Ich freue mich auf die Frühlingsbrise

Kapitel 5

“I found it strange from the beginning. You were originally looking for my senior brother, but after you learned that he had passed away, you never asked about my medical skills.”

Zhang Weiyi smiled faintly: "Then why do you think that is?"

Xu Lianning frowned slightly: "How dare I presume to know the prince's thoughts?"

"Because I believe you," he said, half-truthfully.

Xu Lianning felt another chill, and knew she didn't have the nerve to respond with an equally ambiguous statement: "Then I really would like to decline."

"Youhan, why are you back today? I just heard it from someone else, and I was a little skeptical at first." The voice was gentle and neither too loud nor too soft. The speaker wore a tall hat and wide sleeves, dressed in casual clothes, yet possessed an innate air of nobility: "And this young lady is...?"

Zhang Weiyi said calmly, "Your Majesty, this Miss Xu is someone I invited from Jiangnan."

The man looked over and smiled faintly: "My surname is Zhu, and my given name is Youcheng. I am truly grateful to have troubled you, young lady, to come all the way from Jiangnan." Like the current emperor, he had a well-proportioned chin, but his eyebrows and eyes were long and narrow, and his appearance was somewhat feminine.

Zhu Youcheng, Zhu Youhan. Zhu is the current imperial surname, while You is the name of the current prince as determined by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau.

Xu Lianning said calmly, "Your Highness is too kind."

Zhu Youcheng smiled slightly and praised, "Your intelligence and wisdom are truly astonishing. I accept you wholeheartedly, and there's no need to be bound by palace etiquette."

Zhang Weiyi said in a flat tone, "Your Majesty, Miss Xu and I will be going to the palace again in the next few days. We can talk about it later."

He nodded: "Alright, then I won't keep you any longer."

The capital was divided into three parts. The innermost part was the imperial palace, where the imperial family, nobles, and high-ranking officials lived, while the outer city was where ordinary people lived. Zhang Weiyi's mansion was built in a separate alley, not far from the outer city. Above the mansion's gate was a gilded plaque that read "Xiangxiao Prince's Mansion".

As Xu Lianning stepped into the Prince's mansion, she saw that the courtyard and flower hall were exquisitely decorated, and the calligraphy, paintings and bonsai were all works by famous craftsmen. She couldn't help but say, "Your Highness, you are really rich."

Zhang Weiyi remained noncommittal: "How do you know that's the Crown Prince?"

"Just a guess. Your Highness, didn't you move out of the palace? The Crown Prince should stay in the palace."

Zhang Weiyi seemed to be in a good mood, his expression a mix of a smile and a frown: "At present, Miss Xu's understanding of me is so profound that even my fellow disciples from Wudang cannot match it."

Xu Lianning found the atmosphere of the casual conversation peaceful and comfortable: "The name Zhu Youhan sounds quite nice, why was it changed to this one?"

"I changed my name later when I went to Wudang. I took my mother's surname, and my given name was given to me by my martial uncle, Xu Xuanze. My martial uncle's martial arts skills were no less than those of the former leader of the Tianshang Sect. I followed my martial uncle for several years and benefited a lot." Most people in the martial arts world know the name Xu Xuanze. He made the greatest contribution in the battle against the Tianshang Sect, but unfortunately, he injured his meridians and died young.

A slight glint appeared in Xu Lianning's eyes: "I see." She closed her eyes briefly, then opened them again: "I'm a little tired."

Zhang Weiyi knew that she had been working too hard these past few days: "The room has been cleaned. Would you like to eat something before you go to sleep?"

Xu Lianning shook her head: "No need for that trouble."

Zhang Weiyi escorted her to her guest room, then turned and headed towards the study. Mo Yunzhi, who had also seen Princess Mu back, saw him approaching and said, "Prince Mu said he'd like to invite you over for drinks tonight." Zhang Weiyi replied calmly, "I originally wanted to invite Brother Mu as well, but I was afraid it wouldn't be convenient." He paused slightly, then asked inexplicably, "Brother Mo, have you heard what kind of people Lingxuan Palace selects as disciples?"

Mo Yunzhi was taken aback for a moment: "I only know that the current palace master is a woman, and she only chooses female disciples, nothing else special. Why does Your Highness suddenly ask this?"

Zhang Weiyi pondered for a long time: "Perhaps I'm overthinking it."

Drinking alone, I stand alone all night.

The Mu family is the hereditary Duke of Ying, and their mansion is exceptionally grand. The current head of the household, Mu Ruiyan, doesn't pay much attention to court affairs, often traveling and making many friends in the martial arts world. He is cheerful and has the air of a recluse.

When Zhang Weiyi arrived at the Mu Prince's residence, he saw Mu Ruiyan waiting for him outside, which showed his great hospitality.

"My dear brother, you must have had a hard time going to Jiangnan. You even had to take care of Huayan for me. It's me, as your older brother, who can't keep this unruly little sister in check." Mu Ruiyan laughed heartily. His appearance could only be described as decent, but he had a dignified and imposing presence. He was also quite tall, looking a bit taller than Zhang Weiyi.

“I didn’t take care of it much; it’s all thanks to that Brother Sikong.” Zhang Weiyi followed him inside.

"I didn't say much to her this time, but she disappeared the next day. She's been spoiled since she was little, and I can't change her ways now. I really don't know who will want to marry her in the future." He sighed repeatedly when talking about his sister. Mu Huayan was originally very beautiful, and she had many suitors, but she swept them away with knives and swords. Most of the princes and noblemen had never practiced martial arts, and they couldn't withstand her torment. After a few times, no one came to propose to her anymore.

"Brother, you don't need to worry so much. Hua Yan will eventually be able to get married."

The words had barely left his lips when a sharp shout rang out: "Take this!" A red figure flashed from the side, thrusting a sword towards Zhang Weiyi's left shoulder. Mu Ruiyan couldn't help but rub his forehead, feeling a terrible headache. Zhang Weiyi stepped aside, her fingers gently pinching the sword tip; no matter how hard the opponent tried, the sword wouldn't budge.

Mu Ruiyan glanced at his sister: "You're just being ridiculous. I'm treating you to drinks today, what are you doing with a sword? I haven't settled the score with you for running away from home a couple of days ago."

Mu Huayan threw down her sword and glared at him: "You still dare to talk! Isn't it because my brother is always thinking about marrying Huayan off and abandoning Huayan?" Tears streamed down her face as she glared at him: "I've only been away from home for two days, and my money was stolen. I have no food and nowhere to sleep. Luckily, I met Young Master Sikong..."

The dignified Prince Mu was momentarily flustered, softening his voice to comfort her. Zhang Weiyi watched with a smile.

"The wine and dishes are all served. How long will you all wait before coming in?" A gentle and elegant voice came from behind. A woman in white stood gracefully at the entrance of the flower hall at the end of the corridor. Her dark, clear eyes looked at them with tenderness. She was none other than Ji Zhenyao, the famous talented woman of Xuanji in the martial arts world.

Mu Ruiyan smiled and said, "I'm grateful for Miss Ji's reminder. My dear brother, Miss Ji heard that you returned to the capital today, so she came here specially." Zhang Weiyi said calmly, "I appreciate Miss Ji's kindness."

Ji Zhenyao's expression darkened slightly, then she smiled and said, "Young Master Zhang looks like he's lost weight. He must have been very tired from traveling these past few days."

Zhang Weiyi said, "It's not too strenuous."

Mu Huayan, having cried and made a fuss, was also happy. She ran over and grabbed Ji Zhenyao's hand, saying, "Sister Ji, it's rare for you to come. I missed you so much." She leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "Don't worry, I won't compete with you for Weiyi. My engagement with him has been called off. I'm now..."

Ji Zhenyao blushed: "What nonsense are you talking about?"

Mu Ruiyan raised his wine cup and turned to Sikong Yu: "Brother Sikong, let me toast you first. Thank you for taking care of my sister."

Sikong Yu also stood up and returned the toast: "Your Highness Mu is too kind. It was nothing at all."

Mu Ruiyan sat down and toasted, saying, "Everyone, please don't be too reserved. Just enjoy yourselves." He observed Sikong Yu carefully for a while and thought the other man was a refined gentleman. Entrusting his sister to him was a good thing. However, since the other man didn't speak, he didn't bring it up, so he changed the subject, saying, "Brother, did you have any interesting stories from your trip to Jiangnan?"

Zhang Weiyi smiled but didn't: "It's nothing, I was just called a lecherous man and cursed for a long time by West Lake."

"Young Master Zhang, on your journey south, I wonder if you've met anyone who has captured your heart? I've heard that there are many beautiful women in Jiangnan, gentle as water, delicate as willows in the breeze, making them all the more pitiful," Ji Zhenyao asked suddenly, looking at him.

Zhang Weiyi lowered her eyes, a slight smile playing on her lips: "I've never seen anyone who can compare to Miss Ji." The one in her own household, though seemingly delicate, was truly chilling in her heart, scheming and ruthless.

Ji Zhenyao blushed and remained silent, but then heard Mu Huayan's clear voice: "You're still lying. Wasn't there a girl who followed you back? By the way, where is she?"

"Young lady? Isn't that divine physician from Meiheju on Lonely Mountain a man who is already over forty?" Mu Ruiyan asked, slightly surprised.

“That senior has already passed away, so I thought it would be the same to invite his disciple over. She was asleep when I left, so I didn’t ask her if she was coming,” Zhang Weiyi explained casually.

"Is Miss Xu alright? I saw that she took poison that day, and although she hasn't had any adverse effects since, I'm still a little worried," Sikong Yu suddenly asked.

Zhang Weiyi glanced at him: "Brother Sikong, please rest assured."

Mu Huayan was extremely puzzled: "Didn't you say that the one she ate that day was not poisonous? How did it become poisonous?"

Ji Zhenyao listened with puzzlement and asked, "What do you mean by poisonous or not poisonous? I don't understand." Mu Huayan immediately recounted the night the Tianshang Sect attacked, and how Xu Lianning and Mo Ran made a bet, both taking poisonous pills. "I think this young lady probably already took the antidote, which is why she made this bet with Mr. Mo." Ji Zhenyao thought for a moment, "This bet is quite cruel, giving hope only to destroy it, disregarding even their own safety, really..." She shook her head slightly, somewhat unconvinced.

Zhang Weiyi raised her glass to her lips, lost in thought, seemingly not knowing what she was thinking.

Suddenly a sharp sound rang out, and several fireworks burst open in the dim night sky, leaving bright, extremely long tails.

"What day is it today? Why are people setting off fireworks?" Mu Ruiyan asked casually. The others didn't seem to care much either. The light from the fireworks shone into the flower hall, reflecting on the carved window lintels, faint and lonely.

Changting Pavilion, located in the outer city, is one of the largest restaurants in the capital. From the window of a private room on the second floor, one can see fireworks filling the sky outside. A woman in a light blue dress stands by the window, looking up slightly. The light from the fireworks illuminates her face, revealing only the exquisitely detailed vermilion mark between her brows.

"Your Excellency has arrived. Is there anything you wish to instruct us to do?" The scholar-like man stood with his head bowed. Outside the beaded curtain, several other figures stood with their hands at their sides.

"What's Sister He up to lately? Does she know I've come to the capital?" she asked softly, her back turned.

"We still don't know what Pavilion Master Xu means...?"

“Aren’t you one of Senior Sister He’s people? Just pass on all my messages to her.” Xu Lianning turned her head slightly. “Do whatever she says, and don’t send me any messages for now.” She pondered for a moment. “There’s nothing else. You can all go back.”

"This subordinate will take his leave now." As he spoke, the figure disappeared, leaving only the beaded curtain swaying continuously.

Xu Lianning turned around and sat down at the table. The fireworks outside the window that had been used to send messages had long since stopped, and the night sky had returned to calm. The wine in the flask on the table was still warm.

The ancients said that getting drunk can dispel a thousand sorrows, but how many people dare to truly get completely drunk?

She rolled up the beaded curtain by the window, lightly stepped out of Changting Pavilion. She deliberately chose to walk through quiet alleys, and heard the deliberately lowered footsteps behind her; she had intentionally had someone follow her today.

As they reached the alley entrance, a chill ran down their spines; someone lunged at them.

Xu Lianning turned around, easily dodging the ambush. She had barely stood still when she was surrounded. The weapons in their hands gleamed faintly as they approached step by step. The vermilion mark between her brows deepened, becoming even more alluring, as she watched them slowly close in. When they were only two or three feet away, she suddenly spun around, her robes fluttering, and a pale red, translucent short sword mercilessly sliced across the throat of one of them. The attack was incredibly fast; before she could even see it clearly, a heavy killing intent washed over her. Before she could even regain her footing, she flashed forward, landing in front of the only survivor. The man, his face ashen, trembled violently and suddenly knelt before her.

"Who sent you?" she asked softly.

The man knew she had spared his life to interrogate him, so he gritted his teeth, trying to bite open the poison sac hidden in his teeth, but a gust of wind knocked his head to the side.

Xu Lianning lowered her body slightly and looked at him: "Even if you don't say it, I can guess it."

The man lay sprawled on the ground, watching her reach out as if to help him up. His reason told him to back away, but he was bewitched, using her hand to stand, his breathing becoming heavy without his noticing. The woman before him smiled faintly, possessing a captivating allure. This allure was so irresistible that even risking his life, he wanted to get closer.

“Go back to Junior Sister Yin and tell her that we were both badly injured just now. As for how you escaped death, you can figure it out yourself.” Her tone was gentle. “You will follow her and do things for me. Are you willing to do that?”

The man nodded involuntarily, when Xu Lianning continued, "I won't poison you or anything. I also have the antidote for the poison that Junior Sister Yin gave you. You can take it to your companions. But don't let me find out that you have betrayed me in the future."

"Please rest assured, Pavilion Master Xu, I will never betray you." His voice was hoarse, and his hands trembled slightly as he took the antidote.

"That's good." Xu Lianning smiled faintly. "You've seen clearly who's superior in martial arts, me or Junior Sister Yin." She turned around, and only when she had passed the alleyway and could see the lights of the Xiangxiao Prince's Mansion in the distance did she reach out and hold onto the wall beside her. She had only mastered the Blood Demon Forbidden Technique four years ago. This forbidden technique could instantly elevate one's martial arts to the level of a first-rate master, but it caused great damage to the body. Over time, it would inevitably lead to qi deviation and the severing of all meridians. Just imagining this terrible state was enough to make her suffer.

Xu Lianning barely managed to gather her inner energy and leaped into the backyard of the Prince's mansion.

Mo Yunzhi sighed inwardly as he pulled Prince Mu away from his master. Mu Ruiyan was quite drunk and kept tugging at Zhang Weiyi, saying, "Why are you going back so early? We haven't gotten together in a long time, let's go have a couple more drinks!" Zhang Weiyi was also getting a little tipsy and let the person next to her support her.

Some people go crazy when they're drunk, some laugh and cry, and some remain silent and let others do as they please. Mu Ruiyan is the first type, and Zhang Weiyi is the third. Ji Zhenyao helped Zhang Weiyi up: "Mr. Mo, Young Master Zhang can't ride a horse back like this, so why don't we take a carriage together? It's not far anyway."

Mo Yunzhi finally pulled Prince Mu away and nodded, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, Miss Ji."

Ji Zhenyao asked in a low voice, "Is something on your mind, Young Master Zhang? I noticed that he drank the wine in one gulp today, which is unusual for him."

"I don't know either. Perhaps they ran into some trouble with the imperial court," Mo Yunzhi replied vaguely.

Ji Zhenyao lived in the outer city and left after seeing the person off. Mo Yunzhi, half-supporting his master, walked towards the bedroom in the back garden. On the way, they happened to run into Xu Lianning, who glanced at them and said, "Mr. Mo, do you need my help?" This was originally just a polite question. Mo Yunzhi was about to reply, but then he suddenly remembered that he had to go to the palace the next morning, so he said, "I wonder if Miss Xu has any way to cure a hangover? The prince has to go to the palace for a meeting tomorrow morning, and I'm afraid he won't be able to get up due to a hangover."

Xu Lianning recited a few medicinal herbs: "Boil these herbs in tea, drink the tea, rest a bit, and then go to sleep. Your head won't hurt so much tomorrow morning." She remembered those days with her martial uncle, watching the old man return from drinking and carousing every day, completely drunk, so she had memorized a few of the remedies. Although her martial uncle was highly skilled in martial arts and possessed extensive knowledge, he wasn't particularly dignified or proper, naturally incomparable to her master, and the disciples of Lingxuan Palace didn't think much of him. However, she knew that her martial uncle treated people far better than her master.

Mo Yunzhi helped his prince to sit down at the table, then turned and ordered the servants to brew tea.

Xu Lianning recalled Mo Yunzhi's earlier words and asked with slight surprise, "Isn't the Emperor ill? Why does he still have to hold court early in the morning?"

"There's no need for the morning court session, but there's still a pile of memorials to discuss with the ministers."

Hearing Mo Yunzhi's words, Zhang Weiyi flicked his sleeve, pushed all the teacups off the table, and stood up unsteadily: "Cancel tomorrow morning's meeting... Besides refining pills and swallowing medicine, what else can that person do?" Mo Yunzhi's expression changed, and he said sternly to the maids serving beside him: "His Highness wants to rest, all of you get out!" Seeing that the head steward was angry, the maids quickly retreated.

Xu Lianning, who had been watching the commotion from the sidelines, had no choice but to reach out and support the drunkard: "Mr. Mo, I'll look after the Prince for now." Mo Yunzhi nodded, said thank you, turned and left, locking the door behind him. His voice could be faintly heard from outside: "...If you say anything you shouldn't, you'll know the consequences." Mo Yunzhi was a cautious man, and understanding of the situation in the palace, he naturally knew what he should and shouldn't say.

Xu Lianning was already unsteady on her feet, not to mention the weight of another person on her back, and she took two steps back before regaining her balance. Then she forcefully dragged Zhang Weiyi toward the bedside. She was indeed a guest, but she couldn't just leave the hostess on the ground. With great difficulty, she half-dragged and half-supported her to the bedside, and Zhang Weiyi reached out and pulled her to her side.

Xu Lianning looked at the person before her, a slight murderous intent already stirring within her. Since she couldn't harm this man in the slightest with her martial arts, she might as well strike while he was drunk, even if it was despicable…

Zhang Weiyi squinted, his fingers gently sliding from her brow to her chin. Xu Lianning heard him whisper in her ear, "Why, they're both his sons..." His voice was muffled, only half a word clear, yet she suddenly couldn't bring herself to do it. In some ways, they were similar. Xu Lianning raised her hand to push him away, but before she could sit up, her wrist was gripped tightly again. Zhang Weiyi leaned closer, wrapping his arms around her waist, one hand pressing against her neck, tightly against her heart. Xu Lianning almost couldn't catch her breath, the pounding of his heart echoing in her ears. This, perhaps, was what they called drunken indiscretion. Poor thing, she couldn't find the right pressure points, nor could she knock him unconscious, so she could only let him hold her like this.

The door creaked open, and Mo Yunzhi, holding a cup of tea, stood motionless in the doorway. He then took a step back, locked the door, and left. Xu Lianning, seething with resentment, raised the silver needle she had been holding as a weapon and mercilessly plunged it into Zhang Weiyi's abdomen. Zhang Weiyi winced in pain, her arm releasing its grip. Without even glancing behind her, she turned and pushed open the door. Noticing Mo Yunzhi still standing there, his expression a strange, ambiguous smile, she didn't bother with any polite formalities and simply walked away.

The next day, when Xu Lianning passed by the main courtyard and saw Zhang Weiyi, he was practicing his sword. Leaves fluttered in the air, and sword energy crisscrossed the scene. Seeing Xu Lianning approach, he stopped and asked, "Did you sleep well last night, Miss Xu?" He looked refreshed and seemed to have no recollection of the previous night. Xu Lianning had intended to make a sarcastic remark, but the opportunity passed, so she could only reply, "I was fine. It seems Young Master Zhang doesn't have a hangover headache either."

Zhang Weiyi smiled faintly and sheathed his sword: "I'm afraid Miss Xu has made a fool of herself."

"Young Master Zhang, was that Wudang swordplay you were practicing just now? To be able to master even the most basic swordplay like that, no wonder you have such a reputation now." She spoke these words sincerely.

Zhang Weiyi looked at her and said, half-jokingly, "I am truly humbled to receive such praise from Miss Xu."

Xu Lianning smiled slightly: "To say I am terrified would be an exaggeration. Actually, there was one thing I forgot to mention yesterday. Given His Majesty's health, if he takes good care of himself, he may have another five years to live."