Bai Xiang joked half-seriously, "I'm your lifesaver too. Don't tell me I'm the one you're looking for?"
"If it really is you, then you'll have saved me twice."
"Exactly. That's a weighty debt of gratitude. How are you going to repay it?"
Qingping lowered her head and seriously pondered for a moment, then suddenly looked up. "Then I'll give myself to you! That's how it goes in all the plays: 'My lord's great kindness cannot be repaid by this little woman, so I can only offer myself to him.'"
Bai Xiang burst out laughing. "That won't do."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm a man of the cloth. Men of the cloth do not start families."
"I never said I was giving myself to you."
And so the two of them headed toward the city, exchanging a word here and a phrase there.
In Yueling City, if one were to name the most lavish building, none could surpass Tianxiang Pavilion.
Carved beams and painted rafters rose story upon story. Its carved glazed windows made the inner chambers bright and clear. Refined guests came and went, drinking wine and chanting poetry, high melodies answered by low harmonies. It truly embodied the words elegance and luxury.
"You came with me without even asking whether I could afford the wine. Aren't you afraid we'll drink without paying and get beaten out of here?"
Qingping teased.
"The fur cloak on you looks quite valuable. You clearly come from a distinguished family. How could you not afford a meal's worth of wine?"
"I see. Though Yueling City's weather is clear, it isn't warm. Wearing a fur cloak can ward off the chill."
Qingping explained as if casually.
"That's true. Wine warms the body too."
Bai Xiang grinned cheekily and went along with it.
"You just said you