Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Fat Carp That Appeared in the Dream

The ginseng spirit, who had suffered the humiliation of having its hair cut, seemed surprisingly unconcerned about its lost locks; after all, what was a handful of hair compared to saving its life? It recalled fleeing past the Gu family’s lotus pond on its way back, which sharply reminded it of the Jade Pool in Dabie Mountain—a true earthly paradise. It owed its transformation into a spirit to that giant carp, whose blessing allowed it to awaken. Yet that carp had vanished long ago, and fewer and fewer creatures in Dabie Mountain were gaining intelligence. How disheartening.

The next day, Meng Yun ordered the servant to open the shop doors, only to greet an esteemed guest: Lady Gao.

After returning home yesterday, Lady Gao had meticulously interrogated every servant and concubine, finally uncovering the culprit—her trusted maid, who had grown bold from years of care and harbored ambitions to be mistress herself. How audacious! She certainly wasn’t worthy, and Lady Gao had her dragged away to be beaten to death and fed to the dogs, thus quelling her rage. Afterwards, she sent servants to inquire and learned that Fubao was the granddaughter of the Meng family’s matron. Eager to make connections, Lady Gao arrived early with premium gifts—and had heard this shop’s rouge was excellent, so she planned to stock up.

Upon hearing of her daughter’s exploits the day before, Meng Yun was nearly frightened out of her wits. This girl never gave her peace of mind. Thinking of the Deng family across the street, who dared to compete for business, Meng Yun suddenly devised a plan.

Gu Residence—

In the study, Gu Li sat lost in thought, holding a slightly yellowed sheet of paper. This was Fubao’s first “work of art” upon arriving three years ago—a fish with wings.

After the chubby girl returned safely yesterday, Gu Li’s anxious heart finally settled. He lay down upon returning home, expecting nightmares, but instead dreamed a dream so delightful that he remained entranced even after waking.

In the dream, he found himself in an earthly paradise: water and sky merged, carp frolicked among lotus blossoms, and dragonflies occasionally danced across the surface, stirring ripples. Mist shrouded the mountains, birds sang in chorus.

Gu Li felt this place was strangely familiar, and as he quietly absorbed the atmosphere, the tranquil lake suddenly rippled. Rows of carp leaped forth and soared toward him—yes, soared.

These were carp with wings, their translucent white appendages allowing them to play freely across the water’s surface.

Gu Li watched in wonder as, suddenly, a powerful jet of water sprayed toward him.

Unable to dodge, Gu Li was left speechless.

Wiping his face, he sensed eyes upon him, turned, and found himself staring into the chubby face of a fish.

Gu Li: Scared out of his wits!

This carp was enormous, its scales iridescent and shimmering in the sunlight, making it remarkably beautiful.

The chubby-headed fish, seeing Gu Li looking at him, grew excited and waved its pretty tail.

Finding it adorable, Gu Li instinctively reached out to touch it.

But the fish, proud as ever, flicked its tail, twisted its body, and dove back into the water, followed by the smaller fish in its wake.

The splashing droplets wetted the nearby lotus blossoms. A drop fell, stirring ripples on the now-calming surface, colors fading to black and white until they vanished, and Gu Li awoke.

Looking at the drawing in his hand, recalling the feeling of seeing that fish and the familiar sensation beside the misty waters, Gu Li was filled with longing.

“Do you think there are fish with wings in this world? And lotus flowers as big as a washbasin?” Gu Li suddenly asked.

Beside him, Gu Pu had dutifully served the young master, helping him wash and eat, and was now grinding ink. He was baffled—how could the young master have such odd ideas? Had staring at the drawing dulled his mind?

Without answering, Gu Pu worried for his master’s health and dragged him outside.

Better to clear his mind; too much reading and he’d be addled.

Gu Li thought about it. In the end, it was just a dream, so he decided not to dwell. Yet, despite his rational thoughts, his feet led him to the Gu family’s lotus pond, ready to catch a fish for study.

Gu Old Master: Let go of my fish!

At that moment, Fubao was also staring absent-mindedly at a fish, watching as it struggled valiantly in the wok after being tossed and turned repeatedly. Fubao was amazed.

Wow! Such a resilient fish.

Xiaohong noticed Fubao’s expression and laughed, “Miss, are you hungry? Lunch will be ready soon.”

Fubao looked at the fish still writhing in the wok and gave a heavy “hmm,” indicating her disdain: You’re already in the pot, why keep struggling?

The fish, using its last breath, made one final effort.

Touching the vegetable leaf on her face.

Fubao: Am I so easy to bully?

So at lunch, Fubao ate two extra bowls!

Meng Yun watched her daughter, now a bit plump and eating even more. She couldn’t help but worry: If she keeps eating like this every day, will she become a little fatty? What if she can’t marry in the future?

Fubao, only six years old: speechless.

Afterwards, Fubao discovered her uncle’s little treats had disappeared. Brother Gu Li’s pastries were gone too.

Fubao: What’s going on?