Chapter 24: The wisdom of the soul, the pure rhythm of the Sanskrit sound, the imagination turns into delusion, the words of the people are terrifying
After finishing their business in Nanjing, Luo Guoyun and his entourage set off for Shanghai. Xiao Xiangyue wanted to pay her respects to her uncle Shang, so the train stopped in Suzhou.
Shang Jianli's grave was in the western suburbs of Suzhou, and the new grave was piled high with wreaths and mourning couplets sent by people from all walks of life. The two of them burned incense and kowtowed, completing their visit. Xiao Xiangyue stood solemnly before the grave, a distant look on her face, her thoughts unseen.
Luo Guyun was worried that he was suppressing his emotions again, so he deliberately led him to talk: "Yue'er asked my second brother to take a letter and burn it at the grave that day. I wonder what was written in the letter?"
Xiao Xiangyue sighed softly and said, "Yue'er wanted to tell Uncle Shang that, from what I understand, Uncle Shang must have always placed him in the most important position in his heart... Uncle Shang has never released a record, and Uncle Shang imitated his singing voice almost exactly. He must have secretly listened to his performances live countless times. He didn't want to see him, but he felt that he was successful, had a wife and children, and didn't want to disturb his life. His love for him was just that much deeper... Uncle Shang said that music is like human language, which can be interpreted, and like human moods, which can be communicated. Most of the songs Uncle Shang composed are deeply affectionate, as if he missed people far away, and seemed to be expressing infinite lovesickness. Yue'er didn't understand it at the time, but now she understands... Uncle Shang has never forgotten Uncle Shang for a moment."
After saying so much in one breath, Xiao Xiangyue's face flushed slightly. Her clear and bright eyes looked at Luo Guyun and she whispered, "Yue'er was just thinking... It's really a pity that the two uncles missed each other in their lifetime. Yue'er is so lucky to be blessed by God and to be able to accompany Brother Yun for a long time. It's like a dream... It's so beautiful that it doesn't seem real... Sometimes I can't help but wish that if this dream could last a lifetime... How wonderful it would be..." Luo Guyun hugged him gently and said softly, "More than just a lifetime, Brother prays that Yue'er can be with him for generations to come..."
Xiao Xiangyue put her arms around his waist, buried her head in his chest, and they embraced in silence. After a long while, Luo Guyun finally released her hand and whispered, "This place is not far from Hanshan Temple, and Yue'er is tired. Why don't we go to the temple to rest our feet, burn some incense, and ask the Bodhisattva to bless us for life and eternity, so that we will never be separated, okay?" Xiao Xiangyue chuckled, "Brother Yun, if you want to ask the Bodhisattva for blessings, you must be pious. You've got it wrong. We should go to the temple to burn some incense and rest our feet."
Luo Guyun took his hand and said with a smile as they walked, "Yue'er, you're wrong. Who cares about the gods or the gods? In my heart, Yue'er is the most important... If Yue'er wasn't tired and needed to rest, who would have the patience to go all the way to burn incense?"
The day we arrived, snow was falling and the wind was biting. Today, however, the sun was shining brightly, and the spring breeze was gentle. Since leaving Shanghai on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, troubles had been lingering, and it was rare to have such leisurely time. The two of them climbed the stone steps, chatting and laughing all the way. Xiao Xiangyue's mood, which had been somewhat gloomy, lifted significantly, like the warmth of the early spring sun.
Feeling a bit hot from walking, Luo Guyun took off his coat and draped it over his shoulders. Xiao Xiangyue had a cold constitution and didn't sweat easily, only a slight blush on his cheeks. Luo Guyun kissed him on the cheek, squatted down, and said, "It's been a long time since I've carried Yue'er on my back. Come on, I'll carry you." Xiao Xiangyue looked back at the group of guards following in the distance, feeling a little embarrassed. Luo Guyun didn't say anything, just pulled him over, carried him on his back, and walked away.
As soon as Xiao Xiangyue lay on his back, she habitually became restless. She playfully pinched her earlobes, stroked her hair, and even deliberately put her cold hands into his vest to grope around, giggling, "Ah, Brother Yun is sweating!" Luo Guyun was so annoyed by him that his bones were softened. He gritted his teeth and said, "Yue'er always bullies brother. If you do this again... I don't care if there are people behind me. I will do it with Yue'er in this wilderness..." Xiao Xiangyue loved to see this man helpless after being teased by him. She half-closed her eyes in joy and tilted her head and said, "Brother Yun, what are you going to do?" Luo Guyun said, "... I will do the Zhougong ceremony with Yue'er in this wilderness..." Xiao Xiangyue was embarrassed and kicked her legs wildly, saying repeatedly, "Brother Yun is bullying again... Yue'er doesn't want to be carried anymore!" Luo Guyun laughed heartily, his laughter echoing through the valley.
Luo Guoyun didn't want to disturb anyone, so he stopped to rest before leaving. The mayor of Suzhou had already informed the temple of Commander-in-Chief Luo's visit. By this time, the temple gates were wide open, and Abbot Nengjing, leading the monks, was at the temple gate to greet him.
Abbot Nengjing, over eighty years old, was a renowned and highly respected monk, highly respected within the Buddhist community. Luo Guoyun, his expression solemn and his clothes adjusted, took a few quick steps, and bowed, saying, "Guyun, I am sorry to bother you with such an intrusive visit. I trouble you, the Abbot, to personally greet me." Abbot Nengjing clasped his hands together and said, "Amitabha, the Buddha is compassionate. You have defended the land against powerful enemies, brought peace to the people, and blessed the people of this region. Although I am a Buddhist, I admire you deeply. I apologize for not welcoming you to my humble temple today and for my poor preparations."
The two of them sat down in the meditation room with Abbot Nengjing. The novice monk offered him a cup of fine homemade Biluochun tea. Feeling somewhat thirsty, Xiao Xiangyue picked up the tea and gulped down half a cup in one gulp. Luo Guyun quickly stopped him, saying, "This tea is cold in nature. Yue'er has a weak spleen and stomach, so she shouldn't drink too much. Let's switch to black tea." He ordered the guards to take out the tea leaves they had brought and pour him a cup of the temple's spring water.
Abbot Nengjing studied Xiao Xiangyue and said, "This young donor possesses a divine appearance, a mind and wisdom rarely seen in my lifetime. However, I see that her Qi and blood are compromised... perhaps she has some deficiency?" Luo Guyun said, "Abbot, you have a keen eye. Yue'er has indeed been physically weak since childhood." Nengjing stroked his beard and said, "As the saying goes, extreme wisdom often leads to weakness. Those with exceptional talent are bound to fall short of the average person in some respect, lacking something." Luo Guyun smiled and said, "Abbot, you are quite right. However, I don't believe in fate. With her careful care over the years, Yue'er is now in good health. While she still has a weakness, she is healthy and safe, without any flaws." Nengjing nodded and said, "Your resolve has moved the heavens, and you have been blessed by the Buddha. This is also fate."
Abbot Nengjing was very talkative. He discussed Buddhism with Luo Guoyun and showed the two around. A bronze bell hanging on the right side of the main hall caught Xiao Xiangyue's attention. Nengjing said, "Hanshan Temple has a tradition of ringing the bell at midnight since ancient times. At midnight, the bell is rung twelve times, which is called the 'Ding Ye Bell'. On New Year's Eve, the bell is rung one hundred and eight times. According to Buddhist legend, mortals have one hundred and eight kinds of troubles in a year. If the bell rings one hundred and eight times, all of a person's troubles will be eliminated. So every New Year's Eve, people will gather in Hanshan Temple to listen to the one hundred and eight bells from the bell tower, bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new in the melodious sound, and praying for peace."
Xiao Xiangyue was very interested and asked, "Can the sound of the bell really dispel worries?"
The abbot said, "Of course. Buddhism says, 'When the sound of the bell is heard, worries are alleviated, wisdom grows, and universal enlightenment is born. One escapes hell and escapes the pit of fire, wishing to attain Buddhahood and save all living beings.' This means that the sound of the bell can bring peace and tranquility to the soul, allowing it to transcend the mundane world."
Luo Guyun asked, "The bells of Hanshan Temple have a long history. Has this bronze bell always rung?" The abbot shook his head and said, "No. Normally, we ring the bell by having four novice monks strike the two-ton cast iron bell from the Ming Dynasty hanging in the backyard. It can be heard for over ten miles. This bronze bell was given to us by a Japanese friend over thirty years ago. It's not very resonant, so it's hung here just for display and never actually used."
Xiao Xiangyue casually picked up a copper pestle placed nearby and gently struck it twice. The sound was crisp and pleasant, and the lingering sound was so pleasant that it piqued her interest. She savored the abbot's words: "When the bell's sound is heard, worries are alleviated, wisdom grows, and all beings are born. They escape hell and the pit of fire, and may they attain Buddhahood and save all living beings." With a slight concentration, she stood at the foot of the bell with a graceful figure and began to strike it slowly and steadily.
At first, the sound of Xiao Xiangyue's bells sounds like any other, simple and monotonous. But upon closer inspection, a rhythmic rhythm of varying pitch and depth emerges. The long, lingering sound resonates with the heavens and earth, harmonizing with the landscape, blending with people and objects, and resonating between hearts. Each note strikes the heart, deep, lingering, and deeply moving.
It was already afternoon, and the sun was setting obliquely under the corridor, casting sparse and fragmented shadows, reflecting his handsome figure, giving people a feeling of being ethereal and out of this world, making people forget the worldly affairs.
Hearing the bell, the monks gathered on the bluestone pavement in front of the main hall, chanting Buddhist mantras and sutras. The clear rhythm of the Buddhist chants blended seamlessly with the mountains, rivers, rain, and sunshine of this ancient temple, like a millennium-long whisper of compassion, gently caressing everyone's heart and dispelling the worldly clamor.
After an unknown amount of time, the bells stopped ringing. The resonant chanting faded, but everyone was still immersed in the lingering rhythm of this heavenly music, their souls as if cleansed by the clear Buddhist chants, and in this transcendent state, they realized the profound meaning of Zen.
Abbot Nengjing clasped his hands together and said, "Amitabha, my young benefactor has a profound understanding and profound wisdom. I have learned from you today. Hearing the sound of this bell is equivalent to three years of pure cultivation."
Luo Guyun stood with his hands tied, staring at Qingjun's figure in the corridor, with deep affection and admiration in his eyes.
Xiao Xiangyue put down the copper pestle, looked at him with her bright and intelligent eyes, and said with a shy smile: "Brother Yun, Yue'er was distracted for a moment and delayed the time. I'm afraid that Brother Sun and Second Brother will be waiting anxiously. Let's go back quickly." Luo Guyun said: "It's okay. It's rare that you are in a good mood today. Brother will accompany Yue'er for a walk."
A group of monks surrounded the two and escorted them out of the mountain gate. Abbot Nengjing looked at Xiao Xiangyue with a deep gaze, "Young donor, we have a deep connection. As we are about to part, I give you the two characters 'hidden incompetence'. May the Buddha bless you with peace and prosperity, and keep you free from illness and disaster."
Luo Guyun paused, thoughtfully asking, "What do you mean, Abbot?"
Neng Jing Dao said: "Greed, anger, and delusion are human nature. Just like a piece of peerless jade, when displayed before the world, it will surely attract everyone's covetousness, and they will flock to fight for it, and people will be crazy about gaining and losing. Only by concealing its brilliance and using obscurity to illuminate can we ensure safety."
Luo Guyun nodded in agreement. Recalling all the hardships Yue'er had endured since leaving Lizhuang, wasn't it all due to her brilliance, attracting the world's mad pursuit? He bowed solemnly and said, "Abbot's words, 'hide your shortcomings,' are like a revelation, priceless... Guyun thanks you." He then arranged for his accompanying adjutant to donate 100,000 yuan toward temple repairs.
Abbot Nengjing said happily, "During these turbulent times, the temple is deserted, offerings are scarce, the monks lack food and clothing, and most of the temple's halls have fallen into disrepair. The donor's kindness in sending charcoal in this time of need is deeply appreciated by the monks." He paused and continued, "General, your great kindness is beyond measure. Therefore, our temple will rename the octagonal pavilion on the back mountain to Yunyue Pavilion to honor the two donors' generosity."
After leaving the crowd, Xiao Xiangyue muttered quietly, "Brother Yun, it must be a big expense to burn some incense while you're here!" Luo Guyun scratched his nose and teased, "Yue'er, are you worried about your brother's money? You're a bit like a frugal young wife..." Xiao Xiangyue glared at him and said, "The military expenses are huge now. I heard from my second brother that we're going to build factories, schools, and roads. Brother Yun, you shouldn't squander money like this!" Luo Guyun said seriously, "Just based on the word 'hiding one's shortcomings', it's worth all this. If it can really keep Yue'er safe and sound, without any illness or disaster, let alone ten thousand gold, even if it means giving up everything I have, I'll do it."
The special train arrived in Shanghai just in the morning. It was still an hour from the station back to Gongguan. Luo Guoyun had specially made shrimp wontons in the dining car, and the two of them fed each other a mouthful, enjoying a sweet and affectionate breakfast on the train.
Ike also returned to Shanghai on the special train. Lu Hankun, accompanied by several executives from the film company, came to greet them. For some reason, a hint of worry crossed his brow. Only when he saw the dozens of people on the special train filing off the platform, Luo Guyun and Xiao Xiangyue chatting and laughing side by side, looking their usual selves, did he seem to breathe a sigh of relief.
A row of Ford sedans parked at the station exit. A guard opened the car door, and Luo Guyun took Xiao Xiangyue's hand, about to get in. A newsboy's crisp voice rang out from a distance: "Newspapers, newspapers! Breaking news! The famous musician, Young Master Xiao Xiangyue, is having an affair with He Qisheng, the grandson of the former military governor. They're spending the night together!"
Xiao Xiangyue's expression changed drastically. Luo Guoyun snatched up a newspaper and unfolded it. The entire page was blank, with only eight large characters printed in the middle:
The sound of flutes and pipes under the moon, a beautiful night with a clear moon.
There is a line of smaller words in the lower left corner:
Xiangyue: Only you in this life. The signature is Qi Sheng.
Luo Guyun was furious. He tore the newspaper into pieces, threw it on the ground, and stomped on it. Lu Hankun had seen the newspaper this morning and thought something had really happened between them. He was worried, but when he saw the two of them being as close as usual, he breathed a sigh of relief. He said to him, "General, don't pay attention to these absurd words. Go back to the mansion with Yue'er and rest. We can make a long-term plan later."
Luo Guyun dragged Xiao Xiangyue into the car angrily. The words on the newspaper were large and eye-catching. Xiao Xiangyue had just caught a glimpse of it. His face turned pale and he sat awkwardly in the car, somewhat at a loss. Luo Guyun hugged him distressedly: "That madman is just delusional! Yue'er, don't pay attention to him, don't take it to heart, wait for your brother to deal with him!"
As soon as the group returned to the mansion, the phone rang urgently. It was Yi Shui calling. All the mainstream newspapers had published He Qisheng's eight words on a full page today. It had caused a sensation and everyone knew about it.
Yi Shui said anxiously, "As soon as that guy returned to Nanjing, I arranged for someone to keep a 24-hour watch on him. He hasn't left his apartment in the past two days. I've sent people to several newspapers to find out. This guy is very careful and has contacted more than a dozen newspapers a few days ago and paid a month's salary. He asked the newspapers to publish the content he had compiled in advance. Today it's these eight words, and in a few days there may be even more outrageous content."
Yi Han pounded his cane on the ground, making a creaking sound. He ordered his secretary standing nearby, "Spar no expense, double the price, and buy back all the pages reserved by that lunatic named He. Send more people to collect all the newspapers that have already been released to the market today, and destroy them all."
Yi Shui said on the phone, "Several major newspapers have already contacted the central government, and needless to say, they no longer dare to publish such content. We have already offered ten times the price to several tabloids, but how could they let go of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become famous? They simply refuse to budge."
Luo Guyun chuckled in anger, "Hmph! If you don't teach me a lesson, you think I'm a clay Buddha." He sternly ordered his adjutant, "Spread my words. If any newspaper dares to publish such content tomorrow, I'll destroy the newspaper office and take your life!"
Xiao Xiangyue pursed her lips and sat on the sofa in silence. Sun Mu had been observing his expression and said worriedly, "If Yue'er is unhappy, just say it out loud. Don't keep it to yourself." Xiao Xiangyue looked at Luo Guyun with clear eyes and whispered, "Brother Yun, don't be angry. It's all Yue'er's fault. If Yue'er hadn't gone to prison that day and hadn't played the flute... none of this would have happened..."
Luo Guyun knew that he always blamed himself for everything. He felt extremely distressed when he saw him care about others' feelings even though he had been wronged. He took two steps over and sat on the sofa, put his arm around his shoulders and said, "Yue'er, don't think that way. Even if he doesn't go to jail, that lunatic will definitely do something else. What does it have to do with Yue'er?"
Luo Guyun resorted to tyrannical tactics, and the next day, no newspaper dared to publish a single word about Xiao Xiangyue. Two days later, Yishui called to say that He Qisheng had been charged with embezzling Executive Yuan office funds and had been imprisoned. He asked Luo Guyun for instructions on how to deal with him.
He Qisheng hated Xiao Xiangyue and dared to openly tarnish his reputation. Given Luo Guyun's temperament, he would have killed him immediately. Yi Shui said, "He's in prison. He could have done something unnoticed and dealt with it without anyone noticing. No one would have suspected Yue'er. But Doctor Kobe came to see me specifically, saying he saw He Qisheng the day you left Nanjing and wanted to discuss his condition with you."
Luo Guoyun had a good impression of Dr. Kobe and was very grateful to him for coming to the mansion to warn him that day.
Kobe first inquired about Xiao Xiangyue's emotional state over the phone and heard that she wasn't significantly affected. Fang Dao said, "He Qisheng confessed to me that ever since he saw Mr. Xiao in prison that day, his past hatred for him has transformed into an extreme love. He didn't commit such a crazy act to seek revenge on Mr. Xiao or to defame his reputation, but rather to express his sincere love. He repeatedly told me that he would be willing to die just to see Mr. Xiao again. Anyone who wants to harm Mr. Xiao must first step over his corpse. He Qisheng's mental state is indeed very abnormal. He even imagined that Mr. Xiao's visit to him in prison that day was a chance to spend the night with him. But to say that he still harbored any intention of harming Mr. Xiao, he absolutely did not." Kobe paused, then continued, "Mr. He is not an unforgivable criminal. His current situation is inevitably linked to his childhood experiences. He has received the punishment he deserves by being imprisoned. I beg General Luo to show mercy and spare his life..."
How dare this lunatic He Qisheng covet Yue'er? Luo Guyun felt sick as if he had swallowed a dead fly and didn't want to listen any further. He interrupted Kobe and said, "Doctor Kobe, there's no need to say more. If Yue'er is safe, I will spare his life for now. If anything happens to Yue'er, I will make sure he dies with her."
Newspapers, magazines, and radio stations suddenly stopped reporting on Xiao Xiangyue, yet rumors were rife. Everyone has a penchant for gossip, and the more information is suppressed, the more the rumors intensify. Some say that Young Master Xiao is a seasoned lover, a master of his craft, having played with and then dumped Young Master He, driving him insane. They also dig up the story of Sun Mu's wedding the previous year, claiming that Xiao Xiangyue had numerous lovers, both men and women, and accepted them all. Even more outrageous, they claim he's the reincarnation of a demon, claiming that anyone, young or old, who catches his eye will lose their souls and minds...
Mayor Wu's daughter, Wu Xiaoxin, was a devoted fan of Xiao Xiangyue's music. Faced with all sorts of outrageous rumors smearing her idol, she was deeply indignant and took the lead in forming the Xiao Xiangyue Music Fan Club. "Le" and "Yue" are homophones, so the name "Xiao Xiangyue Fan Club" was shortened to "Yue Fan Club." The club's members ranged from high-ranking officials and students to ordinary peddlers, forming a powerful faction dedicated to combating his detractors and frequently clashing with those spreading rumors.
Last week, several students, riding a tram, overheard two women chatting animatedly about how Xiao Xiangyue had slept with a prominent figure at the Peace Hotel, been gifted with luxury cars and mansions, and made grand entrances and exits with a swagger, often accompanied by a fleet of luxury cars and a guard. These students, who happened to be members of a Yue fan club, immediately engaged in an argument with the women, which escalated into a brawl. Others on the tram joined in the shouting, splitting into two factions. The resulting melee brought the tram to a halt, snarling traffic. Over a dozen people were injured and remain hospitalized.
Wu Xiaoxin organized another massive Yue fan rally, with hundreds of people sitting in protest outside the police station, demanding severe punishment for the attackers. The scene was chaotic. Mayor Wu called Luo Guoyun to complain, saying his daughter was possessed and impossible to control. He asked Mr. Xiao to calm the situation.
There were too many rumors circulating outside, and Luo Guyun didn't want any of that dirty talk to reach Xiao Xiangyue's ears. He simply claimed that Xiangyue was unwell and needed to rest, intentionally isolating him from the outside world. He handed most of his official duties to Yi Han and even skipped the arms procurement negotiations with the British. He stayed with him all day, personally cooking for him, making all his favorite dishes and preparing medicinal foods according to Sun Mu's recipes to nourish his body. After returning from Nanjing, he never left the mansion again.
Xiao Xiangyue understood Luo Guyun's intentions, feeling both sweet and slightly concerned, and urged him to focus on his work and not dwell solely on Yue'er. After repeated attempts, Luo Guyun remained unmoved, so she gave up. The two of them spent nearly 24 hours together, either playing the piano and composing, researching recipes, or reading and writing. The turmoil of the outside world seemed to have no effect on him.
March had already arrived, the time of spring blossoms. Luo Guoyun suggested finding a scenic, less crowded spot to go for a walk and relax. Xiao Xiangyue said that staying at the mansion was fine; going out would require a large group, and there was no need to go through the trouble of just taking care of Yue'er.
Yishui called to say that the central government had some new arrangements and that he would return to Shanghai the day after tomorrow to discuss military affairs with everyone. After Sun Mu got married, he lived with his wife in the courtyard on Danxia Road. His wife was pregnant, and he was busy with hospital affairs, so he seldom came. The prescription was about to be put into production, and Xiao Qin lived in the pharmaceutical factory in the suburbs almost every day, and only came back once a week or two. Luo Guyun suggested that the mansion had not been lively for a long time, so it would be better to take advantage of the eldest brother's return and invite a chef from Yangzhou to cook a table of dishes, just like the time before the Spring Festival, and invite everyone to have a good gathering. Xiao Xiangyue knew that Luo Guyun was worried that he would be too bored, and he took great pains. She was not in the mood to begin, and she could not bear to refuse his wish, so she readily agreed.
The two usually dined in the small dining room in the main building, but today, everyone was present, the banquet hall ablaze with lights and a bustling atmosphere. It was their first gathering since Spring Festival, and everyone enjoyed a lively conversation, sharing their recent events. Xiao Xiangyue, a gentle smile on her face, sat between Luo Guyun and Sun Mu, listening with great interest.
"After not seeing you for a few weeks, Yue'er's cheeks have finally become plump. It must be thanks to your good care." Sun Mu said with a smile.
Xiao Xiangyue pouted, "Brother Yun stays at the mansion all day, accompanying Yue'er instead of doing any real work. He's almost become a housewife. Big Brother Sun needs to keep him in check."
Luo Guyun looked disapproving and muttered quietly: "Food is the most important thing for the people. Isn't cooking a normal job?"
Yi Han joked, "When we were negotiating with the British that day, the foreigners asked why Commander-in-Chief Luo didn't attend in person. Did he think the deal wasn't big enough and looked down on it? I told them that in General Luo's eyes, no matter how big the deal was, it wasn't as big as the moon in the sky. The foreigner was confused at first, but then he acted like an expert on China, saying that he had heard that you Chinese people like to appreciate the moon, and Commander-in-Chief Luo is really elegant, so why not make an appointment to appreciate the moon together another day..."
Everyone burst into laughter. Xiao Xiangyue didn't laugh. She lowered her eyes, shook the half-full glass of red wine in her hand, stood up and said, "Xiangyue always causes trouble for everyone, so I'll punish myself with a drink. Drink it first as a token of respect." She raised her head and drank the wine in the glass in one gulp.
Sun Mu said anxiously, "Yue'er can drink some red wine, but don't drink it too quickly. Eat it with some vegetables. Be careful not to upset your stomach."
Yi Shui suppressed his laughter and said, "Yue'er is so honest! Second brother, a business savvy, even believes what foreigners say... If you punish yourself, someone will feel bad! If you come back and make things difficult for us, it will be terrible! Come on... Brothers will have a drink with you..."
Luo Guoyun was about to stop her, but knowing Yue'er's stubborn nature, he gave up. Yi Shui was the best at reading people's expressions, and he had a tacit understanding with him, so he managed to smooth things over without leaving any trace.
Luo Guyun grabbed Xiao Xiangyue's hand from under the table, stroking it gently. He picked up a piece of duck meat and placed it in his bowl. He smiled and said, "The other day, I was making ginger-shredded duck breast for Yue'er in the kitchen. The chef in the mansion saw it and insisted on learning from me. This is what the chef made today. Yue'er, try it and see if you've inherited my true skills."
Xiao Xiangyue tasted the duck meat and said with her beautiful eyes, "It's still not as delicious as Brother Yun's."
"Third brother is too partial. Why does he only cook for Yue'er when he has such good skills? The eldest brother finally comes back, but he just calls a cook and sends us away..." Yi Shui teased.
Everyone burst into laughter again. Xiao Xiangyue broke away from Luo Guyun's hand, quickly picked up the wine glass, and stood up, saying, "This glass is dedicated to Big Brother. Yue'er apologizes on behalf of Brother Yun..."
Yi Han laughed loudly and said, "Oh... Big Brother, are you jealous? Yue'er, ignore him. Second brother is so happy to see Third Brother and you so happy!"
Ike stood up and said cheerfully, "It's rare that everyone is so happy today, why don't we drink together..."
Everyone raised their glasses frequently, toasting back and forth. Although Xiao Xiangyue took small sips, she had unknowingly drunk several glasses of red wine.
Lu Hankun said excitedly, "I have some great news to share with everyone. 'The Legend of Red Actress' won Best Film and Best Film Music at a Russian film festival. This is the first time a Chinese-produced film has won an international award, which is a milestone. My junior apprentice brother composed almost the entire film's score and arrangement alone, and his contribution is invaluable. Yue'er's talent has been recognized worldwide, which is truly remarkable and worth celebrating."
Everyone burst into praise and applauded enthusiastically. Xiao Xiangyue blushed and stood up again, glass in hand. Luo Guyun refused to let him drink any more. He took the half-empty glass of red wine from his hand, picked up the bottle and filled it up, saying loudly, "Guyun thanks everyone on behalf of Yue'er." Not wanting to let the commander-in-chief drink alone, everyone stood up and raised their glasses to drink together. The atmosphere reached a climax as the cups clashed and the atmosphere became lively.
Lu Hankun sighed, "In the past two months, invitations to my junior brother to various performances and commercial activities have piled up like a mountain at the film company. Everyone knows that with my junior brother's popularity, inviting him is like inviting the God of Wealth. How could I let these people treat me as a cash cow? I suppressed them all and ignored them. Because of this, I was threatened by the underworld, and several times I had to invoke General Luo's name to resolve the situation... Alas, the world is in chaos now, and demons are rampant. My junior brother is lucky to have the general to protect him. Otherwise, he would have been eaten alive by those tycoons and gangsters."
Sun Mu drank a few more sips of wine today, which was rare for him. His mind was full of thoughts as he sighed, "I knew that in this chaotic world, only my brother could properly protect Yue'er. If my father, mother, and Uncle Xiao and his wife knew about this, they would surely rest in peace and leave Yue'er to my brother..."
Luo Guyun was afraid that mentioning his parents would make Xiao Xiangyue sad, so he quickly changed the subject: "Big brother is going to be a father, Yue'er is so happy! He said that when his nephew is born, he wants to be the first to hold him..."
Sun Mu sighed again, "When Yue'er was born, I was the first one to hold him. I held him in my arms like a little mouse, and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to keep him alive. Who knew that this seemingly fragile child was actually very resilient and survived all the way through the gates of hell... Now that my dear brother is here, I can rest assured..."
Lu Hankun thought about it and said, "Everything else is fine. I have something for you, General and Junior Brother, to consider carefully. This is the first time a Chinese film has won an international award, and the film festival has decided to hold a special awards ceremony in China, scheduled for next month. This event will be of high standard, with high-ranking government officials and celebrities from all walks of life in attendance. The organizers hope to invite Junior Brother to attend in person to accept the award for Best Film Music."
"Thank you, Senior Brother. Yue'er doesn't want to attend the award ceremony, so it doesn't matter if you receive the award." Xiao Xiangyue refused without hesitation.
Luo Guyun's heart sank. Yue'er was incredibly intelligent and understanding. When she was little, her father was wrongly implicated and died, and fearing the consequences, she kept silent about his affairs. These days, she'd willingly confined herself to the mansion, never asking about the outside world, even though she knew everything. That's why she was so cautious, afraid of even the slightest misstep and causing trouble again... Thinking of this, his heart ached.
Red wine has a strong aftertaste, and Xiao Xiangyue had drunk several glasses today, her cheeks flushed and her eyes watering. Luo Guyun embraced him and said, "Yue'er, are you feeling dizzy? How about I take you back to your room to rest first?"
Sun Mu quickly sent Xiao Qin to order the kitchen to prepare some water chestnut and pear soup. Luo Guyun said, "No need. I just thought Yue'er would be happy today, so she'd have a couple of drinks. I've already prepared some tangerine peel and dendrobium soup to sober her up and nourish her stomach."
Xiao Xiangyue had been drinking, and she was rarely willful. She pouted and said, "No! No! I'm happy today, Yue'er wants to be with everyone!" Luo Guyun coaxed, "Okay...How about Yue'er lie down on the sofa for a while, sober up, and rest before drinking and playing rock-paper-scissors with everyone, okay?"
Xiao Xiangyue, already feeling a bit dazed, nodded obediently. Luo Guyun half-carried him onto the long sofa against the wall of the banquet hall, brought him a small bowl of tangerine peel and dendrobium soup, and asked the housekeeper to bring a blanket and drape it over his legs. Seeing that his eyes were slightly closed, as if he had fallen asleep, he returned to the table.
Everyone continued to chat.
Yi Shuidao said, "The central government has made some new arrangements, and suppressing bandits is the top priority right now. I heard that around the Spring Festival, a group of bandits, numbering tens of thousands, entered Wumeng Mountain. The chairman hopes that my third brother can personally lead the charge and eliminate this group of bandits in the southwest."
Luo Guyun chuckled: "Chairman, what a calculation... He's spending his own money and effort to fight a war on his own territory. Did his head get crushed by the door?"
Yi Shui clapped his hands and said, "That's right! This is internal information and has not been officially announced yet. As soon as I heard the news, I hurried back to discuss countermeasures with my third brother. After all, we are a family on the surface, and the central government allocates a lot of military funds every year. We still need to do a good job on this..."
Luo Guoyun turned his head to look at the person lying on the sofa. The crystal chandelier reflected the long eyelashes, casting a shadow on the handsome face as delicate as fine porcelain. He had a straight nose and a perfect profile. Perhaps because of the wine, his lips were a deep red, making you want to suck them. He forced himself to calm down, retracted his gaze, swallowed his saliva, and said, "Brother has just returned. Let's rest for the night. We won't discuss military affairs tonight. Send a telegram tomorrow to summon all the generals to Shanghai for a meeting and discuss the matter. We need to listen to everyone's opinions. We have to come up with a foolproof solution."
Yi Han said happily, "That's great. I've been stationed in Shanghai for a long time, and I haven't been with my brothers in the army for a long time. I miss them so much. This time I finally get to see them!"
Lu Hankun looked at Xiao Xiangyue lying on the sofa and whispered, "Is Yue'er asleep?" Sun Mu said, "Yue'er is happy today and has drunk quite a bit of wine. It would be good to let him sleep for a while."
Lu Hankun sighed, "Last year, I went to Lizhuang to visit my master. I told him how I had met Yue'er by chance, playing the violin at the night market. My master's expression immediately changed, and he told me to tell Yue'er to conceal her shortcomings and not show off too much. I didn't take it seriously at the time, thinking it would be a shame if Yue'er's extraordinary talent went unnoticed, so I urged him to sing and compose. Now that I think about it, my master's concerns were well-founded."
Luo Guyun was secretly shocked. Uncle Li's words actually coincided with Abbot Nengjing's. The moon was like a rare jade; no matter how carefully he protected it, its brilliance would inevitably attract the world's coveted attention and mad pursuit.
"I have an idea, but I don't know whether I should tell it or not?" Lu Hankun hesitated.
Luo Guyun said: "No one here today is an outsider, so feel free to say whatever you want, Senior Brother."
Lu Hankun said, "Junior brother, your fame is a burden to you now, restricting your freedom of movement. Being confined to the mansion all day isn't a solution. I've heard Sweden is a prosperous and peaceful country. For now, why not listen to Ike and send Yue'er to the Royal Swedish Academy of Music? With your talent, if you can study at a world-class music institution, your future achievements will be limitless. Leaving for a while will allow you to avoid the current chaos and live a more free life."
Luo Guyun was not prepared for what Lu Hankun was going to say. He was stunned for a moment, and after a long while he said, "I disagree. This is absolutely not allowed! I really can't let Yue'er go thousands of miles away alone. I am worried."
Ike said, "Don't worry, General. If Yue'er is willing to go, Madam Daisy will accompany him personally and send him to Sweden. Everything will be settled. Teacher Charade has been looking forward to it for a long time. He has written several letters to Madam Daisy, hoping that Yue'er will come..."
"This is totally inappropriate. Yue'er is weak. If she gets sick there, no one will take care of her. What if something happens to her?" Luo Guyun flatly refused.
Sun Mu pondered, "Last time in Hanchang, I heard Yue'er say she envied Jianmei for being able to attend a higher education institution. Although Yue'er is extremely talented, he hasn't attended a formal school. It wouldn't be a bad thing if he could go to a top institution to study his favorite music." He paused, then said, "I'm also most worried about Yue'er's health... If he really wants to study abroad, Xiao Qin is about the same age as him, has a similar temperament, and has studied medicine with me for several years. I can let Xiao Qin accompany him to study medicine and be his study companion, so that I can take care of him more easily."
Ike said, "The Royal Conservatory of Music has a three-year program. After three years, Yue'er will return home after completing her studies, and all that silly gossip will have been forgotten. By then, I can live a free and unfettered life with the General. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"
Yi Shui looked at Luo Guyun's increasingly gloomy expression and said hurriedly, "Let's stop arguing here. We need to ask Mingyue'er for her opinion on this matter before making any plans."
By the time the feast was over and the night was over, it was already midnight. Luo Guyun wrapped the person, who was already fast asleep on the sofa, in a blanket, carried them sideways, and returned to the bedroom. As soon as he put her on the bed, Xiao Xiangyue woke up. Both of them reeked of alcohol. They took a bath in the tub, feeling refreshed before turning off the lights and falling asleep in each other's arms.
Thinking about Lu Hankun's suggestion during the meal, Luo Guyun tossed and turned, unable to sleep. In the dim light, he saw the person beside him breathing evenly, sleeping soundly. He simply got up, put on his clothes, quietly closed the door, and sat down in a chair in the adjacent study. He draped his legs idly on the desk and began to smoke one cigarette after another.
Luo Guoyun was a heavy smoker, especially when pondering problems. Lately, despite their inseparable love, he'd noticed Yue'er was a bit down and out. She was such a lover of novelty and excitement, yet now she remained completely isolated. Even though she was the one being wronged, she was still so concerned about others' feelings, simply because she didn't want to worry them or cause them any trouble. Judging from her behavior today, she must have felt uneasy and guilty, fearing that even her constant companionship would lead to her missing out on official duties. The country was currently unstable, with various factions battling each other. Civil war was inevitable, and foreign wars were imminent. In the coming years, he'd be training the army, building factories, and possibly even fighting on the battlefield. Leaving Yue'er in Shanghai or Nanjing was a matter of utmost concern. How could he bear to keep him tied to her side, constantly toiling with her? It would be better to let him pursue his own interests.
Luo Guoyun was filled with thoughts and sorrow. Just the thought of possibly being separated from Yue'er was heartbreaking, let alone a real separation.
It was already three o'clock in the morning. The door to the study creaked open, and Xiao Xiangyue, wearing a light blue silk nightgown, stood at the door.
A pile of cigarette butts lay scattered in the ashtray. Luo Guyun had been so preoccupied with his own thoughts that he hadn't even opened the window, leaving the study filled with smoke. Xiao Xiangyue, leaning against the doorframe, coughed twice. Startled, Luo Guyun quickly pulled his legs off the desk, stood up, and said, "Why are you awake, Yue'er? The smell of smoke is so strong here, let's go back to the room." He hugged him and returned to the bedroom.
The two of them lay on the bed. Xiao Xiangyue pressed her face against his chest, hugged his waist, moved slightly, found a comfortable position, and said softly, "Yue'er is willing to go abroad." Luo Guyun was surprised again: "...Did Yue'er hear everything everyone said tonight?"
Xiao Xiangyue said embarrassedly, "I was lying on the sofa and heard you talking in a daze. I wanted to get up, but my body was weak and my head was dizzy. Then I fell asleep without knowing why."
Luo Guyun gently stroked his back and said softly, "Those words were just talk, Yue'er, don't take them to heart. I can't bear to be separated from you and don't want you to go abroad to study."
Xiao Xiangyue raised her head slightly, looked at him with clear eyes, and whispered, "Yue'er is reluctant to part with Brother Yun. But right now, Yue'er knows that Brother Yun has important matters to attend to and many things to plan. Not only can Yue'er not help, but she will be a burden to you. Yue'er doesn't want you to worry about me day and night. It is also a happy thing for me to be able to go to a professional institution and study the music I like. Brother Yun doesn't have to worry too much. Yue'er can take care of herself..."
Luo Guyun's heart trembled. With a powerful force, he gripped the person in his arms tightly, calling out in a trembling voice, "Yue'er!" He held her crimson lips, sucking them, tearing away the restraints and thrusting forward with brutal force. Xiao Xiangyue clung to him tightly, refusing to yield, responding passionately. After several rounds of intense struggle, each wanting to rub the other into their bodies, they finally fell into a deep sleep, exhausted, at the first light of dawn.
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