The two walked and talked. Dong Wanyi moved with a graceful, almost floating gait. As soon as they entered the main compound, she turned west, following a winding path through a moon gate into a courtyard.
The moment the pair stepped into the yard, four green shadows materialized, each trailing a distinct fragrance—four maidservants in green rushed forward.
“Miss!” The four greeted her with overwhelming joy, their gazes locked solely on Dong Wanyi, as if Li Muzhan did not exist.
He took in the four young women; all were fair and delicate-featured, beauties rarely seen in the outside world. Yet, standing before Dong Wanyi, they seemed diminished, like brilliant stars dimmed by the presence of the bright moon.
A girl with a round face asked in a clear voice, “Miss, are you unharmed?”
Dong Wanyi shook her head and smiled, “It was Young Master Li who saved me.”
As if noticing him for the first time, eight bright eyes fell upon him, scrutinizing him up and down, testing his measure, yet showing no gratitude.
“Don’t be rude!” Dong Wanyi admonished with a slight pout, “Without Young Master Li, I wouldn’t be back at all!”
“Yes, Miss,” the four replied, though their gazes remained appraising.
Dong Wanyi shook her head helplessly and asked softly, “Where are Uncle He and Uncle Geng?”
“They went out looking for you, Miss, and haven’t returned yet!” the round-faced girl pouted.
“Chunhua!” Dong Wanyi shot her a sharp look, then, with her delicate steps still flowing, quickly crossed the flower beds in front of the house and entered the main hall, where the light suddenly brightened her vision.
The main hall wasn't large, but it was brightly lit, featuring an ivory-white rug, pale pink furniture, and a dense atmosphere of feminine elegance washing over them.
Casually placed in the room was a low daybed, a few embroidered stools, and by the southeast window, a long desk upon which rested a yaoqin and a chessboard, radiating an aura of refinement.
“It’s quite messy; please don’t laugh at me, Young Master Li.” Dong Wanyi personally moved an embroidered stool for him.
Li Muzhan waved his hand and laughed, “Please, Miss, there’s no need for such courtesy.”
Dong Wanyi inclined her head slightly, “These four grew up with me as playmates. Chunhua, Xiahua, Qiuhua, Donghua—though they are servants, we are as close as sisters.”
Li Muzhan cupped his hands in a smile and nodded to the four girls without speaking.
The round-faced girl giggled, “Miss, what is this Young Master Li’s esteemed name?”
Li Muzhan replied, “Miss Chunhua, my humble name is Li Wuji.”
“Li Wuji…” The round-faced girl, Chunhua, chuckled lightly, “Thank you so much for saving our Miss!”
Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled.
The four women were clearly uneasy about him; their guard was high. Logically, as Dong Wanyi's savior, they should have shown some gratitude, even if they weren't overly enthusiastic.
He wasn't offended, only puzzled; there had to be some hidden reason.
“May I ask where Young Master Li is from?” inquired a girl with a delicate, melon-seed face, her voice as clear as a chrysanthemum. Her bright eyes fixed deeply on his.
Li Muzhan knew her name was Qiuhua and smiled, “I’m afraid I don’t quite know where I’m from myself…”
“Enough, all of you!” Dong Wanyi chided, “Can’t I tell a good person from a bad one?!”
“Miss, it is best to be careful in all matters!” Chunhua said crisply.
“But that doesn’t mean seeing shadows everywhere!” Dong Wanyi huffed, “If it weren’t for Young Master Li this time, I would undoubtedly be dead. You all…”
Li Muzhan smiled gently, “Miss Dong, one should never harbor ill intent, but one must always maintain caution. Given your beauty, it is inevitable that some might harbor wicked designs. It’s quite understandable.”
“Young Master Li, that is truly impolite. Chunhua and the others meant no harm…” Dong Wanyi performed a slight bow, apologizing softly.
Li Muzhan hadn't been angered, but even if he had been, her gentle apology dissolved it. He waved his hand with a smile, “Miss Dong is being too polite!”
Dong Wanyi gave a light nod and smiled radiantly, “Then I won’t be polite any longer. Please rest for a while, Young Master. I will host a banquet tonight to wash off your journey dust!”
Li Muzhan waved his hand again, “There is absolutely no need for such ceremony, Miss. I am used to solitude; I dislike crowds and feel ill at ease.”
“This…” Dong Wanyi paused in thought, then slowly nodded, “How about Young Master becomes my personal guard?”
Li Muzhan laughed, “I have been in the mountains my whole life and know nothing. I understand a little about flowers and plants; perhaps I could tend to the gardens if you don't mind?”
“That would be too small a role for you, Young Master,” Dong Wanyi shook her head.
Li Muzhan hurriedly waved his hands, “Not at all, not at all. It’s quiet and leisurely—I love dealing with flowers and greenery most.”
“…Very well then. The rear garden will be entrusted to you to manage,” Dong Wanyi deliberated for a moment, then nodded softly, “Young Master may do as you wish.”
Chunhua interjected, “Miss, Donghua has always managed the rear garden.”
Dong Wanyi replied, “Donghua, you will assist Qiuhua; you no longer need to oversee the rear garden.”
“Yes.” The melon-seed faced girl, who had kept a cold expression, nodded, glancing once at Li Muzhan, “Young Master Li, please take the trouble.”
Li Muzhan immediately shook his head and smiled, appearing slightly flustered.
“There is a small room in the rear garden. Clear out its contents to make it Young Master Li’s quarters,” Dong Wanyi instructed quietly.
Chunhua responded, “Yes, Miss. We will go tidy it now… Young Master Li, please excuse us for a moment.”
She performed a slight curtsy, then led the other three girls floating out of the main room.
Once they were all gone, Dong Wanyi said softly and apologetically, “Please don’t mind them, Young Master. They are simply overly nervous.”
Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, “They are only concerned for you, Miss.”
“That’s true…” Dong Wanyi nodded lightly, sighing, “I am too incapable; I’ve brought trouble upon them.”
Though curious, Li Muzhan didn't press the matter too deeply. He smiled, “If it is inconvenient, I don't need to stay within the manor… I truly didn't expect you to be from such a wealthy family.”
Dong Wanyi sighed mournfully, “I would rather have been born into an ordinary household.”
Donghua entered lightly, carrying a tea service with porcelain cups like snow. Her exquisite melon-seed face remained cold as she silently presented the tea and then silently retreated.
They soon returned, saying the room was ready. Dong Wanyi led Li Muzhan, accompanied by the four maids, through three successive courtyards to the rear garden.
The rear garden was not large but exquisitely designed. In the center lay a small lake, upon which rested three small pavilions, brilliantly lit. A row of lanterns hung along the covered walkways, looking like four fire dragons coiled over the water.
The lamplight illuminated the lake’s surface, causing ripples to dance. Lotus flowers dotted the water, and Li Muzhan could see the brightly colored koi swimming among the blossoms beneath the surface.
The small lake was encircled by various flower beds. In the northeast corner stood a grove of purple bamboo, within which nestled a small bamboo hut. Dong Wanyi approached, smiling as she pointed to it, “Are you satisfied with this, Young Master?”
Li Muzhan exclaimed in admiration, “This is truly a wonderful place; I like it very much. Thank you, Miss!”
Dong Wanyi smiled radiantly, “As long as you like it, Young Master!”
Li Muzhan entered the hut and found his liking deepened. Inside were a bamboo couch, a bamboo table, and bamboo furniture—everything made of bamboo, exuding an air of elegant simplicity.
The four maids had worked efficiently; in this short time, they had arranged everything. The furniture and bedding were complete; it was ready for immediate occupancy.
After seeing Dong Wanyi off, Li Muzhan sat cross-legged on the couch, a faint smile touching his lips. Finally, he had a place to settle down and could calmly begin to understand this world.
He desperately wished he could instantly return to his original world, rely on his magic artifact for revenge, reunite with his women, and perhaps, if given the chance, return to this world to explore its mysteries.
He was uncertain if returning was possible, feeling a pang of apprehension, but having arrived at this juncture, he could only accept the situation as it was, refraining from hasty actions that might lead to failure.
An hour later, Chunhua arrived to summon him for dinner. He followed her across two courtyards to the main hall. Upon entering, he saw two elderly men staring at him with eyes sharp as electricity.