Chapter 343: A Budding Lady, Undercurrents Surge
Whoosh—
A gust of cold wind swept through the courtyard, carrying dust and debris.
In the picturesque pavilion by the pond, a beautiful woman sat gracefully.
A simple and neat dress hugged her figure, a cloak draped over her shoulders, and her long, black hair cascaded down her back, swaying gently in the wind.
She placed a beautiful sword flat on her lap, her back straight as a pine tree, her shoulders delicate, her waist slender, her graceful figure faintly visible, her cold and elegant aura blending seamlessly with the surrounding water, ethereal and silent.
“…”
After a while, a pebble suddenly fell into the pond, breaking the silence.
“Little Sister Shuya, why do you always stay in the courtyard alone? Why don’t you go out and play with your siblings?”
A playful voice came from outside the pavilion.
Hua Shuya slowly opened her eyes, glanced sideways, and said indifferently: “Fourth Brother, why are you here today?”
A handsome man, dressed in fine clothes, walked towards her, fanning himself and fiddling with his bangs, chuckling: “Those brats are sneaking off to Listening Heart House to have some fun. I just got engaged to your sister-in-law, so I can’t go and fool around anymore.”
Hua Shuya frowned slightly: “If Uncle and the others find out, you’ll be punished.”
“Don’t say that, if we wealthy young masters don’t enjoy life, wouldn’t it be a waste? Those old folks at home are too stubborn and old-fashioned, they don’t understand young people’s thoughts, they’re inflexible.”
The handsome man took a clean teacup from the side and poured himself some tea casually: “If they were more open-minded, they wouldn’t be wasting so much money on this so-called Qingyang Grand Ceremony, it’s so boring and tedious. They might as well give us some money to spend three days and three nights having fun with those young and beautiful singing girls at Listening Heart House and Red Pavilion.”
Qingyang Grand Ceremony…
Hua Shuya ignored his frivolous words, frowning slightly as she pondered.
“Are you interested in the ceremony, Shuya?”
“You’re joking, Fourth Brother.”
She gently traced the exquisite patterns on the sword sheath on her lap and mused: “There are so many rumors outside the mansion, yet Grandfather and the others are still determined to hold this strange ceremony, I don’t understand their intentions…
Could that expert’s so-called ‘ritual’ be truly that profound and mysterious?”
“Who knows.”
The handsome man took a sip of tea and chuckled: “But since when are you interested in politics, Shuya? You haven’t left the mansion recently, how do you know about the rumors outside?”
“The servants always gossip.”
“Tsk! That gossipmonger, chattering about such things even within the mansion.” The handsome man’s face showed a hint of displeasure.
Then, he lowered his voice and said seriously:
“Shuya, what do you think about that expert…”
“Be quiet.”
Hua Shuya suddenly said sharply.
The handsome man forced a chuckle, as if trying to appear calm, and casually picked up some melon seeds from the table and ate them.
Just then, a middle-aged woman in elegant clothes, supported by maids, walked towards them from outside the courtyard. Her hair was styled in a high bun, and although she wore light makeup, the traces of time were visible on her face, wrinkles around her eyes making her look slightly older.
“Mu’er, why are you here visiting Shuya today?”
“Ahaha, you’re joking, Sixth Mother. The rain just stopped, so I’m just strolling around the mansion.” The handsome man stood up with an awkward chuckle and cupped his hands: “I haven’t visited you since you recovered from your illness, Sixth Mother, and seeing you looking so much better today has put my mind at ease.”
“If you were this filial, Seventh Sister wouldn’t have to worry so much.”
The middle-aged woman slowly walked towards the pavilion and said indifferently: “I thought you had forgotten about your family, your soul still lingering in those brothels.”
The handsome man’s smile became even more awkward, and he scratched his head: “Youthful folly, youthful folly.”
Before the woman could speak again, he hurriedly excused himself: “I won’t disturb you any longer, Sixth Mother. I’m going to the boatyard with Sixth Brother, perhaps we can help out at the calligraphy and painting exhibition.”
“Go on.”
“Alright!”
Glancing at him as he hurriedly left without looking back, the middle-aged woman sighed helplessly and then turned her gaze towards Hua Shuya, who had stood up and bowed in the pavilion.
“Did Mu’er say anything unpleasant to you?”
She frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure in her voice: “That child is so talented, yet he’s become so frivolous and useless, spending all his time in pleasure houses, it’s truly embarrassing and frustrating.”
“Don’t blame Fourth Brother, Sixth Mother, everyone has their own preferences.”
Hua Shuya said softly: “Besides, although Fourth Brother is usually frivolous, he’s still polite and respectful at home, you’ve wronged him.”
“That’s good, I wouldn’t want that rascal to corrupt you.”
Sixth Mother glanced at the sword placed beside her and sighed softly: “You’ve changed so much since returning from your journey, Shuya. Although I, as a woman, don’t understand martial arts, seeing how surprised your uncles and the others were after seeing you, I know your skills have improved tremendously.
And your personality has become much calmer and more composed, you’re also more eloquent and resourceful, as if you’ve grown up overnight. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
Hua Shuya smiled faintly: “I’m still quite inexperienced, I still have much to learn.”
“You’re always so humble.”
Sixth Mother waved away the maids and entered the pavilion alone, asking with concern: “But you’ve been staying home practicing your swordsmanship these past few days, haven’t even stepped outside, and barely interacted with anyone, aren’t you feeling bored?”
“Thank you for your concern, Sixth Mother.” Hua Shuya shook her head: “Cultivating my swordsmanship also has its own joys, it’s not boring.”
“Sigh——”
But Sixth Mother took her hand and sighed softly: “You’ve suffered recently. To be forced into such a difficult situation for no reason is truly disheartening.”
Hua Shuya was slightly taken aback, quickly realizing that her aunt was referring to the sudden marriage proposal half a month ago.
“—It’s fine.”
She said softly: “Although it was a bit unexpected, it wasn’t that difficult. And now that the engagement has been broken off, it’s all in the past, I’ve almost forgotten about it, Sixth Mother.”
“You’re too kind, Shuya, that’s why those villains targeted you.”
Sixth Mother gently caressed her hand, a look of pity on her face, and the two of them sat down side by side in the pavilion: “You’re considered a beauty in the family, Shuya, and you’ve been diligently practicing martial arts since childhood, possessing extraordinary skills. To offer you as a gift to those young princes is indeed a great honor.
Although you managed to refuse the sixteenth prince with your exceptional martial arts this time, your parents are gone, and you have no one to protect you. You might be able to avoid it once, but not twice or thrice… You’re already past marriageable age, you’ll have to marry eventually. You can’t stay unmarried in the mansion forever.”
“I understand what you’re saying, Sixth Mother.”
“Understanding doesn’t mean you know how to deal with it.”
Sixth Mother sighed softly and said gently: “That sixteenth prince does have a bad temper, he’s lazy and spoiled, it’s normal for you to dislike him.
But there are more than twenty princes in the imperial family, some of whom are incredibly talented in both literary and martial arts. Even some of the grand princes have reached adulthood, all handsome and unmarried. You should interact with them, Shuya, perhaps you can find someone you like… If you truly fall for a prince or grand prince, why would you need to worry about being forced into an unwanted marriage?”
Hua Shuya’s face showed a hint of helplessness: “Sixth Mother, I have no intention of getting involved with those princes or grand princes. I’ve already met a scholar in Changling County…”
“I’ve heard about that Lin scholar.”
Sixth Mother’s expression turned slightly stern, and she murmured: “I don’t blame you for this, Shuya, but I have to tell you the truth… That scholar is just a poor and insignificant person. Even if he’s handsome, it’s just a superficial appearance. Even if he’s eloquent, he’s just a smooth talker. There are many young and talented officials in the court, skilled in both literary and martial arts, how could they be inferior to a scholar from the countryside?”
“Perhaps you’re enjoying the sweetness of love now, but life is fleeting, what’s the point of those sweet nothings after a few years, or even decades? To find a good husband and secure a good future for your children is what a woman should do.”
“Sixth Mother…”
“I know you’re feeling resentful, thinking that the man you love is the best.” Sixth Mother said seriously: “But as long as you are the Zhengyang Prince’s granddaughter, as a woman, you can’t avoid this fate. Even if you managed to refuse the sixteenth prince this time, what if another grand prince comes tomorrow?
Your grandfather’s influence can protect you for a while, but not forever. If you offend all those young princes and grand princes, how will you live peacefully in the future?”
Saying this, her eyes flickered, and she whispered in Hua Shuya’s ear: “But if you’re truly unhappy… why don’t you just leave the mansion?
Abandon your identity and run away, never returning, perhaps that’s a way out. It’s better than being constantly pestered by Madam Ziyu about marriage.”
Hua Shuya pursed her lips slightly and nodded: “I’ll keep your words in mind, Sixth Mother.”
“You’re mature, Shuya, you’ll make your own decisions.”
Sixth Mother smiled gently, caressing her head: “But there’s no need to rush. The Qingyang Grand Ceremony will be held in a few days, you should prepare some gifts for your grandfather.”
“I understand, I’ve already prepared some small gifts, just waiting for the ceremony.”
“Sigh! If only my children were as sensible as you, Shuya, I wouldn’t have to nag them all the time.”
…
After a long and cordial conversation, Sixth Mother finally left, supported by her maids.
Hua Shuya took a sip of tea, lowered her eyes, and sighed softly.
Although Sixth Mother had given her a lot of advice, she was truly concerned, her words sincere.
But their relationship… wasn’t that close.
Although she was still young, having grown up in the mansion, she could clearly see the hidden schemes and thoughts behind their words.
Especially now that her martial arts skills had improved, she could even sense the subtle emotional fluctuations of these women, whether there were any hidden meanings behind their smiles and frowns.
“In the end, she just doesn’t want her two daughters’ positions to be threatened.”
Hua Shuya smiled faintly, her heart unmoved.
It was natural for parents to be more concerned about their own children. Sixth Mother was already considered one of the kinder women in the mansion, treating her quite well. If her daughters truly managed to marry into the imperial family, it would be a cause for celebration.
“However—”
She looked down at the sword on her lap, her eyes sparkling.
Returning to the mansion and chatting with her siblings, aunts, and uncles these past few days had calmed her heart. Her previous worries and troubles seemed to have vanished.
Worldly disputes were just fleeting clouds, only her sword heart had become stronger and more focused.
“Although I’m happy, if I continue to practice the Dustless Heart Sword… won’t I become cold and heartless?”
Hua Shuya chuckled softly, the coldness and aloofness in her aura melting like ice and snow, replaced by a youthful and vibrant charm.
As scenes from Changling County and familiar, gentle faces flashed through her mind, a warmth spread through her heart. She smiled, picked up her sword, and stood up, preparing to practice her swordsmanship alone in the courtyard as usual.
As a member of the Prince’s Mansion, this courtyard was her private residence, no outsiders would disturb her.
Although she had a few personal maids living with her, they wouldn’t follow her every step of the way. After all, she wasn’t a child who needed constant supervision.
“I’ll practice for a bit longer, and then I’ll go and help Shui’er and the others with— Hmm?!”
Just then, Hua Shuya’s expression suddenly turned serious.
Someone was watching her!
Her previously gentle eyes turned cold and sharp, like swords, glancing towards the corner of the courtyard wall.
“What’s going on… was someone peeking from outside just now?”
The gaze was incredibly subtle and elusive. If her cultivation hadn’t improved so much, she wouldn’t have noticed anything.
Her thoughts racing, she immediately dashed out, her figure as nimble as a swallow, leaping onto the courtyard wall, crouching like a poised leopard, her eyes scanning her surroundings vigilantly.
She caught a glimpse of a fleeting shadow at the corner, its aura almost non-existent.
“Since when was there such a strange person in the mansion?!”
This definitely wasn’t a martial arts technique of the Hua family.
Hua Shuya’s heart was filled with surprise, and then, a chill.
In this vast Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion, although her martial arts skills weren’t the strongest, only her elders surpassed her.
And the backyard of the mansion was mostly filled with defenseless women, children, and servants. Even her siblings who practiced martial arts were still young and at most at the Pure Yang Realm, they wouldn’t have been able to detect this person.
If this person was hiding in the backyard of the mansion—
Just how much had they seen and heard?!
Thinking of this, a chill ran down Hua Shuya’s spine, her face darkening. She immediately gripped her sword and leaped, chasing after the disappearing shadow at full speed.
…
The intermittent drizzle of the past few days finally stopped, but the sky was still overcast, adding to the biting chill of winter.
But in the villages along the road outside Qingcheng, even as night fell, the atmosphere remained lively and bustling. Inside the inns and restaurants, there were many scholars and refined gentlemen, as well as some burly martial artists carrying swords, the atmosphere noisy and boisterous.
Some were talking about vendettas in the martial world, others about conflicts between sects, love, and hatred.
But most people were discussing the changing situation in Qingcheng.
“I heard that Qingcheng is heavily guarded now!”
“According to rumors, many prestigious sects have come to celebrate Prince Hua’s birthday, but there are also many villains and evildoers plotting in secret! Even people from the Due’e Sect have come to join the fun!”
“I wonder what kind of abilities that expert who appeared in Qingcheng possesses, to shock so many martial arts grandmasters?”
“Perhaps he can ascend in broad daylight and move mountains and seas with a wave of his hand?”
…
Lin Tianlu and his group had just entered the restaurant when they heard dozens of different “rumors,” some of them quite amusing.
“There seem to be quite a few people from all walks of life in this inn.”
Cheng Yishi glanced at the main hall below, her hair falling around her shoulders, and saw some burly men with beards, drunk and red-faced, swinging their wine pots, spilling pungent alcohol everywhere, their shouts growing louder, their behavior crude and barbaric.
She closed the window and couldn’t help but sigh, rubbing her forehead: “If we want to understand the situation in the city, we’ll have to go and see for ourselves.”
“But Prince Hua’s reputation and this Qingyang Grand Ceremony have truly attracted some interesting characters.”
Youluo, leaning against him, crossed her arms, smiling as she looked towards the third floor.
There, were the most expensive private rooms in this village restaurant.
She could clearly sense the fluctuations of Yin energy, demons and ghosts having clearly come after hearing the news.
“So, there really are demons and ghosts behind the unrest in Qingcheng.”
Mao Ruoyu poured tea for everyone, frowning: “I’m worried that it might be like the incident in Wuxing City… a crazed demon, killing and causing havoc.”
Her worry wasn’t unreasonable.
After all, Qingcheng was currently crowded with people from all over. If a demon or ghost suddenly attacked, it would surely cause a great tragedy.
“There’s no need to worry too much for now.” Lin Tianlu smiled gently, holding his wife’s cold and soft hand: “If there really were a demon or ghost behind this, they would have already had countless opportunities to act in the past month, why wait until now? Even a carefully planned ambush requires favorable circumstances.”
Mao Ruoyu blinked her beautiful eyes: “Husband, you mean…”
“The Qingyang Grand Ceremony is very likely the key to this whole thing.”
Lin Tianlu rubbed his chin, looking meaningfully at Youluo sitting opposite him: “Which demon or ghost faction do you think is behind this, Miss?”
“Within the Fengchen Kingdom, the Luo Xing is the largest and most powerful. Even the Chiyu Sect, the Ji Red Workshop, and the Zhaoxiao Court have to show them some respect.” Youluo winked playfully like a young girl and chuckled: “But judging by the incident in Wuxing City, although the Luo Xing might be involved, they’re not the true masterminds.
Do you still remember the battle in Fengtai County a while ago, Master Lin?”
“Naturally, I remember.”
“You left after the incident, Master Lin, and you don’t know about the aftermath. That night’s battle was the most intense in decades, escalating continuously, countless demons, ghosts, and practitioners dying in the ancient realm’s territory. A terrifying, blood-red baleful energy almost covered the night sky, although not as earth-shattering as the opening of the eight clans’ secret realm, it was still incredibly shocking.”
Youluo’s face turned slightly serious, and she mused: “After that incident in Fengtai County, the ancient realm and the Luo Xing have become sworn enemies. And the other factions who were dragged into the conflict also suffered heavy casualties. The grudges and hatreds between the various factions and those rogue demons and ghosts have become incredibly tangled and complex.
The unrest in Qingcheng started a month ago, but even now, no one knows who is truly behind it, perhaps even the Luo Xing is being kept in the dark.”
Mao Ruoyu pondered for a moment, feeling even more uneasy.
The enemy’s tracks were unclear, trying to prevent the danger before it happened was wishful thinking.
“However—”
Her beautiful eyes suddenly flickered, and she said calmly: “Although ordinary mortals rarely know about the existence of demons, ghosts, and practitioners, Shuya’s grandfather, the Zhengyang Prince, is a rare talent in both literary and martial arts, a great general who has guarded the border for decades. His wisdom and strategic mind are far beyond those of ordinary people. How could he be manipulated by such an obvious scheme?
Moreover, along the way today, although these nearby villages are filled with visitors and travelers, the order is still well-maintained, without any signs of chaos or loss of control, everything guided and arranged by the local authorities… Could the Prince truly be completely unaware of this?”
Youluo smiled brightly and clapped her hands:
“Madam Mao is truly observant, despite your usual gentle and quiet demeanor.”
Mao Ruoyu blushed slightly and said: “Th-There’s no need to praise me so suddenly.”
“Because your words are indeed correct.”
Youluo chuckled and spread her hands: “Although Prince Hua is a mortal, his wisdom and iron-blooded methods are almost demonic, he’s not someone who can be easily manipulated by demons or ghosts. Perhaps there’s no need for us to intervene, that old prince has already made his preparations.”
Saying this, she leaned forward playfully, resting her chin on her hand, her eyes seductive: “Instead of worrying about these troublesome matters, why don’t you think about what to say to Miss Hua when we see her again? Will you propose marriage directly?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly: “I’ll catch up with her first, and then talk about marriage.”
Or rather, his relationship with Hua Shuya wasn’t progressing that quickly— Bang!
The closed door of their private room suddenly burst open, and a small figure rushed in.
This sudden intrusion made everyone in the room turn to look curiously. It was a petite young girl, seemingly being chased by someone, cautiously backing away, her face unclear.
“You have to leave this place quickly!”
The little girl raised her arms to her chest, as if forming hand seals, and shouted without looking back: “Be careful of being caught in the crossfire!”
“—Eh?”
But hearing this familiar and clear voice, Lin Tianlu and Mao Ruoyu’s faces were filled with surprise.
“Little Miss Shanghan?”
“Hmm?!”
The young girl suddenly turned around, her pretty and adorable face filled with shock: “M-Master Lin?!”
