Following the sound of Jiang Beiran's voice, Yu Manwen arrived at a corner of the flower garden and found Jiang Beiran and the hall master standing in front of a potted plant, deep in conversation.
"What are you two talking about?"
Yu Manwen stepped forward and asked. Jiang Beiran first took out a thin-bladed knife from his Universe Ring before turning his head to reply, "Hall Master Shi mentioned that her pot of tree fern seems a bit lifeless, so she asked me to take a look."
"Oh~" Nodding, Yu Manwen walked up to the tree fern with its ovate-triangular leaves and examined it carefully before saying in confusion, "It looks perfectly fine to me."
Jiang Beiran chuckled and carefully lifted a stem with six leaves.
"Whether a plant is thriving or not depends on the details. Look at this stem—the leaves vary in size, and their veins are disordered. This means its internal balance is already disrupted."
After listening, Yu Manwen stared at it for a long while before seeming to understand.
"Then what should be done?"
"I was just discussing this with Hall Master Shi. To help such a plant flourish, we must lend it a hand—by pruning its heart."
As he spoke, Jiang Beiran turned back to Shi Fenglan.
"As I mentioned earlier, though this tree fern's stems look sturdy, they are actually quite fragile. When pruning, you must be extremely careful not to damage the lower parts. Let me demonstrate for you now."
With that, Jiang Beiran deftly made a few cuts with his thin-bladed knife, neatly trimming away the parts exceeding 18 centimeters.
"Your hands are truly skilled," Shi Fenglan praised.
"So, as you said, it will sprout more side shoots after this?"
"Indeed. Within two months, I guarantee this tree fern will be thriving with vitality."
"Good, I'll trust you this time. Come, come, help me take a look at the others."
And so, Jiang Beiran was pulled along by Shi Fenglan to inspect her entire flower garden, solving each minor issue one by one.
"Whew—" Shi Fenglan straightened up, wiping the fine sweat from her forehead before giving Jiang Beiran’s shoulder several hearty pats.
"You’ve got quite the talent! This is the first time I’ve met a disciple who knows so much about gardening. Impressive, truly impressive. Hmm? Why are you turning your face away?"
"To avoid impropriety," Jiang Beiran answered bluntly.
The neckline of Shi Fenglan’s deep-collared robe was already quite low, and with her exaggerated movements while patting his shoulder, the dazzling sight left Jiang Beiran unsure where to look.
"Hahahaha!"
Shi Fenglan burst into laughter.
"You’re much more interesting than those old-fashioned types who want to look but don’t dare."
She then turned to Yu Manwen.
"Where did you pick up such an amusing little fellow?"
"Him? Rather than saying I picked him up, it’s more accurate to say I had to dig him out. He’d rather bury himself in the dirt all day if he could."
Seeing the conversation veering off track, Jiang Beiran quickly clasped his hands and said, "Hall Master Shi, might you now take me to see the Jade Fragrance? I’m truly burning with curiosity."
"Fine, fine. Since you answered my question correctly and helped me so much, I’ll take you in for a look."
Relieved, Jiang Beiran promptly followed Shi Fenglan’s steps. Upon entering the main hall, Jiang Beiran found it filled with all sorts of rare and exotic flowers, many of which he had only ever read about in books. Glancing back at Jiang Beiran’s wide-eyed expression, Shi Fenglan smiled.
"Well? Do you like them?"
"I do," Jiang Beiran nodded.
"Hall Master Shi’s collection has truly broadened my horizons. It’s just a pity..."
Hearing him trail off, Shi Fenglan picked up the thread.
"A pity that I don’t take good care of them, right?"
Jiang Beiran cupped his hands in apology.
"This disciple meant no offense."
"Ah, who said you offended me?"
Shi Fenglan walked over to a pot of starflowers and gently inhaled their fragrance.
"Truth be told, I do love these flowers and plants, but I only enjoy admiring their beauty. It’s not me who tends to them daily."
"I see."
Jiang Beiran nodded, realizing why the hall master seemed rather lacking in horticultural knowledge.
"Still, for Hall Master Shi to gather so many rare blooms without deep expertise is quite remarkable."
"Hahaha!"
Shi Fenglan laughed again.
"These flowers weren’t gathered by me—they were all given by others."
Given!?
Jiang Beiran was stunned. Just the Phoenix Perching Blossom he had seen upon entering was a famed flower impossible to buy even with money—it would spark a frenzy in the market. Who could be so generous as to gift such treasures?
But the next moment, it dawned on him. In terms of beauty, Hall Master Shi was in no way inferior to Guardian Yu—each had her own charms.
If Guardian Yu had so many admirers—enough to make disciples line up for her—then surely, if Shi Fenglan merely hinted at her love for flowers, suitors would rush to fill her garden in no time... Damn, I’m jealous.
"Are you thinking these flowers are wasted on me?"
Shi Fenglan asked, amused by Jiang Beiran’s conflicted expression.
"Not at all. Flowers exist to be admired. Since Hall Master Shi appreciates them, their value is fully realized. That’s no waste."
"You certainly know how to flatter."
Shi Fenglan nodded slightly before walking to a nearby redwood door and pushing it open.
"The Jade Fragrance you’re looking for is here. Come and see."
"Many thanks, Hall Master Shi."
Expressing his gratitude, Jiang Beiran hurried into the room and laid eyes on the pot of Jade Fragrance exuding its unique scent. The petals of the Jade Fragrance were a dazzling golden yellow, as if coated in wax—lustrous, translucent, and radiant.
Leaning in for a closer look, Jiang Beiran noted that the plant stood over two meters tall, with leathery leaves about 15 centimeters long and 2.5 centimeters wide. Taking a deep breath and inhaling the floral fragrance up close, Jiang Beiran was certain—this Jade Fragrance was perfect for a certain elixir he was researching.
"Well? Does it meet your expectations?"
Shi Fenglan asked as she stepped inside.
"Exceedingly so. My deepest thanks, Hall Master Shi."
Jiang Beiran turned and bowed again. Noticing how his eyes kept drifting back to the Jade Fragrance even as he thanked her, Shi Fenglan chuckled.
"If you truly like it so much, I wouldn’t mind giving you a pot."
"Hall Master Shi, are you serious?"
Jiang Beiran had been wondering how to broach the subject, never expecting Shi Fenglan to offer it outright. How could he not be thrilled?
"Of course. But there are two conditions for giving it to you."
Shi Fenglan held up two fingers.
"If it’s within this disciple’s power, I will spare no effort."
"Relax, you’re certainly capable. First, I’d like you to come tend to these plants for me in the future."
"This disciple accepts the task."
Jiang Beiran couldn’t have asked for a better condition. Aside from the Jade Fragrance, several other flowers here were also materials he needed. By nurturing them well, he could naturally obtain their seeds.
Pleased by his quick agreement, Shi Fenglan continued, "Second, you must win a round of finger-guessing against me."
"This disciple accepts—wait, finger-guessing!?"
PS: My sleep schedule is wrecked—it’s not like I wanted to pull an all-nighter (cries).
(End of Chapter)