Chapter 39: I think it's time for you to leave, Ruxue

Chapter 39: I Think, Ruxue, You... Should Go

Ever since Bai Ruxue learned that Xiao Mo would not marry the County Magistrate's daughter, she had reverted to being a "carefree" young girl.

Bai Ruxue was lively every day; she even hummed little tunes while cooking.

In truth, Xiao Mo had never intended to marry the Magistrate's daughter in the first place.

At the time, Xiao Mo had wanted to politely decline Magistrate Sun's kindness, but Magistrate Sun had interrupted him, telling him there was no rush to agree and that he could take more time to think it over.

Xiao Mo couldn't say much then, so he simply planned to pay a personal visit to Magistrate Sun in a couple of days to express his gratitude for the Magistrate's favor.

Today, after arriving at Magistrate Sun's residence, Xiao Mo politely declined the proposal.

Although Magistrate Sun felt it was a pity, he could understand; after all, Xiao Mo had stated he already had a woman he loved.

Therefore, Magistrate Sun did not press the marriage matter further. Instead, he discussed scholarship and matters of the imperial court with Xiao Mo, intending to impart some wisdom on the ways of being an official.

In Magistrate Sun's view, Xiao Mo's entry into the imperial bureaucracy was already a foregone conclusion.

This was because Magistrate Sun had later heard that Xiao Mo's success in becoming the *Jieyuan* (top scholar of the provincial exam) was due to the appreciation of that Mr. Zhang.

That Mr. Zhang was a man of great prestige and reputation who had authored many works. Although he currently held a leisure post, his influence in the imperial court was immense; even the current Prime Minister was his disciple.

"Xiao Mo, once you arrive in the capital, make it your first priority to send a calling card to Old Mr. Zhang's residence," Magistrate Sun advised.

"Mr. Zhang?" Xiao Mo asked, puzzled.

"It is the venerable Mr. Zhang Qianzhi, currently a Hanlin scholar and also a Chancellor of the Confucian Academy," Magistrate Sun said, stroking his beard. "It was Mr. Zhang who recommended you for the *Jieyuan* title this time."

"Then it is indeed only right that I pay my respects."

Xiao Mo nodded.

"However, you need not go overboard in seeking his favor, otherwise you will only cause him displeasure. Simply pay a visit, have a cup of tea, and express your gratitude for his patronage," Magistrate Sun said.

"This student understands. Thank you for the guidance, Magistrate," Xiao Mo said, bowing with a cupped fist.

"Hahaha, how can this be called guidance? In the future, I shall have to rely on Lord Xiao to guide this old man," Magistrate Sun said, raising his wine cup.

Xiao Mo merely smiled faintly and raised his cup in return.

***

"Goji berries, longan, mushrooms, and old hen, cut into pieces and blanched..."

Meanwhile, at home, Bai Ruxue was making chicken soup for Xiao Mo.

"Finally, simmer on low heat for an hour, and it's done!"

Bai Ruxue clapped her small hands happily and placed the ceramic lid on the pot.

While tending to the low flame of the stove, she looked out toward the courtyard, waiting for Xiao Mo to return.

Half an hour later, Xiao Mo had not returned, but a woman arrived at the courtyard gate.

The woman appeared to have an ethereal, immortal air; she held a fly-whisk and wore Taoist robes. "Miss, may this poor Taoist ask for a bowl of water?"

"Of course you may."

Bai Ruxue did not refuse and hurried to fetch a bowl of water for the female Taoist.

While the Taoist was drinking, Bai Ruxue observed her closely, thinking she was truly beautiful.

"Thank you, Miss." After drinking the water in one gulp, the Taoist returned the clay bowl and fixed her gaze on Bai Ruxue.

Bai Ruxue blinked and tilted her head. "Is there something you need, Immortal One?"

"It is nothing in particular."

The Taoist shook her head.

"This poor Taoist is an elder of the Tianxuan Sect, named Fuchen. I perceive that this lady possesses extraordinary talent and a touch of immortal fate. I wonder if you would be willing to go up the mountain to cultivate with me?"

"Ah? Cultivate? I'm not going!" Bai Ruxue waved her hands dismissively. "I have someone I need to take care of. Without me, there will be no one to cook for him."

The Taoist smiled. "There is no rush to answer. You may consider it carefully. With your constitution, it would be a true waste not to cultivate. I shall return in two days."

With those words, the Taoist performed a formal salute, turned, and stepped into the sky. In an instant, she vanished without a trace.

Standing at the courtyard gate, Bai Ruxue's eyes were sparkling.

It was her first time seeing someone fly.

***

As the sun began to set, Xiao Mo returned home.

"Xiao Mo, you're back! Come quickly, I've stewed chicken soup for you."

Seeing him return, Bai Ruxue hurriedly ladled a bowl of chicken soup and placed it before him.

"Mm, I happened to be hungry as well." Xiao Mo sat at the stone table and took a sip. The broth was rich yet not greasy, and bursting with umami.

He had to admit, Bai Ruxue's cooking was getting better and better.

"Is it good?" Bai Ruxue sat across from him, resting her chin on her hands, her charming peach-blossom eyes curving as she looked at him.

"It's good," Xiao Mo nodded.

"If it's good, then drink more." Bai Ruxue placed two more pieces of chicken into his bowl. "This is the only thing for tonight; I didn't cook anything else. You have to finish this whole chicken tonight."

"Then what are you eating?" Xiao Mo asked.

"I'm eating the leftovers from lunch. It would be a waste not to," Bai Ruxue said matter-of-factly.

Xiao Mo: "..."

"Eat quickly, eat quickly. The soup won't taste as good once it gets cold." Bai Ruxue ladled another bowl for him.

"You should eat some too. I can't finish it all by myself," Xiao Mo said.

Bai Ruxue shook her head. "I'm not hungry."

"You should still have a few bites, otherwise it's a waste."

"Fine then, but you have to feed me, ah—" Bai Ruxue opened her small mouth, revealing her pink tongue.

Xiao Mo could only do as she asked, placing a piece of meat into her mouth.

Bai Ruxue chewed happily; she felt that food tasted even better when Xiao Mo fed her.

"By the way, Xiao Mo, a female Taoist came to our courtyard just now."

"A Taoist?"

"Mm-hmm." Bai Ruxue nodded. "She was so beautiful. She said she was an elder from the Tianxuan Sect and said I had some kind of 'immortal fate.' She wanted to take me to cultivate."

"Hmm?"

Xiao Mo was somewhat surprised.

He had heard of the Tianxuan Sect.

The Tianxuan Sect was the greatest sect within the borders of the Qi Kingdom, a righteous and prestigious sect with an excellent reputation among mortals. It was said they taught without discrimination; as long as one had a heart for the Dao, they would even teach the demon race.

There was even a female elder within the Tianxuan Sect whose true form was a Vermilion Bird.

Xiao Mo felt that her asking for water was a pretext.

She had likely passed by and seen that Bai Ruxue, a white snake, possessed extraordinary talent, and truly wanted to take her as a disciple.

"Did you agree?" Xiao Mo looked up and asked.

"Of course not..." Bai Ruxue waved her hands. "If I left, who would take care of you?"

Xiao Mo lowered his head, his spoon stirring the oil droplets in the bowl.

"Xiao Mo, what's wrong? Why did you stop eating? There's still more than half a pot left." Bai Ruxue noticed him pausing.

"Ruxue." Xiao Mo looked up, staring directly into her eyes. "If you didn't need to take care of me, would you go to the Tianxuan Sect?"

"Eh?" Bai Ruxue froze, her eyes trembling as she looked at him. "Xiao Mo, what... what do you mean?"

"Ruxue, immortal fate is a rare encounter. I think, Ruxue, you... should go."