The next day.
Inside Bixiao Pavilion.
Wan Yu Yuedan gently rubbed the broken jade pendant between his fingers, the characters "Langya County" clearly discernible on its surface. Bi Lianyi stood quietly nearby. After a moment, Wan Yu Yuedan rested his chin on his hand and smiled, "Do you know what this is?" Bi Lianyi coughed lightly, "A phoenix jade pendant." Wan Yu Yuedan shook his head, "This isn’t a phoenix—it’s a pheasant. And this jade, is it green?" Bi Lianyi nodded, "A very translucent emerald green, exceedingly rare." Wan Yu Yuedan picked up a shard and lightly tapped it against the table, "A green pheasant motif—do you know what it signifies?" Bi Lianyi showed a trace of surprise, "A pheasant motif? Why a pheasant?" He had assumed it was a phoenix. Common women were forbidden from wearing accessories or clothing embroidered with phoenix patterns, as they were reserved for the imperial court. But this jade pendant bore a pheasant motif—a far rarer sight.
"Though phoenix designs are forbidden among commoners, they are not uncommon among noblewomen in the palace," Wan Yu Yuedan said with a faint smile. "But a pheasant motif—especially a green one—has, since the Qin and Han dynasties, been worn exclusively by empresses and imperial consorts during grand ceremonial rites. The current Empress Li was only enthroned two years ago, and the edges of this jade show signs of wear, meaning it isn’t newly made. Therefore—" Bi Lianyi’s heart gave a slight jolt. "Therefore? She is..."
"Therefore, this jade pendant does not belong to Empress Li or Consort Yunfei," Wan Yu Yuedan said. "The inscription reads 'Langya County.' In the fifth year of Zhou Xiande’s reign, Emperor Taizu married the third daughter of Rao, the military governor of Zhangde Army, as his second wife. Emperor Shizong of Zhou bestowed upon her a ceremonial headdress and titled her Lady of Langya County. This Lady of Langya was later enthroned as empress in the first year of Jianlong’s reign and passed away in the twelfth month of the first year of Qiande’s reign at the age of twenty-two." Bi Lianyi frowned, "Since this empress has already passed away, then this jade pendant..." Wan Yu Yuedan replied softly, "Though Empress Wang is no longer alive, she bore Emperor Taizu three children." Bi Lianyi’s brows lifted, "Could Hong Guniang be Empress Wang’s..." Wan Yu Yuedan sighed lightly, "Judging by age, it’s highly likely. Moreover, she calls herself Xiao Hong. 'Xiao Hong'—surely not her real name. With her striking beauty, dignified bearing, and exceptional intellect, she knows about the 'Green Enchantment Pearl' on the emperor’s crown and carries a green pheasant jade. If she isn’t a princess born of Empress Wang, she must at least be someone who has access to the emperor or has close ties to the princess." Bi Lianyi fell silent for a long moment. "Why would a princess of the current dynasty conceal her identity and involve herself in the martial world?" Wan Yu Yuedan held the broken jade shard, pressing his fingertip hard against its sharp edge. He wasn’t smiling as he spoke, "That... no one would know unless we ask her herself. Perhaps she has many hardships... or perhaps... it’s all for Liu Yan." After a pause, he added, "Maybe she never wanted to be a princess.""Perhaps—proud women, once they love, become deeply devoted," Bi Lianyi said lightly. Wan Yu Yuedan paused slightly, his eyes curving into crescents. "That makes sense, Brother Bi. Perhaps... you're a devoted person too." Bi Lianyi didn't so much as flicker an eyelash as he replied calmly, "Bi Lianyi's life is dedicated solely to the Azure Fall Palace. I harbor no other thoughts."
Wan Yu Yuedan turned to him, reaching out as if to pat his shoulder but instead brushing his face. He sighed softly. "Brother Bi, the Azure Fall Palace doesn’t demand your absolute devotion. I only wish for you to live the life you truly desire. Even if... even if you harbor affection for Hong Guniang, that’s perfectly fine. There’s no need to restrain yourself. If you wish to treat her kindly, to cherish her—then do so. She isn’t irredeemable; she merely loved the wrong person." He patted his shoulder. "Don’t deceive yourself. If your heart desires something, act on it."
Bi Lianyi hadn’t expected such words and was momentarily stunned. After a pause, he stammered, "I—" Wan Yu Yuedan chuckled. "Are you intimidated because she’s a princess?" Bi Lianyi replied, "It’s not that I fear her status. It’s just..." Wan Yu Yuedan smiled, his brows arching gently. "I’ve never feared loving someone. I only fear having no one to love." Bi Lianyi was taken aback again. "She’s an assassin who infiltrated the palace to kill you."
Wan Yu Yuedan gave a light laugh, turning away with his sleeves behind his back. "Indeed. But what of it? Could she truly kill me?" Bi Lianyi watched his retreating figure, lips parting slightly. "Truthfully... Palace Master, had you not spoken, I would never have realized such feelings existed." Wan Yu Yuedan smiled. "Oh? Now that I’ve mentioned it, you’ve discovered them?" Bi Lianyi didn’t answer immediately. After a long silence, he smiled faintly. "Palace Master, I’ve always admired you. Now, I’m utterly in awe."
Just then, Tie Jing hurried in. "Palace Master, Plum Blossom Numerology has awakened."
Wan Yu Yuedan stepped forward. "Is he lucid? I’ll go see him." Tie Jing and Bi Lianyi followed closely as they hastened to the guest quarters where Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace were staying.
Inside the guest room, Plum Blossom Numerology had changed out of his crimson robes embroidered with red blossoms and now wore the Azure Fall Palace’s green robes. His face was pale, though the vivid red plum blossoms tattooed on his wrists remained starkly striking. He sat at the table, holding a cup of tea, a few plum petals scattered before him. His eyes were lightly closed, lost in thought.
As Wan Yu Yuedan entered, Plum Blossom Numerology raised his right hand slightly and spoke hoarsely, "Three blossoms, five leaves—signifying three fires and five woods. Today favors encounters with scholars of the mountains and forests, though one afflicted with blindness." Wan Yu Yuedan smiled. "Plum Blossom Numerology truly grasps the workings of heaven and earth. What else might you divine, Master Mei?"
Plum Blossom Numerology gathered the petals on the table. "Today, will you be serving me roasted meat?" Wan Yu Yuedan nodded. "The Li trigram, three fires—governing heated foods, grilled and roasted fare. It seems we must feast on barbecue today." He flicked his sleeve and said to Tie Jing, "Tonight, we’ll all dine on roasted meat and drink Nü’er Hong wine.""Palace Master Wan Yu, truly a remarkable man." Plum Blossom Numerology glanced at him. "Are you here to drink with me today?" Wan Yu Yuedan sat down at his table. "I wonder how well Master Mei holds his liquor?" Plum Blossom Numerology gave him a cold look. "At least three times better than you." Wan Yu Yuedan smiled cheerfully. "That's perfect then. Shall we drink and chat?" Plum Blossom Numerology held his teacup, tilting his head back to drain it in one gulp. "What do you want to talk about?"
"About—the poison in your system." Wan Yu Yuedan's gaze was sincere, his tone gentle. "Over three years ago, who inflicted such a cruel toxin on you two? Do you know if there's any other way to cure the Bright Yellow Bamboo poison besides the Green Enchantment Pearl?" Plum Blossom Numerology replied indifferently, "Ha! Unfortunately, I can't answer that." The creases at the corners of Wan Yu Yuedan's eyes twitched. "Why not?" Plum Blossom Numerology poured himself another cup of tea and downed it again. "Because the world changes too quickly. I haven't yet figured out what exactly happened back then. Telling you now would only be my one-sided account, hardly credible." Wan Yu Yuedan's eyes curved slightly. "Even if it's one-sided, I'd still like to hear it. I won't spread it or take it as fact. How about it?" Plum Blossom Numerology shook his head. "No. I need to find her myself and ask—what exactly happened, why she did this... Until I get answers, I can't tell you anything. Perhaps... things aren't as bad as I imagined. Perhaps... it was all just a misunderstanding, an accident."
"I see. The world is like a dream, like moonlight over sand." Wan Yu Yuedan didn't press further, sighing softly. "Then let's drink." Tie Jing went to the kitchen to order roasted meat and brought back a jar of fine Nu'er Hong wine, placing it in the room. Plum Blossom Numerology's eyes widened. "Where are the bowls?" With a sweep of his sleeve, Wan Yu Yuedan sent the teacups and teapot crashing to the ground, shattering into countless pieces. "Tie Jing, bring the bowls."
A faint smile suddenly appeared on Tie Jing's face as he fetched two large bowls from the kitchen, each capable of holding nearly half a pound of wine. He placed one before Plum Blossom Numerology and the other before Wan Yu Yuedan. Plum Blossom Numerology broke the seal on the jar, filled his bowl to the brim, and downed it in one go. "Your turn." Not to be outdone, Wan Yu Yuedan took the jar and drank a bowl himself. Plum Blossom Numerology poured another, his voice hoarse. "Seems you can hold your liquor." Wan Yu Yuedan smiled faintly. "Passably." Plum Blossom Numerology drained another bowl. "Hey, drink." Wan Yu Yuedan complied, and so they drank bowl after bowl, reveling in the pleasure.
After more than an hour, Plum Blossom Numerology's face was flushed, his eyes dazed. "You... you really don't get drunk..." He pointed at Wan Yu Yuedan. "You're a freak..." Wan Yu Yuedan had matched him drink for drink—seventeen or eighteen bowls of Nu'er Hong. Though not a strong liquor, its aftereffects were potent, yet his face remained delicate and refined, showing no trace of intoxication. "I'm also puzzled. Why don't I ever get drunk?" Plum Blossom Numerology let out a hoarse laugh. "Hahaha... This is the first time in my life... I've met someone who can't get drunk. Someone who can't get drunk... is a fool... hahaha..." He slapped the table, laughing uproariously. "You can't get drunk... you can't get drunk..." Wan Yu Yuedan lifted his bowl, taking a small sip. "Back then... were you drunk too?"At these words, Plum Blossom Numerology's eyes immediately glazed over. With a sudden "bang," he slammed the table heavily. "I'm not drunk! I just had two extra cups... just two... there must have been something in that wine..." Wan Yu Yuedan's clear, beautiful eyes rested on the wine-stained table as he listened to Plum Blossom Numerology's feverish breathing. "Who gave you the wine?"
"It was my good brother," Plum Blossom Numerology murmured. "It was Chonghua." Wan Yu Yuedan's brow furrowed slightly. "Chonghua? Is he One Peach Three Colors?" Plum Blossom Numerology shook his head vehemently. "No, no, of course not. He's Layered Petal Grandeur, our fourth brother. Little Tao is the seventh." Suddenly, he began rambling. "Chonghua can't hold his liquor at all—one drink and he's out. That day, I deliberately drank two extra cups with him, but then suddenly the world spun, and I collapsed." Wan Yu Yuedan set his wine bowl down with a "clink." "And then?"
"Then the Queen Mother of the West came out to fight the Jade Emperor, Wu Guang turned into a woman..." Plum Blossom Numerology spoke with utmost seriousness, his eyes unfocused, raising a finger and staring at it as if seeing something inexplicable. "The Supreme Elder and the King of Hell started fighting, hahaha... blood everywhere, blood all over the ground. I saw the King of Hell die... then the sky turned yellow, the clouds green, someone stabbed me with needles, and someone was singing... yiya yiyaya..." Suddenly, he began flailing his arms and legs, singing and dancing wildly. Tie Jing waved a hand and sealed his acupoint. "Palace Master."
"It seems the trauma he suffered goes far beyond what he himself realizes," Wan Yu Yuedan sighed. "String Plucking Soul Snatching must have damaged certain parts of his mind." Tie Jing nodded. "From what he says, it seems he was ambushed years ago, poisoned with wine, and conflict broke out among the Seven Cloud Traveling Guests, leading to mutual slaughter." Wan Yu Yuedan mused, "Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace became murderous puppets, yet One Peach Three Colors rose to high status. The reasons behind this are quite intriguing." Rising from his chair, he turned leisurely. "I wonder what those at Good Cloud Mountain are thinking now?"
"Does the Palace Master not intend to question him further when he wakes?" Tie Jing asked. "Of the Seven Cloud Traveling Guests—Po Cheng Guaike, Yu Yuelongfei, One Peach Three Colors, Plum Blossom Numerology, Raging Orchid No Trace—plus the Layered Petal Grandeur he mentioned today, that makes six. Who is the seventh?" Wan Yu Yuedan replied, "Even if we get another name, we still won’t know who that person truly is. Plum Blossom Numerology’s mind is injured—let him be. Besides, he doesn’t actually know what really happened. Perhaps when Raging Orchid No Trace regains clarity, we’ll learn more details." With that, he lightly flicked his sleeve and walked away calmly.
"Clouds move, wind answers, stirred by clouds, the azure sky casts empty shadows. Where to go, where to wander, ask where you shall roam? Between mountains and rivers, sins abound in thousands. One step forward, all seen by the eye. Ask the heavens, does the heart remain as before? Ask not the dust of this world. Man without thought, body as sword, in seas of blood, killing without end..." In Hong Guniang's guest room, the soft strains of a zither drifted. The room held a qin, and she plucked its strings while singing, her tone serene. "Intent unshaken, yet the heart falters. Mountains and seas shallow, unaware of clouded peaks. A thousand miles with sword, a thousand fathoms into the abyss. Holding a cup, drunk before honor. Three questions to the beauty, nine questions to the heavens.""A fine melody, but not good lyrics," the door opened, and Bi Lianyi stood at the threshold, holding something in her hand.
"I think it's good lyrics, but not a fine melody," Hong Guniang murmured softly. "Who are you?"
"Bi Lianyi of Azure Fall Palace," Bi Lianyi replied calmly. "I’ve come to return something to you."
Hong Guniang pushed aside the zither. "What is it?" Bi Lianyi opened her palm, revealing a small brocade pouch. Hong Guniang stiffened slightly. "Is it poison inside?" Bi Lianyi shook her head and opened the pouch. Inside was the shattered jade pendant, pieced back together by some unknown means. Though covered in cracks, not a single fragment was missing. Hong Guniang let out a soft gasp. "So it was you who took it." She had regretted breaking the jade and searched for it during the day, but it was nowhere to be found.
Bi Lianyi withdrew her hand. "Hong Guniang, if you want your pendant back, I have one condition." Hong Guniang's eyes flickered. "What condition? Do you even know what that is?" Bi Lianyi replied coolly, "I do. Though this belonged to Empress Wang, the inscription 'Langya County' was granted by the Great Zhou. Keeping this jade is a grave crime, is it not?" Hong Guniang scoffed. "Who are you to spout such nonsense? Give it back!" Bi Lianyi shook her head and extended her left hand. "First, hand over the 'Ten-Thousand-Year Red,' and I’ll return the pendant."
Hong Guniang took two steps back, her expression shifting. "You... you searched my room!"
Bi Lianyi nodded. Hong Guniang said coldly, "If you’ve already searched my room, why not just take the 'Ten-Thousand-Year Red' then? Why ask me now?" Bi Lianyi remained composed. "The 'Ten-Thousand-Year Red' belongs to you. Taking it without permission is not the act of a noble person." Hong Guniang sneered. "Then sneaking into my room and rummaging through my things is noble? Holding my pendant hostage to extort the 'Ten-Thousand-Year Red' is noble?" Bi Lianyi remained unruffled. "It was a matter of necessity."
Hong Guniang exhaled sharply. "If you know I carry Empress Wang’s relic, then you must realize my status is extraordinary. How dare you threaten me? Aren’t you afraid of committing treason?" Bi Lianyi smiled faintly. "I ask for the 'Ten-Thousand-Year Red' for your own good. If you are indeed a princess, I cannot allow you to keep such a thing on your person."
Hong Guniang stared at him unblinkingly. "Since you’ve searched my belongings, you must know I came to Azure Fall Palace to kill someone. So—" She turned her back to him, hands clasped behind her. "I am an enemy of Azure Fall Palace. If I live or die, what concern is it of yours?"
"I simply don’t wish to see you die," Bi Lianyi said.
Hong Guniang paused, her delicate brows lifting slightly as a dozen schemes flashed through her mind. "Am I... different to you?" She opened a cabinet, took out the porcelain vial containing the 'Ten-Thousand-Year Red,' and turned to face him.
Bi Lianyi met her gaze. "I believe you do not deserve to die."
"Am I different to you?" Hong Guniang pulled the stopper from the vial and brought it to her lips, her bright eyes sharp as lightning, coldly watching him.
"Yes," Bi Lianyi admitted after a pause, her tone frank.
Hong Guniang studied her for a long moment before slowly replacing the stopper and handing the vial to Bi Lianyi. "Return my pendant."Bi Lianyi handed the brocade pouch to her. "Don't drop it again."
The man's gaze was clear—pure and resolute, uncomplicated. As Hong Guniang watched Bi Lianyi return the jade pendant, take the Ten-Thousand-Year Red, and turn to leave, she suddenly spoke up. "Did Wan Yu Yuedan send you?"
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