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The wind rested quietly on the leaves, and a cloud drifted through the hazy mountains. The dense bamboo forest was a sea deeper than the sky, impenetrable to the scorching sun, where all clamor had been washed away.
Deep within the secluded path, the extremely slow sound of horse hooves echoed, lazily imbued with the character of summer.
“Thud...”
“Thud...”
Closer and closer, the gamboge cloth clothing dotted among the emerald green, and the tall figure appeared exceptionally handsome. The person in his arms slept sweetly; he held her slender waist, pulling her soft body closer from time to time.
His thin lips curved subtly, his smile clear as water.
Accompanied by intermittent cicada chirps, the horse moved sluggishly forward, slowly emerging from the bamboo forest. Overly dazzling rays of sunset spilled across the horizon, burning her delicate face, causing the beauty in his arms to slightly furrow her brows.
A faint ripple appeared in his indifferent phoenix eyes; he tightened his long arm and gently covered her with a veil.
“Mm...”
Even with his utmost care, the beauty still awoke.
“Xiuyuan?” Her watery eyes were hazy and captivating.
“Mm, I’m here,” he whispered, stroking her fair cheek.
Her crescent-like eyes blinked repeatedly, finally seeing the surrounding scenery: “Huh? Is it getting dark again?”
Watching her slightly annoyed yet innocent expression, Ye Jinglan couldn’t help but feel his heart stir.
“Sleeping comfortably?” he murmured, leaning close to her ear.
“It’s just too comfortable; that’s why I’ve been sleeping day and night,” she said, looking at him with a hint of resentment. “Now you’re raising me like a sacrificial pig; you’ll regret it someday.”
Considering her habit of sleeping all day and being fed four or five meals, this horse would soon be exhausted and collapse midway.
“No, I can afford to keep you,” he said indifferently.
She stared speechlessly, her adorable expression making him unable to resist leaning down and pecking her lightly: “I’m sorry, I made you tired.”
His clear voice was right beside her ear, and her face felt as if it were burning.
Although, according to hearsay and previous experiences, their wedding night was certainly not normal. But ever since, he had always restrained himself so gently. After the first watch, no matter how much he longed for her, he wouldn’t let her get overly tired. Yet, even the morning’s intimate moments would leave her drowsy all day.
She knew, in fact, that he was now taking the blame for himself, merely not wanting her to realize a fact.
Her body was no longer as it used to be.
“What are you thinking about?” He tightened his embrace around her waist.
“This hand can no longer hold things,” she said, lowering her gaze to her inconvenient left arm and smiling faintly. “Fortunately, Xiuyuan isn’t the same age as me.”
Otherwise, she would surely pass away years before him, forcing him to search the heavens and the underworld for her, to search the heavens and the underworld.
She had also tried subtly bringing up tales of the underworld, telling him that those who end their lives before their time would surely enter the City of Wrongful Deaths, and once there, it would be difficult to meet again. But before she could finish, the man bit off—no, kissed off—the remaining words. That was their first sleepless night after their wedding, and his “cruel” methods were unforgettable. Afterwards, she slept for two days, her dreams filled with those wounded phoenix eyes.
Ah, this man always gambled with himself, making it so hard for her to let go, so hard to let go.
Love overflowed in her chest; she nestled against the silent man, slowly closing her eyes.
Suddenly, a warmth covered her cold left hand, and his steady voice sounded in her ear: “If you can’t hold it, I will.”
Her heart couldn’t help but soften and ache; she opened her eyes and met his handsome, spring-like gaze.
His long fingers slowly closed, gradually applying pressure, as if to embed her palm into his.
Her head leaned slightly against his chest, watching the splendid evening glow weave across the sky, she softly parted her lips and spoke a vow.
“Mm, I won’t let go.”
This love, unbroken.
This life, inseparable.
________________________________________
The Chinese parasol trees held the summer, and the valley was filled with the sounds of insects. A simple inn had a banner fluttering outside, and the twilight mixed with the aroma of rice flowed through the small hall.
“Ah...” The waiter yawned lazily, absentmindedly wiping the table.
Since the official road was built dozens of miles away, travelers from north and south no longer took this route to Yundu, making their rural inn even more desolate.
He listlessly glanced around the hall, sighing inwardly.
Alas, all small fry.
Just as he was wiping away a tear from his eye, he suddenly saw the young couple by the window stir.
“Guest.” Even small fish are fish; it’s better to eat a little than starve. He eagerly stepped forward to serve them.
“Another bowl of porridge,” the man’s voice was rather cold, exuding an aura that kept people at a distance.
He acknowledged and was about to turn when he heard a woman’s voice.
“Wait.”
“This voice is so clear,” he thought dreamily, his eyes involuntarily peeking to the side.
The gauze veil gently fluttered with the breathing beneath it, revealing only a pair of red lips like cherry petals, inviting endless imagination.
“I’m full.” A fair hand rested below her stomach; the woman’s voice was soft, as if pleading.
Enjoying the wonderful, water-like sound, he unconsciously looked back and met several trembling gazes from the table behind him.
Tsk tsk, no wonder this gentleman made the young lady cover her face; just listening to her voice attracted a whole bunch of perverts...
“You’ll be hungry tonight,” the man, whose back was to them, said lightly.
No more sound came from beneath the veil. Looking through the dim twilight, her small, exposed chin was covered with a suspicious blush.
The waiter cleverly leaned forward and asked, “Guest?”
“One bowl of wild vegetable and crucian carp porridge,” the man finally decided.
“Alright!” he echoed, turning to stride away.
As he walked, he observed, feeling increasingly that something was off.
Huh? Why were all those lecherous gazes fixed on the gentleman?
Suddenly, one of the burly men quickly got up, with uncontrollable excitement, and stumbled out.
“Chirp... chirp...”
The moonlight was pale white, and the pleasant sound of insects chirped outside the window.
In the simple inn room, a large wooden tub stood, its water long since cold. Faint water stains reflected on the floor, and several single garments lay folded by the bed.
The mountain night was somewhat cool; he stretched out his long arm, hooked the person beside him, and pulled her close to his chest.
She was frowning again.
A pair of spring-like eyes gazed tenderly at the person in his arms.
What was she thinking about?
A feather-light kiss smoothed away the sorrow between her brows.
Was she dreaming of the Yellow Springs and the Underworld again, that Sixth Palace City of Wrongful Deaths?
Thinking of this, a hint of annoyance appeared on his handsome face; he tightened his arms, almost embedding her into his body.
“Mm...” The sleeping beauty stirred.
Her repeated hints were nothing more than wanting him to promise he wouldn’t take his own life. But such a promise, how could he give it? How could he?
He would satisfy her every wish, but not this one.
He would not let go, through heaven and hell. Even if he fell into the hell of wrongful deaths, so what? He would not let go, never let go.
The night quietly passed, and those phoenix eyes, like shining stars, remained open.
Suddenly, a faint earthy scent mixed with the gardenia fragrance floating in the air.
They’ve come.
Sighing silently, Ye Jinglan hooked the thin clothes from the head of the bed. One by one, he carefully dressed her.
“Xiu...yuan?” The beautiful woman, with disheveled hair, murmured against his neck.
“Mm,” Ye Jinglan gently replied, taking her undergarment.
“Is it dawn?”
“It’s still early, sleep.” He fastened her collar.
“Where are you going?” The beauty was clearly very alert; she half-propped herself up, sleepily watching her bedmate about to rise.
The cold aura instantly vanished; a smile blossomed on his handsome face. Ye Jinglan leaned down and lightly kissed the elegant woman: “I’m going to pour a pot of hot tea. You must be thirsty.”
“Xiuyuan, are you sure you’re not raising a sacrificial pig?” Her small, palm-sized face peeked out from beneath her tangled hair, and she chuckled vaguely.
“No,” he laughed softly and deeply, his wife.
Their eyes met, gazing into each other’s, and their love shone brightly, like the stars in the Sea of Stars.
The floral scent drifting in from outside the window was quite strong, so strong that she couldn’t help but feel intoxicated, intoxicated, intoxicated into a sweet dream.
After covering the sleeping beauty with a thin blanket, Ye Jinglan walked to the tub and rinsed himself with the already cold bathwater.
How could her scent be sniffed by others?
After a while, the sound of water gradually ceased. He looked back at the sleeping person, tied his belt, and pushed the door open, stepping out.
The azure sky showed a faint clear green, mountains undulated, outlining purple-ink lines. The wind in the valley was strong, making his cloth clothing billow.
Ye Jinglan lowered his gaze to the dense crowd on the ground, his posture calm.
“...” The elder at the head raised his head, his graying temples trembling slightly. “Young Master...” Tears welled in his old eyes, and the furrows on his brow deepened.
“Uncle Song, stand up and speak,” Ye Jinglan tried to help the elder, but was unexpectedly hugged by the legs.
“Young Master...” Song Shenwei was choked with sobs.
“Young Master!” The kneeling Azure Dragon Guards shouted in unison.
His ink-dark brows furrowed slightly, and Ye Jinglan’s phoenix eyes swept coldly like arrows to the side. Before he could act, two Azure Dragon Guards flew up and kicked out the eavesdropper.
“You... you guys...” Before he could finish speaking, the inn waiter’s mute acupoint was struck, and he was tied up and nailed to a tree.
It turned out he had been mistaken in the evening; those men’s gazes weren’t lecherous, but rather the excitement of finding their master. He thought for a moment, then suddenly sobered up.
Oh, esteemed bandits, he merely had to relieve himself and was out at night; he truly didn’t mean to eavesdrop,呜...
Ye Jinglan listened quietly, listening to Song Shenwei’s uncontrollable sobbing, thinking he had let him down.
“Young Master... Old Song, I’ve been looking for you by the Chi River for a long time...” The old man cried, his nose red. “If I couldn’t find you, Old Song wouldn’t live either. I’ve let down the Master, the Young Lady, and the Son-in-law...”
“Uncle Song, please get up quickly,” Ye Jinglan bent down to help him.
“Young Master?” Song Shenwei looked at the calm young master before him, his heart inexplicably trembling. This expression was very similar to the Son-in-law who entrusted his child to him more than a decade ago. Subconsciously, he quickly said, “Please, Young Master, return quickly! Mianzhou is in danger!”
His sharp brows knitted slightly; Ye Jinglan’s eyes were like cold stars as he looked at him.
“Half a month ago, King Jing offered the return of our Mianzhou’s Chi River source as a gift to congratulate the new ruler of Yi Kingdom on his ascension,” Song Shenwei’s face showed ruthlessness. “I heard that ‘one land, two deliveries’ was the idea of Yuan Tengfei, the Grand General of Jing Kingdom. That brat Yuan clearly has ill intentions!”
Yuan Tengfei?
His gaze was bone-chillingly cold. Ye Jinglan stood against the light, his cold silhouette outlined by a faint, distant white mist.
“With the army pressing in, and the Young Master not showing himself for a long time, rumors are rife in Shuiyuejing. They say Shenwei harmed the Young Master and intends to usurp Mianzhou.”
The sky was on the verge of dawn; the surroundings were unusually quiet.
So that’s how it is.
Ye Jinglan was like the only dark color between heaven and earth, exuding an increasingly profound chill.
All of this was just to force him to appear; that person still hadn’t given up on Qingqing.
Suddenly, a faint yellow light appeared in the room behind him, and he instantly suppressed his killing intent.
“Why are you awake?” Ye Jinglan walked to the window and asked softly, the tenderness in his actions surprising the Azure Dragon Guards.
A beautiful silhouette appeared on the window, and a spring-like voice flowed softly: “It’s a bit cold in the room.”
Cold?
Clearly feeling his thin clothes soaked with sweat, everyone was dumbfounded.
“Young... Young Lady?” The old man, his tears not yet dry, spoke in astonishment.
The shadow on the window nodded slightly: “Is that Uncle Song?”
“It really is the Young Lady!” Old Song excitedly stepped forward.
“Mm.” The candlelight outlined her elegant profile, her long lashes fluttering gently on the window paper. “Uncle Song, I’m sorry. It’s all my fault for dragging Xiuyuan down and making you come looking for him.”
“No, no, no,” Old Song shook his head, shedding tears. “As long as Young Master and Young...” His old eyes shifted, and he quickly corrected himself, “As long as Young Master and Young Mistress are well, Old Song’s efforts are worth it, no matter how tired I am.”
Young Mistress?
The Azure Dragon Guards stole a glance, seeing their master’s clear, cold lips curving upwards, his expression warm as a spring breeze. The men exchanged glances, then suddenly proclaimed loudly, “We respectfully greet the Young Mistress.”
“Eh?” The person at the window seemed startled and retreated a little.
Ye Jinglan opened the wooden window a narrow crack, just enough for him to see, and gazed lovingly at the beauty whose face was tinged with cherry-blush, their eyes intertwining.
“Good, this is truly good!” Old Song clenched his fists, his beard trembling with excitement. “Once we return to Mianzhou, we’ll hold the wedding ceremony!” He slapped the parasol tree, startling the birds perched on its branches into flight. “You all, quickly go prepare to welcome the Young Master and Young Mistress back to the capital!”
“Yes!” Everyone shouted in unison, their booming voices echoing through the valley.
________________________________________
The gentle south wind murmured softly, and the first light of dawn whitened the paper window.
“My brother went to pacify the Northwest?”
“Yes,” Old Song replied from the doorway.
“Lord Uncle and Young Hero Feng searched along the Chi River for a whole month. At the time, no one expected Young Master and Young Mistress to be swept into a tributary of the Chi River; everyone thought...” Old Song mumbled with a sigh, “Then Lord Uncle returned furiously. After searching for a few more days, Young Hero Feng asked General Lei to take over the search and went alone to Wang Mountain to ask Old Master Feng to come out of seclusion.”
She pondered, absentmindedly combing her husband’s long hair.
Suddenly, the comb in her hand was taken away, and she was lifted onto his lap.
“What are you thinking about?” Ye Jinglan asked softly.
Her beautiful eyes slowly lifted: “It seems we owe many people an explanation.”
“Mm,” Ye Jinglan gently stroked her waist-length black hair, “but for some, no explanation is needed.”
“I understand.” She nestled obediently in his arms.
“Qingqing.”
“Hm?”
“I cannot abandon Mianzhou at this time,” he said with a hint of helplessness.
“I understand.”
“Do you resent me?” His voice was a little hoarse.
“Mianzhou’s situation is entirely because of us. If Xiuyuan were to leave now, he wouldn’t be the Xiuyuan I know.”
The soft whisper warmed his ear, seeping into his heart. Ye Jinglan hugged her tightly, unwilling to let go for a long time: “Come back with me, Qingqing.”
“Okay,” she gently embraced him back.
“We’ll stop by the Northwest to see Big Brother along the way, to put his mind at ease,” he lightly kissed her cheek, lingering on her cherry-petal red lips.
“Mm,” her beautiful face blossomed into a smile, as if humming softly.
________________________________________
So this is the Young Mistress.
The Azure Dragon Guards looked at the perfectly matched couple bidding farewell under the dense shade, feeling a slight surprise.
Her demeanor was indeed exquisitely elegant, but she appeared a bit frail. They hadn’t expected the Young Master to like such a delicate flower.
As they mused, they saw the tall, handsome figure lean slightly, as if whispering something to her. The delicate flower then blossomed, her beautiful lips parting in a smile as clear and beautiful as a distant mountain spring, instantly washing away the summer wind’s oppressive heat.
The Azure Dragon Guards were lost in a long moment of stunned admiration, in that fleeting glance.
“Uncle Song and the Azure Dragon Guards will stay by your side. They will handle everything; you are not to act,” Ye Jinglan held her soft hand.
“Mm,” her eyes curved into crescents, like a new moon.
“Your body cannot withstand bumps now, so please do not ride a horse alone.”
Just as she was about to nod, she saw Old Song, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly leap up and rush into the distance with ill-concealed excitement and frenzy.
“Uncle Song...” she looked up awkwardly, “He seems to have misunderstood.”
Ye Jinglan watched with a half-smile, his usually cold lips subtly curving upwards: “Isn’t he very pleased?”
“But...” she instinctively touched her lower abdomen, and a blush crept up her cheeks, “not yet.”
His long fingers covered the back of her cold hand, his handsome, spring-like eyes drawing closer: “It will happen eventually.”
His faint voice was right beside her ear, and her cheeks felt as if they were burning; she found the summer heat unbearable.
“Young Master, it’s time to go.”
Though he heard, his body remained still.
If the Young Master didn’t hurry back, the army might mutiny. The Azure Dragon Guards looked pleadingly at the frail beauty.
The summer sun filtered quietly through the dense shade. Her beautiful eyes were brimming, filled with liquid affection: “Be careful on your journey.”
He said nothing, just gazed intently.
She sighed under the moon, stood on tiptoe, and whispered softly in his ear: “Wait for me, husband.”
“Mm,” Ye Jinglan lightly pecked her red lips, replying contentedly.
A lone rider sped off into the scorching sun, his cloth robe fluttering in the wind.
She stood under the tree until that gamboge blur merged with the distant mountain’s emerald green, then put on her veil.
“Young Mistress, please get in the carriage.” Old Song carefully escorted her to the side; at some point, an elegant carriage had stopped by the roadside.
“Uncle Song,” she said softly.
“Young Mistress.”
“Are we taking the land route all the way from now on?” The light veil fluttered, and a hazy misty color was before her eyes.
“Replying to Young Mistress, we will first go via the main road to Peach Blossom Ferry, and then take a boat to Shuiyuejing.”
“Peach Blossom Ferry?” She tilted her head in thought, “Why not go through Twin Peaks Gorge?”
At her words, silence fell all around.
“Now, Twin Peaks Gorge has many watchful eyes; I fear it will be difficult to pass smoothly,” Old Song patiently explained.
“Watchful eyes?” The light veil gently swayed with a soft chuckle, “Has Marquis Ning already taken power?”
Hearing this, the men were slightly stunned.
“So that’s how it is.” A gentle breeze stirred her skirt; she stepped out from the protection of the tree shade. “Twin Peaks Gorge is a large port; no matter how many watchful eyes there are, they cannot control everything. On the other hand, Peach Blossom Ferry is a small crossing; any disturbance would be immediately known to all. Marquis Ning is best at manipulating people’s hearts; laying out a deceptive formation is merely to make us follow his path, to achieve twice the result with half the effort.”
Yunzhi, oh Yunzhi, why bother?
She sighed deeply and entered the carriage: “Set off, via Twin Peaks Gorge.”
The gentle south wind drifted by, filling the air with a rich fragrance.
Is she really a delicate flower?
Everyone was surprised and doubtful.
________________________________________
Before noon, Twin Peaks Gorge ferry crossing was already crowded.
“Mung bean soup! Cool and refreshing!”
The noisy dock was filled with hawkers shouting, selling soup and tea, moving through the crowds. The stuffy river wind carried the pungent smell of sweat.
Among the surging crowd, a dozen guards in short tunics appeared, making the group quite noticeable. The soup hawker suddenly stopped, turning against the flow of people to chase after them.
“Sir, would you like a bowl of mung bean soup?” He pushed his small cart, smiling ingratiatingly.
“Move aside.” A guard impatiently waved his arm.
“The weather is hot and people are irritable; a bowl of cold soup is truly good,” he persisted, unwilling to give up, but his eyes darted to the inner circle surrounded by a few people.
“Mung bean soup?” A woman’s voice gently emerged.
A glint flashed in the hawker’s eyes; he leaned closer and said again: “Yes! It’s very refreshing.”
“Then I’ll have a bowl,” the misty veil slowly appeared.
He cleverly scooped a bowl of soup from the wooden bucket: “Miss, please.”
An old hand reached out horizontally; the butler-like person took the wooden bowl: “It’s Madam.”
“Oh.” His eyes rolled, and he stared intently at the woman.
“Ugh...” The bowl reached her lips, and she suddenly retched.
“Young Mistress!” The elder cried out in alarm.
The guards, seeing this, lifted the hawker.
“It’s not my fault!” His feet dangled in the air; he quickly protested.
“Not your fault?” Several burly men surrounded him.
Don’t panic! A layer of cold sweat appeared on his forehead; he glanced at his companion in the teahouse and slightly shook his head.
“Put him down,” the woman’s voice was somewhat weak.
“But...” the guards grumbled.
She covered her lips with a handkerchief, her actions elegant: “It’s because I forgot my dietary restrictions that this happened. Please put this young man down quickly.”
“Yes.”
His feet touched the ground; the hawker looked along the woman’s soft hand.
Her lower abdomen was slightly protruding; so she was pregnant.
A hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes; he pushed his small cart and ran away, appearing to be still in shock.
Glancing behind him, the elder whispered, “Young Mistress, you’ve worked hard.”
“It’s just a piece of cotton cloth; it’s not hard work,” the woman lightly laughed, stroking her abdomen.
“Once we’re on the boat, I’ll instruct the boatman not to prepare any dishes with beans,” the old man turned to the guards, waving his sleeve with an air of commanding the country, “All of you listen carefully: from today onwards, no one is allowed to touch mung bean soup in front of the Young Mistress!”
“Yes!” The burly men heavily promised.
“Uncle Song...” the woman spoke, half-laughing, half-crying.
“You and the Young Master are still young, and you’re likely clueless about such matters. But please, Young Mistress, rest assured, I’m not boasting, but when it comes to raising children, I’m even more knowledgeable than women.” His eyebrows and beard slightly raised; Song Shenwei smiled broadly, his eyes sparkling, “My eldest and second children lost their mother when they were young; I raised them myself, cleaning their diapers and feeding them.”
“Uncle Song...”
“Young Mistress, there’s no need to be afraid; the initial discomfort is very normal. But no matter how much you vomit, you must eat, because you’re now eating for two, and your appetite should increase. Ah! That’s right!” The old man clapped his hands and eagerly pointed at the stunned guards, “Quickly go buy some green plums for the Young Mistress; green plums stop vomiting!”
“Song...”
“And about a pregnant woman’s health regimen, Old Song here has made full preparations beforehand. I’ve been looking forward to this day and night, and finally, my knowledge has a use. Master! Young Lady!” He suddenly turned, facing northwest, “And Son-in-law! Shenwei has finally not failed your trust! It hasn’t been easy for Shenwei all these years...”
She had merely been putting on an act just now.
The words were on the tip of her tongue, but she suddenly closed her mouth.
Let Uncle Song be happy for a while, after all, as he said, there will be children eventually.
Her fair hands rested on her abdomen, and her red lips curved into a shy smile.
“The ship to Yanzhou is about to depart!”
The gangplank creaked, and people rushing to board, old and young, crowded to one side.
A touch of emerald green stood out against the dark robes. The river wind, after being boisterous all morning, suddenly became gentle. It lingered, stirring the verdant silk dress, as the veiled woman stood quietly on the shore, imbued with an ethereal beauty, perfectly picturesque.
After a while, a figure in dark robes ran from a distance.
“Young Mistress.” As he approached, he bowed. “The ship to Mianzhou will dock in half an hour.”
She nodded slightly: “Where’s Uncle Song?”
“Steward, he...” The man awkwardly scratched his head.
“Hm?”
“The Steward saw some children’s toys in the market and started haggling with the shopkeeper.”
Is the Steward a bit too enthusiastic? The men looked up at the sky, where a white cloud shaped like a hen drifted past.
“How long has this royal proclamation been posted?” A discussion suddenly broke out behind her.
“Over a month now.”
“What’s the use of posting it again? That Imperial Consort is probably beyond saving.”
The verdant silk dress flowed gently. The veiled beauty turned to look; the wooden notice board was crowded with people, and a young soldier was replacing it with a new yellow proclamation.
“I bet that Imperial Consort was poisoned by the Third Prince’s birth mother.”
“Oh?” The common folk in the market surrounded the notice board, chattering.
“The Third Prince’s birth mother, Lady Huang, bore two sons and schemed her whole life but still couldn’t get the title of Noble Consort. Yet, this woman, with no children, received all the king’s favor. Lady Huang, out of jealousy, resorted to murder. And General Han going so furiously to pacify the Northwest clearly shows he’s avenging his aunt!” The scholar was talking boastfully when a flash of emerald green swept past his eyes.
“Young Mistress!” A dozen burly men hurriedly chased after her from a distance.
Imperial Consort Han is gravely ill and has issued a special decree seeking medical help. Anyone who can wake her will be rewarded with a thousand taels of gold, and anyone who cures her will be granted a third-rank noble title...
The thick ink characters were reflected on her veil, flowing like smoke, startling to behold.
She turned around, her lowered hands trembling slightly: “How long has it been?”
“Ah?”
“How long has it been!” She suddenly slapped the solid wooden railing, which instantly collapsed.
“...” The garrulous scholar trembled.
“Young Mistress...” The burly men stood stunned, looking at the furious woman, unable to find their voices for a long time.
“I asked you, how long has this proclamation been posted?” The woman spoke again calmly, her voice carrying an unspeakable suppression.
“It was posted a few days after the Twin Peaks Gorge incident...”
Why does this young lady look like she’s about to burst into flames? He... he... did he say something wrong?
The scholar swallowed hard and retreated a step.
Mo Xiang was already unwell at the end of April; it’s all because of her, all because of her!
A surge of blood rose in her throat, and her chest ached as if being stabbed.
Suddenly, she spun around, snatched the soldier’s horse: “Giddy up!”
“Young Mistress!”
The woman’s Qinggong was astonishingly fast. The dozen burly men couldn’t react in time, watching helplessly as that green cloud rapidly swept into the distance.
The lone distant sail cannot be seen to its end; how many days of wind, frost, snow, and rain will bring clear skies?
Alas, to return...
________________________________________
It was the height of Great Heat, the peak of summer, with heatwaves rolling in from all directions. The copper bells on the eaves were motionless; only the expansive and ethereal chirping of cicadas could be heard.
A perfect quatrain was chanted, with alternating flat and oblique tones.
“Eunuch,” Shangguan Mi said, his old face creased with smiles, as he bowed behind Liu Yao, “Please convey this message on my behalf: tell His Royal Highness the Ninth Prince that your humble servant swears eternal loyalty to him and has no second thoughts!”
Holding his duster, Liu Yao glanced behind him. What a sycophantic little man. His daughter dead, his patron gone, and now he comes here to fawn. Truly shameless.
“Eunuch!” Following him to the outer wall of the Imperial Library, Shangguan Mi pulled out a brocade box. “Eunuch, please take a look.”
What a beautiful piece of jade.
Liu Yao glanced at it, and even though he was reluctant, he forced his gaze back. The day before, the Chief Eunuch, Lord Dexian, who had served the King for over forty years, had spoken to him in detail.
“A servant’s everything belongs to his master. If greed arises, it’s difficult for the servant and master to be of one mind. Such a servant can be replaced at any time.”
At that time, the Chief Eunuch had said so.
“Eunuch? Eunuch Liu Yao?” Shangguan Mi noticed his absentmindedness and stepped forward again, “You see?”
“Is Commander Shangguan trying to harm this humble one?” He looked straight ahead, his expression serious.
“Ah?”
“Take your things back. The Master has not been in a good mood lately. It’s best if Lord Shangguan doesn’t come to the Imperial Library anymore, lest you try to steal a chicken and lose a handful of rice.” He stepped into the courtyard gate, ignoring the flattering words behind him.
Who would have thought that the once desolate Imperial Library now stood as the center of the dynasty, all because of the Master’s presence. Passing through the heavily shaded corridor, Liu Yao pushed open the tightly closed wooden door: “Master.”
The side room was so quiet it seemed solidified; even the white smoke in the bronze censer did not waver. The room was filled with the cool scent of mint.
Liu Yao carefully walked to the screen couch, picking up the scattered books one by one.
The person on the couch turned over, their disheveled long hair intertwined with their red clothes. Even in sleep, they possessed an irresistible allure.
Master, has he still not given up?
Liu Yao’s hand paused, and he couldn’t help but lower his gaze.
“Collected Works of Niansi Ran,” “Night Talks at Half Mountain,” “Selected Works of Chengle”...
These were all old books taken on that military campaign. The Master had flipped through them again and again, merely wanting to relive the joy of sharing a tent with that person. To this day, the Master still believes that person is alive?
Looking at the still incense stick, Liu Yao couldn’t help but sigh.
Love, even his exceptionally intelligent master couldn’t escape it; rather, he didn’t want to escape it.
As he was thinking, hurried footsteps sounded from outside the corridor. The person on the couch slightly frowned, their sleeping face showing clear impatience.
“What’s the rush?” Liu Yao closed the door and asked in a low voice.
“Eunuch Liu Yao!” The young eunuch’s face was flushed, his hands constantly wiping sweat. “He’s...”
“Silence!” Liu Yao sharply rapped him. “His Highness is still resting.”
“But, he’s here,” the young eunuch whimpered, clutching his head.
“Crack!” The wooden door was kicked open. A wrinkled red robe hung lazily on him; Ling Yiran’s sash was untied, revealing an alluring masculine figure.
“Your... Your... Your Highness,” the young eunuch stammered, falling to his knees.
“He’s here?” A hoarse voice carried a hint of excitement.
“Yes... yes...”
The tall figure bent slightly, his ink-dark hair fluttering in the wind: “Miss Han, has she arrived?” Ling Yiran’s eyebrows subtly moved, his handsome face faintly trembling.
Awed by those demonic eyes, the young eunuch opened his mouth but couldn’t make a sound for a long time.
“Has Han Yuexia arrived?” he asked again, clenching his fists, his knuckles turning slightly white.
Liu Yao extended his foot and kicked the stunned eunuch, who immediately nodded like a chicken pecking at rice.
“She’s here,” Ling Yiran murmured through clenched teeth, his peach blossom eyes filled with terrifying emotion. “She’s finally back.”
The crimson robe swept past like a strong wind, rattling the copper bells under the eaves of the hall. Ding-dong, ding-dong, breaking the rhythmic chirping of cicadas.
It was as if a piece of magnificent brocade prose had been torn apart, scattering resonant words all over the ground.
________________________________________
So it was all true.
Standing outside the palace gate, sorrow welled up within her.
Mo Xiang was really in a bad state.
“Sister,” Qin Dannong, not yet fully recovered from childbirth, was slightly plump. She treasured Yuexia as she held her hand, following closely behind the palace attendant.
“I’m sorry,” Yuexia said, head bowed, a lump in her throat.
“Silly girl, it’s not your fault,” Dannong tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Perhaps Auntie will wake up when she hears your voice later.”
“Sister-in-law,” her left shoulder ached, and the wound felt hot.
The heavy inner palace gates creaked open, revealing an endlessly long palace path stretching into the distance.
Just as one foot stepped inside the palace gate, a loud shout came from behind.
“Han Yuexia!”
The voice was almost a gnash of teeth. Ling Yiran locked onto that graceful figure, his fingertips trembling uncontrollably.
The guards at the gate bowed their heads at the sight.
“Where did you go!” He gripped her soft hand, his handsome eyes sharp, as if wanting to engrave themselves into her heart. “After hiding for so long, do you still have a conscience?”
So long, so long, so long that he repeatedly doubted if he had miscalculated, and if she had already passed away.
Thankfully, she was still alive, still alive!
His trembling gaze paused on her coiled up hair, and he suddenly darkened his eyes: “Why is your hair styled like that?”
“Yunzhi, let go.” Her gaze was distant, her thoughts clearly not on him.
He narrowed his eyes, his palm mercilessly tightening: “Qingqing, I told you...”
So cold.
He suddenly fell silent, tightly gripping the soft hand that tried to break free from his grasp.
No, the struggle was so weak, her skin emanated a bone-chilling cold. This was clearly abnormal.
“Your hand?” An ominous premonition arose in his heart.
Her beautiful eyes gave a faint glance: “It’s crippled.”
His peach blossom eyes were filled with shock. Seizing the moment, she broke free from his grasp, turned, and walked into the inner palace.
The vermilion palace gates closed abruptly. Ling Yiran looked down at his palm, the shock in his eyes slowly solidifying.
What had he missed?
Fiery clouds filled the sky, the scorching sun burned perpetually. All things were somewhat parched, only he remained standing.
Her hair can be loosened, her left hand can be healed again. Qingqing, from now on, you and I will stand side by side; who else can harm you?
His vibrant red clothes fluttered in the wind; his figure was wild, carrying a deep domineering aura.
She’s back, she’s really back!
________________________________________
The vast hall was silently still, palace attendants stood with lowered heads, their faces full of sorrow.
“Auntie?” Her fair hand parted the beaded curtain, producing a beautiful clinking sound like jade.
Within the bed curtains, the beauty’s face was sallow, no longer possessing its stunning peach color.
“How could this happen?” She covered her mouth, tears instantly streaming down.
“The night the bad news arrived, Her Ladyship fainted. No matter how the King called, or how we, the servants, pleaded, Her Ladyship simply wouldn’t open her eyes,” Si Yan said, her face haggard, her eyes very red and swollen. “After that, Her Ladyship wouldn’t eat the soup or medicine; she just kept vomiting. If the King hadn’t forcibly made her eat, Miss, you might not have seen Her Ladyship.”
“So it’s a heart ailment,” Yuexia murmured, gazing painfully at the emaciated figure. “Mo Xiang?” She knelt by the bedside, whispering in her ear, “Mo Xiang, it’s me, Qingqing.” Bitter tears traced their faces, sliding all the way to Mo Xiang’s lips. “I didn’t die, I’m back...”
“Sister, the ground is cold; get up and talk,” Dannong stepped forward to persuade her.
“Mo Xiang, please wake up,” she gently shook the skeletal body. “It’s all Qingqing’s fault. From now on, wherever I go, I’ll send you a letter first, and I’ll listen to you about how long I’ll be gone, okay, hmm?” She sobbed, her right hand helplessly twisting Mo Xiang’s withered, yellowing hair. “Since childhood, I’ve been most afraid of you. Huamei has a gentle disposition, Zhuyun always follows me, but only you are like a chili pepper; you’d pull a long face at me, you’d point at my head and scold me harshly...”
Her vision was blurred; she couldn’t see anything clearly. She blinked incessantly, feeling her face covered in coolness: “And only you never treated me like a young lady, but as a child. So, ah...” She wiped her tears, her lips curving into a heartbreaking smile, “Among the three of you, I like you the most.” She gasped, whispering urgently, “Mo Xiang, do you know, when I fell off the cliff, my eyes were filled with your face. Just like Mom and Dad, repeating over... and over again...”
“Sister...” Dannong knelt beside her, her eyes already red. “Crying is most damaging to your health. If you continue like this, Auntie will be heartbroken.”
She seemed to ignore her, gently smoothing the stray hairs on Mo Xiang’s forehead: “Mo Xiang, do you know, actually, I didn’t want to call you Auntie, because, ah...” She tilted her head, clear tears spilling from her beautiful eyes, “You’re so young, so beautiful, how could you be Auntie? Sister, I’ve always considered you my sister.”
“Sister...” She trembled and trembled, for a moment too choked to speak. “Do you know how happy I was when we met by Dream Lake? So happy I’d willingly lose ten years of my life... But...” Tears streamed down like rain, instantly forming rivulets. “Now you’re seeking death because of me, and that’s another ten years of my life taken away...” Her fingers dug into the bedsheets; she bit her lip and choked, a sweet, metallic taste in her throat.
“Sister!” Dannong embraced the gasping Yuexia, gently wiping her tear-filled eyes.
“Mo Xiang... Mo Xiang...” She broke free from her sister-in-law’s embrace and crawled back to Mo Xiang’s pillow. “Do you remember the nursery rhyme you sang to me when I was little?”
“Miss, that’s enough,” Si Yan said, tearfully coaxing her.
“I am but a lotus maiden, my heart unconfessed, tears like rain. If my lord sees the lotus’s tears, will he know the lotus’s deep pain? I am but a lotus maiden, my heart pledged only to my lord. Tonight I sing for my lord, every line a sorrowful chord...”
The choked singing drifted like a gentle breeze through the hall, slowly, bit by bit, entering her dream.
“I am but a lotus maiden, dancing for my lord, morning and night.”
Lotus leaves spread wide, the emerald leaves covered with last night’s rain. The water’s surface was clear and round, gently flowing into the shallow pond.
“How much of the human world have I seen? My only confidant is you and me.”
A small boat threaded through the green lotuses, a large and a small figure wearing hats woven from lotus leaves, picking water chestnuts from the pond.
“I am but a lotus maiden, dreaming of being a poet’s companion with my lord.” Her delicate face was flushed from the sun; a slow-paced song floated over the pond. “May all lovers in the world eventually become destined pairs.” Her almond eyes gleamed with soft light, and the young woman in her prime sang with sweet tenderness.
She smiled like a peach blossom, opening her mouth to sing again, when she suddenly saw the small figure opposite her, wearing a lotus leaf hat, looking at her with a serious expression.
Her willow eyebrows raised; she pinched that adorable little face: “What are you thinking about?”
“Mo Xiang.” A child’s voice softly, the little one tilted her head, observing.
“Hm?” She rolled up her sleeves, reaching her hand into the cool pond water. So comfortable.
“How old are you?”
“Heh!” She snorted with laughter, “Older than you.”
“Seriously,” the little one frowned, her face serious.
Her beautiful almond eyes blinked. Mo Xiang replied earnestly: “I’ll be seventeen at year-end.”
Strange, why did her young lady seem more mature than her?
“No wonder,” the little one slowly rose, supporting her lotus hat, and looked towards where the lotuses curled and unfurled.
The child was sighing again, she thought with an amused glance, and continued picking water chestnuts.
“No wonder you’ve started thinking about romance.”
The next sentence exploded in her ear, startling her so much she almost fell into the water.
“What... what... what?!” Ignoring her soaked sleeves, her willow eyebrows furrowed in anger. She pulled the little one closer: “Who taught you all this nonsense! Was it Old Man Li from the courtyard patrol, or Ah Ji from the study?”
Bastards! How dare they corrupt her young lady! If she caught them, she’d scold them until they dared not show their faces!
“Oh, Mo Xiang is so pretty.” A small hand brushed over her thick, smoky hair, making her lips curl slightly from the tickle.
No, she almost got sidetracked by this little swindler. She lowered the corners of her mouth, feigning anger: “Don’t talk nonsense. Who taught you all this? Tell me!”
“Does this even need teaching?” The little one’s intelligent eyes fluttered. “I am but a lotus maiden, dreaming of being a poet’s companion with my lord.” She sang sweetly and softly, then added, “As the saying goes, songs express feelings. All the songs are about ‘my lord,’ so Mo Xiang must want to get married.”
“Pffft!” Her cheeks slightly flushed, her gaze averted.
“Why blush? Love between a man and a woman is normal. Mo Xiang, you’re seventeen. It’s perfectly normal to have expectations for a good man.”
Mo Xiang was already accustomed to her calm demeanor and eloquent speech, but she just lowered her head, playing absently with her hair.
“My Mo Xiang is so beautiful; she’s definitely going to marry a good man in the future.” The little hand gently stroked the water’s surface, the little one smiling innocently, “Mo Xiang, what kind of man do you want?”
As for her...
Her almond eyes, shyly, drifted towards the lotus flowers on the water, seeing the duckweed swaying in the wind, its shadow dancing in the pond.
The good man she desired didn’t need to be too young or too burly, but he absolutely had to stand at a height she couldn’t reach. She was willing to spend her entire life looking up, worshiping, and silently loving him.
“I am but a lotus maiden, please remember this innocent heart of mine. ...”
Accompanied by the gentle, lingering sound of oars, that summer softly melted into her dream, deeply etched into her destiny.
“...When the lotus flowers bloom in future years, each bloom will carry my blessings...”
Who was singing that nursery rhyme in her ear? Who had been stirring her dreams for so long?
“Mo Xiang... wake up...” A hoarse voice strangely penetrated her ears, so clear, “Qingqing is back. Mo Xiang, don’t you want me anymore?”
Young Lady?
“Mo Xiang...” The crying was intermittent, lacking any strength.
“Sister!” The pained female voice resonated in her ears, “Quick, summon the imperial physician! Sister, are you injured?!”
Young Lady? Young Lady!
Stumbling blindly in the darkness, she broke free from the entanglement of lotus leaves and rushed towards the light.
Her eyes were filled with startling red. Looking at that blood-stained beautiful face, her voice was hoarse as she spoke: “Young Lady...”
“Mo Xiang!” Yuexia wiped away the metallic taste from her lips and lunged towards the edge of the bed.
“Your Ladyship?” Si Yan cried tears of joy, “Someone! Her Ladyship is awake!”
“Young Lady...” It felt like another lifetime. She gazed intently at the person before her. “Young Lady, you’ve grown up...”
Her delicate brows slightly furrowed, Yuexia held her emaciated hand.
“Just now...” Mo Xiang gasped for breath, her thin cheeks making her almond eyes appear remarkably large. “Just now, you were so small, and in a blink of an eye, you’re... you’re this grown up.”
“Mo Xiang...” Her heart filled with gloom, Yuexia gripped her hand tighter and tighter.
“Do you remember that summer day?” Si Yan helped her sit up. She leaned weakly against the soft bolster, her expression serene, chatting casually with her family. “You asked me about the ideal man in my heart, how did I answer?”
Yuexia looked at her, shaking her head slightly.
“It’s good that you don’t remember,” she lightly curved her lips, her beautiful smile seeming as if it could shatter at any moment. “But please, Young Lady, remember your own answer.”
“Mine?”
“Yes.” Mo Xiang held her fair, soft hand back, opening her lips with all her strength, “At that time, I asked Young Lady what kind of ideal man she wanted, and Young Lady said...”
“Me, ah...” The little one’s eyes curved into crescents; she plucked a lotus leaf and slowly stood up. “I want a man who can walk side by side with me.” Holding the green lotus, she smiled at a dragonfly resting on the water, “Enjoy the first cherry blossoms in spring, the gentle breeze in summer, admire distant mountains in autumn, and face snow in winter. May I find a loving man, to hold hands and share a hundred years.”
The little one’s smile was somewhat radiant, so radiant that it made her mistakenly think it was the summer sun caressing her face. After a while, she chided, “Such a child, so shameless.”
But now, thinking back, she was not even as good as a five-year-old child, not even close.
Collecting her thoughts, Mo Xiang gently said, “Young Lady, do you remember?”
“I remember,” Yuexia nodded heavily. But she didn’t like listening to such casual talk; it was like the earnest admonitions of someone going on a long journey, or someone who would never return. Thinking of this, she quickly interjected, “Mo Xiang.”
“Hm?” Mo Xiang’s almond eyes were a little cloudy, and she yawned lazily. So tired, so sleepy.
“Sister-in-law gave birth to a pair of dragon-and-phoenix twins,” Yuexia thought, perhaps talking about a happy event now could dispel the weariness in her eyes.
“Oh?” Her eyes couldn’t hold focus; she instinctively looked to the side. “Dannong, it’s really hard on you, leaving confinement so early.”
“It’s all this niece-in-law’s duty. Please, Auntie, take good care of yourself. Zhusu, Sister, and I are all looking forward to the day Auntie recovers completely,” Dannong frowned slightly, feeling the gaze on her becoming lighter and lighter, increasingly devoid of life.
“Mm, you take good care of the brother and sister for me. They, ah, have been rough by nature since childhood, always neglecting themselves.” Her eyelids drooped lower and lower, slowly sticking together.
“This niece-in-law understands.”
Her hearing gradually blurred; various voices came and went, near and far.
“Mo’er! Mo’er...”
Who?
“Open your eyes for me!”
Is it her ideal man? A smile spread on her pale lips. It really is him, so domineering.
“Don’t even think about escaping again...” It was warm near her ear, and a little painful. She guessed that man was biting her, as he always used to. “I heard everything you said in the middle of the night; don’t even think about taking it back!”
She didn’t want to take it back, just as she promised when she was seventeen. She had spent her entire life looking up, worshiping, silently loving him until her death.
She was just tired and wanted to sleep.
“Mo Xiang!” A heartbreaking cry stung her heart, “You said you wouldn’t leave me again... You said... you said...”
“Sister! Your left shoulder!”
Her Young Lady, ah, I’m sorry, I broke my promise, I’m sorry, I’m sorry...
A tear slipped from the corner of her eye, holding the sorrow of twenty-eight years.
Where can the ink-scented bud be found today? The sound of broken strings ends, dew falls, fireflies fly.
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