The moon hangs in the corridor, a crescent moon

Chapter 9

Enjoying springtime travels, forgetting the three thousand miles

Kunming Lake Meeting Rain Mistaken for Su Causeway

A slender shadow casts a light reflection on the lakeside, where Zhang Luxin tears a small piece of emerald silk.

The melody was the same, but when Duan Jin, dressed as a man, sang it, there was no trace of feminine softness; instead, it exuded a subtle, alluring charm. This shouldn't be called "dance," but rather more like performing a play, with a folding fan gently waving as he slowly narrated the story—what a captivating and irresistible young man!

Making the best of a bad situation and taking advantage of spring's beauty

The shore is far from Kunming. Seventeen lines of poetry, crowded with clouds, tea, and plain eyebrows, awaiting the arrival of water.

Two strands of spring light permeate the heart of the lake.

Farewell, silent and still, I will remember the tones and rhythms of the poem.

Even Adi was slightly taken aback. The same person, the same song, yet sang with completely different styles.

On this day, amidst the falling blossoms in the peach grove, the young man in white—a scene that perhaps no one will ever forget for the rest of their lives.

"Okay, okay... okay!"

When the song ended, Old Man Rong could only utter this one word after a long pause, a hint of regret for his talent showing through his lips. "Having heard Young Master Duan's song today, I finally understand what it truly means to listen to music. Before, I was truly like a frog in a well, seeing the sky from the bottom of a well!"

The others only realized what was happening afterward and applauded and cheered. Only the owner of the clothing shop glanced at Queyue and smiled slightly, revealing a hint of appreciation.

To receive praise from the renowned Qin Lou Pavilion owner of Cangzhou, Queyue dared not be disrespectful, and smiled and nodded in thanks from afar.

Adi got up, walked to Queyue's side, and returned to their seats together. As they walked, he glanced at her sideways, as if muttering to himself, "I should have kept you hidden away... It's definitely better to stay home more..."

"What?"

"nothing."

Why did she hide herself when she was a woman, and why does she still hide herself now that she is a man?

Chapter 18

Before the banquet ended, Adi felt that Queyue still needed more time to rest, so he took his leave from Master Rong and led Queyue back to their room. Although this wasn't Adi and Queyue's first time visiting the peach grove, Xiaotao still insisted on escorting them back. Even her large, watery eyes sparkled when she looked at "Duan Jin."

Duan Jin's smile was somewhat forced, almost crumbling, and he looked up at A Di pleadingly. However, A Di gave him a lazy smile, adopting a smug, almost gleeful, air. After all, seeing Que Yue show any emotion was far more difficult than getting a half-price discount at the "Number One Merchant Family in the World—Zhou Ji" shop. Although he knew that what was here now was Que Yue's true, unmasked self, and she wouldn't show any reaction, even a pretense was better than nothing.

"Young Master Duan, may I ask where you learned your performing arts? Such mastery and skill must mean you are a highly accomplished master?"

"No... Miss Tao, you flatter me..."

"No way! You don't know, our dance and music troupe has always admired people with real talent the most. Even the old man has praised you highly. I'm afraid the sisters who want to talk to Young Master Duan are already fighting over who gets to speak first."

Isn't this news a little too terrifying?

Adi couldn't help but chuckle at the expression on Queyue's face—it was as if he were seeing Queyue again in the small village when she heard the children running over. It turned out that she wasn't good at dealing with children, but also with the legendary woman who was like "a flock of ducks"...

Xiao Tao just stared at A Di, who was laughing inexplicably and couldn't help it, and looked at Duan Jin with a puzzled expression, looking for an answer.

Duan Jin glared at A Di with considerable displeasure—this guy was definitely doing it on purpose! Everyone knew that Young Master Yu Xiao's flute skills were the best in Cangzhou, yet he had never revealed a single detail. Even when she asked him to accompany her with music, he played the zither, not the flute. He was deliberately hiding his abilities, while watching her make a fool of herself.

"Young Master Duan, how long do you intend to stay here...?"

When Xiaotao asked this question, Queyue habitually noticed a slight difference in her tone... Although she still had a charming smile on her face and seemed nonchalant, she seemed a little nervous.

Although she no longer had to live that cautious life, the habits of so many years were ingrained in her bones, and even without consciously paying attention, she instinctively noticed Xiao Tao's unusual behavior. She recalled that when Xiao Tao left last night, she seemed to have something to say, but didn't voice it.

"Well, it's not decided yet, why?"

"No, it's nothing. I just wanted to find some time to learn from Young Master Duan... Ah, but a man of such refined taste as Young Master Duan probably wouldn't stay in a place like ours for long..."

Adi noticed Xiaotao's attitude at this moment. She seemed to want them to stay, yet also wanted them to leave as soon as possible, caught in a dilemma. The two exchanged a brief glance, each deciding between investigating and not getting involved in anything. In the end, they decided to remain still and observe the situation.

"The room is just ahead, thank you, Miss Xiaotao."

"Hmm..." Xiao Tao seemed a little disappointed that they had arrived at the room so quickly, but she quickly covered it up and said with a smile, "Then I won't disturb the two young masters' rest any longer. If you need anything, just tell the servant."

Queyue watched Xiaotao leave, then turned and closed the door.

"Adi, what do you think?"

Adi shrugged. "Everything is peaceful and serene here now. What can you possibly see?"

That's not wrong. Everything in Shuiyue is relaxed, harmonious, and leisurely, as beautiful as a paradise... Perhaps it really is just a young girl's thought, and she is overthinking.

Sometimes, you don't need to overthink things. If you had to scrutinize everything, then she and Adi, two people with different backgrounds and unknown origins, wouldn't have been able to travel together so peacefully. Knowing that each other's backgrounds were extraordinary, they didn't ask questions or investigate; wasn't that how they got along? Meeting Adi made her realize that taking a step back opens up a whole new world.

"So, Brother Duan, what do you plan to do with this Miss Xiao Tao? She's a good girl, don't break her heart—" Adi smiled as if a kind and gentle elder was lecturing her. Queyue glanced at him but ignored him.

Just then, there was a knock at the door, and someone said, "Young Master Duan, Master Yi invites you to come."

Yi Moran? Why did he leave early too? What did he want her to do there?

"Alright, please wait a moment, lead the way." Queyue hesitated slightly, opened the door, spoke to the servant outside, and then turned back into the room. She knew that Adi seemed to have something to say to her.

Adi lowered his voice, making sure the person outside the door wouldn't hear, and slowly said, "Zhijin... be careful." Although he knew it was just empty talk, and Queyue knew how to handle it, he still wanted to give her a word of advice.

"You think I shouldn't go?"

"No, not at all. It's still possible to meet Master Yi... I just felt it necessary to tell you that I've actually met him before." Queyue glanced at him. "He knows you?"

"I wouldn't say we know each other. But 'Young Master Jade Flute' and Master Yi have met once from afar. Although no one introduced them, he must know them. But this time he didn't mention anything, and he didn't even react when he heard me call myself Adi. I wonder what he's thinking."

Queyue nodded. She had vaguely sensed it before, and after hearing what Adi said this time, she was certain that "Young Master Yuxiao" was just a fake identity that Adi had outside, just like her "Duan Jin".

"It's alright, I'll go take a look."

Thinking of that person who was so weathered yet as calm as a cloud, Queyue didn't think he was a simple person, but he also didn't think he would be a dangerous person.

She went out with the servant, who led her towards Yi Moran's room.

"Young Master Duan, please have a seat."

Queyue saw that Yi Moran had prepared tea and a couple of small desserts. She greeted Queyue with a smile and asked her to sit down. Queyue had never liked beating around the bush. Although she usually didn't hesitate to be polite when she was pretending, she inexplicably felt that it was pointless to beat around the bush in front of this person. So she asked directly, "I wonder what brings you here, Master?"

Yi Moran smiled calmly, "It's nothing important, I just wanted to ask if Young Master Duan could lend me the sheet music for those two pieces."

Queyue glanced at him silently, her thoughts unknown.

The sheet music for those two songs wouldn't be a problem for him, but did he need it? These weren't complicated pieces; the melodies were so simple and clear that even Adi could play them after hearing them only once. What would the owner of the Qinlou Music Hall want the sheet music for?

Episodes 19-20

Crescent Moon slowly curved into a perfect yet emotionless smile, and replied, "Alright, I'll send the sheet music over another day..."

“No,” Yi Moran interrupted her calmly, “Now that the banquet is over, I intend to take my leave and return to Qin Lou…”

Queyue hesitated slightly. What did this mean? Did it mean she was to send the score to Qinlou...? Before she could finish guessing, she heard the owner of the clothing shop continue, "I wonder if Young Master Duan and Young Master Di would be willing to travel with me?"

Queyue was taken aback. What... what was this? When did she become such a sought-after person? But if it was an invitation, it seemed far too hasty, leaving no time for consideration...

"Does the owner wish to invite Mr. Duan?"

The owner of the teahouse personally poured her a cup of tea, and a pure and sweet fragrance wafted through the air. He looked at the tender green tea leaf in the cup and said slowly, "It can be considered... but if Young Master Duan does not wish to come to Qinlou, we will part ways on the way. However... I hope that Young Master Duan and Young Master Di will leave today. This is just a small piece of advice."

Given the vague advice, Queyue understood that there were some things that were inconvenient or impossible to explain in detail. Without asking for details, she was about to say, "Thank you, Master, I will consider it carefully," when she heard a commotion outside and someone shouting, "Someone has been killed!!"

Queyue paused slightly, her thought for a moment: How come she can't escape bloodshed no matter where she goes? Her gaze shifted and landed on the owner of the clothing store, only to see a desolate smile that seemed to be on that gentle face.

Many of the guests at today's banquet were local dignitaries, whom they had met frequently at other banquets and were quite familiar with. As a result, the atmosphere was relaxed and people moved about freely. After watching the singing and dancing and drinking fine wine, a few people would occasionally take a walk in the woods to enjoy the scenery before returning. No one would notice if a few people were missing from the banquet.

But just as the servant was about to go to the cellar to fetch some new wine, he ran back in a panic—

"Someone's dead!!"

He saw a dead body, and what was most alarming was that the dead man was a distinguished guest at the banquet—Mr. Jia, one of the wealthiest men in the area.

The government officials arrived at the scene almost immediately, sealed off the dance hall, and separated and guarded all the people in the troupe, those at the banquet, and those who had left the party midway, and began to investigate them.

Cangzhou is far from the capital and spans two countries. It has been a chaotic place since ancient times. The government here is mostly just a figurehead and rarely interferes in the affairs of the martial arts world. It only occasionally intervenes when it involves powerful figures. This has almost become a tacit rule between the government and the martial arts world.

The deceased was a wealthy and influential figure in the area, so the authorities naturally had to investigate. However, their swift and decisive action was astonishing. Queyue truly didn't know when the officials of Cangzhou had become so capable.

Queyue was only concerned about the faint, ambiguous smile on his lips as he walked out of the room with the owner of the clothing store. He said to her with a hint of regret, "It seems we're still a step too late. You... can only wade into this mess."

What does that sentence mean?

"Is everyone in this garden here?"

Old Rong stepped forward and reported, "Reporting to the constable, everyone in this garden, except for one or two disciples who were sent out on business, is here. There are still one or two guests who haven't arrived yet. They must have left midway to take a walk elsewhere and haven't returned. As for Qin Lou—" He glanced at the owner of the clothing shop, who continued, "They've all arrived."

"Alright, interrogate them one by one! Master Rong, please tell me in detail what happened today."

Queyue had originally come out with the owner of the clothing store. At this moment, she heard Rong Lao'er reporting back to the head constable, which was just a rambling account of the banquet today. She turned her head and saw Adi in the distance, so she took two steps back and came to Adi's side when no one was paying attention to her.

Ah Di lowered his voice and said to her, "I took a look from afar before the officials came. They acted swiftly and decisively, so they probably weren't amateurs. We should try our best not to get into trouble."

Queyue pondered the words of the clothing store owner, but couldn't believe that trouble wouldn't come looking for them as long as they avoided it.

"Who are these people attending the banquet? Is there anything suspicious about them?" Chief Constable Long asked. Old Man Rong immediately replied, "They are all colleagues and gentlemen from Shuiyue City. They all know each other well. There's nothing... Oh, there are only two people from out of town who are my old man's guests."

"Oh? Where is it?"

Under Rong Lao'er's guidance, he looked at Adi and Queyue, who nodded slightly. Constable Long walked over and asked, "Where are you two from? What brings you here?"

"My name is Adi, and this is Duan Jin. We are both from Qingyue in Cangzhou. We are out sightseeing and have come to see the Shuiyue songs and dances, having long heard of them." Adi was dressed as a scholar in blue robes, with a handsome face and a gentle demeanor, making him seem approachable and unlike the suspicious person he was referring to. However, Constable Long's gaze lingered on Queyue for quite some time. To be fair, this young man was a handsome and refined young man, with delicate features and polite manners. No matter how you looked at him, there seemed to be nothing wrong with him. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, he felt that something was off... the more he looked, the more he felt... something was definitely off!

Crescent Moon sensed something amiss in his gaze, as if trying to see through her disguise and reveal her true nature. However, her expression remained calm and unchanged. Without any evidence, Constable Long naturally couldn't suspect anyone simply because they were outsiders.

"Master Rong, could you please provide a list of guests? We need to count them one by one."

Old Rong immediately complied, and soon a yamen runner returned to report: "Captain Long, the guests have been counted according to the list given by the troupe leader. Except for Boss Fang, everyone else is already here."

Boss Fang? Who is this Boss Fang?

The locals knew both Master Jia and Boss Fang. Master Jia owned land, and Boss Fang had money; one was a wealthy man, and the other a businessman. They were originally unrelated, but they were both in-laws and enemies.

Everyone knows the two don't get along, and everyone knows they arranged their children's marriage to ease tensions. However, instead of improving the relationship, their frequent clashes due to their children's incompatible tempers have worsened their conflict. Nevertheless, they value their reputation, so despite everyone knowing the truth, they don't show hostility towards each other in public; they simply ignore it.

Now that Master Jia has been killed, but Boss Fang has disappeared without a trace, it's hard not to be suspicious.

But would someone as shrewd as Boss Fang do something so obvious and idiotic?

The head constable frowned and thought for a long time before saying, "Take me to see the body first!"

Queyue paused for a moment—only now are they looking at the corpse? Shouldn't they check the corpse first thing upon arrival? Could it be that this seemingly decisive and efficient Constable Long is actually a muddle-headed idiot?