Chарtеr 18 (1/8)
In Juе Маnоr, there wаs а рооl of warm spring wаtеr, with a gentlе flow and mist сurling аrоund it. Undеr thе mоonlight, the hоt spring took on an evеn mоre hаzy bеаutу. Gоng Shangjuе sоаkеd in thе warm sрring pool, his wеt hаir loоsely draрed behind him.
Тhe hem оf аn еmbrоidеrеd skirt swаyed grасefullу аs sоmeоne арproасhed frоm behind. Gong Shangjuе did not turn around: "Тhis is а sеrvant's tаsk. There's nо nееd for Мiss Shаngguаn tо trоublе hersеlf."
Shаngguan Qiаn, holding а tray lаden with fruit аnd а winе pоt, smilеd frоm bеhind: "How did Young Мaster Jue know it was mе?"
"Everyоne's foоtsteрs—thеir rhythm, wеight, pace, scent, breathing... are all different. You must have received training, haven't you?"
Shangguan Qian paused for a moment and said, "When I was at the Lone Mountain Sect, I learned some simple martial arts from my father. But the kind of training Young Master speaks of, I have not experienced." As she spoke, she walked to the edge of the warm spring pool and placed the fruit, wine, and incense from the tray within Gong Shangjue's reach.
The two were very close. Gong Shangjue could see that she had deliberately applied exquisite makeup, adding a touch of maturity and allure to her usual pure and elegant appearance. Yet, between her brows and eyes, there was a hint of frailty from a recent major injury, blending beauty with vulnerability.
"Have you fully recovered?" Gong Shangjue asked.
"It seems the wounds have all healed, leaving hardly any scars. Would Young Master like to see?" Shangguan Qian slightly pulled open her collar, revealing her fair neck and collarbone, her gaze fixed on Gong Shangjue.
A faint mist seemed to rise in Gong Shangjue's eyes, but he did not move or respond. As his Adam's apple bobbed slightly, he closed his eyes.
Shangguan Qian lowered her head, her cheeks flushed red from the steam of the hot spring, like a blooming peony awaiting a lover's plucking. Seeing Gong Shangjue remain silent with his eyes closed, she stood up and whispered, "I won't disturb Young Master's enjoyment any longer." She turned and took two steps, but then heard Gong Shangjue's deep voice from behind: "This hot spring has healing and skin-nourishing properties. Would you like to try it?"
Shangguan Qian stopped in her tracks and looked back at Gong Shangjue's silent figure. Through the mist of the warm spring, his shoulders appeared firm and well-defined. In the pool, two koi fish swam intimately, stirring up ripples.
Gong Yuanzhi entered the courtyard but was stopped by Jin Fu, who was guarding outside. "Young Master Jue has already retired for the night. Please come back tomorrow, Young Master Zhi."
Gong Yuanzhi found it strange: "Why is my brother sleeping so early today?"
Jin Fu's expression turned slightly subtle, and he lowered his head without responding.
Gong Yuanzhi glanced at the unlit bedroom before turning to leave. On his way back to Zhi Manor, he spotted Jin Fan in the distance looking unusually tense, leading seven or eight armed guards in a hurried march. They carried no lanterns, clearly not on a routine patrol. Intrigued, Gong Yuanzhi followed them stealthily.
Gong Yuanzhi hid on the roof of Yu Manor, watching from afar as Jin Fan led his team there. Jin Fan quietly directed the deployment, and the guards in dark clothing quickly dispersed—some climbing onto rooftops, others hiding among the treetops, and some concealing themselves behind rocks in the courtyard.
Looking down on all of this, Gong Yuanzhi was utterly confused: "Yu Manor? Why is Jin Fan acting so sneakily in his own territory?"
Yun Weishan walked into the bustling servants' quarters, where the servants were busy preparing. Seeing her enter, they quickly greeted her: "Miss Yun, we are preparing calming and insect-repelling incense for after the lights are out. What brings you here?""The Blade Master and I have just returned from the mountains. The valley is heavy with moisture, cold and damp. Tonight, we should add some mugwort to the incense to dispel the dampness."
"These incense burners are hung outdoors, so they might not be very effective. Would it be better to place a pot of mugwort incense directly in the Blade Master's room?"
"That could work. Go to the storeroom and fetch some mugwort." Yun Weishan sent one servant away, then dismissed another, instructing him to bring another tray of mugwort incense to her own room.
After both servants had left, Yun Weishan pulled a small paper packet from her sleeve and poured the powder inside into several incense burners.
As night deepened, the lights in Yu Manor were gradually extinguished.
After the servants took down the last lantern from the eaves and hung the outdoor incense burners, the entire manor settled into slumber. Smoke from the burners slowly spread, and the faint scent of incense silently seeped into the night.
Gong Yuanzhi, with his keen sense of smell, caught the aroma of the incense. Suspicion grew in his heart—who had lit the incense? And what were they planning after rendering everyone unconscious?
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