Chapter 66: The White Moonlight Master (4)

Chapter 66 The White Moonlight Master (Part Four)

The bamboo courtyard comprised two guest rooms, situated on either side of the main house. It made little difference which Meng Youyi chose, so he opted for the one on his master's right. This way, if his master ever needed him, he could respond promptly.

The room was impeccably clean, with bluestone steps and wooden floors. Inside, the furnishings were simple yet elegant: just a table, a chair, a bed, and a cabinet.

Meng Youyi sat down, his eyes welling up as he surveyed the room. This was the first time in his life he had a room of his own.

Half an hour later, Meng Youyi finished his bath. He stepped out of the wooden tub, only to realize he had no change of clothes. Embarrassed and flustered, he froze, unsure what to do. He wanted to call his master but felt too awkward. Finally, a clever idea struck him: he tore down the bed curtain and wrapped it around himself, making it serve as makeshift attire.

The next morning, Meng Youyi somewhat sheepishly went to pay his respects to his master. Yun Jinqiu frowned at his appearance.

"What's with your clothes?" he asked, noting the loose, dragging fabric.

"Th-this is something I made myself," Meng Youyi stammered.

"Made it yourself?" Yun Jinqiu sounded surprised. "There are clothes in the cabinet. Why would you make your own?"

"There... are clothes in the cabinet?" Meng Youyi blinked. Oh dear, he must have overlooked them.

Yun Jinqiu waved his hand. "Go change into proper clothes. Come back, and I'll teach you how to write."

"Okay." Meng Youyi hurried off to change. He returned to his room and opened the cabinet, where, indeed, a silver-white long robe lay. Carefully, he took it out and held it, examining it closely.

The fabric was unlike anything Meng Youyi had ever encountered—light, thin, and smooth as water to the touch.

Meng Youyi shed his improvised bed-curtain wrap and put on the robe. Oddly, it had looked quite large when held, but it fit him perfectly once he put it on.

He tied the belt and glanced at the dark green jade hair ribbon on the table. After a moment's hesitation, he tied it into his hair. Unfortunately, there was no mirror in the room, so he couldn't see if he looked presentable.

Finally, he fastened the jade pendant his master had given him to his waist.

Meng Youyi fingered the jade pendant and turned to head out into the courtyard.

In the courtyard, ink, brush, paper, and inkstone were arranged on the stone table. Yun Jinqiu had already written the characters "Youyi" on the xuan paper.

Meng Youyi walked over and stood peering cautiously beside Yun Jinqiu.

"Master..."

Yun Jinqiu set down the wolf-hair brush and glanced at him.

"This is your name. Try writing it."

"Okay." Meng Youyi stepped forward and picked up the brush, imitating Yun Jinqiu's grip.

His hand position was fine, but his posture was a bit awkward.

Yun Jinqiu patted Meng Youyi's shoulder. "Relax."

Meng Youyi pressed his lips together and nodded seriously.

Yun Jinqiu noticed Meng Youyi's hair ribbon and, with a swift motion, straightened it.

Meng Youyi, oblivious, kept his eyes fixed on the brush tip. His grip mimicked well, but his wrist was incredibly stiff.

After watching for a while, Yun Jinqiu leaned forward and took Meng Youyi's wrist in his hand.

Meng Youyi's breath hitched, and he looked up. Still young, his head only reached Yun Jinqiu's waist. From a distance, he resembled a small radish top, but now, dressed neatly, he appeared somewhat more refined.

Yun Jinqiu bent down slightly. "Watch how I write."

Meng Youyi stared blankly at his master. From his angle, he could only see his master's slender neck and sharp chin. A refreshing, pleasant scent wafted from his master, making Meng Youyi nervously swallow. Yet, he cherished this gentle feeling deeply—no one had ever treated him so well before.

Not only providing him with food and clothing but also teaching him to read and write. Meng Youyi lowered his eyes, afraid to reveal the emotions in his heart.

Holding Meng Youyi's hand, Yun Jinqiu wrote Meng Youyi's name on the xuan paper.

"This is your name. It will stay with you for life."

Meng Youyi looked at the two characters and gave a firm nod.