In the nearly half a month since returning from Shenlie Valley, it had rained almost every day. After Si Yan finished Su Tao’er’s morning lessons, he would sit in the front courtyard of Destiny Pavilion, drinking tea and waiting for the afternoon instruction time.
The front courtyard of the Main Pavilion featured mountains and water. Si Yan even kept a few beautiful carp in the pond, so during his leisure time, he could pass the hours by feeding them.
Speaking of which, Su Tao’er was becoming increasingly familiar with life at Destiny Pavilion. Whether it was the First Senior Brother, who would suddenly strike poses for no reason, or Yuling, who spent all day dazing out, she could greet them and then completely ignore them to the point of total disregard.
Tasks like washing clothes had become quick and efficient. When she was free, she would write letters or hum a few tunes in the courtyard. She was quite relaxed, having integrated into their group in an incredibly natural way.
However, Si Yan was actually suffering a bit. Every night lately, he had gone to his beloved disciple’s quarters to “catch some wind,” but the view was always blocked by a beautiful screen. He couldn’t see any of the beautiful scenery of her bathing, and his heart ached terribly.
It was true that the woman in the palace, Zi Yinqing, was willing to give Si Yan great benefits, but how could Si Yan be such a lowly person?
‘Yes, yes, I am a good person,’ Si Yan thought to himself. ‘But since she agreed to it herself, I should still go check it out when I have time.’
Just then, Si Yan noticed Su Tao’er holding a floral umbrella, appearing to be searching for something in the front courtyard.
Si Yan waved to her and asked curiously, “Tao’er, what did you lose?”
Su Tao’er looked depressed, but her voice remained soft as she said, “Master, one of the garments Tao’er hung in the corridor yesterday is missing. I thought it might have been blown away by the wind, so I came here to look for it.”
However, Su Tao’er seemed to have only said half of it. As for exactly which garment was missing, she appeared quite bashful.
Hearing this, Si Yan understood immediately. He said solemnly, “Oh, speaking of which, there was a strong wind when it rained yesterday. If you can’t find it here, it might have been blown into the mountains.”
Su Tao’er lowered her head and muttered in disappointment, “I see. Then Tao’er won’t be able to find it. I really liked that one.”
‘She really liked it?’
‘It makes sense, but don’t worry, Master has kept it safe for you.’
Si Yan remained composed and continued innocently, “Disciple, I purchased some nice fabrics in Ye Ming City a few days ago. Tell me the style of that garment, and I can make a few for you. My tailoring skills are quite decent.”
Su Tao’er’s two fingers fidgeted below, clearly too embarrassed to speak. She bit her lip and whispered, “Master, if that garment is lost, then it’s lost. You don’t need to worry about it.”
‘Don’t worry?’
‘I’m worried! I’m definitely worried!’
‘If you don’t have a change of clothes in the future, what will we do?’
However, as Si Yan looked at Su Tao’er, he seemed to remember something. He suddenly said, “Tao’er, I haven’t painted a portrait of you yet. Since I’m free today and it’s raining, come here. I will paint you.”
Su Tao’er hesitated for a moment. Then she remembered that the portrait of that Senior Female Disciple was still hanging in Si Yan’s room. She quickly obeyed and sat down elegantly and adorably across from Si Yan, sharing the shelter of the pavilion with him.
Si Yan took a Pencil and a drawing board out of his Qiankun Bag. He crossed his legs and began to draw Su Tao’er on the spot.
In truth, Si Yan had already drawn Su Tao’er on the day she arrived, but that was a drawing of her coming out of the bath… Later, Si Yan had placed it at his waist, but he had accidentally lost it and couldn’t find it anywhere afterward.
Of course, Si Yan couldn’t tell Su Tao’er any of this. Otherwise, his true nature would be exposed, and the girl would be on guard against him everywhere, making her difficult to fool. Therefore, the key now was to grow closer to her and cultivate their relationship. Even if she was as frank as Yanyan had been, she wouldn’t treat a Master she had deep feelings for with such coldness!
Perhaps she might even take the initiative?
But the young girl blinked her pair of large eyes, having no idea how dirty this hypocrite across from her actually was. She completely believed her Master was a noble and upright gentleman.
Watching the Pencil in Si Yan’s hand, Su Tao’er asked curiously, “Master, your brush is very strange.”
Si Yan laughed and explained, “I made this myself. If you like it, I’ll give you some. Whether for writing letters or drawing, it’s very convenient. Even if the tip gets thick, you can just sharpen it slightly to make it like new again.”
Hearing that Si Yan wanted to give her a gift, she was very happy and replied, “That’s great, Tao’er wants them.”
Mist and rain surrounded the pavilion. The rain fell into the pond and drummed against the leaves of the flowers and trees, creating a soft *patter-patter* sound. Given the environment and the fact that he was sitting across from Su Tao’er in the pavilion, Si Yan was in a very good mood.
Su Tao’er was young, but her figure was indeed excellent. Sitting there, she looked like a beauty who only existed within the mist and rain, very pleasing to the eye.
‘Ah, I really want to pinch her a few times, or give her two twists. I want to be reckless and even give that bottom of hers—which looks like it’s asking for it—two good smacks.’
‘But, damn it, I’m the Master!’
Si Yan couldn’t help but feel frustrated.
‘How can a Master have special thoughts about his disciple?’
‘Wouldn’t that violate ethics and scare the child away?’
As he drew, he fell into deep thought again, as if he absolutely had to find a legitimate reason to touch her.
During this time, Si Yan nearly finished the drawing, smoothing out many of the rough edges in the process.
Su Tao’er came over to look and said joyfully, “Wow! Master, you’re amazing! It looks exactly like Tao’er!”
Si Yan was also quite proud. “It’s all right. It will look even better once it’s colored. Besides, you were born lovely, so it naturally adds to the artwork.”
Su Tao’er gave a soft hum and stepped back a few paces. She used her small fist to gently push Si Yan’s shoulder, as if acting spoiled. “Master, you’re so improper, sweet-talking me!”
Hearing this, Si Yan was startled. He thought Su Tao’er had seen through him and quickly put on a stern face. “You must not push your Master. Show some respect!”
Su Tao’er immediately became a bit timid. She was afraid her behavior had crossed a line, so she lowered her head.
Seeing this, Si Yan breathed a sigh of relief and said, “Alright, go get those dyes I left in the main hall. I need to color the painting.”
Su Tao’er obeyed as if granted a pardon and quickly scurried away in a panic.
However, about seven minutes later, the girl came back sheepishly. Although she brought the dyes, her face was a little pale.
Si Yan was surprised and asked, “Tao’er, what’s wrong?”
After putting the dyes down, Su Tao’er took out the item she had been hiding behind her back with her other hand. She placed it on the table and said, “Master, Tao’er was in too much of a hurry and accidentally broke the incense burner in the main hall. This… shouldn’t be anything valuable, right?”
Si Yan looked at the shattered incense burner. He thought to himself that it was just an incense burner. Even though the material was indeed unusual, she was his beloved disciple; if she broke it, she broke it. As long as she wasn’t hurt, what did it matter?
Si Yan smiled and said unhurriedly, “Oh, this incense burner? If it’s broken, then…”
As he spoke, he suddenly went silent. After a long moment, realization dawned on him! His heart was instantly filled with wild joy!
It was broken! The girl had broken the incense burner!
Now he could enforce the Sect Rules!!!
He could finally use the Sect Rules!!!
“You brat!” Si Yan suddenly stood up and shouted angrily. “You actually shattered such a treasure of mine! Do you have any idea how grave of a mistake you’ve made?!”
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