Chapter 227: Lonely Boat Carrying Wine into the Heart of the Lake

On the Nine Spirits Terrace, Zhao Xiang’er stood serenely, her waist cinched by a white sash. The hem of her skirt rippled like waves in the wind around her knees, and her slender calves shone strikingly pale in the autumn light.

Ning Changjiu gazed at her crescent-like brows. Her delicate face had shed its childishness, becoming even more refined and beautiful. The black and white of her pupils suggested not a celestial being, but rather the mysterious presence of a deity hidden in the world.

They stood gazing at each other. A cold wind swept by, and thick, dark clouds rolled quickly across the sky, as if snow could fall from them at any moment.

Zhao Xiang’er looked at him intently. After a long silence, she finally calmed her emotions. Her face stern as autumn frost, she asked, “You still dare to come back?”

“In Miss Zhao’s heart, am I that untrustworthy?” Ning Changjiu replied.

“I really don’t trust you,” Zhao Xiang’er said indifferently.

Ning Changjiu walked up the last steps and came to her side. They were so close that he could almost count every one of her slender, curled, dark eyelashes.

“Two years and six months,” Ning Changjiu said, pausing slightly as he looked at her.

He had expected Zhao Xiang’er to add days or hours to the time, but she looked at him normally and said, “Indeed, a long time has passed. If you hadn’t come back, I would have forgotten.”

“I made a promise to Your Highness; I wouldn’t dare not come,” Ning Changjiu said with a faint smile.

“I don’t think there’s anything you wouldn’t dare to do,” Zhao Xiang’er retorted coldly.

Ning Changjiu looked at the Nine Spirits Terrace and said, “Three years ago, the old fox died right here.”

“Yes,” Zhao Xiang’er murmured softly. “Back then, your body was pierced through, like pork hanging outside a butcher’s shop.”

Ning Changjiu stood his ground. “I recall Your Highness even bowed to ‘Pork Fu’ then.”

“You remember wrong,” Zhao Xiang’er said.

The girl’s face remained calm, but as Ning Changjiu gazed into her pupils, he could still find other colors within the black and white, though those colors were hidden beneath a façade of calm and indifference.

Zhao Xiang’er turned and stood beside him, gazing at the bleak autumn sky. “When did you come back?” she asked.

“A few days ago,” Ning Changjiu replied.

Zhao Xiang’er was silent for a moment, then asked, “Did you go see Lu Jiajia first?”

Guilty yet calm, Ning Changjiu said, “My return path just happened to pass through Tianku Peak first.”

“That’s right,” Zhao Xiang’er said. “Lu Jiajia waited by the abyss for so long. If it were me, I would have gone to see her first too.”

Ning Changjiu tried to gauge her expression, which he couldn't decipher, unsure how to respond.

Finally, a ripple of emotion showed on Zhao Xiang’er’s calm face. “But I’m still not happy,” she said.

Ning Changjiu looked at her slightly furrowed dark brows and tentatively reached out, wanting to rub them.

Zhao Xiang’er, however, grabbed his wrist. “Are you looking for a beating?” she snapped.

“I came today precisely to get a beating,” Ning Changjiu said with a slight smile.

Zhao Xiang’er looked into his eyes. “In Linhe City, you didn’t get enough beatings?”

“Miss Zhao’s ‘fist-feeding’ was unforgettable,” Ning Changjiu said. “It was one of the reasons I managed to crawl back from the abyss.”

Zhao Xiang’er looked at him, her expression serious. “Setting the three-year agreement at the birthday banquet was indeed impulsive of me, but since the word was given, it must be honored. So, that you could crawl back... I’m still very happy.”

Ning Changjiu’s lips curved slightly. “I’m also very happy to see Miss Zhao again.”

Zhao Xiang’er’s expression became composed again. “If you beg for my mercy now, I might soften,” she said earnestly.

“I came to break off the engagement; how can I be timid before even doing that?” Ning Changjiu replied.

Zhao Xiang’er looked at him. “You haven’t changed at all; you still like to be stubborn.”

“And so do you, Miss Zhao,” Ning Changjiu chuckled.

Zhao Xiang’er looked at the Zhao Kingdom below Nine Spirits Terrace. “If this challenge is to be fought, I won’t give you an inch, because my mother once told me to ‘return the jade disc intact to Zhao’.”

“Return the jade disc intact to Zhao?” Ning Changjiu asked.

Zhao Xiang’er nodded her beautiful head, then turned and walked down from the Nine Spirits Terrace. “Yes, it refers both to the territory of Zhao and to me. I cannot lose, I cannot fail; I must return to the Western Kingdom as an unblemished jade disc.”

“Is the Western Kingdom the Divine Kingdom of the Vermilion Bird?” Ning Changjiu asked.

Zhao Xiang’er did not reply.

“Since it’s not the year of the Vermilion Bird, how can you return to the Divine Kingdom of the Vermilion Bird?” Ning Changjiu pressed.

“If you’re capable, go ask my mother yourself,” Zhao Xiang’er retorted.

Ning Changjiu watched her slowly walk down from the Nine Spirits Terrace. Her pure white dress clung to her, billowing slightly, revealing her soft curves, whether full or slender, embodying the unique beauty of youth.

Ning Changjiu gently followed. “Where are you going?” he asked.

Zhao Xiang’er turned her head, the sternness on her face melting away as she smiled sweetly. “I’m hungry. Let’s go eat first.”

“You haven’t really explored the Imperial City of Zhao, have you?” Zhao Xiang’er asked. “Now that you’ve fortunately returned, I can make an exception for a while and treat you to a good meal before I beat you up.”

“Then should this commoner thank Your Highness for her graciousness?” Ning Changjiu said with a chuckle.

“If you keep being cheeky with me, you’ll pay for today’s meal yourself,” Zhao Xiang’er threatened.

Ning Changjiu smiled and indeed said nothing more.

Zhao Xiang’er glanced at him. “Tell me your stories from these past years. I imagine they’re new and interesting.”

“This story is a bit long; we can talk while we eat later,” Ning Changjiu replied.

Zhao Xiang’er nodded. “Alright, then consider your story the payment.”

The two walked into a secluded part of the Imperial City.

Looking at the surrounding thatched-roof houses, uneven walls, and pitted ground, Ning Changjiu couldn't help but recall a scene from his Inner Demon Tribulation when he was four. “Your Highness isn’t going to sell me, are you?” he asked.

Though she had simply disguised herself at the moment, her face looking like that of an ordinary, delicate, and pretty woman, the nobility and dignity about her were hard to conceal. When she spoke, she still gave off the impression of a precocious divine child.

“Sell you? Where do you want to be sold? You’re so thin; if you’re sold to a butcher’s shop, you wouldn’t fetch much, not even enough for me to burn a stick of incense,” Zhao Xiang’er said.

“You could sell me to a brothel,” Ning Changjiu analyzed seriously.

“A brothel?” Zhao Xiang’er understood immediately. “You certainly know a lot.”

“Your Highness overpraises me.”

“Don’t think that if you’re sold to a brothel, only young ladies from noble families will come looking for you. What’s most common there are young masters who have a liking for other men.”

“Your Highness knows a lot too.”

“If you keep running your mouth, I’ll really tie you up and sell you.”

“Then Your Highness must come and patronize me often, won’t you?”

“Looking for a beating!”

Zhao Xiang’er stopped. She had already untied the white silk ribbon and held it in her hand. The soft, long ribbon, trembling with her wrist, surprisingly transformed into a rigid, spiral-bladed sword.

The edges of her brows and eyes were as sharp as a sword blade.

The moment the white silk transformed into a sword, the surrounding mud-walled houses seemed to be dwarfed, becoming like pebbles linked in a string at her feet.

Their presence here today was originally for an agreed-upon duel.

The girl’s serene aura was like the wind on the sea, carrying the profound and majestic demeanor of a grandmaster.

Ning Changjiu also stopped.

Pure sword intent naturally seeped out from his feet, sleeves, hair, and brows, like a bright mirror reflecting moonlight, seemingly covered by a thin lunar halo. But it was an autumn moon, so as soon as the light appeared, it carried the implication of frost killing all vegetation.

They gazed at each other silently, neither taking the first strike.

But beside them, two lines had already lightly sliced through the mud walls, sharp and straight, heading towards each other—cut by the invisible sword intent in the air.

In a sword duel, often what’s contended for is the first strike.

If one strike is fast, then all strikes are fast.

Even a difference of a hair’s breadth could lead to a cascading collapse.

It was completely silent around them.

As the young man and woman gazed at each other for a long time, to an outsider, their gazes even seemed to hold a hint of deep affection.

But in the shadows, their invisible sword intents were on the verge of clashing.

Just as they were about to clash, a shout suddenly rang out, adding an untimely stroke to this almost perfect tableau.

It was a fisherman’s call.

Not far from the end of the street, a small boat with a black canopy came rocking on the water. An old fisherman wearing a bamboo hat shouted, his lean arms flexing with rippling muscles.

“Let’s go, I’ll take you to eat fish,” Zhao Xiang’er said, walking forward as if nothing had happened.

Ning Changjiu’s sword intent also dispersed with the gentle breeze. He quickened his pace and walked to Zhao Xiang’er’s side. “Your Highness is indeed worthy of being the ruler of a nation; truly generous,” he said.

“Later, you’re not allowed to call me ‘Your Highness’,” Zhao Xiang’er warned. “If you slip up, you’ll pay for the meal yourself.”

“Then what should I call you?” Ning Changjiu asked curiously.

Zhao Xiang’er counter-questioned, “What do you think you should call me?”

The two hailed the fishing boat and boarded it.

This was an area close to outside the city, where all the rivers connected to a large lake. The fishing boats here caught the freshest fish. Guests ate fish and drank wine while enjoying the scenery on both sides of the river from the boat. By the time they were full, it would be about time for the fishing boat to enter the lake, at which point the view would open up even more, and the most bustling pleasure quarter of the Imperial City would be on the opposite bank.

“The autumn perch here is the best in the entire city. I used to come often when I was a child; it hasn’t changed much over the years,” Zhao Xiang’er said, slightly lifting her skirt as she stepped onto the boat’s deck.

The old fisherman listened, gave a thumbs-up, and chuckled, “Miss, you’re an expert!”

“That’s right, my wife knows everything,” Ning Changjiu replied.

Zhao Xiang’er paused slightly, turned to look at him, with an expression that said, *You’re asking for trouble again.*

Ning Changjiu, smiling, seemed to be saying, *Didn’t you tell me to call you whatever I wanted?*

The old fisherman, naturally unaware of their silent exchange, simply thought the young wife was shy, and chuckled, “Young master and young lady, you truly are a perfect match! Have you held your wedding banquet yet?”

“Of course,” Ning Changjiu said, “this is my new bride.”

Zhao Xiang’er couldn’t be bothered with him anymore.

“Young master, what would you like to order?” the old fisherman asked.

“What do you have?” Ning Changjiu asked.

Zhao Xiang’er’s voice was slightly cold as she said directly, “One plate of autumn perch, one plate of red ginger eel, and a pot of wine.”

The old fisherman glanced at Ning Changjiu, who, unfazed, chuckled, “New brides are often like this, a bit spoiled. I’ll assert my authority when we get home.”

Zhao Xiang’er looked at him faintly. “I’m keeping a tally of all these words of yours,” she said.

Ning Changjiu sat down beside her and quietly asked, “When do you plan to settle the score?”

“After autumn,” Zhao Xiang’er replied.

The cold wind of late autumn blew across the river.

A fragrant aroma wafted from the boat’s cabin, so rich that even the autumn wind couldn’t disperse it.

Zhao Xiang’er leaned against the boat canopy, her body relaxed. Her white dress draped evenly over her calves, slightly billowing in the autumn wind.

She looked at the buildings on both banks, as if reminiscing.

Ning Changjiu also leisurely gazed at the river scenery, watching the people dressed in white coming and going. “Is today a national memorial day?” he asked.

“You ask when you already know.”

“Who are they commemorating?”

“Naturally, the soldiers who died for the unification of Zhao.”

No sooner had she spoken than the old fisherman emerged, carrying a basin of tender fish. The fish had several cuts, filled with fragrant spices, adorned with green onions amidst its red and tender flesh—a beautiful sight.

The old fisherman had overheard their conversation and chuckled, “Young lady, you don’t know the half of it. Today’s national memorial is supposedly for soldiers, but in the past six months, has anyone even died in our Zhao’s battles?”

“Oh?” Ning Changjiu asked curiously. “Then who are they commemorating?”

The old fisherman said, “Well, it’s said that it’s for His Majesty’s deceased fiancé. It’s just that the fiancé passed away for some reason, and His Majesty misses him terribly, but being proud, she couldn’t say it openly, so she’s using the national memorial as an excuse to mourn him today.”

Ning Changjiu showed an expression of sudden understanding: “So that’s the story! You certainly know a lot, old man. I never imagined our Empress was such a deeply emotional person.”

The old fisherman sighed, “Indeed, with His Majesty these past years, Zhao has truly been revitalized. But who in this world can escape the grip of love? For a woman like our Empress to live out her life alone would truly be an injustice from heaven.”

“No matter how beautiful or strong Her Majesty is, she’s still just a teenage girl,” Ning Changjiu said. “I imagine if she had just put aside a little pride back then, it wouldn’t have ended this way...”

“Enough!” Zhao Xiang’er couldn’t listen anymore. She took out a silver ingot and handed it to the old fisherman, seizing the chance to interrupt Ning Changjiu.

The old fisherman looked at the silver, somewhat flustered, and gazed at Ning Changjiu, who he thought was the head of the household.

Ning Changjiu rubbed his forehead, sighed, and chuckled, “Take it, old man. My wife just loves to be extravagant.”

The old fisherman took the silver and went back into the boat.

Zhao Xiang’er mocked slightly, “Just thinking that I spent a silver ingot to treat your mouth to such delicious food makes me feel pity.”

“Don’t you want to hear my mouth tell stories anymore?” Ning Changjiu chuckled.

“Tell it,” Zhao Xiang’er said. “If it’s not good, I’ll throw the fish into the river to feed the fish.”

“I heard Zhao values frugality. Aren’t you setting an example?”

“Hmm, you have a point... Then I’ll throw *you* in.”

“When I fell into the abyss...” Ning Changjiu put down his chopsticks, picked up the tenderest piece of fish, and looked up at Zhao Xiang’er, who was calmly watching him. He hesitated for a moment, dipped the fish in sauce, and placed it on Zhao Xiang’er’s plate.

Zhao Xiang’er’s expression softened slightly. She picked up the fish, brought it to her lips, and her thin, pink lips closed, almost melting the delicious fish.

“Just continue telling the story,” Zhao Xiang’er said.

“If I finish telling it, won’t all the fish be eaten?” Ning Changjiu asked worriedly.

Zhao Xiang’er showed him no consideration at all. In a flash, she picked out all the tenderest pieces of fish and said, “Then just make it a long story short.”

Ning Changjiu began telling the stories.

Zhao Xiang’er listened seemingly casually, but often, the way she gently pressed her chopsticks to her lips still revealed her nervousness. She simply hid her emotions well. After all, a battle was still to come, and she couldn’t show weakness just by hearing about the existence of something like a ‘Sin Monarch’.

“You’re quite lucky,” Zhao Xiang’er commented.

“If I weren’t lucky, I wouldn’t have this chance to eat fish with Xiang’er now,” Ning Changjiu replied.

Zhao Xiang’er picked up a piece of fish from her plate and placed it on his, saying in a tone of reward, “You’re very brave. This is your reward.”

“Thank you, Miss Xiang’er,” Ning Changjiu chuckled.

Recalling the stories he had told earlier, Zhao Xiang’er asked, “Who are Siming Yechu and that person named Xiao Li?”

“The rulers of the divine kingdoms are all true gods from ancient times, and the Heavenly Monarchs and divine officials are naturally fierce and evil spirits,” Ning Changjiu said.

Zhao Xiang’er looked at him. “You’re lying,” she said earnestly.

Ning Changjiu frowned. “How am I lying?” he asked.

“Is that ‘Siming’ a beautiful woman?” Zhao Xiang’er asked.

Ning Changjiu thought, *This girl is indeed harder to deal with than Jiajia.* He gave a casual smile and said, “You’re overthinking it.”

“Who’s prettier, her or Lu Jiajia?” Zhao Xiang’er pressed.

Ning Changjiu was already slightly nervous and instinctively began, “Of course...” He stopped short of speaking.

Zhao Xiang’er watched him.

“Of course, Miss Xiang’er is the most unparalleled in the world,” Ning Changjiu said.

Zhao Xiang’er said angrily, “Flirting everywhere—how could Sister Lu have fallen for someone like you?”

“What about you?” Ning Changjiu retorted.

“I’m not blind,” Zhao Xiang’er said.

“I’m your mother’s chosen fiancé for you. Are you saying your mother is blind too?” Ning Changjiu challenged.

Zhao Xiang’er took a deep breath, looked at the cool river water, and pondered what posture to use to throw this reckless young man in.

Fortunately, the eel saved his life.

The old fisherman came out carrying the red ginger eel.

As soon as the dish was served, Ning Changjiu reached for his chopsticks, but saw Zhao Xiang’er thrust hers forward like a sword. Ning Changjiu instinctively responded with a sword move. The wooden chopsticks clashed, sounding like percussive instruments. Amidst the clattering, the two pairs of chopsticks struck each other with shadowy speed. After a brief moment, both stopped simultaneously, their chopsticks pressed against each other, one after the other, with no clear victor.

“What are you doing?” Ning Changjiu asked.

“Who allowed you to take the first bite?” Zhao Xiang’er asked.

Ning Changjiu was a little annoyed. “Do we have to argue over who goes first even with this?”

“I’m treating you to this meal, so I’m the host and you’re the guest,” Zhao Xiang’er said as a matter of course. “Hmm... call me ‘Master’ and let me hear it?”

Ning Changjiu certainly wouldn’t agree. “I can afford a silver ingot too. If I pay, does that make me the host?”

Zhao Xiang’er gave him a sidelong glance, then swiftly, like lightning, plunged her chopsticks in, picked up a smooth strand of eel, put it in her mouth, and said, “Less talk, eat.”

Ning Changjiu also used his chopsticks.

So, with great unspoken understanding, they alternated taking bites.

The strands of eel in the dish gradually diminished.

This was an unspoken contest.

It was like a woman faced with an indecisive matter, who would pick a flower and pluck its petals one by one until the last petal, taking its representation as her decision.

They were like that at this moment.

Neither used spiritual power or other means, simply alternating turns with their chopsticks, as if whoever ate the last strand of eel would be the victor, the master of this boat banquet.

The dish was gradually nearing empty.

The two conversed casually, but their hand movements were not slow at all.

“Last time you came to Zhao, you had a birthday banquet, but you didn’t fully enjoy the meal. That was my poor hospitality,” Zhao Xiang’er said softly as she picked up a strand.

Ning Changjiu, while picking up food, said, “It’s an honor just to be able to eat with Miss Zhao.”

Zhao Xiang’er scoffed, “Don’t flatter me. I learned in Linhe City that you always say one thing and do another.”

“That’s why Xiang’er and I are so compatible!” Ning Changjiu chuckled.

“Hmph...”

There were only a few strands of eel left in the dish, and Zhao Xiang’er became much more cautious as she picked them up.

Ning Changjiu also used his chopsticks, stirred them in the sauce, and found a strand.

Zhao Xiang’er’s brows furrowed slightly. She hesitantly put her chopsticks in, stirring for a while. Her thin lips pressed tighter and tighter. A moment later, her expression relaxed slightly as she picked out a strand of eel so thin it looked like it could snap instantly.

Pressure was now on Ning Changjiu.

“Please, Young Master Ning.” Zhao Xiang’er’s lips curved slightly. She was certain there was nothing left in the dish.

Ning Changjiu frowned and carefully searched with his chopsticks.

A moment later, Zhao Xiang’er’s smile froze on her face.

Ning Changjiu actually picked up a strand. He smiled complacently, as if he had won a great battle. He put this final prize into his mouth and chewed lightly. Then his expression changed, and his chewing stopped abruptly.

Zhao Xiang’er noticed his expression. How could someone as intelligent as her not realize—that wasn’t eel at all, but clearly a strand of red ginger, disguised by the sauce!

Her serene, pretty face tensed for a moment, but she still couldn’t hold it back. She burst out laughing, shaking with mirth.

“You lost!” Zhao Xiang’er declared her victory, the lingering chill from her long stay in the deep palace melting away in the autumn light.

“Miss Xiang’er is formidable; this commoner admits defeat,” Ning Changjiu said.

Ning Changjiu, looking at her eyes that curved as she smiled and the pearly white teeth she revealed, also chuckled. He bowed in mock surrender, while silently swallowing the tender eel strand in his mouth.

The fishing boat entered the open lake, and the view suddenly broadened.

The old fisherman brought them wine.

The wine was neither good nor bad, but any wine could intoxicate.

The lake breeze, infused with shimmering light, swept across their faces, carrying a light coolness.

“How about we don’t fight?” Ning Changjiu said, looking at Zhao Xiang’er’s delicate face.

Zhao Xiang’er smiled faintly, “Now that you’ve eaten and drunk your fill, are you only afraid now that you’re about to be sent to the execution ground after autumn?”

“This commoner is indeed very terrified,” Ning Changjiu chuckled.

Zhao Xiang’er took a sip of wine, looked at the river, and remembered something, saying with slight displeasure, “Who told you to send that Illusory Snow Lotus?”

“Don’t you like it?” Ning Changjiu asked.

“What I want, I will take myself. I don’t need your charity,” Zhao Xiang’er said.

Ning Changjiu chuckled, “Indeed, my mistake. You’re a young lady; I should have put it in the finest wooden box and presented it to you with a big red bow.”

Zhao Xiang’er’s slender brows slightly arched: “From your tone, you’ve tricked quite a few young ladies over the years, haven’t you?”

“Your Highness slanders this commoner.”

“Don’t call yourself a commoner!”

“Why?”

“In Linhe City, I already expelled you from Zhao.”

“Then can I marry a girl from Zhao?”

“Hmm? Which young lady has caught your eye? Do you need a royal decree from me?”

“Thank you for Your Highness’s kindness, but I already have a marriage contract with me.”

“Let me see the marriage contract.” Zhao Xiang’er held out her hand.

Ning Changjiu took out the marriage contract, vibrant as fire, from his robe and handed it to Zhao Xiang’er.

The slight tipsiness in Zhao Xiang’er’s eyes faded, and fire seemed to ignite in her pupils.

She took the marriage contract, gently opened it, her gaze softening.

The handwriting and seal on it were incredibly familiar, impossible to fake.

“It really is you...” Zhao Xiang’er murmured softly.

“Hmm?” Ning Changjiu was a little confused.

Zhao Xiang’er said with slight anger, “Still pretending? This one you gave me isn’t the same one I gave you.”

“Xiang’er, keen eyesight,” Ning Changjiu complimented.

He certainly couldn’t return the original marriage contract; if Zhao Xiang’er saw the four characters ‘Forever United in One Heart’ that had lost their spiritual aura, it would be difficult to explain.

Ning Changjiu explained, “Marriage contracts are meant to be exchanged. You gave me one, so of course I should give you one back.”

“Whose seal is this?” Zhao Xiang’er asked.

Ning Changjiu truthfully replied, “It used to be my master’s.”

Zhao Xiang’er didn’t dwell on the word ‘past’, but merely said, “I suppose you also come from an extraordinary background. But... what exactly do you mean by this?”

“Hmm?” Ning Changjiu was confused.

Zhao Xiang’er calmly said, “The marriage date set by my mother and your master was for when I turned sixteen, which has long passed. The subsequent agreements were made solely between us, unrelated to the marriage contract. From the birthday banquet until the morning you went to Yujian Tianzong, you always hid the truth from me...”

Many of the things said and suspicions held back then seemed rather foolish in retrospect.

This made her even angrier.

Zhao Xiang’er folded the marriage contract, handed it back to Ning Changjiu, and challenged, “Now that you’ve taken it out, are you trying to tell me that we’re a perfect match?”

Ning Changjiu listened to her somewhat unreasonable words and said, “You know I don’t mean that... Wait! Didn’t you ask me to take out the marriage contract?”

Zhao Xiang’er didn’t listen at all, merely pressing, “Then what do you mean?”

“I...” Ning Changjiu didn’t even know what she wanted to ask. He simply spread his hands and said, “I just wanted to show you how beautiful this marriage contract is! Give it back when you’re done!”

Zhao Xiang’er frowned, thinking, *How can this person be so unreasonable?*

“You want back something you’ve given me?”

“What exactly do you want, girl?”

“‘Girl’? You’ve been calling me ‘Your Highness’ and ‘Miss’ all this time; have you finally shown your true colors?”

Ning Changjiu rolled up his sleeves, unfastened the new sword from his waist, and said, “If I don’t beat you until you beg for mercy today, I’ll swallow this sword.”

Zhao Xiang’er smiled sweetly, unfastened the red umbrella wrapped in cloth from her back, and said, “Now that’s more like it. If you want to prove yourself, you should bring out your sword, not a marriage contract.”

The red umbrella lay across her lap, brimming with sword intent.

The bow of the boat suddenly dipped.

The old fisherman rushed out in a panic, seeing the tense new couple at the bow of the boat, and hastily tried to mediate: “You two... are you two newlyweds arguing? A single day as husband and wife creates a hundred days of kindness; remember each other’s good points...”

Ning Changjiu raised his hand and smiled, “Thank you for your kind intentions, old man. My new wife just married in and isn’t following the rules. She’s definitely getting disciplined today.”

Zhao Xiang’er lightly ran her hand over the mottled surface of the red umbrella and said, “I hope your sword is as sharp as your tongue.”

People came and went along the lake, and amidst the riverfront buildings and pleasure houses, blooming prosperity still thrived. The distant sound of a zither drifted from the singing towers, faint as a whisper.

And in the center of the lake, the fishing boat suddenly stopped, and the autumn wind abruptly ceased.

In front of the boat, a carp gently poked its head out, lightly pecked the water, and created a circle of delicate ripples.

Suddenly, the ripples parted from the center, and scattered dots of sword intent fell onto the cold lake like duckweed in autumn.