Chapter 291: Chapter 260: Divination_1
Falling Star Courtyard.
The east wing.
On the wall hung a painting of loquat birds in a mountain, the birds flew about within the painting, and the loquat trees swayed as if caressed by the wind.
A brass incense burner sat on the rosewood table, tendrils of smoke wafted out, filling the entire room with a rich fragrance.
After bathing and changing his clothes, Xu Mu sat quietly in front of the mirror, his spine straight and eyes slightly closed.
Two young and attractive maids dressed in cyan costumes were meticulously combing his long hair with combs made from animal bones.
One of the maids was called Rouâer, and the other was called Xinâer. They were specifically selected by Li Youlan to serve Xu Mu, and he couldnât refuse their help.
âXinâer, why is this yard called the Falling Star Courtyard?â
Xu Mu suddenly asked.
âIn response to your question, Sir, it is becauseâŠâ
Xinâer attempted to answer but was interrupted by Rouâer, who laughed and said: âSir, if you donât mind, why donât we wait until later? Rouâer will tell you then. Perhaps by that time, you wonât need me to explain, and youâll understand on your own!â
âAlright!â
A slight smile played at Xu Muâs lips as he replied.
He only thought to ask in passing; it didnât matter whether he knew sooner or later. Even if the girls didnât tell him, he could probably guess the origin.
Rouâer was teasing him, trying to win his favor.
Li Youlan probably had ulterior motives in sending these two girls âto seduce him.
If these girls could win Xu Muâs favor, it would be like they had turned from sparrows into phoenixes given their status.
In terms of age, it was never an issue for cultivators.
However, compared to Xinâer, who was gentle and serene, Rouâer seemed to be more proactive and bold.
Xu Mu changed the subject and asked, âHow much do you know about the other hangers-on in the mansion?â
âThisâŠâ
Rouâer stammered, seemingly hesitant to say more.
âSir, we maids lack status and not often interact with these gentlemen. We can only offer hearsay. However, if Sir is willing to listen, I can share what I know.â Xinâer answered indifferently.
At her side, Rouâer tried to signal Xinâer to stop talking.
They did not know Xu Mu well yet. Even though he seemed kind and gentle, no one knew what he was like when their back was turned. If their words reached the ears of others, their lives could be at risk.
âGo ahead, tell me!â Xu Mu replied with laughter.
Even though his eyes were closed, he was keenly aware of their every gesture and expression.
Xinâerâs actions had indeed caused him to reassess her.
It seemed that she was not timid but simply did not like to compete.
Rouâer was still sending glances, hoping to stop her close friend, but Xinâer ignored it and continued, âMr. Lu, the house steward, is known behind his back as the âSmiling Tiger.â He is notorious for his double-dealing ways, and many servants and maids who crossed him have vanished without a trace.â
ââŠâ
Could she really be so bold as to say these things aloud?
Xu Mu was slightly astonished. If he were in her shoes, he wouldnât dare say such things.
However, he quickly realized why Xinâer was so daringâit was probably Li Youlanâs doing.
Li Youlan couldnât say these things herself, so getting a maid to do it was the perfect solution.
Clueless of the situation, Rouâer looked terrified.
If Mr. Lu found out about this, they could be the ones disappearing next.
Woe is her!
âWhat about the others?â Xu Mu pressed.
âMr. Jia Zhiyi is loyal and friendly to everyone! Mr. Hong Xi is taciturn and only interested in cultivation! Ms. Qiao Qianqian is easy-going and kind-hearted. Everyone in the mansion likes her! Xu Lingyu, despite being the youngest among them, was the first one recruited by the princess. He tends to stay aloof and doesnât interact much with others apart from performing tasks for the princess.â Xinâer continued to explain in a plain tone.
âArenât there six of them? Who is the other one?â
âThe last gentleman is Wang Yongan who resides in the Rich Flower Yard behind your quarters. He is the one whom the princess values the most. He is a bit dissolute and rarely stays in the mansion; he only returns when summoned by the princess.â
âOh! Thatâs interesting!â
Xu Mu opened his eyes and chuckled, stroking his chin.
On the side, Rouâer had already given up struggling and was only praying that Xu Mu wouldnât betray them. To please Xu Mu, she devoted herself more and more to serving him.
Later, Xu Mu didnât continue to inquire. After combing his hair and adjusting his attire, led by the two maids, he left the courtyard and headed for the banquet being held on the Inviting Moon Platform.
Rouâer, whatâs the Inviting Moon Platform?â Xu Mu asked.
âIn response to your question, Sir, it is the loft located on the highest point of the rear garden!â
Rouâer pointed to a lofty loft built on a man-made hill in the garden behind the mansion.
âFrom the Inviting Moon Platform, you can overlook the entire garden. Itâs the place with the best view in the entire mansion. Typically, itâs only used to host banquets for esteemed guests or during festivals.â
âI am quite honored indeed.â Xu Mu said with a smile.
The three of them passed through three palace gates and entered the rear garden. They were greeted by stacked rockeries, winding corridors and pavilions, ponds, and floral arrangements. Although not as spectacular as some fantastic landscapes, it was still breathtaking and interesting in its own way.
âMr. Xu, what a coincidence!â
Lu Kui quickly walked over with his sleeves rolled up, catching up with the trio with a laugh.
Rouâer and Xinâer promptly stepped aside, letting Lu Kui walk side by side with Xu Mu.
âItâs some time before the banquet begins. Why have you arrived so early, Mr. Xu?â Lu Kui asked.
âI just arrived and wanted to get a good look around, so I came a bit early.â
âOh, I see! Iâve been the house manager for over a decade and know the mansion quite well. How about I show you around?â
âThat would be of great help.â
âNo trouble at all!â Lu Kui laughed.
Under Lu Kuiâs guidance, Xu Mu visited several famous spots in the garden. Lu Kui even shared some interesting anecdotes, making them seem to enjoy each otherâs company.
After having toured most of the garden, with the time for the banquet drawing near, Lu Kui abruptly changed the topic, âI have some knowledge of fortune-telling. Given that this is Mr. Xuâs first visit to the imperial capital, how about I predict your future?â
Xu Mu was slightly taken aback, not sure what this old coot was up to.
Predict his future?
If he really possessed such skills, why would he be serving as a hanger-on in this mansion?
âSure!â
Xu Mu nodded with a smile, curious about what the other party was up to.
âCould you please tell me your birth date and time?â
âThe 543rd year of the Qingâan EraâŠâ
Xu Mu made up a birth date and time according to his appearance.
Lu Kui pretended to calculate using his fingers for a while before his face suddenly darkened. He took out a few oracle bones with patterns carved on them and threw them on the ground a few times before looking up with a troubled expression, âMr. Xu, the result is not so good, are you sure you still want to hear it?â
âDonât hesitate to tell me, Mr. Lu!â Xu Mu replied with a smile.
âItâs a very bad omen. If you continue to stay in the imperial capital, I fear your life might be in danger!â