In the depths of the distant forest, the purple-robed man dismounted and looked at the black-clothed young man on horseback: “Third Brother, after all these years, your aim is still so accurate.”
Xiao Shao also dismounted. Behind his glossy-coated mount hung a string of prey, among which a white wolf was particularly striking. Its entire body was snow-white without a single stray hair, enormous in size, with an arrow through its throat—clearly killed with a single shot. Hunting in snowy forest conditions was already difficult, and the white wolf’s coat blended perfectly with the snow, requiring exceptional eyesight to distinguish. Though this wolf was so large and agile, unfortunately it encountered Xiao Shao and ultimately became his prize.
“Just a beast.” Xiao Shao was completely indifferent.
Qi Feng’s tone paused: “Third Brother hunted the white wolf to make a cloak for Third Sister-in-law, right? This white wolf pelt is worth a fortune—Third Sister-in-law has just recovered from serious illness and needs to take good care of her health.”
Xiao Shao glanced at him without speaking. In fact, Qi Feng wasn’t wrong. Seeing his cold demeanor, Qi Feng didn’t mind, only shaking his head with a smile: “Though white wolf pelt is good, unfortunately Third Sister-in-law most dislikes white. If it were red fox fur, she would probably be more pleased.”
Xiao Shao’s steps paused. He stopped and looked at him, saying indifferently: “What do you want to say?”
A bitter smile appeared on Qi Feng’s face. During these days, the relationship between them had been somewhat strange—even Xia Qing, that brainless fool of a doctor, could see something was wrong. Naturally, it was because of Qi Feng’s behavior during Jiang Ruan’s unconsciousness that had displeased Xiao Shao. He looked into the distance where the peaks of Jia Nan Mountain could faintly be seen among the rolling hills: “Third Brother, you were Third Senior Brother at Jia Nan Mountain. Among the nine junior brothers initially, you were the most intelligent—nothing could stump you. Though I learned court politics and strategy, in terms of wisdom, I’m not your match.”
Xiao Shao lowered his eyes, not knowing what he was thinking. Qi Feng’s voice, seemingly tinged with memory, came from beside him: “Initially, you were cold in temperament, treating everyone icily. Except for Second Brother who could exchange a few words with you, you looked down on all the other junior brothers. We were young then, all spirited youths. Seeing your behavior, we thought you were arrogant and naturally didn’t want to associate with you.”
Qi Feng smiled slightly. Initially, the nine junior brothers were together at Jia Nan Mountain, their daily tasks nothing more than practicing martial arts and studying on the mountain. At the time, they only felt the days were hard. Later, after each completed their training and descended the mountain, truly witnessing the glittering noise behind this mortal world with its scheming and open and hidden struggles, they realized the days on the mountain had been the most beautiful.
“Third Brother once saved my life, right here.” Qi Feng suddenly said: “I still remember Third Brother’s appearance then. You said nothing. I was very scared at the time, but you showed not a trace of nervousness. Then I felt you were very impressive, so from that point on, I truly admired you.”
Many years ago, on a snowy day like this, several junior brothers had come to hunt in the forest. In the deep mountain forests of winter, there should have been no fierce beasts. Who knew that day they encountered a large black bear that had come out foraging. The bear was tall and fierce. Guan Lianghan and the others were too far away to help. Just as Qi Feng, who only knew some basic martial arts, was about to die under the bear’s sharp claws, an arrow flew from the side and pierced the bear’s mouth. The bear became furious, and that person caught up from behind. Unable to use arrows, Xiao Shao drew the small dagger from his body and faced the bear without changing expression.
Even someone with the best martial arts would inevitably suffer facing a fierce beast at such close range, let alone Xiao Shao with only a small dagger. An inch shorter meant an inch more dangerous—the peril was obvious. When Xiao Shao finally subdued the black bear, he was already somewhat injured. But he always wore black clothes, so blood stains couldn’t be seen. At a glance, except for being somewhat paler, he remained as cold and indifferent as usual.
Qi Feng had been very nervous then, but Xiao Shao said nothing. Between youths, there were no deep hatreds—usually it was just about pride. Grievances should be resolved, not deepened. Xiao Shao’s composure and indifference at that moment made Qi Feng look at him with new eyes. He seemed to glimpse from that incident that this cold-faced senior brother wasn’t as heartless as he appeared—he simply wasn’t good at expressing himself. Qi Feng genuinely admired such a courageous person. It was precisely because of this that after completing his studies, he didn’t enter the court for official advancement as everyone expected, but went to Xiao Shao’s Jinyiwei Hundred-Zhang Tower, working behind the scenes for him. Because in Qi Feng’s eyes, the career he pursued following Xiao Shao was more glorious than those so-called court honors.
Awakening from his memories, Qi Feng smiled slightly: “What I want to say is that Third Brother will always be the person I most admire. I won’t compete for anything, nor do I have other thoughts. Third Sister-in-law is the most special woman I’ve ever seen.” He sighed softly: “If I had met her earlier, I definitely wouldn’t be so resigned. But since she’s already your wife, she’s only my sister-in-law.” By the end, he couldn’t hide the dimness in his tone.
“I never thought you had other intentions.” Xiao Shao interrupted him, his tone as cold as always: “You wouldn’t.”
These three words “you wouldn’t,” seemingly plain and unremarkable, instantly brought warm power to this cold mountainside. Someone like Xiao Shao shouldn’t easily trust others, yet these three words contained absolute trust. Qi Feng felt inexplicably touched, his mouth filled with indescribable bitterness. He shook his head: “I always feel that if any of us junior brothers wanted to catch up to you, it would be impossible. You’re better than all of us.”
Where the defeat lay perhaps wasn’t just in meeting her sooner or later. Xiao Shao was indeed an extremely good person in this world, very well-matched with Jiang Ruan. Today’s conversation was Qi Feng opening his heart, actively wanting to eliminate the barrier. Xiao Shao’s response also showed his attitude. Though his heart was bitter, a stone had finally fallen from it. Qi Feng wanted to lighten the mood, smiling as he changed the subject: “Regardless, Third Sister-in-law has recovered. Great disasters bring great fortune. But this matter can’t be separated from Southern Border. The Southern Border people have probably already prepared to act in the capital. Xuan Li has close relations with Southern Border—perhaps he participated in this matter too.”
“I naturally won’t let him go.” Xiao Shao said.
“He probably wants to repeat his old tricks.” Qi Feng said: “Back then he did such things, squandering the brotherhood between us junior brothers completely. Though Master has already expelled him from the sect, whenever I think of this matter, I feel disgusted.” Qi Feng sighed: “With his vindictive nature, if he truly gains control of the realm one day, the first he won’t spare will be everyone at Jia Nan Mountain.”
“That day will never come.” Xiao Shao said.
“I know Third Brother won’t let him succeed. None of us have forgotten Ninth Junior Brother’s matter.” Qi Feng looked at his sleeve: “The debt he owes will be repaid someday.”
…
When Qi Feng and Xiao Shao returned to Green Willow Manor, Xia Qing, who had come out to prepare medicine, was unexpectedly delighted to see the prey they brought back. It turned out the white wolf bones were a precious medicinal ingredient. He immediately dragged the white wolf back, saying he would send the wolf pelt later. Xiao Shao was always generous in such matters—except for the pelt, the rest was useless to him, so he immediately agreed.
“I heard white wolves are hard to hunt. How did you manage it?” In her previous life in the palace, Jiang Ruan had also seen a white wolf pelt that Xuan Li had bought at great expense from foreign merchants. Because white wolves without a single stray hair were inherently rare, using arrows or knives would leave flaws in the pelt. That complete white wolf pelt had indeed been enviable, but Xuan Li had given it to Consort Chen. Consort Chen made the white wolf pelt into a fur collar, fluffy around her neck, earning much praise from the Emperor. Xiao Shao had gone out once and hunted a white wolf back—this really made her curious.
Xiao Shao glanced at her: “With an arrow.”
Jiang Ruan: “…”
Seeing her speechless expression, Xiao Shao couldn’t help laughing. Jiang Ruan glared at him—this person was deliberately teasing her again. Suddenly remembering something, she asked: “I heard Master say you originally had nine junior brothers. I just saw other brothers’ calligraphy and paintings in the pavilion. Why don’t I see Eighth Junior Brother?”
Jiang Ruan had seen almost all of Xiao Shao’s junior brothers. Except for First Senior Brother Xue Da and Sixth Junior Brother Du Liu who were traveling abroad and temporarily not in Great Jin. But regarding Old Eight and Old Nine, whenever Xia Qing mentioned this matter, he would stammer and evade. Xia Qing was honest-minded and not good at lying—such an attitude seemed strange to Jiang Ruan. Seeing Xiao Shao now, she suddenly remembered this matter and casually brought it up.
Hearing this, Xiao Shao’s expression changed slightly. He didn’t answer immediately but slowly frowned. Jiang Ruan was startled: “If you don’t want to say…”
“Old Eight is Xuan Li.” Before she could finish, Xiao Shao interrupted her: “Ninth Junior Brother is actually Ninth Junior Sister. She died because of Xuan Li. After this incident, Xuan Li was expelled from the sect by Master.” Xiao Shao’s words were as concise as usual, but this short sentence was shocking to hear. Even Jiang Ruan was stunned speechless by the twists within.
She had spent a long time with Xuan Li but never knew he and Xiao Shao were fellow disciples, let alone that Xuan Li and Xiao Shao had such a past conflict.
Seeing her shocked expression, Xiao Shao reached out to hold her soft hand. His hand was slender with distinct joints, without the roughness of ordinary martial artists, instead possessing a lustrous, powerful beauty that was truly pleasing to behold. Jiang Ruan looked up at him. Xiao Shao sighed: “Sit down, I’ll tell you slowly.”
Master Baqi at Jia Nan Mountain, though retired, was called the Heavenly Destiny Master. Many people wanted to send their sons to Jia Nan Mountain to study, but Master Baqi was eccentric—unless he took a liking to someone, he wouldn’t accept them as disciples. The nine disciples accepted by Master Baqi indeed each had their strengths, all dragons and phoenixes among men.
Xue Da was an eloquent persuader, Guan Er had military valor, Xiao San was the foremost assassin, Qi Si possessed military talent, Xia Wu could bring the dead back to life with his medical skills, Du Liu had skillful hands for creating mechanisms and hidden weapons, Mo Qi was a genius, Xuan Ba had imperial bearing, and Bai Jiu inherited Master Baqi’s mantle, learning divination and knowing heavenly destiny.
Bai Jiu’s name was Bai Shu. She was originally an abandoned baby Master Baqi found and raised, always treating her as his own daughter. After Master Baqi took eight male disciples, Bai Shu, being female, though Jia Nan Mountain had no strict gender separation, would still affect how others viewed her if word got out. Master Baqi had Bai Shu dress as a man, usually addressing Xiao Shao and the others as junior brothers. Nominally Ninth Junior Brother, she was actually Ninth Junior Sister.
Having this one little sister at Jia Nan Mountain, and Bai Shu being indeed clever and lovable, raised by Master Baqi to have an innocent and carefree nature, all the junior brothers doted on her extremely. During those long years, Bai Shu finally grew from a girl into a beautiful young woman.
No matter how she usually dressed as a man, it couldn’t hide the fact that Bai Shu was female, especially at her flower-like age. What young woman doesn’t harbor spring feelings? No one knew when Bai Shu fell in love with Xuan Li.
Xuan Li at Jia Nan Mountain was indeed an outstanding youth. He was naturally handsome and elegant, with the unique noble bearing of imperial blood. More rarely, he had no airs, treating people warmly and politely. Not only Bai Shu, but all the junior brothers at the time truly befriended him.
The disciples raised at Jia Nan Mountain all had free-spirited natures under Master Baqi’s care. Comparatively, Xiao Shao and Xuan Li were more mature and restrained in behavior, but compared to the icy Xiao Shao, the always-smiling Xuan Li was clearly more refreshing.
Bai Shu was a romantically inclined young woman who had hardly encountered people from the world below. Her world had an almost transparent innocence and fragility. When she liked someone, she liked them—she was very obvious about it. Anyone with eyes could see Bai Shu liked Xuan Li, and Xuan Li naturally noticed too. If he didn’t like her, he should have directly said so. Most hateful was using someone’s feelings to achieve his own unspeakable secrets.
Initially, Xuan Li studied imperial governance. Being imperial blood himself, studying this was understandable. Bai Shu was proficient in divination and hexagrams but couldn’t divine for herself or those close to her. Master Baqi said this was heavenly destiny. The books in Master Baqi’s pavilion could be freely read, but when teaching him, Master Baqi held back one thing—the so-called key to imperial and royal fate, the celestial phenomena of dragon veins.
No one knew when Xuan Li became interested in this matter. Terrifyingly, though he was only a teenage youth, he could suppress his inner desires and scheme, appearing brotherly with his Jia Nan Mountain junior brothers on the surface while secretly instigating Bai Jiu to steal Master Baqi’s celestial map.
Bai Jiu was only in her flowering years then, completely ignorant of conspiracies and desires. She couldn’t understand what Xuan Li asked her to do represented, thinking it was just like when junior brothers asked her to steal food or coins. Master Baqi was strict with his disciples but very tolerant toward her. Bai Shu wholeheartedly helped Xuan Li steal the celestial map, not knowing it wasn’t an ordinary item but had hidden mechanisms. Bai Shu only knew basic self-defense—how could she withstand deadly poison devices? She was immediately struck by the mechanism.
That poison needed to be neutralized within an hour. If Bai Shu had been discovered earlier, she wouldn’t have died. But the celestial map was hidden in a secret chamber—only Xuan Li knew Bai Shu had gone to the secret chamber. To avoid exposure and implication, he said nothing to anyone. Bai Shu died under the secret chamber’s mechanisms and was discovered a day later. Xuan Li claimed he knew nothing, but Master Baqi eventually discovered the truth.
Jia Nan Mountain didn’t accept treacherous disciples, especially such a beast in human clothing. Bai Shu was his master’s daughter and had been completely sincere toward him, yet because of his viciousness and selfishness, she died in vain. Xuan Li denied everything to the death, and there was no other evidence. At the time, Consort Chen was at the height of her power—privately disposing of Xuan Li would only bring trouble to Jia Nan Mountain’s disciples. Bai Shu was everyone’s little sister, always cherished like family, so her tragic death naturally enraged everyone. They could have secretly eliminated Xuan Li, but ultimately Master Baqi stopped the angry junior brothers. He said he had already foreseen this day—Bai Shu was fated to have this tribulation. If not Xuan Li, it would be someone else. Similarly, Xuan Li would have his own fate tribulation. People outside the world shouldn’t interfere in worldly matters. The cause Xuan Li planted today would someday bear bitter fruit.
Master Baqi’s words ultimately made the junior brothers abandon thoughts of secretly dealing with Xuan Li. But everyone could no longer live with Xuan Li at Jia Nan Mountain. Having harmed his daughter whom he treated as his own, even if Master Baqi were a saint, he couldn’t remain unmoved. After this incident, he expelled Xuan Li from the sect, declaring Xuan Li had no relationship with Jia Nan Mountain anymore.
From then on, when encountering Xuan Li, the junior brothers only treated him as a stranger. Bai Jiu’s matter was a taboo at Jia Nan Mountain—no one ever mentioned her.
“He actually repeated his old tricks…” Jiang Ruan murmured, suddenly realizing Xiao Shao was looking at her. Discovering the error in her words, Jiang Ruan quickly said: “I mean, he already had such scheming and methods so long ago.”
Xiao Shao’s recollection of the past was truly complex and heavy. That Bai Shu was almost identical to her previous life’s situation. Didn’t they both fall in love with a gentleman in their hearts, joyfully approaching, only to discover he was a wolf that devoured people without spitting out bones, ultimately dying in vain? She suddenly felt a rabbit-dies-fox-grieves sadness. It turned out that whether in past or present life, Xuan Li’s methods were never aimed at her alone. Using others’ sincerity to achieve his goals—she and Bai Shu were just a bit more foolish.
“He is Jia Nan Mountain’s enemy. Someday, this debt will be collected.” Xiao Shao said with lowered eyes.
Jiang Ruan glanced at him sideways, her beautiful eyes subtly upturned with some mischief. Xiao Shao felt somewhat unsettled under her gaze: “What’s wrong?”
“Ninth Junior Sister was intelligent and clever, innocent and romantic, the junior brothers’ treasure.” Jiang Ruan said slowly: “Yet she still chose Xuan Li. You couldn’t compare to him?”
Xiao Shao glanced at her, a helpless expression appearing on his handsome face. After thinking: “She was just a sister.”
Jiang Ruan shook her head: “You say Ninth Junior Sister was naturally one in a hundred, but I think she had one flaw—poor judgment.” She looked at Xiao Shao, suddenly feeling bold, reaching out to pinch Xiao Shao’s cheeks and pull them apart: “If I were her, I definitely wouldn’t choose Xuan Li. What’s good about Xuan Li? He just pretends a bit more. In my view,” she smiled: “the person before me is more beautiful, more elegant, more intelligent, better at martial arts, and incomparably wealthy. Though his status can’t compare—he’s no imperial blood—that suits me perfectly.”
Her usual smile, though gorgeous, always carried some distance. After recovering from this serious illness, she seemed transformed, always smiling genuinely and cheerfully before Xiao Shao. Her smile was brilliant and moving like spring flowers and autumn moon, the charm in her eyes almost dazzling. Xiao Shao, having his face pulled, couldn’t help but lose focus slightly, yet didn’t mind her improper behavior. Instead, he pulled her waist close, laughing softly: “Suits you perfectly?”
Jiang Ruan was startled, unconsciously releasing her hands. Xiao Shao raised an eyebrow, somewhat pleased: “My honor.” Then he leaned down and lightly pecked her lips.
Jiang Ruan: “…Scoundrel!”
…
The days at Jia Nan Mountain passed easily and pleasantly, as if all worldly matters could be temporarily forgotten. Each day was leisurely. This was where Xiao Shao had grown up. He led her through valleys he used to frequent, as if she could grow up alongside him this way. However, beautiful times always flew by quickly. After Jiang Ruan’s injuries were completely healed, it was time to descend the mountain and return to the capital.
Given the special circumstances, Xia Qing and Qi Feng also returned to the capital together. Master Baqi would continue his retreat. As they departed, Jiang Ruan sat in the carriage, leaning against Xiao Shao: “If someday all matters are settled, I’d be willing to stay here longer. My mood seems much more open.”
“If you like it, I’ll bring you often.” Xiao Shao patted her head.
Jiang Ruan paused before saying: “Actually Xiao Shao, I’ve hidden something from you.”
Xiao Shao looked up at her.
“This is my secret. Originally, I planned never to tell anyone in this lifetime. But now I’ve changed my mind.” Jiang Ruan lowered her head, not knowing if she was avoiding Xiao Shao’s gaze, her voice carrying an indescribable subtle emotion: “I want to break the barrier between us. I plan to tell you. But not now—after returning to the capital and handling one matter, I’ll tell you this thing. After telling you, however you view me, I’ll accept it.”
Xiao Shao was silent for a long while, then suddenly reached out, gently but firmly turning her head to face him directly. His pitch-black eyes were unfathomably deep, like calm pool water with ripples gently spreading, magnificently dizzying.
“Ah Ruan, I don’t care. If you feel forced, you needn’t say it.” He smiled faintly: “Whatever happens, in my eyes, you are you. The barrier you speak of has never existed in my heart.”