Chapter 170 (1/2)
Winter gave way to spring. The shops on both sides of Chang'an City's streets were embellished with brightly-coloured and glistening pink and white cyclamen flowers which signified the endless flow of customers. The entrances of large households were arranged with bright purple and white kalanchoe flowers while light yellow oriental paperbush peeked out from the top of the wall.
Feng Luodi walked towards the Jiang residence, carrying the dry flower petals Scarlet had basked in the sun in her hand. Beside her, Shangguan Yan looked around in wonder, finding everything in the city novel and interesting. Only now did Shangguan Yan resembled young lady of twenty years old and not a person of the jianghu who fiddles with swords and spears all day long.”Will Yiqi also come to visit that elder brother of yours today?”
Shangguan Yan noticed something amiss from Feng Luodi's expression and questioned lightly. Feng Luodi had long figured out Shangguan Yan's temperament and was not taken aback by the sudden question, an unnoticeable smile gracing her lips.
”Master Xue has been visiting every two days after Elder Brother's illness worsened.”
”Oh oh.” Shangguan Yan nodded repeatedly. Her pupils which were as l.u.s.trous as the stars were filled with joy. No one would be able to guess that this was that mysterious and aloof sect leader of the Xiaoyao Sect.
Upon arriving at the Jiang Residence, the Clan Defenders at the entrance directly allowed Feng Luodi to enter. Lu Bo who had much fewer responsibilities now that Jiang Moyin had resigned from his position, had time to lead the two of them into Jiang Moyin's courtyard.
In the months that they have not met, the once lofty, graceful and handsome man was already so gaunt that people could barely bear to look straight at him. His elegant brows were already no longer as gentle and natural as they were in the days of the past. The bright eyes which were once filled with vigour had dulled. However, the corner of his mouth still had a familiar smile. He was supposed to be that graceful, charming and breathtaking Jiang Moyin.
She sighed inwardly but she could not reveal it on her countenance. That would make them more worried.
”Elder Brother, I brought some scented tea.”
The gentleman dressed in white was playing the zither under the vines of wisteria. Feng Luodi's voice jerked him out of his reverie.
When Jiang Moyin turned his head back and saw Feng Luodi, the radiance that swiftly flitted across his eyes did not escape Shangguan Yan's eyes. ShangguanYan covered her mouth quickly, concealing her emotions.
”Luodi, you're back.” It was clearly a simple sentence yet it carried immense lamentation.
”I haven't heard you play the zither for a long time. Would you play a piece for me?”
Feng Luodi cheerfully walked over and introduced Shangguan Yan to Jiang Moyin. ”This is Miss Shangguan. I'm sure a certain someone had spoken of her before.”Jiang Moyin raised his eyebrows. When his gaze landed on Shangguan Yan whose attire seemed familiar, a smile spread through his face. ”I am well acquainted with the graceful bearings of Miss Shangguan.”
Shangguan Yan did not even miss a step despite the teasing tone in his voice. She calmly sat down by the side, hinting that she would not disturb them from their discussion of the zither.
Feng Luodi was dressed in a scarlet blouse, the cherry-coloured robe that was draped across her shoulders lent her a hint of seductiveness. A few moments later, the small courtyard was awash with the light and resounding music, sometimes aking to that of a creek nestled deep in the mountains, and some reminiscent of the floating clouds in the skies. From time to time, it was like the sound of a cascade of water ramming into the cliff, grand and inspiring.
Shangguan Yan sighed involuntarily. Feng Luodi's zither skills had already reached great heights and there were probably few in the world who could even be compared with her.
One can discern a person's heart by listening to their music. At this moment, Feng Luodi's mood is probably like the sound of her zither. Although it is sanguine and seemingly without restraint, it could barely conceal the worry and restlessness in her heart. Due to the hesitation about the future and imminent danger, as a woman who could only stay in her room, things have really been hard for her. Shangguan Yan lamented in her heart. When her gaze landed on Jiang Moyin beside Feng Luodi, she was shocked by the deep feelings in his eyes that surged out fiercely. Shangguan Yan quickly turned her face away. Waves were raging in her heart due to her astonishment. This elder brother of Feng Luodi is actually harbouring such feelings!
Does that fierce and ruthless man know about this? At this moment, Shangguan Yan really wanted to go forward and pull Feng Luodi away. However, she had no choice but to admit that she felt that when Feng Luodi and Situ stood together, they were incomparably matching while when she stood with this world number one gifted scholar, they were also very harmonious.
However, Shangguan Yan made a clear difference between her likes and dislikes. Since Feng Luodi is already together with Situ Muye, there shouldn't be a third person sticking his foot in their relations.h.i.+p. This Jiang Moyin appears to have no intention of sticking his foot in. Will there really be a person like that? A man that clearly loves a woman, yet letting the woman be together with someone else. Is it because he loves too deeply?
No. Shangguan Yan shook her head. Love has always been selfish. No one is an exception.
Shangguan Yan noticed the slightly greenish hue of Jiang Moyin's skin especially in the areas around his neck and fingers, and thought she understood something. Just when Shangguan Yan thought that she had discovered some important secret, Jiang Moyin suddenly turned around and gently made a sign with his fingers.
Shangguan Yan was a little embarra.s.sed. At the same time, she was also fearful. This person who has the look of a weak scholar seems to be surprisingly resilient.
A strange whistling sound could be heard from outside the courtyard. It was intermittent but had a very steady rhythm. Feng Luodi pressed on the zither strings, stopping the music. She exchanged a puzzled glance with Jiang Moyin and looked towards the outside of the courtyard. On the contrary, Shangguan Yan smiled in surprise. With one swift leap, she jumped flipped over the walls of the courtyard in a single motion.
”How convenient.” Feng Luodi involuntarily sighed. She did not even need to go through the entrance. She could go by the shortest path and save time.
Jiang Moyin only smiled. Hidden in his sleeves, he continuously clenched his fists tightly to force himself to stay awake.
Soon, Shangguan Yan jumped over the wall again, a man following close behind her. He was clad in a long white gown and dressed simply. He appeared cold and handsome and his slightly pursed thin lips looked a little stern. An exquisite jade xiao[1] with black spots was clutched in his hand.
Was this the person who made that sound just now? Feng Luodi looked at the jade xiao in the person's hand in puzzlement.
Shangguan Yan's sounded delighted as she introduced the visitor to the two surprised people.
”This is the Eldritch Physician of our Xiaoyao Sect, Xia Jingfeng.”
When Feng Luodi heard this name, her almond eyes were instantly filled with hope. She directed her burning gaze at Xia Jingfeng.
”So you are the Eldritch Physician. Would it be possible to ask you to treat my elder brother?” She immediately blurted out in a rude tone without even considering.
Jiang Moyin was smiling on the outside but his eyes dimmed. It is precisely because of this that I cannot say anything and cannot fight for anything. What can I do even if I refuse to accept my fate?
Shangguan Yan laughed, expressing that she understood why the usually indifferent Feng Luodi would be this excited. ”I have spoken to Jingfeng about his condition. Now, he'll have to evaluate the patient's condition for himself.”
Xia Jingfeng nodded slightly with a coldness that emanated from deep within his bones. He slowly walked to Jiang Moyin's side, his gaze never once landing on Feng Luodi.
In order to rea.s.sure Feng Luodi, Jiang Moyin who had once given up on treatment obediently sat down and extended his hand.