Chapter 355

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Chapter 355: Amidst the Storm, the Rooster Keeps Crowing

"I am named Diwu, Qiansui…"

"I live in the south, a place abundant with water and vegetation. It is also my first time visiting the Jiangnan region, you know."

Diwu Qiansui, a girl with an ethereal presence, stood at the bow of the boat introducing herself.

Bai Wei thought to himself, "Qiansui, what a beautiful name. Qiansui, oh, so many years and ages. It sounds like the destiny of an empress or a grand empress."

If it were a man, then it is highly likely that he would be a eunuch.

"Bai Wei, a gentleman from Qiántáng Lín’ān, introduced himself as a local resident and an ordinary scholar." Bai Wei said as he introduced himself.

The old boatman couldn’t help but interject, letting out a little sigh. "Young Master Bai is no ordinary person, you know. He’s actually a distinguished scholar who has caught the emperor’s attention. Even if he’s not the legendary God of Literature descending to Earth, he’s certainly reached a level close to that of a divine being."

Bai Wei remained silent, neither confirming nor denying.

"Oh? The Star of Literature?" Diwu Qiansui curiously cast her gaze towards him. "I thought you were a wanderer, but it turns out you’re a scholar?"

"I am a scholar, but who says scholars can’t fight? The great Confucius could control a bronze chariot with one hand, so I am merely emulating his example. There’s nothing wrong with that," Bai Wei said. "I may not have great eloquence, but I can make up for it with my fists. Sometimes, strength is all you need to persuade others."

The girl and the young man chatted away.

On the side, the boatman looked on with a sense of awe. Just during the day, he had ferried the second son of the Xu family, along with a woman as beautiful as a celestial being, on the same boat.

It was finally evening, and on the last trip out, they happened to pick up Young Master Bai and this lovely young lady.

Unlike during the day, he felt that Xu Xian, despite being honest and sincere, didn’t have much ability. He felt that Xu Xian wasn’t quite a match for the girl with her fair complexion and graceful appearance. But Young Master Bai was different. Although he may not hold an official position, he was wealthy and renowned, a top scholar in the royal court. Everyone in Lin’an had heard of his exploits. He was generous and righteous, known for resolving troublesome matters with ease. With his help, everything became clear and straightforward. This girl was so beautiful, and if she was also virtuous, she would be a perfect match for him.

The boatman didn’t have such thoughts, for the pairing of talented scholars and beautiful women is the beloved yin and yang of the common people’s hearts.

He thought to himself, if these two pairs were to come together, perhaps he should consider opening a marriage agency as Young Master Bai had mentioned. The work of a matchmaker was something that he was capable of doing as well. He could even transform this small boat into a secluded meeting place and use these two pairs as a means of promotion.

As the boatman paddled with his oar, his mood became very cheerful, and he couldn’t help but start singing.

"Ahahaha~ Ahahaha~ The beautiful scenery of West Lake in March, oh! The spring rain is like wine, and the willows are like smoke, oh!"

Bai Wei sang this song several times, and eventually it began to spread.

However, some of the lyrics were modified to have a more ancient and rhyming style, as overly straightforward lyrics were difficult for ancient people to accept.

In this era, even the songs selected in the brothels and Chu Guan (entertainment establishments) were filled with the poetic lyrics of Liu San Bian, surpassing all the so-called ancient-style songs by a long shot.

Bai Wei heard the boatman singing a song. At first, he didn’t think much of it, but gradually something felt off. It wasn’t until he heard the lyrics, ‘After a hundred years of cultivation, we can finally embark on the same boat. After a thousand years of cultivation, we can finally rest on the same pillow,’ that he couldn’t help but sneak a glance at this old man.

Don’t cause trouble, I’m telling you.

The boatman wore a bamboo hat, pretending not to see, and continued singing loudly.

Bai Wei left the boat fare behind, and rolled up the hem of his scholar’s robe. With a leap, he stepped onto the lotus leaves by the riverbank, walking on water.

He opened up the oil-paper umbrella, glanced at the darkening sky, and was about to leave.

"Hello!" Diwu Qiansui called out, saying, "Wait for me!"

Bai Wei wondered, "What are you waiting for? The sky is getting dark, shouldn’t the little girl go home earlier?"

"I… won’t go back," she said.

"Oh, then find an inn," Bai Wei said. "The inns nearby are all pretty good, and the owners don’t overcharge."

"I have no money!" she shouted again. "Young Master Bai, could you please be kind?"

Bai Wei thought for a moment and said, "Alright, I guess that works."

The girl’s face lit up with joy, but then she felt a sudden pain in her forehead. A few pieces of silver fell and hit her forehead before rolling into the palm of her hand.

"Take the money and go stay at the inn," Bai Wei said as he walked away, holding an umbrella.

"Hey!" the girl continued to call out, but before long, the figure of the scholar vanished without a trace.

A few more seconds passed, and the boatman finally managed to steady the boat. He slapped his forehead and said, "Oh dear, I almost forgot. Young Master Bai is quite delicate in matters like this. Many young ladies from prominent families in Qiantang have deliberately or inadvertently written him letters, but he pays no attention to them. He keeps his distance, never setting foot in brothels or courtesan houses. Even romantic encounters are turned down. The neighbors suspect that he has someone special in his heart… Little girl, how about I tell you where he lives?"

"No need," Diwu Qiansui put away the silver coins and turned around, saying, "Boatman, you sang wonderfully."

"Oh really? I also agree. My singing voice has won the Lian’an singing competition before…"

"Don’t sing next time!"

The girl walked towards the shore, lifting her skirt and stepping on the water, making a splashing sound, as she disappeared into the night.

…

Bai Wei returned to his residence.

He actually didn’t live a frugal life in this aspect, but unfortunately, the enjoyment in ancient times was still lacking compared to modern life.

Returning to his lonely home, he had to boil the water himself, and after a while of busyness, he finally managed to boil the water and get ready for a bath.

Suddenly, a beautiful cat jumped down, splashing Bai Wei with water. It let out a meow, making Bai Wei think it was hungry and wanted some food. Just as he entered the kitchen, the cat grabbed a piece of chicken and ran towards the door, scratching at it.

Bai Wei was puzzled. He opened the side door and then noticed another little cutie squatting under the eaves.

"Meow~" The black cat approached beneath the girl’s dress, supporting her ankle.

Qiansui looked up and exclaimed in surprise, "Oh? This place, is it your home?"

Bai Wei, with a blank expression on his face, said "… The person who set sail, daring to even reveal my home address, remember this well."

"You, come in."

Bai Wei saw her squatting at the doorway, her face turning pale. He couldn’t bring himself to shoo her away. With the light rain of early spring, it was evident that she came from a wealthy family. She was delicate, keeping her hands away from any outdoor labor. It was certain that she would fall seriously ill if she continued to be exposed to the cold.

"Go take a hot bath," Bai Wei pointed to the bathroom, where the hot water had just been boiled.

"Oh…" Qiansui walked into the bathroom.

Bai Wei brought some clean clothes over. Thankfully, he had tailor-made several sets of different pajamas for himself.

Upon reaching the doorway, Bai Wei noticed that the clothes were casually placed on a wooden stool nearby. A head poked out from the bathtub, steaming slightly pink in the white vapor.

She stared at Bai Wei without blinking, her gaze pure and devoid of any annoyance or embarrassment.

The scholar shifted his gaze, saying, "The clothes are placed here."

He returned to the room, covering his forehead, thinking to himself that he should have taken her to the inn.

After a while, Diwu Qiansui changed her clothes and walked out. She didn’t put on any makeup, yet she was still captivating, with her natural beauty that was hard to resist.

Bai Wei said, "There is a separate room. You can stay here tonight."

"Wait." Qiansui suddenly said, "Could we, talk for a little while?"

"Go to bed early and wake up early for good health."

"I saw you drinking." Diwu Qiansui found a pot of wine and two wine cups under the table, "Let’s play a drinking game."

"There are no peanuts, no dishes, why drink any alcohol." Bai Wei drinks alcohol to cultivate her skills. Drinking alcohol while practicing can enhance the efficiency of true energy circulation. Martial artists like to drink alcohol because it raises body temperature, increases blood flow, and achieves an amplifying effect.

"Come on, come on," Qiansui tugged at his sleeve. "Are you still afraid of me, a young lady?"

"How did your family raise you to get heavily drunk at a single man’s house so late at night?"

"I’m a wild girl, nobody taught me and nobody manages me." Diwu Qiansui said directly, "Let’s quickly move on to the next question."

Bai Wei casually opened a book – it happened to be the Book of Songs, which was being used as a table leg support. He half-heartedly recited, "Reluctantly drinking all night, I won’t return until I’m drunk."

The girl spoke, "Amidst the dark storm, the rooster keeps crowing."

Bai Wei asked, "Where is the rooster crowing?"

He drank a cup of wine and said calmly, "Rest early and leave tomorrow morning."

The scholar immediately returned to his room, closed the door, pondered for a moment, and then added another lock.

At that moment, the Classic of Poetry, placed by his side, was flipped open by the night wind that blew in through the window, and it happened to land on a page of the "Zheng Feng – Wind and Rain" poem.

"The wind and rain were dark and gloomy, and the rooster’s crow was relentless," the next sentence goes, "Upon seeing the noble gentleman, why wouldn’t the clouds be delighted?"

Finally, seeing the return of the noble gentleman, how could one not feel happy in one’s heart?

This poem tells the tale of a lady’s sorrowful yearning, and the inner joy she feels when she finally lays eyes on the person she admires.

Bai Wei had studied the Book of Songs for quite a long time, so he naturally knew about it. However, he pretended not to know when it was mentioned.

A fastball that struck right at the soul.

If it were someone like Xu Xian, a ordinary man, he would be thinking about how to propose in what manner.

Bai Wei forced a smile and slowly closed his fingertips. If he were younger, he would probably be overwhelmed with joy, but…

Having not sealed away his memories for five lifetimes, he was somewhat desperate when it came to love and trust.