I'm back! I just finished this so I'm sure there would be lots of grammatical mistakes. Please forgive me!
Truthfully, this would have taken longer, but I have someone who keeps on literally staring me down for a new chapter, so here it is! Thanks to my twin sister ^^
I can't thank you guys enough for your comments and encouragement! I'll try my best!
Summer would be hell for me at work so please bear with me if I take longer with the next one. I'm already drafting it though :3
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Chapter 05
Of Gifts and New Meetings
Yinzhu and Jinzhu have been with their Mistress since they were eight years old, 2 years younger than the precious daughter of Meishan Yu sect. They have known her for a long time and are familiar with the soft heart and sharp wit hidden behind a lofty exterior. They're not fazed by the show of temper usually exuded to distract embarrassment or hurt. But even they remained quiet in the face of their young lady's glare as they presented another bundle of flowers and other gifts handed by eager servants at the guest room their master occupies in Lanling Jin sect.
"What is it this time?" Yu ZiYuan nearly snarled at the offering of beautiful peonies together with a large box said to contain trinkets like pearls and rubies 'for the lady's amusement'.
"Mistress, this was sent by Second Young Master Yang of ShaoYang sect." Jinzhu composedly said despite the mingling amusement and dread swirling in her stomach at her Mistress' evidently foul mood, "They said it's to congratulate you for your recovery and gratitude for your help in Bai Lu Mountain."
Amethyst eyes narrowed as the Third Lady frowned, "I think I heard that before when they sent the camellias and the basket of loquats."
"Those were from Third Young Master Fang, Mistress." reminded Yinzhu with a repressed twitch of her lips.
Yu ZiYuan silently groaned. What's with all these names popping up out of nowhere? She kept hearing names of young lords she didn't even know existed before. They're like flowers in spring - suddenly everywhere no matter her wishes. And despite her good memory, even she could barely keep up with putting a face to the name of the cultivators who unexpectedly decided to be overly friendly and bother her for no reason. Her room is turning into a miniature garden and it's a small mercy that she doesn't particularly dislike the perennial beauties.
Sect diplomacy. Connections. Unity for the war against the Wens. She chanted in her mind with her eyes close to keep her calm and congratulate herself that she's doing rather well in forging slightly good impressions on people who could help her defeat the Wens in the future. Now, if only she could get rid of her frown…
"Mistress, Young Master Wen sent roses, a basket of peaches and a jade pendant—" Jinzhu said once more, coming back into the room after only a short break from the perpetual knocks on their doors.
Purple orbs flew open with a burst of hostility and she viciously interrupted, giving her maids quite a fright, "Throw it away!"
"E-eh?" Jinzhu tremulously uttered in a whisper, "Throw it away, Mistress?" she confirmed, quickly deciding not to approach the seething young lady by the glare she has on the gifts.
"Throw it." Yu ZiYuan fought to steady her voice for the sake of her innocent maids, "Don't let me see it again. I won't accept anything from that man or his sect unless it's from Master Wen." She ordered. She even had the robe he lent immediately brought back as soon as she got back to her room yesterday.
"Mi-mistress, your mother—" Yinzhu started with a bow of her head to not aggravate their lady.
"Yinzhu, Jinzhu, my mother has her say in a lot of things, but I trust you two well enough to follow me when it matters most." Yu ZiYuan seriously declared, "Let her have the pendant to play with if you must, but it won't stay in any room I'm in. You can divide the fruits between you two and the others but I won't see any part of it. Burn the flowers." she finished with a tilt of her chin.
Her maids looked at her unwavering countenance for a moment before resolutely replying, their earlier nervousness vanishing under the faithful scrutiny of their master, "Understood, Mistress."
Yu ZiYuan nodded and busied herself with a medical scroll sent by her master when another knock sounded and she gritted her teeth in irritation. That had better not be anything related to Wen Ruohan or she will scream bloody murder!
There was a steely glint in her red-violet eyes when she lifted her head as Yinzhu come back in the inner room together with two other lower male servants with another present. She paused however when a wide albeit low white cylindrical vase with ornate and elegant decorations moderately filled with water and a familiar bundle of pink and white lotus flowers greeted her eyes, the two servants holding them barely managing to carry what is akin to a very small garden pond.
She found herself asking in an unsure voice, a bit confused as to why she will be presented with this, "These are?"
Taking a peek at her face, Yinzhu slowly answered, "From Yunmeng, Mistress." Thinking that her young lady isn't upset with this information, she continued, "Young Master Jiang had this sent over all the way from Yunmeng. These are natives from the area. Would you like to have them?"
"Put them here." The Third Lady answered before she even realized what she was saying. The two young men laid the gift down near the pretty lady and glad to be relieved of their burden, stepped back to the door of the inner chambers.
"Young Master Jiang also sent this note with several pastries." Jinzhu offered the small discreet envelope and a huge 3-layered wooden container. She opened the topmost lid to reveal cakes that could only be found near Lotus Pier as far as Yu ZiYuan can remember.
She quietly reached for the letter with a numb expression. It was filled with her husband's neat script congratulating her for her recovery and thanking her for her assistance. He noted that the lotus flowers and cakes are to comfort her as she remains in Lanling Jin to rest as the articles often give him cheer. She might be wrong, but there even seems to be some subtle attempt in inviting her to Lotus Pier and an open request to night-hunt together.
She allowed herself a light frown. She learned only now her last life's husband's fondness for these cakes, but then again, there were occasions when he offered it to her before and she refused before turning away. What a fool she was.
But he should be busy entertaining the love of his life. How diligent of him to spare a thought for a fellow cultivator out of gratitude, she mused with a tight expression. She sighed a bit. These might be the only things she'll ever receive from him, but thinking of the things she passed up on because of her pride, she reckons this is merely her just deserts. That he made empty offers of going to night-hunts together was a leap in civility that they didn't share as youngsters before.
"Will you be accepting these Mistress?" Jinzhu cautiously asked after the earlier outburst, there is something decidedly odd about their beautiful master's face as though she was presented with something she wanted but didn't know if it's really for her.
"Yes." At length Yu ZiYuan finally murmured before adding in a firmer voice, "Give me tea and prepare these desserts as snacks. Also, bring me papers, ink and a brush. I must write a short letter in appreciation."
The two younger women looked briefly at each other before bowing in affirmation, mutually agreeing in silent communication not to point out that she didn't do the same for the dozen or so senders before this except to send a messenger with simple words of recognition.
The Third Lady of Meishan Yu sect didn't notice anything amiss with her servants' countenance as she leaned down to touch a soft petal, the sweet scent of the water blossoms permeating the air. She hasn't seen these flowers in a long time. They used to be the only thing that'll enter her sight for miles and miles when she gazed at the horizon, now she has only a few of them at hand. But recognizing the nostalgia in her chest for the flowers she missed, she allowed herself to be grateful.
It's just a gesture of kindness, nothing more. Don't disappoint me now, Yu ZiYuan. Don't chase after him again. She thought to herself despite the uneven beat of her heart.
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"Oh? What have we here, Madame? Are you setting up shop?" Hou MeiXiu cleared her throat to keep the awe from her voice at the sight of hundreds upon hundreds of gifted blooms decorating her friend's guest room. She really shouldn't be surprised; the servants haven't talked of anything else all morning. She looked admiringly at the unfazed young lady to whom all these attention was aimed and continued in a tone reserved for the stately miss, "Might I buy a dozen of those chrysanthemums? For half the price please. You still have a whole field to spare."
"I'll plant them on your grave for free, too." Yu ZiYuan answered without missing a beat in a tone of mock-complaisance, "So where do you want to be buried?"
"Dear me, this Moon Goddess is a lot more vicious than I heard." Brown eyes widened in a teasingly shocked expression as she sat opposite the taller woman.
"And this young miss has no sense of creativity, whatsoever. Moon Goddess has long been overused." She said offhandedly, nonchalantly wondering why her best friend is uttering such nonsensical nicknames.
"Truly? I picked the simplest of the nicknames." casually remarked one Hou MeiXiu as she accepts the tea cup offered by Yinzhu, "I suppose my dear lady would prefer the more ostentatious ones? How about the Silver Fairy of Bai Lu Mountain or the Lady of the Crimson Sunset?" she bit her lower lip to prevent herself from laughing when she saw her friend turn pale then blue in the face.
Yu ZiYuan felt goosebumps spread all over her body at cringe-worthy epithets. "What are you on about?"
"Have you never heard of the admiring nicknames you earned as of late?" the young lady questioned before taking a bite of the sumptuous dessert offered to her. Delicious!
Yu ZiYuan felt an incoming headache, "…I only know of the 'Violet Spider'…"
At this, Hou MeiXiu snorted before composing herself again, "That is a terribly old one, A-Yuan." She shook her head, "And there are a lot who don't like using it. They were debating why it should be the color violet when the only purple in your attire is your hair ribbon and even your eyes have hints of red sheen to it. You should hear Second Young Master Huang saying that it should be yellow then when everyone knows you don't even wear yellow! Even a ten year old could see what he was trying to do—" seeing her friends questioning scowl, the First Lady of YunXiao Sect cleared her throat and decided to forgo the story of how the young man was viciously shot down by Wen Ruohan and 15 other gentlemen.
"You really don't know?" at the intensifying glower, she tried a different query, "By the by, why do you think your room is currently resembling the home of the Damsel of Annual Blossom? And that you have enough fruit baskets to tide you until the next harvest?"
"They are merely tokens of gratitude for what I did in Bai Lu Mountain and for my recovery, as mentioned."
"Oh, then what do you think about the nicknames?"
"An attempt to anger me into showing a rather disgraceful sight of myself." she huffed at the rather effective taunt and decided to teach that person a lesson once she found out just who had the gall to spread such things, unaware that it consists of more than 4 dozen individuals. "What a farce, for sure it'll be forgotten soon."
Hou MeiXiu nodded her head expertly to avoid tasting Zidian's wrath by insisting on the truth. Her friend would find out soon enough the steadily growing number of ardent admirers she has.
She hopes.
"Well, I want you to know that I'll be going on a night-hunt in Song Mountain." The green-clad young lady casually mentioned after a sip of tea, admiring the bouquets at the far end of the room.
At this, wine orbs hummed in acknowledgement before closing the letter from home that she was perusing, "I shall join you then."
Expecting this, Hou MeiXiu smiled wryly before readily commenting, "A-Yuan, you are here to rest."
A scowl met this reply, "Then why are you telling me about the night-hunt?"
"So you can wish me luck?"
Yu ZiYuan stared at the young woman in front of her knowingly, not buying what she's selling at all. The younger woman coughed once, "And maybe, just maybe see, if you want to go to the town at the foot of the mountain to provide back-up if necessary would be nice."
The Third Lady shook her head, "I'll just join you."
"No, you just recovered. It's enough if you can just be near. I don't think anything exciting will happen but it'll be reassuring all the same." Her best friend uttered earnestly, really only wanting mental support since Song Mountain has a reputation for tricky monsters.
Not really seeing the sense of going when she won't participate in the fight but also understanding that she had a close shave and she can't neglect her health lest it affects her cultivation, she relented, "Very well."
And thus, three hours later, she finds herself in a rather lively little town surrounded by stalls upon stalls of different goods. Even though the night is deep already, many are still about and open for business due to a local festival about some minor god that started during the day. The delicious aroma of different snacks and pastries wafted everywhere and people are mingling here and there, ready to sample the delicacies.
With her heightened senses, she could hear the rowdy noise coming from a different street that houses the taverns already filled with drunken men making merry for the night.
Purple orbs glanced at the lanterns providing light to the area, ignoring the fleeting glances from the mass of civilians who are taking advantage to gaze upon immortal-like cultivators they don't always see and many whispered among themselves that this tall and pretty young lady definitely exudes authority and power, no doubt the young mistress of a powerful sect somewhere. How admirable!
Yu ZiYuan is already partially regretting agreeing to this but her pride wouldn't allow her to go back on her word. She decided to walk around and try to look at the products laid out in hopes that something will distract her well enough to keep the boredom at bay. She left her maids in the Jin Sect to organize her things as she plans to return home soon. But had she thought carefully of how she'll need to endure waiting like this all on her own, she would have ordered them to accompany her.
She was just eyeing an accessory in one of the stalls, thinking that her YanLi would have liked it despite her daughter not being normally interested in jewelry, when a transaction just beside her caught her attention.
A young boy of maybe 9 years old was buying meat buns from a middle-aged man. The lad looked quite innocent and shy which might be the reason why the sly older man didn't think twice about duping the boy by giving him three times the price for one mantou.
The female cultivator could feel her irritation swell at the shameless display; foxes and snakes do lurk everywhere. She glided near the duo and unceremoniously slammed the tip of her sheathed sword on the low wooden stall, alarming the boy who was just about to give his coins to the greedy vendor.
The man who was sitting down recovered quickly and scowled up at the perpetrator who dared interrupt his trade. His jaw went slack when his vision was met with a slender but shapely young woman in blue robes. Her refined profile currently twisted in a glare but there's no mistaking the beauty there. It took him a minute before he found his voice, "This young lady, what do you want? I'm just doing my business here."
From her erect position, red-violet eyes shone brightly as she looked down on the man with cold derision, "You want to know?"
Knowing that he's been caught, the older man had the gall to blush before back-tracking and telling the boy that he was mistaken about the price earlier and proceeded to tell him the right price.
The young boy whose inky hair was wound up in a neat bun on top of his head with a green ribbon looked confusedly for a moment but he seems quick enough to realize what was happening. He hesitated for a moment before politely bowing and refusing to buy anymore.
Yu ZiYuan huffed and thinking the matter over, went away. She only managed to about ten steps before a hand caught onto one of her azure sleeves.
"Mistress, I haven't thanked you yet for saving me!" the quiet but resolute voice of the boy reached her and the female cultivator looked down to meet glittering dark eyes with the strangest tint of dark blue and purple she has ever seen. She noticed that the boy has well-formed features, promising a handsome face in later years.
Before she could give any answer, however, a daintier voice intruded her consciousness.
"A-Zian!"
"A-Jie!"
She followed the boy's line of sight as he exclaimed and let go of her captured sleeve and ran to the other speaker. When she saw who it was, Yu ZiYuan paused a little to scrutinize the sight before her. She didn't doubt for a second that the two are siblings. Looking at similar striking characteristics, they could only be family. But she has to admit that the lady has a far more astounding appeal. Her skin was as pale as Yu ZiYuan but while the pallor of the Third Lady of Meishan Yu sect could be called creamy that often tempts wandering eyes, the other young lady's complexion has a bit of frailty to it that gives off an otherworldly quality. Her smaller stature would undoubtedly inspire a desire to protect. That strange mix of purple and blue in her eyes are more prominent and simply catches attention. The soft curve of her mouth remains unconcealed even with her slight frown. There's a melancholic touch to her refined features as though she's an angel constantly worrying about the affairs of the mortal world. And she could very well be, with her reserved expression, if not for the spiritual sword the lady of Meishan Yu Sect could see hanging from a narrow waist.
How odd, Yu ZiYuan thought. She can't recall ever meeting such a beauty in her previous life. This woman could even rival Cangse Sanren's lure. While she might not pay too much attention in people's appearances, she doubts that even she could bypass the vision without it being retained in her memory.
Despite the delicate attributes, the lovely stranger's voice, while gentle and muted, doesn't lose its resolution, "I told you not to separate from me while I ask around." and looking at the astute woman, "My Lady, it seems that my brother troubled you."
"She helped me A-Jie." The boy piped up with urgency, determined not to let the regal young mistress go without them expressing their thanks. He proceeded to tell his older sister what transpired just earlier.
"It was nothing." Yu ZiYuan immediately dismissed, frowning a little at failing to place the faces before her in the memory of her previous life.
"We owe you, my lady, for helping my brother. I thank you whole-heartedly for your kindness." The young lady instantly saluted upon hearing everything, her impassive face barely changing but her tone was sincere. When a pair of purplish-blue eyes saw the magnificent spiritual sword on the taller woman's hold and quickly realizing she's also a cultivator, she continued, "I'm Liu QingShan, my lady. And this young man is my brother, Liu Zian. Might we know your name?"
Deciding to reciprocate the civility, she returned the salute and replied firmly, "It's Yu ZiYuan of Meishan Yu, Lady Liu."
"Yu ZiYuan? I seem to have heard of that name before." And seemingly recalling something, the young lady's eyes were filled with quiet curiosity and as though repeating something she has heard word for word, asked "Pray tell, are you perhaps the Lady of Crimson Sunset who dances above water to appease souls?"
Yu ZiYuan was taken aback. How come words of that fiasco has reached this far?! She was so shocked she nearly missed the squeak the young boy with them gave when he heard of this.
"A-Jie, isn't that the same lady who helped defeat the Black Dragon Python last week? The one who purged the fierce corpses in Chi Yun cave and also killed the sealed one-eyed ogre in Jue Di Gorge?!" Liu Zian admiringly exclaimed with wondrous eyes. Then he lowered his voice to a whisper but could nonetheless be heard by the lady in question, "She's prettier than what the rumors said. No wonder the Third Young Master Ling was losing his words while telling the story."
Realizing how inappropriate their discussion is, Liu QingShan's countenance finally broke from its serenely controlled state and flushed a little, "Please forgive us Lady Yu. My brother and I have heard much about your exemplary reputation and forgot our manners for a moment."
There's no way Yu ZiYuan could simply say 'It's fine.' when all she wants is to whip the memory of whatever they heard out of their consciousness. Perfectly aware that using Zidian here won't do her any favors, she decided to redirect the conversation instead, uncaring of discourteousness, "Is Lady Liu here to night-hunt? Your brother should stay home. It's dangerous otherwise."
Accepting the new topic with hardly a pause, Liu QingShan's eyes became a lot softer, "My lady is right. But I've no one else to entrust him to, I'm afraid."
Freezing at the implication of these words, Yu ZiYuan watched the young lady give a small and brief sad smile before it disappeared amidst the slightly cold countenance, "My only family."
She looked at the pair of brother and sister. Liu QingShan's hold on her younger brother's shoulder is loving but protective. As someone who lost her entire family, she could understand finally the high walls the pretty woman in front of her seems to have built around her. She does, painfully so. "My apologies for prying."
Purplish-blue eyes gazed at her for a while and as if recognizing a kindred soul, a warmer smile was offered her way, "Not at all."
She only nodded once and turned away but a voice immediately reached out to her.
"I'll be night-hunting at ChongMing for a few days afterwards. I hope we can meet again, my lady." Liu QingShan informed her and Yu ZiYuan merely inclined her head in answer.
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The next two days found itself besieged with torrential rain all over the land and many cultivators had to endure the distasteful feel of soaking robes against their bare skin as they exorcist spirits and kill ghouls during night-hunts.
The gloomy weather is enough to dampen anyone's mood. That is, anyone except for the mighty Nie Ju-Long. With great energy and an imposing character, he sent invitations all over to join him in celebration at the birth of his first child and son from his concubine.
Yu ZiYuan wants to sigh wearily in exhaustion and vexation at the tedious pace of the carriage she's in. She had to change from flying on her sword to riding the luxurious carriage they had immediately bought on her way to the Unclean Realm due to the exasperating drizzle.
She wouldn't have minded getting wet but the robes she has on wouldn't be fit to be seen anywhere wet. She wanted to blame her mother for insisting on wearing plum-colored silk and satin robes instead of her sect uniform and remembering the disaster of a few days back, she really doesn't want to appear before people again in drenched clothes that uncomfortably stick to her skin.
She gritted her teeth, feeling stuffy. Fortunately they've arrived and were just let in through the grand gates of the Qinghe Nie Sect. She had to gather her composure as someone who lived as a sect leader's wife for two decades in order not to bolt out of the moving wooden box in impatience.
"Mistress, we have arrived." Yinzhu called out from outside and she breathed silently in relief. She doesn't know how anyone could endure traveling in this manner for miles on end.
Holding a fistful of her skirt and elegantly holding it slightly up in order not to trip on them as she slowly gets up from her seat, she bent her slender body as she moved. A hand slipped through the silk curtains, palm up, to help her down. Thinking that it's her driver, she unhesitatingly accepted and held on.
The moment bare skins touched, she felt it somewhat familiar, both that grip and warmth but she had no time to speculate as she finally let herself out. She was immediately faced with the gently smiling face of one Jiang FengMian who was firmly holding on to her hand.
She paused in mild surprise at the courtesy. Dark-purple eyes met blue-grey ones and she was contemplating whether or not to thank him for this and his previous gifts. She was debating for quite some time but the other party doesn't seem to be in a hurry as he just looked at her with that same kind expression.
At length, someone cough and Lan Qiren appeared as though from thin air with a silently forbidding countenance, "Hand." He said simply. Without his beard, his coldly beautiful face was clear for anyone to admire.
"Come away from your carriage so it can be set aside." brusquely cut in Wen Ruohan as he came near, there was clear displeasure there as though something didn't go according to his plan.
Yu ZiYuan almost furrowed her brows at the other two's inexplicable behavior but then realized that her hand is still in her previous husband's hold. She could feel warmth slowly creep up her cheeks as she scowled at herself in her mind. It's a good thing she has mastered the art of keeping her countenance either blank or in a perpetual frown so her lips didn't twitch even as the purple-robed cultivator slowly let go of her.
After a brief look around her, she saw that several people arrived already from various sects, offering their congratulations. At least she hopes they are since practically all of them have a dark expression. Why are they looking here? It's not as if I've done anything to offend, Yu ZiYuan resisted the urge to glare back. And instead raised her hands in a simple salute, greeting the crowd at large, "Greeting the young masters here." She said firmly and evenly, lacking the demure tone of a lady but no one seems to mind it.
"Maiden Yu, how have you been?" Jiang FengMian said immediately after she lowered her hand, and maybe she was imagining things, but she thought he's livelier now in this timeline than he did during their past lives. Maybe because there's no threat of a forced engagement burdening his shoulders, she thought ruefully, thereby dismissing the bright, attentive gaze the other has on her.
"I've been well, Young Master Jiang." She said in return, at the corner of her eyes, she could see Lan Qiren hovering where he stood as though he's got something to say but since he's yet to offer his apologies for that last debacle, she can understand his actions. As for Wen Ruohan who seems to be lingering still, she doesn't care about him and over the weeks, she learned to ignore him while making sure he still doesn't dare act on his dastardly goals. So she wouldn't even question why he's still there if not to irritate her nerves. But what about the two dozen men around them? What's with them? Have they never seen people talk to one another before?!
She decided to take no notice of them and focus her attention on the talking Jiang heir before her.
"Truly? Regarding the le—"
"Lady Yu! How fortunate that we see each other here!" A lilting tone interrupted them as a charmingly bouncing figure of a certain rogue cultivator came into the scene.
"Lady Sanren." Yu ZiYuan was nearly startled at the sudden greeting thrown her way that she entirely missed how blue-grey eyes narrowed in dissatisfaction and firm lips sighed in disappointment at having lost her attention.
Yu ZiYuan can't pretend to match the other young lady's enthusiasm, no matter how glittery she looks at her with those expressive grey eyes that reminds her too much of the other's future son. She doesn't understand why the other woman seems to like talking to her so much and never misses an opportunity to engage her with fervor whenever they're in the same area. It's to a point where several gentlemen would often look their way with despondent eyes but Yu ZiYuan could only harrumphed at their discontent. They shouldn't blame her for stealing the attention of this praise-worthy woman they must admire a lot. She's the one who repeatedly sought her out! If they want to talk to this woman so much then they shouldn't dawdle and quickly take her off her hands! The Third Lady of Meishan Yu sect internally fumed as she observe another pair of sulking eyes trained at them, completely unaware that she got the situation completely in reverse.
"My lady, I tried that move you showed everyone way before!" Cangse Sanren reported with a smile, "It was truly difficult. You made it look so easy! I only mastered it recently and beat Mister Wei in a match!"
"Lady Sanren, this is hardly the time to bring this up." Jiang FengMian helplessly interjected which earned him a pout from the younger woman.
"I hardly get the chance to speak to Maiden Yu without anyone interrupting!" the grey-eyed beauty protested.
Wen Ruohan loudly snorted at this.
"I beg to disagree." Lan Qiren answered in a deep voice and Yu ZiYuan could see sparks radiate between two pairs of light eyes. Lan QiYue could only stand behind his younger brother with an awkward smile, "Now, now, Qiren, Lady Sanren, we should go inside and offer our congratulations.
"A-Yuan! You're here already!" another voice sounded just at the entrance and Yu ZiYuan turned her head in time to see her best friend alight a carriage with the help of a rather subservient Jin GuanShan.
Hou MeiXiu instantly took back her hand once she's steadily on the ground. Upon seeing Cangse Sanren within Yu ZiYuan's space, a childish jealousy that she's too mature to show spurt inside her and with quick steps, she latched on to one satin-covered arm, "A-Yuan, I don't see a babe anywhere here. Let's go and not keep Young Master Nie waiting." At this point light brown eyes glared at vivid grey ones, "Your best friend shall accompany you." She emphasized in a loud voice, all dignity forgotten.
Yu ZiYuan could feel an incoming headache at how lively everyone is.
"What's this? Did Yuan-er come already?! There you are!" Nie Ju-Long's brusque voice boomed above the crowd as he came into view bearing a huge smile, "I knew that if there's a crowd, you have got to be at the center, Yuan-er! I'm sure that half my guests here didn't really come for me or my boy."
"Your actions are already unreasonable, brother. Don't let your words follow." Yu ZiYuan drily replied. She stepped towards the man, leaving Hou MeiXiu who's busy in a staring match with Cangse Sanren, and was about to bow in a respectful salute when she felt the ground no longer support her weight.
"What—"
The towering man actually lifted her off her feet in a tight hug and swung her around!
Yu ZiYuan was turned around twice amidst the coughs and glares from the other gentlemen who came.
"Really, Young Master Nie, how impulsive you can be!"
"How dare—!"
"You can set her down now!"
"Maiden Yu dislikes such shameless behavior!"
"Young Master Nie!"
"Inappropriate!" Lan Qiren fumed just behind them but the heir of Nie sect was unfazed.
"My son has been born!" he said laughingly as he set his sworn sister down on her feet.
The Third Lady of Meishan Yu sect wanted to chastise him but at the persistent grin on the older man's face, she decided to be lenient with a subdued sigh and offered him a smile, "Congratulations, Big Brother Ju-Long."
"Come and meet MingJue, you'll be godmother to him."
This certainly surprised her, recalling the similarly impulsive and straight-forward young man in her past life, never would she have thought this will ever happen.
Someone coughed roughly, "In that case, we shouldn't be standing here in the cold. When are you going to let us in?" Wen Ruohan groused as he stepped near, almost wedging himself between the sworn siblings.
Nie Ju-Long laughed boisterously, "I feel wronged Young Master Wen! Didn't I welcome you all to come inside earlier but everyone pretended not to notice me when they all heard Yuan-er hasn't arrived yet!"
"You're taking nonsense, brother." ZiYuan called out dismissively, not even letting the meaning of the words sink in deeply, refusing to be used in a joke, "Let's go."
"Maiden Yu, are you all better now?"
"Yes, Young Master Choi. Thank you for your concern."
"Maiden Yu, have you rested well after going back to your sect?"
"There was no trouble, Fourth Young Master He."
"Maiden Yu, I wanted to thank you once more for treating my wounds on that night-hunt two days ago."
"…I already said that there's no need to mind it, Young Master Zheng."
"Maiden Yu, how did you like the basket of peaches I sent before? They're a specialty in our area."
Which one? Yu ZiYuan could hear how monotonous her tone is even inside her own mind. She's almost in a daze at the nonstop words directed at her. Why are they giving her a barrage of greetings like this?! Not even minding her tone which is short of indifferent. She missed how everyone avoided her like the plague back in her first life due to her fearsome reputation. It can hardly help her in this life but dare she say she missed the peace and quiet. She tried to place the basket in question and once she remembered it, promptly replied, "They were sweet. Thank you, Second Young Master Lu."
"Ah, Maiden Yu, my brother wanted to ask if you liked the loquats he sent before?" a gently smiling Qingheng-Jun asked at once when he got the chance in between a short pause, ignoring the objection beside him ("Brother, I did not!").
Yu ZiYuan almost looked at him with a look of absolute betrayal, aren't the Lans supposed to be quiet?! Don't add to this!
When will Nie MingJue come!
When the door of the banquet hall opened to give way to Nie Ju-Long, carrying a bundle of soft, fluffy cloth, Yu ZiYuan took the opportunity to get away from the horde surrounding her.
"Is this him?" she asked as the older man gently handed her the swaddled babe, assured at the masterful way the young lady held his son.
"This is Nie MingJue!" the Nie heir proudly declared, bursting with cheer, "What do you think of him, Yuan-er?"
Recalling the fiercely handsome and valiant youth that led the Nie sect in her previous life, unable to place him in the tender features of the pink face beneath her, Yu ZiYuan can't help the unguarded expression in her face as she unconsciously smiled, "You will be a great, strong man in the future." She found herself telling the child in a loud almost-gentle whisper.
Hearing this, Nie Ju-Long laughed happily, "Did you all hear that? The Goddess of Divine Lightning just blessed my son!"
As though electrocuted, Yu ZiYuan flinched at the epithet she just heard. What is that even?! Ridiculous! "Brother Ju-Long!" she gave herself leave to snarl at the embarrassing man, hating the crimson staining her cheeks at the audience.
"What? What? Do you prefer the Celestial Maiden of—"
"Stop." She halted the tirade, already willing the ground to swallow everyone else, damn whoever came up with this way of tormenting her! "The day has cleared, I'll take Nie MingJue to the western garden. Yinzhu, help them direct the gifts we prepared. Jinzhu, go to Lady Hou and tell her where I'll be going lest she looks for me." She continued as she practically fled—that is, left everyone else to their own devices without a backward glance.
She masterfully paved her way to the western garden in the sect. While the Unclean Realm is just as spartan as befitting of a sect that prioritizes martial might above everything else, there is still elegance and quiet wealth around it that doesn't betray the Nie Clan's reputation as part of the great clans. And there still exist a few beautiful sceneries inside the sect like this garden filled with wisteria trees.
She sauntered her way with the unconscious baby in her arms, followed by a nursemaid and a Nie Sect senior disciple and went around the garden a few times slowly.
It's been years since she held such a small creature in her arms. Her A-Cheng had been just as small, maybe a little bit lighter. What a small, pink face, she thought to herself with quiet amusement. She caught herself as she started to project the face of her own son and daughter unto the sleeping babe. She closed her eyes with a frown and slowly shook her head. Stop…stop. He is not them. They won't come in this lifetime. She scolded herself.
"Oh, isn't this the Lady Yu that could do no wrong?"
Amethyst orbs opened when a saccharine voice sounded not far from her, accompanied by several footsteps. She turned towards the speaker and found about three young ladies in various hues of silk robes. She didn't bother with false civilities and merely looked at them, judging by their hostile gazes that they can't seem to hide, they're not here for teas and cakes.
The one at the forefront who she recognized as the most beloved First Young Lady of Tianxing Sect, Li ChuHua, put her hands on her chest, "Greetings Lady Yu. Won't you even bother to greet me?" she smiled gently and insincerely, the tension in her nerves straining her otherwise good features. Her maids behind her lowered their head after glaring at her.
"Lady Li, I don't like to waste time. Is there anything I could help you with?" Yu ZiYuan straightforwardly conferred, looking down briefly to make sure that Nie MingJue wasn't disturbed from his sleep.
Why must you speak this way? You could have said it with more compassion.
At that infernal deep, benign voice in her head once again, she felt herself burn at the chastisement. You be quiet, she internally snarled. She could almost see a purple sleeve just beside her.
There was a feigned look of innocence and hurt in the feminine face before her, "Ah Lady Yu, please don't look so angry. I didn't mean to disturb you. Truthfully, I just wish to ask you regarding Young Master Ying."
Ah, it finally dawned on her what the plausible problem is. Young Master Ying and Maiden Li were engaged but she heard that it was broken about three weeks ago. She did hear from someone that the young lady threw a fit when this happened. If this is her reason for seeking her out though, then she's even more confused. This is entirely unrelated to her.
When the Third Lady of Meishan Yu didn't say anything in return, the other young lady's lips twitched in irritation but pressed on, "This may seem too bold, but can I humbly ask Lady Yu to please distance herself from Young Master Ying?"
"You must be really blind, Lady Li. I believe Young Master Ying is on the other side of the manor. That should be enough distance between us." She deadpanned.
Thin eyebrows furrowed in vexation but trying to soften her voice and with an air of miserable righteousness, she cried out, "Lady Yu, how could you? Are you pretending to be dumb?"
"Believe me, Lady Li. For the life of me, I can't even look remotely stupid. I don't have that talent that seems to come so naturally to you." She replied mercilessly, her patience wearing thin, especially when an imaginary figure of her husband beside her seems to be reproaching her.
"What—" the young woman in pink robes nearly shrieked but glancing at the nursemaid and senior Qinghe Nie disciple, she calmed herself down and covered her mouth with her sleeve in a pitiful way, "H-how vicious. I don't understand why Young Master Ying would be seduced by you. He's always said that he likes beautiful and graceful girls—"
"No wonder he broke his engagement with you."
Poking at her sore point, Li ChuHua couldn't help but snarl, "What was that?!"
"There is nothing beautiful or graceful in this act, Lady Li. Talk to Young Master Ying. I don't see why you must trouble me with this." The Third Lady of Meishan Yu countered coldly.
"You! And that's why I'm telling you to get away from him! Don't you dare accept his advances! Reject him immediately!"
"There is nothing to reject. You're acting foolishly. And if there is, would my rejection mean that he will go back to you?" She knows this only too well. Her own husband wasn't able to love her even after he failed in his love. This sort of reasoning is ridiculous, though she suppose she can't entirely blame the young lady for her vacuous thinking.
At the taller woman's completely calm demeanor, the lady of Tianxing sect found herself losing her temper completely, "Don't act so high and mighty with me! What's the difference about you and me, anyway?! Acting like we're all beneath you!"
Narrowing her purple eyes, Yu ZiYuan asked finally, "What is it that you want?"
"Give me back my fiance, you slut!"
She froze. Had she died again? Who is she? Had she been too quiet in this life that little girls like this dare to come at her with these insults while she stands here and do nothing?
Thinking up to here, she handed the baby in her arms to the trembling nursemaid beside her and drew herself into her full height. She slowly walked towards the speaker with a blank expression, her chin slightly raised, her eyes measuring the other's worth. Foolish.
"What? You really dare to stand here as though you didn't do anything wrong—"
Smack! The crisp sound of flesh hitting flesh resounded all over the pavilion and the young lady of Tianxing found herself staggering while a hand automatically held her abused cheek.
"I dare because I really did nothing wrong. Did the rain melt your brain or are you really making this baseless claim into an argument?" In the most imposing manner she's used to using all her life, she scowled at the younger woman in front of her.
"You bitc—"
Another hit was mercilessly thrown across her other cheek, the force of which enough to twist the girl's neck painfully.
"The first is for disturbing me. This one is for the insults and this," she flung as she added another smarting strike at a reddening right cheek despite the girls attempt to retaliate, "is for nearly disturbing my godchild's sleep."
The young lady stumbled back a few steps and collapsed against her maids who both exclaimed loudly. Her eyes were glazed with tears as she looks up at the slender woman with fear and hate in her brown eyes.
"Young Mistress of Tianxing, I remember I helped your eldest brother in a troublesome case just 2 weeks ago. This is how your family repay a favor?"
Recalling the mentioned incident, her swelling face looked even more horrible as she frowned in worry, "T-that—"
"I owe you nothing! You want to know the difference between you and me?! Then look! You ARE beneath me!" Yu ZiYuan thundered ruthlessly, glaring at the puny figure of the spoiled woman.
"W-why you—"
"And if you stop treating your former betrothed as a thing that can be given and brought back so easily then maybe Young Master Ying will look at you better."
"A-Yuan!"
Hou Meixiu was too busy keeping an eye on her betrothed that she didn't immediately manage to accompany her friend on her stroll. After giving up, she decided to follow after her friend. Who knew that there would be this kind of exciting show to see here?
In an instant, several pairs of feet moved and the once nearly empty garden became full of people.
Wine-colored eyes spied the young heirs of Jiang, Wen, Lan and Jin strolling serenely and she can't help but think that she's seeing them everywhere these days. While this day can't be helped, all these prominent young lords are in her field of vision far more than in her previous life.
As though sensing a commotion, Young Master Ying and Young Master Li, Li ChuHua's eldest half-brother, ran into the garden as well. Seizing this opportunity, the young mistress of Tianxing got up and ran to her older brother with her arms open, pitiful tears streaming down her messed up face.
She sobbed for all to hear, "Big Brother Xiang! Lady Yu hit me!"
"What?" Li Xiang took a hold of each dainty shoulder and drew his younger sister a few inches away from him to examine her face. Seeing that it's swollen, he looked at the majestic woman in exquisite plum robes not far from them, "Maiden Yu, is that true?"
Without missing a bit and with no hint of remorse, Yu ZiYuan replied, "Yes, Young Master Li, I slapped her thrice."
Stupid woman, Li ChuHua smirked internally. Who would have thought the idiotic woman would easily admit it?
"I never would have expected it from her."
"Truly, she would actually do such a thing?"
"How immensely disappointing."
As a small pandemonium broke out in the form of various murmurs from the gathered gentlemen at these words, Li ChuHua felt that the pain in her cheeks was well worth it. With this the reputation of the esteemed Maiden Yu is finished!
"How dare she displease Maiden Yu to this extent."
"She must not want to live anymore."
At these words, brown eyes widened as she looked carefully around. Her spine grew cold as she realized that everyone was glaring at her instead! She turned to look at her older brother to find that he, too, is frowning at her.
"A-Hua, what have you done to Maiden Yu?" the heir of Tianxing Sect knitted his brows at his younger sister before separating from her and bowing towards the proud bearing of Yu ZiYuan, "Maiden Yu, it seems my sister has distressed you. She was spoiled growing up. She is still a child, please forgive her."
"Brother! What are you saying?! I'm the one who was bullied!" Li ChuHua shouted in shocked affront. She can't believe this!
Before her brother could say anything more, it was interrupted by a sweetly smirking Cangse Sanren, "That won't do Lady Li, everyone here knows that Lady Yu dislikes wasting her time in trivial things. You should say a better lie."
"I didn't!" the other protested vehemently, unable to accept that this is happening at all.
"Are you going to say that the twenty or so young lords who witnessed you confronting Lady Yu unjustly and insulting her are all lying?" the grey-eyed beauty challenged with a narrowed gaze despite her upturned lips.
After listening to these words, Li ChuHua paled and trembled under the repulsed scrutiny of the crowd in general. "I-I—" She turned to her former fiance and found aversion there. She slumped on the ground weakly where she is once again supported by her two maids.
Upon hearing that they had an audience, Yu ZiYuan's eyes widened marginally and she turned her attention to where her former husband is, certain that she would see reproach there. She didn't exactly demurely handle the situation.
When amethyst orbs met blue-grey ones, she was stunned to see nothing but kindness and concern directed at her. Jiang FengMian came near and offered a smile, "Are you alright Maiden Yu?"
"I—"
"Look at your hand, isn't it red? Shouldn't that be treated?" Wen Ruohan interrupted and without warning, held the hand she used to hit the simpleton of Tianxing sect. Yu ZiYuan immediately tried to take back her hand in disgust but the fingers around her wrist were firm. "Don't be stubborn now."
"Let g—"
"Someone get Maiden Yu some ice!" Jiang FengMian ordered before snatching that same hand from the Wen heir. "Fortunately, it doesn't seem to be too severe."
"How about I—" Jin GuanShan tried to offer his help a bit timidly in the face of the current crowd.
"I have a soothing balm here." Lan Qiren interjected in a quiet but resolute tone, "Maiden Yu, might I see your hand?" when no one moved, after hesitating for only a while, the Second Young Master Lan considerately and slowly took the captured hand and proceeded to apply some ointment.
"What about me?! I'm also hurt!" Li ChuHua wailed from where she's sitting on the floor.
"A-Hua, be quiet. You have caused enough trouble for today. You two, escort the young mistress to her carriage." Li Xiang ordered disapprovingly, accurately guessing what happened despite not being part of the spectators earlier. And then once more addressing the Third Young Lady of Meishan Yu sect, he saluted, "Maiden Yu, I hope you'll excuse my younger sister. Rest assured that she'll be disciplined accordingly."
"Why do you side with that bitch when she's the one who hit me?! And she seduced A-Jian!"
Even when they could no longer see her, everyone could still hear the young lady's indignant lament and many expressed their resentful opinions at the woman's insults.
"What a foul mouth!"
"What nerve to say all that to Maiden Yu!"
"A-Yuan didn't even pursue the rest of her words, but she still—"
"Maiden Yu, please don't heed the words of such an ignorant child."
Yu ZiYuan numbly heard all this. Truthfully, she has half of a dazed-mind to side with the stupid young lady of Tianxing sect. Why are they all acting like this? She wasn't in the wrong true, but neither was she modest in her actions. No one seems to be bothered by it. She frowned.
Seeing this crease between her brows, Lan Qiren inquired, "Do you hurt anywhere Maiden Yu?"
"No. Thanking everyone here. I am alright."
She was about to say more but then heard a short, disgruntled cry from a certain bundle of cloth near her. Deciding to dismiss her confusion at the others' odd reaction, she took the discomfited baby back into her arms and excused herself. She went back inside but this time accompanied by her friend Hou Meixiu and Cangse Sanren.
All the way, the two were fuming at the outrageous event.
"Seriously, what a flagrant display!" Hou MeiXiu complained with a frown.
"Truly deplorable, I don't know whether to call her brave or stupid." Cangse Sanren agreed immediately.
"To think she'll be pointing fingers at A-Yuan. It's not A-Yuan's fault that she's simply too wonderful to go unnoticed."
"As if it's Lady Yu's fault that her talents shines through to capture everyone!"
Looking behind her at the two passionate women keeping her company, unable to keep out the disbelieving expression off her face at their tireless praises, she commented quietly, "You'll wake him." She indicated at the adorable figure in her embrace.
The two instantly closed their mouth and smiled sweetly in her direction.
They entered a private area in Nie Ju-Long's residence reserved for his only concubine, Wu JiaLi. Having had a rather delicate health, the first concubine of Nie Ju-Long is one of the individuals she didn't interact with much during her last life. When they met for the first time several weeks ago, she discovered that she likes this woman a lot. Contrary to what one might expect, Wu JiaLi is a calm and quiet lady, the complete opposite of her lord's rambunctious and powerful personality.
Her extremely straight, black hair and straight-forward dark-brown eyes belied the soft heart she has. She could look forbidding at first glance, like an exceedingly reserved princess, but it didn't take for a few minutes in her company to show just how freely she smiles.
She looked up as they entered her bedroom from her sitting position on her bed and immediately brightened at seeing just who visited her.
"My Lady Yu! How kind of you to come see me. I see Lady Hou and Lady Sanren is here, too. Welcome." She exclaimed in a light and pleasant tone with not one hint of malice towards a young lady favored by her spouse. Towards this fair and dignified woman who earned her lord's respect, she can only admire.
"Lady Wu, forgive us for disturbing you. I had heard you weren't feeling well so I tried to refrain from troubling you. Unfortunately, we encountered some encumbrance and now have to bother you." Yu ZiYuan politely greeted as she proceeded to give the resting baby back to his mother.
"I did hear that there was a commotion in the garden. I just sent my maid to inquire. Seeing as you're here, can you entertain me with the story?" she softly entreated, gesturing for the three ladies to make themselves comfortable.
Without needing to be asked twice, Hou MeiXiu and Cangse Sanren came up with a colorful narrative of what just transpired before she can even open her mouth to explain. At the end, Wu JiaLi had her hand against her lips, her eyes wide in excitement.
"Oh dear me, I'm sorry that such a thing happened, Lady Yu. But I would have loved to see how you took care of her." She repressed a laugh at imagining it. That poor young lady would have dark days ahead of her.
"Please Lady Wu, it is hardly worth noting." Yu ZiYuan replied in a silent manner, her mind filled with thoughts that haven't plagued her since nearly two years ago. Maybe the exact same thoughts swirling in the narrow mind of the young lady of Tianxing sect.
To distract herself, she congratulated the new mother, "Lady Wu, I'm very happy for you. Nie MingJue would surely grow up to be splendid." This was followed by the other two young ladies' salutations.
The slender but pale woman beamed at them, "Thank you very much." She smiled at her son but there is worry swimming in her brown eyes, "Though I would be happier if this child could have a sibling soon."
Hou MeiXiu frowned with apprehension, "Lady Wu?"
The pretty maiden turned her attention to them, "I'm still in the process of telling his lordship to take on another concubine. I hope he'll listen to me."
Naturally, this surprised all three women in the room. And they all wore faces of absolute shock that the one who caused it laughed lightly.
"You, why would you do that, Lady Wu?" Hou MeiXiu incredulously questioned. With a fiance who chases skirts all day long, entreating her partner to take on a concubine herself is beyond her.
After sobering, Wu JiaLi gently caressed the small head resting in her bosom, "My ladies are not unaware how feeble my health is, despite me coming from a good cultivating sect. I just want to make sure that my son would have someone with him should anything happen to me."
"But—" Cangse Sanren started to reason but was lightly cut off by the older woman.
"It'll also be nice to have someone with me as a sister in this big place."
"Aren't you afraid that the chosen lady won't treat you or your child well in your absence?" Yu ZiYuan finally opened her mouth after hushing the turmoil in her chest, looking at the woman in front of her with new eyes.
At the question though, the young woman giggled before looking at her directly in the eyes, a trait which have surely attracted the Nie heir to her, "My lord knows how to judge people, my lady." Wu JiaLi knowingly answered with a pointed gaze, "I have no doubt that he can pick a woman of good character. I have no worries."
"But don't you…love him, Lady Wu?" Hou MeiXiu frowned with a vivid blush marring her cheeks at the intimate discussion.
After another quiet laugh at them, she smiled beatifically, "That I do. I'm grateful that the Nie took me even though my position as part of the branch family wasn't high. But I cannot hope to be his wife, even if he's willing. I'm not strong enough. This is my only way to support him, to make sure that he won't be alone no matter what happens to me. I am satisfied."
There was silence that followed this world. Yu ZiYuan couldn't find it in her to break the heavy cloud surrounding her at the dainty woman's words. Lady Wu is strong, she internally reflected. She dared admit, it's not a kind of strength that she could expect to acquire.
Remembering that darkness and rage that lurked in her heart for years without hopes of abating, brought to life once more by the words of a certain thoughtless miss.
'What's the difference between me and her?!'
'Why can't you look at me the same way?'
'How dare you treat her son better!'
'Don't look down on me!'
'Do you treat A-Cheng like this because of me?'
'Look at me!'
She glanced at the innocent grey-eyed maiden beside her and had to look away, feeling suffocated. Sensing herself grow cold despite the unbearable heat in her chest and the painful constriction in her throat, completely missing how Lady Wu clapped her hands together energetically and ordered for refreshments to dispel the heavy atmosphere, she quietly excused herself to go to the veranda facing a man-made lake that was especially made for the Nie heir's first concubine.
She thought she forgot about all of it already, why must it claw its way back to her chest, as though not allowing her to forgive herself a little. Showing her just what manner of woman she was - the unworthy one, the despicable mother, the unlovable wife, without an ounce of generosity in her body. Just how selfish was she?
She wrapped her arms below her chest as though in stubborn defense against all that harrows her heart.
"Lady Yu?"
Yu ZiYuan wanted to glare at perceiving the most unwanted company to her at the moment, as though slapping her with more recollections and evidence of her inadequacy. Exercising the composure she does have, she inclined her head towards the speaker, "Yes, Lady Sanren?"
"Are you well?" the red and white-robed cultivator inquired with genuine concern, "Do you want some tea?"
The Third Lady of Meishan Yu has always prided herself for having a distinguished manner of handling things. Her level-headed, nearly cold manner of operating (for as long as it doesn't concern her husband) was well-known. She's especially tight-lipped when it comes to matters of the heart. Therefore, she doesn't know what possessed her to blurt out the things she did before she could wholly think about it, "What would you do if the man you…love, pines for someone else?"
"Is Lady Yu in love?!" the other lady uttered in shock and interest, stepping forward unconsciously. Oh, help! Emergency! Young lord, we have trouble!
Unaware of the panic she caused with her words, Yu ZiYuan lied easily, "No. But I know of someone who is." Training her eyes at the horizon once more, she continued in a numb, emotionless tone, "They're married."
Breathing deeply in relief, Cangse Sanren looked at the sharp but elegant profile of the woman who captured the hearts of almost every young cultivators of their generation. So pretty, she thought with a smile before mentally shaking her head and focusing on the topic at hand, "Oh, a difficult situation she finds herself in." the rogue cultivator muttered, "Even back then, we're always told to let go of ugly sentiments like greed or jealousy but no one can really accomplish that until you're faced with a situation where those would spring to life."
She walked to the edge of the veranda and put her arms on the red wooden banister, "I'm sure there's a lot of discontent. To hope that the person you love will be happy is natural. But I think that to wish even more that he will learn to return your feelings is human nature. I'll most likely try to fight for his happiness but if I could obtain his heart then I don't see why I shouldn't, after all, I'm—" here she looked at her companion with a sad, sympathetic smile, comprehending just what inspired the discussion.
"—just a woman." Yu ZiYuan finished, turning her face away from the younger beauty.
She doesn't know why she asked this, maybe she merely wants to know how this woman would react had their positions back then were reversed. She's certain that unlike her, Cangse Sanren would try to accommodate an adopted child to the family and each day won't be filled with yells and altercations. Maybe she'll fight in a different way but the fact that she feels the same way gave her an odd sense of…comfort.
Yu ZiYuan felt the receding of the uncomfortable sentiments drowning her heart at the other's words. She furrowed her brows a little as she closed her eyes, wishing that this burdens won't came to haunt her again. When she felt fingers pinch her left cheek, she abruptly opened red-violet orbs to incredulously stare at the grey-eyed maiden impertinently tugging her cheek.
"Being morose doesn't suit you, Lady Yu." Cangse Sanren kindly smiled, letting go of her cheek but lightly pressing a soft finger on the tip of a high bridged nose, "People may talk but I personally think that when you shine like the blazing sun best suits you."
Quite forgetting to swat the hand away, Yu ZiYuan raised an eyebrow, to think that you will be the one to…
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Everyone have their own way of loving ne? ^_^
The scene with the confrontational missy had me laughing "I'm so biased!" I said. To think I still have shame in showering a character too much grace! XD but as I was reminded, this is a Madame Yu-centric fic so haha sorry not sorry
I just thought that characters like this one would never be absent from chinese stories so...huehuehuehue
Please note:
I don't know if you can gift lotus flowers like that but that was the best I could come up with :3
I have no idea if there's a concept of godmothers or godchildren during this era, I just added it because I can lol
Taking on concubines first before having a wife seems possible but I'm not sure how it all works so please know that I am aware that the details here are not accurate in any way haha
Please forgive me for the Ocs and the OOCs! Thank you for reading!
