Chapter Thirty-Three: Orioles, Doves, Swallows, and Foxes

Yang Nan returned to the main chamber of the rear hall, where Fish Maiden was overseeing Lian and Die as they prepared his evening meal. With her dignified composure, Fish Maiden was the very image of a capable steward, managing the household affairs with impeccable order. Even Lian and Die, along with more than a dozen Spiral, Clam, and Flower Maidens, all obeyed her instructions without question.

Observing this scene, Yang Nan sighed inwardly—who could have imagined that by rescuing a small white fish from the river by chance, he would gain such a rare and invaluable helper for his household? Within his quarters, Baiyi was lively and mischievous, Dieyi innocent and pure, but neither possessed any aptitude for managing domestic matters. Only Fish Maiden was innately wise, proper, and composed; whatever she handled was settled perfectly, and all the girls unconsciously followed her arrangements.

“Though Fish Maiden is a demon by nature, her talent for governance is remarkable, displaying the qualities of an elder sister—truly astonishing…” Yang Nan thought to himself. The three women stepped forward and, with graceful curtsies, greeted him, “Greetings, young master.”

Yang Nan responded with a gentle hum. Dieyi came forward to remove his Daoist robe, while a few dainty Spiral Maidens carried in basins of warm water; Baiyi, holding a white cloth, wiped the dust from his face, Clam Maiden presented him with fresh tea, and lightly fanned him with a delicate clam shell. In all, more than ten young women moved busily in and out, tending to his every need.

After sipping a few mouthfuls of tea, Yang Nan looked around and asked, “Where is Brother Chiyang?”

In the past, Chiyang was always by Yang Nan’s side. But after Yang Nan became the master of the mountain, Chiyang, feeling it inappropriate, found a room to cultivate on his own. Yang Nan could only feel helpless—was it so easy for cultivation and status to create such distance between people?

In this world, the notion of hierarchy was deeply ingrained—even Chiyang, as close as a brother, was no exception.

Indeed, Fish Maiden replied, “Young master, Brother Chiyang said he would train in his room and would not be joining us. He asks that you make yourself comfortable.”

Yang Nan sighed softly. Dieyi asked with concern, “Is something troubling you, young master?”

He shook his head and replied, “Ever since we came to Spirit Beast Mountain, even Brother Chiyang has begun to treat me with formality, and you all so often call yourselves maids. It makes me uneasy.”

Chiyang and the two girls had followed him for thousands of miles; their bond was already like family. In Yang Nan’s heart, there was no distinction of rank between them. Though the etiquette in this world was strict and he himself was born into a scholarly clan, in his heart he saw all beings as equal—roles and duties aside. Now, seeing those closest to him so deferential, how could he not feel a pang?

With a gentle smile, Fish Maiden replied, “Young master, that is not quite right. Since the time of the Ancestor who created the world, distinctions between ranks have always existed. Even among those close, there must still be propriety. If there is no order, there will only be chaos. How, then, could others be convinced to obey, and your commands carry weight?”

As he listened to Fish Maiden’s soft explanation, Yang Nan felt a little embarrassed and laughed, “I suppose I was being foolish. I only think that those by my side need not be so formal with me. You too, need not call yourself a maid in the future, or I will feel even more uneasy.”

A faint blush colored Fish Maiden’s cheeks as her gaze swept over Yang Nan. She seemed to wish to say something, but ultimately lowered her voice and replied, “Yes, young master, I will remember.”

Noticing the embarrassment on her face, Yang Nan was momentarily stunned. Then he realized his words had been ambiguous—if she were not to call herself a maid, then what? Wife, or concubine? Clearly, Fish Maiden had misunderstood his intent…

In this world, there was no such thing as friendship between men and women…

Only, seeing Fish Maiden’s bashful yet radiant expression, Yang Nan realized that saying more would only make things worse. If he tried to explain, wouldn't he only upset her further?

“Never mind. I just hope Fish Maiden doesn’t truly misunderstand. I am a cultivator—what need have I for so many wives?” He smiled bitterly to himself, then turned the conversation. “Fish Maiden, how is your brother faring these days?”

Raising her delicate hand to direct the maids to serve the meal, Fish Maiden replied, “Since following you, my brother was assigned by General Crab to manage the hot springs on Jade Purity Peak. He soaks in the springs every day and cultivates the Dao you bestowed upon him—he could not be more content.” As she spoke, a touch of shyness flickered in her eyes. In her heart, her brother’s good fortune was all thanks to her own connection to the master.

Yang Nan coughed lightly, nearly choking on his soup. “What on earth is that old crab up to? Does he think I have designs on Fish Maiden? The rascal!” He had no idea that, within the Jade Purity Hall, the three women and the other beauties had long been regarded by the monster retainers as his private property.

From ancient times, it was common for Daoist cultivators to take demon maidens as consorts. Cultivators did not shun desire; otherwise, what joy would there be in centuries or millennia of practice?

As long as a cultivator’s heart remained unmoved, what did it matter if he had ten or more wives? There could always be more…

Naturally, the old crab thought the same way, though he did not realize his attempt at flattery was entirely misplaced.

Seeing the powerful Yang Nan nearly choke on his soup, the three women hurried over, six slender hands patting his back in unison. Yang Nan suppressed his frustration, suddenly remembering something, and asked, “Have any other new people appeared in the inner quarters?”

If those subordinates were intent on currying favor, they would surely not neglect to send beauties. Yang Nan knew all too well what those monsters were thinking.

Sure enough, Fish Maiden answered softly, “Peach Blossom Fairy sent a Pear Blossom Maiden, fair and delicate as snow, pure as jade; and a Peach Blossom Maiden, whose radiant beauty is enough to move even women. Commander Su sent a Song Fairy and a Bamboo Fairy. The Song Fairy is the most gifted singer among tree spirits—her voice is said to bring birds from the sky. The Bamboo Fairy is tall and slender, graceful as a willow in the breeze. Then, the Goldfish King sent a Swallow Maiden, a Dove Maiden, and a Warbler Maiden. The Swallow Maiden’s kiss is renowned across the land, treasured by all men, skilled in dance and enchantment. The Dove Maiden is gentle and forlorn, eliciting pity at a glance. The Warbler Maiden is lively and playful, famed as the supreme delight of men in the bedchamber…”

Fish Maiden praised each beauty as if reciting a catalog, clearly well acquainted with the strengths and charms of each. She concluded, “Young master, you should know that among the demon clans, there is a saying: ‘The warbler, dove, swallow, and fox are enchanting; the pear blossom bows the peach in beauty.’”

“The warbler, dove, swallow, and fox? A pear blossom bows the peach?” Before Fish Maiden finished, Yang Nan nearly fainted. These monsters had sent not just one or two, but the most renowned beauties in the world!

The five great demon clans were famed for their beauties, and even here on Spirit Beast Mountain, they were not in short supply.

He stood up and shouted, “Those rascals! Instead of minding their duties, they send me beauties? Do I look like a prince or an emperor, not a Daoist?”

Yang Nan was truly angry. Had these monsters taken him for some debauched tyrant rather than a cultivator? Did he, at sixteen, truly seem so lustful?

“I barely have enough time to cultivate—how could I spare any for these women?” With his subordinates causing such commotion, how could Yang Nan be pleased?

His outburst frightened the three women and the maids. Fish Maiden glanced at him, relieved to see his anger was genuine, and softly explained, “Young master, this is only because the demon valley has only just been pacified. The other monsters are still uneasy. If you do not accept these gifts, their fear will only grow…”

Reminded by Fish Maiden, Yang Nan understood. The thoughts of monsters had always been simple, unlike those of men. They naturally saw him as the king, and anything good was to be offered to the king. If the king accepted, those beneath him would feel favored and work all the harder; if not, they would worry that he held some grudge, and one day—just like that—their lives would be forfeit. Their little hearts would never be at rest.

Moreover, the balance here had only just been restored. If he did not accept, the monsters’ suspicions would only deepen.

Being a monster lord was difficult indeed…

Having thought it through, Yang Nan could only shake his head inwardly. These monsters truly saw him as a king. But what need did he have for so many women?

He looked at Fish Maiden and the other two, and suddenly noticed a trace of undisguised delight at the corners of their eyes and brows, as if they were genuinely pleased to see him reject those “gifts.” Yang Nan suddenly burst out laughing, “Very well! Since they have sent them, would it not be ungracious not to accept? Fish Maiden, tonight, arrange for two to keep me company!”

Fish Maiden’s face fell, and she answered, “Yes, young master.” The spoon in her hand fell into the bowl, and her eyes instantly dimmed.

Lian and Die were utterly crestfallen, thinking to themselves, “It’s true—a beauty’s fate is a fragile one, and the young master is fickle. Before any promise is made, he welcomes a host of new beauties. What hope is there for the future?”

Seeing the three women’s sorrowful faces, Yang Nan chuckled, “Fooled you! Silly girls, I am devoted to the Dao—how could I have time for so many women? Handle them as you see fit, just don’t mistreat them.” These women, now that they were here, could be put to work in the gardens or elsewhere. With such a large household, what difference would a few more mouths make?

At his words, the three women’s expressions brightened instantly. Baiyi stamped her foot and pouted, “Young master, you’re teasing us again! How exasperating!”

Seeing her adorable, feisty pout, Yang Nan reached out and pinched her rosy cheek, laughing, “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Let those rascals make fools of me! From now on, you three will handle these matters. Take as many as you like—it’s none of my concern.”