The setting sun melted into molten gold, the forest dimmed as birds returned to their nests. I rode astride a black steed, my body swaying naturally with its gallop. In this fragrant third month of spring, apricot blossoms hung from branches while swallows darted about busily. The ribbon tied at the back of my head occasionally slapped against my face, prompting me to smile faintly.

“Sister!” A crisp voice called out from behind. I pulled on the reins and turned to look. There was my senior sister, dressed in men’s attire, riding a chestnut horse, with another set of reins in her hand.

“Qingqing, undo the acupressure points on Little Crane,” she said, glaring at Liu Xunhe, who sat stiffly atop a white horse. “It’s tiring having to lead him around like this.” She gave the dandy Liu Xunhe a sharp look. “You fool, I warned you not to flirt recklessly. Now you’ve been caught by Sister’s Residual Snow Hand technique.” With that, she smacked the back of his head hard. Liu Xunhe glared at her angrily, then turned to me with a pitiful expression, winking exaggeratedly in an attempt to appear comical.

“Brother Liu, do you know your mistake?” I smiled faintly, cracking my knuckles, the sound making the playboy swallow nervously. He blinked rapidly, his pupils trembling.

I steadied my breathing, channeling qi through my twelve primary meridians, finally gathering it in the tip of my right index finger. Slowly raising my arm, a burst of qi shot out from my fingertip, striking seven of Liu Xunhe’s pressure points—Jiquan, Yangbai, Fengchi, Tiantu, Yunmen, Zhongfu, and Chize—in the pattern of the Big Dipper. Focusing intently, I retracted the energy and remained silent, smiling faintly.

After a moment, Liu Xunhe wriggled his body and suddenly slid off his horse. My senior sister laughed so hard she nearly fell off her horse. “Oh dear, oh dear! If all your old lovers saw the handsome Master Crane fall off his horse, they’d surely faint from shock! Hahaha~”

Liu Xunhe brushed off his robe, adjusted his glass hairpin, smoothed his long sideburns, and leapt back onto his horse. Smiling mischievously at my senior sister, he said, “Dead Bird, laugh all you want. When I see Brother Wuyu, I’ll tell him about your plan to sneak a peek at Xie Sichen bathing.”

“Run Wuyu, Hao Sichen, Hua Xunhe.” My senior sister…she actually intended to spy on one of the three famed young masters of the jianghu, Xie Sichen, renowned alongside our senior brother… I sighed deeply, holding my forehead, too exhausted to respond.

“You bald-headed crane! If you dare say anything, if you dare—” My senior sister’s eyes blazed with anger and embarrassment.

“Dead Bird, scared now, aren’t you?” Liu Xunhe smirked, glancing sidelong at her. “Your weak spot really is Brother Wuyu, isn’t it?”

“Of course!” My senior sister lashed out with her whip, startling Liu Xunhe’s horse, which bolted forward wildly. “If Brother finds out, I’ll never be allowed out of the valley again!” Kicking her horse’s flank, she raced after him.

Watching the red and white figures chasing each other, I felt tears welling up but held them back. On my very first outing from the valley, I had already encountered two of the most notorious troublemakers in the jianghu—was this fortunate or unfortunate? Gazing into the distance, I saw rosy clouds, wisps of smoke, and the gray ramparts of a nearby city bathed in twilight. Faint voices and the tolling of bells reached my ears. The sun sank westward, and evening mist condensed into a deep azure hue. After ten years, I had finally returned to the bustling world and heard the ringing of bells once more.

“Sister! Hurry up!” My senior sister called back, her charming face flushed with the glow of sunset. I sighed lightly, facing the wind with a smile, and spurred my horse onward.

The three of us, leading our horses, joined the flow of people and slowly entered Yuan City, the capital of the Kingdom of Jing. As the central hub of the six kingdoms, Jing’s terrain was steep, and Yuan City was built amid rolling hills. The streets rose and fell, and the pavilions were arranged in staggered heights, creating a unique charm. Walking along Gaoyun Road, we saw that the highest floors of the inns and taverns were level with the street. Flower-selling children stood at the corners, handing pink peach blossoms and white apricot flowers to diners inside. I curiously observed everything around me. Unlike the opulence of bustling cities, Yuan City exuded a fiery, passionate character.

“Sister~” My senior sister leaned close, whispering conspiratorially. “Later, I’ll take you somewhere to have some fun and broaden your horizons!”

Fun… broaden my horizons? I stared at her incredulously, gently reminding her, “Senior Sister… how exactly does a woman ‘broaden her horizons’ in that way…?”

“Silly girl!” She chuckled softly, snapping open her fan with a flourish, adopting the demeanor of a dashing scholar. “Do you think we went through all the trouble of disguising ourselves in these hideous male outfits for nothing?”

Glancing around restlessly, Liu Xunhe, who had been throwing flirtatious glances at passersby, turned back to glare at her. “Hideous? Dead Bird, you think this is ugly? My taste is impeccable—you’re just being picky!”

“Shut up~” My senior sister kicked him. “Stop interrupting and focus on leading the way!” Mysteriously, she pulled me closer and whispered, “We’re going to Lüru Pavilion, the most famous brothel in Yuan City.”

A brothel… I froze momentarily, surprised by how much slang my senior sister had picked up. Calming myself, I listened carefully. “The top courtesan there, Li Xue, is an old flame of Little Crane’s. She knows many influential figures and has some knowledge of the King Jing’s palace. Once we get there, we’ll have Little Crane draw a map based on her description, and then we can infiltrate the palace!” Saying this, she rubbed her hands together excitedly.

I sighed deeply, asking quietly, “Senior Sister, do you often visit brothels?”

“Not often, not often,” she replied with a nervous laugh. “I’ve only been to a few famous ones in the six kingdoms—I’m still quite cautious, you know.”

As I stared at her, dumbfounded, she suddenly widened her eyes and grabbed my wrist tightly. “Qingqing, Qingqing, you absolutely must not tell Grandpa or Brother about this—absolutely not!”

“Mm.” I nodded reluctantly.

“Yan Di, Qing Di, we’ve arrived at Lüru Pavilion.” Liu Xunhe stood before a painted pavilion adorned with flowing veils, smiling at us.

Before I could dismount, several attendants hurried over, bowing obsequiously to take our horses’ reins. A middle-aged woman, puffing on a water pipe, swayed her hips and approached Liu Xunhe with a coy smile. “Well, well, if it isn’t Master Liu. What wind brings you back here today?”

Liu Xunhe subtly stepped aside, smiling politely. “Madam Ping, you’re as charming as ever.”

“Ah~ No wonder our Li Xue is so devoted to you, Master Liu. You certainly know how to flatterAnd you’ve brought two gentlemen with you today.” Swinging her hips, she moved toward me and my senior sister. As she drew near, the overwhelming scent of her heavy cosmetics made me cough violently. “Is this gentleman alright?” Just as her hand was about to touch me, I shifted my footing and quickly stepped aside.

Her hand hung awkwardly in midair for a moment before she withdrew it, laughing nervously. “This gentleman has excellent reflexes“

Liu Xunhe nodded knowingly, pulling two gold ingots from his sleeve and pressing them into Madam Ping’s hand. “My apologies for the trouble, Madam Ping.”

Madam Ping’s eyes crinkled with delight as she laughed heartily. “Oh, Master Liu, you’re so generous!” She beckoned over a gaudily dressed pimp, beaming as she instructed him, “Erzi, take these gentlemen to Lingjue Hall. Serve them the finest food and drink, and inform Li Xue that the person she’s been waiting for has arrived!”

“Yes~” Erzi bowed deeply, scurrying ahead to lead the way with great enthusiasm.

As we proceeded slowly, the mingling scents of various perfumes grew thick and cloying, invading our nostrils. Melancholic strains of music filled our ears. On the main hall’s stage, a young maiden holding a round fan moved gracefully, singing plaintively: “The jewels in the box, who truly cherishes them? With light strokes, I paint my brows and adorn my hair with ornaments. Today’s joy—let the flower-laden chambers open early. Noble guests, I hope you inquire about my dowry. Red candles drip tears, lamenting love’s debts; my beloved marries another. May I one day awaken and return to my embroidered chamber.”

Each note carried the unspoken sorrow of a courtesan’s plight. I turned my face away, my heart heavy, and stepped into the pink-saturated, curtain-draped Lingjue Hall.

“Gentlemen, our Miss Li Xue has arrived.” The door creaked open, and a fresh fragrance wafted in. I turned to see a delicate beauty in a pale yellow silk dress, holding a pipa, standing elegantly. This was Li Xue, famed throughout Yuan City? Her appearance was merely refined, far from the legendary beauty I had imagined.

“Li Xue greets the gentlemen.” She curtsied slightly, standing neither humble nor arrogant, her clear eyes resting briefly on Liu Xunhe. “Master Liu, it’s been years—have you thought of me?”

Her question was so direct that I couldn’t help but glance at her again. Beneath her seemingly fragile exterior and contrary to her flowery name, she revealed a straightforward and spirited personality in just a few words. Liu Xunhe’s expression softened slightly as he stepped forward. “Li Xue, though I am fickle, I am not unfeeling. Every year during the rainy season, I think of you.”

Li Xue smiled faintly, plucking a string on her pipa. The crisp sound resonated deeply within our hearts. “Xue thanks Master for remembering me.” Her smile was faint, her brows tinged with sorrow. “Ever since Master Liu left without a word three years ago, Xue has sealed her instrument and refused to play. Tonight, I’ve taken up my old pipa, but I no longer know how to string it.” She glanced lightly at Liu Xunhe.

“The lady’s heart has grown cold, hasn’t it?” My senior sister slammed her teacup down angrily, shooting a reproachful glare at the guilty playboy. “This bald crane only thinks of his own pleasures, oblivious to the sincerity of the ladies at Lüru Pavilion.”

“This gentleman speaks his mind boldly.” Li Xue covered her mouth and laughed. “What grievances or sorrows there were have long since blown away with the wind. Xue is no virtuous woman; I cannot be a chaste martyr. Recently, a foreign merchant proposed marriage, offering to make me his wife. Though I am past my prime, such an opportunity may never come again.”

Liu Xunhe, startled, stared blankly at the graceful Li Xue. “You… agreed?”

Li Xue gazed deeply at Liu Xunhe, her lips pressed tightly together. After a pause, she smiled. “Of course, I agreed.”

The playboy turned his face away, chuckling softly. “Then congratulations, Miss. In the past, I wronged you. Should you ever face difficulties, bring the purple jade plaque I gifted you to Mucheng in the Kingdom of Liang, and I will come to your aid.”

Tears welled in Li Xue’s eyes, her expression sorrowful. Liu Xunhe turned away, retrieving a gilded, kingfisher-feather hairpin from his sleeve and placing it gently on the table. “This is my small token of goodwill. Though I am no worthy man, I hope you find a good match.”

Li Xue’s slender fingers trembled as she clutched the hairpin tightly, tears streaming down her face as she bit her lip and sobbed. “Xue thanks Master Liu.” She took out a piece of white cloth and placed it gently on the table. “This is what Master requested.” Wiping away her tears, she smiled. “Xue has a couplet. If Masters can provide the matching line, tonight Xue will play until dawn.”

“Oh? Let’s hear it.” My senior sister perked up, leaning in eagerly.

Li Xue did not shy away, instead casting a meaningful glance at my senior sister’s earlobe. She parted her crimson lips: “Turning the strings, playing both the instrument and the heart.”

Liu Xunhe remained silent, simply holding his porcelain cup and gazing at her. I looked with compassion at this woman who was neither ambiguous nor pretentious, decisive and resolute in severing ties. Softly, I spoke: “Selling smiles at the door, seeking both livelihood and love.”

Li Xue suddenly turned her head, looking at me in astonishment, her pupils quivering slightly. I nodded silently and gave her a gentle smile. Clutching her pipa, she quickly stepped forward and performed a deep bow. “After tonight, I will personally cast this instrument aside and break its strings for the sake of a true friend.”

I rose to lift her up, gazing at her intently. “Since we are true friends, why must you break the strings? Should we meet again someday, playing together would bring us even greater joy.”

“I originally bore the surname Ru, and my name is Meng. I have just passed my twentieth year,” she said, staring directly into my eyes. “If Miss does not mind, may I ask your name?” It seemed she had already discerned that both my senior sister and I were women—a perceptive woman indeed.

In a brothel known for producing graceful, virtuous maidens, here stood a woman who was pure yet not coquettish, bold in love and hate alike. Deeply moved, I curtsied deeply. “Younger sister surnamed Han, named Yue Xia, with the nickname Qingqing, not yet sixteen.”

“You can’t leave me out if you’re forming a bond!” My senior sister grabbed Li Xue’s delicate hand, blinking excitedly. “Dear older sister, I admire straightforward people like you.” Li Xue covered her lips, laughing lightly. “This younger sister certainly speaks her mind.”

“Mm-hmm, I’m direct! Very direct!” My senior sister nodded vigorously like a chick pecking at rice. “My name is Feng Lianyan, seventeen years old, and I’m Qingqing’s senior sister.” With that, she pulled me and Li Xue toward the window, dropping to her knees with a thud. “By the heavens above and the earth below, with the bright moon as our witness—I, Feng Lianyan...” She turned her head, glancing at us.

“I, Han Yue Xia.”

“I, Ru Meng.”

The three of us exchanged smiles. “In this lifetime, we vow to become sworn sisters, sharing joys and sorrows, never parting ways.” With that, we bowed deeply before the radiant moon in the night sky.

“Well then, the ceremony is complete!” My senior sister clapped her hands and laughed heartily. “Hahaha, today I’ve gained an older sister!”

“Little Bird, keep your voice down—you’ll attract wolves,” Liu Xunhe said with a smile, his gaze occasionally lingering on Sister Li Xue.

Big Sister Li Xue avoided his advances, clearing her throat discreetly. “Dear younger sisters, let us drink lightly and share our stories of fate.” With that, she raised her jade-like arm, the fragrant wine shimmering in her crystal goblet. I picked up my cup and raised it to toast the two sisters: “Green foam floats atop the cup, its taste akin to nectar; how could such fine liquor be found among the mundane? The moon casts no shadow, dreams hold emotion—like rippling waves under a clear starry sky. Let us drink three cups and revel in our shared camaraderie!”

We exchanged cups, savoring the mellow brew, laughter brewing anew. I watched as the two sisters’ faces flushed pink, their beautiful eyes sparkling. The jade pot exuded a sweet fragrance, while the crystal goblets shimmered with clarity. Liu Xunhe leaned back in his chair, his gaze complex as he looked at Sister Li Xue. She waved her sleeve, a blush staining her cheeks, and gracefully took her seat. Adjusting the tuning pegs of her pipa, she leaned against the table, her slender fingers plucking the strings. The music flowed melodiously, each note crisp and piercing, resonating deeply within our hearts.

Dreams within dreams—the sound of the pipa carried us away. As she played, sorrow crept into her brows, her expression solemn, her gaze heavy. The melody wailed plaintively, as though her very life force was poured into the notes. Sister Li Xue must carry a painful past too grievous to recall.

The final note rang softly, like a sigh fading into the thick spring night, leaving an indelible longing. I leaned by the window, lazily watching the courtesans below welcoming and bidding farewell to patrons. Beneath the fluttering red lanterns at the entrance of Lüru Pavilion, I glimpsed the ceaseless flow of people in the bustling streets.

“Master Liu,” Big Sister hesitated, breaking the silence.

Liu Xunhe straightened himself, looking at her expectantly.

“If Master Liu trusts me, Ru Xue, might I ask what use you intend for the palace map?” Her voice trembled as she glanced nervously at us, her eyes reflecting a whirlwind of emotions.

Liu Xunhe sighed, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. After a moment, he whispered softly: “To be honest, the three of us plan to infiltrate King Jing’s palace under cover of night.”

Sister Li Xue widened her eyes, her lips trembling. “You...?”

“Big Sister!” My senior sister leaned close to whisper in her ear. Sister Li Xue’s eyes grew wider still, her hands clasping tighter and tighter.

Seeing her growing panic, I gently asked, “Sister, what troubles you?”

“Sister Li Xue?” My senior sister embraced her. “What’s wrong, Sister Li Xue?”

“Sisters…” She set down her pipa and suddenly knelt, pressing her forehead to the ground. “Master Liu!”

“Sister! What are you doing?” My senior sister tried to pull her up, but Sister Li Xue remained prostrate, her body trembling.

“Please hear me out…” She raised her tear-streaked face, her voice trembling. “My name is Ru Meng. My grandfather was once the Minister of Justice in the Kingdom of Jing. My aunt was a favored concubine of King Wen of Jing, but she was murdered by the then-Consort Wen—the current Empress Dowager Wen—on the eve of childbirth. My unborn cousin did not escape their grasp either. Later, my grandfather was falsely accused by treacherous men. All the men in our family were executed, and my pregnant mother was sold into servitude. After giving birth to me, she ended her life, unable to bear the humiliation…”

Minister of Justice… the Ru family! My senior sister and I exchanged startled glances, our eyes widening in shock.

“Ru Meng has lived humbly in these brothels, drifting like duckweed, never daring to dream of vengeance. I only sought a kind man to lift me from this abyss.” She collapsed to the floor, sobbing pitifully. Liu Xunhe crouched beside her, gently pulling her into his arms. Sister Li Xue gazed at him tenderly. “Now, hearing that Master Liu and the two younger sisters dare to infiltrate King Jing’s palace to shame Empress Dowager Wen, my heart races uncontrollably. I ask for nothing more than your safe return and the fulfillment of your wishes.”

I slowly rose to my feet, extending a hand to her. “Sister, we truly are one family.”

Sister Li Xue stared at me in astonishment, her face filled with disbelief.

“In fact, your cousin…” I quickly clamped a hand over my senior sister’s mouth, stifling her excited outburst. Shooting her a warning glance, I whispered discreetly, “Senior Sister, walls have ears—we must be cautious.” She blinked, signaling understanding. Releasing her, I smiled warmly at Sister Li Xue. “Let us first arrange for your redemption from Lüru Pavilion, and then we shall explain everything.”

“But…” Sister Li Xue struggled free from Liu Xunhe’s embrace, torn between choices.

“Sister, your desire to marry that foreign merchant isn’t born of love—it’s a search for security, a craving for roots. But now that you have family, why entrust yourself to a stranger? Once freed from this life, join us in the jianghu. You’ll discover a world unlike any other.”

“Is that truly possible?” Her eyes sparkled with hope as she looked at me. “Can I truly live a different life?”

“Of course!” My senior sister slapped her shoulder firmly, declaring loudly, “Why follow some golden-haired monkey? Come with your sisters and live freely! Besides, this bald crane will protect you too.” With that, she kicked Liu Xunhe surreptitiously, glaring at him fiercely.

The playboy grunted, scratching his head sheepishly. “Xue’er, I swear to protect you. You… you should listen to Little Bird and Yunqing. Don’t marry that foreigner. I’ve heard those barbarians smell strange, and they beat their wives!”

Sister Li Xue burst into laughter, both amused and exasperated as she glanced at Liu Xunhe. He pouted, a blush creeping onto his face, stammering hurriedly, “I heard it from a friend, I swear!”

“Enough, enough—you’re only making things worse, you bald crane,” my senior sister scoffed, pouring several cups of wine and thrusting them into our hands. “That settles it—tonight, we drink until dawn!”

Tilting my head back, I drank the slightly bitter wine, leaning against the window with a faint smile, gazing at the bustling street below. The cool night breeze brushed my cheeks, the faint scent of alcohol lingering on my lips, my heart warmed and dizzy with intoxication. Yet, a casual glance snapped me sober. Swiftly turning, I leaned against the window frame, my gaze following a solitary figure weaving through the crowd below.

It’s…

My wrist twitched, sending the crystal goblet sliding neatly onto the table. Half-turning my body, I spoke gravely: “Brother Liu, dear sisters, Qingqing has spotted an old acquaintance and must take her leave.” With that, I leapt out the window, my body light as a swallow, riding the wind.

“Qingqing!” My senior sister’s anxious voice called out behind me. “Remember to return early!”

Below, the lantern lights blurred faintly; above, the stars gleamed like pearls. A chill settled in my heart, and I chuckled coldly.

Tonight, let me write the hardships hidden for nine long years. Let me sever the sorrow etched into my bones. Let me become the unyielding hand that crushes fragrant illusions. Let me once more savor the tranquil sweetness of dreams.