No one in the Dark Night Tower had any objections. Even if the leader were to pass on the position in the future, Dark Charm would be the only choice. Moreover, he was extremely loyal to the leader and had been the leader's right-hand man for the past few years. No one would doubt his intentions.
With a whoosh, the crowd scattered. The palace guards left with Jun Yilin, and the people from Dark Night Tower left with Anmei. Ye Zhanqing and Wang Chenglin looked at the dazed Jiang Yumin, sighed, and each left with their own people.
The palace returned to its former tranquility. Jiang Yumin sat quietly amidst the overgrown weeds, remaining motionless until nightfall, like a weathered stone monument standing silently...
"Welcome back!" a clear, elegant voice rang out.
The black-clad figure opened its eyes, and after recognizing the person before it, smiled and said, "We meet again, Xuan Yi!"
"You've arrived earlier than I expected!" The calm voice didn't sound like it was discussing a matter of life and death, but rather the weather. Xuan Yi was still wearing a black robe, and his white hair was loose and hung down to his waist.
"Hehe, I'm sorry to have made you laugh! But—I'm here again, are you happy to see me?" Lin Zijing asked playfully.
"Hehe, you're still the same, always surprising me!" With a soft laugh, the black-clad man with white hair spoke with a hint of emotion in his voice.
"Now I can finally let go of everything. Where will you arrange for me to go?" Lin Zijing asked with a smile.
“Foolish child, if you had no attachments, why would you have come here?” Xuan Yi looked at Lin Zijin with pity. “If you had no attachments, you would already be on the Bridge of Helplessness by now. How could there be an obsession driving the Linglong Stone to bring you here? You—do you really think that everyone can see me after they die?”
Lin Zijing's expression changed: "What? It's the Linglong Stone again?" She lowered her head and carefully picked up the stone, the celestial treasure that held Xuan Yi's endless longing, and examined it closely.
"Why this time—?" Xuan Yi had a great liking for this soul who possessed the Linglong Stone, and couldn't help but ask a few more questions.
Lin Zijin blushed slightly and remained silent in embarrassment.
"Is it for love?" Xuan Yi understood.
Lin Zijing nodded slightly, not daring to look at Xuan Yi.
"Can't let go?" Xuan Yi asked again.
Lin Zijing said softly, "Mmm!"
"Fine, I'll be willful and help you one more time, what's wrong with that?" Xuan Yi was much more straightforward than last time.
Lin Zijing asked with a hint of doubt and embarrassment, "But—I still can't remove the exquisite stone. Are you still willing to help me?"
Xuan Yi looked up at the cherry blossom tree, reached out and caught a drifting petal, and said softly, "Since you are destined to be with the Linglong Stone, you are destined to be with her. What we couldn't do before, we will do for you today!"
Lin Zijin said excitedly, "Can I go back? Uh—I mean, can I be resurrected?"
Xuan Yi turned to look at Lin Zijing and said slowly, "Okay, but this is the last chance. You have used the spiritual power of the Linglong Stone twice. When you return this time, the Linglong Stone will have no spiritual power left and will become an ordinary stone. Moreover—this time you will have to pay a huge price, and you may even be destroyed. Are you still willing?"
Lin Zijing looked firmly into Xuan Yi's eyes and said, word by word, "I do!"
“Alright! You can stay here for now. I will prepare everything in three days!” Xuan Yi said, waving his sleeves. The small building where Lin Zijin had stayed last time appeared before his eyes.
Lin Zijin watched the lonely figure in black robes disappear into the distance and suddenly felt a pang of sadness. How did this man endure the endless long years of loneliness and longing?
Three days later, the man in black appeared as promised.
"Have you thought this through? The spiritual power of the Linglong Stone is no longer enough for you to return unharmed. This time, you must form a contract with me. You must find him within three years and make him willingly give his heart's blood to nourish the Linglong Stone, giving you new life. In this way, you can obtain energy from his life and prolong your own. If you fail to do so, three years from now, when the sun rises, your soul will be scattered, and you will have no chance of being reborn!" Xuan Yi reminded you again, "Moreover, you will lose all your memories when you return this time!"
Lin Zijing said, "My life was a gift from heaven. Even if it were gone, it would just be back to normal. As for my soul being scattered—if I could never see him again, what would be the point of being reborn? I'm willing to take the gamble! I believe our fate is more than this!"
Xuan Yi shuddered and turned his face away, not daring to look into those unusually bright eyes. Hadn't his hundreds and thousands of years been meaningless?
With a flick of his sleeve, a seven-colored light enveloped Lin Zijin once again.
"Wait—" Lin Zijing suddenly shouted.
"What?" Xuan Yi asked, puzzled.
"Could you—this time—make me a woman…" Lin Zijing's voice trailed off, sounding somewhat embarrassed.
"Hehe, that's for sure!" Xuan Yi suddenly felt much better.
Suddenly, a dazzling light shone forth, and Lin Zijing was so blinded by the intense light that she had to close her eyes. She felt dizzy and fainted.
☆、One、Four Shows
The scenery of Jiangnan is beautiful, and I am familiar with it from long ago.
The sunrise over the river paints the flowers redder than fire.
In spring, the river water turns as green as blue.
How could I not miss Jiangnan?
In the third month of spring, the peach blossoms and willows of Jiangnan are in full bloom, a truly beautiful sight!
Along the riverbank, the sunlight made the water shimmer, half golden and half emerald green, a truly beautiful sight. Diligent boatmen had already hoisted their sails, preparing for a day's work and hoping for a good harvest.
Under the rising sun, wisps of smoke rise from the simple wooden houses, like rhythmic musical notes, playing a melody that then drifts away on the wind. The women are preparing rations for their fathers, brothers, or husbands for the day, so they can eat while they go out to work.
Ten miles further on lies the town. Today is not market day, so it is not bustling. However, the rows of buildings lining the streets show the town's prosperity.
Indeed, this is Jiangzhou, the most prosperous city in the Jun Kingdom besides the capital. Here you'll find picturesque scenery, renowned silk, the most skillful and beautiful embroiderers, and the ethereal beauties of Jiangnan... Every single one of these things will leave you with an unforgettable impression and haunt your dreams!
The ruler of Junguo values commerce and appoints people based on merit, regardless of their background. Although he has only been on the throne for a short time, he is decisive and skillful. As a result, the court is now peaceful and the people live in peace and prosperity.
In such an environment, the mediocre aristocratic families gradually declined, and in today's era of decline, the former glory of these families is gradually being replaced by talented individuals from humble backgrounds or business tycoons.
Three of the four most famous beauties of Jiangzhou came from humble official or wealthy merchant families. As the name suggests, the "Four Beauties" were four exceptionally beautiful women. However, mere striking looks were not enough for a woman to be considered among them. All four possessed extraordinary beauty and talent, excelling in their respective fields and leading the way in their fields.
"Hey, tell me, tell me, what's the story behind these Four Heroes? How come they have such a prestigious reputation?" In the teahouse, several merchants drinking morning tea sat around a table, chatting about anecdotes from Jiangzhou.
"You gentlemen are from out of town, so you don't know the origins of these Four Beauties. They are truly amazing!" a man in a black robe recounted.
"Hey, stop being so mysterious, just tell me already," a man in red said impatiently, urging him on.
The man in black robes remained unhurried, taking a small sip of Longjing tea before speaking: "These Four Beauties are naturally four beautiful women, but as for why they are named, I must tell you in detail..."
turn out to be--
Gu Jiaoyue, the only daughter of a prominent family among the "Four Beauties," is currently the only heiress of the century-old Gu family. Having witnessed the reigns of several emperors, the Gu family's former glory has been worn down, and in recent years they have remained relatively unknown, yet they have persevered and still hold a place in the kingdom. Although Master Gu has no sons, he is often gratified to have such a capable and shrewd daughter. Gu Jiaoyue, now sixteen, has excellent relationships with the women of major aristocratic families and several recently rising powerhouses. She is also intelligent and insightful, often assisting her father with strategic planning and decisive action. It can be said that the Gu family's ability to maintain its status despite the lack of male heirs is inseparable from the powerful connections and wisdom of their daughter.
Yao Bile, the legitimate daughter of the Prefect of Jiangzhou, was born to his first wife and had four siblings; she was the second oldest. Speaking of Yao Bile, one must mention her legendary father. Although well-read and learned, he remained unappreciated and unappreciated by the court. It wasn't until the new emperor ascended the throne that, due to his service in supporting Prime Minister Wang, he was finally given important responsibilities and rose several ranks within a year, eventually becoming the Prefect. Admiring the supreme power of the emperor, Prefect Yao resolved to further cultivate his outstanding second daughter, hoping to send her to the palace to pave the way for his future. But why did Prefect Yao focus solely on his second daughter and not place his hopes on his younger sister? Because Yao Bile was born intelligent and beautiful, and exceptionally talented in music. Legend has it that when she played the zither, even the birds in the sky and the small animals on the ground would stop to listen, captivated by the lingering melody. Although she was already eighteen, suitors flocked to her door, but Prefect Yao was not in a hurry. He was only thinking of his daughter's rise to prominence and success.
Lan Lan, daughter of the Lan family, currently the most powerful merchant family in the Jun Kingdom, has a father and brothers, but the people of Jiangzhou all know that the head of the Lan family is the frail and delicate Lan Lan. Legend has it that a single decision by Lan Lan can bring the Lan family a fortune, and a single plan of hers can influence the entire economic artery of the Jun Kingdom. Such a pivotal position makes her utterly disgusted by those who come to her door seeking marriage with ulterior motives, and she has vowed to remain unmarried for life to protect the Lan family.
Liang Shiyun lost her father at a young age, leaving only her elderly mother and a few acres of meager land. Yet, her fame in Jiangzhou was no less than the three mentioned earlier, and perhaps even surpassed them, for her reputation as a talented woman not only resounded throughout Jiangzhou but also astonished the entire nation. At five, she could compose poems and couplets; at seven, she could write essays; and at twelve, her essay "On the Origins of the Kingdom" made her famous throughout the land, discussing the state of the world with unparalleled eloquence! Now, at fourteen, though a woman, she serves as the head instructor at the Jiangzhou branch of the newly established Imperial Academy, awaiting the King's coming of age to be betrothed to the palace, thus creating a legendary tale of a talented man and a beautiful woman.
"So, among these four beauties, who is the most beautiful? And who has the best figure?" a man asked lewdly.
"Hehe, the legend says that the four of them each have their own strengths, and they are indeed evenly matched!" the man in black replied patiently.
Gradually, the conversations between the men became more direct and vulgar, but the shopkeeper, unfazed, continued calculating his own accounts and paid no heed.
Listening to the heated discussion at that table, the waiter who was cleaning nearby smirked and thought these people were really boring. Instead of talking about women, they should use their time to do something meaningful. It would be better to waste their time here.
Just as he was thinking this, the man in the soap shirt at the other table seemed to sense the gaze directed at them. He turned his head to look at them, and the waiter quickly lowered his head and hurriedly cleared away the dishes and went into the kitchen.
The waiter went into the kitchen, and Li Si, who was also a waiter, kindly said, "Xiao Luo, I heard your mother is sick again. You should go back and take care of her!"
"Fourth Brother, thank you. I need to finish today's work before I can get my wages to buy medicine for my mother. I'm going to wash the dishes now." A sad look flashed across Xiao Luo's eyes.
Looking at the thin and frail Xiao Luo, Li Si, knowing that everyone has their troubles, said, "I have a few coins here, take them and use them first. I'll do your work for you today." Remembering that Xiao Luo didn't want to accept favors for nothing, he quickly added, "You can pay me back when you get your wages!"
Xiao Luo hesitated for a moment, then reached out and took the few coins, saying softly, "Thank you, Fourth Brother. I'll pay you back as soon as I get my wages."
"Go on, kid, why are you taking this so seriously!" Li Si is a bachelor, he only has himself to eat and no one else to worry about, so he doesn't care about a few coins. Xiao Luo works here to earn money, he is always the thinnest and hardest working, all the money he earns goes into his mother's medicine pot. After a year of hard work, he can't even afford a new set of clothes, which makes everyone feel sad.
Xiao Luo took the money and went to the pharmacy.
"Manager Zhang, I'm here to get medicine for my mother, the same kind as last time."
"Xiao Luo, your mother's illness has flared up again. Sigh, her health is really weighing you down!"
"She is my mother, and I can't let her be a burden to me."
Seeing Xiao Luo's pale face and malnourished, thin body, Manager Zhang hurriedly asked Lao Ling to get him some medicine.
After getting the medicine, Xiao Luo walked into a small alley, looked around to make sure no one was there, dragged a broken bamboo basket from the corner of the wall, and climbed into a house through a small hole behind the basket.
"Mother, I've got the medicine. I'll go brew it right away. Wait for me," Xiao Luo said, panting as she ran into a deserted little house.
The woman lying on the bed was about thirty years old and looked sickly. The room was so simple that there wasn't even a decent quilt. The quilt covering the woman was riddled with holes. Looking at her child, who was thin and pale, she felt grief and called out, "Biluo, come here."
Xiao Luo obediently put down the medicine pot and squatted down by the bed.
The woman gently stroked Biluo's face and said, "It's all my fault. You were born into a family where you were denied the status you deserved because of my lowly status. Now, I have to force you, a woman, to dress as a man and go out to earn money. I'm so sorry!"
"Mother, what are you saying! I don't blame you! Besides, it's his heartlessness that he despises you, what does it have to do with your status?" Yao Biluo's face showed stubbornness.
"Biluo, do you know the origin of your name?" the woman asked softly.
Yao Bilu shook her head and said, "Isn't it because that woman's daughter is named Bile, so it's a continuation of the name?"
"No, although your name is similar to your sister's, it was given to you by your mother, and it embodies my love for your father!" The woman's eyes were full of tenderness. "The first time I saw your father, I knew that I would marry no one but him. No matter how many women he had afterward, I never regretted it. Your name means that no matter where you are in the world, I will only love your father!"
"You were his first wife, yet he made you a concubine and married that other woman; you were his first wife, yet he ignored you after you fell ill, even cutting back on your food and clothing! Don't you regret that he abandoned you after starting something with you and treated you so coldly?" Yao Biluo was somewhat agitated.
"Yes, I don't regret it! If my sacrifice can give him what he wants, I will be happy to do it!" A stubborn look appeared in the woman's eyes.
Yao Biluo remained silent, lowering her head.
The woman gently stroked her head and said, "Your mother doesn't have much time left. After I'm gone, you must take good care of your father and take good care of yourself."
Yao Biluo's eyes reddened, and she remained silent, choked with emotion.
"Oh, my child, how have you become so stubborn since you fell into the water last year! Well, even if you don't want to acknowledge him, he is still your father. Blood is thicker than water, and blood ties cannot be separated. You are not young anymore. Take this pearl hairpin of mine, and I think he will remember our past relationship and find you a good family to marry into. That will fulfill your mother's wish." The woman took out a pearl hairpin from under her pillow. It was very old, and the beads on it were about to fall off. It must have been there for many years.
Yao Biluo reached out and took it, gently placing it in her bosom, but secretly made up her mind that she would never acknowledge that person as her father.
"Mother, you rest for a while, I'm going to brew the medicine." Yao Biluo was afraid that tears would fall and upset her mother, so she got up to brew the medicine.
"Yes, go ahead," the woman said softly.
Indeed, Yao Biluo is the younger sister of Yao Bile, one of the "Four Beauties," and the youngest daughter of Prefect Yao. With such a pale and dejected appearance, no one would guess that the waiter working in the small teahouse is actually the Prefect's daughter!
Back then, Prefect Yao was just a poor, impoverished scholar. He fell in love at first sight with his master's daughter and married her on his master's deathbed. Unexpectedly, after going to the capital for the imperial examinations, a high-ranking official recognized his talent and wanted to take him as his son-in-law. For the sake of his future, he abandoned his wife and took the official's daughter as a concubine, thus gaining entry into officialdom. After the marriage, fearing his wife's displeasure, he neglected her. One night, after drinking and having an affair with Yao Biluo, his wife unleashed her fury, and Prefect Yao never spoke of the mother and daughter again.
The servants in the mansion naturally knew how to fawn over the powerful and bully the weak, so the two lived an extremely difficult life. A year ago, Yao Biluo fell into the water. Although she was rescued, her personality changed drastically, transforming from a gentle girl into a stubborn and resilient one. The mother and daughter had always depended on each other for survival. As her mother's health deteriorated, Yao Biluo felt an unspeakable fear and unease.
"Mother, the medicine is ready, drink it quickly!" Yao Biluo brought in the medicine.
Seeing that the woman was not moving, he assumed she was asleep and went over to gently shake her.
"Mother, Mother, take your medicine before you sleep!"