Chapter 566 464: Mother, You Really Don't Blame Xiao Mo?

「In a private courtyard of the Tushan Mansion.」

The early morning sun streamed in from the windowsill, landing on the little boy's face.

Lying on the bed, Xiao Mo groggily opened his eyes.

The first thing Xiao Mo saw wasn't a familiar ceiling or an unfamiliar bed curtain, but a pair of bright, sparkling eyes blinking at him.

Behind the little girl, a snow-white fox tail was still swaying from side to side.

Seeing Xiao Mo awaken, a spark lit up in the little girl's eyes, and the fox tail behind her wagged even more energetically. "Xiao Mo, you're awake~"

"Where... is this?"

Xiao Mo's consciousness gradually returned.

He only remembered being attacked last night, and then falling into the water with Tushan Jing Ci.

After that, he had lost consciousness.

"This is just a room where the ordinary Maids live."

A voice with a natural, alluring charm reached Xiao Mo's ears.

The next moment, Xiao Mo saw the lady of the mansion, whose figure and looks were both exceptional, walking over.

Tushan Xinhua brushed her hands over her skirt, the long garment clinging to her waist, and slowly sat down on the edge of Xiao Mo's bed. She then reached out and touched his forehead.

Xiao Mo felt a gentle stream of Spiritual Power slowly flow into his body.

A moment later, Tushan Xinhua lowered her hand and said, "There's nothing seriously wrong with your body. You were just frightened. You don't need to work in the kitchens for the next few days. Just focus on resting and recovering."

"Yes, thank you, my lady," Xiao Mo replied.

Tushan Xinhua glanced at her daughter again and ruffled her hair. "Jing Ci, go on ahead for a little while. Mother has something to discuss with Xiao Mo."

"O... okay..."

Hearing her mother's words, the little girl's eyes showed a hint of worry, but she still obediently left.

After Tushan Jing Ci left, only Xiao Mo and Tushan Xinhua remained in the room.

Lying on the bed, Xiao Mo propped himself up, got out of bed, and bowed deeply to Tushan Xinhua. "Last night, I touched the Young Lady's body and broke the house rules. I ask for my lady's punishment."

Tushan Xinhua watched the little boy bow so formally to her. She blinked gently, placed her hands on her thighs, and asked, "Your bow is quite standard. Who taught you?"

"My lady, I've always been a quick learner. I saw a few scholars bowing before, thought it looked nice, and just picked it up."

Xiao Mo hadn't expected Tushan Xinhua to ask about that, so he offered a casual explanation.

"I see."

Tushan Xinhua nodded, not giving it much thought and accepting Xiao Mo's explanation.

"Rise. There's no need for such formality with me. Yue Shi has already told me the details. Although you touched Jing Ci, it was a desperate act in a moment of crisis. Besides, if it weren't for you, Jing Ci would have been in danger."

"Thank you for your understanding, my lady."

Xiao Mo straightened up, feeling rather surprised.

Although Xiao Mo didn't know why no male of any race was allowed to touch even a single hair on Jing Ci's head.

But Xiao Mo had thought that by committing this grave offense, his life would most likely be forfeit.

He never expected this Lady Tushan to be so reasonable.

"Alright, you can return to the kitchens later. Remember, you are not to tell anyone that you touched Jing Ci. As for your reward, you will certainly receive it after the busy work for Jing Ci's birthday today is over. Also..."

Tushan Xinhua took an old, worn book from her sleeve and handed it to Xiao Mo.

"My lady, what is this?"

On the cover of the ancient book, Xiao Mo saw four large words written: "Great Dream of Yellow Millet."

"This is a Human Race Daoist book, one of the treasures of my Nine-tailed Celestial Fox clan. It records Human Race Daoist Techniques. When I was examining you, I found that your Root Bone is indeed excellent, suitable for cultivating Daoist Sect Techniques."

"Take this book and look it over for now. If there's anything you don't understand, you have four opportunities each month to ask me."

"Although I do not cultivate Daoist Sect Magic myself, I can still explain a thing or two to you."

Xiao Mo accepted the book with both hands, thanking her with great reverence. "Thank you, my lady, for passing on this knowledge..."

"I am not passing on a teaching. I am merely giving you a path. How far you walk upon it, what level of cultivation you reach, will depend on you."

Tushan Xinhua looked at Xiao Mo with a serious expression.

"If you truly succeed, I will provide you with cultivation resources, and in the future, you can become a Tributor of my Tushan Mansion."

"If you fail, you can just be a courtyard guard in the future. It would be enough to live a peaceful life."

"The path is at your own feet. Ultimately, you must walk it yourself."

"Yes." Xiao Mo nodded and bowed. "I will take my leave now."

Xiao Mo placed the *Great Dream of Yellow Millet* inside his robes and walked out of the room.

Just a moment after Xiao Mo left, Tushan Xinhua let out a soft sigh and called towards the door, "Alright, stop hiding and eavesdropping. Come in."

As Tushan Xinhua's words fell, Tushan Jing Ci walked into the room with her little head lowered, poking her index fingers together, looking for all the world like she was afraid of being scolded.

"Mother, I'm sorry..."

Tushan Jing Ci's tail drooped, and her expression was one of genuine self-reproach.

After all, ever since she was little, her mother had taught her that she must not be touched by any male creature.

Although Tushan Jing Ci didn't know why, she had always abided by the rule her mother set.

'But now... I've broken that rule.'

"It's alright. The matter is in the past."

Tushan Xinhua shook her head. Looking at her daughter, her heart couldn't help but ache for her.

"From today on, Jing Ci, you can play with anyone you want. You can also leave the mansion. Mother won't place any more restrictions on you."

"Really?" Tushan Jing Ci lifted her pretty head, her eyes blinking happily.

"Really." Tushan Xinhua smiled faintly, stroking her daughter's small face. "But you must also remember that you're a girl, and you must be modest. Physical contact between boys and girls is improper. You can't let boys touch you casually in the future, understand?"

"I understand, Mother."

Tushan Jing Ci nodded her little head, but soon, a worried look reappeared in her eyes.

"Mother, you really... you really don't blame Xiao Mo?"

"No, Mother doesn't blame him," Tushan Xinhua said softly.

"Then can I still go play with him in the future?" the little girl asked her most pressing question.

Tushan Xinhua was taken aback for a moment, then she gave a resigned smile, drawing out her words. "You can... but, you have to be good today. A lot of guests will be arriving soon. You have to get through your birthday first, alright?"

"I know, Mother! You're the best~" Tushan Jing Ci stood on her tiptoes, gave her mother a kiss on the cheek, and happily ran out of the room.

Watching the girl's small figure happily skipping away, the gentle smile on Tushan Xinhua's face gradually faded, replaced by a deep, lingering sorrow.

'So be it... Let nature take its course...'

'This is for the best...'

'It can only... be this way...'