Ah Jiu, after listening to what Wufu had said, finally understood what the competition was about. He glanced at Xiao Li, who nodded and went down to arrange for someone to gather information.
"I don’t usually pay much attention to this kind of news. It’s only a two-day journey from Huayang to Chengdu Capital. Xiao Li has sent someone to find out the details. We should have some news in a couple of days." Ah Jiu asked, "But, do you want to participate in this jade stone gambling competition?"
Wufu chuckled unabashedly and said, "Ninth Master knows that I’m not at my best right now. The winner of this event gets a handsome reward."
"However, carving jade is not an overnight task, and you’re good at carving figures as well? To bring a figure to life requires significant Cultivation Strength and is even more mentally taxing." Ah Jiu frowned and said, "Are you sure you can handle it?"
"Whether I can handle it or not, I have to try it to find out, don’t I?" Wufu shrugged. "Anyway, there’s no harm in losing for me."
"If you lose, I’m afraid your reputation..." Some people care about winning and losing; losing a competition doesn’t look good in terms of face.
But Wufu didn’t care at all: "Ninth Master, I’m still young, and I am not even reaching the age of marriage until next year. Even if I lose, others will just see it as getting ahead of myself, so what’s the big deal?"
Ah Jiu was speechless.
She always managed to come up with irrefutable reasons. Merely by saying she was young, she could block many objections. At most, she would be criticized for being unskilled or presumptuous, but who would really blame her?
"In that case, let’s wait a couple of days to see what the situation is." Seeing that her mind was made up, Ah Jiu did not try to persuade her further.
Wufu stood up and expressed her thanks.
After they had finished discussing the matter, both fell quiet. After mulling it over for a moment, Ah Jiu asked, "That jade stone I sent you, did it meet your expectations?"
Before Wufu could answer, he continued, "What I said before was not meant to offend. It’s just that, well, being my Adviser isn’t too hard."
Said out loud, why did it seem a bit off?
Wufu gave him a sideways glance: "Had you not mentioned it, I would have asked you for what you’re making amends. How have you offended me?"
Ah Jiu choked up, staring at her somewhat dumbfounded.
"Not at all! Why should I be upset?" Wufu spread her hands and asked.
Ah Jiu looked uncomfortable, coughed lightly and thought, so he had thought too much and misunderstood?
Wufu, finding it increasingly odd, pressed on: "Tell me, why would I be upset?"
"It’s nothing." Ah Jiu was a bit embarrassed and said, "As for those jade stones, keep them for fun. You like carving, don’t you? Just carve them for your amusement."
Damn Xiao Li and his rotten ideas; looking at it now, this apology seemed to be revealing there’s ’no silver here’, three hundred taels worth.
It was truly awkward!
Wufu gave a nonchalant Oh, and her thoughts turned to their home’s Martial Arts Training Ground, her eyes lighting up. "Well, we’re acquainted now, aren’t we? Your family’s training ground is great. Look, when I have some time, I might come over and spar with your guards, how about that?"
"Sure, I don’t think they’re very good. You can teach them a thing or two for me later on." Thinking about that sparring match, Ah Jiu’s expression turned sour again.
Being embarrassed in front of a beautiful woman by his own people was a big blow to his pride!
"Deal." Wufu’s eyes shone with excitement, "Not to brag, but your guards are pretty good; it’s just that they have too many flashy moves. This isn’t a sword dance performance; what’s the use of looking good? It’s about effectiveness, not just appearance..."
Su Luo arrived at the entrance of Floral Hall and heard Wufu’s words. She stumbled a bit, took a glance inside, then silently turned back to the Martial Arts Training Ground and imposed an additional two Shichen of sparring on everyone.