Chapter 314: Chapter 313: Wish_1
Ji Qingbai spoke with a solemn expression, continuing, “Previously at Big Black Mountain, if it hadn’t been for Mo Hua’s assistance, our whole family might not have survived.”
“Later on, when Ji Li was nearly killed by a Sin Cultivator, it was also Mo Hua who saved him.”
“And there’s Court Leader Lu and Kong Sheng, who died at Black Mountain Stronghold. Although I don’t know what happened, I do know that it was Mo Hua who stepped in to help.”
“Not to mention, he drew so many formations for the Monster Hunters. Without those formations, the Refinery Shop and Alchemist’s Business wouldn’t have been established, and the Monster Hunters going into the mountains to hunt monsters would have been much more dangerous…”
“Thanks to his formations, the Loose Cultivators of Tongxian City are living better days, and we now have a safe place to live. Ji Li and Fu Lan, these two kids, were able to get married…”
The more Ji Qingbai spoke, the more emotional he became, asserting firmly:
“This cup of tea must be offered!”
Mo Shan declined, “Brother Ji, Mo Hua is still young, he can’t bear such honor…”
Ji Qingbai insisted, “He may be young, but he has achieved great things; he can handle the honor.”
Mo Shan tried to refuse again, but Ji Li and Fu Lan had already solemnly brought the tea to Mo Hua.
Unable to refuse, Mo Hua awkwardly accepted the tea and drank it.
Only then did Ji Qingbai smile broadly and say:
“Mo Hua, you are the benefactor of our family. In the future, no matter what you need, even if it means walking through fire and boiling water, we will not hesitate to help.”
Mo Hua, both amused and embarrassed, said, “Uncle Ji, you flatter me too much.”
Mo Shan also smiled somewhat helplessly.
Fortunately, after the tea was drunk, there were no more formalities, and Mo Hua sighed with relief and happily went on to eat at the feast.
The banquet was joyous and lively, with wine and meat abundant and delicious on the table.
Mo Hua sat at a table with Da’hu and three others, including Daping and Dazhu.
The group of young friends were boisterous and thoroughly enjoyed their hearty meal.
Amidst the clinking of cups, both hosts and guests were merry until the evening came, and then they dispersed.
When Mo Hua was leaving, Ji Qingbai again personally saw him off with Ji Li and Fu Lan.
Ji Qingbai was very happy and had drunk a lot. Ji Li and Fu Lan also held hands, their eyes brimming with smiles.
Mo Hua couldn’t help but think, if only everyone could always be this peaceful and joyful.
Then he could also sponge meals with a happier heart.
Ji Qingbai, having had too much to drink, repeated the thank-yous of the day over again. Ji Li was somewhat introverted and not good with words, but his eyes were full of gratitude when he looked at Mo Hua.
Fu Lan then gave Mo Hua a wedding gift box:
“Here’s a ‘Wedding Cake’ that I made with my own hands. If Mo Ge’er doesn’t disdain it, please take it home and try it.”
Mo Hua smiled sweetly, “Thank you, Sister Fu Lan!”
Fu Lan saw Mo Hua happily accept the gift and smiled joyfully in return.
The Wedding Cake was beautifully packaged and felt weighty.
Mo Hua originally thought this ‘Wedding Cake’ was just one of the usual sweets found at weddings, something everyone would have, but upon returning home, he discovered that only he had received one.
Liu Ruhua said, “The Wedding Cake is handmade by the newlyweds, given to their most honored guests. The process is very complicated and the ingredients are carefully selected. Most cultivators might not get to taste a wedding cake in their whole life.”
Mo Hua was surprised, “Is it that precious?”
Liu Ruhua nodded, “It represents their deep sentiment and is also a blessing.”
“A blessing for what?” Mo Hua was somewhat puzzled.
“Wishing that you will also find a harmonious and perfect marital match.”
Mo Hua’s face turned a bit red, “I’m still too young for that, aren’t I?”
Liu Ruhua couldn’t help but laugh, “These things are best wished for early on.”
“So, do I eat it?” Mo Hua hesitated, “Or should I keep it and treasure it?”
He felt the sentiment behind the cake was so precious that he was reluctant to eat — it seemed better to keep it.
Liu Ruhua laughed teasingly, “A cake is meant to be eaten. It’s your Sister Fu Lan’s kind gesture, don’t let it go to waste.”
“Oh, okay.” Mo Hua nodded, though still a little reluctant, he took out a piece and tried it, his eyes lighting up instantly.
Delicious!
The Wedding Cake, though plain on the outside, was soft and chewy on the inside. After biting into it, a variety of fillings were revealed, offering a rich and fragrant taste.
It was both aromatic and sweet.
Mo Hua offered a piece to his mother, “Mom, you should try it too.”
Liu Ruhua shook her head, smiling, “As I’m already married, there’s no need for me to eat it.”
“Then, let it be a blessing for you and Dad to always be harmonious and joyful.”
Liu Ruhua’s cheeks flushed, and she laughed, “You’re such a child…”
But when Mo Hua insisted, she could not refuse and took a bite, nodding in approval:
“It really is good. Fu Lan is indeed deft and thoughtful.”
Mo Hua also nodded in agreement; the Wedding Cake truly was delicious.
Afterward, staring at the large box of Wedding Cake, he began to ponder how to share it.
Such a rare treat deserved to be shared so everyone could enjoy the happiness.
“Mom has had hers; this piece will be for Dad.”
“Master Chen has been a bachelor all his life, I’ll give him a piece and see if it might help him find a wife…”
“Grandpa Feng probably won’t be looking for a wife, but let’s give him a taste too,”
“Elder Yu… He’s already got two sons, let’s just forget it…”
“Uncle Zhang Lan, although he appears dashing, is actually a loner. He’s a decent person, so let’s give him one too.”
“Uncle Leader Yang, as the commander of the Taoist Soldiers, probably finds it hard to find a partner… And since we’ve given one to Uncle Zhang, naturally we should give one to him too, can’t be biased…”
“And there’s Da’hu and the others…”
“There’s also Mr. Zhuang’s place…”
…
Mo Hua muttered to himself, arranging for everyone to get one.
Liu Ruhua couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight.
The next day, Mo Hua made a round trip through Tongxian City, distributing the Wedding Cake.
Some simply found the Wedding Cakes delicious, others thanked Mo Hua for his well-wishes, there were also those with complex expressions, and of course, those who didn’t know whether to laugh or cry…
After Mo Hua had made his rounds, he still had about half left, which he packed into a gift box and delivered to Mr. Zhuang.
“Wedding Cake?” Mr. Zhuang was somewhat surprised.
Mo Hua nodded, “It’s said to wish people joy and harmony, and a blissful marriage.”
Mr. Zhuang paused, his expression shifting several times.
Mo Hua quietly observed and confirmed that Mr. Zhuang’s reaction belonged to those who didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“Gentleman, would you like to try some?” Mo Hua asked.
Mr. Zhuang hesitated, but in the end did not refuse Mo Hua’s kindness and tried a piece, then nodded slightly:
“Indeed, it tastes good.”
Mo Hua smiled.
Mr. Zhuang wanted to say something more, but the corner of his eye caught the sight of the red gift box and the double “happiness” character on it. His expression showed a moment of melancholy, and a trace of guilt flashed through his eyes.
There’s a story!
Mo Hua was astonished; he rarely saw Mr. Zhuang display such emotion.
Mo Hua really wanted to ask, but didn’t quite have the nerve to.
Even if he asked, the gentleman surely wouldn’t tell.
But not asking left Mo Hua extremely curious.
Mo Hua held back his curiosity… but ultimately couldn’t resist. His eyes lit up, and he whispered, “Gentleman…”
Before he could ask, Mr. Zhuang tapped on his little head.
“Don’t ask what you shouldn’t,” Mr. Zhuang said, not in a tone of reprimand, but with a hint of helplessness.
“Oh,” Mo Hua quickly took the hint and didn’t ask any further.
After leaving the bamboo hut, Mo Hua delivered the other half of the Wedding Cakes to Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi.
Bai Zisheng, who usually wasn’t fond of sweets, also tried a piece and nodded in approval, “It’s really delicious.”
The rest of the Wedding Cakes were given to Bai Zixi.
After thanking him, Bai Zixi sat under a clean white pagoda tree, nibbling on the cakes. After a moment, she asked Mo Hua in a melodious voice:
“How are these Wedding Cakes made?”
“I don’t know… it’s quite complicated anyway.”
“Does Aunt Liu know how to make them?”
“Yes,” Mo Hua nodded.
Bai Zixi’s eyes brightened.
“But my mother won’t make them,” Mo Hua added.
Bai Zixi was stunned, a puzzled look in her eyes, “Why not?”
“Wedding Cakes have a special significance, they are only made when cultivators marry.”
Bai Zixi took another bite of the Wedding Cake and raised her head to ask:
“Is anyone getting married soon in your family?”
Mo Hua thought for a moment, then shook his head, “I don’t think so.”
Bai Zixi’s expression showed a tinge of disappointment.
She glanced at the cakes and then asked, “Have you tasted them?”
“I’ve had a piece,” Mo Hua said.
Tasting one piece was enough to partake in the happiness.
Bai Zixi’s fair little hand reached out, took a piece of cake from the box, and offered it to Mo Hua, “Let’s eat it together.”
After running around all day, Mo Hua was a bit hungry, so he took the cake and started eating.
The mountain breeze blew gently, rippling the water in the pond, smoothing the tender grass, carrying the tranquil fragrance of the pagoda tree through the mountain dwelling.
Bai Zisheng lay on the grass, idly flipping through a book.
Mo Hua and Bai Zixi, two children as delicate as carved jade, sat under the tree, quietly eating the Wedding Cakes.
Snow-white pagoda blossoms floated overhead, and a big red gift box sat in front of them.