Having finally seen Zhuang Su, Shen Jian felt much more at ease. At least he knew she was still alright. However, seeing Qing Chen's affectionate gestures towards her had made him feel a little...uncomfortable. He had clearly seen "instigation" in the look that man gave him.
That glance seemed to be telling him—Susu is his.
He disliked that expression. However, at this moment, he still needed to rely on the power of the One Leaf Alliance. The title of Flying Cavalry General was ultimately just an empty name; with a single order from the King of Han, he could instantly lose most of his military power.
Therefore, at this point, the only thing he could do was to bide his time and conceal his abilities.
Chapter Twenty-Four: The Quiet Sound of Falling Flowers (Part 1)
Once Qingchen entered the room, he kept asking Zhuangsu for this and that, not letting her have a moment to herself. Zhuangsu was anxious to see Chen Jian, and after patiently waiting for a while, she finally couldn't help but shove the cup of tea into his hand without ceremony, her expression unfriendly: "Are you ever going to stop?"
At this moment, Qingchen was already lying on the bed with a smile on her face, holding a teacup in one hand, taking a small sip, and saying calmly and honestly, "It's ready a long time ago."
Zhuang Su knew that this person had a thick skin that could kill without fear, but after being choked, he still couldn't help but pause. After finally catching his breath, he said irritably, "Then I'm going to see Shen Jian. Call me if you need anything."
"Hmm," Qingchen responded faintly.
Zhuang Su's turning motion suddenly froze, vaguely sensing a hint of reluctance in the man's soft voice. She couldn't help but glance back, then turned and left. A gaze still lingered behind her.
"Li Jiu." After the person left, Qingchen called out leisurely.
No sooner had he finished speaking than Li Jiu appeared out of nowhere. Judging from his expression, he seemed quite embarrassed about his whereabouts being exposed. He said, "Master, I didn't mean to eavesdrop."
Qingchen gave him a half-smile: "Why do I feel like you've been really free lately?" He drew out his words slightly and chuckled, "You do seem to be quite 'free,' don't you... hmm?"
Li Jiu felt a chill run down his spine at that smile, coughed to cover it up, and said, "There are really a lot of things to do in the valley lately."
However, Qingchen seemed not to have heard what he said, and said with a smile, "Since you're so free, go to the kitchen and take a plate of osmanthus cake to Susu and the others. After all, Shen Jian is a 'guest'."
Li Jiu inexplicably sensed that Qing Chen's words intentionally or unintentionally emphasized the word "guest," and upon hearing this, the corner of his mouth twitched noticeably. The person before him smiled, their peach-blossom eyes narrowing, yet he felt as if they were a fox. Shen Jian was an "outsider," so did that imply—Zhuang Su was an "insider"? To be honest, those two clearly wouldn't be in the mood for pastries; having him deliver them would probably just be…
Li Jiu was both amused and exasperated, but under Qing Chen's seemingly casual yet subtly threatening gaze, he helplessly replied, "After I deliver the pastries, I'll come back and report their feedback..." Li Jiu only dared to use such a ridiculous coded message to answer Qing Chen after making sure no one was around; he'd rather die than let anyone hear such a ridiculously silly statement. But judging from Qing Chen's expression, she clearly wanted to know what had happened over there... Li Jiu felt like he was swallowing a bitter pill, unable to express his suffering.
Qingchen's smile widened, and she waved her hand, saying, "Old Li, I trust you to handle things."
Li Jiu could only sigh inwardly at this hypocritical man, then turned and left the house, heading towards the kitchen.
He felt an urge to beat his chest in despair. The One Leaf Alliance had been making one large-scale operation after another lately, and he was truly—so busy he wanted to self-destruct to escape. At this moment, he realized that the biggest stain on his life so far was his excessive curiosity about his master's private affairs; truly, one wrong step had led to eternal regret…
Just as Li Jiu was filled with regret, Zhuang Su had already arrived at the east wing. He gently knocked on the door, heard soft footsteps inside, and then the door opened.
"Shen Jian." She noticed his gaze on her, and subconsciously reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, calling out his name.
"You've arrived?" Shen Jian asked casually, and if it weren't for his gaze lingering on her, one might not have noticed any lingering affection. He stepped aside to let Zhuang Su into the house.
This room was originally intended for guests, so the furnishings were simple and clean. Zhuang Su took a chair and sat down, unsure of what to say for a moment. After a while, she only said coldly, "Shen Jian, how have you been these past few years?"
Shen Jian looked at her with a complicated expression, her lips trembling slightly, and when she uttered the word "good," it seemed as if her heart was filled with a thousand emotions.
How have you been these past few years? Because no one has ever asked him this question, he has never thought about it. He has been a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield and has risen through the ranks of the court at an unexpected speed, attracting envious and fearful gazes wherever he goes. Even so, no one has ever asked him if he is doing well, and he himself has never thought about it.
He was simply following a path he had planned from the moment he joined the One Leaf Alliance.
More than a decade ago, on that day when he stood before the wine merchant and made his promise, he already knew that one day he was destined to be extraordinary. Long, long ago, he knew—there were some hatreds he wouldn't truly let go of, as his mother had told him to. Perhaps he had once considered letting go, content with an ordinary life, but then he met Zhuang Su, met Yi Ye Meng, and met Yi Tiao, who led him back to the path of supreme hell.
Whether his choice that year was truly to protect Zhuang Su, he no longer remembered. Only one thing remained clear: the One Leaf Alliance could help him with things he had never previously sought to reclaim. That was all.
So five years ago, even though he knew the journey was extremely dangerous and he might never return, he still resolutely embarked on it.
For the past five years, he had been single-mindedly focused on achieving his goal: gaining the immense support of the Han Kingdom and ensuring that those who had offended him in the past met a terrible end. Looking back on those five years, he now felt as if he had been living in a daze, his mind solely consumed by revenge.
He got what many people wanted. In that sense, perhaps his life could be considered "good"...
Shen Jian was slightly lost in thought, staring intently at the figure in plain clothes and simple features before him, without saying anything more. In the past five years, this woman was probably the only one he had ever thought about... She had grown up, with a unique and elegant appearance, not flamboyant, but exuding a gentle aura that made people feel calm when they were around her.
For some reason, Chen Jian thought of the lotus. The lotus, rising from the mud unsullied, cleansed by the clear ripples without being seductive. So serene.
Zhuang Su felt awkward looking away from his gaze and looked out the window. She saw the fallen petals filling the courtyard and smiled slightly. "It's good that you're alright. I was worried that Qingchen had asked you to kill some troublesome person, which is why you made it sound so mysterious back then."
Shen Jian noticed that her address had changed from "Father" to "Qingchen," and he didn't even notice the slight furrow in his brow. He simply said, "Indeed, many people were killed, but there's nothing seriously wrong with them." Seeing Zhuang Su's surprised gaze, he paused and then asked, "Do you know the Flying Cavalry General?"
"The Flying Cavalry General of Han?" Zhuang Su blinked and said, "It is said that although the Chu and Han states have been fighting repeatedly, neither has ever given in. It's just that each state has a great general—Chu's 'Flowing Shadow' and Han's 'Flying Cavalry.' In particular, the Flying Cavalry General often makes Chu suffer a lot. Of course, I've heard of such a great name." The "Flowing Shadow" she mentioned naturally refers to Liu Ye, the eldest son of the Prime Minister.
Shen Jian seemed to hesitate for a moment, looking at her for a long time before slowly saying, "I am the 'Flying Rider' who has come to Chu as an envoy of Han." After speaking, he stared at Zhuang Su, paying attention to the changes in her expression.
However, all he saw was her faint "Oh," and she said, "So the Flying Cavalry General is Shen Jian. No wonder he's so powerful." She smiled, as if what she had heard was nothing serious, and simply said in a soft voice, "Now I finally know what you've been doing all these years."
He was prepared to answer any questions she might ask, but Zhuang Su's reaction surprised even Shen Jian.
Li Jiu had been standing outside the door for a long time, holding the osmanthus cake, listening to their conversation without saying a word. Even now, he trembled, nearly dropping the cake, barely managing to keep it from spilling. Li Jiu felt his heart was being tested particularly hard today, but seeing Zhuang Su's temperament, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Qing Chen: "Master, oh Master, of all people you could have liked, you had to fall for such a gentle girl. You're probably destined to suffer a lot in the future..." For a moment, he felt a pang of sympathy.
While Li Jiu was muttering to himself outside, Zhuang Su had already stood up and walked over to Shen Jian.
Over the past five years, he had grown quite tall. Zhuang Su observed his features, noticing the handsome, refined curves, and couldn't help but purse her lips. Indeed, Shen Jian had blossomed into the kind of man many women dreamed of. She recalled the unapproachable young man she had first met, sensing the slightly aloof aura emanating from him, and her tone softened: "Shen Jian, these past five years, you haven't had it easy, have you…?"
The last word fell, seemingly like a faint sigh.
Chen Jian seemed to pause for a moment, and in the end, he only gave a soft "hmm".
Perhaps he really wasn't doing well, but he never wanted anyone to know. But this person in front of him… well… let it be… The deep color in Shen Jian's eyes seemed to fade slightly. At this moment, he heard Zhuang Su say with a hint of helplessness, "I don't know why Qing Chen wanted you to go to Han Kingdom to infiltrate the court, nor do I know what you all want to do. The world might really be thrown into chaos, but I don't want to care about that. Shen Jian, I know that even if I beg Qing Chen, I can't change his decision, I can't ask him not to let you take such a risk. I don't care what happens to the others, I just want you to promise me you'll come back safe and sound."
She already knew that she would be leaving again soon... Upon hearing this, Shen Jian was lost in thought. Looking down slightly, he could see a hint of stubbornness mixed in with Zhuang Su's usually indifferent gaze. Subconsciously, he reached out and gently pulled her into his arms.
Zhuang Su was taken aback by his action, then her face flushed. She felt a slight coolness from Shen Jian's body, perhaps because he was used to the atmosphere of the battlefield. Sharing a bed was common when they were young, but now that they were both grown up and had gradually understood the conventional views on men and women, she felt a little embarrassed. Her heart suddenly raced, and she secretly clicked her tongue, silently thinking, "What's wrong with that? It's just a hug. We've slept together before!"
Shen Jian was naturally unaware of her inner thoughts. He only felt a sense of security from the small, warm body in his arms. Although he was momentarily surprised by his absent-minded actions, he didn't want to let go. He simply held her gently, feeling her body pressed against his chest, and his heartbeat gradually quickening. He wondered if she could hear him.
Thump... Thump...
The surrounding atmosphere seemed somewhat close. After a long, long time, he sighed softly and said, "I'll try my best."
"Try my best..." Zhuang Su pondered the meaning of this word, dissatisfied but silently swallowing it down. Yes, "try my best"... who knows what will happen in the future?
Petals drifted down outside the courtyard, and Li Jiu had already walked away, leaving behind the tranquil scene of their time together. He hurried back to Qingchen's place, his heart heavy with worry, unsure how to report what had happened…
He pondered all the way to Qingchen's room, but unexpectedly heard voices. He stopped knocking, puzzled. Logically, no one should be coming at this hour.
Chapter Twenty-Four: The Quiet Sound of Falling Flowers (Part Two)
However, before Li Jiu could hear anything, Qing Chen's voice drifted through the door: "Old Li, you're back? Come and greet the guest."
Li Jiu pushed open the door and entered. Upon seeing who was in the room, his expression immediately turned grim.
"Li Jiu, long time no see." The man, dressed in blue with his hair tied back, sat at the round table, still toying with a cup in his hand. The porcelain cup moved with ease between his fingers, and the afterimage that caught his eye was only a fleeting moment.
"Yes. Long time no see, Master Mo." Li Jiu clasped his hands in a fist salute, but his tone was clearly unfriendly.
Mo Liyuan glanced at him indifferently, a mocking smile playing on his lips: "Butler Li, this doesn't seem like the proper attitude towards guests..." He raised his cold eyes slightly, showing no sign of anger.
"Old Li, go and call Murong over." Qingchen seemingly casually interrupted their conversation, his expression leaving one wondering what he was thinking.
Li Jiu responded and went out again, not even glancing at Mo Liyuan.
Mo Liyuan watched him leave and sneered, "He's always disliked me. I didn't expect that after so many years, he would still have the same attitude."
Qingchen smiled and said, "Given the current relationship between Liuyun Manor and Yiye Alliance, do you really expect them to be courteous to you? I only call you a guest out of politeness."
"I really have to thank you." Mo Liyuan casually took a sip of tea, his brow furrowing slightly. "When did you turn your room into a tea room?"
"Cough..." Qingchen recalled Zhuang Su's "raid" on her room a while ago, and a smile appeared in her eyes. She said, "That's none of your business. But speaking of which, although I guessed it was about time you came to find me, I didn't expect you to come so quickly."
Mo Liyuan glanced at him and said, "So you know why I came to see you?"
"I don't know," Qingchen replied calmly, surprisingly composed. Mo Liyuan, used to his temperament, said coldly, "My foolish adopted son was bewitched by one of your Su Qiaos. I wouldn't have minded leaving him in the Yiye Alliance, but he almost lost his life..." He paused, a cold glint appearing in his eyes, "While the imperial court went too far, I still want an explanation from you. Why did the imperial court suddenly mobilize troops against the Yiye Alliance without even notifying me, their ally? Don't tell me they were just impatient; I don't believe it."
Qingchen looked at his expression, her fingertips lightly tapping the edge of the bed, a half-smile on her face: "What do you think?"
"What tricks did you secretly play? What exactly are you planning, Qingchen?"
Qingchen spread her hands and made a bitter face: "Lord Manor, you have really wronged me this time. I was very well-behaved and did nothing."
"Really didn't do it?" Mo Liyuan scoffed. "Then why would a secret letter from the Han court reach the Chu Kingdom? Isn't that 'Flying Cavalry' currently in your Shengxiao Valley?"
Upon hearing this, Qingchen's smile faded slightly, and her voice seemed to drift away from Hall's: "You mean this matter is related to the Han Dynasty court?"
Mo Liyuan sneered: "Are you still pretending? The Han court specially sent a secret letter saying that as long as the Yiye Alliance can be eradicated in one fell swoop, they are willing to form an alliance with the Chu Kingdom for fifty years."
A fifty-year alliance… A smile crept into Qingchen’s eyes: “It seems the Han court really thinks highly of our One Leaf Alliance.” He was smiling, but his eyes held a chill: “It seems Lord Mo came chasing after the flying cavalry? Then, what do you think I can do?”
A sudden gust of cold wind swept around Mo Liyuan, and in the blink of an eye, he was upon Qingchen, his hand gripping Qingchen's throat tightly, the dangerous aura brushing against his skin. His eyes narrowed slightly, filled with coercion: "The Han Kingdom's intention is the Flying Cavalry's intention. Since the Flying Cavalry are agents planted by the One Leaf Alliance, tell me—what am I worried about?"
Shen Jian was indeed a pawn of the One Leaf Alliance, but this time it was this pawn acting independently, breaking away from its master. However, Qing Chen was not displeased by Shen Jian's actions. He felt a slight tightness in his throat, but he smiled leisurely, seemingly unmoved by his own "life hanging by a thread": "It was my arrangement, so what?"
A hint of murderous intent flashed in Mo Liyuan's eyes, and he tightened his grip slightly: "I thought you had learned to be content after years of living in seclusion in the martial world. I never expected that your ambitions would extend beyond just the One Leaf Alliance? Back then, you didn't hesitate to harm Qingyuan, and now? Are you planning to use Susu to seize the world?"
The difficulty in breathing made Qingchen's face pale. When Qingyuan was mentioned, the helplessness that flashed in his eyes was well concealed, and he did not argue. However, the last sentence made his usually nonchalant expression change slightly, and his brows furrowed: "Cough... What do you mean... you're planning to use Susu again?"
Mo Liyuan was filled with anger, but seeing Qingchen's expression, which didn't seem feigned, he was surprised and loosened his grip slightly. Qingchen's breathing finally calmed down, and he pulled Mo Liyuan close, asking, "What does this have to do with Susu?" In his haste, he coughed a few times.
"Wasn't it you who revealed Su Su's identity to the underworld?" Mo Liyuan asked coldly.
At the same time, Qingchen felt as if the blood in his body suddenly froze, and he repeated word by word, "Susu's... identity, the underworld... already... knows?" In a daze, Mo Liyuan's clothes lightly brushed against his slightly loosened hand, leaving a blank trace.
Mo Liyuan frowned: "It really wasn't you?"
Qingchen shook her head, but remained silent.
Zhuang Su's father, Shao Yu, was once a powerful figure in the underworld. His "Soul Feather Sect," while not as powerful as the One Leaf Alliance, was an organization even the One Leaf Alliance dared not interfere with. People in the underworld are disdained to associate with those in the legitimate world, and conversely, the underworld has historically had little interaction with the legitimate world, thus maintaining a relatively peaceful coexistence. The biggest upheaval until now was undoubtedly the intolerable affair between Qing Yuan, the former leader of the One Leaf Alliance (the leading force in the legitimate world), and Shao Yu, the leader of the Soul Feather Sect (the leading force in the underworld).
For a time, Qingyuan was condemned by everyone, and Shaoyu was also driven away and hunted down by the underworld.
With the deaths of those two, everything should have been buried in the past, but now... the underworld has learned that Zhuang Su is still alive?
Qingchen remained silent for a long while, then his voice suddenly became calm: "Liyuan, find out who did this." This time, he no longer addressed him as "Master Mo," nor did he conceal his emotions. A chill emanated from him, even sending a shiver down Mo Liyuan's spine. This Qingchen gave him a fleeting illusion of returning to their days at the One Leaf Alliance. This tone was an order, just like when they were together long ago. Once Qingchen made a decision, he would always use this declarative tone to command him to do it.
At this moment, Mo Liyuan was not angry at Qingchen's abrupt words. He looked at him quietly for a long time before finally saying "okay".
He wasn't planning to help the One Leaf Alliance, but rather to prevent anyone from harming Qingyuan's flesh and blood.
"No need to guess anymore, the person you're looking for may have already arrived." Murong Shi stood at the door, her tone extremely low.
Following her gaze, a woman in black stood under the shade of a willow tree, her hair as black as ink. She turned to Murong Shi and spoke flippantly, "Murong, it's been a long time."
"It has indeed been a long time." Murong Shi looked at her, a hint of ruthlessness in her eyes. "Liu Rushu, you actually dare to return to the One Leaf Alliance?"
“I originally came from here, why can’t I come back?” Liu Ru walked casually to Murong Shi’s side, leaned in and looked her up and down, and smiled. “Murong, it’s been so many years, you’re still so beautiful.”
Murong Shi looked at her coldly, but said to the two people in the room, "If you want to know how Su Su's matter got to the underworld, you'd better ask her."
"Shu'er?" Qingchen's expression was indifferent, but his slightly parted lips were icy cold. Perhaps because there were so many uninvited guests today, he was not surprised by Liu Rushu's sudden arrival. He simply asked in a soft voice, "Did you tell the underworld?" He raised his eyelashes slightly, his smile seemingly unrelated to his question, as if he were just asking her if she had had tea today.