Chapter 144
Snow falls on the pavilions, and the wind sweeps across the city.
As the year draws to a close once again, colorful lanterns have been hung up in the city early, and businesses are booming with long queues outside. Many families have already begun preparing for the New Year, and the streets are bustling with people, creating a lively and noisy scene.
"Senior sister! How about we come back later?"
In the crowd, a Yunhua disciple, sweating profusely, stood in the throng and shouted to a young woman not far away, "It's too crowded here! There are so many people! And the staff aren't even paying attention to anyone!"
Lu Huaiwei was wearing a heavy cloak over thick winter clothes, making her look like she was wrapped in a quilt. She coughed for a while in the cold wind and had difficulty speaking, so she could only wave to the disciple, signaling him to come over.
"That almost made me furious!" The disciple leaped through the air and immediately complained to Lu Huaiwei, "In previous years, at this time, all the major shops would prepare their goods and send them directly to the post station. But this year, it's as if they all conspired together. Not only did they not deliver the goods, but they also deliberately left us hanging, saying that we had to wait for the common people first and the martial arts sects later. We painstakingly queued for so long, and finally reached the end of the line, only to be told to wait on the side. They clearly don't want to do business with us at all. It's outrageous!"
Lu Huaiwei looked past him and saw that the disciples of other sects were being warmly welcomed into the shop by the shop assistants without being asked to wait in line. Lu Huaiwei sighed and said, "It's only been less than two months since the refugee incident, and our Yunhua Palace's reputation has not yet improved. It's to be expected that we will be neglected like this."
"What can we do then?" the disciple said indignantly. "The end of the year is just around the corner, and if they refuse to sell us anything, won't we disciples be unable to celebrate the New Year?"
Lu Huaiwei said, "Then come back later. We can't really compete with the people. Besides, there's no business that can't be done in this world. Just remember to be humble when you come back later and don't argue with anyone. Be patient with many things. Go back now."
Hearing her say that, the disciple was angry, but he agreed repeatedly. He turned around and gestured to several other disciples, and the group followed Lu Huaiwei on the road back to the post station.
“We came away empty-handed, but Senior Sister bought quite a lot of things,” the disciple said, taking the goods from Lu Huaiwei’s hands and asking, “What are all these things? They’re quite heavy.”
“I have some gifts to give away after I return to the palace,” Lu Huaiwei said, pausing in her steps. “Oh, by the way, I had a pair of white jade earrings made at a jewelry store near the South Gate a couple of days ago. Could you pick them up for me later? I can’t stay in Jincheng for more than two days. I’ll probably have to go back to the palace soon. If the shopkeeper hasn’t finished making them yet, could you ask him to hurry up and urge him for me?”
The disciple first agreed, then smiled and asked, "Who is Senior Sister going to give this to? White jade earrings aren't cheap. If Senior Sister is willing to spend this money, it seems that person must be very close to you. Is it Senior Sister Ji?"
“It’s not her. I’ve already given Senior Sister Ji her gift,” Lu Huaiwei said. “The pendant is for Xiao Qiu. She went through some danger on her trip to Weicheng. You all know about the Dark Guard disciples. I couldn’t go with her because of illness and couldn’t help much, so I can only give her a small gift afterward to comfort her. It’s just a token of my appreciation.”
The disciple said with a mixture of envy and admiration, "Senior Sister is such a good person. Speaking of which, Junior Sister Yin was indeed in great danger this time. When you see her after you return to the palace, please remember to convey our greetings to her as well."
Lu Huaiwei readily replied, "Don't worry, I will definitely convey your good wishes."
The group walked through the crowded streets for a while and soon returned to the post station. Lu Huaiwei drank her medicine in the front hall and sat for a while before Ji Wanshu rode up on horseback. As soon as he entered, he said to her, "Pack your things. Since it's still early, let's go back to the palace."
"Now?" Lu Huaiwei seemed slightly surprised. "Why the rush?"
Ji Wanshu took out a letter from her bosom and said, "I received a letter from my martial aunt earlier. They are already on their way back to the palace. They said that they will hold a public trial for Senior Sister Ye after they get back, and they want us to go back as soon as possible to listen in."
Lu Huaiwei looked at the letter and frowned, saying, "There are many suspicious points about Senior Sister Ye's matter, and many things have not yet been investigated. Why is it going to be a public trial now?"
"Perhaps my martial aunt has other evidence?" Ji Wanshu said. "I've been with you these past few days and don't know much about the situation on my martial aunt's side. Anyway, since my martial aunt has asked us to go back, she must have her reasons. Let's just do as she says."
Lu Huaiwei said, "Alright, let's set off today. But you'll have to wait with me a little longer. I haven't picked up the gift for Xiaoqiu yet. Please sit down for a while."
Ji Wanshu sat down, and Lu Huaiwei poured her a cup of tea and asked, "You just rode back on horseback, where did you go?"
Ji Wanshu took the teacup but didn't drink it. After a moment of silence, she said, "I went back to say goodbye."
Lu Huaiwei looked at her and said, "You look like this... did you quarrel with your uncle again?"
Ji Wanshu grunted in response, her tone stiff, "He told me to get lost and never come back to the Ji family again."
Since the day she learned about her background and who Wen Chaoyu was, Ji Wanshu had not stayed at the Ji family. These days, she had been holed up in the post station and had not gone out. She had thought about going to Cang County to find Wen Chaoyu, but she did not know what to say to Wen Chaoyu, so she could only silently give up the idea.
Lu Huaiwei sighed and said, "Uncle is just still angry and said those things in anger. Please don't take them to heart, Senior Sister."
Ji Wanshu looked at the hot tea in her cup and chuckled softly, "Come on, he's never liked me since I was little. He told me not to go back, so he really doesn't want me to go back. Perfect, I really don't want to go back either. That's not my home."
"How can you say that, Senior Sister? If it's not your home, whose home is it?" Lu Huaiwei frowned as she listened and couldn't help but lecture her, "Even if your uncle and aunt are wrong, their mistakes have nothing to do with you. That's between them and Wen Chaoyu. It's said that the kindness of raising children is greater than heaven. You can't let Wen Chaoyu cause a rift between you and your uncle and aunt. They owe you nothing. Senior Sister, you've really been a bit immature in this matter."
In fact, Ji Wanshu was well aware of the reasons she was referring to. After these days of calm and reflection, she had long since figured it out. However, after receiving Man Jiangxue's letter and learning that she would soon be leaving Jincheng to return to Yunhua Palace, Ji Wanshu hesitated for a while before returning to the Ji family to bid farewell to her parents. But she didn't expect that as soon as her father saw her, he would try to drive her away, his words becoming increasingly harsh. This made Ji Wanshu furious, and her rebellious nature kicked in, leading her to argue fiercely with her father in the courtyard. Even now, she was still not satisfied.
"Alright, alright, you're all here to lecture me," Ji Wanshu finished her tea, then threw the cup down hard with a cold face. "I'm just a punching bag! Everything is my fault, are you satisfied now?"
Seeing her like this, Lu Huaiwei could only laugh: "Look, you're about to lose your temper again after just a few words. But since you're feeling uneasy right now, it's good to vent it quickly. Don't bring your temper into the palace. Senior Sister Ye is in a bad situation now. As the chief disciple, you must behave well when you go back, so as not to disappoint the sect leader again."
Ji Wanshu was at her wit's end and said impatiently, "Why are you so long-winded? It's driving me crazy! I have to take care of everyone else, but why is no one taking care of me?"
Lu Huaiwei coaxed her, "I'm looking out for you, don't be angry."
The two had tea in the front hall for a while, and then the disciple brought the white jade earrings from the jewelry store. Although Lu Huaiwei's illness had improved, she still couldn't ride a horse or stand the cold wind, so Ji Wanshu drove a carriage and became the driver. After saying goodbye to the disciples in the post station, the two immediately left the city and headed towards Yunhua Palace.
·
Bai Ling waited at the pigeon station all morning, and finally received a message by carrier pigeon near noon. She read the contents of the letter, bought a few steamed buns by the roadside, ate them, and then returned to the post station to report the news to Man Jiangxue.
"News has arrived from Jincheng. Senior Sister Lu and Senior Sister Ji set off together. Judging by the days, they should have been on their way for two days. Excellent!"
Yin Qiu set out the bowls and chopsticks, ladled a bowl of soup for Man Jiangxue, and said, "It's good that no one suspects anything. With Senior Sister Ji here, even if she doesn't know the truth yet, nothing unexpected should happen."
Bai Ling was faintly excited, rubbing her hands together and saying, "Yes, yes, I can't wait! Martial Uncle, when are we going back to the palace?"
In fact, they had already set off from Yaoding City and had arrived in Shangyuan City. However, Man Jiangxue did not choose to return to the palace immediately, but instead checked into the Yunhua Post Station in Shangyuan City and did not ask anyone to send a message to the palace.
“Tomorrow morning,” Man Jiangxue said, “I have other things to do today.”
Yin Qiu asked curiously, "What is it? We've already arrived in Shangyuan City, we should at least tell the sect leader."
Man Jiangxue glanced at her, a faint smile on her face, and said, "No need. After dinner, you'll come out with me and you'll find out then."
Seeing that she was acting mysteriously, Yin Qiu didn't ask any further questions. Instead, he turned to Bai Ling and said, "Uncle Wen and Brother Xue are still in their guest room. Could you take their food to them for me? Although Uncle Wen had already instructed us not to announce that they were here, it's almost the end of the year, and there are many disciples coming and going at the post station. We should remind them twice to make sure nothing goes wrong."
Bai Ling took the food box and replied, "Understood!"
After the meal, Man Jiangxue asked for a horse and took Yin Qiu out. Bai Ling also went with the other disciples to help buy New Year's goods. The group left the post station at the same time, but went in different directions and soon disappeared into the crowded crowd.
Fine snow was falling, the cold wind was howling, the streets were crowded with people, and the horses were moving slowly. Yin Qiu sat in front of Man Jiangxue, holding the saddle with both hands, and asked her, "Where are you taking me, Aunt?"
Man Jiangxue rested her chin on Yin Qiu's head, held the reins in one hand and supported Yin Qiu's waist with the other, and said, "There is a place called Xifeng Mountain outside the city. Have you been there?"
Yin Qiu thought for a moment, "I've heard of it, but I've never been there." She turned to look at Man Jiangxue and asked, "What business is your martial aunt going there to take care of?"
Man Jiangxue said, "I'm going to see an old friend."
An old friend? Yin Qiu was a little surprised: "I've never heard my martial uncle mention any old friend before. Who is it?"
Man Jiangxue smiled and said, "I won't tell you yet, you'll find out when you get there."
After passing through the long, bustling street, the road ahead became much wider, and Man Jiangxue quickened her pace, carrying Yin Qiu out of the city.
Xifeng Mountain is located on the west side of Yunhua Mountain. Although it is not as majestic as Yunhua Mountain, it is still beautiful with clear waters and lush mountains. Several temples have been built on the mountain, and the incense is always burning brightly. Many people go there, not to mention that it is now more than halfway through the twelfth lunar month, and there are even more pilgrims going to the mountain to pray for blessings and fulfill vows than usual.
As we walked up the mountain path, the trees were scattered along the way, and the path was winding. Although there were no flowers or fragrances around, the lush greenery amidst the vast snowscape was a unique and beautiful sight.
Seeing that Manjiangxue showed no sign of stopping even after passing several temples, Yin Qiu looked at the increasingly tranquil mountain forest ahead and couldn't help but ask, "We're almost at the end of the road, where exactly are you going, Uncle-Master?"
Man Jiangxue pointed in a direction and said, "Do you see that little building?"
Yin Qiu looked up and gazed into the distance. Sure enough, he saw a building on the mountain, its eaves upturned and its copper bells swaying slightly. Bathed in the swirling snow, it looked like a stroke of ink on white paper.
Fine snowflakes clung to her eyelashes, spreading a small patch of coolness. Just as Yin Qiu was about to ask a question, Man Jiangxue suddenly tugged at the reins, and the horse beneath her galloped off in an instant. The two of them rushed into the dense forest against the damp, cold wind, leaving a trail of hoofprints behind them.
Yin Qiu was jostled around until she was breathless, and even holding onto the saddle, she could barely sit still. Man Jiangxue held her tightly, and smiled as they galloped along. Yin Qiu shouted into the wind, "Uncle-Master! Slow down!"
Man Jiangxue lowered her head slightly, glanced at Yin Qiu, and seeing her panicked face, couldn't help but tease her, "You're such a coward. What's there to be afraid of when you're riding a horse?"
The cold wind made it hard for Yin Qiu to open her eyes. Through her blurred vision, she saw streaks of trees flashing past. She called out, "There are too many trees here, and the path is narrow. What if we accidentally bump into one?"
Man Jiangxue said, "If you ride, you'll crash into a tree. I can't." As she spoke, she suddenly shoved the reins in her hand into Yin Qiu's hands and said, "Come on, let your uncle teach you how to ride."
Yin Qiu felt as if she were facing a formidable enemy, gripping the rope as if it were something scalding hot, and exclaimed in alarm, "No... I can't do it!"
“You can do it,” Man Jiangxue whispered in her ear. “What did I teach you before? To have confidence.”
Yin Qiu shouted, "I really can't do this! I've never been good at riding!" As she spoke, she caught a gust of cold air and coughed violently, "Uncle-Master—!"
Man Jiangxue laughed, her laughter hearty and cheerful. She took Yin Qiu's hand and promptly turned the horse's wild gallop away. She said to Yin Qiu, "There are few high mountains outside the pass; it's mostly plains and deserts. When I was a child, I loved riding horses with my mother. When we have time, I'll take you to see the area outside the pass."
Yin Qiu's face turned pale with fright, but upon hearing this, she still happily replied, "Okay...okay!"
Man Jiangxue turned her head and kissed Yin Qiu on the cheek. When the horse galloped out of the dense forest and headed uphill, she picked Yin Qiu up and helped her straighten up on the horse. With a light touch of her toes, she leaped into the air and rode up into the wind.
Several unidentified white birds flew around them, and the snow-covered mountains and forests seemed to be covered with a snow blanket. The winter scenery was clean and white. Yin Qiu hugged Man Jiangxue's neck tightly, and the two of them were like a free and unrestrained wind, freely and unrestrainedly traversing between heaven and earth.
The wind tossed their black hair high, carrying a faint, delicate fragrance amidst the frost. Yin Qiu turned back and looked as if she saw a sea of clouds and pine trees, a thin mist like smoke. She leaned on Man Jiangxue's shoulder and laughed heartily, saying, "Uncle-Master, this place is so beautiful!"
Hearing her laughter and exclamations, Man Jiangxue also turned around to look at the scenery behind her. After a moment, she turned her head back and placed her gentle gaze on Yin Qiu's face.
Man Jiangxue looked at Yin Qiu and said, "It is very beautiful."
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