The startling crimson of blood splattered across his silver robe, dotting it with vivid scarlet. Qi Mingyue glanced at the stain on his sleeve, his brows tightening. Blood kept surging forth, making it clear the man had no chance of survival. It was a pity he had not stopped the man in time. By now, the gray robe was already dark red, while blood was still pouring from the wound at the other’s neck. The strike to his own vital point had been merciless, as though the man were taking another’s life rather than his own, and in that fleeting instant, all chance of living was extinguished.
The man was dead. Qi Mingyue cast a thoughtful glance toward Wu Yao, only to find no trace of emotion in those hollow eyes. Though he knew Wu Yao could not see, at that moment it still gave the illusion that those empty eyes were fixed on the gray robed corpse. Thinking of the many similarities between Wu Yao and that man, a faint unease stirred in his heart. Fortunately, Wu Yao’s aura remained steady, showing no other abnormalities.
Stepping closer to the corpse, he bent down and tore away the mask covering the man’s face. The features beneath were utterly unremarkable, the kind one would forget in an instant. There was no need to search the body, there could be no other clues. Turning his head, Qi Mingyue said to Yun Jinghao, “A pity. This man’s identity remains unknown, and nothing on him reveals who is plotting against Yunhao Manor.” Once there was no chance of escape, the man had seized the moment to take his own life by slitting his own throat. Such ruthless resolve could not have been formed overnight. What kind of conspiracy lay behind this man, and why had Su Ya’er been instructed to harm Yan Zhen? It seemed these questions could only be answered by Su Ya’er herself. Yet with so many people present, it was not convenient to say too much.
Seeing that Qi Mingyue was unharmed, Yun Jinghao let out a quiet sigh of relief. Although the gray robed man had ended his own life on the spot, they could still interrogate Su Ya’er. Hearing Qi Mingyue’s words, he nodded without saying much, “In that case, have the body buried. The Grand Assembly will soon be held within the manor. With so many outstanding heroes gathered here, those with ill intent will hardly dare act too brazenly.”
The onlookers behind them, seeing the matter settled, all let out quiet sighs of relief. Though they wondered if there was more to it, no one voiced their thoughts, their gazes instead drifting again and again toward Qi Mingyue. The sudden appearance of such a striking young hero, so accomplished in the musical arts, how could they not recognize his identity? Each and everyone looked at the Tianyin successor with eyes full of amazement.
Noticing the looks on everyone’s faces, Yun Jinghao hurried to make the introduction. “This is Young Hero Cheng, currently staying at the manor. Even without me saying so, you must already have guessed it. Young Hero Cheng is skilled in Tianyin, and the music you heard a few days ago was played by him.”
None of them had expected the successor of Tianyin to be such a young and striking man. Had they not witnessed it with their own eyes, they would hardly have believed it. Now, hearing Yun Jinghao’s words, they looked even more closely at Qi Mingyue, taking in his noble bearing and unhurried composure. Though young, he carried himself with remarkable steadiness. A faint smile lingered in his eyes, without a trace of the arrogance so often seen in those newly entered into the Jianghu, drawing admiration from all who saw him. With such an extraordinary presence and mastery of Tianyin, along with both appearance and temperament in perfect harmony, he was destined to become a prominent figure in the Jianghu. Among the younger generation, none could surpass him. Merely by standing there, he had already drawn countless gazes.
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 76 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
In twos and threes, people stepped forward to introduce themselves, and Qi Mingyue responded to each one, his bearing calm and his expression unhurried. He was neither overly enthusiastic nor in the least cold, and it was precisely this restraint that allowed those who spoke with him to sense the extraordinary nature of the Tianyin successor, leaving them all the more impressed.Yun Jinghao glanced at the sky, recalling that Su Ya’er had yet to be questioned, and said, “It is getting late. Why don’t we all get some rest and continue our conversation tomorrow?”
Though some were reluctant to leave, as guests in Yunhao Manor, they naturally had to show respect to the host. They stopped in their tracks, taking their leave one after another as they returned to the front courtyard.
Seeing Wu Yao still standing to the side, without returning to tend to his wounds, Qi Mingyue understood that he had simply not given the order. “Go back and rest. Remember to apply medicine.” After giving the order, Wu Yao at once leapt away, his figure heading toward the courtyard where they were staying.
Shaking his head, Qi Mingyue set aside his concerns. Seeing that everyone had already left, he turned to Yun Jinghao and asked, “Senior Yun, do you intend to question her through the night?” The person in question needed no further mention. Su Ya’er’s position was somewhat special, and she could be considered one of the manor’s own. Under normal circumstances, this was not something he should have involved himself in, but with Gu poison involved, he could not help but seek a clear answer.
Yun Jinghao heard the intent in his words and nodded. He had never intended to conceal this matter. Qi Mingyue was the one who had saved Yan Zhen, and even his guard had been injured in the process. Either way, this extraordinary Young Lord before him could be considered a benefactor of the manor. If Ya’er truly had forgotten favors and violated justice, then it would be best to have a trustworthy outsider present as witness, so that those unaware of the situation would not later accuse him of coercing and interrogating a frail young girl.
Thus, Qi Mingyue and Yun Jinghao, together with Yan Qing and Yan Zhen, the four of them made their way to the room where Su Ya’er was being held.
Inside the room, Su Ya’er was sitting at the dressing table, lost in thought. Hearing the door open, she quickly turned her head. Seeing them enter, a complex expression appeared in her eyes.
“I recall Miss Ya’er was shouting earlier for someone to kill me,” Qi Mingyue said lightly as he stepped into the room. There was no anger in his tone, nor any trace of mockery, only a calm, flat statement, which made Su Ya’er lower her head and tremble slightly.
She had never expected matters to develop to this point. She had thought no one would find out, yet Cheng Ziyao’s arrival had thrown her plans into disarray. He had first dispelled the Gu poison, and then, when the Night Messenger arrived, it happened to be seen by him. If not for him, she would not have fallen into such a situation.
“Could Young Lord Cheng have heard wrong? Ya’er never said such a thing,” she said softly, still keeping her head lowered, fiddling with the items on the dressing table to hide her panic.
“Are you going to deny it when Young Hero Cheng saw and heard everything with his own eyes?! Yan Zhen has also recalled that it was you who brought him the soup that caused him to fall into a deep sleep. Do you still intend to deny that as well? I believe I have not treated you poorly, so why would you harm Yan Zhen like this? I thought you were very fond of him, which is why I trusted you to take care of him. I never expected all of this to be your doing. Now tell me, what is the reason? Why did you harm Yan Zhen, and who instructed you?” Yun Jinghao’s eyes widened in rage as he questioned Su Ya’er, clearly furious.
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 76 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
Despite his angry outburst, the girl remained motionless, sitting quietly with her head bowed, not saying a word. Her mind was in turmoil, struggling to find a way to explain herself that would make them believe her again. Thinking of the one she held in her heart, she caught a glimpse of that light green figure from the corner of her eye, and her heart grew more restless. Now that he knew she was behind the Gu poison, how would he regard her? Hatred or contempt? Anger or resentment? She could only wonder, not daring to lift her head to look at Yan Zhen’s reaction.“If you are willing to disclose the full circumstances, I will ensure your safety and let you leave peacefully. How about that?”
The calm voice startled her, not because of the promise it offered, but because the voice was so familiar. It was none other than the person she least wanted to face, Yan Zhen.
Slowly lifting her head, she looked at the man in green robes, his expression unchanged as ever, and called softly, “Yan Zhen gege……” He still cared about her after all, which was why he said those words. At this thought, a flicker of hope rose in her heart once more.
At the side, Yan Qing let out a cold laugh, his usual charm turning into harshness. “She could do such a thing to the one she claims to love…… A woman like this, what need is there to show her any courtesy?” Turning to Yan Zhen, he revealed a trace of displeasure for the first time. “Are you still going to let her go?”
Yan Zhen did not answer, paying no heed to Yan Qing’s words. He looked at Ya’er, whom he regarded as a younger sister of his own. Seeing the tenderness and plea in her eyes, he merely frowned and waited for her response.
Seeing this, Su Ya’er feared that Yan Qing’s words might sway Yan Zhen, and quickly spoke up, “Ya’er admits it. Yan Zhen gege, please do not blame me. Ya’er will tell you everything, I only ask to be allowed to remain in the manor……” If she were to leave this place, she likely would not survive.
“First tell me, why did you use Gu poison on Yan Zhen?” Since entering the room, Qi Mingyue had only spoken once. Seeing her willingness to reveal the truth, he asked this question.
Hearing his question, Su Ya’er’s gaze flickered as she avoided Yan Zhen’s gaze. “The Night Messenger ordered me to eliminate Yan Zhen gege before the Grand Assembly. I…… I switched the Gu poison……”
“Where did the Gu poison come from?”
“Ya’er…… was taught by my master. The use of Gu poison was something I learned from a young age.”
“And this so-called Night Messenger, from whom does he take orders? Do you know why he intends to have Yan Zhen put to death?”
Su Ya’er shook her head, a look of sorrow on her face. “Ya’er was originally an orphan from An Yang, raised by my master, yet I do not even know his name. From a young age, all I learned were the methods of using Gu, and I knew only to obey his orders. A few years ago, he sent me to Cang He to infiltrate Yunhao Manor and act at his command. Later, the Night Messenger came. I merely followed the orders given, how could I know his intentions? Had I not been unable to bear letting Yan Zhen gege die by my hand, I would not have secretly switched the Gu poison, which in turn alerted my master and caused him to send the Night Messenger……” How could she not know that in her master’s eyes, these so-called disciples were nothing more than a number? Once they failed, the only outcomes were death or something worse than death. Having already gone against his will, how could she still dare to return? It was better to confess everything and seek protection.
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 76 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
An Yang?! Qi Mingyue’s expression darkened, yet a faint smile rose on his lips. An Yang again…… So, their intent to harm Yan Zhen was because of Lan Jin. The Grand Assembly was to be held at Yunhao Manor, within Cang He, and Lan Jin had openly declared that he would choose a successor, passing on all his knowledge and wealth. By choosing this location, it could hardly be seen as coincidental in the eyes of others, already suggesting a subtle preference for Cang He. That alone would be enough to arouse suspicion in An Yang, who would fear that if Cang He were to obtain such a person, it might truly be possible to seize the whole world.Countless thoughts turned in his mind, yet his expression did not change. Qi Mingyue said to Yun Jinghao, “Senior Yun, this matter involves another country. The Grand Assembly being held at Yunhao Manor for Lan Jin’s succession may yet draw another move from An Yang if they refuse to give up.” If one attempt fails, another will follow. They may dispatch more people, even search everywhere for Lan Jin to secure his support. An Yang’s ambitions have become increasingly clear in recent years. We cannot afford to be careless. After returning, I must discuss this with Father Emperor. Though he has no desire to rule the world, if others press right up to our doorstep and he still does not retaliate, then he would not be my Father Emperor. Among those staying in the manor, there may already be secret agents placed by Father Emperor, and naturally, An Yang and Lian Tong would be no different.
Hearing this, Yun Jinghao naturally did not dare take it lightly. As it concerned affairs of the country, it could not be handled carelessly. Like Qi Mingyue, he knew the Jianghu was full of all kinds of people, making it impossible to verify every identity. To prevent future danger, they could only deploy more men and remain constantly on guard.
Thinking of this, he couldn’t stay any longer. After instructing the others to continue the interrogation, he hurriedly went to arrange the manor’s security measures.
In the room, Su Ya’er’s words made Yan Zhen fall into deep thought, while Yan Qing, with a trace of mockery, leaned at his side and closely watched the woman before them, a hint of jealousy surfacing in his eyes. Qi Mingyue happened to catch sight of it and could not help but let out a soft laugh, for he had never seen Young Master Yan Qing show such an expression towards anyone.
Hearing the laughter, Yan Zhen raised his eyes in confusion, only to see Su Ya’er slowly stand up, her timid face showing a pleading expression. “Ya’er has already told everything, please don’t make me leave……” Her voice was soft and faint, trembling slightly. A sheen of moisture gathered in her wide eyes, and as she looked at Yan Zhen, it quickly formed into tears that spilled down her cheeks. The color drained from her delicate face, leaving only desperate pleading, with a faint trace of hidden bitterness and gentle affection.
More and more of the underlying plot is coming to light ( •͈૦•͈ )
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