Watchdog

The Buried River Water God Matriarch led the Great Sword Immortal Zuo You, whom she had long admired, through the gate. They passed a screen wall connected to the Buried River's waters, crossed corridors and passageways, and reached the main hall. An old cook had just returned from the kitchen, holding a small dish of chilies from the Liu Family's shop. Cooked in plenty of oil, they were bright red and gave off a sharp, spicy smell. The old cook stammered, "M-Matriarch, do you still... still want the chilies?"

Earlier, the Water God Matriarch had complained that tonight's noodles with oil-fried eel lacked punch, so she had sent the old cook to fry up a dish of chilies. Before they were ready, the Sword Immortal had arrived at Jade Purity Palace.

She glanced at the little dish in the old cook's hand, then at the basin of noodles on the table. Finally, she turned to look at Sword Immortal Zuo You beside her, feeling terribly embarrassed.

It was rare for her to have a late-night meal, and of course someone had caught her at it. If she had known, she would have used a smaller bowl.

Zuo You said, "Water God Matriarch, please continue your meal. I'm in no hurry to return to the Tongye Sect. We can discuss business after you finish."

Now look at that. What did it mean for a Sword Immortal to be approachable? What did it mean for a scholar to be gentle, kind, courteous, frugal, and yielding? This direct disciple of the Literary Sage Master before her was the answer. Why were the scholars of the Literary Sage lineage all so considerate?

She asked tentatively, "Shall I get Teacher Zuo a bowl too?"

Zuo You sat down to one side, looked at the large