Shangguan Lingxiu was, as usual, clad in military wear, a white cape draped over her tall and delicate form. She had brought along a few guards and stood right in the middle of the street gallantly. Her eyes were trained on Yun Yang who was making a turn, her expression calm as if she was expecting him and was quietly waiting for his arrival.
"Oh, oh, Sister Lingxiu." Yun Yang was delightfully surprised. "What a small world it is! We meet again."
Shangguan Lingxiu smiled faintly and said, "Nothing to be surprised of. I was intentionally waiting here for your arrival, Young Heir Yun."
The corners of Yun Yang's lips twitched involuntarily; he asked mildly, "What instructions does Sister Lingxiu have, may I ask? Do speak of it. Yun Yang will forever be only Yun Yang, how could I have so many other identities?"
Shangguan Lingxiu, who already knew his true identity, could not help feeling tickled as she watched the youth sport a look of maligned irritation, and had to reply to her with words which carried a hidden meaning.
"I dare not give instructions. I really only wanted to talk to you and ask you a few things."
"Ask away, Sister Lingxiu. This young brother shall answer to the best of my ability."
"Mm," Shangguan Lingxiu hummed and turned to walk. "Accompany me for a walk, let's talk while we take a stroll."
Yun Yang trailed behind nervously.
'What does this lady want with me? Why is she behaving so formally and with such urgency?'
Yun Yang was not a fool; at most, his emotional quotient was low at times. Despite having certain realizations, with the Nine Supremes' grudge on him in the past, he had to let it all go. However, how could he truly be unmoved, when he recalled the girl's devotion every time his mind was empty? Ji Lingxi was so, and so was Shangguan Lingxiu; Yun Yang was not an idiot, how could he not sense it?
Yun Yang's feelings regarding Shangguan Lingxiu were complicated. This lady was strong, brave, tough, and resilient. Qualities that most men in this world did not have, she had them all! In addition, she was beautiful, smart, levelheaded, could bear hardships, willing to serve, and dared to sacrifice herself. She had always known what she needed and what she wanted but she was willing to give them up due to the heavy responsibilities she had attributed to herself. It was all because she knew that she had no right to pursue her shot at happiness from the Shangguan Family's current situation.
Happiness, be it for her or the person she liked, would only be a burden! Therefore, she chose to endure it silently.
Faced with the coercion of her romantic enemy, Shangguan Lingxiu had been giving in. She retreated step after step from the romance that she could have developed by chance, despite possessing multiple conditions of convenience, assistance from social connections, and the blessings of the elders.
Furthermore, Yun Yang's feelings towards Shangguan Lingxiu included additional dimensions like tenderness, respect and the realization that he did cherish indeed... How unlucky it was for such a wonderful lady to be shackled with such a heavy load for herself and for others!
"Sister Lan hasn't been found yet?" asked Shangguan Lingxiu softly as she strolled forward.
"No," Yun Yang said and heaved a long sigh.
"No news is good news…." Shangguan Lingxiu's words trailed off before she could finish them.
Shangguan Lingxiu's feelings towards Yue Rulan was complicated as well.
Pure-hearted Yue Rulan was the best candidate to be her closest friend, be it from her knowledge, mannerisms or any other aspect. Yet, she had also used all sorts of tactics without a care to match make for Ji Lingxi, forcing Shangguan Lingxiu to step back in discomfort.
It was one thing to step down willingly, but no one could feel any sense of peace about being forced to withdraw. If one felt nothing, it was either the litigant had no special feelings or the person was stupid!
Shangguan Lingxiu was neither stupid nor were her feelings for Yun Yang a sham. Of course, she would be put off by Yue Rulan's actions!
In spite of this, it was rightful for Yue Rulan to think for Ji Lingxi. The degree of closeness in their relationship dictated that this was how things should be. They stood at opposing perspectives and were not destined to make peace. Yet, the battle at the Fortress of Resilience where all three ladies had fought side by side had built the most secure friendship; it was normal for them to cherish each other. Although it was unavoidable that they sometimes contested in secret, most of the time, especially when Yun Yang was not in the picture, they were exceptionally harmonious, like real sisters.
On the topic of sisters, Yue Rulan was Ji Lingxi's sister-in-law-to-be - in truth, she was her official sister-in-law now. It would be ridiculous if she did not plan for her sister-in-law and fight for Ji Lingxi.
If Shangguan Lingxiu had to get jealous over this and make a fuss out of it, she would be labeled unreasonable.
Now that Yue Rulan had suddenly gone missing, Shangguan Lingxiu's immediate reaction was not relief but deep anguish.
She had deployed the manpower she had at hand to search for the lady, the good sister she treated like her best friend, promptly. The search had been carried out until now, always ongoing no matter the time of day.
Now that she heard Yun Yang's answer, Shangguan Lingxiu could not help the heartache she felt.
"Sister Lan is a kind person. How can… sigh," Shangguan Lingxiu exhaled deeply and said, "It's not even known when these chaotic times can truly end…"
Yun Yang kept mum for a bit before replying, "It'll end soon, very soon."
His tone was filled with a hopeful anticipation for life after the war.
"How is the study of my nephews in your residence?" Shangguan Lingxiu, sensing that the topic was growing increasingly heavy, quickly switched it.
"Not bad. Truth be told, very good." Yun Yang did not save on his praises regarding the children. "It's secondary that these kids are very talented, they truly have resilient hearts. This is exceptionally precious; what's more, the air of a militant is seared into their bones, something that they always inadvertently learned. Instead of saying that they came to the Residence of Yun to learn, they're helping father in a great many ways. At such a tender age, Bao'er gets to see children who aren't much older than him but are all so brilliant. Naturally, he'll want to embody how they are and compete with them."
"This is very beneficial to Bao'er growth."
Yun Yang looked as Shangguan Lingxiu and said, "I'm not simply showering praises. All six nephews of yours are growing incredibly fast, be it the cultivation of mystical art or scholarly knowledge. They have a proper attitude toward learning as well. The teachers who teach them only have good things to say about these seven children, dubbing them to be especially needless to worry about."
Needless to worry about was a significant compliment for a child!
Shangguan Lingxiu grinned with genuine mirth and said casually, "That's good, that's good. I only hope that when they grow up, they don't spoil our reputation of the Shangguan Family of Generals."
Yun Yang said seriously, "I can clear your doubts right now. They'll definitely push the Shangguan Family of Generals' name to new heights! I am very certainly sure that these children can definitely surpass your Shangguan Family's ancestors."
Shangguan Lingxiu nodded, her excited face flushed. There was no doubt in her because it was Yun Yang. He was Supreme Cloud, the think tank of the Nine Supremes. His words would not be unintended praises, nor pointless. There must be reasons behind what he had just said.
She sucked in a breath before uttering seriously, "Yun Yang, thank you."