With Mei
After leaving Yang Bo's office, Mei returned to her room and sank into her chair. Her thoughts drifted back to her conversation with Yang Bo, lingering particularly on the topic of cultivation.
"KNOCK, KNOCK."
Mei snapped out of her thoughts when a knock echoed against her door.
"ENTER."
Rong entered the room, her posture straightening as she cupped her fist respectfully toward Mei, then spoke.
"My young lady, the medicinal bath is ready for your use."
Mei frowned slightly as she looked at Rong and asked in confusion,
"Medicinal bath? What are you talking about, Rong?"
Rong looked at Mei for a moment before patiently starting her explanation.
"A medicinal bath is a special bath infused with rare medicinal and natural resources, it is used to purge the impurities from the body of whoever immerses themselves in it."
"Because of the high efficacy of the medicinal herbs and the natural resources, the medicinal bath purifies the body to its core, even cleansing the marrow itself."
"This medicinal bath will aid the young lady in creating a solid foundation for her eventual cultivation path."
Mei's gaze brightened with intrigue at Rong's words. Without hesitation, she stood and instructed Rong.
"Lead the way Rong ."
Rong nodded, then turned and exited the room, with Mei following closely behind.
______
In the Yang family main bathroom
When Mei entered the main family bathroom, she saw four maids carefully filling a massive golden bath barrel with rare medicinal herbs and other precious natural resources.
Once all the medicinal herbs and natural resources had dissolved into the warm water of the golden bath barrel, the four maids turned to Mei and cupped their fists respectfully.
"My lady, your medicinal bath is ready."
Mei inclined her head toward them in acknowledgment.
"Thank you. You may all leave now, except for Rong."
After Mei gave her order, the maids cupped their fists in respect once more and quietly withdrew from the Yang family's main bathroom.
With Rong's assistance, Mei removed her outer and inner garments. She then approached the golden bath barrel and carefully stepped into it..
Mei felt her body relax the moment she entered the golden bath barrel. Closing her eyes, she quietly enjoyed the soothing warmth of the bath.
After the time it took for an incense stick to burn, her body started to greedily draw in the medicinal water.
After the medicinal bath was completely absorbed, a thick black sludge oozed from every pore of her body, carrying with it a foul, rancid odor as her impurities were expelled.
A wave of repulsive stench rose from her body, making Mei's face contort in revulsion, yet before a single word of protest could escape her lips, Rong moved forward and calmly said.
"My young lady, you have fully absorbed the medicinal bath, purging the impurities from deep within your body. Now, it is time to wash away what remains."
With a satisfied nod, Mei rose from the golden bath barrel and walked alongside Rong toward the large silver barrel, the warm steam curling around them.
With Rong's help, Mei stepped into the barrel and sank into the warm water, closing her eyes as relaxation washed over her.
Rong dipped her hands into the steaming soup, methodically washing Mei's body to remove the stubborn impurities, letting the fragrant liquid cascade through her long, dark hair and her body.
After Mei finished her bath, she rose from the barrel and stepped out gracefully. Rong immediately moved to her side, gently drying her with a soft towel and assisting her into her clothes, before guiding her out of the main family bathroom.
______
Three months later
In a mere three months, Mei learned how to read and write—an achievement so extraordinary that it sent quiet shockwaves through the entire Yang family. The family elders murmured among themselves in hushed disbelief, while servants exchanged stunned glances, scarcely daring to speak of her talent aloud. Yet none was more deeply shaken than her father.
Whenever his gaze fell upon Mei, unmistakable pride shone in his eyes. His affection toward her grew open and unrestrained; praise flowed freely from his lips, rewards followed one after another, and his attention lingered on her longer than on any other. Such favor, however, never goes unnoticed.
Mei's sisters watched in silence. What began as admiration slowly twisted, souring into envy. As Mei's brilliance continued to shine ever brighter, jealousy took root in their hearts, quietly waiting to bloom.
The scholar who had been tasked with teaching Mei how to read and write soon found himself shaken to the core by her talent. What began as routine instruction quickly turned into astonishment, then reverence. Her Intelligent was frighteningly swift, her questions incisive, her progress defying all reason. After three months, the scholar could no longer restrain himself—swallowing his pride, he formally requested to take Mei as his personal disciple, hoping to nurture such a rare jade with his own hands.
Yet Yang Ba's answer was firm and unwavering. Though courtesy laced his words, refusal lay at their heart. Mei was a daughter of the Yang family, his daughter, and her future would not be entrusted so lightly.
The scholar could only sigh in regret, his eyes lingering on Mei with undisguised longing, while Yang Ba stood tall beside her, his protectiveness clear. That day, word quietly spread through the Yang family: Mei's talent was no longer something that could be contained by ordinary teachers.
_______
With Mei
With Rong by her side, Mei headed toward the Yang Family Book Pavilion, her small steps echoing softly along the stone path.
Mei was adorned in a flowing, luxurious gown of soft pink and pristine white, the delicate fabric shimmering faintly with each graceful step. The dress clung lightly to her slender frame, embroidered with intricate patterns that caught the sunlight and seemed to dance with every movement. Her hair was neatly styled, a few loose strands brushing against her porcelain cheeks, and the faint scent of jasmine followed her as she walked.
When Mei and Rong finally arrived in front of the silver-colored pagoda, Mei's steps slowed as her eyes widened in awe. The pagoda gleamed under the soft sunlight, each tier reflecting a delicate shimmer that made it look almost ethereal. Its intricate carvings, like flowing clouds and twisting dragons, spoke of artistry and mastery beyond ordinary hands. Mei tilted her head slightly, tracing the elegant curves of the roof with her gaze, her heart quietly stirring with admiration. Even Rong, walking beside her, couldn't help but glance upward, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The sheer beauty of the pagoda seemed to pause the world around them, leaving only Mei and the silvery brilliance before her.
At the very top of the pagoda, a grand wooden board hung prominently, its polished surface bearing the gilded characters: "Yang Family Book Pavilion." The golden letters shimmered in the light, announcing to all who approached that this was no ordinary structure, but a sanctuary of knowledge and prestige, where the wisdom of generations of the Yang family had been carefully preserved.
In front of the grand gate of the pagoda, two guards stood at rigid attention, their silver armors gleaming under the soft sunlight. The polished metal reflected the world around them, casting fleeting shards of light onto the stone path. As Mei's delicate footsteps echoed closer, the guards' eyes softened with recognition. In unison, they cupped their fists respectfully, a gesture of both deference and protocol, and inclined their heads slightly.
"Greetings, young lady Mei," the taller of the two said in a voice that was deep yet courteous, each word carefully measured. The other followed, his tone equally respectful. Their synchronized movements and solemn expressions gave an air of disciplined reverence, yet there was a hint of warmth in their eyes, as if they were glad to see her.
The gentle rustle of Mei's luxurious pink-and-white dress accompanied her steps, and for a brief moment, the air seemed to shimmer with the quiet tension between the disciplined authority of the guards and the grace of her presence. Even the towering gates of the pagoda seemed to acknowledge her approach, standing sentinel in silence as she drew nearer.
Mei's smile was soft and refined, like the first light of dawn, and with a slight nod, she returned the guards' gesture, her presence commanding quiet admiration without a word.
The bald, muscular guard fixed his gaze on Mei and spoke to her with unwavering respect.
"My young lady, Elder Pa awaits you inside the Book Pavilion."
Mei nodded to the guards before stepping into the Book Pavilion with Rong, not sparing a glance back at them.
_______
Inside the Book Pavilion
After Mei and Rong stepped into the Book Pavilion, Mei's eyes widened in awe. Towering shelves stretched endlessly in every direction, each crammed with books, scrolls, and manuscripts of every imaginable size. The air was heavy with the faint scent of aged paper and ink.
Before Mei could even begin exploring the books and scrolls, an elderly voice rang out, calling out to her.
"My lady, you have arrived sooner than expected."
When Mei turned toward the voice, she saw an elderly man slowly making his way toward her, leaning heavily on a worn wooden walking stick. Each step he took seemed measured, deliberate.
His face was a map of time—deep wrinkles etched around his eyes and mouth.
His short gray hair, neatly combed, shimmered faintly in the soft light, while a long, silvery mustache cascaded down to frame his thin, gaunt cheeks. Despite his frailty, there was a quiet dignity in his bearing, a sense of wisdom that radiated from his steady, observant eyes. As he drew closer, the subtle creak of his walking stick against the stone path.
The old man wore a purple robe and sandals, his eyes soft as they looked at Mei.
The elderly man is one of the Yang family's respected elders, known as Yang Pa.
Mei's lips curved into a gentle smile as her eyes fell upon Elder Pa. A warmth spread through her chest, a mixture of respect and familiarity.
She lifted her hands, cupping her fists in greeting, her movements were graceful and deliberate. "Greetings, Elder Pa."
Elder Pa's gaze softened at her gesture, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he nodded in acknowledgment, appreciating both her respect and her poise.
"It is good to see you too my young lady."
He then paused for a moment before continuing.
"My young lady, you may freely read any book or scroll that catches your interest on this floor of the Book Pavilion," he pause for a moment before continuing.
"However, the second floor is strictly off-limits. You are not permitted to ascend the staircase or examine any of the materials stored there. This is lord Patriarch order."
Upon hearing Yang Pa's words, Mei nodded her head seriously in understanding and replied.
"I understand elder Pa."
Elder Pa smiled in satisfaction, then turned and walked away.
After Elder Pa left, Mei glided across the Book Pavilion and settled at one of the empty tables near the tall, sun-drenched windows. Golden beams of sunlight spilled across the polished wooden surface.
She smoothed her dress over her lap, inhale the air softly, before calling out for Rong.
" Rong, gather all the books and scrolls on cultivation that you can find here,"
Mei commanded, her eyes sweeping across the endless rows of shelves, brimming with curiosity and an insatiable hunger for knowledge.
After hearing Mei's order Rong cupped her fist respectfully and replied.
"As you wish my lady."
Rong then turned and began gathering every book and scroll on cultivation, carefully carrying them over to Mei.
Mei picked up one of the books Rong had brought over and began to read, her eyes scanning the pages with quiet curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.
______