Balala the Magic Fairy

That night, in the Grand View Garden, the moonlight was like water, the stars were twinkling, and the breeze was blowing gently. Yinzhen, Nian Gengyao, Longkodo, Emin, and Zhang Tingyu gathered in the Yihong Courtyard and had a feast and drank.

Hongli stood respectfully aside, his manners elegant, showing his refined scholarly demeanor.

Zhang Tingyu has always been fond of romantic affairs, and this night was no exception. He invited several prostitutes from the brothel to dance at the table to enhance his drinking mood.

The women were dressed in gauze, with light and graceful figures, like fairies descending to earth, with lotus flowers blooming at every step and dancing gracefully and movingly.

The musicians played stringed instruments, and the tunes were gentle and melodious.

Nian Gengyao, Longkodo and E Min were either laughing or drinking, all following Zhang Tingyu's mood and enjoying themselves to the fullest.

Yinzhen sat in the main seat with a smile on his face, but his mind seemed to have drifted away and he acted oblivious to the prosperous scene before him.

His son Hongli was even more calm, with a calm mind and never looking to the side, his heart completely focused on cultivating Taoism.

After three rounds of drinking, Zhang Tingyu saw that Yinzhen looked dull and knew that he did not like such vulgar music, so he ordered the prostitutes to leave and started talking to Yinzhen about cultivating immortals.

Yinzhen nodded slightly and said, "The way to cultivate immortality is to have a peaceful state of mind. How can we be disturbed by worldly pleasures?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Tingyu showed a look of shame on his face. He stood up and bowed, saying, "Your Excellency is absolutely right. It is I who have been reckless." He then ordered people to remove the banquet and replace it with tea. He then discussed Taoism and cultivation with Yinzhen and others until the moon was at its zenith.

Seeing this, Hongli thought to himself that his father's words were exactly the attitude that an immortal should have. If he could be like his father and transcend the secular world, he would live up to his aspirations of cultivating immortality.

After the banquet, Yinzhen and others dispersed. Hongli followed his father back to the study. Yinzhen saw that his expression was different and asked, "Did my son gain anything today?"

Hongli replied respectfully, "Father's words have opened my eyes. A cultivator should keep his mind calm and not be disturbed by external things. Although there are songs and dances at today's banquet, father's mind is as calm as water. I deeply admire you."

Upon hearing this, Yinzhen smiled slightly and said, "My son has gained some insights, which comforts me. The path to becoming an immortal is long and difficult. Only with a firm will can one achieve the great path."

The father and son discussed philosophy in the study until late at night, and only went to bed when the moon was setting in the west.

The next day, Zhang Tingyu held another banquet and invited Hongli alone.

At the banquet, there were many prostitutes from brothels. Zhang Tingyu, Nian Gengyao, Longkodo and E Min all wanted to test Hongli's will with their beauty.

The four men showed their heroic spirit and wanted to compete with each other. They asked the women to undress and make the sounds heard to test their abilities.

Hongli sat at the table, his face calm and his eyes straight ahead.

His heart was as calm as an ancient well and he turned a blind eye to the debauchery before his eyes.

There was no trace of hesitation in his expression, as if he was in an ancient temple, detached from the world.

When Zhang Tingyu saw Hongli like this, he secretly admired him in his heart, but he couldn't help but have a trace of doubt in his heart.

He raised his cup to Hongli and said with a smile: "Hongli, today's banquet is just a game, why should we be so serious?"

Hongli smiled slightly and replied, "Master Zhang, a cultivator should keep his mind calm. Although there are entertainments at today's banquet, my mind is as still as still water and is not moved. This is the attitude that an immortal should maintain."

Zhang Tingyu was ashamed when he heard this. He stood up and bowed, saying, "Your words make me feel ashamed. I boast of being a romantic man, but today I know that I am nothing compared to you."

Hongli waved his hand and said, "Master Zhang, there is no need to be modest. Everyone has his own aspirations on the path to becoming an immortal. What happened today was just a small test, not enough to judge a hero."

After the banquet, Zhang Tingyu and others left, and Hongli also stood up to say goodbye.

Zhang Tingyu saw Hongli off to the door and watched him leave. He thought to himself that Hongli's ambition was extraordinary and he would become a great man in the future.

The next day, the spring was bright and beautiful, and the flowers in the Grand View Garden were in full bloom and the fragrance was rich.

Yan Lili was wearing a green shirt and holding a flower basket. She was picking flower petals in the garden to make an elixir.

Her movements were light and focused, as if she was blending into the sea of ​​flowers around her.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching. Yan Lili looked up and saw a young man walking slowly towards her.

He was dressed in a moon-white robe, had a handsome face, and his brows revealed an extraordinary temperament.

It was Hongli.

He had some free time today, so he came to the garden for a walk to find inspiration.

Their eyes met in the sea of ​​flowers, and they were both stunned.

Yan Lili was impressed by Hongli's outstanding temperament, while Hongli was attracted by Yan Lili's elegance, with a hint of admiration in his eyes.

"Excuse me, young lady, what kind of flower is this? Why is it so beautiful?" Hongli's voice was gentle, with a hint of curiosity.

Yan Lili smiled and replied, "This is the peony, known as the king of flowers. Its color, fragrance, and charm are the best among all flowers."

Hongli nodded, glanced at the petals in the basket, and said, "Miss, are you picking flowers to make elixirs?"

Yan Lili was slightly surprised to see him speak out, and then replied: "That's right. Peony petals are warm in nature and sweet in taste. When refining elixirs, they can increase the fragrance and also have the effect of nourishing the skin."

Hearing this, Hongli's eyes flashed with interest, and he said, "The way of cultivating immortals is broad and profound. It is rare for the young lady to have achieved something in this way."

Yan Lili smiled modestly and said, "My lord, you are too kind. I am just getting started and still need to practice diligently."

The two chatted and laughed in front of the flowers, not noticing how time flew by.

Seeing Yan Lili's extraordinary conversation, Hongli felt a bit of respect for her, and Yan Lili also secretly admired Hongli's insight and demeanor.

In the end, Hongli said goodbye and left, and Yan Lili continued her flower-picking journey.

The next day, at dawn, the Grand View Garden was filled with the fragrance of flowers and the chirping of birds, creating a peaceful scene.

Hongli's concubine Jiang Caiping, wearing a lavender embroidered long skirt, with her hair tied up in a bun, walked slowly and gracefully as she went with Hongli to the residence of Zhen Huan and Yinzhen to pay their respects.

Several maids served on both sides, and Yan Lili also accompanied them.

Concubine Ying has a gentle temperament, dignified appearance, and a scholarly air in her demeanor.

She walked side by side with Hongli, and from time to time her eyes cast towards the scenery in the garden, with a hint of appreciation in her eyes.

Hongli was dressed in a blue shirt, with a handsome face and a clear and elegant look between his brows. His eyes occasionally met with Concubine Ying, and there was an unspoken tacit understanding between them.

When they reached Zhen Huan's residence, Concubine Ying said softly to Hongli, "My husband, I am here to greet you today. I wonder if the queen and the adults have any advice for you?"

Hongli smiled and said, "Cai Ping, you and I, as husband and wife, should always be respectful. If our parents have any instructions, we should obey them."

Concubine Ying nodded, and the two of them walked into the courtyard together.

In the courtyard, Zhen Huan and Yin Zhen were sitting at a stone table, drinking tea and playing chess.

Seeing Hongli and Concubine Ying arriving, they both nodded slightly, motioning them to come closer.

Concubine Ying and Hongli bowed respectfully. Zhen Huan said softly, "Get up. You two are busy every day. I am very happy that you can come to pay your respects today."

Yinzhen also smiled slightly and said, "Hongli, have you gained anything from your recent practice?"

Hongli replied respectfully: "Father, I have been practicing recently and have made some progress. The way to cultivate immortality is perseverance, Hongli dare not slack off in the slightest."

Zhen Huan's eyes flashed with admiration when she heard this. She turned to Concubine Ying and said softly, "Cai Ping, you usually assist Hong Li, and it is also hard work."

Concubine Ying smiled slightly and said, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. It is my honor to be able to share my husband's worries."

Seeing this, Yan Lili, who was standing by, thought to herself that Concubine Ying was gentle and kind, and Hongli was elegant, they were truly a perfect match.

She said softly, "My Lady, my Lord, Lily has recently refined a batch of elixirs, which may be of benefit to your cultivation."

Yinzhen glanced at Yan Lili and said, "Lili, your alchemy skills are improving day by day. You will definitely achieve extraordinary success in the future."

Zhen Huan also nodded slightly and said, "Lili, you are intelligent. When it comes to cultivation, you should not rush for success but proceed step by step."

Yan Lili replied respectfully: "Thank you for your advice, Madam. Lili will keep it in mind."

The four of them chatted and laughed happily in the courtyard until the sun was high in the sky, then they said goodbye.

On that day, Shen Meizhuang got up early in the morning, packed lightly and went to the Guanyin Temple outside the garden to burn incense.

She had always been very pious. On the first and fifteenth day of every month, she would go to the nunnery in person to pray for the health of her whole family and for a smooth practice.

Shen Meizhuang walked lightly through the winding path and arrived at the garden gate.

Outside the door, the carriages and horses were ready, and maids and old women stood on both sides.

She lifted her skirt and was about to get on the car, but unexpectedly a whirlwind suddenly arose, stirring up a cloud of dust that blinded everyone.

When the dust settled, Shen Meizhuang was nowhere to be seen.

In the garden, several people were still chatting and laughing when a servant suddenly rushed in, looking pale and panting, "Oh no! Madam Shen was robbed by criminals on her way home, and they left a letter asking for spiritual stones and elixirs to redeem her!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the courtyard seemed to freeze in an instant.

Zhen Huan's expression changed slightly, and a trace of anger flashed in her eyes: "Is this true?"

The servant nodded repeatedly and handed over a letter with both hands.

The handwriting on the letter was sloppy, but it revealed a fierce aura: "If you want Shen Meizhuang's life, in three days, you can exchange it for a hundred spirit stones and three bottles of immortal medicine."

Yinzhen frowned and said in a deep voice: "There must be something fishy about this matter. Meizhuang has always been cautious, how could she fall into the hands of the bad guys so easily?"

Hongli and Concubine Ying looked at each other, and both of them felt a tightness in their hearts.

Concubine Ying said softly, "Your Majesty, this matter needs to be carefully considered and you must not act rashly."

Yan Lili also frowned slightly. She knew that Shen Meizhuang was a kind person and had never made enemies with anyone. There must be something hidden behind this matter.

She said softly, "My Lady, Lily is willing to go with you, and maybe she can help."

Zhen Huan took a deep breath, and her eyes swept across everyone's faces, finally settling on Yinzhen: "This matter concerns Mei Zhuang's life, we must not be careless. My lord, what are your plans?"

Yinzhen stood up slowly, his eyes firm: "Don't worry, Concubine Xi, I know what to do. This matter needs to be done in secret, and no one should be alerted."

Hongli stepped forward, cupped his hands and said, "Father, Hongli is willing to go with you to ensure safety."

Lady Ying also said: "Although I am not talented, I am willing to do my best."

Yan Lili nodded gently, with a hint of determination in her eyes: "Although Lili is a woman, she also has the ambition to cultivate immortality, and is willing to lend a helping hand to the queen."

Zhen Huan felt relieved to see that everyone was united.

She nodded slowly: "Okay, I'll leave this matter to you. Please be careful and ensure that Sister Mei returns safely."

Everyone took orders and prepared themselves. The atmosphere in the garden became tense for a moment.

In the bamboo grove, Yinzhen and Hongli sat opposite each other on a stone table with solemn expressions.

Shen Meizhuang's sudden disappearance was like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples.

In front of the two of them was an exquisite map, which marked the terrain around the Grand View Garden and possible hiding places.

Yinzhen tapped the tabletop lightly with his fingers, frowning, "There must be something fishy about this. Meizhuang has always been cautious, how could she fall into the wrong hands so easily?"

Hongli looked at the map and said in a deep voice, "Father, I think what the villain wants is very important."

At this time, Concubine Ying and Yan Lili also hurried over, both of them looked a little worried.

Lady Ying said softly, "I heard that there have been immortals outside the garden recently. I wonder if this is related to this matter."

Yan Lili tightly grasped a jade slip, with a hint of determination in her eyes: "Lili is willing to use the jade slip to explore, maybe we can find some clues."