“Some of those dogs can be quite ferocious — you had better be able to actually tame them,” Feng Jiu’er said, cradling her bowl and taking another small sip.
At her own capacity, two or three bowls would be about her limit — and the same went for Xiao Yingtao.
So what Qiao Mu said was not entirely without merit.
“Especially dogs that have grown up in the deep mountain wilderness since birth — most people would be frightened just by the sight of them. Do not underestimate what you’re getting into.”
Feng Jiu’er took another light sip of wine, and both cheeks began to slowly flush.
“If I am going to choose any, of course I will choose the ferocious ones — what use would I have for a meek and timid creature?” came Qiao Mu’s voice.
“I will make a trip to the forest tomorrow. If I truly happen to come across them again, I will bring them back so you can all have a look.”
Xiao Yingtao had drunk about half a bowl of strong liquor in bits and pieces, and her eyes were starting to grow a little hazy — though her mind was still quite clear.
“Qiao Mu.” She looked at Qiao Mu and called out softly. “Are you really going to keep dogs? I would not dare — Jiu’er is right, they can be terrifying!”
Feng Jiu’er turned to glance at the woman who was getting tipsy even faster than herself, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly.
“If she truly has the ability, having a few dogs alongside us in the future would certainly be a good thing.”
“A dog’s nose is far more sensitive than yours.”
Xiao Yingtao gave Feng Jiu’er a gentle shove and wrinkled her brow. “Is Jiu’er going to call me a hunting dog’s nose too, just like Qiao Mu?”
Feng Jiu’er smiled and shook her head, then lifted her bowl and drank what remained in one go.
“I already told you — it is a compliment. You just do not appreciate it!”
Without even looking, Qiao Mu had no idea that the two people beside her had not only gone red in the face, but their eyes had taken on a different, dreamy quality as well.
“It seems I had too high expectations of you — what kind of tolerance is this? One bowl and you are both done for?”
“Who says I am done for?” Feng Jiu’er extended her bowl toward Qiao Mu.
Having drunk too much too quickly, the hand holding the bowl wobbled slightly.
Qiao Mu looked at her and shook her head, then took Feng Jiu’er’s bowl in one hand and lifted the wine jar with the other, pouring in a little.
“That is enough. Once you finish this bowl, you have had your share.”
Feng Jiu’er glanced down at the bowl in her hand, then looked up at Qiao Mu. “With such a large jar of wine, do you have to be so stingy? Fill it up.”
Qiao Mu replied with a smile, “Am I not just worried that my fine wine will end up splashed all over the floor by you?”
Even as she spoke, she filled Feng Jiu’er’s bowl to the brim.
“There — is that enough to get you drunk? Though drunk or not, that is all you are getting tonight.”
“Fresh out of a serious illness, you cannot drink too much. You said so yourself — do not ruin your health and leave yourself unable to do anything.”
“Qiao Mu, I want some too.” Xiao Yingtao finished her own wine and extended an empty bowl.
Qiao Mu took Xiao Yingtao’s bowl and filled it to the top as well.
“There. You two drink slowly. Whatever is left is mine.”
“I can still drink another two bowls.” Feng Jiu’er hugged her bowl and took a big gulp. “Qiao Mu, remember to bring a few dogs back tomorrow.”
“The kind that is fierce toward everyone else but obedient to us — I will need them to help with things.”
“I will do my best.” Qiao Mu set down the now-free bowl and poured herself another drink. “Bringing them along with us on the road would genuinely be to our advantage.”
“Absolutely.” Feng Jiu’er’s voice carried a hint of hoarseness.
The three of them drank on. By the time Xiao Yingtao finished her second bowl and had only just set it down, she immediately lay back, resting her head on Feng Jiu’er’s lap.
Feng Jiu’er looked down at her, a smile playing at her lips, her own eyes growing a little hazy.
“So Xiao Yingtao’s tolerance is this low after all.”
“You are not much better.” Qiao Mu swept a glance over Feng Jiu’er, her own expression carrying a smile.
“I can still drink.” Feng Jiu’er held out her bowl toward Qiao Mu. “Come — let us drink this bowl together. From here on out, whatever comes our way, we face it head on!”
“We rise to every challenge!” Qiao Mu finished the toast, picked up her bowl, and clinked it against Feng Jiu’er’s.
“That is right — rise to every challenge!” Feng Jiu’er struck back with force, then lifted the bowl and poured the contents straight down.
This was how wine was meant to be drunk — in great, satisfying gulps.
The day’s events had put her through enough — she had no more time to keep dwelling on it.
Tomorrow would be a new beginning. She would face life with a new spirit.
Feng Jiu’er drank another bowl, and by then Qiao Mu had nearly emptied the jar.
Outside, when no more sounds could be heard from inside, Jian Yi waved a hand, and a young woman from Tianji Hall stepped inside.
After a brief moment, she came back out.
“I have done as you instructed and covered them with the quilt. You should go get some rest now.” The young woman looked at Jian Yi and spoke softly.
They had worked together for so long — seeing Jian Yi as badly wounded as he was now was something most of their brothers and sisters found difficult to bear, and she was no exception.
Jian Yi was handsome, and had always been someone who let his actions speak and kept his words few. Among the women of Tianji Hall, more than a few harbored quiet admiration for him — including the young woman present.
“I am fine. Go rest.” Jian Yi waved her off.
If it were not for Qiao Mu and Xiao Yingtao being inside, he would have gone in himself just now.
“I…”
The words the young woman wanted to say never made it out before Jian Yi waved her off again.
Everyone knew Jian Yi’s temperament well. The fact that he would speak at all to anyone other than Miss Jiu’er was already a rare thing.
Though she dearly hoped he would go rest, she did not dare say another word. She turned and left.
Outside the tent, Yan Dong and Yan Xi had each brought their men to stand guard on either side, while not far off, Tuoba Keyan had already been standing watch for two full hours.
The night grew deeper, and the surroundings fell utterly still — even the birds and insects seemed to have drifted into dreams.
……
By the time the sun was high in the sky, the women inside the tent began waking one by one.
The three hurriedly dressed themselves, gathered their washing things, and stepped out of the tent.
What they had not expected was to find the scene outside entirely transformed.
“Miss Jiu’er.”
“Miss Jiu’er.”
Many brothers had arrived late the previous night, and a good number had not even had the chance to catch a glimpse of Feng Jiu’er.
The events on the cliff that day, and the days everyone had spent searching for Miss Jiu’er, were still vivid in their minds — seeing Feng Jiu’er now, their brothers finally felt at ease.
Seeing everyone looking so full of life and vigor, Feng Jiu’er’s own mood brightened.
“You have all worked hard.” She returned each greeting with a warm smile.
Today, Feng Jiu’er looked noticeably better than she had the day before — something even Qiao Mu and Xiao Yingtao could plainly feel.
On the path toward the stream, their brothers were busy all around them.
Some were drying medicinal herbs, others were sorting through freshly harvested corn and beans, and not far away, more brothers were making their way back — everyone’s faces bright and cheerful.
Along both banks of the stream, people were washing herbs, slaughtering chickens and ducks, scrubbing potatoes and sweet potatoes — everyone bustling about with lively energy.
When some saw Feng Jiu’er approaching, they stood up, and the others set down whatever they were holding and stood as well.
Everyone turned together to face Feng Jiu’er and called out with respectful warmth, “Miss Jiu’er.”
Feng Jiu’er looked at the smiles on everyone’s faces and broke into a gentle smile herself, waving her hand. “Everyone has worked hard.”