Yin Biyue left the courtyard; it was once again the time of day for him to practice his sword.
At this hour in the past, the shores of Lake Qiu were quiet, tranquil, and without a trace of people; only the rare cries of cuckoos ringing distantly.
But today, Lake Qiu seemed to have mysteriously gained a radiant glow.
His eyes followed the gleam, and saw a lone person standing under the willow trees. It was a young lady, who sweetly gave a small smile and called out, “Yin-shixiong.”
Anyone else in his place would have recognized this young lady.
But Yin Biyue wasn’t anyone else.
That day, when he stepped onto the stage to compete, he did not think to glance around the stage. Now, he could only rely on her clothing to infer that this girl originated from Lian Jian Zong. He took two steps forward, stopped a polite distance away, and suspiciously asked, “You are?”
They had never met before; she ought to be calling him ‘Yin-daozhang,’ not ‘Yin-shixiong.’
If other girls had seen him — brows slightly knitted, an expression full of ice, seeming entirely insensitive — they would have already left in anger and shame. But Qu Duiyan, with an unbridled smile said, “I’m called Qu Duiyan. ‘Qu’ from the Qu River, and ‘Duiyan’ from ‘willows weeping within the mist’1”
It was then that even the Yin Biyue who couldn’t even discern ‘The Seven Sons Bao Pu’ recognized who she was.
Qu River was a river’s name, but it was also the name of a Sage.
Yangliu2 was the Lian Jian Zong sect leader’s name, as well as her daughter’s name.
She said these words without any arrogance, only the natural magnanimity of someone introducing themselves.
This raised her impression in Yin Biyue’s eyes not just a little, so he promptly said,
“Duan-shidi is inside. Let me call him for you.”
Qu Duiyan startled a bit, “I’m not here for Duan-daozhang.”
Yin Biyue stared back. A girl who came here not seeking Duan Chongxuan…… could it be that she came looking for Luo Mingchuan?
He didn’t know why, but his heart grew oddly dismayed, “Then who are you looking for?”
Qu Duiyan conscientiously said, “I’ve come seeking you, Yin-shixiong.”
Yin Biyue, stunned, said, “Seeking me… … for what”
Qu Duiyan stepped forward, and as if she was inquiring if he’d eaten yet, asked, “Is Yin-shixiong married yet?”
“……Not yet.”
Yin Biyue had yet to recover from the question when the next chased after immediately. “Then, Yin-shixiong, how about me?”
This time Yin Biyue was thoroughly stunned dumb.
In the entirety of his prior lengthy and endless career as a villain he had never had a ‘confessed to by a little sister’ event.
No, not even a confession; this BOSS’s numerous past bodies were so far in the background, the female leads’ spit never even reached him.
Is he now……beginning the plotline of hiding schemes now?
‘Quickly tell me that this isn’t real’ began to play in an endless loop in Yin Biyue’s head and refused to stop.
Qu Duiyan saw that he wasn’t saying anything, yet she was not nervous. She only smiled and waited.
After what seemed like half a day, Yin Biyue spoke. “Qu-daozhang, have you made a mistake?”
Qu Duiyan’s eyes reddened slightly, “I have not made any mistakes. Is it that there is something wrong with me?”
Yin Biyue had never encountered this kind of situation before, and was at a loss as to what to do for quite a while. “No, you’re very good, it’s that I’m not good……”
Luo Mingchan or Duan Chongxuan, either of them will do! But his verbal ability really can’t express anything. Finally, he explained clearly, “It is I who does not have this intention.”
Qu Duiyan pressed persistently, “The path of cultivation is long, what is wrong with having someone to accompany you? Yin-shixiong does not understand me now, but if you give me a chance, we won’t necessarily not get along well.”
This was very reasonable; there was no way to refute.
Yin Biyue settled his heart, and seriously replied, “You are very good. Your cultivation, your family background, and your appearance are all outstanding. In the future, you will meet someone incredible, and your hearts’ intentions will match; together you will follow the cultivation path for hundreds of thousands of years and together spend an endless life…… but this person is not me.
Qu Duiyan’s tears finally fell, “Does Yin-shixiong reject me because he has someone in his heart already?
In truth, Yin Biyue also did not know why he rejected her.
Perhaps it is because the Sword Saint long has not returned to the mountain—the world’s powers are all watching like tigers watching prey, the greatest power in the land is still not clear, and he himself still has a lot to do. Or perhaps it is a reason that he himself does not know……
But he resolvedly said, “Yes.”
Qu Duiyan smiled and said, “Then that’s good. Yin-shixiong must invite me to your marriage ceremony3 in the future. If she does not cherish Shixiong’s feelings, I will come steal away Shixiong.”
Yin Biyue felt that her smile was very sad. No matter the reason, hurting a young girl is always something ruthless. He felt around in his sleeve, pulled out a handkerchief, and handed it to her.
Qu Duiyan took the handkerchief and wiped away her tears. Clutching it tightly in her hands, she said, “I’m going now.”
Yin Biyue watched her turn around and follow the lake shore away, the black silk of her hair dancing in the night wind and her back held pin-straight.
Once he turned, he saw Luo Mingchuan who has been leaning by the courtyard entrance for who knows how long.
The setting sun shone gold. He stood in the shadow of the courtyard wall, his expression curiously dark and gloomy. In a low voice he called, “Shidi.”
**************
Qu Duiyan walked along the lakeside,her heart dejected.
Suddenly, behind her a crisp voice rang out, “Hey, don’t feel so sad.”
Qu Duiyan raised her guard as she spun around, and saw two girls wearing Cang Ya’s white garments: one as brightly beautiful as a spring flower, one as delicate as a white lotus.
“You two are following me?”
If it was before, she would have noticed them much earlier. It’s just that her current heart was unsteady and she didn’t pay attention for the entire walk.
He Yanyun rolled her eyes, “Who’s following you? I’m just afraid you’re going to throw yourself into the lake.” She passed over a oil-paper wrapped packet, saying, “Freshly bought and still warm. Are you going to eat?”
Qu Duiyan took a look and it turned out to be several pieces of steamed sweet cheese curd.
It was obvious that those two were returning to Lake Qiu after going shopping, and just happened to see the scene of herself being rejected. If she was a different girl, she would have been infuriated and embarrassed, but Qu Duiyan’s disposition was like her mother; able to ask a question like “how about me?” so forwardly, there was no possibility that there was anything that could shame her into anger.
She was busy struggling with the steamed sweet cheese curd. “I don’t like this kind of children’s treat at all. How can you eat this? My generation of cultivators, having such a strong desire for good food……”
He Yanyun took back the paper parcel, “Xiaolian, let’s eat.”
With swift eyes and a quick hand Qu Duiyan snached the package back.
“……I never said that I wasn’t going to eat it.”
She lost her struggle.
Qu Duiyan simultaneously ate and judged them. She decided that both of them were very pretty and couldn’t resist asking,
“Yin-shixiong said that he has a person in his heart already. Do you know who it is? Is it one of you two?”
Ruan Xiaolian let out a ‘pfft’, “Of course not. Take a look at the words sewn on that handkerchief.”
Qu Duiyan furrowed her brows, “‘As resplendent as a pearl, and heart pure as jade,’4 what does that mean?”
He Yanyun explained, “‘Ming’ comes from my shixiong Luo Mingchuan’s ‘Ming.’ ‘Baibi’ is of course referring to Yin Biyue, Yin-shixiong.
Qu Duiyan exclaimed with alarm, “So it was like this!”
The cultivation world did have men who joined together, but it was a small number.
But she very quickly accepted this theory with only a slight sense of loss.
“I’ve met Luo-shixiong. He is of a noble character, upright and honest. He seems like a very good person. If it’s this way……it looks like I won’t have a chance anymore.
He Yanyun said, “You’re so beautiful and your gift for cultivation is so good, why are you worrying that there is no that will like you?”
Upon hearing this Qu Duiyan became more listless, and even stopped eating the sweet cheese curd. She lightly leapt off her toes onto the lakeside weeping willow. She sat on the willow branch like a weightless breath of wind, the willow branch only shivering a few times before settling.
He Yanyun was afraid that she took the sweet curd with her, and also leapt into the tree alongside Ruan Xiaolian.
Three girls sat shoulder to shoulder in the boughs of the immense willow tree. The glow of the sunset began to fade as the crescent moon rose over the horizon.
Qu Duiyan stared towards the lake with the sunlight reflecting off the crystalline waves, and suddenly let out a sigh, “I think that I am unmarriageable.”
He Yanyun jumped in fright and said, “Not possible! You’re only this old, and you’re already defeated after one loss.”
Qu Duiyan rolled her eyes, “What do you know. This isn’t my first defeat! This is already my second!”
He Yanyun had no choice but to concede that a beauty truly is a beauty; even rolling her eyes is more attractive in comparison.
Therefore she was astonished. Other than Yin-shixiong, there unexpectedly actually was someone who could reject this level of beauty. A gossiper’s5 heart is difficult to suppress for long, so He Yanyun asked, “Who was the first then?”
Ruan Xiaolian’s expression did not budge and she quietly strained her ears to hear.
Qu Duiyan had never talked about this event with anyone. Even her father did not know.
Maybe it was because taking their gift of food earned reciprocation6 Maybe it was because it was night and the atmosphere was just right. She didn’t even know herself, but she actually spoke, “The first person was my shidi Chen Yi.”
Ruan Xiaolian turned pale with thunderous shock, “What?”
He Yanyun also thought that Chen Yi really was a bit too……ordinary.
If he didn’t have a saber, he would be indistinguishable once tossed to the street.
Yet Qu Duiyan interpreted their shock incorrectly.
—————
“His age is greater than mine, his cultivation level is also greater mine, but he entered the sect later than me; of course he is my shidi! It’s not like I’m a cradle robber……explaining this is so difficult. Obviously my mother succeeded on her first try, but when it comes to me why do I keep getting rejected?”
He Yanyun, seeing how down she was, patted her on the shoulder.
“What does this matter? When I was young I was secretly in love with Luo-shixiong! But afterwards I realized……It’s like if I saw a flower, thought it was very pretty, and just wanted to possess it. You only like it’s appearance. It’s a kind of admiration, not love.
Ruan Xiaolian deeply felt the same way.
“When I was young I wanted to marry the young man who was the head chef of the roasted chicken store at the base of the mountain. I only liked the way he roasted the chicken, it wasn’t love.”
The night had truly fallen by now and the bright moon was scattering its brilliance. Qu Duiyan pensively stared at the lake, and said, “Saying it this way, it does have some sense. I only saw Yin-shixiong on the stage once, how could that be love?
As the three girls talked about their forgotten, distant, and ignorant first loves, the lake’s waters became hazy.
“Initially……why did you confess to Chen Yi?”
“When I was eight years old, I went with my father to visit the Academy Director. In the academy, I witnessed him fixing a wound for a small cat. I ran over to play with him and he gave me candy to eat, so I asked him if he would marry me in the future……he rejected me.
“You didn’t make a mistake did you? Eight years old! That’s too young!”
“So? This girl at eight years old was already devastatingly beautiful, eclipsing the moon and embarrassing the flowers!7”
“You’re too narcissistic, give me the curd.”
Qu Duiyan loudly laughed and leapt from the willow tree with a single spring. Landing lightly by the lake then running, she exclaimed, “There’s only one piece left!”
He Yanyun and Ruan Xiaolian hurried after her in chase.
***********
Yin Biyue thought that there was something wrong with Luo Mingchuan.
But as to what exactly was wrong, he couldn’t say.
The two men faced each other in the nighttime lakeside wind. Neither spoke.
Luo Mingchuan also knew that his current state was not right; he had no solution though, he was unable to contain it.
He stood behind the courtyard door listening to his shidi talk with Qu Duiyan for nearly the entire conversation, wanting to push open the door and reveal himself many times. That kind of mood made him apprehensive. He asked himself why stop? What reason does he have to stop?
Very quickly he found out the sorrowful reason: the Sword Saint won’t return to the mountain, and the entire world is in disorder—his shidi having a relationship with Lian Jian Zong’s sage’s daughter, will bring only advantages to both Xi Hua peak and Cang Ya sect.
Luo Mingchuan once again decided he needed strength.
He needed great strength, strong enough to change the great powers in the world and not need consideration for any person, any matter.
Fortunately, his shidi rejected Qu Duiyan.
Luo Mingchuan pushed open the door, and saw his shidi standing alone in the light of sunset.
His heart and mind volatile, it took a long time to calm down.
At this time, Yin Biyue finally found a way to break through the heavy silence.
“Shixiong, is there something wrong with the courtyard’s doorstep?”
Luo Mingchuan turned around to look—behind him was an incomparably fine cloud of dust, through which he could barely make out the silhouette of door sill. A breeze blew past and lightly stirred the dust into the air.
He lightly coughed, “It was old and needed repair. I wasn’t paying attention when I came out.”
Yin Biyue wasn’t convinced, but his instinct told him it was better to just follow along with Luo Mingchuan’s words right now.
“Oh.”
He didn’t know that if he had turned back for a glance a little later, the entire courtyard would become that way.”
“Does Shixiong have time right now? Cang Ya’s sword techniques always have a certain trick to them8. I don’t quite understand the “Dense of Brilliant Sands”9 technique. Can Shixiong help me take a look?”
Luo Mingchuan smiled; as if gentle a gentle breeze and the bright moon entered his embrace.
“Alright then.”
…
1) Referring the poem:
庭院深深深幾許，
楊柳堆煙，簾幕無重數。
玉勒雕鞍遊冶處，樓高不見章台路。
雨橫風狂三月暮，
門掩黃昏，無計留春住。
淚眼問花花不語，亂紅飛過鞦韆去。
(Translation here)
Specifically the line, “willows shrouded in heavy smoke” [yang liu dui yan]
2) Yang liu from the aforementioned poem.
3) 合籍大典 – it’s the ceremony for adding someone to their family registrar. The first two characters, [he ji] is also in the phrase meaning dual cultivation partners. heh. I translated as marriage for ease.
4) 明珠华彩，白璧无暇 – What was embroidered on the handkerchiefs. We will be using this translation. Brilliant light of a clear pearl. white bi jade without flaws is the literal translation.
5) 八卦 – This one is just for fun, this means gossip as well as eight trigrams
6) 拿人手短，吃人嘴软 – a saying that basically translates to “there’s no such thing as a free meal”. I just adapted to the situation.
7) 倾国倾城，闭月羞花 – a beauty that can topple kingdoms, a la Helen of Troy, and [bi yue xiu hua]… do you guys remember when YBY jokingly made a pun on this in chapter 22? Yup, same one.
8) 诀里 – jue/li a trick within. I’m not entirely certain on this exact phrase, but the meaning remains.
9) 明沙宿莽 – Another struggle. [ming] as in bright, clear; [sha] as in sand, particles, powder; [su/xiu] depending on the reading, it could mean old/former, a place to spend the night, night, or constellation; [mang] could be a weed, dense growth, a specific poisonous shrub. I went with a version of the interpretation of “bright sands as a thicket of stars “. If you have any ideas about a better translation, please suggest!