[Wuxia] The List of Peerless Beauties of the Land [Complete] - Part 2

Chapter Three: The Conflict at the Fabric Shop

The melodious chirping of birds startled Ye Feng from his sweet dream. The sunlight was so bright it made his eyelids red, and it took him a while to open his eyes. As soon as he opened them, he saw Hua Yi sitting on the edge of the bed, her gentle, watery eyes gazing at him with deep affection. Seeing him awake, a blush rose on her pretty face, making her indescribably beautiful.

She smiled slightly, gently offering a sweet kiss, and whispered in his ear, "Feng Lang, wake up, it's time to eat!"

The beautiful woman's charming smile and alluring face reminded Ye Feng of Hua Yi's captivating charm the previous night, and a surge of heat welled up within him. He wrapped his arms around Hua Yi's delicate body, and she let out a soft sigh, her slender arms encircling his neck.

They shared a passionate kiss, and Ye Feng felt an overwhelming sense of sweetness.

He savored the sweet kiss of his little wife, Hua Yi, then got out of bed. Hua Yi fetched his clothes, intending to help him dress. Ye Feng quickly pressed down on Hua Yi's small hand: "Sister Yi, I can do it myself!"

Hua Yi rolled her eyes at him and said coquettishly, "Take your hand away."

Then she chuckled and whispered in Ye Feng's ear, "Feng Lang, do you know? When I serve you, I feel a real sense of happiness! It's a kind of joy, the joy of being a wife! Do you know, Feng Lang? Be good! Take your hand away."

Ye Feng felt a warm and happy feeling in his heart and let Hua Yi help him get dressed.

When he got up, he saw some bloodstains on the white sheets and felt a pang of pity. It was a symbol of Hua Yi's chastity.

Seeing that Hua Yi seemed to have some difficulty moving, Ye Feng whispered, "Sister Yi, does it still hurt?"

Hua Yi blushed and said reproachfully, "My love, why do you ask? Who told you to... last night... last night..."

Her voice trailed off, and her fair face flushed even more. In the end, she turned her head away. Ye Feng smiled slightly and gently turned her body around...

※※※

After washing up, the two sat down at the dining table. On the table were a dish of pickled vegetables, three fried dough sticks, and a small pot of rice porridge. Hua Yi served Ye Feng a bowl of porridge, placed two fried dough sticks in his bowl, and said gently with a smile, "These fried dough sticks were fried by Sister-in-law Gu. They're crispy and delicious, only one coin each. Feng Lang, have a taste."

Although Ye Feng had eaten at Hua Yi's house many times before, this was his first time having breakfast there.

He picked up a dough stick, tore it in half, and put it in Hua Yi's bowl. After taking a bite, he found it indeed crispy and delicious, even better than the fried dough sticks he had eaten in his original world. He couldn't help but praise it and nodded. He lowered his head and took another sip of the porridge. It was smooth and silky, and the temperature was just right. He exclaimed, "Sister Yi, you're such a good cook!"

Hua Yi was overjoyed to receive her husband's praise. She said happily, "If Feng Lang likes it, I'll make it for you every day from now on!"

She then put a few pickled vegetables into Ye Feng's bowl and said softly, "Drink it while it's hot! It won't taste good when it's cold."

Ye Feng quickly lowered his head and drank the porridge.

A warm atmosphere filled the room. Hua Yi, sipping her porridge, suddenly remembered something: "Later, I need to go to the cloth shop to deliver some fabric. Feng Lang, would you like to come with me?"

Ye Feng put down his chopsticks, gazed into Hua Yi's beautiful eyes, and said softly, "Sister Yi, you've been making a living by weaving cloth all year. I wonder how long it takes to weave one bolt of cloth? And how much do you earn each month?"

Hua Yi smiled and said, "Weaving one bolt of cloth usually takes about three to four days. Hmm... after deducting costs, each bolt of cloth yields a profit of about one tael of silver, which is seven to eight taels of silver a month..."

She paused, a tender look appearing in Hua Yi's eyes. She said softly, "Two years ago, seven or eight taels of silver were enough for the two of us to live on, although life was a bit hard... But in recent years, prices have been rising continuously, um... If I work a little harder and shorten the time it takes to weave a bolt of cloth to about two days, plus the money Feng Lang earns from fishing, then the monthly silver income will be enough to support us.

" Hearing this, Ye Feng felt a strong stirring in his heart. He reached out and grasped Hua Yi's small hand, gazing into her incomparably beautiful eyes, shook his head, and said in a deep voice, "Sister Yi, that's not right of you. I'm a man, how can I let you do all that work? From today onwards, Sister Yi, you don't need to weave this cloth anymore. From now on, the responsibility of supporting the family should be borne by me! I

, your husband, am capable of supporting you!" Hua Yi chuckled, her eyes sparkling, and happily rolled her eyes at Ye Feng, saying sweetly, "I know, my dear husband! But these woven bolts of cloth still need to be paid for, right?"

After

breakfast, Hua Yi took out several bolts of woven cloth, which Ye Feng took and tucked under his arm. They locked the door and went outside.

Since Hua Yi was now married to Ye Feng, according to the customs of the Great Yue Kingdom, she no longer wore a veil.

Upon exiting, the street was bustling with people, filled with various noises; the people of Plum Street had begun their day's work. Her appearance caused a huge stir.

Yesterday, after Hua Yi removed her veil, her breathtaking beauty had already astonished her neighbors. Today, her beauty was the talk of the town on Plum Street.

Her appearance caused an even greater sensation. She was incomparably beautiful. Nourished by the rain and dew of the previous night, her dignified and pretty face glowed even more, and her phoenix eyes became watery, radiating a captivating charm that left everyone speechless!

Countless men were undoubtedly secretly captivated by her allure, but they could only swallow their saliva.

Seeing his beloved wife so enchanting, Ye Feng felt a surge of pride, but also a vague unease. He wondered if Hua Yi's beauty might bring him unnecessary trouble.

Looking at the expressions of admiration and astonishment on the faces of the people on the street, a line of poetry suddenly came to mind:

"Those who do not know the beauty of Zidu are blind. Those who do not recognize the beauty of that beautiful woman are not human!"

※※※

Because Ye Feng displayed his might yesterday, severely defeating Zhang Dao and other villains and ridding the people of Mei Street of a great scourge, he has become a hero of Mei Street today.

Upon seeing Ye Feng and Hua Yi, the crowd was amazed by their appearance and greeted them warmly.

Ye Feng and Hua Yi smiled and responded to each greeting. The two walked through the streets and alleys, attracting admiring glances from passersby.

Hand in hand, Hua Yi occasionally pointed out the sights to Ye Feng. With his beautiful woman by his side, hearing her soft voice, seeing the bustling scenery on both sides, and receiving sweet smiles from Hua Yi from time to time, Ye Feng felt a surge of joy. He was growing to love this strange world more and more!

The streets became increasingly prosperous, indicating they had entered the Crescent Moon District. Located in the northern part of Jade Moon City, bordering Mei Moon District, the Crescent Moon District is the commercial center of Jade Moon City and is incredibly prosperous.

The two passed through a street lined with taverns and teahouses, then turned into a side street, where cars... The street was bustling with people. The shops along the street were all meticulously decorated, their eaves uniform, their windows and decorations distinctive.

Ye Feng watched with great interest.

Hua Yi led Ye Feng directly to a rather large fabric shop. The shop was ornately decorated, with a plaque above the door bearing the four golden characters "Yu Yang Fabric Shop," exuding an air of grandeur.

Upon entering the shop, a strange expression flickered across Hua Yi's face, and she secretly glanced at Ye Feng.

Inside, the shop was spacious and bright, comfortably and elegantly decorated, with two floors.

The shop was bustling with people; many women carrying bolts of fabric were trading with the shop assistants, all dressed in uniforms and behaving politely, clearly having undergone standardized professional training. The moment

the two appeared, they attracted the attention of most of the people in the shop. Everyone was captivated by Hua Yi's stunning beauty.

Whispers and discussions arose among the crowd.

As Ye Feng and Hua Yi entered the shop, Ye Feng took in the surrounding scenery with interest.

Inside, a handsome and refined man with an extraordinary air was smilingly greeting customers.

This man, about twenty-six or twenty-seven years old, wore a luxurious light purple silk robe. He was tall and elegant, and his refined manners frequently attracted admiring glances from the women nearby.

Noticing the unusual activity in the shop, he looked over. Upon seeing Hua Yi, he trembled violently, his face showing extreme shock.

Watching Hua Yi and Ye Feng approach, an uncontrollable excitement appeared on his face.

He stammered, "Xiao...Yi, is that you?"

A hint of unease flickered across Hua Yi's face. She stole a glance at Ye Feng, curtsied, and said softly, "Hello, Mr. Li, it is indeed I!"

Mr. Li stared blankly at Hua Yi's beautiful face, his expression one of disbelief. He murmured, "Heavens! So beautiful! I never imagined she would be like this without her veil..."

Ye Feng felt a surge of displeasure seeing Mr. Li staring at his wife.

He coughed lightly.

Hua Yi glanced at Ye Feng, slowly regaining her composure, and smiled, "Oh, let me introduce you. Feng Lang, this is Mr. Li Tan, the owner of the cloth shop." She

then turned slightly shyly to the man, "Mr. Li, this is my husband, Ye Feng!"

"Husband...?" Mr.

Li Tan was stunned. His body jolted, his face turning deathly pale. He stood frozen, his eyes filled with an indescribable mix of shock, heartache, disbelief, jealousy, sadness, and despair.

Ye Feng glanced at him indifferently, stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and smiled, "I am Ye Feng, hello Young Master Li!"

Li Tan was stunned for a moment before awkwardly cupping his hands in greeting, "Hello Young Master Ye!"

He then said to Hua Yi, "Congratulations, Xiao Yi..."

Hua Yi said shyly and joyfully, "Thank you..."

After a pause, she said to Li Tan, "Young Master Li, could you please calculate the value of these bolts of cloth?"

Li Tan stared blankly at Hua Yi for a long while, then turned to look at Ye Feng. A cold glint flashed in his eyes, his expression gradually calming down, and his gaze becoming clear and bright. Suddenly, he laughed

heartily and said, "I've lost my composure! Oh, there are too many people downstairs, let's go upstairs, please!" Ye Feng watched indifferently from the side, noticing every move Li Tan made. It was clear that Li Tan might have been Hua Yi's former suitor and admirer. To be honest, he still felt a bit of sympathy for Li Tan.

Li Tan was young, handsome, and successful, but his love life was unfortunate; the woman he loved was another man's wife, a sorrow unimaginable to others. Of course, Ye Feng could only sympathize; surely he wouldn't give his beloved to him?

Li Tan smiled and led the way, guiding Ye Feng and Hua to a private room upstairs, instructing the waiter to bring fragrant tea.

Once seated, Li Tan attentively served tea, his manners elegant and refined. Ye Feng was secretly impressed. However, he always sensed a hidden hostility in Li Tan's gaze.

After chatting for a while, Li Tan took the several bolts of cloth woven by Hua Yi, examined them carefully for a long time, and smiled, saying, "Xiao Yi's craftsmanship is truly impeccable. The weaving is exquisite, and the finished products are excellent. I am always very satisfied with the goods she delivers!" He then took out twenty taels of silver notes from his clothes with a smile: "This is my payment for this time!"

Hua Yi smiled slightly, accepted a ten-tael silver note, and placed the other ten taels on the table: "You've given me too much!"

A complex expression appeared in Li Tan's eyes. He glanced at Ye Feng, who had been smiling silently, and asked with a smile, "Xiao Yi, may I ask when you got married?"

Hua Yi glanced shyly at Ye Feng and said, "Yesterday." A

look of pain and disappointment flashed in Li Tan's eyes. He remained silent for a long time before looking at Ye Feng. He glanced at Ye Feng's clothes, his eyes gleaming, and smiled, "I've never seen Brother Ye before. May I ask where you make your fortune?"

Hua Yi's face immediately darkened, but Ye Feng remained calm, smiling slightly as he replied indifferently, "Fishing!"

A hint of disdain flashed in Li Tan's eyes, followed by a hearty laugh. He gave Hua Yi a deep look and said loudly, "Our shop is currently expanding and urgently needs manpower. I wonder if Brother Ye would be interested in coming to help?"

His eyes flashed coldly as he stared intently at Ye Feng, his expression full of provocation.

Ye Feng's brows slowly furrowed. Seeing the disdain and contempt in Li Tan's eyes, he felt a surge of displeasure, and any sympathy he felt for him vanished instantly.

A glint flashed in his eyes, and he said calmly, "I appreciate Brother Li's kindness, but I have my own plans!"

Li Tan stared at Ye Feng for a long time, then glanced at the silent Hua Yi, and suddenly sighed softly, "To be honest, I am very envious of Brother Ye. I... I have been pursuing Xiao Yi for a year, but I have never been able to win her heart... Brother Ye is truly blessed! To have Xiao Yi as your wife! To be honest, I really don't understand, my wealth, status, and appearance are no less than Brother Ye's, so why..."

Hua Yi suddenly stood up and said angrily, "Young Master Li, if you say such things again, our friendship ends here!"

Li Tan said dejectedly, "I'm sorry, I lost my temper, but... I..."

Ye Feng reached out and grasped Hua Yi's small hand, and said calmly, "The matter of feelings is the most mysterious and unpredictable, but it doesn't necessarily have anything to do with wealth and status!"

Hua Yi stared at Li Tan for a long time, and sighed softly, "I am very grateful to Young Master Li for this... " " You've taken such good care of me all these years... but matters of the heart can't be forced, and besides, there are plenty of good women in the world... Young Master Li is a dragon among men, he'll find a woman who suits him!"

Li Tan said dejectedly, "Yes... but..."

Ye Feng stood up, glanced at Hua Yi, and said to Li Tan, "My wife and I have other matters to attend to, so we won't bother you any longer. We'll take our leave now!" Li Tan was startled, looked at the sky, and said hastily, "Why the rush? Why not have lunch before you go?"

Ye Feng said calmly, "No need, thank you!"

Taking Hua Yi's small hand, he walked downstairs. Li Tan stood there for a moment, then suddenly called out from behind, "Brother Ye!"

Ye Feng stopped and turned around. Li Tan walked up to him, first giving Hua Yi a deep look, then looking at Ye Feng, a strange glint in his eyes. Then he saw a cold smile appear on Ye Feng's lips, and whispered to Ye Feng, "I won't give up! Xiao Yi will be mine in the end!"

He sneered and strode into the shop.

His voice was so low that only Ye Feng could hear it.

Ye Feng was taken aback, his eyes slowly narrowing as he stared silently at Li Tan's retreating figure for a long while, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

※※※

The street was still bustling, the midday sun shining warmly on him, a comforting feeling.

Ye Feng admired the street scene with his hands behind his back when Hua Yi beside him suddenly whispered, "I'm sorry!"

Ye Feng looked at Hua Yi, surprised, "Why do you say that, Sister Yi?"

Hua Yi gazed at Ye Feng, her beautiful eyes blinking, then suddenly smiled, "Feng Lang

, aren't you angry?" Ye Feng smiled slightly, "A beautiful lady is sought after by a gentleman! Especially since Sister Yi is so beautiful and charming, it would be strange if no one pursued or admired her!"

Hua Yi's jade-like face flushed slightly, then she sighed softly, "I'm just angry about the arrogant tone Li Tan gave you when he spoke to you!"

Ye Feng recalled Li Tan's parting words, a shadow crossing his heart. He hadn't expected Li Tan to be this kind of person. However, he was not afraid at all; he was confident that he could protect his beloved wife.

Of course, he wouldn't tell Hua Yi about Li Tan's affair, as that was a matter between men.

He said calmly, "People everywhere are prone to judging by appearances! Besides, I have nothing now, while Li Tan is successful, so it's no wonder he feels superior!"

After a pause, Ye Feng said proudly, "However, what is his little bit of success? Sister Yi, just you wait and see, in the not-too-distant future, I will definitely have achievements a hundred times greater than his!"

Hua Yi chuckled and said sweetly, "I know, I know my husband is no ordinary man! My judgment is absolutely correct!"

Then, tenderness and deep affection welled up in her eyes. She said gently, "Actually, as long as I can be with Feng Lang, I'd be willing to live a simple life even if it's just plain food and drink!"

Ye Feng said, moved, "Sister Yi!" Hua Yi

smiled gently, took Ye Feng's hand, looked around, and whispered in his ear, "Feng Lang, it's lunchtime!"

Turning a corner through a street lined with taverns and teahouses, Hua Yi led Ye Feng into a bustling street. The aroma of meat and wine wafted through the air; it was a street specializing in local delicacies.

Customers came and went, the sounds of drinking games, the clinking of knives and ladles, and the shouts of waiters blended together, creating a lively atmosphere. Ye Feng almost thought he had wandered into a food street in Fuzhou.

Hua Yi smiled at Ye Feng and led him to a restaurant. The aroma of beef wafted from the doorway. Looking up, he saw the sign above the door: "Lao Hu Beef Offal Shop" in five large, golden characters. The signboard, yellowed with age from smoke, was clearly visible. A cacophony of voices emanated from inside the shop.

Upon entering, the spacious and bright interior was filled with seven or eight tables, each nearly full of diners happily enjoying their large bowls of food.

The moment the two entered, the noise subsided. The male diners stared intently at Hua Yi, while the female diners stared intently at Ye Feng. Regardless of gender, their eyes were filled with admiration and envy.

A plump middle-aged man, cheerfully attending to customers, noticed the commotion, turned around, and upon seeing Hua Yi, paused for a moment before chuckling and approaching: "My goodness! Xiao Yi, is that you? I thought some fairy had descended upon my little shop!" He then

casually greeted Ye Feng beside Hua Yi with a smile: "And this is?"

Hua Yi smiled and replied: "Boss Hu, this is my husband, Ye Feng."

"Xiao Yi got married? Congratulations!"

Boss Hu looked Ye Feng up and down, his eyes flashing with admiration. He chuckled, "Good! Good! Young Master Ye is a dragon among men, handsome and talented. You and Xiao Yi are truly a match made in heaven!"

He glanced around the shop and saw a table of customers leaving. He quickly led Ye and Hua to the table, wiping them clean with a cloth, and asked with a smile, "What would you two like to eat?"

Hua Yi smiled and said to Ye Feng, "I like spicy food. I wonder if you can handle spicy food, Feng Lang?" Ye Feng secretly thought that he usually loved Sichuan and Jiangxi cuisine, both famous for their spiciness, and nodded with a smile.

Hua Yi said sweetly, "Boss Hu, two bowls of beef noodles, extra broth, and extra chili peppers!"

This immediately drew strange looks from everyone in the shop.

Boss Hu smiled and agreed, then went to prepare the noodles.

Soon, two steaming bowls of beef noodles were placed in front of them. Hua Yi smelled it and exclaimed like a little girl, "Wow, it smells so good!"

Ye Feng was taken aback by Hua Yi's girlish charm and was momentarily stunned. Hua Yi rolled her eyes at him, "Feng Lang, eat up!"

Ye Feng smiled and lowered his head to eat his noodles.

As they ate, a surprised exclamation came from the next table: "Is this true?"

The exclamation was quite loud and immediately drew everyone's attention to that table.

Three refined-looking men were sitting at that table, each with a bowl of beef offal noodles in front of them. One of the men, a fair-skinned man, was quite pleased with himself for attracting attention and slowly said, "It is said that Master Zhao Bai posted notices throughout the city today, and in seven days, he intends to hire a top-notch landscape designer for his mansion at a high price. Guess how much the fee is? Two thousand taels of silver!"

The restaurant erupted in chatter, like ants in a swarm. Seeing the crowd's reaction, the man became even more smug and said smugly, "Master Zhao is a famous wealthy man in Jade Moon City. His furniture business sells well all over the country, making him a fortune every day. I heard that this garden is a birthday gift he's giving to his wife!"

Everyone in the shop was amazed. The man continued, "Many famous designers from all over have come here. Jade Moon City can now be said to be a gathering place for design masters!" He

paused, then sighed, "Two thousand taels of silver! That's enough for me to live comfortably for ten years!"

Ye Feng's heart skipped a beat. He thought to himself that he had studied landscape design with his adoptive father and had considerable expertise in this area. In addition, he had traveled to various places and studied many garden architectures... This was an opportunity, why not give it a try? At worst, he wouldn't get the job. He listened carefully to the conversation and secretly noted down the address of Zhao Bai that they mentioned.

Lost in thought, he slowed his eating. Hua Yi arrived immediately and asked softly, "Feng Lang, what's wrong?"

Ye Feng smiled and said gently, "Sister Yi, will you accompany me in seven days? I want to apply for a landscape architect position!"

Hua Yi opened her beautiful eyes wide and asked curiously, "Feng Lang knows architectural design?"

Ye Feng smiled and said, "A little!"

Hua Yi gazed at Ye Feng for a long while, then smiled and said, "My husband is truly multi-talented!" She added, "Of course I will accompany Feng Lang!"

After they finished their noodles, Hua Yi called Boss Hu to pay the bill. Boss Hu came forward, chuckled, and said to Ye Feng... "How does the noodle dish taste, young master?"

Ye Feng nodded and smiled, "This noodle dish has an excellent texture and delicious flavor, truly excellent!"

Hua Yi took out twenty coins and smiled, "Boss Hu, this is for the noodles."

Boss Hu shook his head, glanced at Ye Feng, and chuckled, "Today is Young Master Ye's first time visiting our shop, so this meal is on me!"

Ye Feng smiled and said, "How can I accept this? You're just running a small business!"

After some back and forth, Boss Hu chuckled and said, "Since that's the case, I won't stand on ceremony! Oh, and please remember to come and support us more often in the future!"

Ye Feng smiled and nodded.

※※※

Since the job interview was in seven days, Ye Feng and Hua Yi returned home.

Ye Feng insisted that Hua Yi no longer have to do weaving and other chores. Every day he would go fishing at Jade Moon Lake, but to prevent any accidents, he always took Hua Yi with him.

The two were newlyweds, their love as sweet as honey, filled with endless tenderness and affection.

Hua Yi was completely immersed in sweetness and happiness, smiling every day. Nourished by Ye Feng's love and meticulous care, she radiated an astonishing beauty! Her body became increasingly full, and every gesture exuded the mature allure of a young woman.

Ye Feng also increasingly discovered the sexual desire beneath Hua Yi's dignified exterior; her body increasingly revealed a carnal allure, especially since Hua Yi had many sensitive spots and was easily aroused. Ye Feng most loved watching Hua Yi's seductive demeanor after making love.

As time passed, Hua Yi grew more and more beautiful, her temperament becoming increasingly outstanding. Her combination of dignified purity and sexy charm radiated an astonishing beauty, captivating every man who saw her.

Soon, Hua Yi's beauty spread throughout the city, and she was hailed as the most beautiful woman in Jade Moon City.

Marrying a beautiful and gentle wife brought Ye Feng pride, but also a lot of trouble. Whenever

he strolled through the streets with Hua Yi, her stunning beauty attracted countless greedy and fanatical gazes. The thugs and ruffians, needless to say, looked at him with ravenous envy and hatred, frequently provoking him.

At first, Ye Feng simply dismissed them, but later, annoyed by their antics, he became increasingly ruthless. Unwittingly, his reputation for ruthlessness began to spread. His heroic rescue of Hua Yi on Plum Street also began to circulate widely in Jade Moon City.

However, Ye Feng was not without worry. So far, he had only encountered low-level thugs; would he have the same chance against powerful and skilled individuals?

And with so many admirers, how many could he possibly deal with? In just a few days, Ye Feng had already encountered several provocations.

He had no choice but to have Hua Yi put on her veil again.

But as Hua Yi's beauty spread, it attracted the covetous eyes of more and more powerful men. Looking into those greedy and malicious gazes, Ye Feng's desire for power and status grew stronger.

Because in this way, he could at least have many protectors to safeguard his beloved. In this world where strength reigns supreme and corruption is rampant, the law is just a piece of paper. Only strength matters.

Furthermore, it was time to improve his martial arts skills. But Rome wasn't built in a day! Martial arts require extremely diligent practice and long-term perseverance, not something that can be achieved overnight.

His current martial arts skills were the result of nearly twenty years of hard work. Moreover, it also required the guidance of a wise teacher.

But this also required opportunity, and where could he find a wise teacher in such a short time?

The two-month deadline for Li Yin was fast approaching. Given Li Yin's status and power in Jade Moon City, how could he rescue Yang Yi then?

Looking at the crowds coming and going on the street, Ye Feng felt utterly lost.

Tomorrow was the day of the job interview, so Ye Feng decided to relax. That day, he and Hua Yi strolled around Jade Moon City. Everywhere they looked,

there

were bustling crowds, thriving shops, travelers from all directions, and street vendors hawking their wares… The vivid scenes unfolded before Ye Feng and Hua Yi's eyes.

Ye Feng, with Hua Yi wearing a veil, looked around with great interest, experiencing the customs and culture of this foreign world.

Hua Yi leaned tenderly against him, occasionally pointing out sights in the streets.

As they walked, they suddenly saw a large group of people gathered near a street wall not far ahead, seemingly watching something. They could hear them arguing heatedly.

Curious, they approached and discovered it was a government announcement.

Upon closer inspection, the announcement was issued by Li Yin, the woman who had sexually harassed Ye Feng and tried to steal his woman.

The announcement stated that Li Yin had been promoted to commander of Jade Moon Prefecture the previous day. He then issued an order: from this day forward, private duels are strictly prohibited in Jade Moon City, with violators to be executed without mercy!

The surrounding crowd buzzed with discussion, most supporting the announcement as it would positively impact the city's security. Their conversations revealed their disgust for the frequent bloody private duels and their longing for a peaceful life.

However, some disagreed, saying that the government always acted this way, merely a new official's first act, a routine formality. They predicted it would revert to its old ways after a while.

Yet, their words unintentionally revealed their reverence for Li Yin, demonstrating her prestige in Jade Moon City. In

the Floating Cloud Continent, where men have always been superior to women, Li Yin's influence among the people was extremely rare.

Ye Feng observed carefully, a bitter feeling slowly rising in his heart.

The gap in status between himself and Li Yin was widening! He increasingly felt a sense of needing to look up to her. This feeling was unpleasant for him.

Yet, it was undeniably true!

※※※

Hua Yi carefully read the announcement, praising, "Li Yin is truly a heroine!"

Looking at the dejected Ye Feng, she smiled and asked, "Feng Lang, what's wrong?"

Ye Feng gave a wry smile and said, "Sister Yi, you know!"

Hua Yi gazed at Ye Feng, reached out her delicate hand, and grasped his large hand, softly saying, "Feng Lang, don't worry, there's always a way out!"

Ye Feng and Hua Yi were inseparable, and he had already told her about his relationship with Li Yin and Yang Yi. Hua Yi had been both surprised and amused when she heard it, marveling at the wonders of the world. Ye Feng looked at Hua Yi

; her beautiful eyes shone with tenderness, and he felt a sense of relief. He breathed a sigh of relief, nodded, and his spirits lifted.

The two walked and talked, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the "Beauty Pavilion" square where Ye Feng had first met Yang Yi when he first arrived. The square remained bustling with tourists from all directions, a scene unchanged.

As the two were admiring the sights, several thugs swaggered towards them. Ye Feng glanced at them; these men were all smartly dressed, carrying swords, and exuded a fierce and imposing air.

They walked straight towards Ye Feng, who frowned, wondering if they were here to provoke him again. Although he was used to their provocations, firstly, Hua Yi was veiled and not particularly conspicuous, so they probably weren't after him. Secondly, Li Yin had just issued a proclamation strictly prohibiting private fights; were they really so bold? Did they completely disregard the government's orders?

He remained vigilant, ready to act at any moment, but the thugs simply brushed past him without making a move.

Ye Feng breathed a sigh of relief.

※※※

A sudden change!

The tall man at the back suddenly drew his sword; a flash of light, and the gleaming longsword came crashing down towards Ye Feng's head.

Ye Feng reacted almost instinctively.

Amidst Hua Yi's scream, his body twisted strangely a few times.

With a whoosh, he drew his curved sword, the one he'd lost during his fight with Zhang Dao.

A flash of white light.

The curved sword met the incoming white light with its side.

A sharp, piercing "squeak!" rang out as the tip of his opponent's sword swiftly sliced across the side of his blade, from the tip to near the guard, sparks flying amidst the metallic clang.

Ye Feng timely sidestepped back, while the man used the momentum to perform two backflips, landing on his left knee, his eyes gleaming.

※※※

A shout erupted, and the remaining thugs drew their swords and charged forward, their blades flashing, seemingly intent on cutting Ye Feng to pieces.

The crowd in the square gasped in surprise.

Ye Feng's eyes suddenly reddened.

Just as the swords were about to strike, Ye Feng, with lightning speed, raised his hand to deflect the incoming blade, and with a swift twist of his wrist, the blade snapped in two with a crisp sound. While the thug with the knife was still stunned, Ye Feng delivered a powerful kick to his chest; the sound of bones breaking rang out, and the thug collapsed to the ground, coughing up blood.

Turning around, two more sharp long knives narrowly grazed Ye Feng's shoulders.

Ye Feng spun again, extending his left hand to crush the Adam's apple of the thug on his left, producing a crisp sound, while the tip of the knife in his right hand plunged backward into the heart of the thug on his right.

The blade whistled again, dripping with crimson blood, and another slash struck, striking another thug squarely on the neck. The thug's head was severed from his body, and blood gushed forth!

※※※

The square was packed with onlookers. Suddenly, Ye Feng's eyes caught sight of a familiar figure.

Li Tan, the cloth shop owner?

Li Tan was squeezed into the crowd, his eyes darting nervously, a hint of malice on his handsome face.

Could it be…?

Suddenly, a loud shout rang out: "Stop!"

The crowd felt the ground tremble slightly beneath their feet, followed by the rhythmic clatter of hooves on the cobblestones and the sharp clang of armor and swords clashing.

Looking up, they saw a large group of burly armored cavalry, led by a valiant female general, galloping rapidly towards them.

The cold, gleaming curved swords and longswords of the armored cavalry emitted a chilling light in the midday sun, making the surrounding temperature seem to drop sharply. In a moment, they had arrived. With a sharp shout from the female general, rows of sharp arrows were aimed at the crowd. The arrows gleamed with a dark light, extremely sharp!

A chilling atmosphere immediately filled the square.

"Li Yin...?"

Ye Feng's eyes narrowed slowly.

Indeed, it was Li Yin.

Li Yin stood proudly on a magnificent white horse, draped in a large, crimson cloak, fully armored, carrying a silver-white spear. Her eyes were alluring and cold, making it impossible to look directly at her.

"Everyone, fall to the ground!"

an officer beside Li Yin roared. This man was tall and imposing, his gaze as sharp as an eagle's. Everyone who felt his gaze send a chill down their spines.

※※※

The armored cavalrymen's powerful bows were nocked arrows, awaiting Li Yin's command. The arrows gleamed with a dark light, extremely intimidating.

Everyone in the square prostrated themselves on the ground. Fear was evident on everyone's faces.

Ye Feng hesitated for a moment, then Hua Yi tugged at his sleeve. He then knelt down.

Gazing at Li Yin's dashing figure, his heart was filled with mixed emotions, a complex mix of feelings.

Since their last parting, he hadn't expected to see Li Yin again under these circumstances.

And each time, he had lost to her in terms of momentum. When would this change?

How would things unfold today? He had no idea. Today, Li Yin had issued a notice strictly prohibiting private fights, with violators to be executed without mercy! Although he was acting in self-defense,

those thugs, prostrate on the ground, their eyes darting around. Several of them turned their heads, seemingly searching for something in the crowd.

Li Yin coldly swept her gaze over the prostrate crowd, her gaze pausing when she looked at Ye Feng and Hua Yi.

The officer coldly said, "Today, Lord Li issued a proclamation strictly prohibiting private fights, with violators to be executed without mercy! You dare disregard the government's proclamation? You have quite the audacity..."

He turned to Li Yin respectfully and asked, "How should we deal with this? Please grant my request, Your Excellency!"

Li Yin's eyes flashed with cold light. Suddenly, she raised her jade-like hand and made a gesture downwards. Instantly, a

flash of cold light appeared, followed by several screams. The heads of several thugs near Li Yin flew into the air.

A chorus of screams erupted in the square .

The remaining thugs were terrified, some even jumping to their feet and running away.

With a "whoosh!" a sharp arrow shot out, spraying blood, piercing the chests of two men and exiting through their backs.

Ye Feng looked up and saw Li Yin just putting away a sturdy bow.

The remaining thug, even more terrified, turned and fled at top speed.

He ran desperately, when suddenly he heard the rapid sound of hooves and the whistling of spears cutting through the air. Then he saw a silver spear tip suddenly pierce his chest, followed by a spray of blood.

He felt himself being flung into the air…

He only managed to utter, “Li… save me…”

before the pain intensified, and darkness engulfed him.

※※※ With

a “thud!” Li Yin flicked her hand, her spear trembling, throwing the rogue’s corpse to the ground.

Li Yin’s cold voice rang out: “Hang all those corpses on the city wall as a warning to others!”

Ye Feng shuddered; he hadn’t expected Li Yin to be so ruthless! The square was deathly silent; everyone was stunned by what had just happened, too afraid to move.

Suddenly, the officer gave the order, and the armored cavalry’s arrows were aimed at Ye Feng and Hua Yi again.

Hua Yi huddled in Ye Feng’s arms; he could feel her fear.

Ye Feng held her tightly with pity, looking up at Li Yin.

Li Yin, however, looked at him calmly and said, "This man was only forced to defend himself; he did not violate any notice. This matter can be dropped."

The officer was taken aback: "Sir..."

"Hmm..."

Li Yin looked at him coldly, a glint of cold light flashing in her eyes.

The officer dared not meet her gaze, lowered his head, and said, "Yes!"

Li Yin stared at him calmly for a moment, and the officer became even more terrified, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

After a while, Li Yin turned her head, looking at Ye Feng and Hua Yi, her eyes sparkling with

a strange light. Slowly, a strange smile appeared on her lips.

Suddenly, she let out a sharp cry, spurred her horse, and charged straight at Ye Feng. A flash of cold light, and a gleaming longsword appeared from Li Yin's waist.

Ye Feng, who had been on high alert, pushed Hua Yi aside as her delicate body trembled slightly, and at the same time, Ye Feng's curved blade struck out.

"Clang!"

Blades clashed. Ye Feng's whole body trembled, and he quickly steadied himself.

Li Yin spurred her horse, pulling the reins and galloping several feet away before turning her horse around to face Ye Feng.

She smiled and said, "Your swordsmanship is not bad, but your internal strength is too weak and lacks refinement! It's quite remarkable that you could withstand five of my strikes!"

Looking at the silent Ye Feng, Li Yin smiled slightly and said, "Don't be unconvinced; this is the difference between us!"

Ye Feng remained silent, a bitter feeling rising in his heart. Indeed, there was a huge gap between him and Li Yin in martial arts; he couldn't deny it!

Li Yin smiled proudly, and pulled the reins again, a chilling blade of light once more rushing towards Ye Feng.

A cold wind swept across their faces.

※※※

In the biting cold, Hua Yi's veil suddenly loosened and was blown open. Instantly, her incomparably beautiful face was exposed to the sunlight.

Although the square reeked of blood, Hua Yi's unparalleled beauty still stunned everyone present.

Li Yin's eyes blazed with a strange light; she pulled on her reins and leaped away. She sat quietly on her horse, gazing at Hua Yi with an intensely fervent light in her eyes.

After a moment, Li Yin gently dismounted, and the armored soldiers followed suit.

Li Yin stood tall and elegant, exceptionally heroic. The tallest of the armored soldiers beside her only reached her ears, making her stand out even more. She strode quickly towards Ye Feng, her large, bright red cloak swaying back and forth with her movements.

Ye Feng silently watched her, a sense of unease rising within him!

He then saw Li Yin walk straight to Hua Yi, her eyes fixed intently on her.

After a long pause, she exhaled and smiled, "The number one beauty of Yu Yue, truly lives up to her reputation!"

Hua Yi nestled in Ye Feng's arms, gazing at him serenely. Ye Feng held Hua Yi tightly, coldly asking, "Lord Li, what brings you here?"

Li Yin smiled without speaking, then suddenly leaned close to Hua Yi's ear and whispered, "My beauty, how is your husband's skill in bed?"

Hua Yi let out a soft "Ah!" and her jade-like face flushed crimson, even her snow-white neck turning pink. She was both ashamed and annoyed, glaring fiercely at Li Yin. The onlookers were all stunned, and Li Yin seemed mesmerized, a look of intoxication flashing in her eyes as she murmured, "A beauty, truly a beauty!"

After a long while, her eyes shifted, turning towards Ye Feng.

She scrutinized Ye Feng from head to toe for a moment before smiling and saying, "Young Master Ye, it's been a long time. You're still as dashing as ever, and you've married such a beautiful woman. Congratulations! But how have you decided on that matter?"

Ye Feng suppressed his complex emotions and said calmly, "It's not time yet, is it?"

Li Yin giggled and said sweetly, "I don't care, I have plenty of time. But when I deflower your beautiful Yang Yi, Young Master Ye, don't blame me!"

Ye Feng frowned, a cold glint flashing in his eyes as he looked at Li Yin.

Li Yin met his gaze with a smile, her expression calm and unchanged.

Finally, she said with a charming smile, "Time is running out, Young Master Ye, you'd better hurry." She

gave Hua Yi a deep look, then winked at Ye Feng. With a giggle, she strode away.

※※※

Ye Feng walked with a stern face. Hua Yi secretly glanced at his expression. Suddenly, she giggled, and Ye Feng looked at her in surprise.

"Sister Yi, what are you laughing at?"

Hua Yi laughed even harder, giggling incessantly.

Ye Feng said with annoyance, "Sister Yi, if you keep laughing, I'll get angry!"

Hua Yi suppressed her laughter and said, "Feng Lang, what's it like to compete with another woman for another woman?"

Ye Feng blushed, then said with annoyance, "I'm about to die of anger, and you're still making fun of me, Sister Yi!"

He sighed and said, "Sister Yi, you've suffered so much being with me!"

Hua Yi smiled slightly, leaned into Ye Feng's arms, and said tenderly, "These days with Feng Lang have been the most beautiful time of my life! I firmly believe that my husband is no ordinary man, it's just that the time hasn't come yet! Don't worry, Feng Lang, there's always a way!"

Ye Feng felt a warm feeling in his heart. With such a wife, what more could a husband ask for?

"For Sister Yi, I will definitely work hard!"

Ye Feng hugged Hua Yi tightly, his eyes shining with determination.

Chapter Four: The Job

Application The day for the job application finally arrived, and Ye Feng got up very early.

He practiced his fist and sword techniques for a while before energetically washing up. Ye Feng attached great importance to this job application, as it was a golden opportunity to change his current situation.

If he got the job, he would not only receive a large sum of money but also further enhance his social status, gaining more protection for himself and his loved ones.

A designer, of course, had a higher economic and social status and was more respected than a fisherman.

Since Zhao Bai's residence was in Fuyue District, quite far from here, Ye Feng and Hua Yi hailed a carriage.

The carriage's design was no different from Chinese carriages. Sitting in the carriage, Ye Feng was deeply moved. He remembered only having ridden this kind of transportation once before, in Kunming, Yunnan. To be in this strange, otherworldly place again was truly like a dream!

The carriage swayed with the sound of hooves.

Ye Feng gazed absently at the scenery outside the window. Hua Yi nestled quietly in his arms. Ye Feng held the delicate beauty tightly, gazing at the scenery outside the window, his heart churning with emotions that lingered for a long time.

Whenever he recalled his brief but strange experience in this other world, a dreamlike feeling would wash over him.

"The flowers bloom the same year after year, but the people change year after year."

But no matter what, the past was past; the present and the future were what he should cherish and strive for.

His thoughts drifted back to the upcoming job interview. What would that be like? He suddenly remembered his favorite garden: the Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou.

Suzhou was renowned for its exquisite gardens, boasting over two hundred large and small gardens, with the Humble Administrator's Garden being the most prominent. Its pavilions and winding paths created a picturesque scene, captivating all who beheld it. Years ago, Ye Feng had traveled to Suzhou with his adoptive father and was instantly captivated by the beauty of the Humble Administrator's Garden, unable to tear himself away. Since then, he had made time to visit it every year. Those memories were like smoke in the wind!

The scenery outside the window changed again; they had entered Fuyue District.

Located in the southwest of Yuyue City, Fuyue District borders Yuyue Mountain to the west and Yuyue Lake to the south, and is adjacent to Xinyue District and Zhuyue District respectively. It is the political and cultural center of Yuyue City, inhabited by high-ranking officials, nobles, and wealthy merchants.

The district boasts beautiful scenery, with waterways and bridges crisscrossing the streets, and magnificent architectural complexes that can be seen frequently. Especially impressive are the luxurious mansions of some wealthy families, with their sprawling residences and vermilion towers lining the streets, exuding an imposing aura. Ye Feng's

ambition surged, secretly thinking that he would possess all of this sooner or later.

Soon, the carriage stopped in front of Zhao Bai's residence.

Hua Yi sat up straight from Ye Feng's lap. Because she had been nestled in Ye Feng's arms, her clothes and hair were slightly disheveled, yet she possessed an indescribable, delicate, and languid beauty. She smiled gently at Ye Feng and said softly, "Feng Lang, have we arrived?"

Ye Feng nodded and lovingly tidied a few stray strands of her hair. Hua Yi kissed him tenderly on the lips and said softly, "Then let's get off!"

The two got off the carriage, paid the fare, and headed towards the Zhao residence.

The Zhao residence was magnificent and luxurious, with two ferocious stone lions standing in front of the gate. The plaque above the gate, bearing the words "Zhao Residence," gleamed in gold and exuded an imposing aura.

Two rows of servants stood on either side of the gate, each with a burly physique and a composed demeanor.

Ye Feng couldn't help but admire the grandeur of the place. He looked at Hua Yi and saw a complex and bewildered expression flash in her eyes. He knew that Hua Yi was reminded of her past by the scene. He reached out and took Hua Yi's soft hand, and the bewildered expression in her eyes slowly disappeared. The two smiled at each other and walked into the residence.

At this time, the Zhao residence was bustling with people. A tall, thin steward, around forty years old, was greeting guests.

Since wearing a veil into a guest's residence in the Great Yue Kingdom was considered impolite, Hua Yi did not wear one. Therefore, their arrival caused a sensation.

Passersby were all captivated by Hua Yi's stunning beauty. A buzz of discussion filled the air.

The steward, upon seeing Ye and Hua, showed a flash of surprise in his eyes, but quickly smiled broadly and warmly invited them into the hall for tea.

After navigating a gravel path, they arrived at the main hall. Stepping through the door, they saw a magnificent and elegant hall, decorated in an antique style. The furniture was made of high-quality mahogany, exquisitely carved, exuding luxury and grandeur.

The hall was filled with people who had come to apply for jobs. Some sat quietly, others whispered among themselves. Upon seeing Ye and Hua enter, they all showed expressions of shock.

A servant led the two to their seats and served them fragrant tea.

Ye Feng and Hua Yi took their seats gracefully. Hua Yi displayed her dignified and elegant demeanor; though dressed in coarse cloth, she remained composed and gentle, attracting the attention of everyone in the hall.

Ye Feng picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then slowly looked around.

The hall was filled with men and women in fine clothes, except for three people who stood out. Two of them were naturally Ye Feng and Hua Yi, and the other was a young girl sitting next to him.

This girl appeared to be about twenty-one or twenty-two years old, also dressed in coarse cloth. She was tall and slender, but her appearance was ordinary, with only a slight hint of refinement. Her face was pale and sickly, clearly indicating a poor background. However, the stubborn and unyielding look on her face was particularly striking; she remained calm and composed despite the disdainful looks from the crowd.

She sipped her tea calmly, and when her gaze met Ye Feng's, she gave him a polite smile and nodded, her expression friendly.

Ye Feng smiled and nodded in return, a warmth rising in his heart.

※※※

Ye Feng scanned the rows of gazes with varying expressions, and suddenly noticed a guy staring at Hua Yi with a lecherous look, even drooling from his mouth. A cold glint flashed in his eyes. The guy, startled by Ye Feng's gaze, quickly looked away, using the urge to drink tea to cover his embarrassment.

Seeing this, his companion, seemingly wanting to seek "justice" for him, laughed coldly and said, "Truly, the world is going to the dogs, and all manners are gone! Even a

mere child dares to try and be among the scholars—how unfortunate!" The man who had been intimidated by Ye Feng's gaze and felt greatly humiliated quickly chimed in, "Brother Ma is absolutely right! There's an ancient saying: 'Scholars and commoners cannot be among the ranks!' This is the word of a sage!"

Another companion added, "Both of you are quite right . The ancients said: 'A gentleman's every word and action must conform to propriety; ancient rites cannot be abandoned!'"

The three of them then launched into a

tirade of ridicule and mockery. Most of the people in the hall watched with amusement, but a few showed sympathy.

The girl in plain clothes watched quietly, her brows slightly furrowed.

Ye Feng, observing the performance of these weasel-faced, toad-eyed fellows, paid them no heed and turned to speak with Hua Yi.

Hua Yi smiled slightly, reached out and took Ye Feng's hand, and said softly, "Feng Lang, don't lower yourself to the level of such people!"

Ye Feng nodded with a smile.

The three men, seeing the beautiful Hua Yi, felt even more resentful and jealous. The one who had "stood up for her" even smiled slightly at Ye Feng and said loudly, "Does a commoner like me deserve such praise? Do you agree, brother?"

All eyes in the hall, men and women, were focused on Ye Feng, waiting to see how he would respond.

Ye Feng looked at him calmly, his eyes gleaming. The man looked at Ye Feng with a mocking smile, but when their eyes met, he involuntarily narrowed his eyes, yet still stared straight at him.

Ye Feng stared at him for a moment, and said calmly, "Are kings and generals born with special privileges? Since ancient times, poverty and hardship have produced great talents; this has always been true! Do you agree, brother?"

The man's eyes flashed coldly, and he was about to speak. Suddenly, a loud and pleasant voice rang out: "Brother, your words are insightful!"

With the voice, a tall and handsome man emerged from the back hall. This man was about thirty years old, with purple hair, blue eyes, a thick mustache, and a pair of sharp, piercing eyes. He wore a magnificent purple-red silk robe, his gait imposing and awe-inspiring.

Everyone in the hall stood up and bowed, saying, "Master Zhao!"

Zhao Bai laughed heartily and said, "No need for formalities, please sit!"

Then, Zhao Bai laughed loudly, "Since ancient times, poverty has produced great talent! This is truly insightful! What does a great man need to fear in his humble origins? The founding monarch of my Great Yue Kingdom was born a commoner! Haha, are kings and generals born with special privileges? This resonates deeply with me!"

Immediately, a chorus of praise and agreement filled the hall, and the discourse shifted in Ye Feng's favor, making him sigh at the fickle nature of human relationships. At the same time, gratitude and admiration for Zhao Bai welled up in his heart.

The three men who had been there earlier looked embarrassed, but dared not show their displeasure, clearly indicating that Zhao Bai was extremely powerful.

Zhao Bai gestured for everyone to sit down, then slowly glanced at the people around him. Ye Feng met his sharp gaze and felt as if he had been seen through, which made him secretly tremble. Zhao Bai's gaze lingered on Ye Feng for a moment, and he smiled and nodded at him.

When his gaze fell on Hua Yi, his eyes immediately lit up with an indescribable light, and his face was full of amazement and infatuation. He was clearly stunned by Hua Yi's stunning beauty. After a while, he withdrew his gaze.

Zhao Bai laughed heartily and said loudly, "I invited you all here today because I, Zhao, am looking for a talented designer."

He scanned the people around him, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, and none of them dared to meet his gaze.

Zhao Bai slowly said, "The design style should be unconventional and innovative!"

He clapped his hands, and immediately servants filed out from the back hall, carrying brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, placing them before everyone.

Zhao Bai continued, "Please first sketch your ideal garden on paper. I will then select the best candidates for the second round of testing."

※※※

Hua Yi prepared the ink for Ye Feng. Ye Feng held the brush; he had been practicing calligraphy since he was five, so using a brush was naturally no challenge for him.

Concentrating his thoughts…

his years of experience flashed through his mind, and countless beautiful buildings appeared in his mind…

Slowly, a garden sketch appeared on his brush.

The sketch drew upon the essence of gardens from all over the world: it possessed the elegance of Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden, the magnificence of Beijing's Yuanmingyuan Garden, and a touch of the grandeur of Versailles Palace. It combined the ancient with the modern, and the foreign with the Chinese, perfectly blending Chinese civilization and Western art.

After completing his drawing, he was quite satisfied with it. Hua Yi, observing it, was filled with astonishment.

She admired it closely, murmuring, "What a beautiful and strange garden design... I have never seen such a strange and beautiful garden design..."

The garden sketches of everyone in the hall were completed one after another, and the servants collected everyone's drawings.

Zhao Bai sat at the head of the hall, flipping through the drawings with his steward, the two occasionally whispering to each other. When they saw Ye Feng's drawing, they were both taken aback, their eyes showing surprise and astonishment.

※※※

In the afternoon, the list of candidates for the second round of testing was finally released.

Out of more than eighty people, only Ye Feng, the girl in plain clothes, the three guys, a middle-aged man, an old man, a girl, and a young man were selected.

Ye Feng was overjoyed to see that he had been selected, and Hua Yi was also beaming with delight. However, seeing that the three grotesque-looking fellows had also been selected, the two were both taken aback. They hadn't expected these three, with their wretched appearances and even worse character, to be so talented. It seemed appearances could indeed be deceiving!

The girl in plain clothes was also very excited to be selected.

The three fellows, seeing Ye Feng also selected, were also surprised, staring at him for a while, their eyes slowly revealing a hint of appreciation.

The people in the hall sized each other up, a competitive atmosphere filling the air.

Zhao Bai laughed heartily, attracting everyone's attention. He first offered tea with great enthusiasm, then said casually, "I have seen all your designs. The concepts are bold, the designs meticulous; I greatly admire them!"

He slowly scanned the people in the hall, and when he saw Ye Feng and Hua Yi, he smiled and nodded at them.

He paused, then continued, "Next is a Q&A session about garden knowledge... Oh, everyone, please introduce yourselves first!"

The group introduced themselves one by one. The girl in plain clothes was named Lin Su.

The guy who was lecherously staring at Hua Yi, even drooling, was named Zhi Ge. Another was named Ma Bai, and the last one was named Yu Chang. All four were locals of Jade Moon City.

As they introduced themselves, Ye Feng's expression grew increasingly serious.

None of them were ordinary!

Lin Su had studied garden architecture and design diligently since childhood, and at a young age, her travels had taken her to various countries across the continent. Her design for a wealthy man's residence in Golden Moon City caused a sensation and became a legend.

Zhi Ge, Yu Chang, and Ma Bai, though not handsome, were top students in Jade Moon City's architecture department, possessing rich theoretical and practical knowledge.

The girl was from a prestigious family in Orchid Kingdom, whose family was famous for their exquisite garden designs.

The middle-aged man had been immersed in the industry for over a decade, with extensive experience.

The young man had participated in the design of the Jade Moon City government offices.

Especially the seemingly unassuming old man, who turned out to be Guan Lü, the foremost landscape designer in Jin Yue City, known as "Ghost Hand."

Ye Feng felt a heavy pressure.

Hua Yi's soft little hand reached out. Taking Ye Feng's hand, Ye Feng looked at Hua Yi, only to hear her softly say, "Feng Lang, you're the best!"

Ye Feng felt a surge of warmth in his heart, and his ambition rose. For Sister Yi, he would definitely fight to the end.

※※※

Theoretical debate begins.

Zhao Bai asked, "What is the primary consideration in garden design?"

Zhi Ge answered first, "A garden is a comprehensive work of art composed of architecture, landscape, flowers, and trees. Therefore, the pavilions, terraces, rocks, and ponds in a garden must be ever-changing, reflecting the beauty of nature. The trees and plants in a garden are not only for greening but also for artistic expression. As the saying goes, mountains are the blood of water, grass is the hair, and mist and clouds are the spirit. Gardens are no exception. It is also said that gardens are beautiful because of their scenery, and scenery is different because of gardens. Just as flowers and trees value posture and music values melody, gardens require meticulous craftsmanship to achieve a timeless and captivating quality, able to withstand close scrutiny and possess profound meaning." (Note: 1)

Zhi Ge spoke eloquently, his expression focused, his frivolousness gone, and his ugly face even gained a touch of charm.

Everyone listened and nodded in agreement.

Lin Sudao said, “Gardens can be divided into static and dynamic views, and this is the first thing we consider when designing a garden. What is a static view? It refers to the points in the garden where visitors can linger and observe. A dynamic view requires a long walking route. In general, small gardens are primarily static with dynamic views as a supplement, and courtyards are exclusively for static viewing. Large gardens, on the other hand, are primarily dynamic with static views as a supplement.”

“The size of a garden is relative, not absolute. Without large, there is no small; without small, there is no large. After selecting a site, a garden should be designed according to local conditions, highlighting key features as the characteristics of the garden and expressing the envisioned realm. A garden of ten thousand acres cannot be compact, and a few acres cannot be spacious. A compact garden does not feel large, and visitors do not feel tired. A spacious garden does not feel cramped, and visitors can find something to explore. Therefore, viewing a garden through static and dynamic views has the beauty of shrinking the space and expanding the foundation.” (Note: 2)

Everyone was impressed.

Then the young girl, the young man, and the middle-aged man all expressed their opinions and insights. Each of them spoke eloquently and displayed remarkable talent.

Next, Yu Chang and Ma Bai spoke eloquently, citing numerous classical texts, displaying the demeanor of landscape architecture professionals, which made Ye Feng secretly tremble.

Finally, Zhao Bai looked at Ye Feng with a smile and said, "This must be Brother Ye Feng? I wonder what insights Brother Ye has?"

Ye Feng smiled slightly, calmly looking at everyone, and said, "A garden is frozen music. Good architecture not only brings visual beauty but also embodies humanistic spirit and ideals!"

He paused, carefully observing the reactions of everyone in the hall. Seeing that everyone in the hall showed focused expressions, he was satisfied.

He continued, “Garden design is also known as garden construction, with the emphasis on the word ‘construction,’ which carries profound meaning. Its profundity lies in its thoughtful design and its subtlety in its emotional appeal. It’s not merely about earth, wood, and greenery; the wind, flowers, snow, and moon objectively exist, but the garden designer can summon them at will, allowing them to be at his command, thus creating a natural aesthetic. Gardens are mostly enclosed, using limited space to create infinite space; therefore, ‘ethereal’ is the essence of garden design. Garden design is like composing a piece of writing; if one doesn’t consider the overall spirit and intent of the text, but merely focuses on piling up words, can there be a masterpiece? Writing values spirit, and spirit has masculine and feminine aspects; if this is true of writing, why shouldn’t garden design be the same?”

"Literary and artistic works speak of artistic conception, and so does garden design. When the scenery is revealed, the artistic conception is small; when the scenery is hidden, the artistic conception is large. Pavilions and terraces are everywhere by the water, and although there are many buildings, a few pavilions cannot be exhausted. A stream meanders through them. This is the same principle as the ancients' descriptions of scenery and paintings . If one can achieve this, the artistic conception will naturally emerge." (Note: 3)

The hall was silent. Everyone listened intently, their faces showing astonishment, even though they had never heard of such garden theory before. Yet every word Ye Feng spoke touched their hearts.

Ye Feng had studied systematic garden design with his adoptive father, and his theoretical knowledge was very rich. Moreover, the development of civilization on Earth had already entered a socialist society, which was incomparable to the civilization of the slave society in this other world.

He spoke eloquently, with a dashing expression, taking the opportunity to display his talent and charm.

The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; everyone was lost in the garden art kingdom he had constructed.

The old man, Guan Lü, stroked his long beard, his eyes slightly closed, listening intently.

Seeing the positive response, Ye Feng was delighted and continued, “In garden landscapes, stillness exists within movement, and movement arises from stillness. The variations and the wonders of landscaping are endless. As the saying goes, ‘Understanding its changes leads to the profound understanding of the world.’ Therefore, observing movement through stillness and stillness through movement reveals the scenery. Even still things can move. Thus, observing both movement and stillness is the most crucial point in creating the effect of garden design. This principle of landscape design has been initially understood.”

“Gardening is a comprehensive science that also contains philosophy. Observing changes within it, expressing intangible poetic and pictorial sentiments, and constructing tangible water, rocks, pavilions, and terraces. Just as there is ‘transition’ in lyric writing, garden design must also pay attention to ‘transition’. With skillful use, even a garden of thousands of acres can have a complete momentum and elegant charm. Garden design can take the ancients as its model, combine the ancient and the modern, use the ancient for the modern, and apply the ancient and the modern to my writing. This is the highest achievement!” (Note: 4)

His clear voice echoed in the hall.

Zhao Bai slammed his hand on the table and exclaimed, "Amazing! Wonderful! Absolutely brilliant!"

Everyone was full of admiration. The old man, Guan Lü, suddenly opened his eyes wide, his gaze gleaming as he scrutinized Ye Feng from head to toe. Zhi Ge, Yu Chang, and Ma Bai whispered amongst themselves, their eyes filled with envy and admiration as they looked at Ye Feng.

The other three also wore expressions of appreciation, while Lin Su kept her head down, lost in thought.

Hua Yi, meanwhile, held Ye Feng's hand, overjoyed.

Zhao Bai looked at Guan Lü and respectfully asked, "Elder Guan, what are your thoughts?"

Guan Lü stroked his beard and smiled slightly, saying casually, "Young Master Ye's argument has left this old man speechless with admiration!"

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback.

Guan Lü was the foremost landscape designer in Jin Yue City, renowned as the "Ghost Hand." Now, he had withdrawn from the competition, leaving everyone wondering what his true intentions were.

Guan Lü, with a half-smile, slowly surveyed the crowd before falling silent.

Zhao Bai gave Guan Lü a deep look, then addressed the crowd, "What are your thoughts on the characteristics of this garden?"

※※※

A light rain began to fall outside the window, but the atmosphere inside the hall was extremely heated; the debate on the characteristics of the garden had reached a fever pitch.

Everyone held their own opinions, expressing their views. As the discussion progressed, the atmosphere gradually reached its climax.

Finally, Ye Feng's speech pushed the atmosphere to its peak.

"I believe another important aspect of garden design is its ingenuity in decoration! It's crucial to emphasize adapting to local conditions! Open buildings should prioritize clean lines and outlines, avoiding elaborate hanging decorations as they are easily damaged. Furniture should consist of simple, rustic items such as stone benches, stone tables, and brick tables. Halls and pavilions with doors and windows, on the other hand, should be decorated with finer details, and their furniture should be made of mahogany, rosewood, nanmu, and padauk, arranged in a matching set."

"In summer, use rattan canopies and chair seats; in winter, add chair covers and cushions to suit different seasons. However, different treatments should be made according to the magnificence or simplicity of the building. For the magnificence, use rosewood and sandalwood; for the simplicity, use nanmu and rosewood. The complexity of the carvings should also be treated the same. Finally, the treatment of garden space should also be flexible and varied. The main purpose of garden design is to express natural beauty. In the design and construction, it is advisable to use various techniques such as adapting to local conditions, borrowing scenery, contrasting scenery, dividing scenery, and separating scenery to organize space, so as to create a landscape art effect of winding and changing, small yet large, and interplay of reality and illusion in the garden

. Only in this way can a spatial awareness and spatial aesthetic with its own characteristics be expressed..." (Note: 5) "Good!" The old man Guan Lü slammed his hand on the table and praised loudly, awakening everyone from the sea of art.

Everyone in the hall also applauded enthusiastically. Zhi Ge, Yu Chang, and Ma Bai looked at each other, speechless.

Lin Su glanced at Ye Feng with a complicated look in her eyes.

"Hahaha..."

Zhao Bai laughed heartily, his expression one of pure joy: "Hearing your words is better than reading for ten years! Today, I, Zhao, have truly broadened my horizons!"

He glanced at the sky, then turned and glanced at the back hall, smiling slightly: "The debate ends here. Please have a seat, everyone. I'll be right back!" With that, he gave a slight bow and rose to head towards the back hall.

Everyone knew Zhao Bai was going to decide on the candidates for appointment, and they couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Ye Feng's heart was also pounding. Today, everyone in the hall was evenly matched, and the outcome was truly uncertain!

Hua Yi reached out her hand and smiled slightly at Ye Feng: "Feng Lang, don't worry!" Ye Feng nodded, his heart gradually calming down.

The sky was gradually darkening, and before they knew it, it was dusk. The setting sun shone through the curtains, bathing the hall in a golden light.

Finally, footsteps approached, and Zhao Bai emerged from the back hall. He slowly glanced at everyone, his gaze settling on Ye Feng. He smiled and said, "Brother Ye, please come to the inner hall for a chat!"

Ye Feng was overjoyed; his dream had come true!

※※※

Note: (Note 1) (Note 2) (Note 3) (Note 4) (Note 5) and other garden information are quoted from Mr. Chen Congzhou's "On Gardens" series. Mr. Chen's chapters on gardens are fresh and beautiful, pleasing to the eye. Mr. Chen passed away six years ago, and I express my deepest respect to him. Those interested can look up the "On Gardens" article.

※※※

Hua Yi cheered and hugged Ye Feng tightly.

The hall was in an uproar. Everyone's expressions varied, but all could not hide their disappointment. Zhi Ge, Yu Chang, and Ma Bai were particularly disappointed, jealous, and embarrassed.

Lin Su stood there blankly, a strong look of disappointment flashing in her eyes.

She glanced bitterly at the beaming Ye Feng and Hua Yi for a moment, but finally stepped forward and sincerely said, "Young Master Ye, Madam Ye, congratulations!"

Ye Feng replied happily, "Thank you!"

He then looked at her pale face. Lin Su stood timidly, a smile on her face, but her eyes held an undisguised bitterness.

Ye Feng's heart stirred.

Judging from Lin Su's clothes, she was clearly from a poor family. It was obvious that she, like himself, had once desperately wanted this job, and now… Thinking of his own recent period of poverty, Ye Feng could understand the bitterness in Lin Su's heart.

He hesitated for a moment, then turned to Zhao Bai and said, "Master Zhao, may I ask for an assistant?"

Zhao Bai glanced at Ye Feng and Lin Su, then chuckled, "Of course! But..." He paused, then continued, "Brother Ye will have to pay for the assistant's salary himself."

Ye Feng exclaimed happily, "Of course!"

Lin Su was stunned, staring at Ye Feng for a long while, her eyes flashing with undisguised joy. She curtsied and whispered, "Young Master Ye, thank you!"

Ye Feng smiled slightly and nodded.

Hua Yi, who had been observing Lin Su from the side, saw her husband's actions and her eyes flashed with admiration. She smiled slightly, stepped forward, and took Lin Su's hand, saying softly, "Sister, you don't need to be so polite. Helping each other is only right!"

Lin Su looked at Hua Yi's beautiful face, her eyes flashing with gratitude, and nodded. One

by

one, everyone took their leave. The old man, Guan Lü, stepped forward to bid farewell to Zhao Bai, who urged him to stay

, saying, "Elder Guan, it's getting late. Have dinner before you go!" Guan Lü declined, saying, "I have other matters to attend to and cannot linger." He turned to Ye Feng and smiled, "Young Master Ye, farewell!"

Ye Feng glanced at the enigmatic old man and nodded.

Guan Lü smiled slightly and left gracefully.

Zhao Bai laughed heartily and said to Ye Feng and the other two, "Please, gentlemen!"

As they walked, they were surrounded by ornately carved beams and painted rafters, a scene of luxurious grandeur. Ye Feng felt a surge of excitement, thinking to himself, "This is life! This is the life a successful person should live. Keep striving !"

Soon, the three followed Zhao Bai to the inner hall.

The inner hall was decorated more elegantly than the main hall. A beautiful woman sat regally on a round-backed huanghuali chair, surrounded by several maids, exuding an air of great grandeur.

The woman, dressed in a pale yellow silk gown, appeared to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old. She was tall and voluptuous, with a fair and alluring face, and full, high breasts. Her lips were red, glossy, and thick with a sensual quality. Her large, bright eyes radiated a seductive and alluring light.

Upon seeing the three men, she gracefully rose, her beautiful eyes staring directly at Ye Feng, Hua Yi, and Lin Su with an extremely bold and direct gaze.

Zhao Bai stepped forward, took the woman's hand, and softly said, "Madam."

The woman smiled sweetly, her phoenix eyes sweeping over Ye Feng and his companions. Her gaze lingered on Hua Yi, her eyes flashing with admiration. Then, she stepped forward and boldly took Hua Yi's hand, smiling, "This must be Madam Ye! I've long heard of Madam Ye's extraordinary beauty, a beauty that could topple kingdoms. Seeing you today, it's truly well-deserved!"

A blush rose on Hua Yi's beautiful face, making her even more radiant. She whispered, "Madam, you flatter me!"

※※※

After introductions, Ye Feng learned that the woman was Zhao Bai's wife, Sun Mei.

After some pleasantries, they took their seats according to the guests' preferences.

Zhao Bai laughed heartily and said, "I've prepared a small feast to congratulate Brother Ye on his selection. I hope we can cooperate happily in the future!"

Ye Feng quickly replied, "Master Zhao's hospitality is too kind; I truly dare not accept such praise."

Zhao Bai smiled again and signaled the servants to begin the meal.

Immediately, beautiful maids emerged from the back room carrying exquisite dishes, and soon the ironwood mortise-and-tenon table was laden with fine and abundant food and drink. The tableware was also exquisitely crafted and elegantly tasteful.

Ye Feng sighed inwardly; everything on the table was incredibly valuable, far beyond his imagination. Any single item cost more than he earned in a month fishing. He had never seen such a luxurious life before; the difference between people was truly incomparable! Lin Su, sitting opposite him, also showed a look of amazement.

He looked at Hua Yi, only to see that complex, bewildered expression return to her eyes. He felt a pang of guilt; a woman like Hua Yi deserved a life of luxury, and being with him had been a hardship for her.

His heart was surging with emotion, but Zhao Bai, thinking Ye Feng was carefully examining a wine stove on the table, chuckled and said, "Wine is very hot; if you drink it hot, it dissipates quickly, but if you drink it cold, it congeals in your internal organs, which is harmful to your health! So, it's best to drink it warm!" He

then poured wine for everyone.

Ye Feng, having put aside his worries, gulped down the wine.

The wine in his arms was crystal clear, with a rich and fragrant aroma. It was smooth and mellow on the palate, with a long aftertaste. It was comparable to Moutai from China, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "Good wine!"

Zhao Bai smiled and said, "This is Peach Blossom Wine from Yanmeng, elegant and delicate, leaving a lingering aftertaste. Even after drinking, the empty cup retains its fragrance for a long time. It has the reputation of 'its flavor intoxicates three houses next door, and its fragrance travels ten miles after opening the bottle!' Come, Brother Ye, Sister-in-law, Miss Lin, have another cup!"

He picked up the wine pot and skillfully poured everyone another cup of warmed wine.

After a few more drinks, Hua Yi and Sun Mei's faces flushed crimson, their beauty radiant, while Lin Su remained unfazed. Ye Feng and Zhao Bai, true connoisseurs of wine, were naturally unaffected. The group

chatted and drank, thoroughly enjoying themselves. Zhao Bai then launched into a lengthy discourse on wine culture, offering insightful observations that captivated everyone.

Ye Feng picked up a piece of meat he didn't recognize, took a bite, and found it rich yet not greasy, crispy and delicious. He nodded, then placed a piece on Hua Yi's plate, and after a moment's thought, also placed one on Lin Su's.

Hua Yi, seeing her husband's thoughtfulness, gave Ye Feng a gentle smile. Lin Su glanced at Ye Feng, a blush creeping across her pale face, slightly embarrassed, and lowered her head to eat silently.

Zhao Bai and Sun Mei exchanged a knowing smile. Zhao Bai said casually, "Brother Ye, the dish you just ate was called Crispy Pork. It was delicious, crispy, and nutritious. Brother Ye, sister-in-law, Miss Lin, please have some more."

Ye Feng took a sip of wine and said, "This meat reminds me of a dish I ate before. The two are quite similar. That dish, well, it's made with pork belly from the soft side of the pig. It's boiled until it's seven-tenths cooked, then the skin is coated with sweet sauce and other seasonings. It's then deep-fried, sliced, and arranged in a bowl. Chopped preserved vegetables or dried vegetables are placed on top, and it's drizzled with soybean oil and other seasonings before steaming. After steaming, it's inverted onto a plate, so the meat absorbs the flavors of the preserved vegetables and other ingredients, melting in your mouth and incredibly delicious... Hmm... It's very tasty!"

Hua Yi smiled and said, "If you like it, Feng Lang, I'll make it for you in the future."

Zhao Bai glanced at Sun Mei upon hearing this, while Sun Mei rolled her eyes at him.

Ye Feng smiled and nodded at Hua Yi, then scooped up a spoonful of a dish whose name he didn't know and was about to put it in his mouth.

Sun Mei suddenly said, "Young Master Ye, please don't rush to put this dish in your mouth. You should blow on it first... This dish may not look hot on the surface, but it is actually very hot. Be careful not to burn yourself!"

Ye Feng quickly stopped talking. Hua Yi chuckled and said, "Feng Lang, be careful!"

Zhao Bai laughed heartily and said, "This dish is called 'Chicken Trouble.' It's made by repeatedly stirring minced chicken with egg whites and then frying it in oil until it's as soft as snow. It doesn't emit any steam when it's served, but if you're not careful and scoop a spoonful into your mouth, you'll definitely get burned."

After finishing the dish, Ye Feng sighed and said awkwardly, "Master Zhao seems to have a great understanding of cooking!"

Zhao Bai smiled and said, "I don't have many wishes, but tasting all the delicacies in the world is one of them! Speaking of which, I've been immersed in cooking for many years and have tasted all the delicacies in the world, but only the Jade Moon Dish is the most unforgettable for me."

Ye Feng asked curiously, "What's so special about this Jade Moon Dish that makes it so unforgettable for Master Zhao?"

Zhao Bai smiled and said, "Jade..." Moon City is a hub of culinary delights, historically renowned for its exquisite food. The saying goes, "Eat in Moon City, savor the flavors of Moon City." Moon City cuisine is characterized by its rich, smooth, and flavorful dishes, emphasizing the perfect infusion of flavor into the ingredients. Its diverse cooking techniques result in dishes that are beautiful in both appearance and taste, with countless variations and endless possibilities. It is praised throughout mainland China as having "one dish, one style; a hundred dishes, a hundred flavors."

Everyone listened intently, as Zhao Bai continued, "Moon City cuisine also emphasizes color, aroma, flavor, and presentation, focusing particularly on flavor. It is known for its abundance, breadth, and depth of taste. The flavors are cleverly combined, flexible, and varied, with a remarkable number of flavors and exquisite preparation! Furthermore, Moon City cuisine skillfully adapts its cooking methods to the specific ingredients, climate, and the diner's preferences, applying them flexibly and adaptably. In short, Moon City cuisine, like the scenic spots of Moon City, is world-renowned and famous throughout the land."

Everyone listened in awe.

Zhao Bai then enthusiastically urged everyone to drink and eat more, and the atmosphere grew increasingly lively with each toast.

During the meal, Zhao Bai spoke eloquently, his vast knowledge and insightful observations astonishing and broadening everyone

's horizons. Ye Feng, from another world, offered novel and unique perspectives and opinions, captivating the audience.

The meal was a resounding success, with both host and guests thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Afterwards

, everyone sat in the back garden to admire the moon. The garden was elegant, with flowing water and lush bamboo.

After a few casual words, Zhao Bai laughed and said to Ye Feng, "Brother Ye, do you know why I accepted you?"

Ye Feng looked at this wealthy merchant. Zhao Bai possessed a unique charm; despite his immense wealth, he lacked the arrogance often associated with those in positions of power, making him approachable and likable. Yet, his every move exuded a quiet authority, commanding respect and awe. He hurriedly said, "I also have doubts, and I hope Master Zhao can enlighten me."

Zhao Bai smiled and said, "There are two reasons: First, you have the ability. Although your design drawings and the theories you presented may not be the best among everyone, their ideas are unique, innovative, and bold. Zhao Bai has never heard of anything like it before, and it has a very special charm that my wife and I greatly admire."

"Second, you are very similar to me when I was young. Seeing you always gives me a special sense of familiarity... And your saying, 'Since ancient times, poverty and hardship have produced great talents,' resonates deeply with me!"

He sighed, full of emotion, and said, "Since ancient times, poverty and hardship have produced great talents! In fact, like Brother Ye, I also came from a poor background. Later, through my own hard work and with the help of my virtuous wife, I achieved what I have today!"

Ye Feng couldn't help but feel admiration. Yes, those who start from scratch are the most admirable.

He thought for a moment and asked, "Then what are your future development goals, Master Zhao? Do you intend to pursue a career in government?"

"A career in government?"

Zhao Bai's eyes unexpectedly flashed with resentment. He slowly said, "Alas! Who doesn't want to obtain an official position and bring honor to their ancestors? It's just... the current government is controlled by the aristocratic families, and becoming an official is all about rank and background. It's really too difficult for commoners like us to participate in politics!"

"Hmph! These powerful families exclude loyal and good people, suppress talent, and corruption is rampant throughout the country. If this continues, my Great Yue Kingdom..."

Zhao Bai became more and more angry as he spoke, his eyes wide open. Finally, he slammed his palm on the ironwood rosewood table with a "crack," and a crack appeared on the table.

Ye Feng was greatly alarmed. Ironwood is a hardwood, extremely hard in texture, yet Zhao Bai cracked it with a single palm strike. Zhao Bai's internal strength was truly formidable.

Sun Mei glanced at Ye Feng and the other two, and scolded, "Bai Lang, look at you, here you go again!"

Zhao Bai slowly calmed down, and after a long while, he sighed.

The atmosphere in the garden was a bit heavy. After a while, Sun Mei asked, "Where does Young Master Ye currently reside?"

"Mei Yue Street, Mei Yue District."

"Mei Yue Street? Hmm, I've heard that the security there is extremely poor, and the environment isn't good either..."

Sun Mei glanced at Hua Yi, a smile appearing on her lips, and said, "Bai Lang, I heard that Master Bai in Fu Yue District has a private residence for sale, why not..."

"That's right!" Zhao Bai slapped the table and said, "I've been to this private residence before. The environment is beautiful; it's indeed an ideal place to live."

Looking at Ye Feng, Zhao Bai saw Ye Feng staring intently at him. He couldn't help but chuckle, slapping his thigh, "I forgot!"

He pulled out several silver notes from his bag, "This is Brother Ye's two thousand taels of silver as payment. Brother Ye, take it and buy a house and furniture!"

Ye Feng was delighted, but said, "I haven't even started working for Master Zhao yet, how can I..."

Before he could finish speaking, Sun Mei smiled and took the silver notes from Zhao Bai's hand, placing them in Hua Yi's hand, and said softly, "Please accept this money, sister!"

Hua Yi glanced at Ye Feng, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Feng Lang hasn't started working yet... Hmm, how about this, I'll take half the payment first, and the rest can be collected after Feng Lang starts working!"

Zhao Bai and Sun Mei exchanged a glance, both showing appreciation in their eyes. Lin Su watched silently, without saying a word.

Sun Mei smiled and said, "Bai Lang, I'm free tomorrow anyway, why don't I come with you to see that house?"

Zhao Bai hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

※※※

“Young master and madam, please rest early!” The maid led Ye Feng and Hua Yi to the side room, bowed, and withdrew.

The side room was exquisitely decorated, simple and elegant, and very charming.

Ye Feng looked around for a while, then looked away, only to see Hua Yi staring blankly at the furniture in the room. Ye Feng walked behind her, put his arm around her slender waist, and said softly, "Sister Yi, what are you thinking about?"

Hua Yi's face was gloomy, and she said softly, "The layout of this room is too similar to the room I slept in when I was a child!"

Ye Feng held her tightly and said softly, "After we buy that house tomorrow, we can decorate the room according to your old layout."

Hua Yi turned around, gazed at Ye Feng, and smiled gently, "I will listen to my husband."

Ye Feng put his right arm around Hua Yi, put his mouth to her ear, and whispered, "Sister Yi, it's getting late, let's rest early!"

Hua Yi lowered her head, hummed in agreement, and blushed on her delicate face. Ye Feng chuckled softly, kissing Hua Yi's neck while his hands swiftly undressed her. Hua Yi blushed, responding with a mixture of desire and resistance. Soon, Hua Yi's smooth, delicate, and exquisitely beautiful snow-white body was revealed before Ye Feng's eyes.

Truly a masterpiece of nature! Her tall, slender, and graceful figure was adorned with a pair of full, firm, and rounded breasts, as smooth as warm jade. Below her slender waist was a smooth, white, soft abdomen, rounded buttocks, and a pair of beautiful, snow-white, rounded, smooth, and gracefully long legs. Her fragrant skin was like a sculpture of ice and jade, crystal clear, smooth, and soft. Add to that her breathtaking beauty, her exquisitely charming face, and her dreamlike, mysterious , gentle, and graceful temperament—she was truly beautiful to the extreme! Ye Feng stared blankly for a moment at the mature charm and allure of this stunningly beautiful woman, then kissed her red lips, his tongue entwining with hers, and he kissed her deeply. Hua Yi's cheeks flushed, her pearly teeth parted shyly, her soft, delicate tongue shyly intertwining with his in a passionate kiss… Her body gradually heated up, her breathing became heavier and heavier! Ye Feng reached out and grasped Hua Yi's exquisitely beautiful, soft breasts, kneading and caressing them with irresistible affection. Soon, her nipples became erect and hard. Hua Yi's cheeks flushed, her breath came in soft gasps, her starry eyes were hazy, and her peach-blossom cheeks were as red as fire. Her naked, snow-white arms and legs were tightly wrapped around Ye Feng, deeply aroused. Seeing that the time was ripe, Ye Feng leaned down and pressed himself against Hua Yi's naked, soft, snow-white body, parted her legs, and thrust his lower body into her. Hua Yi had just shyly parted her beautiful legs when she felt a weight on her body, her breath caught in her throat, and she let out a shy cry of "Ah..." Her delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, and her silver teeth bit down. She looked like a lovely woman who was both in great pain and extremely sweet... Ye Feng moved vigorously, and Hua Yi writhed beneath him, moaning softly, her slender waist and snow-white, smooth abdomen thrusting and yielding, desperately welcoming him. Her beautiful, long, and smooth legs were gently raised and clamped together, shyly yielding to his advances. Hua Yi felt extremely comfortable making love with Ye Feng, because he gave her not only physical pleasure but, more importantly, a spiritual union. Ye Feng's techniques and variations were numerous, and each time they made love, they reached a climax, leaving her intoxicated and completely captivated. Ye Feng's thrusts became heavier and heavier, amplifying Hua Yi's plaintive, intermittent moans and cries. Her beautiful eyes were tightly closed, her brows furrowed, her teeth clenched, her body drenched in sweat, her flowing hair disheveled, and she kept moaning and sobbing: " [Feng Lang, Feng Lang... oh my god... I... I'm going to die...]" The two were frantically making love when suddenly, Hua Yi screamed, clinging desperately to Ye Feng, her body convulsing violently as if in a spasm, and she began to sob. Startled by her, Ye Feng also experienced a violent spasm and tremor, ejaculating a torrent of hot semen into Hua Yi's body... After a few breaths, Hua Yi leaned lazily against Ye Feng's chest, while Ye Feng held his beloved tightly in his arms. Their tender affection lingered, and they were reluctant to fall asleep. " Sister, look how beautiful the scenery is over here!" A luxurious and comfortable carriage moved smoothly along the street, accompanied by dozens of servants and maids. Along the way, it frequently attracted the attention of passersby. Inside the carriage sat Ye Feng, Hua Yi, and Sun Mei. This carriage from the Zhao family was magnificently constructed. Its beautiful design, swift operation, and comfortable ride made it a pleasure to ride in. The carriage was intricately carved with various patterns, and golden bells hung from its four corners, constantly emitting melodious sounds. The three sat inside, admiring the scenery outside the window with great interest. All three were excited, especially Hua Yi and Sun Mei, who were particularly enthusiastic, constantly pointing out the sights. Ye Feng sat quietly, listening to Hua Yi and Sun Mei discuss matters of the women's lives, while silently contemplating. Sitting comfortably in the carriage, looking at the beautiful scenery outside, Ye Feng still felt a sense of dreamlike disbelief. Yesterday he was a fisherman, and today he was a scholar in a Confucian robe and turban, a highly respected gentleman. He really had to thank the skills he learned in his original world. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to climb so quickly. He was sure there would be many more opportunities in the future. But how should he define his future goals? It should be strength! Develop strength! He pondered. Only with sufficient strength could he survive in this society, gain the respect of others, and protect those he loved. Yes, that was it! Gazing at the beautiful faces of Hua Yi and Sun Mei beside him, he made up his mind. He glanced at the scenery outside the window, but couldn't help thinking of Lin Su again. Lin Su had taken her leave early that morning. When she came to say goodbye to Ye Feng, he had asked Hua Yi to give her five hundred taels of silver, but she refused, saying she hadn't started working yet. Although she was plain-looking and from a poor family, she was independent and possessed a noble and strong heart, making her admirable and respectable! The carriage sped along, turning into a small alley, and stopped at an elegant courtyard. Several tall cypress trees stood in front of the house, their branches lush and verdant, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The carriage curtain was rolled up, and the three of them alighted. Above the courtyard gate was a plaque with the four characters "Listening to the Rain Courtyard" inscribed on it.

Sun Mei knocked on the door, and after a short while, an old butler-like man opened it. Seeing Sun Mei, he quickly smiled and said, "It's Madam Zhao! What brings you to my humble abode today?"

Sun Mei stepped forward and smiled, "Butler Bai, I heard from Master Li that your house is going to be sold, so I brought a few friends to take a look. Has it been sold yet?"

Butler Bai smiled and said, "Not yet!" He glanced at Ye Feng and Hua Yi, then slapped his forehead, "Look how forgetful I am! Come, come, please come in!"

The three entered, while the servants waited outside.

Upon entering the outer courtyard, they were greeted by an exquisite hanging flower gate. Entering through the gate, everyone's eyes lit up. The courtyard was filled with beautiful flowers, flower-lined streets, and uniquely shaped rocks—a truly beautiful and tranquil place!

Hua Yi's face lit up with joy, and she tightly grasped Ye Feng's hand.

Sun Mei also looked around, her eyes filled with admiration.

The steward, Bai, gazed at everything in the courtyard and sighed softly, saying, "Ah! It's so hard to leave this place! If it weren't for the master's advancing age and longing for home, we would never have left!"

"Ah! When people get old, they always yearn to return to their roots!"

Sun Mei seemed touched by his words, a hint of sadness flashing in her eyes, and said, "Yes! The mountains and rivers are always the dearest to one's hometown!" Ye Feng and Hua Yi were also moved by their own feelings and fell into deep thought. For a moment, the atmosphere in the courtyard became heavy.

It was the steward, Bai, who broke the silence. He laughed heartily and said, "Look at me, look at me, here I come again, alas! When people get old, they have more sentiments!"

"Come, come, let me show you around!"

He led the way, pointing out things along the way.

Steward Bai led the way, with Ye Feng and the other two following behind. As they walked, the small courtyard was ingeniously designed, exquisite and pleasant.

Turning past the screen, there was a small three-room pavilion, with a side room on the west side. Ye Feng saw that the room was bright and clean, and should be very suitable for studying. Outside the north window, a banana tree and several bamboo stalks stood by the window, a lush and pleasant sight.

Hua Yi hugged Ye Feng tightly around the waist, looking at everything with delight. Ye Feng lowered his head and said softly, "Sister Yi, do you like it here?" Hua Yi nodded happily. From her eyes, it was clear she loved this place.

Ye Feng said, "I love it! Then let's buy it!"

Sun Mei beckoned to Steward Bai. She asked, "Steward Bai, what is the price of this house?"

"900 taels of silver, including furniture."

"Is that so?" Sun Mei's bright eyes were fixed on Steward Bai. "That price seems a bit expensive!"

Steward Bai smiled slightly, lingeringly looking at the scenery in the courtyard for a while, then sighed, "We've lived in this house for over ten years, and we poured countless efforts into it! Alas! All those years of affection are here!"

Sun Mei smiled faintly, "Steward Bai, give me 900 taels of silver, I'll buy it!" Saying this, she took out a 900-tael silver note from her purse and was about to hand it to Steward Bai.

Hua Yi quickly reached out and pressed Sun Mei's hand, "Sister, this won't do, how can I let you spend so much?"

Sun Mei smiled and said, "This is just a small token of my appreciation, a small gift for you. Please don't refuse!"

Hua Yi looked at Ye Feng with difficulty, "Feng Lang, you see..."

Ye Feng smiled slightly and said, "My wife and I are very grateful for Madam Zhao's kindness, but personally purchasing a house for my wife has been a long-held wish of mine. We hope Madam Zhao will grant our request!"

Sun Mei glanced at Ye Feng and generously smiled, "Since Young Master Ye says so, then I will respect your wishes!"

Hua Yi looked at her husband serenely, her eyes filled with tenderness.

Women usually think of buying furniture first after buying a house, but since the house was already fully furnished, Sun Mei suggested buying some clothes to change things up and welcome the new look.

She recommended a clothing store in the New Moon District to Ye Feng and Hua Yi, saying that the clothes there were uniquely designed, varied in style, and made of exquisite fabrics! It was very famous in Jade Moon City, and she said it was her favorite place to buy clothes.

Ye Feng strongly agreed with Sun Mei's idea of "getting rid of the old and welcoming the new" and also agreed to buy a few clothes. Hua Yi hesitated for a moment and then agreed.

So the group of people went to the clothing store that Sun Mei had mentioned.

The store was located beside a small river in the Crescent Moon District. It was not large, but it was very pleasing to the eye. The white walls and black tiles, the green bricks and flying eaves were very artistic. Ye Feng and Hua Yi couldn't help but say that it was good.

The servants stayed outside, and the three of them went into the store. The interior was decorated in a very simple and elegant style, which made people feel very comfortable.

A very charming young woman came up to them and said happily, "I say, Madam Zhao, I haven't seen you for several days." Her beautiful eyes glanced at Ye Feng and Hua Yi, and her face was full of natural smiles, but there was an undisguised surprise in the corner of her eyes, which was obviously attracted by Hua Yi's beauty.

Ye Feng observed that the young, beautiful woman appeared to be around twenty-five or twenty-six years old. She was tall, with exquisite features and a graceful figure. She wore a set of brocade clothes—a white silk jacket and a blue skirt—which made her look simple, capable, and charming.

Sun Mei smiled and said to the woman, "These two are Mr. and Mrs. Ye. I brought them here to buy some clothes. Ruqing, please choose some comfortable and suitable outfits for them."

Upon hearing Sun Mei's words, Ruqing, the woman in charge of the clothing store, had two perfectly placed dimples appear on her face, instantly radiating an intoxicating charm that seemed to transcend the mundane world.

URL 1:http://localhost:909/htmlBlog/11010.html

URL 2:/Blog.aspx?id=11010&aspx=1

Previous Page : [Urban Adult] Peach Blossoms Everywhere (Complete) - 40 Chapters

Next Page : [Urban Adult] Peach Blossoms Everywhere (Complete) - 39

增加

comment Open a new window to view comments

Contact Information

[Wuxia] The List of Peerless Beauties of the Land [Complete] - Part 2

comment Open a new window to view comments