Canción escarlata anti-hueso

Capítulo 22

"I just can't give up!" Yu Chi Mingyue shouted.

“He’s being hypocritical, why are you so stubborn?” Ming Shuangchen raised her voice and said.

Yu Chi Mingyue looked at her and said, "Mother... I am not you. I can't learn your pride and decisiveness."

Ming Shuangchen was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.

Yu Chi Mingyue composed herself slightly and said, "The day he left, he asked me: 'What's the difference between sincerity and falsehood?' I couldn't answer..." Her voice was free of hesitation and doubt, and extremely firm. "Now, I finally understand. Sincerity and falsehood are no different. Whether he's deceiving me or trying to use me, I can't care anymore. I absolutely cannot watch him marry someone else! No matter how insincere he is, I want him by my side!"

After these words were spoken, the study fell silent.

After an unknown amount of time, the King of Nanling suddenly laughed.

"Hahaha... As expected of my granddaughter, Ming Yongjing! Well said!" Prince Nanling laughed. "Let him be hypocritical! Let him deceive and coax! Just snatch her back! Love her or hate her, do as you please! Guards!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a servant respectfully replied, "What are your orders, Your Highness?"

"Issue my decree: conscript two hundred archers, two hundred cavalry, and two hundred swordsmen. Set off immediately for Yuchi Manor. Bring Di Xiu back before the tenth of the fifth month!" The Prince of Nanling spoke in a booming voice, finishing his order in one breath.

The servant obeyed and left through the door.

Upon seeing this, Ming Shuangchen hesitated to speak.

The Prince of Nanling smiled and walked to his daughter's side, patting her on the shoulder. "Shuangchen. Do you still remember what you said to me back then, when I strongly opposed your marriage to Yuchi Siguang?"

Ming Shuangchen frowned and said softly, "Whether it's right or wrong, I will bear it myself. Even if I am abandoned, I will have no complaints."

“That’s right.” The Prince of Nanling laughed. “What have the Ming family ever been afraid of?!”

Upon hearing this, Ming Shuangchen and Yuchi Mingyue exchanged a glance, and after a moment, they both smiled.

That day, six hundred elite soldiers set off from the Prince of Nanling's manor, marching in a grand procession towards Yuchi Manor. Banners fluttered, shattering and tearing through the gloomy, rainy scene…

...

Chapter Twenty-Five

After days of continuous rain, the rain has finally stopped tonight. The faint mist and hazy moonlight create an exceptionally melancholic atmosphere.

Ten miles outside Yuchi Manor lies a mass grave. Overgrown with weeds and teeming with crows and sparrows, it is already bleak and desolate by day. Now, under the pale moonlight, with the shadows of the trees casting long, slanting lines and the howling wind, it is even more terrifying.

Di Xiu stood on the hill, silently gazing at the row of nameless tombstones before him. Beneath these tombstones lay some people he had killed with his own hands, others he had buried with his own. To this day, he could no longer distinguish them. He took a step, walking slowly, and reached out to gently touch the tombstones along the way.

Have you decided where you want to be buried?

A voice rang out, echoing softly across the mass grave.

Di Xiu was startled and looked in the direction of the sound. He saw a shimmering white light appear, and within the light, a fox emerged. Its deep blue eyes, filled with a smile, were looking at him.

"Heavenly Fox." Di Xiu frowned, speaking warily.

With a light leap, the celestial fox landed on a tombstone and chuckled, "Are you saying goodbye to them?"

Di Xiu was silent for a moment, then laughed, "Farewell? Don't joke..." His expression was cold, and his words were arrogant, "Every time I see them, it confirms to me that those who survive are the strongest. That's all."

“Oh, you’re scared,” said the Heavenly Fox.

Di Xiu's eyebrows twitched, but he didn't reply.

"It seems you are about to face a life-or-death battle." Tianhu tilted her head, looking at him, and said, "I really don't understand. What is it that you seek in your heart? Isn't it the fourth young lady of the Yuchi family?"

"What's it to you?" Di Xiu turned away, ignoring it.

“Of course it concerns me.” The Heavenly Fox turned and appeared in front of Di Xiu. Its eyes narrowed slightly, and it said with a smile, “You have no interest in Miss Yuchi, but I like her very much. You shouldn’t mind if I choose her as my master, right?”

Upon hearing this, Di Xiu turned to look at the fox. His eyes held a hint of resentment, but his tone remained calm as he said, "Your master has never been determined by you."

“That was indeed the case when I was sealed inside the ‘suppressing pot’,” the fox said. “Actually, I should thank you, hehe.”

Di Xiu said, "Don't forget, she has people from Meigu by her side."

“Hehe,” the fox chuckled, “I was sealed inside the ‘Suppressing Pot,’ so my power was only two or three tenths of what it should be. And when I sealed your mind, I only used ten percent of my magic power. Even though I was defeated by Plum Valley back then, it doesn’t prove anything.”

Di Xiu frowned, speechless for a moment.

"What should you do?" the fox asked. "It wouldn't matter if it were anyone else, but it just so happens to be the fourth young lady of the Yuchi family."

Di Xiu closed his eyes, smiled softly, and said, "It's none of my business. Do as you please." With that, he turned and left.

The fox laughed and said, "You said it yourself."

As soon as the words were spoken, it turned into white light again and disappeared without a trace.

Di Xiu stopped and looked back. The mass grave remained desolate and silent. He looked up and saw the bright moon shining in the night sky…

Just thinking of those two words made his heart tighten.

Bright moon... Bright moon...

He desperately wanted her to never have to get involved in the power struggles of Yuchi Manor, and to always live a carefree and happy life. But instead, he opened the "suppressing pot" and released the celestial fox…

He couldn't help but feel helpless again.

He had clearly given up all hope, so why did he still worry about her? Wasn't her affair no longer his concern? His wedding invitation should have already been sent to the Prince of Nanling's residence. At this point, they were already strangers.

Thinking of this, he reached into his robe and took out something.

A jade plum blossom pendant lay quietly in his palm. The tassel had long been replaced, but he never wore it. It had always been this way. If it remained hidden forever, there would be no disappointment, no hardship, and certainly no such heartache.

For some reason, in that instant, he remembered her whispering with a smile in his ear:

Let's get married.

That soft, melodious voice, that warm, sweet breath, is still so clear…

He abruptly interrupted his thoughts and took a deep breath. He put down the jade pendant, thinking that if the Prince of Nanling's mansion could arrange a marriage for her, even if that fox had all the power to do anything about it, it would be helpless.

He felt slightly relieved and focused his attention. Now, the thing he should be thinking about was his marriage.

...

The next day was the tenth day of the fifth month.

Inside Yuchi Manor, lanterns and decorations were everywhere, creating a joyous atmosphere. Yuchi Manor had always considered weddings a private affair, never publicizing them. Moreover, since their second daughter was marrying the manor's steward, only relatives and clans were informed; martial arts acquaintances and high-ranking officials were not invited. After the wedding procession in the morning, the manor closed its gates, refusing entry to anyone.

As dusk approached and the auspicious hour drew near, the manor resounded with the sounds of gongs and drums, and firecrackers crackled and popped, creating a lively atmosphere. Inside the main hall, guests gathered, laughing and joking with joy.

When the bride and groom appeared, the guests offered their congratulations and blessings, praising and admiring them.

Di Xiu smiled and responded to each question, his eyes filled with delight. Today, he wore a red brocade robe, with the collar and hem embroidered with phoenix and dragon patterns in gold and black silk threads, and a gold crown and jade buckle, which made him look even more handsome, elegant and extraordinary.

Although the bride wore a veil over her head, her graceful figure and exquisite curves were still visible beneath her red dress. Her every move was gentle and delicate, exuding an indescribable charm.

From this perspective, the two are indeed a perfect match, a handsome man and a beautiful woman.

Yuchi Siguang sat in the hall, looking at the newlyweds before him with a gentle smile.

As dusk approached, the deputy steward assessed the situation and announced loudly, "Light the lanterns!"

In an instant, servants came up with lamps, and the room was suddenly brightly lit, adding to the festive atmosphere.

"The auspicious time has arrived," the deputy steward called out again.

Upon hearing this, Yuchi Siguang, who was in the hall, smiled and said to Di Xiu, "Let's get married."

Di Xiu nodded, clasped his hands in a deep bow, and said to Yuchi Siguang, "I am deeply grateful for the Master's kindness."

Yuchi Siguang laughed and said, "We're all family now, why bother with these formalities?"

Di Xiu shook his head and said, "Di Xiu was adopted by the manor when he was young and was valued by the manor lord, who served him by his side. Di Xiu's success today is all thanks to the manor lord."

Yuchi Siguang smiled and shook his head.

"Di Xiu is determined to repay the Master's kindness, even at the cost of his life." Di Xiu's tone grew colder, his voice slow and deliberate. "Over the years, Di Xiu has eliminated dissidents for the Master, killing countless people. He has shown no mercy even to his own brothers..."

Yuchi Siguang's smile faded, and a hint of dissatisfaction arose within him.

"...And I know that sooner or later, my name will be on the list of those the master wants to kill." Di Xiu said with a faint smile.

The guests were immediately in an uproar, exchanging bewildered glances.

"Chief Steward Di, today is your joyous day, why are you talking about these things?" Yuchi Siguang leaned back in his chair and asked with a frown.

Di Xiu's expression turned arrogant. "Master, the Yuchi family has dominated this region for a hundred years. Don't you think it's time to change their name?"

"Di Xiu, do you know what will happen to you with what you're saying?" Yuchi Siguang laughed and asked.

Di Xiu nodded, "I know perfectly well."

"That makes things easier." Yuchi Siguang stood up and shouted, "Men, seize this traitor!"

Upon receiving the order, the servants drew their swords and knives and surrounded the area.

Di Xiu lowered his head and smiled, "Too late."

Just then, everyone suddenly smelled a faint, elegant fragrance, and in no time, they all felt weak and powerless.

"The aroma of soft bones!" Yuchi Siguang exclaimed in surprise.

Di Xiu took a deep breath and smiled, "It is indeed the Soft Bone Fragrance."

Yu Chi Siguang raised his eyes, looked at the lights in the hall, and frowned, saying, "So, you put the poison in the candlelight..."

Di Xiu nodded, "It took a little effort. After lighting the fire, we had to say a few more words for the medicine to take effect... but it seems to be quite effective now."

Yuchi Siguang held his breath and shook his head, saying, "I never expected you to have such a scheme, intending to swallow up Yuchi Manor..."

Di Xiu smiled and clapped his hands lightly. A group of men in black appeared in response and surrounded everyone in the manor. At this moment, Yu Chi Caiyao lifted her veil and said to Di Xiu, "That was really easy."

Upon seeing this, Yuchi Siguang was even more astonished and said, "Caiyao, you..."

Yu Chi Caiyao curtsied and said with a smile, "Father, it seems I still won't be able to get married."

Yuchi Siguang was filled with anger and could no longer speak.

Di Xiu snorted coldly, stepped forward, and said, "Master, rest assured, you will not be lonely on the road to the Yellow Springs..."

After saying that, he gathered his strength and struck Yuchi Siguang in the chest.

Yu Chi Siguang's eyes narrowed, and he reached out to wrap his hand around Di Xiu's wrist, blocking his palm strike and firmly restraining him. Yu Chi Siguang laughed and said, "As expected, you're an ingrate, you can't be raised."

Di Xiu was slightly surprised, "You weren't poisoned?!"

"Don't forget, I taught you these tricks," Yuchi Siguang said coldly.