Chapter 198 Starting Anew
Xiaoqing was deeply moved. She cleared her throat and slowly said, "This matter was passed down by the old steward and the old subordinates in the mansion. The entire Yi family knows about it. That's why the master has always treated him like an honored guest."
Xiao Dan added, "That was when you were six years old. Your master was fighting in Longyang City, and you were kidnapped by your enemies. It was Young Master Xiaoyao who rescued you."
"At that time, our enemies were relentlessly pursuing us. Young Master Xiaoyao carried you up the mountain to hide, and we stayed in a cave for three days and three nights. It rained heavily during those days, and he took care of you the whole time. Later, the city lord led people to search the mountain and finally found you." Xiaoqing recounted all the details she knew.
Upon hearing "cave" and "heavy rain," Yi Qingxue's expression suddenly became dazed, and fragments of long-buried memories suddenly surfaced—the continuous heavy rain, the biting cold, Xiaoyao Lang taking off his coat to wrap her up, holding her to keep warm, picking wild fruit for her, and refusing to reveal her hiding place when questioned by her father...
Memories flashed before her eyes, piercing her heart. "Brother Xiaoyao..." she whispered, staggering as if about to fall.
"Miss!" The two rushed forward to help her up.
Yi Qingxue composed herself and said gently, "You said I once hid in the Ma family mansion, but my elder brother harmed the Ma family father and son. I'm going to pay my respects to them. You should go and prepare."
The two men exchanged a glance, and seeing that she was unharmed, they accepted the order to prepare the sacrificial offerings.
Meanwhile, Ku Baidiao returned to Longyang City, only to find that Ling Xueyan had already taken the position of city lord, and Ouyang Longyuan's remaining forces had been completely wiped out. Her voice was hoarse, full of emotion: "I never thought that when I returned from my trip to Baiyun City, everything had changed."
Ling Xueyan stood with her hands behind her back, smiled faintly, and asked in return, "What do you mean by 'things have changed but people are no longer the same'? Aren't you and I old friends?"
"Hmph!" Ku Bai Diao sneered coldly. "Old acquaintance? Both the Brahma Emperor and the Young Emperor were murdered, so why are you the only one unharmed and even seized the position of City Lord! What are your schemes and what role are you playing? Things are probably not that simple, are they?"
Ling Xueyan's gaze sharpened, and she said coldly, "You can guess whatever role I play. Now that Ouyang Longyuan is dead, you were originally his henchman, but considering you once helped me, I won't hold it against you. You're a smart person, so don't do anything foolish!" With that, she turned and strode away.
Leaning on his medicine cane, Ku Bai Diao watched Ling Xueyan's alluring back and cursed viciously, "What a scheming little vixen! Let's see how long you can be so smug..."
Meanwhile, Xiaoyao Lang wandered alone in Maple Willow Forest Town, his heart filled with conflict: if he took the Congshan Road back to Dongyue Divine Continent, he would probably encounter the brothers of the Five Lakes and Four Seas Gang, and then he would find it difficult to refuse the position of gang leader; if he took the route through Baiyun City and Shanshui City, he didn't know when he would be able to see Murong Hanchan...
Before he knew it, he had arrived at the gate of the Ma residence. The once magnificent mansion was now somewhat dilapidated, clearly having been visited by many thieves.
He stepped into the mansion and saw the tombstones of dozens of people from the Ma family standing before him. Xiaoyao Lang walked slowly to Ma Pingchuan's tombstone and said softly, "Pingchuan, I have avenged you. Ouyang Longyuan is dead, and Yi Mingjian is also... You can rest in peace now." After saying that, he sat down against the tombstone.
"Miss, we've arrived!" Just then, Yi Qingxue's carriage stopped outside the mansion gate, and Xiaoqing helped her down.
Four armed guards stood watch at the gate, with another four following closely behind Yi Qingxue. Stepping inside, Yi Qingxue was astonished by the scene before her: "Why would someone be buried at the very gate?"
"Young Master Xiaoyao!!" Xiaoqing exclaimed in surprise, seeing Xiaoyao Lang sitting dejectedly in front of the grave.
Yi Qingxue's heart skipped a beat when she looked up, secretly pleased that the trip had been worthwhile. She thought: Although she remembered her past with him, her elder brother ultimately died at his hands. If they were to acknowledge each other now, it would inevitably be awkward. Perhaps she should pretend to have amnesia and start anew…
Having made up her mind, Yi Qingxue pretended not to recognize him and slowly walked towards the graves of the Ma family father and son. Xiao Qing and Xiao Dan exchanged glances, worried that Yi Qingxue would be agitated by the matter of the eldest son if she saw Xiaoyao Lang.
Upon seeing Yi Qingxue, Xiaoyao Lang felt a mixture of joy and sorrow, unsure how to face her. If he could do it all over again, he would never have acted so impulsively, ignoring Yi Qingxue's attempts to stop him and killing Yi Mingjian. He slowly rose, unable to look Yi Qingxue in the eye.
Yi Qingxue walked to the tombstone of the Ma family father and son and instructed the maids: "Quickly set out the offerings, light the incense and candles."
"Yes, Miss!" Four armed attendants stepped forward to help, arranging offerings and scattering paper money, busy as bees.
Seeing that Yi Qingxue ignored him, Xiaoyao Lang felt a sharp pain in his heart: "Qingxue is so indifferent; she must hate me to the core..."
After the memorial service was completed, Yi Qingxue offered incense to the Ma father and son in mourning. She then turned to Xiaoyao Lang with a slight smile and said, "I wonder what this young master's relationship is with the Ma family? You seem to be offering prayers, but you haven't brought any offerings." Her bright almond-shaped eyes stared straight at him.
Xiaoyao Lang was taken aback by the question and frowned as he looked at Yi Qingxue. Xiaoqing quickly stepped forward and explained in a low voice, "Young Master Xiaoyao, Miss has lost her memory."
"Amnesia?" Xiaoyao Lang exclaimed in surprise, rushing forward and grabbing Yi Qingxue's hand, his face full of anxiety, "Qingxue, how could you have amnesia?"
Xiao Dan glared at him and scolded, "Why did Miss lose her memory? It's all because of you!"
“I…” Xiaoyao Lang was speechless. He slowly released Yi Qingxue’s hand and choked out, “Yes, it’s my fault…” The pain in his heart almost overwhelmed him.
Seeing him in such pain, Yi Qingxue felt a pang of heartache and took his hand to comfort him: "The past is the past, why dwell on it? Although I have amnesia, I am still alive, and I still have my second brother, and you! For the sake of our deceased father, we should all live well."
“Sister Qingxue, I…” Xiaoyao Lang was speechless for a moment, not knowing what to say.
Yi Qingxue smiled gently, her voice soft and clear: "I know nothing about our past. I've heard that we used to be as close as siblings. Now that we've met again, could you tell me our story?" Her voice was soft and clear, and her almond-shaped eyes were filled with tenderness.
Xiaoyao Lang lowered his eyes and then raised them again: "Okay!" He gently withdrew his hand.
"Quickly clean up the Ma residence. I will be staying here for the next few days to keep the spirits of the deceased Ma family company," Yi Qingxue instructed her servants.
Xiaoqing asked hesitantly, "Miss, how can we possibly stay here..."
"Yes, Miss, if you don't return to the manor, the Second Young Master will be worried again!" Xiao Dan chimed in.
Yi Qingxue's tone turned cold: "If you don't listen to me, what are you doing following me? Go back to your homes."
"Yes!" Seeing the young lady's resolute attitude, the two reluctantly led eight attendants to clean the room.
Xiaoyao Lang also felt it was inappropriate and advised, "Sister Qingxue, you should go back to the Yi residence. This place is indeed not suitable for you to live here."
Yi Qingxue immediately replied, "I heard that Uncle Ma and Brother Ma suffered this calamity while saving me. What's wrong with me staying with them for a few days? At least it will make me feel better." After saying this, tears streamed down her face, and she sobbed softly.
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