Chapter 004: Elopement
Ling Yun's movements were serious yet cautious. After spending approximately two hours, he finally managed to pry open a hole in the floor that would allow him to escape. He placed several disassembled wooden planks and a pillow into the quilt, disguising himself as if he were soundly asleep. After surveying the room one last time and confirming that everything appeared normal, he lifted the curtain, crawled into the hole created by the wooden planks, and finally covered the opening with a mat. With a hint of nervousness, he tensed his body, trying to minimize the splash and sound when he fell into the water.
The elderly Dr. Qian from Gaojiazhuang, whose hair and beard are as white as snow, has already informed us of his injuries. His fainting was not due to immersion in water or exposure to the wind, but rather an attack that resulted in wounds from swords and knives. Moreover, the injuries are quite severe, with a total of five arrow wounds and two knife wounds on his body. Had it not been for his robust physique and timely medical attention, the consequences would have been unimaginable
Gao Qianxue's body trembled slightly, and the silver dagger in her hand unknowingly fell to the ground, as if she was still somewhat taken aback.
She smiled gently, "You are overthinking it. The person who harmed you used standard military swords and knives, but that does not necessarily mean that the court is pursuing you. Otherwise, your wanted notice would have been posted all over Jiangdong long ago."
Before inexplicably arriving in this era, he had a life he cherished. Although not from a wealthy family, it was warm and happy, with both parents alive and a girlfriend he had been in love with since university. Their new home was about to be furnished, and with the wedding date approaching, he was on the verge of stepping into the hall of happiness.
"Can one truly see the moon when the clouds part? Yet, while the fallen flowers have their intentions, the flowing water is indifferent, and ultimately, they will still be swept away by the rain and wind!" There was a hint of desolation in her voice
Absurd, it is too absurd
The water in the pond on a late spring night is quite cool, yet it cannot deter Lingyun, who is determined to leave.
He is now faced with a dilemma: if he stays, he will be forced to marry into the Gao family and become a son-in-law to that albino beauty, and if things go poorly, he might even have to change his surname to Gao. Based on his understanding of the status of son-in-laws in this era, this life of dependency would be quite unpleasant, and he is likely to live a very submissive life in the future. Alternatively, he could find a way to escape from here, but although he has inherited this body from the Sui Dynasty, he has no memories of it. Apart from a jade pendant inscribed with the characters 'Yi Feng', he knows nothing else. Who is he? Is Yi Feng his name? The most critical issue is who has harmed him; if he goes out now, will he be walking into a trap?
"But you also said that those people are very dangerous. If I stay, I might implicate you all." Ling Yun felt very grateful for Gao Qianxue's help to him; no matter what, he should express his gratitude.
She raised her head to look at him, "Young Master Yi." Her tone was solemn yet ethereal, "The moonlight is beautiful tonight, isn't it"
Gao Qianxue's silver brows furrowed slightly, "I heard Uncle Qian say that Young Master Yi has forgotten who he is? I wonder if he has remembered anything now?"
However, when he cautiously walked along the pool for quite a while and finally reached the shore, he saw Gao Qianxue under the willow tree by the bank. She was quietly sitting on a stone bench beneath the willow tree, her hair, resembling silver threads, was loosely tied in a ponytail and draped over her shoulders. She was engrossed in playing a game of chess alone on the stone table with her delicate hands, which were as slender as green onions and as beautiful as jade. Although it was supposed to be a cloudy night with no moon, at that moment, a bright full moon broke through the dark clouds and quietly revealed itself. "Miss Gao!"
The pool is not deep, reaching only to his chest
"To be honest, on the day I met you, I did not fall into the water by accident." After saying this, he pressed the dagger against his heart, "The most painful thing in the world is not losing, but when you think you have gained something, only to lose it again. Young Master Yi, why did you save me that day, only to give me hope, and now cruelly take that hope away? If that is the case, Young Master, let us meet again in the next life." Young Master Yi, why did you save me that day, only to give me hope, and now cruelly take that hope away? If that is the case, Young Master, let us meet again in the next life."
I am willing! However, Ling Yun is unwilling to gamble, nor does he wish to take the risk. Moreover, upon reflection, he is indeed caught in a predicament from which he cannot advance or retreat. Considering that his wounds have not yet healed and that there are numerous crises outside, perhaps staying would be a better option.
He waited until the sky was completely dark, estimating that it was already past 10 PM. After taking a nap to restore his energy, Ling Yun immediately opened his eyes. He quietly got up and stealthily approached the door and window, carefully listening to the sounds outside. After confirming that the guards were all dozing off in the small pavilion outside the house, he contentedly walked to a corner that he had previously selected.
Tian Yun is truly experiencing a severe headache now
Having inexplicably traveled through time is already absurd enough. Yet, to encounter such a significant crisis upon arrival is even more bewildering. Even though he possesses a modern soul, he is acutely aware that his identity in the Sui Dynasty poses considerable trouble, indeed a great deal of trouble
The injury sustained by the young master is quite severe. According to Uncle Qian, judging by the wounds inflicted by the blade, it does not appear that the young master encountered mountain bandits seeking to rob him of his wealth; rather, it seems more likely that the injuries were caused by the swords of soldiers in the military. Gao Qianxue said this while holding a translucent white chess piece between her right hand's index and middle fingers, which emitted a dim glow in the darkness. "I believe it would be very dangerous for the young master to leave Gao Family Village at this time"
Gao Qianxue shook her head and said: "I am very clear about what I am doing. I am in my twenties, and I have actually reached the age for discussing marriage. However, I have not yet encountered a suitable and ideal husband. When I met you that day, I felt that you are the person destined for me. That encounter, I believe, was fate, it was destiny. I can sincerely tell you that this decision was made after careful consideration."
Ling Yun let out a bitter smile, ultimately finding himself back on this topic. He simply could not understand why Gao Qianxue was so infatuated with him. Given her status, even as a mere small landowner, she could surely find a suitable husband.
He smiled bitterly, wondering how he had not noticed her sitting here just now. However, he would never believe that at such an hour of the night, Gao Qianxue would actually come here alone to admire the moon. At this moment, she sat here by herself, without even a maid or servant by her side, not even a single lamp. "It is indeed beautiful; just a moment ago, the sky was filled with dark clouds, and now the bright moon hangs high. This moon does not disappoint Miss Gao's expectations; it has finally revealed itself after the clouds have parted." Ling Yun supported himself on the edge of the pond and leaped out of the water, then simply sat by the pond, turning his back to Gao Qianxue to wash the mud off his feet. He could feel that pair of eyes staring at him, but he tried his best to avoid her gaze.
Who exactly is this Yifeng, and who wants to kill him? Is it a case of encountering bandits who rob and kill, or is it a matter of vendetta and enmity in the martial world?
Moreover, in Gaojia Village, there is an air of strange and eerie occurrences everywhere, and they are persistently pressuring him to marry into their family
Ling Yun has never liked this feeling of being out of control
He took a deep breath and ultimately made up his mind; rather than facing the unknown fears and dangers outside, it was better to stay. At the very least, Gao Qianxue was also a silver-haired beauty. Well, after crossing into the Great Sui, he might as well start by living off a woman. In any case, at least he didn't have to marry into the family now, becoming a son-in-law, which could be considered a significant improvement.
This is a room shrouded in the dark and dampness of March, quietly situated in a corner of a secluded wooden manor. It is evident that this appears to be a tranquil and independent guest residence. What is most alarming is that this serene guesthouse is actually built in the midst of a wide pool located at the corner of the estate, connected to the shore by only a small corridor. The cottage is completely exposed, without any cover, laid bare to the open view, while the servants in the small pavilion outside vigilantly keep watch over it. If it were summer, the pool would be adorned with lush lotus leaves reaching the sky, and the blooming lotus flowers would make this a delightful place to enjoy the breeze and admire the flowers. However, at this moment, it resembles a prison cell, exuding a profound silence and oppressive darkness, and within it, he is nothing less than a prisoner.
A tightly twisted melon is not sweet
The matter of entering the family through marriage is indeed somewhat unreasonable. Gao Qianxue nodded slightly and said, "Then there is no need to enter the family through marriage."
These words were spoken boldly and passionately, yet Ling Yun remained half-convinced.
Bang! In the silent night, the sound of splashing water suddenly broke the stillness. Ling Yun stood motionless in the water, waiting for about five minutes. When he heard the creaking footsteps on the wooden boards above and the murmurs of the guards and servants coming and going, he confirmed that although the guards had gotten up to check, they had been deceived by the disguise he had prepared in advance using wooden boards and pillows. Only then did he let out a sigh of relief
Stay, do not stay, do not stay, stay
"When soldiers come, we will block them; when water comes, we will let the earth flood it." A smile that was not overly concerned appeared at the corner of her mouth as she picked up a chess piece from the box. "Young master, as long as you can promise me one thing, the Gao family village will help you regain your identity and assist you in dealing with those who are pursuing you"
"An arm cannot outmuscle a thigh, who can stand against the court?" He turned back, gazing at the pond under the white moonlight, where shadows faintly emerged nearby. In the eighteenth year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty, the prestige of the Sui reached its peak, even the once powerful Turkic Khaganate had already split into two. Under the Sui Dynasty's strategy of uniting the weak and separating the strong, and its military offensive tactics, the various factions had been embroiled in conflict for over a decade. Last year, a faction of the Eastern Turkic tribes was defeated and submitted to the Sui. How could the small Gaojia Village withstand such a colossal force? In the eighteenth year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty, the prestige of the Sui reached its peak, even the once powerful Turkic Khaganate had already split into two. Under the Sui Dynasty's strategy of uniting the weak and separating the strong, and its military offensive tactics, the various factions had been embroiled in conflict for over a decade. Last year, a faction of the Eastern Turkic tribes was defeated and submitted to the Sui. How could the small Gaojia Village withstand such a colossal force?
The room is situated in the center of the pool, with both the door and windows sealed, and there are servants guarding outside. The only wooden path leading to the shore is tightly secured. After careful observation, Ling Yun ultimately abandoned the idea of escaping from the front. However, what pleased Ling Yun was that this was a wooden house built on water, entirely made of wood. Although he could not sprout wings and fly away, he could try to leave from below. What pleased Ling Yun was that this was a wooden house built on water, entirely made of wood. Although he could not sprout wings and fly away, he could try to leave from below
But he knew that if he decided to leave, tonight would be his last opportunity. Once dawn broke tomorrow, he would no longer be able to leave, and by tomorrow evening, he would be taken into the hall to marry a woman he had only met once and exchanged a few words with.
It is possible to deploy military weapons, and it is certainly not simple to find even a trace of them. This point is very clear to Ling Yun
To leave or to stay
"If that is the case, my staying here may also bring danger to the Gao family and Miss Gao." Ling Yun believed Gao Qianxue's words, which made him feel uneasy. If those who wanted to kill him were officials, then his situation would indeed be dire. He turned to look at her as she placed her pieces on the board; the situation on the board was subtle, and it was a good game. Ling Yun did not particularly like Go, but before he entered university, he had studied it for many years. In fact, when he was in elementary school, becoming a Go player had once been his dream. He had played so much during his youth that after entering university, he rarely touched Go again; however, his skill in the game was still quite good.
Yet he suddenly found himself here, in a place that was entirely different over a thousand years ago. Although he had been unconscious for several days upon arrival and had just awakened, he was restless and unwilling to stay even a minute longer. There were no computers, no mobile phones, no internet, and no television. He did not even know his new identity, apart from the fact that it was the eighteenth year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty. A new body, a body that had forgotten its memories. If it were only this, it would not be enough to make him so uneasy.
I can't help but curse under my breath, unable to resist the urge to howl at the sky, wondering why I always seem to encounter such situations
Crying, throwing a tantrum, and threatening to hang oneself are a woman's trump cards. He never expected that even someone as ethereal as Gao Qianxue, who seemed untouched by the mundane world, would be somewhat different, yet in the end, it turned out to be the same. He could not discern whether her actions were a performance or genuine, after all, he had indeed rescued her from the river just a few days ago. Now, after repeatedly rejecting her marriage proposals, she became infuriated and desperate when he did not yield to her. Although reason told him that this was likely just a tactic employed by this fairy-like woman to force his compliance. Now, after repeatedly rejecting her marriage proposals, she became infuriated and desperate when he did not yield to her. Although reason told him that this was likely just a tactic employed by this fairy-like woman to force his compliance.
Just as he was about to refuse again, Gao Qianxue suddenly dropped the chess piece in her hand and, without knowing where she had pulled it from, produced a gleaming silver dagger.
Marriage has always been a matter of parental arrangement and the words of matchmakers. Now that I have lost my memory, how can I recklessly seek a marriage outside? Moreover, I have only met the young lady a few times; to discuss marriage under such circumstances would be rather frivolous
I have already sent someone to investigate your identity. However, the situation is not going smoothly; up to now, we have been unable to find any information about Yi Feng or even a hint about Ban Yu Lingyun. There have been no leads from the surrounding states of Yang, He, Jiang, Chang, Wu, and Hao. I sigh and say: I plan to expand the scope of our investigation further, to places like Hang, Yue, Xu, and Si. There is also something else I need to tell you. After returning from the riverside that day, I sent someone to check the nearby areas, but nothing was discovered. The person who harmed you has a significant background and is well hidden. It is indeed too dangerous for you to leave at this time, especially since you have forgotten your past memories. Where will you go? It would be better to stay.
No? Ling Yun shook his head. He also hoped that the original memories of this body would suddenly surge in his mind. If that were the case, it would be of great help to him, at least he would know his identity in this era, where his home is, who his family members are, who his parents, siblings, and relatives are. Most importantly, if he had memories, he would know exactly who had hurt him. Unfortunately, up to now, he has not gained any of these memories. However, what still gives him a glimmer of hope is that he can speak this slightly accented Sui Dynasty official language from Henan, which indicates that he has not completely lost his original memories. If that were the case, it would be of great help to him, at least he would know his identity in this era, where his home is, who his family members are, who his parents, siblings, and relatives are. Most importantly, if he had memories, he would know exactly who had hurt him. Unfortunately, up to now, he has not gained any of these memories. However, what still gives him a glimmer of hope is that he can speak this slightly accented Sui Dynasty official language from Henan, which indicates that he has not completely lost his original memories. Perhaps one day, he will remember who he is, but that could be tomorrow, or it could be that he never remembers at all.
If I were to be adopted into the Gao family, it would indeed be somewhat difficult for me to comply. He explained: It is not that I am dissatisfied with Miss Gao; being able to marry into such a family is a blessing. However, as a dignified man, how could I possibly be adopted into a woman's family
A beautiful woman cried out, demanding to marry him, yet Ling Yun still intended to refuse. This was not due to his delicate nature; rather, he had always believed that there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world, and that pies do not fall from the sky. Therefore, he approached this matter with a certain degree of caution in his heart
Gao Qianxue sensed the change in his expression, "You need not worry about these matters, the Gao family village is not afraid."
Lingyun breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, but unexpectedly she immediately added: "If the young master marries, then I shall marry as well, and that would solve the problem."
This is a difficult choice. Ling Yun struggled and hesitated for a long time in his heart, but ultimately decided to leave. Perhaps the outside world is dangerous, but staying is not necessarily a good choice either. He does not have a strong aversion to Gao Qianxue, but he cannot casually marry a stranger. Moreover, this Gao family village appears to be quite unusual in every aspect.
The floor of the room is laid with pine boards, and the small cabin is actually built on water like a stilt house. Beneath Lingyun's feet, lifting the thick straw mat resembling tatami reveals only a layer of pine boards underneath. As long as he can find a way to lift one or two of the boards, he can escape from the small house underwater. The pine boards are nailed down very securely, but this does not pose a challenge for Lingyun. He has a small knife, which was sent along with the dinner as a meat-cutting knife. Although the roasted lamb for dinner was not seasoned with cumin and had a strong gamey taste, he hardly touched it. However, he had kept that meat-cutting knife well, and it is now his tool for escape.