Lanting

Kapitel 97

As we spoke, we arrived at the third garden gate. A delicate and refreshing floral fragrance wafted towards us, invigorating our senses and bringing us indescribable comfort. Under the warm winter sun, clusters of yellow wintersweet blossoms bloomed on the green branches, a truly beautiful sight. Some wintersweet buds were still waiting to open, standing proudly in the wind.

"Lord of the Fortress," He Yunya approached gracefully, "It is said that when Young Master Qingfeng was sixteen, he fell in love with a girl. Because the girl's name contained the character 'plum,' Young Master Qingfeng spent a fortune searching the world for the finest plum varieties to cultivate in his garden, all to win a smile from his beloved. Is this true?"

Lu Qingcheng's eyes darkened. "That is indeed true."

"Poor man!" He Yunya's voice was faint and slightly sad, filled with deep pity. "The plum blossoms bloom every year, but his beloved girl has changed."

Kiyomi Tsuki's heart skipped a beat, and he looked at her with a puzzled expression. She was tilting her head back, admiring the wintersweet blossoms that covered the branches. Kiyomi Tsuki followed her gaze; the flowers, seemingly just beginning to bloom, resembled children's smiling faces, silently telling a story with their unique and beautiful smiles. In that instant, Kiyomi Tsuki was captivated; his heart felt an unparalleled peace and tranquility. Suddenly, the surroundings became so quiet, without a single sound. Perhaps others felt the same way, silently gazing at the vibrant wintersweet blossoms, afraid to make a sound, lest they break the beauty.

Luo Yuting was very anxious. He wanted to urge them, but after being glared at by Zhang Zhichun, he had no choice but to shut his mouth.

Seeing this rare opportunity, Lü Ying turned to slip away, but Luo Yuting grabbed him and shouted, "Stop! Lord, Lü Ying is trying to escape. We need to catch them in the act, not let him tip us off."

Lu Ying was furious. "What do you mean, 'caught in the act'? Who do you think you are? How dare you speak such vulgar and rude words in front of the Lord of the Fortress, Young Master Jian Yue, and the young ladies?"

Enraged, Lü Liang cursed, "You're just looking for trouble. I can't hold back anymore, let's fight first!" He rolled up his sleeves and was about to rush forward to grab the man when Huang Chong stopped him.

Luo Yuting didn't even glance at Lü Liang, his face displaying a cunning smile that was both obsequious and smug. "Lord of the Fortress, you are so selfless, you wouldn't be protecting anyone, would you?"

Qing Jianyue clenched her fist, almost swinging it in a beautiful arc to smash it into his face. He Yunya's lips curled into a cold smile, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes like an arrow. Zhang Zhichun and Huang Chong couldn't help but shake their heads, sighing inwardly that Lin Feng had such a relative.

Lu Qingcheng laughed instead of getting angry, "Lu Ying, lead the way. I really want to see what your young master is up to, that he's been caught red-handed and still won't let go."

Lu Ying gritted his teeth in hatred, but dared not lash out. He led the way, inviting Lu Qingcheng and her entourage into the garden. After Lu Qingcheng and her group had passed, Luo Yuting came over, glaring at Lu Ying with a cruel expression of a cat playing with a mouse. Zhang Sanlin, taking advantage of Lu Liang's misfortune, let out a gloating sneer, clearly having forgotten his pathetic state in front of Lu Qingcheng.

Lu Liang roared like a tiger, startling Zhang Sanlin so much that he stumbled. Unfortunately, Huang Chong caught Lu Liang in time, preventing him from pouncing on Zhang Sanlin and snapping his neck as he had hoped.

As soon as they entered the garden, Qing Jianyue let out a joyful shout, pulling Lu Qingcheng off the path and laughing like a child as they rushed into the flower grove. His laughter was so cheerful, as if it were filled with all the happiness and joy of the world. Anyone who heard his laughter would never forget that feeling of being in paradise. Lu Qingcheng especially loved his laughter, instantly forgetting everything else, and followed him as they wandered in and out of the sea of flowers.

Xu Yun watched silently, her beautiful face turning sinister and unpredictable with jealousy.

Seeing this golden opportunity, Lü Ying, noticing Luo Yuting watching him, gave his brother a wink. Lü Liang understood and turned to slip away, but Zhang Sanlin grabbed him. Lü Liang executed an over-the-shoulder throw, slamming Zhang Sanlin to the ground. Zhang Sanlin screamed, "Lü Liang tried to tip me off!"

"Lord, Lü Liang wants to go and report this!" Luo Yuting exclaimed. "What do you suggest we do?"

Lu Qingcheng's good mood was completely ruined. He was furious and his smile seemed to have been blown away by the winds of hell. He stared at Luo Yuting with a sinister look, almost ready to draw his sword and kill him. Lu Liang was so frightened that he loosened his grip and threw Zhang Sanlin, whom he had just pulled off the ground, back down.

Luo Yuting felt a chill run down his spine and forced himself to say, "I know I have failed your expectations and I am filled with remorse. It is precisely for this reason that I must help the Lord of the Fortress to maintain its reputation."

His words were so eloquent and plausible that even Lu Qingcheng, no matter how angry she was, was rendered speechless. His expression grew even more unpleasant, and the chill emanating from him not only made Luo Yuting's teeth chatter but also made everyone else tremble.

Qingjian Yue walked over, seemingly unaware of what had happened, and took Lu Qingcheng's arm, smiling as she said, "Lord of the Fortress, the colors of these winter plum blossoms are indeed quite different. Which kind of golden bell hanging are you referring to?"

His eyes shone like the morning sun; the light emanating from him gave people an indescribable sense of peace, tranquility, and serenity. That comfortable feeling made people feel carefree and extremely happy.

Soon, a smile returned to Lu Qingcheng's face. He took Qing Jianyue's hand and ventured deeper into the sea of flowers. He was willing to do anything to please his beloved, let alone such a small thing. Sure enough, he found it.

Kiyomi Tsuki exclaimed in admiration, her black crystal eyes reflecting the golden plum blossoms. "They really do look like golden bells hanging from the ceiling. Nature, the creator, is truly amazing."

He touched the upside-down wintersweet blossoms, his radiant smile reflecting the golden petals, a beauty that dazzled Lu Qingcheng's eyes. He couldn't help but wrap his arms around Qing Jianyue's waist, holding her tightly, completely oblivious to the many eyes watching from afar. This time, Qing Jianyue was surprisingly docile, letting him hold her without struggling.

“A happy person will only feel joy when they see a garden full of blooming winter plum blossoms; but a disappointed person will only feel sorrow.” Kiyomi Tsuki smiled gently, “Whatever you see later, please be understanding, Lord.”

Lu Qingcheng gazed at him intently and nodded, saying, "I understand what you mean. Let's go and take a look at Plum Blossom Pavilion."

Watching Lu Qingcheng embrace Qing Jianyue's back, Xu Yun sighed, her heart filled with a heavy sense of defeat. She gradually fell to the back of the crowd. Suddenly, He Yunya emerged from the flower grove like a gust of wind, grabbed Xu Yun's arm, and startled Xu Yun into screaming.

"Yun Ya?"

"Walk."

He Yunya held her arm with one hand and supported her waist with the other, walking forward quickly. Xu Yun's feet didn't touch the ground, so she didn't need to exert any effort and caught up with the person in front in the blink of an eye.

A warm breeze blew by, carrying not only the delicate fragrance of winter plum blossoms but also the clear, melodious sound of a flute, elegant and pleasing to the ear, refreshing the mind and spirit. Climbing the stairs, the flute's sound became even clearer, as pure and serene as pristine white snow. In such a beautiful moment, something incongruous existed: Lü Ying's sweat poured down her face like a waterfall, while Luo Yuting and Zhang Sanlin were overjoyed.

Upon reaching the top of the stairs, Luo Yuting rushed over, quickly pushing open the carved door, his smile utterly obsequious, "Lord of the Fortress, please. Young Master Jianyue, hehe, please come in." Qing Jianyue nearly vomited in his face. The two entered the hall first. Inside, a sumptuous feast was laid out on the carved table. Qingfeng sat at the table, sipping wine, his brows and eyes filled with unconcealed sorrow and grief. Cai Zhonghe was playing the xiao (a type of vertical flute), his handsome face and elegant demeanor captivating all who beheld him.

Looking around, there was no one else but the two of them entertaining themselves. Qing Jianyue seemed to hear two "thuds," and his, and Lu Qingcheng's, hearts that had been hanging in suspense finally settled. Their hearts settled, but Luo Yuting and Zhang Sanlin's smiles remained as stiff and cold as blocks of ice that had never melted.

The sound of the flute abruptly stopped, and Qingfeng stood up with a smile, saying, "Cousin, what brings you here? Lü Ying, why didn't you announce my arrival?" Although her face wore a flawless smile, her icy eyes were extremely cold when they swept over Luo Yuting and Zhang Sanlin. Luo Yuting and Zhang Sanlin suddenly felt as if they had been stripped naked and thrown into an ice cave, the chill penetrating not only to their hearts but also freezing to their very bones.

Lü Ying hesitated, not daring to speak.

Qingjian Yue was secretly puzzled. Who could have sent the message? Because if one looked closely, one would notice that there were six sets of bowls and chopsticks on the table. That is to say, there should be four other people besides the two of them. These four people are very likely the four beauties of the singing and dancing hall that Luo Yuting and Zhang Sanlin insisted on.

Cai Zhonghe returned from the window with a slightly awkward smile, cupping his hands and saying, "We were just saying that it's not very interesting for just the two of us to play, and we were thinking of inviting you and Jian Yue over." Without making a sound, he also glanced at Luo Yuting and Zhang Sanlin. If Qingfeng's gaze could freeze them to death, his gaze could be described as a knife, making Luo Yuting and Zhang Sanlin taste the feeling of being scraped alive.

The arrogance of Luo Yuting and Zhang Sanlin was completely extinguished by their mere glares. Zhang Sanlin was so terrified that his legs trembled, and he was on the verge of wetting his pants and begging for mercy. He was filled with remorse. As for Luo Yuting, he had Lin Feng protecting him, but what about himself? Even if Lu Qingcheng didn't punish him, Lu Qingfeng and Cai Zhonghe would definitely not let him off the hook. They would make him wish he were dead.

Lu Qingcheng's expression softened like a spring breeze melting ice and snow as he smiled and said, "Jianyue said that Qingfeng invited him to enjoy the flowers and wine. With such a wonderful opportunity, how could I, your brother, refuse?"

Qingfeng, Cai Zhonghe, and Qi Shuashua all looked at Qing Jianyue. Qing Jianyue felt flustered, her face turned red, she was sweating profusely, and she even started to stutter when she spoke.

"Qingfeng, have you forgotten? You said you would invite me to admire the flowers and drink wine."

Qingfeng glanced coldly at Xu Yun, who stood slightly behind and to the right of Lu Qingcheng, and immediately understood. His gaze lingered on He Yunya's face after passing Xu Yun, then shifted to her own, where she was glaring at him fiercely, her beautiful, cold eyes flashing with a wicked glint. Qingfeng, expressionless, looked back at Xu Yun and said mockingly, "I see."

Xu Yunfang's heart skipped a beat, as if her secrets had been pierced. An embarrassed blush spread across her face, and she lowered her head awkwardly.

Cai Zhonghe was a very intelligent man; he immediately understood what was going on. His heart was in turmoil, filled with waves of aching pain.

Everyone in the room had their own ulterior motives, but Lu Qingcheng seemed oblivious to it all, laughing heartily as she said, "Qingfeng, you're quite the wealthy man, you wouldn't serve your brother such food and wine, would you? Jianyue has a sharp tongue, if you can't get past him, I won't stand for it."

Qing Jianyue felt the oppressive gazes from Qingfeng and Cai Zhonghe again. Her face flushed red and then turned pale. She cursed herself for being so stupid as to fight with a woman and make such a fool of herself. She wondered how Qingfeng and Cai Zhonghe would humiliate her in the future. Just thinking about it made her want to find a hole to crawl into and never see anyone again.

"Lu Ying, remove these dishes and tell the kitchen to serve new ones. I heard what the lord said. Tell the kitchen staff to work harder and make whatever Young Master Jianyue likes to eat. If Young Master Jianyue doesn't like it, they can leave tomorrow." After giving the order, Qingfeng said politely, "Cousin, please have a seat, you and Jianyue."

Lu Ying agreed, wiped away his cold sweat, and rushed out as fast as the wind. Four family members were brought in, and under his command, they quickly and efficiently cleared away the remaining food and cleaned up the tables and chairs. By the time they left, it was less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.