The two whispered a few more words, and suddenly Han Xiao anxiously declared, “Iโll stay with you, Sister! Through life or death, weโll be together forever!”
The wall was thin and couldnโt block much, especially with a leaking window nearby. Though the raindrops from the eaves masked most of the conversation, Yu Jinnian happened to overhear these few words. However, the fragments of conversation didnโt make much sense to him.
Puzzled but trying to shake it off, Yu Jinnian and his group set out for the countryside. After the previous nightโs rain, many of the flowers had fallen from the trees, drifting down the clear stream like a layer of pink duckweed, creating a scene that looked like a river of rouge from a distance.
By the time they arrived, many people were already by the creek, including a group of scholars playing a game called Qushui Liushang (Floating Wine Cups). Each familyโs servants and maidservants stood eagerly by with brush and ink, hoping that when the wine cup floated in front of their master, he could demonstrate his talent and amaze everyone.
While those people recited poetry about the beauty of spring, Yu Jinnian, ever practical, picked up a small shovel and led Su Ting and Ah Chun in digging for wild vegetables.
After a spring rain, wild vegetables grew abundantly. They found plantain, dandelions, wild mustard greens, and several other varieties, both named and unnamed. Cวi chลซn (spring gathering) was traditionally a game for women, but the wealthy ladies werenโt expected to do any actual gathering. Instead, they would stroll in groups, laughing and playing with their maids, caring little about what they actually gathered.
Someone as serious about it as Yu Jinnian was, on the other hand, was quite rare.
He and Ji Hong ventured further into the woods, chasing after a patch of wild amaranth. This part of the forest was dense with new shoots of grass, and after a night of spring rain, the soil was soft, quickly dirtying their clothes. Yu Jinnian spotted what looked like a young toona tree in the distance and excitedly went to take a closer look but lost his footing on a slope.
In the panic, Ji Hong grabbed him just in time. “Careful!”
Fortunately, Yu Jinnian only twisted his ankle and got his shoes dirty. They sat on a clean rock, and Ji Hong knelt, gently removing his shoes and socks, massaging his ankle. Yu Jinnian, in high spirits, rummaged through the basket of gathered wild vegetables, happily pulling each one out and explaining to Ji Hong what it was, how to cook it, and how good it tasted.
Ji Hong listened intently, a slight smile playing on his lips. “People have already started working on Jinyouting. Since no one has lived there for a while, thereโs a lot of renovation to be done. Theyโre dredging the mud from the lotus pond now. By the time we return to the capital, we should be able to fill it with water. We can raise some koi, and if you like, plant some flower vines around the pond. Iโve also had one of the courtyards turned into a pharmacy, and the kitchen has been expanded with several new stoves…”
For the first time, Ji Hong found himself rambling, talking about every little detail he could think of. But before he could say more, he decided to leave some surprises. He wanted to wait until the renovations were complete so that he could personally show Yu Jinnian around and see the look on his face. After a brief pause, he added, “My second brother named it Jinyouting, but if you prefer something else, Iโll have them change the plaque. After all, itโs ours nowโ”
Yu Jinnian wiggled his foot and grinned at him. “Ours what?”
Ji Hong grabbed the smooth, pale foot and held it firmly in his hand. The skin was so thin that the faint blue and purple veins beneath were visible. Holding the unruly foot in one hand and wrapping his other arm around the boy’s neck, Ji Hong gave him a light squeeze. “Our home.” He said this and kissed the boyโs lips.
They had been on the road for some time, and it had been a while since they had been intimate. The kiss lingered for a long time, and when they finally parted, both were slightly out of breath. The taste of strong tea lingered in Ji Hongโs mouth, leaving Yu Jinnianโs mouth fragrant and refreshed. He licked his lips, lowered his head, and slipped his shoes back on, glancing at Ji Hong out of the corner of his eye. “โฆSo youโve been so busy lately because of this?”
Ji Hong chuckled. “There are many things I want to personally oversee. I canโt trust outsiders to handle them. Besides, if I take care of everything now, weโll be more comfortable later, and no one will need to be bothered.”
“Honestly, itโs all fine. You donโt have to go through so much trouble. I have some money on hand, and we could just buy a house in the capital, avoid people gossiping. Itโd be fine if you just came to see me when you couldโฆ” Yu Jinnian cast a sidelong glance at him. He understood what Min Xuefei had been hinting at the previous day. The capital was not like Xinan County, where the emperor was far away, and it was wise to keep a low profile. He also wanted to consider Ji Hongโs position. After all, their relationship could never be entirely open.
Of course, when he said this, it wasnโt entirely out of selflessness. He was teasing Ji Hong, hoping to provoke a reaction.
As expected, Ji Hong took the bait, his tone uncharacteristically stern as he frowned. “Who dares say a word? Do they not know what the character ‘Ji’ means?”
It was the voice of a spoiled, arrogant young master, which made Yu Jinnian burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. Ji Hong sighed, half-jokingly, seeing that Yu Jinnian was genuinely happy. He ruffled the boyโs hair and said softly, “Weโve gone far enough. Letโs head back.”
They took a few steps back toward the clearing when Yu Jinnian suddenly realized that, though he had been the one teasing Ji Hong, it now felt as though Ji Hong had turned the tables and teased him instead.
Just as he was fuming over this, he spotted a blurry figure deeper in the woods. The shape seemed familiarโa slender, long figure that looked like a young woman carrying a small basket. She must have been a lady of some family, unused to walking through the wilderness. She stumbled along, nearly falling several times.
From time to time, she bent down, rummaging under the bushes, pulling out some small, white objects and tossing them into her basket.
Though there were no wild beasts or venomous snakes in this forest, there were plenty of biting insects that could be quite troublesome. Yu Jinnian was about to warn her not to venture any deeper when she suddenly noticed them, gave a start, and ran off before he could say a word.
“How strange,” Yu Jinnian muttered, looking down at the lush, green grass beneath his feet. The ground was covered in decaying leaves and soft soil, and there didnโt seem to be anything unusual here. He wondered what the young lady had been gathering so deep in the woods.