Oneshot

“Qingyun, you finally came! We’ve all been waiting, and I, along with Zhiyao and others, have almost finished our drawings. You being late like this will surely incur some punishment!” The round-faced Yin Shijiu jumped up from the stone pedestal, rushing towards the man emerging from the pine forest, with a somewhat mischievous expression.

“I suddenly had an old friend visiting at home, delaying me a bit. It’s only fair to accept some punishment.” The man with long hair named Hua Qingyun didn’t refuse and immediately accepted the punishment. “But today is not suitable; punishments should also consider timing.”

“Timing? What timing? I want to hear my cousin’s explanation.” Xue Zhiyao, a petite girl with a melon seed face, also stood up, smiling as she asked Hua Qingyun.

“A half month from now is the grand celebration in our Chu Su country. You two will be performing, and I’ll be at your disposal to ensure your satisfaction. What do you think, ladies?” 

“What if we’re not satisfied?” Yin Shijiu challenged.

“Just follow Miss Yin’s orders.” Hua Qingyun wore a crying face, but his eyes showed confidence and indulgence.

“You mentioned an old friend. Which one of your old friends do we not know?” Xue Zhiyao changed the topic. The three of them had been childhood sweethearts since birth, and they didn’t know who the recent acquaintance in the capital was.

“It’s not that you don’t know him. You both have seen him a few times. It’s just that you were young, and I don’t know if you remember. Xiao Mose, the son of my uncle’s friend, stayed in the capital for a while.” Hua Qingyun explained, looking at the two girls for their reactions.

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“R esd’v iwkvl alxlxcla, cwv vbl dyxl byp y zkvlayau qaytaydnl.” Dwl Hbkuys pbssj bla blye, zssjkdt yv Twy Ckdtuwd.

“Rv eslpd’v xyvvla kq usw alxlxcla sa dsv. Psd’v csvbla twlppkdt vbl dyxl. Rv’p dsv vss zyvl; zlv’p ts vs Ckdtuwd’p bswpl vseyu yde pll kq kv’p y bsapl sa y xwzl.” Zkd Fbkfkw pyke zygkzu, nasppkdt bla yaxp.

“Rpd’v kv y hkszyvksd sq lvkiwlvvl?” Dwl Hbkuys ypjle Twy Ckdtuwd.

“Mbyv’p dsv y ckt elyz. Gzvbswtb Yspl yde R esd’v byhl xwnb qakldepbkr, bl eslpd’v pllx zkjl y aktke rlapsd. Gduoyu, pkdnl bl’p tskdt vs pvyu blal qsa y obkzl, ol’zz tlv vs jdso bkx pssdla sa zyvla.” Twy Ckdtuwd pxkzle tldvzu yde cltyd vs blzr vbl vos uswdt zyeklp rynj wr vblka yav pwrrzklp.

“Eblal byhl usw clld ps zyvl?” Zkd Mkydnbldt pyv kd vbl xykd byzz, ekpxkppkdt yzz vbl plahydvp, oykvkdt qsa vbl zyvl alvwad sq Zkd Fbkfkw okvb y nzlya wdelapvydekdt.

“R oldv vs Ckdtuwd’p bswpl!” Zkd Fbkfkw alrzkle lzploblal okvbswv y tsse vlxrla.

“Fdyr!”&dcpr;

“Ebyv’p okvb vbyv yvvkvwel!?” G pzyr zydele sd Zkd Fbkfkw’p qynl, yde Zkd Mkydnbldt asyale yv Zkd Fbkfkw, bkp lulp, czssepbsv, tzyakdt ydtakzu yv bkp nbkze.

A decisive and fierce look flashed in Yin Shijiu’s eyes, instantly turning into a restrained expression. She lowered her head, “Daughter was wrong. Daughter and Sister Zhiyao went to Qingyun’s brother’s house together. I didn’t pay attention to the time and returned late. I beg Father for forgiveness.”

“Hmm, that’s my obedient daughter.” Hearing Yin Shijiu admitting her mistake, Yin Tiancheng picked up the medicine bowl on the coffee table, “Come, obedient daughter, drink the medicine. Father is doing this for your own good. You follow Xue Zhiyao every day, but you still can’t learn anything. Look at others, so knowledgeable and reasonable, making those old men happy. Why can’t you learn a bit?”

The dark brown pupils were reflected in a deep, almost ink-colored color by the swaying black medicine. Lifting the medicine, Yin Shijiu drank it in one gulp. “Daughter understands, Father. Daughter is tired; I’ll retire first.”

Turning away from Yin Tiancheng’s gaze, Yin Shijiu’s eyes instantly became cold. The bangs that slanted across her face couldn’t hide the uncontrollable hostility. It was that man who ruined her life, even though he gave her life. Unforgivable, no matter what. She had her own life, and at all costs, she would reclaim her own future.

Striding into her Mingxiao House, Yin Shijiu stepped into the flower garden, bending over to insert her fingers into her throat. “Gag, gag.” The bitter medicine mixed with stomach acid spewed out of her mouth. Wiping away the dirty liquid from the corner of her mouth with her sleeve, not tears, Yin Shijiu, without shedding tears, walked away with the sound of rustling clothes behind her—her mother.

“Juer, are you feeling uncomfortable?” Chu Mianqing asked her only child with concern. This child should have had a happy life, but her husband’s foolish persistence ruined it. Calculating every move, Juer had to bear this absurd destiny since birth.

“It’s nothing.” She answered coldly, wiping away the dirty liquid from the corner of her mouth with a silk handkerchief. “Mother, if there’s nothing else, I’ll retire to my room.”

“Juer, after this year’s summer solstice, Mother will arrange for you to leave. Is that okay, to start anew?” Tears streamed down Chu Mianqing’s face as she looked at her child with love and reluctance.

Pausing her steps without looking back. “Juer will obey Mother’s orders.”

“Gentle Breeze, Silver Waves, Floating in Crystal Clear Ice; Green Clouds, Green Robes, Swaying with the Wind.”

“You’re indulging in your poetic sentiments again?” Yin Shijiu teased Hua Qingyun.

“It’s a fitting poetic verse, and the four words ‘gentle, clear, green, and leaning’ have a thoughtful balance.” Xue Zhiyao understood her cousin’s poetic style.

“Look at my cousin, so knowledgeable. With a name that even includes the word ‘poetry,’ how did you turn out to be so mischievous, almost like a tomboy?” Hua Qingyun praised Xue Zhiyao while playfully scolding Yin Shijiu.

Slightly distracted, Yin Shijiu immediately raised her palace fan, ready to smack Hua Qingyun. “How dare you say that about me! If I don’t teach you a lesson, you’ll really climb onto my head.”

“Tomboy, tomboy, indeed a tomboy!” Hua Qingyun dodged Yin Shijiu’s fan, hiding behind Xiao Mose.

Caught in the middle, Xiao Mose couldn’t side with anyone and could only dodge left and right along with Hua Qingyun, feeling quite helpless.

“You! Stop messing around! Cousin, apologize to Shijiu, and I’ll help you smooth things over today.” Xue Zhiyao held back Yin Shijiu while commanding Hua Qingyun to apologize.

“Then I have to admit my mistake and owe you a favor? You’re quite shrewd!” Hua Qingyun jokingly complained to Xue Zhiyao.

“Do you apologize?” Yin Shijiu stared at him, ready to strike again.

“Fine, fine, I admit my mistake. Miss Yin, you are a person of high status. Let’s not quibble over small matters.” Hua Qingyun nodded and apologized with a bow.

“Hmph, that’s more like it.” Yin Shijiu turned away, hiding the laughter in her eyes, and swayed her fan to show magnanimity.

This scene, however, happened to be observed by Xiao Mose, and he couldn’t help but smile involuntarily.

“With such a beautiful scene and such good weather, it’s really not appropriate to recite poetry and couplets.” Hua Qingyun, overcome by poetic inspiration, couldn’t let the opportunity pass.

“You’re deliberately bringing bad luck to me!” Yin Shijiu started scolding again.

“I’m really wronged! Cousin Mose, please reason with them. You can’t be biased towards her!” Hua Qingyun looked at the other two for help.

“Shijiu, don’t make trouble. Cousin’s words also make sense. Let’s just go along with his mood.” Xue Zhiyao, holding Yin Shijiu, sided with her cousin this time.

“Alright, alright. You three can recite poetry and couplets. I’m not interested in these sour and pretentious things. You play your game, just don’t involve me.” Waving her little palace fan, Yin Shijiu turned her head to ignore them.

“Then I’ve got one. Three thousand colors reflected in calm water, myriad spring scenes in the green forest. In the deep bird’s song, who is singing? Laughing snow welcomes four guests.” Xue Zhiyao thought for a moment and produced a quatrain.

“Good poem, good poem. Broad perspective, overlooking the forest abyss, rhyming is neat in the first, third, and fourth lines. But where did you pick up ‘laughing snow welcomes flowers’?” Hua Qingyun applauded but received a fan hit from Yin Shijiu.

“You’re silly! She already said ‘four guests,’ Xiao, Mose, Xue, Zhiyao, Yin, Shijiu, and you, Hua, Qingyun. Xiao, Xue, Yin, Hua!” 

“Makes sense, indeed. I was confused. Shijiu can even catch that. Bravo!” Hua Qingyun, astonished, praised Yin Shijiu and insisted on rewarding her.

“So, what do you want to reward me with?” Yin Shijiu, rarely receiving praise in this aspect, looked proud.

“Well, well, well, how about rewarding you with composing a poem?” Hua Qingyun, looking cunning, suggested.

“You… you’re asking for trouble!” Another round of playfulness began.

“Secluded winter wind, yesterday has passed; cold snow, a farewell to the homeland. Spring returns, forgetting the horizon, azure sky, golden scales dotting the heavens. Heroes rise, the land and country, to be protected by men, war flames rampant, duty to the nation today.” Suddenly, Xiao Mose spoke, his words impassioned and stirring, full of hot blood in every line.

Everyone was stunned by Xiao Mose, even Yin Shijiu forgot to play around.

“Good words, Mose’s demeanor and spirit. Truly incomparable, Qingyun is truly inferior.” Hua Qingyun always praised no matter what.

“Truly a majestic style, I admire it.” Xue Zhiyao looked at Xiao Mose with admiration, adding a touch of adoration and respect.

“Hua brother, Miss Xue is just joking. Mose is just a reckless man, used to the border, how can he compare to you two in elegance and grace.” Xiao Mose slightly bowed, modest and humble.

“You don’t have to be modest. I think it sounds great. It’s so inspiring, and why be so polite? What’s with ‘Hua brother,’ ‘Miss Xue,’ dare you call me Miss Yin? I would be annoyed!” Yin Shijiu pushed Xiao Mose’s back, expressing her dissatisfaction with a shivering gesture.

“Just so, Mose, you’re too polite. We’re like brothers, and you can call them however I call them.” Hua Qingyun quickly agreed.

“Xiao Mose has crossed over, Zhi Yao, Shi Jiu.” Xiao Mose bowed to the two young ladies, fist in hand.

“Mose, there’s no need for formalities.” Xue Zhi Yao nodded slightly, her cheeks blushing.

“Listening to this is really sour!” Yin Shi Jiu glanced at Xue Zhi Yao, shrugged indifferently, but didn’t notice that Xiao Mose was looking at her directly with a playful look.

“I like you.” Yin Shi Jiu faced Xiao Mose in front of her with a straight face and calm heart.

“This is the most straightforward confession I’ve ever heard.” The helplessness on her face couldn’t hide the deep smile in her eyes.

“Hmm! So what!?” Yin Shi Jiu still had a face full of heroic sacrifice.

“Well~ not much, but then what?” Trying to conceal the laughter in his nasal tone, Xiao Mose asked seriously.

“And then?” Yin Shi Jiu was puzzled.

“Well, then!” Xiao Mose looked serious.

“And then? Well, then, you like me!” Without any embarrassment, Yin Shi Jiu looked righteous.

“Why?” Xiao Mose changed his posture, leaning against a big tree diagonally. “Why should I like you?”

“Why? Why~? Because, because I like you!” Yin Shi Jiu was unapologetic.

“Well, why should I like you just because you like me?” Xiao Mose continued to tease.

“Uh~ well, because, because we’re kindred spirits.” Yin Shi Jiu tried to activate her brain cells, looking up at the sky, and suddenly came up with an answer.

“Kindred spirits?” Xiao Mose found it increasingly hard to contain his laughter. Yin Shi Jiu’s expression, as she strained to come up with reasons, was just too adorable.

“Well, kindred spirits, um, that, the azure sky, golden scales in thousands, refers to dragons, right? You must be crazy about serving the country, hoping to gain the Emperor’s favor!” Yes, that’s the idea.

With a trace of doubt in his eyes, Xiao Mose stared at this seemingly carefree, lively, and yet disdainful-of-literature girl. “I thought you would prefer Qing Yun.”

“How could that be? I only love folding flowers, not childhood sweethearts. Haven’t you heard of it?” Yin Shi Jiu said with a sense of importance.

“Haha~~ Only love folding flowers, not childhood sweethearts. What a ‘only love folding flowers, not childhood sweethearts.’ Have I become a wildflower by the roadside?” Xiao Mose burst into uncontrollable laughter.

“So, you like me, right?” Yin Shi Jiu tilted her head, looking at him with a face that seemed to be negotiating and probing.

“Well~ okay! I like you.” The smile finally appeared openly on his face, and Xiao Mose, with a face full of indulgence, pulled Yin Shi Jiu into his embrace. Her body stiffened for a moment, but there was no intention of pushing him away. Hehe, perhaps she was pleasantly surprised by the favor.

“Zhi Yao, Qing Yun, Xiao Mose and I are together!” Rushing into the living room, Yin Shi Jiu pounced on the Eight Immortals table.

“Together?” A simultaneous question from both of them.

“Yes, together, in the literal sense.” Xiao Mose also entered the living room, smiling as he spoke. Judging by Yin Shi Jiu’s eager expression, if it weren’t clear that neither Qing Yun nor Xue Zhi Yao had such intentions, he would have thought Yin Shi Jiu was just trying to win a bet by being friendly with him.

“How did it… develop so quickly?” Qing Yun asked somewhat awkwardly.

“Because I—”

“I confessed.” Disregarding Yin Shi Jiu’s surprised expression, Xiao Mose continued, “Shi Jiu is really cute, and I fell for her at first sight.” This fool, he isn’t really saying it so straightforwardly, is he? Girls showing interest first is something he shouldn’t avoid talking about at all! Sigh~ “Is that right?” He gave Yin Shi Jiu a subtle look while gently pouring her a cup of tea.

“Well~ yes, that’s how it is! Zhi Yao, you won’t be mad that I didn’t tell you, right?” Yin Shi Jiu pleaded, pulling at Xue Zhi Yao’s sleeve pitifully.

“Of course not! I’m thrilled to see you entrusted to someone else!” Xue Zhi Yao affectionately pinched Yin Shi Jiu’s nose, smiling contentedly.

“Really?” Yin Shi Jiu still seemed uncertain.

“Of course it’s true!” Xue Zhi Yao smiled gracefully, but Yin Shi Jiu still sensed her discomfort.

“Well, we’ve told you, we’ll take our leave now.” Picking up a cup and taking a sip before addressing Yin Shi Jiu, Xiao Mose made a courteous gesture, then took Yin Shi Jiu and left.

“Eh~ eh eh?” Poor Yin Shi Jiu only regained her right to speak after stepping outside. “Why do we have to leave first?”

“We’re going shopping.” Xiao Mose’s smiling face still carried an air of entitlement.

“Then let them come along.” Yin Shi Jiu pretended to go back into the room.

“Just the two of us!” Xiao Mose held onto Yin Shi Jiu and continued walking outside.

“Why just the two of us?” Yin Shi Jiu shook off Xiao Mose’s grip, wearing a puzzled expression.

“Don’t you want to go out with me alone?” Xiao Mose also looked puzzled.

“Why would I want to go out with you alone?” She continued with a questioning counter-question.

“Because you like me.”

“Liking you means I have to want to go out with you alone?”

“Yes!” Xiao Mose asserted with confidence.

“I don’t want to.” Yin Shi Jiu asserted even more confidently.

“But I do!!” Xiao Mose dragged Yin Shi Jiu away.

“A few days from now is the grand celebration. Have you prepared your performance?” Xiao Mose cut the peeled fruit into small pieces, placing them on a crystal-clear plate. He used a silver knife to pick up the pieces and fed them to Yin Shi Jiu.

“Well, a sword dance. It’s the only thing I’ve been practicing consistently. I don’t know if Zhi Yao is still performing her musical skills. If she is, we can perform together!” Yin Shi Jiu half-lay on a bamboo chair, glancing at Xiao Mose indifferently.

“I can accompany you on the piano.” Xiao Mose handed another piece of fruit to her.

“You don’t need to perform; I’ll perform with Zhi Yao.” Sitting up straight, Yin Shi Jiu glanced disdainfully at Xiao Mose. “It’s always you dragging me away without consulting Zhi Yao. I’ll go find her now!”

“I can accompany you!” Xiao Mose was visibly displeased.

“No need!” Giving Xiao Mose a cold glance, Yin Shi Jiu stood up to leave.

Xiao Mose grabbed Yin Shi Jiu’s arm, genuinely angry this time.

“What are you doing?” Trying to shake off Xiao Mose, but he held on too tight, and Yin Shi Jiu couldn’t help but become annoyed.

“Do you really like me?” Looking at Yin Shi Jiu, Xiao Mose didn’t want to strain the relationship too much, but her actions made him doubt.

“Why ask such a thing?” Yin Shi Jiu felt a bit guilty, avoiding eye contact with Xiao Mose. Finally, she stared directly at the large hand that Xiao Mose held on her arm.

“Answer me.” Watching the evasive look in Yin Shi Jiu’s eyes, Xiao Mose could hardly control his emotions. Could it be that he had stayed too long on the border, making it difficult for him to understand the games played among the young ladies and gentlemen in the capital?

“I do like you! Didn’t we discuss that the other day? Do I have to keep saying it? I’ll be embarrassed!” She widened her eyes, looking up directly at Xiao Mose. “But you can’t keep me by your side all the time! Didn’t you say men don’t like to be confined? Why do you like sticking to me so much?”

“That’s because you don’t stick to me enough!” Xiao Mose chuckled. Indeed, he seemed more like a complaining woman now.

“You won’t let me play with Zhi Yao and Qing Yun. The moment I step out of the house, I’m with you. How is that not sticking to you?” Yin Shi Jiu, ignoring the fact that Xiao Mose always managed to catch her when she was leaving, wore an expression that said, “You’re making things up.”

Xiao Mose could only smile helplessly. “Fine, let’s go find Zhi Yao and ask if she wants to join you.” In the end, he had to yield. As long as he heard Yin Shi Jiu say she liked him and saw her slightly coquettish blame, he couldn’t stay angry.

“You’re going to perform with Qing Yun?” There was a hint of grievance in Yin Shi Jiu’s eyes, and she seemed on the verge of tears. Whenever she quarreled with Xiao Mose, she would go to Xue Zhi Yao for comfort. However, Xue Zhi Yao now mentioned wanting to perform a duet with Hua Qing Yun.

“Yes, we’ve been practicing together for a while.” Qing Yun smiled and twirled the flute in his hand.

“Why didn’t you both tell me?” Yin Shi Jiu felt betrayed by her two friends.

“You’re hardly ever around, aren’t you? I remember reminding you to prepare.” Xue Zhi Yao, with an indulgent look, scolded Yin Shi Jiu. “If you’re really not ready, we can help you. There are still a few days.”

“It’s okay; I’ll accompany her.” Yin Shi Jiu glared angrily at Xiao Mose, who had come out to interfere again.

“Mose, you know how to play the qin?” Xue Zhi Yao was pleasantly surprised. The guqin is a difficult musical instrument, and she hadn’t expected Xiao Mose, known for his martial skills, to be proficient in it as well.

“A little.” Xiao Mose modestly nodded.

“Just a little, and you think you can accompany me?” Yin Shi Jiu poured cold water on him discontentedly.

“Accompanying you is more than enough.” Xiao Mose scolded Yin Shi Jiu with a blaming look. How could she have any consciousness as someone’s girlfriend?

“May I have the pleasure of a demonstration?” Xue Zhi Yao invited eagerly, wanting to learn a thing or two from Xiao Mose.

“I still need to practice. Come, accompany me in practice.” Unhappy, Yin Shi Jiu pulled Xiao Mose towards the door. Xiao Mose had to bow and bid farewell to Hua Qing Yun and Xue Zhi Yao as he retreated.

“You’re quite capricious, little one. What’s wrong now?” As soon as they stepped outside, Yin Shi Jiu let go of Xiao Mose’s hand and walked ahead angrily.

“Practice.”

“What’s going on again?” Xiao Mose jumped in front of Yin Shi Jiu, moving backward to match her footsteps.

“Practice.”

Holding onto Yin Shi Jiu, Xiao Mose looked into her eyes with a somewhat melancholy expression. “Do you really want to perform well at the grand celebration?”

“What do you mean?” Yin Shi Jiu was a bit impatient.

“Do you want to become a goddess?” Xiao Mose lifted Yin Shi Jiu’s chin to make her face him.

“Why ask that?” Shaking her head to free herself from Xiao Mose’s control, she tilted her head and looked at him.

“Goddesses cannot marry.”

“Heh, worried about that? I probably don’t have that opportunity.” Yin Shi Jiu dismissed it casually. She refused to walk down that path, a path she had been wrong about for 17 years.

“But your father cares a lot about it!” Xiao Mose probed while paying attention to Yin Shi Jiu’s expression.

“Let him be busy with his own affairs. I will never become one, even if it means death.”

“Well, that’s good then. I can rest easy.” Xiao Mose smiled with satisfaction, ignoring the resentment brewing in Yin Shi Jiu’s eyes.

“The grand celebration is here. How is your performance coming along?” Yin Tiancheng sat in the study on the master’s chair, casually flipping through documents as he asked.

“In response to Father, your daughter is preparing to perform a sword dance. The sword is our country’s sacred artifact, and the dance represents the divine decree. I recently learned a sword dance called ‘Soaring Dance through the Ages.'” Standing in front of Yin Tiancheng with a lowered head and compliant demeanor, Yin Shi Jiu showed no signs of anger. She appeared as gentle as a puppet being manipulated.

“I heard you’ve been getting close to that young man from the Xiao family recently.”

“Daddy, aren’t you teaching your daughter to make use of available influence?” Yin Shijiu replied coldly without even lifting her eyes.

“Well, not bad. How have you prepared for the selection of the Summer Solstice Goddess?” Yin Tiancheng flipped through the documents and looked up to ask.

“Only Sister Zhiyao and Shen Ruming are obstacles, but Sister Zhiyao’s ambition is not here, so it’s not a problem.” She raised her eyelids slightly and then lowered them.

“Do you think she really doesn’t care just because she says so? You wouldn’t understand Xue Hanyun’s thoughts, that old guy. Be cautious of that Xue Zhiyao, the Xue family’s influence in the court is not inferior to ours, and the Hua family also supports them. This selection must be a success for you, not a failure. Understand? If you fail, my Yin family will disown you as a descendant.” Yin Tiancheng spoke in a calm tone but with ruthless words, leaving no room for turning back.

Sweeping across the icy haze in her eyes, Yin Shijiu followed suit with her eyebrows and said, “Daughter understands.”

“The strength in your sword dance is quite impressive, truly resembling someone learning swordsmanship. In the future, I can teach you some real sword techniques for self-defense.” Xiao Mose, who had just accompanied Yin Shijiu with music, was in a good mood.

“If there’s a chance, I really want to learn.” Yin Shijiu thought for a moment and added, “Are you going back to the border?”

“I don’t know. According to my father, he wants me to get an official position in the capital and then return to the border to protect the home and country.” Pausing, he continued, “A man’s ambition is in all directions. Will you be willing to accompany me to the ends of the earth?”

“To the ends of the earth, hmm, if you still want to after the Summer Solstice, then I’ll follow you.”

“Willing? How could I not be willing?” Xiao Mose was puzzled. Lately, he felt that something was wrong with Yin Shijiu. “Are you hiding something from me?”

“I have many things that I haven’t told you.” Yin Shijiu was quite open about it.

“Then why don’t you tell me right away!” Xiao Mose felt uneasy; this confused feeling was not what he wanted.

“Why rush? You’ll know when the time comes. Look! Zhiyao and Qingyun are on stage. Be quiet and listen to Zhiyao’s true musical talent. Your mediocre composition can’t compare at all.” Changing the subject, Yin Shijiu completely shifted her attention to Xue Zhiyao on the stage.

“Yes, yes, everything about your sister Zhiyao is great. I can’t compare to anything.” Xiao Mose sighed. Yin Shijiu always sided with Xue Zhiyao unconditionally, but she was a girl, and he didn’t even have a reason to be jealous.

“That’s right, can’t compare, can’t compare. Hmph!” Yin Shijiu still didn’t have a good expression.

Xiao Mose really wondered if being willful was Yin Shijiu’s way of expressing affection. Besides that, he couldn’t find any other outlet for Yin Shijiu’s love.

“These Xue Zhiyao and Hua Qingyun are truly a match made in heaven, a talented gentleman and a beautiful lady,” came a faint whisper from nearby.

“This year’s Summer Solstice is the deciding time for the selection of the Goddess. The elders have high hopes for Xue Zhiyao.”

“Indeed, it seems that Hua Qingyun won’t be able to win the beauty.”

“That’s not necessarily true. Maybe this couple has already decided to spend their lives together, regardless of the position of the Goddess. Hehe!”

“In that case, Yin Shijiu and Shen Rumin are the lucky ones.”

“Which one do you think has a better chance, Yin Shijiu or Shen Rumin?”

“Well, their talents are comparable, but Yin Shijiu’s grandfather was an elder in the previous dynasty, and her father holds the position of vice minister. The elders are likely to give her some face.”

“In fact, even if Xue Zhiyao remains unmarried, she may not necessarily win against Yin Shijiu. Although Xue Zhiyao is knowledgeable and skilled in playing the zither, Yin Shijiu specializes in sword dancing, which is not something an ordinary woman can excel at.”

“That’s not necessarily the case…”

As Xiao Mose watched Yin Shijiu’s changing expressions while listening to the conversation, an inexplicable sense of unease filled his heart.

“The performance is over. Let’s go to Zhiyao’s side!” Without showing any reaction to the conversation she just overheard, Yin Shijiu pulled Xiao Mose towards the inner side of the venue.

Her calm tone, however, made Xiao Mose even more nervous. Could it be that Yin Shijiu truly cared? She had promised not to compete for the position of the Goddess, and she wouldn’t deceive him. If she were deceiving him, there was no reason for her to show goodwill towards him two months before the Goddess selection. But why did Yin Shijiu furrow her brows just now?

Lost in thought, Xiao Mose suddenly bumped into Yin Shijiu, who was walking in front of him. Reflexively, he steadied her, and when he looked up, he saw Yin Shijiu standing stiffly with an expression of shock in her eyes. Following her bewildered gaze, he saw Hua Qingyun carefully bandaging Xue Zhiyao’s hand, as playing the zither could easily cause injuries. Xiao Mose was well aware of this, but what kind of expression was Yin Shijiu wearing, and why was she so surprised?

Releasing Xiao Mose’s hand, Yin Shijiu turned and walked away without a word.

Xiao Mose quickly caught up, asking, “What’s wrong?”

“I want to leave!” Yin Shijiu ignored him, striding towards the exit of the venue.

“What’s happening?” Xiao Mose grabbed Yin Shijiu’s shoulder and turned her towards him. To his surprise, he saw a hint of teary glimmer in Yin Shijiu’s scattered and panicked eyes. “What’s wrong, Shijiu?”

“I want to leave!” She turned her head away, heading towards the exit.

Looking at the bustling venue, Xiao Mose said, “Okay, let’s go outside and talk.” He led Yin Shijiu out.

Just outside the palace gate, after walking a few steps, Xiao Mose held Yin Shijiu back. “Shijiu, what are you hiding from me? Tell me, please.”

Yin Shijiu raised her head, staring blankly at Xiao Mose, blinked her eyes stiffly, as if just finding the focus. “Xiao Mose, let’s break up.” Her tone was calm.

“What did you say?” Xiao Mose looked at the woman in front of him in disbelief. This was too abrupt, and Xiao Mose couldn’t accept it.

“Let’s break up.” It wasn’t a discussion; it was a statement.

“Why?” Unable to accept it, unable to understand, Xiao Mose couldn’t keep up with Yin Shijiu’s thoughts.

“I don’t like you.” She continued to look directly at Xiao Mose, showing no hesitation or retreat.

“But I like you.” The confession from that day still echoed in his ears. “Why?”

“I never liked you. I just used you.” Seemingly oblivious to the wrongness of using someone’s feelings, Yin Shijiu spoke with candor.

“Why?” Still unable to believe, Yin Shijiu’s words were so difficult to comprehend, as if in another language. He didn’t want to understand, or perhaps it wasn’t the meaning he heard.

“Let’s break up.” Ignoring Xiao Mose’s repeated questions, Yin Shijiu summed it up.

“You used me? You used me? What did you use me for?” Xiao Mose laughed bitterly. Was he nothing more than a clown in her eyes?

“I used you to provoke someone I truly like.” She continued to be straightforward. “But now, there’s no need.” She flashed a bitter smile. Today, she experienced a breakup, so she pulled Xiao Mose to experience it with her.

“Hua Qingyun? Hua Qingyun, I knew it, I knew it! You said you only loved the plum blossoms and not the flowers. Wasn’t that what you said?” Xiao Mose seemed to have found a lifesaving straw and held onto it desperately.

“That statement was reversed. It’s not loving the flowers but loving the childhood sweetheart.” The supposed lifesaving straw turned into the last heavy burden, pressing down.

“Hehe, not loving the flowers, not loving the flowers. Were you playing with me from the beginning to the end? Were you playing with me from the beginning to the end? Haha! Haha! I’m just your toy, your prop, your clown! Haha!” Laughing and crying, Xiao Mose pushed Yin Shijiu against the wall and turned away.

Yin Shijiu watched as Xiao Mose’s seemingly fragile figure gradually moved away, helplessly released a breath of turbid air, slowly slid down the palace wall, squatted in the corner, licking the sorrow in her heart that she couldn’t speak to anyone.

A pair of abrupt feet appeared in front of her. Looking up along the shoes, it was Hua Qingyun. “Is what you said just now true?”

As if all the farce had converged to this day, Yin Shijiu shook off Hua Qingyun’s help and stood up against the wall. “It has nothing to do with you.”

“What you said just now is true, right?” Not a certain tone, carrying a hint of uncertainty.

“It has nothing to do with you!” She yelled, not wanting to deal with him, at least not now.

“What you said just now is true. You like me.” Finally turning into a statement, Hua Qingyun seemed to be reassuring himself, building his own confidence.

“I said it has nothing to do with you, don’t stand in front of me.” Yin Shijiu’s current mood was really bad.

“There’s nothing between me and my cousin. She was injured, and I was helping her bandage it. We really have nothing. I saw your leaving figures, followed you out, and overheard your conversation. What you said, is it true?” Hua Qingyun firmly held Yin Shijiu’s shoulder, staring at her intently, afraid to miss even the slightest hint of emotion. “Tell me, everything you said is true, right? Tell me.” All sensations reached their peak, and the pounding heartbeat in his ears declared his nervousness.

“Yes, what I said is true, but it has nothing to do with you. This is my business, it has nothing to do with you. Let go of me!” Pushing away Hua Qingyun’s hands, Yin Shijiu tried to pass through him but was caught.

“Why does it have nothing to do with me? You like me, and I like you. How can it have nothing to do with me?” Holding Yin Shijiu tightly in his arms, trying to embed her into his own body, Hua Qingyun murmured, “When I heard you say you were with Xiao Mose, do you know how sad I was? Just now, just now, when you said you liked me, do you know how happy I was?”

“Get lost!” Struggling with all her might to break free from Hua Qingyun’s control, “Don’t be presumptuous here, don’t bother me. My mood is really bad. Don’t bother me.” With a rough roar, Yin Shijiu turned away and left.

Hua Qingyun stood there for a while, motionless, not understanding.

“Zhiyao, you really won’t become the Goddess, will you?” Yin Shijiu lay on Zhiyao’s embroidered bed, just having practiced sword dancing with Xue Zhiyao. Zhiyao’s zither skills had also improved, perhaps her qin music could be likened to the flowing streams of high mountains, hehe, probably not as good as Zhiyao’s.

“You! Why are you always here all day? What’s going on between you, Mose, and Qingyun? Why are you all so tense?” Xue Zhiyao complained, but her words carried no blame, only indulgence.

“Nothing? What could be tense? Don’t worry, you’ll get old! Hehe.” Yin Shijiu casually joked without concern.

“Nonsense, you’re still young. But no matter what, make up with them first. I’ll find a time for you.” Xue Zhiyao was determined to play the peacemaker.

“No!” Yin Shijiu raised an eyebrow, straightforwardly refusing.

“Do you want to avoid them forever? It’s fine if you quarrel with Mose, but why won’t Qingyun dare to see you?” Xue Zhiyao could see some clues about this.

“Let’s talk about it later! Zhiyao, you really won’t become the Goddess, right?” Not wanting to continue the topic of Xiao Mose and Hua Qingyun, Yin Shijiu changed the subject.

“Later? When is later?” Xue Zhiyao directly ignored the latter part of the question.

“At the Summer Solstice!”

“Do you want to become the Goddess?” Xue Zhiyao was very surprised, and a sudden shadow passed through her eyes.

“As long as you don’t go, I won’t go either. Hehe, we agreed, okay! Zhiyao, you really won’t become the Goddess, right?” Yin Shijiu continued with the repetitive question.

Looking at Yin Shijiu, Xue Zhiyao’s eyes revealed some uncertain factors, but she immediately lowered her gaze, and when she looked up again, she had a full smile. “Of course not, as we agreed, let’s live an ordinary life together.”

“Yeah, we’ll be happy.” Getting Xue Zhiyao’s confirmation again, Yin Shijiu happily squinted her eyes, and a rare little dimple appeared at the corner of her mouth.

“Happiness? What are your plans after the Summer Solstice? Marry Mose and follow him to the border?” Xue Zhiyao changed the topic again.

“Oh, didn’t I tell you that we broke up?” Helpless, Yin Shijiu felt that Xiao Mose wasn’t as good as Xue Zhiyao imagined, causing her to linger on the thought.

“You still have the mentality of a child. Mose is such a good man, and only you don’t know how to cherish him.”

It’s because you think he’s good that I won’t cherish him. Thinking like this in her heart, Yin Shijiu perfunctorily said, “Yes, yes, he’s good, I’m not worthy. I’ll voluntarily withdraw, alright?” With a helpless roll of her eyes, Yin Shijiu buried herself under Xue Zhiyao’s neatly arranged quilt. “Zhiyao.”

“Hmm?”

“Are you really, really, really, really not going to become the Goddess?” Xue Zhiyao’s gaze drifted towards Yin Shijiu’s expressionless face, choosing silence.

This year’s Summer Solstice was the most important day in Chusu Kingdom in 17 years. The 17-year-old Goddess would replace the previous one, serving as the intermediary between Chusu Kingdom and the gods, the most revered position in the kingdom.

Sword-like and dance-like, Yin Shijiu’s robust swordsmanship blended with graceful dance. In a white martial attire, she leaped up and down, and the silvery soft sword in Yin Shijiu’s hand moved like a silver serpent, casting a dazzling silver light. The ministers, elders, and even the monarch were all immersed in watching the dance and swordplay, forgetting that it was a competition to select the Goddess.

“Dang—” A sudden sound startled everyone. At the moment the sword tip touched the ground, the sword broke. A broken sword was an omen of great misfortune.

Yin Shijiu stood on the stage, listening to the murmurs filling the entire venue. Looking at the sea of people surrounding her, she felt a bit dazed. Her gaze passed over the angry face of the monarch, her father’s furious face, her mother’s helpless face, searching for Xue Zhiyao’s face but finding none.

In a daze, she was pulled down from the high platform. Yin Shijiu saw Xue Zhiyao, standing on the stage, her flowing purple skirt gracefully wrapped around her exquisite figure. The serene and melodious sound of the zither gradually floated in the air, making Yin Shijiu forget everything. Staring at Xue Zhiyao, she stood still, waiting, anticipating. It felt like a thousand years had passed, but Yin Shijiu hadn’t waited until Xue Zhiyao bowed and left the stage as they had agreed, fooled by Xue Zhiyao, deceived.

They had agreed that when the sword broke, and the zither music stopped, they would leave together. But she was deceived; she was betrayed. Xue Zhiyao wanted to become the Goddess. Xue Zhiyao lied to her, and Xue Zhiyao cheated her.

They had promised to break the sword and the zither together, travel the rivers and mountains together after the Summer Solstice, and be the best, closest friends forever.

But she was deceived, betrayed. Xue Zhiyao wanted to become the Goddess. Xue Zhiyao wanted to deceive her. Xue Zhiyao had fooled her.

The result was unsurprising. Xue Zhiyao stood on the tall sacrificial tower, receiving the worship of everyone, parents, relatives, and even the monarch.

She was about to enter the sacred tower, where she couldn’t meet outsiders, to spend her future with the gods. What a ridiculous future. But why was Xue Zhiyao so persistent, even deceiving her, thinking she held a massive secret? She felt emptied suddenly, losing consciousness, feeling the world spinning wildly, terribly cold.

The sudden impact on her face brought Yin Shijiu to the ground. “Monster! I’ll kill you, you monster!” Yelling madly, Yintian Cheng kicked the much smaller body of Yin Shijiu.

Calculatedly, he had raised Yin Shijiu as a girl since childhood, making him drink growth-retarding and development-suppressing drugs every month. Thus, Yin Shijiu had a slender and weak physique like a girl. For 17 years, no one had suspected or discovered it. Everything was ready, but they underestimated destiny. Yin Shijiu unexpectedly, for Xue Zhiyao’s sake, confessed in front of everyone by stripping off his clothes. Everything collapsed at the end.

Guards approached to pull Yintian Cheng away, and Yin Shijiu remained motionless, maintaining the posture of being knocked askew. His eyes stared straight in the direction of the towering sacrificial tower, as if he had lost all spiritual essence.

Everything had collapsed.

Unaware of when the ceremony ended, when the crowd dispersed, when the sky turned dark, when it started raining, and when only the solitary figure remained. Yin Shijiu still held the knocked-over posture, gazing toward the sacrificial tower like a frozen statue, letting the muddy rainwater wash over his clean arms endlessly.

Footsteps approached, and the rain above his head stopped. His gaze toward the sacrificial tower was blocked.

“You are fine now.”

Yin Shijiu knelt in the muddy water, sitting dazed as if he had lost his soul.

“Your father is also fine; he was just dismissed from his official position.”

Yin Shijiu continued to kneel without any response.

“You said before, once the Summer Solstice passed, if I was still willing, you would go with me to the border. Is that true?”

Yin Shijiu remained in a daze.

“No answer means you’ve agreed. We might not become husband and wife, but can we still be friends? I’ll teach you swordsmanship, and you can accompany me on my travels.” 

Squatting down, placing the umbrella aside, Xiao Mose helped Yin Shijiu tidy up the soaked white attire, and draped his own cloak over Yin Shijiu.

Sighing, Xiao Mose lifted the unresisting Yin Shijiu and walked into the dim, murky night.

Heading towards their future.

Only the future between friends.