Chapter 214
A spring rain fell intermittently for three days, sometimes stopping and sometimes falling. After the rain, Yunhua Mountain was lush with grass and birdsong, full of spring vitality, and the breeze was pleasant.
In the past three days, news of Meng Wugui's attack on Yunhua Palace has spread like wildfire, bringing to light old grievances and deep-seated hatreds. Each event, like a sudden bolt from the blue, caught the martial arts world off guard, leaving everyone shocked.
Aside from the truth of the Ruyi Gate Incident and the life story of Xie Yijun, the head of Yunhua Palace, the most talked-about event was the spectacular duel between Meng Wugui and Nangong Min. Although the storytellers in the teahouse were not present, they described the story vividly, as if they had witnessed it firsthand, which made the audience very excited and applaud.
"Although the Ziwei Sect has committed many evils, its leader, Nangong, has been quite admirable this time. Seeing Yunhua Palace in such trouble, she not only did not take the opportunity to add fuel to the fire and attack Yunhua Mountain, but also took the initiative to fight Meng Tangzhu to the death. Thinking back to the old leader, he was also a righteous and upright person with a good reputation. If it weren't for the Holy Sword, the Ziwei Sect would not have fallen to the level of a demonic sect. Hopefully, after this battle, if Nangong can change her mind and walk the right path, it will be a blessing for the martial arts world of the Central Plains."
"As for the head of the Meng family, she was just a young lady from the Ruyi Sect back then, not as famous as her sister Shen Mandong. But after experiencing the destruction of her family and the loss of her loved ones, she endured humiliation and hardship for many years, and painstakingly built up her strength. She even developed the ability to attack the Yunhua Palace. In the end, she personally killed her enemies, avenged her family, and fulfilled her lifelong wish. This is a living example of how hard work pays off! These two women are even more courageous and resourceful than us men. We are truly ashamed of our own inferiority and can't help but sigh with admiration."
"In truth, it's all Ruyi Sect's own fault. The sins committed by Sect Master Shen have plagued three generations. Although Sect Leader Xie acted unjustly, it's understandable. The Xie family was completely innocent, suffering such a calamity. It's just a pity that Sect Leader Xie ultimately went astray, committing murder of her master and friend in a moment of weakness, ultimately meeting such an end. Otherwise, this Sect Leader Xie would have been a heroine among women. She single-handedly managed Yunhua Palace with great efficiency, and everyone would praise her. It's truly tragic and lamentable."
...
After the rain, the warm sun rose, the catastrophe was over, and Shangyuan City returned to peace and stability. The restaurants and teahouses were bustling with people, and conversations were endless.
Yin Qiu squatted under the eaves, listening to the loud conversations of the people inside the hall, while rummaging through his pockets and sleeves. He looked at Bai Ling below the steps with utter helplessness and said, "I'm out of money, I'm really out of money, I'm not lying to you."
Bai Ling looked at the broken silver in her hand and sighed, "What can we do? Although things have been mostly settled in the city and the government is helping with the aftermath, we still need money to comfort the families of the dead. I've spent all the silver I brought down the mountain, and my fellow disciples are empty-handed as well. Do you really have nothing left?"
"If I really had it, wouldn't I give it to you?" Yin Qiu said with drooping eyelids. "Judging by the time, Senior Sister Lu should be here soon. She's in charge of the accounts, so you can ask her for it."
Bai Ling put away the loose silver and listened to the commotion in the teahouse. With mixed feelings, she said, "They still have the mind to listen to stories? I haven't recovered from this yet, and the disciples are all exhausted, like they're in a dream. Speaking of which, the sect leader tricked me the other day and almost accused me of being a spy. Fortunately, it was a false alarm, and I wasn't really implicated."
Yin Qiu sighed and looked at the pedestrians on the street, feeling a mix of emotions. "Me too. Last night I dreamed of practicing swordsmanship with the sect leader in Mingguang Hall. When I woke up this morning, I saw Senior Sister Ji sitting alone in the plum garden doing official business. I felt really bad. If my martial uncle hadn't been sleeping so soundly, and if I didn't want to be reminded of the past, I should have stayed in the palace to help Senior Sister Ji. Coming down the mountain would have given me some breathing room, and I could have helped you here as well."
"Then why are you hiding and slacking off?" Bai Ling said. "Stop listening to these old men telling stories. There are so many things to do that you can't even finish them all... Why are you pressing your stomach like that? Are you uncomfortable?"
Yin Qiu said, "I was so hungry that I was dizzy and had no money to buy food. I couldn't stand up."
Bai Ling looked troubled, took out the loose silver she had put away, and said thoughtfully, "...I can still buy two sesame cakes. I'm starving. There's no one cooking at the post station; everyone's busy."
Yin Qiu said, "Then let's just make do with this. I don't usually spend money, so I used all my monthly salary to subsidize public expenses today. But there are too many dead and injured, so my little bit of money won't do much good. I can only ask my aunt for more money when I get back to the palace tonight. She has more money than me."
Bai Ling looked around and said, "Who isn't? My monthly salary is also gone. Besides, whether it's a lot of money or a little is a small matter. So many lives have been lost, and money can't bring them back. We can only do our best... Never mind, let's not talk about this anymore. Let's go find Senior Sister Lu first, get some banknotes, and then go to the bank to withdraw some silver. Mingguang Hall was bombed like that and it needs to be rebuilt, which is another considerable sum. After we've appeased the people, we also need to appease the families of the disciples who were killed in the palace. I don't know how much that will cost. I'm really worried to death, sigh."
The two left the teahouse and strolled through the streets for a while before finding a stall selling sesame seed cakes. Just as Bai Ling was about to take out her money, she suddenly heard someone behind her ask, "You two are eating this at lunchtime?"
Yin Qiu turned around and saw a young man standing in front of her, carrying two large, heavy boxes. Yin Qiu had almost forgotten that she knew such a person, so she stepped forward and asked with a smile, "Brother Xue, it's been a long time! What are you doing here?"
Xue Tan, whose hands and feet were not very mobile, put the box next to his shoes and was panting heavily: "I just came from the bank. My protector returned a few days ago and asked me to take more silver to your post station. It's good that you two young ladies are here, so I won't go there and not know anyone. Let's go together."
Upon hearing this, Bai Ling was overjoyed and exclaimed, "You mean these two big boxes are filled with silver?"
Xue Tan said, "Yes, the money shop is on South Gate Street, but your post station is located at the North Gate. I was exhausted from carrying it all the way here."
Bai Ling pressed her hand to her chest and said again, "So much silver, is it all for Yunhua?"
Xue Tan said, "That's right. My protector knows that you will definitely have expenses recently. So many people have died in this city, and many disciples in your palace have also died. The relatives of these people need to be comforted, which will definitely cost a lot of money. So she asked me to send the money to you as soon as possible. And it's not just here. There are several more boxes behind."
"That's wonderful!" Bai Ling almost jumped up, excitedly saying, "This is a real lifesaver! We were just worried about this, we're so poor we can barely afford to eat sesame cakes. Come on, don't bother, I'll carry both boxes myself!"
Seeing that she was about to leave with her suitcase after saying that, Xue Tan hurriedly said, "How can this be? You are a young lady, and I am a grown man. How can I let you do such heavy work? I'll do it. We're almost there anyway, a few more steps won't make a difference."
Bai Ling waved her hand and said, "You provide the money, and I provide the labor. Is that fair?"
Xue Tan said, "No, no, if my protector finds out, he'll definitely give me a good scolding. Although I'm disabled, I'm not at the point where I need a young lady to help me move things. Please return them quickly."
Bai Ling said, "I'm already thanking you enough, how can I let you carry it? Don't insist anymore, I can do the work of two people by myself!"
Seeing that the two of them were arguing fiercely over this matter and neither was willing to give in, Yin Qiu smiled and said, "Then let Brother Xue propose one, and the two of us propose one. Is that alright?"
Xue Tan thought the suggestion was good, so he nodded and said, "Okay, but let's wait a bit. My protector is still behind us; she'll be here soon."
"Uncle-Master Wen?" Yin Qiu immediately looked past him and asked in confusion, "Didn't she send your sect leader to Cang County?"
“She didn’t leave,” Xue Tan said. “You don’t know, that day, just before nightfall, the Protector suddenly brought the leader home. I was almost scared to death. But then, I don’t know how, the leader left on her own, refusing to let the Protector follow. I only found out later that the Protector hadn’t left. These past few days, my Protector hasn’t even left her room. She seems quite heartbroken. If you see her later, don’t mention this.”
Yin Qiu nodded in agreement. While they were talking, Bai Ling picked up the box and ran off. Xue Tan exclaimed "Hey!" and hurriedly chased after her. Yin Qiu wanted to follow as well, but as her gaze shifted, she saw Wen Chaoyu leading two servants toward them, so she walked over to her as well.
The moment the two met in the crowd, Yin Qiu felt a strong aroma of wine waft towards her. Upon closer inspection, she noticed that Wen Chaoyu had a wine gourd hanging from her waist, which looked quite heavy.
“Oh, you look terrible,” Wen Chaoyu said first, pinching Yin Qiu’s cheek. “Didn’t you eat? If you get any thinner, you’ll be as thin as a bamboo pole. I’m going to take you to my house and use you as a clothesline.”
Yin Qiu cried out "Ouch!" and quickly dodged, two red finger marks immediately appearing on her face. Yin Qiu covered her cheek and said, "Why are you hitting me so hard? I'm hungry and haven't rested well. Since Uncle Wen is here, take me out to eat. You just bought some wine, so you should have some dishes with it."
Wen Chaoyu snapped his fingers and said, "I was just worried about having no one to drink with. Alright." He then ordered two servants behind him to take the silver to Yunhua Post Station.
Yin Qiu said, "What about Bai Ling and Brother Xue? Let's go find them first, and then we can go together."
“Never mind the two of them, Xue Tan has money,” Wen Chaoyu said, putting his arm around Yin Qiu. “Let’s eat alone, let’s go!”
After saying that, she chose a restaurant and asked for a private room on the second floor. Wen Chaoyu ordered some dishes that Yin Qiu liked and poured her tea while asking, "Where is Man Jiangxue? You're so hungry you haven't even had any food, and she doesn't care?"
“My master doesn’t know I’ve gone down the mountain. He’s probably still asleep right now,” Yin Qiu said. “I got caught in the rain that day and developed a fever that night after returning to the palace. Although the fire poison has been neutralized, the injuries on my body are still there. Overall, the situation is not very optimistic, and I don’t know when I will recover.”
"Then why aren't you by her bedside? What are you doing running down the mountain?" Wen Chaoyu asked knowingly.
“I’ve been on guard for several nights. There are so many things going on in the palace, and people are short of manpower everywhere. Of course, I can’t just turn a blind eye,” Yin Qiu said. “After I finish eating, I’ll go back to see my master. I came to the city to help in the morning, and I’ll help Senior Sister Ji in the palace in the afternoon. I’ll have a whole night to spend with my master. Please don’t make it sound like I’m neglecting her.”
“You’re a very busy person,” Wen Chaoyu said, “but you also need to take care of your health. Since Lu Huaiwei and Bai Ling are in the city, you should go to this place less often. I will ask Xue Tan to help out as well.”
Yin Qiu smiled and said, "Uncle Wen sent so much silver this time, I thank you on behalf of the palace."
Wen Chaoyu took a swig of wine: "No need to thank me, it's not my money anyway, it all belongs to Nangong Min, just consider it doing a good deed for her."
Upon hearing this, Yin Qiu remembered Xue Tan's instructions and didn't ask any further questions, simply responding. Wen Chaoyu, however, looked at her and said, "Aren't you going to ask me why I didn't go to Cang County?" Then she added, "Did Xue Tan tell you?"
Yin Qiu neither confirmed nor denied, only saying, "Since you've stayed, there must be a reason. I know even if you don't tell me. But it's a good thing you didn't leave. Senior Sister Ji will be very happy to know. Would you like to come back to the palace with me to see her later?"
"She's been cooped up in the house for days, it's time to go see her," Wen Chaoyu sighed, looking Yin Qiu up and down. "So many things have happened, how come you don't seem sad at all? You act like nothing happened."
Yin Qiu said, "Perhaps I've gotten used to this kind of life. More and more things have happened in the past two years, and I've learned to take it all in stride. Besides, there's no use in being sad. I'd rather use that time to do more things. You always have to look forward."
"And what about your father?" Wen Chaoyu suddenly changed the subject. "He hasn't shown up yet. When are you two going to acknowledge each other?"
Hearing her use the word "father," Yin Qiu paused, then said somewhat awkwardly, "Well... he will naturally come when he wants to see me."
During the conversation, the servants brought in the dishes. Wen Chaoyu noticed that Yin Qiu, who had been fine, became a little sullen when Yin Xuan was mentioned, so she stopped talking about it and said, "Let's not talk about anything else. Let's eat first, and then we'll go up the mountain."
After the meal, the two went to the post station to fetch their horses and returned to Yunhua Palace along the mountain path. Mingguang Hall had been destroyed and was being rebuilt at a rapid pace these past two days, so Ji Wanshu could only work in the plum garden for the time being. Wen Chaoyu thought that Yin Qiu was going to Jingyue Peak, so she didn't want to disturb her and Man Jiangxue. Instead, she went to visit Ji Wanshu first.
Yin Qiu returned to Jingyue Peak with practiced ease. There was no one around Chenxing Hall; the disciples must have all gone elsewhere to help. Yin Qiu went to the sleeping quarters, lifted the curtain, and peeked in. Seeing Man Jiangxue still unconscious, she went to the kitchen to prepare some light dishes and boil some water. When she returned, Man Jiangxue still hadn't woken up. Yin Qiu had no choice but to set up a small stove in the outer room to brew her medicine, then hung the curtain up again to keep an eye on the sleeping quarters.
It had been raining on Yunhua Mountain for the past few days, but it finally stopped today. However, the sun was nowhere to be seen; the sky was a bluish-green overcast, making the red maple leaves in the courtyard appear rather bleak. Yin Qiu was fanning the stove with a small bamboo fan, staring blankly at the maple tree. She didn't know how much time had passed when she heard a faint noise coming from the bedroom. Yin Qiu immediately snapped out of her reverie, ran in, and saw Man Jiangxue just opening her eyes and looking at her.
"Uncle-Master is awake?" Yin Qiu quickly sat down by the bed, leaned down and touched Jiang Xue's forehead, and said with relief, "The fever seems to have gone down. Are you still in pain?"
Man Jiangxue had just woken up and was still somewhat dazed. She looked at Yin Qiu for a while, closed her sore eyes, and asked, "What time is it?"
“It’s past 1 PM,” Yin Qiu helped Man Jiangxue up. “I’ve made some food and boiled some water. Would you like to take a shower, Uncle? Get ready, eat, and take your medicine. You’ve been lying down for days, it’s time to get up and move around.”
Man Jiangxue was listless and leaned close to Yin Qiu, resting her head on her shoulder. She was too sickly to speak.
Every time Meng Jing brought his medical disciples to check her pulse and change her dressings, Man Jiangxue remained calm and composed. Only after everyone had left would she reveal her true condition to Yin Qiu. A cool breeze wafted through the bedchamber, carrying the bitter smell of medicine from outside. Yin Qiu held Man Jiangxue in her arms, her voice tinged with laughter. She said softly, "Before, when I was injured, it was always my martial uncle who comforted me. Now it's my turn to comfort you. My martial uncle must be feeling very uncomfortable, right? It's alright, I'll take care of you, you'll get better soon."
Man Jiangxue closed her eyes, sniffed Yin Qiu's scent, and said confidently, "You've seen Wen Chaoyu. She didn't leave?"
Yin Qiu smiled and said, "I didn't leave. I had a meal with Uncle Wen in the city and we came back to the palace together. Do you smell so much alcohol? I didn't drink any."
Man Jiangxue said, "...I feel uncomfortable everywhere."
Yin Qiu sighed, "Your last injury had just healed, and now you've suffered such a serious injury. Of course you'll feel uncomfortable." She brushed aside Man Jiangxue's hair and touched the side of her neck with her fingertips. There was still a white mark left from a sword wound that had healed. It was a mark that Man Jiangxue had made herself when she confronted Ye Zhilan at the cliff edge.
The two cuddled for a while. Yin Qiu was still thinking about the medicine outside, so she helped Man Jiangxue get dressed, extinguished some of the fire in the stove, and then brought in hot water. Man Jiangxue's injury was on her right arm, making it difficult for her to move, so Yin Qiu didn't leave. She spread a layer of flower petals on the water, and only after Man Jiangxue got into the bath did she turn around to wash Man Jiangxue's hair.
Steam rose from the small space separated by the screen, filling it with billowing white mist. Man Jiangxue rested her right hand on the edge of the tub, looking at the thick layer of flower petals in the water, and said, "I never use these when I take a bath. Why did you think of putting these in? And so many of them."
Yin Qiuli stood behind her, smiled shyly, and stammered, "Um... doesn't Martial Aunt like it? It smells of flowers, it smells very nice."
Man Jiangxue sensed a hint of shyness in her words and turned to look at Yin Qiu, asking, "Why are you blushing?"
Yin Qiu didn't look at her and said, "I'm not blushing, I'm just feeling the heat." After saying this, she realized that Man Jiangxue was still staring at her, so Yin Qiu had no choice but to honestly say, "Alright... I put so many flower petals down to hide my martial aunt."
Man Jiangxue understood, but said nothing, leaning against the bathtub and smiling silently.
After bathing, Yin Qiu dried Man Jiangxue's hair and went to the outer room to check on the medicine preparation. When she set the food on the table, Man Jiangxue, dressed, came out from behind the screen. Yin Qiu took a brocade robe from the wardrobe and draped it over her, saying, "The food is still warm, Auntie, please eat quickly. It's all your favorites. Eat as much as you can so you can take your medicine later."
Man Jiangxue hummed in agreement and sat down at the low table by the window. Yin Qiu was busy running around, first emptying the bathtub, then running outside to watch the medicine pot, never having a moment's rest. Man Jiangxue was weak and had little appetite, but she still listened to Yin Qiu and tried to eat some vegetables, though not much. Only when Yin Qiu brought over the brewed medicine did Man Jiangxue put down her chopsticks and ask, "Is something on your mind?"
Yin Qiu was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said with narrowed eyes, "No, I didn't." She glanced at the food on the table and asked, "Why are you eating so little? Why don't you eat some more?"
Man Jiangxue shook her left hand and said, "My right hand hurts so I can't hold chopsticks, and my left hand won't obey me either."
Yin Qiu had been too busy to remember this, so she quickly said, "Then I'll feed you. Eat more so you can take your medicine, otherwise your stomach will feel uncomfortable." Suddenly realizing that she had left Man Jiangxue here without even thinking that she couldn't eat, Yin Qiu felt a little guilty and heartbroken.
Man Jiangxue asked about the situation in the palace and the city, and Yin Qiu answered her questions one by one. She answered very seriously and felt that there was nothing unusual about her, but Man Jiangxue still asked again, "What's wrong with you? You seem to have something on your mind."
Yin Qiu continued feeding the vegetables, then asked, "Is there?"
“Yes, and it’s quite obvious,” Man Jiangxue said. “Did Wen Chaoyu say something to you? Or did something happen in the palace?”
She was always perceptive and could always see through my little thoughts. Yin Qiu sighed softly and stopped avoiding the question, saying, "Back in the city, Uncle Wen mentioned... Godfather. I'm worried about this."
Man Jiangxue asked, "What are you worried about?"
Yin Qiu didn't know how to express herself, so she could only reply, "I can't explain it myself. My uncle should be able to understand how I feel." She paused, "We'll have to meet again eventually, but after I find out who he is, I don't know how to face him."
Man Jiangxue looked at her, pulled Yin Qiu into her arms with one hand, and smiled, "Perhaps he is also worried about this, just like you." Then she comforted her, "It's nothing. You're not the only one who's worried. Actually, I'm here too."
Yin Qiu asked in surprise, "You?"
Man Jiangxue looked down at her and pretended to sigh, "I'm worried too, but I just didn't tell you."
Yin Qiu asked, "What's troubling you, Uncle-Master?"
“I understand your sorrow, but you may not understand mine,” Man Jiangxue said. “When you meet him, you have to call him ‘father,’ so what should I call him?”
Yin Qiu fell silent, somewhat confused by Man Jiangxue's meaning. It took her a long time to realize the implication of her words, and she exclaimed in shock, "Ah...that's true!"
Man Jiangxue was amused by her, kissed Yin Qiu on the cheek, and deliberately asked, "Then tell me, between the two of us, who should be more worried?"
Yin Qiu imagined the scene and already felt awkward. She frowned and remained silent for a moment before asking worriedly, "Then I want to know, does my... godfather know that my mother used to like you?"
Man Jiangxue thought for a moment and said, "They should know."
Wouldn't that be even more awkward...? Yin Qiu snuggled into Man Jiangxue's arms and said in a muffled voice, "In that case, I think we should not meet. We should just correspond by letter from now on to avoid messing up the generational order."
“The seniority system is already messed up,” Man Jiangxue said. “It’s too late for you to worry about this now.”
"Why did my martial uncle suddenly tell me this?" Yin Qiu complained. "I'm even more worried now!"
Man Jiangxue hugged her and bounced her gently, saying softly, "There's no rush. He should meet with Meng Wugui first, so you still have time to prepare yourself. Besides, I'm with you, so what's there to be afraid of?"
“That’s true,” Yin Qiu said, her voice trailing off. “When that day comes, I’ll definitely still be very nervous.”
She looked up at the red maple leaves outside the window and sighed softly, "I wonder how my aunt is doing now. Afu is gone, she must be very sad. And Fu Xiang, the two of them... sigh."
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