Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

Golden sunlight penetrates the carved windows and shines on the dining table in Weiyuan Marquis Mansion. The golden light complements the exquisite porcelain dishes and tableware, creating a tranquil and luxurious atmosphere. However, beneath this tranquil appearance, there is a battle of wits, a war without gunpowder, and a contest between Li Ruoyue and Madam Hua.

Li Ruoyue and Madam Hua sat around the table, enjoying a sumptuous lunch. Suddenly, Madam Hua put down her silver chopsticks and looked directly at Li Ruoyue with a sharp gaze. "Yu'er, I heard you were studying the Book of Songs this morning. Did you have any insights?"

Li Ruoyue smiled slightly. His informants were really quick to report. He already knew everything I did this morning, and he even asked me about it to my face. He wasn't afraid that I'd find out he had informants. Li Ruoyue's smile remained unchanged, as warm and bright as the spring sunshine. Her voice was like a mountain spring, clear and melodious. "Yes, Madam, I have been studying the Book of Songs recently. I find it full of wisdom about life. Every poem is a vivid painting, every line a moving song, making people feel as if they were traveling through time and space, feeling the elegance of their ancestors."

Madam Hua was slightly taken aback. She had not expected Li Ruoyue's answer to be so thoughtful. A flicker of surprise flashed across her eyes, but then she regained her composure. Her words were full of probing. "Yuer, do you know there's a poem in the Book of Songs called 'Guanju' that tells the story of a pair of mandarin ducks? What are your thoughts on this?"

Li Ruoyue's eyes flashed with wisdom, and she replied, "Yes, ma'am, I know the poem 'Guanju'. In my opinion, this poem not only tells the story of a pair of mandarin ducks, but also tells an attitude towards life. The mandarin ducks in the poem are a symbol of unwavering loyalty. They rely on each other through wind and rain, never leaving each other, and this is exactly the attitude we should have in life. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we must persevere, be brave, and be loyal, because only in this way can we truly live our own lives."

A hint of surprise flashed across Mrs. Hua's eyes. She hadn't expected Li Ruoyue's answer to be so profound. Her eyes were full of admiration, but her words were still full of scrutiny. "Yuer, do you know that true wisdom lies not only in knowing, but also in practice? Do you have any practice?"

A hint of determination flashed in Li Ruoyue's eyes, and she replied, "Yes, ma'am, I know. In my opinion, true wisdom lies not only in knowing, but also in practice. In my life, I have been striving to practice this wisdom. No matter what difficulties I encounter, I will persevere, be brave, and be loyal, because only in this way can I truly live my life. I have integrated the wisdom from the Book of Songs into my life, making my life full of poetry and wisdom."

A subtle uneasiness flashed across Mrs. Hua's eyes, and her words were full of admiration. "Yuer, you are such a smart girl. Your answer really surprised and impressed me. Your wisdom shows me a real woman, a true poet, and someone who is full of wisdom about life."

Li Ruoyue shyly replied, "Madam Hua, maybe I am just repeating what others have said. It is the annotations written by others in the book, plus my understanding, so it becomes like this."

Seeing that her mother kept praising Li Ruoyue, Li Ruoliu quickly interrupted and said: Mother, stop talking and let your sister eat something. It will get cold soon.

Mrs. Hua slapped her forehead hastily. "Oh, it's all my fault! I was so busy talking that I forgot to ask you to eat. Come on, come on, let's check the dishes on the table to see if they suit your taste. I don't know what you like, so I asked the kitchen to make a little of everything to see which ones suit your taste. Next time, we'll make what you like."

Li Ruoyue pretended to be flattered and said, "Madam, how can this be possible? How can you delay everyone's favorite meal because of me?"

Li Ruoliu hurried forward to show, how could it be? You are my big sister. Eat some food, according to your preferences. It's nothing.

Li Ruoyue knew what kind of person he was in her previous life, so she looked at him with admiration and was bewitched by him.

I had to say with a flattered face, "Sister, you are too polite!" Madam Hua, this was interrupted by Ji Mao, you two sisters should not be polite, eat quickly, eat quickly, otherwise the food will be cold.

Li Ruoyue looked at the exquisite dishes on the table, like works of art, dazzling the eyes. There was the braised lion's head, bright red in color, fragrant in aroma, and tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat; there was the steamed sea bass, white and tender with a delicate texture, and the fish broth was clear and fragrant; there was the sweet and sour spare ribs, golden in color, crispy in texture, with a perfect balance of sweet and sour, leaving a lasting aftertaste; and there was the emerald white jade soup, emerald green in color, delicate in texture, rich in broth, and fragrant in aroma.

Each dish is a meticulous creation of the chefs, who use the finest ingredients, the most exquisite techniques, and the most attentive attitude to create a feast for the eyes and taste. Each dish is the pride of the Marquisate, showcasing not only its luxury and opulence, but also its taste and style.

The table boasted not only dishes but also a variety of exquisite snacks and fruits. There were golden, crispy mooncakes, sweet and delicious, leaving a lasting aftertaste; emerald green watermelons, refreshingly sweet and juicy, quenching thirst; and golden bananas, sweet, nutritious, and satisfying.

On the table, there are not only dishes and snacks, but also a variety of fine wines. There is the mellow rice wine, with a refreshing taste and a fragrant aroma; there is the deep red red wine, with a mellow taste and a rich aroma;

Lunch on the lunch table is a feast for the eyes and taste. It is a luxurious and tranquil atmosphere, a display of taste and style, and a fusion of life and enjoyment.

Halfway through the meal, Huafu asked, "How have you been doing in the Taoist temple these years? Have you had any health problems? If you're almost well, your father and I will arrange a marriage for you. You're already quite old, and we couldn't reach you while you were at the Taoist temple. Now that you're back, should we get your marriage on the agenda?"

Hearing this, Li Ruoyue was shocked. She was still worried. She wanted to send me away, afraid that I would snatch her daughter and the resources of the mansion. She was so impatient that she couldn't wait for me to come back. Speaking of this, Li Ruoyue covered her mouth with a handkerchief and coughed softly a few times. The sound of your cough is getting louder and louder. When you are a little breathless, you pig hurriedly stepped forward and patted his back. Anxious lady, don't be anxious. The Taoist priest said that you need to be calm and recuperate slowly, otherwise it will recur.

Mrs. Hua and Li Ruoliu looked at each other and quickly said, "Ruoyue, don't worry, don't worry. You are not well yet. You should take your time to recuperate. We will wait and see how it goes. There is no need to rush."

Li Ruoyue took a sip of tea when she was particularly calm, and said after suppressing her gasps: Madam, cough cough, if I get married in this state, it will not be a marriage, but an enmity. My health is in this state. If I hide it and wait until I get married, after a long time, I will find out that the two families are unhappy. This is not a marriage, but an enmity between good families. Besides, the Taoist priest also said that my health is in such a bad state. I will slowly recover. Alas, madam, I have to say something unpleasant. I have the body of a woman but four bodies of a man. If I get married, how can I live the rest of my life?

As she spoke, tears began to fall. Li Zhu also called out sadly, "Miss, don't cry. The Taoist priest said that you shouldn't be too sad or too happy."

Seeing that Li Ruoyue had said so much, Madam Hua did not dare to force her too much. If anything happened at home, the Marquis would not forgive him. Although he was the mistress of the house, the Marquis was very concerned about this legitimate daughter, the only daughter born to the previous wife. As for the previous wife, the two families should try to get to know each other. The Marquis and the wife were childhood sweethearts, so the superficial peace had to be maintained. If the Marquis knew about it, he would have no peace.

Besides, Li Ruoyue’s grandmother’s family is also quite powerful. How can the Ruyang Marquis Mansion, which is a family friend of Weiyuanfu, be small in power?

At this point, he hurriedly said, Ruoyue, let's not talk about this anymore. Eat well and go to rest after the meal. If you need anything, just tell Ma Ma that everything is tight in your throat. Tell her whatever you want. You have suffered outside these years, and I will definitely not let you suffer any grievances when you come back.

When Li Ruoliu heard this, although she was unhappy in her heart, she still smiled warmly and said, "Yes, sister, I have been looking forward to your coming back. All the big and small things in the house will be given to you first. I will pick out the rest after you have picked them out."

Listening to Li Ruoyu's tea-like words, why didn't he realize that you are really your real self before? I was bewitched, but it was so obvious that he couldn't hear it.

When Ruoyue heard this, she said tactfully, "Then I won't be polite, sister. I will pick out some things that I can use and take them back." Li Ruoliu was upset when she heard this, but she still said gently, "Sister, if you choose, I should give priority to you."

The conversation at the lunch table was like a battle without swords, each person using their most powerful weapon—thoughtful responses—to compete and demonstrate their wisdom. Li Ruoyue used her wisdom and courage to withstand Mrs. Hua's scrutiny and challenges. Each of her answers was her most powerful weapon, used to protect her secrets, demonstrate her wisdom, and maintain her courage and perseverance.