Her black eyes were as deep as the night.
Whoosh!
The arrow flew out smoothly.
Yao Ye, observing the arrow’s trajectory, thought it might be accurate but doubted whether it would penetrate the target, given her mistress’s weak strength.
Elder Zhi shared this thought. His gaze locked onto the arrow, and when it reached the bullseye, his eyes widened suddenly.
After a few moments of silence, Elder Zhi flashed through the snow curtain like a ghost, reaching the target in the blink of an eye.
Mei Jiu was also shocked. She saw that a third of the arrow had penetrated the target, yet she hadn’t felt any particular exertion.
The others were stunned by this result. No one noticed Mei Jiu’s surprise.
“Ha ha ha!” Elder Zhi burst into laughter, running back like a young man. He stared at her excitedly, “Good, good! I knew I hadn’t misjudged you!”
In high spirits, Elder Zhi showed no trace of his usual sternness. “Alright, go rest now. If you have an affinity for archery, I guarantee you won’t be sent to the Crane Control Army as long as I live.”
“Thank you, Elder!” Mei Jiu rejoiced.
Elder Zhi looked at her carefully, his mind continually replaying the sensation from moments ago. It had seemed so real – the overlap of two people, or rather, the overlap of two spiritual forces. One incredibly powerful spiritual force had instantly enveloped Mei Jiu’s weaker one.
Those with high martial arts skills have a keen sense of such things that ordinary people cannot comprehend.
Yao Ye took a while to regain her composure, her face also showing joy.
As the mistress and maid bid farewell to Elder Zhi and left Yong Zhi Hall, they realized Mu Qianshan had been silently following behind them.
Mei Jiu frowned, realizing she had forgotten to discuss this matter with Elder Zhi in her excitement. However, seeing that Mu Qianshan hadn’t brought an umbrella and wore only thin clothing, his shoulders covered in snow, she softened. Remembering that he had rescued her, she said gently, “Let’s go.”
The journey back was quiet.
Upon returning to Yu Wei Residence, Mei Jiu enjoyed a comfortable bath in the warm bathroom before putting on a light garment and lying in bed, feeling relaxed.
Yao Ye extinguished the lights in the outer room. Suddenly remembering Mu Qianshan, Mei Jiu asked, “Has that guard been settled in properly?”
Yao Ye replied, “My lady, he’s a shadow guard. We don’t need to settle him in.”
“Doesn’t he need a place to stay? He came with us,” Mei Jiu sat up.
Yao Ye explained, “Shadow guards must protect your safety at all times. Even if given a room, he wouldn’t be able to use it.”
“Ah, he won’t be staying in my bedchamber, will he?” Mei Jiu exclaimed.
Yao Ye smiled, “Don’t worry, my lady. Although our household isn’t strict about separating men and women, we do have some rules. After all, there are differences between men and women.”
Mei Jiu felt relieved on one hand but worried on the other. “In such cold weather, what if he freezes outside?”
Knowing her mistress’s kind nature – she never let maids stand watch outside at night – Yao Ye patiently explained, “They have internal energy to protect them from the cold, my lady. Please don’t worry.”
Mei Jiu didn’t believe it. She had just seen Mu Qianshan’s hands frostbitten, but she felt it inappropriate to keep inquiring about a man so late at night.
Yao Ye tucked her in, extinguished the lights, and reclined fully clothed on a small couch in the adjoining room.
The room fell silent. Mei Jiu, wide awake, called out, “An Jiu.”
“My time is precious. I won’t waste it on fools,” An Jiu responded harshly as usual.
Noticing the weakness in her voice, Mei Jiu asked anxiously, “What’s wrong with you?”