Since she had promised to help him to repair 'Hurricane', De Xue would do her best.
Because He Mu Family had private swordsmiths in the past, therefore there was a well-equipped smelting courtyard adjacent to the garden of Hou Mansion. Every generation of the swordsmith was highly respected and the vast garden in the courtyard was like the private garden of the swordsmith.
(A smelting courtyard would house the smelter, stoves and a metal table for hammering and refining weapons. Smelting weapons are normally done in the open because of the intense heat generated from the fires. This picture will give you a general idea of how smelting work was done during the olden days.)
De Xue followed behind He Mu Li as he led her around the smelting courtyard that had been left idle for 20 years.
Although a servant was taking care of the garden and yard, it was not left in ruins but it can be seen that the stoves and the tools have not been used for a long time.
“I will instruct the Housekeeper to send people to reorganize the garden inside out. As to the things on the list you have given me, I will also get people to get all the things ready as soon as possible. Think over the list again……is there anything that we have not prepared or left out?” He Mu Li bowed his head to confirm with her.
“I still need a few strong men.”
Her words made him give her a questioning look.
She felt uncomfortable under his gaze and De Xue explained quickly. “I am serious. I really need a few strong men. Do you think that with my strength, I am able to get the fire going and smelt the metal?”
This is indeed a point that He Mu Li had always felt puzzled. For a swordsmith, De Xue’s appearance is indeed too delicate.
“To be honest with you, last time I had craftsmen working with me. But in order to escape from the people you sent to hunt me, I had no choice but to disband them and now where do you think I can find them? So I think, I have to train people again.” After she finished speaking, she deliberately threw a glance at him with a trace of blame. When she thought back, it had not been easy for her to train her fine craftsmen.
Earning her displeasure, He Mu Li controlled himself from smiling then suddenly, in his mind a thought cropped up.
“Oh……so that is your secret of being a Forge Master with a pair of silky smooth hands.”
Her secret was finally exposed and De Xue blushed.
This division of labor had attracted criticism from her peers who taunted her that her famous reputation did not reflect the reality and they gossiped about her. Hence, she did not want to say anything before this as she did not want him to doubt her.
“Will you doubt me under such circumstances?” She asked thoughtfully.
“How is that impossible?! Xiao Xue, I know you have the ability. From the first moment you touched ‘Hurricane’ and was able to tell me its history of damages and repairs, I have never doubted you. You are truly a genius.” He Mu Li expressed his firm appreciation for her.
Hearing he was so sure of himself, De Xue was stunned and her heart began to jump wildly. She felt very happy. In the past, she had received countless praises from many people but no one had ever made her feel this happy. Why does she feel like this? Even when her father praised her, she had never felt this happy.
Recently she has been thinking about this. She seems to care a lot about He Mu Li and as long as he is beside her, she is always in a good mood. She will also feel that time passes very quickly.
He Mu Li is a General and he is usually very busy, so the time they get to spend with each other is short. Fortunately, they live in the same courtyard and therefore she can always see him as long as he returns to Hou Mansion.
Every time when she sees him returning to the Mansion, she will always feel very happy. To be able to partake in meals with him, talk with him or quietly sit in the study with him while he handles his official matters, she will still feel happy. Even when she is just sitting next to him doing nothing, she will feel satisfied.
Therefore, she was very willing and happy to repair ‘Hurricane’ for him and really wanted to maintain his precious sword in tip-top condition. In the beginning, when she promised to repair ‘Hurricane’, her original intention was only to pacify Hu Ma so the elderly woman need not have to worry but this intention has now changed.
“Then how many people do you need?” He Mu Li asked again.
De Xue blinked and reined in her train of thoughts.
She wrinkled her eyebrows and thought about it. “I used to repair a lot of weapons at the same time, so I need to have enough people. But now, I only need to repair just one sword ‘Hurricane’, then I think one reliable helper will be enough. But you still have to find a few more people because I will have to choose. To be an assistant, one does not only need to have a sturdy body but also physical strength.”
“Oh? Not only need to have a sturdy body but also physical strength?” He looked into her eyes deeply.
“Of course! The basic requirements of an assistant are to have a sturdy body with physical strength and he must also have a pair of steady hands with a mind for details. But all these can only be observed after they are actually working. So, I plan to pick a few people and teach them the basic knowledge of producing weapons. Then from the group, I will choose the most suitable to be my assistant.”
“Then what about me?” He Mu Li suddenly asked.
“What do you mean?” She did not understand his question.
“Don’t I fulfill all your conditions?”
“You?” She was caught by surprise.
“Of course..... ‘Hurricane’ is my precious sword and if I personally do the repairs, don’t you think it is most suitable?” He Mu Li said in a firm and resolute tone. Just now, the thought of other men having the opportunity to come close to his kitten in such a casual way had flashed in his mind but he did not say a single word.
“You are willing to be my assistant?” De Xue seriously thought about his suggestion.
“I am able to fulfill all your requirements……a sturdy body, steady hands with a mind for details and I am patient. Not to mention, I know ‘Hurricane’ very well and I am willing to comply with whatever conditions you have.”
He Mu Li strongly recommend himself but his tone was a bit ambiguous because the conditions he said sounded like he is not only her assistant in repairing ‘Hurricane’ but also a suitable person who can accompany her for a lifetime.
“But it is hard work!” If he is to be her assistant, then wouldn’t they be spending more time together? Thinking of this, De Xue’s heart jumped like a sparrow and so she was totally oblivious to the meaningful hint of someone but she still reminded him seriously.
(Jump like a sparrow describes a person who is very excited and happy.)
“What is so hard about repairing one’s own sword? Unless it is because Xiao Xue doesn’t want to teach me.” He asked in a low voice. Seeing that the beauty was unable to catch on to his hint, he did not feel disheartened but just reached out his arms and gently wrapped them around her waist.
“Why would I not want to teach you? But you are a General and you are usually very busy, aren’t you? Do you really want to be my assistant?” She looked at him hopefully, full of expectation and could not help but confirm with him again. She also did not put up any resistance to his intimate actions.
It is good that he is busy, He Mu Li thought. If he is busy, the matter of repairing the sword would drag on for a longer time which will result in a longer period for them to be alone together. He will also have a better chance to completely capture her heart.
Earlier he could not wait to repair ‘Hurricane’ as soon as possible but now he is happy to repair the sword slowly as it will give them more time to cultivate their feelings.
“Every day after I have finished my official duties, I will return home as quickly as possible. But in this way, the time for repairing ‘Hurricane’ will be lengthened. Perhaps it will also take up some of your night time. Xiao Xue, are you willing to help me?” He asked her in a low voice.
“Of course, I am willing to help you. Anyway, it is your sword. It is good that you are not in a hurry and since the Owner is willing to repair the sword personally, it is a wonderful thing. If you are willing to learn, I am willing to teach but when the time comes, you must not complain of being tired.”
Although she warned him, she still felt very happy. Compared to a craftsman who she is not familiar with, she would certainly choose to work with him and also both of them would be repairing ‘Hurricane’ together.
She likes the idea tremendously.
“I have always been training and fighting in the desert all year round. Why would I complain about being tired of repairing ‘Hurricane’? It is only you. When the time comes, whatever I can do, just let me do it and you are not to tire yourself. My heart will hurt.” He Mu Li said seriously.
His stance was overbearing but De Xue could still feel his gentle consideration for her and she shyly bowed her head.
“You can rest assured that if I can bully you, I will definitely bully you. It is said that if there is a chance for revenge, one must take it……and if there is a chance for righting an injustice, one must do it……..” She whispered softly and her heart filled with a sweetness that was indescribable.
“Okay, I will let you take your revenge and correct the injustice done to you. As long as you will not stay angry with me, it is alright.” He did not mind being oppressed by his kitten and only hoped that she would stop thinking of the time when he had hunted her in the past.
“I am not so petty!” De Xue protested unhappily. The thought just popped up in her mind and she could only complain subconsciously…….is she not even allowed to mention it?
“Yes, you’re not petty at all. Xiao Xue is the most broad-minded person I have ever seen.” He Mu Li answered very good-naturedly and happily.
This kind of obvious partiality made De Xue feel very blissful. She blushed and her crystal green eyes were sparkling with the light of joy.
“Xiao Xue…..” He called out her name gently. He lowered his head and his hot lips closed over her red moist lips.
