"Am I seeing things, or is it real? Ah Luan, why do you have that 'I want to say something but can't' look on your face?"
"You're just seeing things. How would I know who Ah Kuang's master is? You've forgotten, I never pry into his secrets. Come on, drink up!"
One cup after another, and another.
"Ah Luan, why are you shaking? Are you uncomfortable sitting here? Do you want to switch chairs with me?"
"It's you who's shaking."
"Me?" she slurred.
"Ah Gui, you're drunk."
"Nonsense! I've been able to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk since I was a child! Fill it up!"
One cup after another... With bloodshot eyes, the drunken rabbit collapsed with a thud.
"A-Gui." Cong Luan poked the soft, fluffy rabbit. "A-Gui?"
"Old Shan," someone said from outside the door.
"Come in."
"Is Alliance Leader Yu asleep?"
"Hmm, her experience in the martial world is still a bit shallow." Cong Luan rubbed his temples and looked at the puddle of water at the feet of the Drunken Rabbit. "Although she thought of using her inner energy to force the wine, she didn't expect there to be medicine in the cup. Senior Brother Headmaster, I only mentioned the Jade Cup and you immediately thought of 'Seven Cups of Drunkenness'. Well done."
"No, no, it's all thanks to Old Man Shan's uncanny foresight. How could I dare to take credit for it?"
Cong Luan gave a wry smile: "It's not that I'm a prophet. If Shangguan Yi hadn't given me a heads-up beforehand, saying that as long as I saw this key, I shouldn't be surprised no matter what A Gui said, I probably would have given myself away long ago. A Gui, you... don't blame me."
"Old Shan, there's no need to feel guilty. After all, men should marry when they are of age and women should marry when they are of age. Helping others find a partner is also for your own marriage."
"Hmm." Cong Luan gripped the key in her hand. "By the way, have you notified Shangguan Yi?"
"I've notified them; the people from the Shangguan Mansion should be arriving soon."
"That's good." Cong Luan stood up and picked up the sapphire blue book she had been holding onto for a long time. "If I hadn't been quick-witted just now, I would have been dead. Please remind all the disciples, Headmaster, that they should put away their books as soon as they see Alliance Leader Yu."
"yes."
"Does Senior Brother have any more questions?"
"Regarding this new issue..."
"Please speak freely, senior brother."
"Old Master Shan's writing is all true, there's no doubt about that. It's just that everyone in the Jinling branch is curious: did this Yu really rape Young Master Shangguan outside the Great Wall?"
Out of sight, a rabbit twitched slightly.
"That's right. Cong Luan witnessed the tragedy in the birch forest with her own eyes. Please read the new publication carefully from page two onwards for details. It not only contains exciting firsthand accounts but also extensive references. Heroine Zhen of the Qingcheng Sect, Senior Jia of the Taishan Sect, Sect Leader Hu of the Blood Saber Sect, and Elder Yan of the Beggar Clan all witnessed Yu taking advantage of Young Master Shangguan's injury and weakness on their journey south to Jinling. She groped him and committed the most immoral acts. Young Master Shangguan not only did not blame her but also defended her whenever he was asked about it. Yu, on the other hand, was shameless and denied everything after taking advantage of him. It was truly heartbreaking to witness and brought tears to one's eyes. Thus, some people lamented, 'Marry someone like Shangguan Yi, but never marry someone like Yu.'"
The rabbit's subcutaneous veins were throbbing.
"Junior sister, are those witnesses credible?"
"It's believable. Those people swore that if they were lying, even their great-great-great-grandchildren would be... cough... you know."
"So poisonous!"
"Yes, senior brother, you must remember to tell the disciples of the branch academy that recording history is recording the truth. Even if the truth transcends common sense, you must be true to your conscience..." Swaying, swaying.
"Old Shan, what's wrong?"
I feel a little dizzy.
"Is he drunk?"
"Nonsense, I've been able to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk since I was a child... Hmm, that sounds familiar, where... where..."
"Old Shan, Old Shan? Am I really destined to be an old ox? Never mind, let's help Old Shan back to his room first. As for this... it's too dangerous, let's wait for the Shangguan family to take over."
The door to the tea room closed gently, and after a while, a rabbit with a blue face and fangs sat up.
"Seven cups of wine." With a flick of his sleeve, the jade cups on either side were instantly switched. If it weren't for the fact that one cup was deep and the other shallow, even with such a beautiful spring scene, not a trace of the other would be noticeable.
So what if they were friends who risked their lives for each other? He still prioritized love over friendship. As for that kind-hearted young master Shangguan, whom everyone felt sorry for... first he cut off her left hand, then he removed her right arm. Can't people be like Yu Moumou? Heaven is unjust, heaven is unjust!
A red heart was split in two, and the wronged rabbit went down the mountain in grief and anger. Just when it seemed that there was no way out, a spring breeze blew in seven carrot fairies.
"Youngest child, what are you doing here?"
Chapter Five
March 27th, at the foot of Qingliang Mountain, at the Shangguan Mansion.
In the center stood a large "喜" (happiness) character, with crimson dragon and phoenix candles burning brightly. Seated on the high throne was none other than the legendary Jade Prince, whose fate—whether joy or sorrow—was uncertain, as he was about to be betrothed to the current martial arts alliance leader, the Silver Demon Yu. Yet, why was he dressed in a jade-colored robe, and his face devoid of any joy? Was he trying to make his resolve clear with his attire, refusing to enter the bridal chamber even under torture?
The martial arts figures, ostensibly there to witness the ceremony but actually there to gloat, were just beginning to suspect something when the entertainer announced, "Alliance Leader Yu has arrived! Sect Leader Wang of the Heavenly Dragon Gate has arrived!"
Here they come! The female silver demon is here to steal the bride!
Everyone stared wide-eyed, until the figure they had all been waiting for swaggered in through the main entrance, and they were instantly dumbfounded.
The blossoms of the Chinese pear tree, though dazzling and bright, cannot compare to even a tenth of this person's beauty. Exquisite embroidery outlines a graceful waistline, and a flowing robe accentuates a face of radiant beauty. Is this the legendary, nine-foot-tall, powerful female demon? Is someone's life a little too good?
Young Master Shangguan, what are you being so pretentious about!
Jealous glares flashed everywhere, but Shangguan ignored them, her dark eyes narrowing as she stared intently at the newcomer's dazzlingly beautiful and elegant makeup: "Zigui has really put in the effort today."
"Ziyu also thinks it's good? It seems that Seventh Senior Brother's taste is truly well-deserved." As he spoke, Yu Zigui looked at the flamboyant man behind him, whose clothes and ornaments were so exquisite that they were outrageous.
Rong Qi glanced at her, then gently unfolded her fan to conceal her smug grin. "What are you still standing here for? Don't forget your duties today."
A sense of responsibilities stirred within Shangguan Yi.
Yu Zigui gave him a troubled smile: "This outfit is a new one from Rong's Clothing Shop. My senior brother told me to wear it to the wedding banquet to show off and steal the limelight from Shangguan Weaving Workshop. I hope Ziyu won't blame me."
"It's probably not that simple," Shangguan Yi shifted her gaze, her eyes flashing sharply to her side. "Using beauty as bait, is that all Boss Rong is capable of?"
This is simply the highest level of being a needle in cotton and a knife in a smile. In the past, he would rather offend the cunning and treacherous sixth brother than offend Shangguan Yi, but now that he has the youngest brother in his hands, what is he afraid of?
Rong Ye fanned himself happily, the corners of his lips curving into an almost heavenly smile. “What do you care about my abilities? The youngest is the youngest of the Heavenly Dragon Sect. Let alone this little bit of beauty, even if her senior brother told her to get married right away, she would have no choice but to obey. Isn’t that right, youngest?”
Before Yu Zigui could answer, Shangguan Yi scoffed lightly. Without further ado, she reached out to grasp Yu's slender wrist, but suddenly a figure flashed past, revealing slightly tanned skin beneath her fingertips. Shangguan slowly raised her eyes, meeting a pair of lifeless, dull eyes that made one want to sleep.
“It’s not proper to give or receive something,” Wei Jiuping said, who was acting as a substitute for his sister.
Looking again, she was like a butterfly, following behind Wang Shuren, gracefully disappearing into the crowd of guests.
"Hmph." Shangguan shook off Wei Jiu's black wrist, his sharp eyes sweeping over the six strongmen of the Tianlong Sect blocking his way, finally settling on the seemingly kind but actually bandit leader, the sickly scholar. "Yesterday you secretly intercepted Zigui, preventing her from returning to the Shangguan Mansion, and today you used the excuse of new clothes to let her into the 'wolf pack.' Is this the brotherhood between you fellow disciples?" he said.
"It's no wonder that Young Master Shangguan has this misunderstanding. How could outsiders understand the bond between us and Lao Yao?" Fu Liu smiled gently and looked at his junior sister, who was being frequently introduced to the noble young masters of the martial arts world. "Lao Yao is at the prime of her life. Rather than letting those with ulterior motives take advantage of her vulnerability, it's better for her to get to know more people and choose carefully."
The final syllable is like a hook, hooking into the heart.
Shangguan Jun's eyes were cold and deep: "Fu Changyu, do you really want to be my enemy?"
"To be an enemy?" Fu Liu withdrew his gaze from the distance, his pale pupils showing a hint of confusion. "This is just a small token of my respect as a senior brother, how can it be considered an enemy?"
Shangguan's face turned slightly pale. Just then, firecrackers went off outside the door, and joy arrived as expected. A voice announced, "The newlyweds have arrived!" The spring breeze brought a splash of vibrant red, and the groom, handsome as a painting, led his bride through the main gate, holding a red ribbon in his hand.
Everyone stared in surprise at the young man in red robes. "Young Master Qiyang?" "How could it be him!" A buzz of discussion filled the hall. Suddenly, someone asked, "Who is the bride?"
That hit the nail on the head, and everyone's eyes turned to the person behind the groom.
The wedding dress was made of Nanjing Yunjin brocade, which was extremely valuable. It should have been incredibly gorgeous, but it was rather strange, like a mountain that wasn't a mountain and a cloud that wasn't a cloud. What was wrong with it? The heroes began to doubt their own observation skills.
Then the bride's legs buckled, revealing the matchmaker behind her who had been supporting her forward. No wonder something seemed amiss; the bride was as limp as a doll, managing to walk in a figure-eight pattern over such a short distance. Who was this?
"Nanshan Academy has no disciples who give up halfway, Elder Shan, cheer up! You're just a few steps away!" Wen Shanzhang, disguised as a wedding attendant, strongly encouraged the delicate bride.
"Old Shan, look over there. Who is this handsome young man in red?" The second matchmaker, the head of the sixth room, lifted a corner of her veil.
Trembling, Cong Luan raised her head, her hazy almond eyes looking at her beloved beside her. His slightly curled hair danced in the wind. The red clothes really suited him, she thought, and couldn't help but hiccup: "Uh... Ah Kuang..." Still not clear-headed, she laughed foolishly and ripped off the red veil covering her face.
The surrounding area erupted in chaos, with people exclaiming "Old Man Shan" and "Old Man Nanshan" from time to time, but she paid no attention.
"People of the martial world don't concern themselves with formalities, especially since this is my dream," she muttered softly, folding the red silk between them. Like a cat stealing cream, she slowly approached the "fat fish" she had longed for for twenty years. The closer she got, the more her heart pounded. This scene was more real than any dream she had ever had before. "Such a wonderful dream should be had more often," she said, watching the man lean slightly forward, his eyes and brows unable to hide his tenderness. It must be a dream; only in dreams would Ah Kuang look at her like this.
A bittersweet feeling welled up in her heart, and she smiled through her tears. Her vision blurred, as if she were returning to a hazy dream, when suddenly, like a gentle breeze, someone wiped away the moisture from the corner of her eyes. She and he were so close, so close that she could even feel the soft touch of his slightly curled hair against her cheek.
"Ah Luan, this is not a dream, I've come to marry you. I've understood all these years, but even when I'm awake, I pretend I'm still drunk. I remember all your kindness in my heart."
"It's a lie." Her vision blurred again, and she choked out, "This must be a dream, a dream. The real Ah Kuang only saw me as a confidant, a confidant..."
"Isn't it good to be a couple who are like close friends?"
She was stunned, noticing that his eyes were clearer than ever before.
"Ah Luan, you know I used to have inner demons. I can't give you the feeling of being consumed by love right now. As for a wife who is like a soulmate, would you still want me?" Xiao Kuang said cautiously, his eyes reflecting the face of his bride who had been smeared with blemishes.
"Okay...okay..." She cried and laughed, laughed and cried at the same time, "I used to hate seeing you pretend to be a flirt and philander, but if you ever dare to do that again..."
"Just break my legs then."
The assembled heroes watched the dramatic scene without blinking, having long forgotten about the plot of the female demon forcibly abducting the white jade prince, except for one person.
"A couple like soulmates? Truly a deep and abiding affection. But if we hadn't arrived in time yesterday and found the youngest before your esteemed residence, who would be the one drunkenly dressed in a red dress, ready for a wedding?" Glancing at Shangguan's displeased expression, Fu Xian chuckled. "'Plums are picked, baskets are filled, in mid-spring, at the Shangguan residence in Jinling, great joy,' this is the invitation attached to the newly published 'Anecdotes.' I think if it had been a happy occasion of the Qiyang young master and his wife living in harmony from the beginning, the signature wouldn't have been Shangguan."
Shangguan narrowed his eyes and said sarcastically, "Even Fu Changyu, who worries about the world, reads idle books about martial arts?"
"Now that you have a gourd with a capacity of five bushels, why not consider making it into a large vessel and floating it on the rivers and lakes! The world is the rivers and lakes, and the rivers and lakes are the world. There are many monsters in this lake, so how can one simply 'leisurely' be enough to sail on it?"
"The gourd of five stones, strange powers and chaotic spirits, Brother Fu really knows Zhuangzi by heart."
“Brother Shangguan, you really don’t understand me. Compared to Zhuangzi, I am more familiar with the teachings of Confucius and Mencius. Mencius said: ‘If they do not wait for the command of their parents or the words of a matchmaker, but instead peep at each other through holes and cracks, or climb over walls to meet, then…’” Ignoring Shangguan’s fiery eyes, Fu Xian asked and answered himself, “‘Then their parents and the people of the country will despise them.’ How could Brother Shangguan, who would discard the title of top scholar as if it were straw sandals, not know this? I think Brother Shangguan would never do such a shameless act that violates ethics and morality and seduces a respectable young lady.”
Seeing his senior brother getting carried away with the killing and leaving no room for Shangguan, Luo Shi sighed: "Sixth Brother is the one who loves the youngest the most. This time, Young Master Shangguan is in trouble."
Rong Qi gave him a look that said, "You're so stupid." "You think the sixth brother is standing up for the youngest?"
"Huh? Isn't that right?" Luo Shi asked in surprise.
“It’s a personal grudge.” Despite his deadpan expression, Wei Jiu always hit the nail on the head.
“Of course it’s a personal grudge.” Rong Qi fanned himself elegantly. “When the Five Absolutes Mountain was burned down during the imperial examination, who do you think stole the limelight from Sixth Brother?”
Xun Ba suddenly clapped his hands: "I remember now! The second most shameful thing in my life! Sixth Brother laughed about this for three days."
"He laughed for three days, but Sixth Brother wasn't unhappy at all."
Four large hands slapped at the dim-witted Eleven.