Clouds Drunk, Moon Slightly Sleeping

Chapter 27

Clouds Drunk, Moon Slightly Asleep (Revised Edition) Volume Two: Where is the Vast Sky and Water? In Dreams, I Know Not I Am a Guest (Part Three)

Chapter word count: 3947 Last updated: 08-12-21 16:20

Unaware of being a guest in a dream (Part 3)

"What? You mean Zhang De also sent people to protect me secretly? If that's true, they just stood by and watched me die?" I suddenly felt extremely angry. What were these so-called secret guards even doing? If the Yun family had secret guards following me, how could they just stand by and watch me die? And the people Mu Qinglin arranged to protect me secretly, did they only show up when the bracelet whistle blew? If Mu Qinglin's people could be explained by the strictness of military orders, then what about the Yun family's secret guards? Under what circumstances would they even show up?

"No. But I can't be sure if the man in black who suddenly appeared and helped us escape danger after you fainted last night was..." Yun Hui's words were interrupted by a clear, high-pitched whistle, and the carriage suddenly stopped.

I tensed up nervously, a strange anger rising within me. Had I encountered the men in black again? Who was it that was so determined to kill me? The thought enraged me. I was about to get up and leave the carriage to see what was happening when Yunhui rose and knelt before me. I pushed him forcefully, but my hands struck his right shoulder, and blood quickly seeped out, staining the white gauze. Even so, Yunhui remained kneeling, only his brow furrowing slightly.

"Have you forgotten how Yunhui lost his right hand? Yet you're still so reckless!" Yun Bai's voice was unusually tinged with helplessness. He reached out and pulled me to his side before lifting a corner of the carriage curtain to look outside.

Yes, Yunhui lost his right hand because of me. How could I forget? If I hadn't seen Hong'er lying on the ground and jumped down from the tree without thinking, Yunhui wouldn't have lost his arm saving me. My willfulness, recklessness, and lack of composure have already hurt those around me. How can I, how can I act as if nothing happened and continue to do whatever I want?

"Yunhui, get up quickly. Are you alright?" I took a deep breath, trying to ignore the blood seeping from his right arm, trying to resist the dizziness that followed, and trying to calm myself down.

"When did you provoke Crown Prince Xiu Ruo?" Yun Bai turned around and stared at me, his brows slightly furrowed, but his eyes remained cold.

"Crown Prince Xiu Ruo?" This is a vegetarian shrimp, is it edible? My mind just couldn't process it.

“Everyone knows that the Crown Prince of Xiuruo Kingdom is a guest of honor of the silver-haired red-haired Li Yubin.” Yun Bai’s brows furrowed even more. “Just how many people have you provoked? The black-clad men who attacked us during the day yesterday, the black-clad men last night, and the black-clad men who helped us escape danger last night—aside from the first few we encountered, the rest are all exceptionally skilled.”

Hearing him say that, I was confused by the endless stream of black-clad men in my mind who looked the same but were divided into three groups, A, B, and C. Just as I was about to sort out my thoughts, a clear voice rang out from outside the carriage: "Young Master Yun, my master has long admired your reputation and would like to invite you to his residence for a gathering. I hope you will not refuse my master's kind offer."

Heaven has eyes! I've finally encountered someone who's courteous before resorting to force, giving me a heads-up before taking action. And since they keep calling me "Young Master Yun," they must already know my identity perfectly well.

I suddenly found it somewhat amusing. I recalled Long Fox's initial firm refusal, Mu Cangying's protection of me on this trip, and their tense and uneasy expressions before departure. I remembered the scene of those four young men and that old rascal Gu Wenxiu sending off Jing Ke (a legendary general known for his treacherous deeds). At the time, I couldn't understand why everyone had to make it seem like I was going to sacrifice myself for my country. But considering the events of the past two days, I realized that I was probably the only one who naively believed that this persuasive journey would be effortless, allowing me to leisurely return to Longyao Kingdom, enjoying a leisurely New Year with Fox and the others. Ha! Although I still don't know exactly where the problem lay, I at least realized one thing: how naive I was! I actually thought my happy and peaceful life in Longyao Kingdom was the whole world, that without Long Fox and Mu Qinglin's indulgence, without the protection of the Yun family, without the Prime Minister's aura, I could still have that kind of luck? Wake up!

"Xiao Bai, with your strength, can you handle that silver-haired red-haired man?" The despair in my heart made me unusually calm and rational at this moment.

"They're evenly matched." That confident look vanished instantly, but it gave me an indescribable sense of familiarity and peace of mind.

"Then come with me and get out of the carriage to meet him." I turned to Yunhui and said, "Yunhui, you stay here. When I call you, come and pick me up in the carriage. Be quick, understand?"

I took Yunbai's hand and got off the carriage. Since I had to face all of this myself, panicking would only make my situation worse. Although Hong'er and Yunhui's affair had hit me hard, I understood even more that only by living well could I repay Hong'er and Yunhui's sacrifice. Although I'm usually a lazy person when it comes to thinking, in this crucial moment, having learned a painful lesson, I would be fully alert to face all the unknown difficulties ahead.

Yun Yao was already on high alert, his face grave. I looked up, with an unprecedentedly relaxed air, gazing at the four tall black horses ten feet ahead. The leader, dressed in red, with flowing white hair and handsome features, exuded an indescribable air of heroic spirit. "Fine clothes and spirited horse," I thought, could not have been more fitting. Seeing me dismount, he spun around and dismounted with graceful movements, like a dragon in flight.

“It’s too kind of you, Young Master Li, to come in person. Your master thinks so highly of me. I am truly humbled.” I bowed slightly to him, my expression both humble and distant, and smiled calmly. “Unfortunately, I have important matters to attend to and it is inconvenient for me to have a chat with your master. I will definitely visit you another day to apologize.”

"Young Master Yun's refusal of my master's kind offer is quite a blow. If I were to return like this, I fear I would find it difficult to explain myself to my master!" The voice remained clear and resonant, neither humble nor arrogant. For someone so young to be a guest of honor of the Crown Prince of Xiuruo Kingdom, such composure was truly commendable. He was certainly no ordinary person.

"I hope Young Master Li will put in a good word for Yunfeng. Your master is renowned throughout the land for his kindness and benevolence, and he will surely understand Yunfeng's impudence today. Yunfeng will take his leave now, and will certainly apologize in person another day." After saying this, I gave a slight bow and turned to walk towards the carriage.

"Young Master Yun, please wait!" the silver-haired red-haired man Li Yubin called out hurriedly. When he saw me stop and turn to look at him, he clasped his hands in return and said humbly, "If Young Master Yun does not come with me to see my master today, please forgive me for offending you."

Before I could finish speaking, Yun Bai flashed in front of me and blocked my way. I quickly took a small step to the left and was surprised to see Li Yubin staring at Yun Bai with a puzzled look. After a moment, his eyes turned contemptuous and disdainful.

"Isn't this the young palace master? Why are you dressed like this? I almost didn't recognize you. What? Is the young palace master trying to change his appearance and start anew? Or is reality too bitter, and he's using this outfit to conceal his identity?" Li Yubin's tone was completely different from when he spoke to me; it was quite sarcastic and unfriendly.

Huh? He's talking to Xiaobai? Young Palace Master? I understand "changing my appearance," he just said my haircut was unique, but what does "starting a new life is too hard" and "concealing my identity" mean? Xiaobai, whose young palace master is he? I gently tugged at Xiaobai's sleeve, very confused.

"My name is Yun Bai. I don't understand what you mean by that, young master." Yun Bai quickly grasped the hand that was tugging at his sleeve. His hand was still cold, and his voice was as cold as ever as he spoke to Li Yubin.

Young Master, was that Xiao Bai's identity before he met me? He must be quite extraordinary. Li Yubin, as a martial arts practitioner, became a guest of the Crown Prince Xiu Ruo; his martial arts skills must be exceptional. Xiao Bai said he was on par with Li Yubin. Thinking back to what he said to me in the carriage, he not only recognized Li Yubin at a glance and knew about the Crown Prince Xiu Ruo behind Li Yubin, but he even seemed to discern something about the black-clad man who attacked us earlier. Xiao Bai, what kind of person was he before? And why did he have such a death wish at the Qingyun Inn? And now, can he truly let go of everything from the past and simply be my Yun Bai?

Regardless, that's a matter for later. Right now, the most important thing is how to get through this. Although I don't yet understand why Crown Prince Xiu Ruo wants me to come, since they already know my identity and have appeared at this time, it's probably not a good thing. Avoiding them is the best course of action. Besides, what I need to do can't be delayed any longer. Thinking this, I took the seven-colored glass bracelet on my left wrist to my lips and blew hard. A melodious whistle rang out, and I turned and ran towards the carriage, shouting, "Yun Hui, Yun Hui!"

Before I could run two steps, the sounds of fighting broke out. I couldn't care less about Yun Yao and Yun Bai behind me, nor did I dare to look back. I just kept telling myself: I must stay calm, I must stay calm. At this moment, only if I am safe can they be safe. I can't be impulsive like last time and hurt the people around me.

Upon hearing my shout, Yunhui darted out of the carriage like an arrow, instantly settling into the carriage. He grabbed me with his left hand and pulled me onto the carriage, then turned around, pulled the reins, and sped off.

Yun Bai was already entangled with Li Yubin, while Yun Yao was struggling to deal with the other three. Just as I was worrying about how Yun Hui would handle the situation, four figures in blue robes suddenly appeared from the side, blocking the enemy's attack for us.

It was Mu Qinglin who arranged it! I didn't expect them to arrive so quickly. From the moment I blew the whistle and ran back to the carriage until now, only a few seconds have passed. This speed is something I didn't anticipate. They must have been hiding in the shadows, never far from me.

"Leave this to them, Xiaobai, Yunyao, hurry up and follow!" I pulled open the carriage curtain and shouted outside, but the carriage did not stop and sped forward.

The four men in blue immediately separated and each found their target. After a few rounds, Yun Yao and Yun Bai gradually broke away and quickly rushed towards us. With a few leaps, they sat down on the horse in front, and we continued on our way.

"Young master, once we pass that mountain, we'll reach Tianzhou. Hold on tight, young master." Yun Yao's voice came steadily, and the carriage shook even more violently. I gripped the carriage rafters tightly with one hand, and gently smoothed my chest with the other, beginning to gather my thoughts.

Why did Crown Prince Xiu Ruo come to me, and why does he know my identity? Does that mean they already know what I'm about to do? What is his purpose in summoning me here now? Could it be that Xiu Ruo Kingdom has been involved in the war in Wangyue Kingdom from the very beginning, or is it simply a desire to get a share of the spoils, or perhaps they are plotting to be the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind? I was terrified by these thoughts!

A sharp, mournful neighing of a horse interrupted my thoughts. The carriage swerved sharply before starting to move again, but with even greater jolting. I slammed against the wooden plank behind me, quickly regaining my balance and flung open the curtain to see what was happening outside. That neighing wouldn't have happened without reason, and that sudden turn was definitely suspicious. The only good thing about these past two days of misfortune has been that it's made me much calmer in the face of adversity.

Huh, when did Yun Bai and Yun Yao disappear? I quickly turned around to look—a neat row of men in black, bows and arrows in hand, nocked and drawn, waiting for the order. And the direction they were aiming was right at my position, the arrows moving slowly with my carriage. And Yun Bai and Yun Yao were standing on either side of the back of the carriage.

I turned around and looked at Yunhui driving ahead, but ahead—

"Stop the carriage!" A second before I screamed, Yunhui had already pulled hard on the reins. The horse neighed again, its front legs thrashing in the air a few times before finally stopping. In the end, the carriage and the horse didn't fall off the cliff. Ahead was a cliff!

A desperate situation! It was a truly desperate situation!

Clouds Drunk, Moon Slightly Asleep (Revised Edition) Volume Two: Where Does the Vast Sky and Water Lead? One Wave After Another Rises (Part One)

Chapter word count: 4440 Update time: 08-12-21 16:20

One wave subsides only for another to rise (Part 1)

How ridiculous! We haven't even reached Tianzhou yet, and I'm already going to die here? These past two days of fleeing, have I finally succumbed to this fate?

"Haha, what an honor!" I simply stepped out of the carriage. Since I knew I couldn't escape, why struggle and make myself suffer? "I never thought that I, a mere mortal, would attract so many pursuers on my way here, simply because I had nothing better to do than to visit the Tianshan and Tianhu Mountains in Tianzhou and appreciate the beautiful scenery of wind, flowers, snow, and moon. Is it possible that the Tianshan and Tianhu Mountains are off-limits to outsiders?"

"Prime Minister Yun is truly fond of joking. I've heard that Prime Minister Yun is busy with official duties, and it's rare that he has the leisure to visit my Tianqing Kingdom for sightseeing. My master has long admired Prime Minister Yun's virtuous reputation, and has specially ordered me to wait here for Prime Minister Yun, so that I may invite him back, allowing my master to fulfill his duty as a host." The middle-aged man at the head of the group was lean and wiry, with a one-inch-long scar on his left cheek. Although I was not close to him, it was still very noticeable, showing how deep the injury had been.

It seems my identity has been exposed. I've kept it a secret for nearly ten days, but I've finally been found out. Ha, the road of persuasion is not easy. When he spoke of the Azure Sky Kingdom as "my Azure Sky Kingdom," I roughly knew the identities of these people.