The Teacher Is Right There, Isn't He?

The Xiezhi Scroll fell silent at once, with no further response. Ji Yuan thought Xiezhi had nothing more to say and was about to roll up the scroll when Xiezhi added another remark.

"Ji Yuan, don't you still have two fish?"

Ji Yuan could not help glancing once more at the Xiezhi on the scroll. Though the ink wash painting was utterly still at this moment, and the Xiezhi upon it showed not the slightest hint of life, Ji Yuan had an odd feeling that it seemed to be avoiding his gaze.

"Weren't you always indiscriminate about raw and cold food, swallowing things whole without any preparation?"

"I had no choice. Who wouldn't want to eat more comfortably?"

Xiezhi had only mentioned it casually, never expecting Ji Yuan, who was even quickly finishing half a piece of rice crust, to simply nod and say something.

"The next time I prepare those two fish, Ji will let you eat with me."

"Good. I still trust your word, Ji Yuan!"

Xiezhi's voice plainly carried a smile now. It even offered Ji Yuan a perfunctory compliment before truly falling silent.

"Sir, the tea is ready."

Mother Jujube's voice came from the courtyard. She had already cleared the table and brewed another pot of tea. When Ji Yuan returned to the courtyard, he also released the Sword Intent Scroll. The Little Paper Crane crawled out of the brocade pouch in Ji Yuan's breast, and the last Yellow Paper Figurine flew from his sleeve, transforming into Golden Armor in the courtyard.

At once, apart from Golden Armor quietly standing still after saying, "My lord," the courtyard became a chattering uproar again.

The honey tea in the courtyard gave off a refreshing fragrance. Even though the tea leaves Mother Jujube used were old tea, it was