Chapter 314: Blessings
Chapter 314: Blessings
Ji Qingbai's expression turned solemn as he continued, "Previously at Big Black Mountain, if it weren't for Mo Hua's timely assistance, our entire family might not have survived."
"Later, when Zui Xiu pursued us, Ji Li would have lost his life if not for Mo Hua's rescue."
"As for Lu Dian Si, and Kong Sheng who perished in Hei Shan Stockade, although I'm unaware of the specifics, I know that Mo Hua lent them a helping hand."
"Not to mention, he drew countless arrays for the demon hunters. Without those arrays, the Artifact and Elixir Shops couldn't have been established, and the demon hunters would have faced far greater dangers when venturing into the mountains..."
"Thanks to his arrays, the loose cultivators in Tongxian City are living better lives. We have a peaceful place to call home, and Ji Li and Fu Lan were able to get married..."
The more Ji Qingbai spoke, the more emotional he became, and he firmly said,
"This cup of tea is a must!"
Mo Shan tried to decline, "Brother Ji, Mo Hua is still young and can't bear such honor..."
Ji Qingbai insisted, "Although he's young, his achievements are remarkable, and he deserves this recognition."
Mo Shan wanted to refuse further, but Ji Li and Fu Lan had already solemnly presented the tea to Mo Hua.
Mo Hua couldn't refuse any longer and accepted the tea with some embarrassment.
Only then did Ji Qingbai smile and say, "Mo Hua, you are our family's benefactor. From now on, no matter what you need, just say the word, and we will not hesitate, even if it means plunging into boiling water or walking through fire."
Mo Hua was both amused and touched, "Uncle Ji, you're too kind."
Mo Shan also smiled bitterly, feeling a bit helpless.
Fortunately, after the tea ceremony, the formalities lessened, much to Mo Hua's relief. He happily joined the wedding feast.
The banquet was filled with joy and laughter. The table was laden with wine and meat, a sumptuous and delicious spread.
Mo Hua sat with Da Hu and the other two, as well as Da Ping and Da Zhu.
The group of young friends enjoyed the feast, eating to their heart's content.
Wine cups clinked and the host and guests alike were filled with merriment. The celebration continued until the sky gradually darkened, and then everyone began to disperse.
As Mo Hua prepared to leave, Ji Qingbai, along with Ji Li and Fu Lan, saw him off personally.
Ji Qingbai was in high spirits, having drunk quite a bit. Ji Li and Fu Lan held hands, their eyes curved in smiles.
Mo Hua couldn't help but wish for everyone to remain this peaceful and happy.
That way, he could continue mooching off them with a happier heart.
Ji Qingbai, a little drunk, repeated his words of gratitude from earlier. Ji Li, being introverted and not good with words, expressed his gratitude with his eyes.
Fu Lan presented Mo Hua with a wedding gift box, "Inside is a 'wedding cake', baked by me. Mo Hua, if you don't dislike it, please take it home and have a taste."
Mo Hua smiled sweetly, "Thank you, Sister Fu."
Fu Lan was pleased to see Mo Hua happily accept her gift, and she smiled in return.
The wedding cake was beautifully packaged and felt substantial.
Mo Hua had assumed that the 'wedding cake' was one of the common pastries at wedding banquets, something that everyone would receive. However, upon returning home, he realized that he was the only one who had received one.
Liu Ruhua explained, "Wedding cakes are made by the newly married couple and given to the most honored guests. The process is intricate, and the ingredients are carefully selected. Most cultivators may never taste a wedding cake in their entire lives."
Mo Hua was surprised, "Is it that precious?"
Liu Ruhua nodded, "It's a token of their goodwill and a blessing."
"A blessing for what?" Mo Hua was a bit confused.
"A blessing for harmony and a wish for you to find a wonderful partner."
Mo Hua's face reddened slightly, "I'm still too young for that."
Liu Ruhua couldn't help but laugh, "It's best to receive such blessings early."
"Should I eat it then?" Mo Hua hesitated, "Or should I keep it and save it?"
He felt that the cake was too precious to eat, and it would be better to keep it as a memento.
Liu Ruhua smiled, "Of course, you should eat the cake. This is Sister Fu Lan's wish for you. Don't waste it."
"Oh, okay." Mo Hua nodded, and although he felt a bit reluctant, he took a piece and took a bite, his eyes lighting up immediately.
It was delicious!
The wedding cake looked ordinary from the outside, but it was soft and chewy. When he bit into it, he discovered a variety of fillings, each bite bursting with fragrant and rich flavors.
It was both sweet and aromatic.
Mo Hua took a piece and offered it to his mother, "Mom, try this."
Liu Ruhua shook her head and smiled, "I'm already married. I don't need to eat it."
"Then I wish you and Dad a harmonious life together."
Liu Ruhua's face reddened, and she chuckled, "You little rascal..."
Mo Hua offered her another piece, and Liu Ruhua reluctantly took a bite, nodding in agreement, "It truly is delicious. Fu Lan is indeed talented and skillful.
Wedding cakes were a rare treat, and Mo Hua wanted to share the joy and blessings with everyone.
"Mother has already had some, so this piece is for Father."
"Old Chen has been a bachelor his entire life. Let's give him one and see if it can help him find a wife..."
"I don't think Old Feng will be looking for a wife, but let's let him taste it as well."
"As for Elder Yu... he already has two sons, so never mind..."
"Uncle Zhang Lan, he may look like a playboy, but he's a lonely soul. He's a good person, so let's give him one too."
"And Uncle Yang, the leader of the Daoist soldiers. I guess it's not easy for him to find a dao companion... Plus, since I gave one to Uncle Zhang, I should give one to him as well, can't play favorites..."
"There's also Da Hu and the others..."
"And there's Mister Zhuang..."
...
Mo Hua mumbled to himself as he thoughtfully allocated a piece to each person.
Liu Ruhua found it amusing and tried her best not to laugh.
The next day, Mo Hua went around Tongxian City and distributed the wedding cake to everyone.
Some people simply enjoyed the delicious taste, some appreciated Mo Hua's blessings, while others had mixed expressions, and of course, there were those who found the situation utterly bewildering and could only manage a wry smile.
After making his rounds, Mo Hua still had about half of the cake left, which he carefully packed into the red wedding box and brought half of it to Mister Zhuang.
"Wedding cake?" Mister Zhuang was a little surprised.
Mo Hua nodded, "It's said to bring harmony and bless marriages."
Mister Zhuang paused, his expression changing several times.
Mo Hua quietly observed his reaction and concluded that Mister Zhuang belonged to the category of people who found the situation utterly bewildering and beyond laughable or pitiful, leaving him at a loss for how to react.
"Mister, would you like to try some?" Mo Hua asked.
Mister Zhuang hesitated for a moment but eventually accepted Mo Hua's offer and took a bite, nodding slightly afterward, "The taste is indeed extraordinary."
Mo Hua smiled.
Here is the rewritten text:
There's a story here! Mo Hua was taken aback, as it was rare for him to see such an expression on Mister Zhuang's face.
He wanted to ask about it but felt a bit embarrassed.
Even if he asked, Mister Zhuang probably wouldn't tell him.
But if he didn't ask, Mo Hua was extremely curious.
Mo Hua tried to suppress his curiosity... but in the end, he couldn't help himself. His eyes lit up, and he spoke softly, "Mister..."
Before he could even finish his question, Mister Zhuang gently tapped his little head.
"Don't ask about things you shouldn't."
There was no reproach in Mister Zhuang's tone, only a hint of helplessness.
"Oh." Mo Hua wisely dropped the subject.
After leaving the bamboo room, Mo Hua took the remaining half of the wedding cake to Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi.
Bai Zisheng, who usually didn't care much for cakes, also took a bite and praised, "It's really delicious."
Mo Hua gave the rest of the wedding cake to Bai Zixi.
Bai Zixi thanked him and sat under the white locust tree, eating slowly and gracefully. After a while, her voice, as melodious as a song, asked Mo Hua, "How is this wedding cake made?"
"I don't know... It's just very complicated."
"Does Aunt Liu know how to make it?"
"Yes," Mo Hua nodded.
Bai Zixi's eyes sparkled.
"But my mother won't make it," Mo Hua added.
Bai Zixi was taken aback, confusion clouding her eyes, "Why?"
"The wedding cake holds a special meaning. Only cultivators who are getting married can eat it."
Bai Zixi took another bite of the cake and looked up to ask, "Are there any other couples getting married soon?"
Mo Hua thought for a moment and shook his head, "Not that I know of."
A hint of disappointment crossed Bai Zixi's face.
She looked at the cake and asked, "Have you tasted it?"
"I had one piece," Mo Hua replied.
Eating one piece was enough to share in the joy and blessings.
Bai Zixi's fair hand reached into the box and took out a piece of cake, offering it to Mo Hua, "Let's eat together."
Mo Hua had been running around all day and was a little hungry, so he accepted the cake and started eating.
The mountain breeze gently blew, rippling the surface of a pond, smoothing the tender grass, carrying the delicate fragrance of locust flowers, and wandering through the mountain residence.
Bai Zisheng lay on the grass, idly flipping through a book to pass the time.
Mo Hua and Bai Zixi, two children as beautiful as jade sculptures, sat quietly under the tree, enjoying the wedding cake.
Snow-white locust flowers floated above them, and in front of them was the vibrant red wedding box.
(End of Chapter)
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