In the blink of an eye, an hour had passed. Chang Jingyun cautioned, "I'm leaving now. Remember the task your master entrusted to you—be extremely careful!"
As Chang Jingyun stepped out of the guest room, Xia Zhaoyun immediately extinguished the candle inside. Chang Jingyun felt a surge of relief, thinking, "This child is indeed exceptionally clever; without the light, unnecessary suspicions can be avoided."
About the time it takes to burn an incense stick later, thick smoke began drifting from the backyard.
Amidst the bustling noise, a voice shouted, and in the ensuing chaos, Xia Zhaoyun cried out loudly, "Fire! There's a fire!"
Though the fire wasn't intense, coupled with the deliberate disorder, panic spread quickly. Almost everyone staying at the inn rushed outside, allowing Chang Jingyun to slip back into the guest room, where Xia Zhaoyun was already waiting for him.
"Well done!" Chang Jingyun praised. "We must leave now."
During the pandemonium at the inn, Chang Jingyun scooped up Xia Zhaoyun and, taking advantage of the chaos, fled from Baofu Inn. They walked for about two miles before stopping, and Xia Zhaoyun asked curiously, "Master, has that lady been rescued?"
Chang Jingyun responded, "I created a diversion to confuse our enemies; rest assured, she will be safe."
"Aren't you going back to check?" A woman's voice echoed from the nearby reeds.
Immediately, Chang Jingyun shielded Xia Zhaoyun and shouted, "Who's there? Show yourself! Stop hiding in the shadows."
At that moment, a figure emerged from the darkness. To his surprise, it was Meng Hantan. His initial shock quickly turned to relief as he thought, "It seems she's already out of danger."
Meng Hantan spoke, "I was aware from the start that the people at Baofu Inn intended to kill me tonight, so I wasn't in the guest room at all. Still, I appreciate your concern, Master Chang." As she finished speaking, she pulled an object from her sleeve and handed it to Chang Jingyun. "This is a treasure I found years ago while traveling beyond the Great Wall. I offer it to you today as a token of gratitude."
Chang Jingyun hastily declined, "I am deeply moved by Master Meng's generosity, but I have yet to repay the kindness you showed in helping me find the antidote. How could I possibly accept such a gift?"
Meng Hantan's lips curved into a faint smile, her expression unreadable in the dim light. Had Chang Jingyun seen her face clearly, the depth of her gratitude might have seemed far less significant.
"When I give something away, I never take it back," Meng Hantan remarked, her voice growing fainter as she spoke.
By the time Chang Jingyun raised his head, she had already vanished into the night.
At that moment, Xia Zhaoyun tugged at Chang Jingyun's sleeve and asked, "Master, where are we going now?"
"We'll have to rest here in the wild for the night," Chang Jingyun replied. "Tomorrow morning, we'll set off again. I'll take you to Taiyuan."
"Where is Taiyuan?" Xia Zhaoyun asked.
"It's far from Xuzhou. My junior sister—your master's sister—is getting married, and I'm going there to attend her wedding."
The next morning, just as the sky began to lighten, Chang Jingyun set off with Xia Zhaoyun. Passing through an unknown small town, Chang Jingyun hired a carriage to continue their journey. After seven days, they reached Luoyang, but Chang Jingyun found the carriage too slow, so he bought a fast horse mid-way, hastening their journey. At last, they arrived in Taiyuan the day before Xiao Qing's wedding.
As they entered Taiyuan, a strong scent of vinegar filled the air. The horse trotted leisurely along the main street as Chang Jingyun and Xia Zhaoyun, seated on horseback, observed the bustling crowd. Near noon, they stopped at an inn to rest. By now, Xia Zhaoyun had changed into clean clothes, and Chang Jingyun had traded his coarse cloth garments for silk and brocade, instantly exuding an air of elegance and refinement.
At the inn's entrance, the two dismounted as the innkeeper warmly greeted them. Just then, a man dressed as a servant emerged from the inn. He had been eyeing Chang Jingyun since he dismounted, and only now did he step forward to speak.
"May I ask, are you the esteemed Master Chang Jingyun?"
Chang Jingyun cupped his hands in a polite gesture. "I wouldn't dare claim such a title. I am indeed Chang Jingyun. May I know who you are?"
"I am a servant from the Ye family. My mistress has asked me to await your arrival."
"Ah, a servant of the Ye family. Does your mistress have a message for me?"
"Our mistress requests that Master Chang stay at the Ye residence. My master has already prepared a banquet to welcome you."
"In that case, I shall trouble you to lead the way."
Chang Jingyun, with Xia Zhaoyun in tow, followed the servant to the Ye residence. The entire household was festively decorated, exuding an atmosphere of joy and celebration. At that moment, a well-dressed, dignified man emerged from the inner hall and greeted them with cupped hands, saying, "An honored guest has arrived! I apologize for not coming out to welcome you sooner!"
Chang Jingyun immediately returned the greeting, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Master Ye! My junior sister has spoken of you often, and today I finally have the honor of meeting you in person."
Though Ye Mian was a businessman, he exuded none of the typical airs of a merchant. On closer inspection, he bore more resemblance to a refined scholar, his words measured and courteous. At that moment, Xia Zhaoyun suddenly appeared from behind Chang Jingyun, catching Ye Mian by surprise. "And who is this child?" he asked.
Chang Jingyun, only now remembering Xia Zhaoyun's presence, replied, "His name is Xia Zhaoyun, my newly accepted disciple."
Ye Mian glanced at Xia Zhaoyun and said, "I heard that you already have four outstanding disciples. Now, you've gained another gifted student—what a cause for celebration!"
Chang Jingyun responded, "It is your grand wedding, Master Ye, that truly warrants celebration!"
Ye Mian smiled. "Thank you for your kind words, Master Chang. There's something about this child's features that reminds me of an old friend, though we've lost contact over the years."
Chang Jingyun did not pursue the subject further, seeing Xia Zhaoyun as merely an orphan without family ties. Little did he know that Ye Mian's casual remark could hold the key to the boy's mysterious origins.
After exchanging pleasantries, Ye Mian led Chang Jingyun and Xia Zhaoyun on a tour of the Ye residence. As Taiyuan's wealthiest family, the estate lived up to its reputation—just the garden alone took two full hours to explore. Afterward, Ye Mian hosted a banquet in the garden, offering fine wine and exquisite dishes to welcome his guest.
Following lunch, Chang Jingyun brought Xia Zhaoyun to meet Xiao Qing, who resided in the southern courtyard of the estate. On the way, Chang Jingyun said to Xia Zhaoyun, "You'll soon meet your Aunt Xiao Qing."
Xia Zhaoyun asked, "Tomorrow is Aunt Xiao Qing's wedding. Did Master prepare a gift for her?"
This question jolted Chang Jingyun out of his reverie. He halted, thinking, "Of course! I completely forgot to purchase a wedding gift for my junior sister along the way—how careless of me. But now, what should I buy? Judging by the wealth of the Ye family, she certainly lacks for nothing. This is quite the dilemma."
Seeing his master troubled, Xia Zhaoyun quickly suggested, "Master, didn't the lady in red give you a treasure not long ago?"
Chang Jingyun's eyes lit up at the reminder. "What a thoughtful disciple! Thankfully, you remembered!" He reached into his sleeve and produced the treasure—a rare piece of blue amber, with a tiny droplet of water suspended in its center.
Xia Zhaoyun asked, "Master, do you think this would make a suitable gift for Aunt Xiao Qing?"
"Nothing could be more fitting," Chang Jingyun replied. "Blue amber is exceedingly rare and precious, and its gentle hues are sure to captivate your aunt. She'll love it."
They continued toward the southern courtyard. As they ventured deeper, the flowerbeds grew denser, and the paths narrower. In the distance, a woman dressed in blue sat on a stone bench reading. From afar, Chang Jingyun recognized her as Xiao Qing. As they approached, he softly called out, "Junior Sister."
Xiao Qing, seeing that it was Chang Jingyun, quickly set aside her book and joyfully exclaimed, "Senior Brother! You've come! Please, have a seat! And who is this young fellow?"
"This is my new disciple, Xia Zhaoyun," Chang Jingyun introduced.
Xia Zhaoyun bowed respectfully, "Greetings, Aunt Xiao Qing."
Xiao Qing smiled approvingly and nodded. "Please, both of you sit. I'll prepare some tea."
As the afternoon sun softened, the three of them sat around the table in the pavilion, sipping fragrant tea, while the cicadas hummed in the background, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Xiao Qing said, "I'm truly grateful, Senior Brother, for traveling such a great distance to attend my wedding. I owe you so much! Why didn't Master Duan come along?"
Chang Jingyun replied, "Brother Duan recently took over leadership of Xuanjian Manor, and with so many responsibilities, he couldn't get away. He asked me to convey his apologies to you."
"I see! The two of you are usually inseparable—like twins!"
"Are you teasing me, Junior Sister? We're both grown men, yet you make us sound so... clingy."
Xiao Qing laughed, "Your sense of humor hasn't changed a bit, Senior Brother! But really, at your age, isn't it time for you to settle down?"
"As soon as we meet, this topic always comes up," Chang Jingyun replied. "Just because you're getting married doesn't mean you need to rush me! You know me—I'd rather wait for the right person than settle. Fate has its own plans, and when the time comes, I'll know. There's no need to force it."
Xia Zhaoyun, listening in, was puzzled. "Master, what is fate?"
Xiao Qing chuckled at his innocent question. "Fate is the mysterious connection between people—like how you're destined to meet someone important in your life, and when the time is right, you will."
Xia Zhaoyun pondered her words but still shook his head in confusion.
Xiao Qing smiled kindly. "Don't worry. You're still young. You'll understand when you're older."
Chang Jingyun took a moment to glance around the serene environment of the southern courtyard and remarked, "This place is quite tranquil! Do you usually stay here, or do you ever go out to meet guests?"
Suddenly, Xiao Qing's cheeks flushed with a hint of shyness as she softly said, "Senior Brother, you are family, so I won't keep anything from you. The reason the southern courtyard is so peaceful is because I'm expecting."
Chang Jingyun was astonished, both surprised and delighted. "So, Junior Sister, you are with child! Congratulations, congratulations!"
Xiao Qing replied, "Senior Brother, since I've made this choice, my mind is set on retiring from the martial world. I may have disappointed Master's expectations, but from now on, Yufeng Manor will be in your capable hands."
Chang Jingyun said, "I understand! Whatever path you choose, I will always support you. And know that the gates of Yufeng Manor will forever remain open for you. As for your wedding, I didn't prepare much, but I hope you'll accept this blue amber as a token, though it may seem humble."
Xiao Qing accepted the blue amber, captivated by its gentle beauty, unable to take her eyes off it.
The wedding between Xiao Qing and Ye Mian lasted for three days and three nights, filled with joy and festivity. Ye Mian's connections spanned both the business and political worlds, and the prominent figures of Taiyuan all gathered to offer their congratulations. This grand spectacle left Chang Jingyun in awe.
After the wedding, Chang Jingyun and Xia Zhaoyun departed from Taiyuan and made their way back to Misty Hidden Mountain.