Chapter 14
"Uncle-Master, what's that?" Yin Qiu stood at the entrance of the inn, pointing to a street vendor hawking his wares.
The peddler wore a bird feather hat, a sheepskin jacket, and dark blue woolen trousers, which did not resemble the attire of people from the Central Plains. He carried two iron buckets wrapped in cotton quilts, from which steam rose continuously, leaving behind a lingering and peculiar fragrance amidst the swirling white mist.
"It smells so good," Yin Qiu took a deep breath. "I've never smelled anything like it before."
With her luggage on her back, Man Jiangxue had just checked out of the shop with the waiter. Standing behind Yin Qiu, she glanced at the vendor and said, "It's apricot milk tea."
"Tea made from apricots?" Yin Qiu asked curiously.
“It’s made with dried almonds and goat’s milk,” Man Jiangxue said. “It’s from a small country in the Western Regions. Shall I buy you a bowl?”
Yin Qiu nodded and ran excitedly toward the vendor.
A bowl of tea costs only six copper coins. It's cheap, plentiful, and has a rich, fragrant aroma. Drinking a bowl of tea on a cold winter's day will warm you up from head to toe.
"It's so delicious!" Yin Qiu said, holding the bowl and savoring the taste.
The vendor chuckled, "Little sister, you've never tried this before, have you? It's a specialty of our Western Regions. If it weren't for the war, it wouldn't have spread here!"
“I’ve heard of the Western Regions,” Yin Qiuchong said to Man Jiangxue. “Back when I was at Xunchun Courtyard, many of the girls used incense and creams that were tributes from the Western Regions.”
"Give her another bowl," Man Jiangxue said, paying a few more copper coins before asking the vendor, "What country are you from?"
The vendor said, "The Kingdom of Xiling was scattered by other countries many years ago. You may not have heard of it."
“Xi Ling,” Man Jiangxue looked at the milk soup in the bucket, which was as white as mutton fat, and paused for a moment before saying, “I know, it’s one of the twelve tribes. Atuduo is the royal surname, and Mude was the last king. The kingdom was destroyed fifteen years ago, but there are still some of its people left.”
Upon hearing her words, the vendor looked stunned and said blankly, "Sir, you are so knowledgeable that you even know these things." He then sighed, "In places like the Gobi Desert, you can only survive if you can win a battle, and you can only die if you can't. My whole family was wiped out in the war, leaving only me. I fled to the Central Plains with other people from my clan, and I can only make a living by selling some milk tea from my hometown. Fifteen years have passed in the blink of an eye. I never thought that I would meet someone who knows about Xiling Kingdom in a foreign land. I am filled with mixed feelings."
“I only heard it secondhand,” Man Jiangxue said, rubbing a speck of tea on her fingertip. “Sir, you have survived a great calamity and are sure to have good fortune in the future. There is no need to be so sad.”
The vendor smiled and said, "Thank you for your kind words. Would you like another bowl, little sister? It's free!"
"Thank you, thank you, I can't drink anymore," Yin Qiu hurriedly waved her hand, then asked Man Jiangxue, "Isn't Martial Aunt drinking?"
Man Jiangxue raised her head, glanced at the apricot milk tea again, and said in a low voice, "I don't like this. Let's go."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two mounted their horses, bid farewell to the peddler, and left the city.
·
Yunhua Mountain is steep and the road is difficult to travel. The horse's hooves sank deep into the snow, snorting as it passed through the dense forest. The horse and its riders stopped in front of a stone staircase.
Amidst the pine forest and the swirling snow, Yin Qiu was lifted off his horse by Man Jiangxue and looked up at the towering steps before him.
The steps were tall and long, soaring into the clouds, exuding an awe-inspiring grandeur amidst their ancient simplicity. As far as the eye could see, a dark, indistinct gate seemed to be hidden among the layers of mist, mysterious and solemn.
“Let’s go,” Man Jiangxue said.
The horse continued on its way up the mountain path. Yin Qiu's neck was aching from craning his neck. He asked in surprise, "Walk up?"
Man Jiangxue took her hand and led her up the stone steps, saying, "All disciples entering the palace for the first time must climb these steps. It's not easy to enter the high halls; you'll only know how difficult it is once you've done it."
Yin Qiu seemed to understand, but didn't ask any more questions and obediently followed her.
Snow swirled around her, and the howling wind filled her ears. The stone steps were covered in snow, making it difficult to walk. Yin Qiu gripped the snow-covered river tightly, panting heavily as she walked.
Halfway there, they turned around and looked back. It was as if they were on clouds, with a vast expanse of blue waves beneath their feet. Birds had vanished, and human traces had disappeared. The mountain path was blurred and indistinct, and they could no longer see where they had come from.
Yin Qiu felt a wave of dizziness and dared not turn around.
An hour and a half later, the two finally stepped onto flat ground and stood in front of the mountain gate.
Several disciples were guarding the entrance. They were overjoyed to see the newcomers and hurriedly came to greet them.
"Oh! My martial uncle is back!"
"After being away for more than a month, we are finally happy to see you back!"
"This disciple will go and report to the sect leader immediately. I was just asking about you yesterday!"
Man Jiangxue waved her hand and said, "That's enough, no need to announce it."
Just like at the post station in Qingluo City, these disciples excitedly asked Yin Qiu a few questions. After learning her identity, they all expressed surprise. Yin Qiu bowed to them one by one, feeling a little uneasy.
Along the way, they received many curious glances, but most of them were kind and intriguing. Although Man Jiangxue didn't say much, she held Yin Qiu's hand the whole time. The warmth of her palm was very comforting and perfectly relieved Yin Qiu's anxiety.
The Mingguang Hall is built on the summit of Yunhua Mountain and has always been the residence of the Yunhua Palace's headmaster. The hall's doors were open, and the disciples on both sides stood respectfully. Inside, there were bright lights, indicating that someone was being waited for.
Upon seeing Man Jiangxue and Yin Qiu, the disciples on duty were slightly surprised, but none of them dared to step forward to speak. They simply bowed respectfully. Before the two had even been announced when they arrived at the main hall, a beautiful young woman came out and bowed to Man Jiangxue, saying, "Uncle-Master is back."
The female disciple appeared to be around the same age as Ji Wanshu. She was also dressed in a simple blue robe. While not particularly beautiful, she possessed an elegant demeanor and exuded a dignified and serene air, displaying a scholarly air.
“Master is receiving guests,” the female disciple said respectfully. “A few days ago, Junior Sister Lu sent a letter, and Master predicted that you would arrive today, so he instructed me to wait here. Martial Aunt, you must be tired from your journey. Please sit down and have some tea to rest.”
Man Jiangxue hummed in agreement and led Yin Qiu to a seat. The female disciple then ordered hot tea and a lot of food to be served. Unlike the other disciples, she was not curious or enthusiastic towards Yin Qiu, but she was not indifferent either. She simply served the two of them in an orderly manner without saying much.
A disciple closed the hall door, shutting out the cold wind. The hall was brightly lit with lamps everywhere, even brighter than outside. A scent of sandalwood incense floated in the air. No one spoke, and the place was so quiet that you could almost hear a pin drop.
Yin Qiu ate her snacks silently, somewhat reserved, not daring to strike up a conversation with Man Jiangxue or look her up and down indiscriminately.
After they had both drunk their tea, Man Jiangxue finally spoke up, asking, "What guests have come to the palace?"
The female disciple who had been attending to him replied upon hearing this, "It's Master Fu of Mingyue Tower, who just arrived from Jinhuai City."
There are many martial arts schools in the world, most of which use swords. Among them, the most famous swordsmen in the martial arts world are Yunhua Palace and Mingyue Tower. However, Mingyue Tower is good at using soft swords, which is different from the hard swords of Yunhua Palace. The two schools have had a friendship since the beginning of their establishment and have had many exchanges.
Man Jiangxue asked again, "What brings you here?"
The female disciple said, "A few months ago, Master Fu lost his beloved son. I'm sure you know about this. With no one to carry on the Mingyue Pavilion's lineage, Master Fu brought back his illegitimate daughter who was being raised elsewhere in order to cultivate a successor. I heard Master mention this before. It seems that Master Fu wanted to send that child to the palace to study under a master. I guess that's why we're here today."
“Fu Cen loves his son more than his daughter,” Man Jiangxue said. “The Fu family’s martial arts have always been passed down only to boys. If this child doesn’t learn well after entering the palace, I’m afraid he won’t be able to return home.”
“That makes sense,” the female disciple continued. “Even one’s own flesh and blood are like chess pieces. If they are useful, keep them; if they are not, discard them. Master Fu is unwilling to let that child come into contact with the Fu family’s martial arts, so he threw her into our palace to try her out. Hopefully, she will be diligent and prove herself.”
·
A moment later, a series of voices and footsteps came from inside, growing louder as they approached. A disciple appeared in the hall first, bending down to lift the curtain for the others behind him.
A man and a woman approached one after the other, both appearing to be in their thirties, chatting and laughing. The woman wore a crimson robe, her hair neatly combed, without any hairpins or earrings, only a string of sandalwood prayer beads around her wrist. She was simple and elegant, yet composed and serious.
The man was dressed in a dark blue brocade robe, with a jade belt around his waist and a pair of black cloud boots. He had a kind face, but like the woman, he exuded an air of composure that could not be ignored, making him someone not to be underestimated.
These two are Xie Yijun, the head of Yunhua Palace, and Fu Cen, the master of Mingyue Tower.
As they drew closer, they noticed a slender girl, as delicate as a bamboo shoot, following behind them, blinking and looking around.
The female disciple stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Master Fu, Master. Martial Uncle has returned."
Man Jiangxue stood up and nodded to the two of them.
“Jiang Xue is back,” Xie Yijun said, playing with her prayer beads and glancing at Yin Qiu over Jiang Xue. “You must have had a long journey.”
After exchanging a few pleasantries with Man Jiangxue, Fu Cen said, "I have important matters to attend to in the building, so I cannot stay any longer. I will entrust Xiang'er to Sect Leader Xie and hope that he will take good care of her."
"Of course," Xie Yijun said with a smile. "Lord Fu has come from afar and I originally wanted you to stay in the palace for a few days, but since it is inconvenient for you, I will not insist."
The group then left the main hall together. Fu Cen did not wish to see them off, so he bid farewell and led a few disciples of Mingyue Tower away. Before leaving, he did not say much to his daughter, only instructing her "Do not be lazy," and then left without looking back.
The girl showed no reluctance, standing silently beside Yin Qiu, her expression revealing neither joy nor sorrow.
"Zhilan, take them both away and settle them in," Xie Yijun said, watching Fu Cen leave before turning back into the hall. "I have something to say to your uncle."
Ye Zhilan responded and turned to look at the two little girls: "Come with me."
Yin Qiu had expected Xie Yijun to ask her a few questions, but Xie Yijun only glanced at her once before dismissing her. Caught off guard, Yin Qiu panicked and tugged at Man Jiangxue's sleeve, whispering, "Uncle-Master..."
Xie Yijun had already entered the hall. Man Jiangxue patted Yin Qiu's head and said, "Don't be afraid. This is your Senior Sister Ye, the sect leader's disciple. She will arrange everything. Go with her."
Yin Qiu bit her lip and remained silent, her fingers gripping her sleeve turning white.
“If you behave, I’ll come see you later,” Man Jiangxue said, looking at Yin Qiu’s expression.
"Really?" Yin Qiu held onto her tightly, reluctant to let go.
“Your martial aunt wouldn’t lie to you.” Man Jiangxue patted the back of her hand.
Yin Qiu then released her grip, forced a smile, and followed Ye Zhilan away, glancing back every few steps.
·
"That's Mandong's daughter?" Xie Yijun sat down, picked up her teacup, and took a couple of sips.
Man Jiangxue nodded: "There were quite a few problems on the road, which caused some delays."
“I think she looks more like Yin Xuan,” Xie Yijun said. “Have you told her about her background?”
Man Jiangxue said, "I told her everything," then paused, "but I actually think she's more like my senior sister."
Xie Yijun shook her head, a hint of disgust in her eyes: "Those eyes are exactly like Yin Xuan's, what a pity."
Back when Shen Mandong and Yin Xuan fell in love, not only Man Jiangxue noticed Yin Xuan's strangeness, but Xie Yijun did as well.
Xie Yijun entered Yunhua Palace before Shen Mandong and was the first personal disciple accepted by the former sect leader. Before Shen Mandong appeared, Xie Yijun was always cultivated as the next sect leader. After Shen Mandong entered the palace, she showed excellent talent in swordsmanship, and the position of chief disciple naturally fell to Shen Mandong.
Even so, Xie Yijun was never jealous. She not only had no aversion to Shen Mandong, but also cared for her very much. When she asked Shen Mandong for advice on swordsmanship, she was always very humble and never put on airs because of her seniority. That year, Shen Mandong brought Yin Xuan back to the palace to meet the sect leader. The young couple stayed in the palace for several months. Xie Yijun was very perceptive and gradually realized that Yin Xuan was a deep and scheming person. She repeatedly advised Shen Mandong to think twice before acting, which took a lot of effort.
However, the result was not satisfactory. After the Ruyi Gate Incident, although Yin Xuan was dead, Xie Yijun hated him to the bone and could not let go of the hatred even after ten years.
"Our bodies and hair are given to us by our parents," Man Jiangxue said, pinching the lid of her cup and gently skimming off the tea foam. "I don't blame her."
Xie Yijun sighed, put down her teacup, and said, "I understand the reasoning, but I still feel indignant whenever I think of the tragic state of the Shen family."
Man Jiangxue looked up at her: "What have you thought about taking on a disciple?"
Xie Yijun looked back at Man Jiangxue and smiled, "Once the words are spoken, there's no reason to take them back. If she's a promising talent, I'll naturally take her as my last disciple. However," she paused here, then continued, "I see that the child is very dependent on you. Could it be that you've developed feelings for her during this time? You... really don't plan to take her as a disciple?"
Man Jiangxue leaned back in her chair, her posture slightly languid, and said, "I don't accept apprentices, you know that."
“Your Jingyue Peak is too desolate,” Xie Yijun said. “You’re all alone year after year, with no attendants or disciples. Although I warned you before not to get too close to that child, you obviously didn’t listen to me. You’ve never liked children, but you’re very patient with her. If you really like her, bringing her to your Jingyue Peak would at least give you someone to keep you company, wouldn’t it?”
Man Jiangxue propped her head up and fell silent for a moment.
"Then let's do it next year," Xie Yijun said thoughtfully when she saw that she didn't reply. "If she can win first place at next year's new disciple competition, I will take her as my disciple. There are quite a few good new disciples this year. Let's rely on our own abilities to avoid unfairness."
"Speaking of which, after spending so much time with her, have you been able to discern her character?" Xie Yijun asked again.
“She is kind-hearted and can distinguish right from wrong,” Man Jiangxue said. “Although she is young, she is very sensible. She is not spoiled because she has experienced hardship. Overall, she has no major problems.”
Xie Yijun chuckled: "As long as she doesn't resemble her father, that's fine. As long as she's half as good as Mandong in other aspects, that's enough."
Man Jiangxue suddenly laughed, as if she had thought of something, and said, "Your disciples are all adults, and each one is well-behaved and respectful. If Yin Qiu were to become your disciple, you would like her."
“It’s not fun when your apprentice grows up,” Xie Yijun laughed. “Judging from your tone, you’re a likable person?”
Man Jiangxue glanced at the wind and snow outside the hall and said, "Hmm."
“If even you say so, then it must be true,” Xie Yijun thought for a moment and said, “But we still need to convince people with our abilities. Whether or not we accept her as a disciple depends on how well she learns next year. We can also observe her more this year, because you might misjudge her sometimes.”
Man Jiangxue said, "That's true."
Xie Yijun stood up and said, "Then let's stop here. You should go back and rest. I won't bother you anymore."
After days of enduring wind and rain, Man Jiangxue was also exhausted. As the two left the palace together, Xie Yijun asked, "Why hasn't Wan Shu returned?"
Man Jiangxue then gave a brief account of her encounter with Wen Chaoyu.
“That child…” Xie Yijun sighed softly, “Never mind, let her be.”
The two parted ways and went in different directions. Man Jiangxue descended the steps, looked up at Jingyue Peak in the distance, and then turned to look at the new disciples' courtyard.
She paused in the snow for a moment, then turned and headed towards the new disciples' courtyard.
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