Capture the Jade (Attacking the Jade) - Chapter 23-Part 2
Chapter 23-Part 2
“Your situation is completely different from Meng Yunsheng’s.”
Xiao Ya glanced at Teng Yuyi.
“What’s rare is that I’m also willing to help you, but if you want to resolve the calamity, you can still refer to the method Meng Yunsheng came up with.”
Teng Yuyi took a sip of wine to calm her nerves, holding the cup as she pondered, “You’re saying I can also resolve the calamity by slaying demons and monsters?”
“Exactly.”
Xiao Ya stood up and began pacing the table.
“Think about it, what was the first major thing you did after waking up?”
“Saved my cousin?”
“That’s right.”
Xiao Ya nodded in satisfaction.
“But the reason you were able to save her was because you cooperated with Lin Chengyou to kill a tree demon that was about to become a full-fledged demon. I suspect the merit of killing that demon was credited to you, which is why your cousin was able to wake up safely. After all, the tree demon had harmed several women, so trading its life for your cousin’s isn’t exactly defying heaven’s will.”
Teng Yuyi was stunned.
Her cousin had been in grave danger that night, and even after taking the Six Yuan Pill, it wasn’t guaranteed she’d wake up.
Yet, not only had her cousin survived, but she also hadn’t suffered any lasting effects.
She never expected it was due to helping kill the tree demon in the courtyard.
“So you see, by living, you’ve already changed many people’s destinies.”
Xiao Ya shook his head dramatically.
“It’s only natural that the person who extended your life would face misfortune in return. But don’t worry about that person for now. Based on Meng Yunsheng’s experience, all you need to do to resolve the calamity is to kill a few more demons. The more vicious the demon, the better it will be for you.”
He spoke as if slaying demons was as easy for Teng Yuyi as slaughtering chickens and ducks.
Teng Yuyi calmly considered, “Xiao Ya, let me ask you, could you have easily killed the one from last night at Caifeng Tower?”
“This…” Xiao Ya paused mid-stroke of his beard.
“That one last night was indeed terrifying.”
Teng Yuyi couldn’t hide the disappointment in her eyes.
She had thought having Xiao Ya with her would make everything smooth sailing, but it seemed far from that.
She spread her hands helplessly.
“While your suggestion makes sense, saying it is one thing, doing it is another. Take the tree demon at Ziyun pavillion, for instance. Even with Lin Chengyou’s skills, it took quite a bit of effort to subdue it. I don’t know martial arts, nor do I know Taoist techniques. Even with your help, what can I do? If I actually encountered a demon, I’d be lucky just to survive.”
“This…” Xiao Ya blinked his tiny green bean eyes.
“Just pick some low-level demons. As long as you kill them personally, it counts.”
Teng Yuyi chuckled.
“Tell the powerful demons to step aside and let the weaker ones come forward to die?”
Xiao Ya, with his fiery temper, flared up immediately.
“Miss Teng, I’m offering you the best solution I can think of. If you don’t believe me, fine, but no need for the sarcasm.”
Teng Yuyi raised her hand to calm him.
“You said it yourself, you’re not even sure what my exact situation is, and you’re even less sure if slaying demons can help resolve my calamity. If I go hunting demons recklessly without understanding the full picture and encounter something like last night again, I might not even survive long enough to resolve the disaster.”
Xiao Ya puffed up angrily.
“While I can’t be absolutely sure you’re someone borrowing life, you’re not far off. Those young Daoists last night were from Qingyun Temple, right? Their temple surely holds many ancient texts. If you find a chance to inquire, you might find a record that explains your situation. Just ask them.”
Teng Yuyi started pacing back and forth in the room, the more she thought about it, the stranger it seemed.
Just as she was about to ask more questions, she heard someone outside say in surprise, “Has Ah Yu woken up? It sounds like there’s someone talking inside.”
“Miss Teng didn’t sleep too soundly earlier. She asked us to bring in some wine. We’re not sure if she’s asleep now.”
Teng Yuyi hurriedly gestured to Xiao Ya.
Xiao Ya nodded and jumped onto the sword, vanishing in an instant.
—
By evening, Teng Yuyi had rested enough and asked Chunrong and Biluo to pack their luggage.
Madam Du and Du Tinglan, already dressed, came to see her and were startled.
“Ah Yu, why are you packing?”
“I was just about to take my leave from Uncle and Aunt. Father is returning in the next two days. After tonight’s banquet at the Duan residence, I plan to return directly to the Teng household.”
In truth, she was worried that the demon from Caifeng Tower might really come after her.
Rather than make the entire Du household uneasy, it was better to return to the Teng household sooner.
Madam Du was taken aback; this was too sudden.
“Why didn’t you mention this before? It’s so late now, do you even have time to pack? Why not leave tomorrow morning? Your Aunt and I can help you pack slowly tonight.”
Teng Yuyi embraced Madam Du’s shoulder.
“Father will be arriving in Chang’an by noon tomorrow. If I leave in the morning, I’m afraid it’ll be too late. Besides, I’m only taking the essentials with me today. The rest can be moved later.”
Madam Du found this strange.
In the past, Ah Yu and her father were always at odds.
As long as she could stay at the Du household, Ah Yu would never willingly return to the Teng residence.
Now that she was returning voluntarily, it was surprising.
She smiled, thinking that Ah Yu had grown up and become more sensible.
“You’re right. Your father must be thinking of you too. It’s better to return early.”
She walked over to check the luggage.
“Let me see if you’ve packed everything. You can’t sleep without your stuffed doll. Have you packed all your essentials?”
Teng Yuyi stopped her.
“It’s all packed. After I finish my business in the next few days, I’ll come back. I’ll spend the day with Aunt and Sister and only return home to sleep at night.”
Besides avoiding the demons, Xiao Ya’s words had also made her uneasy.
Dongming Temple, being an ancient temple, likely held many texts.
She planned to visit the temple more frequently.
It would be more convenient from her own home, and if anything happened like last night’s incident again, she wouldn’t have to worry about keeping Uncle and Aunt up all night.
The three of them left the residence together. Du Yuanzhi and his son were already on horseback, waiting at the entrance.
Since the Duan family were in-laws with the Teng family, both Du Yuanzhi and Du Shaotang were invited to the birthday banquet for the old lady of the Duan household.
Teng Yuyi shared a carriage with her aunt and cousin.
Madam Du sat down and said, “I forgot to mention, while you were sleeping this afternoon, your uncle went to Qingyun Temple. This time, he finally met the shizi.”
“Oh, what did Uncle say?” Teng Yuyi asked.
Madam Du replied, “The crown prince was about to leave for an urgent matter and wasn’t planning to receive your uncle. But when he heard it was regarding the demon by the river, he invited your uncle in. He even dismissed everyone from the room, including his two junior brothers. After hearing what happened, your uncle mentioned the time Lu Zhao’an asked your cousin to the bamboo forest.”
Teng Yuyi glanced at Du Tinglan.
Seeing her cousin’s calm expression, she asked, “Did Lin Chengyou agree to investigate Lu Zhao’an?”
“He seemed interested but didn’t explicitly say he’d help. He just smiled and said he’d take note. Then, he had someone escort your uncle out. Your uncle said the shizi may seem jovial, but he’s sharp as a sword inside. When he’s not smiling, he’s fine, but when he does, it’s never good news. But at least we’ve told him the truth. We don’t have to worry about him causing trouble for our family anymore.”
Teng Yuyi pondered.
Anyone negotiating with Lin Chengyou wouldn’t receive such a half-hearted response.
But with her uncle’s straightforward nature, expecting him to engage in verbal sparring with Lin Chengyou was almost impossible.
“Never mind. Aunt, there’s no need to worry too much. Lin Chengyou is arrogant and competitive. Even if he didn’t agree verbally, he’ll secretly investigate. Don’t forget he suffered a major loss to the tree demon at Ziyun pavillion. If he finds out the demon is connected to Lu Zhao’an, he won’t let him off easily. All we need to do is wait patiently for news.”
Du Tinglan blushed and said, “Ah Yu, you’ve worked hard on my behalf these past days. I feel terrible. Since we’re sisters, it feels too formal to thank you. I’ve thought about it, and I’ve bought some fabric. I plan to have my nanny make some clothes and shoes for steward Cheng and Duanfu. Once they’re ready, could you deliver them for me?”
Teng Yuyi was taken aback, then said excitedly, “That’s wonderful! Your nanny is a master seamstress. Although steward Cheng and Duanfu aren’t lacking in clothes, they’ve never worn anything this fine. They’ll be thrilled when I tell them tonight.”
Du Tinglan’s eyes reddened slightly, and she silently gripped Teng Yuyi’s hand.
As they spoke, they arrived at the
Duke of Zhenguo’s residence.
The Duke had a grand reputation, and ever since he inherited his title, scholars from all over sought his favor.
Today, on the old lady’s birthday, the residence was bustling with guests.
Teng Yuyi adjusted her veil and got off the carriage with her aunt and cousin.
The servants of the Duke’s household were busy but orderly and hurried over to greet them.
“Madam Du, Miss Teng, Miss Du, please come inside.”
Through the veil, Teng Yuyi looked ahead.
The Duke of Zhenguo’s family was known for their strict discipline.
The younger members of the Duan family were all at the door welcoming guests, but she didn’t see Duan Ningyuan anywhere.
