Chapter 3: Parting Ways and Yearning

As soon as he stepped out of the door, Liu Zhuiyi encountered Bian Zhen'er, who was approaching him.

Seventeen-year-old Mingyang always hides his face under the candlelight, shyly saying: "Benefactor... the benefactor is quite handsome"

Liu Zhuiyi felt a warm sensation in his heart as he listened, but he still told the old man about their intention to head north together.

Yun Yao pretended to be deep in thought and said: "But Liu Er said that stopping him would lead to a bad end, she didn't say that we can't go find him, right?"

Mingyang's face turned even redder, and he said: "It looks good... the best looking."

From this point onward, they became master and apprentice

"I didn't mean to, I was just curious, and it accidentally... accidentally broke." Liu Zhuiyi's voice grew softer as she spoke, and when she looked up, she saw the anger slowly clouding the eyes of Bian Zhen'er, causing her to instinctively hide behind Yun Yao.

Later, the father and the abbot of Mount Wutai learned of this matter. One intended to invite her back and lock her in her chamber, preparing to marry off this woman who had brought disgrace to the family. The other was whipped by the abbot for a day and a night and was thrown into the woodshed, where he had to carry water up from the foot of Mount Wutai every day

After Master finished speaking, he collapsed into Bian Zhen'er’s embrace

Bian Zhen'er sat down beside Liu Zhuiyi and said: "Little monk... little monk has come to apologize to Miss Liu."

Inviting again to inquire

Then you should come with us on the road Liu Zhuiyi straightened up slightly turned around and reached out her hand towards Xun Yan Xun Yan looked at her in confusion blinking her eyes

"Peh, are you now so glib?" A voice of discontent murmured from the crowd

Bian Zhen'er set down the burden, took out the jiao wei qin, and gently caressed the broken strings with a pained heart. His brows furrowed slightly as a scene from Master Mingyang's death suddenly flashed through his mind

"Ah, Miss Xun Yan..." Yun Yao's eyes lit up upon seeing the shy Xun Yan, and he turned to Liu Zhuiyi, saying, "She is truly beautiful."

Bian Zhen'er hesitated several times, wanting to speak but ultimately swallowed her words.

That group of bullies harmed Xun Yan's parents, and Xun Yan has nowhere to go. Little Master, could you take Xun Yan with you?" The woman said, and then she began to sob softly, looking truly pitiable.

At such a young age, he does not understand the pain of losing a loved one; the only thing he remembers is his mother, before her death, protecting him to a safe place and telling him not to be afraid, and he truly was not afraid at all

Since I can remember, I have been following my master. My master is a former monk who carries a lute on his back, and in his heart, he is thinking of someone

Xun Yan had a worried expression and said: "I... I know, but the only way Xun Yan can think of to repay kindness is this."

Bian Zhen'er slightly tilted his head, the moonlight's afterglow falling into his eyes, unfathomably deep

Master Mingyang passed away on a night shrouded in dark clouds, unable to endure the pain of illness

Seeing the situation so dire, Liu Zhuiyi couldn't help but tear up, and she softly said: "Little monk, I am sorry..."

From that time on, Yao simply decided to live on Wutai Mountain and not return.

Bian Zhen'er slightly turned her head, gazing at Liu Zhuiyi's profile.

At that time, the night outside was dark and heavy, with only a full moon hanging in the night sky, surrounded by a soft, white glow

"A foul expression, sticking to good-looking people like a piece of chewing gum." Liu Zhuiyi muttered as she walked out the door, not wanting to remain there as a third party

Master Mingyang gave all of his provisions and water to Bianzhen, who devoured them ravenously.

The poor monk cannot be your father

She no longer holds a grudge against you; if you are willing to apologize for that day, she will surely be even happier.

Thank you, benefactor, "Bian Zhen'er respectfully said

Liu'er, Liu'er! Yun Yao rushed into the room and saw Liu Zhuiyi sitting on the couch. He hurried over and said, "I saw some dragon dancers outside with Bian Zhen'er. Should we go and take a look at the festivities together?"

Finally, Master Mingyang could not withstand the harsh weather and fell seriously ill on the road

The child asked: "Father, father, father, may I call you father?"

Master Mingyang bestowed this Dharma name upon Bianzhen, urging him to remember the true goodness of the world and to discern right from wrong and the treacherous. He emulated his master's every word and action, gradually taking on the appearance of a little monk.

The big man seemed to have heard a tremendous joke, and his subordinates laughed along with him. He released the woman's hand, placed his hands on his hips, and said in a rough voice: "Little monk, if you want me to let this young lady go, do you have the money to buy her? I tell you, I spent a considerable amount to bring her back as my wife!"

Bian Zhen'er's eye muscles twitched slightly, and he said angrily: "Accidentally? Miss Liu! One should not tamper with others' belongings. Did your parents not teach you these principles? This qin, with its burnt tail, was the most cherished possession of my master during his lifetime, more important than his own life. How could you..."

Liu recalled with a calm expression that concealed an unspoken smile. She cleared her throat, walked over to Xun Yan, and asked: "Are you Xun Yan? What skills do you possess? Look, the little monk can play the lute, so we won't be bored on the journey. Young Master Yun is thick-skinned and can earn money. As for me, I can grill fish and have some medical knowledge. What about you? What can you do? We can't possibly bring a burden along on our journey, can we?"

Liu Zhuiyi quickly stood up, blocking the way in front of Bian Zhen'er, tugging at the corner of his clothes, and said: "Little monk, I... I have done something that wronged you, but it was not intentional"

How could he think of her? Just the thought of it makes him feel irritable

Father let Mingyang go, and Mingyang stood at the door watching Yaoru marry someone else, becoming another person's lawful wife.

After a while, footsteps sounded behind her. Liu Zhuiyi sat up and looked back, seeing it was Bian Zhen'er, and she said irritably, "What are you doing here?"

Bian Zhen'er wrapped up the jiao wei qin while saying, "No matter how good a qin is, it cannot compare to this one! If this qin were to be damaged, Master would not find peace even in the afterlife!"

Bian Zhen'er slightly turned her head to look at the woman and said softly, "Miss, the villain has left, you..."

After a while, footsteps were heard. Liu Zhuiyi opened the door and shouted at Yun Yao: "You are not allowed to hit the little monk!"

The unfamiliar term "benefactor" deeply hollowed out Liu's heart filled with memories. She stared wide-eyed at the person in front of her, and after a long while, she wiped the tears from her face and said loudly: "It's just a musical instrument, do you really need to speak to me like this? I have fought alongside you, accompanied you to make a home across the seas, in your heart, is it not..."

Liu Zhuiyi looked at the fragrant dishes, pressed his lips together, and raised his head to say: "But I said that if I go looking for him again, I would meet a terrible end."

"Debate the truth, debate the truth," Yun Yao quickly said, "Amitabha, a monk should not be angry. Liu Er did not mean it, how about I help you change to another guqin? A better one than this one"

Liu Zhuiyi hugged her knees, as the night breeze gently stirred her long hair and clothing. She shed the fierce facade she had put on, and softly called out: "Little monk..."

She sat down at the table with the zither in her arms, recalling the scenes of the sisters from Ruyi Tower teaching her to play. She began to pluck the strings in a somewhat skillful manner, yet no matter how she played, she could not produce a good tune.

Bian Zhen'er found himself at a loss for words; he was also frustrated with his own impulsiveness. However, he could not bring himself to go back and face Liu Zhuiyi. He had said such harsh words to Liu Zhuiyi that she would surely never forgive him.

He never saw Yao Ru again

"There is no need for you to be polite, young lady. We are merely helping each other in the face of injustice," Yun Yao said generously, waving his hand. He then addressed Bian Zhen'er, "Bian Zhen'er, are you still planning to go alone? Come with me."

The burly man picked up the silver, got up, and was about to curse when he saw Yun Yao sit up, lightly springing up the stairs and landing gracefully beside Bian Zhen'er. He said: "Monk, I won't pursue the matter of you single-handedly killing my family's martial slave last time, as long as you can help me teach this ignorant fellow a good lesson." Yun Yao pointed at the burly man, his brows furrowed.

On that day, Master Mingyang truly did not leave; when he set out once again, he was accompanied by a small child.

Bian Zhen'er truly could not bear to look at Liu Zhuiyi's pitiful appearance, so he averted his gaze and said softly, "This humble monk is unfortunate and cannot accompany Master Liu on the journey any longer"

At that moment, the sound of Yun Yao's laughter came from outside, and Liu Zhuiyi realized that both Yun Yao and Bian Zhen'er had returned. She hurriedly placed the qin back in its original position and then anxiously sat on the couch, blocking the qin.

What is there to hesitate about for a man of honor? If you are to take it, then take it; if not, then do not take it. Liu Zhuiyi glared at Bian, truly.

At the age of thirteen, Bian Zhen'er carried her master on her back, searching for doctors everywhere. However, during the years of drought, where would there be any doctors who would bravely risk their lives to save a great monk? Moreover, even if there were, in that scorched land of gold and stone, there were no medicinal herbs available to save a life

Bian Zhen'er walked to the door, her palm instinctively grasping the position over her heart

He feels that when these two individuals are being willful, they are truly more difficult to manage than he, the second young master

Master Mingyang walked over, gently brushed the ashes from his face with his finger, and asked, "Child, why are you here alone? Where are your family?"

The owner of the yard, the grandmother, walked up to her with a cane, watching Yun Yao gradually load the luggage onto the cart

"Liu'er, if you don't pursue him, he will truly walk far away. Do you really think you won't regret it?" Yun Yao looked at Liu Zhuiyi with concern.

"Save me... everyone, please save me..." The woman cried helplessly as she was slowly dragged upstairs by a burly man

After finishing the meal, Bian Zhen'er patted her little belly and said contentedly: "I am so full!"

Suddenly, the door opened, and Yun Yao walked in

However, Bian Zhen'er is not Yun Yao, so how could he fall for a woman just because of her appearance

Liu Zhuiyi furrowed her brows and approached Xun Yan, saying: "You look much better than the sisters at the Puyi Building. Let me tell you, we can make it, but don't get any ideas about the little monk. You're so beautiful that if the little monk looks at you a few more times, he might just fall for you." As she spoke, Liu Zhuiyi couldn't help but complain and stood up.

On the day of the wedding invitation, Mingyang carried that burnt tail zither and embarked on a path of no return for the rest of his life

The man looked left and right, unable to withstand the ridicule of the crowd, and waved his hand, saying: "I don't care! This woman is my wife, and today I am going to take her to consummate our marriage. Little monk, mind your own business; you can't even afford to pay for your meals. If you want to take this woman away, either kill me or crush me with money! Otherwise..."

"Liu'er, he has really left..." Yun Yao watched the figure of Bian Zhen'er disappear at the doorway

Yun Yao was taken aback, slowly straightened his body, and asked: "You... have no home?"

This woman has a gentle name, called Yao Ru

Every time Mingyang lies exhausted in the woodshed, he always lights a green lamp and places it beside him. This is because he feels that with the green lamp lit, it is as if the person he longs for is right beside him

Bian Zhen'er pouted her lips, unsure of where to begin

Liu Zhuiyi gritted her teeth and said, "What regret is there to speak of! He is truly heartless and ungrateful. I, Liu Zhuiyi, will treat it as if I have never known him! If he wants to leave, then let him go; it would be better if he were dead!" With that, she angrily entered the house and closed the door.

"Who hit me?" The man cursed as he steadied himself, and only then did he see the silver ingot that had fallen to the ground with a thud, spinning incessantly.

After the master departed, there was no one in this world who could match the preciousness of this qin. Bian Zhen'er tied the jiao wei qin to her back, and the coldness in her voice made Liu Zhuiyi feel frightened.

Grandmother did not insist on staying, but took a basket to the market to buy vegetables, saying she wanted to prepare a delicious meal for Liu Zhui and the others

Liu Zuiyi walked over to his grandmother, gently held her hand, and said with guilt: "Grandma, I am sorry. I originally wanted to bother you for a few more days, but I didn't expect to leave today."

Liu glanced at him, crossed her arms, and walked over, saying: "Shallow!"

"Do not worry, we will find a solution for you," Yun Yao comforted Bian Zhen'er.

Under the red phoenix, she invites with tearful eyes filled with sorrow

Everyone thought that Bian Zhen'er would be a transcendent figure capable of saving the life of this woman. To their utter surprise, Bian Zhen'er walked to the staircase and calmly said: "Amitabha, benefactor, please release this young lady"

Yun Yao sighed and said, "You little monk are foolish; can't you see who treats you well and who does not?"

Master Mingyang rubbed Bianzhen's head and said, "I will not leave"

After a while, Grandma, who had gone out to buy groceries, returned. Upon her return, noticing that one person was missing, she inquired about the reason from Yun Yao. Yun Yao tactfully concealed the matter and then accompanied Grandma to prepare the meal

Bian Zhen'er was at a loss for words and said: "Miss Xun Yan, this humble monk has traveled far and wide, enduring many hardships along the way, and I fear that you may not be able to bear the suffering."

Liu recalled in a hurry, catching up to block Bian Zhen'er in front of her, her eyes filled with misty tears. She said sadly: "You cannot walk alone, little monk. You promised you would not leave me to walk by myself again!"

Bian Zhen'er, with a look of shame on her face, said: "Young Master Yun, I am sorry for what I have done to you."

At that time, Mingyang was merely a little monk in charge of lighting lamps on Mount Wutai. During the days of vegetarian meals, it was Mingyang who lit the lamps for her. As time went by, Yaoru discovered that the shy Mingyang was quite amusing, so she enjoyed teasing him, asking: "Little monk Mingyang, do you think I am beautiful?"

Bian Zhen'er looked around, but did not see Liu Chuiyi. Feeling inexplicably anxious, he said: "Young Master Yun, please allow this monk to walk alone."

I do not know, the master has never told me, only that it is an herb. I have tried many times along the way, but have not succeeded. " Bian Zhen'er sighed and carefully wrapped up the焦尾琴.

The unease in his heart had been pent up all the way, and for some reason, it made Liu reminisce with sorrow; he was actually unable to eat or drink.

Liu Zhuiyi sniffed and asked with concern, "Little monk, what do you mean by that..."

"Little monk, are you willing to take her?" Liu Zhuiyi directed his gaze towards Bian Zhen'er, placing the decision in his hands. Bian Zhen'er was momentarily at a loss for how to choose and said, "I... I don't know."

Big brother! The henchman of the big man hurried over to help him up, asking in a flustered manner, "Big brother, are you alright? What should we do?"

As the memories faded, the shopkeeper served Bian Zhen'er a bowl of porridge and several steamed buns, saying, "Little Master, here is the dish you ordered"

Liu Zhuiyi buried his head even deeper and said, "I know I am willful and have a bad temper. That day was actually my fault; I care too much about my pride. When you were stern with me, I became stubborn. I am sorry, little monk... I will never do this again, okay?" As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Zhuiyi buried his head even deeper.

Bian Zhen'er shook her head and said, "Mother told me not to be afraid, so I am not afraid." After saying this, Bian Zhen'er opened her round eyes and cautiously asked, "Do you have anything to eat? I am so hungry."

"Let's go, I, an old woman, have long since gotten used to it," Grandmother waved her hand at Yun Yao

Yun Yao said again: "If we don't eat, we won't have the strength to look for the little monk"

Bian Zhen'er placed her hands on Master Mingyang's shoulders, sniffed, and said earnestly: "The sun has risen three times, and the stars have appeared three times"

"Is there any use in apologizing? Can this broken string of the instrument grow back?" Bian Zhen'er pressed Liu Zhuiyi, who lowered his head in shame and did not dare to look at him

Singing: "The brocade zither has no reason, with fifty strings; each string and each post evokes thoughts of youth. Zhuangzi's morning dream confuses the butterfly; the spring heart of the Emperor Wang is entrusted to the cuckoo... This feeling can wait to become a memory, yet at that time, it was already bewildering."

"There is no need for pleasantries; you are someone Liu'er cares about, which makes you a friend of mine, Yun Yao," Yun Yao said generously after taking a sip of tea

Yun Yao leaned against the door, a slight smile at the corner of his mouth, the glimmer in his eyes difficult to decipher. In his eyes, Liu Zhuiyi's insincerity was quite endearing, but unfortunately, he recognized Liu Zhuiyi one step too late. Now, Liu Zhuiyi's heart is filled entirely with Bian Zhen'er. Even if he shouted at her and left her, she still cares about him.

Bian Zhen'er did not dare to look at Liu Zhuiyi, her gaze slightly evasive

I will not go...

The burly man, observing the two faces of the woman he was protecting, realized that she was not to be trifled with, and could only reluctantly instruct his subordinates to take the silver and leave. Once he had departed, Bian Zhen'er turned to look at the frightened woman, intending to say something, only to discover that the woman was inadequately clothed, prompting him to quickly turn back again.

Yun Yao!" Liu Zhuiyi shouted Yun Yao's name at the door, but her eyes were filled with resentment as she glared at Bian Zhen'er.

She intentionally chose not to speak, and Yun Yao could tell.

Then you should look at me just the right amount!" Yao, seeing Mingyang burying his head deep, laughed with a voice as sweet as a golden oriole.

Upon seeing this, Yun Yao took off his outer garment and wrapped it around the woman.

Bian Zhen'er noticed Liu Zhuiyi's unusual behavior, while Yun Yao did not pay attention. He sat down beside Liu Zhuiyi and continued, "Go on, go on, it looks good."

For some unknown reason, there is a sense of pain there

Hearing someone obstructing him, the burly man turned his head, glaring fiercely at Bian Zhen'er. The woman, upon seeing Bian Zhen'er speak, looked at him with tearful eyes filled with hope.

"Grandfather rewards you with a silver ingot; if it doesn't crush you, the next ingot may not be so gentle." A familiar youthful voice came from downstairs. Bian Zhen'er turned her head in surprise and saw Yun Yao reclining at the table, playing with a silver ingot in his hand.

Bian Zhen'er's memories are frozen thirteen years ago

Later, Mingyang heard that Yao Ru was getting married, and he knelt before the Buddha for three days and nights, pleading to be reinstated as a layman. On the day of the wedding, Mingyang rushed to the venue, wanting to take Yao Ru away, but he was beaten nearly to death by Yao Ru's father's men.

Seeing this, the shop assistant went up to dissuade them, but was slapped to the ground by one of the men.

"If you say such things again, Liu'er will be upset." Yun Yao frowned, "If it weren't for Liu'er asking me to come and help you, I wouldn't have come at all. It's just a broken string; at worst, we can think of a way to solve it together. Why are you going off on your own like this? What do you take us for? Bian Zhen'er, you are being unreasonable!"

"Apologize? What is it that you are not satisfied with!" Liu's tone remained unpleasant.

You are welcome. The shop assistant chuckled twice and turned to attend to his own tasks

Master Mingyang smiled indulgently, stood up, and looked around. Bian Zhen'er mistakenly thought he was going to leave and hurriedly grabbed his pant leg, pleading: "Don't go, don't go, please don't leave."

"Then you go beat him up, I won't lift a finger." Yun Yao extended the tray filled with dishes towards Liu Zhuiyi, looking at her with a smile.

What should I call you

That young lady is even more beautiful than she thinks

Bian Zhen'er generally understood something in his heart. He bypassed Liu Chuiyi and picked up the qin with burnt ends from the couch, rising up.

Liu reminisced as he brought Xun Yan into his room, instructed the waiter to boil some hot water, and then selected his most attractive clothes for her.

Thus, they could no longer meet.

"Homeless, where is home to return to?" Liu reminisced nonchalantly.

The young woman clutched her clothing and said softly, "This humble girl expresses her gratitude to the young master and the young gentleman for their rescue. I have nothing to offer in return."

His fingers slowly glided over the body of the piano, and then Bian Zhen'er immediately picked up a broken piano string. His expression suddenly changed, and he turned to ask: "Did you touch my piano?"

Stupid woman! How dare you run? Watch me break your legs! As they cursed, they roughly grabbed the woman's hand and dragged her upstairs.

None of the people present heard this murmur; instead, they were moved and applauded for the words spoken by Bian Zhen'er.

She pleaded with her father to release Mingyang, promising that she would never go against her father's wishes in the future

Liu reminisced and tilted her head, softly saying: "You speak, I am listening."

Macheng, Yuelai Inn

Before, I had agreed with Bian Zhen'er to head north all the way, so Yun Yao and Liu Zhuiyi also continued to walk north. The path was lined with lush vegetation, as spring was coming to an end and early summer was approaching.

"Good," he said

In fact, Yao Ru is not gentle at all; she is cunning and cheerful. However, she is not unfamiliar with the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting that gentle women are skilled in; she is proficient in everything.

Liu reminisced while chewing on his food, vaguely avoiding Yun Yao's question, and said: "After eating, I will go find the little monk"

Liu Zhuiyi opened the cloth wrap, holding the qin in his arms while sitting on the couch, murmuring: "How could a little monk have experienced love between men and women?"

At that moment, a sudden thunderclap streaked across the horizon, followed closely by a torrential downpour. The long-suffering people, who had endured a prolonged drought, rushed into the rain to celebrate, yet the cries of Bian Zhen'er were drowned out by the sudden roar of the rain

Yao Ru Tian repeatedly requested her father to let her go, but he refused to do so. She wept every night, missing the little monk on Wutai Mountain

Am I the most beautiful girl you have ever seen?

However, he is ultimately not a member of the Buddhist community.

When Mingyang learns this song, invite Ru to let him play it for her, and then invite Ru to sit aside and sing.

Liuer is not angry with you. "Yun Yaodao said," Bian Zhen, please stay. Let's go out and make a name for ourselves together!" When he said this, the woman behind Bian Zhen glanced at him.

"Liuer!" Yunyao exclaimed. He turned to Bian Zhen'er and said, "Bian Zhen'er, please stop talking."

Master Mingyang felt a twinge of compassion and said, "Are you afraid?"

All of a sudden, a piercing scream entered the ears. Bian Zhen'er raised her eyes and followed the sound, only to see a disheveled woman falling down the stairs on the second floor of the inn. The woman's fall frightened many guests. Several rough men came running down the stairs behind the woman, grumbling and cursing.

Bian Zhen'er felt a stirring in her heart, slowly raised her hand, and inadvertently rested it on Liu Zhuiyi's back. Liu Zhuiyi's pupils gradually dilated as the warmth from Bian Zhen'er's palm began to seep through the thin fabric of her clothing and onto her back

Although Liu Zuiyi closed the door, she leaned against it, and she could hear every word that people outside said clearly. When Bian Zhen'er said these words, Liu Zuiyi pursed her lips and felt a slight sense of joy.

Bian Zhen'er nodded and said, "I should go apologize"

Liu Zhuiyi angrily said: "Do not pursue him! Let him go!"

Xun Yan's face showed a hint of shyness as she said, "I can cook some home-style dishes, which I usually make for my parents." At this point, Xun Yan's eyes became moist again

Bian Zhen'er withdrew her hand and murmured, "Miss Liu, would you like to hear the story of the qin and my master"

Bian Zhen'er’s expression changed slightly, filled with anger yet remaining silent

Yun Yao and others helped Liu Zhuiyi pack her luggage after they had eaten, while Liu Zhuiyi stood alone in front of the carriage, pacing back and forth.

On the other side, Xun Yan finished her bath and emerged from behind the screen, wearing the garments of Liu Zhuiyi.

Upon hearing that the Great Han had once killed a martial slave with a single hand, he immediately shuddered in fear, and then feigned calmness, saying: "Just now I was still speaking of compassion, humph, who are you trying to scare?"

Bian Zhen'er noticed that the qin behind her had moved, so she walked over to take a look at it.

Bian Zhen'er looked on, her fingers digging into the tabletop, leaving nail marks. Should he intervene? If he truly decided to intervene, he might encounter a second Liu Zhuiyi; if he chose not to intervene, this young woman would surely be mistreated by men

Liu Zhuiyi was sitting at the table, playing with the tea poured from the teapot. As soon as he saw Xun Yan come out, the tea he had just poured into the cup spilled all over the table.

At dusk, Yun Yao knocked on Liu Zhuiyi's door while holding a steaming meal, and softly said: "Liu'er, it's time to eat"

Bian Zhen'er followed Yun Yao into another room. Yun Yao looked at Bian Zhen'er, who was lost in thought about the qin, and then sat down to pour him a cup of tea, asking: "What kind of herbs are needed to weave these strings?"

Inviting such responses is what Mingyang prefers even more.

In a village that had been burned to the ground, three-year-old Bian Zhen'er sat amidst the ruins, smearing black ashes across his chubby little face. He stared with his bell-like big eyes at Master Mingyang, who had come to this place.

No matter how beautiful it is, it cannot compare to the beauty of Chang'an City. You should go see for yourselves. I am not feeling well and would like to rest.

Liuzhuiyi recalled and remembered the truth, still harboring some anger in her heart. She muttered, "The little monk is too stingy!"

The two exchanged glances for a moment, and Bian Zhen'er slightly extended her hand, just as she was about to call out to Liu Zhuiyi, Liu Zhuiyi arrogantly turned her head away, let out a "humph," and walked off in another direction

Suddenly, before the words of the big man could even be uttered, a silver ingot flew towards him and struck directly at the center of his forehead. The impact caused the big man to stagger back a few steps and fall onto the ground.

Liu Zhuiyi was so startled that she stood up from her chair, flustered and at a loss, trying to reinsert the broken string, but the severed string could no longer be put back in place

In that year, Bian Zhen'er was not yet called Bian Zhen'er, and Master Mingyang had just passed his thirtieth year.

Bian Zhen'er tightly grasped the fabric of the zither that crossed over his chest, no longer casting a glance at Liu Zhuiyi, resolutely brushing past her. Liu Zhuiyi bit her lower lip tightly, desperately holding back her tears.

She recalled the day when Bian Zhen'er played the guqin under the moonlight, and Yun Yao told her that the piece was called "Jinse," a melody that could only be played by those who have experienced the emotions of love between a man and a woman

Bian Zhen'er carefully put away the jiao wei qin, then ate steamed buns while drinking plain congee. In the bowl of thin soup, suddenly the face of Liu Zhuiyi was reflected. Liu Zhuiyi, with hands on her hips, turned around and glared at Bian Zhen'er, saying: "Little monk, you have no conscience! You left me all alone and just walked away. I will never pay attention to you again!"

That night, Master Mingyang handed the Jiaoweiqin on his back to Bian Zhen'er as delicately as a thread, saying, "Zhen'er, this is the most precious thing in Master's life. It was made by Yao Ru's own hands. Please take good care of it for me. Yao Ru is still alive, so I don't want this qin to be buried with me. After I die, you will cremate me and scatter my ashes into the world, from then on... live a good life as an individual." Please take good care of it for me. Yao Ru is still alive, so I don't want this qin to be buried with me. After I die, you will cremate me and scatter my ashes into the world, from then on... live a good life as an individual.

Liu Zhuiyi climbed onto the roof of the inn, lying on the tiles while admiring the moonlight

Upon seeing the beautiful young lady, Yun Yao's true nature was fully revealed. He walked over to Xun Yan and introduced himself: "Miss Xun Yan, my surname is Yun and my given name is Yao. You may call me Yun Yao or Young Master Yun Er. I assure you, Miss, that from now on, you will be with us..."

Bian Zhen'er turned his back to Liu Zhuiyi and said, "I will go in search of the herbs used to weave the strings of the zither; you two may take the path behind. " With that, he took a step forward and walked outside

No one present extended a helping hand, and Bian Zhen'er was caught in a tangle of emotions. As she watched the woman being dragged upstairs, Bian Zhen'er finally stepped forward: "Wait!"

As soon as the words fell, Liu Zhuiyi became so angry that she started to cry. She stamped her foot and, losing her composure, said: "Go ahead! Go ahead! If I, Liu Zhuiyi, were to stop you even once, may I not have a good death in the future!"

Go away! Go away! If I stop you, Liao Zhuiyi, I will have a miserable future!

Bian Zhen'er lowered his gaze and said: "Young Master Yun, I acted impulsively and I apologize to Miss Liu. For many days, I have known how well Miss Liu has treated me, but that day my words hurt her, and I do not know how to face her. I am dull-witted and do not know how to speak, fearing that I might provoke Miss Liu even more."

The woman lying on the ground trembled as she clutched Bian Zhen'er’s ankle, struggling to get up and hiding behind him, her voice filled with terror: "Little Master, it’s not true! It’s not true! I am not someone he bought with money; he killed my family and abducted me. When I refused, he beat me!"

After Liu recalled the past and finished bathing and changing clothes, he noticed that Yun Yao and Bian Zhen'er had not yet returned, so he began to chat with his grandmother in the courtyard about everyday matters

Liu shifted awkwardly, her two hands gripping the edge of the bed tightly

Xun Yan appeared somewhat reserved and said, "Yes."

I wonder if there is anyone in this world who can think of him like Liu Zhuiyi thinks of Bian Zhen'er, now that Yun Yao has disappeared one day

Bian Zhen'er, with a shy expression on his face, said: "I should not have lost my temper with Miss Liu that day. Afterwards, I felt quite guilty about it."

Liu Zhuiyi's gaze fell once again on the woman beside Bian Zhen'er. As soon as the woman caught sight of Liu Zhuiyi's fierce look, she immediately became frightened and hid behind Bian Zhen'er, clutching the hem of his garment tightly with one hand

"Do you know how to cook?" Liu Zhuiyi leaned closer to her and asked, "Is the food you make particularly delicious?"

He felt a tightening in his heart and quickly looked into the crowd, but did not see Liu Zhuiyi.

I will take you to change your clothes, Liu Zhuiyi said softly

After knowing each other for six months, Yao Ru gifted Ming Yang a guqin. On the highest rock of Wutai Mountain, Yao Ru taught Ming Yang to play a piece called "Jinse" hand in hand

"With your delicate skin and tender flesh, are you sure you can cook?" Liu Zhuiyi stood up, holding Xu Yan's hand and looking at it, questioning.

Xun Yan cautiously met Liu Zhuiyi's gaze and said, "I can work as a seamstress and also make incense. I wonder... I wonder if these count."

Mingyang secretly glanced at Yao Ru and said, "This humble monk fears that looking at the young lady for too long would be disrespectful to her."

That night, no one paid attention to the cries of a thirteen-year-old boy, nor did anyone notice the gradually cooling bones beside him

Grandmother looked at Liu Zhuiyi's aggrieved little face with a smile and said, "The girl has taken a liking to the little monk."

There is no sound in the room

Liu's words from a few days ago still echoed in his ears, and the rain-drenched face of Li Hua lingered in Bian Zhen's heart, refusing to fade away. Suddenly feeling flustered, Bian Zhen quickly set down his chopsticks, clasped his hands together, and silently recited "Namo Amitabha Buddha"

Liu reminisced about a person who was extremely bored in the courtyard, so he returned to his room

Grandmother withdrew her hand, gently patting Liu Zhuiyi's hand, and said kindly: "It doesn't matter, once you find the little monk Bian Zhen'er, you can still come back."

Beyond the red phoenix, the heart of Mingyang is as dead as ashes

"Then shall I let you see more, is that alright?" Yao teased Mingyang, whose cheeks turned as red as a delicate young girl, almost bursting with blood.

"I am not afraid of suffering," the woman said, releasing her grip and gazing earnestly at Bian Zhen'er. "Little Master, today you saved Xun Yan, and I have no way to repay you. I only ask that Xun Yan stays by your side to serve you."

Yun Yao rested on his arm and asked, "Liu Er, do you plan to continue wandering in the days to come? Aren't you going home?"

Xun Yan was somewhat at a loss when asked. She looked up at Bian Zhen'er and replied: "Yes."

Yun Yao pretended to be deep in thought and said, "But grandpa is not a monk." After saying this, he moved swiftly and kicked the big man hard in the chest, sending the man's body flying far away, crashing into the window frame of the guest room on the second floor

Yun Yao could not help but ask, "Why are you, young lady, hiding behind Bian Zhen'er and refusing to go home?"

Bian Zhen'er turned back to glance at the doors and windows of the room and said, "I should apologize to Miss Liu, shouldn't I?"

Bian Zhen'er saw Liu Zhuiyi walk into the inn, glanced at him, and pretended not to recognize him as she walked upstairs. When she reached Yun Yao's side, she turned her head and said fiercely, "What are you still doing here? Go back to your room." After saying this, she continued forward and followed the waiter into her own room

The young lady is unwilling; if you insist on forcing the sale, that is against the law

Yun Yao looked at the disheveled woman, whose face was streaked with tears like pear blossoms, shrugged his shoulders, and gazed at the pleading Bian Zhen'er, unwilling to offer assistance as if he were merely watching a spectacle

Long time no see, the peach blossoms are really beautiful, hm! Liu Zhiyi muttered with complaints and slammed the door hard.

"I am a monk, why would I need a girl to serve me?" Liu Zhiyi opened the door and walked out of the room. Xun Yan's clothes did not cover her body, her long hair was messy and coiled on top of her head, and tears could still be seen on her beautiful and bright face.

Master Mingyang has been carrying a burnt-tail lute with him all the time. On the 15th day of every month, he would take it out and play a piece called "Jinse". Master Mingyang told Bian Zhen'er that he loves a woman.

Yun Yao smiled and said, "Okay, let's not look for him. Let's eat our fill and then go beat him up, alright?"

What nonsense are you talking about, you stinky woman? When he saw the woman betraying herself, the man's face turned anxious, and he raised his hand and slapped it down. But Debating Zhen'er slightly turned her head, her fingers like illusions, flicking towards the man's wrist. The man was shocked by Debating Zhen'er's strength and involuntarily took a step back.

Grandma has a son who works as an official in the city and bought her a new house, so this shabby courtyard became empty. However, Grandma was not used to living alone in the new house, so she carried her belongings and moved back to the courtyard. Grandma told Liu Zhuiyi that she was lonely, but fortunately, Liu Zhuiyi and two others moved in to keep her company for as long as they wanted.

Then you blame yourself and don't come back to find us. Liu Zhiyi muttered, her eyes turning red.

When he was with his master, and when he left his master, he never had such a feeling... Could it be...! Impossible! It's impossible! As Bian Zhen'er thought about this, the speed of his silent recitation became faster and faster.

Can you cook delicious dishes as long as you set up a pot? Liu Zhiyi tilted his head and asked with his hands behind his back.

The taut strings of the qin hurt her fingers, Liu Zhiyi wondered, "Does Ben Zhen'er's fingers not hurt when playing the qin?" Thinking this, Liu Zhiyi forcefully plucked the tail string, only to hear a clear "snap", as the string suddenly broke apart.

Yun Yao glanced at Liu Zhuiyi's back and said: "Liu Er was so angry that she didn't eat a single bite of food. I told her to turn around and go back to Chang'an, but she hid in her room and cried all afternoon, telling me she wanted to find the little monk. We have been traveling along the northern route for several days before we finally heard about you here."

Look at this young monk, although he looks young, his eyes show no fear. I'm afraid he won't be easy to deal with. The big man tried a different approach and shouted, "You monks should mind your own business, butting in where you don't belong. I see you're dressed in rags, all alone, and in such a sorry state. Did you do something wrong and get kicked out of the temple? Oh, could it be that you've been with a woman? Seeing how you're defending her, has the young monk fallen in love?"

"Let you go? Who will compensate my money if I let you go! Come with me!" The man roughly pulled the woman.

Suddenly, the sound of hooves approached, and a bright female voice called out at the door: "Little Two, help me lead the horse to the stable and feed it well, then move the luggage from the carriage upstairs and prepare two rooms."

Master Mingyang pondered for a long time, leading Xiaobian Zhen'er further away under the setting sun

That was merely three years ago, during the great drought in Liaozhou. Master Mingyang, in order to protect Bianzhen, reserved all the food and drink for him, even deceiving him into believing that he had already eaten and drunk.

The little debater was not afraid at all; he pointed at the ruins behind him and said in a clear voice: "Down there!"

Xun Yan cautiously extended her hand, her voice as soft as a whisper: "Thank you, sister"

Upon hearing his grandmother say these words just as he finished loading the cart, Yunyao's expression momentarily froze. He then crouched down in the driver's seat and said, "Let's go, Liu'er. Grandma, we're leaving. Take care of yourself while alone."

Don't drive me away... The woman shrank behind Bian Zhen'er in fear, and pleaded softly.

Big brother, I see that this little monk has developed feelings of spring; upon seeing that sister-in-law is beautiful and charming, he took action to save her and claim her for himself!" The henchman of the big man hurriedly echoed his words, speaking in an inappropriate manner

He said: "Master"

Master Liu! "Debate Zhen'er interrupted Liu Zuiyi's words, met her gaze, made up his mind, and said," The little monk and Master Liu are not destined to be together, not worthy of Master's love. "

Upon hearing this, Bian Zhen suddenly remembered that the girl had just said her parents were killed and she might be homeless now. "Do you have no other relatives besides your parents?"

Until I met Mingyang.

On the fifteenth day of every month, my father would take Yao Ru to Wutai Mountain to observe a five-day vegetarian diet, praying for blessings for his ailing stepmother. Yao Ru and his stepmother do not get along, and he is always reluctant and unwilling.

Yun Yao stood alone in the center of the courtyard, uncertain whether he should go after Bian Zhen'er or enter the house to comfort Liu Zhuiyi. After much contemplation, he felt that neither option was appropriate, so he let out a deep sigh

Yun Yao's exhortation: "Arguing for the truth, after all we have been through, can it not compare to the preciousness of a qin? Look at you, even Liu Er was moved to tears by your words."

I am afraid that I cannot help but steal a glance at the young lady, as I cannot help but be fond of her.

If he cannot even sort out his own thoughts, how can he communicate them to Liu Zhuiyi

Liu reminisced with her head lowered, a hint of delight at the corners of her mouth. She snatched the food and said, "Don't get me wrong, I'm just seeking revenge on him. Who told him to be so fierce to me? No one has ever been that fierce to me before"

"Please, I beg you, let me go, will you let me go?" The woman cried as she pleaded with the man who was pulling her, her two feet planted firmly on the wooden ladder, refusing to go upstairs with them

"I don't want to go find him!" A defiant voice came from inside the room.

Bian Zhen'er raised his voice and said: "You few are taking advantage of the fact that those present are all common people, lacking the ability to resist. Just now, everyone witnessed the brutal actions and filthy words of this benefactor. This young lady has been crying for help; if I do not step in to save her, would I not be allowing you to harm others? As a monk, I am filled with compassion. Everything I do does not make me feel guilty towards my conscience, so how could I be moved by such matters?"

Miss Liu..." Bian Zhen'er murmured to herself, suddenly realizing that it had merely been her own illusion.

Not feeling well, what's wrong with you? Yun Yao bent down and saw Liu Zuiyi tightly pursing her lips, avoiding eye contact.

Goodbye, grandma.Li Zhuiyi climbed onto the carriage and bid farewell to his grandmother reluctantly. His grandmother waited until the carriage disappeared from the street before turning around and limping back into the house.

He kept shouting Yaoru's name by the door, but Yaoru didn't answer him.

Master Mingyang looked at the village submerged under the ruins, picked up Bian Zhen, and asked, "Are all your family members down there? How long has it been?"

Yun Yao sat on the side, watching Liu Zuiyi eat. There were tiny teardrops hanging on her long eyelashes. Despite eating with great gusto, she didn't resemble a young lady at all.

Debate Zhen'er glanced hurriedly at Liu Zhiyi and said, "I'm afraid you'll be angry again, afraid of making you unhappy."

Debate Zhen'er's Jiaoweiqin lay on the couch, causing Liu Zuiyi to involuntarily stop in his tracks.

Okay, miss. The shopkeeper had not yet reacted and hurriedly did as she said.