While her clone back at Changbai Mountain was busy fulfilling the prayers of the common people, Su Qing’s main body had already arrived at Great Emperor Zhenwu’s Daoist field.
Su Qing didn’t use the main gate. Instead, she steered the Somersault Cloud directly into her private palace and landed.
Once they touched down, Su Qing dispersed the cloud.
Only then did everyone finally feel the solid ground beneath their feet, recovering from the thrill of the wind-driven speed. Although it wasn’t their first time riding Su Qing’s Somersault Cloud, no matter how many times they experienced it, they still weren't quite used to its velocity. After all, whose cloud flies that fast?
As soon as Su Qing landed, several dragon girl servants noticed her and immediately hurried over, bowing to everyone in turn.
“Sovereign Su, the rooms you requested have been prepared… however, it seems more people have arrived than you mentioned. Should we go and tidy up a few more rooms?” Zi Qiu said, her head lowered cautiously.
In truth, after spending so much time with Su Qing, the four dragon girls were no longer as terrified of her as they once were. They had come to understand her temperament and knew she was quite easy to talk to.
The reason for their current caution wasn't Su Qing herself, but rather a fear of upsetting Ao Ying, Leng Xiang, or the others. They understood Su Qing, but they knew nothing about the temperaments of her companions.
Their status was low—they were merely servants—while these newcomers were either the Sovereign’s wives or her daughters. Who among them would they dare to disrespect?
In this world, not everyone was like Su Qing, who placed little importance on status and could interact peacefully with anyone, regardless of their position—enemies excluded, of course.
Su Qing looked at the servants. Seeing their tense and careful expressions, she could naturally guess why they were acting this way. However, she felt they had no need to worry. Ao Ying and Leng Xiang were actually quite reasonable, provided the matter didn't involve their feelings for her.
Still, Su Qing didn't plan to explain that right now. They would be living together for a long time; the servants would eventually understand their temperaments through interaction. Learning it firsthand was far more meaningful than being told.
Thus, she simply answered Zi Qiu’s question: “Mhm. Go ahead and tidy up a few more rooms as needed.”
“Yes, Sovereign Su. My sisters and I will go at once,” Zi Qiu nodded.
“Is Zi Dong not going to help?”
“Zi Dong will stay here to serve everyone…” Zi Qiu glanced at Zi Dong as she spoke.
Zi Dong nodded and bowed to Su Qing again.
Seeing this, Su Qing said no more and simply nodded. “Very well, go and get things ready.”
After receiving Su Qing’s order, Zi Qiu gave a silent nod and turned to prepare the rooms. While she led her sisters away, Zi Dong remained by Su Qing’s side to assist as needed.
Su Qing and the adults didn't stay in the courtyard—at least, Su Qing, Ao Ying, Leng Xiang, and Bai Rou’er didn't. As for Yudie and the other young ones? They were already playing happily in the courtyard. Su Qing didn't plan to interfere; as long as they were happy, it was fine.
Once the adults were seated, Zi Dong served each of them a cup of tea.
After taking her tea, Ao Ying exchanged a look with Leng Xiang, then turned to Su Qing and asked, “So, what’s the story with these girls?”
“I believe I mentioned them to you before?” Su Qing smiled. “They are servants gifted to me by Great Emperor Zhenwu to handle my daily needs.”
Ao Ying stared at Su Qing for a moment before nodding. “I see… so these are the servants you spoke of. I thought you had kidnapped more dragon girls from somewhere.”
Su Qing was momentarily speechless. She spread her hands helplessly. “You make it sound like I have a habit of abducting dragon girls! The only dragon girl I truly ‘abducted’ was you, wasn't it? As for Ao Lie… she just wanted to find her own answers and ended up hanging around with my clone.”
Ao Ying gave a graceful smile and nodded. “But everyone says you have a penchant for spiriting away dragon girls.”
Su Qing was utterly exasperated. Heaven and Earth be her witness—the only dragon girl she had actually ‘caught’ was Ao Ying. Whether it was Ao Lie or Liu Xixi, they didn't count; her relationship with them was strictly friendship, never crossing that boundary. This was a genuine injustice.
Recalling those rumors, Su Qing couldn't help but grumble, “That’s just Guanyin Bodhisattva talking nonsense… She’s only holding a grudge because Ao Lie followed me to find answers instead of staying in the Purple Bamboo Grove.”
Su Qing might not know who started other rumors, but regarding the dragon girls, she would bet anything it was Guanyin Bodhisattva’s doing. The Bodhisattva still ‘resented’ Su Qing for taking her disciple away. Su Qing couldn't think of anyone else who would spread such tales.
She wasn't afraid of Guanyin overhearing her, either. Setting aside the distance to Spirit Mountain, she didn't care if it was heard. She hadn't exaggerated; in fact, the truth was probably more dramatic than her words.
Ao Ying looked at Su Qing and laughed. She hadn't believed the rumors for a second. She knew enough about the circumstances and was well aware of how many times Su Qing had been nagged by Guanyin Bodhisattva. Besides, in Ao Ying’s view, Su Qing didn't have a specific preference for dragon girls—this woman wanted to bring home anyone she took a liking to.
She had only brought it up now to tease Su Qing using the dragon girl servants as an excuse. However, one had to know when to stop.
“That’s true enough,” Ao Ying said, taking a sip of tea. “Alright, I’ll stop teasing you. These servants seem quite capable and dutiful. Great Emperor Zhenwu must have hand-picked them for you.”
Su Qing watched the servants as they moved about in the distance, then shook her head. “I’m not sure about that, but they have indeed been a great help to me.”
“I can tell,” Ao Ying nodded. “But now that you have these servants, I suppose you won’t be needing Leng Xiang or me to help with your daily life anymore?”
Su Qing didn't argue; she simply nodded. “Mhm, that’s true. But I asked you to come here so you could rest and relax. You don't need to do anything—just enjoy the scenery and have a good time. The mountains and waters of the Northern Continent are quite spectacular.”
Su Qing hadn't brought Ao Ying and Leng Xiang here to work. She wanted them by her side so they could take a break. Whenever Su Qing was away from Changbai Mountain, those two handled everything. Even when she was there, they were the ones who contributed the most. Now that they were here, she truly wanted them to relax.
However, upon hearing this, Ao Ying spoke up. “Enjoy the scenery? That sounds lovely. But… after being busy for so long, if I suddenly have nothing to do but be idle, I feel it might be a bit hard to adjust.”
Beside her, Leng Xiang added, “Suddenly having so much free time would indeed be a bit boring.”
Su Qing looked from Ao Ying to Leng Xiang, then gave a soft smile and shook her head. “How can anyone not adjust to being idle and having fun? Besides, you haven't tried it yet, so how do you know it’ll be hard? Just try playing for a while. If you really can't stand it, we’ll figure something else out.”
Ao Ying and Leng Xiang exchanged a look, then nodded, dropping the subject for now.
After a moment of silence, Leng Xiang seemed to remember something and asked, “By the way, Master, where will Ao Ying and I be staying?”
“Which room?” Su Qing blinked, then laughed and shook her head. “In my room, of course. We are one family; what’s the harm in sharing a bed?”
Upon hearing this, Leng Xiang nodded without hesitation. “Master’s words make sense… but won’t the bed be too crowded?”
“It won’t. Before you arrived, I specifically had the bed widened!” Su Qing replied with a beaming smile. “It won't feel crowded even with three or four people.”
“Does Sister mean we all sleep together?”
Su Qing didn't deny it, saying with a smile, “Naturally.”
“But wouldn't that be like sharing one big quilt?” Leng Xiang said after a moment’s thought.
Su Qing chuckled. “What’s wrong? Is Leng Xiang unwilling?”
Leng Xiang tilted her head to look at Su Qing. Seeing that she wasn't joking, she went silent for a moment and then nodded. However, despite her agreement, she still looked as if she had something on her mind.
Watching Leng Xiang, Su Qing could roughly guess her thoughts and began to consider whether she should change the plan. While she was thinking, Ao Ying glanced at Leng Xiang’s expression and knew what she was feeling.
Ao Ying used Sound Transmission to Su Qing: ‘While I don't mind, if we share one big bed every single night, can you handle it? Why don't we keep things as they were before?’
To say she didn't mind at all was impossible—what woman wouldn't want her lover to herself? However, she didn't say it directly, choosing instead to reject Su Qing’s proposal indirectly.
Su Qing looked up at Ao Ying upon hearing the transmission. After a brief silence, she nodded slightly.
“In that case, we’ll keep things as they were before.”
Since both were hesitant, Su Qing wouldn't force the issue. Such matters required mutual consent.
Leng Xiang was initially confused by Su Qing’s sudden change of heart, but then she looked at Ao Ying. Seeing Ao Ying’s faint smile, she realized that Ao Ying must have spoken to Su Qing privately via Sound Transmission.
“Mhm, it’s better to keep things as they were,” Leng Xiang said, satisfied, regardless of what had been said. “I also think the old way is better.”
As soon as Leng Xiang finished, Ao Ying added, “But in that case, we’ll need two more rooms!”
She turned her gaze to Zi Dong, signaling for her to inform the other servants to prepare two additional rooms. Zi Dong understood immediately, lowering her head as she replied, “I will go tell my sisters at once.”
Ao Ying gave a satisfied smile and a gentle nod, making no further demands. In truth, she preferred being near water. As a princess of the Dragon Palace, she had lived in water since childhood. At Changbai Mountain, their home was very close to Heaven Lake, so she was used to living near or in the water. Moreover, her cultivation progressed faster in water. If possible, she would have preferred to stay in a watery environment.
However, this was Great Emperor Zhenwu’s Daoist field, and this palace was only a temporary residence for a decade or so. She couldn't ask for too much. Ao Ying was not an unreasonable person; if she were, she wouldn't have allowed Bai Rou’er to tag along. Thus, she refrained from making any spoiled requests.
Zi Dong bowed to Su Qing and, upon receiving permission, turned to find her sisters.
After Zi Dong left, Su Qing, Ao Ying, and the others chatted about domestic trifles. They had no particular goal other than passing the time. Bai Rou’er, who hadn't been able to get a word in until now, finally found an opening and joined the conversation.
Meanwhile, Zi Dong and the others were accustomed to hard work, so they moved very quickly. In a short while, the rooms were all ready—even before the adults had finished their chat.
Once she learned everything was set, Su Qing told Yudie and the others they could go to their rooms.
Upon hearing this, both Yudie and Su Ying’er were extremely excited. They scampered off with their belongings to their new quarters.
Once everyone had settled their things, Su Qing prepared to find a rocking chair for a moment of leisure while mentally controlling her clone at Changbai Mountain to fulfill prayers. However, before she could even reach the chair, Yudie suddenly ran back to her.
“Mama, Mama! Where are those stupid sparrows? I haven't seen them since we arrived!”
Yudie had been playing in the courtyard for a while but hadn't seen the little sparrows, which made her curious. She was good friends with them and missed them after being apart for so long. Of course, what she missed most was the feeling of squishing them in her hands.
“Those girls? They’re probably off somewhere in the Daoist field scrounging for food and drinks. Don't worry about them; they’ll be back when it’s time for dinner,” Su Qing said after a moment’s thought, rubbing her chin.
Yudie was a bit dazed by the answer. She scratched her head. “How can they eat so much? If they’re scrounging for food all day, will they still have room for dinner? They’re so tiny!”
Yudie couldn't wrap her head around it. Even she would feel stuffed if she ate too much; how could those little things eat so much?
Su Qing gave a helpless smile. “And yet, they still manage to eat… I truly don't know how their stomachs are built.”
Yudie rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “Mama, do you think they might have a bit of ancient Taotie blood in them?”
Su Qing was speechless and gave the girl a light rap on the head. “Stop dreaming. They’re just ordinary sparrows! Why are you always thinking they have some special bloodline? If they did, how could I not know?”
This wasn't the first time Yudie had made such a guess, but unfortunately, the sparrows were indeed ordinary. If they had any special lineage, their cultivation wouldn't be so poor and slow. In fact, if not for Su Qing’s Peaches of Immortality, those sparrows would likely have been in the ground long ago.
Yudie stuck out her tongue and dropped the subject, nodding with a grin. “Alright, alright! Does Mama know roughly where they are? I was planning to explore the Daoist field and look for them at the same time.”
“I don't know!” Su Qing had intended to suggest a few likely spots, but after thinking it over, she decided not to let the girl wander off. The people here didn't know her; if she was caught as a troublemaker and brought back to Su Qing, it would be quite embarrassing. So, she simply claimed ignorance.
Yudie was naturally a bit disappointed, but only for a moment. If her mother didn't know, there was nothing she could do. She gave up and decided to wait until dinner.
“Since Mama doesn't know, I’ll just go play with Chao Yan and the others.” Yudie made a face at Su Qing and ran off.
Su Qing: “……That brat.”
It was obvious Yudie had guessed that Su Qing knew but just didn't want to tell her. Su Qing shook her head and turned back toward her rocking chair.
However, just as Yudie left, Zi Chun approached. “Sovereign Su, Assistant Official Liu is here to see you.”
The ‘Assistant Official Liu’ she referred to was, of course, Liu Xixi, as she was the only assistant Su Qing had.
Su Qing was a bit exasperated. Why was it one person after another? Still, she nodded. “Mhm. Since she’s here, let her in. Also, have Zi Qiu prepare some tea.”
Zi Chun nodded obediently and went to fetch Liu Xixi. A moment later, Liu Xixi arrived at Su Qing’s side. She gave a very respectful bow, observing all the proper etiquette before speaking.
“Has the Sovereign brought her entire family this time?”
Su Qing nodded. “Yes. Didn't I tell you before I left? And didn't you see them arrive?”
“I did see them, but I merely wanted to confirm with the Sovereign.” Liu Xixi didn't argue; Su Qing was right, she had indeed seen them.
“And is it confirmed now?”
“Mhm!” Liu Xixi nodded, then added, “Since the Sovereign’s family is here, would the Sovereign be willing to have her wives and daughters make an appearance before everyone tomorrow?”
“I don't mind that… in fact, I was already planning on it.”
“So the Sovereign already had that in mind. I was overstepping…”
“It wasn't overstepping; you meant well.” Su Qing’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Have a seat and we can talk. I’m sure you didn't come here just to tell me that.”
Liu Xixi’s principle regarding visits was similar to Su Qing’s—she never came without a reason. If she was here, she definitely had business to discuss.
Sure enough, Liu Xixi nodded as Su Qing spoke.
“The Sovereign is indeed far-sighted… I do have other matters to discuss,” Liu Xixi said. “It concerns some work related to the Daoist field, as well as several areas experiencing disasters.”
Su Qing blinked, and then her smile widened uncontrollably. After waiting so long, she finally had a chance to further develop the Incense Power of the Northern Continent.
Su Qing nodded, her expression turning serious. “In that case, let’s hear it. We have plenty of time to talk…”
Liu Xixi had no objections. After organizing her thoughts, she informed Su Qing of the matters one by one. Most were briefly mentioned, while a few were described in detail. As for the disasters, she gave a thorough description and provided the locations.
By the time she finished, Liu Xixi’s throat was dry. She took the tea from Zi Chun and drained it in one gulp. Then she looked at Su Qing with a calm gaze.
“Sovereign, rest assured that I can handle the affairs within the Daoist field. It is fine if you do not involve yourself. I am only telling you so you are aware; there is no need for you to handle everything personally. You may proceed to the disaster areas at your leisure to rescue the refugees. However, there is no need to rush; the damage in these areas is not yet severe. You can finish what you need to do here before leaving. It won't take much time…”
Listening to Liu Xixi, Su Qing remained silent for a moment before saying, “Very well. Since you’ve put it that way, you must have already considered the pros and cons. I’ll follow your lead this time.”
Liu Xixi was very serious about her work and cared deeply for the people. If she said there was no rush, then there truly was no rush. Liu Xixi never lied about such things.
Hearing Su Qing’s words, the corners of Liu Xixi’s mouth quirked up into a very faint smile. She said, “It is my honor to have the Sovereign’s trust.”
Su Qing rolled her eyes. “You don't need to be so formal… we’re old friends, why act so distant?”
“While we are friends, we are currently discussing work. In this capacity, I am the Sovereign’s assistant official, so I must maintain the proper attitude.” Liu Xixi gave a simple explanation for her behavior.
Su Qing was a bit speechless. Was this girl too rigid, or did she just care too much about ‘ceremony’?
Su Qing couldn't say for sure, so she simply asked, “In that case, is the work talk finished?”
Liu Xixi went silent for a moment, recalled her points, and then nodded. “Yes, it is finished.”
“Do you have any other urgent business?” Su Qing asked again.
Liu Xixi thought it over and shook her head. “Not for now. I finished my urgent tasks before coming to see you.”
“Since the work is done and you aren't in a rush… let’s chat about something else?” Su Qing looked at Liu Xixi. “This will just be a casual chat between friends. You should be able to speak normally now, right?”
Liu Xixi was momentarily stunned, then remembered what she had just said and could only nod in agreement.
Seeing her nod, Su Qing said, “That’s more like it!”
Liu Xixi’s mouth twitched, but she could only nod helplessly.
“Mhm, what should we talk about?” Su Qing found Liu Xixi’s reaction amusing and tried to think of a topic. Although she had suggested a chat, she wasn't exactly an expert at small talk herself; coming up with idle conversation was actually a bit difficult.
Fortunately, Su Qing was still Su Qing, and she quickly found a topic. She took the lead and started chatting with Liu Xixi about domestic matters.
When Su Qing mentioned her family, Liu Xixi seemed to suddenly remember something and asked, “Speaking of which… are all the women who arrived today the Sovereign’s wives?”
“Huh?”
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