Looking up, there was only a single silken chair, upon which Murong Yan sat; many guards in black robes, were aligned to his left and right, armed with fierce blades and swords, their expressions carrying killing intent. The youths were all afraid to even breathe loudly, and Murong Yan glanced them over, from left to right, slowly saying, "Back then, when I brought you all here, I had once said, I would not be able to save any of your lives. I could only grant you some time, to let you all once again get an opportunity and ability to choose your own fate. Right now, it is time for you all to decide for yourselves. Pick up your weapons, and fight for yourselves. I will bring away the last person that survives."
The youths were all shocked, but nobody gave them an opportunity to react, before the "masters" came forward, each choosing one of their own preferred weapons, and then pushing people into the iron cages, two per group. Leng Feiyan glanced at Zuo Canglang, and Zuo Canglang also glanced at her.
Over here, among everyone, if there had to be someone who was selected solely based on their martial prowess, the survivor would definitely be her. There was no time, and Leng Feiyan was pushed into a steel cage, her opponent wielding a short blade, his hands tightly gripping the blade, seemingly extremely nervous.
Leng Feiyan turned her head, taking another look at Zuo Canglang, before picking up a short sword. Zuo Canglang lifted her head, looking at Murong Yan, who was intently sitting there, watching, his age wasn't high, but he had a type of aura of heaviness. She hesitated a bit, before picking a bow.
This decision obviously surprised everyone, as the cages were so small, how would she be able to utilize the advantages of the bow?
Murong Yan had long been watching the arena with interest, and in the first match, for the purpose of being deterministic, all the pairings were between the weak and the strong. A few of the stronger opponents didn't immediately face each other. Leng Feiyan quickly finished off her opponent, and turned around to watch; Yang Lianting was also pretty close to achieving victory. His martial arts couldn't be counted as good, and over here there were probably six or seven others, so she probably wouldn't have to face him.
She didn't know whether she should hope for his loss or victory, as what would happen even if he won? It wasn't anything more than dying to her own hands, or dying to someone else's hands as a difference. Unfortunately...... this would be her first time in her life having to kill someone she knew, ah!
She turned her head, looking towards Zuo Canglang; Zuo Canglang's opponent was also not particularly strong, but she didn't have a convenient weapon, and was fighting with difficulty. Within the cage, the bow was indeed impossible to utilize. Luckily the opponent truly wasn't strong, and although it was difficult, but she still prevailed.
Facing an opponent that was also fighting for their lives, nobody had the space to be merciful. The corpses were quickly dragged out, and among the victorious some were jubilant, while others were deep in consideration.
There was no time to rest, the victorious ones were once again quickly forced to face the other victorious combatants. Zuo Canglang picked up her previous opponent's weapon, it was a bloody dagger. The second opponent immediately charged upon entering the cage, and Zuo Canglang immediately shot out her sword, swinging rapidly like the blaze of the sun, the sky grew dark, burying the scene. Wind hailed rain, bringing a foreboding chill, and while the youths heads were dripping sweat, they could only dye their eyes with the color of blood, entering into a frenzy of bloodlust.
The people in the arena once again diminished one by one, the blood splattering against the newly sprouted wild grass; it was not eye catching. At the final round, Yang Lianting's body already had many blade wounds, but Leng Feiyan could still be considered as being in pristine condition. The blood that covered her body, mostly came from her dead opponents.
Zuo Canglang faced her in the cage, and Leng Feiyan raised her weapon, lightly licking the blade, removing the fresh blood that was on her sharp blade.
The final confrontation was just before their eyes, and Yang Lianting was pushed into Leng Feiyan's cage; the hand with which Leng Feiyan wielded her blade quivered a bit, but quickly stilled. One their path, arriving here, how many times had they seen people perishing? They didn't want to have companions, they didn't want to have friends, exactly because they didn't want to have this moment. But an act of self sacrifice for the greater good, she could not do, so even any extra words, she didn't want to say.
She lifted her sword, stabbing straight. Yang Lianting knew that he wasn't her opponent, so he didn't even bother resisting, demonstrating this by loosening his grip. Zuo Canglang quickly finished the opponent by her side, and suddenly picked up the bow that since entering, she had not used.
And then she pulled her bow, her arrow filled with rage, aiming it at the gap between the cage bars. Leng Feiyan was originally facing Zuo Canglang, and seeing this, she cursed her, slashing her sword to deflect the arrow. But Zuo Canglang's second and third arrows quickly fired in succession!
The space within the cage was already extremely narrow and small, plus she still had to watch out for Yang Lianting, so as she was dodging Zuo Canglang's arrows, she was quickly struck by one in her right arm.
The arena turned extremely quiet and still, and the test administrators all looked up towards Murong Yan. Murong Yan's smile only grew, and within the blink of an eye, Zuo Canglang had once again shot Leng Feiyan's thigh with another arrow. She once again aimed accurately, and Leng Feiyan cursed once, before tossing aside her weapon, giving up her resistance.
Yang Lianting was startled, and turned to look at Zuo Canglang. Zuo Canglang's forehead was covered with sweat, her clothes had be drenched and then dried, formed into a white layer of sweat residue. Her last arrow, she ultimately still didn't fire out. She put away her arrow, kneeling, and saying, "Lord master lets us murder each other, in the end, he only wants to attain the ultimate strong one. But...... but this servant believes, people all have their own strengths. Right now, the one with the highest martial arts is already deeply injured, and cannot continue fighting. This servant dares, to beg lord master to keep us, and allow us all to work for lord master, together."
A short silence later, everyone watched Murong Yan atop the platform. Murong Yan rubbed a ring in his left hand, a while later, lightly saying, "Today you all have served with much difficulty, you are dismissed to groom and wash."
The people in the arena all released their bated breath, and not long later, the cages were opened, and some people guided them to bathe and wash. The moment Leng Feiyan exited the cage, she cursed, "Piece of shit!"1 Zuo Canglang glanced sideways at her, but it was ultimately Yang Lianting that came forwards, checking her wounds, saying, "Whew, your wounds aren't super serious; let's find a place to help you pull those arrows out."
Leng Feiyan could only bite her tongue, "You win just like this? No way, no way, wait until this great one gets better, and we'll switch a place to get a rematch!"
Zuo Canglang didn't bother responding to her, the few of them followed an attendant, and were brought to an estate, within it, hot water was already prepared, and beside it was already clean clothes. Not long later, there were servant girls that also came forward to offer them injury medication; after Yang Lianting helped Leng Feiyan bandage her wounds, the three of them each washed and groomed. A little bit later, once they had once again come out and taken a look at each other, they all felt that everyone had changed their faces.
The white robes were soft and elegant, worn upon the bodies of the youth, were like eastern snows meeting cherry flowers. From outside the door, some servant girls entered, respectfully saying, "His highness three young masters to rest for a bit, in the night, there will be someone from the estate coming to invite you all."
Yang Lianting immediately collapsed on the arhat bed, saying, "Just right, I'm tired to death. I'm gonna sleep for a bit." Leng Feiyan collapsed beside him, saying, "Zuo Canglang, you wait for me, wait for this great one's wounds to heal, I'll definite take your......" before the two words of 'dog life' were stated, she had also fallen asleep.
Zuo Canglang rested by the head of the bed, but not knowing why, she didn't even have a bit of sleeping intent. Perhaps from that year in the southern mountain, upon the first glance she took of him, slowly drifting until now. Every time that he had made an appearance, were all seeds of recollections for her. His expression, his voice, the way his clothes would move with him, his everything and everything, was all enough to reminisce a hundred times, whether in darkness or in bright day, the memories would swirl around her, growing into blossoming flowers, blooming grass, and vivid skies.
Perhaps there would be a passing lumberer, who would spot a skull by the wayside, and then ask, "Why bother loving?"
But in the far distant area, where people originated, the first time her heartbeat quickened, the first time she was flabbergasted, the first time she had longing without ending, strong, soft, light, dark. Who could truly explain, why bother loving?
After it had gotten dark, the steward of Murong Yan's estate, Wang Yunzhao personally came to invite them. Leng Feiyan and the other two had all already awoken from their slumber. He usually followed by Murong Yan's side, and the three all knew that his identity was not normal, so they all got up to pay their respects. Wang Yunzhao said, "Don't, don't. This time, second prince has prepared a feast for three young masters in Qian Bi garden, and will definitely assign you some heavy responsibilities. I'm only an estate steward, how can I accept such a heavy bow."
While he was speaking, he was also signaling the three to come out, as there was a horse carriage just outside. The carriage wasn't particularly extravagant, but the inside was pretty roomy and comfortable. Wang Yunzhao rode inside with the three, and Leng Feiyan asked, "Steward Wang, in the future are we going to go to second prince's estate to perform tasks?"
Wang Yunzhao's face was filled with smiles, "This, I can't tell accurately, as perhaps his highness has other plans." Leng Feiyan nodded her head, saying, "If it's possible not to enter an estate2, it's better not to enter an estate. I'm used to doing as I please, and I don't like places with too many rules."
Wang Yunzhao had a face full of appeasing smiles, saying, "Second prince hasn't yet married, so his estate is still extremely simple, so there actually aren't that many rules." Leng Feiyan was a bit curious, "His highness doesn't have any consorts?"
Wang Yunzhao passed the three some tea, saying, "Hasn't gotten any, but his highness has already set down a marriage agreement; thinking of this, perhaps the happy event is coming close." Leng Feiyan took a glance at Zuo Canglang before asking again, "His highness already set a marriage agreement? Then who is that family's missy? Is she beautiful?"
"It is right minister, Jiang Sanyi's daughter, eh, three young masters since youth have grown up within the orphan camp, thinking of this, you probably don't have a particularly thorough understanding of Great Yan's people of position. In the future, if there is an opportunity, this old one will talk about it again in more detail."
Leng Feiyan nodded, and Wang Yunzhao asked Yang Lianting some more things regarding Yang family, saying, "Thinking of back then, Yang Xuanhe, Yang great ancestor had treated my mother's sickness before, who would have thought that just a little bit later, Yang family would encounter such a tragedy. Luckily a descendant has been preserved, and can be counted as the heavens having eyes."
Yang Lianting, upon hearing that he and his ancestor had known each other, quickly asked a lot of things regarding his ancestor. The carriage quickly hurried in under the moonlight, on both sides, were filled with sights of Great Yan's capital city, Jinyang city. Zuo Canglang lifted the carriage curtain, and Wang Yunzhao would take the time to point out the places outside; within this whole world, there wasn't a single place that she was familiar with.
The carriage journeyed on for a long time, finally stopping at a place surrounded by flowers. The driver helped Wang Yunzhao down, and the three followed along, hopping off the carriage. Wang Yunzhao said, "Three young masters, we've arrived at Qian Bi garden, his highness has already been waiting for a long time, please follow me in."
The three followed him, deep songs filled the air, and flawless cherry blossoms dotted the scenery. There was a sweetness in the air. In the distance, there were scenic mountains, and some people played instruments, drawing people into the flower forest. At the end of the trail, were the early cherry blossoms, and under the trees, was some red mud with small oven, and on the oven, was some wine being warmed. The floor was covered with a rug, and Murong Yan sat on the edge of the rug, no guards standing around.
The three walked close, and bowed to him. He put the cup into the cleaning water, heating them, and then used some wood clamps to pull them out, on one hand pouring wine, while on the other side, saying, "Sit." The three of them sat around the stove, and Murong Yan smiled, handing them each one of the cups; the three were startled, all standing up to receive the cups.
Murong Yan signaled them not to excessively pay respects, first, speaking to Yang Lianting, saying, "After Yang family was entirely exterminated, nobody went to retrieve their corpses. I have had them buried beneath South Mountain. If you desire to do so, you can go there to pay your respects, and again renovate the ancestral graves. But, ultimately, because the case wasn't clear, it's best to not establish the monument for now."
Yang Lianting tearfully responded, "Thank lord master for his great and magnificent grace! but my Yang family was framed by someone! My father wanted to expose Wen Weishu conspiring with the Tuhe, and secretly selling military arms, this thing......"
Murong Yan stopped his words, asking, "Do you have evidence?" Yang Lianting was startled, and then suddenly said, "After my father died, that memorandum was misplaced, and all the correspondence between him and the Tuhe also disappeared."
Murong Yan said, "Wen Weishu is currently a current great official, and has been in charge of the cavalry for so many years, and just based on one phrase from you that he has conspired with the barbarians, who would believe?"
Yang Lianting lowered his face, but Murong Yan said, "Be patient, wait for the appropriate time."
Yang Lianting slowly gripped the cup, but still nodded his head.
The servant girls began bringing out the dishes, Murong Yan would take one piece, signal to them, informing them to eat, and the three began moving their chopsticks. The dishes were extremely varied and abundant, but Murong Yan still would only take one piece before not moving his hands again. Leng Feiyan asked, "Lord master, what do you want us to do next?"
Murong Yan said, "First, you all should go with Yang Lianting to fix the graves and pay respects to his ancestors; then, two days later, I have additional plans." Leng Feiyan nodded, and after they had pretty much eaten their fill, Murong Yan waved his hand, Wang Yunzhao brought three attendants over, they each brought a black plate in their hands.
Murong Yan said, "It's my gift for meeting you." On the plate, was a blood red, sharp sword, a box of assorted lengthed golden needles, and a bow. It happened to be the weapons the three had been accustomed to using. This was the first time the three of them had their own weapons, and were all caught speechless momentarily. Murong Yan said, "Qian Bi garden, after we leave, we'll end up in different places, but you all can stay here for the night, Babi night market also has some interesting things. If I'm around, perhaps you all wouldn't feel free, so I'll take my leave now."
"Sending off lord master." The three got up to pay their respects, and Murong Yan got up to leave. Wang Yunzhao followed along to serve, and their surrounding suddenly quieted down. Leng Feiyan rubbed the blood red sword in her left hand, its blade was half clear, with a radiant light, both light and dark; one could instantly tell that it wasn't an ordinary item. She continued to praise it, "Second highness really understands our hearts."
Zuo Canglang looked at her, she ran over, and shockingly said, "Ah Zuo, him being this type of person, it's enough just to fantasize occasionally about, but don't take it too seriously."
Zuo Canglang's face turned red, shooing her, "What crap are you talking about!"
Leng Feiyan laughed with a "ke ke" before turning her head to look over at Yang Lianting, saying, "Don't cry all day, where is that great official at? Go, big sister will take you over to cut him into eight pieces, to take familial revenge!" Yang Lianting suddenly recovered his senses, his eyes a bit filled with determination, slowly simmering. Leng Feiyan said, "I'm serious, this thing is originally not difficult."
Yang Lianting clenched his teeth, and Zuo Canglang said, "Fei yan!" Leng Feiyan gleefully poured him another cup of wine, saying, "I'm just saying it as a joke, let's go, let's go, let's go outside to take a spin."
Qian Bi garden's lightening was just great, the blossoms were drifting to the ground, the ground was like velvet. The three passed by the flower forest, and the crescent moon vaguely peeked out in the sky. There were only dark shadows on the ground. The sound of the instruments were long, and Leng Feiyan said, "I really want to grab that tree, and shake it until it rains flower petals!."
Zuo Canglang said, "The master of Qian Bi garden probably wouldn't allow it, otherwise, I already would have done it." Yang Lianting unhappily said, "Aren't you too bored!"
Leng Feiyan motioned his head a bit, "This is called the youth of girls, don't you know!"
"Young girl? You?" Yang Lianting took a closer stare at her, and Leng Feiyan spread out her hands, continuing to walk fowards. Yang Lianting approached a cherry tree, intentionally or not, bumping it once, and immediately a rain of petals fell. Leng Feiyan caught a fistful, saying, "Yang Lianting, continue! continue!"
Yang Lianting, seeing that there was no one around, went ahead and climbed up the tree, shaking it until a bunch of cherry blossoms fell to the ground. Leng Feiyan and Zuo Canglang were both beneath the tree, the petals drifting down, covering their shoulders. The two girls gathered a bundle of the petals, and tossed them up into the air. One tree was not satisfying enough, so they switched to another tree. Finally, they went too far overboard, and were discovered by the night patrol, and were chased by both men and dogs, until Yang Lianting was chased into the mountains.
Leng Feiyan and Zuo Canglang laughed until their stomachs hurt, neither had the intention to help.
TN:
1. Okay, so technically, she didn't say "Piece of shit!" But rather "Beibi!" Which is translated more as calling someone what could be most closely called a piece of shit in English, as in Chinese, the term "Beibi" refers to someone who does extremely unrighteous things that are inhumane/unrighteous, even to the point of it being unpalatable. Examples would be as if someone offered you lodging when you were down, but then you went back and bit the hand that fed you. But it's not always about betrayal, as it's a general term of disdain that is used kind of as an adjective to describe a person, who upon seeing their character, you decide that they are such a detrimental influence to you or society or those around them that it would be better had they not existed in the first place.
2. Entering an estate was usually a phrase for "being married in," wherein women would become concubines or wives, or bed-servants of the man who's estate they had entered.