Yang Province, Green Maple Valley.
A fine drizzle fell that day.
Beside the Azure Wave Pool, a slab of bluestone extended into the water, with a crude bamboo shelter erected over it.
Li Xinge wore a straw rain cape and a bamboo hat. Seated on a small bamboo stool, he held a verdant fishing rod and stared unblinkingly at the water.
This was one of the Li Family Head's few hobbies.
Elder Jiang appeared soundlessly behind Li Xinge.
He bowed and said respectfully, "Family Head, Old Zhao has returned."
He kept his voice very low, afraid of startling the fish in the pool and spoiling his master's leisurely pleasure.
Li Xinge chuckled at his words. "Have him come over."
"Yes, Family Head."
Elder Jiang vanished again.
A short while later.
Zhao Wujiu approached through the curtain of rain, his steps steady, not a drop touching him.
He stopped before the bamboo shelter and bowed to the figure in the straw rain cape. "My lord, matters in Jade Prefecture have been settled. The Night-Blooming Cereus Fairy and Hua Yuling, the Hundred Flowers Valley's master, have been brought back and settled in the valley. Grand Elder Hua Wuyi has taken charge of the Hundred Flowers Valley and is investigating the rebels and putting its internal and external affairs in order."
Li Xinge did not turn around. His gaze remained on the deep waters of the pool as he asked, "The Night-Blooming Cereus Fairy... has she been behaving herself?"
"Fairly well, but I can sense a deep knot of resentment in her heart. I fear she will find it difficult to submit sincerely."
"No matter."
Li Xinge spoke lightly, his voice somewhat blurred by the patter of rain.
"As long as she remains in the valley, she cannot stir up any waves. Leaving