TPGA - 54

Chapter 54: Born on the Same Year, Month, Day, and Hour

“Yes, but that four-legged snake looked different from the usual ones. Its body was golden yellow, and it had…” This was such an ancient memory that it took Wu Laosan a long time to recall. Finally, he said, “Ah yes, it had horns on its head.”

At this point, Yunyi was certain that what had been embroidered on Meixue’s swaddling cloth wasn’t a four-legged snake—it was a dragon, a dragon reserved exclusively for the emperor!

Wu Laosan was just a commoner from the lowest rungs of society, someone who had never left this place. He didn’t recognize a dragon and mistook it for a four-legged snake.

Meixue not only looked exactly like her, but they were also born on the same year, month, day, and hour. Moreover, Meixue had a swaddling cloth embroidered with a dragon. Could it be… that Meixue and she were twin sisters?

The thought surfaced briefly but was quickly dismissed. If Meixue were truly a princess, she should have been in the palace, not in Honghua Prefecture. Besides, her mother, the empress, had never mentioned giving birth to twins.

But if not, how could all of this be explained? And… ever since meeting Meixue, she had felt an inexplicable sense of closeness.

“Child, are you thinking of searching for your biological parents?” Before Yunyi could respond, he continued, “If you want to search, go ahead. Don’t worry about me. I’m still strong and can take care of myself.”

Seeing his obvious reluctance yet forcing a smile, Yunyi’s nose suddenly stung with emotion. If… her father, the emperor, had treated her even half as well as Wu Laosan treated Meixue, her fifteen years wouldn’t have been so difficult.

In a daze, she heard Wu Laosan’s muffled voice, “Alright, let me go cook. I’ll call you when it’s ready.”

Looking at Wu Laosan’s slightly stooped figure, she impulsively rushed forward and grabbed his arm, saying, “No matter whether I find my biological parents or not, you will always be my dearest father. No one can replace you in my heart!”

Her words brought tears to Wu Laosan’s eyes. Patting her head, he choked up and said, “Good! Good! You’re truly my good daughter. The most important thing is that you’re happy. What happens to me doesn’t matter.”

Yunyi held back the lump in her throat and didn’t speak. If Wu Laosan knew that Meixue had died, she couldn’t imagine how heartbroken he would be. If possible, she hoped he would never know for the rest of his life.

After calming down, Wu Laosan went to the kitchen to prepare the meal, with Yunyi helping him. After hearing her heartfelt words, his mood visibly improved, and he chatted from time to time.

After a while, the dishes were ready: braised musk deer meat, steamed minced pork with salted fish, dry-braised eggplant, and a bowl of mapo tofu.

Wu Laosan wiped his hands and handed a bowl of rice to Yunyi, saying, “Here, eat. Try the musk deer meat and see if it suits your taste. I made it exactly as you suggested.”

Yunyi nodded, picked up a piece of fragrant musk deer meat, and placed it in her bowl. Wu Laosan had cooked it perfectly—the flavor burst in her mouth with the first bite. The meat was tender and chewy without being tough. Though there was still a slight gaminess, it didn’t detract from the overall taste.

Wu Laosan looked at her expectantly and asked, “How is it? Is it good?”

Yunyi swallowed the meat and smiled, saying, “It’s delicious. I’ve never eaten such tasty meat before—not even the chefs at the governor’s mansion can compare.”

Wu Laosan beamed with joy. “If you like it, eat more. When you come back next time, I’ll hunt another musk deer for you. Lately, there are plenty of them in the mountains. We’ll keep some for ourselves and sell the rest to save up for your dowry.” He sighed wistfully, “My greatest wish now is to see you marry well.”

Yunyi placed a piece of musk deer meat in his bowl and said, “Why are you talking about this again? Eat quickly.”

Wu Laosan thought she was still upset about Du Ruhui and quickly said, “You’re right, you’re right. Old people tend to ramble. Eat quickly before it gets cold. Later, I’ll show you something special.”

Though the food was simpler than what Yunyi usually ate at the governor’s mansion, it was surprisingly appetizing. She ended up eating a full bowl and a half before putting down her chopsticks.

After clearing the dishes, Wu Laosan mysteriously pulled her into the inner room. From the bottom of a chest, he retrieved a bundle. After unwrapping it layer by layer, a complete white tiger skin was revealed. He proudly presented it, saying, “This is from a white tiger I encountered in the mountains last month. To be honest, in all my years of hunting, I’ve only seen two white tigers. The first time was when I found you—it was a pair, male and female. I waited until they were far away before daring to pick you up. This time, I came across a lone one. Luckily, I hit it with an arrow, and after a fierce struggle, I finally killed it and skinned it. I’ve seen someone offer ten taels of silver for a white tiger skin, so this is truly a treasure. I haven’t told anyone about this except you. I even buried the tiger meat to avoid any trouble if word got out. It’s better to be cautious. Next time I visit the neighboring county, I’ll sell this skin. Unfortunately, it’s a bit damaged, so it won’t fetch a high price. But even if it doesn’t reach ten taels, five or six taels should still be possible—enough to buy quite a few things. Didn’t you say you wanted a silk dress? We can get that too.”

“No need. If you sell it for silver, just keep it for yourself. I have enough clothes and don’t need anything new.” Then she added, “Were you injured when you captured that fierce tiger?”

Wu Laosan chuckled dismissively. “Just a small injury, but it’s already healed. Don’t underestimate me just because I’m older—I still have plenty of strength. Even fighting a tiger barehanded wouldn’t be a problem.”

Seeing his confident demeanor, Yunyi couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, yes, Father is the strongest.” After helping Wu Laosan rewrap the tiger skin, she took out a small embroidered pouch from her sleeve and handed it to him. “This is the monthly allowance I received recently. Keep it for your daily expenses.”

Wu Laosan quickly declined, saying, “No need. I don’t spend much living alone. You’re the one who needs money in the governor’s mansion. Keep it for yourself.”

“Just take what your daughter gives you. I know how to manage my own affairs,” she insisted. Then, she retrieved several pearls and a jade pendant she had brought with her. “Also, keep these. In case of an emergency, you can pawn them or use them to repair the house.”

Wu Laosan was surprised and asked, “Where did you get these? Surely you didn’t…”

Yunyi guessed his thoughts and laughed. “What are you thinking? These were rewards from Master Jiancheng and Master Shimin.”

“Rewards? Why would they reward you for no reason?” Though Wu Laosan believed Meixue wouldn’t steal, he still harbored some doubts.