I thought Hua Wuduo was asleep and that he was saying this to me, but I was surprised to hear Hua Wuduo say, "Who said I wasn't? I'm just too tired. Can I lean on you for a bit, like leaning on a tree?"
Upon hearing this, Song Zixing was both amused and exasperated. After walking for a while, he suddenly asked, "Why don't you refute it?"
Knowing what he was asking, Hua Wuduo looked up with a somewhat malicious and smug smile and said, "The face I have now is that of your wife, so be it. I'll change it tomorrow. If anyone wonders where your wife is, I have no idea."
Gazing into those eyes, now even more radiant with the success of her little scheme, Song Zixing smiled faintly. It turned out that in her eyes, it was nothing more than a joke to be used. The light in his eyes dimmed instantly, replaced by a half-smile that concealed everything. Thinking of the general's "wife" whom the Luoyang military commander, the hundreds of Luoyang soldiers, and his personal attendant Xu Qing had met—who would soon cease to exist—he couldn't help but rub his temples slightly, suddenly feeling a headache. As if sensing his troubles, the smile on the girl's lips grew even more blatant, her gaze particularly unforgettable. As dawn broke, the girl's bright eyes and white teeth were almost within reach; even just seeing her profile made his heart flutter. He narrowed his eyes slightly and suddenly said, "The sun is about to rise; I'll take you somewhere." Without waiting for her reply, he spurred his horse and galloped away. In the distance, he could still hear the girl shouting, "Where are you taking me?! I won't go until you tell me!"
As the morning light emerges from its cocoon, golden hues instantly blanket the earth, transforming the world into a more dazzling spectacle.
A sudden gust of wind rose atop the mountain, the morning mist still lingering. The wind carried the fragrance of flowers, and the wild chrysanthemums covering the mountainside were a beautiful sight in the golden morning light.
How could such a place exist? Hua Wuduo was stunned, staring at the autumn chrysanthemums covering the mountains and fields. He wondered to himself, "Is Song Zixing a rat? How could he find a place like this?" Hua Wuduo's thought was utterly illogical; could a rat find such a place? But that was the absurd thought that occupied his mind. Fortunately, he didn't say it aloud, otherwise Song Zixing would have suffered at least internal injuries, if not coughed up blood.
Standing side by side with Hua Wuduo on the mountaintop, Song Zixing squinted as he gazed at the chrysanthemums covering the mountain, seemingly captivated by the wind, the fragrance of the flowers, the morning sun, and perhaps even the person beside him...
Taking a deep breath, the fragrance of flowers permeated her entire being. Hua Wuduo closed her eyes and smiled slightly, feeling very happy.
As the wind blew, Song Zixing's calm voice carried on the breeze: "Why did you get so badly injured for him?"
Hua Wuduo opened her eyes, looked at him, and asked suspiciously, "How did you know I was injured because of him?"
Song Zixing said with a half-smile, "Of course I know."
Hua Wuduo snorted and said, "Why should I tell you?"
Song Zixing's lips curled slightly as he said, "You've always been afraid of death. I'm just wondering how you could be so willing to risk your life for him. I can't figure it out. Could it be that you've fallen for him?"
Seeing the malicious smile on Song Zixing's lips, Hua Wuduo felt a surge of displeasure and couldn't help but scoff, saying, "Since you know I'm afraid of death and value my own life above all else, you should have realized that I'm currently suffering from Tang Ye's 'Unfreezing Poison.' Without his antidote, I'm certain to die, and I'll suffer endless torment before I die. So he can't die. Besides..." Hua Wuduo couldn't help but feel a little annoyed as he said this, muttering, "I didn't expect that person's palm strike to be so powerful. I thought he was the one who was blasted away."
"How did you get poisoned?" Song Zixing asked, frowning.
“I grabbed Tang Ye’s hand,” Hua Wuduo replied, frowning.
********
There was always a sense of oppression in his heart. After suppressing it for too long, he wanted to find someone to confide in. Although Song Zixing wasn't exactly a friend, he was the person he was closest to right now. For some reason, Hua Wuduo easily revealed the secret that had been weighing on his heart for days. A few words were enough to explain everything. He didn't ask for understanding, help, or comfort. He was even prepared to be ridiculed by Song Zixing. When he looked up, he met Song Zixing's gaze. He saw Song Zixing's furrowed brows. There was no ridicule as he expected, but rather an unexpected look of worry. Hua Wuduo felt a pang of doubt. Suddenly, he couldn't bear Song Zixing's gaze any longer and turned his head away.
Seeing her like this, Song Zixing lowered his gaze and looked into the distance, no longer mentioning what had just happened. He took a deep breath, and the morning breeze and the fragrance of flowers instantly permeated his heart and flowed into his limbs. As if suddenly inspired, he leaped to the top of the mountain. The morning light shone on him, and the pale yellow chrysanthemums on the mountain floated in the white mist below him, making him appear like a dream. His clothes were blown by the wind, creating ripples like clouds. When he looked back, he exuded an aura of dominance over the world, an arrogant disdain for all things.
Hua Wuduo was taken aback; this was Song Zixing she had never seen before.
Then—
Song Zixing pulled out a soft sword from somewhere at his waist. In an instant, the light reflected from the sword startled Hua Wuduo. It was as if he saw a golden phoenix spreading its wings and about to take flight in the depths of the sky behind him, wildly blooming with dazzling light, dazzling the eyes and startling the heavens and earth!
A thought flashed through Hua Wuduo's mind, but he couldn't grasp it in time.
Sword drawn!
The clouds are light and the breeze is gentle, the light is dazzling.
Swords drawn!
Its momentum was like a rainbow, and its radiance was boundless.
Sword strike!
A dashing and heroic figure, with the aura of a sword in the waves.
Sword Dance!
The winds rose and the clouds surged, and the world lost its color.
The chrysanthemum petals all around were gathered by his sword energy, detached from the branches, and flew to his side, swirling around him. As he moved, his sword moved, and the flowers flew, displaying unparalleled brilliance with arrogant abandon, dazzling the eyes and ears.
This scene was unlike anything Hua Wuduo had ever witnessed in his life. He stared in stunned silence, muttering to himself, "Good... sword, good..." Even though he didn't want to admit it, he couldn't help but acknowledge, "Excellent skill..."
Until Song Zixing sheathed his sword and gathered his strength, his clothes fluttered on the mountaintop, a thin mist lingered at his feet, and the chrysanthemum petals that had been swirling in the air slowly scattered to the ground with the wind. Occasionally, a few playful ones still swirled at his feet with the mountain breeze. The morning glow reflected on his face, but his kingly aura had dissipated in his glances. His expression was elegant and refined, yet it was hard to conceal his imposing presence. He turned to look at Hua Wuduo.
At that moment, a sudden tremor ran through the quiet depths of his heart, as if someone had plucked a string in his heart. Hua Wuduo felt his mind go blank.
All around was quiet except for the sound of the wind and the fragrance of flowers. He gazed at her, and she stared at him blankly.
After an unknown amount of time, Hua Wuduofang was startled awake from Song Zixing's increasingly profound gaze. In an instant, she realized that her face was stiff from having her mouth open for too long. She was stunned by Turtle Star's show-off and felt indignant.
Song Zixing chuckled at her extremely remorseful appearance.
Hua Wuduo heard his laughter and felt a chill run down his spine. He was filled with shame, anger, and an indescribable embarrassment. Suddenly, he realized that his sword had disappeared and he didn't know where it was. Suddenly, something occurred to him, and he seized on that fleeting thought, exclaiming, "Phoenix Jade Moon!"
Song Zixing smiled but remained silent, which was tantamount to acquiescing.
Hua Wuduo's eyes lit up, and he instantly forgot his disheveled appearance just now, and shouted loudly, "Let me see."
Song Zixing walked out of the sea of flowers and asked, "Do you want to see the phoenix or the jade moon?"
Upon hearing this, Hua Wuduo jumped up in surprise and shouted, "You have them all?! I want to see them all!"
Song Zixing shook his head, seemingly quite regretful, and said, "I only have the Phoenix, not the Azure Moon."
Upon hearing this, Hua Wuduo was not discouraged and still excitedly said, "Then let me see it too."
Song Zixing began to unbuckle his belt. Hua Wuduo, seeing this, did not feel shy, but still stared at him. That focused gaze, as if unwilling to miss any detail, made Song Zixing feel somewhat embarrassed. Song Zixing unbuckled his belt and spread it out in front of Hua Wuduo.
The wind was strong on the mountaintop, the morning mist had dissipated, and his robes fluttered in the wind. His long hair and jade crown were elegant and serene, and his sharp and imposing aura had been withdrawn, leaving only the graceful young man standing there. Unfortunately, this handsome young man was completely overshadowed by a belt, for the only spectator present had no eyes for anything else. Hua Wuduo looked at the belt, stroking it as if it were a precious treasure, thinking to himself: So this belt of his held a hidden secret; no wonder it was able to keep my weapons from breaking free back then.
Song Zixing said, "The Phoenix and the Jade Moon are originally a pair, and only those with destiny can obtain them. I only have the Phoenix but not the Jade Moon. Legend has it that if one obtains it..."
"You mean, to have a wonderful marriage for life? But... isn't Phoenix Jade Moon a knife? How come it's a soft sword?" Hua Wuduo's eyes were burning with curiosity but also filled with doubt.
Song Zixing shook his head and said, "The Phoenix and Azure Moon are originally a pair of soft swords, extremely thin and light. When the Phoenix is used under the sun, it resembles a phoenix spreading its wings, with a hidden glint of light beneath. When the Azure Moon is used under the moon, it is like a curved blade slicing through the sky. If the user's martial arts are extremely high, the swords can also resemble blades. Therefore, the rumor that the Phoenix and Azure Moon are blades is merely due to their resemblance and not the truth. One day, if the Phoenix and Azure Moon appear together, dancing together at sunrise and sunset or sunset and moonrise, it will be an extremely beautiful sight." As Song Zixing spoke, he seemed to feel a longing, and with a flick of his hand at his belt, the Phoenix soft sword leaped out. Then, calmly but with a very tempting tone, he said to Hua Wuduo, "Try it."
Hua Wuduo took the soft sword, admiring it so much that he almost danced with joy, yet he also cherished it greatly, gently stroking the delicate, slightly transparent phoenix sword.
He leaped to the spot where Song Zixing had just practiced his swordplay, mimicking his moves and dancing each step with practiced ease. As he danced, he said, "I'm not skilled with a sword, but I've read many sword manuals. I've never seen this swordplay you just performed before. Every move was exquisite, and you really... really... hehe." Really? Hua Wuduo suddenly shut his mouth, swallowing back what was likely a compliment, leaving everyone itching to speak.
Song Zixing's gaze seemed to be fixed on the far distance. He was surprised that she could remember so much of his swordplay after only seeing it once, but he asked calmly, "Indeed?"
Hua Wuduo raised his sword and said, "Indeed!" He then turned and thrust out, "Showy enough!"
Song Zixing felt a tightness in his chest and a slight shortness of breath with each breath. His usual half-smile inadvertently turned into a half-crying laugh. Then he coughed lightly. Could it be that she had really angered him to the point of internal injury? With a composed expression, he said firmly, "A sword is for killing enemies and protecting oneself. I have always disdained such things as sword dancing for entertainment. Today it was just a spur-of-the-moment thing. I only danced for you. There will be no more like this in the future, unless I find someone who wields the Azure Moon Sword." Song Zixing concealed the fleeting glint in his eyes.
**********
By the time they returned to Luoyang City from the mountain, the sun was high in the sky, and the two were already very hungry. Hua Wuduo originally wanted to find a roadside stall to eat something, but Song Zixing disagreed and insisted on dragging her into a restaurant. Hua Wuduo said, "You pay."
Song Zixing frowned slightly and said, "I never let women pay for me."
"Oh?" Hua Wuduo raised an eyebrow and stopped talking. Remembering that he had treated Gongzi Yi to several meals, he couldn't help but feel annoyed with him.
Xingbo Restaurant is one of the top restaurants in Luoyang. Both its exterior and interior are extremely grand. As soon as they entered, the neat and efficient waiter glanced at the two people who came in and then skipped over Hua Wuduo. After asking Song Zixing, he led them to the Chrysanthemum Pavilion, a private room on the second floor. This private room was different from the private rooms in other restaurants. It was indeed very elegant. It was a small, independent pavilion with bamboo curtains on all four sides. Light gauze curtains fluttered in the corners, and different colored chrysanthemums were placed in each of the four corners. Even the tea was Silver Needle tea, which was light and refreshing.
Hua Wuduo was exhausted from a night of wits and courage battles with Song Zixing (this was Hua Wuduo's own opinion), and was a bit irritable and hot-tempered. So he unceremoniously drank several large gulps of fine tea, guzzled down the tea, and, disregarding the presence of the host, immediately ate several pieces of the pastries that were served first on the table.
The waiter who brought the menu frowned slightly upon seeing this, but when he turned to Song Zixing, he was all smiles. Song Zixing ordered a few dishes, and just as the waiter was about to leave, Hua Wuduo called out to him, "I'm hungry. Tell your chef to hurry up."
Since they were guests, the servant dared not be negligent and nodded in agreement.
Song Zixing smiled faintly, unconcerned.
After eating a few pastries, she was no longer so hungry. Looking down from the second floor, Hua Wuduo saw that the streets of Luoyang were bustling with people. Since she had been with Tang Ye, he had never restricted her freedom of movement. She could still wander around the streets on her own, but she always felt a little lost whenever she came across a weapons shop.
Right across from the restaurant was an arms shop, its sign in the corner clearly indicating it was their own business. Her sister was about to get married, and she, lacking proper status, couldn't be by her side. Not only that, but now, poisoned and forced to serve as a maid to her ex-husband who had abandoned her, her situation was truly pitiful and awkward. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. Just then, a cup of warm, fragrant tea was placed before her, and Song Zixing's enigmatic smile returned: "What are you thinking about?"
Love Problems
His ambiguous smile used to annoy me, but perhaps since he stepped forward to save Xu Qingcheng last night, I don't find him so repulsive today. Could it be that I've gotten used to it over time? I couldn't help but think of his sword dance earlier, and my heart skipped a beat. I quickly reached for the tea, took a sip to calm myself, and said, "I wasn't thinking about anything."
Song Zixing also saw the weapons shop across the street, smiled slightly, and said, "The wedding of the eldest son of the Li family and the eldest daughter of the Fang family in Luoyang is in three days. Luoyang will definitely be very lively then."
Hua Wu nodded, listening to Song Zixing continue, "The Li family has really gone to great lengths to welcome the Fang family's eldest daughter. Look at this ten-mile-long street in Luoyang, every household is hanging red lanterns, it's like celebrating the New Year, that's one of the Li family's grand gestures. Not only that, there are also many people who have come to offer their congratulations, and the inns in Luoyang are almost full right now."
"Mm," Hua Wuduo replied, a smile playing on her lips. Her sister's wedding would surely be grand, and she would go to see it. Although she couldn't be by her side, she would still send her blessings.
"On one side is the Li family, whose wealth rivals that of a nation, controlling the economic lifeline of the country and able to manipulate events at will. On the other side is the Fang family, whose special status is that, apart from the government, they are the only families that can operate, forge weapons, and trade warhorses. Do you know what their union means?" Song Zixing asked.
"I don't know," Hua Wuduo answered frankly. In her heart, she always believed that her sister and brother-in-law were truly in love, and that their marriage was only natural.
"Do you know what kind of deadly danger will come your way once your identity is exposed?" Song Zixing's voice turned cold.
Hua Wuduo was taken aback, her gaze darkening. She had already discerned the unspoken meaning in Song Zixing's words. Although she had long guessed that Song Zixing knew her identity, this was the first time he had pointed it out so directly to her face. Although she was not used to it, she could only darken her expression and remain silent.
Song Zixing said calmly, "Have you ever wondered why Tang Ye keeps you by his side?"
Hua Wuduo remained silent, not because he hadn't thought about it, but because he hadn't figured it out...
Song Zixing said slowly, "What I fear most is not death, but being controlled by others."
Hua Wuduo was startled by his words and lowered her gaze. Her mask concealed her true thoughts, and although she couldn't fully understand Song Zixing's words, they still unsettled her. An unprecedented sense of bewilderment arose within her, gradually turning into fear. Being controlled by others… and now she was in that situation.
She suddenly got up and left.
Song Zixing said, "The dishes haven't been served yet."
"I'm not eating anymore." Hua Wuduo turned and left.
Watching her departing figure, Song Zixing's gaze darkened, and he lost his appetite. Suddenly, he recalled Tang Ye's cold words from the previous night: "Born in chaotic times, it is already a blessing if you and I can protect ourselves and those we want to protect."
Tang Ye, who is the person you want to protect?
********
The Li family of Luoyang is adept at social maneuvering and thrives on both sides, while the Fang family of Jinling has always maintained neutrality, treating everyone fairly and impartially. Yet, at such a delicate juncture in the world, the Li and Fang families are about to unite through marriage.
The power of this is known to everyone.
At the time, Tang Ye's annulment of the engagement instantly placed Fang Ruoxi, the unmarried second young lady of the Fang family, in the eye of the storm. Although there were many rumors circulating in the martial arts world, they could not obscure the special status and value of the second young lady of the Fang family.
Unfortunately, at this time, Fang Zhengyang, the patriarch of the Fang family, kicked this unknown second young lady out of the house and refused to acknowledge her.
Back in the day, Fang Zhengyang was a legendary figure. He was a dashing young man who roamed the world with his sword. He had countless female companions when he was young, but he became infatuated after meeting Liu Sisi. His infatuation broke the hearts of countless women.
Few people have ever seen Liu Sisi, and her family history is unknown to the world. However, Fang Zhengyang loves this woman of unknown origin as much as his own life. Back then, Liu Sisi died in childbirth while giving birth to her third son, and the son also could not be saved. Fang Zhengyang was almost driven mad by the loss of his beloved wife and son overnight. Song Chen (Song Zixing's father), who was then the magistrate of a prefecture, was a close friend of Fang Zhengyang. Upon hearing of Fang Zhengyang's great grief, he personally went to Fang's house to comfort him. However, Fang Zhengyang had already given up the idea of living, and no matter how Song Chen tried to comfort him, it was to no avail.
Until one day, Fang Zhengyang's two youngest daughter, Fang Ruoxi, who was only 3 years old, hugged him tightly with her tiny hands. No one could pull her away. She was firm, persistent, and did not cry or make a fuss. This helped Fang Zhengyang finally pull through and left a very deep impression on everyone, especially Song Chen, who was present at the time.
Years later, people often heard about Fang Ruowei, the eldest daughter of the Fang family, but never about Fang Ruoxi.
Everyone knew that the Fang family had two daughters. The eldest daughter, Fang Ruowei, was renowned for her beauty, but no one had ever seen the second daughter. Some people said that Master Fang had always liked to keep mistresses hidden away. If Madam Fang had done so, then the second daughter must also be Master Fang's most beloved daughters. They wondered what kind of beauty she possessed that he kept her hidden from outsiders.
Some busybodies secretly sneaked into the Fang residence to investigate, but were severely beaten by the Fang family's servants, dragged out of the mansion, and thrown in front of the Jinling Prefecture government office. They were charged with trespassing and attempted indecent acts and imprisoned. Just when everyone was greatly disappointed, someone leaked the news that the two sisters, Fang Ruowei and Fang Ruoxi, would go to the southern suburbs of the city to enjoy the spring scenery and pay respects to their ancestors on the Cold Food Festival three days later. In an instant, the topic of conversation in Jinling became a hot topic. Those who were busybodies talked about this matter with great enthusiasm and were eager to try it out, hoping that this year's Cold Food Festival would be better than any other year. But the result... was that everyone was greatly disappointed.
Although it wasn't easy to get close to Fang Ruoxi, some people still managed to see her by any means necessary. It was said that although she was pretty and charming, she couldn't compare to her sister Fang Ruowei's stunning beauty when she turned her head. Everyone immediately lost interest and the matter was dropped.