Chapter Fifty-Four: Thoughts and Longings

“You are the first person who taught me to reason…” Hearing these words, it was hard not to feel a pang of sorrow.

Blood Snow paused for a moment, then naturally drew the little one beside her into her embrace. “You’re growing up now, and sometimes you must distinguish right from wrong on your own. Good and bad are often just a matter of thought. Like when you tried to catch the little fox—perhaps your intention was noble, but your actions were wrong.”

“I think I understand…” Little Tiger nodded, half comprehending, his face tinged with uneasiness.

Aside from his grandmother, no one had ever held him like this before. She smelled sweet, which made him feel comfortable, reminiscent of the warmth he once felt from his father—instinctively close.

“Though you’re a big child, you’re still just a child.” She sighed, wondering how she ended up educating a five-year-old. Perhaps it was because she often taught Little Stream this way, prompting her to start lecturing.

“If Little Tiger’s father were still here, he would probably teach him the same way…” The elderly woman nearby was stirred by these words, her aged face displaying nostalgia and helplessness. “Look at me, an old woman rambling on again, making the young lady pity me for no reason.”

“You needn’t be so cautious. Speak freely, I won’t take offense,” Blood Snow comforted her.

“In that case, forgive me for speaking out of turn. My daughter-in-law is greedy, so I hope you’ll leave after lunch and not offer her money as thanks. No amount could satisfy her greedy nature,” the old woman said earnestly.

There was another meaning behind her words—if her daughter-in-law got money, she’d probably flaunt it for days, disturbing the household’s peace.

“Grandma…” Little Tiger listened in confusion but understood the gist. Still, he didn’t want this sister to leave, though he knew she would eventually depart.

“Don’t worry, I won’t put you in a difficult position,” Blood Snow replied.

Lunch took a long while to be served. Despite the sharp words from the young woman, her cooking was skillful; if only she were more diligent and less sharp-tongued, she might be an exemplary country wife.

On the table were simple dishes: sliced potatoes, lotus root, scrambled egg with green pepper, and a meat dish—chicken soup.

“Look, I made these especially to welcome Little Tiger’s friend. The eggs are usually reserved for my mother-in-law, and chicken is something we only eat once a year. It was freshly slaughtered just now…” The young wife’s face displayed a flattering smile.

“You’ve been thoughtful,” the old woman’s face stiffened slightly, then she forced a smile.

That hen was the only one in the house that laid eggs… Clearly, the daughter-in-law had spared no expense today.

“Thank you for your hospitality. I usually eat mostly vegetarian,” Blood Snow pushed the meat in her bowl toward Little Tiger, then elegantly picked up two vegetarian dishes to eat.

The young wife’s expression changed when she saw this. When Little Tiger gave the chicken to his grandmother, her face showed panic. “Oh, why are you two eating so much meat…” she exclaimed, snatching the bowl filled with chicken.

“As a wife, is it not proper to let the child and grandmother eat meat?” Blood Snow spoke up, her tone questioning, as if genuinely puzzled.

“No, that’s not what I meant…” Little Tiger’s stepmother hurriedly waved her hands, her expression odd—not begrudging the meat, but hiding something else.

“Then what do you mean?” Blood Snow pressed on, sensing there was more to the woman.

“Nothing, nothing. Let’s just continue eating.” The young wife grew flustered under Blood Snow’s questioning, grateful the girl was blind—otherwise, her secret might be exposed.

The old woman was used to her daughter-in-law’s ways and simply listened in silence.

The young wife watched as her mother-in-law and the boy ate the chicken, her face showing a strange satisfaction. Then, as realization dawned, she was pleased—at least they wouldn’t ruin her plans later.

Lunch was soon finished. Little Tiger seemed cheerful, his lips greasy and his chubby face adorable like a big apple. His smile made his curved brows seem as if they could speak.

The young wife helped the old woman back to her room. Little Tiger slumped beside Blood Snow, and soon his head rested heavily on her arm, as if he had fallen asleep.

“Little Tiger, go sleep in your room, or you’ll catch cold.” She reached out to touch his chubby cheek, but he didn’t respond at all, sinking into a deep sleep.

This seemed…

She gently furrowed her brows, placed Little Tiger softly on her lap so he could sleep more comfortably.

Soon after, the young wife came out, speaking eagerly, “Miss, would you like to rest inside? Though this shabby house may not suit your status, please make do.”

“No need, thank you,” Blood Snow shook her head.

“He’s so heavy, let me take him inside.” Her gaze swept over Little Tiger resting on Blood Snow’s lap, tinged with disdain.

“No rush. Please fetch a handkerchief so I can wipe Little Tiger’s mouth and face,” Blood Snow said calmly, observing the surroundings. This woman was certainly up to something.

Little Tiger’s stepmother quickly brought a clean handkerchief. Blood Snow took it and wiped the boy’s face and greasy lips.

“I wonder why you drugged the chicken soup and sought to harm me?” she suddenly spoke, her tone mild, as if she’d already seen through everything.

Little Tiger’s stepmother was startled. “Miss, don’t falsely accuse me! Why would I put anything in the chicken soup? We poor folk wouldn’t waste food that way,” she insisted, deliberately dodging the question.

She hadn’t expected the blind girl to be so perceptive, and now she was truly afraid.

“Is that so? I was merely asking. Please take Little Tiger back to his room to sleep,” Blood Snow replied calmly, as if it had been a casual inquiry.

Relieved, the stepmother immediately picked up the unconscious Little Tiger and carried him to his room.

As soon as she left, Blood Snow rose, her red fox following at her feet.

Outside, the weather changed in an instant. Moments ago, clear skies; now, dark clouds gathering and a storm brewing. The sky turned ominous, like the face of a beauty suddenly soured—beautiful, yet foreboding.

She stood in the courtyard, hesitating. If she left now, this household’s days might be hard. Though the young wife had brought it upon herself, Little Tiger and the old woman were innocent. She couldn’t let others suffer because of her… She didn’t wish to owe anyone.

She pondered, unable to retreat or move forward.

“You seem to be standing there waiting for me.” A pleasant voice, clear and melodious.

They slowly approached, surrounding the small thatched cottage.

“Though I’d like to fulfill your wish, you are indeed mistaken,” she replied coolly. “It’s simply that it’s about to rain, and I wish to stay and avoid getting wet.”

“I see, Little Snow, you forget me so quickly?” he laughed.

“How could I dare forget the renowned Lord Zuo Qiu?” Her tone remained calm, her face serene. She showed no surprise at their arrival, as if she had foreseen it all.

She turned and walked into the cottage, just as Little Tiger’s stepmother hurried toward her. “I thought you had gone—you nearly scared me to death.”

Wasn’t she startled? She thought her money tree had slipped away, rendering all her efforts futile.

“Who are you people, why are you here…” Seeing Blood Snow enter, she relaxed, but upon noticing the house was surrounded, fear crept onto her face.

Cloud Mist stepped up and tossed a purse at her feet.

“So it’s you,” she said, quickly picking up the purse, her greed obvious to Cloud Mist. “I was wondering when you’d come—didn’t expect you’d be so quick…”

Her face bloomed with delight, her words obsequious, almost kneeling to await Cloud Mist’s orders. But seeing their cold expressions—even the smiling one was unapproachable—she wisely took the money and left.

Soon, a torrential rain began to pour outside. Zuo Qiu Liye stood under the eaves, not entering, perhaps disdainful of the cottage’s simplicity.

He wore a dark robe, his figure tall and slender, his hair covered by a hooded cloak, lending him an air of mystery, only his profile visible.

The other attendants stood in the rain, soaked to the bone but unmoving.

“Little Snow, you seem to have been living happily these days. Did you ever think of me? I have missed you, you know…” His tone was gentle, yet it carried a hint of mockery.

“What does Lord Zuo Qiu mean by this?” Blood Snow retorted.

“I merely wanted to praise you. I didn’t expect your skill at escaping would be so impressive, but I won’t give you a second chance.”

“Opportunities are created, not given,” Blood Snow answered directly, undaunted by the sinister aura Zuo Qiu Liye exuded.