You don't even know he's a dragon, he's so majestic in the sea. I'm not like that, I'm a descendant of Shennong, only useful with flowers and plants. "But now we can swim in the sea together."
Fáng Fēng Bèi, who had been doting on her, turned grim upon hearing this and snatched the fish dan back. Xīn Yuè was startled and looked at him in surprise. "What are you doing! You scared me."
Fáng Fēng Bèi turned his face away, full of anger. "Dating another man with the gift I gave you, you really know how to embarrass me."
Xīn Yuè burst out laughing, patted his shoulder, and snatched the fish dan back. "Oh, I was just kidding. If I were with Rú Shòu, would I need a fish dan to go into the sea? He's a dragon, didn't you think of that? I was just showing off, wasn't I, that I'm about to get married."
The excited young girl didn't notice Xiàng Liú's disappointed gaze and forced smile at all. Watching her adore his gift, Xiàng Liú sighed silently. "That's good, Rú Shòu is a decent man, famous throughout the Great Wilderness for the past hundred years. It's a pity he likes such a dissolute woman as you. What if he finds out your true nature and returns you?"
Xīn Yuè reached out and playfully patted him, her attitude intimate. "Don't talk nonsense. Even if you're my best friend, you can't slander him. He wouldn't regret it. We... we are very good!" She became shy at the end, completely failing to notice the tear that flashed in Xiàng Liú's eyes. "Yes, yes, he's very good, he'll surely make you happy. Blessings to you, my good friend."
A Dream of Gleaming Stars: Elder Sister of Chenrong Manor 4
Happily, a group of people quietly returned to Zhí Yì City. Under Chìshuǐ Fēnglóng's arrangement, Túshān Jǐng was placed in a manor outside the city. There was no other way; the Young Master of Qingqiu's reputation was immense, and too many people had seen him. Even for great aristocratic families like theirs, they couldn't guarantee every servant was loyal. If even a hint of news leaked, it would inevitably lead to the Tushan Family's investigation. Currently, Old Madam Túshān and Túshān Hóu were in charge. Chìshuǐ Fēnglóng couldn't use all of his family's strength to oppose the Túshān clan for an outsider like Túshān Jǐng.
"We're finally back. It's been so tough these past few days." Qīng Shū happily lay on her large bed, inhaling the expensive incense and admiring the expensive jewelry she couldn't wear out previously. She was naturally meant to be pampered and deserved the best in the world. She wouldn't have gone to that dilapidated place in Qīng Shuǐ Town if it weren't for completing her mission. Fortunately, the results were significant. It seemed that by marrying Túshān Jǐng, her mission would be completed. Then she could ask the system to help her find a few worlds with deep fortune, making her even more powerful. Thinking of the treasures of the Tushan Family, Qīng Shū had long been covetous. Their wealth was not just a saying. Although she had accumulated many good things, people like her were born collectors. Only by taking large amounts of valuable items from each world could she maintain her enthusiasm. Otherwise, looking at those worthless men she had snatched up would be meaningless. After all, she had already completed missions with over a thousand male leads; what kind of male lead hadn't she encountered? Was she lacking two men? They were merely playthings for boredom; earning extra income was much more exciting.
She quietly waited for news from Rú Shòu. In fact, Qīng Shū knew this marriage wouldn't happen. It wasn't for any particular reason, but because the Central Plains currently belonged to Xī Yán. Xīn Yuè of Chenrong held a symbolic status in the entire Central Plains, and it was absolutely not allowed for her to marry an ordinary person, let alone someone from Hào Líng. To the King of Xī Yán, this would be aiding the enemy. As expected, the King of Xī Yán's spies were everywhere. With Xīn Yuè's deliberate spreading of rumors, many people learned of this marriage. As the leader of the Central Plains, Chén Róng Yì was summoned for a talk. Of course, at the same time, Rú Shòu also faced opposition from his family, including his master, the King of Hào Líng. The King of Hào Líng wasn't unwilling; he simply understood politics too well and was too deep in his thinking. He knew Xīn Yuè of Chenrong absolutely could not marry Rú Shòu. Even if Xīn Yuè married a dissolute young man from the Central Plains, she could never marry into Hào Líng. Unless the Chenrong family intended to rebel.
Rú Shòu, unwilling to accept this, refused to listen. Since childhood, he had excelled at self-restraint and adherence to propriety, getting whatever he desired. He had never encountered any setbacks. Xīn Yuè was his beloved, and marriage was a lifelong important matter. He had already obtained her and was determined to have her. How could he give up now? If he gave up now, what would become of the girl he had taken advantage of? Moreover, if both he and Xīn Yuè were willing, why should outsiders meddle in his marriage? Though he spoke like this, for a moment, Rú Shòu clearly recognized his situation. Details he had deliberately forgotten finally resurfaced. Yes, as his master said, the King of Xī Yán would never agree. Yet, he still wanted to fight for his and Xīn Yuè's love. So, he personally carried heavy gifts and, ignoring his family's objections, went to the Central Plains. He wanted to hear what that girl had to say. As long as Xīn Yuè gave him a confirming look, he would bring her away at all costs. However, Rú Shòu ultimately did not see Xīn Yuè. He saw Xīn Yuè's father, a middle-aged man full of dignity but with a face full of guilt. No one knew what they talked about in the study. All that the crowd saw was Rú Shòu's dejected figure as he left. From that day on, every letter Xīn Yuè sent went unanswered. Rú Shòu seemed to have vanished from her world.
Xīn Yuè had known all along, and knew what her father had done. Her rigid father, who spoke of guilt but always sacrificed her. He said he wanted to compensate, but in the end, he loved himself the most. He had merely persuaded by appealing to reason and emotion, presenting the King of Xī Yán's secret letter, and recounting Xīn Yuè's hardships over the years. He said he didn't want his daughter to get into trouble, but in his heart, he was unwilling to go all out for her. How could the intelligent Rú Shòu not understand? So, he obediently agreed, concealing his visit to avoid upsetting Xīn Yuè. He didn't know that all this was within Xīn Yuè's calculations. What she wanted was never a successful marriage; she wanted these favored children of heaven to regret their loss and miss her forever.
On Wushen Mountain, Rú Shòu drank continuously. Beside him were countless letters from Xīn Yuè. He had read every word countless times. Yet, he still couldn't bring himself to reply. Lord Chenrong had told him a lot; how could he bear to make the girl difficult? She must resent him for being such scum, losing her body and heart. Clenching his fists tightly, Rú Shòu looked up at the moon, his eyes hazy with drink. "Xīn Yuè, I'm sorry."
When the King of Hào Líng arrived, wine jars were already scattered on the ground. He looked at the forlorn young man, touched the ring on his hand, and sighed. He walked behind Rú Shòu and also looked up at the moon. "Are you sad?"
Rú Shòu heard the familiar voice and was startled but didn't get up. In the past, he always upheld his duties as a subject, showing perfect etiquette at all times and places, never being rude. But today, he truly didn't want to face his master, who had told him to give up. The King of Hào Líng didn't blame him, but calmly stated a fact. "A person's life is filled with pain and joy, excitement and surprise – these seven emotions and six desires belong to everyone as long as they live. But to stagnate because of them is misplaced emphasis. Your current pain is because you are powerless. It's because your abilities cannot help you get useful assistance. Pack up, don't drink anymore. The Rú Shòu I know is definitely not a coward."
This seemingly cliché piece of wisdom made Rú Shòu scoff. "Master, I don't understand. Us being together didn't harm anyone! No one was hurt! Why? Why does no one agree? But I clearly did nothing wrong!"
The King of Hào Líng touched the bone ring on his little finger, uncharacteristically empathizing. "In our positions, we must make choices. The bigger picture is far more important than personal love. You are still young and cannot see this clearly, which is normal. Perhaps one day you will understand. There is no right or wrong in this world, only games. You are not strong enough, and that is the original sin." With that, he turned and left, as calm as stagnant water.
A Dream of Gleaming Stars: Elder Sister of Chenrong Manor 39
"Master!" Rú Shòu called out to the King of Hào Líng, who was about to leave. Looking at his paused figure, he said desperately, "Has Master ever lost a loved one? Do you know the despair of that feeling?"
The King of Hào Líng's gaze deepened, and he sighed silently. He could not bear to blame his nephew, whom he had watched grow up. "I have loved, and I have sacrificed for my country, which is why I am now filled with guilt, conflict, and sorrow. But so what? I am the emperor of a nation, and I must live for the people of Hào Líng."
Seeing his righteous words, Rú Shòu suddenly let out a mocking laugh. "So Master is like an ostrich, burying its head in the sand, naming his second daughter Hào Líng Yì, nicknamed Ā Niàn. She's your own daughter! You've denied her a proper name, and her entire life has been lived for others. You didn't teach her to grow, didn't teach her about state affairs, didn't teach her skills, but indulged her excessively. You outwardly claimed to love her, but in reality?"
Becoming more agitated, Rú Shòu was now almost fearless. He hated the person before him because his decisions were casually dismissed. In fact, if he had supported it, it was just a marriage. The Azure Dragon clan, as the Emperor's maternal relatives, had fought and died for many years, giving their full support. To receive no favor at all made him hate him. So today, he said things he never dared to say before. Perhaps it was due to the alcohol, or perhaps it was genuine – who could tell? "You've made her a failure! As Hào Líng's only heir, you're teaching her to be a complete nonentity. Master is so wise; you fought your way through the chaos of the five princes back then. How could you not see Qiāng Xuán's scheming? If, as you say, you did no wrong for the sake of the country, then why do you feel guilty and want to compensate? We are now the same, standing on moral high ground, claiming to be for the greater good. But for the rest of our lives, we will live with this guilt and unease! Your Majesty! Master! Uncle! Look below these five divine mountains! Look at these common people! Do you know how the former citizens of Chenrong live! Those whose nations were destroyed and clans exterminated speak of dignity! If Ā Niàn were truly dull-witted, I wouldn't say this! But Ā Niàn is your daughter. While she appears spoiled, she inherited your intelligence. In important matters, even though she hasn't studied, she can see the key points at a glance. When interacting with people, she seems aloof and unwilling to engage, but in reality, she is very adept at social niceties. She disdains the common people, but in truth, she can please you in every way. How could she be foolish! You taught a foreign prince the way of a ruler, yet you kept your own daughter from even touching important matters. Did you give Ā Niàn a choice? Did you ask about her aspirations? Even if she were incapable, did you consider Hào Líng! Master, Your Majesty! Can you tell the people of Hào Líng right now that you have a clear conscience!"
"Presumptuous!" The King of Hào Líng, usually gentle and composed, had never been like this, his tone stern and severe. But today, he rarely shed his gentle exterior, revealing his once cruel nature. How could someone ruthless enough to kill brothers and fathers to ascend the throne be benevolent and peaceful? It was merely a disguise of benevolence for the sake of state affairs. Yet, his all his calculations were exposed by this disciple he had always respected. Besides anger, the King of Hào Líng felt a trace of shame and helplessness. Did he truly have a clear conscience?
Rú Shòu was no longer afraid. No one knew what Xīn Yuè meant to him. She was the only bright spot in his smooth and uneventful life. She was a unique chapter in his calm and peaceful existence. She was different from everyone else; in her eyes, he was also different from everyone else. Unlike his master's unrequited love. Mutual affection was so rare! For nearly a hundred years, he had dreamt of a future with her countless times in his dreams. But all of that was shattered by his master's casual declaration of impossibilities. Worse, his master, seemingly standing on the side of righteousness, lectured him with platitudes that no one wanted to hear. A failure, a worthless person, who was he to lecture him? He was the emperor, his status higher than his. He was a subject and should obey obediently. However, a crow doesn't see its own blackness while pointing out another's. Rú Shòu had held these words in for centuries. In the past, he always felt his master had other plans, but his master's feedback time and again only disappointed him. From initial admiration and respect to current disappointment and helplessness. How much of this was due to Xīn Yuè's resentment, and how much was due to his love for this land? Rú Shòu could no longer tell; he simply didn't want to be hypocritical anymore. He laughed and finished the wine in his cup. Rú Shòu collapsed on the steps. Hào Líng's pure white court robes were stained with dust from the tiles, but the usually neat young man was indifferent. "Hahaha, Your Majesty, forgive me. I am guilty, deserving of death." Rú Shòu said each word deliberately, as if it were drunken rambling and revelry. In this state, Rú Shòu bore no resemblance to his usual self.
The King of Hào Líng's gaze turned cold. Just as he was about to say something, he noticed the jade pendant at his waist. It was his sister's jade pendant. His own sister was Rú Shòu's mother. The Azure Dragon clan was not only his maternal clan, but Rú Shòu was also his nephew. With only one daughter, the King of Hào Líng had invested considerable effort in this nephew. His kinship ties were weak; he had personally executed every one of them. His only remaining sister was very good to him, but she was frail and could not survive in the imperial court. If not for the protection of his maternal clan, marrying into the Azure Dragon clan, he might have lost his last relative. The King of Hào Líng closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and left with a flick of his sleeve. There was no one around; he would just consider it the young man's drunken outburst. As for anything else, he would deal with it after the young man sobered up. Baihu Chángxī was in a precarious situation. If the Azure Dragon clan also became estranged, Hào Líng would truly be in danger. His powerful spiritual energy allowed him to sense the other's departing footsteps. Rú Shòu sneered and lay on the ground, gazing at the moon. That day, he and Xīn Yuè had also seen such a beautiful moon by the river. That little girl was so beautiful, so beautiful. Alas, all of this no longer belonged to him. Since they were fated to be apart in this life, why did they have to meet?
With a pained expression, the young man gazed at the moon, smiling foolishly. "Xīn Yuè, look, the moon is beautiful today, just like that day... Xīn Yuè, I'm sorry. Please don't hate me." Crystal tears streamed down his face. The strong young man had never cried since he grew up, but now, each tear contained the image of a girl. He desperately wished for a heavy rain, to hide the moon with dark clouds, so he wouldn't have to see an object and think of the person, because it was too painful, too painful.
A Dream of Gleaming Stars: Elder Sister of Chenrong Manor 40
Several major events had recently occurred in the Great Wilderness. The long-ill Young Master of Qingqiu had recovered and reappeared in the Central Plains. The long-lost Crown Princess Hào Líng Jiǔ Yáo had been found and preparations were underway for a celebration. Túshān Hóu, the eldest son of the Tushan Family, had suddenly met with an accident and was assassinated by the Great Wilderness's number one killer. Furthermore, Fáng Fēng Yì Yìng, the daughter of the Fáng Fēng family, had her engagement broken off due to pregnancy. Who didn't know that the Young Master of Qingqiu had been bedridden for a long time? Yet, this fiancée was pregnant? Upon hearing this news, the world was in an uproar, but no one dared to say anything to the Tushan Family. Those with keen senses connected it to the assassination of the eldest son and understood. After all, the eldest son had died by arrows. The secrets behind this remained unknown, but it revealed the magnanimity of the Young Master of Tushan. Despite such an incident, he did not vent his anger on the Fáng Fēng clan. He simply persuaded by appealing to reason and emotion, ending the engagement gracefully. He also bestowed a large sum of wealth, stating it was for the care his grandmother had received over the years.
Old Madam Túshān, after these two events, could no longer bear it and fell ill. This evoked sighs of sympathy from outsiders, as Old Madam Túshān had suffered too much in the past two years. First, her younger grandson was critically ill and bedridden, then her elder grandson was assassinated, and the granddaughter-in-law she finally found was caught in adultery. It was natural for such an elderly and frail person to fall ill, and no one doubted it. Only those within the Tushan Family knew how many methods the Young Master of Qingqiu had used in just over a month to quickly gain control of the Tushan Family. Once the Crown Princess's return ceremony was held, the Young Master Túshān would smoothly inherit the Tushan Family and become the Tushan Patriarch. Compared to Chìshuǐ Fēnglóng, who faced obstacles in inheriting the patriarchship, Túshān Jǐng becoming the patriarch was the hope of all Tushan people.
Of course, none of this concerned Xīn Yuè. She had been seriously ill in bed for a long time and had not seen anyone. Light, plain white clothes, like cicada wings, covered the girl's delicate shoulders. Her originally rosy face was now ashen with illness.