Jiangnan Gaiden

Chapitre 30

"Li Rong, a subordinate of the Martial Arts Alliance."

Why did you chase us that day?

"Chasing you? We were only ordered to hunt down Luo Qingcheng, the demon and murderer from Netherworld City..."

Ye Xiao continued, "How did you know his whereabouts? And how did you happen to be waiting for him on Biluo Lake?"

"We were originally stationed downstream of Biluo Lake, awaiting orders, when we suddenly received orders that the remnants of Youming City were going to pass through here. So we set out overnight and guarded the only waterway. Later, our scouts reported that the target ship suddenly changed direction, and we immediately gave chase... At first, we had the upper hand, but then, I don't know why, everyone started..."

Ye Xiao frowned slightly and interrupted him: "Stationed and waiting for orders? What are you doing stationed at Biluo Lake? Biluo Lake belongs entirely to Langjing Manor, and there are no bandits there..."

Yuan Ruxuan's eyelids twitched, and he gave Ye Xiao a cold glare: "You little brat, you're quite the troublemaker." Although he said that, his expression became unusually focused.

"There are orders from above saying that Langjing Manor is most likely to harbor treacherous intentions and is extremely disrespectful to the Martial Alliance. If they agree to the young master's marriage proposal, they will become our in-laws; otherwise, they may fall into evil ways. We should simply get rid of Master Yuan and bring Langjing Manor under the Martial Alliance's control... and use their money to benefit all living beings..."

Yuan Ruxuan took a deep breath, his expression remaining impassive: "The Martial Alliance truly takes the well-being of all people as its responsibility..."

Ye Xiao waved for someone to take Li Rong away, then raised an eyebrow and smiled at Yuan Ruxuan, saying, "A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime. Langjing Manor has both the secret drug, the Bewitching Pill, and coveted wealth. In fact, there's no need for others to sow discord; it has already become fish on someone else's chopping board... Why must Manor Lord Yuan take his anger out on my brother?"

Shuai Ge sneered from the side, "Maybe if Luo Qingcheng hadn't kidnapped Huang Tingfeng, and the Martial Alliance hadn't been so hesitant to act, Langjing Manor would probably have already been taken over by the Huangs... Actually, it doesn't matter. Maybe Manor Lord Yuan is even thinking of taking Young Master Huang as his son-in-law. It doesn't matter if the manor is taken over by the Huangs sooner or later..."

Yuan Ruxuan remained silent, his face grim, but he did not mention tying up Ye Xiao and the others again.

After Yuan Ruxuan left, Ye Xiao looked at everyone and said, "The situation is not good. The Martial Alliance has long had a plan. Langjing Manor has lost the initiative and is definitely no match for the Martial Alliance. Master Yuan knows this very well. I wonder if he can withstand the pressure? If he sides with the Martial Alliance, our situation will be perilous. And that Miss Yuan, we don't know if she's dead or alive. If she really falls into the hands of the Martial Alliance, and they use her as leverage, Master Yuan might..."

Shuai Ge smiled faintly, his eyes as deep as the sea: "She did not fall into the hands of the Martial Alliance."

Ye Xiao was taken aback, pondered for a moment, and then suddenly realized: "Brother Shuai is truly exceptionally intelligent! It certainly doesn't seem like it's fallen into their hands. Otherwise, given the Martial Alliance's consistently flamboyant style, they would have played this trump card long ago, instead of remaining inactive like they are now..."

Shuai Ge smiled again: "I'm not that clever. It's just that I personally captured Miss Yuan. So I know she didn't fall into the hands of the Martial Alliance..."

Ye Xiao's eyes widened: "Why?"

Shuai Ge sighed softly, slowly walked out the door, and his voice carried from afar: "...I owe someone a huge favor, and I still haven't paid it back..."

Ye Xiao stared blankly at the departing Shuai Ge, completely baffled.

As night fell, the Biluo Pavilion remained brightly lit. Yuan Ruxuan had already summoned all the leaders, big and small, of Langjing Manor, and was still pacing back and forth in the spacious hall, unwilling to rest for a long time.

Butler Tu, seeing Yuan Ruxuan's deep concern, said in a low voice, "Master... it's almost midnight... you should rest now..."

Yuan Ruxuan sighed deeply: "I can't sleep at all when I think about Pei'er's whereabouts being unknown..."

"Young Miss... was she kidnapped by the Martial Alliance? Was it that brat Huang Tingfeng who did this? Was he after Young Miss's beauty?"

Yuan Ruxuan shook his head: "It doesn't seem like it...it doesn't seem like it. But one thing is certain, Pei'er's disappearance is related to Luo Qingcheng. Neither the Martial Alliance nor Luo Qingcheng are good people; they both want to use me as a tool to kill someone...I'm in a dilemma now..."

Butler Tu also sighed, looking at his master, whose hair had turned completely white, with boundless sympathy.

Early in the morning, Ye Xiao was still dreaming when she vaguely heard someone playing the flute. The flute's melody was low and melodious, like a lover's soft whisper. Suddenly she woke up, and somewhat curiously got dressed and went out.

A thin mist shrouded the boundless Biluo Lake. A man in green robes stood on the water, his face exquisite and his demeanor ethereal. He held a purple bamboo flute in his hand, playing a tune that was both melodious and unpredictable, like a tiny, invisible claw that stirred Ye Xiao's heart.

"I didn't expect you to have such a unique skill, handsome brother," Ye said with a smirk.

Shuai Ge stopped playing the flute: "The Azure Flower has the appearance of ice and snow, yet it is extremely beautiful. It is a real pity to decide to destroy it."

"What?" Ye Xiao twisted his ears, wondering if he had misheard.

However, Shuai Ge didn't explain further, only staring intently at the lake. Autumn was in full swing, and only a few Biluo flowers remained on the lake, though the emerald green, round leaves were still lush and plump. Yet, as if in an instant, one Biluo flower after another began to wither and fall, along with their tender leaves.

"Handsome brother...you..."

Shuai Ge turned around and looked directly at Ye Xiao: "The Biluo Flower has long been extinct in the outside world. It was originally very useful to my Soul-Seizing Sect. I have been hiding here for several years for them. Unfortunately, since the Martial Alliance has already coveted the Yuan Clan's Bewitching Pill, they must also know the effects of the Biluo Flower. If it falls into the hands of the Martial Alliance, who knows how many good people will be harmed... What a pity. There are thousands upon thousands of Biluo Flowers, but only one root. Now that it is destroyed, there will probably be no more Biluo Flowers in this world."

Ye Xiao stared blankly at the once lush green lake surface, now withered and faded, feeling an indescribable sense of regret.

Shuai Ge suddenly looked up at Ye Xiao, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Miss Ye, Langjing Manor is already a den of dragons and tigers. If we stay any longer, we may not even be able to save our lives. I am asking you very seriously now, are you willing to leave this place of trouble with me, and from now on, walk hand in hand through the world, never to concern ourselves with the affairs of the martial world again? Is that alright?"

_______________________________________________________________

Ye Xiao was stunned for a moment, then jumped back a long distance, looking at Shuai Ge warily: "Don't even think about using mind control on me! I don't have anything you want in my heart!"

Shuai Ge, having lost his inner strength, could no longer stand like an immortal on the water's surface. With a splash, he fell into the water and swam ashore like a large, soaking wet fish. Shivering in the cool autumn morning breeze, he was at a loss for words, completely losing his composure. "I...I'm serious...I really want to take you away..."

Ye Xiao's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly shook his head: "Impossible... No, it can't be! I'm the leader of the Hunmen, I have to take care of my brothers, I can't betray them at such a critical moment... especially Qingcheng... whose life or death is still unknown..."

Shuai Ge stared directly into Ye Xiao's dark eyes, and after a moment he sighed, "It's for him..." He immediately felt relieved, as if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

Luo Qingcheng frowned slightly, carefully walked around a thick layer of bird droppings on the ground, stepped onto a log, and bent down to tie up the raft on the ground. This place was rarely visited by humans, so it had become a paradise for birds.

Yuan Peixin stood at a distance, watching Luo Qingcheng's body bend into a beautiful bow, and couldn't help but sigh softly. Wherever he was, he was a dazzling sight. However, no matter how much she changed her former arrogance, becoming gentle and considerate, charming with a smile and captivating eyes, he remained oblivious, focused solely on building his raft day and night. Judging by the progress, it seemed it should be finished today.

Today was the last day they would have alone together, and she knew she had to seize this final opportunity. Yuan Peixin gritted her teeth, carefully took out a paper packet from her bosom, and secretly sprinkled the powder inside onto her body. The powder made from the Biluo flower had a bewitching effect, and in large quantities, it could even be an aphrodisiac for men. She often mixed it into her rouge and perfumes, becoming a renowned beauty in the martial arts world… partly due to her unparalleled beauty, and partly due to the effects of the Biluo flower… And today, she was going to use this large packet of Biluo flower powder to make the most important gamble of her life!

Yuan Peixin walked to Luo Qingcheng's upwind position, looked at the excrement on the ground with some difficulty, carefully stepped onto a log, struck an elegant and charming pose, and smiled slightly: "Qingcheng, is there anything I can help you with?"

Luo Qingcheng hummed in agreement, jumped off the log, and turned around. His handsome face slowly rose amidst the vibrant autumn colors, radiant and glowing. Yuan Peixin parted her lips, about to speak, when she suddenly realized a horrifying truth: Luo Qingcheng had just stepped on the very log she was standing on! Luo Qingcheng's departure disrupted the balance, and the log rolled away. Ah! A chilling scream escaped from Yuan Peixin's cherry-like mouth. With that scream, she plummeted like a beautiful bird into the embrace of Mother Earth, plunging into the pungent-smelling fertilizer.

Luo Qingcheng was taken aback. He swiftly moved, scooped the smelly beauty up from the ground, held his breath, and used his lightness skill to carry her all the way to the water's edge. "Excuse me, Miss, please wash up first. I'll start a fire for you inside..."

Yuan Peixin felt both ashamed and embarrassed, and could only sadly wash off the medicine powder and bird droppings from his body by the water. Trembling with grief and indignation, he went into the house and dried himself off by the roaring fire pit.

It wasn't until evening that Luo Qingcheng appeared, his voice carrying an unprecedented, faint joy: "The raft is finished, hurry up and pack your things. We'll leave here first thing tomorrow morning." Yuan Peixin gave an "oh," a sudden sense of unease creeping into her heart.

The night was cool and still. Yuan Peixin tiptoed out of bed and, by the dim light of the brazier, looked at Luo Qingcheng lying on the floor. His bright and captivating features, and his naturally dignified air, were like a luminous pearl, radiating a soft glow even in the most ordinary black clothes. She deeply regretted her past shallowness and ignorance. Would he change his mind about proposing marriage because of this? "I'm sorry," she whispered, gently stroking Luo Qingcheng's eyebrows and eyes.

Luo Qingcheng frowned his handsome brows, turned over uneasily, and suddenly called out, "Xiaoxiao!" He sat up abruptly, panting heavily.

"What's wrong?" Yuan Peixin was startled and couldn't help but grab his hand.

"I dreamt that something happened to Xiaoxiao and the others!" Luo Qingcheng snapped out of his daze and pulled Yuan Peixin to her feet. "Miss, let's set off now! Back to Langjing Manor!"

"Now? It's so dark, we can't even see the road. Isn't it dangerous?"

“I brought Xiaoxiao and the others to Langjing Manor to find a son-in-law, but now we’ve encountered danger and I’ve left them at Langjing Manor… No… I have to go back right away…”

"Leaving right away? Can't you wait until tomorrow?"

Luo Qingcheng suddenly turned around, his face displeased: "If you insist on staying here, that's fine. I'll go back first and then inform your family... But your father's situation is also very dangerous... I don't know if he can spare the time to pick you up."

"What happened to my father?" Yuan Peixin asked anxiously.

Luo Qingcheng didn't answer, quickly picked up his packed bag and went out.

Yuan Pei was stunned for a moment, then quickly followed in his footsteps...

It was cloudy, a breeze had picked up, and the lake was rippling slightly. Like little dogs, they would occasionally climb onto the raft and lick the ankles of the two people. Yuan Peixin felt a pang of fear; her eyes widened, and she clutched Luo Qingcheng's sleeve tightly, "I...I can't see anything..."

Luo Qingcheng rowed his homemade oar, offering words of comfort: "There's nothing on the lake except water. To be honest, even with my profound inner strength and excellent eyesight, I can't see anything clearly..."

Yuan Peixin was even more terrified upon hearing this: "Are you trying to comfort me?"

Luo Qingcheng hummed in agreement, increasing the pressure on his hand. He then heard Yuan Peixin ask again, "Do you...know the way?"

"I don't know him... It was dark when I came over, and I was knocked unconscious..."

Yuan Peixin finally burst into tears: "Then... what's the point of you rushing on your way like this?"

Luo Qingcheng remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "I've thought about this. I brought a compass with me. As long as we keep rowing in one direction, we'll definitely be able to reach the lake shore. Then we can return to Langjing Manor by land..."

The sun finally cast its glorious shadow on the shimmering lake, and Yuan Pei's fear subsided somewhat. He was about to eat some dry rations to stave off his hunger, as instructed by Luo Qingcheng, when he suddenly jumped up and shouted, "There's a boat! There's a boat ahead!"

Luo Qingcheng turned his head, and in the distance, there was indeed a large sailing ship, slowly sailing towards them from the direction of the rising sun.

"If we get on that ship, we should be able to get to Langjing Manor sooner!" Yuan Peixin looked at the simple wooden raft, then at the magnificent sailing ship, and couldn't help but jump for joy.

...

Luo Qingcheng put on a mask and followed Yuan Peixin onto the large sailboat. He lied to the people on the boat, saying that his ship had encountered a storm and drifted to a deserted island. He said that he had finally managed to build a raft and leave the island.

There were about a few dozen people on the large sailing ship. They were very welcoming to the two of them, leading them into a spacious cabin where a hot breakfast was quickly served. Yuan Peixin, whose lips had already turned purple from the cold on the raft, couldn't resist wolfing down her food, no longer caring about her ladylike demeanor. Luo Qingcheng, on the other hand, watched the people on the ship warily, only taking a few bites of the dry rations he had brought with him.

"Where are you two headed?" The one in the lead was a man in his early twenties, who walked with a brisk pace and had sharp eyes.

"Langjing Manor." Perhaps it was because she had eaten something hot, but Miss Yuan's reaction seemed much sharper than Luo Qingcheng's.

"Oh? It's on my way," the man said.

Luo Qingcheng lazily stretched his long legs: "Brother, may I ask your name? Are you also going to Langjing Manor?"

The man gave Luo Qingcheng a meaningful look, then suddenly smiled and said, "Hehe... Yang Dui is nothing but a nobody. His boat is full of my brothers. We are businessmen, just passing by, we are not going there."

Luo Qingcheng gave an "oh" and fell silent. Suddenly, a familiar voice shouted, "Who are you? Why are you tied me up!"

Luo Qingcheng's heart skipped a beat, overjoyed, but he managed to keep a straight face: "Brother Yang! And this is..."

Yang Dui chuckled: "He's someone we met on another island yesterday. He also said he got caught in a storm and was stranded on this deserted island... This guy has such a temper. As soon as he got on the ship, he started yelling and ordering us around, treating us like cattle. Everyone disapproved of him. I didn't think he was a good person either, so I ordered my men to tie him up and put him in the cabin... to prevent him from causing any trouble..."

Luo Qingcheng quickly followed the sound of cursing and found Huang Tingfeng, who was bound hand and foot, cursing loudly in the cabin: "What are you! Do you know who I am... Release me now and worship me, and I will let bygones be bygones, otherwise..." He suddenly shut his mouth, looking at his nemesis who had appeared out of nowhere with fear.

Luo Qingcheng swiftly pressed Huang Tingfeng's pressure points, then turned to see a bewildered Yang Dui, and explained in a low voice, "This man is one of my adversaries... but I hope Brother Yang can hand him over to me to deal with..."

Yang Dui laughed heartily: "It's alright. It's rare for me and you to hit it off so quickly. I'll do as you say. It's just... Biluo Lake is usually calm and drizzly all year round, and there haven't been any storms recently..."

Luo Qingcheng laughed loudly, "It is a bit strange. Everyone on this ship is skilled in martial arts, clearly well-trained, and works in perfect harmony. How could they be businessmen? Moreover, this ship doesn't look like a cargo ship at all..."

Yang Dui paused for a moment, patted Luo Qingcheng on the shoulder, and burst into laughter...

Deceit and treachery

"Shen Rujun also likes riddles..." Ye Xiao murmured to herself, looking at the lampshade of the gauze lantern. Carefully arranging the sixteen characters on it, she suddenly exclaimed, "I understand! The order of the sixteen characters should be 'Full but not hungry. Dismiss the thought. Plum blossoms by the slanting river. Water ripples not.' Actually, it's a four-character riddle!"

"Boss! What did you find out? The two envoys from the Martial Alliance, Guo Qiwu and Fang Qin, have arrived together. I heard they were invited to a banquet by Master Yuan!" Xiao Xunren's voice, with its extremely penetrating quality, pierced through the wall even before he was in the courtyard. These visitors are clearly up to no good... Ye Xiao's heart skipped a beat. He quickly got up and ran out.

Ye Xiao quietly hid in the hidden compartment upstairs in the Biluo Pavilion. Looking down through the small, dark window, she was surprised to find that the scene wasn't as tense as she had expected. It seemed those two really had come for the banquet! Yuan Ruxuan was actually drinking peacefully with Guo Qiwu and Fang Qin! Ye Xiao rubbed her eyes and pinched herself to make sure she wasn't seeing things or dreaming.

"Come, come! Envoy Fang! I've heard you claim you can't even finish a thousand bowls of rice porridge... I, on the other hand, am a heavy drinker with no limit, though... while my capacity for alcohol is poor, my manners are impeccable. Today, I'll risk my life to keep you company, Envoy Fang, entertained to your heart's content..." Yuan Ruxuan glanced at the maid beside him, gesturing for her to pour wine for Fang Qin. "This is top-grade Zhuyeqing from You Ruo Fang. It's refreshingly crisp, with a lingering aftertaste and a pleasant fragrance. It's my favorite; please, Envoy Fang, try it..."

After Fang Qinzi finished speaking, he shouted "Good!": "The Martial Alliance has troubled Master Yuan for so long, and there have been many misunderstandings with Langjing Manor before. I am truly terrified... It's all that scoundrel Luo Qingcheng's fault! He actually kidnapped your daughter and Young Master Huang one after another, trying to provoke a fight between our two families. Unfortunately, we just couldn't do what he wanted..."

Yuan Ruxuan nodded repeatedly, then turned to Guo Qiwu and smiled, "Fortunately, the misunderstanding has been cleared up... Langjing Manor and the Martial Alliance have reconciled... Right Envoy Guo, please eat more... This is our manor's most distinctive dish, Thirteen-Spice Plum Beef... It's made with thirteen kinds of seasonings and plums... The aroma is lingering, and the aftertaste is unforgettable, you won't want to leave for three days..."

Guo Qiwu gave a forced smile: "Indeed... Fine wine and delicacies every day... can only be enjoyed at Langjing Manor. The manor owner is a business genius, the richest man in the world. It is his due blessing. I, Guo, a mere commoner, am ashamed to receive such treatment..."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Ruxuan's heart sank for no reason, but he remained very amiable and politely said, "Not at all."

Ye Xiao couldn't help but reach for her lips and bite her finger. It was all over. Qingcheng had gone to such lengths, sacrificing herself to kidnap Huang Tingfeng—a brilliant move, but now it seemed to have been useless…and she'd even disappeared without a trace… Thinking of Luo Qingcheng, her nose stung, and she almost cried. She took a deep breath, forcing back her tears, and continued eavesdropping.

After a few rounds of drinks, Yuan Ruxuan was already slightly drunk, and his speech was becoming somewhat slurred. Suddenly, Fang Qin exclaimed in surprise, "Huh? What's wrong with my eyelids? I can't lift them... uh, my arms are weak too..."

Guo Qiwu's voice suddenly filled with anger: "Master Yuan! What did you put in the wine? You..." He struggled to get up, but he couldn't muster any strength and finally slumped back in the chair, unable to move.

Yuan Ruxuan's drunkenness vanished completely. He coldly waved his hand, and the wine cup in his hand crashed to the ground. "Just a little anesthetic. It only weakens you two, preventing you from fighting. As for your lives, they should be fine..."