“Whether you stay or leave is entirely up to you,” Li Muzhan stated. The ten figures exchanged glances, their eyes communicating volumes of unspoken thought. The nine pairs of eyes eventually settled on the short, gaunt old man.
The short, gaunt old man frowned, pondering for a moment before speaking, “Miss, are you truly planning to remain here by this monk’s side for the rest of your days?”
Jiang Yuyan replied, “Elder He need not concern himself!” The old man, whose surname was He, squinted at her several times, then stated flatly, “Miss, you are well aware of the foundation of our Nanjiang family. You will eventually return.”
“No need to worry about me!” Jiang Yuyan’s tone was icily detached.
“Regarding Third Madam…” Elder He shook his head.
Jiang Yuyan’s delicate features shifted instantly, her eyes narrowing, “What have you done to my mother?!” Elder He replied, “We dare not act presumptuously, but the Patriarch has issued an order: Third Madam has been confined. If you refuse to return, I fear Third Madam will not be permitted to leave.” “Good! Good!” Jiang Yuyan ground her pearly teeth together, letting out a string of cold, mirthless laughs.
Elder He continued, “Although Second Young Master’s leg was broken, his life was spared. With Eldest Young Master’s plea, the Patriarch showed mercy. Miss has nothing to fear; why must you insist on being so stubborn?”
“Hmph, mercy…” Jiang Yuyan scoffed, the corners of her porcelain-delicate mouth twisting in disdain.
Elder He glanced sidelong at Li Muzhan and said coolly, “Miss, do not be misled by outsiders who would paint the Patriarch in too dark a light. Even the most savage tiger does not prey upon its own cubs!”
Li Muzhan slightly lowered his eyelids, his expression placid, as if he hadn't heard a word.
Jiang Yuyan sneered, too weary to argue further. No one understood her father’s true nature better than she did: cold, unfeeling, capricious, with eyes fixed only on the Nanjiang family, seeing no room for human affection.
“You may leave. I will not return!” Jiang Yuyan stated.
“Miss, think this through carefully. Do not bring ruin upon yourself…” Elder He intoned gravely.
Another elder standing nearby sighed, “Miss, heed my words. Return home. Do not let Third Madam worry herself sick. She has barely eaten, has already lost weight, and fell ill a few days ago!” This elder was broad-shouldered and imposing, with kind, benevolent features and a face like a silver platter, his hair and beard frosted white. A noble righteousness radiated from him, instantly inspiring goodwill.
“Elder Cheng, my mind is made up. There is no need to say more!” Jiang Yuyan’s voice softened slightly, her eyes flickering momentarily, though she remained outwardly composed.
“Alas…” Elder Cheng sighed, shaking his head with pity.
Elder He asserted gravely, “I believe Miss has been bewitched!” Elder Cheng waved a hand, “Brother He, forget it. Since Miss is unwilling, we should not press her. We will inform Eldest Young Master to come and persuade her properly later…”
“…Enough! Enough!” Cold lightning flickered in Elder He’s eyes as he swept a gaze over Li Muzhan.
Li Muzhan slightly lowered his eyelids, utterly still, like an ancient monk lost in meditation. Only his gray monastic robes fluttered gently in the stirring night wind, which was gradually picking up strength.
“Let us go!” Elder He slowly withdrew his gaze, waved his hand, and turned to leave.
“Miss, take care!” Elder Cheng cupped his fists, offered Jiang Yuyan a smile, and departed with the others.
………………………………”…………………………………………
A long while after they left, Jiang Yuyan remained silent, hugging her knees by the fire, her brow furrowed as she gazed into the distant night sky, her expression heavy.
Li Muzhan opened his eyes and tossed a few more logs onto the fire. The flames surged higher, and despite the biting chill of the night air, the warmth around them remained.
The firelight illuminated her pale, exquisite face, her eyes shimmering like jewels with a confused, mesmerizing gleam.
The occasional sharp crackle of burning wood punctuated the faint whisper of the night wind passing through the treetops.
“Who were they?” Li Muzhan finally broke the nocturnal stillness.
Jiang Yuyan turned to look at him, worry clouding her tone. “The leader was Elder He, and the other was Elder Cheng. They are from the Elder Hall; they obey only the Patriarch…”
Li Muzhan understood her concern was for her mother. He asked, “Not men sent by Second Young Master?” Jiang Yuyan shook her head. “No. They hold venerable status, existing above the fray. They owe allegiance to no one except the current Patriarch…”
Li Muzhan sighed. “They meant to kill you…”
“Hm?” Jiang Yuyan started, seemingly roused from a daze. “They really meant to kill me?” Li Muzhan nodded. “I cultivate the art of Zen concentration. I am skilled at sensing the hearts of men… They concealed their killing intent deeply, which suggests the order did not originate from the Patriarch.” Jiang Yuyan’s bright eyes flickered, her brow knitting in thought. “If that is the case, perhaps Father truly meant to spare me… But they intended to kill me, didn’t they?”
Li Muzhan nodded approvingly; her ability to grasp this so quickly was truly brilliant.
Jiang Yuyan stared into the distance, her lips, the color of peach blossoms, pressed tightly together, their hue fading, revealing a startling elasticity that made one involuntarily long to taste them.
She murmured to herself, “It must be Second Brother…” She shook her head. “Second Brother’s leg is crippled; he can never become Patriarch. Besides, no one likes him; no one would listen to him!” A subtle change crossed her delicate features. “If not Second Brother, then only Eldest Brother…”
She turned to Li Muzhan, hesitating, speaking slowly, “It was… Eldest Brother?” Her clear voice became dry and raspy, as if she were speaking while being choked. Her face turned pale; she was terrified by the implication of her own words.
Li Muzhan smiled and nodded. “Nine times out of ten.”
“No, it couldn't be Eldest Brother!” She shook her head in disbelief.
Li Muzhan chuckled. “Don’t rush. Tell me, you two were very close, weren’t you?”
Seeing Jiang Yuyan nod, he continued, “If that’s the case, if he wished you dead, it could only be over matters of advantage…”
“Advantage?” She frowned in thought, shaking her head. “I cannot think of anything.” Li Muzhan prompted, “Whatever could drive him to harbor the intent to kill you would have to be a matter of considerable importance… Think carefully. What would motivate him to plan your murder?” “The position of Patriarch?!” Jiang Yuyan’s eyebrow shot up.
………………………………
She was utterly astonished, her bright eyes widening.
She had never once considered the Patriarchate for herself. Everything she had done was aimed at helping her Eldest Brother secure that position. As a mere woman, she was ultimately destined for another family; the Patriarchate could never fall to her.
Li Muzhan smiled lightly. “If your Eldest Brother is intelligent, he would secretly dispose of your Second Brother, then frame you for it, and then kill you. It would appear as if you two had eliminated each other in a mutual struggle… Hmm, the execution would be difficult—but if successful, he could rest easy. What could be more profitable!”
Jiang Yuyan’s face went stark white. She shook her head. “Master, you…”
“Do you find me too villainous, that I paint people in such a dark light?” Li Muzhan asked with a smile.
Jiang Yuyan involuntarily nodded.
Li Muzhan shook his head and chuckled. “The depravity and darkness of human nature have no boundaries. They far exceed what I imagine. Never assume the best of people!”
Jiang Yuyan still refused to believe it, shaking her head repeatedly. “Eldest Brother would never kill me. He cherished and protected me since childhood; he treated me like a true sister, doted on me…”
Li Muzhan smiled faintly. “People, at times, become consumed by obsession. For profit, they will turn against their own kin. Are there not countless instances throughout history of sons murdering fathers to seize the throne?” “Eldest Brother is gentle and kind; he is not that sort of person!” Jiang Yuyan ground her teeth and stated firmly.
Li Muzhan smiled, unconcerned. “Well, perhaps I am mistaken.” Jiang Yuyan stared at him, reading the absolute conviction in his expression. She compared her own confidence in her Eldest Brother with the certainty radiating from Li Muzhan, and her faith began to waver.
She lowered her head and began tracing lines in the dirt with a twig, clearly undecided.
After a long pause, Li Muzhan’s voice reached her ears. “How about this? Let us first return to the Nanjiang family and bring your mother to the capital residence. What do you say?” “But…” Jiang Yuyan hesitated. He was afflicted with the potent poison, the Snow Scent Powder; they could not afford much delay.
Although her mother was confined, her life was not in immediate peril—her status afforded some protection. Jiang Yuyan had remained outwardly composed earlier precisely because she did not want to impede Li Muzhan’s journey.
Li Muzhan smiled. “We will ride to the nearest town ahead and board your horse at an inn. My horse is fast enough to carry us both.” “…Alright…” Jiang Yuyan considered it, then slowly nodded.
The two would ride together. Hei Nü [the other horse] was left behind; she would have hesitated with anyone else, but with Li Muzhan, she felt completely at ease, knowing he was not the type to take advantage.
She had personally witnessed Chi Ying’s speed—faster than lightning—and its incredible strength. It was truly a monster.
Riding Chi Ying, their speed surpassed anything her own mount could manage. This meant they could indeed save time, allowing them to search for the antidote in Dong Chu sooner.
“No time to delay. We depart now!” Li Muzhan stood up and beckoned Chi Ying over.
Chi Ying snorted, ambled over lazily, and rubbed its head against Li Muzhan’s side.
……………………………………………………………………
Li Muzhan stroked the horse’s head with his right hand and gestured for Jiang Yuyan with his left. “Let’s test it out first. Come up.” Jiang Yuyan deftly packed up the tea stove and wooden box, tying them into two bundles and placing them on the back of the other horse. She then walked to Li Muzhan’s side and mounted elegantly.
Li Muzhan followed her onto the horse, settling in behind her. Her soft body felt feather-light in his embrace, emitting waves of faint, subtle fragrance.
The subtle scent drifted, stirring the strings of his heart.
Li Muzhan, possessing profound inner calm, remained outwardly composed, as if untouched, maintaining a few inches of space between them. He spoke gently, “Chi Ying, run!”
Chi Ying whinnied lightly and shot forward, weaving through the trees like a nimble fish, moving with effortless grace.
A horse’s whinny came from behind them, the fine steed striving desperately to keep pace with Chi Ying.
Jiang Yuyan sat rigidly still, her attention solely focused on the presence behind her. Every hair on her body tingled with unusual sensation. Li Muzhan hadn't touched her, which brought her a subtle wave of relief.
The scenery blurred past in streaks of elongated color; the sound of rushing wind filled her ears. She paid no mind to the exact speed; her focus remained behind her, feeling enveloped by a gentle warmth, a nameless sense of security washing over her.
It felt like being submerged in a hot spring; she involuntarily relaxed, her body slowly yielding. Only then did her attention shift back to what lay ahead.
Everything rushed backward at incredible speed, yet the saddle felt as stable as standing on solid ground, with no jarring bumps. The subtle rises and falls were as light as floating on a cloud, comfortable and pleasant, save for the strong wind and the chill.
She circulated her inner energy to ward off the biting cold, feeling an inexplicable excitement. Watching Chi Ying run like a streak of light beside her, she thought it fast, but she hadn't felt it.
Now, sitting astride the horse, experiencing the sheer velocity, she finally understood. Fleeting glimpses of scenery, everything appearing illusory—that was the true meaning.
Li Muzhan’s steady voice reached her: “Are you cold…”
She shook her head excitedly, her heart racing. She yearned to shout aloud, to let out a heaven-shattering cry against the wind—that would be true exhilaration.
Li Muzhan smiled and said no more. He lowered his eyelids slightly, observing with the ‘Eye of the Sky.’ Indeed, ten li ahead, there was a small town, not large, currently shrouded in darkness, deep in slumber.
Chi Ying’s speed was astonishing, and it soon left the trailing horse far behind. It occasionally neighed loudly, the sound echoing across the night sky, met only by faint whinnies from the distance.
It called four or five times, and they had reached the small town. After waiting a short while, the other horse finally caught up. They found an inn and left the mount there, arranging to retrieve it in ten days.
Then, without resting, the two immediately mounted Chi Ying again and turned east, heading toward the Nanjiang family estate.
……………………………………………………………………
Chi Ying’s speed and endurance far exceeded Li Muzhan’s initial estimation. Just as people change vastly after three days apart, so too had Chi Ying, having diligently cultivated its powerful inner energy, becoming distinct even among the foremost masters of the martial world.
The two traveled for three days, finally arriving at Qitian Fortress, the location of the Nanjiang family.
Though named a ‘Fortress,’ Qitian was actually a large city, situated northeast of Dayuan. A recent snowfall had left the entire city draped in silver, pure and flawless.
Jiang Yuyan wore a black veil concealing her features. Her hair cascaded down her back, elegant and flowing. Sharing a ride with Li Muzhan, they attracted considerable attention.
They paid it no mind; sometimes, drawing attention made one less suspect. They entered the city openly through the West Gate and headed directly toward the southern district.
Soon, they arrived before a large mansion.
Two towering, ancient pine trees stood before the entrance, each requiring two men to encircle, piercing the sky like upright swords. Though weighted down by snow, they stood rigidly tall, radiating an air of defiance.
Chi Ying stopped beneath the trees, and the pair dismounted. Chi Ying leaned against the pine, rubbing itself as if scratching an itch.
The distant clamor of the main street was muted. The surroundings were very quiet, covered in thick white snow, unmarked by footprints, making the residence look deserted.
A cool breeze swept by, carrying the crisp, pure scent of snow, refreshing to the soul.
“Is this the place?” Li Muzhan pointed at the mansion and asked.
Jiang Yuyan nodded slightly. Beneath the black veil, her pale face showed excitement. She lifted the veil slightly, gazing at the grand house with agitation.
Li Muzhan slightly closed his eyes. After a moment, he spoke, “Inside, there are ten people: one middle-aged woman with a mole below her lip…”
He tapped his own lip, then continued, “A little girl in red, sharp-eyed and clever, and eight middle-aged men positioned around the corners, acting as guards.” Jiang Yuyan quickly confirmed, “That must be Mother!”
Li Muzhan nodded. “Good that she’s here. You go in directly; I will handle the others. Are there no other allies inside?” “The little girl is Zhu’er, my attendant. Two of the men are Mother’s personal guards,” Jiang Yuyan clarified.
“Mm, very well. I will subdue them. Go on…” Li Muzhan nodded, waved his hand, and flashed away, vanishing from his spot.
The snow-covered ground remained undisturbed, showing no footprints. She marveled inwardly at the perfection of his Qinggong (lightness skill), then calmed herself, stepped onto the soft, thick snow, and walked to the door, pulling the brass knocker and tapping lightly.
The great door had several patches where the lacquer had flaked off, leaving yellow and black stains, mottled and old. She hadn't noticed it before, but now upon returning, it was jarringly conspicuous.
She sighed, shaking her head. Her mother had endured too much unfairness in the Nanjiang family over the years. She was unfilial; she should have established her own independence long ago and taken her mother far away, rather than engaging in petty feuds with others.
Staking her pride on helping her Eldest Brother defeat Second Brother for the Patriarchate, in the end, she was merely a pawn used by others, causing her mother endless worry and unrest!
Though she refused to believe her Eldest Brother would kill her, she had an underlying feeling that the Master’s supernatural perception would not be baseless.
……………………………………………………………………
“Who is it?” a rough voice called from inside.
“Uncle Zhou, it’s me,” Jiang Yuyan replied.
The door did not open. The rough voice sounded again, “Oh, you’ve got the wrong door. Old Li lives in the house to the east…”
Jiang Yuyan shook her head and sighed. “Uncle Zhou, please open the door.” “You silly girl, this isn’t Old Li’s house!” the rough voice insisted anxiously.
A slightly high-pitched voice cut in, “Old Zhou, open the door!” A series of chuckles followed. The rough voice belonging to the man named Zhou sounded again, “Brother Fang, just ignore her. The snow is heavy; she must have the wrong door, she’s truly muddled…”
“Enough nonsense!” the sharp voice commanded. Immediately following, with a loud thump, the main door swung open, revealing four burly men. The foremost man, as fierce as a lion, kept making signaling gestures with his eyes, shaking his head in resignation.
A thin, wiry man beside him smirked coldly. “It really is the Miss who has returned…”
Jiang Yuyan spared him a faint glance, stepped across the threshold, and walked straight inward. The imposing presence of the four men faltered, and they stepped aside, letting her pass. She walked across the swept path to the main hall.
Only then did the four react. One quickly barred the door latch, while the other three followed closely behind her.
The lion-like, powerful man strode forward two steps, sword hand resting on the hilt, his body radiating a chilling killing intent, his eyes sweeping like cold electricity toward the two remaining figures.
The other two middle-aged men hesitated upon seeing this but ultimately did not intervene, merely positioning themselves slightly to the left and right, subtly blocking Jiang Yuyan’s path.
Jiang Yuyan stood before the hall entrance. A thick, purple felt curtain blocked the view inside. Her pale, delicate hand paused mid-air.
The lion-like man said, “Miss, the Madam is in the back courtyard.”
Jiang Yuyan let out a soft breath, turned, and asked, “Uncle Zhou, how is my mother?” She didn't spare a glance for the other three men, focusing only on the lion-like figure, as if the others didn't exist, displaying an air of utter command befitting a true young mistress.
The lion-like man nodded. “The Madam is fine, just worried sick about Miss, which is why she fell ill. Nothing serious.”
Jiang Yuyan’s delicately curved eyebrows furrowed instantly. “Is Mother very sick?”
The lion-like man quickly assured her, “It is a sickness of the heart. Seeing Miss now, she will surely recover…”
“Did you call a physician?” Jiang Yuyan inquired.
The man nodded. “Yes, the doctor has already prescribed medicine, and she is taking it now.” They walked side-by-side. The other three positioned themselves behind, to the left, and to the right of her, clearly wary of her escaping but unwilling to engage her directly, knowing the lion-like man was far superior in martial skill.
Suddenly, Jiang Yuyan quickened her pace, moving like a gentle breeze skimming across water. In an instant, she passed through the front courtyard, slipped through a moon gate, and entered the rear courtyard, crying out as she arrived, “Mother, I’m back!”
Everything was as it would be on a normal day when she returned. With a soft creak, the door of the north-facing room slid open, and a beautiful middle-aged woman appeared, her face wreathed in smiles.
Crow’s feet crinkled around her eyes when she smiled, and a small red mole adorned her pointed chin. Yet, her skin was fair, her smile tender, and she exuded a captivating grace.