5

Chapter Five: Cuìhuā! Cuìhuā!

After finishing a pair of wooden clogs, Duan Mingyu estimated it had taken less than fifteen minutes. She doubted herself a little—her hands had never been so steady before. In the past, a single slip would leave awkward scars on the wood, often ruining several pieces of material before completing just one pair.

But this time, she worked smoothly and swiftly, cutting the time in half. Why “estimated”? Because she had no watch and certainly couldn’t tell the time by the stars or moonlight.

Duan Mingyu guessed it might be the effect of the old monk’s thirty years of training bestowed upon her. Yet, she wondered, who could teach her how to wield such martial skills?

After singing a heartfelt rendition of “Beethoven’s Sorrow,” she bent over her work again. When one focuses deeply, time flies. Only when a small pile of wooden clogs lay before her did she yawn wearily. It must be around midnight.

Where was Xu Zuye? Why was the cold wind so biting? Suddenly, the gate flung open with a loud clang, probably blown by the wind.

Just as Duan Mingyu was about to close the door, she saw old Xu lying motionless at the entrance. It seemed he had pushed the door open and collapsed immediately. She admired him quietly and helped him up.

“Damn, how much did you drink?” she sniffed the strong aroma of alcohol emanating from Xu Zuye, that scoundrel.

Holding her breath, one hand closing the door and the other supporting Xu Zuye, Duan Mingyu thought, “If not for the old monk’s thirty years of training, there’s no way my old self could have managed such multitasking.”

“Water... water, I need water!” Xu muttered.

“37 degrees Celsius, you want some?” Duan Mingyu glanced down at herself mischievously, annoyed.

With no other choice, she dragged Xu into the kitchen, set him on a stool, scooped some water, and lifted it to his lips.

Squinting, Xu muttered again, “Cuìhuā, where are you?”

“Cuìhuā, I still have sauerkraut!”

Duan Mingyu struggled to pry open his thick lips and poured half a ladle of water into his mouth. Suddenly, Xu pushed the ladle away and grabbed her hand. “Cuìhuā, don’t leave me. I can’t live without you!”

“Old Xu, what are you doing? I’m not Cuìhuā!”

“Cuìhuā, why did you leave me?” Xu held her hand tighter.

Duan Mingyu blinked in disbelief. So Xu had been dumped? Curiously, she asked, “Cough, cough, did your wife run off with some wild man?”

Xu Zuye kept calling out Cuìhuā’s name affectionately, gripping her hand tighter.

Uh oh, old Xu was drunk and acting crazy. Was he about to do something foolish?

Thinking about how she had been unconscious in his house for days, Duan Mingyu sadly wondered if he had been mistreating her whenever he got drunk.

No bite marks, no harm done—thankfully. Just as she was about to relax, Xu opened his mouth wide, aiming to kiss her.

She dodged. Two grown men—Xu, are you out of your mind?

He missed and turned, aiming again.

Quick-witted, Duan Mingyu grabbed the water ladle and, without hesitation, splashed the entire scoop of water on Xu’s face—clean and precise, not a drop wasted.

Xu shook his dripping head, looking bewildered, then angrily said, “That guy, why did you splash me with water?”

“Brother, you were drunk just now.”

“Even drunk, I wouldn’t…” He stopped himself, clearly used to such episodes.

Rubbing his beard, he said, “Let’s put that aside. Answer me a few questions first.”

Duan Mingyu cupped her hands in a respectful gesture. “Speak freely, brother. I shall answer without reservation.”

“Hmph, young man, what’s your name? Where do you live? Why are you injured? And why did you dig such a large hole in front of my door?”

Duan Mingyu was stunned by the rapid-fire questions. Some things wouldn’t be believed anyway. If she told him she came from another world, surely he’d brand her a heretic and have her executed on the spot.

After a moment’s thought, she bowed deeply. “First, thank you for saving my life, Brother Xu. My surname is Duan, given name Mingyu. Last night I was experimenting with a new type of gunpowder and detonated it here. That hole was caused by the explosion, and I was knocked out by it.”

“You’re quite the character. Honestly, young man, you are truly a character!” Xu said with a look that suggested he half believed her, then his expression darkened. “But why choose to set off gunpowder right outside my door?”

“I saw this place—clear mountains, pure waters, birdsong among blossoms, earth beneath, sky above. Surely a blessed land where a master dwells.” Duan Mingyu subtly flattered him.

Xu nodded appreciatively. “Indeed, young master, your insight is sharp!”

“Kind words, kind words!”

“One last question!”

“Please, Brother!”

“Why haven’t you left yet?”

Duan Mingyu glanced at Xu. “I have nowhere else to go.”

“No, I absolutely cannot keep you.”

“Why not? I can earn money. Within ten days, I’ll repay you handsomely.”

“Money… still no. I’m not one to be swayed by silver. How much are you prepared to offer?”

Duan Mingyu sneered inwardly at him and held out one hand. “Five taels of silver, just so you’ll let me have a place to stay. I promise to personally return the money to you in ten days.”

Xu was surprised—five taels was a generous sum. He began calculating how much wine he could buy with it.

After a while, Duan asked, “Brother, what do you think?”

“I’ll take pity on your lonely, unfortunate circumstances and show mercy by letting you stay. But that silver…”

“That silver will reach your hands, Brother. If not, you needn’t ask me to leave; I’ll be utterly ashamed to face myself.” Duan Mingyu said with a knowing smile.

Xu laughed heartily. “Good. It’s late. Let’s rest in our rooms.”

They each headed to their chambers. Just as Duan was about to enter, she stopped, turned back, and bowed. “Brother Xu, I have one question to ask!”

Her choice of words made Xu sigh with pleasure. “What is it?”

“Who is Cuìhuā?”

Before he could respond, Duan Mingyu dashed into her room. The door slammed shut, and a shoe came flying, striking her door with a thud.