Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio 03

After achieving a temporary victory, Lin Lai carefully put away the “Watering Horses” painting by Zhao Mengfu in her hands—a piece that, in her previous life, would have been cherished in a museum. Only then did she swing herself onto her horse, patting its neck.

The fine steed understood at once and sped from Lin Lai’s courtyard to the gates of the Lin residence as if galloping over flat ground. Then, unable to contain its excitement, it neighed eagerly, a hint of pride in its cry.

Lin Lai was speechless.

Before she could mutter a word of complaint, she urged her horse forward. When she reached another street, she finally addressed her mount: “Why is it you, Chixiao, out tonight?”

Chixiao snorted in protest.

Its displeasure was further evident when it accepted the special “Old Horse Knows the Way” talisman Lin Lai had prepared for this particular occasion, immediately breaking into a wild gallop. But Lin Lai had anticipated this move and was not thrown off.

To be fair, Chixiao was no ordinary horse. In many respects, it could not be compared to common steeds—for instance, an ordinary horse could never pass through walls, walk the shadowy paths, or travel ten thousand miles in a night.

So, despite its mischievous nature, Lin Lai summoned it from the painting to save time and trouble.

“Let’s go.”

Chixiao raised its head and gave a spirited whinny, then lifted its hooves and dashed away.

In less than a quarter of an hour, Lin Lai had covered a hundred miles and arrived outside a residence in another county.

The moon was bright and the stars sparse.

From the main gate, the residence looked utterly devoid of life, its darkness gaping like the maw of some devouring beast.

But Lin Lai, bold as she was skilled, urged Chixiao straight toward the spot where her missing “Jue” wine vessel was located. With a proud neigh, Chixiao leapt over the three-foot-high wall and charged into the rear courtyard.

Not a trace of human presence lingered; instead, the air was thick with desolation.

Rounding a building, Lin Lai’s view suddenly broadened. Bright lights flickered, and the buzz of voices reached her ears.

She thought to herself, “Should I say something like, ‘You’re surrounded by me’ in this situation?”

It didn’t seem impossible. She was about to lay down a “Heavenly Net” talisman when the doors of the building swung open from within, and a crowd poured out. At their head was an elderly man, who glanced nervously at Lin Lai astride her horse before dropping to his knees with a thud. “This humble old man did not know the immortal lady was coming and failed to welcome you properly. I beg you not to be offended.”

Before Lin Lai could respond, the old man ordered the others to kneel and called out, “Third Lady, come quickly!” In a moment, a bride in festive red appeared, ready to kneel as well—it turned out tonight was her wedding night.

Lin Lai had no choice but to put away her talisman, dismount, and avoid the mass kneeling.

After all, one doesn’t strike a smiling host.

Nor could Lin Lai bring herself to disrupt their wedding—at the very least, she could let them finish the ceremony in peace.

With this thought, she glanced at the sweating old man, clasped her hands in salute, and said, “So it’s your daughter’s wedding. I arrived abruptly, but it happens I have a gift with me—please accept it as a token of congratulations.”

The old man dared not ask what the gift was, and hurriedly replied, “Your very presence is enough to dispel evil spirits, Immortal Lady. There’s no need for any other gift. If you don’t mind, would you honor us with a cup of wedding wine?”

He had barely finished speaking when he wished he could bite off his own tongue.

Lin Lai almost laughed. “Very well.”

The old man was speechless. So were the others.

But what was done was done, and Old Hu could only invite Lin Lai into the inner courtyard. Ten or so banquet tables had been set, each adorned with all manner of dishes, their aromas wafting through the air, ready for the feast once the auspicious hour arrived.

Lin Lai scanned the courtyard, taking in everyone present, and finally fixed her gaze on a guest at the main table, staring intently—because, aside from herself, not a single person here was human. In fact, they were all fox spirits. Lin Lai saw through them at a glance, but it took more effort to recognize that this particular guest was also a fox, though of much higher cultivation.

No wonder.

Tonight, Lin Lai was not dressed as a young woman but had donned men’s attire, a cloak, and a veiled hat. She looked more like a wandering knight than a young lord, yet the guest immediately saw through her disguise and, together with the others, performed such a grand salute. Clearly, they had known of her arrival even before she reached the back building.

As for her gender, their means of discerning it must differ from ordinary people’s, but how did they know she was coming? The foxes who had greeted her at the gate didn’t seem capable of such a feat.

Once inside, the old man kept glancing at the main seat, his fear much diminished.

Now Lin Lai understood—they had a pillar of support here.

As expected, Old Hu quickly made his way over, nearly tumbling in his haste to reach the scholar-like guest.

“Brother Ma!” Save me—

“If our honored guest is willing to join the wedding feast, she must be a friendly and reasonable person. Old man, set your heart at ease,” the scholar said, his voice calm but loud enough for all to hear, including Lin Lai.

She arched her brows at the compliment and stepped forward, intentionally saying, “My surname is Lin. May I ask how to address you, Tiger Brother?”

Borrowing the tiger’s might, indeed.

Old Hu thought, Didn’t I just call him ‘Brother Ma’?

The scholar blinked, then smiled, “Ma—Ma Jiepu.”

He wore a white scholar’s robe trimmed in blue, embroidered with clusters of purple wisteria, which echoed the charm in his peach blossom eyes. Even unsmiling, he exuded three parts allure; smiling as he was now, he seemed to overflow with warmth and affection.

“So it was my mistake. But Tiger—no, Brother Ma, your words are not without merit.” Lin Lai turned to the bewildered Old Hu. “What are you standing there for? Don’t let your daughter’s auspicious moment slip by.”

Old Hu glanced at Ma Jiepu, who nodded reassuringly. Only then did Old Hu busy himself with the wedding arrangements.

Meanwhile, Ma Jiepu gestured for Lin Lai to sit. “Brother Lin, you are truly understanding. Please, take the seat of honor.”

Lin Lai replied, “Then I won’t stand on ceremony.”

Once seated at the main table, she lifted her veil, revealing her face. Glancing at the tableware, she suddenly smiled—radiant as a blossoming crabapple, beautiful but never vulgar.

Ma Jiepu couldn’t help but ask, “What amuses you, Brother Lin?”

Lin Lai pointed to the cloisonné jue in the center of the table. “It must be fate that brings people together from afar. You have a cloisonné jue here, and I happen to have brought a matching set. Why not use them all together for greater elegance?”

She was, after all, the aggrieved party—yet had been mistaken for a heartless demon hunter. How absurd.

With that, she untied her bundle and took out the rest of the jue and cups.

Anyone with eyes could see that, together with the solitary jue, they formed a complete set.

Old Hu was dumbfounded.

Ma Jiepu shot him a look, then turned his gaze on Lin Lai.

She arched her brows and gave a friendly smile.

Ma Jiepu realized his mistake, but continued to mediate, saying apologetically, “Perhaps we can discuss this matter in detail after the wedding ceremony?”

Lin Lai had only wanted to clear up the misunderstanding; she had no intention of causing further trouble. She agreed readily, “Of course.”

Ma Jiepu chuckled.

The wedding ceremony resumed.

Although Ma Jiepu was a guest, he half assumed the role of host, diligently entertaining Lin Lai.

The jue and cups Lin Lai had brought were put to good use, filled with celebratory wine.

She raised a cup and found the color bright, the fragrance alluring. After a sip, her eyes lit up. “What wine is this? I’ve never tasted it before.”

Ma Jiepu laughed. “It was a gift from a friend of mine. If you like it, I have another bottle—it’s yours.”

Lin Lai hesitated. “That’s rather generous.”

Ma Jiepu replied, “We met as old friends at first sight. To gift fine wine to a worthy guest—what could be more fitting?”

Lin Lai thought Ma Jiepu was being sly. “If you put it that way, if I say that accepting your wine makes it hard to argue over the jue later, wouldn’t that make me petty?”

He shook his head. “Each matter stands on its own. I truly wish to be friends with you, Brother Lin.” His peach blossom eyes smiled, yet his gaze was clear and sincere, making it hard to refuse.

Any further haggling would make her seem indecisive, so Lin Lai smiled, “Very well. You’re quite an interesting fellow.”

Ma Jiepu’s smile broadened. “Brother Lin, you are quite extraordinary yourself.”

Seeing the spirits and the clear-auraed immortal lady turning hostility into friendship, Old Hu was finally at ease. He brought his daughter and son-in-law over to offer wine, and Lin Lai learned that Ma Jiepu was the “protector” for the newlyweds.

After more lively celebration, the groom escorted his bride away from her family, their departure joyful.

Old Hu was a little reluctant, but soon had other worries.

When he met Lin Lai’s clear gaze, his legs went weak. “Would you care for more to eat or drink, Immortal Lady?”

Having had several cups, Lin Lai’s cheeks were tinged with a natural blush, but her eyes remained bright. She laughed, “What, are you hoping I’ll overeat and be unable to leave?”

Old Hu fell to his knees. “Spare me, Immortal Lady. I truly didn’t know the cloisonné jue belonged to you. I only wished to borrow it to bring some honor to my girl—afterwards, I’d have returned it as it was.” He began to cry, sniffling and sobbing.

“All right, enough. Don’t start mourning. I’m not so heartless as to punish you for something like this,” Lin Lai said, twirling the jue in her hand. After a pause, she continued, “What I’m more curious about is your method of retrieving objects from afar. How does it work?”