Chapter 129

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Chapter 129: First Encounter

Upon hearing that he had been unconscious for over ten days, Zhang Xiaohua felt a surge of panic. The memory of the ambush on that rainy night was still vivid. He had no idea what had happened to Ou Yan and the others. He assumed that he had killed the black-clad elder, but were the people who came afterward really reinforcements from the Piaomiao Sect? If Ou Yan and the others had escaped, they were probably looking for him by now. With so many days having passed, who knows where they might be searching?

He wanted to ask the Mistress where he was, but since he didn’t even know where he had fallen into the water or how far he had drifted along the river, what would be the point in asking?

So, Zhang Xiaohua mustered his strength, looked at the Mistress, and softly said: “Thank you, Mistress, for saving my life.”

The Mistress gently touched his forehead and smiled, saying: “What a thoughtful child. If you want to talk about saving your life, you should first thank this little girl. If she hadn’t fished you out, who knows where you might have drifted by now.”

“Fished out?” Zhang Xiaohua was stunned for a moment, then suddenly remembered the fishing rod he had seen the girl holding earlier. Realizing what had happened, he looked gratefully at the little girl beside him and softly said: “Thank you for saving my life, miss.”

The little girl smiled faintly and said: “No need to thank me. I just happened to see you. It was Mistress who did all the hard work of pulling you out, feeding you medicine, and everything else. I can’t take the credit.”

Zhang Xiaohua thought for a moment and said: “Regardless, I must thank both Mistress and the young lady for your kindness.”

Seeing that Zhang Xiaohua was getting tired, the Mistress said: “Alright, now that you’re awake, take your time to recover. We can talk about all this later. Get some rest for now.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded slightly. He had only spoken a few words, but already felt drained and sleepy. Obeying the Mistress’s instructions, he quietly closed his eyes and soon fell asleep.

When Zhang Xiaohua woke up again, it was already evening. With the little girl’s help, he managed to eat a little food, which gave him some strength.

Not long after, the Mistress returned. Seeing that Zhang Xiaohua was awake and looking better, she was in good spirits.

The Mistress helped Zhang Xiaohua sit up, placing some bedding behind his back to prop him up. With him reclining comfortably, the three of them began to talk.

The Mistress naturally asked about Zhang Xiaohua’s background. After some thought, Zhang Xiaohua replied: “Mistress, my name is Zhang Xiaohua. I work at a villa, tending to medicinal herb fields. This time, I was accompanying the Villa Mistress and others on a mission to the south. Along the way, we were ambushed by bandits at night, and I was knocked into the river by an old man dressed in black. As for the specific location of the villa and the name of the Mistress, I was instructed before we left not to reveal our whereabouts. I don’t even know exactly where they are now, but I think it’s best to keep my promise, so I can’t tell Mistress any more details. Is that alright with you?”

In fact, the Mistress hadn’t intended to pry deeply, she just asked out of curiosity. Seeing how committed Zhang Xiaohua was to keeping his promise, she felt a sense of joy. After all her years traveling the Jianghu, it was rare to encounter such a sincere and honest child. She had no intention of making things difficult for him. Just as she was about to respond, the little girl beside them suddenly giggled and said: “Xiaohua, your name is so pretty, but why does it sound like a girl’s name? Xiaohua, Xiaohua, it reminds me of a little white flower on the mountaintop.”

This was the second time Zhang Xiaohua had heard someone comment on how amusing his name was. But seeing the girl’s bright smile, he couldn’t muster any annoyance. He simply replied softly: “My parents gave me this name. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. By the way, what’s your name?”

What seemed like a simple question struck the little girl like a thunderbolt. Her face turned pale instantly.

She bit her lip, trying to hold back her tears, and under the Mistress’s compassionate gaze, she said: “I don’t know my name. It feels like I’ve forgotten everything, yet I remember everything at the same time. I can’t recall anything clearly. My past life feels like a dream that I can’t describe.”

The Mistress sighed and explained: “I found her in the wilderness not long ago. She was unconscious at the time. When she woke up, she had forgotten everything, even her own name.”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said: “Mistress, you are truly a kind person, saving both me and this little sister. Your deeds are boundless in their merit. Little sister, if your past was like a dream, then waking from that dream means you have a new life now. That should be something to be happy about. Since you don’t have a name, you can choose a new one. Whether in a dream or in reality, you just need to stay true to yourself. How about calling yourself ‘Meng’?”

[TL_Note: Meng = Dream]

The girl’s eyes lit up at his suggestion. She smiled and said: “Meng—yes, that’s perfect. All beings dream, and I’m no exception. From now on, I’ll be called Meng. Haha, thank you, Zhang Xiaohua.”

The Mistress clapped her hands and said, “Well said, Zhang Xiaohua. You seem to be like a scholar, how did you end up working in a medicinal herb field?”

Zhang Xiaohua replied with some embarrassment: “My family has been poor since I was young. I wasn’t very bright when I was a child, so my father didn’t let me study much. Recently, I’ve been reading more and learned a few things. Since Little Meng saved me, naming her is a way of creating a good fate.”

Then Zhang Xiaohua said awkwardly: “I haven’t yet asked for your esteemed name, Mistress, so I can remember it and repay your kindness in the future.”

The Mistress smiled warmly and said: “Actually since you’re not from the Jianghu, it’s no harm for me to tell you. For certain reasons, just remember that my name is Jingxuan. Also, it’s best if you keep what happens here in your heart and not tell others.”

Zhang Xiaohua responded solemnly: “I understand, Mistress Jingxuan. Everyone has their own privacy and secrets, we should give each other space. I’m already very grateful that you don’t hold it against me, and I will treat your matters with the same respect.”

Mistress Jingxuan smiled and said: “Zhang Xiaohua, you speak wisely. As the saying goes, ‘A step back reveals a vast sky’, but how many people truly understand this? If everyone did, there would be far less bloodshed in the Jianghu. Unfortunately, the Jianghu is a place where strength prevails. If you are strong, you get to dictate the rules, often ignoring others’ privacy and secrets. Zhang Xiaohua, I hope you remember today’s lesson and keep your word as you grow up.”

Zhang Xiaohua bowed slightly and said: “Understood, Mistress. I will strive to do so.”

After talking for a while longer, Mistress Jingxuan saw that Zhang Xiaohua was getting tired and advised him to rest. She then took Little Meng outside.

In the following days, Mistress Jingxuan continued her early and late routines, while Zhang Xiaohua’s injuries healed remarkably quickly. Mistress Jingxuan was quite surprised by this. She had personally examined Zhang Xiaohua’s injuries, which were quite severe. According to her expectations, it should have taken several months to recover, so she had been thinking about how to deal with this matter. Yet, in just over ten days, Zhang Xiaohua seemed to have healed as if he had been recovering for a month or two. She wondered if it was due to the effectiveness of her medicine or if Zhang Xiaohua’s youth made his recovery faster.

Seeing the Mistress’s surprised expression, Zhang Xiaohua thought of his older brother’s injury last year. Didn’t Zhang Xiaolong’s internal injury heal remarkably quickly as well? At the time, it was believed that the miraculous recovery was due to the well water they drank at home. Zhang Xiaohua had been away for nearly a year and hadn’t drunk that well water for some time. Could it be that the spring water was somehow related? Though it seemed improbable that spring water could heal internal injuries, Zhang Xiaohua kept this thought to himself, knowing it might sound nonsensical to others.

In reality, Zhang Xiaohua’s being unconscious for ten days was due to his body’s natural healing process. The longer he remained unconscious, the better the recovery. Now that he was awake, his injuries were healing at an astonishing rate. Both Zhang Xiaohua and Mistress Jingxuan were unaware of the exact reason, but it was clear that Zhang Xiaohua’s condition was improving daily.

One day, Zhang Xiaohua and Little Meng were the only ones in the thatched hut. Zhang Xiaohua had regained enough strength to walk and slowly moved to the front of the hut. The warm sunlight outside felt comforting to Zhang Xiaohua. Little Meng had set aside her fishing rod and was now sitting barefoot on the ground. She asked Zhang Xiaohua: “Brother Xiaohua, where is your home? Who lives there with you? Can you tell me about it? I promise to keep it a secret and not tell anyone.”

Looking at Little Meng’s jade-like face bathed in sunlight, Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said: “That’s something I can share, there’s nothing to hide. My home is in Guo Village, a small village close to Lu Town. But don’t ask me where Lu Town is, I’ve never seen a map, so I can’t explain it clearly. My family consists of my father and mother, my eldest brother and sister-in-law, and me and my second brother, who are both out seeking out a living. I also had a grandmother who was very kind to me, but she passed away last year.”

As he spoke of his grandmother, Zhang Xiaohua was flooded with memories. He recounted how he started farming and digging wells last year, their experiences during New Year’s visit to the market, their encounters with bullies, and how he rescued Liu Qian. After telling Little Meng everything, he also shared the story of his eldest brother’s wedding how they bumped into the bandits from West Cui Mountain, and how his grandmother passed away during the wedding. Zhang Xiaohua spoke for the entire morning, and by the end of his tale, not only were his own eyes filled with tears, but Little Meng was also moved to tears, feeling sorrowful for Zhang Xiaohua’s family and the loss of his beloved grandmother.

Little Meng looked at Zhang Xiaohua with envy and said: “Brother Xiaohua, you have such a harmonious and loving family. I really envy you. I don’t even know where my own family is or how to find them.”

Zhang Xiaohua comforted her, saying: “Everyone has a family, and so do you. Just because you don’t know where to find them now doesn’t mean they don’t exist. I believe that one day, you’ll find your family, your parents. And right now, Mistress Jingxuan cares for you just like a mother would, doesn’t she?”

Little Meng smiled and said: “You’re right, Xiaohua. I must have a family, and they must be just as loving as yours. When I remember or find them, I’ll be sure to tell you, alright?”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled back, saying: “Of course, Little Meng. I believe I’ll be around to hear that story when the time comes. And if there’s ever a chance, I’d love to invite you to our Guo Village. My parents, my elder brother, and my sister-in-law would really like you very much.”

Little Meng’s face lit up with a smile, bright as a flower in bloom. The cold, distant exterior she had worn earlier melted away, revealing the true nature of a young girl. At that moment, Little Meng wanted to reach out her small hand to make a pinky promise with the boy still recovering from his injuries. But just as her hand extended halfway, she hesitated, realizing that it might be a childish gesture not suited for her age. A blush quickly spread across her cheeks, and she shyly retracted her hand.

The boy before her, with his ordinary looks and pale complexion due to illness, was the first playmate she could remember. Though most of their time together had been spent with him bedridden, the stories of his family filled Little Meng with a warm sense of hope. Zhang Xiaohua’s home, his family, and even his simple tales left a deep impression on her heart.

Mistress Jingxuan provided her with the care of an elder, while Zhang Xiaohua gave her the joy of companionship.

Perhaps this is the so-called “fate”?

The sun was shining brightly, the river flowing gently. On this boundless continent, there might be stories of joy and sorrow happening every day. However, at this particular time, the moment belonged to the young boy and girl beside the thatched cottage. With support and trust, there will be hope and a future.

That evening, Mistress Jingxuan returned especially late and appeared extremely fatigued. However, Zhang Xiaohua and Little Meng were not the type to pry into others’ affairs, so they didn’t ask much.

The next day, unlike her usual routine, Mistress Jingxuan didn’t go out. Instead, she called Zhang Xiaohua and Little Meng to the thatched cottage.

Zhang Xiaohua had a premonition.

Sure enough, Mistress Jingxuan first checked Zhang Xiaohua’s injuries and then said: “Zhang Xiaohua, your injuries have stabilized and there’s nothing serious now. You just need to rest quietly from now on.”

Zhang Xiaohua hurriedly bowed and said: “This is all thanks to you, Mistress. I’m truly grateful.”

Mistress Jingxuan smiled and said: “You’re still so polite. We’ve been living together for more than ten days, and I’ve already come to see you as my own junior. There’s no need to mention thanks again. However, with the end of the year approaching, I cannot delay here any longer. Tomorrow, I must set off for our sect’s base, and Little Meng will be coming with me. What about you? What are your plans?”

Zhang Xiaohua thought for a moment and asked: “Mistress, what do you think I should do?”

Mistress Jingxuan replied: “Your injuries are not serious anymore, so you can barely travel with us. There may be changes along the way, but with me there, it shouldn’t be too serious. I can drop you off at the nearest town, and then you can decide what to do, either find your way back or stay in the town to recover. Both are possible options.”

Zhang Xiaohua then asked: “Well, Mistress, I want to ask, how do you plan to arrange things for Little Meng?”

Mistress Jingxuan smiled and said: “As for Little Meng, I plan to take her back to the sect first. Her aptitude is average, and she is a bit older now. Although she isn’t suitable for martial arts practice anymore, with my status, accepting her into the sect won’t be difficult. She may not learn any peerless martial arts, but as long as she gains the ability to protect herself and can live a stable life, that’s enough.”

Little Meng had always been worried about her future, but her personality was calm, and sometimes she was too lazy to ask. This time, seeing Zhang Xiaohua asking on her behalf and Mistress Jingxuan considering her future so thoughtfully, her eyes couldn’t help but redden. She walked up to Mistress Jingxuan, tugged on her sleeve, and said: “Mistress, thank you.”

Mistress Jingxuan lovingly patted Little Meng’s head and said: “Little Meng, meeting you is also my fate. When I see you now, I see a reflection of myself when I was younger. Since I have the ability to take care of you, I’m naturally willing to help. The world of martial arts is not only filled with schemes, bloodshed, and danger, there is warmth and kindness too.”

Little Meng nodded, somewhat understanding.

Upon hearing this good news, Zhang Xiaohua exclaimed: “Mistress, if you’re taking one disciple, you might as well take two! Why not accept me as well?”

Mistress Jingxuan laughed and said: “Although our sect does have male disciples, they are never direct disciples and are usually placed in the outer sect. I cannot take male disciples myself. However, if you’re willing to come to our sect, I could consider finding someone to take you in. But you’re older now and have long passed the prime age for martial arts training, so you may not achieve great success in this field.”

Zhang Xiaohua felt disheartened. Why do all these masters say the same thing? Forget it, thinking of Ou Yan’s promise, he felt a bit despondent and said: “I only wanted to learn from you, Mistress. If it’s from someone else, then never mind.”

Mistress Jingxuan said: “You child, even becoming an outer disciple in our sect requires a high standard.” However, she didn’t want to reveal the name of her sect, nor did she want to pressure Zhang Xiaohua, so she didn’t say more.

Zhang Xiaohua then said: “Mistress, I’ve thought about it, and I’ve decided not to go with you to the nearest town. As you mentioned earlier, there might still be some issues. First, I’m worried that if something changes, it could affect your plans. Second, bringing me along might slow down your journey. I’ll just stay here to recuperate. Besides, this place is by the riverside, maybe my companions will find their way here in the next few days. If I leave, won’t I miss them again?”

Mistress Jingxuan was silent for a moment and then said: “Zhang Xiaohua, what you say makes sense. It’s better to stay still than to move around. You should stay here and rest. This area is very safe, and there’s plenty of food to last you through the New Year. By the way, I’ll tell you the route to the town later so you don’t get lost when you decide to go.”

After saying this, Mistress Jingxuan carefully explained the route from the thatched cottage to the town in detail to Zhang Xiaohua. She then took some silver coins from her pouch and left them with Zhang Xiaohua before going off with Little Meng to pack their belongings.

Perhaps because it was their last time together, the time Zhang Xiaohua spent with Mistress Jingxuan and Little Meng seemed to pass unusually quickly. Before he knew it, the evening had arrived. The setting sun hung low, casting a soft red glow over the western mountains. Zhang Xiaohua, cupping his chin in his hands, sat alone by the riverside when Little Meng quietly approached.

Little Meng, like Zhang Xiaohua, sat by the river, but she kept one hand behind her back. Looking at the distant sun, she asked: “What are you thinking about?”

Zhang Xiaohua replied: “I’m thinking about the saying, ‘The sunset is infinitely beautiful, yet close to dusk’. These beautiful moments are always fleeting.”

Little Meng also seemed melancholic and said: “Precisely because they are fleeting, they are beautiful. If they lasted too long, they would become dull.”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said: “You’re absolutely right, Little Meng. We’ve only known each other for a dozen days, so it feels wonderful. But what if it were a dozen years?”

Little Meng’s face turned slightly red, was it due to Zhang Xiaohua’s unintentional words, her own thoughts, or was it the reflection of the setting sun?

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