Country Maiden: Fields and Fortune

Chapter 621: Chapter 621. Grinding the Edges (3 more updates)

At the mountaintop, Gu Chengyi stood perplexed at the doorstep for quite some time before he went to report to his father.

The old master, in his sixties, was hale and hearty. Having just finished boxing exercises and taken a bath, he emerged to see Gu Chengyi and asked indifferently, "Has the person left?"

"Says they will visit again tomorrow!"

"..."

Gu Mingwen remained silent.

Not many knew of his secluded life here.

Of course, there were those aware of a family living in the mountains, but few knew of his identity as the master of the house.

Where did that young lady get her information?

"Still refuse to see anyone tomorrow," Gu Mingwen whispered softly. After a moment, he added, "How come the dog only barked a few times today before it stopped?"

"..."

Gu Chengyi was also at a loss.

The family dog, upon encountering strangers, would not cease barking for half an hour.

Today’s quiet was indeed unusual.

By the time Xie Zhinuan returned home, evening had already set in. She took out a jar of Drunken Snow Brew and had a piece of Ginseng prepared, deciding to continue her venture into the mountains the next day.

Liu Bei sought Zhuge Liang, visiting his straw hut thrice.

She wanted to find Xie Yi an excellent teacher, so making several visits was only proper.

Unbeknownst to Xie Zhinuan, Duobao, upon returning, remained somewhat incredulous and challenged a guard to martial arts, only to be defeated again.

Although the contest lasted over a hundred moves, a defeat was still a defeat.

He couldn’t help but ask, "Does Master know about Miss Xie’s martial arts skills?"

"He does, I suppose!"

"..."

"Then why is she so formidable?"

"That, I have no idea. If you have doubts, you can go ask!" The guard replied noncommittally, then turned and quickly ran off.

They had received benefits, but those were not to be disclosed carelessly, especially not in detail to Duobao.

After all, they shared years of camaraderie and had fought side by side through life and death...

Naturally, they also wished the best for Duobao, but he was far too prideful.

Duobao stood there, stunned.

How could he be prideful now, doubting his life’s worth?

At ten in the morning, Xie Zhinuan set off once again. This time, she didn’t bring Chunyu, only her and Duobao.

Today, Duobao dared not be careless, particularly when they ascended the mountain and Xie Zhinuan utilized her qinggong. Duobao immediately gave chase.

But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t catch up to Xie Zhinuan.

And Xie Zhinuan seemed to be teasing him, deliberately not giving him the chance to catch up.

When they arrived at the Gu Family gate, Duobao didn’t need any prompting from Xie Zhinuan before he went up to knock on the door.

The dogs inside barked twice, then became overwhelmingly excited.

As the grand door opened.

Xie Zhinuan looked at Gu Chengyi, "Xie Zhinuan of the Xie Family, here to see Gu Mingwen, the venerable teacher!"

"My father is not receiving visitors," Gu Chengyi said coolly.

"I see..." Xie Zhinuan pursed her lips, "This is a small token of my regard, one wild mountain Ginseng aged a hundred years and a jar of century-old Drunken Snow Brew. Please pass them to the venerable teacher. I will visit another day!"

Signaling Duobao to set down the items, Xie Zhinuan turned and departed.

Duobao was taken aback.

But still, he placed the items down and followed Xie Zhinuan away.

Gu Chengyi glanced at the jar and the Brocade Box, then closed the door.

Then he noticed that the family dog, which they had raised for many years, was whining mournfully, seemingly heartbroken, and then began to refuse food and drink.

The rain began to fall again...

Xie Zhinuan still didn’t know that her venture into the mountain to meet Gu Mingwen might have been in vain, but the Gu Family dog, because of her, had started a fast.

On their way back, the rain grew heavier. Though the horse was smart, Xie Zhinuan couldn’t bear to let it travel in the rain, "Duobao, find a farmhouse ahead where we can rest for a while, we will continue our journey once the rain eases!"

"Yes!"

Compared to his earlier aloofness, after being put in his place by Xie Zhinuan a few times, Duobao’s edges were gradually being smoothed over. As he doubted his life, he began to learn to obey.