Schatzkammer von Jianghu

Kapitel 54

"Come in." After being announced by a servant, a cheerful, moon-like voice came from inside the room, seemingly unconcerned about the panic and heightened vigilance in the palace. His open and generous manner slowed my pace.

I lowered my eyes and went inside.

“Young Master Leng, I entrust my mother to your miraculous medical skills.” Li Tianxiao glanced at me and smiled as he invited me into his room. Invitation was the highest form of etiquette in ancient times, and to use it on a commoner like myself was truly an honor.

"I am but a humble man, and dare not address you as 'Young Master'." I quickly returned the greeting, gathered my clothes, and quietly walked toward the bedchamber.

A moment later, I stood with my hands clasped in front of the bed, calling out, "Young Master Li, could you please open my belongings and fetch me another set of silver needles?"

The cloak was in the bundle. I wanted him to recognize me. I deduced from common sense that if I saw the person who helped me when I was a child again, I would feel a connection and feel a strong desire to be close to him. Therefore, it would be extremely easy to get close to his father again.

Li Tianxiao quickly retrieved the silver needles, smiled slightly at me, but said nothing.

Seeing him standing beside me, I was secretly alarmed. I steadied my wrist and continued administering the acupuncture, calmly devising my next plan.

The distant mountains, nearby trees, and hills glowed hazily in the darkness. I grabbed the owl and fled in a panic, the night receding like the wind, but my grip remained firm.

The trees and owls in the mountains and forests are all different colors, including jet black, dark black, light black, and blackish gray, much like the varying shades of ink in Chinese paintings. In my eyes, I just want to find a darker place to dart away, because the owl's shape is advantageous in the dark.

At the end was a cliff, and in the night, crows cawed mournfully, as if mocking my ignorance and overestimation of my abilities.

I released the owl's hand and smiled slightly at him: "Owl, it seems we really can't be separated, we'll die together."

“Shuangcheng.” He sighed and gave me his one and only smile: “I only regret that I didn’t take better care of you when I was young, and that I always teased you.”

I turned my head and drew out the chilling moonlight, which reflected in my eyes like a pool of autumn water.

"Who dares to stop me?" I coldly glanced at the crowd that had caught up with me, lowered my eyes, and shouted in a low voice.

"It really is you." Li Tianxiao slowly stepped forward from behind the crowd, staring into my murderous eyes. I had no idea how incongruous my eyes, which held the ferocity of a leopard and the venom of a wolf, were with my tall and handsome figure.

He stood before the crowd with a slight smile, but for some reason, his smile appeared incredibly desolate in the dim light. I was facing him directly, my gaze as clear as a candle. "Young Master... we didn't mean to make things difficult for you, but with so many murders occurring, you have to give Owl an explanation."

I stared coldly at his hand. Even though there were countless people coming, no one but him was my greatest rival.

"Brother!" A figure leaped out from the dark night, her movements light and graceful, carrying the cool scent of hyacinths. She hugged me tightly, crying out, "Brother! Don't fight them! Don't let your eyes become those of a beast!"

I looked away, my gaze softened, and I gently stroked Xiaoyu's hair with my left hand, saying softly, "Xiaoyu, don't be afraid, brother promises you."

I paused, then abruptly pushed Xiaoyu aside, leaping forward to strike first, the moonlight like frost slicing towards Li Tianxiao. — This is a tactic I often use against enemies: to strike unexpectedly when they are least prepared.

Li Tianxiao kept dodging and didn't draw his sword. I was surprised, but he was as fierce and bloodthirsty as ever, single-handedly intimidating everyone's attacks—however, I couldn't let Xiaoyu have to take action.

Ruan Xiaoyu drew a blade as thin as a cicada's wing, its light dazzling, and with three swift strikes, cleared a path for me. I turned and looked at her weeping face, my heart filled with grief. After deflecting the surging tide of sword energy, I shouted, "Stop!"

The moonlight hummed sadly in the darkness. I held it tightly, and felt courage rise like a tidal wave, sweeping over my whole body.

“The owl is cleaner than any of you. You had better force us to our deaths today, or I will settle accounts one by one in the future!” I said coldly as my sharp eyes slowly swept over everyone’s faces. “There are thirteen people in total, not one less.”

Li Tianxiao's expression shifted, and he said urgently, "Young Master Leng, please believe me, there's a chance this matter can be resolved..."

"Let's go, brother." Facing the crowd, I called out to the owl.

My limbs, my brothers, my owl brother silently stepped forward, wrapped his arms around my waist, gently kissed my cheek, and backed away, tilting straight down the cliff.

"Shuangcheng!" Why did I hear such a heart-wrenching name amidst the howling wind that pierced my lungs?

"Shuangcheng!" The next time I heard that urgent, trembling call was a year later at the Green Bamboo Pavilion.

I put down the herbs in my hand, a thought flashing through my mind, and turned around hesitantly. The newcomer had a thin face, and his dark, jade-like eyes stared intently into mine. I silently observed him, then asked, "Was the young master calling for me?"

He walked over slowly, a storm brewing in his vast eyes: "I've been looking for you for so long, Shuangcheng."

I pursed my lips and looked at him coldly: "Young master, I don't remember much about the past. Is it because I look like someone from your past?"

"Shuangcheng, this is retribution. Who told me to push you too hard, causing you to jump off a cliff to escape? Now that you've ingested the daylily essence, you've completely forgotten all past grudges, let alone me, a stranger you've never cared about?"

I was slightly moved, but not knowing why, I did not respond. I stood silently in the morning dew of the verdant forest.

The young man in white walked up to me, his face as white as snow, without a trace of a smile. His eyes shone with the sunlight that had just broken through the clouds and swept away the gloom: "I did something wrong, Shuangcheng. This is the punishment I deserve."

"Why wouldn't I believe you? Why wasn't I as resolute as Miss Ruan? For three hundred days and nights, I've been mocking my own shallowness and ignorance, why didn't I realize my own feelings sooner?"

He broke into a smile, slowly knelt down, and hugged my legs: "Shuangcheng, just give me a way out, let you, who remembers nothing, start over and come back to my side."

I suddenly remembered that one summer, in a courtyard with lush green cypress trees, I knelt down and bowed before a young master to repay his kindness: "Thank you for saving my life ten years ago, young master, and for leaving the Leng family with a last chance to survive."

I was utterly shocked. I opened my mouth, thought for a long time, and then finally replied, "Okay."

...

How many decades, how many centuries, how many nights and stars will it take for me to stand on the Central Plains again, bravely and fearlessly facing what happens every day?

"Leng Shuangcheng!" That cold, impatient voice rang in my ears again. I sighed inwardly, picked at my ear, and slowly walked over. "What are your orders, young master?"

Qiu Yeyi glanced at me, his handsome face cold as he stood with his hands behind his back: "Weren't you going to heal Wu Sanshou's injuries? Go and fetch a flute."

I was overjoyed inside, but kept a straight face: "Young master, would you be playing the piece yourself?"

He gave a cold sneer: "I can do everything Chu Xuan can. But I'm sure Chu Xuan can't handle my methods."

I understood what he meant. I was already well aware of his habit of digging deep. After a blank smile, I silently walked into the shadows under the flower trellis.

28. Wu Suan

Opening the window revealed a spacious room, with a vast and mysterious night sky before one's eyes, and a cool fragrance wafting around the nose. Under the bright moon and cold stars, Qiu Yeyi's figure was nowhere to be seen, but the sound of music with deep inner strength continued to reach one's ears.

Leng Shuangcheng stood with her hands at her sides in front of Wu Sanshou's bed, tucking the blanket around him, and listened intently to the flute music coming from the night sky. The sound was full and peaceful, and after penetrating the night sky, it still had a melodious and undulating ending note. It was "Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Auspiciousness," which was just as skillful as Chu Xuan's.

Leng Shuangcheng and Wu Sanshou have been listening to this piece for three nights. The delicate music drifts into their ears, and a faint fragrance wafts by, creating an atmosphere that makes them lose track of time.

She listened silently for a long time, then suddenly spoke to Wu Sanshou: "Wu You, looking at you always reminds me of my father... My father said that a man's character should be 'walking slowly and steadily, standing firmly and respectfully, sitting upright and straight, and speaking softly and gently.' Do you think he is like that?"

Wu Sanshou stared blankly with his eyes wide open. Leng Shuangcheng sighed, placed her hand on his face, and closed his eyelids.

Amidst the subtle fragrance of the moon and the gentle breeze carrying auspicious music, the Ye residence was utterly silent, save for the melodious and lingering sound of a flute.

Leng Shuangcheng walked along the corridor, and as she turned the corner of the eaves, a slightly warm breath wafted towards her. She glanced at the person's eyes, then quickly bowed and greeted, "Steward Wu."

The fortune teller, his face bearing the marks of a traveler, glanced coldly at Leng Shuangcheng and called out, "Chu Yi?"

"yes."

"Go and invite the young master here."

Leng Shuangcheng then looked up, her face showing difficulty: "Reporting to the steward, recently the young master instructed that unless summoned by him, he should not see Chu Yi..." Her eyes glanced at the back of the fortune teller, and she immediately paused: "Yes, I will go right away."

The fortune teller's eyes were like candlelight. He stared intently at Leng Shuangcheng, enunciating each word clearly: "You've seen how serious the situation is. You must bring the young master here." After saying this, he didn't look at her again and walked away indifferently.

Behind the fortune teller, several servants carried two people, following him step by step into the main hall. Leng Shuangcheng hesitated for a moment, then turned and walked towards the plum grove of the Ye family mansion.

Sparse shadows slant across the clear, shallow water; a faint fragrance drifts in the twilight. The scenery in the plum grove is elegant and captivating. Autumn leaves stand like swords under the silvery moon and the fragrance of plum blossoms, their snow-white robes even more vibrant and dazzling than the surrounding landscape.

"What happened?" After recognizing the footsteps of the person who came out early in the morning, he silently put down his flute and asked indifferently.

"Chief Steward Wu has rushed here overnight, and wishes to invite the young master to discuss matters in the main hall."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Yeyijian turned around and sat in the pavilion in the middle of the bridge. She slowly said, "Wu Suanzi arrived in the capital a day early, and Leng Shuangcheng, who is usually unwavering, couldn't help but come here. I want to hear what happened."

Amidst the fragrant plum blossoms, Leng Shuang carefully chose her words: "Steward Wu also brought two other people with large festering wounds on their chests, seemingly suffering severe injuries..."

"These are none of my business," Qiu Yeyi suddenly said coldly.

Leng Shuangcheng paused for a moment, then said respectfully, "Those two people have intact faces, and it is vaguely clear that they are Elder Mu and Young Master Qingxi from the Seven Stars..."

“I don’t concern myself with trivial matters that have nothing to do with you.” He coldly interrupted Leng Shuangcheng’s words. “Even if Wu Suanzi is shrewd and knows to send you to summon me, he still has to see if I’m willing to go.”

Leng Shuangcheng smiled bitterly to herself. In recent days, Young Master Yin Guang had mentioned to her more than once that Qiu Ye Yi Jian had acted out of character and no longer cared about politics or the martial arts world. Although she appeared calm, she knew the reason in her heart.

Leng Shuangcheng gave a bitter smile, carefully examined his expression, and slowly moved closer: "Young Master, now is not the time to be temperamental..."

"So you're not stupid after all." Qiu Yeyijian stared at her and smiled coldly. "You know I'm angry, so tell me, why am I angry?"

Leng Shuangcheng stopped, the pale moonlight reflecting on her calm face, casting a hazy veil over it. Qiu Yeyi turned to look at Meilin, pursing his lips and remaining silent, but his figure, like a young general holding the reins of victory, sat motionless in the pavilion, as if it were the central command tent.

The moon was high in the sky, and the plum grove was completely silent.

Leng Shuangcheng looked up at the moonlight, then took a few more steady steps forward.

“Young master, I have seen you standing here in quiet contemplation every day, and I dare not disturb you. It is not that I am avoiding you.”

Qiu Yeyi gave a cold sneer.

Leng Shuangcheng took another step closer and slowly said, "I understand your intentions, young master, but you are different from everyone I've ever met, which sometimes leaves me confused..."

Qiu Yeyi looked at Mei Lin indifferently, unmoved.

Leng Shuangcheng gritted her teeth: "What exactly does Young Master want from me to calm down?"

Qiu Yeyi turned to look at her and said coldly, "Leng Shuangcheng, if it weren't for the eve of a great battle, you probably wouldn't be so accommodating to me, would you?"

Leng Shuangcheng sighed, "Young master is too kind." Then he silently walked over, stood beside Qiu Yeyijian, and extended his right hand, "Young master, please."

The palm had fine lines and long, slender fingers. Even without grasping it, one could feel the firmness in Leng Shuangcheng's hand and the coolness within. Qiu Yeyi stared at it, slightly moved. Normally, when Leng Shuangcheng helped him alight from the carriage, her green sleeves fluttered, her wrists held strong, and she would never secretly reveal her slender, bamboo-like fingers. How could she so openly extend them before him now, with a resolute intent to let him do as he pleased?

Qiu Ye Yi Jian wouldn't give Leng Shuang Cheng any chance to regret it. He gripped it tightly without hesitation and used it to stand up.

Two hands, as white as ice and snow, finally clasped together.

Qiu Ye gazed at her serene face, gently stroking her delicate hands, remaining silent for a moment. His gaze was clear and pure, like a spring flowing silently down a snow-capped mountain stream.

Leng Shuangcheng turned her face to him, looked into his eyes and smiled slightly: "I have witnessed everything you have done for me, and I am truly uneasy. You once called me a blockhead, but what I want to say is, how can a person be without feelings?"

Leng Shuangcheng's smile was as gentle and delicate as ever, a slight curve at the corners of her lips, her face as serene and tranquil as still water. Qiu Yeyijian looked at her composed face, and upon hearing her last words, closed his eyes briefly, then suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace. "Why did I only see you now? Only now do I realize how long I've been lonely..."

Leng Shuangcheng did not struggle, but smiled and said, "Leng Shuangcheng is just an ordinary person and usually cannot fathom what you are thinking, but I understand what you are saying... To be honest, I am still in turmoil. Staying by your side feels like having a stone weighing on my heart, so please grant me some more time to calm down..."

Qiu Ye stretched out her arms and pulled her tightly to her chest, her lips trembling as she buried them in her black hair, her voice somewhat indistinct: "Such a convoluted mind... It's a good thing I believed in you without a doubt, otherwise I would have been tortured to death without even knowing your feelings..."

"Young Master, may we leave now?" Leng Shuangcheng asked calmly.

Hearing her calm and collected voice, Qiu Ye Yijian felt a surge of hatred in her heart. She felt a burning sensation, like needles, with nowhere to go, which finally festered between her teeth. She bit her ear, her teeth itching, and said, "Even though you won't agree to marry me, it's really not easy to get you to tell me what's on your mind..."

The moonlight, as light as a veil, shone on the main hall of the Ye residence, revealing the figures of three people of different heights.