The atmosphere had been quite pleasant, so Cai Zhao was confused by Lei Xiuming’s sudden outburst.
Chang Ning, leaning against a pillar, said, “Didn’t you notice the ribbons tied to the ducklings’ heads? They’re Lei’s beloved pets.”
“Who would keep ducks as pets?” Cai Zhao asked incredulously.
“If people can keep cats and dogs, why not ducks? Lei never allows his ducks to be eaten; he raises them until they die of old age,” Chang Ning shook his head. “It’s fortunate your aunt only took his robes and jade crown. If she had taken his ducks, Lei would have hated your Luoying Valley for eternity.”
Cai Zhao felt a chill, realizing she had considered sneaking away with a few ducklings earlier.
That afternoon, Cai Zhao had planned to exercise and practice with weapons, but upon returning to Qingjing Studio, she found Dai Fengchi and his lackey Cui Sheng there to inform them that “the Sect Mistress requests your presence.”
Chang Ning frowned, but Cai Zhao smiled, “Let me guess, has the Master left the mountain?” She might not understand ducks, but she certainly understood Yin Sulian.
“Whether the Master is here or not, you should heed the Mistress’s summons,” Dai Fengchi said evasively.
Chang Ning wanted to chase away these two lackeys, but to his surprise, Cai Zhao agreed cheerfully. He had no choice but to follow.
On the way to Shuanglian Huachi Palace, Chang Ning whispered, “Mistress Sulian calling for you can’t be good. We should avoid it for now and wait for Sect Leader Qi to return.”
Cai Zhao asked in surprise, “Haven’t you ever taught a spoiled brat a lesson before? Like Sister Lingbo, I knew from the first time I offended her that Mistress Sulian would eventually come looking for trouble.”
“Then why are you walking into it?”
Cai Zhao looked mysterious, “How do you know she hasn’t walked into my trap?”
Chang Ning didn’t believe her nonsense and said, “If you’re planning to act against Yin Sulian on her turf, you’d better have a good plan. Otherwise, just the charge of disrespecting an elder would be enough to cause you trouble. Even if Sect Leader Qi protects you, your reputation will suffer.”
Cai Zhao waved dismissively, “Oh, Brother Chang, what are you thinking? How could we righteous sect members raise a hand against our elders? You make me sound so aggressive. Ask anyone within 300 li of Luoying Town, and they’ll all say I’m peaceful, kind-hearted, and always smiling—the gentlest and most delicate young lady under heaven.”
“…” Chang Ning asked, “Did you drink at lunch?”
“Anyway, don’t worry. I absolutely won’t fight with the Mistress. I’m not crazy.”
Chang Ning remained doubtful.
Ahead, a clear pool reflected myriad colors, with various rare and beautiful lotuses adorning the water’s surface. Bai cranes danced under flowering trees, while kingfishers circled among the gilded and painted beams, creating a scene like a paradise on earth.
This was Shuanglian Huachi Palace, where the Yin sisters had grown up.
Cai Zhao exclaimed, “Tsk, tsk, look at this grandeur and refinement. Compared to this, our Luoying Valley looks like a country bumpkin who’s just had two full meals.” She suddenly thought, “Is the Qingque Sect very wealthy?”
Chang Ning: “Yes, very wealthy.”
“How do you know?”
“I can tell from the golden roof corners of this palace.”
Cai Zhao looked impressed, “Brother Chang, you’re so insightful.”
“You’re too kind. It’s hard not to notice when everything’s gleaming with gold.”
Although Shuanglian Huachi Palace was opulent, it didn’t lack elegance and charm, showing considerable taste. But the back-and-forth between the two made Dai Fengchi’s face turn green.
Entering the palace, they saw Yin Sulian sitting high on a golden lotus-shaped throne, with Qi Lingbo smugly seated beside her. Mother and daughter were flanked by rows of armed female attendants, each with a hostile expression, and behind them stood rows of sturdy servants holding long snake spears. As Cai Zhao and Chang Ning entered, all eyes turned to glare at them menacingly.
Though the setup was somewhat ridiculous, Cai Zhao noticed that some of these lackeys had considerable skill.
Seeing them arrive, Yin Sulian said coldly, “Oh, you’ve finally come. What honored guests we have.”
Cai Zhao smiled brightly, “You’re too kind, Mistress. On such a lovely day, have you called us here to enjoy the flowers and tea together?”
Yin Sulian slammed her hand on the armrest of her throne, “Stop playing dumb! From the moment you arrived at Wanshui Qianshan Cliff, you’ve been disrespectful to your elders and repeatedly bullied my daughter! Today, as your master’s wife, I’m going to punish you properly for your disrespect towards elders and your senior sister!”
“Mistress, you’ve got it backward. It’s my senior sister who has repeatedly bullied others,” Cai Zhao smiled. “As for disrespecting elders, that’s absurd. I’m looking right at you, Mistress. How is that disrespectful?”
Yin Sulian sneered, “I know you’re sharp-tongued and skilled in martial arts. Today, let’s see how capable you are! Come, make Cai kneel, serve tea, kowtow, and apologize properly to my daughter!”
At these words, the lackeys on both sides stepped forward threateningly.
Qi Lingbo’s face lit up with joy as she laughed loudly, “And that Chang fellow too, make him kowtow and apologize to me! Aunty Mao, bring out the ‘Ten-Essence Tonic’ and have them drink it. Consider it a gesture from me as their senior sister.” With a wave of her hand, a muscular older woman in combat attire brought forward two bowls of a black, foul-smelling liquid that made one want to vomit at the mere scent.
Cai Zhao held her nose in disgust, “Did you dig this out of a cesspool? Senior Sister Lingbo, your taste is quite strong.”
Chang Ning’s eyes flashed, noticing that this ‘Aunty Mao’ had a fierce gleam in her eyes but suppressed her aura, likely a high-level external martial arts expert.
“Stop pretending,” Qi Lingbo laughed uncontrollably. “You’ve bullied me again and again. Did you think I was made of mud? But as your senior sister, I’m magnanimous. If you two kowtow and apologize, then drink this, we can consider our grudges settled!”
Cai Zhao: “Senior Sister Lingbo, you’re truly broad-minded. But what if I refuse to kowtow, apologize, or drink this foul concoction?”
Yin Sulian’s face darkened, “That’s not up to you! Come!”
At her command, the surrounding attendants drew their swords, the servants raised their spears, and even Dai Fengchi put his hand on his sword hilt. Dozens of gleaming weapons pointed at Cai Zhao and Chang Ning, closing in on them.
Cai Zhao looked at these lackeys, laughing in anger, “Just yesterday at the discipleship ceremony, the Master explicitly said not to bully me or Brother Chang. You’re all so aggressive now—aren’t you afraid of the Master’s punishment later?”
Chang Ning said casually, “You’re overthinking it. These aren’t sect disciples. They’re private guards raised by the Yin family, following the Yins’ orders. When the Yin sisters married, Old Master Yin gave each daughter a group of attendants as part of their dowry. If it weren’t for Zhao Tianba and Han Yisu going crazy a dozen years ago, there would be even more Yin family people in the Qingque Sect.”
Aunty Mao, with a faint dark aura around her brow, said in a deep voice, “You two little brats dare to speak so boldly. Do you think that without the old master, the Yin daughters can be bullied? Today, we’ll show you the might of the Yin family! Surround them!”
The lackeys advanced several more steps, encircling Cai Zhao and Chang Ning with their weapons.
“Let’s fight then,” Chang Ning said expressionlessly. “We can always find justification later. We shouldn’t suffer losses first.”
Cai Zhao frowned, appearing weak and delicate, “Brother Chang, let’s not talk of violence. As a frail girl, I’m truly frightened. Let’s try to keep the peace.”
Before Chang Ning could speak again, Cai Zhao stepped forward and began reciting loudly, “Brother Zhang, since our parting at Qianqiu Peak months ago, I’ve missed your heroic bearing dearly, thinking of you day and night. May your heart be like mine…”
“Stop!” Yin Sulian’s face suddenly changed, shouting excitedly, “Don’t read anymore!”
Qi Lingbo, stunned by her mother’s shout, stood dumbfounded.
Cai Zhao’s smile faded as she said calmly, “Mistress, let’s keep the peace, shall we?”
Yin Sulian trembled all over. Aunty Mao supported her while shouting fiercely, “Everyone out! Retreat twenty paces from this hall and stand guard!”
The old woman’s authority was evident as all the lackeys retreated in unison. The unaware Qi Lingbo tried to protest but was pushed out by Aunty Mao, with Dai Fengchi following. Chang Ning gave Cai Zhao a deep look before turning to leave.
Only Yin Sulian, Aunty Mao, and Cai Zhao remained in the hall.
“You… where did you see those letters?” Yin Sulian asked, her voice trembling.
Cai Zhao replied, “How would I have these letters? Of course, they were left by my aunt.”
Aunty Mao, being much shrewder, said, “Don’t think you can deceive us with a few words. What letters? We know nothing about them!”
Cai Zhao sighed, “Well if Mistress doesn’t believe me, I can recite a few more. This time, let’s not mention Zhang San—’Dear Brother Zhen, upon hearing of your recent cough, I’ve been consumed with worry, unable to sleep peacefully. Your illness pains my heart, so I’ve personally prepared a loquat syrup…'”
“Stop reading!” Yin Sulian shouted.
“Mistress, your writing in your youth was quite good. It flows beautifully and conveys sincere emotions, much better than the eulogy Master read a few days ago,” Cai Zhao rubbed her ears. “It’s just the dates that are problematic. When you wrote the first few letters, you were probably still engaged to Uncle Qiu Renjie. The later ones are even more damning—by then, Old Master Yin had just arranged your marriage to Master.”
Yin Sulian staggered back into her seat.
Aunty Mao gritted her teeth, still in denial, “A few letters prove nothing. Who knows if they’re real or fake? Don’t think you’ve got leverage over us!”
Cai Zhao replied, “Whether it’s a big deal or not, I don’t need to say. In any case, I’m not the only one with Mistress’s handwritten letters. Aunt Xian has several, the Guangtian Gate should still have letters you wrote to Mistress Qinglian, and certainly, several ladies at the Siqimen would have some. Comparing the handwriting would reveal the truth.”
Aunty Mao’s eyes flashed dangerously, her knuckles making slight cracking sounds.
Yin Sulian’s face turned pale as she weakly said, “So Cai Pingsu was prepared for this all along, stealing these letters to blackmail me.”
Cai Zhao smiled ruefully, “You and my aunt have known each other since childhood. Despite your differences, do you not know whether my aunt would steal these letters?”
Yin Sulian’s face remained ashen.
“Uncle Zhou personally handed these letters to my aunt. You just don’t want to believe it.”
“No, no… Zhi… Zhou Zhuang is a gentleman. He wouldn’t… he couldn’t…” Yin Sulian struggled, clutching Aunty Mao’s arm like a drowning person.
“Uncle Zhou is indeed a gentleman, but even gentlemen have their priorities. In Uncle Zhou’s heart, dispelling my aunt’s doubts was more important than keeping your secret,” Cai Zhao said with light mockery.
Yin Sulian let out a cry and covered her face, weeping.
Aunty Mao said in a deep voice, “That’s because Zhou Zhuang trusted your aunt, knowing she wouldn’t spread it around.”
Cai Zhao tilted her head, thinking, “…That’s true. My aunt isn’t that kind of person.”
“Then how did you see these letters!” Yin Sulian asked anxiously.
Cai Zhao teased, “Mistress, think about it from my aunt’s perspective. With such a ‘loving’ elder like you around, would my aunt let me come to Qingque Sect unarmed to become a disciple?”
“What exactly do you want?” Aunty Mao stepped forward, her aura surging.
“Nothing in particular,” Cai Zhao said calmly. “Let the past generation’s affairs remain in the past. From now on, please don’t interfere in matters between me, Senior Sister Lingbo, and our fellow disciples.”
…
The golden-red sky bathed the entire Shuanglian Huachi Palace in an indescribably beautiful light. Walking back to Qingjing Studio, Cai Zhao inhaled the fresh scent of surrounding plants, unable to help to admire the beautiful scenery.
Unexpectedly, Chang Ning said, “So, Mistress Sulian had a secret affair with Zhou Zhizhen?”
Cai Zhao was startled, “Don’t talk nonsense! Uncle Zhou isn’t that kind of person!”
“Then it was a case of unrequited love—the goddess’s intentions, the king’s emotions.”
Cai Zhao deflated, “Did Constable Chang tell you this too?”
“It’s not hard to guess,” Chang Ning said casually as they walked. “The letters you recited were likely love letters written by Mistress Sulian in her youth, and to an inappropriate recipient. Before her marriage, she was either engaged to Qiu Renjie or the Sect Leader. If those letters were seen by others, her reputation would be ruined.”
Cai Zhao asked, “How do you know she didn’t write them to Qiu Renjie or Master?”
“If it were either of them, she wouldn’t have been so panic-stricken just now,” Chang Ning said with a slight smirk.
He continued, “Twenty years ago, there were three rising stars in the righteous martial arts world: Song Shijun, Wu Yuanying, and your Uncle Zhou. Song Shijun was engaged to Mistress Qinglian early on, and my father said he was quite the ladies’ man in his youth, attracting many admirers. Mistress Sulian often stood up for her elder sister against him, so it’s unlikely to be him.”
“Wu Yuanying frequently visited Qingque Sect, and Wanshui Qianshan Cliff would have been a perfect place for secret meetings. Mistress Sulian wouldn’t need to write letters. So that leaves Zhou Zhuang—”
“In terms of looks and character, he was the best of the three. Moreover, your aunt would only have been able to get hold of letters written to him. Your Aunt Cai has been kind all her life, and finally gave Yin Sulian a taste of her own medicine. How satisfying!” He clapped his hands, laughing.
Cai Zhao was silent for a long time before saying, “You guessed the first part correctly, but you’re wrong about the end. My aunt didn’t give me those letters.”
Chang Ning was surprised, “Then your mother gave them to you for protection?”
Cai Zhao shook her head, “No.”
She looked up at the magnificent sunset, feeling a tightness in her chest. “I found those letters by chance when I was little, rummaging through my aunt’s old belongings.”
“My aunt had long forgotten about these letters. She never intended to use them against anyone.”
“She burned those letters and taught me that ‘using personal secrets to blackmail others is not the act of an upright person.’ What I recited earlier was just what I had memorized back then.”
Chang Ning gazed at the girl intently, “But you still used those letters to threaten Yin Sulian.”
“Yes.”
Cai Zhao stopped walking, her lacquer-black eyes unusually calm. “Because I’m not my aunt.”
In her mind, she recalled her final exchange with Yin Sulian—
“If you want me not to interfere in your affairs in the sect, you won’t say anything?”
“That’s right.”
“How can we trust you? What if you change your mind? You must hand over those letters!”
“I won’t give you the letters, so you’d better trust me.”
“You…”
“Enough.” Yin Sulian interrupted Aunty Mao and looked up at Cai Zhao. “I believe you. You were raised by Cai Pingsu. She lived a righteous life, so I trust you.”
As the doors closed behind her, Cai Zhao heard Aunty Mao trying to persuade Yin Sulian—
“Mistress, don’t you know what kind of person Cai Pingsu is? She relies on her unparalleled martial arts and never stoops to blackmail, especially not against a weak woman like you. She would never lay a finger on you, which is why nothing has happened all these years. I bet if it weren’t for that little girl coming to Qingque Sect, Cai Pingsu wouldn’t even have remembered those letters…”
The golden-red sunset grew more intense, causing all the flowers and trees to lose their original colors.
Cai Zhao laughed mockingly, “So they knew all along. They always knew what kind of person Aunt was.”
This was the most ridiculous part—people like Yin Sulian didn’t hold grudges against Cai Pingsu due to misunderstandings, but despite knowing her upright character, they still hated her and even took advantage of her righteousness.
Chang Ning suddenly understood the girl’s bitterness and anger.
He looked at the girl’s slender, fair neck, extending his long fingers before clenching them tight. “So, what’s the use of your anger?”
Cai Zhao was quite surprised by Chang Ning’s cold, rebellious words.
“You’re angry, you feel wronged, you think it’s unfair to your aunt, but what’s the use of it all? Yin Sulian is still living well.”
In the fading sunlight, Chang Ning’s beautiful eyes seemed to glow faintly red, his eyelashes almost unnaturally long.
“Heaven and Earth are not benevolent; they treat all things as straw dogs. You either become Heaven and Earth or remain a straw dog,” he said. “If you want revenge, take it. If you feel wronged, vent it. Keeping all your grievances bottled up inside will only kill you with anger, serving no purpose.”
The evening mountain breeze made his robes flutter loudly. His tall, straight figure stood like a sharp sword against the intense golden-red sky, proud and stunning.
With this, the cautious act of the Chang family’s orphan, seeking self-preservation, came to an end.