Author's Notes: I would like to say that this shows JFMs POV but it's really more Wei Changze's. I kinda had fun playing with them lol, in truth, nothing important happened here hahahaha

Humor is not my strongest suit in writing but I hope you'll find this funny enough ^^

Again, English is not my first language so please forgive grammar errors and spelling mistakes.
Let me know if the OOCness is at a level you can no longer handle lol
Please note that I took great liberties in many details here so none of them would be realistically accurate

Alternative Title: The Trials and Tribulations of Wei Changze XD

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Chapter 07

Through the Haze

As he painfully landed on his back, the blue-eyed cultivator tried to suppress the pained groan that wanted to erupt from his lips as he attempted to get back up. But as the cold, honed edge of Chen Luan found itself threateningly close to his neck, he could only admit his defeat.

"I yield." Jiang FengMian helplessly smiled in exhaustion and resignation.

Despite the fact that he lost to a young lady 4 years his junior, there's no bitterness in his heart, only awe. It also helped that the victor of the sparring match didn't even wear an arrogant smirk nor send condescending words towards him. The only evidence of pride in her magnificently earned triumphed could be seen in the dignified satisfaction in those keen and bright amethyst orbs.

Yu ZiYuan nodded once in his direction before withdrawing her sword amidst the 'ohs' and 'ahs' of the crowd. She sent him a respectful but firm salute, not undermining her own position in the least, "Thanking Young Master Jiang for going easy on this young one." she said in a straight tone and watched as he picked himself up from the floor of Qinghe Nie's training grounds.

There's a slight prick in his pride at the admittance that this young lady was trying to give him some face despite soundly beating him for the third time, "Maiden Yu is too humble. It was my complete defeat. I learned a lot today." He returned easily with a smile and a salute of his own.

For a moment, purple eyes gazed at him as though he reminded her of something. He would have inquired further but she turned her gaze away after a few more seconds and a very small but brief twitch of her mouth that is not quite a smile graced her lips.

"Still the same."

He thought he heard her utter a few words but without waiting for anything else, the blue-robed female cultivator turned around and walked away. He would have liked to exchange a few more words but the lady in question was soon surrounded by several people showering her with praises and questions, smiles and nods. He had seen it several times already but recently, it makes his stomach rather queasy to watch.

"Maiden Yu." He murmured underneath his breath as though merely trying to see how the name feels against his tongue. It's rather pleasant to say.

Maiden Yu. It didn't take long for the name to be in a lot of young cultivator's lips. And he can't even fault them as the mentioned female cultivator is truly one of the most extraordinary ladies he has ever had the pleasure of meeting. But there's just something about this woman that makes him look longer each time.

Despite her obvious partiality for her cultivation and martial might, she has shown patience for the talents of an affluent young mistress. But even though she has the skills most young ladies can only dream about, she never flaunts them and merely does her own business wherever she goes, uncaring and needless of an audience to praise her.

She's got a strong personality but is rather reserved in character, never stepping out of bounds despite the immense pride she freely shows. She's a rather odd but definitely an interesting individual.

"Young Master, you've worked hard." Wei Changze discreetly smiled as he handed a towel to his lord, "Maiden Yu is truly too strong, even Young Master Nie lost to her 7 times in total already. It looks like he wants to challenge her again." He added as they both saw the boisterous Nie heir gesture towards the training grounds at the resting young lady.

At this, Jiang FengMian frowned a little, "Young Master Nie is too reckless. Since Maiden Yu just finished a sparring match with me, he should let her rest for a bit." he said, unaware of the slightly sharp edge to his voice.

Unaware that dark-brown eyes were carefully observing him, Jiang FengMian ordered his friend to go over and suggest to the ecstatic Young Master Nie how he should let his guest rest awhile before sparring once more.

"Is Young Master greatly troubled over Maiden Yu's condition?" Wei Changze delicately questioned, trying to sound nonchalant as he looked at the other's expression.

This jolted Jiang FengMian a little, "…as I am one of the reasons why she's exhausted, I think it only right to make sure that she's ok and would remain so."

Nodding slowly without taking his eyes of his defensive master, the brown-eyed youth flawlessly followed up, "Of course, Young Master is considerate."

"Make sure to suggest to her maids that Maiden Yu needs to drink a lot of water and eat some refreshments before sparring once more."

"Yes, it will be done." Wei Changze replied and hurried away, his thoughts swirling in a different direction. While considerate, his master has never been this attentive. Maybe he'll look into it deeper. After all, considering the lady at the other end, it's not far-fetched to assume that his distant lord has finally…

His master retired in a room with huge windows overlooking the training grounds that the Nie heir had been gracious enough to lend them during their brief stay. After running his errand, he came back to the room, fully expecting his lord to be resting after his match, only to find the said young master to be sitting by the window looking down below.

"Young Master, I have carried out your order. Young Master Nie agreed to have lunch first before resuming the training for the afternoon." The younger man faithfully reported even though his master seems to be distractedly looking elsewhere.

"I know." Jiang FengMian said.

So he was looking? Wei Changze thought casually as he noted his master's absent-minded way of speaking.

"Young Master Nie seems to be reluctant; it's a good thing you insisted." the young lord continued.

So he really was looking.

"But was there a need to swing his arm around her shoulder like that? It's hardly appropriate."

I was already on my way here then, just for how long have you been staring at them?

"Maiden Yu looked a bit worn-out. You should have explicitly suggested that she forgo any more sparring matches for today."

Young Master, if you'd be like that, you should have just come with me. Wei Changze concluded with an internally sheepish smile, Ah, so Young Master has really

"Young Master truly cares for Maiden Yu." He commented carefully, spying on the other's reaction.

"As I said, it's because I was one of the causes…" Jiang FengMian frowned without taking his eyes off where the said young maiden disappeared to.

"Is that the only reason?" he prodded, his young lord has never expressed any interest in romance before but surely he would realize it once he's been hit by—

"What else could there be?" but the Jiang heir's voice was not as resolute as it normally is.

"Young Master can be honest with me." He comforted earnestly, coaxing the young heir to be truthful with his sentiments but the reaction he got was not what he expected.

"What?" Jiang FengMian was inordinately confused at his attendant's words, making him look at the young man before going back to spying on the building opposite. From an open window, he saw Yu ZiYuan enter with Lady Hou and the two ladies began to talk while their maids serve tea. It's a bit hard to see them from the angle of this room, but not impossible. He should have taken the room before this one.

He's doesn't know! It hasn't registered to him yet! Seeing his lord's genuine reaction, Wei Changze is now fully aware of how dire their situation is, Young Master, how can you be this dense!

He tried to tactfully re-direct the conversation, vowing to be of use to his master's unknown pursuit. "How about we order some dishes for Maiden Yu? They made some excellent Guizhou sour soup fish—"

"Maiden Yu doesn't like sour food."

"Is that so, then how about sweet red bean soup?"

"She can only tolerate it if the sweetness is not overwhelming and not after a match, apparently."

"How about Ma po tofu?"

"She hates foods that are too spicy."

Where did you even hear all this? Wei Changze stared with a tinge of exasperation, and you claim to be indifferent?

"Young Master knows these things well." He said instead with a small smile.

"It's only natural that gentlemen are aware of food that ladies aren't fond of." Jiang FengMian replied, unaffected, frowning at being unable to see the young lady through the window of the room where she's staying to rest with Lady Hou after she moved further inside.

The servant nodded in understanding here, "Oh, like how Maiden Wu despises food with strong smell."

"She does?"

"…"

Young Master! Wei Changze could already envision hard times ahead due to his master's presently oblivious state. He prays that it won't last for long and that his smart lord would figure out just what he's feeling at the moment. He feels like he's been saddled with a toddler who doesn't even know how to wipe his own nose!

"Changze."

"Yes, Young Master?"

"I feel like someone's insulting me. You don't suppose Young Master Nie harbours ill-will since I insisted to defer his match, right?"

The young servant internally flinched upon hearing this, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, So sorry, Young Master. It was me! Me! Why are you only sharp when it comes to things like this?!

"Y-Young Master Nie is surely more mature than that."

"Hmmm."

Don't worry, Young Master. As your friend and faithful servant, I, Wei Changze shall help you get the lady of your dreams! The young man vowed to himself with fervour, imaginary tears already spilling to water his heart, So please forgive me for thinking that you're like a heedless toddler!

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The morning sun shines brightly over the waters abundant with lotus blooms and their intoxicating scent flew over the open window of the Yunmeng Jiang sect's heir's study where the young master is with his closest aide and a senior disciple, Zhang Lei, currently trying to decide where to go for tonight's hunt.

"Are you sure that there are no urgent requests in the surrounding areas under the territory?" Jiang FengMian sedately questioned as he pore over a sheet of all the requests under their jurisdiction regarding exorcism and spiritual exterminations.

"The only one of note is the request to deal with water ghouls in Lake Hongze but Sect Leader already said that he will personally take the juniors there tonight for some practice." Zhang Lei promptly answered.

"How about in Mt. Lu, Young Master?" Wei Changze politely interjected with a humble suggestion.

"Mt. Lu is quite far from here." Jiang FengMian nonchalantly but calmly observed as he dismissed the idea altogether, "If A-Die would suddenly need our help, we want to be somewhere near."

The senior disciple nodded in understanding, marvelling at their young master's sense of responsibility, "Young Master is wise."

"Ah, I think I heard Maiden Yu would be there tonight." Wei Changze carelessly added in a loud whisper accompanied by a dry cough to mask it before smiling in resignation.

"Then how about—" the slim, brown-haired young man was about to propose another location when he was abruptly cut off by the still tranquil heir.

"But I suppose, since the sect leader is there, there's no need for worries. I heard Mt. Lu has been besieged by numerous evil spirits due to the last storm. It'll be good to look at it."

Zhang Lei was speechless by this detailed but abrupt decision. He could only look between the collected countenance of their respectable young master to the silent mien of one Wei Changze whose smile is halfway between sheepishness and smugness.

"Young Master is wise." Wei Changze promptly replied when no one else did.

"Young Master! Are you alright?!" Wei Changze was pale as he frantically looked into his qiankun pouch for some medicine and bandages.

"I am," Jiang FengMian hastily replied before inhaling deeply and lowering his voice, "Don't be so loud. There's nothing wrong with me." He continued as he massaged his shoulder, "Have you seen my sword?"

"It landed over there. Senior Zhang already picked it up." The faithful servant answered before standing up to address the esteemed young lord not far from there, in a similar position as his own master sitting on the dirty mountain floor, "Y-Young Master Wen, are you alright?"

"I'm fine!" Wen Ruohan snapped irritably as he rubbed his grazed forehead, a junior disciple in red and white robes kneeled beside him with his sword, "I hope our talented Young Master Jiang didn't forget his eyes back home. Otherwise, it'll be a dangerous night for you."

Feeling a slight pang of irritation but not letting himself fall for such childish provocations, Jiang FengMian serenely replied, "Apologies for worrying Young Master Wen. I will be fine, even if I go blind, I'll have enough skill to protect myself with. In this regards, I hope Young Master Wen didn't forget anything tonight. You'll need all the help you can get."

Ignoring Wei Changze who fell open-mouthed at his master's clear taunt, he coldly eyed the heir of Qishan Wen in front of him. He doesn't know when but for some reason, he's been finding the other's presence quite vexing lately.

Wen Ruohan glared venomously at this, "Jiang Feng—"

A great rustle of leaves disturbed the impending brawl to give way to the heir of Qinghe Nie, when brown eyes found the two young masters from two of the greatest sect in existence, mirth filled the light orbs as Nie Ju-Long laughed at them, "So you're both okay! That's good to see! But did you two really collided mid-air?"

At the reminder of their recent fiasco, two handsome faces soured completely.

Tamping down the whirlwind of sentiments churning in his guts, Jiang FengMian straightened with the help of his servant and fellow disciples, "It was an accident, Young Master Nie."

To think that two grown up men would end up falling from their swords after running into each other was a truly bizarre incident, especially since it these two. Not to mention their impressive cultivation, one was the proud, haughty young master of the Wen Clan who always strives to be above the heavens itself and the other the composed and dependable young master of the Jiang Clan whose presence of mind and unshakeable calm has been known far and wide. The sky is already too wide, how could they possibly make the mistake of colliding with each other? Of course it can only be considered hilarious and concerning at the same time!

Laughing one last time, Nie Ju-Long then questioned them absently, not really expecting them to know since they've also just arrived, looking around for a particular sworn sister, "Did you by chance see Yuan-er? We were supposed to meet here but I was late due to some delays in the sect."

Surprisingly, Wen Ruohan has the information he needs.

"She's already here." The cultivator in red and white robes gruffly answered. No doubt, had he been thinking clearly, he wouldn't have provided what he needed at all, "About 7 li from here to the north."

Wondering how he came to know that but asking further, "Er, did you see who she came with? I told her that we need a big group this time."

If Wen Ruohan's knowledge was weird enough, even the Jiang heir was able to promptly answer him, "She's got about 15 Meishan Yu disciples with her. I think I saw her maids with her as well."

Looking back and forth at the two slightly rumpled cultivators, Nie Ju-Long felt the dawning of understanding and he laughed out loud once more.

"That's not good young masters. You should focus when you're flying. You're lucky that you were near the ground when you fell this time. You might not be as lucky next time. You wouldn't want to burden Yuan-er with your deaths."

He watched with amusement as the two tall men flushed a little at this before narrowing their eyes threateningly at him and he guffawed.

He would have teased them more when a group joined theirs led by the woman of the hour. Yu ZiYuan frowned as she looked around. "Here you are Brother Ju-Long. Your laugh could shake the mountains itself." Noting the damage in several surrounding trees, violet eyes grew perplexed, "What happened here? I thought I heard a commotion earlier. Did something explode?"

Two tall, handsome young men flinched visibly at this but remained silent. Their own fellow disciples kept their mouth shut in an effort to faithfully give them some face and salvage their tattered prides.

But as though he sprouted horns, an evil smile appeared on a certain Nie heir, "Nothing happened, Yuan-er. It's not as if two grown men capable of riding their spiritual swords run into each other while flying." he swiftly chortled, unheeding of the burning glare from two pairs of light eyes.

The Third Lady of Meishan Yu sect scowled, "In this wide sky, who would be idiotic enough to make that mistake?" due to the darkness of the night, she was not able to detect how two individuals blushed despite the varying levels of disgruntlement on each good-looking faces.

Wei Changze sweat-dropped as he lighted a candle for this master in his heart, imaginary tears streaming down his face at the scene unfolding in front of him, ah, Madam, Madam! Please stop! My Young Master would bleed soon! Young Master Nie, I didn't know you could be so evil!

"Jiang F—Young Master Jiang, is your hand bleeding? Why do you look so dirty?"

Madam!

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There's a kind of hush surrounding the usually bustling training grounds and several pairs of eyes flitted away and back to their kind and gentle young master. They're not lying! Their young master is truly kind and gentle! The deep frown that has taken residence over his attractive features is…unusual.

The purple-robed disciples want to cry at the god's unfairness in making them train alongside a very irritated Jiang FengMian. Their young master is a firm believer of not pushing their bodies excessively for fear of having the opposite result of advancement but currently, they've been practicing the same move again and again that they're arms and legs are shaking in exhaustion but their young heir looks adamant in continuing.

Wei Changze, who's among those enduring the harsh training, has a martyred expression on. Since he's afraid to blame the madam even in his head, he decided to put all the censure on the Qinghe Nie sect's wicked heir for their suffering these three days. He has half a mind to make a straw doll, put a certain name with the surname Nie on it and nail it on the old willow tree near his room, hammer in hand…

"Stand on attention!" a senior disciple announced in a loud voice as the Jiang sect leader came in to view followed by a young woman in white robes. All eyes were drawn at the dimpled, fair maiden and a certain young man even momentarily forgot his plans of sneaking some straw from the stables at the lovely sight in front of him.

The charismatic sect leader, Jiang Haoran, cleared his throat before making way to the young lady behind him, "You might have heard of her, she's called Cangse Sanren, disciple of the great Baoshan Sanren. I have invited her to stay with us for a while. Try to learn what you can from her." The sect leader looked around, satisfied at the murmur of appreciation from his disciples. It's a shame that he was unable to invite the famous Yu ZiYuan as a guest cultivator since that sly Yu Guiren couldn't be prevailed upon to let go of his blossoming daughter now that several seems to want to take her off his hands, if he had, then that son of his wouldn't be so…

Honey-gold eyes sought his heir and when he saw that his only son is barely paying him half his attention with that unbecoming furrow between his brows, he wanted to sigh. He heard from Changze but to think that he'll be this affected. And to think he was told that his son happened to be surprisingly oblivious. Why is that child still sulking? "FengMian." He called out and motioned for his son to come near, "You, too, Changze." At least one of them looks eager, he drily thought as Wei Changze nearly dragged his son close.

"I want you two to accompany Lady Sanren. She has professed great interest in the market." On closer inspection, the sect leader saw the need to interfere and save his disciples from death due to over-work, "You can stop the training for the day."

Nodding at the teary gratitude-filled eyes aimed at him, the sect leader drew himself to his full height and harrumphed, pleased, and went away.

The young lady saluted gracefully as she presented herself formally, "Pleased to meet you. I'm Cangse, disciple of Baoshan Sanren. I'll be troubling you for a few weeks." When she straightened, her grey eyes met gentle brown ones and she smiled sweetly before directing her gaze at the heir of the sect.

At an inconspicuous push from behind, reminding him of propriety, Jiang FengMian mechanically introduced himself and welcomed their guest which was properly followed up by his attendant with an introduction of his own, mentally shaking himself in order to focus on the fair maiden before him.

The young woman was a bit taller than average but still shorter than Maiden Yu by a few. She's got brilliant light eyes that show off a happy disposition. Ah, but then, not everyone could possibly hold a fire like hers in those determined dark orbs. Her dark hair was silky and hung around her in loose waves, a bit of a contrast to Maiden Yu's straight hair.

There's a ready and engaging smile on her lips and he was suddenly struck with the reminder of a small but exquisite smile on pliant lips, showered with the heavenly orange glow from paper lanterns. He felt again that stuttering beat of his heart together with that restless and impatient swirling in his stomach that always accompanies thoughts of her.

"This young lord is a bit preoccupied. Please forgive this one for disturbing your training." Cangse Sanren observed with clever eyes that familiar forlorn look that she seems to be seeing everywhere these days.

Jiang FengMian flinched when he realized his thoughts wandered elsewhere again. He took a deep breath, not knowing what the matter with him is. Should I see the physician?

Ever to the rescue, especially since he knows what the problem is, Wei Changze explained helpfully, "Ah, apologies, Lady Sanren, our Young Master is merely preoccupied with thoughts of how to counter Maiden Yu's decisive moves in an exchange of pointers." The loyal attendant quite forgot to add details just who this Maiden Yu is, after all, these days, everyone just knows of her.

Something clicked in the rogue cultivator's consciousness, "Maiden Yu? I seem to hear this name everywhere I go. She seems to be truly powerful."

Having that name as the subject of the discussion, Jiang FengMian found himself able to concentrate, unaware how blue-grey eyes showed open fondness, he nodded with a smile, "I'm afraid I am nowhere near succeeding. I can already see myself looking up to her from the flat of my back."

Building realization turned the cogwheels in the younger woman's head as she chuckled, "You don't seem to mind it too much, young lord."

"She earns every triumph, Lady Sanren." The purple-robed cultivator defended lightly, his gaze going to the wide, clear horizon, "I'm sure she can challenge the heavens and come out victorious."

Her interest piqued, recalling several young cultivators who wore the exact same expression while talking of this 'Maiden Yu', Cangse Sanren found herself extremely looking forward to seeing the mentioned young lady.

"She sounds lovely."

"She is."

Smiling sheepishly at the nearly embarrassing glow of their sect's heir while speaking of Meishan Yu's Third Lady, Wei Changze suggested, "How about we go and visit the market today, Young Master?"

However this recommendation was met with reluctance, "I still haven't perfected the 71st formation. I think that would work well. Maiden Yu seems to know how to counter nearly all of our Jiang sect's moves. I've only ever won once."

The comely servant merely nodded his head, not the least bit perturbed, "I understand, Young Master. Only the boats came in today and there ought to be some new good merchandise that would suit illustrious young women. With the extensive choices, we might see something that will look good on rare purple eyes. But that's okay. Shall I serve tea?"

Catching onto the tactic and using what she has heard so far since many of them were truly detailed, the female cultivator added with an air of wonder, "Something that is elegant but not ostentatious is hard to come by. Strict tastes are difficult to satisfy. But no matter, Mister Wei, should I help you?"

"Since A-Die mentioned that we should show Lady Sanren around, it must be done. Changze, make sure to take my money pouch from my room." Jiang FengMian casually instructed, his former thoughts flying out of his mind and into the winds, "Lady Sanren, please excuse me while I get ready. We'll meet you at the entrance." He finished before striding out of the training grounds to get out of his sweat-drenched robes.

When the refined young lord turned the corner and was out of sight, the two remaining people exchanged glances and laughed freely in amusement and mutual understanding.

The famed market of Lotus Pier was bustling with people, both merchants and customers, welcoming, haggling, and generally going with the flow of this lively life of people in trade.

Walking along the stalls, the trio of good-looking figures looked around and observed the different trinkets in display. While the grey-eyed beauty and the tall, brown-eyed youth babbled amongst the two of them, the amiable young master of the Jiangs was considerably more quiet and withdrawn but there was no air of dissatisfaction in his mien. He only seems absorbed in his thoughts.

When they entered a rather well-known clothing shop, they took considerable time to examine their merchandise.

"I think this color would look good on you, Lady Sanren."

That would also look good on Maiden Yu but I don't think she favours that shade of carnation. The fabric would also be too rough for her.

"That's pretty! How about this, Mister Wei?"

Ah, I have never seen Maiden Yu wear any robes in green. Hmmm, not that shade, this one here would look better on her skin, but it might clash with her eyes…this emerald one then? This shade is not bad, too.

When blue-grey eyes landed on a particular roll of purple satin, he stopped. Slim fingers touched the cool fabric and felt the softness of it between his fingers.

This would suit her. I heard she's good with embroidery, I wonder what she'll put on this. Pink lotus flowers would be good. To compliment it, she'll need this fabric and this one. Adding this pearl-colored silk would tone it down a little. This plum-colored silk would also be pretty on her. How about brocade? This one looks like something Young Master Jin would favour so it's out of the question. This one instead. That gold one is too garish, Maiden Yu wouldn't like it. But if it's this shade of lilac, she might not be too opposed. Does she ever wear pink? It will give her a different air but it would also look lovely. These ivory satin would flutter around her. Depending on the threads use, it could either look plain or exquisite. But Maiden Yu can never look ordinary anyway, no matter. How about that crimson one…

Images of the fiery color amidst delicate skin morphed into scenes of red robes with golden ornaments, a red veil and hidden amethyst orbs and the Jiang heir found his breath catching.

"She'd be beautiful." He murmured; half-lidded eyes hid tumultuous blue-grey eyes. His erratic heart beat drowning the hubbub of the marketplace outside.

Catching the tail ends of his words, the two in front turned their heads back at him, both their hands busy playing with beautifully painted fans, "Young Master, did you say some—"

At the sight of the towering pile of fabrics on the hands of the two young shop assistants following behind the tall, sombre cultivator, Wei Changze's words died a horrible death in his throat.

After a beat of dead silence, Cangse Sanren finally lowered the fan that she instinctively pressed against her lips at the amazing view, "Er, young lord, what might those be?"

Instead of answering, the distracted cultivator sharply eyed the fan on his servant's hands and immediately took it from resisting fingers. He briefly inspected it before nodding and giving it to one of the two behind him with freer hands. He then proceeded to wedge himself between the couple without care or any words and began rifling over the rack of expensive fans, nodding approvingly at some while glaring at others as though they reminded him of something distasteful. All the ones that managed to gain his acceptance went to the growing pile on the staggering young men's arms.

Giving the shop a once-over, one last time, Jiang FengMian exhaled gently as though he didn't just ransacked the store, "Changze, pay for these. Have them sent to Lotus Pier."

His two open-mouthed companions hadn't recovered yet when he smiled composedly, "Shall we head to the next one?"

-0-0-

"Not even rings like this could hold a candle to Zidian so she won't like them, right?"

"Earrings? She wore them once. You don't remember? It's during that banquet in Duke Zhao's and that last visit in Qinghe."

"This is a lovely bracelet. But it looks like that one she wore in Lanling. This bangle would suit her, put it in the pile. Their hands are full, ask a third assistant to come."

"A beautiful pendant? Where? No. It looks like the sun. No."

"This lotus jade pendant would look good on her."

"What stone to order for this necklace? Amethyst, of course."

The previously mute young lord now finds himself to be the prominent voice in their little group as he comments on one trinket or another.

The bug-eyed Cangsen Sanren whispered to her escort in an uncharacteristically small voice, "I thought you said he's unaware of his sentiments?"

Wei Changze sheepishly smiled, "Watch." He whispered back, his warm breath tickling her ear a little and in a loud voice addressed the gentleman scrutinizing some ornate earrings critically, "Young Master, are these all for Maiden Yu?"

"Hmmm." Jiang FengMian looked in their direction as he absently handed the intricate jewellery into the eager business owner's hands, "Maybe." And then to the attentive shopkeeper, he added, "Can you change the stones to sapphires? I don't like her in onyx and gold. Why? I just don't."

Clearing his throat, the Jiang's servant continued, "Might I ask the occasion for the gifts, Young Master? You know, anything…special?"

But the target of the investigation answered nonchalantly, "Even Maiden Yu celebrates her birthday, right?"

Gasping a little, Cangse Sanren questioned, "Are you going to give all these in one go?"

At this, bright blue-grey eyes found his companions sharply before looking upwards thoughtfully, "That won't do, will it? As a friend and fellow cultivator, it's only right that I send her one every year starting this year." He smiled.

The two sweat-dropped at this fantastic escape from reality, So are you planning on giving her a birthday gift even on her 50th death anniversary?!

-0-0-

"Y-Young Master. Young Master! I yield! I yield! Changze is wrong! It's best if we return to the sect soon." Wei Changze felt as though he shed 20 years of his life when all he did was accompany his master in a little shopping. Ah no, no, no, using the word 'little' here would be quite insulting the word. There's no way the word 'little' can fit anywhere in this massive escapade! It's like they just used enough money to buy his entire existence in the course of three hours! Sect Leader would kill me! The poor, tired servant thought with dread.

There was a soft pat on his lower arm and he turned beside him to see sympathetic grey eyes on a charming face. "Mister Wei." She called out supportively in a kind voice.

"Lady Sanren." He wanted to cry, he doesn't want to die yet! The world just got a whole lot better for him!

"What flowers would you prefer?"

"Mountain lilies, please. But I don't mind wisterias."

"I see, I'll be sure to offer you some."

"You can come every three years, no need to do it every year."

"Nonsense! Graves need to be cleaned every year."

"Hah, my thanks, my lady."

"Do keep up, you two. This shop looks promising, let us take a look." Jiang FengMian interrupted from afar, oblivious to the mock-solemnity in the atmosphere or the fact that his servant is preparing to die due to his failure to restrain his expenditures.

"Young Master!" Wei Changze nearly wailed in defeat as they shuffled after the violet-robed young lord.

When they entered the den of evil, it is to discover rows upon rows of hairpins. The Jiang heir could be seen standing in the middle, in his hands is a magnificently crafted golden pin, on its head is a decent-sized, intricate figure of a phoenix surrounded by small lotuses. Rubies, diamonds and pearls decorated the regal bird's lissom body, open wings and long tail but small amethyst were used for its eyes while garnets and sapphires adorned the blossoms. The sheer quality of the product ensured that it'll cost a fortune but the gentleman holding it could only contentedly smile.

"It's perfect." Jiang FengMian uttered as white fingers tightened around the accessory. It represents her perfectly. "Kindly put this in a box. Make sure that it won't get scratched." He said as he reluctantly handed it to the shop's attendant. He doesn't want to hand it over; it felt like letting go of a piece of her.

When he received the item back, with it securely stored in a beautiful mahogany box, he finally turned to his companions, missing how brown eyes sourly regarded the trinket as though it just stole his pay check.

"Let us return" He announced in a silently happy voice, tucking the box carefully inside his qiankun pouch, "I hope you had fun, Lady Sanren." He remarked a little belatedly. He was a bit preoccupied.

"It was…enlightening." replied the rogue cultivator engagingly.

"We're returning, Young Master?!" Wei Changze cried in relief, "And you only bought one here?"

Brows crumpled over azure orbs in confusion at this statement but before he can answer, the shopkeeper came back with two bulging bundles, "Young Master, what of these?"

"Ah, please send them to Lotus Pier." Jiang FengMian specified before turning at his pale attendant, "Pay for it Changze." And with that, he cheerfully exited the store, humming a little.

"Mister Wei! Mister Wei! Your soul! Put yourself together!" Cangse Sanren pleaded a little frantically, wanting to ask for help but the cause of it all was already far away, gazing far into the future.

One thing that Sect Leader Jiang and Wei Changze learned that night as they go over the expenses of the day:

Never let a man in love in the marketplace.

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Jiang FengMian: sugar daddy mode on lol
Someone's sick! And it's not my fault XDXD

Too much? undeserved? Talk to my lawyer hahaha Sorry not sorry
I will fight anyone in court to have Madame Yu doted on and thought of this much o