Chapter 634: A successful scheme against Tang Li (1/2)
Chapter 634: A successful scheme against Tang Li
She actually invited him in herself? Tang Li hid his joy to maintain a calm and airy disposition. Once again, he clasped his hands into a fist and remarked, “Since this is fate, this one shall accept it.”
“Come in,” the woman said warmly.
The driver couldn’t help but twitch his lips. Just then, this lad was talking about hitching a ride. When did it turn to talks of fate and destiny instead? He’s nothing but a sanctimonious swindler! But he didn’t dare speak out, because his mistress was a stubborn sort who only allowed speaking when he was questioned. In all other occasions, he was only to obey and had no right to speak up himself. The young Miss was a businesswoman and extremely shrewd, but had a weakness for scholarly, refined men, especially those cultivating in the Way. She’d end up acting foolish more or less whenever she ran into one.
Without a choice, the driver continued to lead the carriage on in silence. Tang Li sat inside as his heaving heart finally calmed. It was better hiding in here than running exposed in the wilds. Their ride was heading in the direction of Long Feiye’s courtyard, the exact opposite of his escape route. But they always said that the most dangerous place was also the safest one. Father and Aunt Ru would never guess that he would double back there so soon. Lost in his thoughts, he didn’t notice the woman watching him indolently while resting her head in her chin with interest.
This man is both lean and handsome in his snow-white robes. His hair is long and black too. It makes him look like a living ink painting existing in his own little world. She had seen many men of his ilk, but she especially liked this one at first sight. Ever since becoming an adult, her elder brother had urged her many times to get married so they could gain support from joining two families together. But she’d found all sorts of excuses to refuse him. Now that her elder brother was in trouble, he was urging her even harder than before. If she could bring this man into her family instead, it might solve her matrimony problem. Shuangqing Mountain was a place to cultivate the Way, but it wasn’t very powerful. Still, it was a very influential peak with plenty of disciples scattered throughout Cloud Realm Continent.
“Gentleman Chang Li, are you going back to Shuangqing Mountain?” she asked.
Tang Li awoke from his thoughts and blurted out the first fib that came to his mind. “Exactly so. If we go along this path, we should reach it in about half a day.”
“Gentleman Chang Li, which master do you study under on Shuangqing Mountain?” she asked next.
Long Feiye’s courtyard rested right at the foot of that very peak, so Tang Li had found out a bit about its occupants. He answered, “This one is is the eldest disciple of Heavenly Profound Master from Shuangqing Mountain’s Green Cloud Pavilion.”
The woman was thrilled at the revelation. There were three major pavilions atop Shuangqing Mountain, but Green Cloud Pavilion headed them all. The Heavenly Profound Master also the most repute and influence amongst the sect. Any of his disciples would be an important personage as well. She nodded in satisfaction and waited for Tang Li to ask after her name and status too. But he never did and ended up closing his eyes instead to sit there quietly. His hands folded themselves over his dantian as if he was sitting in silent meditation. If Han Yunxi was here to see this now, she would be convinced that he’d been poisoned mute instead! The woman only loved him more after the sight. She wondered whether she should follow Gentleman Chang Li up the mountain and meet directly with the Heavenly Profound Master to discuss taking his disciple into her household as a husband.
She figured she’d settle all the details first before going back to tell her big brother. Hopefully she could “cook the rice” too, so her brother would have nothing else to say even if he got angry. Otherwise, he’d probably find her a household with just as much power and influence as their own. It would be impossible for her to take in a son-in-law then, only marry into the family instead. Then she’d have far less freedom than before.
Thinking up to here, she looked at the satisfactory gentleman by her side and silently vowed to tie up her marriage affairs within the next few days! As long as he’s my type, I’m willing to spend time cultivating our feelings together after the wedding.
While the carriage trundled on, Tang Li was still alert to any disturbances around them in case the Tang Clan came calling. He had no idea that the woman by his side was an extraordinary personage, nor that the carriage had forsaken the main roads for the small side paths instead. Thus, there were no more chances for him to run into the Tang Clan again. At this point in time, even Long Feiye and Han Yunxi had joined in the hunt.
Tang Li was no fool, so he knew this woman had to come from impressive means. That’s why he chose to keep quiet—lying would only get more complicated if he talked too much. Half a day was still a long time. Tang Li secretly peeked at the woman a few times, but she was only dozing on her high pillow every time. Despite dressing up as a man, she seemed more like a noble queen, her brows filled with arrogance and pride.
Anyone who marries this woman is doomed to a life of misery! Tang Li secretly thought to himself.
Abruptly, the woman opened her eyes, took out a clean handkerchief from one of the boxes inside the carriage, and approached Tang Li. Despite her masculine dress, there was a certain grace to her indolent movements as she drew closer. Tang Li snuck another peek before remaining as he was in quiet “meditation.” But the woman actually rested a hand on his shoulder while patting his face with the handkerchief. He sniffed a faint fragrance from the cloth and panicked, opening his eyes as he drew back. Once he was sure the scent didn’t have any ill effects, he put on an expression of alarm and said, “Miss…”
The woman burst into laughter. “Gentleman, what are you afraid of? I only saw you sweating while meditating, so I wanted to help wipe off your sweat.” She gently moved to aid him again, but Tang Li quicked repulsed her.
“Ma…many….many thanks to Miss, but this one can do it myself.”