flamboyant - Chapter 55
"Given your skills and alertness, Brother, you wouldn't be captured so easily. It's just a rumor right now, and no one has confirmed it yet, which is why I said you were being entangled. Don't worry, Sister-in-law, I've already inquired, and we'll have news soon."
The bell's comforting words did not put Feng Ning at ease; she had a very bad premonition. Last time, those men in blue robes had relentlessly pursued and searched for so long without giving up. At the time, she didn't understand why, but now that she knew it was for love, she understood. That so-called Palace Mistress of Biyun Palace was truly determined to have Long San, willing to hurt him to capture him. This wasn't the expression of a woman's love for someone she already had; it was utter madness.
If Long San's carelessness were to fall into her heart, how could he possibly escape unscathed?
Feng Ning pondered Long San's fate, the consequences of his submission and the outcome of his resistance—none of which she wished to see.
Zhong Sheng said it was unconfirmed, but Feng Ning thought it was probably true. Long San wouldn't stay away for so long without giving an explanation. Feng Ning was restless and couldn't sit still.
A few days later, Zhong Sheng received the news and went out. He returned a day later with a sword in his hand. When Feng Ning saw the sword, her heart skipped a beat. It was Long San's sword.
Feng Ning remained silent, waiting for Zhong Sheng to speak. Zhong Sheng handed the sword to Feng Ning and said, "Sister-in-law, this sword belongs to my elder brother. He was indeed kidnapped by Biyun Palace. They released the sword and even sent out wedding invitations, saying that on the fifteenth of December, Biyun Palace Master Yun Ranxiang will marry my elder brother."
Feng Ning listened expressionlessly, showing no reaction. Zhong Sheng, somewhat frightened, took a small step back and explained their plans: "Sister-in-law, I've made an appointment with some of my elder brother's brothers and friends. We're going to rescue him; we can't let him fall into that woman's hands. So..." He placed his sword on the table, "The fifteenth is almost here, and I have to set off today. I must bring my brother back." He finished speaking, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and turned to leave.
"Wait a minute."
Upon hearing this, Zhong Sheng turned around and asked Feng Ning, "Sister-in-law, is there anything else you need?"
Feng Ning picked up Long San's sword and stroked the scabbard: "My own husband, I will save him myself!"
Zhong Sheng was surprised. He heard Feng Ning say fiercely, "If that so-called Palace Master dares to touch my Long San, I'll chop off her hand."
Feng Ning acted immediately. She quickly packed her bags, said goodbye to Bao'er, and told her that she was going to fetch her uncle. Although Bao'er was extremely reluctant to part with him, she immediately stopped crying when she heard that she was going to fetch her uncle. Feng Ning hugged and kissed Bao'er repeatedly, and instructed Aunt Cao and Xiao Zhuzi to take good care of her. She also asked Zhong Sheng to ask two of his younger brothers to look after him. Then she set off with Feng Ning.
The two rode at full speed for three days and arrived at Suiyang City, the residence of Biyun Palace. Yun Ranxiang had sent out wedding invitations to Long San, intending to marry him in front of the martial arts world, and this was the place she had chosen.
Feng Ning originally thought that Zhong Sheng was just a few brothers and friends, but after traveling for two days, when they arrived at the meeting point, they found that there were actually about thirty people, from various sects and factions.
Long San has always been a helpful person and has made many friends. Coupled with the Long family's status and influence, few sects or factions supported or attended the forced marriage by Biyun Palace. Instead, many came with invitations, seeking an opportunity to rescue him.
Feng Ning told Zhong Sheng not to reveal her identity, but to say that she was a partner who had come to rescue people.
Two days later it would be the fifteenth of December. The group discussed the matter overnight. Some had already investigated and reported that although the residence was decorated with lanterns and streamers in a festive atmosphere, they couldn't find the place where Master Long was being held captive, nor could they find the Palace Mistress of Biyun Palace. The group deduced that Yun Ranxiang must know her actions were unpopular. If she wanted the wedding to go ahead, she would have to hide Master Long well and keep him safe until the wedding was over. By then, the deed would be done, and with everyone watching, neither the Long family nor Master Long could deny it. Therefore, they concluded that the prisoner must be somewhere else.
Feng Ning stood outside the circle, listening quietly. She suddenly felt sorry for Long San. In his life, he had been married off either to a pig or a chicken, and each marriage was forced upon him. He finally fell in love with someone, only to be cheated on and given another man's child. Feng Ning felt a pang of heartache for Long San. She thought to herself that she must treat him well from now on and never let him suffer again.
As dawn approached, another group of scouts returned. It turned out that there was an unnamed manor at the foot of Xichi Mountain on the outskirts of the city. It had always been low-key and quiet, but recently it had been heavily guarded. The scouts recognized the guards as being from Biyun Palace. Upon closer inspection, they discovered that the layout of the main building was indeed the residence of the Biyun Palace Master, and that Third Master Long was also being held captive there.
After discussing it, everyone decided on a plan to launch a feint attack on the fourteenth night to rescue the people. One group would make a show of attacking the Biyun Palace residence, while the other group would go to the nameless manor at the foot of West Pond Mountain to rescue them.
On December 14th, the full moon hung high in the sky, and the night was still and windless.
Inside the west room on the second floor of the main building of Wuming Manor, Long San lay quietly on the bed. He had been given muscle-weakening powder for several days in a row, leaving him weak all over. He suppressed his anxiety and secretly used his internal energy to expel the poison. Today he finally succeeded. He tested his internal energy and found that he could use it without any problems. He pretended to be doing this, intending to find an opportunity to escape.
Soon, the opportunity came.
Yun Ranxiang entered the room with two maids. When she saw Long San looking at her, she struggled to get up but her legs were so weak that she almost sat down on the ground. She couldn't help but smile and, together with the maids, helped Long San to a chair.
She stroked Long San's face and said, "I don't mind if you talk to me while you're lying down."
Long San gave a forced, unsmiling smirk, and Yun Ranxiang smiled at him again. Two maids placed the wine, dishes, and a small box on the table, bowed, and withdrew.
Yun Ranxiang moved her chair and sat down next to Long San, pouring him a glass of wine: "Tomorrow is our wedding day. I know you are not happy right now, but I promise that I will be a wife who will make you happy and satisfied."
Long San spoke up, saying with a hint of sarcasm, "Palace Master is truly confident."
Yun Ranxiang smiled sweetly: "I am young and beautiful, wealthy, powerful and influential in the martial arts world, and can have whatever I want. How can I not be confident?"
"Since the Palace Master is so kind, finding a willing and ideal husband should be a piece of cake. Why force me so hard?"
Yun Ranxiang held the wine to Long San's lips, but Long San pursed his lips, unwilling to drink. Yun Ranxiang smiled and drank it down in one gulp herself. "Everyone says that I first met you at the Huawen Hall during negotiations. I was captivated by your handsome appearance and wealthy family background. They are all wrong. How could I be as shallow as those common women?"
Long San raised his eyes: "Could it be that we've met before?"
Yun Ranxiang took a bite of food and said slowly, "Third Master Long has traveled the world and met many people. He has probably forgotten many of the people he met by chance. This is not your first time visiting Chishan in the west of Suiyang City, is it?"
Long San's heart skipped a beat, but he remained silent.
Yun Ranxiang continued, "Not only was this not the first time for Third Master, but he also stayed on this West Pond Mountain for a period of time several years ago." Seeing the surprise on Long San's face, she smiled and poured him another cup of wine. "Five years ago, I was just a young girl passing through Suiyang City. Because I liked the scenery here, I ditched my servants and secretly ran up the mountain to play. I met a young swordsman fishing on the mountain. It was almost dusk, and when he saw that I was alone, he told me with concern to hurry down the mountain, as it would be dangerous in the mountains at night."
She fed the wine to Long San's lips, and Long San seemed stunned, drinking half a cup from her hand. Yun Ranxiang smiled happily and continued, "I will always remember that person's appearance. He carried a jade-white longsword on his back, and his jet-black hair was blown by the wind behind his head. He had a gentle smile and a very pleasant voice." She leaned softly against Long San's shoulder, stroking the bridge of his nose, "His eyes were bright, his nose was straight, and his mouth was neither wide nor thick. He was elegant and handsome."
Long San remained silent, while Yun Ranxiang continued in a soft voice, "Although I thought he was alright at the time, I didn't take him seriously. Two days later, I had a fight with the wet nurse who had taken care of me since I was little, so I ran away again. I ran up the mountain to cry and encountered that swordsman again. He seemed to be attracted by my crying. When he came over, he happened to see that I had been bitten by a snake. He saved me, sucked out the venom, and applied herbal medicine. He asked me why I was crying and why I was all alone here. He comforted me, saying that everyone has unhappy times, but if there were no unhappy times, then happiness wouldn't be cherished. He carried me down the mountain and took me back to the inn."
Upon hearing this, Long San sighed and said, "So it was you."
A note from the author: Yesterday, due to a network outage, I couldn't post anything or send announcements, so I could only send a message from my phone. Many of you may not have seen it, I'm truly sorry. My broadband is back up now, so I'm posting yesterday's content first, and I'll continue tonight at 8 PM. Thank you all for your support.
In the next chapter, Feng Ning will unleash her power, and poor Long San will continue to be cunning. See you at 8 PM.
41
41. Master Long, overjoyed at being rescued...
Yun Ranxiang hugged Long San, resting her head against his chest: "I was so foolish back then. I didn't ask your name or where you came from. By the time I came to my senses, you were already gone. I went to the mountain to look for you. You said you would stay there for a few days, but when I recovered from my injuries and went back to look, I couldn't find you anywhere. Later, I built a guesthouse in Suiyang City and would come here to stay for a while every year. I always hoped to see you again, but unfortunately, I never got the chance. Until, you negotiated with my Biyun Palace for that big oaf..."
Long San sighed again. Yun Ranxiang smiled at his helpless expression and kissed him on the cheek: "We are destined to be together. It's God's arrangement. So, I set the wedding in this city. This is where our fate began. Isn't that wonderful?"
“I don’t think so either. I’ve told you before, I have someone I like, but he’s already married and is someone else’s husband. I’m afraid even God doesn’t intend to grant your wish.” Long San poured cold water on Yun Ranxiang’s hopes.
Yun Ranxiang straightened up and looked Long San up and down seriously: "You really don't want to marry me?"
"Really?" Long San said without hesitation, "I will not marry you."