The moon hangs in the corridor, a crescent moon

Chapter 4

The woman in the car understood his caution, so no further words were needed. They traveled through the night.

At daybreak, he changed his carriage and horse in a town he passed through. He then went out and bought some food and two sets of clothes, stuffed them into the carriage, and continued on his journey.

It wasn't until the evening of the next day that he stopped the carriage in a wood outside the city and said to Queyue inside, "Give me the men's clothes in the carriage, and you change into the women's clothes too."

Queyue handed him the clothes and changed in the car. Her movements were very slow. Despite the treatment, Adi had indeed managed to make her "look no different from an ordinary person," but her arms still couldn't lift even a bucket. Her hands were still not very dexterous; even untying a simple belt took her a long time.

Ah Di wasn't in a hurry; he simply waited patiently outside the car.

After she changed her clothes, she slowly drove the carriage into the city.

Chapter Seven

Once the carriage came to a stop, Adi found an inn and said to Queyue inside, "Let's stay here and rest for now."

He waited by the carriage, ready to reach out and help her up, when the curtain parted and he saw a woman with a serene, misty beauty stepping out, revealing a warm smile. Just as he expected, just as he saw—"Weaving Brocade" was indeed an outstanding woman, her beauty as serene as the glow of fine jade, subtle and understated, not dazzling in a literal way, yet captivating. Especially striking was the absence of the stagnant stillness in her eyes from their first encounter; they now held a luminous quality, as gentle as flowing water, still somewhat bewildered, yet finally vibrant with life.

Only a woman who is full of life is beautiful, surpassing any lifeless shell.

As he reached out to catch Queyue, he noticed her slight pause for a moment.

—Is this person really Adi?

Queyue placed her hand in his palm, but her gaze remained fixed on him. Adi was a kind person. Gentle and sincere, approachable, always a little languid, yet decisive in his work. However, he was an ordinary man, dressed in coarse cloth, sleeves rolled up high, so plain that he looked like a mountain dweller.

But the person before her now, dressed in a long blue robe, was exceptionally distinguished. His hair, combed atop his head, cascaded down, long and jet black, a faint smile playing on his lips, his eyes soft and gentle—neither as soft as water nor as light as mist. Just soft, gentle, warm, like the gentle warmth of early spring sunshine, somewhat languid, yet captivating.

No matter how you look at it, this person is a handsome young man. Who would say he is from the mountains?

Queyue calmly withdrew her gaze and, with his gentle support, walked into the inn.

He asked for two rooms, then took out the medicine from the carriage and instructed the waiter to prepare it.

Since this wasn't a small town or village, they no longer needed to present themselves as a "couple." Cangzhou had an open atmosphere, and it wasn't unusual for men and women to travel together in the martial arts world.

He escorted Queyue to her room and instructed her, "Rest well today. We'll decide whether to stay or leave tomorrow. I'll have the waiter bring your medicine to your room later. I'm right next door, so call me if you need anything."

Queyue nodded gently, watching him turn and leave, unable to describe the feeling in her heart.

While in the village, because of her injuries requiring constant care, they lived under the same roof without any hesitation, yet they got along peacefully and gradually grew accustomed to it. Now, having left the small village, it felt like returning to the real world, yet she felt a strange sense of alienation. This version of Adi seemed unfamiliar to her.

She felt a little uncomfortable, but she didn't care.

Her life over the past decade or so has made her accustomed to this way of coping. Even if there are major changes in front of her, she will simply adapt calmly without showing her emotions.

Turning and entering the room, Adi had chosen a rather high-class inn. The spacious rooms, arranged in two courtyards, were well-planned and exquisitely furnished. She paused briefly before a bronze mirror, half her height, reflecting a woman with exquisitely beautiful features. Her flowing robes, shrouded in a misty haze—a smoky blue—were the color Adi had chosen for her, perfectly complementing her气质 (qi zhi - inherent quality/temperament), making the woman in the mirror seem like a dream. Yet, who could imagine the wretched body beneath that flowing dress… Aside from her face, neck, and hands, her body was covered in layers of wounds, not a single patch of undamaged skin.

A short while later, the waiter knocked on the door to deliver the medicine. This was the medicine she took daily, so Adi didn't need to give any further instructions. She also had the necessary topical medications in her bag; although she could do it slowly by herself, it wasn't impossible. So Adi didn't show himself that night. What he did remained unknown to Queyue, who neither sought to find out.

As long as she knows that Ah Di will come back no matter where he goes, will go to the next room to rest when he's tired, and will definitely appear in front of her tomorrow, what else matters?

As she expected, the next morning, Adi went early to brew the medicine and personally delivered it to her room.

"Zhijin, tidy up a bit. We'll go for a walk around today." This isn't some remote little town; it's quite prosperous and bustling. Even if we stand out a bit, we don't need to worry about city people treating us like we've seen something rare. Naturally, there will be less trouble. He can finally let Queyue move around more, walk around more, and see more. He really feels that Queyue's mentality is largely related to her staying cooped up in her room all day without any entertainment.

For Queyue, crowded places were a real dislike. She preferred to find a quiet place to be alone, doing something to pass the time or doing nothing at all, but she couldn't stand noisy, bustling places. However, Adi had once told her that as long as she cooperated well, he was confident he could cure her. Although she hadn't agreed, Adi had been treating her diligently, and she hadn't refused, so what difference did it make from her agreeing? Therefore, she always did whatever Adi arranged without any objection.

Her hands were not in good condition, so she only styled her hair in a simple way. After having breakfast and taking her medicine, she went out with Ah Di.

Adi's intention was to let her relax and enjoy the scenery, so she only chose to walk around the lakeside where the scenery was beautiful. As for Queyue, she was really focused on getting some exercise and only cared about walking.

The sun shone brightly on the lakeside, willows swayed gently in the breeze, and melodious music drifted from a distant painted boat. Everything seemed equally peaceful and beautiful, and familiar to Queyue. Yet, inexplicably, she longed even more for the tranquil days in the small village that she had never even dreamed of before.

She gazed quietly at the scenery before her, as if from another world.

"The truly wise live in the city, while the lesser wise live in the forest. I'm quite satisfied with the environment and scenery here. What do you think about us staying here for the time being?"

Why can't Ah Di just make the decision about this?

Before Queyue could answer, a slightly surprised, delicate voice called out from the lake: "Young Master Xiao!?"

Queyue felt Adi, who was close to her, pause slightly. She turned her head and saw a beautiful woman in a light gauze dress standing at the bow of a painted boat that was docking on the lake. She was surprised and delighted when she saw Adi.

"Young Master Xiao, it really is you!"

Before the pleasure boat had even come to a stop, she hurriedly got off and walked up to Adi.

After a moment of silence, Adi's smile returned, but the warmth and ease in her smile had quietly vanished...

He said calmly, "Rao Ran."

Rao Ran was a famous courtesan in Cangzhou. Cangzhou was a vast city, and its brothels were particularly prosperous, teeming with beauties. Rao Ran was among the top ten, and Que Yue had naturally heard of her. She watched Rao Ran's expression, which was complex and difficult to describe, showing a mixture of joy, sorrow, and expectation. Her gaze was fixed on A Di, completely oblivious to Que Yue's presence.

Queyue only paid slight attention to the fact that she called him "Young Master Xiao." Although she had long known that the name Adi was definitely not his real name...

"Young Master Xiao... do you still remember Rao Ran..."

"How could I forget? But... how did you end up here?" Adi clearly hadn't expected to run into Raoran here, or rather, he didn't want to run into anyone connected to his past or anyone who knew him.

"I... I'm currently at Water Charm Abode. Today, I came out for a boat trip on the lake with a few sisters, but I never expected..." She smiled sadly, a beautiful smile that inexplicably tightened one's heart, "I've never forgotten the days I spent playing the qin and xiao with Young Master Xiao, strolling through the woods, but why did you suddenly leave without saying goodbye... Before coming here, I was always waiting... always thinking that perhaps one day..."

“Rao Ran,” A Di gently interrupted her, “I am no longer the ‘Young Master Xiao’ of the past. You can just call me A Di. But what happened to me today… don’t mention it to anyone, okay?”

"I do not understand……"

"Just consider it a favor I'm asking you."

"...Okay, I understand. I won't tell anyone."

Queyue stood quietly to the side, remaining invisible. Whether Raoran was Adi's past confidante or something else, given Adi's current appearance and assets, it wasn't surprising. But she heard a phrase... "Qin and Xiao duet." Just those four words resonated within her. So Adi actually understood music...? But that day in the village, he sang a folk song in a clumsy tone... How could someone knowledgeable in music have such a poor ear? It was all an act.

How much more does Ah Di not know?

Chapter 8

"Weaving brocade? Are you tired?"

Adi noticed her expression and asked softly. Only then did Raoran notice the woman standing beside Adi, and when she saw Queyue, she was slightly moved.

"Young Master Xiao...?"

“Rao Ran, you once told me to call you A Di. Ah, this is brocade, it’s from someone who’s traveling with me.”

Queyue nodded slightly to Raoran. Although there was no smile on her face, her expression was gentle and her manners were impeccable.

From the moment she saw Queyue, she knew... that she and this woman were worlds apart. Although Raoran was a courtesan, she never felt inferior or self-deprecating. Everything she had today was the result of her own hard work; she was quite proud of her appearance, having been among the top ten courtesans of Cangzhou. However, this woman before her, ethereal and otherworldly, immediately revealed a refined upbringing and, most importantly, a pair of serene eyes, seemingly untouched by the vicissitudes of life.

How could she compare to such a woman?

"Rao Ran, Zhi Jin is unwell, we can't stay out for too long, I need to take her back to rest."

"Young Master Xiao! I'm hosting a banquet on a painted boat in a couple of days, you must come—"

Adi didn't immediately agree, but smiled slightly, "If there's nothing else, I'll consider it."

"No, you have to come! I'll be waiting for you!"

Rao Ran watched with some reluctance as A Di helped Que Yue leave.

Queyue had long heard of Rao Ran's reputation. To become a renowned courtesan in Cangzhou, she was certainly no ordinary, vulgar woman of the night. Her looks, temperament, and talents were all exceptional—otherwise, she wouldn't have been a frequent visitor to Adi's former "music friend." But now, Adi only wanted to sever all ties with the past… especially with a courtesan like Rao Ran, surrounded by many eyes and ears; if he got too close, his existence would inevitably be discovered… He could only apologize to Rao Ran.

Upon returning to the inn, he didn't go to his own room. Instead, he led Queyue to her room and suddenly said to her, "You should rest well now. I'll take you to a nice place this afternoon." Before Queyue could say anything, he hurriedly left the room and disappeared.

What is Ah Di busy with again?

She learned this after lunch.

Adi, who had run away, returned at lunchtime and ate with Queyue in the room. Then he asked the waiter to call a carriage and took Queyue out. The carriage traveled for a long time and seemed to gradually arrive at the outskirts of the city, stopping at the lakeside.

Adi's face remained smiling as he helped Queyue down, parted the reeds by the water's edge, and a small boat docked at the shore. On the boat was a zither, and beside it, a flute.

He jumped up, turned around and stretched out his hand to Queyue, "Come here."

She offered her hand, her mind filled with doubt.

"What are you trying to do?"

Adi smiled gently at her as he used the oar to row the small boat away from the shore.

“Zhijin, have we been too cautious with each other all this time?” He stood in the sunlight, amidst the shimmering water, smiling as he turned to her. Queyue didn’t understand, only watching with slight confusion as he rowed the small boat to the center of the lake. The sky was so high, the clouds so light, the sunlight so warm. He put down the oar and sat at the bow, smiling, “Actually, we can understand each other a little better. Regardless of our past, our identities, just understanding each other as people.”

They had walked together quietly, believing that there was no need to ask too many questions or understand too much; this neither-too-distant, neither-too-close, relationship was the ideal way for the two who wanted to let go of everything. However, Rao Ran's sudden appearance caused a subtle, almost imperceptible change in Que Yue, who remained calm and composed.

He was indeed a master of music; while his flute playing might not be the best in Cangzhou, few could surpass him. His clumsy folk song that day was indeed intentional. He didn't deliberately try to hide it from Queyue; even if she discovered it someday, he would simply smile calmly, play a tune for her, and she would surely understand.

However, such matters shouldn't be revealed by outsiders. He had seen the momentary hesitation in Queyue's eyes when she heard it. To be honest, if he had encountered an old acquaintance of Queyue today, talking about things he knew nothing about, he certainly wouldn't have been happy.

So he smiled and picked up the flute next to the zither. “I no longer play the xiao, but my flute is also very good. Wouldn’t it be pleasant for us to play the zither and flute together and go boating on the lake? I bet your zither is just as good as your singing.”

His smile was so warm—a duet of zither and flute, boating on the lake—she vaguely knew he did this on purpose, precisely to distract her from what Rao Ran had said about [a duet of zither and flute, strolling through the woods]. She understood his intentions, and she couldn't help but feel a faint sense of comfort at his consideration for her feelings. However, she could only offer a slight apology—

"Adi, I can't do it. You seem to have forgotten that my hands... I'm afraid I can't play the piano."

“Yes, you can.” He squeezed her hand tightly. “I know your fingers aren’t quite nimble yet, I haven’t forgotten. But if they weren’t, I wouldn’t have brought you here. Take your time, it doesn’t matter how slow you go, I’ll cooperate.”

She couldn't refuse. Ah Di, with her gentle, breezy smile, was simply irresistible.

Can her hands still play the piano?

He said it was possible... so what reason did she have not to believe Adi?

She didn't refuse again, her fingers touching the strings, slowly adjusting the feel between them. The melody flowed gently; she played slowly, the intervals between notes varying, and occasionally her fingers would brush against adjacent strings due to their lack of dexterity, but she persisted with effort and focus. Adi watched with a constant smile, a smile that held not encouragement, but confidence. Gradually, the number of wrong notes decreased, and although still slow, the intervals between notes became more consistent. Even though it still sounded clumsy, she had made significant progress.

Only then did Adi bring the flute to her lips, and the flute music slowly rose, gradually blending with the slow melody of the crescent moon...

The zither music gradually stopped at some point; her fingers could never play for long, so the flute music rose high—

A single oar in the spring breeze, a lone boat; a single thread of silk, a light hook. Flowers fill the islet, wine fills the cup; freedom is found amidst the vast expanse of water…

Queyue gazed quietly at Adi across from her. The scene of that day, the harmonious music, and the handsome man bathed in sunlight—she would never forget it for the rest of her life.

"That day, that clumsy folk song, it really was an act." It was rare for Queyue to speak first, but Adi didn't know how to answer, so he just smiled sheepishly, "Well... after all, I've never heard that kind of folk song before..."

"—Still talking nonsense? How could someone who is proficient in music sing such a bad song even if they've only heard it once?" Queyue wasn't annoyed. She glanced at him indifferently and exposed him, "I know you just want to make me unable to listen and get me to open my mouth."

Adi smiled awkwardly, feeling fortunate that Queyue understood his thoughts.

Silence reigned all around, broken only by the gentle murmur of water. The sky was so high and the scenery so serene. Looking at the tranquil face of the crescent moon, Adi suddenly asked, "Zhijin, when will you finally smile at me?"

Chapter Nine