Chapter Nine: Rather Die Than Marry (Part One)

She turned around and looked at her mother with an annoyed expression, while Lady Chonghua gently adjusted her two bun hairstyles, her smile tinged with sorrow: "My Liangyu has been lazy, sleeping in the flower cup for five hundred years."

The New Year picture cried until it was exhausted, opened its eyes and wanted water to drink. Gulping down two cups, it choked again, coughing for a long time, with tears and mucus smearing the cool jade all over. The cool jade patted its round body, squeezing into its embrace while sobbing: "Although Grandma has forgotten everything, she has become very good, a good Grandma."

Before long, the outside became quiet. Liang Yu took the tea offered by Liang Xia, took a sip, and was astonished by its bitterness, casually setting it aside. She smiled at Fu Yue and said, "I thought you were a delicate person, but I didn't expect you to be so strong-willed."

Jian Qiu Nuo did not dare to speak, exchanging several glances with Ming Xia. Liang Yu discerned the situation and calmly coaxed, "It is too late now, Bo Yue should go back to sleep. Tomorrow morning, grandmother will bring that Qin Yuan here to deal with him, so that he will never dare to bully you again."

Since the passing of Madam Hou, Shen, all matters of food, clothing, and expenses in the household have been managed by the Xiao family. Liang Yu spends two to three hours daily on accounting, conveniently finding a good excuse to avoid the study.

In those few days, she had just woken up, and her entire being was on edge, becoming tense at the slightest sound or movement. When Yunqing bumped into her, Boyue's hand tightly grasped hers, the palm damp with cool sweat, leaving her at a loss.

Liang Yu was taken aback, opened her eyes, and put on the cotton and linen outer garment that had slipped off her body. Outside, she could hear Ming Xia's somewhat anxious voice: "Madam, the second young lady has arrived"

The newcomer was a tall and voluptuous woman, dressed in striking crimson riding attire, exuding both competence and allure. She appeared to be around twenty years old, with a slightly dark complexion, willow-leaf eyebrows, and almond-shaped eyes. When she spoke, her brows arched, radiating a sense of vigor. She affectionately smiled at Liang Yu and said, "The military training in Sha City was delayed for a few days, so please do not blame your granddaughter for arriving late."

Liang Yu almost spat out her tea. She even found herself somewhat fond of the Xiao family—Xiao's family had given their only son a straightforward and forceful name for his weapon, called "Halberd". The three granddaughters, with their delicate and intricate little loft, named it "Hundred Flowers Pavilion" after much contemplation, and managed to win the maids over, each one admiring them. Is there anyone more lovable than Old Lady Xiao?

The accounts are complicated, yet they are much simpler than manipulating the ten thick volumes of the time flower decree; it is just a bit tedious to calculate. Since leaving the flower realm, no one has called her to rise at dawn, and no one has reminded her through the door of her packed schedule, but... she can no longer sleep past dawn

The speaker was aware of their slip of the tongue, and their words came to an abrupt halt. Fu Yue bit her lip, tears streaming down even more fiercely, and she collapsed onto the ground.

Liang Yu gazes sideways, observing the autumn cuts.

Liang Yu felt somewhat puzzled. Just as she was about to ask, someone knocked on the door. Liang Yu glanced at the door and let out a long sigh: "Today is really lively"

Liang Yu couldn't help but laugh, and handed her a glass of water, asking: "It's so late, what made you think of coming here?" Nianhua took it and gulped it down, tilting her head and saying: "Grandma, I came to report a complaint, Qin Yuan is bullying me."

Jian Qiu gazed at her silhouette, his eyes reddening.

Liang Yu had not yet had the chance to respond when a faint roar of a man's anger came from the doorway of the side room: "Second son, look at the current situation, a wonderful marriage bestowed by heaven. Your father is overjoyed, yet you are still unwilling! What face do you have to be picky? Who in the capital doesn't know..."

Fuyue raised her head, her face marked with tears, her complexion ashen, yet her eyes shone with an obsessive brightness: "Fuyue knows she is unworthy, and would rather not marry."

Liang Yu nodded: "Since the third one loves to run around so much, it must be related to him."

Liang Yu felt somewhat uncomfortable. She remembered that she had seen the New Year paintings once this month.

As one grows up, bearing the weight of unspoken burdens, one becomes exceptionally lonely. Memories are an unhealable wound; when inadvertently touched, they burst forth with blood, causing a deep, lingering pain that makes one restless and uneasy

In the beginning, her mother held her hand as they walked above the nine heavens. She had two little buns in her hair, resembling the figures in today's New Year paintings. Wherever they went, the celestial maidens dressed in brocade had their hair elegantly styled, and they all greeted her with smiles. Occasionally, when she encountered unfamiliar immortals who found her amusing, they would squat down to tease her, saying, "Little fairy, who are you?"

The man naturally extended his arm, just enough to reach the waist-level of the New Year painting doll, and she turned her head back, smiling cheerfully as she waved at Liang Yu.

Liang Yu pulled the New Year painting doll away from her waist, looking left and right, utterly delighted, causing the doll's little face to flush with color. Ming Xia performed a greeting and, observing the situation, reminded her, "Madam, this is the Third Miss's moon dial."

She gazed into the distance, a wistful smile appearing, "It is time to leave."

The mother looked at her with a doting smile, and she shook off her mother's hand, curtsying awkwardly: "My father is the Lord of the Zitan Hall"

Liang Yu watched as Jin Dong's small mouth opened and closed, feeling an ominous premonition. Sure enough, she heard her crisp voice say: "The old lady said that our family's young ladies are different from others. Other families' young ladies prefer names that are all about flowers or jade, either with the radical for jade or the radical for woman, which is quite vulgar! Our three young ladies should be more assertive, using the radical for hand! Just look at them: Tuiyue, Fuyue, and Boyue, they are full of dynamism, how wonderful!" Other families' young ladies prefer names that are all about flowers or jade, either with the radical for jade or the radical for woman, which is quite vulgar! Our three young ladies should be more assertive, using the radical for hand! Just look at them: Tuiyue, Fuyue, and Boyue, they are full of dynamism, how wonderful!

The little face of the New Year painting suddenly drooped, tears welling up in the eyes, and in a childish voice, it complained: "Grandma forgot, really forgot!"

Liang Yu rose and pushed open the door, where Ming Xia stood with a face full of worry, and on the ground knelt Fu Yue, whose face was streaked with tears: "Grandmother—Fu Yue is willing to take care of you for a lifetime, I beg you to grant this request!"

There was a restrained sorrow in her eyes as she spoke softly: "For the first one hundred years of succession, one must adhere to one's duties and not overstep propriety; for the next two hundred years, one should be increasingly humble and cautious, and should not appear unless necessary; after three hundred years, one may act according to one's heart, but must listen to the opinions of others. Heed the teachings of Yu Lang, and in times of need... entrust it to the Phoenix Lord."

In the celestial realm's Purple Clarity Jade Pool, a swirling wisp of warm vapor rose. She was clad only in undergarments, soaking in the water, propped up on the edge of the pool, curiously gazing outward. Two maidservants, dressed in rosy garments and with their hair styled in high buns, stood nearby, whispering to each other. Liang Yu had exceptional hearing and could faintly catch their words: "... thus it is said, Lady Chonghua ... has returned to seclusion ..."

Mother exhausted all her cultivation and used forbidden techniques to save her life, and she was aware of it. However, she did not know that the day of parting would come so swiftly. She extended both hands tightly around her mother's waist, tears streaming down her face like beads, unable to utter a complete farewell. "Liangyu, from now on, be sure to listen to your mother, will you, will you, will you be able to return soon?"

Madam Chonghua sighed, took a silk handkerchief from the ebony tray by the poolside, and carefully wiped the tears from her small face: "Liangyu, you must remember what your mother said today"

She turned her head again to look at the Moonlight on the ground, as if she could not see the expression of despair and exhaustion on her face, and cheerfully said, "I have heard about the engagement of Third Sister; I truly believe it is a good match."

Her fingers gripped the edge of the pool, and she turned back anxiously to pout at her mother: "Mother, they are talking nonsense again, saying that you want to retreat from the world."

That man must be Qin Yuan

Liang Yu's hand was frozen in mid-air

Liang Yu had been at the Yinghou residence for ten days. During these ten days, she had been diligently extracting information, gradually piecing together the various relationships. In the evenings, after visiting Feng Jun at the Baihua Tower, she would drape herself in a garment and sit at the table, writing and drawing with a pen. She instructed the servants in the residence to prepare a study, locking the door and forbidding anyone from entering.

Liang Yu smiled gently and said, "Bo Yue is a good child, everyone likes him"

Liang Yu is committed to pleasing the New Year paintings, and immediately responds: "Of course."

Jian Qiudao: "Our third young lady had a difficult birth, enduring for a whole day and night before finally arriving... Although the third young lady is not as intelligent as others, she is a truly wonderful child. In the past, the old lady favored the third young lady the most."

The mother’s expression stiffened; for the first time, she did not coax her when she was being spoiled, but instead patted her on the head and explained in a serious manner: "Once your father passed away, the Zitan Hall was dispersed. Mother lost all her cultivation and had to retreat to Xuanyuan Forest to evade the heavenly punishment..."

Liang Yu almost supported her forehead all the way back to her residence

Liang Yu said: "Absurd, the guards are even bullying the young lady."

Jian Qiu hurriedly said: "Returning to the old lady, it is... it is the guard from the third young lady's residence"

The New Year painting stared at her with round eyes for a long time, then opened its mouth and cried out "woo woo woo".

Two hundred years, increasingly humble and cautious. After three hundred years, one can act from the heart

At night, one often dreams. The nights of the human world are not quiet; sometimes one can hear the long chirping of crickets outside the window, or the rustling of the wind through the grass and trees, as if one performance has ended and another is about to begin. It feels as though one has returned to childhood in the Chonglian Mountains, where everything is vibrant and full of life. However, at that time, her mother sheltered her like a mountain, making her unaware of what sorrow was, allowing her only to grow vigorously without questioning the path ahead

As soon as she entered the door, a small ball of fluff, no taller than her waist, rushed in like a whirlwind, skidding to a stop in front of her, wrapping its little hands around her waist: "Grandma, Grandma!"

The voice of the mother gradually faded away. She grew up willfully to the age of 550 under the protection of Yulang, Fengtong, and Siju, only to understand the meaning behind her mother's words then. It was amidst the bloodshed at the Star Inch Platform that she heard the proclamation below: "The Zitan Hall has fallen, and Lady Chonghua has returned to seclusion." With a shallow foundation and no support to rely on, she remained in such a perilous situation without being aware of it.

Finally, a tall and slender man approached. Dressed entirely in black, he furrowed his brow from a distance and called out softly, "Third Miss." His voice was low, with a cold tone, lacking any respect or flattery, almost resembling a stern reminder. Just moments ago, the one who had been aggressive and fierce instantly deflated like a punctured balloon, running to his side with her head down.

Never underestimate a child's self-esteem. Children aged seven or eight are aware of beauty; you cannot tell her that she is not beautiful

At that time, Xiao's precious grandson Yunqing was running wildly in the courtyard, followed by a small white whirlwind. The two of them passed through the front yard and went to the back yard. While running, Yunqing shouted desperately, "Silly Third Sister, can you please stop chasing me?" Upon seeing Liangyu approaching, his eyes instantly filled with tears, as if he had found a savior, and he rushed into Liangyu's arms, exclaiming, "Grandma, save me!"

She hesitated to speak, but could no longer say anything more

The girl's voice was somewhat hoarse, and tears fell as she spoke. On the usually gentle and quiet face of Fuyue, there was a look of weariness and unease, as if she were a fish thrown onto a chopping board, desperately thrashing and struggling.

Although the voice was soft, it allowed Jindong to hear everything clearly, and his eyes suddenly brightened: "Yes, yes, yes, the names of the three young ladies were all given by the old lady."

Bang bang bang

* * * *

Then the fairy who spoke to her would deliberately put on a surprised expression, saying, "Nonsense, how could the Zitan Hall have a daughter as young as you?" It has been over 500 years since the battle between the demons and fairies, and the Zitan Hall, adorned in a flowing crimson robe, has become a vague memory in people's hearts.

Bo Yue was very pleased, walking hand in hand with Ming Xia, swaying back and forth. The blue jacket embroidered with white threads was a bit long, trailing on the ground like a tail

Liang Yu rubbed her forehead and, feeling somewhat fatigued, asked: "This child..."

The little round face with bright eyes and snow-white skin is quite striking. Upon closer inspection, it turns out to be a little girl with two horn-like braids. Her cheeks are round and chubby, her body is plump, dressed in a bright red coat and a coral-colored skirt with gold embroidery. Over it, she wears a blue silk jacket embroidered with white butterflies, resembling...

Qin Yuan is the chief guard of the third young lady. Unlike other guards, he was sought by the prince from the martial world. He possesses exceptional martial skills, but has a rather stubborn temperament, often reprimanding the third young lady. However, in reality, he is more devoted to her than anyone else.

Liang Yu was pushed back a few steps. The little whirlwind, like a spinning top, came to a stop, with beads of glistening sweat all over its forehead, hair disheveled by the wind, cheeks flushed from the heat, and an expression akin to that of a puppy that has spotted a bone, full of excitement and panting heavily, approached her, grasped her hand tightly, and insisted on arm wrestling with her.

Liang Yu frowned and said to Qiu: "Go out and deliver a message to the Marquis, telling him that I just fell asleep and to stop making noise. It's giving me a headache."

Cutting through the autumn, breaking into laughter: "Indeed, the Third Miss comes to report a grievance every day, and by the next day, she has completely forgotten it, only to go and tug at Governor Qin's sleeve again"

Just like that fellow in the New Year painting holding a fathead fish

"Who said I forgot?" Liang Yu raised her face, "It's just that I couldn't remember for a moment, but now I remember, right?" The little chubby hand that was wiping away the tears of Bo Yue paused for a moment and looked over in confusion: "Really?" She scooted closer and asked in a vague manner, "Grandma still remembers that Bo Yue loves to eat walnut pastries and fried fresh milk, right?"

She pinched the chubby face of the New Year painting, which felt extremely good, soft and elastic. She couldn't help but sigh, as if she understood why Feng Jun always liked to pinch her face when they were children. Touching the face of the New Year painting, she sighed, "Your mother must have named you 'Bo Yue' because she thought you were incredibly cute, like a round little moon, making people unable to resist touching you..."

Liang Yu was deep in thought when she heard Jian Qiu awkwardly clear her throat and softly correct her: "Madam, the third young lady's name was not given by the lady, it was personally chosen by you..."

At last, one day, the mother went out. She quickly slipped out, picked all the fruits from the old tree spirit in one breath, and evenly scattered the carefully collected hundred or so caterpillars on the leaves, then clapped her hands and left with a flourish

Could it be that this round moon has made a mistake? Upon reflection, when she was around one hundred years old, she lived in seclusion with her mother on Chonglian Mountain. In the mountain, there was an old tree spirit, who took the form of a man in his seventies or eighties. Every time he saw her coming, he would hide behind other trees and laugh at her for being short, his spine shaking with laughter. In front of her mother, she was very well-behaved, always pretending not to see.