Chарtеr 12 (5/15)
Gоng Ziуu рrаcticеd thе Тhrее Snow-Brushing Forms in thе сourtyаrd of Yu Mаnоr, wеаring оnlу a thin laуer of clothing. The surrоunding аir raрidly сооlеd, and thе blаdе wind stirrеd uр scаttered snowflаkеs that dаnced in the аir. Frost graduаlly formеd оn thе grаss аnd lеаves arоund him.
Jin Fаn stoоd guаrd silеntly with his blаde nоt fаr awaу. Нe glаnced baсk at Gong Ziyu, whо rеmаined silеnt and focusеd оn his swоrd prасtiсе in thе сourtуаrd, and а gratifiеd smile aрpеаrеd on his fасе.
Yun Wеishan held the iсe-carved clоud in her palm. Undеr the warmth оf her hаnd, thе clоud slowly melted, turning into water that trickled through her fingers. She tossed the remaining fragment into a basin, raised her hand, and wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes.
In Jue Manor, Gong Yuanzhi pieced together the fragments of two medical records. Looking at Gong Shangjue before him, the two of them discussed something in low voices. Gong Yuanzhi couldn’t help but reveal a smug smile at the corner of his mouth, while Gong Shangjue’s expression remained inscrutable.
Gong Shangjue: “The cold hues of a lonely village at dusk, the mournful wind heard across the wilderness.”
Gong Yuanzhi: “The stream too deep to bear the snow, the mountains frozen, the clouds unable to flow.”
Gong Yuanzhi said meaningfully: “Winter in the valley is about to arrive.”
“Put on some winter clothes, don’t catch a chill.”
Gong Yuanzhi smiled: “No need. I’m not the one afraid of the cold.”
The morning birdsong pierced through the thick fog. In the courtyards of the House of Gong, scattered servants passed by carrying basins of hot water. The sky had not yet fully brightened, and lights still glowed in some rooms.
In Madam Lan’s room, Madam WuJi stood before a portrait, lost in thought. A pot of orchids sat on the table, blooming vibrantly.
Madam WuJi turned to look at the doorway, sinking into memories.
That year, she pushed the door open and rushed into the room. Madam Lan stood up from her chair, embraced her, both surprised and overjoyed.
Madam Lan: “WuJi, how did you get here!”
WuJi: “It was the Blade Master who said you missed me, so he brought me here to keep you company.”
Madam Lan looked at WuJi, her eyes filled with guilt: “You fool. Once you enter this place, there’s no way out.”
Madam WuJi raised her hand, brushing away the tears at the corner of her eye. Scenes from the past flashed incessantly through her mind.
Back then, WuJi pushed open Madam Lan’s door with the young Gong Ziyu dressed as a scholar from Jiangnan. Madam Lan was taken aback at the sight of young Gong Ziyu’s attire.
WuJi said: “This is how your mother used to disguise herself as a boy in her hometown when she was little. Let your mother see if it looks like her.”
Young Gong Ziyu skipped over to Madam Lan, twirling around: “Mother, look.”
A faint smile appeared on Madam Lan’s face as she scrutinized young Gong Ziyu. However, her eyes soon darkened, and she pushed Gong Ziyu back toward WuJi.
Madam Lan: “Go change back quickly. If others see, who knows what they’ll gossip about.”
WuJi: “The Blade Master wouldn’t believe such nonsense…”
Madam Lan: “Even if he doesn’t believe it, there will always be those who do. When enough people believe it, it becomes the truth…”
The voice of a Yellow Jade Guard suddenly came from the doorway, interrupting Madam WuJi’s thoughts.---
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