109 Invitation

"From now on, this place is under your charge. I will not be coming back. I am handing the Fengxing Pavilion over to you; whether it prospers or declines depends entirely on how you manage it."

Li Xintian had already made up his mind to let go of the Fengxing Pavilion and leave it in the hands of Feng Ziqi.

"But, Young Master, this is something you built with your own hands! How can you give it to me? Besides, you are my savior." Feng Ziqi knelt on one knee and spoke.

"Feng Ziqi, do you still remember why I founded the Fengxing Pavilion in the first place?" Li Xintian did not have much time left to manage things, so he looked at Feng Ziqi and asked.

"I know. You founded the Fengxing Pavilion to provide a sanctuary for orphans wandering the streets," Feng Ziqi replied with a nod.

"And now? It is no longer just that. That is why I want you to manage it well. From now on, all decisions regarding the pavilion are yours. You can turn it into a business empire if you wish, or if you still remember your hometown, you may return there." Li Xintian paused, then added, "Feng Ziqi, you must think carefully. The capital is no longer safe to stay in. I am leaving."

Li Xintian helped Feng Ziqi to his feet and patted his shoulder.

"Young Master!" Feng Ziqi wanted to call out to him, but Li Xintian had his back turned and simply waved his hand.

"Feng Ziqi, until we meet again." With that wave, Li Xintian left the Fengxing Pavilion. His next task was to arrange Hu Xiaocui’s marriage, having already instructed Hu Qiuyan to return to the Chen manor.

At the Taichang Manor:

"Master, a man claiming to be Li Xintian is here to visit. He says he brings good news." Man Xiang ran into the main hall. Wang Hongzhi was drinking tea, sighing and shaking his head. Hu Xiaocui had vanished; she had gone to Mount Langya to find Hu Yuji, but alas, the bamboo forest had been burned to ashes, and not a single fox could be found. Wang Yuanfeng spent his days in a daze, pestering them to find her, which was driving his father to his wit's end.

Hearing the steward’s words, Wang Hongzhi felt his spirits lift. "Show him in immediately," he said, setting down his cup.

"Student Li Xintian presents his respects to Lord Wang," Li Xintian said as he entered the hall and bowed.

"Jieyuan Li, no need for formalities. Please, sit. What is this good news you speak of?" Wang Hongzhi gestured with his hand.

"I have come today regarding your son, Wang Yuanfeng. I have an item to pass on to him." Li Xintian sat down as a maid brought tea.

"Man Xiang, go and fetch my son," Wang Hongzhi ordered.

"Yes, Master." Man Xiang hurried out.

"Jieyuan Li, might I ask what this good news is?" Wang Hongzhi inquired once the steward was gone.

"Lord Wang, there is no need to rush. This matter requires your son’s decision. If he decides well, it is indeed good news. If his decision is poor, then there is no news at all. I mention this so as not to raise your hopes too high, for the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. Don't you agree, my lord?" Li Xintian said apologetically. Just then, the sound of Wang Yuanfeng calling out Hu Xiaocui’s name echoed through the air.

"Young Master, come quickly! A guest has arrived and says he has something for you," Man Xiang urged upon finding Wang Yuanfeng, who had been hiding in his room, refusing to eat or sleep.

"Man Xiang? Who is it?" Lady Wang asked, keeping her son company.

"It is Jieyuan Li Xintian. He says he brings good news."

"Young Master, come along. Perhaps it concerns the Young Mistress," Man Xiang added. This remark had an explosive effect; Wang Yuanfeng stood up at once and bolted from the room.

"Yuanfeng, slow down!" Lady Wang exclaimed, surprised by the sudden change in her son.

"Xiaocui!" Wang Yuanfeng shouted as he ran toward the hall. When he entered and saw no sign of her, he roared, "Where is Xiaocui? You are lying to me!"

"Young Master Wang, this is what Hu Xiaocui asked me to give you." Li Xintian pulled a red silk cloth from his sleeve and handed it over.

When Wang Yuanfeng saw the item, he snatched it from Li Xintian’s hand. Unfolding it, he found a jade pendant tied to the silk—a sign that Hu Xiaocui and he were parted forever. He realized then that she would never return.

"Xiaocui, why? Why must you do this?" Wang Yuanfeng wept bitterly.

"Jieyuan Li, is this what she asked you to deliver?" Wang Hongzhi asked, perplexed.

"Yes. She will not return because of her true identity, which I believe you have already guessed. But there is one more matter, Lord Wang. Will your son be willing to marry the daughter of Grand Historian Zhong?"

"What? This is the 'good news'?" Wang Hongzhi was stunned.

"What is this about, Master? I don't understand," Lady Wang asked, bewildered.

"I refuse to marry," Wang Yuanfeng declared.

"No, you must marry! As your parents, we decide for you," Wang Hongzhi insisted.

"Wait, do not argue yet," Li Xintian interrupted. "Listen to me first. The Grand Historian’s daughter is someone who will surely satisfy Young Master Wang. Her appearance, her speech, and her mannerisms are identical to Hu Xiaocui’s. Do you understand my meaning now?"

Wang Hongzhi was shocked, but Li Xintian continued, "However, the daughter of the Grand Historian is a true human being. Now, tell me your decision."

"Jieyuan Li, you nearly gave me a fright! There is no reason to hesitate. I give my consent on Yuanfeng's behalf," Wang Hongzhi said, relieved.

"Lord Wang, I cannot agree to that. I require Young Master Wang’s own consent. If he is unwilling, I would be ruining the girl’s life. Forced unions bring no happiness. He must agree of his own volition."

"I am willing," Wang Yuanfeng said, realizing that this must be Hu Xiaocui’s doing.

"Good son, you have finally made a wise decision," Wang Hongzhi said, his anger replaced by relief.

"Then follow me to the Grand Historian’s manor to present the betrothal gifts," Li Xintian stood up.

"Is this not too hasty?" Lady Wang asked.

"You are right. I am in too much of a hurry. Send a matchmaker instead; I will handle the rest. I must take my leave now."

After leaving the manor, Li Xintian contacted Hu Yuji and Hu Xiaocui. "Xiaocui, I have settled everything. I am about to place a seal upon you. Are you certain? There is still time to turn back."

"I have made my choice. I will not regret it," Hu Xiaocui replied firmly.

Li Xintian did not hesitate. He gathered a sphere of righteous energy in his palm and pressed it into Hu Xiaocui’s body.

"Xiaocui!" Hu Yuji cried out in alarm.

"Mother, I am fine," Hu Xiaocui said as the righteous energy severed her demonic power without causing her any pain.

"Xiaocui, you can still feel your demonic energy, but if you attempt to use it, my righteous energy will trigger. Those hostile toward me will be drawn to hunt you. If you do not wish to implicate others, you must flee. My energy will guide you to me when necessary."

"Thank you, Young Master Li. I will obey," Hu Xiaocui promised.

Li Xintian turned to Hu Yuji. "Yuji, although you are a disciple of the Queen Mother of the West, I hope you will assist me. It will be dangerous, but can you truly stay out of this? Many malevolent demons have already sought you out at the Bamboo Cave, have they not?"

"It is true, but that does not mean I lack the power to resist," Hu Yuji replied.

"Very well. If you encounter difficulties, open this brocade pouch. It contains a poem written with my righteous energy that will help you escape." Li Xintian handed her the pouch.

"Thank you, Young Master Li," Hu Yuji said, accepting it after a moment of thought.

"Just remember," Li Xintian warned, "once you use it, be prepared for the consequences."