Returning to an old place, everything remained while people had changed. The dust of former days felt like a dream.
Book Scroll Lake, Sulin Island.
Island lord Tian Hujun, who had originally been in seclusion, quietly emerged. She set out a banquet in a pavilion atop the mountain and sat facing a young cultivator dressed in a Confucian robe and silk headscarf.
Tian Hujun's face was slightly pale. She did not even dare exchange more than a few pleasantries, like a troublesome schoolchild listening to a teacher's reprimand.
The young man collected his thoughts and smiled. "Is Senior Brother Qin still so busy?"
Since he had phrased it as a question, Tian Hujun swiftly and carefully weighed her words before answering in a trembling voice, "Qin Que is an old acquaintance of Zhao Fuyang from Zhuiyuan Mountain, while I am not unfamiliar with Yu Chunzhi of Fenwan Mansion on Hehuan Mountain either. More than a century ago, Yu Chunzhi visited Qingxia Island, and Venerable Master had me receive her on his behalf. A few years ago, Yu Chunzhi's son, Yu Zhen, also secretly traveled through Book Scroll Lake and visited my Sulin Island. Therefore, when Hehuan Mountain held this marriage selection, Qin Que could not easily refuse and went alone to attend the banquet. I needed to remain in seclusion and did not wish to be entangled with Hehuan Mountain, so I politely declined the invitation. The Hehuan Mountain banquet will be held tonight."
She had truthfully explained everything she ought to explain, down to the last detail. Yet Tian Hujun absolutely did not dare say anything unnecessary, afraid of drawing legs on a snake and creating further complications.
For example, Hehuan Mountain now called itself Little Book Scroll Lake. Did Tian Hujun dare add even one more word?
For