Chapter 1420: A Smile Blooms Like Spring

Before the Yellow Millet Terrace, silence reigned.

Given Xiang Bei's arrogant and valiant nature, would he offer an apology?

To be utterly crushed after a battle, yielding to Jiang Wang was a bow to the strong, an acknowledgment of defeat. In essence, it was still a "might makes right" attitude.

Yet, when it came to might, he, Xiang Bei, was now stronger than Zuo Guangshu.

Would he willingly apologize to Zuo Guangshu?

If he refused, what would Jiang Wang's "not wishing to humiliate others" devolve into?

Just thinking about it brought a sense of tension.

"This matter was my fault." Han Li stepped forward proactively: "I am willing to..."

Xiang Bei extended a hand to stop him.

The Xiang family had no tradition of letting others bear responsibility.

"Today, I, Xiang Bei, was rude, Young Lord Zuo!"

This burly man, still taller and more robust than anyone else present even after dispelling the Devouring Thief Overlord Body, cupped his hands in apology towards Zuo Guangshu.

He then turned and departed.

His friends followed behind him.

Whether it was Han Li or others, regardless of anger or worry, after Xiang Bei's declaration, they implicitly accepted his decision – from this, one could likely glimpse Xiang Bei's leadership.

His will was sufficient to permeate those around him, and according to a casual remark Chong Xuan Chuliang once made to Chong Xuan Sheng, this was the foundation of a general.

A formidable figure skilled in the art of war like Xiang Bei could not be judged solely by personal combat prowess in determining his future, just like Li Longchuan.

Repeatedly losing to Jiang Wang in duels did not mean his future would be inferior to Jiang Wang's.

For cultivators specializing in military tactics, surrounding the enemy with a vast army and slaying those of higher cultivation was not a rare occurrence.

When Xiang Bei apologized, Zuo Guangshu remained silent.

Xiang Bei left, and Zuo Guangshu still did not speak.

When his elder brother Zuo Guanglie was alive, he had never faced challenges. He once believed the world was peaceful and harmonious, with everyone getting along.

After Zuo Guanglie fell in battle, he was slowly getting used to these matters – trials and challenges from various sides, Xiang Bei's rudeness today was but a microcosm.

His grandfather, the Duke of Huai, would not use his authority to suppress these matters among the younger generation. And he knew very well that he had to bear some burden for the Zuo family now… just as his elder brother had.

After their father died on the battlefield, his elder brother Zuo Guanglie rekindled the flame of the Zuo clan, emerging out of nowhere like a high-hanging sun.

On this night, with the sun extinguished, he had to emit a light uniquely his own.

For this, he had already put in much effort.

He was facing these things, and he would solve them sooner or later.

But sometimes…

Sometimes, he would secretly wonder… what if his elder brother were still here?

He somewhat dared not look at Jiang Wang.

"It seems this table's business is not to be." Just then, a pleasant female voice spoke.

As the voice faded, Qu Shunhua emerged.

Today, she wore elegant attire and light makeup, possessing both grace and radiance, a different appearance from their hurried encounter in the carriage yesterday.

Although the exchange between Jiang Wang and Xiang Bei was brief, it was sensational enough that she certainly would not have been unaware.

In fact, upon hearing that Han Li's planned table included Xiang Bei, she had intended to personally come out to greet Zuo Guangshu and Jiang Wang.

She just hadn't expected such a coincidence leading to a conflict, which then ended so quickly…

Within a few steps' time, she heard they were fighting, and moments later, she saw Xiang Bei apologizing to Zuo Guangshu.

This Elder Brother Jiang, truly…

Possessing abundant martial virtue.

The Jiang person, brimming with martial virtue, saw the host and said apologetically: "I am truly sorry for delaying your establishment's business."

"It's alright." Qu Shunhua smiled: "At our Yellow Millet Terrace, payment is made before the table is set. They don't eat, so I don't lose."

Jiang Wang found this sister-in-law truly interesting, and with a casual gesture, he withdrew his longsword into his hand.

A hole remained in the ground where it had been.

Qu Shunhua glanced at it.

Jiang Wang said with some embarrassment: "This, I will compensate for."

"We are all family, Elder Brother Jiang, what are you saying?" Qu Shunhua smiled magnanimously and said to Zuo Guangshu: "Why haven't you invited Elder Brother Jiang in yet?"

Zuo Guangshu, who had been silent for a long while, snapped back to reality: "Oh, oh!"

He tugged at Jiang Wang's sleeve and headed into the Yellow Millet Terrace.

The ancient and rustic wooden main gate bore no inscription. Stepping over the threshold, directly opposite was a large stone.

On the stone were the words "Yellow Millet".

The characters danced like butterflies, evoking a sense of entering a dream.

They possessed an ineffable spiritual agility and elegance.

Behind the long stone was a small pond.

It was not the season for lotuses to bloom, yet lotuses were in bloom in the pond.

A pair of mandarin ducks glided through the waves, and several swimming fish swallowed the ripples.

On either side were elegantly constructed corridors, built around the pond, each extending outwards.

As soon as Zuo Guangshu entered, he headed left. Jiang Wang walked behind, silently admiring the scenery.

Qu Shunhua shook her head, stepped forward, and grabbed Zuo Guangshu's hand: "It's this way!"

She pulled him in a different direction, heading straight to the right.

Zuo Guangshu's face immediately turned red. He struggled a bit but couldn't break free.

"Didn't I tell you? From now on, when you come to Yellow Millet Terrace, you'll dine in this courtyard. It's reserved specifically for you, and only for you. Why are you still wandering around?"

"F-forgot."

"What do you remember?"

Qu Shunhua grumbled, then remembered Jiang Wang, immediately let go, turned back, and smiled radiantly: "Elder Brother Jiang, please follow us."

"Aye, good." Jiang Wang replied.

Zuo Guangshu specifically paused, waiting for Jiang Wang to catch up and walk alongside them before continuing forward.

The three walked abreast along the corridor. Although Zuo Guangshu didn't speak much, and although Qu Shunhua was very attentive to this "Elder Brother Jiang," occasionally tossing a topic over.

But Sir Jiang still felt intensely that he was being redundant…

The two young people, while not exchanging any private words, shared glances, brushed against each other while walking, and exchanged knowing smiles…

An infinite默契 (mòqì - unspoken understanding/chemistry) flowed between them.

Jiang Wang was clearly walking with them, yet he felt isolated in another world.

It must be an illusion.

Why would I have such an illusion?

Just moments ago, I was formidable and imposing, suppressing Xiang Bei, the pride of Chu. How could I, the dignified Qingyangzi of Great Qi, be redundant?

I am the guest of honor today!

"Cough!" Jiang Wang looked left and right, searching for a topic: "Such a large place for your Yellow Millet Terrace, and you only open three tables a day?"

Zuo Guangshu walked in the middle, Jiang Wang to his left, close to the pond. Qu Shunhua to his right, walking on the other side.

Her gaze lightly skimmed Zuo Guangshu's face before she explained to Elder Brother Jiang: "Our Yellow Millet Dream has only one head chef; the other chefs are helpers. Opening three tables a day is already more than enough work."

"Furthermore, pigs, dogs, cattle, sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, fish, vegetables, melons, fruits… all ingredients are grown and raised in-house, right here at Yellow Millet Terrace. Many environments require formation arrays to control. So, despite the large space, there are only so many places to sit and eat."

This was truly enlightening.

It was the first time I had heard of a restaurant that also allocated space for producing ingredients.

This was the capital of Chu!

Was land not expensive?

Jiang Wang really wanted to ask how many Dao Yuan Stones it cost to eat a meal here, but after thinking about it, he held back.

What if Qu Shunhua answered truthfully? As the elder brother, would it be better to pay, or not to pay?

Eating as a guest, don't care about the price, that's vulgar!

The Qu clan was no less than the Zuo clan, also a top prestigious family in Great Chu, how could they be steeped in vulgarity?

The three turned through corridors, crossed a stone bridge, bypassed a vegetable patch, and chatting and laughing, arrived at a secluded courtyard.

Chu Yuzhi, who had been waiting for a long time, stood before the courtyard gate.

This was a young man with a valiant disposition, dressed in a style that could be considered rustic for Chu, wearing only a martial uniform, a waist saber, and his person was so clean that he didn't even have a single jade ornament.

"Brother Jiang!" As soon as he saw Jiang Wang, he greeted him actively: "Your demeanor on the Observation River Platform left me unforgettable. Hearing from Miss Qu that she and Guangshu were hosting you today, I shamelessly came to intrude, and I hope you will not take offense!"

"Your Excellency's bearing is remarkable, I presume you are Chu Yuzhi?" Jiang Wang returned the greeting warmly: "Meeting today is my good fortune, I have also long admired your name!"

"Before the champion of the Yellow River, who dares to claim a name?" Chu Yuzhi stepped aside in deference.

The two were polite here, praising and supporting each other, finally establishing a normal pace of human pleasantries.

Only Zuo Guangshu quietly watched Jiang Wang, afraid that he would find an excuse to swing his fists and test Chu Yuzhi's skills at any moment.

"Let's go inside and talk." Qu Shunhua said: "How long are we going to chat at the doorway?"

Everyone laughed, and they all walked into the courtyard.

There was a tree in the courtyard, with caged green birds hanging from its branches.

The birds, with their green feathers and crimson crowns, upon seeing strangers, chirped thrice with melodic sounds, as if welcoming guests.

Stepping along the stone path in the courtyard towards the interior, one arrived at a two-story small building.

The structure was simple, yet thoughtful details were evident everywhere.

The color scheme was light and frosty, yet not cold.

"What is the name of this building?" Jiang Wang asked.

Qu Shunhua softly said: "See Me."

Zuo Guangshu's gaze softened, and he remained silent.

Jiang Wang was momentarily stunned before he understood the name. He couldn't help but look up and examine it carefully.

Before the door hung a couplet, carved on a wooden plaque, the writing clear and distinct, possessing a sense of gentle narrative.

The left read: Spreading snow as paper, the vast mountains and rivers all become paintings.

The right read: Unveiling a smile is spring, a lifetime of affection for this flower.

The horizontal inscription: Seeing words is like seeing me.

Jiang Wang was struck by the immense, fervent emotion in this couplet.

This was a courtyard within the Yellow Millet Terrace belonging solely to Zuo Guangshu, this was a small building specifically constructed for Zuo Guangshu…

The See Me building.

Think of me and come see me.

This building is me.

This couplet is me.

Every word is my heart.

The romance of the children of Chu, all in this couplet, all in this building.

Guangshu, this marriage, Big Brother approves for you.

Betrothal gifts, wedding arrangements, bowing to ancestors, having children, now!

Jiang Wang looked at Zuo Guangshu with the deep affection of a paternal figure.

He stared at Zuo Guangshu, making him quite uncomfortable.

He thought for a moment, and, considering his elder brother's face, transmitted his voice: "Which word don't you recognize?"

Jiang Wang ground his teeth and strode inside.

He really wanted to take out "The History Knife Carves the Sea" from his storage box and throw the books one by one in front of Zuo Guangshu, letting this kid see the depth of his Big Brother Jiang's learning.

But after all, his sister-in-law was still by his side. As Xiao Guangshu's family, he had to maintain composure, style, and be able to hold the scene together.

So, the group entered the building.

This "See Me building" had a clever layout.

The hall on the first floor was very spacious, without any superfluous decorations, only murals painted on the four walls.

The paintings depicted spring, summer, autumn, and winter, the splendid mountains and rivers.

This subtly echoed the line "the vast mountains and rivers all become paintings" in the couplet.

Jiang Wang looked left and right, and in the romantic and exaggerated brushstrokes, he saw nothing but passionate expression.

In the center of the hall was a wooden spiral staircase, leading to the second floor in a graceful manner.

The group ascended the stairs and arrived at the true dining area of this See Me building.

The curtains on the four sides were all drawn back, offering a remarkably open view.

From this position, one could survey the landscape of the Yellow Millet Terrace in its entirety.

There were rippling lotus leaves, abundant fruits, flocks of chickens and ducks…

A gentle breeze blew, unfettered.

"What a wonderful place!" Jiang Wang praised.

In the center of the room, a round table made of cold fragrant wood was placed, with five chairs arranged evenly around it.

The few people took their seats in order.

Zuo Guangshu sat beside Qu Shunhua, and Jiang Wang sat on Zuo Guangshu's other side.

"This is the best spot in Yellow Millet Terrace. Guangshu rarely goes out, and I often wanted to come but couldn't. Today, I'm benefiting from Brother Jiang's presence!" Chu Yuzhi laughed heartily and sat down on Jiang Wang's right side.

There were a total of five chairs, with only the seat between Chu Yuzhi and Qu Shunhua empty. Of course, this seat was reserved for that number one beauty of Great Chu.

With its open sides and round table, this place had no primary or secondary seating arrangement.

Chu Yuzhi took the initiative to strike up a conversation, and Jiang Wang was not arrogant.

The group sat down, creating a rather harmonious atmosphere.

"To receive a compliment from Elder Brother Jiang, our Yellow Millet Terrace has made a name for itself even in Qi!" Qu Shunhua said with a smile, then instructed the attendant standing quietly to the side: "Tell the kitchen they can start serving the dishes."

Jiang Wang glanced at the empty seat and couldn't help but ask: "Isn't there one more person?"

"Miss Ye, of course." Qu Shunhua smiled: "I told her the time, but she always likes to be late. I estimate she'll be late today too."

Jiang Wang, out of basic courtesy, politely said: "In that case, perhaps we should wait."

Qu Shunhua waved her hand, signaling the attendant to leave, and said to Jiang Wang: "Elder Brother Jiang, you are the guest of honor today. How could we possibly make you wait for someone? If she comes late, that's her own business. We'll just have her eat some leftovers."

Jiang Wang thought to himself, Qu Shunhua must have a very good relationship with that Ye Lan'er.

But he said nothing more.

After all, Sir Jiang wasn't exactly fond of waiting either. His willingness to be polite was solely because he was in Chu, showing some decorum.

No matter who you are, how beautiful you are, when it comes to eating and drinking, the early bird gets the worm.

However, a voice like wind playing on a zither fell comfortably on their ears.

"Who is going to eat leftovers?"

When the voice first arose, it was still downstairs. As it settled, a beautiful woman in luxurious attire had already appeared on the second floor.

It was too contradictory.

You could almost still hear the sound of her feet ascending the stairs, yet she had already reached you.

Her features were so perfectly placed, born without a single flaw.

Her beauty was intense and dazzling, possessing a blinding radiance.

Her eyes seemed to have looked at you, yet also seemed to have overlooked you. Her gaze circled once, finally settling on Qu Shunhua.

A smile like spring arriving.

It seemed to be both reproach and resentment: "Aren't you afraid of ruining the reputation of Yellow Millet Terrace?"

Ps: The couplet "Seeing words is like seeing me" is a spring couplet I wrote myself one year. I originally wanted to write a new one, but after thinking about spending too much time on a few words, I probably wouldn't be able to repay my debts. So I lazily repurposed it. Fortunately, it's still very fitting.