Author's Notes: I'm a worm! A worthless worm!
I am so sorry this was late! I just realized that I forgot to post this chapter here! It was only posted in AO3! I'm so sorry!
Warning for a little angst. Just a little ^^ and lots of cringe-worthy lines lol
I used a scene that was in my other GDC fanfiction, if you read it, you might recognize it haha I have no creative juices left! Sorry!
Again, English is not my first language so please expect grammatical errors ^^
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Chapter 09
The Promise
He strode into the room with barely any acknowledgement to the maid who greeted them; quite anxious to see how their patient is doing, leaving his attendant to hand the basket of apricots to Yinzhu. He came near the bed with the silk bed curtains partially open and saw the slumbering figure of Yu ZiYuan.
The passive face of the Jiang heir didn't betray the harrowing worry swirling in his stomach even as blue-grey eyes narrowed while observing the beautiful lady lying on the satin-covered mattress. She looks better than this morning. He thought in slight relief.
It was a good idea to have Changze fetch Master Wen to look over Yu ZiYuan's condition after she collapsed yesterday night. He couldn't recall a time when he was more disturbed than when he saw the regal young woman faint in front of Lanling Jin sect upon their return. The moment he felt the slender frame against his arms when he broke her fall together with Nie Ju-Long and Wen Ruohan, he could hear his heart scream in his chest in shock. He was sure he sent his fellow disciples in a panic after he raised his voice to order them to get help.
"Young Master, tell her hello."
"Lower your voice to make it sound more heart-breaking, young lord."
Surely they won't blame him when someone powerful suddenly lost consciousness like that.
"You should say how beautiful she looks today."
"Put your hand on her cheek."
But it's worrying how she hasn't woken yet since that time.
"Call her name."
"Say you're waiting for her."
"…Changze."
"Yes, Young Master?"
"Can you tell me what are you and Lady Sanren doing here whispering in my ears like that?" Jiang FengMian calmly turned around finally to look at the two creatures who have been murmuring against his ears from behind him since some time ago. They still have one of their hands cupping their mouths.
Wei Changze straightened with unabashed integrity and cleared his throat shamelessly, "Voicing the desires of your heart – that is, giving you advice, Young Master. I thought you might not know what to do."
"Since you're dense, young lord—" Cangse Sanren broke off at Wei Changze's forceful cough at this and amended her statement, "What I mean is, it's better to tell an unconscious patient that people are waiting for them. My master said that the soul could hear the wishes and might just be persuaded to come back right away."
He narrowed his gaze at the identical evasive faces. He can't help but think that Changze has been a little cheeky as of late and he need not look far to know where he got the influence.
"Lady Sanren, didn't you come here earlier already?"
"Didn't you as well, young lord?"
He didn't answer as he replaced his gaze on the young woman whose strands of soft hair are in an alluring array on her silk-covered pillow.
Seeing her like this, he thought he dreamed of something just the night before. He can't quite recollect what it was about. Even the images of what felt familiar were blurry. What he does remember is the bitterness and discontent there and some small degree of happiness found in fleeting touches and decent conversations. With whom, though, he has no idea now. But he woke up with the great longing to see how Maiden Yu was doing.
Won't you open your eyes soon? He wanted to say to her, It's disconcerting to see you like so.
He hasn't forgotten the hints showing that the lady seems to barely tolerate his presence but even then he can't bring himself to move too far from her no matter how the mere possibility of being hated makes him feel dejected.
He sighed deeply prompting his companions to question him.
"Young master? What's the matter?"
"Nothing, I just realized something."
This statement was like a ray of hope to his attendant's ears and hurriedly followed up, has the mist finally cleared?! "What did you realize, Young Master?" Yes? Maybe the reason why you kept coming back here three times a day? Or why you kept sighing these days? Or why you can forget to eat but not ask me if the Madam has woken? Or why you still have a particular handkerchief in your robes? Or maybe why you kept glaring at Young Master Wen? Or why you now frown at the mention of Young Master Nie? Or maybe, just maybe, the reason why we now have a storage room in your courtyard dedicated to countless purchases of cloths and jewels?! Don't think I don't know that you added a few more to it!
"Calm down, Mister Wei. Or your mouth might just start frothing." Cangse Sanren whispered from behind him and the servant instantly composed himself and waited for his master to answer.
At length, Jiang FengMian opened his lips and replied, tranquil blue eyes unwavering on the slumbering figure, "I greatly wish to befriend Maiden Yu." Her reached out two fingers and gingerly touched one soft cheek before turning around to exit the room, "No wonder I feel quite envious of Young Master Nie, to have such an excellent sworn sister." He finished, leaving behind a certain rogue cultivator and a statue that was once his attendant.
Cangse Sanren sighed as she watch the distinguished heir walk away before going to the frozen Wei Changze, "It's okay, Mister Wei. You can froth in the mouth now and even faint, I'll catch you."
The tall brown-eyed youth could perceive the tensing and numbing of his nape and the back of his head. He's got this strange desire to beat his hand repeatedly over his chest with tears in his eyes, Aishh, Guanyin! It's too early for me to die of disbelief! Young Master! How can you perfectly grasp the Yunmeng Jiang's 10 essential forms as well as the 1st to the 60th sect forms at the age of 15 but not know that the word love and friendship are two different words at the age of 20! Are you going to tell me you wanted a sworn sister when you saw that marriage sedan and asked me if any woman would bear to ride it from Meishan to Yunmeng?!
Back in the hallway, the esteemed Young Master Jiang sneezed. What's this chill? I hope Maiden Yu won't catch a cold on top of everything.
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"Maiden Yu has woken, you say?"
"I must visit!"
"Do you think Maiden Yu is at leisure to welcome you?"
"Let her rest a bit more."
"Where is she at the moment?"
"In her room, I believe."
The training ground of Lanling Jin sect is currently abuzz with the murmurs and quiet conversations from several gentlemen regarding a particular lady.
"They really shouldn't bother Yuan-er for now." Young Master Nie commented as he took the towel offered by his attendant and wiped the sweat on his forehead and nape. "I'd be lucky if she doesn't come at me with Chen Luan for visiting her while she slept."
In his ears, this sounded a lot like he's boasting their close relationship and made the usually calm heir of Yunmeng Jiang feel rather icy.
"Young Master, your face! Your face!" Wei Changze whispered in alarm from behind him.
"What of it?" he answered coldly without much thought which effectively froze his attendant in place.
However, since the same gloomy expression was reflected on the face of at least 10 different young masters, the change wasn't too significant if one isn't paying attention but of course, the great heir of Qinghe Nie has extremely acute senses and immediately joked, "Why does it smell like vinegar in here?"
"That must be because of the kitchen."
Laughing at a certain female rogue cultivator's awkward reply, he continued, "I see, you can clearly smell it all the way out here. Someone come, tell them that they're putting too much vinegar. Why, it can fill several men's jealousy!"
Wei Changze couldn't keep his head straight in such a painful situation, Young Master Nie, are you asking for the title of the Greatest Calamity of this generation?! I thought the holder was our family's child first but I admit defeat. I concede that title to you! You have the first, second and third seat so can you please shut up before I die of stress without having my first child!
"But really, good thing, Yuan-er already woke up." Qinhe Nie's young master continued with a devilish smirk, "Though it wasn't bad to look after her since she is really pleasing to look at."
Oi stop! Do you want to face someone scarier than the Black Dragon Python?!
"But I'm worried that she'll lose more weight. Already, when I hugged her last time, she was so skinny it's worrisome!"
Young Master, hold it in! Hold it in! Someone who yearns for a sworn sister in Madam wouldn't look so murderous! Don't look here! Your servant is going to freeze to death!
"Even more worrisome is that A-Die told me she would make the perfect wife and urged me to suggest a union. He said I had a good chance of being accepted."
Aish, Sect Leader Nie, hurry! You will lose your only son! Stabbed to death by 30 or so envious men!
"But I resolutely refused so that's off the table."
Oh wait sir; you might not need to come here after all.
"Much as I respect her, she is really just a younger sister to me. A beautiful sister but a sister nonetheless."
I knew Young Master Nie wouldn't be so unreasonable! Truly someone who knows how everything should be in the world!
"And Yuan-er also told me that she sees me as simply a dear older brother as well."
That's a relief! I wouldn't have to help someone bury your body. I therefore take you off 2nd place in the list of men who makes Changze's life difficult!
"But Yuan-er said that she looks favorably on men like me. She can be sweet, eh?"
No, no, no, you should have stopped at that last statement!
"As for her ideal…no wait, that's a secret between her and me."
Please give back the minutes of respect I had for you! How could you betray me like this!
"I'd better send her some of those lavenders she likes. Oh, you didn't know? Guess she told only me. Haha!"
Do you see this sir? These specks of dust? They're my peaceful future! They're damp? It's because of my tears you evil creature!
And once more, a particular attendant who seems to be suffering from aneurysm tearfully carved the name 'Nie Ju-Long' in his list of people who are making his life difficult, before the name of a certain young heir with the surname Jiang.
Weeping in his heart as the disastrous heir of Qinghe Nie walked away whistling gaily after spotting two maids carrying musical instruments, leaving him in the company of several quietly seething gentlemen with differing degrees of poker faces, he decided that he'll end up sticking the straw doll in his room up the willow tree after all, Young master, I know you're jealous but can you please retract that icy air? Winter ended several full moons back!
Even Cangse Sanren cautiously coughed before distracting their attention, "Erm, I think I saw Lady Yu's maids go over there? Maybe she's well enough to actually receive guests?" she flinched when multiple gloomy pairs of eyes found her but fortunately, they all moved and headed to the direction she pointed out.
As the group walks at a particular direction, followed by several more who were curious about their destination, finally clearing up the air, the female rogue cultivator skipped beside the tall attendant serving the Jiangs and lightly comforted, "Are you alright Mister Wei?"
"Of course, Lady Sanren. What could possibly be wrong with me?" Wei Changze smiled and he could feel that the other could detect the imaginary tears flowing graciously across his cheeks.
Cangse Sanren snickered before solemnly replying, "I could list a few, which one would you like to hear first?"
He laughed awkwardly, a bit embarrassed that the pretty young lady has been a spectator to his endless woes and struggles, "I'm good, truly. I have a very gentle and kind young master."
"Well…we should be careful or he might just become a very gentle and kind young master who punched Young Master Nie."
"Please don't say something to scary." He prayed despite the thrill of her saying 'we' so casually.
"Oh dear, just look at how friendly those two are with each other." Added the young lady while gesturing at some distance away from them to the heirs of Qishan Wen and Yunmeng Jiang, one has a placid expression while the other remains expressionless. Anyone could be under the impression of civility surrounding the two if not for the bulging veins that could be seen throbbing on their necks.
"Why are you heading this way, Young Master Wen?" Jiang FengMian inquired as he walks in the direction of Carp Tower's garden. After enduring Young Master Nie's exultations, he finds it tremendously arduous to endure the other man's presence but has resolved to remain calm. It won't do to show Maiden Yu an unsightly side of him.
However, it seems that the dislike is returned from the more caustic than usual reply of Wen Ruohan, "No reason. I don't need anyone's permission to be anywhere. Are you going here?"
"I happen to have specific concern in this direction."
"If it's in regards to Maiden Yu, you can let me handle it and not trouble your little self."
"How can I think of imposing on Young Master Wen? I thought you are needed back in Qishan, shouldn't you go soon?"
"How about you? Didn't you receive a letter today? Isn't your esteemed father asking for your return?"
"We received a request from Lanling Jin sect regarding a certain matter therefore my presence here." Jiang FengMian evenly answered as he continued to look ahead, "Also, as I was the one who asked Master Wen to come here in order to treat Maiden Yu, it's only right that we escort him back once everything is over."
Wei Changze, caught up behind the two in time to hear their conversation, immediately praised his young master, Just leave it to his master, what a perfect excuse! As expected of someone who can come up with endless excuses for the no doubt erratic beating of his heart when the Madam is concerned!
This answer, though, was only met with a glare from the cultivator in white and red robes.
The bubble of murmurs all around halted when they reached the man-made lake of Carp Tower's biggest garden. They saw Nie Ju-Long standing still as his scrutiny was trained at the elegant pavilion in the distance.
"Why are you standing here?" Wen Ruohan roughly questioned the older man with a scowl but got no reply.
Jiang FengMian merely followed the other's gaze and instantly realized what robbed the cultivator of his attention. He could see the slender figure of none other than Yu ZiYuan who was standing at the edge of the pavilion, slowly unsheathing her sword. His initial reaction was relief at seeing her well-enough to roam outside her own room, the next was utmost curiosity as to the activity they're having at the moment. They were noticed by Maiden Hou who faithfully tried to get her friend's attention in order to inform her but her call fell on deaf ears.
Before long they were greeted by the first notes of a melody from a guqin and a xiao and he saw silver flame ignite all over Chen Luan which made the group of gentlemen suck in a gentle breath in astonishment. Even more so when the lady, barefooted and carrying her flaming sword, leapt over the low barrier of the pavilion and gracefully landed on the surface of the lotus lake.
Maiden Yu walked a fair bit, bathed in the glow of the dying sun that reminded Jiang FengMian too much of the light that showered them that night in Mt. Song. He felt his heart painfully sprint against his rib cage and he wished it'll settle down so he could better hear the melody saturating the air. Standing there in the middle of the lake, amidst the fiery glow made Yu ZiYuan look utterly resplendent, so beautiful that he felt something in him break a little. She's wearing an earnest, unsmiling countenance but he thought that no one has ever looked lovelier. Surely, no other woman could surpass her in this life.
And then she danced.
Blue-grey eyes were intent on every graceful move, every turn and every step. There's a harrowing sentiment in his gut that surrounded the moment with an insurmountable amount of grief that he couldn't explain. Once again, he was filled with an unreasonable and indescribable desire to pull her to him, to keep her close, as though to comfort her and to let her know that everything's alright. His fists curled tightly beside him to stop himself from doing something drastic. But not even the confusion and alarm clawing in his stomach could halt the admiration prickling every nerve ending as the goddess on top of the water lifted her blazing sword and slowly spun and made the water follow her will.
His breath caught in his throat, making it excessively difficult to draw air. But he looked on, not wanting to miss anything in this dance, imprinting it in his memory and swearing to always remember it.
When she finished her dance and sheathed her sword before offering it to the skies, he thought she looked somewhat melancholic as well and he longed to go to her, loathing the distance that separates him from her.
The moment was broken however when the young men behind him suddenly erupted in fervent applause and Jiang FengMian nearly jumped in surprised, completely forgetting their presence. He wasn't the only one since he clearly saw the incredulity chasing any other emotion from Yu ZiYuan's face at the sight of them. He noticed the flush that crept to her cheeks despite the difficult illumination brought by eventide. He doesn't know whether he's glad that there's something other than sorrow on her face or disgruntlement that such magnificence was witnessed by others other than himself.
The contemplative heir of Yunmeng Jiang wasn't able to look into his feelings for too long when the Third Lady of Meishan Yu accidentally undid what she was doing to stay afloat and fell into the water.
"Maiden Yu!" he cried out along with three dozen voices.
The dignified young woman stood up, soaking and fuming, and glared at them fiercely. Her shapely figure left very little to the imagination with the way her wet clothes clung to her skin and when this caused several young men's blush to heighten even more, Jiang FengMian perceived his blood running cold once more. He instinctively began taking off his outer robe and walked to the edge of the lake, barely stopping himself from slapping away Lan Qiren's hand who helped Maiden Yu out of the water in order to wrap his robes around her at once.
When violet orbs met his, he settled down a little and imparted as steadily as he can, greatly wishing she won't reject him, "Please forgive us for intruding upon your private time, Maiden Yu. I had wished to remind you to have your master give you another check-up…"
He saw unwillingness in those bright eyes and his heart dropped to his stomach in dread which he hopes didn't show but thankfully she didn't say anything. He felt content looking at her in his robes. His colors.
He wanted to glare at Wen Ruohan who also draped his outer robes on those dainty shoulders, surrounding her in white and red. He very much wanted to peel it off her but then Nie Ju-Long imitated them and also burdened her with his own black and gold uniform. He wanted to frown, unable to decide which is worse.
His struggle was further fueled with distaste as several eyes watched when pale ankles peeked from dripping clothes as Yu ZiYuan was helped into her shoes. His jaw clenching at the inappropriate glances directed at the pretty daughter of Meishan Yu sect.
Everyone showered the lady with praises but this wasn't acknowledged in any way. Jiang FengMian wanted to shield her from the attention and the gazes, his brows furrowing further.
When Yu ZiYuan merely nodded and expressed her wish for dry clothes and began to move away, he was relieved but of course he wanted her to know of his appreciation of her dance as well, "…It was a magnificent dance, Maiden Yu." He murmured as the Violet Spider moved pass him. He doesn't know if she heard him but then he was reminded that Yu ZiYuan doesn't particularly like him and the heir of Yunmeng Jiang was once more filled with quiet distress over this fact.
And amidst the murmurs of exaltation for Yu ZiYuan with rather animated ones from Cangse Sanren, Jiang FengMian looked at the retreating back of the young lady who's the subject of everyone's compliments.
Maybe it's too much to ask but he hopes she will look back at him even once.
Maiden Yu…
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The rhythmic steps on the wooden floors of Yunmeng Jiang's several water bridges once again halted and the umpteenth sigh escaped the lips of a brooding young master which made his servant smile helplessly behind him.
For reasons that evade him completely, the unique beauty of his home failed to distract Jiang FengMian as his mind keeps on flying away from Yunmeng and into Lanling that still houses Meishan Yu's beloved daughter.
Unable to take it anymore, Wei Changze pried his mouth open and finally addressed the morose cultivator despite knowing exactly what's ailing him, better than the man himself in fact, "Young Master, what's wro—"
His inquiry however was cut off when Jiang FengMian abruptly whirled his head around with a light frown, "Isn't it a bit rude of us to suddenly just leave Carp Tower?"
Truthfully, the servant doesn't know the appropriate answer to this. If his master decides to go back to Lanling despite his duties to the sect, the sect leader would have his neck but if the young master sulks again due to agitation, he will have his head. Why is it difficult to live peacefully these days? "Erm, t-that is—"
"And is Young Master Wen still in Lanling?"
How likely are you to run amok if I said yes, Young Master?
"And did Second Young Master Lan already go home to Gusu?"
Please don't ask me questions that are difficult to answer!
"How about Young Master Yao?"
Did you finally memorize the names of every gentleman in our generation, master? Teacher Zhu would be proud.
"Well, young lord, it can't be helped since you're needed here." gently comforted Cangse Sanren, rescuing Wei Changze from the interrogation. "Sect Leader Jiang highly values your input."
"I'm not really needed here." The young master murmured while looking at the horizon, his hands behind him, a worried frown on his handsome face, "A-Die can surely manage without me."
His two companions smiled awkwardly at him, in their hearts comforting the sect leader who was just casually set aside by his heir in his mind.
When Cangse Sanren thought of an idea that might distract the young heir, she smiled beatifically and suggested, "Now, how about you send a get-well present to Lady Yu?"
This effectively got the tall man's attention, thinking of how wonderful it would be if she would receive something from him.
Carefully neglecting to say that she overheard several young masters planning to do as much just as they, too, had to leave Lanling to return home, the female cultivator cajoled the remunerating young man, "I'm pretty sure Lady Yu would be happy to receive something from the young lord."
Thinking that this might be a chance to improve the impression she has of him since it looks like she doesn't like him very much, Jiang FengMian fell into deep thought. It should be something that would befit the glorious Third Lady of Meishan Yu.
"Shall I send her the ones we bought in the market before?" Jiang FengMian concluded, already thinking of how many servants he would need to send to carry them all to Lanling. Wouldn't it be better to send them off in wagons? I would need about seven or nine.
Wei Changze was horrified at this suggestion and immediately objected, "No, no, no, Young Master, you're going to send the madam—ah, Maiden Yu a 'get-well' present, not the bride price!"
When brows furrowed above light eyes, the attendant amended his statement, "That is, Ma—iden Yu would prefer something simple!"
"That's absolutely true!" quickly supported Cangse Sanren, equally alarmed at the image of the excessive gifts under the guise of a simple gift. It'll be quite the petrifying scene! How can we still defend his actions then? He must first realize his feelings or it'll become quite embarrassing! "Lady Yu wouldn't like ostentatious gestures." She added to which Wei Changze nodded vigorously.
At the logical counter, the tranquil young man hummed in acknowledgement before pondering again.
"How about flowers and some delicacies?" suggested the female cultivator, wondering herself if she should sneak in a little gift of her own.
Wei Changze agreed with the recommendation, "I think that's an excellent idea!" Please anything but the whole storage room's worth of gifts. He wouldn't know how to explain it to the Madam!
Jiang FengMian hummed while nodding, azure eyes looking at the clear skies in the horizon, "What flowers would be good?"
' I'd better send her some of those lavenders she likes.'
Recalling the words he just heard the day before, the handsome face crumpled in disdain at the sour feeling prickling his chest.
As though to hammer that memory into life, the heir's most loyal friend chimed in after a thought, "Young Master, weren't we told that she likes laven—"
"No." Young Master Jiang sharply rejected it, his countenance unknowingly becoming cold and expressionless.
Wei Changze clamped his mouth shut when he caught a whiff of vinegar in the air. What a mistake on his part!
After a moment, Jiang FengMian took out the silk cloth he was hiding inside his robes and looked at the embroidery on it, "How about some lotus? Do you think Maiden Yu would like it?"
The two with him exchanged glances at this decent proposal, "Do you want the ones from Yunmeng? It'll be difficult to transport but it should be a good gift, Young Master." The tall attendant approved with a small smile.
Cangse Sanren clapped her hands and added, "Lady Yu should be fond of lotus flowers, I heard that she made several pieces of embroidery with it as the image. Apparently all her handkerchief has them."
The Jiang heir would have questioned her how she knew all this at the short acquaintance she has with the distinguished young lady but her words completely distracted him, "Is that true, Lady Sanren?"
The young lady gestured at the fabric in his hands, "As you can see on that one." she answered confidently with a proud smirk.
"Then please prepare a container for the lotuses. I'll let you know the dimensions I prefer. We have some huge and intricate vases in the storage room that were specifically made with Yunmeng's lotuses in mind. I want the most beautiful flowers from our own ponds. Also, I want some sweets from the shop I frequent near the sect. It's gaining popularity even as far as Lanling I was told. It would do Maiden Yu some good to eat something sweet."
It's like he's trying to lure someone here, Cangse Sanren casually thought in amusement.
"If she likes the gifts then maybe she'll like to visit Lotus Pier to see the lotuses and eat the refreshments from here."
Aaaannnddd, there is his true intentions, the female cultivator nodded to herself while Wei Changze was shaking his head, Young Master, your real intention is rearing its head. This one is truly curious how you are defending your own actions to yourself!
They were patient however as they accommodate the other's sudden interest in an invitation. In the eyes of that blatant enthusiasm, they could only nod their heads in agreement.
"Then kindly make sure that the Red Lotus courtyard is cleaned and inform the kitchen of what food she dislikes. We should also make sure to include several training regimens in the itinerary since she'd appreciate that above all else. Do you think she'd care for the marketplace?"
Wei Changze sweat-dropped at the barrage of demands from his young lord but forced himself to reign in the anxious but eager lord, "Y-Young Master, maybe you should extend the invitation first?" And please realize that a visit from the Madam would most likely last a day like when she visits the Unclean Realm, why are you ordering to clean up the courtyard meant for the heir's wife? And that one's the closest to your own room! Are you giving Sect Leader Yu reason to decapitate us all? And please remember already that we banned you from going to the marketplace!
Cangse Sanren chimed in "That's right, young lord. Don't terrorize anyone yet. The Lady of Crimson Sunset would surely appreciate you notifying her that you're already well prepared for her to move in—" the lady laughed at her words said in half-seriousness, blatantly ignoring her partner-in-crime's warning gaze. They should push him a little more bit by bit, after all!
Blue eyes found her and she thought something clicked in him finally. Did it at last strike a chord?
Jiang FengMian frowned a little, "…what do you mean 'Lady of Crimson Sunset'?"
"…" the rogue cultivator blinked twice before opening her mouth again, "Young lord, aren't you focusing on the wrong thing?"
The thrown ball, however, completely missed the oblivious man, "Did you mean Maiden Yu?"
Formidable. The lady thought, finally being fully smacked with the exasperation of the other's foolish blindness, "It's Lady Yu's new nickname." She answered in a daze. Maybe we should hit him on the head once.
"Isn't she called 'Violet Spider'?" the purple-clad heir questioned, he prefers this epithet above all that he's heard so far.
Shaking her head away from slightly violent thoughts, Cangse Sanren answered, "Well, that nickname is currently under debate. Everyone's questioning why the color violet was there of all colors when Lady Yu's sect's uniform is blue. I was hearing many proposed alternatives like red, white, blue and even yellow from some of the gentlemen—"
"It's because Zidian is her main weapon. Why shouldn't it be 'Violet'?" Jiang FengMian argued as though it's a matter of such great importance.
"Well, she also uses Chen Luan in tandem and—"
"Zidian is her main weapon. Why shouldn't it be 'Violet'?" he repeated earnestly, quite deaf to the words before. His quiet but troubled face open for scrutiny.
Taking a small step back, the lady raised her hands in surrender, her smile coming out a little sheepish, "R-right. It should be violet then."
The heir nodded in agreement, "That's true. Make sure that everyone else knows. It's an epithet allowed by Maiden Yu, for sure she doesn't like anything else so we should respect her wishes." He put both hands behind him again before decisively heading to a specific direction, leaving the two to gape at his retreating back.
"I don't know what to say anymore. A dead wood has more awareness than him." Cangse Sanren exhaled, feeling unspeakably defeated. "How come he's still so clueless? My Lady Yu will be taken by someone else if he doesn't hurry!"
Wei Changze could only hang his head, unable to find words to defend the honor of his young lord, By the by, is spreading the epithet of the madam added to my chores? Master, please spare me! Just thinking how he's still not done with cataloging the master's most recent purchases on top of his normal work is enough to make him feel faint.
"Mister Wei? Mister Wei!" Cangse Sanren waved a hand in front of dead-fish eyes and startled the man awake from his musings.
"What is it, my lady?"
"Ehm, the young lord is gone. Aren't you going to stop him?"
"Hmm, maybe he's off for some training? Ever since he found out the Madam's current aptitude, he's determined to bridge the gap as soon as possible." The tall young man mused numbly, praying to Guanyin that his future son wouldn't be as dense as his current headache.
Grey eyes looked at him worriedly, her heart a bit heavy at being the one to break his peace, "Oh dear, but he just walked towards the gates, looks like he's going to the marketplace. The merchants love him these days."
Wei Changze paled as brown eyes flew at the direction where his young master has gone. It felt like his breakfast is trying to betray him based in the way it's causing an upheaval in his stomach at sensing his future troubles.
The training grounds are in the opposite direction!
Young Master! The sect leader will kill me! At least let me finish arranging the jewelries in your storage room before you add anymore!
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Fluid movements from several disciples in purple made for a rather charming and dignified view as the senior members of Yunmeng Jiang practice the 80th form of the sect, taking advantage before the gentle ray of the morning sun gets hidden by rain clouds as was normal these days.
They just managed to finish it with little mistake when the hurrying form of the family heir's closest friend was seen at the edge of the training grounds.
"Young Master! You have a letter!"
The heir of Yunmeng Jiang frowned momentarily after sparing the young lad a glance before nodding. He's a bit distracted and doesn't know why Changze would need to specifically tell him about a correspondence when the man knows that he diligently goes through every letter he needs to read about sect business in the evening.
"Resume Formation!" he loudly ordered, looking around his fellow disciples.
"It's from Maiden Yu!" Wei Changze insisted urgently and satisfactorily watched as his master froze in surprise and had to avoid getting accidentally skewered by a practiced blow from his sparring partner before looking at him with wide blue-grey eyes.
"Halt!" Jiang FengMian immediately shouted before turning to his friend and flitting close within a few seconds to lightly snatch the envelope in his hands.
Long, slender fingers caressed the ink bearing his name on the envelope, the calligraphy was simply elegant. She wrote my name…
He swiftly opened the letter and read the contents, a gentle smile blooming on his face at the straightforward and plain words of gratitude. He could almost hear the lady's voice as though she's reading it to him. Her letter is just like her.
Unfortunately, she made no allusions as to his subdued invitation to come to Lotus Pier. Now, he's silently regretting not being more direct in his words. But he was quite afraid of her refusal that he admittedly tried to go about it in a roundabout way. But still, she didn't exactly reject the idea…
When shadows can be seen creeping from behind him, the young lord whipped his head around to find his servant and their female guest, who was meditating previously in a sheltered pavilion not far from them, stretching their necks to get a glimpse of the missive in his hands. When the two detected the forbidding stare of the Jiang heir, identical pouts came over the comely faces which were mercilessly disregarded by the blue-eyed man.
The Young Master is so stingy! cried Wei Changze in his heart while the lady beside him was of the same opinion. She just wanted to see Lady Yu's graceful handwriting!
The tall servant cleared his throat and cautiously asked, "So Young Master, did the Madam mention anything about visiting? I meant Maiden Yu!" should I alert the kitchen and all the servants that a most precious, highly respected guest is about to come but not to listen to you is you ask them to clean the Red Lotus courtyard?
When they saw the broad shoulders of the handsome man deflate a little, every single person watching their young lord paled, thinking that if the object of his affection rejects him then there surely won't be any peaceful days for them!
"Maiden Yu didn't mention anything regarding it. Maybe it was too subtle an invitation that she failed to notice it?" Jiang FengMian replied at length.
Subtle?! You still know how to be subtle, Young Master?! Praise Guanyin, you still know how to be vague! Wei Changze was pleasantly surprised by these news which would have puzzled anyone had they known. But obliviousness and directness are terrible traits to have together. He was afraid that one of these days, their Young Master would suddenly ask their madam for her hand in marriage without knowing what he was doing. It's so scary how possible that was in his mind! It's like a one way boat-ride to the underworld!
Outwardly, he comforted, "That might have been the case, Young Master." But of course, he also has a duty to prevent his master from sulking and so hastily added, "But since we are most likely going to meet the…Maiden Yu tomorrow in the Unclean Realm for Young Master Nie's son's banquet, we can try to find the time to ask her." So kindly hold on, Young Master.
Jiang FengMian quietly nodded before heading to his room without another word, his grip firm around the letter in his hands.
"Young Master?" a disciple was confused at the departing back of their young lord and call out, "Where are you going? We're still trai—" the lad's mouth though, was covered by several hands as more than a dozen pairs of eyes followed the musing young master.
"Be quiet, you!"
"You shouldn't disturb a pining man!"
"What would you do if he mopes instead?"
"You'll be the only one training with him!"
"In his state, are we sure he won't accidentally fall into one of the lotus ponds? His eyes are trained upwards."
"Ah, wasn't Brother Wei muttering that it might be good for him?"
"When he was mumbling about a wake-up call? No, wasn't he talking about a blow to the head?"
"Wasn't that Lady Sanren?"
"Now, why would she say that?"
"She's here, why don't we ask her?"
The two who suddenly became the subject of the speculations covertly looked at each other and both smack their lips with their own hands. They hadn't realized that they were murmuring some parts of their genuine feelings. They have to be careful!
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
"I don't need your help. Leave."
He looked at the woman before him.
The beautiful woman who entered this sect yesterday in a marriage sedan, who wore striking red wedding robes that highlighted her fair skin beautifully, who performed the three bows with him.
His bride.
His wife.
After accidentally falling into the lotus lake when she looked down far below to retrieve a fallen item, the flush that covered her vibrant skin in embarrassment and anger is understandable. He would have smiled if not for the cold and sharp way she rebuffed his help. The way she stood there, half-turned away from him screams of her rejection.
And he realized, while this marriage was forced upon him by her sect, something that filled him with slight resentment and disappointment, she too must have been coerced to this union.
Ah, that's right. A proud, accomplished woman like her. What would she have wanted from him?
I've been rather conceited, haven't I? I wonder if that's the reason I feel slightly dismayed.
He looked at Yu ZiYuan again. Strange. Those eyes looked backed at him quite straight-forwardly just yesterday.
He thought she looked beautiful like that. Maybe that's why, in the face if this blatant dismissal and averted eyes…
…he strangely misses it.
-0-
"My Lady."
His tall, elegant wife ignored his despondent call and went her way, her head high, her bearing impressive, her eyes cold and with every step she takes away from him, he felt his heart seize in dejection. The sight of her retreating back has become far more familiar to him than anything else.
He thought that after all these years, he'd come to accept it.
Thinking of the subject of their fight, he sighed inwardly.
"Cangse."
Remembering the young lady in his youth, he frowned a little. Yu ZiYuan accused him of having feelings for his friend.
Truthfully, he can't answer it.
Because he doesn't know.
He was fond of the rogue cultivator for she embodied the freedom and spirit he wishes he could have had he not been born as an heir to a prestigious sect.
It could have been love but he was swallowed by the pressure of an arranged marriage for him to plainly sort out his sentiments. And now, they all disappeared from his chest for him to make clear sense of them. And what's the point anyway? They're all gone from here. Him and her.
Blue-grey eyes closed in torment at the despairing memories of those that have departed.
"A-Die!"
He opened his eyes once more and looked down to find the short figure of his son two steps away from him.
His A-Cheng has his eyes on the ground and he would sometimes lift those blue eyes to shyly peek at him before replacing his gaze on the floor.
He smiled a little. "What is it, A-Cheng?"
The little boy put his hands together as he fiddled with his fingers; it was an endearing sight, "Umm, it's not too hot today…can—would A-Die like to do that swimming practice you said we can have last time? But it's okay if you're busy."
His gaze softened, how thoughtless of him to have forgotten about it because of work. "The weather is indeed ideal, isn't it?"
He instinctively reached a hand out to pat his son's head.
At the apparent acquiescence, the adorable little boy finally completely lifted his head up before he can even touch him and smiled, "Can A-Die go?"
The smile on that face made him froze. Since they look so alike, it stirred his thoughts once more.
She never smiles like that.
At least never at him.
Even after all these years.
And once more, chill enveloped his very breath as he lowered his hand before it reached its destination.
"I'm sorry, A-Cheng. A-Die's busy today."
As the words left his lips, he already felt the horrible sensation like bile rising clench his throat. It became worse as he saw his own disappointment reflect on his innocent son's face. He must have shown the turmoil he's feeling on his face because Jiang Cheng paled a little.
"I'm sorry, A-Die. I-I won't bother you."
He felt his lips twitch. It's not supposed to go like this.
Why does everything seem wrong?
He's unable to handle everything, the sadness in that small face, the regret of causing it, the reminder that he's been yearning for a smile from her all this time, anger that she would accuse him of things she has no knowledge of, and this accursed yearning that's been bubbling in his guts from a time so long ago he'd already forgotten. Or maybe he does.
It was when he lifted a red veil to look directly at strong-willed amethyst orbs.
And it makes everything hurt all the more.
And he could only walk away.
-0-
"Will you finish it by today?" Jiang FengMian asked the man in the counter who was busy inspecting the broken jade hairpin.
The old man nodded with a critical eye, "Yes, master, we can fix this by today. But just in case, why don't you buy a new one?" the merchant eyed the illustrious man who came to his shop with a request, with one glance and he can tell that he's one of considerable wealth, so why insist on fixing what's already broken? "This is a small shop, but we do carry some rather exquisite goods. You might find one you like."
Serene blue-grey eyes looked away at this suggestion before he murmured, "It's one of hers so I can't."
Seeing the distant and slightly forlorn appearance of the man that cannot be hidden by his upright posture, the old vendor could tell that there must be an important point he's missing so, not wanting to offend, he didn't insist. "Well then, master, you can come back after an hour to get this." Afterwards, he asked his assistant to bring the snapped ornament to his son who would fix it.
Jiang FengMian was absently looking around the neat interior of the store when he saw a scroll painting hanging by the window. At one glance, one can see that the materials used for the portrait were inferior but further inspection would show that the artist has promising talent. The picture was one of a celestial maiden, obviously on the point of leaving with the way her delicate body is half turned away from the viewer's perspective. But the unwillingness and sadness in the beautiful woman's face evoke heart-break in the apparent parting. At the corner of the scroll is the famed poem of Yuan Zhen.
No water is enough when you have crossed the sea:
No cloud is beautiful but that which crowns the peak.
I pass by flowers that fail to attract poor me
Half for your sake and half for Taoism I seek.
"Ah, master, that…" when the shopkeeper saw just what the gentleman was looking at, he felt the need to explain why such a thing hangs at his store, "See, a scholar begged me to buy it in order to have money for his daughter's medicine. The man was poor but talented if you look at the painting so I bought it."
The sect leader hummed, brushing the paper with a light finger.
"I do think it's quite a shame. This was for his deceased wife, apparently. That man doesn't look that old yet. I told him to remarry again but he doesn't look inclined to do it."
The old man put his arms across his chest and nodded in an absorbed manner. "Well, it's not as if I don't sympathize. Why, if his wife was as beautiful as the—"
The rest of the merchant's words flowed through Jiang FengMian without the other bothering to comprehend them, the lady in the picture blurring from sight to be replaced by the retreating figure of a certain woman in purple robes. The heavy thud of his heart burdened him again and he internally sighed.
"—I told him that he should let go already. If she's beyond reach already, why—"
He feels like he can understand. Of course, this he's completely aware of. That feeling of barely holding on is something he can say he's familiar with that even he can't excuse their pathetic state. But even so, he doesn't want to let go.
They must talk once he gets back.
"After seeing the ocean, no other water can compare." He murmured, halting the other man's tirade who then looked at him curiously.
"Seems like this master here also knows this?"
With new-found resolve, he slightly smiled at the man, "Because I also don't want to let go."
-0-
Faster! He needs to get there faster!
His heart kept painfully throbbing in his chest that it was hard to hear anything else.
If it's her, she surely won't leave.
The wind felt icy against his skin as he flew towards his home, disbelieving that the shield of the sect was taken down and Lotus Pier has been engulfed in madness brought by fire and cultivators in red and white robes.
He doesn't want to admit it, but the cold that numbed his fingertips and continuous to choke him is none other than fear.
She's one of the masters of Lotus Pier. Even if she must evacuate her own children, for sure she would defend her land until her last breath.
And that very knowledge harrows him.
Even if it's the most foolish wish he could utter, he doesn't care. As the fire and ashes met his bewildered eyes, he could only pray she did the one thing he knows she never will.
Run.
My Lady, run if you have to.
You must stay safe.
It didn't take him long to locate where she might be, for sure she's in the greatest storm in this whole pandemonium. And sure enough, the greatest wish of his life was proven for naught as she saw his majestic wife battle with Wen Zhuiliu.
The relief at seeing her still alive was eclipsed by the fury and worry over their circumstances.
He can't lose her.
This thought was the only thing in his mind as he joined the skirmish.
"My Lady!"
For once, his wife has a countenance that is neither severe nor cold, the surprise and disbelief evident at his sudden appearance. The hammering of his heart eased at seeing her once more.
'From now on, we will never meet again!' she had shouted at him just this morning. Not even the mounting displeasure and discontent he had as he walked away then could mask the pain he felt at her words.
How easy it is for her to turn me away.
It was like a curse that followed him the whole day. But he thought for sure…for sure…he would still see her.
Why should this happen now as though the heavens are determined to make her words come true?
But there's much that needs to be said.
He wanted to say it now, improper though it may be given their situation but should he say, as expected of his wife, she managed to overpower him yet again as she screamed with a tinge of despair, "WHY ARE YOU HERE?! YOU COMPLETE BUFFOON! YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE COME!"
Maybe she's unaware of how her eyes looked desperate, a feeling he never wants to see there again. Yu ZiYuan could look as angry and cold as she likes but never should she look trapped in a corner. It doesn't suit the fierce woman he married.
But when her eyes morphed back into the those hard amethyst he has come to be familiar with, he could only sigh in relief that she's yet to lose her spirit, "It's good to see that you're well, my lady."
It seemed that that one statement managed to wonderfully flare her temper once again but he could not rejoice when he saw the blood on her normally immaculate robes.
His anger coming back to him tenfold but he reigned it in, "You're injured."
In truth, Yu ZiYuan is covered in ashes and blood, her vibrant clothes smeared with dirt and sweat, her soft skin has shallow cuts, specks of blood and even bruises in some places, her straight silky hair in disarray. But as always, these flaws could never disguise the beauty of the Violet Spider. Yu ZiYuan could never become unsightly.
But this shows just how much she had to take on until now and this thought alone filled him with murderous intent, the likes he had never felt before. His hands curled into fists at the guilt that accompanied his fury, "Forgive me for leaving you to handle such a situation all by yourself."
She was looking at him unguardedly for the first time, "Why—"
She has never been open with him, never vulnerable. She not once did rely on him for anything which is how he knows she never had him in her heart. He initially thought that he merely wanted to appease that bit of ego to see her need him at least once. Or it might just be the hidden malice that all people have residing within the depths of their hearts. But looking at it now, he might just have wanted a place in her world, something that he can claim as his own.
But if the cost is to see her in grave danger then he'd much rather be that husband that she had to marry due to the desires of her parents; who she suspects of loving another woman that greatly offended her pride.
He never wanted to see this.
He was unable to say anything as Wen ZhuLiu cut in between them with hordes upon hordes of Wen sect disciples. The coldness many would agree can rarely be seen on his face filled his countenance as he unsheathed his sword to cut down many from his path, his eyes frequently darting where he knows his wife should be.
Many lives were lost in a matter of minutes but plenty still surrounded them. He found himself back to back with Yu ZiYuan, their breaths short and ragged. The agitation in his heart soaring at the inevitable end he can't avert his eyes from.
Do I have to lose you like this?
His unwilling heart caused him to hold onto the hand of the woman behind him. There's a jumble of words he wanted to say to her. Of sentiments he carried for years.
If it should come to end like this, then he would like for her to hear it at least. Even after everything, the fear of his heart being rejected by her was still present but it doesn't matter. If his affections must be spurned, then so be it, for as long as it was her doing it.
"My lady, I—"
He's afraid.
But not of death.
Why had he held everything in, continually looking at her walk away from him just for everything to conclude like this?
"Don't be distracted, Jiang FengMian." She cut his words short, the vexation in her voice impossible to miss, "If you have something to say, say it after we're done here."
Maybe he should have expected that from her, his eyes softening a little as he briefly looked down. He breathed deeply, interlacing their fingers together the way he wanted to do many times before. He couldn't stop the helpless smile that wormed its way on his face.
"Very well."
If his wife wants to kill all these men first then how can he, as the husband, fail to follow her?
"My lady."
He's hesitant to let go but he knows he must. The fire in her heart must have transferred to him as well as he mercilessly eliminated all that his blade could reach. He didn't want to move away from her but the fight was steadily getting out of his control.
Wen ZhuLiu entered the scene once more and he knew that this might very well be it.
"ZiYuan!" He wanted to shout her name, may the small mercy of her hearing his voice one last time be granted to him but his pupils shrank as he saw the precise moment the glimmer of life left those vivid violet orbs and she had to close them forevermore.
He watched with a frozen scream in his throat as she fell in the dirty hands of the unworthy.
"NO!"
My Lady!
He has never expected it to turn out like this. As the first sword went through him, he despaired again. He wanted to at least die feeling her with him.
Not even in this last moment could I have you.
But I can't lose you like this.
ZiYuan.
My bride.
My wife.
My Lady.
My eternal sea.
-0-
Yu ZiYuan!
Stop!
Yu ZiYuan!
Yu ZiYuan!
My Lady!
No!
Stop!
Please!
Stop!
As always, she's walking away from him. Those majestic purple robes fluttering around her as she wanders out of his reach without looking back. Again.
But this time, like how he had always wanted to, he was chasing after her. But his relief is short-lived as she continues to evade his outstretched hand.
Yu ZiYuan!
Finally, the slender figure stopped and the beauty turned to face him. He thought there was a small smile gracing those full lips and he immediately circled his fingers around one dainty wrist. But before he could even completely hold her nor see her fully turn to him, she vanished.
Leaving him.
Once more.
Blue-eyed abruptly opened and the young master of Yunmeng Jiang felt the tear that escaped him as a hand grabbed his chest where he could feel his heart madly sprinting. His whole body is covered in cold sweat and he realized, with numb surprise, that he was trembling.
"What—" he couldn't even complete a sentence from shock. What in all realms of heaven was that?
Maiden Yu.
He wanted to wait awhile to calm his heart but his own soul is in chaos. The visions he saw while unconscious causing his head to painfully pound, unable to make sense of anything it presented. He wanted to see Maiden Yu right this instant. No matter how unreasonable or unsightly it might be. He should see her. And he can't even explain properly why.
"Maiden Yu." He whispered and that one name continuously flowed pass his lips, his brows knitted deeply in a frown, as he pressed a hand against his throbbing temple. The images he saw in his dream are strangely getting blurry every passing second but the feeling they gave him kept getting stronger by the same count. I want to see you.
'Young Master Jiang.'
He jolted when the voice sounded so near his own ears that he thought the heavens answered his prayers and sent her to him, no matter how foolhardy. And at once, he felt his heart settle just a little bit more. His dream gave clarity to the obscurity in his heart but sprouted questions in his head. He can't even begin to contemplate it all.
'Young Master Jiang.' That firm, oddly warm voice that contains neither tenderness nor kindness but saves him all the same resonated once more and he thought he could see her sitting beside him on his bed. He might be going insane but he smiled in comfort as he gazed on that lightly frowning face. He extended one hand to a small box just beside his bed and took out a silk handkerchief with stunning lotus embroidery and looked back at the phantom with him. He wants to reach out a hand to touch her but he's afraid she would disappear again. He would hate that.
The white silk cloth he brought out was further enveloped by trembling hands as he pressed his quivering grip against his forehead, "Maiden Yu." He whispered like a prayer.
'Young Master Jiang, did you hurt yourself again? Since when have you been so reckless?'
"…"
He helplessly returned his regard on the absolutely wondrous vision with him.
Ah, even in imagery, Maiden Yu, you would still scold me?
The image answered his internal musings with a haughty look as though daring him to question her but this only served to let his usual smile reappear entirely. The storm inside him dying down to a semblance of peace and longing.
And as he pressed a kiss on the colorful threads in his hand after lying back down, he thought sincerely, It's fine. Stay like that. I wish you would always stay how you want to be.
He could feel sleep coming back for him at last.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Maiden Yu." He breathed gently like a promise of his own salvation as he drifted off.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
"Lady Sanren, please settle down." Jiang FengMian placated the pouting young lady whose narrowed eyes sharply watched the happenings in the western garden of Qinghe Nie sect from the shadows where Yu ZiYuan and a few other people are located. The supposedly merry gathering that celebrates the birth of Nie Ju-Long's first child has got its attention steadfast in these two women at the moment.
"My, this young miss is committing suicide." quietly huffed Cangse Sanren while crossing her arms in front of her. A slender brow was raised in silent disdain, "Did you hear her insult Lady Yu?"
Despite the displeasure he himself is feeling, there is still a measured smile on the gentle-looking young man's face, "Maiden Yu is not one who asks for salvation." He said before azure eyes went back to the regal figure in the distance, "Something like this is nothing to her."
"I know that." The rogue cultivator peeked around her to check on the other spectators with them. Not betraying her expectations in the least, more than a dozen people have got hostile eyes aimed at a certain young lady with the surname Li from Tianxing sect as the silly girl continues to confront Yu ZiYuan.
When a crisp sound of flesh hitting flesh, grey eyes trained themselves once more in front just in time to see Yu ZiYuan strike Li ChuHua's cheek for the second time. She heard someone whistle once at the show. She wasn't the least surprised nor dismayed; feeling like it was just a matter of time before that happens. What a valiant form!
"I knew she'd do that." Hou MeiXiu has a rueful smile as she whispered.
"The Ma—den Yu already has the talent of making people feel like nothing more than a roach with a glare, those hits would surely hurt." Off-handedly commented Wei Changze who just arrived from his errand of calling Young Master Li and Young Master Ying, both of whom have connections with the troublesome lady with Yu ZiYuan.
Not far from them, with his arms crossed in front of him, "She's really like the sun." Wen Ruohan smirked while looking at the Violet Spider. On the other hand, the disdain he has for the one in front of her is evident for all and sundry to see, "That is one stupid young woman, she's not even worth a single hair of Yu ZiYuan's." He then straightened as he made to follow Maiden Hou who already called out to the arguing group in the distance.
Two pairs of eyes nervously watched as the eyebrows of a certain Jiang young master twitched at hearing the other man's rather intimate way of pertaining to the Third Lady of Meishan Yu. Fortunately, Jiang FengMian decided to ignore it in favor of focusing on Yu ZiYuan as he walked near where she is.
There is now a louder commotion as Li ChuHua appealed to her older brother who just then came for justice, only to see it shattered by the surrounding gathering's obvious disfavor which was only exacerbated by Cangse Sanren who absolutely abhors this kind of malicious scheme. There's a strange satisfaction spreading through the Jiang heir at seeing the daughter of Tianxing sect slump in defeat. It saves him a lot of trouble. He was even more pleased when Yu ZiYuan cast a glance in his direction and their eyes met. After closing their distance from each other, he asked with genuine concern, "Are you alright Maiden Yu?"
Before she can answer, however, Wen Ruohan cut in and took a hold of the lady's hand to further check for any injury.
Wei Changze swallowed hard in anxiety at seeing the smile gracing his young master's face turn cold at this action.
His fingers jerking once in irritation, Jiang FengMian snatched the soft hand and immediately ordered for some ice, causing Wei Changze to shoo an attendant towards the kitchen vehemently, before reassuring the young lady who looked a bit surprised at his reaction.
When the Second Young Master Lan offered to treat the lady, Jiang FengMian slightly tightened his grip on the captured hand but was forced to relinquish it when Lan Qiren also lightly seized the reddening hand and proceeded to carefully apply ointment.
Once more, Wei Changze uttered a short prayer in his heart at the now unsmiling face of his lord. It's like he's counting down before his young master explodes and he'll again see the new scary side of the young man he has served nearly all his life. Quickly finish that Second Young Master Lan, Sect Leader will kill me if we ever have to send compensation gifts to Gusu if you get into a fight! And can you be quiet Maiden Li?! Do you want the eyes my young master's ire to focus on you instead?!
Maybe due to the overwhelming reaction of the assembly or perhaps a subconscious knowledge that the person holding on to any part of her is very likely to suffer a great deal of censure, Maiden Yu, with a rather stiff expression, thanked everyone before taking Nie MingJue back and heading to the inner compound.
Satisfied, Cangse Sanren smilingly turned to them just as Yu ZiYuan was leaving, saw Jiang FengMian's dour expression and instantly whipped towards the other direction and followed after the retreating lady accompanied by her best friend, in her heart, apologizing to her partner-in-crime for abandoning him.
With tears in his eyes, fully knowing that he's been tossed to the tiger's den all alone, Wei Changze chose to cautiously ask his master as the surrounding throng of cultivators gradually dispersed, "Young master, why haven't you asked Maiden Yu for that visit?"
His gaze fixed on the departing figures of three young women, Jiang FengMian quietly replied, "She seems distressed over something. With what happened today, I do not wish to inconvenience her with the sudden invitation." Blue-grey eyes didn't miss how shadows of something unpleasant covered the glimmer in those amethyst orbs. If he could, he wants to be the one to ask Yu ZiYuan what the matter was but he's well aware that she won't be honest with him. He internally sighed and resolved to ask Lady Sanren later if she heard anything from Maiden Yu. Unfortunately, though, he'll have to suffer being unable to invite her to Lotus Pier for now.
"Then I shall inform the kitchen to delay ordering the ingredients you asked for Ma—den Yu's favorite food once we get back." The handsome attendant wanted to kick himself, he's starting to call the Madam weirdly. Can you get married already so I can call her 'Madam' freely?
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
It hasn't even been an hour after they returned to Lotus Pier when its young lord invited their guest for a stroll near one of the lakes, intent on asking her if she noticed anything wrong with Maiden Yu.
However, the female cultivator while fully wishing to help the young lord in building a relationship with the esteemed Violet Spider, she was also extremely reluctant to impart the content of the conversation in respect for Yu ZiYuan. She just let him know that Lady Yu looked normal before the visit with Lady Wu was over.
Jiang FengMian nodded in understanding, though his countenance remained solemn. After a while, he addressed his servant, "Changze, keep an eye out and make sure that Maiden Li won't bother Maiden Yu."
"It will be done." Knowing how much importance this order has since the Madam was mentioned, the young man committedly nodded his head. Lamenting how his young master can remain clueless even with all these hints of affections screaming at their faces, Wei Changze added almost nonchalantly, "The Young Master really cares for M…Maiden Yu."
Blue-grey eyes looked at the dark waters below with a soft but rather helpless smile, "Of course, because I love her."
"…"
"…"
A deafening silence followed this statement and two pairs of eyes widened at the sudden explosive dropped at their doorstep, their jaws dropping.
No, no, no, I've been hinting that same thing for many moons now and the young master just dropped it so casually! Without blinking! Despite the disparaging thought, however, there were tears in Wei Changze's eyes as he hailed all the divinity of the heavens, Buddha! You have heard me at last?! and to Jiang FengMian, trying to make sure that he heard correctly, "Young master you're in love?"
The tall gentleman replaced his gaze at the other man and inclined his head, a little amused, "I realized last night. I thought that my sentiments will be apparent. To think that even you failed to notice it. Seems like we have to work on your sensitivity." The young lord then walked towards his courtyard, "Should you ever feel confused about your emotions, you may feel free to talk to me about it. I shall always welcome it."
The couple was left behind petrified on the spot. Cangse Sanren lit a candle of patience in her heart and peeked at the frozen man beside her, she mustered all her courage to smile and laugh, "Mister Wei, if by chance you're thinking of strangling a certain young master, someone who wears purple, has blue eyes, from the Jiang clan whose name starts with F, let me tell you, it's just your imagination!"
-0-
On his way to his room, he noticed that he was alone but Jiang FengMian didn't question it and, instead, welcomed the solitude, his mind filled with things he'd rather mull over on his own.
Even though he could no longer remember the dream he had last night, he was still unable to forget the compulsion they bestowed upon him: to be with Yu ZiYuan and therefore, causing him to understand the strange sensations he's been having as of late. His chest felt heavy but with a goal before him and plenty of determination to see it through, he doesn't mind the weight even if it's like harboring a beast within him that could either save him or swallow him whole.
But how strange is it that despite the nearly irrepressible pressure in my core, I'm happy enough that I got to see her today…
Jiang FengMian smiled a little but upon remembering the spectacle they encountered today, the lilt of his lips turned downwards. Truthfully, it was upsetting to hear the words thrown at Yu ZiYuan.
What the young lady of Tianxing sect doesn't know is that nobody there was deluded about Maiden Yu. They all know. Maiden Yu is not usually gentle. She is not usually kind. But she is kind. And she is gentle. To those she chose. And everyone wants to be that chosen one. Isn't that why nearly everyone in their generation are fighting for her attention?
She won't praise nonsensically. She won't giggle for one's attention. She won't smile needlessly. She will frown and glare and scold you to your face. Her pride is astounding. Her dignity blinding. Much like the first rays of dawn.
And despite her strength and talents, she never poses nor boasts. She fights as fiercely as she protects. And it's truly beautiful.
What one sees is who she is. A genuine woman.
Even if none of the gentleman saw what happened between the two young ladies, the moment they hear that Maiden Li was slapped by Maiden Yu, everyone would immediately know that the young mistress of Tianxing must have done something to offend Maiden Yu. Yu ZiYuan's integrity is such that no matter how a situation ends up with her chin up and in high fury after striking someone, everyone would instantly know that she's not in the wrong.
'She's like the sun.' Young Master Wen had said, echoing his own first impressions when he first met her.
But they're both wrong.
For she's the heavens itself.
Her sadness would bring the world to ruin, her joy would build it anew.
For her tears and smiles, he'll be willing to bury the gods and the fates.
That is just what it means to love her.
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What a precarious hold I had on you.
So why can't I seem to let you go?
No matter how I try to cling to you, it has always felt as though you will vanish right in front of me.
I have always been afraid.
As I watch you walk away from me time and again.
I have always been afraid.
That I was too late.
That you will leave me for real.
I can't lose you. Even if we have to separate now, I can't lose you. Holding on to what fragment of us I have in me, I'll be waiting for you. In my next life I wish I can live to love you once more, finally voicing it out freely, without each of us having to walk in different ways, without having to give you up, without having to watch you perish in front of me, without having to leave you. Next time, I swear…
…I will love you right.
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Okay, I'm dead.
I am desperately trying not to hate JFM so please excuse me if I presented his feelings as such. Their feelings are based on what I saw in the donghua, you can't let me see those gazes and tell me that there was absolutely no affection there! Are you kidding me?!
And note, whatever his reasons were, it doesn't excuse how he treated his wife and my dear A-Cheng! Now, pine!
I first saw the reference to Yuan Zhen's painting in 'A Virtuous Wife' (Rui Wang!) and later 'Heaven Official's Blessing' (San Lang!) and since I'm so in love with the two characters that referred to it, I must include it here ^^
If anyone's wondering, the last part was a monologue of JFM's soul :3
Finally done with Jiang FengMian's camp! I'll be returning to Madame Yu's POV next chapter. I just don't know when I can post it haha
See you!