Chapter 91: I was only telling the truth.

Not long after everyone had taken the forked path, a turn in the road revealed a small pavilion standing on a little cliff edge. Why say it was standing there so proudly? Because it had been built right on the brink of the slope, where one could drink in the surrounding scenery. It gave a person a sudden sense of openness and clarity, and the cool mountain breeze drifting through here was enough to drive away the midday heat and the stuffiness clinging to the body.

Zhang Xiaolan was the first to hurry excitedly to the open space, gazing at the view below and in the distance. From here, the village ahead and the winding path could all be seen at a glance.

Beyond it, the mountains rose and fell in overlapping layers, all lush with green. A breeze came sweeping across the hills; it was not exactly soul-stirring, but it was wonderfully comfortable.

“This place is really nice. Why is no one stopping here to rest?” Zhang Xiaolan said with feeling. She was very pleased, and also grateful for her decision to come. In the end, the trip had not disappointed her. She had never expected such breathtaking scenery before her eyes.

“Everyone passing through today is in a hurry. After offering incense, they still have to rush back. There are piles of things waiting at home. Who has the leisure we do now?” Haizi said indifferently. He had no sense of romance at all and only knew how to spoil the mood. Xiaolian glared at him unhappily and scolded him, “Haizi, why do you always have to be so unpleasant when you speak?”

“I’m only telling the truth.”

That was what Haizi did best: trading barbs and showing off a little cleverness. He never held back, not even with a young lady like Xiaolian, and knew nothing of sparing anyone’s feelings.

“Enough with the bickering. Let’s go sit in the pavilion and enjoy the view. Ling Xiao, come on.”

Zhang Xiaolan was afraid the two of them would keep arguing and spoil her good mood, so she hurried to stop them, then took Ling Xiao by the arm and turned toward the pavilion.

“Mm.” Ling Xiao had always seemed unconcerned, watching their playful quarrel without reaction, and only responded to Zhang Xiaolan’s words.

Just as Zhang Xiaolan had called for them to go together, she suddenly heard voices speaking not far away. The tone was respectful and polite, and sounded quite young. “Master, let’s stop ahead and rest for a while!”

“Mm. Then we’ll go over there, drink some water, and rest before moving on.”

A slightly older voice answered. It seemed they had also been traveling and were tired, wanting a drink to quench their thirst, only to find that the water bag was empty.

“Master, there’s no water left in the bag. I’ll go get some from the mountain spring nearby in a moment,” the young voice said again.

Their conversation drew Zhang Xiaolan’s attention. Turning around, she saw an old man and a youth, both carrying baskets on their backs as they walked slowly along. The old man wore a full beard, with a few white hairs in it, and looked to be in his sixties.

Though he walked at an unhurried pace, he seemed full of strength. The boy appeared to be only seventeen or eighteen, and he was clearly very attentive and respectful toward the elder beside him—his master, one might say.

“Please go ahead, sir.”

Zhang Xiaolan had been in front of them, but with proper courtesy she stepped aside to let the two of them enter the pavilion first and rest.

“Many thanks, young lady.”

Seeing someone yield the way, the old man looked up. It turned out to be several young women and men. Smiling, he nodded to them and thanked Zhang Xiaolan for her courtesy.

“It’s only right. Respecting the old and cherishing the young is a traditional virtue,” Zhang Xiaolan said. Seeing that the old man looked kindly and seemed to enjoy conversation, she joked and said a few extra words, which drew his attention.