Nachtlied

Kapitel 22

I said, "I'm only asking you, is it yes or no?"

He stepped forward and grasped my shoulders: "Wu Bao, they mentioned it to me, but I didn't answer. What are you thinking?"

"So how will you answer?" Isn't silence sometimes a form of acquiescence?

"I have never thought about taking a concubine, nor have I thought about having children."

I sat up abruptly on the bed: "But you always have to think about it."

After he said that, we both fell silent. Aside from being a little heartbroken after my miscarriage, I hadn't really thought about it much, because Yi Ge seemed genuinely unconcerned, and I always felt I wasn't that old. According to Kun's father, eighteen was still too young to have a baby, and it wouldn't be easy. But now, it had been brought up so seriously.

It was then that I realized that what stood between Yi Ge and me was probably more than just a ghost palace. A sudden thought arose in my mind: "One day, I will leave him." Letting him take a concubine is worse than letting him leave, letting him have a perfect, happy home, a woman who loves and cares for him more than I do.

He gently hugged me: "Let's see the imperial physician first after we return to the capital."

Just as I was about to say something, a quarrel suddenly came from downstairs. I recognized the voice as Mu Ying's, but I didn't know who she was arguing with.

The other two male voices were unfamiliar. Qi Long and Qian Qian were not there. Zi Bu, Zi Qian, and Eunuch Jing had gone to Qu Shui. I was afraid that Mu Ying would be taken advantage of, so I didn't bother to interrogate Yi Ge anymore and ran downstairs.

Mu Ying was entangled with two men in front of the house. I recognized one of them, a man in his thirties, as a servant from the Mu family estate who had helped Mu Ying deliver things before. The other was a handsome young man in his early twenties. The three stopped when they saw me. Mu Ying called out, "Sister Qi, Brother Yi."

I sized up the handsome man, and he looked at me curiously in return.

I asked, "What's wrong?"

Mu Ying lowered her head and remained silent. The man said, "Miss Qi, I am Ying'er's elder brother, Mu Hong. I've come to take Ying'er home. She went back to Qu Shui but didn't go home, instead she's been playing around and bothering you. I really feel bad about it."

Mu Ying turned her head and said, "I'm not going back. My master and senior brothers are all here. They have things to do, and it's not like they're just playing around."

Mu Hong said, "Your sect is all here? I haven't seen them. When Mu Qing brought you here, she only said that you were with Lady Qi."

Mu Ying said, "My master and senior brothers are staying in other villages. When I came back from Laishui, my uncle entrusted me to Uncle Xu. Uncle Xu was traveling with Sister Qi, and I got along well with Sister Qi, so I stayed with her."

Mu Hong continued, "What could be so important that you ran away after only seeing your parents once? A young lady like you should always be out in public. You don't act like a proper young lady at all."

Mu Ying pouted and said, "Father didn't say anything. Besides, you don't understand the ways of the martial world."

I couldn't help but sigh. It seems that Mu Ying was also spoiled at home, and her older brother managed to keep her under strict control.

Mu Hong said, "I don't understand the affairs of the martial world, but that doesn't stop you from talking about them. Besides, you've always been reckless. You almost got lost when you were a kid. You should stay out of the affairs of the martial world."

Mu Ying said, "You're bringing up things from when I was little again. I'm lucky, wasn't I taken in by someone? This happened in Qushui, shouldn't I care? I won't get lost in Qushui. Besides, I'm all grown up now."

Mu Hong's gaze was fixed on Yi Ge behind me. He had looked at Yi Ge several times before, but now he was staring directly at him. However, he hesitated for a moment and asked, "Sir, have we met before?"

Yi Ge nodded slightly: "Young Master looks familiar."

"Your surname is Yi? Did you stay in Guocheng six or seven years ago?"

Yi Ge nodded in surprise, Mu Hong's expression gradually became excited, and Mu Ying also stared blankly at Yi Ge.

Mu Hong then asked, "So, did you ever sell liniment on the streets of Guocheng?"

Yi Ge's eyes lit up, and he said, "Yes."

Mu Hong took another step closer: "Back then, did you take in a little girl for two days and help her find her family?"

Yi Ge said, "Yes."

As soon as he finished speaking, Mu Ying shouted "Brother Yi!" and rushed up to hug Yi Ge's arm, leaving me and Chun Man, who came out of the kitchen, dumbfounded.

Mu Ying laughed and exclaimed, "So, Brother Yi is the same Brother Yi from back then! I was wondering why you looked so familiar, but I didn't recognize you."

I suddenly understood. Yi Ge had once said that he had a crush on a little girl when he was thirteen or fourteen, someone he met while performing for money, but he didn't know her name. So, so it was Mu Ying! No wonder Mu Ying had said along the way that she felt like she had seen Yi Ge somewhere before. Childhood memories are still vivid, aren't they?

I stood there, unsure whether to be happy or sad.

The author has something to say: One unexpected event after another occurred, leaving no time for explanation or communication, and the conflict between the two gradually became irreconcilable.

Chapter 38 Confused

Na Muhong bowed deeply to Yi Ge and said, "Back then, I was so grateful to you for taking in Ying'er and taking care of her. You even took her to the streets where she was lost and waited for people to come and identify her. When I saw Ying'er was unharmed, I was more excited than I was, and I didn't have time to properly thank you. When I remembered to look for you the next day, you were no longer there. Ying'er later took me to the dilapidated temple where you were staying temporarily, but you had already left."

I said, "So you're an old acquaintance? Then please come in and sit down, Young Master Mu, so we can catch up."

Mu Ying came over and pulled me, saying, "Big brother, Brother Yi is Sister Qi's husband."

In the end, Mu Hong did not take Mu Ying away, because Mu Ying said that the important matter at Yitian Ridge in Damang Mountain was Yi Ge's business. Mu Hong then said that it was only right to help his benefactor, so he stayed.

The afternoon sun beat down intensely on every patch of open ground not shaded by trees. I sat on the east porch in front of the house, gazing blankly at the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. The former owner of this house must have been a man of refined taste, for he had built this long porch outside, planted with wisteria, though its blooming season was over, and the eaves were now covered in green leaves. But it was precisely this that provided the porch with a patch of shade under the blazing sun. There were also simple tables and chairs on the porch—not quite tables, more like small tables, and not even proper chairs, just two trimmed tree stumps, which, when cleaned, had a certain charm. There were also benches connecting the pillars, and I had once said that leaning against them during a light rain, listening to the rain pattering on the banana leaves, would be quite pleasant. But now, as I rested my elbow on my hand, gazing at the banana leaves outside the porch, listening to the cicadas chirping in the paulownia tree, I felt utterly uninterested.

Yesterday, I talked to Yi Ge about something that was only halfway through, but we couldn't continue. I was so preoccupied with the fact that Mu Ying was the girl Yi Ge liked when he was young that I was so distracted. There were so many things to worry about, and I didn't know which one to worry about first.

Yi Ge was very busy, and was frequently invited to discuss matters with people, including those from the six major sects and members of the Ghost Palace. We actually barely exchanged a few words with them.

Suddenly, birdsong filled the air. A figure sat down on an empty stool, picked up the teapot from the table, and poured tea into an empty cup. I glanced up; it was Qi Long. I said lazily, "Why are you back so early today? Where's Qianqian? Didn't she come with you?"

Someone nearby chuckled softly: "You can only see Qi Long? I'm clearly right here, okay?"

I glanced to the side and saw Qianqian sitting perfectly fine on the bench in the corridor, holding a... bird in her hand.

When Qianqian saw me looking at the bird, she laughed and said, "Isn't it beautiful? Ah Long and I saw it at Qingbei Ridge. It sings so nicely that Ah Long caught it. Since we had nothing to put it in, we used my hair ribbon to tie it to its leg and led it around."

I twitched the corner of my mouth.

Qi Long reached out and touched my forehead, saying, "What's wrong? Are you in a bad mood? I thought you went to that underground palace with Yi Ge to watch the excitement."

I shook my head: "They couldn't find a way to open that door, and they said they had to deal with the hidden books first. Each sect with a martial arts license is only allowed to see its own sect's secret manuals, and they need to register and apply for them. I have no interest in that, so naturally I don't want to go."

Qi Long said, "Something's not right. You've been acting strangely these past two days. Is something the matter?"

There was nothing to hide from Qi Long, so I said dejectedly, "The old protector Gui Ye of the Ghost Palace told me yesterday that he wants to arrange a concubine for Yi Ge. He's already chosen someone, Fang Lan'er from the Fa Men clan. Because I can't have children."

Qi Long raised an eyebrow: "Are they in such a hurry? What did Yi Ge say?"

“He told me yesterday that he didn’t agree.”

Qianqian tugged at the little bird's leash and said, "Then what are you still upset about?"

I reached out and plucked a banana leaf: "But I feel this is just the beginning. Yi Ge said he didn't care before. But he might not be able to stand a lot of people talking about him. Also, I myself feel that if I am really infertile, it would be bad if I didn't let him take a concubine and leave him without an heir, but if I let him take a concubine, then I would be in trouble."

Why did I start liking him? If I didn't like him, I could have let him take a concubine, and I'd have some peace and quiet. If he couldn't bear to have that person as a concubine, I could have made him leave. But why did this happen after I started liking him?

If it were truly for his own good, shouldn't he have been allowed to take Fang Lan'er as a concubine? But now, there's Mu Ying involved.

Qianqian asked in surprise, "What do you mean 'another Mu Ying has appeared'? Has Mu Ying gotten involved with Yi Ge again?"

I then realized that I had spoken my true feelings aloud. Seeing the surprised looks on Qi Long and Qian Qian's faces, I had no choice but to explain the whole story. I continued, "Back in Hengshan, when I heard that he had liked a girl like that when he was young, I thought that if he found that girl, I would let him go, as a way of helping him out of a difficult situation. But now that this girl has actually appeared, I can't let go."

Qianqian retorted quickly, "How can liking someone when you're thirteen or fourteen count?"

Qi Long said, "It also depends on the situation; those who are persistent may be the ones who count."

I threw the banana leaf aside and said angrily, "Are you two doing this for me or for yourselves? You're still flirting even now? So this is what you two were like when you were thirteen or fourteen?"

Qianqian blushed and said, "I don't count."

Qi Long replied, "I do."

Qi Long, being a man, probably understands Yi Ge's feelings better. And Yi Ge's personality is rather persistent. But what about his feelings for me? Most of the time, I can sense his affection, but upon closer examination, he seems to have never explicitly stated it, nor made any promises. Even in the heat of the moment, he only calls me "my little princess"—what does that really mean? And, also, he said at his mother's grave, "I will never leave her," but he didn't say "love her well."

I bit my lip in annoyance.

Qianqian thought for a moment and said, "Awu, don't jump to conclusions about this. Mu Ying was only so young back then, and she might not have even liked Yi Ge. Besides, you don't even know if Yi Ge still likes her now."

I sighed and said, "I didn't ask him. But I've seen it these past two days. Mu Ying is overjoyed to see Yi Ge, and she doesn't follow Chun Man around anymore; she goes wherever Yi Ge goes. Also, Yi Ge rarely shows any expression to people, and he doesn't show any special attention to women, but these past two days I've noticed him occasionally smiling at Mu Ying, and his eyes are much gentler. Sigh, I hope I'm not just being a jealous woman nitpicking."

Qianqian paused for a moment, then said, "Perhaps Mu Ying is doing this because she has found a new benefactor."

Suddenly, Chunman's voice rang out behind her: "Miss Qian, no. Miss Mu does like the Prince Consort. She once said that although he is a bit quiet and somewhat aloof, he is handsome and considerate, with a gentle heart beneath his cold exterior. He is truly a captivating man. It's just a pity that he is already married. She also said that if she were to find a husband in the future, she would definitely choose someone like him."

Qianqian was furious: "What? We brought her along on this journey and she really became a source of trouble. If it weren't for her, would Awu have fallen ill? Would Yige have been forced to take a concubine by the elders of the Ghost Palace? Where did she go? Did she go to the underground palace with Yige again? If she comes back, I'll beat her up!"

Qi Long stopped her: "Throughout this journey, including the past month, Miss Mu hasn't acted out of line towards Yi Ge, which is alright. Every girl has an ideal man in her heart, she was just saying that, so we can't blame her. But now that the situation is clear, I wonder what she'll think? Let's just wait and see. Wu'er, don't overthink it, why don't you just ask Yi Ge directly?"

I said, "I wanted to ask him too, but these past two days, the underground palace library has been open, and I've seen him very busy. He comes back late at night, and his meals are delivered by people from the Ghost Palace. I haven't had time to ask him."

As expected, Yi Ge did not return for dinner, nor did Mu Ying.

In the evening, Fang Lan'er came by, saying that her master was looking for Yi Ge. Chunman told her that he wasn't there, but her eyes were on me, and her expression was strange, as if she were both hate and disappointment.

That night, I was already asleep when Yi Ge returned, but I vaguely felt something warm and damp brush against my forehead and lips.

The next morning, Yi Ge was already downstairs having breakfast, looking like he was in a hurry to leave. I moved my lips, but still didn't ask. I was actually a little timid.

Before leaving, he turned back to me and said, "Princess, there's no need to worry about that. I've already explained it to them." I nodded slightly.

At breakfast, Qianqian noticed that Muying had a very unpleasant expression. Muying, who was always somewhat intimidated by her, also became cautious. Several times during this time, I saw Qianqian about to question Muying, but Qilong secretly stopped her each time.

I don't know why, but I'm reluctant to go to the underground palace. However, after seeing Mu Ying excitedly heading towards it after finishing breakfast, I thought about it and decided to go and take a look.

I did not go with Mu Ying, but went after a while. The Ghost Palace and the Six Sects joined forces and were quite organized. They set up a post at the entrance of the underground stone chamber of the Crimson Charm Palace to stop those sects that did not have the secret manuals in the library.

As Qi Long had previously analyzed, Yi Ge's strategy of retreating to advance, opening the underground palace to the six major sects to participate and share in the spoils, was actually a way to protect most of the potential wealth within. Otherwise, Yi Ge himself knew very little about the Ghost Palace, and Gui Ye seemed to have little understanding of the secrets of the underground palace, nor was he particularly adept at navigating its intricacies. With the remaining forces of the Ghost Palace that Yi Ge and Gui Ye had gathered, how could they possibly openly oppose the entire martial arts world? Even if sects like the Fa Men and Feng Ming Sect sided with him, it wouldn't stop so many sects from joining the fray. Besides, the Fa Men was ultimately a small sect, lacking the weight of established martial arts families. Now, Yi Ge, on the one hand, was showing goodwill to the martial arts masters with neither arrogance nor servility, and on the other hand, was officially inheriting the Ghost Palace as its young master, thus morally controlling the situation and squeezing out the major martial arts families.

In my view, chaos and bloodshed are inevitable. Even now, things appear orderly on the surface, but some martial arts sects question: with such obstruction, wouldn't the six sects have opened a secret passage to deceive everyone? Such sentiments will inevitably erupt one day. The larger families and sects might consider Yi Ge's status as a prince consort, but most of the common people may not think so deeply. They act solely on their desires and impulses; if they recklessly disregard their lives, the Ghost Palace and the six sects might not be able to stop their desperate struggle. Moreover, the kingdoms of Nandan and Xiyi are still lurking in the shadows, watching with predatory eyes.

I'm also a little worried about Yi Ge.

In a corner of the underground palace's library, Yi Ge was discussing something with Young Master Ouyang and Sun Jing. He remained mostly silent, simply standing there listening intently, his eyes fixed on Young Master Ouyang, who was gesturing animatedly. Even standing like this, he maintained an exceptionally upright posture, his dark brocade robes clinging softly to his waist and back, outlining a strong, powerful curve, like the lines drawn by a swift shadow. I loved watching his focused expression, and I loved the way his muscles tightened, poised to strike. He truly was an attractive man; how had I never noticed how outstanding he was before?

Beside him was a small table, where Mu Ying sat copying something, occasionally glancing up at the three people talking, her face filled with admiration. She noticed me first, her face flushing slightly, and came over to greet me, "Sister Qi, you're here?"

Yi Ge then turned around, saw me, his eyes flickered, and asked, "Princess, have you come to look for a knife?"

On one wall of the library, there were some weapons such as swords, maces, whips, and daggers. All the sects' attention was focused on the martial arts books, and no one looked at the weapons.

Alright, I'll also come looking for a sword while I'm at it. Actually, I have absolutely no idea what Zhuhong is. Even the records in the Hundred Words Hall don't mention what kind of sword it is. I guess I'm just going by my gut feeling. Besides, a famous sword should at least have some kind of inscription or mark, right? But after a quick look around, there are seven or eight swords in total, and none of them match what I'm looking for.

Yi Ge stayed by my side and looked around with me for a while. When he saw me shake my head, he said, "Maybe it's not here. Then we'll have to wait a little longer."

Silence fell between us again, and we couldn't find a topic to talk about. I nodded to him and said, "I'm going back now. Will you come back for lunch?"

He said, "Not necessarily." I said "Oh" and then fell silent.

He escorted me to the main hall, and I returned to the ground level via the steps. Alas, we had barely spoken, and I couldn't help but feel a little sad.

As soon as I emerged from the tunnel, I heard someone call out to me, "Princess!" I looked up and saw Master Gui standing in front of me. He smiled and said, "What a coincidence, we meet here. I was thinking of looking for the princess again; I have something to discuss with her."

My back felt a little stiff, and my intuition told me that his contact with me might not be a good thing.

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Wounds

I didn't go back to the cabin. Instead, I found a shady spot by the stream and sat down, hugging my knees and staring blankly at the shimmering water. A breeze blew, and it was quite chilly. Seeking shade north of the water—that's what Yi Ge taught me when we first met. Has it been so long?

Gui Ye added another straw to my already troubled heart.

He said the young master was unwilling to take Fang Lan'er as a concubine, stating that his offspring must be born to someone he loved. They observed him and felt the young master was indifferent to all women, seemingly only showing interest in Mu Ying, whom he appeared to like. Besides, Mu Ying was also involved in my illness, so she should repay the debt. They had already mentioned this to the young master, who simply grunted in agreement, neither confirming nor denying. But the young master was a man of few words; this grunt likely meant he agreed.