A Wandering Youth

Chapter 52

Leng Shuangcheng desperately wanted to escape this ambiguous and confusing embrace, and she was so angry at herself for giving in so easily that she gritted her teeth. However, her indecisive nature was deeply buried in her heart, and she did not forget to make a last-ditch effort before her defeat: "I am dull-witted, and I am afraid that my writing will not meet your standards, young master."

Qiu Ye remained unmoved by the sword, coldly uttering a few words: "Congratulations on Qiu Ye's birthday on the first day of the third month." Seeing her stiff back, he couldn't help but say, "I've seen all kinds of disheveled people, why would you care about a piece of calligraphy? I'll let you go after you finish writing it."

Leng Shuangcheng blushed, gritted her teeth, grabbed the silver-gray wolf-hair brush from the table, and said coldly, "Young master, please step aside."

Qiu Yeyi stood behind her hair for a moment before slowly moving away.

Leng Shuangcheng lowered her head and measured the gaps in the Xuan paper. Her mind raced, and she felt ashamed: "I wonder what Qiu Yeyijian is up to now. This time he actually used an ancient poem to tease me. How could a woman write his surname so easily? Fortunately, my name wasn't mentioned on the paper, otherwise I would never be able to clear my name even if I jumped into the Yellow River."

The Book of Songs says, "Her dignified bearing is dignified, her virtuous voice is orderly." It also says, "The mulberry tree grows in the low-lying area, its leaves are lush and green. Having seen the gentleman, her virtuous voice is deeply moving." The ancients used such verses to describe a woman's dignified, beautiful, pure, and bright virtue. Most importantly, she followed the teachings of the government and schools. This poem uses the beauty of the mulberry tree growing in the low-lying area and its green leaves to symbolize a woman's affection for her husband, which is based on her beauty and her virtue.

Seeing the uncertain expression on Qiu Yeyi's face, she didn't point it out, but quickly flickered her lips. Leng Shuangcheng bent down and neatly wrote a line of small seal script, then put down her brush and stepped aside, asking expressionlessly, "Is there anything else you need, young master?"

"Have you ever attended the Imperial Academy or a government-run school?"

"No."

What is the last line of this poem?

"I forgot."

Qiu Yeyi gave a cold, mocking laugh: "I will keep it in my heart forever. Promise me you will remember this."

Leng Shuangcheng looked up in surprise at Qiu Yeyijian. His pale lips were tightly pursed, his sideburns were as sharp as if cut by a knife, and his eyebrows were as dark as if painted with ink. Standing in the ancient and simple study, he looked just like an elegant immortal who had stepped out of a painting. He did not need the morning sun to shine on him. His whole body was full of calm and unwavering radiance.

Qiu Ye lowered his head, picked up the wolf-hair brush from the purple clay bamboo cicada brush holder, and said calmly, "Go, call Yin Guang in." After carefully discerning Leng Shuangcheng's footsteps, he stared at the Xuan paper for a long time, and finally picked up the brush and wrote three characters before the signature: Leng Shuangcheng. —The handwriting was exactly the same as what Leng Shuangcheng had written before.

Yin Guang entered the study with a suspicious look on his face. After glancing at the young master's body, he exclaimed in surprise, "Young master, you've got ink on yourself..."

Qiu Yeyi held a brush in his right hand, staring down at the Xuan paper on the desk. Drops of ink splashed down, like blooming ink chrysanthemums staining the snow-white hem of his robe, but he was completely unaware, still gazing at the banner.

"Has the fortune teller arrived in the capital?" he suddenly asked coldly.

Yin Guang shook his head: "Chief Steward Wu set off from Yangzhou nine days ago and will arrive in three days at the earliest... Once the chief steward arrives, I will immediately invite him to see you, young master."

"What about the matter I instructed you to investigate yesterday?"

"Reporting to Young Master, according to reports, all the officers and soldiers in Yangzhou conducted a thorough search for a day and a night, but no ancestral home of the Leng family was found at Hongfeng Ferry."

Qiu Yeyi raised her head, her glassy eyes gleaming: "That's strange. Father was a scholar who passed the imperial examinations, and he mentioned Red Maple Ferry twice. His description of the scenery was so detailed. How could it be fabricated out of thin air?"

Yin Guang could not answer and could only stare blankly at the young master.

Where did Leng Shuangcheng go?

"In the bamboo forest."

Qiu Yeyi's lips twitched slightly, a faint smile spreading across them: "I'm curious after all, such a convoluted intestine."

Yin Guang looked puzzled, while Qiu Yeyi glanced at him coldly and said, "Keep this calligraphy and painting of mine safe."

Seeing that the young master was about to walk out the door, Yin Guang called out urgently, "Young master... several major events have occurred in the martial arts world, and the Ministry of War is still waiting for your decision."

Qiu Yeyi walked forward indifferently, and after stepping out of the room, a cold voice came again: "No rush, take it one step at a time."

Standing amidst a vast expanse of green bamboo forest, one sees towering, verdant bamboos resembling armored warriors, while the slender, graceful shoots resemble gentle, tender maidens. Looking around, the elegant bamboos appear like refined hermits, deeply hidden in the dense green shade. The wind enters the forest, causing the bamboo groves along the path to rustle softly, their leaves gently brushing against the face—a harmonious interplay of movement and stillness, revealing a profound sense of gentleness, tranquility, and elegance.

Leng Shuangcheng held a thin bamboo stick and tapped it in the sea of bamboo forest around him, his blue robe blending into the green landscape.

Qiu Yeyi walked to a spot about two zhang behind her and stood there silently for a long time. Seeing that she was still focused on tapping, she called out, "Leng Shuangcheng, what are you doing?"

Leng Shuangcheng was slightly startled upon hearing the familiar voice, then quickly turned around and gave a half-bow: "Young Master."

Qiu Ye stood silently by the sword, and Leng Shuangcheng secretly glanced at him, understanding his nature somewhat, and could only reply, "I happen to have something to ask you, young master..."

"Oh? That's rare. What important matter could make you ask me about it? I'm all ears."

After hearing his cold words, Leng Shuangcheng hesitated for a moment: "It's about Young Master Chu Xuan..."

Qiu Yeyi stared coldly at her, and Leng Shuangcheng paused before speaking respectfully again: "During the celebration, I happened to hear Young Master Chu Xuan's flute playing, and it felt like a celestial sound, washing away all worldly dust..."

"So you can't forget it?" Qiu Yeyi suddenly interrupted.

Leng Shuangcheng pursed his lips, steeled his resolve, and said with a sense of desperation, "I beg you, young master, to save Wu Sanshou."

"I will grant your request as long as it is reasonable, but you must be direct and straightforward, without beating around the bush."

Leng Shuangcheng thought for a while and then put his thoughts into words: "Master An said that Wu Sanshou needs to calm down and regulate his breathing. I suddenly had an idea, which is to ask Young Master Chu Xuan to use music to heal him and see if it can be of any benefit."

"Anyone is fine, but not Chu Xuan," Qiu Yeyijian replied coldly, without the slightest hesitation. "Besides, Ruan Ruan has difficulty walking, so I sent those two back to Yangzhou early this morning, and they're on their way right now."

Leng Shuangcheng was slightly moved: "Thank you for your thoughtful consideration, young master... I heard that you granted Princess Chuchu's request for medicine. Is this true?"

"yes."

Leng Shuangcheng was startled and remained silent for a long while. Qiu Yeyijian looked at her and could guess what she was thinking, but still asked, "What does this have to do with you knocking on the bamboo?"

Seeing that Leng Shuangcheng's face had actually turned red, Qiu Yeyijian lowered her head and said, "The bamboo is hollow, and the greatest sound is silent. I was just moved and knocked on it randomly..."

Qiu Yeyijian understood, finding it amusing but showing no outward expression. "I can save Wu Sanshou, but as a return favor, you must tell me something."

Leng Shuangcheng was shocked, but her face remained as calm as Qiu Yeyijian's. She remembered Qiu Yeyijian's habit of keeping his word, and she understood what he was about to mention. After thinking silently for a long time, she sighed heavily: "I know what it is... What's meant to happen will happen... Young master, please."

Hearing the desolate tone in her voice, Qiu Yeyijian's heart stirred, and he stared at her, asking, "Do you know what I want to ask?"

"Young master mentioned a few days ago that he wanted to inquire about my background, and I have never forgotten it."

Qiu Yeyi walked over silently, stood in front of Leng Shuangcheng, and stared at her: "What is it that you're afraid I'll find out about?"

Leng Shuangcheng sighed inwardly, "What a clever person," but said aloud, "Young master, please."

Seeing her like this, Qiu Yeyi hesitated for a moment, then grabbed her wrist and pulled her away, not allowing her to break free: "Come with me." He led her to a bamboo pavilion deep in the bamboo forest, settled her down, and then stood in front of her, saying, "It's quiet here."

The bamboo forest is secluded and tranquil, truly a scenic spot. All that can be heard is the sound of rushing water and the tinkling of dripping dew, like the clear and melodious sounds of nature.

"Leng Shuangcheng, I want to know everything about you, from the day you were born until now, all your experiences."

Seeing Leng Shuangcheng remain silent, Qiu Yeyi's voice became urgent as she blurted out, "Isn't everything I've done enough for you to be honest with me?"

Leng Shuangcheng slowly closed her eyes, then opened them again, her expression as clear and composed as if she had finally figured things out, no longer wavering or hesitant. "I was thinking about whether you could accept what I told you about your background."

"I wouldn't be surprised if people told me you were my biological sister."

Leng Shuangcheng gazed at the lush greenery and finally revealed everything amidst this vibrant scene.

“I was born in the third year of the reign of Emperor Suzong of Tang, more than a century ago… I would never deceive you, sir.”

Qiu Ye Yijian was startled by the first sentence. It was as if even such a cold and hard man had never expected that the woman who had tormented him so much was no ordinary person. However, given her previous harsh words, he did not show much surprise and remained calm and silent.

A clear stream rushes by, lush forests and tall bamboos stand side by side, green leaves and white water reflecting each other. In a tranquil corner of the morning, two figures, one sitting and one standing, remain. Qiu Ye, leaning on his sword, remained silent for what seemed like an eternity. His body slowly bent down, his dark jade eyes meeting Leng Shuangcheng's stunned and dazed gaze: "You've traveled so long, and finally come to me. For the first time, I thank Heaven..."

Leng Shuangcheng lowered her eyes and remained silent.

Qiu Ye Yi Jian smiled sincerely from above, where she couldn't see him. Looking at Leng Shuang Cheng, who had returned to her statue-like state, a surge of warmth spread from his chest to his fingertips. He couldn't help but tug at her hair and say, "No matter who you are or who you've met, I only believe one thing: you left from Bi Xie."

Qiu Yeyi reached out and paused near her face, but then abruptly stopped, restraining himself. After glancing at the silent woman a few times, he turned and left, his robes fluttering in the wind: "Remember what I told you."

The sound of water was serene, echoed by the rustling of bamboo leaves. Leng Shuangcheng sat there for a long time before raising her eyes to look around. She realized that there was no one around, and the deep silence was like a Zen room in the afternoon, making life seem like a dream. She stood up, calmed herself, and walked to the green bamboo to examine it closely. Sure enough, she found the marks on the bamboo that had been carved by true energy.

She stared for a long time, murmuring, "Why isn't it sword practice, but palm techniques? Could it be that his left-hand swordsmanship is truly divine, impossible for mortals to dodge?"

26. (Bonus Chapter) Past Events (Part 1)

Everyone encounters many people and many things as they grow. Just as I have always longed to secretly become a master of strategy, the black and white pieces are so distinct. It is precisely because of their clear distinction that I can differentiate how I deal with the events that happen each day.

My memories begin from the age of five. Two people have influenced my life: my father and my mentor.

—Epigraph

"Shuangcheng." A gentle voice called from behind, carrying its usual softness yet retaining its authority.

At the age of seven, I put down the Huizhou silver foil, used paperweights to press down my calligraphy practice, turned around, and quietly watched the person who came.

I saw my master for the first time. She stood beside my father with a cold and aloof expression. She was dressed in a moon-white satin jacket and a white silk skirt. Her eyebrows were long and delicate, and her eyes were bright and phoenix-like. Standing in the cold, snow-covered mansion, she was as beautiful as a plum blossom in early spring and as pure as a chrysanthemum in late autumn.

"Where did you come from?" I asked coldly, noticing that the Ice and Snow Woman's face was still intact. I raised my right eyebrow.

My father smiled warmly. I remember my father rarely smiling; his dark, calloused face always looked at me with pity, yet the iron ruler in his hand never loosened its grip on my discipline. "Before Xiaodie died, she asked me to find her. She abandoned her when I was one year old for Lin'er... Luoying, that's the child."

I understood what my father was saying; he was talking about a past event.

My father was the top scholar in the imperial examinations, personally selected by the Tang emperor. His name was Leng Buxian. In his youth, at the height of his career, he married the daughter of the Minister of Revenue, and they had two sons: me and my younger brother, who was later murdered. When I was one year old, a rebellion broke out among the regional military governors. In the midst of the war, to save my infant brother, my father let go of my hand by the mountain path and watched me being swallowed by the night.

I can remember things from when I was five years old. Whenever I ran through the mountains and forests, I always felt light and incredibly fast. Later I realized that it was because I had been eating mountain fruits for many years and was raised on the milk of the wolf king. My eyes were different from those of ordinary people.

My master's gaze first lingered on my chapped, frozen hands, then shifted slightly to the small seal script I was copying. "The wise are free from worry, the brave are free from fear... It seems you're raising her like a child, making her write such square and meticulously carved small seal script, perhaps to temper her temperament?"

"Luoying's insight is still so sharp." My father smiled calmly, then turned to look at me, my hands down and eyes lowered, his voice tinged with pity: "When I found Shuangcheng, she was still a child, just a wolf child. Her hair was disheveled, she was naked, and she used her hands and feet to bite fiercely... According to the hunters, she was carried away by a wolf king who had lost its calf, and she lived among the wolves and their cubs for three years. Look at her wild and untamed eyes; even now, she doesn't want anyone to come near her..."

“Father, you must have suffered a lot, haven’t you?” I stood coldly in the ancient and quiet house, thinking to myself, “Every night when I have an attack, I tear at everything I can touch, my mouth dripping with blood. You would always hold me and gently rock me, calling ‘Shuangcheng, Shuangcheng’ until I calmed down completely. It is said that you went into seclusion in this old home a thousand miles away to tame my violent nature…”

Jade-green glazed tiles, brocade-like walls adorned with flowers. Nestled amidst red maples and green waters, this secluded residence is a scenic paradise bestowed by heaven. Every day, my father instructed me to practice calligraphy, study etiquette, and, most importantly, to stand quietly in the maple forest, feeling every breath of the wind: the rustling leaves, the babbling brook, the mist floating on the mountaintops, the buzzing of insects among the flowers.

My master looked me over for a while and then said calmly, "She's been standing here for a quarter of an hour without even raising her eyes. Leng Buxian, it seems you've put a lot of effort into teaching her to be an adult."

"Let her grow into a fine young woman first, then she can become a talented one. I resigned from my official post and returned to this beautiful manor so that she could cultivate her character in the natural landscape, becoming as tolerant as water and as calm as a mountain. Although she is still young, she still needs to shoulder this heavy responsibility. Miss Mei, I entrust her to you. Please accept my bow first."

The master frowned and dodged: "I dare not accept the grand ceremony of the cold-faced scholar... You are a good child. Seeing how she puts down her pen and paperweight in an orderly manner and behaves cautiously, I can tell that given time she will be no less than a man... Don't bow yet, let's get through this calamity first."

The snowflakes, like goose feathers, howled through the night sky, rushing into my mouth in large flakes. I was so terrified that I couldn't utter a sound. My father held me tightly behind him, and through my tear-filled eyes, I could only see his figure, seemingly rooted in the snow, carrying the unwavering wind of the mountains.

"If you have any problems, come at me. Don't make things difficult for the child," the father said calmly.

A tidal wave of men in black surged forward, their leader letting out a deep snort: "Scholar Leng, even if you hand over the key now, our lord won't wait..."

With a wave of his hand, the cold glint of blades mingled with the snowflakes that swept in from behind him.

"How dare you!" Through my father's flowing hair, I saw a white figure. She wore a padded jacket and carried only a stick as she slowly walked out. In the light of the lamps on the eaves, I saw that she had the long stick behind her back, her figure incredibly tall and graceful.

"Oh, isn't this Miss Mei from the Mei family of Jiangnan? My apologies for not recognizing you sooner..." the man said sinisterly. "So that's where the hidden agents outside went... it was Miss Mei's doing..."

The master stared at the snowflakes, then suddenly said coldly, "Where is Wu Wenfu? Tell him to come out and see me."

The man's voice abruptly stopped.

“It seems that Madam knows everything…” A tall, indifferent figure walked out from the swirling snow. “Indeed, we cannot expect them to get away with this.”