King of Hundred Victories Saber-Chapter 553 - 188: The Lotus in the Rain – Strange Case, Sword Shadows Amidst Gathering Storms (Part 3)
At this moment, Bai Zhi was full of grief over the loss of her mentor, Master Hanlu.
Gong Simeng, Qi Meizhen, and Yili gathered around to comfort her.
Gong Simeng gently embraced Bai Zhi and said, "Bai Zhi, don’t be too sad. Master Hanlu wouldn’t want to see you like this. She sacrificed herself to protect everyone; she is a hero."
Qi Meizhen also said from the side, "That’s right, we will always remember her. You still have us; we are all your family."
Yili held Bai Zhi’s hand and said, "Bai Zhi, if you want to cry, just cry. It will help you feel better. We will stay by your side."
Bai Zhi lifted her head and looked at them, her eyes full of gratitude, and nodded.
After this ordeal, Qi Meizhen, Gong Simeng, Bai Zhi, and Yili, the four Madams Shi, finally put aside their mutual grievances and got along together without jealousy.
Shi Feiyang looked at everyone, took a deep breath, and loudly said, "Alright! Now, we are a weary force; let’s return to Jiangnan first and seek revenge later!"
Everyone responded enthusiastically and then led the heroes and disciples on the journey home.
In the bleak autumn wind, their figures seemed somewhat weary, yet incredibly resolute.
Their fire of vengeance will never be extinguished.
The Mid-Autumn Suzhou Prefecture unfolded like an exquisite painting.
The sky was as blue as gemstones, with a few white clouds floating leisurely like cotton candy.
The sunlight was gentle and warm, like a golden veil, softly draping over the ancient streets and pavilions.
The ginkgo leaves by the street had turned yellow, swaying gracefully in the breeze. Occasionally, a few leaves fluttered down, like golden butterflies, laying a thick golden carpet on the ground.
The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of osmanthus, rich and intoxicating, lightly entering one’s nostrils, making one indulge in the scent.
Streets and alleys were full of various autumn delicacies, steaming hot, with laughter and cheer resounding everywhere, exuding the unique warmth and ease of the Mid-Autumn season.
And the Shi Mansion, renowned throughout Suzhou Prefecture, was even more magnificent and grand.
The tall, crimson gates stood majestic, with golden door studs reflecting dazzling light in the sunlight, showcasing the owner’s prestigious status.
The stone lions at the entrance stood imposingly with open mouths, guarding the mansion’s peace.
Stepping inside, one is met with a vast courtyard, filled with rock formations of various shapes, some resembling an immortal pointing the way, others like a cow lying down to drink.
Streams trickled between the rock formations, clear as crystal, with fish swimming freely, sometimes darting through the water plants, sometimes surfacing to blow bubbles.
Around the courtyard, various exotic flowers and grasses were planted, with chrysanthemums in a wild array of colors — red like fire, white like snow, pink like clouds — adorning the garden vividly.
When the news of Shi Feiyang returning with all the Madams spread, the maids and servants of Shi Mansion erupted into excitement.
Their faces were full of excitement and delight, eyes shining with joyous light.
The old steward hurriedly walked out, his face filled with a satisfied smile, directing the servants to welcome them while briskly stepping forward to greet Shi Feiyang.
The maids gathered around the Madams, their gazes full of respect and care.
Some maids quickly took the items from the Madams’ hands, while others busied themselves with entertaining the children, with laughter echoing throughout the mansion.
The servants swiftly got to work, diligently arranging everything.
They cleaned the courtyard to perfection and replaced fresh bedding in each room, lighting incense that emitted a light, fresh fragrance.
In the kitchen, the chefs were bustling, meticulously preparing a sumptuous meal, with dishes of outstanding colors, aromas, and flavors sizzling in pots. Soon, the whole Shi Mansion was filled with enticing aromas.
The layout of Shi Mansion was carefully designed, with Yili, Gong Simeng, Bai Zhi, and Qi Meizhen leading their children to settle in the southeast, southwest, northwest, and northeast courtyards and annexes.
The eastern courtyard was full of green bamboo, with the breeze rustling the leaves, playing a melodious tune. Yili, with Shi Feiyang’s adopted sister Shi Yuyan, felt the serenity and elegance here.
The southern courtyard featured a small garden, with flowers blooming all year round; at the moment, colorful autumn chrysanthemums were in full bloom. Gong Simeng and her two children enjoyed the abundant floral fragrance here.
The western courtyard had a delicate study, with books giving off an ink aroma, where Bai Zhi and her children could immerse in the ocean of knowledge.
The northern courtyard had a large martial arts arena, where Qi Meizhen and her children could feel passion and vitality.
As for their husband, Shi Feiyang, he resided in the house at the lake’s center, picturesque like poetry.
This house was surrounded by water, with the lake being clear and calm, like a giant mirror reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and surrounding pavilions.
The house’s architecture was elegant, with flying eaves and carved beams, full of ancient charm.
The interior was warmly and luxuriously decorated, with furniture made of the finest wood, adorned with various precious antiques and paintings.
Standing by the window, one could take in the full view of the Shi Mansion’s beauty, with a gentle breeze bringing a slight chill, making one feel relaxed and happy.
Shi Feiyang looked at all these familiar sights, feeling a myriad of emotions. This was his home, his and his family’s sanctuary.
In Mid-Autumn Suzhou, a fine rain fell like silk, lightly covering the entire Zhuozheng Garden.
