Huacai Yi saw that Song Yuanmo had not wandered far and felt deeply grateful to Meng Hantan. However, knowing that Chang Jingyun was hesitant to speak, she stepped forward and whispered softly, "Thank you, Shishu, for your timely assistance."
Just as the words left her lips, a sudden sound of labored breathing emerged from the crowd. All eyes turned towards the source, revealing that Xia Zhaoyun had collapsed, overcome by a sudden bout of chest pain.
Upon witnessing this, Chang Jingyun quickly knelt beside him and asked gently, "Zhaoyun, what's wrong?"
Xia Zhaoyun's consciousness was already fading, but he could still faintly hear Chang Jingyun's voice. The sound seemed both close and distant, and soon, darkness consumed him as he lost consciousness.
When he awoke again, it was already a bright and sunny morning. Zhai Yue entered the room, holding a bowl of medicine. Seeing that Xia Zhaoyun had regained consciousness, he remarked sharply, "Shifu and Shiniang stayed up for seven days and nights to save you. They just went to rest this morning."
Xia Zhaoyun sat up, pressing a hand to his still-aching chest. He was eager to know what had transpired after his collapse and asked, "Senior Brother, what exactly happened?"
Zhai Yue responded, "Do you not remember? According to the famed healer Gu from Shanhuagu, you were poisoned by something incredibly potent. You nearly died. Fortunately, the Tianshan snow lotus brought by Master Meng of Hanzhen Sect saved your life."
Xia Zhaoyun continued, "Where did the snow lotus come from?"
With a hint of resentment in his voice, Zhai Yue replied, "You're really lucky, you know that? That snow lotus was originally a wedding gift from Master Meng to Shiniang, and before it even had a chance to warm her hands, it was used to save your life."
In that moment, Xia Zhaoyun was deeply moved. He thought to himself, "Shifu and Shiniang have shown me such profound kindness. In this lifetime, I must repay them, no matter what it takes."
Noticing Xia Zhaoyun lost in thought, Zhai Yue's irritation flared again. With a sharp "clang," he slammed the bowl of medicine onto the table. "The medicine is getting cold. Drink it while it's still warm! Shifu and Shiniang's favor toward you is only temporary. Don't think you can take it for granted. After all, I am their eldest disciple."
Xia Zhaoyun ignored Zhai Yue's words, and after finishing the medicine, he quickly made his way towards Chenfeng Courtyard.
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, the mist over Wuyin Mountain gradually thinned. Yet, the once-every-seventeen-year promise to duel at Yi Mountain lingered like a thorn in Chang Jingyun's heart. He had no desire to attend the Yi Mountain Sword Meet, but bound by the unyielding rules of the martial world, he had no choice.
Late that night, when all was quiet, Chang Jingyun was still practicing calligraphy in Chenfeng Courtyard, having spent the entire day at it. It wasn't until Huacai Yi entered, carrying a bowl of freshly prepared porridge, that he finally set down his brush.
Huacai Yi said, "Husband, it's so late. You should eat something first."
Chang Jingyun asked, "What time is it now?"
"Three-quarters past midnight. I've already packed everything you need for your journey tomorrow morning."
Looking at the steaming bowl of red bean porridge in her hands, Chang Jingyun was deeply touched. He thought, "I am truly blessed to have married such a wonderful wife."
At her urging, he finally put down his brush and focused on eating the porridge. In no time, he finished the bowl. Chang Jingyun remarked, "It has been over a month since our wedding, and every day I've been enjoying the meals you've prepared. It's been wonderful."
Huacai Yi smiled and said, "We are husband and wife. There's no need for such formalities. As long as you don't grow tired of it, I'll cook for you every day."
Chang Jingyun wiped his mouth and waved his hand grandly. "Tired of it? Never, not even when we're old!"
After hearing these words, Huacai Yi fell silent for a moment. Seeing the worry furrowing her brow, Chang Jingyun asked, "Is something troubling you?"
Suddenly, the cloud of concern lifted from her face, and she replied, "It's nothing, really. I'm just a bit worried. You're setting out for Yi Mountain tomorrow. I had hoped to go with you, but you wouldn't allow it."
Chang Jingyun had already guessed her unease long ago. He quickly reassured her, "I didn't want you to come along because I didn't want you to endure the hardship. The journey is long and tiring. Besides, the Yi Mountain Sword Meet is unpredictable, and I can't guarantee there won't be unforeseen dangers. Knowing you are safe at Yufeng Manor will ease my mind."
Huacai Yi said, "It's precisely because I'm worried something unexpected might happen that I want to go with you."
Taking her hand and placing it against his chest, Chang Jingyun said, "You have nothing to fear. I have no interest in this Sword Meet. I'm merely going through the motions and will readily concede to others. Besides, if anyone intends to harm me, with my skills, it'll be no trouble for me to escape."
Looking out the window, Huacai Yi said, "Stop trying to deceive me. I know you have no interest in the competition for the famed sword, but this Yi Mountain Sword Meet is not merely about the sword. It's a battle to determine the ranking of martial arts sects in the Jianghu. Since Yufeng Manor has chosen to participate, we cannot afford to lose so easily. I understand that much."
Chang Jingyun was taken aback by Huacai Yi's astuteness. She was not a simple-minded woman like many others; he knew that none of his thoughts could escape her notice. Gazing at her with deep affection, he wished to say something, but hesitated multiple times, words faltering on his lips.
For a long while, they both stood in silent contemplation, staring out the window. After what seemed like half an hour, Huacai Yi finally broke the quiet, saying, "It's late, husband. You should get some rest."
"Cai Yi, I…"
"I understand. I'll be waiting for you at Yufeng Manor. Just promise me you'll return safely, alright?"
"Don't worry, you'll see a completely unharmed Chang Jingyun before you."