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墨書 Inktalez
A person resembling a Steward approached her and asked why she had been following the caravan.
She honestly replied, "I like the sound of the bells."
The Steward was quite pleased; perhaps their enjoyment of the bells was the greatest respect they could show.
The Steward spoke in Mandarin, and after chatting for a while, she learned that they were invited by the Wei Kingdom's Dancing Troupe. They would perform a special Spirit Dance that could communicate with the Soul of the Deceased. Their visit to the Wei Kingdom was due to Chengyang Jun's serious illness, as they were going to Daliang to summon his soul.
Her heart sank at this revelation, feeling an unsettling sensation. If Chengyang Jun died, it would be good for her, as she would have avenged her great grievance. However, she did not want him to die so easily; it wouldn't hold any meaning if she didn't kill him herself.
With this thought in mind, she immediately dismissed the idea of returning the way she came. Some things had happened, and there needed to be a conclusion. She decided to go to Daliang first, to confront him while he was still alive and settle accounts between them.
The members of the Dancing Troupe welcomed her desire to travel with them. She was dressed as a beautiful young man, charming in appearance, which naturally made her popular among the young women.
Among these women were some from different ethnic groups, but most were from the Central Plains and spoke Central Plains dialect. Having spent many years as a hostage in Chu, she was well-versed in social interactions. She talked with women about clothing, jewelry, dance, and men, while discussing swordsmanship and ambitions with men. This back-and-forth naturally endeared her to everyone. Within half a day, she had built good relationships with each person there.
They traveled in large numbers and did not move quickly; it took them over ten days to reach Daliang.
The Dancing Troupe had arranged accommodations for themselves. She didn't have much money left and insisted on staying with the group, offering her dancing skills and willingness to help with chores.
She truly could dance well; everyone knew that Yan Dan's Dance Crown was unmatched and that Crown Prince Yan could attract a hundred birds. Although her dancing was impressive, the fame associated with it wasn't solely due to her performance. One day, seeing birds dancing gracefully in the sky filled her with envy. Zhong Xue collected thousands of feathers for her and had artisans create an exquisite dance outfit. When she wore it, she truly looked like an ethereal being.
Coincidentally, at that time, the Princes of Chu were also present. Jing Ren asked her why she had made such an outfit. Half-jokingly, she replied, "I want to attract a hundred birds to worship the phoenix."
What started as a playful remark caught the attention of King of Chu, who summoned her to perform in the palace to see how she would attract a hundred birds.
Upon hearing this news, she regretted it immensely; after all, she wasn't really a phoenix—how could she possibly attract swans? If only she hadn't spoken up! After discussing it for a long time with Ji Xun without coming up with any ideas, it was ultimately Zhong Xue who suggested sewing rice grains into the feathers so that when her outfit swayed lightly during the performance, the grains would fall to the ground and naturally attract birds.
She thought this was brilliant and obediently sprinkled many grains into her outfit. During the performance itself, indeed many birds were drawn in; however, there were so many that it became uncontrollable and nearly pecked her to death.
While she felt pain from their pecking, others did not realize this and genuinely believed it was her graceful dance that attracted a hundred birds in harmony. Because of this incident, she gained immense fame as a martial goddess under supreme authority. Of course, only she, Zhong Xue, and Ji Xun knew what really happened. After the palace banquet, the three of them laughed heartily while drinking wine in celebration until they were drunk all night long.
Thinking of these past events, her heart ached. How did the three people who were once so close become like enemies? At the Battle of Muye and the Battle of Chengyang, the moment she saw them on the battlefield, the pain in her heart was beyond words.
Steward noticed her unusual expression and thought she was worried about not being able to stay here, so he smiled and said, "Whether as a servant or a dancer, it's just a title. If the young master wishes, you can stay with the Dance Troupe. Whenever you want to leave, just say the word."
Yan Dan was extremely grateful and truly focused on working for the Dance Troupe.
Although she couldn't cook herself, she knew many methods for making exquisite dishes. Back at Proton Manor, she often had the cooks prepare meals according to her recipes, which received high praise. Her room was often filled with people just to taste her culinary creations; many thought she had made them herself.
She shared some cooking and pastry-making techniques with the members of the Dance Troupe, who were very satisfied with the delicious food she suggested. Several young women also took a liking to her and often danced in front of her on purpose. After each performance, she would praise them and point out minor flaws, which made them even more fond of her. Because of this, she earned a nickname; everyone in the Dance Troupe called her "Talented Young Master," a title that made her quite embarrassed.
In just two or three days, Steward got in touch with Chengyang Junfu, and it was time for their visit.
Since Chengyang Jun fell seriously ill, countless doctors had come daily to treat him at the Fengling Duke's Residence. Many had used various methods to summon his spirit. The marquis's residence offered a substantial reward, attracting numerous talented individuals from all over. Everyone who came was lined up in order, waiting for their turn to showcase their skills before the marquis.
Although it was unclear how Chengyang Jun had been injured, Steward learned that they were already on the two hundred thirty-first batch of visitors. While none of those before had cured Lord Jun, each visitor still received a reward of Ten Gold.
This news greatly excited the Dance Troupe. Even if they couldn't cure him, at least they would have travel expenses for their return journey.
Yan Dan didn't believe their dance could summon spirits; she came for Zhong Xue. Only through this method could she ensure he would be brought before her so she could settle old scores with him.
She asked Steward to take her into the residence, and he agreed. Early in the morning, they packed up and headed to Chengyang Junfu.
The size of Chengyang Junfu was beyond imagination. Looking at the tall gate, she felt an overwhelming sense of emotion. Who would have thought that the once destitute Zhong Xue could possess such a grand residence?
After waiting for a long time at the gate, someone finally came out to lead her inside. This should have been her first visit to the Fengling Duke's Residence, but strangely enough, it felt familiar as if she had seen every tree and blade of grass somewhere before.
The guards led her into the main hall, where someone from within received her and escorted her to Lord Jun's bedroom.
Zhong Xue's bedroom consisted of only two main rooms and one courtyard. A string of bronze bells hung at the door, ringing softly with the breeze. As she watched, an unexpected feeling washed over her, as if she had returned to that day at Proton Manor. On that day, she had personally hung a string of bronze bells on the door so that when they entered, she would know immediately and come out to greet them.
Zhong Xue once said that if she were to see a house exactly like this one in the future, she would hang a copper bell in front of it, so that it would ring when she came.
She thought it was just a momentary joke, but to her surprise, he actually did it. It was impressive that the string of copper bells was exactly the same as the one she had hung herself back then.
Standing in front of the copper bells for a long time, she only snapped back to reality when she heard someone calling her.
Lord Jun's residence was not a place one could enter freely; both she and the Steward were ordered to stay outside, allowing only four dancers to go in.
The four dancers went in quickly and came out just as fast, each one walking out with their heads down in disappointment. It was said that Lord Kazama found them too noisy and had sent them away.
Returning so easily left her feeling unsatisfied. She stepped forward and said to one round-faced dancer, "Could you report to the lord that I know the ancient method of summoning souls? I can surely awaken Lord Jun."
The dancer looked at her suspiciously and then said, "Please wait a moment."
After a while, he returned and announced that Lord Kazama requested her presence.
She had no idea who this Kazama was, but seeing how others treated him with such respect, he must hold a significant position in the main hall.
Upon entering the room, she noticed that the furnishings were quite similar to those in her room back in the Chu Kingdom. There was even a vase on the windowsill with a dried White Plum Blossom in it. Every winter, she liked to place a White Plum branch in her room. However, time had passed, and like that dried plum blossom, some things could never return.
With a soft sigh, she turned to look at the bed. The white gauze curtains were drawn down, making it impossible to see what was on the bed; she could only vaguely sense that there might be someone lying there.
Just as she was about to approach, a figure flashed in front of her. "How dare you! Lord Jun's chamber is not a place for you to wander!" The person shouted loudly. Upon seeing her face clearly, he couldn't help but show surprise. "How is it you?"
Yan Dan nodded; she thought this person had seen her back at Proton Manor years ago. However, upon closer inspection of his appearance, she began to doubt—how could this person be younger than Zhong Xue? She didn't remember anyone serving him who was younger than him back then.
She asked, "Who are you?"
"I am Kazama. Have you forgotten me after not seeing me for some time?"
Yan Dan frowned, realizing that he, like others, mistook her for San Chun. Who exactly is San Chun? Why do so many people confuse her with her?
Kazama looked excited to see her. "Chun, it's great that you could come. Lord Jun has been thinking about you day and night. When they brought him back, he kept muttering your name. Now that you're here, there's no need for a soul summoner; he'll definitely wake up."
She chose not to correct his obvious misunderstanding and simply asked, "How was he injured?"
"The specifics are still unknown. The people who brought him back said they found Lord Jun in the mountains. At that time, he was covered in injuries, and there was a huge python lying next to him..."
Suddenly, she recalled the bloodstains and the large python she had seen when she first woke up. Could it be that he was with her at that time?
She struggled to remember something, but no matter how hard she tried, her head ached, and she couldn't recall anything about the python.
She walked over and lifted the gauze curtain. Kazama not only did not stop her but also helped secure the curtain to the side.
A pale face emerged from within the bed; it was indeed Zhong Xue. He looked different from what she remembered; at this moment, he seemed so helpless and weak.
His head was wrapped in thick bandages, as was his body, which was wrapped from his head down to his chest. His complexion was poor and looked very pale; perhaps due to the pain, his expression was quite pained.
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