Chapter 8: Renovating the East Wing

Early the next morning.

Xiao Ranshu was still half-asleep when she heard faint noises in the courtyard, clearly made by someone trying to be quiet.

Having slept well the previous night, she got up and opened the main door, looking out into the yard.

It was indeed Zhang Da Niang and her family.

Zhao Tiezhu was sweeping the small courtyard, and a bag of rice was placed under the eaves.

Lao Zhao was outside the yard preparing ingredients—it seemed today’s dish would be duck?

Zhang Da Niang was tidying up the makeshift stove that had been drenched by the spring rain. The rain had been heavy and lasted all night, rendering the stove unusable.

The courtyard no longer felt as cold and desolate as it had the past few days; it was now filled with the warmth of human activity.

Xiao Ranshu sighed inwardly, thinking how truly kind this family was!

They had opened the door quietly, and the three of them were so engrossed in their tasks that they hadn’t noticed her standing at the threshold.

At this moment, Xiao Ranshu felt a wave of social anxiety.

What should she say? How should she greet them?

“Good morning?” Would that be too casual?

“Morning?” Would that sound strange?

“Hi?” Would that come off as cold?

Damn it! Why doesn’t this world have emojis?!

As someone with social anxiety, whenever her brain went into overdrive, Xiao Ranshu couldn’t help but maintain an expressionless face.

Just then, Lao Zhao finished cleaning the duck and turned around, only to see Xiao Ranshu standing under the eaves in her pristine white robes, exuding an air of aloofness and nobility.

Her gaze seemed to carry some kind of mystical power, making it impossible to meet her eyes—once you did, you’d freeze in place.

Lao Zhao almost didn’t dare step back into the courtyard!

Little did anyone know that in this moment, Xiao Ranshu was simply overwhelmed by social anxiety, her inner turmoil far greater than anyone could imagine.

Zhang Da Niang worked with remarkable speed, having already cleared the old stove. She was about to energetically start building a new one…

Xiao Ranshu quickly raised her hand to stop her. “Don’t.”

Zhang Da Niang abruptly halted her movements, looking over in confusion.

Lao Zhao, hearing the word “don’t,” froze as if given a military order, one foot still suspended in mid-air, his eyes unblinking.

Zhao Tiezhu was also nervous and cautiously asked, “Fairy, did we disrupt the courtyard’s feng shui?”

In his eyes, though small, the courtyard seemed to hold a hidden world.

Perhaps there was even a legendary formation here!

Otherwise, how could a single night of rain destroy the stove?

They must have violated some taboo by setting things up so casually!

Xiao Ranshu walked over to the east wing and explained, “No, there’s an empty room.”

When she had searched the entire house for food earlier, she hadn’t found a stove, but she had discovered a medicine pot in the east wing.

So this must be the kitchen.

Zhang Da Niang immediately picked up the mud bricks and headed into the east wing. “Right, right, let’s build a firewood stove here.”

Zhao Tiezhu glanced inside and understood as well, promptly putting down the broom and calling out, “I’ll go find some larger stones.”

Lao Zhao finally exhaled in relief and lowered his suspended foot.

The east wing was naturally suited for cooking, and the family decided to build a proper stove for the Fairy.

Xiao Ranshu stepped forward, wanting to help…

But Zhang Da Niang frantically waved her hands, even somewhat roughly shooing Xiao Ranshu away. “No, no! You mustn’t, Fairy!”

In her mind, Xiao Ranshu was a celestial being—how could she be allowed to touch such rough work?

The family bustled about energetically, while Xiao Ranshu stood awkwardly in the courtyard once again, feeling like a useless fool.

So she looked up at the sky and let out a long sigh.

A gentle breeze brushed the hem of her robes, her pristine white attire radiating an ethereal aura in the courtyard.

Inside the house.

Lao Zhao looked up at the courtyard and whispered to his son, “The Fairy is observing the stars at night. Learn from her.”

Zhao Tiezhu was momentarily stunned, then corrected, “Father, it’s daytime now.”

Lao Zhao replied, “But I’ve heard that those with great abilities possess Mystic Eyes, allowing them to see things we ordinary people cannot.”

Zhao Tiezhu thought for a moment and corrected again, “Then it must be Daytime Celestial Observation.”

Zhang Da Niang’s eyes lit up, “Exactly! Lao Zhao, you’re just talking nonsense. Our son knows better.”

Lao Zhao chuckled warmly, “Of course, our son has studied. He naturally knows more than I do.”

Zhao Tiezhu blushed, “Father, it’s not that I studied. I just overheard the Warriors talking while I was working for a wealthy family in the city. I picked up a few things from them.”

Zhang Da Niang patted him, “Why didn’t others understand then? My son is just clever!”

Lao Zhao waved his hand, “Alright, alright, let’s not make fools of ourselves in front of the Fairy.”

The three of them fell silent and focused on their tasks.

Before long, a large stove was set up in the east wing, with a smaller one beside it, perfectly sized for an earthen pot.

Zhang Da Niang immediately began showcasing her culinary skills. Today, instead of making soup, she decided to prepare braised duck!

Zhao Tiezhu and Lao Zhao didn’t rest either. They went outside to chop wood and began crafting a solid wooden round table right in the east wing.

Xiao Ranshu watched in awe, impressed by the trio’s handiwork.

The once empty east wing had now transformed into a kitchen and dining area. Though it still felt a bit sparse, there were clear signs of habitation.

She was deeply moved. If it weren’t for this family, she might have truly starved. How else could she have enjoyed such a life of eating and sleeping?

It was indeed a heavenly existence for a shut-in!

By the time the wooden table was finished, Zhang Da Niang’s duck was also ready, filling the room with a mouthwatering aroma.

As usual, the family planned to leave after finishing their work and cooking, not wanting to disturb the Fairy’s peace.

Xiao Ranshu couldn’t bring herself to offer them a meal, but as they were about to leave the courtyard, she called out, “You all…”

Hearing her voice, the three turned around in perfect unison, their coordination truly remarkable.

But Xiao Ranshu found herself at a loss for words again.

Damn it! She didn’t know what to say!

Zhang Da Niang stepped forward and asked, “Does the Fairy have any instructions?”

After a moment of silence, Xiao Ranshu asked, “What do you need?”

In her view, the kindness was owed to the Original Owner. As an imposter, she felt somewhat embarrassed to receive so much goodwill right from the start.

She wanted to do something in return.

Zhang Da Niang immediately refused, “No, no, no! That’s not necessary!”

The Ten-Word Incantation was already the greatest and best gift. One shouldn’t be greedy.

Lao Zhao also frantically waved his hands, moving them like a windmill, but he couldn’t find the words and just kept waving.

Then, Zhao Tiezhu tentatively asked, “Could the Fairy bestow a name upon my younger sister?”

Lao Zhao stopped waving, his face showing an expression of ‘Is that even possible?’

Zhang Da Niang, on the other hand, had an epiphany and looked on with anticipation and joy.

Xiao Ranshu hadn’t realized the family had a daughter and nodded, “Alright.”

Upon receiving her consent, Zhao Tiezhu immediately knelt down with a thud and kowtowed three times.

Zhang Da Niang and Lao Zhao also knelt on the ground, expressing their gratitude in various ways.

Xiao Ranshu hadn’t expected that her casual agreement would excite the family so much.

Soon after, she watched as the three of them left in exaggerated excitement, their steps down the mountain as if they had an endless supply of energy.

Xiao Ranshu: “…”

Wait, she hadn’t even come up with a name yet. Why did they all run off?

With a puzzled mind, Xiao Ranshu arrived at the east wing room, sat down, and began to eat.

Today, there was not only braised duck but also a pot of steamed rice.

The duck meat, unlike chicken soup that is stewed until tender, had a bit of chewiness. The freshly slaughtered duck had an excellent texture, and it was cooked with ingredients like yam and mushrooms.

Especially the mushrooms, which were incredibly flavorful when cooked with the duck.

It was absolutely delicious!

Finally, with a bowl of fragrant steamed rice, Xiao Ranshu ate until he was completely full.

Who understands the joy of carbs?