Chapter 185
"What's going on? You've only just met and you're already arguing. What kind of behavior is this?" Lu Huaiwei stepped down the stairs and hurriedly caught up with Ji Wanshu. Ji Wanshu, who was ahead, was furious and stopped abruptly.
"I would like to be on good terms with them, but every time we meet, they won't let me have a peaceful time," Ji Wanshu said with a frown. "Don't even mention the young sect leader, even if I become the sect leader, as long as I'm not married, I'll be a disgrace to them. For a woman, not getting married and having children is a huge sin. No matter if you get promoted or are admired by the world, not getting married is against the natural order! The same thing, if a man does it, it's because he's focused on his future and has lofty ambitions, but if a woman does it, it's considered immoral and will be ridiculed. It would be a miracle if I listened to any of that!"
Lu Huaiwei said, "You're so angry, it must be because your aunt and uncle are pressuring you to get married. Sigh, why did it have to be now?"
“Of course they chose this time,” Ji Wanshu said. “Now that I’ve become the young sect leader, I’ll be able to go home even less often. If we don’t say it now, we’ll never have the chance to say it later.”
Lu Huaiwei grabbed him, preventing him from leaving, and admonished him, "Where are you going now? It'll be noon soon. If you disappear without a trace, where am I supposed to find you? You have to calm down, no matter how angry you are. You're the main character today, you can't make a mistake."
When Ji Wanshu thought about how the two elders were acting as if they weren't joking, and also thought about how Wen Chaoyu was all alone, waiting for her in the cold and desolate courtyard, her heart felt like it was being fueled by oil, burning with unease.
The two circled the palace walls a few times before arriving at a spacious, flat training ground. Ji Wanshu drew her sword and began to practice, venting her anger. The jingling of her jade pendants filled the air, and gold and silver jewelry scattered across the ground. Lu Huaiwei chuckled as she picked them up, "You were right, you'll lose as many as you wear. You're all sweaty from practicing your sword now, how are you going to face anyone later?"
Ji Wanshu swiftly chopped the protruding flower branches along the wall into a mess with a few quick moves, and said angrily, "If you can't stand people, then don't stand them! I can't sell anything today, so let me vent my anger first!"
Lu Huaiwei had no choice but to let her be. She wrapped the items she had picked up in a handkerchief, and after a while, she heard a familiar voice behind her say, "Who has angered Senior Sister Ji again? Why are you so angry?"
Lu Huaiwei turned around and saw that it was Yin Qiu who had returned. She said helplessly, "Just now, my uncle and aunt were pressuring her to get married, which made her very angry. It's a pity that the flowers in this garden haven't even bloomed yet, and she has already smashed them all, ruining the beautiful spring scenery."
Yin Qiu had just returned to the palace with Man Jiangxue. Upon arriving at Mingguang Hall, Xie Yijun mentioned the matter, and Yin Qiu went out to find Ji Wanshu, hoping to offer her some advice. Before Yin Qiu could even reply, Ji Wanshu rushed over, asking, "Where's Wen Chaoyu? Is she coming or not?"
Yin Qiu glanced at her twice, pretending not to hear, and praised, "Senior sister looks especially beautiful today, you're a real beauty. My painting skills were recently recognized by the Master. You continue practicing your swordsmanship, and I'll paint it for you."
"Stop teasing me," Ji Wanshu said. "I'm asking you, is Wen Chaoyu coming or not!"
Yin Qiu said, "What difference does it make if I come or not?"
Ji Wanshu said, "If she comes, I will take her to Mingguang Hall and propose to her in public. If she doesn't come, I will go down the mountain to invite her!"
Lu Huaiwei shook her head upon hearing this. Yin Qiu said, "Here we go again. You were only calm for a few days, and now you're acting irritable again. Your impulsiveness not only makes things difficult for your parents, but it also makes things difficult for Uncle Wen. If she knew, she probably wouldn't want to come."
“My composure is all an act, and I’m getting tired of it lately,” Ji Wanshu said. “She’s afraid to come, isn’t she? I expected that. Fine, I won’t force her. I’ll just let others force me. Draw your sword and fight me!”
Yin Qiu had no choice but to take off the ice-eating device and said happily, "Alright, after this match, you can't be angry, Senior Sister. You have to promise me first."
Ji Wanshu said, "Let's talk after we've finished fighting!"
·
While the three juniors practiced their swordsmanship outside, Man Jiangxue stayed in Mingguang Hall and chatted with Xie Yijun.
Half an hour before the ceremony officially began, the elders had already gone out to find disciples from various peaks to take their seats on the viewing platform. In the hall, there were still some heroes and valiant figures from other sects who had been invited, and the lively atmosphere remained unchanged.
"Speaking of which, you and Yin Qiu went to the city to visit Wen Chaoyu yesterday," Xie Yijun poured tea and peeked at the Ji couple through the beaded curtain. "Is there any definite answer as to whether she'll come or not? Those two mentioned marriage to Wan Shu earlier, but they parted on bad terms after only a few words. If Wen Chaoyu comes, you must tell her to stay away and not disrupt my investiture ceremony. It wouldn't be good if she made a fool of herself."
Man Jiangxue glanced around at everyone in the hall and said, "I don't know if she'll come or not. Xiao Qiu has already gone to find Wan Shu. Just comfort her. Even if Wen Chaoyu comes, I don't need to remind her. She knows how to behave."
Xie Yijun hummed in agreement, and seeing that Man Jiangxue seemed to be looking for someone, asked, "What are you looking at?"
Man Jiangxue asked, "Where did Bai Ling go?"
Xie Yijun said, "She's busy outside. She's handling the things that Zhilan should be doing. What do you need her for?"
Man Jiangxue said, "There's something I need to confirm with her."
Xie Yijun immediately summoned her disciple, asking someone to call Bai Ling over, but Man Jiangxue stood up and said, "No need, it's too noisy here. I'll go out for some peace and quiet and go find her on the way."
“Everyone is rushing out,” Xie Yijun said. “Then we have to remember the time, so as not to delay important matters.”
Man Jiangxue nodded in agreement and went out of the gate alone, walking down the stone steps. The ceremony was held at the Wangtian Dojo, which was directly opposite the Mingguang Hall. The platform had been set up and many people were already seated in the stands. When Bai Ling saw Man Jiangxue walking towards her from afar, she went up to greet her and bowed, saying, "Uncle-Master is back. It seems you have something to discuss with me?"
Man Jiangxue said, "Go and bring me the list of disciples in charge of the Star Gazing Platform and the notebook. The sooner the better."
Although Bai Ling didn't understand why she needed these two items at this time, she didn't ask any further questions. After handing over what she was doing to someone else, she quickly retrieved the items.
Man Jiangxue sat atop the stands, carefully examining the list and booklet. Bai Ling, standing beside her, asked, "What is Uncle-Master looking at this for?"
The weather was nice today; the sun was strong and quite hot near noon. Man Jiangxue moved further into the shade, asking instead of answering, "Is it all here?"
“The list is the latest, but the notebook is from before the Lunar New Year,” Bai Ling said. “There have been several personnel changes in between, and there are annotations from above. It is also very clear what the observatory did throughout the year before the Lunar New Year.”
Man Jiangxue seemed lost in thought.
Bai Ling observed her expression, and after a moment's consideration, asked again, "What does Martial Aunt want to see? Why don't you tell me so I can see if I know the answer?"
Man Jiangxue closed the booklet and remained quiet for a moment before saying, "I remember the observatory was renovated three times last year, but this only records it as being renovated twice?"
"Where did you get three times from?" Bai Ling thought for a moment and explained, "The first time was a torrential rain on a summer night, which washed away many cenotaphs, but the disciples repaired them later. The second time was a sudden heavy snowfall in early winter, which also crushed the cenotaphs. At that time, we didn't have enough manpower, so we had to borrow people from Liuli Peak. That's all, right? Is Uncle-Master mistaken?"
Man Jiangxue said, "Let's just assume I misremembered for now, but it also rained heavily the day Zhilan had her accident, and the observatory should have been renovated after we came back, so why didn't I remember it?"
Bai Ling was taken aback, flipped open the booklet and looked at it, then said dejectedly, "That's strange... there really isn't any."
Man Jiangxue said, "Go and ask again to find out."
Bai Ling ran very fast and went up the back mountain again to inquire about the matter. Finally, she flew back by stepping on the pavilions and reported, "I asked, and the last time was forgotten by the disciple in charge. But if you count what my uncle said, isn't that four times? That's still too few."
Man Jiangxue twirled the dagger and asked, "How did they get back?"
“They all said it was only three times, which matches what I just told you,” Bai Ling said. “I asked them if it happened four times in total, and not one of them nodded. But since you specifically asked, could you remind me when the fourth time happened?”
Man Jiangxue looked at her, paused for a moment, and then said, "It was probably during the time you went to Yunjian City."
Bai Ling counted on her fingers for a moment and said, "I didn't hear that the palace was building an observatory during that time. Besides, my uncle went back to the palace at that time. Did you see it or hear it in the palace? Or did someone tell you? I'll find that person for you and ask them."
Man Jiangxue frowned slightly, but replied, "Never mind, I can't ask."
Bai Ling looked puzzled: "Can't ask? What do you mean you can't ask?"
Manjiangxue remained silent, lost in thought.
Since she refused to say, Bai Ling naturally didn't press her further and could only change the subject, saying, "Then I'll go and call Xiao Qiu and the others over. The ceremony is about to begin, so please have a seat, Martial Aunt."
Man Jiangxue instructed, "Don't tell anyone what I just asked you."
Bai Ling nodded solemnly: "Don't worry, Uncle-Master, I won't tell even Xiao Qiu. My mouth is sealed tight."
At the other end of the training ground, Ji Wanshu and Yin Qiu had already exchanged blows several times. In addition to Lu Huaiwei, many other disciples were also watching the fight. Everyone watched with great interest until Bai Ling came to deliver a message, and the two who had been fighting endlessly stopped, ending the competition.
"Let's all go to the dojo," Bai Ling said. "The ceremony is about to begin, why do you all want to spar now?"
After this battle, Ji Wanshu was visibly much more relaxed. She looked at Yin Qiu and smiled, which was unusual for her, and said, "It seems that you haven't been idle during my years of seclusion. With your current skills, becoming the chief disciple is no problem."
Yin Qiu humbly replied, "Senior Sister, you flatter me. You've been going easy on me, handling every move with ease. I, on the other hand, have already given it my all. I dare not accept the title of Chief Disciple. Please don't laugh at me, Senior Sister."
Ji Wanshu rarely praised anyone for their swordsmanship, but upon hearing Yin Qiu's words, he sincerely said, "What's there to be modest about? If I say you're good, then you're good. There are many disciples in this palace, but you're the only one who can fight me for so long without suffering any setbacks. It seems that your martial aunt cares about you. She must have given you a lot of guidance. Unlike me, I don't have a master to guide me, and I've been figuring things out on my own."
Yin Qiu joked, "Senior sister, you don't need a master anymore. You can take on disciples and be someone else's master now."
Ji Wanshu chuckled self-deprecatingly. She had wanted to ask her about Wen Chaoyu again, but decided against it. The group of people led a bunch of enthusiastic disciples to the Wangtian Dojo. Soon after, Xie Yijun led a group of guests to take their seats on the stands. Ji Wanshu waited with Bai Ling on the side. After Xie Yijun announced the official start of the investiture ceremony, the disciples who had performed sword dances flew down into the arena. The gongs and drums on both sides were deafening and lively, drawing cheers from all around.
Lu Huaiwei squeezed in some time to redo Ji Wanshu's makeup and put her jewelry back on. Ji Wanshu chose a quiet spot to look down at the crowd, but couldn't spot the familiar figure for a long time.
She both hoped Wen Chaoyu would come, but didn't want her to hide like a thief once she arrived. However, on such an important day, she ultimately hoped that Wen Chaoyu could be present, because if she came today, the significance would be different.
"Don't look so glum," Lu Huaiwei said, wiping away Ji Wanshu's sweat. "The so-called grand ceremony is just a formality. Who comes and who doesn't are minor matters. Do you really want to walk the red carpet with a sour face?"
Ji Wanshu sighed and said, "Don't bother me. You are all so reasonable. It's not that I don't understand, but I can't help feeling down. Just leave me alone."
Lu Huaiwei smiled and remained silent, giving Ji Wanshu some peace and quiet. After the disciples who had been entertaining the crowd left, Ji Wanshu entered the arena in full view of everyone, following the pre-arranged procedure.
In an instant, shouts rang out and applause thundered.
The surrounding area was packed with people, and among the throngs of heads were many familiar faces, but the person Ji Wanshu truly wanted to see never appeared. She composed herself and, in the center of the dojo, demonstrated all the Yunhua Sword Technique she had ever learned. The two elders of the Ji family watched with great excitement from the stands, and Madam Ji was so moved that she wiped away tears. This also inspired the disciples around her, who were all invigorated, filled with envy and admiration, and almost brought tears to their eyes as well.
After finishing her sword dance, amidst enthusiastic cheers, Ji Wanshu sheathed her sword, leaving a trail of pearl hairpins and embroidered flowers scattered at her feet. She raised her head, her young face calm and composed, exuding an air of serenity.
The high platform was right in front of her. Xie Yijun, Man Jiangxue, and the elders stood on it, their gazes towards her filled with relief and expectation. Various voices filled the surroundings, and everyone was overjoyed. Ji Wanshu gripped the hilt of her sword and walked step by step toward the end, but her heart was calmer than ever before.
After today, she will be the young sect leader. From now on, Yunhua Palace will be her lifelong home. Like Xie Yijun, she will stay in this palace until the end of time, having lost the freedom to come and go from the mortal world.
Even at this moment, Ji Wanshu was still not fully prepared.
Is this really the life she wants?
Actually, no, but bearing such a heavy responsibility, she cannot back down or desert her post. She may not become a good sect leader as dedicated as Xie Yijun, but she can put aside her personal interests for the greater good.
Although the process would be difficult for her, the thought that someone would be silently accompanying her on the road ahead made the bright red road seem less daunting.
But where is that person right now?
Ji Wanshu stopped and looked around again.
The noise overwhelmed her, and everything around her rushed towards her like a tide. The various scenes in front of her began to blur. Ji Wanshu rubbed her eyes with her fingertips and felt a little wetness.
How could she be so pathetic? She thought in astonishment. Even if the person she longed for didn't come, she was already in her twenties. Was she really going to cry on the spot over this?
Ji Wanshu chuckled, inwardly cursing herself for her lack of ambition and inability to achieve great things. She took a deep breath and walked towards the tall steps. The moment she lifted her leg, she heard a series of firecrackers exploding all around her. The next instant, fireworks burst in the sky, spreading a dazzling red glow across the heavens. Then, countless soft, colorful paper flowers fell from the sky, like a rain of flowers falling from nowhere, enveloping her completely.
"Wow! What beautiful daytime fireworks!"
"Look! So many paper flowers!"
"It's so beautiful! Who set off these firecrackers? We haven't seen anyone prepare any of these in the past two days!"
...
Ji Wanshu stopped on the steps, gazing up at the sky, the dazzling fireworks reflected in her eyes. Paper flowers drifted down, landing on her hair and shoulders, filling the gaps left by fallen hairpins and jewelry, adding vibrant color to her appearance.
She looked up and gradually revealed a rare smile. Then she stretched out her hand, opened her palm, and held the light paper flowers. When she lowered her head to smell them, Ji Wanshu smelled a familiar fragrance of perfume.
The aroma seemed to carry a faint hint of alcohol, though it was unclear whether it was genuine or something she intended.
·
"Quick, quick, shield her for me!" Wen Chaoyu crouched behind Yin Qiu, tugging at Yin Qiu's robe, "Don't let her see me!"
Yin Qiu stumbled from the pull and almost fell off the chair. Yin Qiu laughed loudly: "It's good to see! Look, Senior Sister Ji's smile is so beautiful."
Wen Chaoyu covered her head, grabbed Yin Qiu's shoulder, and glanced down.
"That's a great idea! I've never received a gift like this before," Yin Qiu said enviously. "I wish my martial uncle could set off fireworks for me sometime."
After she finished speaking, she turned her head to look at the high platform. At this moment, Man Jiangxue also turned her gaze to her. The two looked at each other across the crowd and smiled at each other.
Wen Chaoyu said, "That won't do. If Man Jiangxue tries to plagiarize me, I won't let her get away with it. If she wants to win the heart of her beloved, she'll have to find her own way!"
Yin Qiu disagreed: "Fireworks and firecrackers are not something you created. They can be bought with money. Why can't I set off a show for myself, Uncle?"
Wen Chaoyu said, "I said no, and that's final. Plagiarism is despicable!"
Yin Qiu chuckled: "That's really domineering. So, according to you, you need to eat and sleep every day, but if you do this, no one else can do it, because doing so would be plagiarism."
Wen Chaoyu said, "That's nonsense. Man Jiangxue didn't teach you anything else, but she taught you a lot of nonsense."
Yin Qiu thought to herself, "When it comes to twisted logic, who can beat you?" She silently grumbled to herself, not uttering these words aloud to argue with Wen Chaoyu. Below, Ji Wanshu had already climbed the steps, fireworks still exploding one by one, eliciting gasps of surprise from the disciples. Yin Qiu clapped her hands and ran to the railing, calling out to Ji Wanshu a few times. Seeing this, Wen Chaoyu quickly pulled her back, whispering, "Stop shouting! You're blocking my way, but it doesn't stop you from watching the show. Don't run around!"
The two were pulling and tugging at each other, which was quite conspicuous in the stands. Ji Wanshu had already seen them, but pretended not to know and let Wen Chaoyu entertain herself.
Yin Qiu watched Ji Wanshu slowly ascend the high platform. For some reason, she suddenly choked up at that moment and said, "Senior Sister Ji is such a free spirit. From today onwards, she will be confined to the palace and unable to go anywhere. Uncle Wen, you have such thick skin, so don't worry about what others think. Now that you have nothing to do, you should come to the palace to keep Senior Sister Ji company often. I don't think the sect leader will say anything. What do you think?"
“Of course, no problem,” Wen Chaoyu replied casually, then realized after a moment, “Wait a minute—who are you calling shameless? I’ll teach you a lesson for Man Jiangxue!”
Yin Qiu laughed heartily, wiping away her tears with a handkerchief. Her gaze drifted and she suddenly noticed Bai Ling exchanging a few words with Lu Huaiwei across from her, her expression slightly grave. Yin Qiu exclaimed "Eh!" and, observing from afar, saw Bai Ling, holding a letter, leap onto the high platform and whisper something in Xie Yijun's ear. Xie Yijun's expression immediately changed, and she quickly turned to look at Man Jiangxue.
Anyone who saw this scene would know that something must have happened. Yin Qiu's heart skipped a beat, and she had a bad feeling for no reason. She frowned tightly, and Wen Chaoyu asked from behind, "What happened? Has something changed?"
Confused, Yin Qiu was about to run over and ask when she saw Man Jiangxue walking straight towards her. Yin Qiu quickly asked, "Whose letter did Bai Ling receive? What happened?"
Man Jiangxue hesitated for a moment before saying, "...Fu Cen is dead."
Like a bolt from the blue, Yin Qiu took two steps back upon hearing this, exclaiming in disbelief, "Master Fu is dead? How could this be..."
How could it be so fast? She had just heard Wen Chaoyu analyze this matter last night, and she never expected to receive such terrible news today!
“We were right,” Wen Chaoyu said, also surprised. “Meng Wugui is going all in; he really is going to take drastic measures.”
Man Jiangxue helped Yin Qiu up and said with concern, "Xiao Qiu, calm down."
Yin Qiu slumped back into the wooden chair, utterly exhausted, a chill running down her spine. She covered her lips with her hand, and after a long pause, she stammered, "It's over, Fu Xiang..."
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