Chapter 214: Green on One Side, Red on the Other (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 214: One Side Green, the Other Red (Please Vote for the Moon)

Half a half-hour later,

A melodious tune drifted through the Spring Lotus Garden.

Like a school of fish gliding through a stream,

Like birds soaring over a valley,

Like a boundless prairie where noble steeds gallop freely.

The melody of "The Peaceful and Free" was just as ethereal and joyful.

Even though Xiao Wanz'er had never played this piece before,

Her performance, though imperfect,

Lured the flowers, birds, fish, and insects in the garden to flit and flutter.

The sunlight bathed the scene,

And the blossoms and greenery seemed to dance in the air.

Yet the beauty of the moment was the beauty of the moment.

Compared to Xiao Wanz'er, seated in the pavilion and playing the tune,

Everyone else paled in comparison.

Words like "the gracefulness of a diving crane" and "the beauty of a moonlit face"

Could not do justice to her loveliness.

Her black hair streamed like silk in the wind,

Her eyebrows were as dark and distant as distant mountains.

Her nose was delicate as jade,

Her lips were smooth as polished pearls,

Her cheeks were as white as snow.

Her crimson skirt clung to her slender waist,

Her figure, frail yet elegant,

Was like a magnolia blossom in full bloom.

Chen Yi stood to one side of the pavilion,

Smiling softly as he watched Xiao Wanz'er,

His mind drifting to Li Bai’s "Clear and Serene Melody."

"The clouds imagine garments, the flowers envision beauty;

The spring breeze brushes the boat’s gunwale, the dew is thick.

Had it not been seen from the peak of the Jade Group mountains,

It would have met the beauty at the Jade Terrace under the moon."

Though there was no breeze at that moment,

Xiao Wanz'er was no plump, luxurious concubine like Yang Guifei,

Yet she truly seemed like a fairy who had just descended to the mortal realm.

She was elegant, refined,

Her beauty unmatched.

Not long after,

The piece concluded.

Xiao Wanz'er lifted her eyes,

About to speak,

But when she met Chen Yi’s gaze,

She instinctively lowered her head again.

"My younger brother, this piece 'The Peaceful and Free' has a melody different from those tender, lyrical tunes—it’s more lively and carries a touch of heroism."

"Only, it’s just that I’ve only just obtained the score,

My reading of the notes isn’t quite right,

The phrasing and rests aren’t quite mastered,

So I couldn’t fully convey the essence of this piece."

Chen Yi, seeing her slightly embarrassed expression,

Smiled warmly and praised,

"My older sister’s playing is unparalleled,

I can’t even detect the roughness of someone who hasn’t touched the strings in a long time."

"There are some errors, though,

Like at the end of the first section,

The melody should be deeper and more resonant.

In the middle of the second section, when the birds fly south,

It should be bold and soaring..."

Xiao Wanz'er truly felt she had made too many mistakes in playing this piece.

Her detailed explanation was both to clarify her errors to Chen Yi,

And to imprint the lessons in her own mind,

So she wouldn’t repeat them.

Chen Yi, however,

Hadn’t thought that far ahead.

He quietly noted the finger movements and attention points he’d just observed in Xiao Wanz'er’s performance,

Attempting to discern the phrasing and rests,

Finding the discrepancies.

Simply put,

He was learning by observation.

Whether it was the Way of Medicine,

Or the Way of Music,

Or the Way of Martial Arts,

He always needed to practice firsthand to master those techniques and skills.

Compared to the Way of Music,

Which was more complex,

Especially translating the sections, phrases, and rests in the score,

Into finger movements on the strings,

It was even more difficult.

Yet after fully observing Xiao Wanz'er’s performance,

Chen Yi finally had the complete melody of "The Peaceful and Free" in his mind.

Given some time to practice,

It wouldn’t be hard to grasp the basics of this piece.

Chen Yi was about to continue his praise,

When he suddenly noticed Xiao Wanz'er,

Xiao Wugou, and Pei Wenlu all staring at him,

With puzzled expressions,

He asked, "What’s the matter?"

Pei Wenlu giggled, "Brother, you zoned out for a moment."

Xiao Wugou added, "Brother, just now, your sister said you should try it too."

Chen Yi opened his mouth,

Pointing at himself, "Me?"

Xiao Wanz'er nodded,

Smiling, "We’ve heard from early on that you’re masterful in music, chess, literature, and art.

Why don’t you try playing a piece too?"

Chen Yi tried to protest,

"Sometimes rumors can’t be trusted—actually, I’m afraid my musical skills aren’t that great."

Clearly,

At the time he first arrived in Shu,

People might have believed him.

But now,

Even Xiao Wanz'er didn’t believe him,

And neither did Shen Huatan,

Who usually had no hesitation in speaking freely with him.

And Pei Wenlu didn’t even bother to argue,

Pushing him toward the table,

Giggling, "Brother, let us hear it, okay?"

"That piece called 'The Peaceful and Free,'

The one your sister just played,

Perfect for a comparison between the two of you."

Chen Yi looked at everyone,

Seeing their encouraging and expectant gazes,

He had no choice but to nod reluctantly.

There was no escaping it.

After all,

They had insisted.

So he had to make an offering.

Chen Yi muttered to himself,

Then took a deep breath,

Letting his hands naturally hang down,

His long fingers resting on the strings.

The next moment—thwack.

The first note,

Xiao Wanz'er’s smile instantly faded.

Thwack.

The second note struck the soundboard directly,

Sharp and jarring.

Shen Huatan quickly sealed her ear bones with spiritual energy.

Thud.

By the third note,

Even Xiao Wanz'er was puzzled.

On Pei Wenlu’s and Xiao Wugou’s faces,

Who had been trusting Chen Yi,

There was a flicker of surprise.

Everyone looked at each other,

Confused about what was wrong.

But Chen Yi remained calm,

His movements fluid and graceful,

His sleeves and sash flowing smoothly.

Since he’d already missed the mark,

He decided to play freely,

Not worrying about accuracy or sound.

He played directly from memory,

Following Xiao Wanz'er’s steps,

His ten fingers darting in all directions.

A series of thuds and thwacks,

Thud-thud-thwack, thud-thud-thwack,

The sounds rang out.

None of it was melodious,

None of it was bold,

None of it was free.

If Xiao Wanz'er’s previous performance was "Pleasing and Resonant,"

Chen Yi’s could only be described as "Thunderous and Deadly."

Pei Wenlu stood frozen,

Her expression blank.

Xiao Wugou clutched his ears,

Staring at Chen Yi’s hands,

Unsure whether to step forward and stop him.

But Xiao Wanz'er,

Gradually,

Began to smile,

Her eyes meeting Chen Yi’s,

As if to say—Ah, so you’re not perfect at everything either.

In recent times, whatever problem she might have—whether it concerned the pharmacy’s management, the Medical Academy, poetry, books, or the game of Go—Chen Yì could always speak a few words about it, and often his words were insightful, sometimes even profound.

So much so that Xiao Wǎn'ěr gradually came to believe Chen Yì was capable of anything, and at times even felt rather foolish and ignorant in his presence.

Yet now, upon hearing the melody he played, she felt an inexplicable sense of relief.

It seemed to her that no one in the world was truly flawless.

A moment later, the music ceased.

Two golden characters then materialized in the air:

[Practice the lute score·Success in "Leisurely Wandering," Level: First Glimpse of the Path]

[Lute Path: Not Yet Entered 0/1 (Can Be Strengthened)]

Chen Yì glanced over, his thoughts still lingering, and rose slowly, nodding politely at Xiao Wǎn'ěr and the others as he bowed slightly: "I offer my poor performance."

Shen Hua Tóng was the first to glance away, flicking her eyelids and muttering something about how he had indeed done his best.

Pei Wáng Lù laughed heartily, "Brother, I never expected your lute skills to be so poor, even worse than Wǎn'ěr’s."

Xiao Wúgè didn’t smile but regarded Chen Yì with suspicion, hesitating before asking, "Brother, it was said that you were proficient in music, chess, books, and painting in Jiangnan Prefecture."

Chen Yì spread his hands and smiled, "That is indeed the case."

"I’ve cracked ten layers of the lute’s mysteries—nine layers, and still one remains unopened, though you don’t believe me."

Xiao Wǎn'ěr’s eyes gleamed with his reflection, and though she tried to smile, she said, "It’s not that we don’t believe you, younger brother."

"But your scholarly and martial prowess—few can match you, so we naturally assumed the stories were true."

Chen Yì nodded, "Some tales do stray from the truth."

"Like the old stories about Mistress Jinghóu being eight feet tall, her waist also eight feet—those were just exaggerations."

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

"You’re saying Lady Jinghóu’s height and waist were eight feet?"

Pei Wáng Lù huffed indignantly, "People in Jiangnan Prefecture are full of lies."

Chen Yì pretended not to have heard.

Now he was merely the son-in-law of the Duke of Dingyuan, a man who could claim to be from Shu Province by default.

As noon approached, they were busy arranging a midday meal in the Spring Lotus Garden.

Mooncakes, pan-fried ducks, roasted chickens, and all manner of delicacies from land and sea—everything was provided.

Xiao Wǎn'ěr’s mood naturally brightened, no longer worrying about the Medical Academy or the matter of the Late Elder being reprimanded by the Emperor’s edict.

Xiao Wúgè, though young, merely thought simply that his family was still safe.

Shen Hua Tóng had set up a small table with Xiao Di and others under a tree, eating her lunch there.

Pei Wáng Lù, ever careless, asked about the evening poetry gathering between mouthfuls and sips.

"Brother, when are we leaving for the Academy?"

After finishing a piece of duck, Chen Yì wiped his mouth and replied, "We’ll see what arrangements are made for the evening."

Xiao Wǎn'ěr paused, asking, "Will that be too late?"

"No trouble at all."

"The poetry gathering has many rules—admiring the moon, admiring the moon, listening to music, composing poems, and making couplets. Coming too early would make one just a spectator."

Chen Yì wasn’t in a hurry at all.

There were many masters and scholars at the Academy—more or less, it made no difference whether he came or not.

Even if many guests arrived, with Yue Ming and others’ prestige, they would be sufficient to fill the hall.

Xiao Wǎn'ěr hesitated, "Perhaps it would be better to go earlier."

"Today, due to the Emperor’s edict, Grandfather and the others may not be in the mood for an evening feast."

Before she arrived at the Spring Lotus Garden, the Late Elder had already asked her to visit the accountant at the mansion and the pharmacy.

He wanted her to carefully calculate how long the summer grain from the three towns would last, and the exact costs for purchasing supplies.

For this, Xiao Sēn and others from the Xiao family’s third branch had already gathered at the Pure Mansion.

Chen Yì thought it over and didn’t decline, saying, "In that case, it would be better to go to the Academy early."

Xiao Wǎn'ěr nodded, smiling warmly, "If it’s too early, we can stroll around the Curve Pool."

Pei Wáng Lù raised both hands in agreement, "Yes, let’s go admire the lotus lamps and guess the riddles."

"When I was in the clan, I always heard older cousins and uncles say the city is bustling during the Mid-Autumn Festival."

Chen Yì glanced at her and couldn’t help teasing, "Can you do that?"

"Of course I can!"

"Then let me test you—one green, one red, afraid of water, afraid of insects—guess the character."

Pei Wáng Lù’s smile faltered, and after a moment of thought, she stared at him, "Brother, does such a character even exist?"

Xiao Wǎn'ěr covered her mouth and smiled, "It’s the character for ‘autumn’ in ‘autumn night.’"

"The green finger is a sprouting plant, the red finger is fire. Fire fears water, plants fear insects. Combined, they form the character ‘autumn.’"

"Ah? That doesn’t count."

Seeing the little girl not accepting it, Chen Yì continued giving riddles:

"Has a head but no tail, has a horn but no mouth, shakes the horn and the head—all is water. Guess the object."

Before Pei Wáng Lù could answer, Xiao Wúgè’s eyes lit up, "I know this one—I know this one!"

"Brother, is it ‘fish’?"

Chen Yì nodded with a smile, "Correct."

Pei Wáng Lù, unwilling to concede, forgot to eat, tugged at his sleeve, and begged for another riddle.

"Then let’s try another."

"Sugar that isn’t sweet, salt that isn’t salty, the sky full of snow in winter…"

While Chen Yì, Pei Wáng Lù, and Xiao Wúgè argued and jostled, Xiao Wǎn'ěr remained silent, quietly eating a bite of mooncake, her mind drifting to past memories.

Though Xiao Wǎn'ěr had always been physically frail since birth, her days in the mansion had been rather happy.

At that time, her father, Xiao Fēngchun, returned from Jinling, taking up the position of Duke of Dingyuan.

For a long time, Xiao Fēngchun was often away on official business, much like Xiao Jīnghóu now.

Only during festivals would he return to the mansion, and the family would reunite for a banquet.

I remember, ten years ago, it was also under this very Spring Lotus Garden.

When Xiao Fēngchun returned, he specially brought gifts for her and her younger sisters—two ivory swords taken from the barbarian tribes.

Although it was merely an ornament, Xiao Wan’er was still very happy.

It was her first time receiving a gift shaped like a weapon.

She still remembered her father’s words of comfort: “It doesn’t matter if you can’t practice martial arts; having this heart is enough.”

At the time, she didn’t understand, but now she could grasp it somewhat—her father wanted her to be stronger.

To handle things calmly, to correct mistakes and not be remiss.

In this regard, she considered herself lacking compared to her younger sister.

After all, Xiao Jinghong had left Shuzhou with her master when she was still young, practicing martial arts and traveling across the land.

But where exactly she had gone, what she had done—Xiao Wan’er knew little about.

She only knew her younger sister possessed exceptional talent and high cultivation in martial arts.

Thinking of this,

Xiao Wan’er’s expression inevitably held a hint of melancholy.

Now her parents had fallen in battle, her younger sister was forced to take up arms and wandered far from home, and even during the Mid-Autumn Festival, she could not return.

Chen Yi’s eyes swept over Xiao Wan’er, noticing her unusual expression, and guessed it had something to do with “family.” He merely smiled and said,

“Elder sister, shall we guess one together?”

Xiao Wan’er blinked, regaining her composure, and met Chen Yi’s gaze with a faint smile on her face.

“Fine.”

“The legs of a child, the legs of an adult, and when old…”

As she listened to the riddle, Xiao Wan’er quietly thought:

“I desire nothing else; I only hope my younger sister is safe and sound.”

…

Southwest of Shuzhou, the Mountains of Wumen.

The mountain people who lived there, though they were subjects of the Great Wei, observed customs vastly different from those in the Central Plains during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

In addition to worshipping the moon and honoring ancestors, the festival was also the prime time for mountain dwellers to arrange marriages between men and women.

With bonfires lit, dances and leaps filled the air.

Through song and dance, couples might become one family.

Early in the morning, within the mountain village, men and women scattered about preparing in their own ways.

Clothes had to be ornate.

Gifts needed to be novel.

Mountain songs and love songs also required practice.

Thus, from time to time, a few melodies would echo through the mountains, drawing familiar faces to joke and tease.

“Brother Earth, your lyrics don’t match the mood; the dear sister won’t be impressed.”

“Get lost, you—your singing’s unbearable…”

The mountain girls, too, were busy adorning themselves.

The jewelry, silver and gold ornaments, or precious gems tucked away in their homes had all been worn by them.

Scattered here and there, paired with their lovely faces, they possessed a unique beauty.

When Xiao Jinghong arrived, it was just after lunch, and the village had settled down somewhat.

Of course, there were still some sounds, but she paid them no mind.

After taking in her surroundings,

Xiao Jinghong, as usual, approached the somewhat aged bamboo house at the village center, bowed, and folded her arms:

“Young mistress Jinghong, humbly requests an audience with Grandmother of the Mountain.”

She didn’t invoke her official status but presented herself as a junior disciple of the martial arts world, out of respect for Grandmother’s cultivation.

At that moment, a deep, rasping voice from within the bamboo house called out, “Jinghong has come? Come in.”

The door opened, and she stepped inside.

After bowing, she glanced at a man in blue short sleeves who had arrived on the scene, gave a slight nod, and entered the house.

The door closed behind her.

The man outside watched the disappearing silhouette, sighed softly, his face etched with sorrow.

“Wei family’s son, he and I of the mountain clan are forever apart.”

“Never mind…”

He faded into the distance.

His footsteps grew fainter and fainter.

Xiao Jinghong heard these things, yet her heart remained unmoved, sitting calmly across from Grandmother.

She removed her half-mask and placed it aside, revealing a face of unparalleled beauty, unadorned with powders or makeup, and looked at Grandmother:

“Young mistress Jinghong has come in haste, without having prepared the customary gifts; I pray you will excuse me.”

Grandmother was slight in frame, sitting at the table, shorter than Xiao Jinghong’s upright posture.

She wore a black cotton tunic, with a necklace of carved turtle shells and wolf fangs hung at her chest, her wrinkled face showing a gentle smile.

“Jinghong, you have owed me and the mountain clan for a long time; there’s no need for such courtesy.”

“Besides, these days you’re busy with military affairs, still managing the market at Wumen; to have time to visit an old bone like me brings me great joy.”

Though her words were spoken slowly, her voice was still robust and clear.

Not at all like an ordinary elderly person.

Of course, Xiao Jinghong didn’t regard her as a mere old woman.

After some polite conversation, she knowingly asked, “Has your sister Mei Lu left the mountain clan yet?”

Grandmother smiled and nodded: “That girl can’t stand still; she’s already eager to leave the mountain after staying only a few days.”

“Though she does have some conscience, she did bring some things back.”

Xiao Jinghong noted her composed demeanor, and after a pause, said, “Grandmother must have heard about the recent events; Jinghong doesn’t hide it from you.”

“Has your sister Mei Lu spoken to you about that letter?”

Grandmother seemed to anticipate this, replying, “She did mention it.”

“That girl can’t hide her thoughts; ever since she returned, she’s been restless, as if worried you’d scold her.”

Xiao Jinghong nodded slightly. “Young mistress Jinghong only wishes to know the truth; she won’t trouble her.”

Grandmother believed her, smiling warmly: “As for the specifics, I don’t know much either.”

“But I do know Mei Lu has grown considerably this time; she’s no longer the mischievous girl she used to be.”

She must have met someone out there who won her over.

Convinced?

Xiao Jinghong suddenly saw a frail scholar in his mind.

My lord?

Before she could think further, the old crone continued, "But that girl probably didn’t know much about the letter."

"Duo Kuang found her, but not under your name."

Xiao Jinghong’s eyes flickered slightly. "How did he come to meet your sister?"

The old crone smiled, her wrinkles forming valleys across her face, then withdrew a letter from her sleeve and placed it on the table.

"Duo Kuang rose in the frozen northern wastelands, and he’s had dealings with my reckless son."

"This time, he not only delivered a letter to your sister but also brought news about them to me."

Xiao Jinghong understood she was speaking of Pei Mulin’s father, glanced at the letter, and felt a slight tremor in her expression.

[The Five Poison Sect has resurfaced in thejianghu, rumor has it some have already gone to Shu Zhou—do take care, Mother.]

[The legendary White Garuda, absent for thirty years, has left the Wind and Rain Pavilion, prompting many elders in thejianghu to stir with alarm.]

[Also, my child is currently on the grasslands, under the patronage of Master Kang, investigating the movements of various tribes there. Once this matter is settled, he’ll set off southward soon.]

Xiao Jinghong read the letter twice, then set it down, frowning slightly.

"The Five Poison Sect, battered and bruised, can still rise again in thejianghu?"

The old crone folded the letter, smiling warmly.

"I slew their leader and several elder disciples, yet many remnants remain outside Shu Zhou."

"I thought I’d never hear from them again in my lifetime, but now, at last, I’ll face them once more."

"Once a pest, always a pest."

Xiao Jinghong nodded. "I’ll not let them roam freely in Shu Zhou either."

Hearing this, the old crone sighed with relief. "I know you’re a good child."

"But the Five Poison Sect isn’t an ordinary evil. Their methods are too vile. Your family’s enmity with them may exact a price."

Xiao Jinghong fell silent.

Family knows family’s affairs.

Now, the Xiao family only retains its reputation, its strength long diminished.

Except for her, not a single martial artist of third rank or higher remains in their estate.

To confront a sect like the Five Poison, skilled in stealth, assassination, and poison, one’s resolve is bound to falter.

Thinking this, Xiao Jinghong whispered softly, "If the chance arises, I’ll act myself."

The old crone, understanding her predicament, shifted the subject.

"Protecting the U Mountain Trading Post would be a great service to my tribe."

"Rest assured, the trading post is as important to the Xiao family as it is to yours. I’ll spare no effort."

"Then…"

After a pause, the old crone gazed outside the window, her weathered face softening with nostalgia.

"Thejianghu of today is no longer like it once was."

"Tens of years ago, the White Garuda ruled the realm. Your master, the Sword Saint, roamed the ends of the earth. Demon Killers, Gun Gods—all were righteous heroes."

"Nowhere near this era. In this vastjianghu, how many true successors can you find?"

After a moment, she turned to Xiao Jinghong with a smile. "Of course you count as one."

Xiao Jinghong shook his head. "I’m no match for my master and his peers."

"Besides, I’m entangled in worldly affairs. I can’t, nor would I, involve myself injianghu matters anymore."

The old crone sighed. "Still, you’re the Sword Saint’s disciple."

"Your master’s absence spared you some past grievances, but the old generation’s debts and grudges don’t weigh on you."

"But this time, you’ve already revealed the Sword Saint’s ultimate technique. Afterward, you may find it hard to walk your path alone."

Xiao Jinghong understood this fully, yet a faint smile touched her lips.

"My master travels the four seas. As his disciple, I can’t let him be disturbed."

The old crone chuckled at this. "Good. You have that spirit."

"Lucky for me, you’re far stronger than my grandson or granddaughter."

"If Pei Da and Mulin were as capable as you, I could rest in peace."

Xiao Jinghong smiled faintly, saying nothing more.

Yet, with their conversation, her resolve to uncover the truth about Pei Mulin and the letter grew weaker.

After all, she could doubt Pei Mulin, she could doubt Duo Kuang—but not the old crone, her elder.

The old crone had even brought letters from the northern family. She couldn’t be shielding Pei Mulin alone.

"As for why the White Garuda has returned…"

"He probably stayed idle too long, came back to thejianghu to read fortunes."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinghong laughed hollowly.

"Now thejianghu will surely see more upheaval."

The old crone nodded. "That old fool brings chaos wherever he goes."

"As long as he stays out of Shu Zhou, I’ll be spared his scolding."

Xiao Jinghong paused, then asked, "Have you met the White Garuda before?"

"A matter of years past…"

(Chapter Complete)