Zhan Feiyu had no interest in hunting in the snow, nor did she possess the refined elegance of a scholar to snip plum branches for a vase. As for collecting plum blossom snow to brew tea, Zhan Feiyu politely declined. In the end, she was nothing more than a commoner pretending to be a scholar.
Thus, the group split into three. Yang Xu, Qiu Jinyu, and the remaining three young men, along with their attendants, went hunting. Zhou Shuyao, the Fu family's daughter, and five other young ladies followed to watch the excitement.
Miss Feng, who had been embarrassed by mistaking yellow flowers for chrysanthemums, was now with her close confidantes, snipping plum branches not far away, a way to temporarily escape the crowd.
Finding a spot bathed in sunlight, with the faint scent of plum blossoms drifting in, Zhan Feiyu, who was drowsy, looked around. "I should have brought a small stool," she mused.
Everywhere was covered in snow, making it impossible to sit. Standing there, she already felt tired.
Seeing the little girl’s regret, Yin Wuyan’s cold phoenix eyes swept across the surroundings. He then walked towards the right. This side was shaded and had no plum trees, but there were two杂树 (zázhú - miscellaneous trees) about the thickness of a bowl.
Drawing out the soft sword coiled around his waist, the sword light flashed, and the two trees fell with a clang. The divine weapon, sharp enough to cut iron, was now being used by Yin Wuyan as a carpenter’s axe.
"Big brother?" Zhan Feiyu blinked in astonishment, watching the tree trunks turn into sections of wood in mere moments. Could her big brother be making her a temporary stool?
The sharpened ends of the wood were firmly driven into the ground, the mortise and tenon structure exceptionally sturdy. The simple long bench was about four feet long, with three debarked tree trunks laid side by side to form the seat, smooth and flat.
Zhan Feiyu sat down, her dangling legs swaying slightly. The bench was remarkably stable. She laughed crisply, "Big brother, with this skill, you won't starve to death in the future."
Yin Wuyan casually wiped the tree sap from his hands with the snow. Looking at the little girl smiling like a flower in the sunlight, his usually cold face softened, "If there's a chance, I'll build you a wooden house."
The training ground for the Forbidden Dragon Guards was on a deserted island. By the age of seven, Yin Wuyan had learned how to build a wooden house, how to cook hunted prey, and how to find edible things in the dense forest.
Let alone a simple long bench, he could also build tables, chairs, beds, and even earth stoves. If there were bamboo, it would be even more convenient. Even if a well-trained Forbidden Dragon Guard was alone without any food, they could survive in the wild.
After Yin Wuyan sat down, Zhan Feiyu glanced at Miss Feng and the others who were a bit far away. Then, she lowered her voice, "A Nuan said that the burning wood contained Gui Cao. If one mistakenly ingested Yan Zhi Guo again, it would have an effect similar to Wu Shi San. I suspect this was aimed at Qiu Jinyu."
As for how? Cough, cough, drunken indiscretion. Of course, even without alcohol, these two substances could have this effect.
Yin Wuyan looked at the little girl whose eyes were shining, and his cold, deep voice sounded without emotion, "You know quite a lot."
"A scholar doesn't leave his home but can know everything under heaven. I read extensively, so naturally, I know more," Zhan Feiyu defended herself with extreme survival instinct, blinking her eyes and smiling innocently at Yin Wuyan. "Knowing more means not being deceived in the future."
Yin Wuyan had previously inspected all of Zhan Feiyu's books. They were all books needed for the imperial examinations, along with a few travelogues. There wasn't a single storybook. Yin Wuyan didn't know where she learned these messy things.
However, seeing the little girl's clean and clear eyes, Yin Wuyan could only helplessly rub her head, "No more reading miscellaneous or forbidden books."
"I'll remember," she nodded obediently, her eyes smiling like a little wildcat who had gotten away with stealing fish. In her previous life, she had even secretly peeked at some Japanese adult films. She had no interest in the forbidden books of the Great Qing Dynasty.
Feeling that the little girl's smile was not quite right, Yin Wuyan was about to speak when suddenly, a scream came from the distance. Even from this far away, they could hear it was a young girl's cry, her voice too shrill.
Zhan Feiyu quickly turned her head to look behind her, but she forgot that it was a long bench with no backrest. Her imbalance made Zhan Feiyu yelp.
A long arm reached out, and Yin Wuyan caught the little girl who was about to fall off the bench. "So clumsy."
Clutching Yin Wuyan's arm to steady herself, Zhan Feiyu breathed a sigh of relief. If she had fallen backward, landing on her backside with her legs and arms in the air, that would have been truly embarrassing!
Miss Feng and the others, who had also heard the scream, walked over with their maids and attendants. They looked at the snow-covered mountain peak behind them with concern. "Something must have happened. Do you want to go and see, Miss Zhan?"
Yang Xu was young, so the oldest among those who came to Plum Valley had not yet reached adulthood. Although they had attendants, the mountain was dangerous, especially in winter with slippery paths after the snow.
Logically, with He Sheng accompanying them, Yang Xu should not be in danger. However, Zhan Feiyu was somewhat uneasy. "Alright, let's go and see together."
If Zhan Feiyu was going, Yin Wuyan naturally would not object. He reached out and pulled the hood of Zhan Feiyu's cloak up, then tightened the ties of her cape. "Follow me."
Looking at the hand Yin Wuyan extended, Zhan Feiyu was stunned for a moment, then holding the hand warmer in her left hand, she placed her right hand in his palm.
Watching the two figures, one tall and one short, walking ahead hand in hand, Miss Feng's gaze flickered with darkness. Although the age difference between them was significant, their intimacy was contrary to proper etiquette.
It seemed that not only was the Fu family's daughter shameless, but this well-read Miss Zhan was no different. She had forgotten the meaning of propriety and shame.
With Yin Wuyan walking ahead and treading down the snow, it was much easier for Zhan Feiyu, holding his hand, to place her feet. Their pace was not fast, and Miss Feng and the others could keep up.
However, despite the assistance of their maids, they were all delicate young ladies. The snowy path was slippery, and the group walked with trepidation, their feet slipping from time to time. Seeing Zhan Feiyu, who was taking small steps but was remarkably steady, made them feel a pang of jealousy.
Two quarters of an hour later.
Seeing the two people being pulled out of the water by He Sheng, Zhan Feiyu was stunned. She quickly glanced at Qiu Jinyu, who was taking off his outer garment and draping it over Yang Xu. It turned out to be Yang Xu who had the accident?
Upon closer inspection, the Fu family's daughter was also soaked. She was surrounded by several girls, and although she was also wearing a fox fur coat, she was shivering like a drowned rat, her face pale and bloodless.
"A Sheng, carry Xiao Xu and go down the mountain quickly to take a hot spring bath." Zhan Feiyu couldn't bother to ask for details. If they continued to freeze, the person would likely fall ill. Just thinking about being in the water in such cold weather made Zhan Feiyu shiver.
"Why don't I carry Xiao Xu, and Brother He can carry Miss Fu?" Qiu Jinyu said with a furrowed brow.
It didn't matter who carried Yang Xu, but Miss Fu was a young girl, three years older than Yang Xu and three years younger than Qiu Jinyu. If Qiu Jinyu carried Miss Fu, considering the difference between men and women, it was ultimately inappropriate.
However, the attendants present were all ordinary people. If they carried Miss Fu down the mountain, not only would their speed be insufficient, but if they slipped and dropped her, it would be even more troublesome. Only He Sheng was the most suitable. He was Zhan Feiyu's guard, considered a subordinate, and carrying Miss Fu would not invite gossip. Moreover, he was skilled and could return to the wooden house at the foot of the mountain in the shortest possible time.
Zhan Feiyu's gaze suddenly shifted to Qiu Jinyu, and she coldly refused, "No need, A Sheng is fast enough to carry Yang Xu!"
Yang Xu's teeth were chattering from the cold, but he glanced at the even colder Miss Fu. Yang Xu endured the cold and said, "Let Brother He carry Miss Fu."
Zhan Feiyu completely ignored Yang Xu's words. "A Sheng, take Yang Xu down the mountain."
"Yes." He Sheng picked up Yang Xu without a word. The moment Yang Xu struggled, his long arms quickly restrained him. As his toes touched the ground, his figure shot down the mountain like a gust of wind, leaving only an afterimage for everyone to see.
Miss Fu's lips were turning blue and purple from the cold. Looking at He Sheng and Yang Xu, who had already left, a flicker of hatred flashed in her eyes, but this hatred was directed at Zhan Feiyu.
Among the people present, besides the departed He Sheng, only Yin Wuyan was suitable. After all, considering his age, carrying a girl of eleven or twelve would not invite gossip.
However, looking at the cold-faced Yin Wuyan, not only Zhou Shuyao and the others dared not speak, but even Qiu Jinyu dared not suggest that Yin Wuyan escort Miss Fu down the mountain.
Although Zhou Shuyao disliked Miss Fu, who came from a merchant family, seeing her shivering so much that she was almost curled up, her face frozen to a pale green, she couldn't help but vent her anger at Zhan Feiyu. "How can you be so..."
Zhan Feiyu's expression was calm, and she simply looked at Zhou Shuyao.
This was a disciple of Scholar Gu! Zhou Shuyao dared not say anything more, but she had feelings for Qiu Jinyu and naturally did not want him to carry anyone. However, she glared at the bewildered attendants and reprimanded them, "What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and carry her down the mountain. If she catches a cold and something happens, I'll hold you responsible with your lives!"
Going up the mountain was easy, but coming down was difficult, especially on a mountain path covered in snow. It was easy for one person to slip, let alone carrying someone.
"I'll carry her!" Qiu Jinyu quickly stepped forward and whispered to Zhou Shuyao, "In an emergency, we must act swiftly. Miss Fu cannot be delayed any longer."
"But..." The thought of Qiu Jinyu having physical contact with another girl made Zhou Shuyao's face tighten with extreme displeasure. Yet, Qiu Jinyu had already half-crouched, and the two attendants quickly helped the almost frozen Miss Fu to lean onto Qiu Jinyu's back.
He picked her up, and even through the winter clothes, Qiu Jinyu could feel the chill, as if he were carrying a block of ice. "You two, protect her on both sides, don't let her fall."
"Yes," the two attendants immediately responded. After all, Miss Fu was so cold that she was almost numb. Even leaning on Qiu Jinyu's back, there was no guarantee she wouldn't fall during the descent.
The group hurried down the mountain. Zhan Feiyu was not in a hurry, staying put with Yin Wuyan.
"There's actually a pool down there." Zhan Feiyu was on a small slope. Judging by the snow marks on the slope, Yang Xu and the Fu family's daughter had rolled down from here and broken through the thin ice, falling into the pool.
Fortunately, He Sheng was skilled and immediately leaped down, grabbing one in each hand, pulling the two who had fallen into the water out. Otherwise, if there had been any further delay, the icy water would have immediately frozen them stiff. If they had sunk to the bottom of the pool, with the thin ice and snow covering the surface, even if He Sheng had dived to the bottom, the poor visibility would have likely led to a fatality.
"Big brother, are there any ambushes nearby?" Zhan Feiyu gazed into the distance. Plum Valley was surrounded by mountains. Looking out from the mountainside, the surroundings were a vast expanse of white. If someone were wearing white clothes and ambushing, they would likely be difficult to detect.
"No," Yin Wuyan glanced at Zhan Feiyu's feet. Although she was wearing deerskin boots, she had walked for quite some time, and the surface of the boots had already become damp. "I'll carry you down the mountain."
"Ah?" Zhan Feiyu was slightly taken aback, then she smiled and leaped onto Yin Wuyan's back. "Then I won't be polite."
As for the matter of men and women being separate, Zhan Feiyu didn't even think of it.
By the time Yin Wuyan carried Zhan Feiyu back to the wooden house at the foot of the mountain, Yang Xu and the Fu family's daughter were already soaking in the hot springs. He Sheng was still inside taking care of Yang Xu.
Miss Fu was being attended to by her maid. As for Zhou Shuyao and the others, they were all cold. Moreover, they had hurried down the mountain, and some had even slipped. Now, some were changing clothes, some were warming themselves by the fire, and the older women were busy brewing ginger tea. The courtyard was very quiet.
He Nuan quickly walked over. "Miss."
"Did A Sheng say what happened? How did Yang Xu fall into the water?" Zhan Feiyu didn't intend to go inside and asked He Nuan while standing in the courtyard.
Logically, with He Sheng accompanying them, Yang Xu should not have had an accident. Who knew he had fallen into the water? However, Yang Xu had practiced martial arts for many years. Although he looked thin and dark, his physique was much stronger than that of ordinary children. He should be fine.
He Sheng had briefly explained to He Nuan, but the matter was not complicated. After the group arrived at the mountain, they took out their bows and arrows to hunt. Although it had snowed, due to Plum Valley, the temperature on the mountain was slightly higher than in other places in Xiangwu County, so there were many prey in the mountains.
Perhaps he had looked at the snow for too long and his eyes were a little uncomfortable. Yang Xu felt a bit unwell and handed his bow and arrow to He Sheng beside him.
Among the group, only Qiu Jinyu had decent martial arts skills. The other three young men were just there to make up the numbers. If Yang Xu was already incapacitated, there was no hope of them catching a rabbit. The heavy task of hunting could only be entrusted to He Sheng.
He Sheng aimed at a pheasant that had come out to forage. Miss Fu and Zhou Shuyao, along with a few other girls, were a bit tired from climbing the mountain and fell behind. This way, they wouldn't disturb He Sheng and Qiu Jinyu while they were hunting.
Yang Xu, with his uncomfortable eyes, also fell behind, only about two Zhangs away from He Sheng, who was drawing his bow. Coincidentally, the Fu family's young lady wanted to get closer to Yang Xu and walked over to ask him about hunting. Who knew her foot slipped?
Miss Fu fell backward and instinctively grabbed Yang Xu beside her. Although Yang Xu had practiced martial arts for several years, he was still just a child. Caught off guard, he was pulled down by Miss Fu, and they rolled down the slope, falling into the pool.
If this had happened on flat ground, He Sheng, who was not far away, could have pulled Yang Xu back with a single leap. But this was a mountainside. By the time He Sheng heard the noise, they had already rolled into the pool with a splash. No matter how fast He Sheng was, they were wearing winter clothes, and as soon as they fell into the water, they sank to the bottom. Even though they were rescued, they were thoroughly soaked.