Chapter 23: Drinking Contest at the One-Drunk Pavilion, The Grand Wedding

It was an imposition for her to propose a drinking contest in the first place, but to her surprise, he had actually agreed. He certainly had no fear of death.

When the young General Lie saw her arrive, he hurried over to greet her with a beaming smile.

"My lady, I have one request regarding today's drinking contest. I hope you will agree to it."

Madam Lie seemed caught off guard by his words, but thinking it was nothing major, she agreed to the single request. "Speak your mind. As long as it is within my power, I will do my best."

The young General Lie’s face lit up with joy, his mouth stretching into a wide, foolish grin.

"Good, good! It’s like this, my lady: I hope that when the contest begins, we can change the rules a little."

Everyone listened with keen interest as he continued:

"When the match starts, we shall set a target quantity. I will drink first. If I finish it all, only then will you begin. If I fail to finish, then naturally, you win, and you will not be required to drink at all. How does that sound?"

This was cheating, plain and simple!

In truth, Madam Lie was quite touched. By his terms, she stood to gain regardless of the outcome. If the young General Lie completed the challenge, she would start drinking; if he failed, she wouldn’t have to drink at all.

How could he come up with such a self-sacrificing, others-benefiting scheme?

"Truly, what a blatant way to cheat! I can't believe he actually said it out loud."

"Indeed, indeed."

Those around them sighed in secret; they wouldn't get to see the Lady of the Prince An’s Mansion lose her composure after drinking now. How dull.

Just as everyone assumed things would proceed that way, Madam Lie suddenly let out a laugh and a cold snort.

"General Lie, your heart is in the right place, but a contest is a contest. I am not someone who cannot afford to lose. Let us begin." Madam Lie straightened her posture, adopting a drinking stance and entering the state of competition in an instant.

The onlookers breathed a sigh of relief, instantly returning to their eager, gossiping selves.

The waiter brought out rows of fine *Nü’er Hong* wine, two identical sets, and the contest began.

At the start, the young General Lie held his own against Madam Lie, but as time went on, the gap widened.

One jar, two jars, three jars... ten jars...

Madam Lie had outpaced the young General Lie by a full twelve jars. Casting a glance at him, she sensed he was reaching his limit and stopped, hoping he would do the same.

But the young General Lie held tightly to his wine jar, refusing to let go, muttering incoherently: "Don't... don't touch my wine. Hehe, my lady, look, aren't I impressive? I told you I could do it, I can still drink, drink... tee-hee-hee..."

*Thwack!*

As the wine cup fell to the ground, he was knocked unconscious by Madam Lie, who then ordered someone to take him back to his manor.

And so, the farce came to an end.

The next day, when the sun was high in the sky, the young General Lie woke up in a haze. Realizing he was not in his own room, he jolted awake and bolted outside.

After stumbling about, he was discovered by the servants and, mistaken for a thief, was dragged straight before Madam Lie without a word.

From then on, he refused to leave the estate, clinging to Madam Lie like a plaster, completely indifferent to what others thought.

***

Later, for reasons unknown, an imperial decree was issued:

"By the order of the Heavens, the Emperor decrees: Through the compassionate instruction of the Empress Dowager, the daughter of Prince An’s Mansion, known for her virtuous nature, prudent conduct, and graceful brilliance, is hereby betrothed to the young master of the General’s Mansion. Let the two be joined in a union lasting a hundred years. The relevant authorities are commanded to select an auspicious date for the wedding. Respect this."

Later, the daughter of Prince An’s Mansion was married off in great splendor, with the General’s Mansion sending an eight-bearer sedan chair. It was a magnificent sight.

***

At the Yizui Pavilion:

"Sigh..."

Xiaobei stared at General Lie, his head burning with fever, his heart anxious and burning with worry, as he sighed repeatedly.

He remembered that when they left the mansion, his mistress had specifically instructed him to look after the General and ensure he did not touch any alcohol.

Now, look at this mess: the General had not only drunk wine but had gotten drunk, and even forgotten to write the regular letter home. He was certain that when he returned, he would not escape a scolding from his mistress.

Xiaobei looked again at the General, who was sprawled on the daybed, feeling utterly tormented.

*Mistress, I have failed you...*

***

In the dilapidated temple:

Madam Lie’s gaze drifted back to Luo Qianfan, the coldness that had filled the courtyard perfectly concealed.

To understand the strength of the General’s Mansion so clearly—this person was truly extraordinary. They must not become enemies; otherwise, the future consequences would be endless.

"What you say is true, Young Master. Concern leads to chaos. It was my impatience that caused us to fall into the villain's trap. Now, the General’s Mansion owes you yet another favor."

"I see that you are of a similar age to my Li’er. If you do not mind his rowdiness and lack of discipline, why don't you address each other as sworn brothers? It would save us from the formality of 'Mistress' and 'Young Master.' What do you think?" Madam Lie’s eyes flickered as she looked at Luo Qianfan earnestly.

"Madam, you are too kind. General Lie is loyal and righteous, a man of integrity. Young Master Li is even more high-spirited and renowned. To befriend him would be my good fortune—I only fear that Young Master Lie might look down on me."

Yet, Luo Qianfan felt a flicker of caution in her heart: *Why is this Madam so insistent on having me join their family?*

At these words, Madam Lie nodded excitedly, all traces of her earlier defensiveness gone; she had completely accepted Luo Qianfan as one of her own.

"Haha, that is wonderful! From now on, we are kin, and the General’s Mansion will always welcome you! Rest assured, as long as you are in the capital, no one will be able to bully you." Who wouldn't want such a powerful backing?

Luo Qianfan, however, shook her head slightly.

Even though she was used to bullying others, her face flushed slightly. She had never expected to be fought over to be claimed as kin. Such family-like care was something someone like Luo Qianfan craved yet dared not seek.

However, if they were to have a relationship, there could be no deception, especially regarding something as sensitive as one's identity.

In Luo Qianfan’s personal code of life, she could not tolerate betrayal or deceit, and she would not intentionally deceive others, lest she be the one to regret it in the end.

"What is it? Does Brother Luo have some reservations?" Madam Lie asked, puzzled by Luo Qianfan’s hesitant head-shaking.

*Fine, fine. I’ll just go for it.*

Luo Qianfan used one hand to undo the silk ribbon binding her dark, glossy hair, and with the other, she brushed aside the wisps of hair by her ears. A breeze blew through the temple, and her locks danced in the air like playful spirits—beautiful and flowing.

Madam Lie was stunned.

"You... so, you are actually a woman!!"

***

"All these days, I didn't notice at all..." Madam Lie’s pupils contracted in disbelief. She then stepped forward to examine Luo Qianfan, and everything became clear in an instant.

Indeed, there were tiny needle holes in her walnut-shaped earlobes, and her skin was fair, her touch smooth. There was even a faint, elegant, and refreshing scent of a woman about her, so subtle it was barely detectable. So that was it.

Luo Qianfan watched Madam Lie’s eyes brighten with realization, her guilt vanishing as her usual mischievous spirit returned.

"As I stand before you, I am a genuine, honest-to-goodness, authentic woman. Madam, are you still willing to acknowledge me as your kin?"

After saying this, Luo Qianfan couldn't help but blink, her expression meaningful.

Madam Lie was stunned. Was this girl really the same charming, handsome youth from just a moment ago?

He had been stunning in men's clothing, but as a woman, she was even more captivating.

This girl was truly enough to make one jealous; she was so beautiful that even a dog would want to take a bite.

*Tsk, tsk, tsk. I’ve hit the jackpot.* This was Madam Lie’s internal monologue.

*In that case, then Li’er...?*

"Qianfan, I never imagined that someone as young as you would have such courage—not only traveling alone but possessing such extraordinary medical skills. And your appearance is... no wonder you chose to dress as a man. So that was the reason." Madam Lie was as amazed as if she had discovered a rare treasure.

Luo Qianfan: "..."

*That’s not it at all.* Luo Qianfan mused to herself. It wasn't because she was too beautiful that she wore men’s clothes; it was clearly for convenience. But she wouldn't tell Madam Lie that she wore men’s clothes to easily enter places like brothels...

It wasn't because she was afraid of embarrassment, but because she was afraid of scaring Madam Lie. She had just transitioned from a man to a woman in her eyes; if she dropped another bombshell, it would cause Madam Lie psychological distress.

They hadn't even finished establishing their bond, and if she scared her to death, it would be the biggest joke of the year.

"Yes, yes, that's right..." Luo Qianfan could only agree, laughing mindlessly as if it were true. Only she knew the real reason.

Afterward, the two talked happily. With the previous defenses and the boundaries between men and women gone, they felt even closer, truly like kin.

In the middle of the conversation, Madam Lie even tried to play matchmaker between her and Lie Xuanli, but Luo Qianfan politely declined.

Madam Lie was a sensible person; she knew some things could not be forced. Although Luo Qianfan was truly excellent, children had their own destinies, and she would let them find their own happiness!

Seeing that Madam Lie’s spirits had lifted, Luo Qianfan didn't say anything more. They chatted about other matters, and laughter echoed through the small temple. The others, seeing this, were also exceptionally friendly toward Luo Qianfan.

After resting for two more days, news arrived that General Lie was returning to the manor, and Madam Lie’s long-standing worries finally dissipated.

Luo Qianfan, however, didn't feel a ripple, as if it were all expected.

Ever since she had decided to become Lie Xuanli’s sworn sister, she had secretly sent people to track the General’s whereabouts, and had even deliberately arranged for him to be led back once he was found.

Others might not know, but she did: although Madam Lie hid her worry for the General well, the longing etched into her bones could not fool Luo Qianfan.

That was why she would stare blankly out the door when no one was around, always finding excuses to keep busy!

Luo Qianfan saw it all but said nothing, for she knew that rather than letting her worry all day, it was better to keep her active—it was good for her recovery.

On this day, Luo Qianfan and Madam Lie faced their parting. After these few days together, they truly regarded each other as family, and the sudden separation was hard to bear. Fortunately, Luo Qianfan promised repeatedly that she would visit the capital, and Madam Lie was finally able to let her go.

Having been delayed for a few days, and calculating the time, the people from the capital would be arriving soon. Luo Qianfan and her companions packed their things and prepared to depart.