Behind the tightly closed door, a middle aged man stood with his hands behind his back. He had been standing by the bed for a long time, staring at the young man lying on the bed, his brows remaining tightly furrowed, and his hands behind him unconsciously being clenched.
Outside, the winter sun was quietly shining, and the weather was gradually warming up. However, the girl guarding by the bed felt only coldness inside the room. Her sorrowful eyes fell on the bed, and seeing that the person still lay motionless as if in deep sleep, her sorrow deepened.
After a long silence, the middle aged man sighed and said to the girl guarding beside him, “Ya’er, I will leave this place to you. Please, watch over him every day. Yun Jinghao is uneasy, but there is no one else in the manor who can stay by his side all the time. In the future……” He stopped there, seeming unable to continue, and finally just sighed again, unable to say anything more.
“ Uncle
伯伯
bóbo
Father’s elder brother.
1 Yun, Ya’er is unable to repay your kindness in saving me. If it weren’t for Uncle Yun’s shelter over these years, Ya’er would have been wandering the streets. Being able to do something for Yan Zhen
gege
bóbo
Father’s elder brother.
哥哥
gēge
It means ‘older brother’, but it is often used as a respectful or affectionate term for a slightly older male, even if he is not a blood relative.
2 , makes Ya’er happy, there is no trouble at all. I just hope Yan Zhen gege wakes up soon so I can be at ease.” The girl stood up, then turned to look at the person on the bed, her eyes filled with tenderness.
gēge
It means ‘older brother’, but it is often used as a respectful or affectionate term for a slightly older male, even if he is not a blood relative.
Yun Jinghao nodded, somewhat eased, and gave a few more words of instruction before stepping out the door feeling reassured.
The girl returned to her seat by the bed, continuing her vigil. She reached out to arrange the hair of the person on the bed, then adjusted the bedding. Her gaze lingered on the sleeping face, captivated as if unable to look away.
***
At this moment, outside Yunhao Manor, a carriage was slowly making its way to the gate. Through the curtains, Qi Mingyue peered out and saw, not far away, a simple yet elegant manor. Its courtyard was spacious, with people coming and going. There weren’t many guards, but everything was in perfect order. From just this glimpse, one could sense the presence of an influential family. Realizing that this was both where Lan Jin might appear and the destination of their journey, a hint of interest appeared in his eyes.The family living in Yunhao Manor, which was located in an ordinary town within Cang He’s borders,was considered prestigious in the town, having engaged in trade for many generations and amassed considerable wealth. Beyond that, there was nothing particularly special about it. However, in the eyes of people from the Jianghu, Yunhao Manor had an extraordinary status. The manor’s master, Yun Jinghao, had impressive martial arts skills, but what people praised was not his martial arts prowess but his moral character. He was known for being frank and upright, never bending to impropriety. He was the very embodiment of integrity. Whenever there were difficult issues to resolve, those with good relations with him would come to Yunhao Manor to seek his mediation. Over time, he gained the title of ‘Mengchang of the Jianghu’
This refers to Lord Mengchang (孟尝君), a famous aristocrat in the Warring States period known for his generosity and for hosting and supporting many retainers and guests.
3 , having many good relations with others. Therefore, in the Jianghu, Yunhao Manor had come to be regarded as neutral ground where conflicts were brought to rest.
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 71 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
Qi Mingyue was curious why Yan Qing, who came from such a prestigious family, would associate with Liufang Pavilion, but he would never bring it up without reason. By now, the manor was in sight. He glanced at Yan Qing, but he saw no joy in the other’s expression, only coldness.Along the way, Qi Mingyue had asked Yan Qing about many matters concerning Yunhao Manor, but the other mentioned actually very little about Yan Zhen. Even when he occasionally mentioned him, he would quickly gloss over it. As they got closer to Yunhao Manor, Yan Qing spoke less and less, often remaining silent for long periods, leaving one unsure of what he was thinking.
The carriage stopped a short distance from the manor, and Qi Mingyue got off the carriage first. Seeing that there was still some distance to Yunhao Manor, he couldn’t help but wonder why Yan Qing had ordered Wu Yao to stop here.
Without a word, Yan Qing got off the carriage, motioned for the two to follow, and then without explaining moved around to the other side of the manor. Qi Mingyue didn’t ask any questions, and just followed closely. Wu Yao, already almost like a shadow, seemed even more like a ghost now, following behind Qi Mingyue. The three of them moved stealthily, circling to the back of Yunhao Manor. Yan Qing, familiar with the place, looked for a hidden spot and, with a single leap, scaled the wall and entered.
“There is no one guarding this place. We can sneak in without being noticed,” Yan Qing said softly to Qi Mingyue and Wu Yao.
Qi Mingyue didn’t understand why Yan Qing needed to be so secretive. Since he was the Young Master of Yunhao Manor, why sneak in like this? Although puzzled, he did not ask. Yan Qing must have his reasons for acting this way. Considering that Yan Qing was related to Liufang Pavillion and that the manor’s master, Yun Jinghao, was a man of unyielding integrity, one could still guess part of the reason behind the other’s actions.
By now, many people from the Jianghu had already gathered inside Yunhao Manor. Ever since it became known that Lan Jin was the successor of that old man Xuan Tai, this place had become a frequent stop and gathering point for them.
The manor was divided into a courtyard in the front and a courtyard in the back. The front courtyard had many guest rooms, used to entertain various friends from the Jianghu. The rear court, however, was the inner courtyard, accessible only to those who lived in the manor.
In the rear court, there was a bedroom with its door tightly closed. A strong scent of medicinal herbs drifted from within, filling the entire courtyard. No matter where one went, the air was filled with the scent of medicinal decoction, seemingly everywhere. It was clear that this could not be the result of decocting medical herbs for just a day or two, but had accumulated over months to create such a strong scent.
Arriving at the door, Yan Qing stood for a long time, seemingly hesitating. Qi Mingyue did not rush him, just ordered Wu Yao to stand guard in the shadows and report back if anyone approached. After a long time, Yan Qing seemed to make up his mind and slowly pushed the door open.
Inside the room, a girl was sitting by the bed. Hearing the door open, she slowly turned her head. She was dressed in a lotus pink dress adorned with a few white feathers. Bathed in the winter sunlight, she looked strikingly beautiful. Her fair, rosy face was very delicate, with soft long brows and light pink cherry lips, giving her a fragile air that instantly evoked pity. Seeing the person standing at the door, her small mouth parted slightly, as if frightened, and she murmured, gazing at the figure in green, “Yan Qing gege……”
She had never expected that there would come a day when they would meet again. She could hardly believe that she would encounter him once more within the manor. In her eyes, he remained exactly as he had been all those years ago, even wearing the same lush green color. With complex thoughts, she turned to look at the person on the bed. When she looked back, she saw the green robed person slowly entering the room and saying to those behind him, “This is Su Ya’er. Many years ago, Yan Zhen and I recognized her as our sworn younger sister
义妹
yìmèi
Refers to a girl regarded as one’s younger sister through a sworn or adopted bond, rather than by blood.
4 , and she has been living in the manor since.”
yìmèi
Refers to a girl regarded as one’s younger sister through a sworn or adopted bond, rather than by blood.
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 71 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
Hearing him speak, could there be someone else? Su Ya’er glanced outside and saw a figure in light silver bathing in sunlight slowly entering the room. Following the silver robes upward, she saw that the person who came in was actually a Young Lord with sword eyebrows, narrowed eyes, and a slight smile on his thin lips. His handsome face exuded gentleness, but his eyes were indifferent. Though there was a subtle contradiction in his demeanor, his noble composure made others feel inferior, and at the same time, it made any expression he wore seem only natural.At this moment, he was looking at her, his smiling expression making her feel closeness, yet also sensing a hint of distance. “This is……” she spoke softly, biting her lip, feeling slightly uneasy for some reason, as if she were the guest in this place instead of him.
“This humble one is Cheng Ziyao. Miss Ya’er may simply call me Ziyao.” Qi Mingyue’s gaze lingered on the pale-faced girl, then swept over the person lying on the bed, and a sharp light flashed in his eyes. For some reason, he who normally cherished women, felt no fondness at all for Su Ya’er. By her aura, he clearly sensed her earlier panic and resentment, which had somehow subsided. It seemed she was not at all pleased to see Yan Qing return.
“Ya’er would not dare. Young Lord Cheng is Yan Qing gege’s friend, how could Ya’er dare to call the Young Lord by his given name?” Su Ya’er laughed lightly, a blush appearing on her face. She lowered her head to straighten her dress and stood up. “Just now I acted discourteously. Ya’er did not know Yan Qing gege would suddenly return. I was startled and did not greet you. Young Lord, please don’t take offense.”
“Ziyao certainly won’t blame Miss Ya’er. I just came with Yan Qing to visit, no need to be so formal.” With a gentle smile in his eyes, Qi Mingyue looked at Su Ya’er as he spoke, then slowly paced into the room and took a seat.
Seeing his every word and action exude natural elegance, casual yet never discourteous, Su Ya’er was very puzzled. She did not know when such an extraordinary young hero appeared in the Jianghu and how he had come to know Yan Qing. Suppressing her doubts, she went to the table, filled a small cup with tea, and then gracefully walked to Qi Mingyue’s side, carefully handing it over. “Unfortunately, there are no refreshments prepared in the room. Ya’er can only offer the Young Lord some tea.”
Qi Mingyue took the small teacup, his slightly narrowed eyes revealing nothing of his thoughts. Seeing Su Ya’er’s face showing no unusual expression and her well-behaved manner, there was nothing strange to see. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, though he couldn’t pinpoint why. Ever since learning Tianyin, he had become very sensitive to the aura of those around him. If the slightest something was amiss, he could sense it as soon as he got close, and now was one of those times.
After voicing his thanks, Qi Mingyue sniffed the tea’s aroma, and offered Su Ya’er a faint smile before he sat quietly at her side. Su Ya’er, however, seemed distracted after handing over the tea. Seated nearby, her gaze kept drifting toward the bed.
Since entering the room and introducing Qi Mingyue, Yan Qing did not speak again. He walked straight to the bedside and stood there without moving. His expression could not be seen from behind, but the clenched fists indicated his heart was far from calm. Neither Qi Mingyue nor Su Ya’er disturbed him, and were just sitting in silence. One stared at the tea in his hand, absorbed in thought, while the other gazed at the bedside, deep in a daze.
Yan Qing stared at the sleeping person on the bed, his face betraying not the slightest emotion, yet the turmoil surging in his eyes had stripped the effortless charm he usually carried. Yan Zhen, Yan Zhen, Yan Zhen…… He is my older brother by blood, nothing more and nothing less. Reminding himself of this, he suppressed the turmoil in his heart. When he turned, Qi Mingyue once again saw the familiar Young Master Yan Qing, a hint of charm in his eyes and a leisurely grace in his demeanor. Even the simple act of turning carried a trace of captivating grace.
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 71 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
“This is Yan Zhen, my older brother. Ziyao, take a look and see if he can still be saved.” Though his tone was casual, Yan Qing’s every move lacked the previous languidness and frivolity. Qi Mingyue could see that because of Yan Zhen, Yan Qing’s mind was already in turmoil. If he claimed his concern for Yan Zhen was purely brotherly, Qi Mingyue would never believe it.“Young Lord Cheng knows how to heal people?” Su Ya’er’s eyes lit up with delight at Yan Qing’s words. Qi Mingyue raised his eyebrows slightly. Since the Yi family, renowned for their mastery of medicine and poisons, had already examined the case and reached a conclusion, how could Su Ya’er still show such an expression after hearing this? Could anyone truly believe that a newcomer, a complete stranger, could cure Gu poison that even the world-famous poison masters of the Yi family could not? Her display of excitement, though pitiful, struck him as slightly excessive. He put down the small teacup and nodded lightly, “I wouldn't say I can, but I have some skill. I may give it a try.”
Once he doubted someone, he would not miss any of their reactions. Seeing Su Ya’er sigh and lower her head, he heard her say, “It is worth a try. Yan Zhen gege has already been in a deep sleep for a long time. If he doesn’t wake up soon, I am afraid……” As she spoke, she seemed unable to suppress her inner sorrow and began to sob softly.
Qi Mingyue walked to her side and handed her a silk handkerchief, “Miss Ya’er, do not worry. Wait for Ziyao to try. If it works, Yan Zhen will waken in the next few days.” As he got closer, he felt that Su Ya'er's sadness was genuine. Her feelings for Yan Zhen were indeed sincere, yet he couldn’t understand why he had felt something off about her earlier.
Qi Mingyue instructed Wu Yao to fetch the zither from the carriage. Just as he took it into his hands, he suddenly noticed another person outside the door, despite Wu Yao already being inside the room. The person outside was a middle aged man with striking features and a piercing gaze, frowning as he glared at everyone in the room.
Seeing this person, Yan Qing did not greet him but coldly called out, “Father.” His words carried no respect, only cold mockery.
Is that another forbidden romance (・o・⑉)
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