Chapter 187: The Little Fairy's Origins Finally Unveiled
Chapter 187: The Little Fairy's Origins Finally Unveiled
"So, Hero Yan has traveled a thousand miles to the capital after a year, mainly to return those five taels and three qian of silver to your sister?"
At the table, Yan Nantian once again took out the small silver ingot, causing Zhang Fengwu to fall silent.
Yan Nantian spoke earnestly, "Since I promised Miss Zhang to come to the capital to repay the debt, I will naturally keep my word."
Zhang Fengxi, however, remained calm and gently took the ingot, nodding. "Hero Yan always keeps his promises; your word is as good as gold. This humble one admires you."
Yan Nantian's eyes shone with clarity. "This is merely what a man ought to do."
Zhang Fengxi added softly, "It's a pity that not many men in this world can live up to such expectations these days."
"That's because Miss Zhang hasn't met the right people. There are plenty of honorable men in this world, like my second brother, Jiang Feng; the valiant hero Lu Zhongyuan; and the Xiaoxiang Swordsman, Wei Mingfan. They are all men of their word," Yan Nantian said.
Zhang Fengxi turned to Jiang Feng. "I've heard of your fine reputation, Sir Jiang. Meeting you today, I can see that your fame is well-deserved."
"I wouldn't dare to take all the credit," Jiang Feng replied. "I can keep my promises because I have the means to do so. My brother, on the other hand, keeps his word because his word is worth a thousand gold." He paused, adding, "There's a difference there that shouldn't be overlooked."
Yan Nantian shook his head and laughed. "You're still as humble as ever."
Zhang Fengwu joined in, laughing as well. "And that's why you're known as 'Jade Gentleman' throughout the land."
Zhang Fengxi also chimed in, her tone nonchalant. "Anyone who can befriend you must be extraordinary as well, especially since Young Master Jiang is your sworn brother."
"You flatter me," Yan Nantian said. "I'm just an ordinary man with two eyes and a mouth."
Zhang Fengxi was as beautiful as jade, came from a prestigious family, and had exceptional martial arts skills. Even at a young age, she had earned the title "Jade Lady" in the jianghu, and suitors lined up from Beijing to Baoding seeking her hand in marriage.
However, she was cold and aloof, her standards lofty. None of the men in the world met her expectations—that is, until she saw Yan Nantian in eastern Zhejiang. He fought for the people and against evil, unconcerned with his appearance or minor details. She had taken a liking to him at first sight.
Here was a true hero, a valiant knight. His demeanor was bold, his character noble. On the outside, he might seem like a beggar, but his inner realm was something few could match.
And so, to this "Jade Lady," sought after by countless young heroes and scions of noble families, he saw her as just an ordinary person.
Zhang Fengxi was sharp as ice and snow. How could she not realize that Yan Nantian had no romantic feelings for her?
Since that was the case...
"Regardless, Hero Yan, you avenged me by vanquishing the Yinshan Ghost Clan after they injured me. This debt of gratitude must be repaid," Zhang Fengxi said.
Before Yan Nantian could refuse, she continued, "Gifting material possessions would belittle your character and underestimate Young Master Jiang's background.
Fortunately, while there may not be much else in the capital, there is no shortage of fine wines from all over the land. I, a weak woman, cannot hold my liquor, so I invite you both to get thoroughly drunk with me, but instead of wine, I will drink tea. May I ask if you will honor me with your company?"
Yan Nantian laughed upon hearing this. "If you had suggested anything else, I would have turned and left. But since it's drinking, I won't hold back!"
Zhang Fengwu laughed as well. "We have Hengshui White from Hebei, Liulin Fragrance from Guanzhong, Zhu Ye Qing from Shanxi, Dukang from Henan, Lanling Spring from Shandong, Shao Chun from Shu, and Flower Carving from the south. Name your poison."
Zhang Fengxi waved at the shop assistant. "Bring us ten jin each of the wines just mentioned, as well as your store's signature Duiyue Yin."
"Yes, ma'am!" The shop assistant acknowledged and left to fulfill the order.
A moment later, the door swung open, and several waiters entered carrying two jars of wine each, placing them near the table. Three large bowls were then set before the trio.
Zhang Fengxi dismissed the waiters and servants, rose gracefully, picked up a full jar of wine, and removed the clay seal. She poured wine for the three of them, saying, "I'll pour the wine, and you gentlemen drink up."
"Good!"
"Cheers!"
"Bottoms up!"
The three men raised their bowls and drained them in one go.
Yan Nantian continued drinking with gusto, emptying his cup each time. Although Zhang Fengwu tried his best to keep up, his capacity fell far short. If not for Zhang Fengxi occasionally substituting tea for his wine, he would have ended up under the table.
In this atmosphere, Jiang Feng also found it difficult to remain sober. He drank quite a bit, but he was mindful of his limits. When he felt he had imbibed enough, he began to feign drunkenness, gradually reducing his intake.
"Bang!"
Zhang Fengxi opened another jar of wine, the renowned 'Duiyue Yin' of the Shangyue Tower, and refilled the men's cups.
Zhang Fengwu managed a mouthful before he could no longer hold back and covered his mouth as he stood up to excuse himself.
As Jiang Feng raised his cup to his lips, his eyes flickered as he glanced at Zhang Fengxi. He noticed her tense gaze fixed on Yan Nantian.
Then, Yan Nantian lifted his bowl and drained it in one swig.
A smile appeared on Zhang Fengxi's face, and Jiang Feng blinked, giving no indication that he intended to stop her. He drank as well, then seemed to choke, lowering his head and coughing into his sleeve.
...
"As expected, all the fine wines under heaven gather in the capital. I, Yan, have only drunk about ten jin of wine, and I'm already a little drunk." Yan Nantian shook his head in a daze, "The fine wines of the world each have their unique charm, and I haven't even tasted Liulin Fragrance and Dukang wine yet."
"But my eldest brother and Young Master Jiang are already drunk. I'll have the attendants escort them to rest. If you want to continue drinking, I'll keep you company." Zhang Fengxi said softly.
"No need, no need." Yan Nantian shook his head, "Today has been delightful, thanks to your hospitality, Miss Zhang."
Zhang Fengxi took a deep breath, "You and Young Master Jiang are both drunk. I've already booked guest rooms upstairs. Shall I help you to your rooms?"
"No need to trouble yourself, Miss Zhang. I can walk," Yan Nantian said.
Yan Nantian stood up, steadying himself. However, he felt his mind clouding, something he had never experienced despite his years of drinking, "Looks like I can't mix my drinks..."
Then, with attendants supporting Zhang Fengwu and Jiang Feng, along with a wobbly Yan Nantian, they made their way to the guest rooms upstairs.
As Jiang Feng entered his room, he glanced and noticed Zhang Fengxi following closely behind Yan Nantian. She quickly slipped into Yan Nantian's room.
"Holy smokes, are the women in the 'Peerless Twin Heroes' world this bold too?"
While drinking, Jiang Feng had already detected the presence of a mild sedative in the wine. This sedative was of high quality and challenging to detect when mixed with alcohol, but it couldn't escape the perception of someone who had cultivated the 'Compassionate Flower Manual' like Jiang Feng.
However, since the one who had slipped the drug was Zhang Fengxi, and it wasn't poison, Jiang Feng, who had already suspected as much, didn't expose her. At the same time, he finally understood how Xiao Xianjie, or Little Fairy, Zhang Jing, had come to be.
"I never expected that Zhang Jing's father would indeed turn out to be Yan Nantian."
"A direct hit, incredibly accurate!"
(End of Chapter)
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