Schatzkammer von Jianghu

Kapitel 42

His dark, jade-like pupils were fixed on her, his eyes shining brightly.

Leng Shuangcheng was furious. She thought she couldn't beat him in a fight, and he had never seen anyone so shameless as to accept insults so brazenly. All she could do was bite his handsome face hard. Qiu Yeyi had already dodged the sword and buried his head in her trembling shoulders, his ear still willingly lingering on her lips—and as expected, she bit him in the mouth.

With a mixture of passion and fear, Leng Shuangcheng bit down hard, only to realize that her teeth had bitterly overlapped and that her mouth was filled with blood. She suddenly came to her senses: Had she bitten off this guy's ear...? The thought of her situation made her feel inexplicably panicked.

"Leng Shuangcheng," she suddenly heard a name, the first name she was ever called since her rebirth. Her body froze in shock. The fluttering petals, the lingering fragrance, the memory of her stunningly beautiful face vanished, replaced by a torrent of memories—

Tianxiao called her "Shuangcheng" in a gentle and clear voice, like the bright moon shining on the murmuring mountain stream; Wuyou called her "Acheng" in a friendly and casual voice, like the colloquialisms in the streets and alleys; only her master, suppressing his pity, called her "Leng Shuangcheng" in a cold voice. He was a person who restrained his strong emotions and became cold and ruthless towards the world!

Qiu Yeyi held her tightly in his arms, his hands gripping her back, and tried to call out as coldly as possible, "Leng Shuangcheng."

The person in his arms had completely calmed down, standing stiffly against his chest. His heart ached terribly, and he said in a low, painful voice, "Do you hate me?"

"Yes." He heard a voice that answered without hesitation.

Despite hearing the expected response, Qiu Yeyi's cheeks turned deathly pale. The shattered ice in his eyes slowly sank, his once vibrant face sinking into the darkest abyss. Yet, he still refused to let go, unwilling to leave this self-destructive feeling. His lips trembled slightly where Leng Shuangcheng couldn't see: "From childhood to adulthood, I've always been a cold person. Those around me were either seemingly respectable teachers or loyal subordinates. No one ever told me what 'love' truly meant. I gained unparalleled power and wealth, acting as if no one else existed, but I never imagined I would meet you, never regret everything I've done for you."

"I can't control my feelings the moment I see you—these feelings are memories that have been pieced together over the past six months, shadows that have settled from being together day and night for half a month. The intensity and madness of them all startled me. When I see you, I can't think of anything else, and I can't say anything that I don't mean. I can only see you and nothing else. It turns out that I'm already deeply poisoned by you."

“I’ve done many things and never regretted them, and I’ve lived selfishly, just as you said. But I still met you, and for the first time, I tasted bitterness and regret. When I think of you, the softest part of my heart awakens, as if it has come back to life. I often wonder how much suffering I caused you in the past, and I regret the harm I’ve done to you, to the point that you don’t say a word or even look at me anymore. The fortune teller once told me that you are a naturally restrained and unassuming person. You would rather suppress your disgust and stay by my side, and you would rather not break your promise to serve me for three years. If you hadn’t shouted so coldly and freely last night, I would never have known how deep your hatred for me was. But I still can’t let you go. I always believe that we are connected by blood. Without you, I feel that I cannot live alone.”

After Qiu Ye finished speaking slowly and deliberately, she buried her lips deep in Leng Shuangcheng's hair, her lips trembling slightly.

Leng Shuangcheng remained stiff throughout, her face alternating between surprise, shock, and alertness, which were ultimately suppressed deep within her expression and faded away like a wisp of smoke. She remained silent for a long time, carefully considering her current situation, before cautiously speaking: "Young Master Qiuye, there is one last question."

This was undoubtedly a rebuttal to his heartfelt words. In her eyes, she had to abide by the agreement and answer all five questions. As for any digressions, she, always resolute, would not respond to them. She had done the same to Lonely Triumph before, and she would do the same to Autumn Leaf Sword today.

Qiu Yeyijian couldn't help but slowly loosen his grip, gazing at her calm face, feeling a chill in his heart, and blurted out, "Who said I'm the most cruel and cold-blooded?"

Leng Shuangcheng quickly withdrew from his embrace, walked to the bend of the covered bridge, and stopped. She saw that his face was ashen, almost transparent, yet he remained calm and said, "Does Your Highness still remember Consort Ru? I suppose you no longer care who she is. Zhao Yingcheng once killed a girl who loved him deeply and said to me, 'For this desolate land, how many people have died, how many families have been buried? Has Heaven shown any mercy? In this chaotic world, we are like ants trying to survive. What is true affection and what is false affection? Even if it is true affection, what use is it?' In this world, everyone can live without anyone else—it was you who taught me cruelty."

Qiu Ye Yijian's body trembled violently, just like on the first day of the lunar month. He turned his face, silently facing away from Leng Shuangcheng for a long time, before finally letting out a cold "heh heh." "You, Qiu Ye Yijian, and Zhao Yingcheng are all selfish and shallow people, who disregard human life and play with emotions, and are vicious, cruel, and ruthless..."—he actually began to recite Leng Shuangcheng's words without missing a single one.

His voice was suppressed and deep, carrying a despair mixed with trembling, but his figure was upright, noble, and proud like the sun.

Leng Shuangcheng lowered her eyelids silently, remaining silent.

Qiu Ye stood leaning on his sword for a long time, his face obscured by the pond. Behind him, the shimmering water reflected the light, casting long shadows on his silver-white sable fur coat. Before him, sparse trees swayed in the breeze, and fallen roses drifted by, their shadows swaying with the wind, filling the air with a subtle fragrance. But the beautiful scenery was all for naught, for no one uttered a sound amidst the garden's sweet aroma.

“Even though you don’t speak, I know what you’re thinking—Wu Sanshou, Ruan Ruan, Nan Jingqi, Gu Du Kaixuan, Chu Xuan, Tang Qi, and Bai Li. I was hoping you would ask me first, but now it seems…” Qiu Yeyijian stood there for so long before finally speaking in a calm and indifferent voice.

Leng Shuangcheng's face showed some shock and disbelief. The series of shocks left her feeling somewhat powerless, but she still reminded herself to stay calm—even if this person was moved, he was ultimately as cold as snow, like a god standing on a cloud. It was terrifying that he could say her thoughts so accurately.

“You’re not curious about me, and you never think about what I’m saying. You’re clearly skilled in medicine, but you never want to treat me. Even though you guessed that I caught a cold after falling into this pool last night, you still stood there with me in the wind without moving an inch. Leng Shuangcheng, you really are a cruel person. You’re so kind to others, but so cruel to me.”

Leng Shuangcheng couldn't help but smile bitterly, feeling that this world was truly absurd and laughable. In just one day, all those familiar words reappeared. "Does the young master know what feelings are?"

The morning sun cast a soft glow on the shadow before him. His pale blue robe was pure and flawless, untouched by any dust, like the white clouds in the sky, exuding a serene and untouchable detachment.

“The warmth that runs in my blood is kinship, just like when I see Mr. Wu You and Mr. Dongge. It’s unforgettable without needing to think about it; it’s true affection, as natural as the air we breathe.” She spoke calmly, but felt a little sad inside. She never expected to talk about the feelings she had always avoided with such a cold person, and she didn’t even dare to mention Tianxiao’s name.

Qiu Ye Yijian had her back to her the whole time. After hearing this, she remained silent for a while before asking, "What do you want most?"

"Freedom," Leng Shuangcheng said firmly. "To live freely, to live without being controlled by anyone."

Qiu Yeyi suddenly turned around, bringing with her a gentle breeze. Her delicate features were devoid of emotion, and her deep pupils were clear as ice: "I can give you everything, except..." Upon seeing the resilient body before her, she swallowed the rest of her words and simply said indifferently, "Come with me, I will take you to see someone."

Pushing open a door and passing through a mica screen, Leng Shuangcheng saw Wu Sanshou before a cluster of vine-like, intertwined flower shadows. She could recognize the outline of Wu Sanshou's face, but that face no longer held that indifferent expression.

Wu Sanshou's face was withered, his temples were gray, and his eyes stared blankly at the ground. When the wind blew his hair, it stirred up the deep, crisscrossing scars on it, but he still sat there without desire, without knowledge or feeling, sitting in a vibrant shadow.

Leng Shuangcheng let out a low sob, broke free from Qiu Yeyi's hand, and suddenly knelt down and pounced on him. She tightly hugged his legs, burying her face deep in the blue robe on his knees: "Why, why did you follow me..." Her voice was heavy with sorrow and suppressed emotion, and the veins on her hands bulged as she trembled uncontrollably.

Qiu Yeyi walked forward step by step, staring at the prostrate figure, and uttered two words: "Get up."

Leng Shuangcheng was heartbroken. Upon hearing these two cold words, her eyes reddened as she stood up and glared angrily: "Satisfied? You?"

He pursed his thin, sharply defined lips and reached out, trying to wipe away the hatred and coldness in her eyes. Before he could reach her face, Leng Shuangcheng suddenly made his move.

Her left hand steadily grasped the brocade-patterned sleeve in mid-air, while her right palm feinted a "High Mountains and Flowing Water" strike towards his chest. This palm technique was extremely ordinary. Leng Shuangcheng had initially used this palm to intercept Qiu Yeyijian's approach. With his skill, dodging it would have been incredibly easy—she had noticed a slight recovery of her internal energy near the plum grove earlier, but to injure Qiu Yeyijian, whose martial arts were currently superior to hers, was simply absurd.

But he still didn't dodge. When the blow landed squarely on his chest, his handsome brows didn't even furrow, his expression remained unchanged. He merely reached out and covered her eyelids, gently touching them as he said, "Don't look at me."

A snow lotus-like aura settled on her face, calming Leng Shuangcheng considerably. She took a step back and stood still, coldly saying, "Since the young master brought me before Wu You, he must have something to say, right?"

"This is Chef An's room. An Jie is fond of wine and wants to make wine from flowers, hence this elaborate sea of flowers." Qiu Ye Yi Jian's voice fell into the cool air and penetrated the thin, transparent reflection.

Leng Shuangcheng listened calmly, knowing that his implication was not so simple. She had met An Jie before; he had a plump and amiable face, as kind as Maitreya Buddha—but among the demon-slaying beings, who was as pure as paper? Yin Guang had also told her, "The young master will not eat anything that is not prepared by the kitchen staff of the manor, nor will he wear anything that is not woven by the hands of Steward Bai." After seeing Bai Li's true colors yesterday, she understood that these two were definitely not simple.

“An Jie is one of the Seven Stars. He joined Bixie twenty years ago. Compared to him, Bai Li is like a drop in the ocean, because he is a true master of Miao Jiang Gu poison. He can cast all kinds of spells that you can't imagine and can remove all Gu poisons.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Leng Shuangcheng's face remained calm as still water. She said indifferently, "I still remember what the young master said: 'It's not difficult to get something from me, it just depends on whether you have the ability.' So what does the young master want me to give in return?"

“Clever.” Qiu Yeyi smiled bitterly. “I can let go of everyone you care about and cure everyone of the poison, but I want to take one thing from you, and that is the moonlight.”

Leng Shuangcheng didn't ask any questions, but simply stared at him coldly, her right hand gently reaching to her waist to draw out the Moonlight. With a "whoosh," the clear moonlight rippled through the heavy shadows of the flowers and trees, illuminating her eyes, which were like autumn water.

Leng Shuangcheng turned the Moonlight Sword upside down and handed it to him with one hand. Qiu Yeyi stared at her intently, and said in a low voice, "Moonlight Sword, it is three feet seven-tenths of an inch long and about one inch wide. It is a divine weapon forged by Wei Zifu. It is tempered with black ice and becomes cold when exposed to wind... I have longed for it for a long time."

11. Lantern Festival

The east wind at night releases a thousand trees of blossoms, and blows down stars like rain. The road is filled with the fragrance of fine carriages and carved horses; the sound of phoenix flutes stirs, the light of wine vessels gleams, and fish and dragons dance all night long.

Since the Tang Dynasty, the capital has had thriving night markets, which, during festivals, are brightly lit day and night, shining as brightly as dawn. Tonight is the first Lantern Festival since the ceasefire, and the streets are filled with joyful pedestrians and bustling with carriages and horses, making it impossible to stop and admire the sights.

Leng Shuangcheng, holding Wu San's hand, mingled in the crowd. The sounds of flowing water, shouts, and drums filled the air. A slight tremor ran through her as she realized this was the first time she could breathe so freely. According to Qiu Yeyijian, she had taken a poison-avoiding bead while unconscious, serving as a second layer of protection against the cold poison, and her internal energy would gradually recover. Perhaps it was the ability to escape the intense, scorching atmosphere that allowed her to gradually relax in the gentle evening breeze.

Walking along Zhuquemen Street and past the Imperial Examination Hall, one would pass by the City God Temple, the Matchmaker's Platform, and the Marriage Tree in an endless stream, with stalls selling jade pendants, jewelry, rouge, and face powder in abundance. Leng Shuangcheng continued walking slowly, and before she knew it, she arrived at the Bright Moon over the State Bridge.

Zhouqiao Bridge is an exquisitely carved and sturdy stone bridge, a vital transportation artery connecting all directions. The Bian River flows beneath it, while the bridge itself bustles with people. Shops and restaurants thrive on both banks, their sounds blending seamlessly with the music. Magnolia lanterns line the willow-lined banks of Zhouqiao Bridge, where children play and set off colorful fireworks, their sparkling light never ceasing. Walking among the willows is like strolling through a world of dazzling lights.

Yin Guang followed closely behind the two of them. Although he looked puzzled, he was as docile as he was and would never disobey his young master's order: follow Chu Yi and go anywhere as long as you don't leave Kaifeng, but if even a hair is missing, you will be held responsible.

Seeing the smile on her face, Yin Guang couldn't help but smile back and ask, "Chu Yi seems very happy?"

Leng Shuangcheng turned her head and smiled faintly: "Is Yin Guang unhappy?"

Yin Guang shook his head hesitantly, his voice tinged with melancholy: "Too many things have happened these past few days; I can't be happy." Seeing the young man before him remain silent, he hesitated before continuing, "Yin Guang is very confused about these things. When I asked you, young master, you remained cold and silent. I think Chu Yi must know something..."

Leng Shuangcheng held Wu Sanshou's wrist tightly, and when she noticed that his gaze was slightly changed as he looked at the night view, she carefully stopped and stayed with him.

"The young master once ordered me to shoot and kill the traitor Han Yuanshan on the battlefield of Gucheng, in order to cleanse the Central Plains of its atmosphere. Three days ago, the palace summoned the young master to an audience. It is said that the person who secretly leaked the information about the Battle of Gucheng, Nan Jingqi, has been found. After the young master met the emperor, it is rumored that the emperor was furious, but the young master suppressed the matter and dealt with it coldly."

Leng Shuangcheng turned around and said calmly, "I was the one who colluded with the enemy, and Bai Li spread the news."

Yin Guang looked at Leng Shuangcheng with slight surprise: "It really is related to Chu Yi... but what does it have to do with Steward Bai?"

"Your young master went to great lengths to capture me. Bai Li fed Wu Sanshou a poisonous substance to hypnotize him, allowing him to learn some things about me. She spread the news to get revenge on me, and you've seen the reason: your young master suddenly changed his tastes and developed a liking for men." Leng Shuangcheng gave Yin Guang a cold smile.

Yin Guang was startled and remained silent for a long time. Even someone as slow-witted as him could see that the young master's behavior was different from usual, but Chu Yi was still indifferent. Even the usually docile Chu Yi spoke ill of the young master. What exactly happened between the two of them?

Seeing the two people staring intently at the sparks in the night market, Yin Guang stammered, "When the young master met the emperor that day, he disobeyed the emperor's orders and refused to take on the esoteric sect case. This unusual behavior has attracted the attention of Master Diviner and Prince Zhuang. Steward Wu has already set off for Kaifeng..."

Leng Shuangcheng recalled Wu Suanzi's sharp, insightful eyes and felt a little worried: with this person's arrival, many things would be even more unimaginable, because his shrewdness and decisiveness had left him with no weaknesses to counterattack.

She was somewhat wary of the fortune teller's arrival, and after thinking for a moment, she said to Yin Guang, "I humbly request that Young Master Yin Guang tell Chu Yi a few things."

Yin Guang smiled slightly: "Young Master instructed that if Chu Yi inquires about anything, Yin Guang must tell him the truth."

Leng Shuangcheng was silent for a moment, then raised his head and asked, "I have been concerned about the safety of several people since the beginning of the year. Does Yin Guang know anything about the Lonely Town Lord?"

Yin Guang shook his head and smiled slightly, "This young master did not explain."

"Where are Miss Ruan and Young Master Chu?"

"Since the young master does not accept cases involving esoteric Buddhism, this case has been taken over by Prince Zhao Yingcheng, who has made a special trip to the capital. Miss Ruan's poison has been neutralized and she is out of danger. She has been escorted to Prince Zhuang's residence, where the prince treats her as an honored guest..."

Upon hearing this, Leng Shuangcheng's body trembled violently, and she said coldly, "We just escaped the tiger, and now the wolf has come." Seeing Yin Guang's doubt, she didn't say much, but anxiously said, "Miss Ruan is not safe in the Prince Zhuang's mansion."

Yin Guang, however, was gentle and kind. He continued, "Is Chu Yi worried about the situation of Chu and Ruan? The young master once instructed Prince Zhuang to take good care of Miss Ruan's health. However, Young Master Chu didn't give any specific instructions, only passing on a message to Young Master Zhao: 'Chu Xuan is the son of the former Prefect of Yangzhou, and is indeed a nobleman.' This was likely a reminder to Young Master Zhao not to put him in a difficult position."

Leng Shuangcheng watched Yin Guang speak eloquently, her heart filled with rage. She couldn't help but whisper, "Young Master Yin Guang is truly a kind man—your young master's implication is that Young Master Chu Xuan is indeed a nobleman, and nobles are subject to the same laws as commoners! He meant for Zhao Yingcheng to thoroughly investigate, but even King Zhuang said that Chu Xuan doesn't know the details of the plan, so how can he be making things difficult for him?"

Yin Guang was embarrassed and muttered, "Chu Yi is always so disrespectful to the young master..."

Despite Yin Guang's eagerness to protect its master, Leng Shuangcheng still asked, "Where is Tang Qi?"

Yin Guang's passionate enthusiasm was suddenly doused with cold water, leaving only tiny droplets of water. He replied expressionlessly, "Miss Cheng Xiang led me out. Young Master turned a blind eye, saying he was afraid that killing her would chill your heart."

Cheng Xiang seemed to treat Tang Qi very well, but Leng Shuangcheng didn't know why. She was still thinking about whether Chu Chu would assassinate Ruan Ruan again while she was living in the Zhuang Mansion.

"lamp."

Wu Sanshou, whose wrist had been being held, suddenly mumbled a single word, "lamp," diverting Leng Shuangcheng's attention.

Hundreds of colorful lanterns hang along the willow-lined bank, their crystal-clear lights shimmering like fireflies. Behind each lantern, the willow branches sway gently in a serene and graceful manner, creating a striking contrast of light and shadow. The bright lanterns are reflected in the shimmering Bian River, half of the river shimmering green, the other half glowing red.

Yin Guang was mesmerized by the shimmering reflections. Just as he was admiring the scene, he heard Leng Shuangcheng's hesitant and melancholy voice: "Who can sit idly by when the moon is shining? Who can hear the lanterns and not come to see them? My father was a scholar who was well-versed in poetry and literature. He always taught me not to be elated by external gains or saddened by personal losses. To be honest, young master Yin Guang, it is difficult for me to do so under such a beautiful and auspicious circumstances."

Yin Guang recalled that the young master had taught him the same thing, and felt a deep empathy. He couldn't help but sigh deeply, "Why did you say that, Chu Yi?"

"I want to know about Nan Jingqi." Leng Shuangcheng finally spoke the name in her heart: "I am very concerned about him. I am worried that Young Master Nan has fallen into your young master's hands." She spoke her mind with a great deal of hope, because she thought she would not be able to get any information about Nan Jingqi from Qiu Yeyijian. She could only try her luck with Yin Guang.

"Young master is truly insightful. Alas... I suppose you wouldn't have paid any attention to it..."

"The political situation in Jingxiang Kingdom has changed drastically. The newly enthroned young emperor is controlled by the Empress and is practically a figurehead. The Empress is internally suppressing General Nan and externally submitting to the Liao Kingdom. Half a year ago, the Empress dismissed General Nan from all his posts and demoted him to a commoner. Since then, there has been no news of him. It is said that he went into seclusion in the mountains in accordance with his deceased father's wishes."

When Yin Guang spoke these words, his voice was filled with deep regret, it was unclear whether he was worried about Nan Jingqi or felt sorry for his own young master. Leng Shuangcheng had his back to him, remaining silent and calm.

She gazed silently at the night sky for a long time, and when she turned her eyes again, she saw Zhao Yingcheng.

It was hard not to spot him in such a crowded and bustling night market. He was handsome and refined, his azure-blue brocade robe accentuating his indifferent and resolute face, making him shine like a cold star. He pursed his lips slightly, and surprisingly, he was holding a delicately carved little girl in his arms.

In the shadows, several figures could be faintly seen moving about.

Leng Shuangcheng took a deep breath, realizing her aura was slightly weak. Since a group of people resembling shadow guards were protecting Zhao Yingcheng, she could only cautiously lower her hands and coldly stare at him. Since she couldn't subdue him quickly, she dared not act rashly.

Zhao Yingcheng took the lotus lantern, carefully carrying it over the doll in his hand, and turned around. He also saw Leng Shuangcheng; the two faced each other across the street, their expressions varying degrees of indifference. — He didn't recognize the boy across the street, despite his unfriendly gaze. But he recognized the silver light bowing to him behind him and guessed it was Qiu Yeyijian's people.

"Uncle, let's go, let's go release lanterns with Yaya." The pink doll began to urge the still person.

Zhao Yingcheng turned his face and smiled slightly at her: "Okay, your uncle will go with you." His voice was surprisingly gentle, which surprised Leng Shuangcheng.

At this moment, the crowd surged towards the shore of the Zhou Bridge. A young man in white robes and a jade crown staggered out and fell towards Zhao Yingcheng. When Zhao Yingcheng saw that the man with his back to him was holding a small child, he was greatly surprised. He quickly turned around, his robes fluttering like white butterflies, avoiding the fall.

The young man in white gracefully stopped, turned around to look at Zhao Yingcheng, and then said to Ya Ya with a smile, "What a beautiful baby."

Ya Ya clapped her hands and laughed, "It looks so good! Uncle's clothes are flying up so beautifully!"

Zhao Yingcheng glanced coldly at the young man in white, carefully picked up the child, and walked away. The young man probably noticed Zhao Yingcheng's indifference and detachment, but didn't care. He tilted his head slightly, made a face, and then walked away.

The two figures walked further and further away, separated by the bustling crowd and Leng Shuangcheng.