Chapter 10, Thoughts and Feelings

If that is the case, the young master will only live a life of sorrow, becoming a laughingstock for others I scoffed calmly, my smile filled with disdain

A slight tremor ran through my heart as I shielded Hao'er behind me. Hao'er, dissatisfied, pried my hand away and stubbornly stood in front of me.

He nodded and exclaimed, "In a few years, Hao'er will surely captivate the world."

According to our itinerary, we will arrive at Qingshui Village in two days" time he replied quietly

Eat slowly, no one is competing with you. I gently patted his head and comforted him

I am moved by his feelings, "Why didn't you express your true feelings to her at that time?"

You, the cloud wine girl, were furious and could not be restrained, yet there was nothing you could do about him, leaving you momentarily at a loss.

Why go to Qingshui Village

She truly is the Cloud Wine Maiden. Upon hearing this, her expression changed dramatically, and trembling, she asked: "What have you done to the wine girl?"

Young Master Wu Yong slightly raised his arm, signaling his subordinates to refrain from further words. Zhao Mu cast a glance at Qian Su and Mo Hen, and said in a clear voice: "Young Master Wu, with me here today, you shall not bully the orphan and widow."

However, her true thoughts remain unknown.

"If I did not know that Hao'er is a proper young man, I would certainly think that Hao'er is a girl," Zhao Mu chuckled, quite amused. "With such a delicate appearance and natural beauty, it seems that Hao'er's looks are inherited from you"

The heat wave surges, engulfing me

Zhao Mu's handsome eyes were dark and deep, exuding the allure of the night, captivating the heart. "Good! Now you may assist me with a matter, close your eyes."

The wild chicken roasted in Mo Hen's hands was ready, and he handed it to Zhao Mu, saying, "Young Master, please eat first"

Is it him

The blazing sun hangs high in the sky, the sunlight is scorching, and the earth is parched as if it is about to crack open

Absolutely impossible! Zhao Mu said emphatically, each word seeming to be squeezed out from between his teeth

The woman furrowed her brow, gripping the wound on her left arm, and gritted her teeth, saying: "Who are you? I don't care; this is a place for brewing, and I do not welcome you violent people."

As the words fell, I rose and departed

Three attendants, skilled in martial arts, were originally wandering swordsmen who later came under Zhao Mu's command. One is Qian Su, another is Mo Hen, and the last is Gao Zhi. As night fell and the stars began to appear, the three returned with game and wild fruits, then set up a bonfire and cleaned the game to roast over the fire. The aroma of the meat wafted through the air, making Hao Er salivate uncontrollably as he kept swallowing his saliva

Upon arriving at Qingshui Village, the afterglow spread across the western sky, resembling a brilliant silk curtain cascading across the horizon, presenting a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

A man dressed in green emerged behind her, his figure slender and tall like bamboo, with a faintly gloomy expression between his brows

I believe that after the matter of seeking the sword is concluded, the young master should make a decision

The surface of the river is adorned with captivating silvery light, resembling scattered silver.

Leaving Handan City, a group of us rode south, with our destination being Qingshui Village

I have my doubts

As night falls, the evening breeze in the wilderness is quite cool

Young Master Wu Yong has actually survived! How did he manage to escape the pursuit of the coalition forces of the Three Kingdoms? He has come here, presumably to obtain the jade disc and seize the Heavenly Sword, and then to plot the grand scheme of restoring his country

Young Master Wu Yong smiled and asked, "May I inquire your esteemed surname and given name?"

It turns out that this affection was merely his unrequited love, and that woman was indeed completely unaware. When she learns of the infatuation of the world's foremost young master, Zhao Mu, will she be moved? Will she sigh in regret?

Do you really want to know

It is him

Deeply astonished, I did not know how he wanted me to help him. However, seeing the cold smile that appeared at the corner of his mouth, I steeled my heart and closed my eyes

This place is a wild area, where a small river flows gently, its waters a clear and vibrant green. The banks are dotted with pebbles of various sizes, and further up lies a lush, soft grassy field, quite comfortable to walk on barefoot. Not far away is a forest that stretches for several miles, and beyond that are mountains shrouded in mist, with peaks rising in layers.

I ask again: "According to this, are the three jade discs in Qing Shui Village?"

This man is truly not just ordinarily arrogant, I cast a sidelong glance and smile lightly, gently parting my lips, "Compared to you, I fear that Hao'er possesses a more feminine charm in her appearance."

It turns out that what he referred to as asking for help was precisely this: to find a substitute to alleviate his longing. However, although both his beloved and I are women, we are entirely different; even if I close my eyes, it is impossible to feel the same. If he casually finds a substitute and pours all his myriad feelings into me, can the deep affection he has held onto for many years truly be etched in his heart? Can it truly be unshakable? If he casually finds a substitute and pours all his myriad feelings into me, can the deep affection he has held onto for many years truly be etched in his heart? Can it truly be unshakable?

Zhao Mu's demeanor was unrestrained and unconventional, and with a cold and disdainful smile, he said, "Since you want to help me, this is the best way to do so."

Before long, a faint sound of footsteps approached from behind, and I knew who it was, yet I did not turn back

Young Master Wu Yong took a few steps forward, squinting his cunning eyes, "Since you enjoy showing off, I shall accommodate you. If you can defeat me, I will leave this place."

Zhao Mu was intoxicated, kissing passionately with a gentleness akin to the wind. Seeing that I had my lips tightly closed, he teased my lip line with his tongue, lingering slowly. Following that, his lips moved to my nose tip, then further up, gently kissing my brow and eyelids, tender and affectionate—indeed, I could feel his tenderness and emotion.

Perhaps Young Master Wu Yong did not expect his identity to be revealed by someone, and his expression turned cold. His subordinate angrily shouted: "Who are you? How dare you meddle in our young master's affairs!"

How many more days until we reach Qingshui Village? I quickly asked, trying to divert his attention.

He gave a cold smile, "She comes from a humble background, and I know my father would definitely disapprove. After hesitating for a few days, by the time I came to terms with it, everything had already changed. Moreover, the Zhao Mu of that year is not the same as today; now, whatever I desire, my father will grant me. If I had truly petitioned my father back then, I believe he would not have agreed to my marrying her."

Having eaten and drunk to their satisfaction, Zhao Mu and three attendants went down to the river to wash their faces and feet. I simply wiped Hao'er, removing the sweat and dirt accumulated over the past few days. After that, the group lay down on the grass to rest, using the sky as a blanket and the ground as a mat, which was quite pleasant

While lost in thought, an ordinary-looking woman walked out of the bamboo cottage, her expression cold, with a sword wound on her left arm. Who is this woman? Could she be the owner of the Yun family’s wine pool?

Amidst the clashing of weapons, a loud whistle suddenly pierced the air, causing the men in black to retract their moves and retreat, ultimately vanishing from our sight

"This little bird is ready to eat, you try it first." Qian Su laughed heartily as she looked at Hao Er, handing the bird in her hand to him

Feeling compassion, I am inclined to offer comfort, "Young master, are you thinking of that woman again?"

He nodded gently, but suddenly his expression became serious, "Finding all the jade discs is by no means an easy task"

Zhao Mu's gaze sharpened, "Gathering three jade discs means that half the success in seeking the sword is achieved"

For the next two days, I will not pay any attention to Zhao Mu, and he will not pay any attention to me, not saying a single word

I have always been open and upright, which is worlds apart from someone like you, a petty person Zhao Mu replied with a faint smile

Hao'er murmured softly, "Mother, is that not Young Master Yong?"

Decide? Zhao Mu smiled coldly, gazing at the river where the shadows shifted under the night sky, her eyes deep and profound. "She is already married; even if I have a decision, I cannot change anything."

Zhao Mu clearly heard Hao Er's words, yet remained indifferent

The two individuals gazed silently at each other, their eyes motionless, yet a palpable aura of murderous intent surged forth.

Zhao Mu gazed at me, her eyes resembling the turbulent currents beneath an icy lake, exuding a chilling aura

I sigh lightly within my heart, for the world's most renowned young master is actually troubled by love, burdened by melancholy for a woman. Over the years, he must have been very unhappy, enduring a loneliness and heartache that others can hardly imagine

On this trip with him, in order to avoid attracting attention and to conceal our identities, I disguised myself as a man, while Hao'er dressed as a young lady, calling me "father." On the day of our departure, when Zhao Mu and his three attendants saw Hao'er, the astonished look on their faces is still fresh in my memory

"Do you really want to help me?" He leaned slightly closer to me

It is better not to discuss this matter; I believe that when the time comes, there will always be a solution.

At this moment, it is filled with killing and bloodshed. The glint of blades and the shadows of swords are fierce, with both sides suffering casualties, unable to determine a victor for the time being. Are they also here for the jade bi? Who is the master? And what about the owner of the wine pool?

What orders do you have, my lord? I will do my utmost.

I am determined to awaken him, so I said: "Young master, you hold a high position and wield great power, being a pillar of the court. With your literary and martial prowess, and your exceptional wisdom, the fate of the Zhao state rests upon your shoulders. How can you allow yourself to be troubled by matters of the heart? Furthermore, that woman is already someone else's wife. You may choose not to marry, but you must strategize for the family and the nation. If you indulge in self-pity and sorrow, it would only reveal your narrow-mindedness and complacency. Such a person, who is regarded as the foremost young master of this era, cannot be the Zhao Mu whom I respect."

So swift! So strange!

Hao'er seems to have fallen asleep, her breathing becoming gradually deeper. I quietly rise, walk to the riverbank, and sit on a relatively dry patch of grass, listening intently to the crisp sound of the flowing river.

He suddenly seemed to come to his senses, a lost smile adorning his cheeks, "Nothing can escape your keen eyes."

My gaze remains fixed on the shimmering river, "A night's rest should suffice to resolve the matter"

Overwhelmed with anger, I truly wanted to slap him across the face, but then I thought, if I really did that, I would be falling right into his trap—he must have done this out of disdain for my previous remarks, deliberately humiliating me to dissuade me from the thought of helping him resolve his inner turmoil

Zhao Mu cast a suspicious glance at me, clearly perplexed by my actions

His gentle expression was as enchanting as flowers in the shifting light and shadows. Later, I saw her two or three more times. When I intended to petition my father, the king, to take her as my wife, I learned that she was to be married off to another place... Everything was already too late...

A surge of anger rose within me, and I pushed him away in frustration. He leaned back, using his arms to brace himself against the ground to avoid falling.

It was both out of embarrassment and anger, and also because I did not know how to face him. In such circumstances, perhaps this was what he wanted; he did not want me to mention that woman in front of him again or to persuade him any further

Zhao Mu's description is deeply affectionate, and his low voice is particularly captivating in the tranquil night

Inquiring with the villagers about the direction of the Yun family's wine pool, as we approached the eastern side of Qing Shui Village, we suddenly heard faint sounds of fighting. We immediately rushed over, only to find two groups of people fiercely engaged in combat, with more than ten individuals dressed in black and more than ten in blue.

During the three-day journey, Zhao Mu, the young gentleman in white who is usually refreshing and tidy, appeared to have gained an air of dishevelment. Dressed in a light white robe that draped over his body, with the collar slightly open and a hint of his chest exposed, he sat with one leg raised, exuding a carefree and unrestrained demeanor. Unintentionally, my gaze fell upon the skin of his chest, and my heart raced; I quickly averted my eyes. However, from the corner of my vision, I caught a glimpse of a trace of self-satisfied amusement in his brows, which made me feel both angry and annoyed.

With bright black eyes, he gazed at the sky, "To seek the Heavenly Sword, one must first gather the three jade discs."

Why did you suddenly stop speaking? Are you wary of me? I wanted to ask a bit more, but I was concerned that he might detect a flaw, so I remained silent.

His nimble and fervent lips conjured a terrifying whirlwind, leaving me feeling dizzy and unable to support myself

I was utterly shocked; how could he know such secrets? I could only suppress my astonishment and, in a state of confusion, asked: "Is it possible that the jade disc is the key item for finding the Heavenly Sword?"

Zhao Mu walked three steps forward, smiling calmly and said: "Refreshing!"

"Take your time to consider, but I do not have much patience," Master Wu Yong threatened.

The feeling of suffocation has disappeared, and I am slightly awake. Zhao Mu's kiss remains close, yet it is no longer as tempestuous as before. However, there is a cool and thin smile at the corner of his eyes, which abruptly severs the faintly trembling strings of my heart.

In my surprise, I realized that I had said something inappropriate, stirring up his painful memories. However, since the one he loves is already married, why does he still linger on? He clearly knows that there will be no outcome, so why does he continue to wait in anguish? Is he willing to suffer for love throughout his life?

I have never experienced such a shocking kiss, yet I am merely a substitute to alleviate his longing. How could he do this?

The cool touch of his lips met mine, and at the same time, an arm wrapped around me... My heart trembled, and I immediately opened my eyes to find myself embraced by Zhao Mu, who was kissing me wantonly, entangled in a passionate embrace. I tried to dodge left and right, my arms pressed against his chest, pushing him away with all my strength, but he remained as unyielding as a fortress, instead using his right hand to grip the back of my head, kissing me even more fiercely.

"A young man possesses such beauty, perhaps it is a sign of misfortune." I sighed.

Qian Su laughed and said, "We simply do not know our place; what can you do to us? Dismember us into eight pieces or execute us by five horses tearing apart?"

Thank you. Haoer happily took it, grinning foolishly, and without hesitation began to nibble on it, "It smells so good..."

Such a piercing gaze sent a chill to my heart and courage

"Your daughter is already on the brink of death, so why do you care about her life or death?" Young Master Wu said leisurely, "However, if you do not hand over the jade bi, your daughter will die a terrible death."

I lowered my head in guilt, pulling Hao'er to step back gradually, hiding behind Zhao Mu, hoping that the gaze of the man in the green attire would not shift in this direction

Zhao Mu Yi remained silent, allowing the night wind to tousle his hair, lift his wide sleeves, and crease his brows. I glanced at him and noticed a change in his expression, with traces of sorrow accumulating at the corners of his eyes and brows, and an indescribable loneliness lurking deep within his gaze

His hot breath sprayed on my face, burning me intensely. In such close proximity, I unknowingly felt myself igniting, my cheeks flushed and my breath unsteady. Suddenly, a pain shot through my jaw; it turned out that his hand, which had been gripping the back of my head, had shifted to seize my jaw instead, forcing my mouth open. His tongue slipped in, as if commanding a vast army, conquering and overwhelming everything in its path.

Zhao Muqing smiled lightly and retorted, "According to your reasoning, am I also destined for a life of misfortune?"

Zhao Mu smiled lightly, "What worth is a humble name? If Young Master Wu wishes for me to cease my involvement, he must first win my heart and convince me with his words."

"Master Wu, how could you stoop to bullying an orphan and a widow?" Zhao Mu finally spoke, his voice clear and filled with disdain

"You stand out only for the sake of the jade disc; you and I are fundamentally no different. Why pretend to be a good person in such a hypocritical manner?" Master Wu Yong said with a cold sneer.

I moved my gaze and said: "Forgetting a person is very difficult. I do not wish for you to forget her, but rather to remind yourself from time to time: the one you long for is gone, and no matter how much you cling to it, it is merely an illusion. Given time, you will surely be able to forget her. Furthermore, if you are able to marry, I believe this feeling will fade even more quickly."

The trees tower majestically, the shallow grass conceals the feet, in the distance, the smoke from cooking rises gently, and the clear stream flows softly. The scenery is beautiful, serene and tranquil. By the stream, several bamboo cottages are nestled, shaded by the trees, truly a perfect hidden retreat.

Why did the Men in Black disappear on their own? I turned my gaze to Zhao Mu, but saw him calmly observing everything, with no discernible change on his face

Such a sun makes one feel utterly exhausted, especially for Hao'er, whose mind is clouded and strength is depleted

Then the subordinate arrogantly said: "There are many injustices in the world, can you manage all of them? Those who are wise should leave quickly, otherwise, do not blame us for being rude."

Zhao Muhan smiled as she handed over the chicken leg to me. I took a light bite, savoring the flavor that lingered on my palate; it was quite delicious

I remain silent, secretly sighing within. Although this move is perilous, I have no choice but to proceed for the sake of safety. As long as I disguise it well, Hao'er’s secret will not reveal any flaws. Even if Zhao Mu finds Hao'er astonishing, he should not harbor any suspicions.

Although it is self-inflicted humiliation, I do not wish to be looked down upon by him. With this in mind, I no longer struggle, allowing him to act recklessly, while I merely observe his expression with my eyes wide open

He appeared pensive, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "The first time I saw her was in the flower garden of the palace. She walked alone, slowly approaching from the other side of the lake, her beauty striking, yet there was a subtle sadness between her delicate brows. I remember she was wearing a pure white cicada robe, enveloping her like a wisp of light smoke, the hem of her dress gracefully trailing over the grass, resembling a white mist drifting by, so beautiful, so beautiful... At that time, I did not know who she was, I only felt she was radiant yet sorrowful, as beautiful as light smoke, ready to disperse with a gust of wind." I remember she was wearing a pure white cicada robe, enveloping her like a wisp of light smoke, the hem of her dress gracefully trailing over the grass, resembling a white mist drifting by, so beautiful, so beautiful... At that time, I did not know who she was, I only felt she was radiant yet sorrowful, as beautiful as light smoke, ready to disperse with a gust of wind.

Hao'er and I sat in the carriage, while three attendants rode on horseback. Zhao Mu alternated between riding and resting in the carriage. Although Hao'er did not know the purpose of this outing, he was full of enthusiasm for the scenery along the way, becoming quite familiar with Zhao Mu, and they played joyfully together, with continuous laughter and cheerful voices.

Young Master Wu Yong sneered and said: "Yun Jiuniang, are you not afraid of death? Does your daughter not fear death either?"

Qian Su, Mo Hen, and Gao Zhi initially intended to step forward, but were stopped by Zhao Mu, who advised them to assess the situation first before proceeding

After a long while, he suddenly clapped his hands and chuckled softly, "Indeed, Mei Xi is truly unique, but do you think a few words can make me forget her?"

After traveling for three days, Zhao Mu decided to stop and rest well for the night at dusk on this day

I solemnly nodded to him, "You mentioned that there are already leads in the search for the Heavenly Sword. If there is nothing inappropriate, could you please share it with me, young master?"

He sat down beside me, his words gentle, "Hao'er is exhausted and sleeping very soundly"

Why?

Mo Hen let out a cold laugh and said, "We take care of all the injustices in the world."

I glared at him with a frown, "You have gone too far!"