Yi Shuyuan heard the conversation between the Great Toad King and Hui Mian, but was in no hurry to ask more. He merely gazed toward West River Town in the distance, looking slightly lost in thought.
As though sensing something, Hui Mian abandoned the teasing he had intended to continue. He simply leaned against Yi Shuyuan's neck and looked toward West River Town as well. The Great Toad King had the sense to remain silent.
After a while, Hui Mian suddenly spoke.
"Last time I took two flasks of spirit dew nectar from Ancient Pine's blossoms to the Land God of West River Town, we chatted a little longer. He said a prominent figure from Moon Province had bought the old Threshing Ground in town. Construction should begin there around when the weather warms next year. They'll be opening a Poetry and Song Garden together with the Yi Household."
The name alone gave Yi Shuyuan some idea, but he was in no mood to pursue the thought just then. He merely asked quietly,
"What is a Poetry and Song Garden?"
Hui Mian shook his head.
"I'm not too sure. The Land God didn't seem to understand it very well either. He only knew that even the whole Threshing Ground wouldn't be big enough; they'd need to take up another large tract of land. Anyway, it's something scholars like."
The Great Toad King at their side hurried to offer an eager answer.
"Immortal Venerable, I know about this. It's really just something scholars and prominent figures use to put on airs of refinement. They drum up a few attractions, hold poetry gatherings and such. There might also be women skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. In short, just as Fellow Daoist Hui said, it's the sort of fancy diversion scholars