Four Years Later

  The first snow of early winter came in a hurry, falling without warning.

  Just a few days ago, the beauties in "Feixia Tower" were taking advantage of the rare sunlight that managed to pierce through the thick clouds to air out their winter quilts, cushions, and gauze curtains, infusing them with the fragrance of the season. But heaven's mood changed faster than flipping a book; it was suddenly chilly again, with clouds, wind, and snow, and not a sliver of warm sun could be seen.

  Unforeseen events were not uncommon in "Feixia Tower."

  Since the reputation of the Seventy-two Beauties grew louder, some high-ranking officials or influential figures would secretly try to enter the tower for "consultations" without intermediaries. Some requests were reasonable, others not. If a reasonable request happened to coincide with the owner's good mood that day, and the conversation went well, an appointment for "treatment" could be arranged quickly. As for those who were unreasonable and tried to force their way in, theowner didn't even need to make a move. With the Twelve Golden Hairpins on guard, their charming voices would issue commands, and the thirty-six sword-wielding maids of Feixia Tower, in two inner and outer circles, could take turns fighting until the intruders were exhausted.

  As for the recent "unforeseen event," there was indeed one.

  The cause of the commotion was the youngest sister of the Hua family, Hua Yuhong. The young lady had fallen in love and found a man she fancied. His identity was troublesome, as he was the "Jade Family's Buddha Son" from Jiangnan.

  This "Buddha Son" was rumored to have been blessed by gods and Buddhas, no longer an ordinary mortal. The martial world was vying for him. Just a few days ago, he was rescued by Sister Hua Yuhong from the clutches of the villains of "Su Bei Thirteen Roads," his body torn and bleeding, his internal energy in disarray. He was now recuperating in her "Feixia Tower."

  Other than that, everything was fine.

  The atmosphere in the tower this morning was relatively peaceful. Two pairs of men and women visited, but they were all friends who had been there before. They were more prepared for what happened within the Twelve Golden Hairpins and behind the purple gauze curtains, so they didn't create the same tense situation as their first visit, where both sides were on high alert and sweating profusely.

  After forcing her younger sister, who was worried about her beloved's condition, to have lunch together, and after chatting with Aunt Shuang for a while, a young maid announced that Master Meng, the wealthiest man in Dianshan, had arrived and asked if theowner would see him.

  Upon hearing this, Hua Duomei ordered the maid to ask the distinguished guest to wait in the flower hall and be served tea, while she herself recombed her loose hair and changed into a new dress before going downstairs.

  Before stepping out of her boudoir, she glanced at herself in the mirror, and the corners of her lips couldn't help but curl up mockingly. She thought that she didn't need to change into a new dress; in recent years, her clothes and skirts had all been black, so changing would only result in another set of dark attire!

  The flower hall was where "Feixia Tower" received distinguished guests for conversations.

  This exquisite and elegant hall lacked the layers of purple gauze curtains. Pearwood tables and chairs were placed on the dark wood floor. Several landscape paintings and paintings of court ladies hung on the walls. On the shelves were a few antiques and white porcelain pieces, resembling the reception halls of wealthy families.

  "What wind blows you, old man, to my 'Feixia Tower'?" Hua Duomei's voice preceded her arrival.

  As the beauty's delicate feet stepped into the flower hall, Master Meng, who was sipping tea, quickly put down his fine porcelain cup, stood up, cupped his fists, and chuckled.

  "owner, you know very well that I am so grateful for your miraculous recovery that I've cried tears of joy. I have no way to repay you, so I come here from time to time to pay my respects, check on your well-being, and bring some interesting trinkets for you to see, just for novelty!"

  Hua Duomei raised an eyebrow. "If I recall correctly, the 'miraculous hand' that cured Master Meng back then was Madam Meng's, not thisowner's."

  "Hehe, haha, yes, yes, it was indeed my wife's, plus the Twelve Golden Hairpins' guidance and cheers from the side." His plump cheeks had two rosy patches. It seemed that after being treated in "Feixia Tower," he had also made good progress in practicing Qi according to the secret methods over the years.

  "Is Madam Meng well?" She was still more concerned about the woman.

  Master Meng nodded vigorously, assuring her. "She is also practicing very well. Her skin is smooth and supple, her hair has become black and shiny, and she looks younger. Alas, did theowner secretly feed her something? Why does she always smell so fragrant?" It made him's heart flutter, and he was afraid that even unintentionally, she would still attract admirers!

  "It's good that she smells fragrant." Hua Duomei didn't answer directly, her raised eyebrows and eyes filled with pride. She stretched out her hand towards Master Meng. "What good thing has brought you, old man, here in such a hurry to show off? Take it out and let me see."

  "It's here!" Master Meng pointed to the square box on the tea table and beckoned her over.

  Hua Duomei walked over and saw him carefully opening the lid. She cautiously leaned forward, bringing her head closer.

  Upon a closer look, her almond eyes flashed with brilliance, and she blinked. "Is this... 'Manluo Grass Root'?"

  "owner has sharp eyes!" Master Meng said proudly.

  "But it's only a legendary item..."

  Legend had it that "Manluo Grass" had wide, dark leaves and small, double-petaled white flowers the size of a fingernail. The most precious part was the root. The "Manluo Grass Root" resembled a man's vital essence, and its mere scent had an aphrodisiac effect. If the grass root was made into an amulet, it was said to protect the owner from all sorts of harm, even absorb illness, and guide people to find treasures and all forms of love...

  Hua Duomei held the precious item and played with it, tilting her head. "So this is what 'Manluo Grass Root' looks like." It looked very much like a man's erection!

  Master Meng said, "The owner mentioned it once a long time ago, and I remembered it! It just so happened that a ship returned from the South Seas recently, carrying all sorts of rare treasures. I rushed to collect them, and I found it."

  Her alluring eyes, fixed on the treasure in her hand, suddenly contracted.

  A ship returned from the South Seas?

  Then... that person, he...

  Her heart rippled, and she suppressed the words that were about to escape with a slightly deeper breath.

  "Well, no more asking... I won't ask anymore... That man is no longer in my destiny."

  Habitually raising her chin, her beautiful face became even more charming, and her laughter was crisp. "Tell me, how much are you willing to part with it? Master Meng, give me a price."

  "Hahaha~~ I knew the owner would love it! I'm here to 'show off' and 'offer' it, so please take it generously!" He even handed the exquisite square box to her. "If you want anything else, just say the word. The things that ship brought back were truly dazzling, making one's eyes swim! Would the owner like to see them in person? Hehe, perhaps we can find something to replace 'Dragon Charm Fragrance'!"

  That man had kept his word. He had given her the formula for "Dragon Charm Fragrance" from the beginning and had planted a large area of purple acacia for her. When the purple acacia flowers bloomed, their beautiful petals, like a cup filled with longing, were an indispensable catalyst in the "Dragon Charm Fragrance" formula.

  However, Hua Duomei knew very well that even with the formula and the catalyst in hand, she couldn't accurately concoct that exquisite fragrance. That was a skill only he possessed. Since he had left so decisively four years ago, the "Dragon Charm Fragrance" used in "Feixia Tower" had been much weaker and less vibrant than before.

  Leisalang, where are you going?

  She kept hearing that silent question, her own voice, yet it sounded so unfamiliar it startled her, as if her heart was in her throat, exposing all her vulnerability in her panic.

  Do you still care?

  She also kept hearing the man ask, his tone cold, as if he were smiling but not.

  She waited, day after day, as if his departure was just like before, merely going on a trip for business, or perhaps traveling to the Western Desert with his subordinates, and he would return within two months at most.

  Then, on a snowy day, he did return, in the middle of the night.

  That night, she smelled his fierce and warm scent, felt his gaze and embrace. Her heart ached. She wanted to open her eyes to see him, to touch his face, to embrace his body, but she couldn't... It was as if he had given her a sleeping potion, making her drowsy, unable to wake up.

  When she opened her eyelids, it was already broad daylight. She saw the clear snow light outside her elegant room and slowly recalled the dream-like night.

  Her spirits soared, thinking he had returned to the waterside pavilion. She wanted to see him.

  She got out of bed and, after taking a few steps, stumbled and fell. Her steps were light and unsteady, as if she had lost her balance. When she looked down, the slender silver chain around her ankle was gone...

  He had removed the silver chain and quietly taken it from her. He had come in the night and disappeared like a dream. Did his intention mean to return her body's complete freedom, or to signify that they were no longer connected?

  No answer.

  There was no way to ask.

  The man never returned again.

  She had quietly visited his large estate outside the city limits several times. All the Han and non-Han people were gone. The vast estate and woodlands were left to an old steward and five laborers to maintain.

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  Two years later, during a casual chat, she accidentally learned from Master Meng that the man had partnered with the well-known "Feng Family Fleet" of Haining and had set sail for the South Seas. The person who facilitated the connection was Master Meng himself, who had a good relationship with the "Feng Family of Haining."

  "Actually, Brother Leisalang had arranged to set sail with the Feng Family fleet two years ago! He was very busy for a while, trying to settle his affairs. He said that besides a group of his followers, he would also bring his sister along to travel around and see the sights. If possible, perhaps they would settle down in the South Seas or elsewhere and not return to the Central Plains..."

  "...Hmm, the reason for not returning to the Central Plains? This... later on, I heard from someone in the Feng family that Brother Leisalang's sister had some kind of emergency at the last minute and couldn't make it for the Feng Family fleet's voyage. So, Brother Leisalang postponed everything and only resumed his plan with the Feng family much later... Now that he's traveling abroad, he must have taken care of all matters concerning his beloved sister..."

  "Eh? That's strange.owner, you and Brother Leisalang are clearly very familiar with each other, with a... hmm, hmm... unusually deep relationship. You even took care of his sister for quite some time, didn't you? Why don't you know about his affairs and are asking me?"

  At that time, she never asked, was not used to asking, and felt there was no need for further entanglement. And he didn't mention it either, probably too lazy to do so.

  So, how could she know?

  However, she understood. That man would not return.

  She finally understood. It turned out that he was in a hurry to protect his sister from "male trouble," busy with all sorts of arrangements, and even willing to leave the Central Plains, just to take his sister far away from her old place and old acquaintances.

  Regardless of whether there were quarrels or conflicts between them, or how they got along, he would always leave in the end, leaving her behind.

  She was never part of his plans. The years he spent in Jiangnan were just a temporary stop for him.

  A temporary resting place, and once everything was settled, he could leave with ease...

  Thus, she began to wear black dresses, inexplicably fond of the color black, feeling that the swirling black silk skirt was like a dark lotus, beautiful and proud, as if mourning something.

  She told herself that the man wasn't that great. There were plenty of good men. She should open her heart and pursue the free and easy life by the spring river that she had promised herself for so long. She couldn't let a pure love, which was perhaps real but perhaps not, a love that was as if there but not there, delay her precious youth. She was so beautiful, so alluring, with all sorts of charm that ignited people's imaginations. After mourning, she should regroup, and the future was promising...

  She should forget him. She could forget him. She had been trying so hard, so hard!

  "Big Sister, he's in so much pain. I feel pain too just watching him. What should I do?" With a red silk sleeve, she unconsciously lightly patted her left chest, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. Hua Yuhong stared fixedly at her beloved from the Yu family, who was lying on the soft cushion on the floor and had just fainted again due to the surging of his internal energy.

  These days, watching her younger sister's infatuation from the sidelines, Hua Duomei had scolded her and lectured her enough, but her heart felt warm.

  Women were inherently emotional. She called her sister stupid for falling in love with a man, which was a disgrace to the "beautiful face" of theowner of "Feixia Tower." But perhaps, just perhaps, she was using the mulberry to scold the locust, and the person she really needed to scold was herself...

  "If force is needed, then use force."

  Her snow-white feet under the black silk skirt stepped lightly on the dark wood floor as she looked at the light snow outside the rooftop.

  "Your 'Buddha Son' can't wait any longer. Too much chaotic internal energy has entered his body. For days, countless currents of internal energy have used his body as a battlefield, attacking and diminishing each other. The secret techniques of our 'Feixia Tower' might be effective against his dantian's vital energy. If you're willing, Big Sister will invite the Twelve Golden Hairpins to guard you, and you will help him release it."

  Who cared about that dying Jade Family "Buddha Son"? If it weren't for her younger sister's affection for him and her complete devotion, she wouldn't bother.

  Look, she also had a "precious daughter" sister to protect!

  A flash of light crossed her mind, revealing the man's tall figure and his stern face with deep eyes and a high nose... She told herself she didn't miss him, yet such thoughts would come up from time to time. What was this? She scoffed inwardly, shaking her head.

  Collecting her scattered thoughts, she turned around, her black silk skirt drawing a wave of ink. She laughed heartily.

  "Alright! If you have no objections and are fully prepared, let's do it! 'Feixia Tower' will use you and your man as the 'altar' today!"

  She lowered the purple gauze curtains, with the Twelve Golden Hairpins providing close escort, twenty-four Silver Flute maids on standby outside, and thirty-six Jade Immortals supporting them. Let's see the miraculous power of "Feixia Tower's" secret techniques. We don't believe we can't subdue the vital essence in a man's dantian that's about to explode!

  She, theowner of "Feixia Tower," appeared bold and unrestrained, spoke without taboo, and acted accordingly. She did whatever she pleased when happy... She thought she was truly like that until she met that man. After those years, she gradually understood that she was, at best, a "paper tiger" putting on a brave front.

  She dared to speak her mind.

  She dared to look.

  But when it came to reaching out to touch, an inexplicable repulsion would surge like a tidal wave, swallowing all her courage and boldness.

  She tried hard to conceal this great "shortcoming" and forced herself to try again and again. Unfortunately, the scar on her heart was too deep, and she didn't know when she would break free from this invisible鎖.

  She wanted a man!

  No matter what, she had to find another good one, someone more captivating and desirable than the previous one!

  He wouldn't come back.

  All that was left was heartache. After heartache, one had to heal. She would be very, very good...

  She wanted a man... she wanted a man... she wanted a man... she wanted a man... she wanted a man...

  The "Feixia Tower" was in a commotion this afternoon. The doors were locked, and no outside guests were received. The Seventy-two Beauties, at her call, were supporting her with loyalty, helping her sister Yuhong deal with the life-and-death matter of her beloved "Buddha Son."

  Now, the night was deep, and everyone was quiet. She was alone in theowner's boudoir.

  The rush matting was rolled up high. Outside the rooftop, it was like a fierce wind blowing snow. She seemed unfazed by the cold, wearing only a bra on her upper body, her hair like flying silk, snowflakes drifting onto her shoulders.

  Snowflakes entered the boudoir with the wind. The candlelight in the porcelain drum lampshade flickered long and thin with the undulating air. The purple gauze curtains in the room swayed and swayed. She danced on her toes, giggling, thinking that all the gauze curtains were dancing with her...

  She wanted a man... she wanted a man... she wanted a man... she wanted a man... she wanted a man...

  "Mmm..." Dizzy, her snow-white feet tripped over a purple gauze curtain.

  She fell forward, pulling the purple gauze curtain down with her, covering her entire body.

  "Hehehe... haha... mmm..." Struggling out of a mass of gauze, she blinked her hazy eyes. For a moment, she couldn't tell what she was seeing. She blinked again, and her rosy lips finally seemed to recognize something, murmuring, "There are... mmm... a pair of big feet, big feet in sheepskin boots... Hahaha..."

  Shaking her head as she laughed, her nose suddenly felt sore, and her eyes became hot. She rubbed them with the back of her hand, slowly sat up, and someone gently pulled her hand away...

  And then, she saw him.

  The swirling purple gauze was the only scenery behind him. That long-lost male face had always been in her mind, but this one was darker, with sharper, more defined features. His hair was slightly longer than before, still curly and messy, shining in the dim, flickering lamplight.

  He squatted in front of her, not saying a word.

  A small part of the man's dark cloak covered her legs. She picked up that small corner with her free hand, brought it to her nose, and sniffed, smiling hazily.

  "I recognize this scent... Why should I remember? I should forget... I don't want to..."

  Damn it! Damn it! "I don't want to remember!" With a sharp sound, she slapped herself hard, her head spinning. She leaned to the side and fell.

  The man who had silently entered theowner's boudoir narrowed his deep eyes, his lips tightly pursed, and a faint vein appeared on his forehead.

  He remained silent. Suddenly, he bent down and picked up the semi-conscious woman. His tall figure passed through the layers of purple gauze curtains that fluttered in the wind, and he placed the slender body in his arms back onto the soft cushion spread on the floor.

  He stood up, closed the two windows and doors of the rooftop, and lowered the rush matting. The wind suddenly stopped, and the gauze curtains fell back into place, swaying gently with the residual force.

  With the wind and snow gone, the fragrance lingering in the room became deeper and thicker, almost choking.

  He frowned thoughtfully, walked back to her, and sat down. He glanced at a delicate incense burner placed beside the soft cushion. It seemed to have been burned to the end, the flame extinguished, and the smoke wisped faintly.

  He lifted the lid of the burner and his eyebrows immediately furrowed deeper. Then, he noticed two empty wine jars lying on the side. The faint vein on his forehead had clearly turned into a blood vessel.

  "Using sleeping potions and drinking strong liquor... You're becoming more and more troublesome!" His tone seemed very annoyed, but the strength with which he held the woman's chin was very gentle.

  In the dim light, he scrutinized the beautiful face without blinking for a moment. He noticed the red marks on the woman's cheek where she had hit herself and her slightly swollen lips. He let out a deep hum, his stern lips tightening again.

  Dizzy, her head heavy, but her body light. Although lying down, Hua Duomei felt as if her entire soul was still spinning, as if tumbling in the wind, snow, and purple gauze curtains...

  She had a desire tonight, an extreme desire. She told herself she wanted... wanted... Yes, she wanted a man...

  She would never remember that one person again.

  Don't remember that person's unique, refreshing scent.

  "I want a man... Let me tell you, hehe... I need to find a man... Do you want me?"

  Her mind was hot, and the buzzing in her ears grew louder and louder. Was it because she had drunk too much and was now suffering the backlash of the alcohol, or had the newly concocted incense and medicinal ingredients gone wrong tonight? Her eyes were hazy, and suddenly she couldn't see anything. She blinked her dense eyelashes again and again, but it was still dark, as if she were blind.

  But it didn't matter. Her small hand grabbed a rough, strong arm belonging to a man. She had found a man and wouldn't let him escape.

  "...You want me, right? I... I won't treat you badly... I'll make you very comfortable, very happy... I don't want to remember him anymore... He's gone, to the South Seas... to a far, far away place. He has no destiny with me anymore... and I won't allow myself to have him anymore... hehe... hahaha..."

  Afraid of losing the man she was clutching, she pulled his large hand and pressed it against her high chest. Her jade legs under the black silk skirt wrapped around the man's body. The high-lifted hem of her skirt revealed her snow-white thighs. She had no mind to care. Her bare shoulders and lotus-like arms reached forward, as if in pain yet desperately wanting to embrace him.

  "I want a man... I want you..." Tears streamed down her face.

  She giggled and laughed, tears filling her rosy cheeks, murmuring indistinctly, her fragrant body constantly rubbing against a strong physique... She smelled the familiar scent again and shivered.

  "Who are you..." Her small hand fumbled, her eyes burning with pain.

  The man didn't answer. She felt the strength of his arms around her increase. He turned over, trapping her beneath him.

  Her black hair and black dress were all scattered. Her snow-white face was so small, her bones so delicate. She didn't know how fragile she looked at this moment, but she asked again, puzzled, "Who am I... Do you know me? Hehe... I don't know myself anymore..."

  She was kissed.

  The man's lips were burning and gentle, moving slowly and deliberately, as if afraid of hurting her slightly swollen mouth.

  But she wasn't afraid of pain.

  Clinging to the man's neck, she entangled him with all her might, until the bra unraveled bit by bit due to the constant pressing and rubbing of their two bodies, until the sleeping potion she had ingested fully took effect, until the thick, mellow wine fumes from her unrestrained drinking drowned her thoughts...

  She finally let herself go, collapsing softly into the man's arms.

  With the beauty in his arms, and his dantian burning, and the strength in his legs gathering, the man—Leisalang—after a long while, realized that the nearly naked woman in his arms, after a passionate kiss and fondling, had actually fallen asleep. Her snow-white arms and jade legs had gone limp from his neck and waist. With her soft breaths, her breasts still trembled unconsciously, her body glistening.

  What else could he do?

  He sighed mockingly, struggling to calm the surging blood and Qi, taking several deep breaths.

  His large palm lingered on her warm jade breasts for a moment, then, still unwilling, he lowered his head and bit down. His teeth were slightly closed, causing the sleeping person below to stir her head and murmur.

  Seeing her curl up shivering from the cold, he didn't put her clothes back on. Instead, he took the warm quilt from the side, spread it out, and covered her completely, ensuring that her habitually bare snow-white feet were also covered.

  "Why are you crying? You're really getting better and better at tormenting people..." Whether there was hate or no hate, love or no love, it was impossible to tell at the moment.

  His eyes showed ferocity and ruthlessness. He wiped away her tears from her cheeks again and again, then his rough fingers slid to her glossy black hair, taking a strand and playing with it between his fingers.

  "You want a man? I'll wait and see who dares to let you have one?"

  He was back.

  What belonged to him, he would seize, no matter how low the means.