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Chapter Seven (Part One): In the depths of Yi Hua, a hidden silhouette, Tales of the mountain and lake reflect in the blue summer.
Yihua In the depths, a hidden silhouette,
Strolling leisurely in the green fungus.
Yilang A light and gentle heart,
Spring brings clear scenery and fragrant gardens!
Mountain and Lake Anecdotes Reflecting the blue summer,
The rain and dew nourish the lush Goldenrod.
The charming and exquisite beauty of the garden,
Is elegant and graceful from all angles.
In the fragrant July, summer colors are rich and vibrant. At this time, Yihua Garden is adorned by the lush greenery of midsummer, layered in deep greens that rise and fall. The stone path in the garden winds and twists, stretching into the distance, with purple bauhinia flowers blooming along the quiet stone path. The fragrant grass remains fresh, tall trees provide a slight coolness, and the surroundings are lush and inviting, nourishing and refreshing. The area is tranquil and serene, with only the sounds of frogs croaking, insects chirping, and birds singing. Last night, a summer rain had just watered Yihua Garden. When the rain passed and the clouds cleared, droplets of crystal-clear dew hung on the bright red petals in Yihua Garden, shimmering like jewels, adding another layer of beauty. The water in Forget Worry Lake flows gently and is clear enough to reflect one's image; lotus leaves spread across the lake, with pink lotus flowers opening their wide petals to greet passersby without asking their origins. Surrounding bamboo stands tall, while willows sway gently. A thin mist lingers above the lake, swirling like wisps of smoke, enhancing the poetic ambiance of Forget Worry Lake.
Lin Ning lazily lies on a patch of grass beside Forget Worry Lake, leisurely enjoying the fresh air after the rain. He has a blade of foxtail grass in his mouth. His eyes are squinted into slits as sunlight filters through the gaps in the flowering trees, casting dappled light on his face. Suddenly, a pair of soft hands cover his eyes, followed by a tinkling laughter at his ear: "Brother Ning, guess who I am?" Lin Ning's heart feels as if it has melted; he gently moves aside those delicate hands as white as congealed fat and sits up from the ground to see Hu Xueyan's flower-like smile before him. Hu Xueyan playfully asks, "Why is the second young master of the Lin family so idle today? Not practicing martial arts or studying military strategy but here slacking off?" Lin Ning replies, "These days have been very tiring with martial arts training. It just so happens that it rained last night in Yihua Garden; the air is fresh after the rain, so I came out to get some fresh air." Hu Xueyan says, "It's rare to see you so relaxed; now I want you to do something for me." Lin Ning asks in surprise, "In my impression, it seems like I always have something to ask of you; why do you have something to ask of me now?" Hu Xueyan replies, "I heard from Sister Xiu that Brother Ning's painting skills are quite profound; could you paint a picture for me?" Lin Ning smiles lightly: "Oh, so that's what it is! Of course I can; what do you want me to paint for you?" Hu Xueyan rests her chin on her hand and thinks for a moment before saying, "Of course I want you to paint the most beautiful scenery on Yunshan Island as seen through your eyes!" Lin Ning responds: "The most beautiful scenery on Yunshan Island is you; not only are you the most beautiful scenery there, but you surpass all beauty in this world." Hearing Lin Ning praise her beauty makes Hu Xueyan's cheeks flush like the evening glow on the horizon, making her even more enchanting. She softly asks, "What if you paint me ugly?" Lin Ning answers: "I only know that no matter how well I paint it, it will never be as beautiful as your real self!" His words once again make Hu Xueyan feel like a spring breeze brushing her face; she can't help but feel shy. She gently says: "Then I'll go back to Qingdai Building to dress up a bit and change into something pretty for you to paint me; is that okay?" Lin Ning laughs: "Sister, your current fresh and elegant outfit is already in perfect condition; adding makeup would be superfluous. Wait here for me while I go to Book Immortal Pavilion to get my brushes and rice paper."
Lin Ning quickly returns with his painting tools. Hu Xueyan stands quietly on a patch of grass not far from him; her emerald green dress accentuates her curves like a goddess emerging from water—stunningly beautiful. On her high cloud-like hairdo rests a jade hairpin; her eyebrows are slender like distant mountains leaning over her bright eyes, revealing a hint of tenderness. Her red lips are luscious like morning roses, making one unable to resist peeking at her graceful beauty. The faint blush on her cheeks complements her fair complexion, making her look even more charming. H second Brother ntle smile resembles what Bai Juyi described in his poetry: "A glance back with a smile brings forth a hundred charms; no one in the palace can compare." Lin Ning steadies his mind and focuses entirely on capturing Hu Xueyan's unparalleled beauty onto canvas. On the painting scroll, Hu Xueyan's red lips resemble cherries; her eyebrows are like willow leaves against clear blue skies; her eyes resemble autumn waters rippling gently; her rosy cheeks radiate joy; her neck is as pure as a crescent moon; her slim waist is graceful and elegant—she appears stunningly beautiful. The figure is enchanting and graceful... In his artistic fervor, Lin Ning pens a poem titled "Jiang Chengzi" in the lower right corner of the scroll:
"River City. The Hu Family's Young Girl"
The Hu family has a girl who is growing up,
With vermilion lips and crescent eyebrows.
Bright and clear eyes, as lively as a spring!
Exquisite and captivating beauty,
As beautiful as jade, resembling a flower.
Chasing after the moon,
With creamy skin and delicate hands.
Elegant and beautiful, abandoning the common sweetness and charm.
Unparalleled beauty,
In the prime of youth!
At the bottom, it was signed "Admirer Lin Ning." Lin Ning handed the portrait to Hu Xueyan, who was overjoyed, her smile brightening her face. Seeing Lin Ning gazing at her intently, she explained, "I'm not being narcissistic; it's because this painting was given to me by Brother Ning, which is why I cherish it so much and regard it as a treasure." A wave of sweetness surged in Lin Ning's chest. He knew that he and Hu Xueyan shared many similarities and had many common interests and hobbies. He understood that in their hearts, they both valued, appreciated, and admired each other greatly. These factors brought their hearts closer together. The two hearts seemed to be on the verge of colliding, sparking a passionate flame that would illuminate and warm each other!
The two stared at each other, the surroundings enveloped in silence, as if the air itself had solidified. Suddenly, a loud cough broke the stillness, followed by Lin Xiu's booming voice: "I've been looking for you two everywhere, and here you are, all lovey-dovey! Looks like I came at the wrong time." Hu Xueyan's face turned crimson, like a gentle spring breeze brushing against her. A hint of shyness flickered in her eyes as she pouted and pretended to be angry. "Sister Xiu, you're talking nonsense again! If you keep this up, I won't talk to you anymore."
Lin Xiu laughed, " Xue Yin's sister, you're being so petty. You always joke about me and White Jade Peak. Why is it that when I tease you just once today, you're upset?"
Hu Xueyan retorted, "If you mention tonight's banquet again, you won't be allowed to attend!"
Upon hearing that there would be another banquet that evening, Lin Xiu's interest piqued. She cheerfully said, "I'm not playing with you two anymore. I'm going to bribe Qin Lan a bit to find out the topics for tonight's drinking game so I won't keep losing to you both."
The bright moon hung high in the sky, casting an enchanting night over the land. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, their shadows dancing gracefully. The charming sound of wind chimes from the pavilion on Forget Worry Lake rang out at that moment. Bathed in moonlight, Yihua Garden appeared even more delicate and gentle. The moonlit night was like a poem, picturesque and dreamlike.
Hu Xueyan took out her family's treasured wine vessels—an exquisite collection including a Lingzhi flower cup, a jade square vessel, a glass round cup, and a sheep fat jade goblet. Lin Ning chose a glass round cup; Lin Xiu picked a Lingzhi flower cup; while Hu Xueyan opted for a delicate jade square vessel for serving wine. Once filled with wine under the moonlight, each vessel sparkled with a crystalline clarity.
Qin Lan announced, "On such a beautiful moonlit night, tonight's drinking game will follow the same old theme: each person's poem must include a description of the moon. However, you cannot use the words 'bright moon' directly; instead, use other names for it. The theme is open-ended; feel free to express yourselves!"
Lin Xiu whispered to Lin Ning, "Second Brother, quickly tell me what other names there are for the moon?"
Lin Ning lowered his voice and replied, "Golden Wheel, Wang Shu, Guang Han, Jade Plate, Gui Lun... What’s going on with you? Didn’t you say during the day that you were going to bribe the judge?"
Qin Lan cleared her throat and stated firmly, "Cheating is strictly prohibited in this contest; violators will face three cups of punishment wine."
Hu Xueyan couldn't help but giggle at that! Seeing her charming smile and the lively sparkle in her eyes filled Lin Ning with delight. He thought to himself that as long as Xue Yin's sister was by his side, he could tackle any topic thrown at him—it was truly magical. Inspired by this moment, Lin Ning penned a poem titled "Su Mu Zhe: July Sky" in the format of Su Mu Zhe:
In the month of July, the verdant grass sways beneath the overlapping shadows of flowers, dancing gracefully. With a gentle pluck and a slow twist of the Zither Melody, the melodious notes flow like a clear stream. Is there anyone who appreciates such music?
A faint fragrance lingers in the air, reminiscent of rouge drunkenness. A touch of rosy hue graces beautiful eyes that sparkle with life. Her smile, like a blooming flower, reflects the moonlight, exuding charm and allure, making one wonder if a celestial being has descended!
Lin Ning's poem "Su Mu Zhe: July Days" is rich and fragrant, delicate yet profound. It vividly captures the enchanting emotions of a young girl in her boudoir, filled with tender and subtle sentiments. Hu Xueyan shares Lin Ning's feelings; as long as she is with Lin Ning, any difficult problem can be effortlessly resolved. With ease, she composed a piece titled "Xi Jiang Yue":
The jade plate quietly rises, and the shimmering lake reappears. Light songs and graceful dances drape in gauzy garments, with the lights of Yihua flickering dimly!
Without poetry, how can one express aspirations? Without wine, one cannot find joy. How many times does one dream with a joyful face while intoxicated? Little do we think of the quietness of the night!
Hu Xueyan's "West River Moon" accurately captures the warm scene of a few people enjoying wine together, with light words conveying deep feelings, and the phrasing is natural, reaching a state of perfection! Lin Xiu received guidance from Lin Ning, and her thoughts flowed freely; she wrote a poem titled "Dreamlike Order":
The golden wheel gently exhaled a light mist, gradually obscuring the view. Ethereal clouds swirled around the peaks, hiding the fairy of the Yao Terrace from sight. Hope! Hope! Soaring straight up to the ninth heaven!
This poem, "Like a Dream," though brief, is rich in meaning and continuously captivating, expressing the author's grand ambition to rise high and soar into the sky. Lin Ning and Hu Xueyan applauded and cheered for Lin Xiu!
The next day, just before noon, Lin Ning suddenly received a pigeon post from Lin Enzhe. The letter revealed that this morning, Min's daughter, the Princess of Yue Ming County, had unexpectedly visited the Enze Gang. She wished to meet Lin Ning. Lin Enzhe informed her of Yunshan Island's address and instructed her to find Lin Ning there. In the letter, Lin Enzhe cautioned Lin Ning that although the Princess of Yue Ming County had helped them before, she was still a princess of Later Jin and should be approached with caution. It was essential to act carefully and not be careless.
Before evening fell, the Princess of Yue Ming County arrived at Yunshan Island, dressed in traditional Han attire, accompanied only by a maid and two guards. Her three attendants were similarly clad in simple Han clothing. Lin Ning warmly welcomed the Princess along with Hu Xueyan, Lin Xiu, and Qin Lan. Upon seeing Lin Ning with not only Lin Xiu but also two beautiful young women of similar age, the Princess was particularly struck by Hu Xueyan's exquisite beauty. With her naturally elegant features—eyebrows that needed no makeup to appear delicate, lips that were naturally rosy, and skin as fair as jade—she resembled a freshly bloomed lily in the morning, graceful and captivating. Dressed in a light green gown, she exuded an air of elegance and charm. The Princess thought to herself that it was indeed true what they said about the beauty of Jiangnan; she had never seen such a refined face before. She wondered who this girl was to Lin Ning.
Lin Ning clasped his hands together and said, "It has been months since we last saw the Princess. I hope you have been well?" The Princess returned the greeting, saying, "I am quite well, Master Lin. And you?" Lin Ning reflected on the many events he had experienced recently: Xiong Yanbi's imprisonment and release, his own encounter with the Silkworm Poison from the Dunhuang Double Slayers, Lin Xiu's engagement to White Jade Peak, the fierce competition at the martial arts tournament, the mysterious old lady who helped him heal and taught him martial arts, and his romantic moments with Hu Xueyan... But how could he share all this with her? With a calm smile, he replied, "Thanks to the Princess's concern, I am doing well. May I ask what brings you to Jianghu this time?"
The Princess's eyes sparkled as she replied, "I have heard that Jiangnan is beautiful this time of year. I came here to enjoy the scenery." Lin Ning said, "That sounds wonderful! Since you have such an interest in it, please stay here for a few days. Master Hu will surely extend his hospitality." The Princess responded, "In that case, I will impose on you for a few days." She glanced at Hu Xueyan and Qin Lan and asked, "Who are these two beauties beside Master Lin? You haven't introduced me yet!" Lin Ning chuckled and said, "I was so happy to see you that I forgot to introduce them! This is Hu Xueyan, the only daughter of Master Hu Chuanmao from Yunshan Island. The other is her childhood friend Qin Lan."
The Princess looked at Hu Xueyan with a hint of jealousy and remarked, "So Master Lin has been accompanied by beauties since returning from the Borderlands. You are truly fortunate!" Her words made Hu Xueyan blush like blooming peach blossoms. She admired the Princess's beauty—her exquisite features and noble demeanor were striking. The long hair flowed like clouds against the night sky; her eyebrows were slender and arched like sharp swords filled with determination. Her bright eyes sparkled like clear springs, and her lips curled into a gentle smile that radiated nobility and mystery. Both young women silently praised each other's stunning beauty.
That evening, Hu Chuanmao and Cheng Yun hosted a banquet for the Princess at Canghai Tower. Initially reluctant to engage with nobles from Later Jin, they changed their minds after hearing about how the Princess had saved Lin Enzhe during a crisis. They ordered their servants to prepare a lavish feast in her honor. After dinner, Lin Ning invited the Princess to participate in a drinking game held in front of the Book Immortal Pavilion in Yihua Garden. The drinking rules from the North typically involved simple guessing games like "Five Champions Six Six Six," while Lin Ning and his friends engaged in more refined poetic exchanges—a style of drinking game that was entirely new to the Princess. On one hand, she found it intriguing; on the other hand, she felt that this method of drinking was too slow for her taste and lacked excitement! Many of the poems' meanings were completely foreign to her. It was no wonder; having grown up in the northern wilds where poetry was scarce due to harsh climates and where her ancestors focused on conquest rather than culture, she had only learned how to fight. Celebrations for victories were often limited to rough-and-tumble games of chance rather than any literary or artistic expressions typical of Jiangnan’s culture.
The Princess of Yue Ming County watched the four of them drinking and enjoying the moonlight, their laughter and conversation filling her with envy. She observed Lin Ning, who was graceful and refined, while Hu Xueyan was gentle as water and beautiful as a flower; they truly were a perfect couple. A pang of inexplicable jealousy stirred within her. The Princess thought to herself how wonderful it would be to have such a charming and handsome young man, humble in nature and warm as jade, by her side every day to share her worries and lift her spirits. With this thought, she found herself with a plan.
For several days, Lin Ning, Hu Xueyan, and Lin Xiu accompanied the Princess of Yue Ming County on Yunshan Island, where the enchanting scenery captivated her. One evening, as they played in Yihua Garden as usual, the Princess raised her cup and drank it all in one go. After a sigh, she said, "There are no feasts that last forever; tomorrow I must leave Yunshan Island!"
Lin Ning asked, "Princess of the County, are you returning to the Borderlands so soon?"
The Princess replied, "I won't be going back to the Borderlands just yet. Ama has asked me to go to Nanchang to handle an important matter. I will set off for Nanchang tomorrow."
Lin Ning knew that Sun Moon Gang was the most powerful sect in the martial world, and its every move affected the fate of all martial artists. He wondered what Min wanted the Princess of Yue Ming County to do at Sun Moon Gang. Was it to persuade Sun Moon Gang to serve Later Jin? If that were the case, he needed to warn Yang Yan, the leader of the gang!
Lin Ning cautiously asked the Princess of Yue Ming County, "What is this important matter that requires such urgency?"
The Princess answered, "It's nothing too serious. Ama heard that Yang Yan, the leader of Sun Moon Gang, is a generous and chivalrous person, so she wants me to make his acquaintance."
Lin Ning thought to himself that he had not been mistaken; Later Jin indeed wanted to develop Sun Moon Gang into their pawn. It seemed he must visit Sun Moon Gang to alert Yang Yan about the Tatar's scheme.
Thinking of this, Lin Ning said, "Yunshan Island is far from Nanchang. The Princess of the County is new to Zhongyuan and unfamiliar with the place. It would be better if I accompany the Princess of the County." The Princess of Yue Ming County secretly rejoiced but maintained a calm facade, saying, "That might not be appropriate. You would have to leave this beautiful paradise to go so far." Lin Ning replied, "It's alright. Last time in Shengjing, I was saved by the Princess of the County. Doing this small favor for you is nothing."
After the evening gathering, Hu Xueyan said, "That Princess of Yue Ming County is after all from Later Jin. I wonder if she will do anything harmful to you. Tomorrow, I will accompany you to Nanchang's Sun Moon Gang." Lin Ning understood that Hu Xueyan was worried about his safety, but the journey was long, and having another person along could increase the danger. He said to Hu Xueyan, "Sister, there's no need to worry. Although the Princess of Yue Ming County is from Later Jin, she won't harm me. Once I arrive at Sun Moon Gang and remind Master Yang Yan, I will return to Yunshan Island immediately." Hu Xueyan was silent for a moment before saying, "Alright then. In half a month, it will be time for your Silkworm Poison to act up. You must return safely." Lin Ning replied, "The round trip to Nanchang only takes eight days. Even if I stay at Sun Moon Gang for a day or two, there will be enough time." Hu Xueyan nodded. Although she didn't say anything further, she remained worried about Lin Ning. Suddenly, she seemed to remember something and took out a vial of antidote for the sedative powder from her bosom and handed it to Lin Ning, saying, "This is the antidote for the sedative powder. That day at the martial arts conference, Yang Yan used it. I'm afraid he might pose a threat to you. Take this antidote just in case." Lin Ning accepted the vial and tucked it into his bosom.
Lin Ning returned to Book Immortal Pavilion and wrote a letter to Lin Enzhe, informing him that he would be going to Nanchang's Sun Moon Gang with the Princess of Yue Ming County tomorrow. He then tied the letter to a carrier pigeon’s leg, and the pigeon flapped its wings and flew westward. After finishing these tasks, Lin Ning quickly made his way to Yun Xue Mountain's Fallen icicle cave. He mentioned to his grandmother that he would be going with the Jin Dynasty's Princess of Yue Ming County to meet Master Yang Yan at Sun Moon Gang tomorrow. His grandmother advised him to be cautious in his actions. Lin Ning said, "Grandmother, there's no need to worry about me; the Princess of Yue Ming County is my friend; she won't harm me." His grandmother replied, "I'm not worried that the princess will harm you; I'm concerned that Yang Yan might." Lin Ning asked in surprise, "Why do you say that? Master Yang Yan is a formidable leader of Sun Moon Gang and a prized disciple of former leader Yuan Qingtian; how could he harm me?" His grandmother snorted and said, "Such things don't necessarily reflect a person's character; some people are known by their appearance but not by their heart. The incident at the martial arts conference where Yang Yan used underhanded tactics shows that he is not an honorable man."
Lin Ning mentioned the Martial Arts Conference to his grandmother and asked, "Grandmother, may I dare to ask if you are the black-clad person who appeared at the Martial Arts Conference and defeated Bai Songpeng?" His grandmother replied, "Indeed, I am that black-clad person." Lin Ning then inquired, "Can you tell Ning'er how you cultivated such excellent martial arts skills?" His grandmother said, "When I was young, I was competitive and disguised myself as a man to wander the world, challenging the leaders of various sects to duels. The condition was that if I won, I would require them to teach me their sect's ultimate martial arts. If I lost, I would stay in their sect for a year, doing unpaid labor. However, during that year, I secretly observed their Martial Arts, comprehended their ultimate techniques, and studied the flaws in these martial arts to innovate counter techniques." Lin Ning remarked, "No wonder your martial arts are so extraordinary and profound; there is probably no one in the world today who can match you." Suddenly, his grandmother said sternly, "You haven't learned much of the skills I've taught you; you've only improved your ability to flatter." Lin Ning, feeling wronged by her reprimand, replied, "No, Grandmother, Ning'er is speaking from the heart." Hearing Lin Ning's sincere words, his grandmother's tone softened slightly as she said, "When you leave tomorrow, don't forget to take a Madonna Lily flower with you. Make sure to return to Yunshan Island before the poison takes effect." She also taught him a set of sword techniques from the Huashan Sect. Time passed until the third watch of the night; Lin Ning descended from Yun Xue Mountain and returned to rest at the Book Immortal Pavilion in Yihua Garden. Just as dawn broke, Lin Ning received a reply from Lin Enzhe. In the letter, Lin Enzhe, like Hu Xueyan and his grandmother, reminded him to be cautious and pay attention to safety.
Lin Ning, along with the Princess of Yue Ming County, a maid who accompanied her, and two guards boarded a wooden boat. He turned back to look at Hu Xueyan, seeing her eyes filled with sorrow like autumn water, her delicate face adorned with tear drops like pearls. Her thin lips were slightly pursed as if holding back unspoken words yet wanting to say something. Feeling a wave of sadness in his heart but trying to appear relaxed, Lin Ning said, "I will be back soon..." After saying just one sentence, he found himself at a loss for words and could not continue. As the wooden boat drifted away from the shore heading westward, Lin Ning watched as Hu Xueyan and Lin Xiu remained standing on the shore until they gradually became smaller and eventually disappeared from sight. Only then did Lin Ning come back to his senses.
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