Shattering Illusions

Hong Yan and Xiao Hong almost never appeared before others. Though they lived in the Maritime Trade Office, Cao Jixiang had only glimpsed them from afar once, let alone the chubby little doll in their arms.

Cao Jixiang liked children. This child was fair and plump, with a clever little face, and he could not help asking, "Who is this child?"

"Oh, this is a child we adopted. His name is Bangchui."

Cao Jixiang asked, "Adopted?"

Pan Yun nodded. "Official Cao knows that South of the Yangtze has suffered many disasters lately—both natural calamities and man-made misfortunes. There are many orphans. This child's parents both died, and he has no family left. I found him pitiful, so I took him in on behalf of my Senior Brother."

The ginseng doll, nicknamed Bangchui and formally named Ginseng, flashed Cao Jixiang a row of tiny rice-grain teeth and smiled happily.

His gaze passed over Cao Jixiang and fixed on the dishes on the table, making him drool.

Cao Jixiang's heart melted at the sight, and he could not help saying, "Daoist Priestess Pan, you are still a child yourself. Can you raise a child properly? Why not give this child to me..."

"That will not do. This child already recognizes me as his mother. A mother for one day, a mother for life. Bangchui, call me Mother!"

Bangchui called out brightly, "Mother!"

Pan Yun's eyes curved with delight. Beckoning, she said, "Come sit down quickly. Young Master Pu is treating us today. If there is anything else you want to eat, just order it. No need to stand on ceremony."

Cao Jixiang still wanted to bring it up again. "Daoist Priestess Pan..."

Pan Yun raised a hand to cut him off. "Official Cao, this child has an immortal affinity and is better