Immortality, Immortality - Chapter 12
The sound of footsteps echoed downstairs. Ye Changsheng straightened his clothes and smiled at the newcomer. A red veil fluttered as she descended, her eyes like autumn waters, her fair face radiating authority. Her eyes were expressive, her eyebrows like dark ink; she was a beauty rarely seen even in brothels.
Ye Changsheng smiled slightly and respectfully cupped his hands, saying, "Greetings, Seventeenth Madam."
The woman looked directly into her eyes, her voice flat and without any inflection: "It's been a long time, Dr. Ye, this way please."
Ye Changsheng nodded and followed Jiang Qi upstairs. The upstairs was much the same as the downstairs; the carved beams and painted rafters were extremely intricate, yet still quite magnificent. Jiang Qi stopped in front of a room, bowed slightly, and whispered, "Young Master, the person has arrived."
After saying that, he gestured for the person to go inside.
Ye Changsheng smiled politely at Jiang Qi and slowly pushed open the door to go inside.
A person lay reclining on the couch, with flowing black hair, exquisite features, alluring eyes, and a bewitching smile.
What surprised Ye Changsheng the most was that he was now wearing a white robe with loose tassels, and for a moment he had lost the heavy fierceness of his previous red robe.
Chang Sheng gently placed the jade token on the table beside him and said in a gentle voice, "Thank you for the secret disc, Master Li. I now know that the largest brothel in Jiangling City is also run by Luoyang Tower. Master Li is truly a free spirit, so flamboyant, aren't you afraid of being found out?"
Li Huangyin smiled and said, "So what if we don't make a fuss? The prestigious sects will still come after us, shouting that they want to kill us."
Ye Changsheng nodded thoughtfully, it seemed to make sense.
That day, after Ye Changsheng went to and from Ye Junshan's study, he slipped up to the big locust tree in the backyard. While admiring the bottle under the moonlight, he casually took out a stone from behind his back. Upon closer inspection, it was an ordinary jade pendant attached to a yellow string, stuck to the locust tree with an awl. It had only three characters on it: Changmen Courtyard. Naturally, he also thought of Li Huangyin, who had suddenly appeared under this locust tree a few days ago.
Ye Changsheng sat properly in the chair closest to him, poured himself a cup of tea, and slowly drank it.
Li Huangyin raised an eyebrow, stood up and sat on the couch, a smile playing on her lips: "What brings Sect Leader Ye here in person?"
Ye Changsheng gently put down his cup and said softly, "Ten years ago, Liang Ning slaughtered over three thousand people in Guandong Village to seize Qiyuan, then burned everything to the ground. Ye Junshan arrived later and, faced with such a tragic scene, swore a solemn oath to eradicate Luoyang Tower. Two years later, his son Ye Sheng led ten factions of the martial arts world to Luoyang Tower, resulting in Liang Ning's death, and Ye Sheng's fate was no better. Eight years later, Ye Junshan is once again gathering troops..."
Ye Changsheng slowly exhaled, raised his eyes and asked, "I'm very curious, what has made him so persistent for the past ten years? To the point of being willing to do anything to destroy Luoyang Tower."
Li Huangyin leaned against the reed mat, gazing at the calm eyes that met his gaze. She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and murmured, "Ten years ago, I was still a sharp-tongued youth, unable to conceal my ambition. Although Liang Ning treated me well, he didn't trust me. I was like a mere decoration, sitting in the empty seat on the right. But one day, he unusually chose me and Meng Sha to accompany him to Guandong Village, a village steeped in ancient sword-making tradition, where every household forged iron and produced swords. That day was indeed spectacular. When we arrived at the village chief's house, Liang Ning smiled..." He asked me whether I wanted the lives of the entire village or to continue hiding the Seven Abyss Sword. I was also taken aback, never expecting the Seven Abyss Sword to appear in such an inconspicuous village. He said that since the matter had been exposed, he had no choice but to hand over the Seven Abyss Sword. We then left. However, just three days later, news spread that Luoyang Tower had massacred three thousand people in the village and taken the Seven Abyss Sword. "We took the sword, but we didn't kill the people. Now that we've come to this, Sect Leader Ye, do you know who truly killed the three thousand people of Guandong Village back then…?"
Ye Changsheng smiled silently: "Killing two birds with one stone, it is indeed a good idea, but in the end, Liang Ning took away the Seven Abyss."
Li Huangyin shook her head and smiled, "Liang Ning took away Qi Yuan, but little did she know that Ye Junshan's famous youngest son was actually his own daughter. In the end, he still lost."
Changsheng gently tapped the table, and after a long while, he slowly said, "For so many years, I have never been able to understand one thing. Why did you know so much back then? I can understand that you used me to kill Liang Ning so that you could take his place, but I cannot understand how you, who were clearly in Luoyang Tower, knew so much about the secrets of the martial arts world, even things that the then-Lord of the Tower did not know."
Li Huangyin brushed her fingers across her waistband and said, "Ye Sheng, who went deep into the dragon's den back then, was already a pawn of Ye Junshan. Killing Liang Ning with your own hands would have ended things. However, on that day, he searched the entire Luoyang Tower but did not find what he was looking for. At the same time, I became the successor of the Luoyang Tower... and also the master of the Seven Abyss. The biggest difference between you and me is that you were a pawn but did not know it, while I can now make him afraid."
He slowly rose and approached, a hint of disdain mixed with a smile: "Of course, I also have reasons why Ye Junshan must kill me."
Li Huangyin seemed to have suddenly discovered something and said in a deep voice, "The most exquisite of the Ji Ming poisons is made by tempering the poisonous toads of the Miao region in the Western Regions with first-grade red cinnabar. Sect Master Ye was poisoned but did not die... Eight years later, you look even younger. The Ye family's cultivation method is indeed unique. However... you should know that what I know, Ye Junshan also has ways to find out. Can you still extricate yourself?... Or perhaps, this is the situation that Sect Master Ye originally wanted."
Ye Changsheng subtly avoided his gaze and smiled, "I am a person with leisure time and no worries. Haha, Master Li is naturally beautiful. How could anyone else catch your eye? But since Master Li is willing to have a heart-to-heart talk with me today, it is not in vain that we have met in the past. I will take my leave now."
He straightened his clothes, waved goodbye, and took his leave.
He closed the door, let out a long sigh, and walked down the dimly lit corridor escalator. Jiang Qi was already waiting nearby. Chang Sheng asked gently, "Does Madam Seventeen know where Jia Ling is?"
Jiang Qi lowered her brows and said in a low, sinister voice, "Dr. Ye, come with me."
Chang Sheng's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that the Seventeenth Madam still remembered that she had caused her to go to jail? But that didn't make sense. She was clearly released halfway through the journey. She didn't even enter the gate of the yamen, let alone go to court.
As Jiang Qi walked into the inner room, she felt a little guilty. She had seen the group of beautiful women escorting Jia Ling into the room, and she wondered if it would be disloyal of her to rush upstairs herself.
As soon as he pushed open the door and entered the room, Changsheng felt even more guilty. He waved his hand apologetically at Jia Ling, who was squatting on top of the cabinet, and said, "Ah, well, let's go."
It is said that Jia Ling was swarmed to some unknown place by a group of women. These wolves and tigers terrified him. Taking advantage of their unpreparedness, he scrambled onto the top of the cabinet and refused to come down, no matter how much they tossed and turned. Then, he spotted Ye Changsheng at the door and, as if seeing a lifeline, jumped down. He grabbed his sleeves and ran outside.
Jia Ling wiped her sweat and said breathlessly, "Didn't you say you came here to do something? You've come to do things with all these women?"
Chang Sheng looked apologetic: "Ah, I didn't come here to find a woman."
Jia Ling glanced at her disdainfully and snorted a few times: "I didn't expect you to have this hobby. You really came to the wrong place and made me suffer for nothing."
Changsheng asked in bewilderment, "How can such a beautiful woman be suffering?"
Jia Ling touched her nose and said, "You know I can't stand the smell of perfume from women in brothels. How come girls are so different inside and out..."
Ye Changsheng thought to himself, "Thank goodness they're wearing makeup. I'm just glad the brothel downstairs at Luoyang Tower isn't using any aphrodisiac perfume."
As dusk fell, Jia Ling ate Ye Changsheng's snacks and mumbled, "Shouldn't we eat? Even if we don't go back to the Ye residence, we should at least find a place to stay."
Changsheng nodded and led Jia Ling to an inn called Linjiang. Linjiang Inn lived up to its name, built along the river. Looking out, one could see graceful willows, their shadows swaying on the green waves and the colorful red clouds.
The situation in Chu was divided, and Yang Gong suppressed the great state. Therefore, many scholars were consulted, and all plans were devised.
Yue Bi and I stand facing each other idly, Xun Long and I are each other's equals. Together we take a boat loaded with wine and float on the moonlit river.
Changsheng leaned against the precarious pillar of the pavilion, gazing at the surging river under the setting sun, and murmured to himself. Birds chirped, insects sang, a warm breeze caressed him, and behind him a gentle yet trembling voice sounded—
Distant trees hang like golden mirrors, deep pools reflect like jade pillars. Rippling waves add to the purity of the water, illuminating the stillness of the lamplight.
The bustling city of Shatou, with its exquisite bamboo-lined banks and windows. Children from Ba sing of the Wuxia Gorge, while travelers from the sea recount tales of the Divine Rapids.
Already weary from the endless cups of wine, yet still urging us to empty the jars. We drink freely, our spirits unbridled, the wind-driven oars churning with joy.
The joyous moments will be remembered in years to come, but sorrow descends upon me tonight. Knowing you possess an elegant and refined spirit, I must respond to your words.
Looking back at the soft red sunset, a woman with pale lips but flushed cheeks, her clothes fluttering, was already in tears...
What Jie Pei'an gave me, I can only grieve in vain.
Before long, the day had passed, and the martial arts tournament was drawing to a close. The disciples of established sects, even if unwilling, had no choice but to follow their sect leaders back home, weary from their journey. Most of the wandering swordsmen without sects stayed behind to explore the ancient city of Jiangling.
That afternoon, the weather was perfect, butterflies fluttered and swallows danced, and the sun shone brightly. Ling Baiyu thought to himself that Bai Qiuling had lived in Kuizhou for a long time and rarely left her home. It was not easy for her to go out this time. Although the reason made him feel uneasy, time flies and things are over. So he earnestly invited her to go out for a walk.
The two left the Ye residence and traveled down the road, passing Jingmen and descending Xiangping Street. A faint aroma of red bean candy wafted from the Heji shop on the side of the street. The plump shopkeeper at the entrance was still there, fanning himself with a palm leaf fan while stirring the thick syrup in the pot. Only the former soldiers' shop had been replaced by a cosmetics shop.
They used to be frequent visitors to this little street. Drinking and chatting, boating on the river, so full of youthful ambition, so arrogant and domineering, looking down on the world. Years have passed, and the world of martial arts is no longer the same. Looking at the woman beside him, Ling Baiyu's eyes softened. Though harsh, sometimes he even thanked fate for this arrangement; the world changes, and no one could have predicted things would turn out this way.
As they walked, they unknowingly arrived at the riverside inn. Seeing Bai Qiuling staring blankly at the plaque, he softened his tone and said softly, "Let's go in and sit for a while."
Bai Qiuling didn't speak, only nodded. The two went upstairs, and in the warm light of the setting sun, a person dressed in white with a bare face and long hair flowing, leaned against a pillar facing the wide river, speaking intently in hushed tones. A hoarse, gentle voice rang out.
The poem he was reciting was "Twelve Rhymes on Boating on the River and Enjoying the Moon".
Bai Qiuling suddenly opened her eyes wide, gripping Ling Baiyu's arm tightly with one hand, her lips turning snow-white.
He knew how cold and trembling the hand that was gripping him tightly was.
"Distant trees hang like golden mirrors... Drinking in the wilderness, our hearts are filled with joy; rowing in the wind, we revel in the exhilaration..."
The joyous moments will be remembered in years to come, but sorrow descends upon me tonight… Knowing you possess an elegant and refined spirit, I must offer my humble response.
When Bai Qiuling finished reciting the poem with tears streaming down her face and her voice trembling, she covered her mouth and choked up silently.
Hearing the sound, the person in the setting sun slowly turned their head. The soft sunlight shone on their face, giving off a faint golden halo.
Bai Qiuling wanted to go over and get a better look, but she found herself unable to move. She was trembling all over and stood there without even blinking, afraid that the person would disappear.
The woman seemed to have noticed them and slowly approached. She had a pale, thin, yet youthful face; though she wore no makeup and her hair was simple, it was easy to tell she was a woman. She smiled gently at Ling Baiyu beside her and said, "Ah, brother, well, what a coincidence!"
Ling Baiyu frowned, only then realizing that the person in front of him was none other than Ye Changsheng, the legendary physician he had met briefly at the Spring Breeze Full Moon Pavilion. He nodded slightly as a greeting, though he couldn't explain why he was so reluctant for Bai Qiuling to see Ye Changsheng.
Ye Changsheng turned around, carefully examined Bai Qiuling, and smiled slightly: "This young lady seems to be unwell."
Bai Qiuling opened her mouth, only to find her teeth chattering. She didn't cry, but tears streamed down her face. She shook her head and whispered, "...Sheng..."
Ye Changsheng sighed softly, "Miss, are you missing someone from the past... How about I invite you for a cup of tea?"
Jia Ling sat on the stool, propping her head up with one hand, her eyes darting between the three people. She had seen Ling Baiyu more than once, but the girl next to him was unfamiliar. While not exactly a beauty that could topple kingdoms, she was certainly a delicate and charming woman. However, she seemed to have suffered some kind of shock, and tears were streaming down her face uncontrollably.
Ling Baiyu, standing to the side, looked at Ye Changsheng with an inscrutable expression, seemingly lost in thought. He pursed his lips and finally spoke, "Now that the martial arts tournament has ended, I wonder what your plans are?"
Changsheng turned to look at Jia Ling, shrugged, and said, "No conclusion yet."
As they were talking, the sound of footsteps echoed up the wooden stairs. Everyone turned around.
Upon seeing the newcomer, Ye Changsheng couldn't help but sigh again, "Truly, life is full of unexpected encounters..."
The newcomer was dressed in black with a belt tassel inlaid with gold; he was none other than Zhu Luan, the second young master of the Zhu family.
The newcomer was slightly taken aback when he saw them, then stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said with a smile, "Hall Master Ling, Miss Bai." He then glanced at Ye Changsheng behind the two of them and hesitated for a moment, "Ye, Ye... Miss."
There weren't many people upstairs, Jia Ling thought to herself. It was already evening, and Zhu Luan coming alone to this riverside pavilion to drink alone was quite elegant, truly befitting his reputation as a refined gentleman. She recalled overhearing people discussing this a few days ago at the Ye residence, saying that the former imperial merchant's son was now Ye Junshan's right-hand man. Although young, he possessed excellent martial arts skills, was reliable and decisive in his work, and was highly valued by Ye Junshan.
Glancing at Zhu Luan, Ye Changsheng smiled and said, "So it's Young Master Zhu. Young Master Zhu, you're drinking alone? Ah..." Before Zhu Luan could answer, he looked around and said, "Why don't we share a table?"
He grabbed Bai Qiuling's sleeve and pulled her toward the window. Ling Baiyu reached out to block their way, but Ye Changsheng turned around and called Zhu Luan to come along, so he missed his chance.
Before he could even wonder, he felt himself lose his balance and was pulled away by Ye Changsheng.
Jia Ling rested her head on her hand, tapping her bowl absently as she watched Ye Changsheng across from her. Ye Changsheng had ordered three large jars of baijiu and a table full of side dishes, and seemed quite pleased with himself. He looked every bit the part of Li Bai exchanging his fine horse and thousand pieces of gold for wine.
After several rounds of drinks, everyone's eyes shone, their faces flushed, and they became more talkative. Although Bai Qiuling was a woman and appeared delicate, she had a surprisingly high alcohol tolerance, drinking one cup after another in silence.
A woman from the neighborhood, with a blue-and-white cloth handkerchief tied around her waist and her hair styled in a high bun, was probably there to change the soup and pour the wine for the guests. She came without being called, announced that she was playing the pipa, and then went to the banquet to play and sing.
These people were sent away with small gifts from the guests. Zhu Luan was about to take out his money when Ye Changsheng grabbed his sleeve and smiled, "Let her sing."
With the tuning pegs turned, a few lines of clear, crisp notes came to the ear.
The woman sang softly: "Idle sorrows fill my body, joyful things are rare in my eyes. Next year I should compose a poem to send you off. Let's count from tonight how many more times we'll meet. I want to invite you to drink a little wine, but who will offer it to me? Only you know my deep feelings. Spring is near at Dongxi, let's go home together. Willows droop their shadows on the river, plum blossoms fade in the snow."
A gentle night breeze caressed my face, dispelling some of the heat. The mournful sound of the zither lingered, a beautiful melody of "Linjiang Xian".
Chang Sheng was utterly puzzled by how the pipa player usually tipped people. She wondered why she had chosen this particular spot—a place that, while not particularly lively, wasn't exactly desolate—to sing such a mournful tune. Was it to suit the occasion? Ye Chang Sheng smiled helplessly. She hadn't been drinking, and her thoughts were scattered by the lingering music, drifting into the night of Jiangling.
Changsheng gazed at the lonely stars beyond the railing and the exceptionally bright and dazzling moon, then took his teacup and stepped out of the pavilion.
Bai Qiuling's gaze followed Ye Changsheng closely. She finished her drink, stood up, and followed him out.
Changsheng was not surprised to see the person who came; he simply smiled gently.
Bai Qiuling walked to her side, looked at the reflection of the bright moon in the river, and sighed deeply.
She murmured, "If he could smile at me like you do... I... I wouldn't..."
Turning to look at Ye Changsheng, he suddenly gave a dry laugh and said somberly, "Miss, would you like to hear a story from me..."
Changsheng nodded.
"There was a girl who had been in love with the young master of a wealthy family since childhood. She believed herself to be charming and lovely, and that the young master would surely reciprocate her feelings like other boys. Gradually, she realized that his eyes were only on martial arts and the world, and he never saw her. He laughed and joked with his brothers, but he couldn't understand the girl's feelings. A year passed, two years passed, five years passed. They became friends, not the only ones, but they shared happy memories. Then one day, someone approached her, gave her a bottle of medicine, and told her that if she didn't want him to die in vain… if, if she wanted to stay with him afterward, then… then feed him this… She hesitated. She knew it might not be true, but… but she wanted to try. If it was poison, she would just go with him. But, but… he disappeared! He would rather force out the poison from his body than stay with me… I, I…"
Bai Qiuling covered her face, choking back tears and unable to speak any more.
Changsheng shook his head and looked at her with pity: "He doesn't smile at you because he's not the one who will accompany you for life and grow old together. You ruined him. If he dies, you'll still be alive. Even if you go with him, he might not appreciate your kindness in the afterlife. Ask yourself honestly, how have you been all these years?"
Bai Qiuling slowly lowered her hands. She was lost. In the past eight years, she had rarely gone out. She didn't have the courage to commit suicide, nor the courage to face her deceased loved ones alive. Looking at Ling Baiyu, who was drunk with Jia Ling and Zhu Luan at the table, she saw that he was no longer as cold and stern as before. He was pushing Jia Ling away with one hand while still bringing glass of wine to his lips with the other. Suddenly, she burst into laughter through her tears.
Over the years, he has been the only one who has protected her openly and secretly. She may have known his thoughts a long, long time ago, but back then, she couldn't see anyone but Ye Sheng.