Splendid candlelight spilled across the screens and curtains.
By the window, Wang Yang spread out a sheet of white paper and dipped his brush in ink. Chen Qing Shan zipped to his side, her bright eyes fixed unblinkingly on the paper, her expression expectant.
Wang Yang smiled. "I'm not writing fiction today."
"Oh." Chen Qing Shan's phoenix eyes dimmed, and she wilted a little.
Seeing this, Wang Yang said, "I'll tell you another part of the story in a while."
Chen Qing Shan's eyes instantly lit up. The corners of her mouth rose, and she nodded rapidly, looking a little excited.
Wang Yang was about to write when he noticed Chen Qing Shan still waiting beside him. Caught between laughter and tears, he said, "How about this? Go practice your swordsmanship first. I'll come find you when I'm done."
Chen Qing Shan thought it over, then asked earnestly, "Can I read instead of practicing?"
"Of course."
"Can I eat oranges?"
"Yes."
Chen Qing Shan blinked and ventured, "Then-"
"Xiao Shan, you can't eat anything juicy, crumbly, or greasy while reading."
"Oh."
Her attempt foiled, Xiao Shan retreated with her head hanging.
As Wang Yang wrote, he said leisurely:
"I asked Sister-in-law Song to buy hazelnuts and chestnuts. If you eat them whole, there won't be any crumbs, juice, or grease. Just remember to wipe your hands..."
Xiao Shan stopped in her tracks, instantly restored to full vitality!
Wang Yang watched Chen Qing Shan leave, brimming with energy, and smiled before returning his gaze to the paper.
On it were the names of the three Barbarian Tribes he had just written:
"Yongning Barbarians (A), Wuning Barbarians (B), Yidu Barbarians (C)."
Wang Yang had already reached his answer during his discussion with Kong Changyu, but he always preferred to proceed cautiously. Now