Moving his gaze to the bed illuminated by candlelight, Qi Mingyue looked at Yan Zhen, and a faint trace of surprise appeared in his eyes.
Yan Zhen wore only a single thin garment, his long hair draped over his shoulders. His sword eyebrows slanted into his temples, his phoenix eyes slightly raised, and his lips still somewhat pale. Nevertheless, his features were sharply defined, making his appearance strikingly handsome. What surprised Qi Mingyue, however, was that his features looked exactly like Yan Qing’s.
The same countenance and a similar silhouette, yet an entirely different aura. Yan Zhen’s black hair now cascaded like a waterfall over his white robes, and his delicate, handsome face emerged from the shadows of the curtain, tinged with a hint of puzzlement. Unlike the misty, alluring charm in Yan Qing’s eyes, the person before him had eyes clear and bright, like a mirror or a flowing stream, pure and transparent, incapable of stirring even the slightest desire. Though he had been asleep for a long time, his gaze remained calm and serene, showing no hint of weakness when it met Qi Mingyue’s.
Qi Mingyue’s gaze lingered on Yan Zhen a few more times. Such an elegant and handsome person, does he know about Yan Qing’s feelings for him? If he knows, how would his pure face react to such forbidden feelings between twin brothers? Just the thought was very amusing. The smile at Qi Mingyue’s lips grew more pronounced, as the corners of his mouth lifted further, betraying his obvious interest.
Deliberately choosing not to mention that Yan Qing was just outside the door, Qi Mingyue simply continued sipping his tea. To his surprise, even though it had gone cold, the taste wasn’t bad at all. Casting a glance out the window, he suppressed the smile in his eyes and finally answered Yan Zhen’s earlier question, “This humble one is called Cheng Ziyao, your savior.”
Yan Zhen was taken aback, not understanding why Qi Mingyue would say such a thing, though he also sensed that something was indeed amiss. He had thought he had only slept for a night, yet the way he felt now was as if he had just recovered from a serious illness. Though the other person’s words seemed rather strange, there was no hint of a joke in them.
Unable to suppress his growing curiosity, Yan Zhen turned his head to take a look. Inside the room, candle shadows flickered while the moonlight lay cold, casting mottled patterns of light and shade. The one who had spoken wore a silver robe, a faint smile lingering on his lips as he held a teacup carelessly, one hand supporting his chin while his scrutinizing gaze remained fixed on Yan Zhen. Although normally such a gaze would be unpleasant, for some reason Yan Zhen did not find it rude. Looking at the man, Yan Zhen felt that the other’s demeanor was leisurely, his eyes like water, carrying the cold radiance of a full moon and starlight, making him stand out all the more in the dim glow of the candlelit room.
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 73 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
Looking at Qi Mingyue, Yan Zhen was just about to ask another question when he heard footsteps approaching from outside.The people outside did not dare to enter without permission, but hearing voices inside, they knew Yan Zhen had awoken. They all hurried to the door, and just as Yun Jinghao was about to reach for it, Yan Qing had already pushed it open.
Rushing into the room, Yan Qing’s gaze locked onto the person on the bed. As he made his way to the bed, he came to an abrupt stop, as a myriad of complex emotions churned in his eyes, making his face no longer show any seductive charm. He opened his mouth, yet no words came out. Forcing a faint smile, as if nothing were wrong, he finally asked slowly, “You... are you alright?”
Yan Zhen was momentarily stunned when he saw them enter the room. But once he recognized who they were, his gaze fixed on a single figure. “Yan Qing……” He had meant to go looking for him, yet now Yan Qing had appeared of his own accord. A flicker of joy rose in Yan Zhen’s chest. But thinking of Yan Qing frequenting brothels and even registering at Liufang Pavilion, anger rose in his heart. Yan Zhen scolded with worry showing on his face, “Why would you go to a place like that? Was home not good enough? Do you have any idea how worried Father, Ya’er, and I have been about you?”
Hearing these words, Yan Qing’s face revealed a complex expression, a mix of bitter joy and a faint smile. He did not know what had happened, yet the first words Yan Zhen spoke upon waking were for him. Faced with Yan Zhen’s anger, his reproach, and his concern as an elder brother, Yan Qing could only smile bitterly in his heart. If not for Yan Zhen, how would he have left home? If not for Yan Zhen’s constant care, why would he have been so eager to leave? It wasn’t that home was bad, but he just couldn’t stay there. As long as he faced Yan Zhen, he could not calmly think of himself as nothing more than Yan Zhen’s younger brother. If he did not leave, then one day, he would lose control of his feelings. And when that time came, who knew what kind of expression would surface in those clear eyes?
“Yan Zhen gege, please don’t be angry. You may not know this, but you’ve been asleep for a long time, and your body is still weak. You mustn’t get upset,” Su Ya’er walked past Yan Qing and sat on the chair beside the bed. “Shall Ya’er prepare some food for Yan Zhen gege to eat?” She pulled the slipping quilt back into place, her eyes resting on him, full of gentle affection.
“Thank you Ya’er meimei
妹妹
mèimei
literally younger sister, often used as an affectionate or respectful term for a junior female, not necessarily a literal sibling.
1 .” Yan Zhen turned his head slightly and smiled at her, then looked back at Yan Qing, his expression turning displeased. “Although I don’t know what happened, since you have returned, you are not allowed to leave again. The Grand Assembly will be held at the manor, and we are short of hands. As a son, you naturally have to share our father’s burdens. Without my permission, you are not allowed to leave. Do you understand, okay?” When Yan Zhen thought of how, the moment Yan Qing left, he would return to Liufang Pavilion and stand there, leaning by the balcony and smiling at others, he could not help but frown.
mèimei
literally younger sister, often used as an affectionate or respectful term for a junior female, not necessarily a literal sibling.
Seeing Ya’er seated by the bedside, tending to him with such care, while Yan Zhen spoke to her with gentle smiles, Yan Qing could not make sense of what he was feeling. He lowered his eyes, hiding the bitterness within. When he raised them again, his expression was already calm, a faint smile on his lips, as he slowly nodded. “Elder brother is right. Yan Qing understands. Without your permission, I will not leave.”
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 73 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
Hearing this, Yan Zhen looked at him in surprise. From childhood until now, Yan Qing had never once called him ‘elder brother’. Yet today, he addressed him so suddenly, immediately stirring a somewhat strange feeling within him, something like anger, yet also like a sense of loss. Still, his younger brother was being so obedient, so he ought to feel pleased, and yet why did it feel so unsettling? Still frowning, he only felt that, ever since waking, everything around him seemed faintly out of joint.Qi Mingyue remained seated to the side, observing their reactions. After another sip of tea, he let out a soft chuckle and said, “Ziyao only now realizes how pitiful Yan Qing is. It truly makes one feel for him.” With those puzzling words, he rose to his feet, gave Yan Qing a light pat on the shoulder, and walked over to Yun Jinghao. “Senior Yun, it seems the young master is well now, so Ziyao will take his leave.”
Yan Qing naturally understood what he meant. He had never made much effort to hide his feelings for Yan Zhen in front of Ziyao. Now that Ziyao had teased him so openly, he found himself unable to refute it. He could only turn away, pour himself a cup of tea, and sit down as though nothing had happened.
Hearing Qi Mingyue’s intention to leave, Yun Jinghao quickly shook his head, “No, you should not, Young Hero Cheng saved Yan Zhen’s life. How could I do nothing in return? At the very least, you must stay at the manor for a few days, so I can properly host you and introduce the Tianyin successor to the heroes of the Jianghu. If you leave now, I won’t be able to explain it to anyone.”
“In that case, Ziyao will have to trouble you for a few more days.” Qi Mingyue readily agreed. Ever since noticing Su Ya’er’s odd behavior, he felt this trip was worth it. Although he was concerned about the reaction from that person in the Palace, the possibility of hidden truths in this matter convinced him to stay a few extra days. As long as he didn’t miss the crowning and establishment ceremony, his Imperial father shouldn’t be too worried.
***
After resting for a few days, Yan Zhen learned from others about the Gu poison. Though it had seemed like nothing more than a dream to him, he had never imagined the danger could be so great. Had it not been for Cheng Ziyao, whom Yan Qing had summoned to save him, he might never have awakened, remaining ignorant of the world forever.To thank Qi Mingyue and have him stay a few more days, Yun Jinghao and Yun YanZhen specially arranged a secluded spot for him within the rear courtyard. The small courtyard possessed a unique scenery, with several rooms, more than enough for Qi Mingyue and Wu Yao to settle in comfortably. Yan Qing’s original room had been next to Yan Zhen’s, yet for some reason, he took the initiative to request staying with Qi Mingyue instead, moving into that courtyard.
Within the front courtyard, those of the Jianghu had no idea what had truly occurred in the manor. They only knew that the Grand Assembly might be postponed, and that Lan Jin had yet to appear. Then one day, the sound of Tianyin resurfaced in the Jianghu, and the manor suddenly announced that the assembly would proceed as scheduled, waiting for Lan Jin to appear within three months to choose a master. This statement immediately sparked countless speculations. From the day they first heard Tianyin, everyone had already harbored a premonition in their hearts, which was later proven true. In their eyes, it must have been the Tianyin successor who resolved Yunhao Manor’s troubles, allowing the assembly to proceed as planned. This only deepened their curiosity toward that mysterious person. Unfortunately, since that day, no one had heard the Tianyin music again, nor did anyone know where within the manor that person resided.
Before Lan Jin’s arrival, Yunhao Manor was already in an uproar because of Tianyin. Yet those staying within the manor were all prominent figures in the Jianghu at the peak of their fame. Whether rising talents or long-established seniors, regardless of their sect, they all prided themselves on their status. Though they were eager to see what sort of person the Tianyin successor might be, they would not act in any way that might be beneath their dignity, and so they did not press the matter. Still, whenever they encountered Yun Jinghao, they could not help but make a few inquiries, only to be met with a light smile and a shake of his head, as he urged them to remain at ease and assured them that, in time, they would witness the Tianyin successor’s graceful bearing for themselves.
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 73 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
At this moment, Qi Mingyue had no idea that a single piece of Tianyin music had made him the talk of the Jianghu. He sat in the courtyard, gazing at a few plum blossoms before him, when a hand lightly tapped his shoulder. “What are you thinking, Ziyao? Missing the Supreme Lord?”The voice was gentle and carried a hint of teasing, and belonged to none other than Yan Qing. Qi Mingyue smiled faintly and did not deny it, “So what if I am? Ziyao is not like you. The one I care about is right by my side, I am able to see them every day, so I can only miss them a little.” He rose and walked to the plum tree, bending to pick up a few snow blossoms and letting them slip through his fingers. Lost in thought, a faint blush crossed his face for an instant, leaving Yan Qing slightly surprised.
Yan Qing had never seen Ziyao show such an expression. Since they first met, the other had always been either softly smiling or indifferently reserved, always composed and graceful, never revealing such a side before. Were it not for the mention of the Supreme Lord, Yan Qing might never have seen Ziyao with a expression like that.
Sighing inwardly, Yan Qing merely shook his head at the meaning behind Qi Mingyue’s words, “So what if he’s by my side? We are…… ultimately just brothers.” Unable to face Yan Zhen and Ya’er every day, Yan Qing felt for the first time that he was a coward. Were it not for Ziyao at his side, someone he could confide in, he probably wouldn’t have lasted a single day in the manor.
Having already spent quite some time with Yan Qing, Qi Mingyue naturally saw through Yan Qing’s seeming flirtatiousness. He always carried a coquettish air, as if constantly tempting others. Yet beneath it, Yan Qing was utterly devoted, reserving all his affection for a single person. Unfortunately, that person was none other than his twin brother from the same mother. Torn by hesitation and pain, Yan Qing’s behavior became all the more unrestrained. He could flirt with anyone, but when it came to Yan Zhen, he was helpless.
Remembering the moment when Yan Zhen woke and they faced each other, Qi Mingyue’s lips curved into a faint smile. Just as he was about to speak, he caught sight of a figure approaching out of the corner of his eye.
Sliding close to Yan Qing, Qi Mingyue said softy, “If you want Yan Zhen, don’t act rashly and just do as I say. Perhaps there will be a pleasant surprise later.” Given that they had become acquainted, Yan Qing could be considered his friend. Lending a hand to see how things would unfold seemed a fine bit of entertainment, at least before figuring out the truth about Su Ya’er.
Before Yan Qing could react, Qi Mingyue had already pressed him against the tree.
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