Chapter 107: Parting Amid the Gentle Spring Breeze (II)

Three days after Wen Xian’s death, Yun Xian tendered his resignation to the matriarch and Chu Xiu, expressing his wish to leave the Yun Manor and manage the Yun family’s business in Jingzhou for the foreseeable future. This was essentially a self-requested transfer. Both the matriarch and Chu Xiu understood that Yun Xian had lost all face remaining in the household and therefore approved his request.

Wen Xian’s name was ultimately erased from the clan records, with no public explanation given. After Yun Xian’s earnest pleadings, the matriarch and Chu Xiu carefully deliberated and decided to keep the truth of Wen Xian’s circumstances hidden from the second young mistress, Yun Muge.

Neither the deeds of this third concubine in life nor the cause of her death were disclosed to her daughter. Yun Muge was told only that Wen Xian had gone on a family visit and suddenly fallen ill on the way, passing away unexpectedly.

Let the thirteen-year-old girl forever remember only the best of her mother, Wen Xian, while all the sordid and malicious truths faded away with Wen Xian’s death and Yun Xian’s departure from the manor...

On the day Yun Xian was to leave, neither the matriarch nor Chu Xiu accompanied him. Only the fourth concubine, Luan Qing, unusually appeared to see him off. Initially, she had been complicit through silence in the affair, and thus partly culpable, but the matriarch refrained from severely rebuking her.

After all, Luan Qing had once risked everything to save the lives of two previous lords of Lixin, and her misstep stemmed only from a single word: love.

Love was the most tormenting of all. The matriarch and Chu Xiu, having lived through such trials, could somewhat understand.

On the third day of the third lunar month, outside Yanlan City, a fine drizzle fell over the ten-mile pavilion. The rain dripped slowly down the face of the departing figure, resembling tears of farewell. Under this scene, no one held an umbrella.

“From now on, there will likely be no chance to meet again. Take good care of yourself,” Yun Xian said, his crimson robes soaked and darkened by the rain, mirroring the heavy and oppressed state of his heart, even stained with fresh blood.

Luan Qing remained silent for a long while, her pale eyes filled with indescribable emotions—sorrow, despair, regret, reluctance, and sadness. Yet a closer look revealed only an overwhelming, haunting beauty of an otherworldly kind.

“Master San, you take care as well,” she finally replied with a faint smile. There was little more to say. Though Yun Xian remained unmarried, he kept two concubines at Changfeng Pavilion and had brought them along to Jingzhou. With attendants to care for him and no lack of wealth, even in exile, his life would hardly be difficult.

Luan Qing wiped the rain from her cheeks with her sleeve and turned toward her carriage.

“Luan Qing!” Yun Xian suddenly called from behind — the first time he had addressed her without the title “Fourth Concubine.” She halted and turned to face him. They stood just a few steps apart, yet neither advanced.

After all that had happened, both bore guilt, and any affection between them had been buried with Wen Xian’s death. She was his stepmother, and the relationship was hopeless.

“You’re still young. Perhaps... you should remarry,” Yun Xian said bitterly, though his heart was far more acrid. He no longer wished to feel it. “The title of Fourth Concubine in the Yun household is merely a shelter. You prefer cold detachment, but the endless disputes within this grand estate do not suit you... You should remarry.”

Luan Qing stared at him through the rain veil for a moment, then pressed her lips into a smile and replied, “Thank you for your concern, Master San. In truth, my name never appeared on the Yun clan records... The matriarch has already let me go.”

Yun Xian was slightly surprised that her name was not in the clan genealogy, but upon reflection, it made sense. If so, did that mean she had always been free?

Suddenly, a thought leapt from Yun Xian’s heart. He looked at Luan Qing, almost ready to say something—a phrase she had been waiting to hear. Yet, bound by propriety and the weight of past grievances, he could not utter the three simple words: “Come with me.”

After all, she had been his stepmother, seven years his senior. Moreover, he could not be sure if, living face-to-face day after day, he could forget Wen Xian’s deeds or free himself from lifelong guilt toward his father, Lord Yun Li, and elder brother Yun Ci.

Enough. It was a mistaken bond from the start—should never have begun, and now should not continue. Yun Xian chose silence.

Luan Qing seemed to have anticipated his reaction and knew he would say nothing. Her hopeful gaze flickered briefly before fading into stillness. Seeing his hesitation and inner turmoil, she finally smiled first.

“Master San, take care. Across faraway lands and wide rivers and mountains, let us... forget each other.”

With those words, the fiercely passionate foreign woman turned decisively and boarded her carriage.

“To forget each other...” Yun Xian stood stunned, the lingering exotic scent she left behind mingling with the rain, becoming a bittersweet poison. Moments later, he suddenly realized that the direction she had taken was not back to Yun Manor — but rather a right turn at the fork, heading south!

He was heading north, she south. Truly, as she said, they would forget each other amid the vast mountains and waters.

For a fleeting moment, Yun Xian almost gave chase, but his reason held him back. Moreover, after so long, the rain had washed away the carriage tracks. Where could he find her? And even if he did, what could he promise?

At least now he knew Luan Qing could protect herself. Skilled in poisons and knowledgeable in pharmacology, she would never suffer losses wherever she went.

Yun Xian let out a bitter laugh and finally exhaled deeply, as if to cast all the past away. He glanced back once toward Yanlan City, then resolutely boarded his carriage and headed north.

The misty drizzle accompanied the rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels, composing a sorrowful melody of partings and reunions. The tangled grudges, disputes, and life-and-death separations spanning more than twenty years had finally come to an end.

It had begun with love, driven mad by love, lived and died for love, and ultimately concluded within love...

*****

The next day,

Yun Cheng, having “recovered,” resumed martial training under Shen Yu’s guidance and returned from the archery range. Chu Xiu told them about the events involving the third branch family.

“I only later learned that it was the second concubine who found that wandering sorcerer again and discovered he was Luan Qing’s senior apprentice. Only then could Zhuo Yan trace the matter,” Chu Xiu sighed deeply. “It ended up falsely accusing the second branch.”

“It’s not entirely baseless,” Shen Yu comforted, “They truly intended harm, but failed. You handled things with great tact — the children are innocent.”

“But this time, Cheng’er suffered,” Chu Xiu said, handing a handkerchief to Yun Cheng to wipe his sweat. “He endured a few days of high fever for nothing.”

Yun Cheng accepted it obediently, wiping his brow with a smile. “I wasn’t really suffering or uncomfortable. It’s just the medicine Uncle prepared that’s effective—my body just feels a bit warm.”

“Yes, we should thank Uncle Shen,” Chu Xiu said, looking at Shen Yu and Yun Cheng, then lowered her eyes, thinking of Yun Ci. She sighed, “No matter what, the lord’s grudge has been fully avenged. Cheng’er, do you think I was cruel?”

Yun Cheng was stunned, then quickly shook his head. “No way. Mother’s deep affection for Father Lord inspires only admiration.”

Chu Xiu pressed her lips, considering for a moment before looking up at him. “I involved you because I want you to understand that the position of Lord of Lixin, though glorious, is fraught with difficulty and danger. Your father was too kind and merciful, which led to his untimely demise. You must learn from this: never harbor ill will, but never be without caution.”

Yun Cheng nodded solemnly. “I understand. Mother only wishes the best for me.”

Chu Xiu nodded. “Good. Have Qian Yun take you back to rest. I have matters to discuss with Uncle Shen.”

Yun Cheng replied “Yes,” bowed to Shen Yu, and left with Qian Yun.

Once Yun Cheng left, Shen Yu frowned. “Teaching a child such schemes so early—won’t that...”

“This is not scheming,” Chu Xiu interrupted, “It is self-protection. Do you want to see Cheng’er suffer the same fate as the lord?”

Shen Yu was silent for a moment before saying, “Now that the second and third branches’ days are numbered, and Cheng’er is safer, you should be at ease.”

“Safe? Where is it safe in the Lord of Lixin’s mansion?” Chu Xiu retorted. “Without internal betrayal, there are still many restless clan members. Not to mention the watchful eyes north and south—who knows when they will set their sights on Cheng’er.”

“You have a point,” Shen Yu seemed persuaded, though still hesitant. “But I believe that teaching children should always prioritize ‘goodness.’”

This time, Chu Xiu did not argue. She understood his point and had no wish to waste words. Changing the subject, she said, “By the way, I must thank you again. If you hadn’t brought that sorcerer and spread the rumors, I wouldn’t have succeeded alone.”

Shen Yu smiled lightly. “What concerns Wan Zhi concerns me. What concerns you concerns me too.”

Chu Xiu was used to his tone and didn’t dwell on it. Then she reminded him, “Young Lord, Mu Wang is absent from Fangzhou these days. I heard his beloved was kidnapped by bandits, and he used the tiger tally to dispatch troops in search. This won’t end soon, and Emperor Nie will surely hold him accountable. Take this rare chance to return to Jingzhou quickly.”

Seeing the concern on Chu Xiu’s face, Shen Yu was moved and smiled bitterly. “It’s too late, Chu Xiu. Do you know that Mu Wang’s men surround my house? It’s impossible to leave the city now.”

He sighed deeply. “You were right. Mu Wang has taken a fancy to me and wants to keep me here indefinitely.”

“If it were only detainment, that would be one thing, but...” Chu Xiu furrowed her brows in worry. “I didn’t expect Mu Wang to act so quickly—he’s already left Yanlan City but still sent people to monitor you.”

Shen Yu gazed absently at her flawless beauty, thinking even her sighs and frowns were enchanting. He blurted out, “Hanchu, if you worry about me every day, even death would be worthwhile.”

“Stop talking nonsense!” Chu Xiu scolded him. “Don’t say such things. Do you want me to shorten your life?”

Shen Yu laughed and then explained, “I’m only joking...” Though the topic was heavy, he felt joyful at that moment. If Hanchu worried for him daily, being confined in Fangzhou under surveillance was a small price to pay.

Just then, the bamboo curtain parted and a voice reported, “Madam, Young Lord’s attendant Qing Yi has arrived with urgent news.”

Qing Yi was Shen Yu’s personal servant, usually tasked with errands and known for his sharp mind. He understood Shen Yu’s feelings well and typically did not follow him to Yun Manor, fearing he might be a distraction.

What could be so urgent now, interrupting Shen Yu’s private moment with Hanchu? Shen Yu frowned and told Zhu Ying, “Tell him to wait outside!”

“Qing Yi hasn’t done anything wrong. Why are you angry?” Chu Xiu thought Shen Yu’s irritation stemmed from being monitored by Mu Wang and lightly rebuked him before instructing Zhu Ying, “Let him in.”

Moments later, a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old youth with delicate features hurried in, his face troubled. “Young Lord, a letter arrived from Jingzhou just now. The old lord has suddenly fallen gravely ill and is now... critically ill.”