Chapter Nine: The Cold Cicada Plays in the Snow
With the help of the dragon soul, Murong Hanchan's ice melted in a short time, and all three of them fell into a coma.
She hurriedly transferred her warmth into Xiaoyao Lang's body. However, she discovered that there was also a cold energy within Xiaoyao Lang's body, which was actually consuming the warmth she had transferred. She found this strange, so she checked his pulse and circulated her energy to examine him. She found that Xiaoyao Lang was only unconscious because his blood and energy were blocked. What surprised her even more was that there was a kind of true energy within his body that was clearing his blood vessels on its own.
Knowing that her lover was safe, she stopped worrying and, holding Xiaoyao Lang in her arms, flew back to the thatched hut. She murmured, "Silly brother, why are you so foolish! Why didn't you run away! Do you know, even if all three of them were together, Chan'er could easily handle them!" With that, she kissed Xiaoyao Lang's delicate lips with her rosy lips.
She had originally planned to wait for Xiaoyao Lang to wake up before leaving, so they could ride together and roam freely. But when she saw the cloak she was wearing, a sudden idea struck her, and she changed her mind. She then took Xiaoyao Lang and spurred her horse back to the Sihe Inn on Xiangcheng Street.
Back in the inn's backyard, it was already noon. Murong Hanchan settled them onto the donkey cart and went upstairs to find Zui Mochou and Yin Xiaosheng. Zui Mochou was lying on the roof drinking when she saw Murong Hanchan. She immediately flew down from the roof and said, "You brat! You're finally back! I was worried something might have happened to you!" "Huh~ where's that brat?!" Zui Mochou looked around but didn't see Xiaoyao Lang.
Murong Hanchan said softly, "He is unconscious and is currently in the hay cart in the stable." Upon hearing this, Zui Mochou did not ask any further questions and used her lightness skill to go see Xiaoyao Lang.
Murong Hanchan arrived at Yin Xiaosheng's room. Yin Xiaosheng was reading "The Yin-Yang Double Path of the World". Upon seeing his junior sister return, he immediately stood up and said, "Junior sister! You're finally back! Last night you two~" After saying that, he cautiously stared at her with amusement.
Murong Hanchan glanced at him, pulled at her loose hair, and said in a coquettish voice, "We spent the night together last night! What happened?!"
Yin Xiaosheng chuckled, "Really! Brother Xiaoyao is quite a nice guy! I just didn't expect your storyline to develop so quickly! It's completely beyond my expectations!"
Murong Hanchan tossed her hair aside and said sternly, "I knew you were never serious! Get ready, I need to go into the city to see Yi Yunke!"
Yin Xiaosheng asked seriously, "Have you found any trace of the divine object?"
Murong Hanchan: "No, but I must see Yi Yunke!" After saying that, a strange smile appeared on her lips.
Unable to fathom what mischief she was plotting this time, Yin Xiaosheng put away the book in his hand and said calmly, "Alright! I'll pack my things now! I'll follow you—a wife in harmony with her husband!" After saying that, he quickly turned around and took a few steps.
Murong Hanchan lowered her voice and said, "Then you'd better behave yourself in a bit! Don't make me unhappy!"
He then returned to his room and tinkered with things for a long time.
Yin Xiaosheng, having finished packing his things and waited for quite some time, called out impatiently, "Junior Sister! You told me to pack my things, but instead you've made me wait here in vain!"
Just then, Murong Hanchan opened the door and came out. She had changed into a white scholar's men's suit, with a cloak over her shoulders. She looked very dignified and handsome, even surpassing Yin Xiaosheng in appearance.
Yin Xiaosheng exclaimed in surprise, "Junior Sister! Who are you going to fool this time? Every time you dress up as a man, you're either lying or ripping people off! Don't rip me off this time!" Yin Xiaosheng said fearfully.
Upon hearing this, Murong Hanchan feigned composure and rang out in a hearty voice: "Young Master Yin, you've mistaken me for someone else! I am Murong Shuai! Please!" With that, she went downstairs and left, leaving Yin Xiaosheng bewildered behind.
Murong Hanchan arrived at the stable, and Zui Mochou stared at her intently!
Murong Hanchan smiled slightly and said softly, "Old man! You don't recognize me just because I changed my clothes?!"
Zui Mochou slapped her forehead and said, "Oh dear! If it weren't for your sweet smile, I really wouldn't have recognized you!"
Murong Hanchan rolled her eyes at him: "Drive your donkey cart and go! I'll treat you to drinks and a big meal in town!"
Zui Mochou didn't ask any more questions. He put the cart on the donkey and followed behind Murong Hanchan. Yin Xiaosheng got on the donkey cart and then saw Xiaoyao Lang.
"Huh? Senior! What happened to Brother Xiaoyao?!"
Zui Mochou said calmly, "I don't know! He's just unconscious! He looked the same when I first saw him! He's fine, he'll probably wake up tonight!"
Yin Xiaosheng: "Oh! That's good!" Then, Zui Mochou handed him a gourd of wine…
The carriage drove through Xiangcheng Street and arrived at the noodle shop again. Upon seeing it, Yin Xiaosheng couldn't help but sigh. After passing the noodle shop and crossing Xiangcheng Bridge, they arrived at the gate of Longyang City. After Murong Hanchan entered the city, Yin Xiaosheng was stopped. The guard said, "Young hero, please hand over your sword to me! Otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter the city!"
Yin Xiaosheng chuckled and said, "Just by looking at my face, you should know I'm a good person! Why make things difficult for me?"
The gatekeeper waved his hand and said, "Then I have no choice but to offend you!" Immediately, several guards drew their swords and confronted him angrily.
Upon seeing this, Murong Hanchan said sternly, "Wait! Don't you know who we are? We are the honored guests of City Lord Yi! You should recognize the person lying in the carriage, right?!" As she spoke, she glanced at the unconscious Xiaoyao Lang.
Upon hearing this, the guard glanced at Murong Hanchan, then reluctantly approached. Seeing that it was Xiaoyao Lang, he immediately smiled and replied, "I know him! I know him! Young Master Xiaoyao Lang is a close friend of our city lord, despite the age difference! (Xiaoyao Lang saved Yi Qingxue's life when she was young, and Yi Yunke is very grateful.) Please come in! I was being impetuous just now, unaware that you were the city lord's distinguished guests. Please forgive me!"
Murong Hanchan declared confidently, "It's alright!" Then, she smirked from her horseback.
The four entered the city and went directly to Yi Yunke's mansion. The gate was guarded by four guards, one of whom said, "What are you doing here? Get out of here immediately!"
Murong Hanchan said generously, "We have come here specifically to pay our respects to City Lord Yi, and we have a great gift to present to you!"
The guard replied sternly, "If you want to see City Lord Yi, go to the city's administrative hall. This is the city lord's residence and cannot be disturbed. Leave now, or we will not be polite!"
Murong Hanchan felt helpless. Not wanting to make things difficult for the four guards, she used her internal energy to shout, "Lord Yi! I am Murong Changfeng from the Murong family of Dongyue. I have come to pay my respects to Lord Yi and have a great gift to present to you!" Her powerful voice resounded throughout the Yi residence. The four guards looked at each other, clearly astonished.
In the back garden of the Yi residence, a woman sat gracefully in a pavilion, gently plucking a stringed instrument. Two maids beside her suddenly heard a loud shout and became somewhat nervous. A moment later, several guards rushed over and stood guard beside the pavilion. Leading them was Yi Yunke's eldest son, Yi Mingjian.
Yi Mingjian hurriedly said, "Little sister! Something big might happen at home today. You must not wander off. Wherever you go, remember to have them guard and follow you!"
"Big brother! What happened? Has Father come back?" the younger sister asked with a worried look.
"Father is probably still in the office. I've already sent someone to inform him! As for what it's about, we don't know yet, but the visitor is clearly hostile, and with such profound internal strength, he's no ordinary person!" He then left.
Seeing her younger sister's worry, the maidservant comforted her, saying, "Miss, don't worry too much. The city lord is brave and valiant; he will surely be alright!"
Younger sister: "I hope so."
Not long after Murong Hanchan spoke, more than a dozen people came out of the mansion gate. The leader was Yi Yunke's second son, Yi Mingzhao, and his subordinates stood on both sides with swords in hand.
Upon seeing Murong Hanchan, Yi Mingzhao immediately stepped forward and said politely, "I am Yi Mingzhao, the second son of the Yi family. I was unaware of Young Master Murong's visit from Dongyue. I apologize for not welcoming you properly!"
Murong Hanchan declared confidently, "Of course! Since it is a personal gift from Young Master, how could Murong Changfeng dare to disobey?"
Yi Mingzhao bowed and said, "Young Master Murong, please!"
"Young Master Yi, please!" He then inquired, "Young Master Yi, is the City Lord not in the manor?"
Since Murong Hanchan disguised herself as a man, she has spoken in a bold and generous manner, and with an overbearing air.
Yi Mingzhao: "My father is very busy and is rarely home! Please come to the living room for tea, young master and the others. I have already sent someone to inform my father, and I believe he will be back soon!"
“That would be perfect, Young Master Yi. We’ve been on a long journey and haven’t eaten all day. What do you think?!” Murong Hanchan said, indicating that she was hungry.
Yi Mingzhao immediately said, "Young Master Murong, please bear with me for a moment. I will immediately give the order to prepare some simple food for you all! Please!"
Murong Hanchan: "Then I'll trouble you, Second Young Master, please!"
At this moment, a voice rang out: "I wonder what brings you from so far away to see my father, young master?" The person who came was none other than Yi Mingjian.
Murong Hanchan replied immediately, "Of course I have a fine gift to offer. And who are you, sir?"
Yi Mingjian stepped forward and said, "I am the eldest young master, Yi Mingjian!"
Murong Hanchan: "So it's the eldest young master, Murong Changfeng. My apologies for my rudeness!"
The two looked at each other and then went their separate ways.
Zui Mochou helped Xiaoyao Lang into the city. Murong Hanchan then covered Xiaoyao Lang's face with a black cloth, claiming he was too ashamed to show his face. Yin Xiaosheng, on the other hand, carried a large gift that Murong Hanchan had prepared beforehand.
Just then, the sound of horses' hooves echoed outside the door. Yi Yunke returned, hurriedly entered the room, and met Zui Mochou in the living room.
A domineering voice suddenly rang out: "Haha... Who do we have here! It's you!" Yi Yunke laughed loudly when he saw Zui Mochou.
Zui Mochou laughed and said, "It's not that I want to find you, it's that he wants to find you. I'm just here to get a free meal!" After saying that, he started drinking again.
Yi Yunke looked puzzled, then turned to Murong Hanchan and asked, "May I ask how this young master is addressed? And what brings you here?"
Murong Hanchan turned around and said, "I am Murong Changfeng from Dongyue. I have come to see City Lord Yi with a great gift to present to him!"
Yi Yunke looked puzzled: "What a gift! I have no dealings with the Murong family of Dongyue, why would you give me such a gift!"
Murong Hanchan: "Then I'll get straight to the point! These are the martial arts manuals for the two of the Murong family's Three Wonders: the Frost Palm Technique and the Frost Sword Technique! I believe City Lord Yi has heard of these two unique skills, right?"
At this moment, Yi Mingjian, who was standing to the side, suddenly brightened up and stared intently at the two secret manuals in Yin Xiaosheng's hands.
Yi Yunke: "Of course! Who in the martial arts world doesn't know about the Three Wonders of Murong?"
Murong Hanchan: "That's good! I've heard that City Lord Yi has a daughter, and she's very close to my sworn brother, Xiaoyao Lang! But my brother made an impolite marriage proposal, and I'm hesitant to speak up. He's already heartbroken over your daughter. Today, I'll offer this as a token to arrange a marriage for Brother Xiaoyao! I hope City Lord Yi will agree to this marriage!"
Upon hearing this, Yi Mingzhao, who was outside the door, immediately turned around and left.
Upon hearing this, Yi Yunke suddenly burst into laughter, saying, "Xiaoyao Lang! Hahaha... You really came to propose marriage for him?!"
“Exactly! Not a single word is false!” Murong Hanchan replied decisively.
Yi Yunke sighed, “My daughter and Xiaoyao Lang have known each other since childhood. Their relationship is like that of blood siblings. To be honest, I have tried many times to take Xiaoyao Lang as my disciple, but he has always refused! Moreover, I have made it clear that as long as he becomes my disciple, I will give my daughter to him in marriage, but he still refuses! Now you have come to propose marriage on his behalf, and even said that he has lost his mind because of my daughter. I don’t know where this comes from?”
At this moment, in the courtyard of the Yi residence, Yi Mingzhao hurriedly rushed to the pavilion.
"Little sister! Little sister! Xiaoyao Lang has sent someone to propose marriage!"
Younger sister: "Brother Xiaoyao!? Proposing marriage!"
Yi Mingzhao: "Yes! I heard it clearly! Go and take a look!"
...
Murong Hanchan flicked her cloak and declared boldly, "Lord Yi, you may not fully understand the affairs of us juniors! Why not have Miss Yi come forward? Whether she is willing or not, you can ask her directly. Wouldn't that be more reasonable?"
At that moment, a woman slowly stepped in through the door. Murong Hanchan's eyes lit up instantly. Judging from the girl's age, she seemed to be around seventeen or eighteen years old, similar to herself. She wore an orange, high-waisted ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), had bright, sparkling eyes, double eyelids, exquisitely beautiful eyebrows, snow-white skin, and long, jet-black hair that reached her waist. A green jade hairpin and several other dazzling ornaments adorned her hair. Her slender hands rested lightly on her chest. Overall, she was a charming and delicate young woman. Murong Hanchan even wondered if Xiaoyao Lang truly didn't like her!
The person who came called out softly, "Father!"
Yi Yunke greeted him respectfully, saying, "This is Young Master Murong of Dongyue!"
The young woman turned around, bowed to Murong Hanchan, and said softly, "This humble woman, Yi Qingxue, greets Young Master Murong!"
Murong Hanchan heard a soft voice, weak and feeble, gentle and slow, a voice she only used when she was with Xiaoyao Lang, and she heard it now.
Murong Hanchan said with great enthusiasm, "Greetings, Miss Qingxue! I have long heard Brother Xiaoyao speak of you. You are well-educated, intelligent, and kind-hearted. Meeting you today, I can say you are truly a peerless beauty! I am Murong Changfeng, and I have long admired you, Miss Qingxue!" After returning the greeting, he looked at Yi Qingxue with affection in his eyes.
Yi Qingxue was stunned as she entered. She thought to herself: This young man before her was indescribably handsome. If she hadn't seen him with her own eyes, she would have found it hard to believe that such a beautiful man existed in the world. But why was he wearing Brother Xiaoyao's cloak? And what was his relationship with Brother Xiaoyao?
Yi Qingxue replied softly, "Young Master Murong flatters me. I am a woman of limited knowledge and gentle nature. I hope you will not laugh at me." Yi Qingxue thought to herself: Why is he looking at me like that? There are so many people here. Even if he likes me, he should be more reserved!
Murong Hanchan: "Miss Qingxue! Without further ado, I will get straight to the point. Today, I am here on behalf of Brother Xiaoyao to propose marriage to you, and your father, City Lord Yi, has no objections. Now, whether it succeeds or not depends entirely on your word! Please consider this carefully!"
Yi Qingxue asked softly, "Then may I ask, young master, where is Brother Xiaoyao himself?"
Murong Hanchan: "Brother Xiaoyao, I am a shy man, so it is naturally inconvenient for me to see you about this matter. But the cloak I am wearing is the one you gave him. This is proof, don't you believe me?"
Yi Qingxue stepped forward and said, "Qingxue and Brother Xiaoyao grew up together since childhood, and Qingxue knows his character very well. However, my relationship with Brother Xiaoyao has always been like that of siblings, and we have never had any romantic feelings for each other. Today, however, he sent someone to propose marriage, so Qingxue naturally wants to see him."
Murong Hanchan: "So, Miss Qingxue, you're rejecting this marriage and have no regrets?"
At this moment, Yin Xiaosheng, who was holding the secret manual, almost burst out laughing. He now realized what his junior sister had come for! She had come to eliminate her love rival.
Yi Qingxue smiled and said, "Qingxue doesn't want to say any more. My relationship with Brother Xiaoyao is merely that of brother and sister; there is no romantic feeling between us. Please leave, young master. Qingxue will take her leave now." She then turned to leave.
Murong Hanchan hurriedly called out, "Wait! Since Miss Qingxue has no feelings for Brother Xiaoyao, then I, Murong Changfeng, will dare to propose to Miss Qingxue today!"
Upon hearing this, Zui Mochou spat out the mouthful of wine he had just taken a sip, while Yin Xiaosheng chuckled incessantly, his mouth agape.
Yi Qingxue turned around, glanced at him, and said nothing. Then she said to Yi Yunke, "Father! I'm tired. I'll take my leave."
Murong Hanchan thought to herself: This girl is truly gentle and tender. If I were a man, I would definitely marry her.
At this moment, Yi Mingzhao walked in: "Father! Young Master Murong, the manor has prepared some wine and dishes. Please move to the west wing!"
...
In the pavilion in the back garden of the Yi residence, a maid whispered, "Miss, do you really have no feelings for Xiaoyao Lang at all?"
Yi Qingxue glanced at the maid, whose hands were empty. The maid hurriedly called out, "Miss! Don't be angry! It's all Ping'er's fault for being so talkative."
Yi Qingxue spoke softly, "Brother Xiaoyao, you are indeed a very good person, but we grew up together since childhood, so it is impossible for us to have feelings for each other."
Ping'er: "What if Miss only met that carefree wanderer now?"
Yi Qingxue: "Then I'll feel less sympathy and more love for him! After all, he's not the one I'm meant to be with; he's only suitable to be a close friend."
"What a heartfelt friend!" A loud voice rang out, and the newcomer was none other than Murong Hanchan.
Upon seeing Murong Hanchan, the guards shouted sternly, "Who are you? How dare you trespass into Miss's back garden!"
Murong Hanchan ignored them completely, waved her blue cloak, and unleashed a burst of energy that struck everyone in the air, causing them to be struck in the acupoints.
Ping'er exclaimed infatuatedly, "Wow! Miss! This young master is so handsome!" Yi Qingxue ignored her. Seeing that the person who came was Murong Changfeng, she ignored him and began to play the zither. Murong Hanchan thought to herself: Is he planning to seduce me with his music? Fine, let's hear what you've got to play!
After Yi Qingxue finished playing, Murong Hanchan clapped her hands and exclaimed, "What a wonderful piece! It's elegant, graceful, and profound! But wait! This 'Red Dust Tribulation' can be played like this too!"
Before the words were even finished, Murong Hanchan had instantly teleported from three zhang away to behind Yi Qingxue. Before the two maids could even cry out, she had knocked them unconscious from a distance.
She stood behind Yi Qingxue, her jade-like fingers lightly tracing her face. Then, she put her left arm around Yi Qingxue's waist and jokingly said, "A moment of spring is worth a thousand pieces of gold. Sister Qingxue, we must cherish this rare and beautiful time!" After saying this, she took Yi Qingxue's right hand with her right hand and touched it all over.
Yi Qingxue did not resist, but said softly, "Yes! It's just a pity that in this moment of springtime between us, you are actually a woman!"
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