Baolan Tree
Translator: Jimminix, Editor: Aruthea
The number of Jing Xian’s friends could be counted by the fingers of one hand.
"You’re not wrong." observed Mo Ruo, "And even if you’re to communicate by mail, I should be the only one you write to. After all, I’m the only friend you can trust." And with that, he returned his attention to the pigeon.
There was a strange glint in Jing Xian’s eyes. A friend?
To him, it was a luxury.
Mo Ruo was quick to grow bored of the pigeon. He scattered the rest of the grains on the ground, and returned to his spot by the furnace. And that was when his gaze caught a potted plant beside the couch.
In the pot was a Baolan Tree. It was a medicinal plant, and he once had a few of them in his possession in the past.
The presence of a Baolan Tree in Jing Xian’s residence itself was nothing out of the ordinary. But what caught his eyes was the blood-red soil that was used to pot the plant. Baolan Trees were typically planted in yellow soil, but this plant was still thriving, with dense foliage.
He casually raised his hand to plucked one of the leaves from the plant while Jing Xian was not watching and hid it in his sleeves.
"What is it?" asked Jing Xian.
"In this entire place, this seems to be the only plant that has been well taken care of." he responded with a smile.
"Baolan Trees are always easy to raise. They can survive in all sorts of environments. You know how I don’t like taking care of plants, but the atmosphere would be a little lifeless if I do not have anything in my house. That’s why I opted for a Baolan Tree. All I have to do is to water it frequently and it’ll take care of itself."
"You have a point." Mo Ruo diverted the conversation, "Oh, right. Why don’t you take a seat, and let me have a look at your pulse."
Jing Xian did as he was told, and released the pigeon.
"You seem well enough." observed Mo Ruo, "Have you been taking the medicine on time while I was not in the capital?"
"I have." Jing Xian nodded, "Do you think I’ll skip even a dose with Bi Lu keeping an eye on me daily?"
The conversation between the two eventually drifted elsewhere, like Mo Ruo’s adventures after leaving the capital, minus the attempt on his life.
When it was time to leave, Mo Ruo left with a few pots of wine brewed by Jing Xian. It was quite the haul for him.
But he left Tongren Palace with a heavy heart. He had seen the
He sighed as he pulled the Baolan Tree leaf out from his sleeve, the weight of concern heavy on his chest.
With some hesitation, he glanced at the two pots of wine in his hands and handed one of them to the palace guards as he approached the palace gate, much to the man’s surprise.
"What is this for, Young Master Mo?"
"Take it. It’s a gift."
"Eh?" He was completely astounded.
It had been common knowledge among the palace guards that it was impossible to part Mo Ruo with his wine. And this was why he was shocked to receive the pot of wine from the young master with the reputation of a cheapskate.
How terrifying! The guard whispered to his colleague with eyes wide open, after Mo Ruo was no longer in sight, "Do you think Young Master Mo was possessed or something?"
"Perhaps… Perhaps he has received enlightenment?" the other guard scratched his head in confusion.
"Do you think it’s even safe to drink this?"
"Of course it is. I bet he got it from Prince Xian. We all know he brews good wine. We’re lucky to be able to have a taste."
"Damn right."
With broad grins on both their faces, the two guards hid the wine. They were looking forward to enjoying the pot of liquid gold once their shift was over.
……
An object landed on Mo Ruo’s head right as he arrived at Yuhua Pavillion, and landed on the ground with a loud clang
It was a cup.
His hand immediately shot up to grasp at the spot on his head. But there was nothing he could do as the culprit was not in sight.
Mo Ruo was immediately approached by his apprentice the moment he walked through the entrance. "Shifu, there’s trouble!" the boy shouted as he pointed at the loft.
"What is it?"
"Shimu is throwing a tantrum up there."
"Shut it!" Mo Ruo chided the boy, "I’ll cut your tongue off if you call her that again."
The boy immediately covered his mouth with his hands. His eyes were instantly filled with fear.
Mo Ruo cast one last glance at the boy before heading upstairs, where Tang Si was waiting with the piece of handkerchief in her hand. His eyebrows immediately furrowed when he noticed the furious expression on her face. I have a bad feeling about this.
"Who gave it to you?" Tang Si motioned at the handkerchief.
Eh? Didn’t Ji Yunshu give me that?
He took the handkerchief from Tang Si and glanced at the table. It was filled with things bought by Tang Si.
"Where is the thing that came with it?"
"What thing?"
"The thing wrapped in the handkerchief. Where did you put it?"
Tang Si’s anger dissipated and was replaced by confusion, "What thing? There’s nothing in it."
"Nothing at all?"
There’s no way Ji Yunshu will pull a prank on me! "Baozi!" he called out. [1]
And the servant boy appeared, "I’m here, Shifu."
"Where’s the thing that Teacher Ji sent to me?"
"The thing that he sent to you?" The boy pointed at the handkerchief Mo Ruo held in his hand, "This is it."
"I’m asking about the thing that’s wrapped inside it."
"The thing that’s wrapped inside?" the boy scratched his head, "But there’s nothing in it." and he shook his head.
"Are you telling the truth?"
"Yes, I’d never dare to lie to you."
Mo Ruo was utterly confused.
"Are you saying that Ah Ji gave you this handkerchief?" Tang Si tugged at his arm.
"Who else can it be?" he responded with a question of his own.
Tang Si’s expression immediately darkened.
She rolled her eyes and turned towards the servant, "Didn’t you say that a man delivered this thing?"
"It…it was…"
"You…" And Tang Si proceeded to give the boy a dressing down.
Just then, Mo Ruo noticed that one of his cups from his tea set was missing. He was quick to realize that the culprit who had thrown the cup that landed on his head was none other than the crazy woman.
He lifted one of the cups and glared at her, "Were you the one who threw the cup?"
Tang Si immediately found herself in an awkward spot, "No, it’s not me…" she waved her hands in front of her.
And she immediately fled the scene, as far away as her feet could carry her.
[1] Yay he finally has a name! Bao zi = Little (steamed) Bun lol