"Yes, I hope you are always happy and joyful."
Qingyao's eyes were like paintings, her smile like a spring breeze, and her voice like a yellow oriole. In the night, his heart, which had been devoid of emotion, trembled slightly. It seemed that some pain had moved far away from him; he too had things he loved and liked. Life had its joys amidst its sorrows.
All along, he had thought himself to be in sorrow, but one day, when joy came to him, he no longer harbored hatred.
"It's getting late, shall we go back? You have to practice the zither tomorrow, don't you?"
Qingyao paused for a moment, remembering that she would be leaving the valley the next day. She wondered if he would blame her or be angry with her, and a silent sigh escaped her lips.
Wuqing, I will return as soon as possible. This valley is beautiful. As soon as I avenge myself outside, I will come back.
"Alright," Qingyao leaped up from the ground and stood, walking over to push Wuqin back. Neither of them spoke along the way, but the surrounding atmosphere was pleasant and joyful.
The next day.
A scream echoed through the valley, followed by someone rushing into the young master's room and shouting loudly.
"Young Master, Young Master, they actually left."
Mingyue yelled out, furious, his face extremely unsightly, radiating hostility. That detestable woman, didn't she know the young master liked her? How heartbroken he would be!
As expected, the man in the room's face instantly turned icy, his dark pupils filled with malice. Following that, a cold aura emanated from him. With a wave of his pale hand, a crash echoed through the bedroom as many valuable items were shattered.
Mingyue was stunned. The young master had never thrown such a temper. Although he was cold and not talkative, he had always been reserved. Who knew that woman could affect him so deeply.
"Young Master?"
Mingyue uttered softly, looking at his livid master, unable to say a word.
Just then, Qingfeng entered carrying Xiao Yuer and glared at Mingyue. He knew the young master liked that woman, yet Mingyue spoke carelessly. Qingfeng quickly said, "Young Master, she left Xiao Yuer and Mao Xueqiu behind. This indicates they have gone out on business and will return soon."
As Qingfeng's words fell, Wuqing, whose expression had been grim, finally regained a sliver of composure. He looked up at Xiao Yuer and extended his hand. Qingfeng quickly handed Xiao Yuer to him, not daring to say anything more.
Holding Xiao Yuer, Wuqing finally felt a sense of relief. The taut string in his heart snapped. Since she had left the child here, it meant she would return.
It was enough as long as she returned.
He looked up again, his eyes clear and clean, devoid of any emotion. He cast a cold glance at Mingyue.
"Take good care of everything for Xiao Yuer until her mother returns."
"Ah, I'm to look after her?" Mingyue's eyes widened as he gazed at Xiao Yuer in the young master's arms. The child, only a few months old, was quiet and not fussy, exceptionally calm. The clear black and white large eyes seemed to hold a hint of mockery.
Mingyue felt provoked, suspecting he had misread. How could a few-month-old child look at him like that? Looking closer, he realized he was indeed mistaken and reluctantly took Xiao Yuer.
"Alright."
In truth, he was a hundred, no, a thousand percent unwilling.
But the young master's order was absolute, and he dared not disobey, especially after the outburst he had just witnessed. Furthermore, this was the young master's punishment for speaking carelessly without understanding the situation, causing him to fly into a rage.
"You may all leave."
Wuqing waved his hand, and Qingfeng and Mingyue withdrew.
The room was in disarray. A flicker of worry crossed his cold eyes. Why did Qingyao leave the valley? Where would she go? A flash of inspiration struck him. He thought of the last time he had saved her. Could it be that she was going to Qingluo Country for revenge?
Mu Qingyao, Mo Chou, and Mo You, taking advantage of everyone still being asleep, quietly left the valley.
The three of them disguised themselves as dashing young gentlemen, bought a fine carriage, and headed straight for Qingluo Country.
Yanmen Pass, the border of Qingluo Country, was bustling with people during the day.
The assassination attempt on the Crown Prince not long ago had concluded successfully. The people had settled down from their previous shock because Crown Prince Changsun Zhu had not died. On the contrary, not only had he survived, but he had also crippled half of Prince Yin's supporting forces. Changsun Yin was now much more compliant.
As soon as Qingyao entered Yanmen Pass, she heard these matters consecutively, a cold smile curling her lips.
So, Changsun Zhu hadn't been seriously injured that day. He had used her attempt to strike down Changsun Yin and profit himself. This man's schemes were truly formidable.
She had actually been moved by his sending Ying Feng to escort them out of the city. How laughable.
Changsun Zhu, when we meet again, we won't even be friends. A cold smile touched her lips.
After entering Yanmen Pass, the three of them traveled by carriage towards the capital of Qingluo Country, Fengfen City. This time, they were well-prepared, and there was nothing to fear. Their martial arts skills were no less than before, and there was nothing to be afraid of.
Three elegant young gentlemen, they attracted the affection of many maidens along the way. Even without ostentation, they drew attention. Moreover, they had nothing to fear and thus appeared composed.
Half a month later, the carriage entered Fengfen City.
Fengfen City was as bustling as before, crowded with people, and exceptionally lively. The shouts and calls of vendors continuously flooded in. Qingyao and the other two sat inside the carriage, lifting the curtain to gaze outside. Everything seemed unchanged, yet her Mei Xin had died here inexplicably.
Thinking of Mei Xin, the three of them felt a pang of sadness. She was such a young girl, her soul having flown to the nine springs.
Changsun Yin, I will not let you off.
Qingyao was enveloped in killing intent, her eyes icy. She glanced coldly outside, lowered the curtain, and instructed the coachman.
"Find the best inn."
"Yes, young master." The coachman was hired by them. Upon reaching Fengfen City, he would return to Huangyuan Country. They gave him the purchased carriage and some money, making him very happy.
The carriage traveled on the crowded streets. The coachman was skilled and had been to Fengfen City before, knowing which inns were good. Thus, he brought the three of them to the most famous inn in Fengfen City.
Willow Leaf Pavilion. It was rumored that the behind-the-scenes owner of this inn was a woman named Willow Leaf, hence the name of the inn.
A three-story building, antique and elegant, with carved beams and painted rafters.
The area in front of the gate was crowded with people and carriages, with thriving business. There were several waiters at the entrance, constantly coming and going, greeting customers with smiles.
Qingyao led Mo Chou and Mo You out of the carriage.
Mo Chou gave the coachman some money and instructed him to take the carriage away.
The coachman's face lit up with joy and he repeatedly expressed his thanks. He had never encountered such generous customers. It was as if a heavenly blessing had arrived. He had always wanted such a carriage to do business, but he lacked the funds. Now, after just one trip, he not only received a carriage but also some money. Even after walking a considerable distance, he still turned back, repeatedly thanking Qingyao and the others.