MTLNOVEL Chapter 158: Rich Harvest
"Thank you all for your support, Zhu Yushan is immensely grateful." Zhu Yushan raised his cup, offering a toast around the circle, and then drank the wine in his cup.
...
After escorting the newlyweds into their bridal chamber, Zhu Yushan came back out to give thanks, offering a toast at each table, and finally arrived at Lu Zheng's table.
"No need for formality!"
"We just happened to be here by chance."
"Congratulations!"
After Zhu Yushan finished toasting, the Lu River God and his wife also raised their cups in salute, and everyone stood up together to toast.
"Today my daughter marries, and I hastily invited everyone to come. Thank you all for your magical gifts and performances, which have brightened our humble abode." The River God lifted his cup and spoke.
"You are too kind, River God sir!"
"Congratulations!"
Then, Lady River God separately raised her cup to Lu Zheng, "Many thanks, Young Master Lu, your Fish Leaping the Dragon Gate is very auspicious, we are humbled by it."
"It's just an ordinary item, madam, you flatter me." Lu Zheng raised his cup in return.
Truth be told, Lu Zheng's gift was merely an ordinary item, and in terms of market value, it might not even compare to Wang Changxiong's "Long Wind Palm". However, the value of a gift depends on the recipient's needs, and the Lu River God clearly didn't lack martial arts techniques. Yet Lu Zheng's gift was something not available on the market.
Moreover... Lu Zheng glanced at the attire of the River God, feeling that he had chosen the perfect gift!
...
Then the guests took their seats, the water spirits and the civil and military officers of the River God's Mansion mingling and drinking together, while some human-like ones came over to toast with the humans. The humans, finding the experience quite novel, gladly partook of more drinks at the Lu River God's Mansion, making them feel braver for boasting later.
Wang Changxiong and Huang Qing were drinking with some strong-looking members of the Aquatic Race, while a few scholars surrounded Zhu Yushan, toasting and chatting. As Lu Zheng looked over, he saw Zhu Yushan with a calm demeanor, unassuming yet composed, clearly pleased yet not showing it openly.
A person with inner strength, a compelling figure. What was the deal with the prior misfortunes like falling rain?
"Young Master Lu, please!" Luo Wensheng raised his cup and approached.
Lu Zheng clinked his cup, "Magistrate Luo, please!"
Luo Wensheng drank all the wine from his cup and then, looking slightly puzzled, asked, "Did Young Master Lu come from Jizhou?"
"No, I am from Tonglin County. My master is Daoist Mingzhang of the White Cloud Temple on Shaotong Mountain in Tonglin County, which is a sub-temple of the Jizhou Baiyun Temple." Lu Zheng explained.
"So it's the White Cloud Sub-temple." Luo Wensheng nodded, "I've heard the White Cloud Temple established a sub-temple in Tonglin County, but I've never had the chance to interact with it, hence I haven't heard who the Temple Master is. However, being able to teach a student like Young Master Lu, Daoist Mingzhang must be a person of profound attainment."
Lu Zheng raised his cup in thanks.
"I wonder if there's any matter the Water Mansion can assist with regarding Young Master Lu's visit here?" Luo Wensheng inquired.
"Thank you, Magistrate Luo, the matter has been settled. I was actually preparing to return to the county. I arrived at the ferry last night, intending to stay the night and cross the river tomorrow, and just happened to join the wedding feast by chance."
Luo Wensheng laughed heartily, "This wedding feast must have indeed cost you a lot."
Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Mundane things, a joke to the Fang Family, I am not lacking in money, Magistrate Luo, please don't mock me."
Just then, a servant came up to Luo Wensheng, whispered something to him, and Luo Wensheng raised an eyebrow, signaling that he understood, then dismissed the servant. He turned to Lu Zheng and said, "Young Master Lu, the River God invites you, might you move to meet him?"
"Naturally, please!"
"Please!"
...
Luo Wensheng led Lu Zheng through the back hall, across a corridor, and into a side room.
As soon as Lu Zheng entered, he saw the Fish Leaping the Dragon Gate ornament he had recently gifted, now placed on the table at the side. He couldn't tell when it had been moved here.
Meanwhile, the Lu River God and his wife were sitting in the main seat, drinking tea. Upon seeing Lu Zheng, they gestured for him to sit down. Before Lu Zheng could sit, the door behind him was pushed open, and Zhu Yushan also arrived.
"Father-in-law, did you call for me?" Zhu Yushan asked.
The Lu River God nodded, gesturing to Lu Zheng, "This is Lu Zheng, a layman of the White Cloud Temple, possessing remarkable cultivation and a distinguished young talent. Today he also gifted a Five-Colored Glazed Fish Leaping the Dragon Gate, which carries a wonderful meaning. I specifically called you here to express gratitude."
Zhu Yushan also noticed the ornament on the table, inwardly marveling. The congratulations Lu Zheng had just delivered were eloquently crafted, leaving a deep impression, so he hurriedly bowed in thanks, "Thank you, Young Master Lu."
"It's nothing, I just happened to be here by chance." Lu Zheng returned the gesture with a bow.
The Lu River God said to Lu Zheng, "My son-in-law is of good character, though unfamiliar with adaptability and socializing. If you encounter him on his travels in the future, I hope Young Master Lu will look after him."
"You're too kind, River God. On the road, we should naturally help each other. Besides, Brother Zhu has divine light in his eyes and harbors ambition, now entering the River God's Mansion. Surely he'll transform from a koi to a dragon and ascend to great heights."
"Young Master Lu, you flatter me; I know nothing." Zhu Yushan quickly said with humility.
The Lu River God stroked his beard with a smile, just about to say something when Lu Zheng continued, "Since Brother Zhu is marrying the Water Mansion's daughter, he lacks no cultivation technique. As it happens, I have learned a "Cold Condensation Curse" from outside. The cold at the bottom of Lushui is quite suitable for Brother Zhu."
He turned to Luo Wensheng, "Magistrate Luo, could you prepare paper and ink for me?"
"This..." Luo Wensheng looked at the Lu River God.
Zhu Yushan waved his hands repeatedly, ready to decline, but the Lu River God nodded to Luo Wensheng and then said to Zhu Yushan, "Today is your wedding day; it would be rude to refuse a guest's gift."
"Understood, I shall honor Mount Tai's intention!" Zhu Yushan bowed in respectful understanding and turned to thank, "Thank you, Young Master Lu."
...
A moment later, the "Cold Condensation Curse" was written and handed over to Zhu Yushan by Lu Zheng.
"Buzz!"
The Mind Jade Seal buzzed, and thirty-one threads of Light of Fortune were accounted for.
Quite a lot, but not too much; it was unclear whether Zhu Yushan's own achievements were limited, or if the "Cold Condensation Curse" had little impact on him. Lu Zheng even wondered whether the impact was positive or negative, if these strands of fortune were granted by the Heavenly Dao to Zhu Yushan or taken from him.
Well, thirty threads of Light of Fortune already equated to the fortune accrued from the death of a centennial demon, and Lu Zheng was indeed feeling a bit elated.
In any event, overall, judging from the change in Light of Fortune, it seemed that this Zhu Yushan was indeed an exceptional individual.
The accomplishment of the Behind-the-Scenes Hand Flow, achieved!
...
"Thank you, Brother Lu!" Zhu Yushan was full of gratitude.
"It's a small matter. Brother Zhu and I hit it off at first sight; we must get closer in the future!" Lu Zheng said heartily.
...
The next morning, Luo Wensheng escorted everyone back to the shore, bid farewell to everyone with folded hands, had a separate chat with Lu Zheng, and then turned back into the water.
The attendees of the Water Mansion wedding all received a return gift from the Water Mansion, enclosed in a wooden box.
Upon returning to his room, Lu Zheng opened the box to find two items inside: a bead the size of an inch, emitting a faint azure light, and a palm-sized shell, its surface polished smooth, inscribed with tiny script.
Water-Repelling Pearl!
Water Avoidance Technique!