"Sure, why not?" Xiaodan leisurely said, taking a seat. Once she sat down, she flipped a teacup right side up and poured herself a cup of tea.
Zhao Ying was a bit relieved and happy that Xiaodan agreed to tell them.
"Thank you," Zhao Ying said, showing a small smile. Fu Zhong continued to look at her and then looked at her smile. Xiaodan glanced at Fu Zhong's gaze and smiled. She felt someone glaring at her. She glanced at He Jingy before her smile blossomed brighter.
"What do you want to know about?" Xiaodan redirected her attention back to Zhao Ying.
"Can you tell us the story of the water dragon?" Zhao Ying asked.
"Of course. Something as simple as that, I can," Xiaodan said.
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Once Xiaodan finished telling the story, she picked up the cup of tea and moved the cup underneath her mask before taking a sip.
"How do we know you are speaking the truth?" Zhang Yuz said, not trusting her.
"Mister, do you not know this is a tale. It's up to you if you want to believe it," Xiaodan said. Zhang Yuz's face stiffened.
"How do you know about the story of the water dragon? This story was so long ago and has been forgotten. You look too young to know this story so clearly?" He Jingy said sharply.
Xiaodan smiled, "I thank you for the compliment, but I'm not that young. I'm quite old. But let's not dwell on my age. I'm a traveler. I settled here in the capital to earn some money since it's decent here compared to the other towns and villages. I have met many people and heard many things and stories while traveling around. I came across the story of the water dragon and became fascinated. I even heard about Taoist Priest Feng, who sealed the dragon as he is still alive and likes to dress as a simple old herbalist." Xiaodan snuck the last part in hope they would become more interested and believe her.
"How can he be alive? It was so long ago," Zhao Ying said.
"Beats me," Xiaodan shrugged.
"Do you know where we might find the Taoist priest, or where you heard that?" Fu Zhong asked, looking at Xiaodan.
"Maybe," Xiaodan looked at them with a tease in her eyes.
Zhang Yuz held his anger as he tightened his grip on his sword. At the same time, Fu Zhong and Zhao Ying slightly furrowed their eyebrows as they knew they had offended her in the beginning, so it wasn't a surprise she was acting this way, but they didn't know how to convince her to help them. As for He Jingy didn't show any emotion, just simply stared at her.
"Alright, I'll tell you guys. With all your staring, it's like my skin is burning," Xiaodan said, letting the matter go.
"Thank you," Zhao Ying said, beating Fu Zhong before he could get a chance to speak. He once again stared at Zhao Ying and kept quiet.
Xiaodan looked at those two before speaking, "Well, it's kind of hard to explain the directions. It's best if I show you the way instead," Xiaodan sighed, trying to make them take her with them. That way, she will be able to help spark Zhao Ying and Fu Zhong's love.
"What's the catch?" Fu Zhong said, staring at her sharply.
"There's no catch. I can see that you guys are important people with your bodyguards beside you two. Plus, the clothes you guys are wearing are in good quality condition. There are no tears in them, and they don't look run-down. Even with your peasant clothes, compared to the rest of us, they are still in good condition. If I have to pinpoint, are you from the royal palace?" Xiaodan said, knowing very well who they are. Zhao Yang was slightly trembling with nervousness as she felt their cover had been exposed.
"And there was a decree that came out regarding the marriage alliance between two countries to help both countries, but how can two countries save their countries when the problem is having a drought across the land, which started because the water dragon is no longer free but sealed in the mountains," Xiaodan said, looking at them.
They were impressed with her observations.
"I'm glad to help our country for the better good. As I would like a better living, but since you are all skeptical of my motivation, then I would like some money in return," Xiaodan spoke again.
"You are quite the observer. How much would you like in return?" Fu Zhong said, neither denying nor admitting their identity.
"Whatever you think best fits, I don't mind," Xiaodan said. Fu Zhong nodded his head while the rest didn't speak. Since Fu Zhong complied, there was no need for He Jingy's objection. The crown prince's agreement was the final say. Zhao Yang didn't rebuke as well. She agreed with Fu Zhong's choice and simply glanced at him, while Zhang Yuz didn't like the idea and wanted to rebuke, but since Zhao Yang didn't object, he kept quiet and tightened his fist.
Xiaodan stood up and said, "Alright, since it's late, and I have to make arrangements. I will take my leave. We should meet up at the tavern and depart in the morning."
No one objected as she took her leave. She did find it a bit odd for them to listen to her, but they couldn't find anything wrong with her suggestion.
YOU ARE READING
Cupid's Assistant
FantasyCupid. A small chubby boy with wings who carries a bow that shoots arrows of love to anyone in his way. Whoever gets struck by his arrows will fall in love with whomever they see. However, time has changed and Cupid no longer works alone. Now he has...
