Die Tage, in denen man einen Bösewicht heiratet

Kapitel 8

She was quite pitiful; everyone else was in pairs, and she was the only one being chased around... She glanced back and saw that Che Yanyan was no longer there, only Gongsun Yun remained.

Gongsun Yun stood there, showing no intention of leaving the brothers. Indeed, he was the young master of the Yun family's historical records; it was only right that he record this moment. She came to his side and said:

"Young Master Xianyun, I am very grateful for your help just now."

Gongsun Yun looked at her and said slowly, "I am protecting the coffin, not the person. Miss Yun should know that." He emphasized the word "protecting the person."

She pretended not to hear and laughed, "Yes, yes. Um... will Young Master Xianyun escort us out of the Central Plains?" Saying he would escort us was a nice way of putting it; the real intention was to keep an eye on us the whole way.

"To avoid further misunderstandings from the car guards, I will not personally escort you, but I will ask a few senior figures to see you off," he said.

Wang Yun frowned. Wasn't this blatantly forcing them out? It was also surveillance, but Gongsun Yun's actions were vastly different; at least Che Yanyan was willingly sent away.

She didn't like being in the same room as Che Yanyan. When Che Yanyan was in a bad mood, she would kill for pleasure and didn't know how to destroy the evidence, which eventually led to her being hunted down...

If she were asked to do it, she would at least dig a grave first, or get some bone-dissolving powder, before taking any action... Well, of course, that's just a thought; her hands don't get stained with blood, not at all.

She pondered for a moment, then stared at him for a long time. He seemed completely unbothered by her scrutiny; she noticed his handsome eyebrows slightly raised, as if he were waiting for something.

She took a deep breath. Since coming to the Central Plains, she needed more air more often because she discovered that the character for "patience" had a knife above it, and that knife was always hanging there, easily broken.

"Is it really inconvenient for Young Master Xianyun to see us out? Is there no chance at all?" she asked humbly.

"You can't say that..." He left it open, not saying it outright.

She pursed her lips, somewhat reluctantly asking, "I remember... Young Master Xianyun mentioned this morning that he had been saved by someone?"

"Yes." His superior complexion was like an unchanging mountain, without any change whatsoever.

"You gave me the jade pendant to repay a debt of gratitude?" Seeing him nod, she sighed. "Speaking of which, I have a recollection of something. When I was young, I think I once saved someone similar... and coincidentally, he gave me a jade pendant..."

"Miss Yun, don't try to use some excuse to try and force me into this." The voice remained cold and indifferent.

"How could I? I remember this jade pendant looked like..."

"Everyone in the martial arts world knows that the Yun Family Manor's jade pendants are divided into three grades. My jade pendant is gourd-shaped, with wisps of clouds and smoke swirling around it, naturally formed. After I became Young Master Xianyun at the age of thirteen, I used my internal energy to carve the two characters 'Xianyun' on it. Anyone who hasn't seen it can describe it." He said very politely.

Wang Yun stared at him for a long time before slowly turning his back and taking out an item from the pockets of his left and right sleeves.

When she turned around and handed him the jade pendant, Gongsun Yun didn't even blink; only the calm, dark pool shimmered with an exquisite light.

"Although it's made up of four pieces of jade, together it forms the jade pendant of Young Master Xianyun, doesn't it?"

"It's mine, no doubt about it."

Wang Yun sighed, his hands behind his back. "I never imagined that I was once Young Master Xianyun's savior."

"I have always wanted to repay Miss Yun's great kindness."

Her alluring eyes, unusually pleased and with a hint of triumph, stared directly at him.

"Now it's time for Young Master Xianyun to repay his kindness. After repaying this debt, there's no need to go to any more trouble. Please, escort Che Yanyan with me, and we'll leave the Central Plains together. I'll be eternally grateful."

Gongsun Yun, at the age of twenty-six, met a beautiful woman again, and from then on, they became entangled in a complicated relationship.

—Notes from Idle Clouds

Chapter 3

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The feeling of being repaid with kindness is simply amazing!

If I had known this would happen, I should have saved more people and asked each of them for a token of gratitude.

Fortunately, she was naturally thoughtful. After much deliberation, she dug out the jade pendant, but fearing that keeping such a keepsake might lead to her being hunted down by this person's enemies, she simply had He Zai use his internal force to break it into four pieces and store them in different places.

Ah, this is wonderful... Even after being kicked out of the house, I still enjoy such a comfortable life; it's all thanks to the Yun family.

The Yun Family Manor holds a superior position in the Central Plains, and its disciples are spread throughout various regions. All martial arts circles treat them with deference. In particular, the current generation's Young Master Xianyun is simply a shining piece of gold. Wherever he goes, he is like a living signboard, and everyone respects this signboard and every word he says.

In other words, following this signboard guarantees a life of plenty, no matter where you go. As the savior of this piece of gold, she has to admit that she did a good job and saved him perfectly. She can be certain that the best thing she ever did in her life was saving the twenty-year-old Young Master Xianyun.

To avoid conflict, Gongsun Yun led them along secluded, wild paths. The Yun family disciples always made arrangements in advance, ensuring that not only was the journey easy, but they also enjoyed a royal experience when they spent the night outdoors.

If she hadn't been so determined, she really would have clung to Young Master Xianyun from then on.

Do you like the drifting clouds?

The unexpected question nearly made her fall to the ground. She glanced at Gongsun Yun in front of her; he was still dressed in a white brocade robe, but the beauty of the goddess Luo that she had mistakenly seen that day was gone.

"Do you like Xianyun?" Che Yanyan asked again, thinking she hadn't heard her.

"I absolutely don't like it." This is the standard, safe answer.

"How could you not like him? People from the Central Plains, regardless of gender or age, all like him. How could you not like him?" Che Yanyan asked suspiciously.

People of all ages and genders like it? That must be out of affection for the patriarch! "Then I must have bad taste." That was all she could say.

"It's such a shame you don't like him," Che Yanyan sneered. "It must feel incredibly satisfying to snatch a man away from you."

"What I like, even Protector Che wouldn't give a second glance. Why don't you go and snatch it from the most beautiful woman in the martial world, Fairy Haitang? That would be a real sense of accomplishment!" Wang Yun deliberately shifted the blame.

"Who is Deng Haitang? Does she even deserve the title of 'fairy'?"

Wang Yun nodded in agreement. "In terms of temperament and appearance, only Protector Che deserves such a celestial title!" The beautiful fairy… she really wanted to turn around and laugh out loud. If anyone ever called her a fairy, she'd just jump off a cliff.

Che Yanyan, who had been gazing adoringly at the carefree life ahead, momentarily looked puzzled upon hearing Wang Yun's compliment. She then turned her attention to the woman beside her and said:

"Huangfu, you really confuse me. We were born and raised in the same school, yet our personalities are so different."

Wang Yun echoed, "Exactly. As the saying goes, those who walk different paths cannot make plans together. Our personalities clash, and we cannot become close friends. However, I have always seen what you have done. You are bold and unrestrained... no, you are daring and unrestrained in your actions. You are a clever and heroic woman. You should have seen long ago that I am not suitable for life in the church. If possible, I hope to spend my remaining years in the countryside. I hope that Protector Che can spare my life in the future."

Che Yanyan said with disgust:

"Our personalities clash. You're timid and hesitant in your actions, yet you never hold back when it comes to flattering the leader, and you seem to know exactly what he's thinking. Huangfu Yun, I hate this ambiguous attitude of yours the most. If you want to compete for the leader's position, just say so openly. If you lose, I'll admit defeat. But you're always doing these underhanded things, and I just can't stand you!"

Wang Yun lowered her eyes and stroked her jade flute again. She didn't want to take it, she really didn't want to take it...

Che Yanyan snorted coldly, walked past her, and was about to catch up with Gongsun Yun when she thought for a moment, turned back, and sneered:

"You and your darling stay away tonight! I have business to attend to, so don't try to stop me, or we'll all see!" With that, he left.

Wang Yun was dumbfounded upon hearing this. Was this some kind of joke? Who was doing this sneaky thing? It was obvious that Che Yanyan was planning a night raid… She touched her nose, considering whether to offer her some aphrodisiacs or something to maintain a friendly relationship.

But she thought, Che Yanyan would rather use her beauty to seduce Gongsun Yun than use aphrodisiacs to conquer him...

She glanced again at the celestial being from the Nine Heavens ahead. In the Central Plains, etiquette is highly valued; it's likely Gongsun Yun has never encountered a woman capable of a night raid. She wondered if he could escape this calamity.

She coughed, concealing the wicked smile playing on her lips. It would be a lie to say she didn't want to peek, but she still had to stick to her principles: listen as little as possible, look as little as possible, and...

She then noticed someone approaching her. She smiled amiably and asked, "Fifth Young Master, is there something you need?"

The journey was anything but boring. He Zai didn't say much, but the celestial beings from beyond the Nine Heavens treated the Fifth Prince with the utmost hospitality, ensuring that the domineering guest felt no displeasure at being "kicked out."

"It's nothing serious, it's just about time I took your pulse."

"Again?" She raised her eyebrows, slowly rolled up her sleeves, and let him take her pulse.

Taking pulses as she walked, this man's skill was quite high... Over the past few days, having nothing to do on the road, she inquired and learned that the young masters of Yun Family Manor were all handsome and charming, and were like brothers with Young Master Xianyun. However, no matter how close they are, they will betray each other sooner or later.

"Fifth Young Master, may I ask you something?" she asked casually.

"Please speak, Miss Huangfu," Gongsun Zhi said kindly, clearly having a good impression of her.

"Well... I heard that Young Master Xianyun smiled at Protector Che?" She was just curious.

Gongsun Zhi was taken aback.

She smiled and said, "I'm not blind these days. The Fifth Young Master can smile, but Young Master Xianyun can't. I suppose Young Master Xianyun's smile is very precious. If Protector Che can obtain his smile, then naturally..."

Gongsun Zhi withdrew his pulse-taking gesture and strolled leisurely with her along the mountain path. He said:

"You can only believe half of a rumor. When Protector Che came to the Central Plains that day, Xianyun happened to be there as well. When he heard the newcomer introduce herself as Che Yanyan, he laughed."

"That's it?" She thought there would at least be a chance for a passionate romance... Was Che Yanyan really that easily swayed? A smile is fine, but did she really have to fall for her so easily?

"That happened two years ago. Actually, we were still quite far apart at the time, but unexpectedly, the car guard saw us... In fact, Xianyun already had someone in her heart." He said this intentionally or unintentionally, waiting for her to ask.

She endured it, and endured it some more. Gossip usually needs to be kept within limits, otherwise curiosity will surely kill you. Gongsun Yun has someone in his heart… she really wanted to know, but she decided it was best not to ask any further.

Gongsun Zhi waited and waited, but she didn't ask a question, so he said:

"The young lady is all better now, but she still needs to rest more. Sigh, traveling under the scorching sun is actually taking a toll on her health. Although it's not immediately apparent, she'll understand the hardships as she gets older. Speaking of which..."

Wang Yun was dumbfounded, listening blankly as he began his lecture on the spot. He talked about everything from youthful innocence at twenty to physical decline at seventy… Was this "Number Prince" bored under the scorching sun and using her as a way to pass the time?

To avoid hurting feelings, she maintained a smile throughout.

Endure, endure... True endurance is being able to maintain a nonchalant smile even when someone throws excrement at you; it's easy for her to just let it go in one ear and out the other.

One incense stick's time passed... two incense sticks' time passed... her face twitched.

"Alright, I'll write a prescription later. Miss Huangfu, remember to take it regularly, and I guarantee you'll look as young as you're thirty even when you're in your fifties or sixties," he said.

She nearly collapsed again, but thankfully, her years of honed willpower prevented her from becoming completely dazed. She only wanted him to cure her once; there was no need for him to be so controlling about the rest of her life, was there?

"The Fifth Young Master is truly... very knowledgeable in pharmacology."

Gongsun Zhi accepted the praise without hesitation. "Everyone in Yun Family Village is destined to live to be a hundred years old, so of course I must devote more effort to pharmacology."

"Living that long isn't necessarily a good thing," L said with a smile.

"How can you say that, young lady? Only by living a long life can you have the opportunity to fulfill your dreams. Even if there's nothing you want to do, you can still look for it. The world is so big, there's always something you want to do. My ideal is for my brothers to live to be seventy or eighty years old, still walking briskly and looking as youthful as spring. You have to think about how happy it is to be able to spend decades in good health with the person you love..."

She was wrong, really wrong.

An incense stick's time passes... Endure... Endure even if it makes you lose focus...

"...Of course, dietary supplements are also very effective. If you take care of yourself from a young age, you can live a long and healthy life and avoid all diseases. Come to Yun Family Village, young lady, I will definitely let you try it..." He encouraged her to come.

Two incense sticks had burned... A knife appeared above the character for "endurance," and that knife finally fell, slashing her exhausted heart. She took a deep breath, looked ahead in surprise, and spoke slightly loudly:

"Young Master Xianyun, I didn't hear what you said clearly... I'm so sorry, Fifth Young Master, your young master is looking for me..." He hurriedly stepped forward to catch up with Gongsun Yun, ignoring Che Yanyan's hateful gaze.

"Miss Yun?"

Wang Yun approached him, smiling without panting, and said, "Young Master Xianyun, I have a favor to ask of you."

"Please speak, Miss Yun," Gongsun Yun said.

"Just now, as I was walking, I noticed that someone seemed to be following us..." Che Yanyan's servants usually followed behind and would not show themselves without orders, so she said, "I mean, it seemed like there were jackals, wolves, tigers, or leopards. Could you please turn around and take a look?"

Upon hearing this, the corners of his mouth seemed to turn up in a smile, but he suppressed it, glanced back, and said:

"You're overthinking it, young lady."

"Really..." she replied casually, "Is the Fifth Young Master behind?"