Chapter 37 : Congee with Dried Fish and Peanuts
*Six-Cornered Pavilion, Courtyard*
In the large courtyard, there is a hexagonal pavilion with pointed eaves and a roof covered with golden glazed tiles.
Beneath golden glazed tiles and upturned eaves, Daruth sipped tea with aristocratic grace.
Calmer now, Tao'er sat sideways, watching the courtyard's little bridge over flowing water. "Daruth, when do we depart for the Demon Lotus Sect?"
Daruth set down his cup, delighted. "The sooner the better. We leave in two days. You've come around—I'd worried how to persuade you."
"May I bid farewell to my young mistress at Biyun Mountain? She must be frantic after my disappearance."
"You're no servant. The Chen family—"
"What happened to the Chen family? You and the Fifth Prince always hesitate to speak of them."
Daruth realized—she didn't know the Chens had all been killed except Second Miss Chen Bao'er, nor that the Fifth Prince had poisoned himself. That prince must have truly loved her to keep such secrets.
If the prince couldn't bear her grief, neither could Daruth. He changed tack. "I merely meant you're now our Holy Maiden, severed from past connections. No need for farewells."
"Unthinkable! My mistress treated me as a sister. How can I vanish without word?"
"Then let's fake your death. We'll find a similar corpse, disguise it as you. A clean break to start anew. Agreeable?"
He omitted that General Han and Tong Yuan were scouring the land for her, nearly posting wanted notices.
Tao'er nodded reluctantly. Perhaps this was best—she likely wouldn't survive this journey anyway. Better let loved ones mourn her now than endure prolonged worry.
"Then I'll make arrangements. You'll be safest here. Ask the servants for anything."
"Wait!" Tao'er called as he turned.
"Yes?"
"Promise me no more innocent lives. I won't have more blood spilled for this." Her pleading eyes shimmered.
After a pause, Daruth nodded and left.
"Such kindness ill suits a Demon Lotus Holy Maiden," he murmured. "And our new leader is likewise gentle. Is this heaven's jest or our sect's demise?"
*General Han's Mansion*
General Han stared aghast at the blackened, unidentifiable sludge before him. His handsome face darkened, brows knitting repeatedly until he exploded:
"Tong Yuan!! What's gotten into you? Loitering here all day, then serving me this...this abomination?"
The strapping Tong Yuan rubbed his neck sheepishly. "You've barely eaten while searching for Tao'er, so I cooked your favorite—congee with dried fish and peanuts!"
"That's congee?!" The general eyed the bubbling, foul-smelling concoction with horror. Sweat beaded his brow. "Your...thoughtfulness is noted. But I'd rather not die young. Enjoy it yourself."
He stood to leave for his study, then noticed Tong Yuan trailing him. "Why cling to me like sticky candy today?"
"Let me stay until we find Tao'er?" Tong Yuan hung his head guiltily.
"Don't blame yourself. You've done all one could. I'm fine alone—go rest."
"It's not that...I can't face Bao'er. I'd rather take twenty military strikes than see her cry over having no leads..."
"Bah! Do as you please—just stop following me!"
"Really? Wonderful! I'll lodge here until—" Beaming, Tong Yuan danced away, babbling about "preparing appetizers for the general."
Dumbfounded, the general finally registered—since when did Tong Yuan take up cooking? Was he practicing on his superior to impress Bao'er?
"Damn you, Tong Yuan, halt! My mansion has proper chefs—I won't be your guinea pig!" The general's bellows echoed as he gave chase.
Servants watched their master's vigorous pursuit with tearful smiles. Since the old madam's passing, they hadn't seen the general so...alive.
***
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