Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Yama's Wedding
“So, brother, do I really have to return to the court today?” Yao Guang had come to realize the seriousness of the situation. No wonder his elder brother had personally come to bring him back. It seemed that this time, there would be a life-and-death struggle between the court and the Dragon Clan.
“Yes, the Emperor has lifted all punishments on the immortals from the lower realms, including yours,” Shu said. The Emperor had just summoned all the immortals back to the court. Over the years, those capable in the court had either been forgotten by the Emperor or demoted to the mortal realm. Soon, there would be no one left who could be relied upon in the court. After Yao Guang descended to the lower realm, Shu felt even more powerless to manage affairs in the court. Those favored by the Emperor had created a chaotic atmosphere within. During this time, Shu had also endured disdain from others in the court, not to mention other Star Lords. Now, with war imminent, the Emperor finally remembered that there was a brave and skilled Star Lord Yao Guang in the lower realm and hastily summoned Shu to bring Yao Guang back.
Shu looked at Yao Guang with affection. If it weren't for his concern about Yao Guang's soul, he wouldn't want to bring him back at such a time; it was clearly sending Yao Guang to fight for those in the court who were resting on their laurels.
Hearing Shu's words, Yao Guang understood that he must return with Shu, which also meant that his previous mistakes would be erased. However, returning to the court meant that Xue would also go back to the Underworld. From now on, would it be like before, where he could only think of Xue in solitude amidst the coldness of the court and high clouds? He didn't want that anymore. “Can we not go back so soon?” The fact of returning was already settled; Yao Guang just wanted to spend more time with Xue. He didn't know when he would see Xue again after this return.
Seeing Yao Guang suddenly soften and plead with him, Shu knew that this was a significant concession from him. Yet he still couldn't make up his mind. For a moment, Shu hesitated.
“Alright then, since it's getting late, let Yao Guang return with you tomorrow morning,” Xue said as he noticed Shu's indecision and Yao Guang's reluctance.
“Good! Let’s do it this way!” Fearing that Shu would disagree, Yao Guang quickly chimed in.
Shu looked at Yao Guang's expression and realized he was worried that he wouldn't agree, so he could only nod in acknowledgment of Xue's suggestion.
“Great.” Even if it was just one night, Yao Guang felt happy inside.
“Is this your residence in the mortal realm?” Shu asked as he looked at their dwelling.
Xue and Yao Guang exchanged smiles. “This is another story; I’ll tell you slowly when I have time,” Yao Guang said with a smile as he pushed open the door, revealing an immaculate interior.
Inside looked exactly as it did when Jun Ruo lived there years ago. Over these years, Mo Yi had regularly come to clean this room. This was where Jun Ruo had last breathed her last; perhaps in Mo Yi's heart, it was also a place where he and Jun Ruo wished to be together.
As Shu observed Xue and Yao Guang smiling at each other, he sensed that Yao Guang seemed to have changed a lot in ways he couldn't comprehend. Deep within a lush bamboo forest stood a bamboo house that exuded an air of seclusion. The scenery before Shu was far more beautiful than that of the court. In front of the house bloomed a dazzling sea of white dandelions. The path leading up to the door was lined with vibrant red tulips—Jun Ruo's favorite flowers—blooming brightly along this road like her beloved red illuminating her way home. Over these years, only by returning here could Mo Yi find some peace in his heart; yet Black Wind Stronghold remained a deep wound for him that he dared not touch.
“Brother, come inside,” Yao Guang called out from the doorway.
Shu stepped forward toward Yao Guang. The interior was very simple—just an eight-immortal table and a few stools—lacking any gold or silver ornaments or precious jewels. Yet seeing Xue sitting casually and Yao Guang brewing tea on the table filled Shu’s nose with a faint fragrance of tea. Oddly enough, it wasn't particularly good tea; however, seeing them like this made Shu thoughtful as he followed suit and sat down on the floor.
“Brother, here,” Yao Guang offered him a cup of tea.
Shu accepted it.
The water was drawn from a nearby stream.
The tea was nothing more than a cheap blend of second-rate leaves.
Yet, the aroma that enveloped him, along with Yao Guang, who was skillfully brewing the tea across from him, and Xue, who occasionally asked Yao Guang to add a bit more water, created an atmosphere that felt so harmonious and comfortable. Shu held the tea in his hands, quietly observing the two of them. For a moment, he found himself entranced; he had never seen Yao Guang like this before. In the past, within the confines of their home, Yao Guang had lived unhappily. Even in front of him and their mother, she would only show a smile, but it was never as calm and serene as this.
“Brother, what are you staring at? If you don’t drink soon, the tea will get cold,” Yao Guang said after pouring more tea into Xue's cup. She realized that her brother had been blankly watching her and Xue since he entered, completely unaware that his own tea had gone cold. She could only remind him.
At Yao Guang's words, Shu suddenly snapped back to reality and hurriedly took a sip. The moment it touched his lips, he was met with a bitter taste that made him involuntarily frown. Was this how Yao Guang lived among mortals?
Seeing Shu take a sip and wrinkle his brow, Yao Guang understood that he must not enjoy the bitterness of the tea. She set down the teapot and said to him, “Brother, drink another sip and give it a try.”
Shu had never liked bitter flavors; if it weren't for Yao Guang's request, he wouldn't have taken another sip of the tea in his hand. However, seeing her expectant gaze made him stubbornly lift the cup to his lips once more.
He thought this sip would be just as bitter as the last one, but to his surprise, this time there was an enchanting fragrance that filled his mouth. The bitterness faded quickly, replaced by a subtle sweetness that spread throughout his entire being. He couldn't help but take a few more sips, feeling all his worries dissipate and the fatigue from his travels vanish in an instant. His mind relaxed without him even realizing it...
“What is this?” he wondered aloud. Why did this originally bitter tea now taste as if it had been sweetened with honey? It was merely second-rate leaves after all.
“All things in this world come from suffering to sweetness,” Xue replied as he set down his cup.
Shu looked into Xue's bright eyes and suddenly felt clarity wash over him.
“Brother, you stay here; I’ll go cook some food,” Yao Guang said before waiting for Shu's response and walking out of the room.
As day turned to dusk, smoke curled gently into the air.
At the stove behind the bamboo house, Yao Guang rolled up her sleeves and started cooking. Shu stood inside the house, peering through the window at her. He watched as she deftly added ingredients to the pot without any clumsiness; it was clear she had spent plenty of time in the kitchen.
“I’ve never seen Yao Guang like this!” Shu leaned against a pillar and spoke to Xue.
“But isn’t it wonderful?” Xue replied while sitting on the ground. Yao Guang now appeared just like any ordinary person; as a mortal, she couldn't avoid dealing with grains and vegetables. Over these years, Xue had also joined her in enjoying these earthly foods. Gradually, Yao Guang learned how to prepare them.
“Hey, you know about this, right?” Shu suddenly said.
“Yes, I know,” Xue nodded.
“As long as you know. Well, I suppose nothing can escape your notice. But now that I see Yao Guang like this, I feel reassured. You will take good care of my sister, won’t you?” Shu looked earnestly at Xue.
"Yes, I will. It's just that you won't be with Yao Guang?" Xue would take good care of Yao Guang, not just because of Shu's request, but because in the remaining years of his life, Yao Guang had already become tightly connected to him.
"No, it's just going to add to the sadness. It's better this way; let her be happy for a little longer," Shu said lightly.
Xue could hear the concern of an elder brother for his sister in Shu's seemingly relaxed tone at this moment of parting. But was it really good to keep this from Yao Guang?
"What are you two talking about? You both look so serious," Yao Guang said as she stepped into the room and saw Shu and Xue with solemn expressions.
"We weren't talking about much. I just feel like my sister has grown up so much that I can hardly recognize her," Shu replied with a smile, changing the subject.
Sure enough, upon hearing Shu's teasing, Yao Guang shyly ran out, saying, "Big Brother, I'm really not going to pay attention to you anymore."
Shu glanced at Xue, who silently nodded. The two men watched Yao Guang's happy figure and tacitly chose to keep the truth hidden.
Before long, the aroma of steaming rice wafted from the stove as Yao Guang brought all the prepared dishes to the table. After setting the bowls and chopsticks, she wiped her sweat and called out to Xue and Shu. Looking at Yao Guang before him, Shu felt that his sister was living well in this world. This was good; seeing Yao Guang like this meant that even if something were to happen to him, he wouldn't have to worry.
Shu stood up, clapped his hands, and swaggered past Yao Guang to sit down at the table. There was only a pot of hot rice and a plate of pickled vegetables on the table—certainly not a feast.
Yao Guang felt a bit embarrassed. "There's nothing much to eat here, Big Brother. Just make do with it." (To be continued.)
Comment 0 Comment Count