Chapter 2329: The Palace

Chapter 2330: Immortal in Wine

Chapter Forty-Two: Immortal in Wine

One morning, after washing up and eating breakfast, Da Lang returned to the room.

"Xiao Niang, come here for a moment."

Gu Ye walked over. Da Lang had already laid out paper and ink on the table. He picked up the inkstone and began to grind ink. "Today, I'll teach you how to write your name."

Gu Ye felt a bit flustered. She had been reborn into this body for so long, and she hadn't even written her name yet. She had been practicing writing calligraphy for the past few days, and she was about to learn how to write her name.

Gu Ye held her breath and nodded.

After grinding the ink, Da Lang picked up the brush and wrote the two characters "Gu Ye" on the paper. Then he pointed to the two characters and said, "These are the two characters for your name. Remember them."

"Gu Ye." Gu Ye repeated softly.

Da Lang picked up the brush and placed it in Gu Ye's hand. He held her hand and said, "Now, I'll teach you stroke by stroke."

The two characters were not complicated. With Da Lang guiding her hand, Gu Ye quickly finished writing.

Da Lang looked at the paper and nodded. "Not bad. Write it a few more times."

Gu Ye happily picked up the brush and carefully wrote her name again.

"Xiao Niang, do you want to learn how to write other characters?" Da Lang asked.

Gu Ye nodded eagerly.

For the rest of the morning, Gu Ye practiced writing under Da Lang's guidance. By noon, she could finally write her name independently.

After lunch, Da Lang instructed her to practice calligraphy and then went to the field. Gu Ye was diligent. She practiced writing until her arm was sore. When she took a break, she reviewed the characters she had learned. She even started memorizing the characters on the pages of books.

That evening, Gu Ye was about to go to bed when Da Lang came back, smelling faintly of alcohol.

Gu Ye was surprised. Da Lang usually only drank on New Year's Eve.

Da Lang sat down at the table and said, "Xiao Niang, come here. Let's have a chat."

Gu Ye walked over and sat down beside him. "What's wrong, A-Lang?"

Da Lang chuckled and poured himself a cup of wine. He took a sip and said, "Today, I met an old friend."

"An old friend?" Gu Ye asked.

"Yes. He's someone I met when I was traveling. We haven't seen each other in years."

"Where did you meet him?"

"In town. He's staying at an inn there. I told him I would go visit him tomorrow."

Gu Ye didn't ask any more questions.

Da Lang finished the cup of wine and sighed. "Xiao Niang, you're still young. You don't understand a lot of things."

"A-Lang, if you have something to say, just say it," Gu Ye said.

Da Lang looked at her for a long time. "Xiao Niang, do you know why I don't let you go out?"

Gu Ye shook her head.

"It's because of your illness. Your illness is very unusual. If people knew about it, they would treat you like a monster."

Gu Ye lowered her head. She knew her illness was strange.

"But I promise you, I will cure you," Da Lang said firmly.

Gu Ye looked up at him. "Really?"

"Really."

Da Lang smiled. "Alright, it's getting late. You should go to bed."

Gu Ye nodded and went to bed.

The next day, after breakfast, Da Lang went into town.

Gu Ye stayed at home and continued practicing calligraphy.

In the afternoon, Da Lang came back. He looked a little tired.

"A-Lang, are you tired?" Gu Ye asked.

Da Lang smiled. "It's nothing. I just chatted with my friend for a long time."

"What did you talk about?"

"Just some old times."

Gu Ye didn't ask any more questions.

In the evening, after dinner, Da Lang sat at the table and seemed to be thinking about something.

Gu Ye didn't disturb him. She just sat quietly beside him.

After a long time, Da Lang looked at her and said, "Xiao Niang, do you want to learn something new?"

"What?" Gu Ye asked.

"I want to teach you how to play the zither."

Gu Ye was surprised. "The zither?"

"Yes. I used to play the zither a lot when I was traveling. It's a good way to pass the time."

"Okay," Gu Ye said excitedly.

Da Lang smiled and went to get the zither. It was a beautiful instrument, made of a dark wood with intricate carvings.

Da Lang sat down and placed the zither on his lap. He plucked a few strings, and the sound was clear and melodious.

"Now, I'll teach you the basics," Da Lang said.

For the next few days, Da Lang taught Gu Ye how to play the zither. Gu Ye was a quick learner, and she soon became proficient in playing simple tunes.

One evening, as Gu Ye was practicing, Da Lang said, "Xiao Niang, I have something to tell you."

Gu Ye stopped playing and looked at him.

Da Lang hesitated for a moment and then said, "My friend, the one I met in town, he's going to leave soon."

"Leave?" Gu Ye asked.

"Yes. He's a traveler, and he doesn't stay in one place for long."

"Oh."

"He's going to leave tomorrow morning. I thought I would go see him off."

"Can I come with you?" Gu Ye asked.

Da Lang looked at her. He hesitated for a moment and then said, "Alright. You can come with me."

Gu Ye was happy. She had never been into town before.

The next morning, Gu Ye and Da Lang went into town. It was a bustling place, with people and shops everywhere. Gu Ye was fascinated by everything she saw.

They went to the inn where Da Lang's friend was staying. Da Lang knocked on the door, and it was opened by a man with a long beard and a kind smile.

"Da Lang!" the man exclaimed.

"Lao Li!" Da Lang replied.

The two men embraced warmly.

Lao Li looked at Gu Ye and smiled. "Is this your daughter?"

Da Lang smiled and nodded. "Yes. This is my daughter, Gu Ye."

Lao Li looked at Gu Ye with interest. "She's a beautiful girl."

Gu Ye blushed and hid behind Da Lang.

The three of them went inside and sat down. Da Lang and Lao Li talked about their travels and old times. Gu Ye listened quietly.

After a while, Lao Li said, "Da Lang, I have to leave now."

Da Lang nodded. "Alright, Lao Li. Take care."

Lao Li smiled. "You too, Da Lang. And you, little girl. Maybe we'll meet again someday."