Schatzkammer von Jianghu

Kapitel 66

Qingzhou, situated on the coast, served as a hub for merchants from all directions, making it exceptionally open and prosperous. The streets were bustling with activity, lined with shops, its splendor rivaling that of Bianjing (Kaifeng). Leng Shuangcheng strolled leisurely along the numerous stalls selling silk, brocade, yarn, paper, mats, lacquerware, porcelain, seafood, and spices, his demeanor relaxed, as if he were admiring flowers at a leisurely stroll.

Leng Shuangcheng seemed unhurried, but the yellow-clad girl who had been following behind her was furious. Her round eyes were wide open, as if she wanted to swallow the pale purple figure in front of her whole.

This person was none other than Du Bing. After rumors of foreign invasion spread throughout the martial arts world, she rushed here like a flying catkin. She first entered the camp and disguised herself as a maid to wait for Qiu Ye Yijian's arrival. Unexpectedly, Bai Li, who was always by her side, did not appear today. Instead, a strange woman with agile skills appeared. Judging from her expensive clothes, her behavior was no different from that of a servant. Du Bing was very curious and immediately followed her.

Shouts and hawkers filled the air, a cacophony of voices echoed, and shops brimming with a dazzling array of goods crowded the streets. After walking down a long street, Leng Shuangcheng turned into a wide fork in the road. Many red lanterns hung askew from the narrow doorways on both sides of the long street, fluttering in the wind. A large, dark mass of people had gathered at the fork, completely blocking the way, with bursts of cheers frequently erupting from within. Du Bing, grumbling, followed them there, and her face paled even more upon seeing Leng Shuangcheng standing outside the crowd, hands behind her back, intently watching the acrobatic performance. Perhaps it was the shyness of a young lady from a respectable family that prevented her from approaching and asking questions abruptly, so she could only suppress her irritation and stand at a distance.

Leng Shuangcheng watched silently for a while, then turned to leave. Du Bing was overjoyed, but then Leng Shuangcheng slowly walked into a teahouse and sat down by the window. Du Bing could no longer contain herself, rushed in like a gust of wind, and slammed her hand on the table with a loud bang.

The aroma of tea wafted through the air, subtle and serene. Leng Shuangcheng lifted the jade teapot with one hand, seemingly oblivious to the newcomer's anger, and poured her a cup of clear, emerald-green tea. "My name is Leng Shuangcheng. May I ask your name, young lady?"

"Du Bing." Du Bing had been following for a while and was quite thirsty, so she drank it all in one gulp without any hesitation. After putting down her teacup, she suddenly realized something was wrong and shouted, "You treacherous little man, you knew I was behind you, yet you deliberately dawdled!"

Du Bing's voice was extremely loud, startling the surrounding tea drinkers who all turned to look at her. Hearing of her rudeness while following behind, they all showed disdain. Du Bing, feeling embarrassed and flustered, sat down hastily, looking around like a startled rabbit. Leng Shuangcheng smiled slightly and said, "Miss Du, you've followed me all this way; you must have something to say to me, which is why I invited you here for some tea to cool off."

Du Bing glared with her dark, round eyes. Seeing that Leng Shuangcheng remained unmoved, she had already become anxious: "I wanted to ask you a question, that's why I've been following you. I'm not trying to do anything to you."

“Hehe, that’s perfect. I also have a question I’d like to ask Miss Du… Please, Miss Du, go first.” Leng Shuangcheng drank a cup of tea, her manners lacking any grace or subtlety, which startled Du Bing. She replied in astonishment, “A young lady from the young master’s residence could be so unrefined.”

Leng Shuangcheng smiled again, drank her second cup of tea, and before Du Bing could ask, she said readily, "I am a servant in Young Master Qiuye's mansion. I came here today to serve you. I was just wandering around the streets to gather some information. Please don't take offense, young lady."

Leng Shuangcheng's eyes were sharp; she had already noticed a young girl following behind her, looking distracted, and quickly guessed the reason. Her words, intentionally or unintentionally, resolved Du Bing's doubts, leaving her speechless for a long time.

“Miss Du, Leng Shuangcheng has a favor to ask.” Leng Shuangcheng sat up straight and looked at Du Bing with a solemn expression.

Du Bing's eyes darted around, and she chuckled, "Don't try anything with me, I don't do bad things."

"Miss, you've misunderstood. I just want to buy back one of my things."

Du Bing asked curiously, "Your things? What things of yours?"

Leng Shuangcheng's face darkened, as if he had sunk into a mountain in the twilight, and the light in his eyes gradually died out: "The crystal chain around the young lady's neck."

It was early summer, and Du Bing was dressed in a cool, flowing apricot-yellow dress with cloud-like sleeves, revealing a large section of her fair and delicate neck. A bright and crystal necklace was very eye-catching, lying quietly on her white neck. At the bottom of the chain was a white jade whistle, like a small bell hanging from a thin cloud line. It would be hard for any girl to resist its charm.

Du Bing's lips twitched, and she looked troubled: "Is this yours? I occasionally snatched it from a pawn shop. It's exquisitely crafted, no wonder so many people want to buy it, but I really like it..."

Leng Shuangcheng looked out at the bright sunshine and was speechless.

This was one of the two items she brought with her from her past life. Apart from the moonlight, only this crystal chain connected her to her past history. However, she couldn't speak to Du Bing, who was unaware of her origins. She could only turn her gaze to the side and look at the bustling street.

The bustling crowds shimmered like a surging tide, bathed in the golden light of the bright sun. A gentle breeze brought a sense of ease and comfort. No one could predict what tomorrow would bring, but the pedestrians hurried on, each heading towards their own destiny.

Remembering his promise to Qiu Yeyijian, Leng Shuangcheng decided to let go of the past and smiled, "Alright, since it is destined to be with Miss Du, I will do you a favor and not pursue it further. However, I would like to remind you that the little whistle on the chain is for taming animals. You should not blow it casually when you are curious, otherwise it will attract cats or dogs to follow you, which would be quite unseemly."

Du Bing stared at Leng Shuangcheng's rapidly changing, cheerful smile, and smiled wryly. Leng Shuangcheng bowed in farewell and left the teahouse.

7. Meeting

As the saying goes, "A little gambling is fun, but big gambling is for making a living." When gamblers are truly addicted to gambling, they often don't hesitate to go bankrupt. No one can remain clear-headed while gambling in the Lucky Casino. Wu Sanshou, known as "gambling without a life," is no exception.

Wu Sanshou didn't recognize Du Bing at first, but he could only say that Du Bing's neck was too beautiful. He struggled for a long time with the thought of "do not look at what is improper" before finally confirming what was on that beautiful neck.

He had been cleverly disguised and mingling in the Lucky Gambling House for two or three days. Besides following Du Bing and relentlessly trying to buy back the chain described by Leng Shuangcheng, he also had an inexplicable intuition that told him to come to Qingzhou to try his luck and see if he could meet his master. However, he did not expect that after he entered the gambling house with ease, he would forget about finding his master.

The gambling den was noisy and filled with smoke. The clinking of coins produced a series of crisp and pleasant sounds. Wu Sanshou felt that this place was a paradise on earth. Everyone around him was like-minded and had their eyes red with greed. Even when he looked at the young man with a sallow complexion opposite him, he found him handsome and pleasing to the eye.

Wu Sanshou's eyes were red and swollen as he held his breath and waited for the young man opposite him to roll the dice one last time.

This match was said to be a decisive one, with the loser obediently handing over all their silver and being forced to serve as a slave to their opponent. Strange and unusual requests were frequently made at the gambling den, but Wu Sanshou, caught up in the excitement of gambling, never refused.

The young man grabbed the dice, shook them vigorously, then slammed them onto the table and coldly asked, "Do you bet on big or small?"

Wu Sanshou didn't know who the other person was either, and the two of them addressed each other as "you." Fortunately, although many people were concerned, they were the only two people at the table playing the dealer role. He carefully discerned the sound of the dice and confidently called out, "Little."

The young man gave a cold laugh and said, "Then I'll bet on big." He stretched out his long fingers, ready to lift the dice cup.

A subtle gust of wind pierced through and struck the young man's fingertips. The man noticed it and slightly raised his hand to deflect the wind. The wind continued, gently shaking the dice cup. Like fleeting clouds, the outcome changed in the blink of an eye.

The young man's face stiffened, his lips pressed tightly together, and he quickly looked away, but he couldn't hide the surprise and doubt in his eyes. After staring at the newcomer, his tone faltered: "It's you?" In that split second, Wu Sanshou raised his hand to roll the dice and called out in a drawn-out voice: "One, one, two, little—" as if he hadn't noticed the pale purple figure slowly approaching beside him.

The buzzing voices were somewhat faint, and amidst the subtle fluctuations, Leng Shuangcheng silently approached from behind. Seeing an elegantly dressed woman appear in the chaotic gambling hall, the crowd couldn't help but take a second look at her face.

Her eyes, clear as autumn waters receding into a cold pool, gleamed faintly beneath her calm expression, tinged with a fleeting tremor and pain. She gathered her sleeves, her long, slender fingers forming a gesture of concentration, standing amidst the dim, chaotic scene, much like a gentle, harmless dragon maiden in purple robes riding the waves. As she parted the waves, a soft, gentle light spilled towards Lin Qingluan.

The young man was Lin Qingluan.

Wu Sanshou didn't recognize him, but Leng Shuangcheng still recognized those unparalleled, wind-riding legs. Despite his long robe and deliberate concealment, despite his mask and prolonged sitting, Leng Shuangcheng, with an innate, blood-related sensitivity, spotted Lin Qingluan at a glance. —Qiu Ye Yijian's feelings for Leng Shuangcheng, and Leng Shuangcheng's feelings for Lin Qingluan, were both obsessive and inexplicable affections that most people couldn't articulate.

Lin Qingluan glanced at Leng Shuangcheng and clenched her fist: "What's your relationship with him?"

Leng Shuangcheng had been calm and composed for a long time, and now he spoke in a steady voice: "How have you been, young master?"

"Why help him?" Lin Qingluan asked softly.

Wu Sanshou laughed loudly: "Acheng is my master, why won't you help me?" Seeing Leng Shuangcheng's gesturing look, he understood and fell silent, obediently walking over and standing behind her.

Leng Shuangcheng looked around, grabbed Wu Sanshou's wrist with his left hand, and placed his right hand at his side. He smiled slightly and said, "Young master, if I hadn't come earlier, you might have been able to defeat Wu Sanshou. But now that I'm here, I advise you to think twice before making a move."

Wu Sanshou knew his master's character well. Although he couldn't understand the Zen meaning in her words, he had been with her for a long time and had picked up her calm and composed manner in the face of danger. When he sensed that something was wrong, he cooperated as always.

He didn't know that the man who gambled with him all day was Lin Qingluan, a woman with a complicated background.

Lin Qingluan recognized Wu Sanshou at first glance upon entering Jixiang, but Wu Sanshou did not recognize him.

Wu Sanshou and his mask are both exquisite. However, everyone has unique characteristics that will be noticed by those who know him well or pay special attention, such as his long legs and Wu Sanshou's fingers covered with hundreds of tiny wounds.

The auspicious gambling den is not auspicious at all, because it is the place where Lin Qingluan's young master ordered an ambush on Wu Sanshou. After receiving the order, Lin Qingluan used the "substitute for a peach" technique to shake off Qiu Yeyijian's sentry, and then used her unparalleled lightness skill of riding the wind to reach this place, leaving the world in the dust.

Leng Shuangcheng had warned Wu Sanshou that as long as he didn't gamble, no one would be able to discover his identity. Obviously, he forgot this, and the news was relayed to various people by his spies.

Lin Qingluan arrived first, but his disadvantage lay in the fact that this was Qiu Yeyijian's territory, preventing him from making a large-scale arrest. Leng Shuangcheng learned of the gambling den's movements from a conversation in the teahouse and arrived second. There was also a third party, Qiu Yeyijian, whose presence was currently unknown. Both Lin Qingluan and Leng Shuangcheng understood the interconnectedness of the situation, so they remained calm and stood their ground.

Leng Shuangcheng looked into Lin Qingluan's eyes, and finally said calmly, "Young Master, we shall take our leave first. Qingzhou is surrounded by mountains and rivers. If we part here, we may become strangers when we meet again."

Wu San was surprised but remained silent.

Lin Qingluan sighed softly upon hearing her hint. His face was sallow, his expression unreadable; he simply clasped his hands, knuckles white, and turned inward. Leng Shuangcheng silently observed him, then protected Wu Sanshou and quietly walked out, as gently and calmly as she had arrived.

Just as Leng Shuangcheng was about to step out of the hall, Lin Qingluan turned around and took one last look.

The bright sunlight shone on Wu Sanshou, sweeping away the gloom and fatigue of the past two or three days of gambling. He couldn't help but squint. Walking to the outside of the screen wall, he took off his mask, wiped his sweat, and smiled sheepishly: "Acheng, thanks to you for coming..." He paused and smacked his lips, saying, "Your finger strike was really brilliant. I only managed to win back my losses because of it."

He heard a faint "open" sound coming from inside the gambling den, and he knew who had arrived. Overjoyed, he snatched the dice cup and flipped it over, and it certainly didn't disappoint him. Seeing Leng Shuangcheng's face lighten, he felt somewhat flustered by his lack of skill and immediately fawned over him.

Leng Shuangcheng turned his face and smiled slightly: "That's nothing. I stole it from Young Master Bixie. If you want to learn, I will teach you."

Wu Sanshou shut his mouth, his face slightly pale. Leng Shuangcheng walked silently along the street corner, and after a while said, "I know you're curious, I have something to tell you."

Wu Sanshou glanced at Leng Shuangcheng's profile and suddenly said, "Acheng, I'm fine... Actually, I've wanted to tell you for a long time, but I had some reservations and didn't say anything..."

"What's up?"

"Before I tell you, you have to tell me honestly what's going on between you and that young master?"

Leng Shuangcheng glanced at the distant sky. The sky was high and the clouds were far away. The wind swept across the horizon, disturbing the smooth clouds and scattering them into wisps of smoke resembling borders. She turned her gaze back and said with unwavering determination, "It's nothing. Since I've already fallen for Qiu Yeyijian first, for him, it can only be a case of meeting too late."

Wu Sanshou was shocked by Leng Shuangcheng's frankness. It was the first time he had been so direct with her about her feelings, and he was momentarily speechless. He then thought about how Leng Shuangcheng had taken care of him in the past and said with certainty, "Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease... I remember the night before we left the Ye residence, Young Master Qiuye played 'Longing for You' for half the night."

Leng Shuangcheng stopped and looked around. The scene was breathtaking: people everywhere, the scenery was beautiful, pavilions were scattered like stars, and winding waterways crisscrossed the landscape. All of this made her feel incredibly calm and natural. "Only then did I remember those lingering, resonant sounds; they actually carried a cyclical, repetitive quality."

Although Wu Sanshou was somewhat dazed in his infatuation, he was quite clear about Leng Shuangcheng's situation. He was determined to help her find a husband and spare her the suffering of wandering. Without hesitation, he recited with deep emotion: "The Bian River flows, the Si River flows, flowing to the ancient ferry of Guazhou. The Wu Mountains are dotted with sorrow. Thoughts linger, resentment lingers, resentment will only cease when she returns. The moon shines bright as a person leans against the railing."

Leng Shuangcheng looked at him and chuckled, "You've got quite a few lobbyists... You're too kind-hearted."

The two walked side by side, chatting slowly. Wu Sanshou listened attentively as she explained everything. In a moment of leisure, he looked up at her black hair and exclaimed in surprise, "Acheng, the silk flower in your hair is so beautiful, shimmering and dancing in the wind..."

Leng Shuangcheng suddenly realized what was happening and reached out to brush her hair.

A blue-winged butterfly fluttered into the sky, its wings shimmering with iridescent light. If Leng Shuangcheng hadn't made a move, the butterfly, hidden in her black hair, would have truly resembled a silk flower swaying in the wind.

“Blue Shadow Butterfly.” Leng Shuangcheng looked up at the freely flying butterfly and whispered, “Qiu Ye Yijian has arrived. As expected, he only waited for me for an hour.”

Where the trees rustled in the distance, the once bustling streets had vanished without a trace. The vast, wide streets of Qingzhou had, in an instant, been as flattened and bent by the autumn wind, utterly deserted. A strong wind rose, and two columns of cavalry captains with gleaming black manes charged in, their gleaming armor and silver bows making one's eyes tremble.

The horse seemed to understand human intentions. As soon as it galloped to a stop in front of Leng Shuangcheng, it came to a steady halt. All the silver-clad guards moved in unison, dismounted, and knelt on one knee, their voices resounding through the sky: "Please invite the young mistress back to the manor."

The voices echoed down the entire street, and the neat and efficient movements demonstrated the strict military discipline they always maintained.

Leng Shuangcheng glanced at the unmoving figures of the crowd, then looked at Wu Sanshou, whose eyes were glazed over, with a hint of forbearance: "They are the Imperial Guards of Young Master Yin Guang."

Wu Sanshou shook his head blankly, seemingly stunned and speechless.

The guards remained kneeling, unable to rise. Leng Shuangcheng grabbed Wu San's wrist and demanded, "Where is Prince Qiuye?"

A guard in silver robes first prostrated himself in worship, then raised his head and replied, "Young master left after receiving the message."

Leng Shuangcheng's face darkened, and he exclaimed, "This is bad!" He leaped up and rushed back the way he came, his clothes fluttering as he disappeared in a moment. From afar, a cold voice echoed back: "Protect Mr. Wu and get him back to his residence first."

—————————— Divider Line ——————————————————————————

Thank you all for your support. There are many characters, but they are really useful, so I've compiled a relationship table for your convenience. Thank you :-)

To avoid interfering with adults' reading experience, I'll try my best to avoid including Simu's humble personal feelings. (But I probably can't resist...)

Qiu Ye Yi Jian: The protagonist. He tackles major events one by one, and prefers a clean-cut approach to personal matters. His personal methods are self-evident. He's overly cautious; Si Mu couldn't unleash the other men, and the biggest victim was Chu Xuan.

Leng Shuangcheng: The protagonist. He's in the first year of junior high school. He has a deeply hidden personality and is more distant than respectful towards aristocratic young masters and the upper class. He truly feels a deep sense of regret for not meeting Lin Qingluan sooner.

Fourth Prince: