?
At the next bustling street ferry crossing, the two went ashore and walked back along another Heyang street.
Along the way, Su Miaoqing took Xiao Yifeng to many shops, buying quite a few clothes for herself and getting several sets for Xiao Yifeng as well. Xiao Yifeng tried to decline, saying he did not need them.
Su Miaoqing glared at him with her beautiful eyes and said, "Xiao Feng, when you go back, quickly throw away those old clothes of yours. They look awful. Wearing those outfits while traveling the world disgraces our Wuya Hall."
Xiao Yifeng had no choice but to nod repeatedly in agreement.
Naturally, Su Miaoqing did not forget to buy a lot for her parents, nor did she leave out any of the Senior Brothers. These two generous patrons left the shopkeepers beaming from ear to ear.
Since it was improper to put things into a Storage Bag in public, and the two had bought far too much, several shopkeepers conferred and summoned two nimble assistants to follow behind them and carry their packages, fearing these big spenders would stop buying if they ran out of hands.
Thus, the two ended up with quite an impressive entourage. Anyone watching might have thought young masters from some wealthy family were out on the town. When they finally left the street specializing in clothing and jewelry, the shopkeepers watched them depart with reluctance.
Xiao Yifeng left the address of Wangtian Tower and asked the two assistants to deliver the items there. Otherwise, with both of them laden with bags, they would not be able to continue strolling about.
The two enjoyed themselves until the gathering began to disperse, and only then did Su Miaoqing reluctantly head back to Wangtian Tower. By this time, Xiao Yifeng was carrying quite a few more packages. Asking the waiter, he learned that their earlier purchases had already been delivered to his room.
The clever waiter proactively took the items from Xiao Yifeng's hands. Xiao Yifeng did not disappoint him, handing over a small tip. The waiter did not disturb them further and briskly led the way back.
Xiao Yifeng and Su Miaoqing walked slowly to the North Courtyard. Passing through the pavilions, terraces, and towers of the backyard, Su Miaoqing walked ahead with her hands clasped behind her back, while Xiao Yifeng followed silently.
The two walked in silence until they reached her room door. Xiao Yifeng smiled and said, "Senior Sister, it is getting late. You should rest early."
Su Miaoqing smiled and said, "Mm, Xiao Feng, you rest early too. I'll return to Wentian Sect first thing tomorrow morning."
Xiao Yifeng wanted to say something more, but Su Miaoqing raised her hand and shook her head to stop him. Seeing this, Xiao Yifeng fell silent.
Su Miaoqing walked back into her room. Before turning to close the door, she looked back at Xiao Yifeng with a bright smile and said, "Thank you, Xiao Feng. I had a lot of fun today."
Without giving Xiao Yifeng a chance to respond, she closed the door.
Xiao Yifeng stood outside the door and called out, "Me too."
Leaving Su Miaoqing's door, Xiao Yifeng walked back to his own room. Upon opening the door, he saw the packages neatly stacked in the corner. He sat down, poured himself a cup of tea, and took two sips, lost in thought.
Before long, a knock sounded at the door. Xiao Yifeng assumed Su Miaoqing had returned for something she had forgotten. He hurriedly rose and opened the door, only to see a gentle, graceful figure standing outside.
It was Lin Ziyun, looking at him with a faint smile. Xiao Yifeng widened his eyes in surprise and said, "Shiniang, why are you here?"
Lin Ziyun said with that same half-smile, "What, am I not allowed to be here? Am I interrupting you?"
Xiao Yifeng quickly stepped aside and said, "No, no, Shiniang, please come in."
Lin Ziyun walked into the room and swept her gaze around. Xiao Yifeng brought out a seat and said, "Shiniang, please sit."
Lin Ziyun sat down gently and said softly, "Xiao Feng, you sit as well."
After sitting down, Xiao Yifeng retrieved a clean teacup, poured tea for Lin Ziyun, and said uneasily, "Shiniang, have some tea. Did you come looking for Senior Sister?"
Lin Ziyun did not beat around the bush and nodded. "Mm. Indeed. That girl Qing'er is with you, right?"
Hearing this, Xiao Yifeng's expression turned solemn. He lowered his head and said, "Shiniang, Senior Sister Qing'er is indeed with me. But it was entirely my doing, enticing Senior Sister to come down the mountain. Senior Sister is innocent and naive, and she only left without permission because I deceived her. This matter has nothing to do with her. If you and Master wish to punish someone, punish me."
Lin Ziyun's gaze turned cold. She slowly stood up and said, word by word, "Xiao Feng, do you know that if Qing'er left the mountain on her own, she would at most be confined for a year? But if you privately enticed her down the mountain, I would take you back, and according to the rules of the Enforcement Team, you would be punished with three years of wall-gazing confinement. I ask you once more, tell me honestly-are you certain you brought Qing'er down the mountain?"
Xiao Yifeng was startled. He had never seen Lin Ziyun look so cold and strict, knowing that Su Miaoqing was her parents' greatest concern. He had not expected this to involve the Enforcement Hall.
As countless thoughts raced through his mind, he happened to catch a faint tug at the corner of Lin Ziyun's lips and instantly understood.
Xiao Yifeng pretended to be resolute, gritting his teeth as he said, "This disciple recognizes his mistake. The fault lies entirely with me alone. I am willing to accept the punishment."
"Mother, don't listen to his nonsense! He didn't know anything at all. I snuck out entirely on my own. I'll go back with you and take the punishment. Don't make things difficult for Xiao Feng!"
Before his words had fully settled, Su Miaoqing came running in from outside, her face filled with anxiety. She rushed to Lin Ziyun's side and took her hand.
"Shiniang, it was all my doing. It has nothing to do with Senior Sister!" Xiao Yifeng urged.
Hearing this, Su Miaoqing glared at him in frustration and snapped, "Xiao Feng, are you foolish? Three years of wall-gazing confinement! You're trying to claim that too?"
Suddenly, Lin Ziyun burst into laughter. She laughed until she lost her breath and sank back into her seat, leaving Su Miaoqing completely bewildered.
Su Miaoqing stood stunned for a moment before realizing what had happened. She stomped her foot hard, her face flushing bright red as she huffed, "Mother, you tricked us! I'm not talking to you!"
Lin Ziyun tried hard to maintain a serious face, but she could not hold back her smile as she teased, "Why do I feel so much like the heartless Queen Mother separating two lovers?"
Su Miaoqing's face grew even redder. She snorted and turned away.
Lin Ziyun smiled and said, "Xiao Feng, get up quickly. Everyone sit down and speak. I watched both of you grow up. How could I not see through your little schemes? I've been following you two all evening."
Not only was Xiao Yifeng stunned as he got up, but Su Miaoqing also opened her mouth in surprise. "Mother, you followed us all evening? When did you arrive?"
Lin Ziyun gave her daughter a playful glance and teased, "I'm not telling you." Su Miaoqing acted coquettishly, but Lin Ziyun refused to give in.
After a moment, Su Miaoqing eagerly retrieved all the items she had bought to show Lin Ziyun one by one. Lin Ziyun smiled and said, "Silly girl, at least you were thoughtful."
A moment later, Lin Ziyun turned solemn and said, "Alright, Qing'er, you've had your fun and made your fuss. Come back with Mother now, or your father will worry."
Su Miaoqing's expression dimmed, but she still nodded in agreement. Lin Ziyun turned to Xiao Yifeng and said, "Xiao Feng, we are leaving. Rest early."
With that, she stood up first and walked toward the door. Su Miaoqing followed behind her, reluctant to leave.
Just before stepping out, Su Miaoqing looked back at Xiao Yifeng with a lingering gaze, forcing a cheerful smile as she said, "Xiao Feng, I'm leaving. Take care of yourself, and don't disgrace our Wentian Sect. When you return to the mountain, remember to bring me a gift."