Early Spring Journey

“You promised to meet me on the first day of the fourth month, at the new moon. I’ve endured until now, coming at the last moment. Chuxia, the torment in my heart is no less than yours. Thankfully, you’re safe, otherwise… I really wouldn’t know how to go on.” Chuxia stared blankly at the young master. His tone was no longer indifferent, nor was it emotionless or inscrutable; every word was sincerely spoken. Such a man, who could turn the world with a wave of his hand, high and mighty like a deity, yet he said, “My heart is tormented… I wouldn’t know how to go on…” Chuxia shook her head abruptly, her eyes still wary, “Are you really being kind to me? Won’t you deceive me again?” The young master gave a gentle smile and said, “Yes.” “Then… bring me the indenture of sale—” Chuxia extended her hand, acting decisively, “Your family is wealthy and powerful, surely you don’t need another servant?” The young master looked utterly surprised but laughed indulgently, “I’ll give it to you once we’re back in Cangzhou.” “Good, I trust you!” Chuxia was content, smiling brightly, “I won’t thank you too much, this is what I’ve earned with my life.” The young master gave a faint smile, “I can give you the indenture, but you can’t leave. Unless…” “Unless what?” “We’ve agreed, unless… you find your betrothed.” Chuxia gritted her teeth, raising her head, “Fine! I might as well freeload off you. Don’t you dare go back on your word.” The young master smiled as if her words were mere child’s talk, but he reached out to gently touch the whip marks on her cheek, sighing slightly, “Did it hurt much back then?” Chuxia turned her face away awkwardly and asked softly, “Why don’t you ask about this?” She pointed to her cheek, looking at the young master with some hesitation. “Whether you’re ugly or beautiful, you’re still Chuxia. What’s there to ask?” The young master didn’t think much of it, laughing, “Your disguise technique is far superior to Qinglong’s, even I couldn’t detect any flaws.” Chuxia “hmmed”, speaking softly, “Qinglong’s disguise transforms you into someone else entirely. Mine just guides the situation, slightly covering my true appearance, making it harder to see through.” “You don’t like your own appearance, do you?” The young master suddenly remarked, his eyes sharp. Chuxia paused, unconsciously touching her face, and instead of answering, she asked, “And what about you? Young Master, would you like someone more if they were beautiful?” “If someone I like is beautiful, it’s just icing on the cake. But if…” The young master spoke slowly, “If I truly care for someone, their beauty or ugliness becomes irrelevant.” “My elders always said that my appearance could be both a blessing and a curse.” Chuxia was somewhat indifferent, speaking as if about someone else, “I only dressed like this because I had to travel alone. My father instructed me to not show my true face unless I meet my husband.” The young master’s eyes flickered, but he didn’t press further, just said, “I see.” The shimmering lake lay before them, highlighting Chuxia’s gentle features. She sat hugging her knees for a long time before looking up, “Now that you’ve seen me, there’s no need for disguise anymore.” The young master smiled slightly, “You don’t need to worry so much when you’re with me.” Both were injured, and they picked some wild fruits from the trees by the cliff, which were very sour. Chuxia reluctantly ate two, sighing, “When will we get out of here?” The young master was quite relaxed, “They’ll find us soon.” “Can’t we just leave on our own?” Chuxia glanced at him, then at the darkening sky, feeling a bit scared. “I’m injured, it’s not easy to travel.” The young master said frankly. Chuxia was instantly frustrated, “I’m injured too, on the head… Are you, a martial artist, really worse off than me?” “Then you can go out alone. Do you know the way?” The young master asked with concern, “Just around this Little Mirror Lake, there are still the bodies of the Tian Gang. You should be careful, given your timid nature.” Chuxia flinched, mumbling, “Who said I was going alone…” The lake was as still as glass, surrounded by glowing phosphorescent lights. Chuxia yawned, preparing to lean against the cliff to sleep, when she suddenly heard a faint weeping sound from nearby. At first, she thought it was an illusion, but after a moment, the weeping grew longer and clearer. Chuxia opened her eyes wide, seeing the young master sitting cross-legged, cultivating. Ignoring the possibility of disturbing him, she called out, “Young Master… there’s a ghost!” The young master slowly opened his eyes, looking around, “Where’s the ghost?” Chuxia couldn’t pinpoint the direction, randomly pointing, “Maybe over there.” The young master listened intently, then laughed, “Three months ago, I was killing bandits on the Ganliang Road. One day, I killed three, and a dust storm buried me with the bodies.” Chuxia watched him, unsure of what he was getting at. The young master added, “I was buried with three corpses for a full twelve hours before I escaped.” Chuxia’s back chilled, taking a deep breath, her expression odd. “What’s wrong?” “You… you must smell like a corpse…” Chuxia stuttered, “That white fox fur… you actually let me wear it!” Chuxia was on the verge of tears, moving further away from him. Now, recalling the moment when the young master wrapped her in that white fox fur, she felt sick to her stomach. “Shh, listen.” The young master suddenly hushed her. From across the lake, the weeping was now very clear. The young master stood up, “Let’s go check it out.” “I’m not going…” Chuxia shook her head vigorously, “I’m not going!” “Then you stay here alone while I go.” The young master’s expression remained unchanged, “I’ll be back soon.” “Then I’ll go with you.” Chuxia quickly changed her mind, but added, “But Young Master… my legs are weak…” The young master sighed slightly, “I’ll carry you.” Chuxia hesitated for a moment before approaching. The young master’s upper body was simply bandaged, and if one got close, the faint smell of herbs could be detected. His shoulders were broad, and Chuxia loosely wrapped her arms around his neck, lowering her head to see the teeth mark on his neck. The moonlight was dim, and suddenly the young master leaped, bird-like, swiftly moving forward. Chuxia tightened her grip on him, her cheek inadvertently pressing against the scar from the injury, an odd feeling stirring within her. A slight itch, a gentle warmth, and a touch of bitterness seemed to blend in the ups and downs. In a daze, they were already on the other side of the lake. The young master didn’t let her down, just carried her forward.