These words finally shifted their attention, and the two women immediately asked what Bian Weiyin had wanted from him.
Shi Chun promptly recounted the events of Bian Weiyin actively seeking him out to ask questions, but after listening, Feng Chi and Xiang Laner also couldn't understand the meaning behind Bian Weiyin's inquiries.
In Shi Chun's words, he couldn't discern Bian Weiyin's attitude. He showed no signs of disgust for his own brother seeking out a courtesan, nor did he seem particularly happy about his brother's return, as if he was merely asking for the sake of asking.
After that exchange, the reason for the two women's visit unfolded as another matter of importance.
Feng Chi took the lead in changing the subject, "Do you really have to follow our Miss into Wukang Mountain?"
Facing this direct question, Shi Chun, with his pale face, immediately reacted like a frightened deer, emphatically saying, "But it was agreed upon, are you thinking of reneging?"
Xiang Laner remained noncommittal, her gaze low and indifferent as if it was none of her concern.
Feng Chi waved her hand, "We're not reneging. We already have a plan to get you in, but it will require your cooperation."
Upon hearing he could join, Shi Chun's face immediately broke into a relieved smile, "I'll cooperate, of course, as long as it's reasonable and something I can do, I'll definitely cooperate."
Feng Chi said, "Good, starting today, you need to act as though you are infatuated with our Miss in front of everyone, and actively pursue her."
"Uh…" Shi Chun choked a bit, his eyes shifting between Feng Chi and Xiang Laner. Seeing no clues on their faces, he said, bewildered, "Boss lady, isn't this joke a bit too much? Miss Xiang is the woman that Bian Weikang loves. Bian Weikang brought home the Bian family's daughter-in-law, and you want me to chase after someone else's wife on their own turf. To provoke trouble in Wukang Mountain, isn't that a bit excessive? Are you saying that Wukang Mountain has no one to fear, or are you setting me up for a miserable death?"
Feng Chi countered, "Do you think Bian Jixiong will accept the Miss as his daughter-in-law?"
"That…" Shi Chun wanted to say no, any sane person wouldn't accept it, but he modestly replied, "I'm still young, I really don't understand these familial matters."
"Definitely not," Feng Chi answered her own question before continuing, "Do you think after Bian Jixiong expelled that son from the Sect, he truly wanted to sever all ties?"
Before Shi Chun could answer, she supplied the answer herself, "Although it seemed very conclusive, and many people in Wukang Mountain also believe it to be true, from what we know, it isn't the case. It's merely Bian Jixiong's strict way of teaching his son."
Shi Chun pondered for a moment, still confused, and pointed first to himself then to Xiang Laner, "What does my pursuing her have to do with this?"
Feng Chi explained, "Under normal circumstances, Bian Jixiong would never accept a daughter-in-law from the Cloud Building, but what if Bian Jixiong wants to hurt his son again, and make his son watch helplessly as his beloved is taken away?"
Shi Chun fell silent, he wasn't foolish and quickly grasped her meaning.
Feng Chi elucidated, "Bian Weikang does have his merits, his cultivation talent is quite high. Bian Jixiong originally had high hopes for him, especially since this is his only son. Unfortunately, wealth can corrupt.
Bian Jixiong couldn't sit by and watch. He made a decisive move to strip his son of all privileges and push him into despair. His intention is for his son to truly rise from that despair, becoming the son he envisioned. That's essentially what Bian Jixiong meant behind closed doors."
Shi Chun listened with a quiet alarm, realizing they had inside information about the affairs and sayings within Wukang Mountain, indicating preparations were truly well underway.
"At this time, if someone were to tell Bian Jixiong about your affection for the Miss, reminding him of this method to stimulate his son, and if others were to intercede for Bian Weikang, Bian Jixiong might very likely go along with it, letting you into Wukang Mountain.
Then he would indeed proactively help another take away the woman his son loves. First, because such a daughter-in-law is unwanted, and second to further stimulate his son to aspire higher.
Thus, it also explains why you would help Bian Weikang redeem the Miss, because you are fond of her.
As a result, both you and the Miss can enter Wukang Mountain.
This plan will also greatly assist you. Aren't you looking for someone in Wukang Mountain? Once Bian Jixiong is inclined to help you, things will indeed be much easier for you there."
With his face pale yet hopeful, Shi Chun blinked rapidly. Hearing this, he couldn't deny it; the idea was too good to pass up. He couldn't help but ask, "Whose idea was this? It certainly couldn't have been just you two, could it?"
It wasn't that he underestimated these two women, but the plan, though simple, wasn't something just anyone could come up with. Whoever devised it must have had a deep understanding of Wukang Mountain and Bian Jixiong; it was as though they had expertly diagnosed and prescribed the exact remedy.
Feng Chi responded, "Who came up with it isn't important. Rest assured, everything will be arranged from Wukang Mountain's side. You only need to pretend to be in love with and pursue my Miss, nothing else is required of you."
"The idea isn't bad," Shi Chun said, but he was reluctant to agree.
What had he maintained his purity for all these years? It was so that when he met the person he liked, it would be easier for that person to accept him. If word got out that he was pursuing a courtesan, what would that imply? His reputation would truly be tarnished.
He really wanted to know whose terrible idea this was. Of all the ideas, why did it have to be to pursue Xiang Laner? It was truly making things difficult for him.
Despite the makeup on his face, even through the thick layer, two women could see the strong reluctance in his expression to pursue Xiang Laner.
Feng Chi wondered, "Is this really that difficult? This is the safest and best method."
Xiang Laner's lips were tightly pursed, her complexion completely cold as she turned to leave, "I have fulfilled my promise, it is you who are unwilling. You cannot blame anyone else."
"Ah, no," Shi Chun quickly stepped forward, blocking the doorway, and awkwardly laughed as he dusted off a layer of powder, "Miss Xiang, it's not that I am unwilling, but I was thinking if I do this, it would be unfair to Weiying. Have you discussed this with him? If communication isn't clear, it might lead to misunderstandings."
He thought, if Weiying disagreed, then they would have a reason to consider another strategy.
As Feng Chi approached, she said, "Weiying is currently still kneeling outside the gates of Wukang Mountain, unable to even see his father. We have thought this through thoroughly and decided it would be best not to let Weiying know the truth."
Shi Chun exclaimed, "Ah, then wouldn't he end up hating me when he finds out? Is there a need to make an enemy out of him? I'm well off as it is."
Feng Chi responded, "It's the same as before, wealth destroys. Weiying's current character is still lacking; if he knew the truth, with his acting skills, he wouldn't be able to deceive Bian Jixiong and the others for long. It would soon become clear, and that could indeed cause serious trouble. As for whether Weiying hates you, is he that important? You wouldn't be able to win the young lady's heart anyway."
Shi Chun thought about it and realized it was true; he wouldn't actually be with this woman. Later, he could explain to the person he really cared about.
After a moment's thought, he nodded firmly, "Alright, let's do it your way, as planned. By the way, when do we go up the mountain?"
Xiang Laner's tight lips slowly relaxed, and she said expressionlessly, "When everything is ready on the mountain, someone will notify us to go up." Then, she pushed Shi Chun, who was blocking the door, aside, and as she opened the door and went out, she turned to look at Shi Chun again and said coldly, "Truly unsightly!"
A fragrance lingered as she left, and Feng Chi, following her, chuckled softly, obviously sharing the same sentiment; she pulled the cloak over her face to hide her true appearance.
Shi Chun lightly touched his face with his hands and nonchalantly shrugged, then peeked out the door before retreating and closing it, leaving a distinct powder mark on the door latch.
He returned in front of the mirror, tilting his head left and right. Pleased with himself, he discovered that excessive facial expressions caused the powder to flake off, so he immediately stilled his face.
"Chun Tian!"
From the inn's lobby, suddenly came a loud shout.
Without guessing, Shi Chun knew who it was and quickly went to open the door. Given the state of his face, it wasn't convenient to go out, so he stuck his head out and yelled, "Innkeeper, let him come here."
Soon, the sound of footsteps approached. Wu Jinliang appeared, peeked inside the room, and upon making eye contact with Shi Chun, he exclaimed in surprise. He then ran in and asked about Shi Chun's face.
Upon hearing it could whiten his complexion, Wu Jinliang immediately dropped his knife, took off his bag and threw it aside, and without even washing his travel-stained face, followed Shi Chun's guidance to apply a layer to his own face until satisfied.
They then inevitably discussed the situations on both sides. Things at Zhaotian City were straightforward, simply following Shi Chun's instructions.
However, the events here surprised Wu Jinliang. He incredulously asked, "That disheveled old man, how did you run into him again, what a coincidence, Chun Tian, is it really just a coincidence?"
What kind of place is the Land of Exile? It's a place where people would desperately fight for any profit, a place of extreme measures. A coincidence? Not only Shi Chun, but even Wu Jinliang, encountering such a situation, would also be deeply suspicious.
Shi Chun, however, said calmly, "Their cultivation is too high, they say it's a coincidence, do we need to doubt? If they insist on giving us benefits, do we have the right to refuse? Let's just accept the benefits for now, but remember to be extra cautious."
"Got it," Wu Jinliang just agreed when he suddenly pointed at Shi Chun's face, "Your powder falls off when you speak, see, does mine?"
"Yours isn't fully dry yet, it doesn't fall off much."
Thus, the two of them started a method of speaking vaguely without moving their lips or showing expressions, striving to blend in and own their place in this world.
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