Chapter 308.1: Attack in the NightOriginal and most updated translations are on volare. If this is being found anywhere else, it has been stolen. Don’t support theft. 🙂
The night was dark and silent.
It hadn’t been very peaceful on Dream Mountain lately, so the shopkeeper exhorted the waiter not to fall asleep no matter what. There were a lot of customers in the inn and their safety was his responsibility. However, it was hard not to get sleepy as night grew long. In addition, there was the fact that he had inhaled the incense in that guest room. Once the surroundings grew quiet, he couldn’t help but feel drowsy and his eyelids kept slipping down.
In the end, he fell asleep on the table.
Right after he fell asleep, a cold light appeared in the seam of the door. A sharp blade lifted the door lock and a group of black-clothed men quietly entered the inn.
The leader first moved over to cover the waiter’s mouth and drag him into a room. Afterwards, he made a hand gesture and the rest of the black-clothed men moved silently up the stairs.
Jun Xin, who was sleeping on the ground, immediately opened his eyes and walked quietly over to the door. Pushing it open just a crack, he took a look outside and saw that there were black-clothed men walking in and out of the other rooms. He furrowed his brows. These people had gone through a lot of trouble to get the mosquito-repellent incense that even nobles struggled to get ahold of in order to mix it with the providence perfume on the fan and create a knockout drug. Did they really go through all that trouble just to find something?
What were they looking for?
Jun Xin closed the door and walked to the bed to push Tang Doudou, who was sound asleep.
Tang Doudou flipped over and muttered, “Jun Xin, quit that. I’ll get up after just a few more minutes.”
Doting affection flashed through Jun Xin’s eyes, but his expression was annoyed as he leaned over her ear and said, “There’s a fire!”
Tang Doudou abruptly sat up and was just about to scream when Jun Xin hastily covered her mouth and pressed her back onto the bed.
Her eyes widened as she tried to push him off. “MMmmpwh…”
“Shhh!” Jun Xin shot a look at her. “Someone’s coming, don’t make any sounds.”
Tang Doudou finally calmed down a little, then glared at him. Fudge, couldn’t he have made things clearer? And why did he push her down?!
She pushed at him a little and Jun Xin let go of her and got up.
Tang Doudou wanted to curse at him, but when she saw that there were people moving outside, nervousness immediately replaced her anger. She peeked outside as she whispered, “What do we do? There seems to be a lot of them?”
“They’re just looking for something. They don’t seem to be hurting anyone.” Jun Xin lowered his eyes, then glanced at her. “Do you have big guts?”
A trace of confusion flashed through her eyes. What was Jun Xin doing now?
“Of course!” Even if she didn’t have big guts, there was no way she could show weakness in front of this brat.
Jun Xin nodded. “Alright then, let’s continue sleeping.”
Tang Doudou’s jaw dropped. “Huh? What if they get annoyed and decided to start killing people?”
“Then we’ll deal with it when that time comes,” said Jun Xin as he pulled Tang Doudou back towards the bed.
“What are you doing?”
“I can’t sleep on the ground, otherwise they find out that we’re aware of their presence. Also, I don’t feel assured when you’re not right next to me.”
Tang Doudou felt uneasy. Was that really all?
But Jun Xin didn’t give her a chance to think more about it. He picked the blanket up from the ground, then lay down on the bed sideways while facing her. Patting the spot in front of him, his eyes sparkled as he said, “Come on up!”
Tang Doudou felt awkward, but since he was still dressed and he was using his own blanket, after glancing one last time at the approaching figures, she gathered up her courage and got onto the bed.
The bed was pretty small from the start, so it was very cramped with both of them in it.
Although they weren’t sharing the same blanket, they were close enough to hear each other’s breathing and heartbeats. It was a refreshingly cool night, but Jun Xin felt a little hot. He didn’t dare to look at Tang Doudou, but at the same time, he couldn’t help himself.
He secretly pinched his own palm and forced himself to think about other things as he closed his eyes.
Tang Doudou’s heart was also pounding hard. She continuously told herself that it was a log, a block of wood next to her. It was a younger brother next to her, a cute little younger brother…
As the people outside got even closer, the two on the bed simultaneously shut their eyes.
The door opened with a creak.
Tang Doudou’s heart leapt up to her throat.
Beneath the blanket, Jun Xin grabbed her hand and squeezed it softly. Then he wrote the words, ‘don’t be scared.’
Tang Doudou inwardly gave a bitter laugh. How could she not be scared?
What if these people were actually malicious and ruthless? What if Jun Xin couldn’t react fast enough?
Why was it like this every time? Every time she felt scared of dying, she always ended up in dangerous situations. Every time she wanted to die, someone would stop her from doing so.
The footsteps gradually got closer. From the sound of it, there were probably around seven people. They first rummaged through the chests and drawers in the room before gathering next to the bed.
“Leader, this is the last room, but we still haven’t found it!” The voice was low and raspy.
“Have you searched this bed?”
“Not yet.”
“Search it!”
“Understood!”
Those black-robed people gradually approached and there was the sound of a blade sliding back into its sheath. A large hand approached the bed and was about to land on Tang Doudou.
Jun Xin flipped over like he was shifting in his sleep and fell on top of Tang Doudou, blankets and all.
Tang Doudou was awake but she didn’t dare to open her eyes.
When Jun Xin moved, those people reflexively pulled out their blades. However, when they saw that he was only shifting positions and still seemed to be asleep, they sheathed their blades again and continued searching the bed.
“Leader, it’s not there.”
“That’s not possible. The information I got clearly said that it was here.”
None of them dared to respond to their leader’s words.
Tang Doudou cracked open an eye to peek at the black-clothed men. When she saw that they were standing silently with their backs facing the bed, she hastily pushed at Jun Xin to get him off.
She was about to be crushed to death!
However, Jun Xin just tilted his head down mischievously so that his nose was right next to hers. As they gazed into each other’s eyes, some strange emotions filled his eyes.
Tang Doudou felt flustered and shifted her gaze away as she silently chanted a mind-clearing chant. Fudge, Baili Yu, it was your junior brother that was seducing me! I wasn’t the one that started it!
Chapter 308.2: Attack in the NightOriginal and most updated translations are on volare. If this is being found anywhere else, it has been stolen. Don’t support theft. 🙂
When Jun Xin saw how flustered she was, a satisfied expression appeared on his face and he reached out to pinch Tang Doudou’s nose as he whispered into her ear, “Stinkin’ woman, let’s stop looking for Baili Yu and just elope?”
Tang Doudou’s face turned black, so he hastily said, “I’m just kidding. They’re about to leave!”
Tang Doudou looked up and glanced over at those black-clothed men. They really were leaving.
However, right at this time, the sounds of clashing blades came from outside.
The black-clothed men looked at each other, then hastily rushed out.
When the leader of the black-clothed group reached the door and saw the situation outside, he glanced back into the room and said, “We’re been discovered! Kill all possible witnesses!”
Right after he said that, the black-robed people that were originally rushing out immediately drew their blades and swung them towards the people on the bed.
Of course, there was no way that Jun Xin would allow them to succeed. He extended his hand and the faint blue antique lamp floated up into the air. With a wave of his hand, numerous rays of blue light shot out and shattered the blades into shards.
The black-clothed men were stunned. They seemed surprised about encountering such a high-leveled expert in this worn out inn.
However, they were evidently well trained as they immediately came back to their senses and drew out their spare blades to approach the bed in formation.
Jun Xin exclaimed in surprise, “Flowing Clouds Palace?”
When those people heard this name, they rushed to attack him like a cat that had gotten its tail stomped on.
Jun Xin had probably hit the nail on the head, thought Tang Doudou. Then she quickly pushed Jun Xin off her and pulled on her outer robe as she asked, “They all seem quite skilled. What do we do?”
“I’m here, aren’t I?” Jun Xin shot her a ‘relax’ look, then the antique lamp became a streak of blue light and quickly zigzagged past those people. When it stopped, the black-clothed people that had come in to kill them collapsed onto the ground, dead.
“Although their martial arts aren’t bad, it’s still not good enough.” Jun Xin glanced disdainfully at the corpses on the ground before picking up what was left of a sword to flick away the clothes concealing those people’s features.
They had all died with blood pouring out of their noses and mouths. Beneath the faint, blue light, it was a very eerie sight.
“These people are pretty good-looking?” To Tang Doudou’s surprise, the black-clothed men weren’t burly men but very delicate and beautiful-looking men with looks similar to the male courtesans in the pleasure quarters.
When Tang Doudou recalled what Baili Yiling said about Flowing Clouds Palace sending her men, she finally understood. Flowing Clouds Palace probably specialized in nurturing bottoms!
“There’s quite a few of them too. What exactly were they looking for?” Jun Xin put away the antique lamp and the entire room became darker.
Tang Doudou was pretty curious as well. “Isn’t Flowing Clouds Palace an orthodox group? Why would they do something like this?”
“Flowing Clouds Palace didn’t even visit your Alliance Head Residence to pay their greetings, so what right do they have to call themselves orthodox? In addition, they’re always raising young and delicate-looking youths and sending to them people in the martial arts communities that have a fondness for good-looking men.” When Flowing Clouds Palace was brought up, Jun Xin’s tsundere face looked even more ticked off than usual.
“Oh. Well, there’s nothing else for us to do now so let’s go back to sleep?” Tang Doudou glanced outside and saw that it was probably only around midnight, so she yawned and turned to lay back down.
Jun Xin didn’t stop her and just walked over to throw the corpses out the window. He listened to the screams and sounds of fighting coming from outside for a while, then glanced at Tang Doudou and said teasingly, “Hey, you’re the martial arts Alliance Head, how could you just sit back and do nothing to stop this kind of situation? You’ll be denounced.”
“If they want to denounce me, they can. In any case, I’m not interested in being some crappy martial arts Alliance Head.” All she cared about right now was finding Baili Yu. She had no interest in anything else.
“Is that so?”
Jun Xin replied softly and crossed his arms as he stood by the door.
Desperate screams continued to fill the night. Over half of the people in this inn were probably innocent people. Flowing Clouds Palace was too much. Since they had been discovered, they should’ve just run. Killing people like this was senseless and cruel.
Tang Doudou pushed herself up from the bed and rushed outside.
“Where are you going?”
“To save those people!” Tang Doudou rolled her eyes at him. It was obvious that he had been inciting her to act.
She understood as well that although she didn’t want to be the martial arts Alliance Head, a certain person wanted her to remain in that position.
Since that person wanted her in this position, he probably wouldn’t let her abandon this post easily.
“If you want to become strong enough to stand on your own so that people can no longer lead you around by the nose, you should take advantage of every good opportunity to build up your own reputation and slowly establish your own influence and power…” said Jun Xin quickly as she walked past.
Tang Doudou was stunned. This had been his plan?
Then her eyes flickered. Jun Xin was right. If she wanted to stand steadily in this messy Jianghu, having power of her own was very important. However, she was completely unfamiliar with how to handle these matters so she had no idea where to start.
Jun Xin reached out and pressed her shoulder. “Let’s go, I’ll help you.”
Chapter 309.1: Flowing Clouds PalaceOriginal and most updated translations are on volare. If this is being found anywhere else, it has been stolen. Don’t support theft. 🙂
There was no time for them to discuss this any further right now. Tang Doudou quickly rushed out only to find that it was a complete mess outside. All the guests were rushing to flee and black-clothed people were chasing and killing those who were trying to escape. Some rooms had even been set on fire.
As Tang Doudou took this in, a dagger was offered to her. “Use this for now.”
“Alright!”
“Be careful,” exhorted Jun Xin before he jumped downstairs. This time, he didn’t use the antique lamp. Instead, he kicked up a blade from the ground and started attacking, causing eerie glints of red light to appear in the dim inn.
Someone cried out, “Blood Fiend Jun Xin!”
Those black-robed people froze, then they all moved to flee. It was clear that Blood Fiend Jun Xin had a very strong reputation on the Jianghu.
Tang Doudou landed in front of the inn doors and kicked back all the black-robed people that were trying to flee. With a whirl of her dagger, she dealt with several nearby black-robed people. Although she didn’t know martial arts, she was good at knife work and knew where to attack in order to immobilize people.
The reason she had never attacked before was because she hadn’t been able to bring herself to. However, after all that she had experienced, she had lost that mercifulness a long time ago. As of now, she probably wouldn’t even blink if she needed to kill someone. However, it would only be on the pretext that the person deserved to die!
After she finished dealing with the people on this side, Jun Xin had also already stopped the black-robed people that were trying to escape from upstairs and threw them into the main hall.
When the people fleeing saw that someone had acted to save them, they stopped trying to run and gathered timidly in a corner to look towards the figure that was faintly concealed by the night.
“Eh? Isn’t that Alliance Head Li?” Someone recognized Tang Doudou and cried out in surprise.
“That’s right! Your Alliance Head Li has come to save us!”
“It really is Alliance Head Li!”
The youngster dressed in white walked into the torch light and gave a faint gentle smile. “Is everyone alright?”
The youngster was gracefully handsome and that voice was gentle as water. A young lady in the crowd blushed and stammered, “We-we’re fine.”
“This He thanks Alliance Head for upholding justice and rescuing us. Does Alliance Head know who these people are?” The buff young man next to the young lady was the person that had pointed out Tang Doudou earlier. From his outfit, he also seemed to be someone of the Jianghu. He had walked out of the crowd to ask Tang Doudou this question with a cupped-fist salute.
As he asked this question, he secretly sized Tang Doudou up. Who would’ve ever imagined that the handsome and easygoing Alliance Head Li was actually a woman?
Tang Doudou glanced at that youngster and found that he seemed familiar. “You’re Syndicate Leader He?”
Syndicate Leader He replied with a laugh, “That is this humble one. I never thought that Alliance Head Li would still remember me.”
“I also only rushed here after hearing the news, so I don’t know who they are.”
Tang Doudou sheathed her dagger before leaning over to pull off the cloth mask of a black-robed person. She then frowned and pulled off several masks in succession before remarking softly, “These people are all young and have delicate looks…”
Syndicate Leader He also glanced over before exclaiming in surprise, “Isn’t it Flowing Clouds Palace?”
“Oh?” Tang Doudou lifted her brows and glanced towards Jun Xin who was standing upstairs without moving, Her eyes narrowed slightly as she asked cooperatively, “Syndicate Leader, I just returned from Cloud City so I’ve yet to hear of Flowing Clouds Palace. Could you please explain in more detail?”
Syndicate Leader He hastily cupped his fist in salute. “Alliance Head Li is being too polite.”
Tang Doudou smiled slightly in response, then he continued, “Flowing Clouds Palace is an organization that had recently sprung up on the Jianghu. The Palace Head, Fu Yunliu, fights with a very strange martial arts and had established a strong base of followers on the Jianghu. Thus, it only took a few months for his palace to grow influential enough to rank highly on the Jianghu. His influence is now almost comparable to that of the four large clans.”
Although Syndicate Leader He said this, his eyes flickered evasively. It was clear that he was keeping silent about some things.
Tang Doudou nodded in understanding. Jun Xin had already told her about this earlier.
Right now, she was just putting on an act.
“En, it seems like Fu Yunliu is truly a great talent.” Then she said, “Does Syndicate Leader He has subordinates here?”
“Oh, I do.” Syndicate Leader He clearly didn’t understand what Tang Doudou meant because his expression was confused.
Tang Doudou said quietly, “Then I’ll have to trouble Syndicate Leader He to help me tie these people up and send them to the Alliance Head Residence. Once I finish my business, I’ll return to the Alliance Head Residence and interrogate them to find out why Flowing Clouds Palace infiltrated the inn in the middle of the night to kill and commit arson. We also must ask Fu Yunliu why exactly he did this. Is his intention to become enemies with the martial arts community and follow the unorthodox ways like the Demonic Sect?”
She said it lightly but her tone contained strong imposing dignity. Syndicate Leader He was taken aback. It couldn’t be that Alliance Head planned to start with Flowing Clouds Palace in order to re-establish her position?
Her marriage to Baili Yu had already been announced to the public so the entire world knew of it. However, there has still been no news about who would inherit the position of the lord of Cloud City.
Could it be that Su Yi planned to have her gain experience by working as the Alliance Head, then slowly take over the responsibilities of Cloud City? It made sense, after all, Su Yi was still perfectly capable of continuing to hold that position.
As Syndicate Leader He guessed at the possible reasons, he said, “This He will do his best to carry out Alliance Head’s instructions.”
With this, they’ll probably become enemies with Flowing Clouds Palace.
However, if it was a choice between Flowing Clouds Palace and the Alliance Head Residence, anyone with brains would pick the obvious choice.
__________
Chapter 309.2: Flowing Clouds PalaceOriginal and most updated translations are on volare. If this is being found anywhere else, it has been stolen. Don’t support theft. 🙂
After Tang Doudou gave these instructions, she walked towards the shopkeeper and the waiter of the inn, then tossed them her embroidered pouch. “Take this as compensation for the damages done to the inn. If it isn’t enough, you can head to the Alliance Head Residence to request for more.”
She originally wanted to pull out a token or something, but then recalled that she had lost the Alliance Head Command Tablet and she didn’t have anything else on her that could prove her identity.
Jun Xin jumped over the railing and took out a tablet from his chest. “Go ask Plum Garden instead!”
Both the Alliance Head Residence and Plum Garden weren’t places that ordinary people like them dared to go!
These two sirs were truly making big jokes.
Moreover, the inn wasn’t that damaged anyways. The shopkeeper had done business for many years. When he caught the pouch, he could tell by its weight that it contained enough to compensate for all his losses and extra, so how could he dare to ask for more? He even felt the urge to return this pouch to that Alliance Head.
If it weren’t for her, not only would his business have collapsed, he may have even ended up dead!”
“Alliance Head, I cannot accept!” After these thoughts flashed through his mind, the shopkeeper moved to shove the pouch back into Tang Doudou’s hands.
Jun Xin glanced over coldly and blocked him. “Since she gave it to you, keep it.”
The shopkeeper wasn’t someone of the Jianghu and didn’t know of Blood Fiend Jun Xin’s reputation, but he had seen the way those black-clothed men fled for their lives after hearing the words ‘Blood Fiend Jun Xin.’ Thus, he already knew that Jun Xin was very strong, so when Jun Xin looked at him with that cold gaze, his hand shook and he compliantly put the pouch away before looking towards Tang Doudou nervously.
Tang Doudou smiled slightly. “Jun Xin’s right, shopkeeper, please keep it. After that, please find someone to clean up the inn. You all must be tired after all this, so you should go rest.”
After she finished speaking, she walked over to discuss things more with Syndicate Leader He. It was best to tie these people up for now and then transport them to the Alliance Head Residence tomorrow morning.
However, when she walked over, it was right in time for her to hear Syndicate Leader He cried out ‘oh no.’
“What happened?”
“They commited suicide with poison!” Syndicate Leader He’s face was pale as he inspected the black-robed people in the main hall.
Tang Doudou knitted her brows as she rubbed her chin. It seemed that Flowing Clouds Palace really was not a simple organization.
Jun Xin walked over and said quietly, “You should have predicted and guarded against this. Since these people had covered their faces, they were definitely trying to hide their identities. They probably kept a poison capsule in their mouths so that they could commit suicide immediately if they were discovered or caught.”
A trace of vexation and regret passed through Tang Doudou’s eyes. She had been neglectant.
Jun Xin patted her shoulder and said in consolement, “Don’t worry, it’s your first time, so it’s hard to avoid mistakes. Since you know that this is done by Flowing Clouds Palace, you already have a place to start investigating.”
“En.” At this point, that was all that she could do. However, her goal in coming to Dream Mountain this time wasn’t to investigate Flowing Clouds Palace.
She had Syndicate Leader He move the corpses to an empty space outside the inn and burn them.
“Alliance Head.” Syndicate Leader He looked at the large blaze in front of them and hesitated in his words.
“Syndicate Leader He, please speak without reserve.” Tang Doudou was also staring at the fire. People’s deaths came so suddenly, like a flame being extinguished. A fire would burn what was left of them to ash and they would disappear from the world. Humans only lived in the world for a few dozen years, so why did they all end up having so many desires and fixations?
Why not just live happily and simply for what time they had, then leave the world peacefully?
Syndicate Leader He couldn’t tell whether Tang Doudou’s expression was that of joy or anger so he felt apprehensive. However, he still said, “Alliance Head, I heard that the head of Flowing Clouds Palace is Elder Yu’s nephew. Was Alliance Head aware of this?”
“Oh?” She hadn’t known about this, so she asked, “How did you find out?”
“Alliance Head, actually, I have a nephew acting as a spy in Flowing Clouds Palace. He was the one that sent me this information.” Syndicate Leader He’s eyes flickered. “The reason I came to this inn was because my nephew said that Flowing Clouds Palace was looking for something that would harm the Jianghu, and they had gotten information that it was in this inn. I rushed over to prevent it, but ended up falling into their crafty trap. If it weren’t for the fact that Alliance Head had came just in time, I’m afraid…”
Tang Doudou’s expression didn’t change. “Then do you know what exactly they were looking for?”
“This… my nephew didn’t say.”
A trace of mockery flashed through Tang Doudou’s eyes before it was replaced by an expression of gratitude. “Syndicate Leader He’s concern for the martial arts community is truly something that us later generations should learn from. Once I return to the Alliance Head Residence, I’ll definitely give Syndicate Leader He a public recognition award!”
Syndicate Leader He seemed overwhelmed by this show of favor and hastily lowered his head. “It is this He’s responsibility to protect the martial arts community even if this He must tread through fire and water. It is nothing worthy of praise.”
“Syndicate Leader He is being too humble,” said Tang Doudou with a smile. “So that’s set. It’s quite late, so I’ll be heading back to rest. After Syndicate Leader He finishes with these matters, you should rest as well. We can discuss the rest tomorrow.”
“Understood.”
Tang Doudou turned around and called for Jun Xin, who was currently sitting in a tree and gazing at the moon. Then they headed into the inn together.
Once they left, Syndicate Leader He’s respectful expression immediately darkened as he turned to look at the almost extinguished fire. A trace of confusion flashed through his eyes. Why would Li Xueyi show up here?
Tang Doudou closed the door, then pulled Jun Xin to the center of the room to whisper, “Did you noticed? That Syndicate Leader He seems weird.”
Jun Xin didn’t seem surprised and just yawned. “En, what about it?”
“He said that he had a nephew working in Flowing Clouds Palace, but if he knew about such a top secret operation, then he definitely had a high position in Flowing Clouds Palace.”
“And so?”
“He said that the head of Flowing Clouds Palace is Elder Yu’s nephew. This isn’t logical.”
Jun Xin glanced at her with interest. “Why is it illogical?”
Chapter 310.1: SwayflowerOriginal and most updated translations are on volare. If this is being found anywhere else, it has been stolen. Don’t support theft. 🙂
When Tang Doudou saw his reaction, she knew that her guess was on the mark.
She poured Jun Xin a cup of water, then poured a cup for herself. After taking a sip, she continued, “How could there be so many nephews? And for them to all be in Flowing Clouds Palace?”
Jun Xin’s smile stiffened. This woman’s line of thought really couldn’t be classified as normal.
“This is the first part that’s abnormal and illogical.” Tang Doudou lifted a finger and shook it from side to side. “The second abnormal part was that Syndicate Leader He is only the leader of a second-rate syndicate, how could he have the guts to try and stop Flowing Clouds Palace, a first-rate power on the Jianghu?”
This was a pretty good reason. Jun Xin nodded with approval. “Perhaps he’s actually very righteous or wished to take advantage of this chance to establish his reputation?”
“With how uncouth he looks, would he really be that righteous or intelligent?” Tang Doudou sneered as she rapped the table.
Jun Xin said, “You shouldn’t judge people by their looks.”
“But the eyes don’t lie.” Tang Doudou was certain. It was said that the eyes were the windows to one’s soul. The lips and the face may lie, but the eyes wouldn’t.
Jun Xin laughed. “Then continue your analysis?”
Tang Doudou happily continued. She dipped her finger in the water, then started talking excitedly as she drew.
Jun Xin looked at the thing she drew in the hazy candle light, then watched her expressive gestures for a while, before fixating his gaze on her face.
Tang Doudou was absorbed in her thought process so she didn’t notice Jun Xin’s expression.
On the tree outside, Mu Ye stood in the shadows as he looked through the window at the two people inside. His cold eyes flickered, then he turned and left.
Early morning the next day, Tang Doudou said goodbye to Syndicate Leader He, then started climbing Dream Mountain with Jun Xin.
The scenery on the mountain was impressive. The mountain was luxuriously green and the flowing streams were beautiful and sparkled in the sunlight. The midsummer air on this mountain was refreshing and clean.
Tang Doudou felt like her entire body was becoming lighter as she walked along the path. She took a deep breath, then remarked, “It’s no wonder that those sons from rich families like coming here. If I had known earlier that there was a place like this, I would be enjoying myself here too.”
Jun Xin pillowed his head with his arms as he leisurely walked behind her. He remarked with a disdainful tone, “How is this anything special? Once this little master has time, I’ll bring you to Immortal Spirit Mountain and show you the true meaning of paradise on earth!”
“Haha, I’ll hold you to that!”
“This little master has always kept his world.” Jun Xin snapped off a twig and started gnawing on it. “Didn’t you say that you wanted to find a place where no one knew you and start a restaurant? There’s an Immortal Spirit Garrison at the foot of Immortal Spirit Mountain. It’s isolated from the world and filled with abundant folk customs. It’s very suitable for those who want to live in seclusion.”
Tang Doudou jolted slightly, then she nodded. “It’s worth considering.”
“Heh, if you’re interested, I’ll take you there right now!” When Jun Xin saw that she seemed interested, he hastily threw away the twig and started promoting this idea with even more enthusiasm. “To tell the truth, this little master is already tired of all the struggles for power on the Jianghu already. Why don’t we go to Immortal Spirit Garrison and live in seclusion together?”
Black lines appeared on Tang Doudou’s head. Lately, this guy has been suggesting that they elope every chance he got.
“Wait, isn’t that Mu Ye?” Tang Doudou didn’t feel like responding to him and just pointed in a direction in front before quickly turning a corner.
Helplessness flashed across Jun Xin’s face. Although he had been joking this entire time, he had actually been paying a lot of attention to the surroundings. There was no one in the direction Tang Doudou had pointed.
However, when he walked over, Tang Doudou was nowhere in sight!
There was no way she could’ve disappeared so quickly on her own.
There were also no traces of struggle, which meant that she had gone of her own free will. The only person that she would possibly go with willingly at this time in Dream Mountain was Mu Ye.
Since he knew it was Mu Ye that took Tang Doudou away, he wasn’t worried and just found a quiet place to lay down to enjoy the warm sunlight.
It was a very content day.
Jun Xin’s guess was correct, Mu Ye was the one that brought Tang Doudou away.
Without a word, he carried her as he moved rapidly through the mountain. In just a few moments, they had arrived at a bamboo forest midway up Dream Mountain.
There were a few peach trees at the edge of the bamboo forest that were still blossoming. Thus, petals drifted through the air as the leaves rustled softly in the breeze. After glancing around, Tang Doudou noticed the two gravestones beneath a peach tree.
“Those are…”
“Your parents’ graves.” Mu Ye glanced over. “Let’s go.”
Tang Doudou puffed up her cheeks and walked over awkwardly. She wasn’t the real Li Xueyi after all. If they had really been her parents, perhaps she would have been able to feel something for them, but she didn’t feel anything facing these cold gravestones. Hopefully they’d forgive her for not instinctively feeling sorrow.
When she got close, she saw that the writing on the gravestones were of the Wind Spirit Imperial Dynasty, so she couldn’t read it.
“On the right is your mother, Jun Yuner’s tomb. On the left is your father’s, Li Shaoqing. Back then, they were viewed as the match made by the Heavens. Countless people had envied them. As of now, they’re finally able to rest together in this Dream Mountain.”
Tang Doudou silently sighed. This was a prime example of: if you’re loveydovey in public, you’d die quick! What match made in Heaven and having a final rest together? Didn’t Xiao Bai say that Su Yi wanted to revive Jun Yuner?
There was no way he could revive her without her corpse, right?
So the grave next to Li Shaoqing was probably empty.
However, Tang Doudou didn’t plan to tell Mu Ye about this. Based on how much he seemed to respect them, if he found out that her grave was empty and that Jun Yuner’s remains were in Su Yi’s hands, he’d probably attack Cloud City for it.
Thus, she just went through the motions properly of kowtowing to the graves. Then she took the wine Mu Ye handed her and offered it to the dead. She knelt there silently for a few moments to mourn before getting up and looking towards Mu Ye.
Mu Ye naturally knew what she had come here for, so he turned and walked towards the bamboo forest.
Tang Doudou hastily followed after him.
Chapter 310.2: SwayflowerOriginal and most updated translations are on volare. If this is being found anywhere else, it has been stolen. Don’t support theft. 🙂
After a little while, they arrived at a house made out of bamboo.
“This is?”
“The place where Senior Jun had once lived in seclusion.” Mu Ye walked up and pushed open the door. “Come in. Senior Jun had left something for you.”
“Mu Ye, can you tell me who exactly you are?” Tang Doudou felt like his actions had always been very strange. When exactly had it started?
It had probably started that time in the Plum Garden banquet when he caught her in the bathroom and offered a collaboration. Ever since then, it felt like he had been completely different.
Before that time, he had insisted on killing her.
Mu Ye’s movements paused for a second. “I’m a guardian, the guardian of the Xuanyuan Tribe.”
So it was like that. She had guessed that it might’ve been the case, but she hadn’t been sure.
“Then I’m a descendant of the Xuanyuan Tribe?”
“En.”
“What’s your goal? Is it only to protect?” Tang Doudou looked at him curiously. For some reason, she felt like it wouldn’t be that simple.
Mu Ye didn’t reply.
Tang Doudou tried a different question. “Why did you try to kill me before?”
“I didn’t know that it was you.”
“How did you find out later?”
“Su Yi.” Mu Ye glanced at her. “Aren’t you going to ask about Baili Yu?”
Tang Doudou smiled at him. “You’ve never lied. Since you said that he’s fine, he’s definitely still alive, so I’m not in a hurry. I’ll find him sooner or later.”
“En.” Mu Ye smiled softly as well. “Thank you.”
“What are you thanking me for? I haven’t even had a chance to thank you properly. You’ve saved me so many times that I can’t even repay you enough in this lifetime.”
If there a next life existed, hopefully she would meet him earlier and fall in love with him in order to make up for everything he had done for her in this life.
Mu Ye pressed his lips together. “I saw someone rescue and take him.”
“Who?” As expected, Mu Ye didn’t lie to her. She really was grateful that he had delivered those strands of hair to her. Otherwise, she’d still be bickering with Jun Xin craftily and looking for an opportunity to commit suicide.
Mu Ye didn’t reply and instead asked, “You don’t blame me for not stopping it from happening?”
“Mu Ye ah, Mu Ye. Though you’re the guardian of the Xuanyuan Tribe, that doesn’t make you my personal guardian, right? No matter what you do or how you do it, I wouldn’t blame you, alright?”
Mu Ye’s face remained cold and expressionless so Tang Doudou couldn’t tell if he really understood. He just gave a soft ‘en’ before saying, “Nangong Yan. She was the one that took Baili Yu away.”
When Tang Doudou heard this, she immediately exploded. “Why the heck didn’t yah stop them!?”
Mu Ye looked at her with slight mirth in his eyes as if he was laughing at her for forgetting what she had just said.
No matter how thick Tang Doudou’s skin was, she’d still feel embarrassed for going back on her word so soon. She furrowed her brows and said, “Ahem, I mean…”
“Liu Zhiyuan was following them.” Mu Ye walked into the house. “I suffered an internal injury when fighting with Shen Moru. If it had only been Nan Yansheng, I would’ve stopped her.”
Tang Doudou understood the picture and relaxed. Since Nangong Yan loved Baili Yu, she wouldn’t do anything to him.
On the other hand, that crazy Liu Zhiyuan might try to do something to Baili Yu. However, with Nangong Yan there, he probably wouldn’t be able to do much, so at the very least, Baili Yu’s life was safe for now.
Mu Ye led her into the house, then had her sit down while he went upstairs. He soon returned with a large chest in his arms.
That was a huge chest. Jun Yuner had left behind so much stuff?
Tang Doudou rubbed her chin and moved next to Mu Ye. He placed the chest on the table and opened it with a strange method. A strange stench immediately burst out. Tang Doudou hastily covered her nose. “What is that!?”
Mu Ye’s expression didn’t change at all, as if he didn’t smell anything.
He didn’t answer Tang Doudou’s question and just reached into the chest.
“What are you doing? What’s inside? It stinks!”
Mu Ye glanced over with a helpless expression. Tang Doudou smiled politely as she kept her distance from him.
As Mu Ye pulled it out, Tang Doudou peeked over and found that it was actually a potted flower…
Tang Doudou said with a laugh, “Did my mother leave me a flower to tell me not to forget my female identity?”
Mu Ye replied seriously, “No.”
“Then what does it mean? Speaking of which, this flower really stinks…”
Mu Ye didn’t answer and placed the pot on the table. Tang Doudou got a little closer, then her eyes lit up. This flower was actually really unique. It was black and red and looked like it had little hands. There was even a layer of small short fur on it that made it look pretty cute.
But, then stink seemed to be coming from it. It was was like the smell of rotting flesh.
Mu Ye calmly pulled out another object from the chest.
Tang Doudou glanced over, then hastily backed away. “Wh-why are you bringing out a snake!?”
“Watch carefully.” Mu Ye pinched the snake’s head firmly as he glanced over at Tang Doudou. “The Swayflower likes eating snakes.”
After he said that, he threw the snake at the flower. The snake struggled to escape but several sharp furs abruptly extended from the hand-like part of the plant and stabbed into the snake. The snake struggled hard to get free, but it was already too late.
Its body started rapidly shriveling up.
Chapter 311.1: Setting OffOriginal and most updated translations are on volare. If this is being found anywhere else, it has been stolen. Don’t support theft. 🙂
When she saw such a strange scene, she stopped covering her nose and covered her mouth in shock instead. She stared at the Swayflower in astonishment, before glancing at Mu Ye and gulping. “Wh-what exactly is that?”
“A Swayflower,” repeated Mu Ye.
“But, why would my mother leave me something so strange?” Tang Doudou retreated backwards and looked at Mu Ye in alarm. Could it be that the current Mu Ye was a fake?
Mu Ye saw her suspicions, but he didn’t expose them and just looked straight at her as he slowly said, “Your Disseminating Tassel Fragrance isn’t completely under control.”
Tang Doudou furrowed her brows. Cang Baicao had said that it was cured, so why was Mu Ye saying that it wasn’t under control?
“Before, I didn’t know why Senior Jun left you the Swayflower either, but after this last trip to Cerulean Mountain, I finally found out what it could be used for.” Mu Ye picked up the bloodless snake skin and threw it into the chest.
Tang Doudou was still skeptical. “But you’re poisoned with the Disseminating Tassel Fragrance too!”
“En, it’s fine.” Mu Ye didn’t seem to mind at all and continued putting that flower back into the box.
“Is this Swayflower very hard to get?”
“This is the only one in the world.”
It was actually that rare? It was no wonder that Jun Yuner would leave this for Li Xueyi. Tang Doudou sighed, then asked, “Was this flower something my mother planted?”
“It was something Senior Jun created.” Whenever Jun Yuner was brought up, Mu Ye’s eyes would be filled with admiration.
Tang Doudou was also quite astonished. That ‘mother’ of hers really was impressive, to have been able to create a species of flowers. It was probably done through grafting?
The name Swayflower was worth considering. Then there were the special characteristics of this flower. It looked like a carnivorous species. To cure the Disseminating Tassel Fragrance…
The scene of how that snake’s blood had been sucked dry was still vivid in her mind. Suddenly, a light bulb lit up and Tang Doudou widened her eyes as she exclaimed, “She wants to use this flower to suck away the poison blood in my body!”
Mu Ye was stunned for a moment. How had she guessed it so quickly?
“That’s definitely it! Right?” After coming to this conclusion, she started rubbing her chin and mulling over the rest. She could understand the idea, but it probably wouldn’t be easy to implement. The first problem was how to control this flower. If they didn’t control it while it sucked out the poison, she might end up just like the snake.
Just the thought of it made goosebumps pop up all over her body. There was no way she would use it without guarantees.
Suddenly, she recalled the box she had brought out of Cerulean Mountain. Baili Yiling had said that the box contained the antidote to the Hoarfrost Poison, but what it contained wasn’t a strange flower like this. The only reason she had been able to guess what this flower was used for was because she recalled the possible methods to cure the Hoarfrost Poison that she had discussed with Grandpa Tian.
Although she couldn’t figure out which method was actually reliable, she could tell that their deceased seniors really had put a lot of effort into making cures for the poisons.
The only one who was deranged and heartless was Lan Jia.
As of now, since Shen Moru was dead and Lan Jia had gone crazy, there was probably no one that would come for their blood again. Thus, it was a good time to figure out how exactly to cure their poisons.
But, she had really celebrated for nothing. She had been thinking this whole time that her Disseminating Tassel Fragrance had already been cured!
“En.” Mu Ye put away the box and handed her a bamboo flute. “I’ll leave the flower here for the time being. When you’re ready, look for me.”
Tang Doudou accepted the flute, then asked, “You know how to cure it?”
“I saw the method to cure the Disseminating Tassel Fragrance etched into Senior Li’s bones.”
“Etched? Could it be that someone actually cut his bones after he died? That’s…”
“It was while he was alive. While he was alive, he used inner strength to force a needle into his body to etch these instructions. Thus, after he died and his bones were revealed, the instructions would also become clear. Senior Jun and Senior Li truly were amazing people.”
Tang Doudou fully agreed with his remark. Fudge, to etch the instructions to cure a poison onto your bones while you were still alive must have caused unbearable pain.
And there was the fact that they had been able to plan so far ahead. He had definitely expected a descendent to find him, and had made certain that it would be a friendly one before allowing himself to die in that hole. He had definitely waited for many years for Mu Ye to finally find him.
Had he really not been worried that someone else might’ve found him first?
As Tang Doudou silently expressed her doubt, on the surface, she nodded with Mu Ye in admiration. “They’re truly amazing.”
“What do you plan to do next?” asked Mu Ye.
Tang Doudou tucked the bamboo flute into her waist as she replied, “Of course I’m going to go look for Baili Yu!”
That was her main task. She had to find her man first before she’d have the mood to think about other things.
Mu Ye didn’t seem surprised by this answer. As he stood up, he said, “I’ll see you off the mountain first. Flowing Clouds Palace has been very restless lately, and you killed so many of their members yesterday so there’s no way Fu Yunliu would just sit back and accept this.”
“It’s fine, Jun Xin’s with me!” Tang Doudou stood up and patted the dust off her skirt. “Since you’re injured, you should rest. This isn’t far from the foot of the mountain, and you were the one that taught me qinggong after all. I’ll definitely be able to get there quickly without a trace.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“Alright.”
Mu Ye went with her until they were near Jun Xin and only left once he saw with his own eyes that she had met up with Jun Xin.
Chapter 311.2: Setting OffOriginal and most updated translations are on volare. If this is being found anywhere else, it has been stolen. Don’t support theft. 🙂
“What is it? You’re smiling so much, that means you got definite news?” Although she was smiling when they came, the smile didn’t reach the depths of her eyes. However, after coming back from where Mu Ye brought her, she was lit up with smiles.
Tang Doudou sat down next to him and then copied the way he was lying down. Her eyes curved into a smile as she said, “That’s right, I got news. He’s fine.”
“Happy?”
“Happy.”
“Won’t die anymore?”
“Won’t die anymore.”
“Alright, talk, what do you want to do?” Jun Xin flipped around to face Tang Doudou, his eyes flickering with light.
Tang Doudou yawned without looking at him. “I’ll go by myself.”
“Do you feel like I’d agree?” Jun Xin gave a disdainful humph.
Tang Doudou really wanted to give this kid a beating. If it weren’t for the fact that she couldn’t beat him…
“We can’t allow anyone to find out about Baili Yu and two people would be too conspicuous. It’d be much easier for me to travel alone and… you have to help me get rid of those tails from the shadows.” Tang Doudou turned around and patted Jun Xin’s chest. “Stinkin’ brat, this is a really important matter, you’d better help me properly!”
“No, it’s too worrying.”
“This is a crucial time, so don’t be so spoiled and stubborn.” Tang Doudou rolled her eyes as she continued, “We’re the only ones that can know about this, so help me, alright?”
Jun Xin bit his lips. Spoiled and stubborn? Was this the way she viewed him?
“Fine, I’ll help!” His eyes then whirled with an idea. “But you have to promise me something.”
“As long as you help, I’d agree even to ten conditions.”
“Then let’s elope?” Jun Xin laughed. When he saw that Tang Doudou’s expression was rapidly turning dark, he quickly changed his tune. “I’m just joking, don’t take it so seriously!”
“Tch! I wasn’t taking it seriously.”
“There’s no way I’d be able to relax if you go by yourself. Since you’re worried about your whereabouts being revealed, I’ll just protect you from the shadows. How’s that?”
Tang Doudou glanced at him. If she didn’t agree to this suggestion, he’d probably lock her up to keep her from heading out alone.
“Fine, fine.”
“That’s more like it. I’m telling you, before we find Baili Yu, you should give up all hopes of shaking me off,” stated Jun Xin firmly.
Then he got up and flicked off the leaves on his clothes. Licking his lips, he said, “We can’t delay this matter, so let’s head back to Huai City today. Once I finish dealing with the most pressing tasks, you should sneak out of Plum Garden and I’ll follow you from the shadows.”
“Alright!”
The two rushed back to Plum Garden. Tang Doudou found some time to go see Baili Yiling, but when she saw that Baili Yiling was still busy, she only chatted a little before she left and returned to her own room.
As she waited for news from Jun Xin, she started wandering around the room. Jun Xin had told her that he had put her box in a cabinet.
After rummaging through the room for a long time, she finally found the wooden box that was wrapped in a wedding garment in the cabinet that contained her clothes.
When Tang Doudou saw the red garments, she couldn’t help but feel sad. However, she soon recovered and nimbly untied the garment to open the box. It still contained the same things that she had seen in the hidden room. She fiddled with them, but couldn’t figure out how to cure the Hoarfrost Poison with them.
However, for the time being, she decided to keep them with her since Baili Yu would probably know how to use them when she found him.
She was in the process of putting them away with Jun Xin came back.
When he saw that she was putting away the things in that box, he said with a laugh, “Back then, you were clutching that box so tightly that I thought it was Baili Yu’s ashes!”
Blabbermouth of a stinkin’ brat.
Tang Doudou glared at him. “Always talking nonsense.”
Jun Xin laughed. “Everything’s ready. You can slip out tonight.”
Tang Doudou nodded. “Alright, thanks!”
“But…”
“What do you want now?” She could tell he was up to something just by the way his eyes rolled around.
Jun Xin licked his lips. “After you head out this time, it’ll probably be a while before you have a chance to cook again, right?”
In reality, he was thinking that even after they found Baili Yu, she probably wouldn’t have time to cook again. In addition, it really wouldn’t be right for him to keep hovering around her once Baili Yu came back because she was already married.
Tang Doudou knew that it would be about food. She put the box away, then stood up and slapped the table. “Let’s go, chowhound!”
Jun Xin smiled slightly. “This way, Chef.”
Tang Doudou prepared a large feast for Jun Xin and fed him until his stomach turned completely round before he was satisfied enough to let her back.
Since it was afternoon, she took a nap, and when she woke up again, it was already night.
She got up and ate the meal the servants had brought over, then picked up the cloth bundle she had prepared. She had already extinguished the candles, so once she was ready, she quietly climbed out from the window.
Jun Xin had already arranged for the hidden guards near her courtyard to be in other places, so even if she swaggered out, no one would see her. However, for the sake of making the act complete, she tiptoed out of the courtyard and quickly jumped over the tall wall.
Once she got out of Plum Garden, she left Huai City on horseback.
Jun Xin was dressed in black and wearing a silver mask as he followed her from the shadows.
Tang Doudou decided to head to Dream Mountain first. It was fortunate that she had taken a nap in the afternoon because now she could travel through the night. She reached the inn right before dawn.
“Shopkeeper? Waiter?” She entered the inn but didn’t see anyone.
She had only been gone for a day. Where did all the people go?
The inn was still unrepaired. Could it be that they had gone into town to find someone that could fix this place up?
Tang Doudou casually picked a room and went to sleep. When she woke up again, it was near night. She ate a bit of dry rations and was just about to continue traveling when someone appeared in the room.
Chapter 312.1: Hibiscus GarrisonOriginal and most updated translations are on volare. If this is being found anywhere else, it has been stolen. Don’t support theft. 🙂
Tang Doudou recognized him with one glance.
“Didn’t you say that you were going to follow from the shadows?” Tang Doudou glanced around and only spoke to him when she saw that there was no one nearby.
Jun Xin pulled off his mask and said angrily, “Stinkin’ woman, are you trying to die?”
Tang Doudou was confused. “Why?”
When Jun Xin saw her dumb reaction, he became even more angry. “Why are you traveling at night?”
“Oh…” So this was what he was angry about.
Tang Doudou said with a smile, “This place is still pretty close to Huai City. By traveling at night, I’d be able to avoid more people. Once I get a little further away, I’ll start traveling during the day.”
“But where are you going? Why did you come back here?” Jun Xin of course knew what she was planning, but he couldn’t help but be annoyed when he saw her running around aimlessly.
Tang Doudou gave a light cough. “I feel like Wind Cloud Island is the only place Nangong Yan could’ve gone, so I wanted to go there and try my luck.”
“There’s no way she could’ve brought Baili Yu back to Wind Cloud Island.” Jun Xin shot down her idea. “Although the Island Master indulges Nangong Yan, Master is very strict towards us and Baili Yu is his favorite disciple. If Master found out that Nangong Yan had brought Baili Yu back against his will, she’ll be punished.”
“Then…”
“Go to Hibiscus Garrison.” Jun Xin stared at her hard. “That’s where Nangong Yan had first seen Baili Yu, so I think that’s where she’ll be!”
Tang Doudou nodded. Her gaze filled with resolve as she said, “Alright! Then we’ll go to Hibiscus Garrison.”
After she finished speaking, she immediately started running outside. Jun Xin covered his forehead speechlessly, but still called out to stop her. “Do you know where Hibiscus Garrison is?”
“Oh. I don’t think so, but I can ask!” Tang Doudou laughed ‘hehe.’ Jun Xin couldn’t help but roll his eyes at how dumb she was.
He threw her a map, then put his mask back on. “There’s at least a hundred places called Hibiscus Garrison in the world. If you want to find it by asking, you’ll probably die of old age before you find Baili Yu.”
“Hehe, thanks.” Tang Doudou glanced at the map and figured out the general direction, then tucked it in her chest. “Jun Xin, don’t follow so tightly, otherwise you’ll easily be discovered.”
“Just focus on minding your own business, stinkin’ woman!”
Once Jun Xin left, Tang Doudou shrugged and opened the door to head downstairs.
However, as soon as she stepped out, she ran into someone. That person trembled and hastily backed away into a corner. As he flailed his arms in a panic, he said, “It wasn’t me, I didn’t kill them! It wasn’t me! Don’t come for me…”
This voice sounded like the waiter of the inn.
“Hey, stop blocking the way.” In order to avoid being recognized, Tang Doudou had purposefully altered her appearance until she looked like a burly man. She had even stuck two slanting mustache strips on top of her mouth and added several moles to her face. When she spoke, she purposefully made her voice sound low and coarse.
When that waiter heard a reply, he peeked at Tang Doudou through the seams of his fingers. Seeing that it wasn’t a ghost, he stuttered, “You, are you human or ghost?”
“What’s with you!? Of course this great master is a human! Get out of the way already! What kind of crappy inn is this? There’s not a single person around!” Tang Doudou spat at the ground, then kicked the waiter aside before swaggering out.
She only furrowed her brows after she left the inn. It was fortunate that she had managed to react in time, otherwise she would have already been exposed.
Although the waiter looked panicked, she didn’t sense any fear from him. Someone had probably sent him on purpose to probe her.
But for what?
She rubbed her chin contemplatively. Forget it, she should focus on finding Baili Yu first. Once she found him, then she could come back and figure out what exactly Flowing Clouds Palace was up to.
Tang Doudou’s guess had been correct. That waiter had been sent by someone to probe her.
As soon as she left on horseback, the waiter had gotten up, pushed open a nearby door, and slipped in.
“Master, that person just now wasn’t Li Xueyi.”
“Are you sure?” There was a black silhouette in the room. Based on the outline of his body, he looked to be a young man, but his voice was abnormally raspy like the voice of an eighty-year-old that had something stuck in his throat.
The waiter respectfully replied, “This little one saw Li Xueyi just yesterday and had a strong impression. Li Xueyi’s appearance was soft and delicate like that of a doll’s, but that person just now as a very rough and burly man.”
The figure in the shadow was silent for a few moments before he said, “Alright, you can withdraw.”
The waiter seemed to be extremely relieved as he bowed and withdrew.
The person in the room slowly rotated the two walnuts in his hand as he sighed, “Since he wasn’t the one, then let’s just wait a little longer. After all, we’ve already waited so many years, what’s a little more?”
It sounded like he was talking to himself, but it also sounded like these words were directed towards someone else.
Jun Xin gaze at the lit window from a distance away and rubbed his mask. Who exactly was Fu Liuyun? Why did he seem familiar?
However, when he saw that Tang Doudou was getting far away, he dropped this thought to follow her.
Chapter 312.2: Hibiscus GarrisonOriginal and most updated translations are on volare. If this is being found anywhere else, it has been stolen. Don’t support theft. 🙂
Three months later.
When Tang Doudou saw the words written on the sign above the entrance gates, she dusted off her clothes and pressed back her loosening mustache before jumping off the horse and heading into Hibiscus Garrison.
Hibiscus Garrison wasn’t very large. It was like one of those little towns in Suzhou. It was sprinkling a little, so the place seemed calm and artful. On the street made of limestone, a few people were walking around holding paper umbrellas.
Tang Doudou had a very good first impression of this place.
This would be the perfect place to live in seclusion. Although the Immortal Spirit Garrison Jun Xin had told her about wasn’t bad, it sounded too isolated and didn’t suit her personality.
Moreover, if she wanted to open a restaurant, she needed to be in a place where she would get customers!
Following that, she glanced at her dirty clothes, then looked around and saw the Yuelai Inn next to the street.
Yuelai Inn? It was truly a chain franchise that appeared everywhere regardless of space and era!
She smiled slightly and tied the horse near the door before swaggering in. “Waiter! Where’s the waiter?”
“Oh, Guest, are you here for a travel snack or a room?” Probably due to the fact that there weren’t many customers due to the rain, the waiter was napping when Tang Doudou walked in. He started awake when she called out for a waiter and hastily ran over, but when he saw how terribly she was dressed, the enthusiasm in his eyes immediately diminished.
Tang Doudou didn’t mind and just threw him a silver ingot. “Prepare the best upper class room for me and carry hot water to the room. This big master plans to take a nice long bath.”
When the waiter saw that he was liberal with money, his eyes immediately lit up and he took a closer look at him. He noticed that though the guest acted rough and strong, he wasn’t actually that old. He recalled the event that was occuring in the garrison, so he leaned over and whispered, “Guest, could it be that you’re also here for our garrison’s Lady Hibiscus?”
Tang Doudou looked him up and down and asked, “What Lady Hibiscus?”
“Eh? You don’t know?” The waiter started looking at her strangely.
Tang Doudou hastily said, “Oh, so that’s what you’re talking about! That’s right, that’s why I’m here. But I don’t know much about the details, so could you fill me in?”
As she spoke, she pressed some more silver into the waiter’s palm.
The waiter laughed and said, “Guest, you look quite worn out from your travels. Why don’t you bathe first. Once you’ve freshen up, this little one will tell you about it in detail?”
“Alright!” In any case, since she was in this inn, so she wasn’t worried about this waiter running off.
She went upstairs and took a hot bath. After changing into clean clothes, she leisurely called for food and started gorging herself.
The waiter took advantage of a lull in the flow of customers to enter her room.
“Come, come, sit.” Tang Doudou beckoned for the waiter to eat with her.
However, the waiter refused to. He could accept silver as tips, but as a waiter, he couldn’t eat with a guest.
After rejecting the offer, he started speaking, “Gongzi seems to have an extraordinary aura and gallant looks, and you are also very liberal in manners. You probably aren’t from around here, are you?”
When Tang Doudou saw that he was trying to get information from her, she reacted with displeasure.
The waiter hastily changed his tone. “Gongzi, please don’t misunderstand, I’m just curious. The garrison has been abuzz due to Lady Hibiscus’s matchmaking event. Many high officials, nobles, and even wealthy merchants have come to Hibiscus Garrison, but there are only a few young men of the right age. I’ve seen them plenty before in this inn, but I’ve never seen you…”
“Oh.” Tang Doudou relaxed her expression. “Indeed, I’m not from nearby, but I don’t live that far away. This time was because of that cousin of mine! He said that something fun was about to start here and told me to come join in the liveliness, so… hehe.”
Tang Doudou laughed vulgarly as she took a bite of some vegetables. Inwardly, she remarked, so it turned out that a lady was about to hold a matchmaking event? It was perfect since it could conceal her motive for coming here.
After all, this garrison was only so large. If Nangong Yan really was here, she’d definitely be keeping an eye out for suspicious newcomers. This was very lucky timing.
“So it was like that.” The waiter then said, “Since gongzi is also here for Lady Hibiscus, why don’t I tell you all about it?”
“Could it be that there’s actually a story behind it?”
“Of course!”
After she finished the meal, she sent off that waiter and rubbed her chin as she mulled over everything she heard. She had been probing that waiter earlier but he didn’t seem to have seen anyone like Nangong Yan in the garrison.
Logically, based on how outstanding Nangong Yan and Baili Yu’s looks were, they’d definitely make a huge commotion if they appeared in a small town like this.
However, there was not a trace of them. Could it be that Jun Xin’s guess was wrong?
Aiy, what was the point of worrying about this now? Sleep first. Tomorrow she would head to the matchmaking competition to take a look around. There was bound to be a lot of gossipers there!
After deciding on this course of action, Tang Doudou hugged the box to her and went to sleep on the bed.
When she woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.
The Heavens were beautiful and the sunlight was enchanting as it spilled into the room. It was already autumn, so when she opened the window, a refreshing fall breeze swept in. In the distance, yellow leaves were lazily drifting down poetically.
“Drifting leaves blanket the courtyard, as the breeze sighs the news of fall.” Tang Doudou gave a soft sigh. When she left Huai City, it had still been midsummer, but in the blink of an eye they were already in autumn. Time truly passed so fast.
“Wonderful poem!”
A frivolous sounding voice came from downstairs. Tang Doudou glanced down and saw about five silk pants gongzi waving fans.
The person who was speaking was the one in the lead. He was actually quite good-looking, but that strong indolent aura around him made people feel uncomfortable.
All of them were dressed quite nicely. When she noticed that they were all about the same age, her eyes lit up with realization. They were probably all here for that Lady Hibiscus.
It was perfect timing. She had just been wondering if she’d have to go by herself when a bunch of people showed up.
Thus, she laughed heartily and cupped her fist in salute towards the people downstairs. “It was a thoughtless and unworthy composition, Sirs are too kind.”
Chapter 313.1: Exceptionally Good LadyOriginal and most updated translations are on volare. If this is being found anywhere else, it has been stolen. Don’t support theft. 🙂
The young men downstairs looked at each other, then the man at the very front cupped his fist and bowed to Tang Doudou. “This brother, I don’t seem to have seen you around?”
Tang Doudou could tell that they were interested in making friends, so she replied straightforwardly, “This one is Tang Longbiao. I only arrived in Hibiscus Garrison yesterday, so it’s not strange that you guys haven’t seen me before.”
That man replied with a smile, “So it’s like that.”
Then he said, “Brother Tang, this one is Lin Shuxuan. Seeing as Brother Tang also enjoys cultural pursuit like us, would you grant us the honor of having a drink together?”
“Haha, I was just worrying about what to do today. Since Lin gongzi has extended such a cordial invitation, then this Tang will gratefully accept!”
“Brother Tang’s personality and words are both straightforward, you are truly a refreshing person. It seems that it was a good choice to head out today! It is our fortune to have been able to meet Brother Tang, don’t you guys agree?” Lin Shuxuan laughed, then flipped open his fan.
The other young men nodded in agreement.
Tang Doudou pressed one hand on the windowsill and jumped out gracefully. Lin Shuxuan’s group exclaimed praise at this sight.
Lin Shuxuan’s eyes lit up. “So Brother Tang was actually a martial arts expert!”
Tang Doudou cupped her fist with a smile. “Brother Lin is joking. I only learned a little bit from my master, how could I count as a martial arts expert?”
“Aiy, Brother Tang, it has actually been my dream since childhood to learn martial arts, but sadly… Haa…” Lin Shuxuan sighed and shook his head.
One of the other young men said, “Aiyah, Young Master Lin, you have so many people protecting you whenever you head out, so why put yourself through the torture of learning things like that?”
“Tsk, what do you know?” Lin Shuxuan shot a disdainful look at that person before saying with a laugh, “Brother Tang, come this way. An encounter is fate, so let us drink until we are drunk!”
The two were just about to walk forward when someone said, “Young Master Lin, we, we…”
“Say it already!” Lin Shuxuan was annoyed.
“Hehe, could it be that Young Master Lin has already forgotten about Lady Hibiscus?” That person laughed vulgarly.
Lin Shuxuan shot him a look and frowned. “Speak more decently. Don’t make a fool of yourself in front of Brother Tang!”
That person hastily said with an apologetic smile, “Yes, yes. Young Master Lin’s chastising is correct.”
Lin Shuxuan nodded with satisfaction and snapped his fan closed as he asked Tang Doudou, “Brother Tang, so you came to Hibiscus Garrison this time…”
Tang Doudou laughed heartily and shot a wink towards the group. “Of course it was for… Hehe…”
Lin Shuxuan, who had just scolded the other guy for not acting decent, immediately nodded understandingly with a vulgar smile. He tapped his fan on Tang Doudou’s chest. “I never would have thought, so Brother Tang was also a kindred spirit ah!”
“Haa, sweet, fair, and graceful beauties, noblemen truly… wishes to collect ah!” (The correct ending of this phrase is noblemen truly desire.)
Another burst of vulgar laughter rang out on the street.
After getting to the matchmaking event area with these people, Tang Doudou looked around and found that it was truly a sea of people.
She hadn’t expected for a matchmaking even in a small town like this to be so popular.
“Ah Cai, where’s the private room? Where’s the private room I had you prepare ahead of time? It couldn’t be that you want this young master to sit with this crowd of country bumpkins?” Lin Shuxuan, that picky rich kid, looked around and immediately became displeased.
Ah Cai hastily replied, “Young Master, don’t get angry, the private room is right over there. Ah Cai will lead you there right away.”
“Quit dawdling, otherwise this young master will fire you!” Lin Shuxuan shook his fan. When his gaze shifted over to Tang Doudou, he smiled warmly again. “Brother Tang, this way please.”
Tang Doudou nodded and started walking forward with vigorous steps.
Lin Shuxuan’s eyes whirled, then he glanced meaningfully at the men following him. One immediately said, “Young Master Lin, this Tang Longbiao doesn’t seem like a normal person. There’s no nearby large family that has the surname Tang either, so could it be that he came from the Imperial City?”
“Send someone to his inn to ask around about him. All of you, be careful and don’t mess up in front of him. If he really is here for Hibiscus, that’s fine, but if he isn’t…”
Tang Doudou, who was walking in front, smiled slightly when she heard what they said. It seemed like this small Hibiscus Garrison actually contained a lot of secrets!
The so-called private room was just a stage that had about two dozen chairs separated by tables.
“Oh, isn’t this Nephew Lin? You had the time to visit Hibiscus Garrison today?” The moment Lin Shuxuan’s group walked over, a fat man that looked around fifty walked over to greet them. This stage wasn’t for just anyone to sit on, so this man’s status in Hibiscus Garrison probably wasn’t low. However, despite his seniority, he was facing Lin Shuxuan with an ingratiating smile, so it caused Tang Doudou to become curious about Lin Shuxuan’s identity.
Chapter 313.2: Exceptionally Good LadyOriginal and most updated translations are on volare. If this is being found anywhere else, it has been stolen. Don’t support theft. 🙂
“Uncle Tao.” Although Lin Shuxuan spoke respectfully, he didn’t actually show any trace of respect. It looked as if he didn’t want to bother with this Uncle Tao at all.
However, the other young men behind him started greeting Uncle Tao politely. Through their words, Tang Doudou found out that this guy was actually the country magistrate of Hibiscus Garrison.
However, the grand county magistrate was actually so polite towards this young man. Tang Doudou rubbed her chin thoughtfully, and her motion attracted County Magistrate Tao’s attention. “Nephew Lin, this is?”
“Oh, look at this memory of mine, I almost forgot to introduce you. Uncle Tao, this is Tang Longbiao, Brother Tang. We hit off at first sight.”
After he said that, he turned around and said to Tang Doudou, “Brother Tang, this is the county magistrate of Hibiscus Garrison, Tao daren. “
“This junior greets Tao daren,” said Tang Doudou in a manner that was neither overbearing or servile as she cupped her fist.
When County Magistrate saw the way she cupped her fist, he came to the conclusion that she was just a barbaric man of the Jianghu and must have used some sort of scheme to get close to Young Master Lin.
Once his thoughts reached this point, scorn appeared in his eyes and he didn’t even bother to return Tang Doudou’s greeting and just turned to Lin Shuxuan. “Nephew Lin has walked far, you must be tired? Let’s go, come sit here and taste the new tea I just got.”
There was no way Lin Shuxuan could miss the scorn County Magistrate Tao had towards Tang Doudou. Displeasure appeared on his face and he rejected County Magistrate Tao’s invitation. “Many thanks for Uncle Tao’s kind invitation, but I’d prefer to stay with Brother Tang. Young men tend to have a lot to talk about, so I hope Uncle Tao won’t mind.”
County Magistrate Tao hadn’t thought that Lin Shuxuan would reject him in front of everyone just for the sake of a Jianghu man. His expression turned a bit unsightly, but when he saw that no one around seemed to have noticed, he forced a smile and said, “Since that’s the case, I won’t disturb you young ones. But, my family’s girl…”
“Don’t worry Uncle Tao, I’ll definitely pay a visit once I have time and visit my little sister Yurong while I’m at it.” How could Lin Shuxuan possibly miss County Magistrate Tao’s intentions? If it weren’t for that fact that his daughter, Tao Yurong, had pretty good looks, why would he call this county magistrate uncle?
“Those with dog eyes can’t help but look down on others.” Lin Shuxuan sneered at County Magistrate’s back, then looked towards Tang Doudou apologetically. “Brother Tang, this county magistrate is just ignorant. I hope you won’t take offense!”
“Brother Lin is joking. Just because he’s ignorant doesn’t mean that I should be petty as well.” Tang Doudou’s sparkling eyes filled with a profound smile as she emitted a casual but powerful aura. She glanced around, then picked a comfortable looking seat and sat down. Her relaxed and self-assured manner made Lin Shuxuan even more certain that she wasn’t an ordinary person.
An ordinary person wouldn’t have such an aura.
In addition, when he looked closely, he noticed that though Tang Longbiao had thick eyebrows, his eyes were unusually beautiful. Actually, it should be said that his entire appearance was very handsome and beautiful. It was just that his two mustache strips added a coarse gruffness to his appearance and the moles on his face messed with that image of beauty. Then there was the fact that though his figure was large, his movements were as smooth as if he was gliding. Once one looked closely, one would be captivated.
Tang Doudou was aware that Lin Shuxuan was sizing her up, but she paid no attention to it and just lifted the cup of tea to take a light sip before placing it back down.
The movement was fluid as water. If the person hadn’t lived in such a comfortable and relaxed way for a long time, they wouldn’t be able to exude such grace.
The more Lin Shuxuan thought about it, the more depressed he felt. Not even he could affect such graceful bearings. Who exactly was Tang Longbiao? And why did he come to Hibiscus Garrison? Could it really have been to investigate that matter?
These thoughts all took place in just the span of a few moments. He soon reached Tang Doudou and sat down near her. As he opened his fan, he asked, “Does Brother Tang know the origin of this Hibiscus?”
Everything Tang Doudou had done earlier was for the sake of impressing Lin Shuxuan so that he would take the initiative to offer information.
“Oh? Lady Hibiscus isn’t someone of Hibiscus Garrison?”
Lin Shuxuan smiled mysteriously, then leaned over to whisper, “Hibiscus is only a title, it’s not actually pointing to a specific lady.”
Tang Doudou nodded in understanding. “So it was like that. Then why are these ladies taking on the title ‘Hibiscus?’ Could it that there’s some story behind this?”
Lin Shuxuan smiled as he fanned himself slowly. “There is a story. It’s said that about twenty years ago, a beautiful woman with looks stunning enough to overturn a city came to live in this Hibiscus Garrison. When people asked her for her name, she just said with a smile, I had cut off ties with my past, so from now on, just call me Hibiscus.”
“She was definitely a woman with stories.”
“I don’t know if she had stories in the past, but I know that ever since she came, Hibiscus Garrison became exceptionally beautiful.”
“Beautiful?”
“En. It’s said that not only was she beautiful, she knew a lot and would teach the residents for free.”
There actually existed this kind of woman? A woman that possessed beauty and talent, and was also that kind?
Tang Doudou became interested and asked, “She sounds wonderful. She definitely had a lot of admirers, didn’t she?”
“Hehe, that’s only natural, but those are all small things. The thing most worthy of mention is that she was very skilled in medicine!”
Tang Doudou was even more stunned. “Beautiful, talented, kind, and is skilled in medicine? Tsk tsk, if this kind of woman was in the Imperial City, she’d probably be pursued by the entire country.”
Li Shuxuan’s eyes lit up. “Brother Tang is very familiar with the Imperial City?”
Tang Doudou’s heart dropped. Crap, she had been too engrossed in this news and ended up making a slip.
However, she remained unperturbed on the surface. “My ancestors had once moved out of the Imperial City, so I often hear my elders talk about the Imperial City and their customs. However, it isn’t enough to be described as familiar.”