Madam Chi arrived at the Pavilion of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon, her expression somewhat displeased.
While she didn't object to men frequenting such establishments, she was unhappy to learn that Ji Mo was staying there on a monthly basis. What respectable man would reside in a pleasure house long-term?
"Talented scholars have always been known for their romantic inclinations! I thought this Young Master Ji could remain untainted by the mire, but it seems he too..."
Her maid, Cui Niang, sighed regretfully, annoyed that she hadn't understood the situation clearly and recommended the wrong person. Having served Madam Chi for many years, she knew her mistress detested men who indulged in lechery.
Just then, Ji Mo emerged to hang couplets.
"Is that the Young Master Ji?"
Madam Chi scrutinized Ji Mo, her expression softening considerably. With sword-like brows and clear eyes, and a bearing like a jade tree, he was indeed a rare beauty. His every movement exuded scholarly charm, gentle as jade, warming the heart and pleasing the eye.
However, Madam Chi's brow furrowed slightly. She found the couplet Ji Mo had written to be rather vulgar.
"May fortune bring good luck every year, and peace bring wealth throughout the seasons."
Cui Niang recited the couplet, also frowning. A true scholar should be aloof, regarding wealth as dirt. Yet, this man had inscribed "making a fortune" on his door – it was utterly crass. In her mind, Ji Mo immediately became a greedy and lustful individual.
"Mistress, let's go. Such a man is not worthy of our young lady."
Cui Niang was filled with disappointment.
Yet, Madam Chi remained still, her gaze fixed on the couplet, her expression one of disbelief. The calligraphy was vigorous and powerful, the brushstrokes flowing with rhythm, the characters arranged with a sense of ancient charm. The strokes connected and broke, conveying a myriad of expressions!
"Wonderful, truly wonderful!" Madam Chi exclaimed. The vulgar words were elevated by the elegant script, creating a piece that appealed to both refined and common tastes – a rare achievement. Most astonishingly, the couplet contained a profound, mystical Daoist resonance. If hung at the entrance, it would surely bring immense luck and prosperity to those residing within. The value of this couplet was immeasurable!
"Could this be the legendary 'Words Can Reach the Divine'?" Madam Chi's heart churned with a tempestuous wave. But she soon shook her head slightly. "Words Can Reach the Divine" was the work of deities. She didn't believe Ji Mo was a deity, for why would a god stay in a pleasure house and seek out women?
For the first time in years, Cui Niang saw Madam Chi lose her composure. She couldn't help but examine the couplet seriously and was immediately stunned.
"This Young Master Ji's calligraphy is superb!" Cui Niang was dumbfounded, deeply impressed. She had initially believed Ji Mo's poetry to be unparalleled, never imagining his calligraphy would also be unique. It was likely that no one in the entire Immortal Spirit Realm could match him.
"I've decided. This son-in-law is mine." Madam Chi beamed. If the Chi family could gain such a worthy son-in-law, prosperity would be assured. Although his lifestyle had minor issues, the merits far outweighed the flaws, making him acceptable. Once married, with Ying'er managing him and children to discipline him, he likely wouldn't be so fickle.
"Young Master Ji, excellent poetry, excellent calligraphy!" Madam Chi approached Ji Mo, initiating the conversation.
"I am a greedy person. This couplet merely expresses my vulgar wishes; it's nothing special. As for the calligraphy, it's rather careless and mediocre," Ji Mo replied honestly. He had always held himself to high standards. He then continued, "Miss, do you know me?"
Miss? Madam Chi's heart bloomed with joy. It had been so long since anyone had addressed her as such. What woman, no matter her age, could resist being called "Miss"? She looked at Ji Mo up close and was increasingly satisfied. He was humble, polite, sweet-mouthed, and pleasant to speak with. He would surely bring happiness to Ying'er.
"I've had the honor of reading your 'When Will the Moon Be Bright,' Young Master Ji. I've come to visit today..." Madam Chi explained her purpose and then engaged in conversation with Ji Mo. She subtly gathered basic information about him. No bad habits, unmarried, from the Void Sword Sect, a clean background... He was precisely the son-in-law she had dreamed of, almost perfect, except for his cultivation level, which she didn't know.
Ji Mo didn't know many people in the Immortal Spirit Realm and was eager to make new friends. Madam Chi was worldly and had ulterior motives, so they conversed with great pleasure.
"Young Master Ji, if a girl were much older than a boy, do you think they could fall in love?" Madam Chi probed. She knew Ji Mo was young, while Chi Qingying, despite her youthful appearance, was over ten thousand years old. She worried Ji Mo might mind.
"If two people truly love each other, age is naturally not an issue," Ji Mo replied. While he didn't have a penchant for older women like Er Lengzi, he didn't mind the age difference. As a modern person, he had a broad perspective.
"There's a problem!" Boniu felt something was amiss, her expression guarded. She suspected this old woman had ill intentions, perhaps wanting to take advantage of Ji Mo. She absolutely refused, declaring to Madam Chi, "You can't have designs on him. He... is mine."
"What are you thinking about all day, little one? This lady is not like that." Ji Mo was somewhat embarrassed. He picked up Boniu by her tail and tossed her back into the room, preventing her from causing trouble. Cui Niang watched Boniu's retreating figure with a thoughtful gaze. She possessed a quarter of sea clan blood and seemed to sense Boniu's unusual nature, detecting a faint aura of sea clan royalty.
Hearing Boniu's words, Madam Chi's cheeks flushed. She quickly explained, "Young Master Ji, please don't misunderstand. It's just that I have an unmarried daughter at home. She's quite accomplished in all aspects and reasonably good-looking. I'm thinking of arranging a marriage for you."
As long as Ji Mo agreed, Madam Chi intended to force the marriage. They would get engaged today and marry tomorrow. Even if Chi Qingying cried, threw tantrums, or threatened suicide, she would be compelled to comply.
"Ah?" Ji Mo was stunned and hastily declined Madam Chi's offer. He hadn't considered such matters, and with his heavy responsibilities and uncertain future, he had no intention of thinking about marriage.
"Perhaps I was a bit too eager. True feelings cannot be rushed. I'll arrange for you to meet next time so you can get to know each other better before discussing anything further," Madam Chi apologized, believing she had startled Ji Mo by being too forward. She was confident that with Chi Qingying's qualifications, Ji Mo would surely be impressed, and there was still hope. She then bid Ji Mo farewell. After all, this was a pleasure house, and it was not appropriate for someone of her status to linger too long.
"Sister, your complexion doesn't look right. Are you feeling unwell? I know a little about medicine, perhaps I can take a look?" Ji Mo, noticing Madam Chi's physical ailment, kindly offered to treat her.
Madam Chi shook her head, thanking Ji Mo for his kindness. The poison was incurable, and she didn't believe Ji Mo could help. Moreover, having only met him once, she was still somewhat wary. Especially since the poison might have been administered by someone close to her, she naturally remained cautious.
Upon returning to the Chi family, Madam Chi immediately sought out Chi Qingying. In the study, Xia Wan'er was grinding ink, while Chi Qingying, bored, was copying poetry, covering her mouth and yawning incessantly.
"I suddenly feel this silly girl is not good enough for Young Master Ji." Madam Chi sighed. She had always treated Chi Qingying as her precious pearl, her pride and joy. Now, compared to Ji Mo, her own daughter seemed ordinary and no longer dazzling.
"Ahem..." Madam Chi cleared her throat and entered the study, stating directly, "Ying'er, I've met that young master. I'm very pleased. I demand that you find a way to win him over. Even if you have to force the issue, use any means necessary."
"What? Mother, what did you say? You want me to forcefully pounce on a man?" Chi Qingying was dumbfounded, unable to believe her ears. Was this still her mother?