Chapter 96: Gu Maiden (9)

“What happened to me last night?” Meng Qing hastily asked Peach Branch as soon as she rose early in the morning. “How could I have fallen asleep?”

The arrival of each evening was what Meng Qing most eagerly anticipated; there was no way she should miss such crucial time! Could it be that her parents discovered something?

Was it because she mentioned wanting to break off the engagement, arousing their suspicions? Have they taken action against Xiling?!

Growing increasingly anxious, Meng Qing rushed to find her parents.

Peach Branch hurriedly intercepted Miss Meng before she could explain the situation. Just then, the second young master knocked from outside the door, saying, “A-Zi, I need to speak with you.”

Meng Qing composed herself swiftly, instructing Peach Branch to open the door while regaining her usual poised demeanor. She knew how mischievous her younger brother could be; if he found out…

Upon entering, Meng Lianzhou dismissed Peach Branch and approached his sister. He began, “I’ve already met Miss Xi Ling.”

Meng Qing involuntarily swayed, staring at Meng Lianzhou in shock. “Wh-what did you say?”

“A-Zi, don’t worry, I won’t tell Father or Mother anything.” Recalling the previous night, Meng Lianzhou’s features softened. “Let this be our little…secret between us.”

Meng Lianzhou possessed exquisite beauty, with brows like willow leaves and a face akin to spring blossoms—naturally endowed with a captivating allure. Such features would make any woman an extraordinary beauty; on a man…they were equally striking.

However, Meng Lianzhou’s chronic illness had always cast a somber shadow over his demeanor. Seeing him display such warmth was rare and caught Meng Qing off guard.

“Why would you…” Meng Qing couldn’t comprehend it. Given her defiant actions against tradition, why would her second brother conceal this for her?

“Miss Xi told me about the deep bond between her and A-Zi,” Meng Lianzhou said solemnly. “My only wish is for A-Zi’s happiness. Why would I ever want to burden you?”

Relief washed over Meng Qing. “Second Brother… Thank you so much!”

“But…” Meng Lianzhou sighed softly. “The engagement between the Xie and Meng families is settled. If A-Zi renounces the marriage, explaining it to both our parents and the Xie Clan won’t be easy.”

Meng Qing well understood these implications, but she absolutely refused, utterly refused to marry anyone else!

Seeing Meng Qing deeply troubled, Meng Lianzhou offered, “I have an idea that could help A-Zi escape this predicament.”

“What idea?” Meng Qing eagerly asked.

“I will marry into the Xie Clan in A-Zi’s place.” The corners of Meng Lianzhou’s lips curved slightly upward. “A-Zi can disguise herself as me and stay safely within our home.”

The Meng family rarely disturbed their second young master, so Meng Qing posing as him would arouse no suspicions.

Initially, Meng Qing was rendered speechless by Meng Lianzhou’s proposal. Then…

“A-Zi, my disguises are undetectable to others. When the time comes, I’ll create the illusion of your disappearance, ensuring blame falls solely on the Xie Clan, not our Meng family.” Meng Lianzhou spoke with genuine concern for his sister. “Then, A-Zi, you’ll be free like fish leaping across vast seas or birds soaring high in the sky!”

Meng Qing was deeply moved, her heart filled with immense gratitude. Unsure how best to thank her younger brother, she immediately bowed towards Meng Lianzhou in appreciation.

Meng Lianzhou hastily sidestepped the gesture. “A-Zi, there’s no need for such formality. I only have one request.”

“A-Zi is listening,” Meng Qing replied, smiling warmly.

Given that this plan resolved her significant predicament, not just one but any number of requests from her second brother would be readily accepted without hesitation.

“In the future, if A-Zi has plans to meet Miss Xi, please don’t avoid me; simply allow me to join those meetings,” Meng Lianzhou said.

Meng Qing hesitated. “This…”

“I won’t disturb your conversation with Miss Xi,” Meng Lianzhou assured her.

Owing such a significant favor to Meng Lianzhou, Meng Qing could only nod reluctantly. ”…Very well.”

Meng Lianzhou smiled contentedly. Although his sister was indeed virtuous, he absolutely refused to share Xiling with her. If he couldn’t control this woman directly, he’d have to find another angle of attack. Besides A-Zi and that white-haired swordsman, who else had fallen under Xiling’s Love Gu…?

The little gongzi stared blankly out the window. He had purchased the courtyard next door to Xiling’s and requested daily visits, but she still hadn’t agreed to see him these past few days.

“I’m dying,” the little gongzi wailed miserably. “If this continues, I truly will die!”

Over these agonizing days, the little gongzi had come to understand the torment of unrequited love. Every time he thought about Xiling refusing to meet him, it felt as if his heart would shatter. Now, he found no pleasure in food or sleep, drifting through life in a daze, devoid of joy.

The little gongzi ground his teeth with hatred at that white-haired, red-eyed oddity. In his eyes, this fellow was no different from the wicked stepmothers who obstructed meetings between scholar-gentlemen and their maidens in romance novels. So long as he remained, the scholar could never openly visit the maiden.

Could it be…that just like in those stories, he would have to sneak out for secret trysts with Xiling?

Blushing, the little gongzi furtively glanced around, guilt-ridden. Seeing that he had indeed sent all the guards outside, he cautiously retrieved a romance novel from beneath his pillow and began reading while lying on his bed.

“In tender warmth, her jade-like form embraced…” As the little gongzi savored these lines, he couldn’t help but recall Xiling’s appearance. How could any maiden in these books match her beauty? Only Xiling possessed skin fairer than snow and a fragrance so captivating. If only he could hold her in his arms…

Lost in thought, heat surged through his body, his gaze becoming dreamy once more. Rising from the bed, he found his forehead drenched in sweat, hair disheveled, breaths labored, and face flushed. He called out, instructing someone to prepare water—he needed to bathe and change clothes.

This cannot go on! After cleansing himself, the little gongzi used his inner strength to dry his hair and turned to Qianyi, asking, “Is there any way I can convince Xiling to see me?”

Qianyi watched silently.

In truth, Qianyi knew little about matters of love, but seeing the little gongzi so distressed, he endeavored to analyze the situation. “Give Miss Xiling whatever she desires and solve all her problems,” he suggested. “With sincerity, I believe even metal can be melted by unwavering devotion. Surely, Miss Xiling will come to appreciate your goodness.”

I’ve already given her everything worth giving. Is it not enough? thought the little gongzi. Resolved, he instructed his attendants to prepare more gifts, determined to shower her with every valuable treasure available.

“Oh right, young master,” Qianyi reminded him, “Xuezhu-gongzi’s wedding is approaching soon. Shouldn’t we consider sending a generous gift as congratulations?”

If not for Qianyi’s prompt, the little gongzi might have forgotten entirely. He had always admired heroes in the jianghu, and Xie Xuefeng was undeniably a renowned and accomplished one. By convention, Wan Jian Manor should present the most precious gift to demonstrate their high regard for Xuezhu-gongzi.

However…

The little gongzi was currently quite strapped for resources; he had been lavishing everything he could on Xiling. What substantial gift did he have left to offer Xie Xuefeng?

“No need for extravagant gifts,” the little gongzi said, slightly embarrassed. “Wan Jian Manor doesn’t require any special treatment. Whatever others give, we’ll match; equality is sufficient.”

Qianyi pursed his lips, suppressing a smile. “Alright, I understand.”

Indeed, having someone on one’s mind made all the difference—the little gongzi was no longer as extravagantly wasteful as before. Now, he reserved his best efforts for his future wife—a trait strikingly similar to the manor lord.

Sanar skillfully opened the courtyard gate, allowing the bearers to carry the gifts inside. Once upon a time, Sanar had envied the little gongzi’s privileged background and admired how effortlessly he could spend lavishly to win the priestess’s favor. But now, such matters held no weight for him.

What did it matter if the little gongzi tried harder than anyone else? As long as the priestess remained indifferent, his efforts counted for nothing.

Instead, Sanar worried about Meng Lianzhou. The priestess seemed quite…close with that second young master of the Meng family. Although Sanar knew her affability was likely aimed at retaliating against Xie Xuefeng, it still troubled him deeply.

Sanar understood he had no right to stop the priestess. Rather than risk her displeasure or anger, he preferred maintaining the status quo—at least then, she would only have him by her side.

Tong Ling observed Sanar diligently working outside and praised him, “I thought he would remain dispirited for much longer; I didn’t expect him to recover so quickly.”

m577 sighed softly, [What choice did he have? He can’t leave, so all he can do is make the best of it.]

“You seem quite touched?” Tong Ling raised an eyebrow. “Is it because you feel I haven’t treated you well enough?”

m577 swiftly composed itself and asserted firmly, [Absolutely not! Bell Sister, you’ve always…always…] m577’s voice trailed off, struggling to find instances where its host had truly shown kindness towards it.

m577 fell silent. Despite her indifferent treatment, why was it completely helpless against her?

Tong Ling returned her consciousness to the consciousness sea, picked up the fuzzy data ball resembling a plush toy, and cradled it close while gently stroking it. “Little M, look at how unique you are compared to everyone else. I may abandon others, but I’ve never forsaken you.”

Never before had m577 experienced such tender affection from its host, combined with those words, causing its entire data flow to become chaotic. The fluffy ball’s form flickered intermittently, as if being corrupted by some unknown virus.

Tong Ling shook the fuzzy ball in her hand. “What’s wrong with you?”

m577 let out a sound of confusion: [I’m not sure, but it feels like my data is becoming overloaded…]

“Should I clear your data then?” Tong Ling asked.

m577 swiftly shook its virtual head: [No need to clear, my memory can store this information!]

Tong Ling lowered her gaze, continuing to stroke the system’s virtual form gently. “That’s good.”

Feeling comfortable in its host’s embrace, m577 murmured softly: [If only we could stay like this forever…]

Tong Ling smiled, “We will, because you’re my best partner, aren’t you?”

m577’s digital fur relaxed and spread open: [Yes, my best partner!]

For some time now, Tanyu Shu had been diligently sending flowers. Initially, he could only place them outside from a distance, but eventually, he progressed to handing them directly to Miss Xiling.

The gradual process of inching closer to her while she, in turn, slowly opened up to him felt truly…wondrous.

In the past, Tanyu Shu admired beauties by observing them from afar. Despite being perceived as a romantic figure who frequently sought clandestine encounters, Tanyu Shu was not a lecherous man. His appreciation for beauty contained no selfish desires or any hint of indecency. This is why many beauties in the jianghu willingly allowed him to paint their portraits.

Being sternly rebuffed and treated with disdain, as he experienced this time, had never occurred before. Tanyu Shu found Miss Xiling’s words reasonable, willingly continuing to send her flowers, even gradually finding enjoyment in the process.

With each flower delivery, Tanyu Shu would introduce its origin and variety to Miss Xiling, occasionally sharing interesting anecdotes from his day. If his tales were engaging, Miss Xiling would respond more extensively; otherwise, she remained silent without any pretense, displaying a straightforward yet willful temperament.

Today, Tanyu Shu chose a rare peony called Wei Zi, known as the Empress among peonies. Its deep purple-red petals layered intricately, creating a strikingly beautiful bloom.

After introducing the flower’s variety to Miss Xiling, the door creaked open slightly.

A delicate jade-like arm extended out, the silver-embroidered violet sleeve gently sliding down to reveal a segment of snow-white wrist. The woman’s hand was exceptionally lovely; at first glance, Tanyu Shu noticed slender fingers, full and fair-skinned. This single hand alone possessed an impeccable beauty that stirred his desire to finally meet Miss Xiling once again.

Previously, after glimpsing Miss Xiling’s hand, Tanyu Shu had eagerly requested to meet her face-to-face. Unfortunately, whether due to his impatience or misplaced flattery, he had inadvertently angered Miss Xiling, and she hadn’t spoken a single word to him that day.

This time, Tanyu Shu learned from his mistake. He handed the Wei Zi orchid to Xiling without mentioning their meeting again. Instead, he shared various interesting anecdotes with ease.

There was no immediate response from inside. Just as Tanyu Shu began to worry if his chattiness might have annoyed her, Miss Xiling’s voice floated out.

“Come in, Tan-gongzi.”

To Tanyu Shu, her voice sounded like celestial music. Pausing briefly to compose himself, he took a deep breath and cautiously entered the room.

Inside, a slender figure clad in violet robes stood facing away from him. Her delicate fingers, akin to tender spring onions, held the Wei Zi orchid gracefully amidst a faintly fragrant ambiance—a picturesque scene of beauty holding flowers.

Tanyu Shu dared not approach closer, remaining at the center of the room. First, he respectfully bowed to Miss Xiling. “Greetings, Miss Xi.”

“Tan-gongzi, would you regret all the effort you’ve put forth for me if I were unattractive, plain as the legendary Mo Yan?”

Tanyu Shu silently acknowledged this as likely another test. A well-crafted answer could prompt Miss Xiling to reveal herself, but a misstep…and the door, so painstakingly opened, might shut once more.

Given Miss Xiling’s temperament, any response could potentially anger her. Tanyu Shu decided honesty was best and said, “The premise of your question itself is flawed.”

“Oh?” Surprise crept into Miss Xiling’s tone.

“I came here specifically after hearing about your renowned beauty; the assumption that you might be unattractive or plain simply doesn’t hold…” Tanyu Shu replied candidly.

“But what if this beauty were all an illusion, merely a facade? How would you feel then?” As Miss Xiling turned around, she revealed a face with sallow skin, rough complexion, small eyes, and a flat nose—bearing no resemblance to a beauty.

Tanyu Shu had harbored high expectations for Miss Xiling’s appearance. Upon catching sight of her transformed visage, his heart seemed to skip a beat, nearly betraying his composure. Hastily, he lowered his head.

“Tan-gongzi, weren’t you eager to meet me? Why, now that we’ve finally met, do you dare not even glance at me?” The woman spoke with a mocking undertone. “Are you afraid my coarse features might offend Yumen Gongzi’s delicate eyes?”

“No!” Realizing Miss Xiling had misunderstood him, Tanyu Shu hastily explained, “I fear offending you because I perceive you as a great beauty. Consequently, when viewing you through the lens of such beauty, I struggle to control my expression, which might mar your perception of our encounter.”

With these words, Tanyu Shu lifted his head once more, composing himself gracefully and maintaining impeccable etiquette. “When I view you through the lens of an ordinary person, Miss, you still appear to me as a woman with exquisite figure and captivating presence. The term ‘coarse’ could never apply to you, and indeed, I do not regret offering you flowers.”

“Ah, what a charming Yumen Gongzi, blessed with such eloquence,” the woman smiled. “Let me ask another question then.”

“Please go ahead, Miss,” replied Tanyu Shu.

“If I hadn’t asked you for flowers, giving you no chance to know me better, would you have spared even a moment’s thought upon first seeing me?” Xiling elegantly approached Tanyu Shu, her gait graceful. “Yes or no?”

Tanyu Shu’s heart trembled; with his intelligence, he instantly understood Miss Xiling’s implication.

“Yes,” he sighed. “I was too focused on appearances before, failing to truly appreciate a beauty’s essence.”

“Pfft.” Unexpectedly, the woman burst out laughing at that moment.

“Wrong, wrong!” The woman lifted her sleeve to cover her face. When she lowered it again, she revealed an exquisitely beautiful and unparalleled countenance. “My point is, there’s nothing wrong with appreciating appearances, but only by investing your emotions and efforts will a beauty truly hold significance in your heart. Do you understand now?”

Tanyu Shu stood frozen, momentarily stunned. Despite holding Wei Zi, the breathtaking peony, in his hands, he suddenly grasped the meaning behind the phrase, “A person’s charm surpasses even the most vibrant flower, casting its radiance dim.” Her presence was indeed captivating and mesmerizing beyond measure!

In the past, Tanyu Shu had admired women like Meng Qing, elegant and refined. But now…

“In my eyes, Miss Xi, you are undoubtedly the world’s foremost beauty.” Although both women were equally stunning, Tanyu Shu chose without hesitation due to the emotional weight he felt towards Xiling.

m577 scoffed, “No struggle at all? Captivated so quickly?”

Tong Ling chuckled softly, “I’ve kept him on edge for so long, playing hot and cold repeatedly. He won’t be disappointed by my allure anytime soon.”

“I absolutely cannot allow the beauty of a female supporting character to be undervalued or belittled!”

M577 paused and then scoffed, “Why make it so complicated? Wouldn’t using Love Gu solve everything instantly?”

“Letting him genuinely fall for me first will give me even greater satisfaction,” Tong Ling insisted, quite particular in this regard. “Moreover, I want his full devotion when painting for me. If he harbors any doubts about his feelings, imperfections would surely mar the artwork.”

M577 muttered, “Seems to me you just enjoy watching his expressions change unpredictably… purely tormenting him…”

Tong Ling retorted, “Don’t spill the truth so bluntly! Did you see how terrified he was earlier? Heehee, absolutely hilarious!”

M577 fell silent.

Tong Ling redirected her attention back to Tanyu Shu, saying, “The title of ‘First Beauty’ belongs to Qing’er; I have no interest in such a name.” She gestured for Tanyu Shu to sit down and personally poured him a cup of tea, offering, “Tan-gongzi, please enjoy some tea.”

Without any hesitation, Tanyu Shu drained the cup and declared, “I shall create the most beautiful portrait for Miss Xi!”

“And if I’m not satisfied?” Tong Ling asked with an enigmatic smile.

Tanyu Shu’s heart warmed at her words. He lifted his gaze, studying Xiling with an enamored expression. “I will keep painting until Miss Xi is satisfied.”

Tong Ling reached out and gently touched Yumen Gongzi’s exceptionally handsome face. “Very well,” she said softly, “remember these words - paint until I am satisfied.”

Tanyu Shu nodded eagerly. He would capture every aspect of Miss Xiling’s beauty and essence with utmost dedication! Yes, he must draw; he had to immortalize her at her most resplendent!

“Could I… could I spend more time with you, Miss Xi, for the sake of my artwork?” Tanyu Shu asked hesitantly. Despite having no personal desires towards beauties, he found himself unable to tire of gazing upon Xiling. “I wish to better understand you, so that…so that my paintings might truly…”

“No,” Tong Ling replied firmly, her tone cold. “I fear your focus on drawing would wane in my presence. It’s time for you to leave, Tan-gongzi, please take your leave now.”

Embarrassed, Tanyu Shu stammered, “Then I’ll come back tomorrow to bring you flowers again.”

“Tomorrow?” Tong Ling chuckled lightly. “I won’t be available.”

A sudden unease gripped Tanyu Shu’s heart. “Do…do you not wish to see me anymore?”

“Tomorrow marks the auspicious wedding day for Miss Meng, the eldest daughter of the Meng family, and Xie Xuefeng of the Xie Clan,” Tong Ling said with evident delight. “How could I miss such a joyous occasion?”

Tanyu Shu sighed in relief; as long as Xiling wasn’t growing weary of him, that was all that mattered. “Does Miss Xi plan to attend the ceremony?”

“Yes.” Anticipation sparkled in Tong Ling’s eyes. “There will surely be many distinguished heroes from the jianghu present.”

The marriage alliance between the Xie and Meng families was undoubtedly the most significant celebration in the recent history of the jianghu.

The Meng residence was adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations, red silk banners hanging everywhere. Alliance Leader Xie Changyue stood at the entrance, personally greeting guests arriving from far and wide.

The sounds of firecrackers and drumbeats echoed harmoniously, immersing the entire street in an atmosphere of jubilation.

“Congratulations, Alliance Leader Xie! Your son and Miss Meng truly make a perfect match, destined by heaven itself!”

“Xuezhu-gongzi, having eradicated the demon cult, stands unparalleled in the jianghu. He is indeed a worthy match for the world’s most beautiful woman!”

“The future of the martial realm is secure, indeed secure!”

Cheers of congratulations rose one after another, even eliciting smiles from the usually stern and dignified Xie Changyue on this special day. With hands cupped respectfully, his voice resonating like a deep bell, he exclaimed, “Many thanks to all, please come inside!”

While traditional wedding customs held less sway among those in the jianghu, the Xie and Meng families were prominent clans within it, so their celebration was still grandiose. The procession stretched from one end of the street to the other, with Xie Xuefeng atop his fine steed drawing the most attention.

Dressed in vibrant red wedding attire, Xie Xuefeng wore a cloud-patterned sash around his waist, a jade crown upon his head, and sturdy riding boots on his feet. His figure stood tall and strikingly handsome; even a slight smile made many female warriors blush nearby. His majestic bearing elicited unanimous admiration from the crowd.

A multitude of individuals from the jianghu had gathered to witness the wedding, including numerous young heroes eager for a glimpse of the renowned Beauty Unmatched. As they watched Xie Xuefeng dismount and approach the bridal sedan chair, they couldn’t help but urge him on:

“Hurry! Quickly invite Miss Meng out!”

As if aware of the anticipation, Miss Meng reached out from within the sedan chair and lifted the curtain herself, stepping gracefully outside before Xie Xuefeng could offer assistance.

Adorned in a phoenix crown and flowing ceremonial robes, her features were veiled behind a crimson silk veil, making them slightly indistinct. Yet, with her graceful gait reminiscent of a willow swaying in the breeze, the sheer elegance and ethereal aura she exuded left no doubt that this indeed was the celebrated Beauty Unmatched of the jianghu!

Upon catching sight of his soon-to-be wife, even Xie Xuefeng couldn’t suppress a touch of eager delight on his face.

“Miss Meng,” Xie Xuefeng said as he approached her side and extended his hand, “allow me to assist you.”

Meng Qing gracefully rested her arm on Xie Xuefeng’s wrist, her voice melodious like a lark singing from a valley. “Many thanks, Gongzi.”

“You can call me Xuefeng.” Xie Xuefeng held Miss Meng in high regard; marrying such a perfect wife with impeccable lineage and beauty brought him immense satisfaction.

“Then, Xuefeng, you may call me… Qing’er.” As she spoke, Miss Meng gently turned away, appearing coyly bashful, unable to meet his gaze directly.

Xie Xuefeng smiled warmly at the corner of his lips, his tone gentle. “Qing’er.”

The arm under his grasp trembled slightly, and Miss Meng’s shoulders quivered as she responded in her sweet voice, “Xuefeng~”

The affectionate display between this enchanting couple truly left onlookers envious.

Tong Ling, wearing her veil, stood with Sanar at the roadside, observing from afar. Accompanied by a little gongzi who had clung to her since they stepped out, their presence was shielded by his guards, creating a peaceful space amidst the bustling crowd.

“Just now, Lianzhou almost broke character,” Tong Ling shared her impressions with the system, “But he performed better than I expected. That heartfelt ‘Xuefeng’ call sent shivers down my spine.”

m577 rolled its eyes dramatically and responded, “No kidding! And wait till Xie Xuefeng learns the truth - it’ll give him even more chills.”

“Now I understand why you took a liking to Meng Lianzhou,” m577 sighed deeply, filled with emotion. “So flirtatious, incredibly so. No one else could have played along like that.”