Chapter Text
Lanterns drifted along with lotus flowers down the lake of Yunmeng City as a jade pendant sank into the bottom.
The greenstone twinkled beneath the rippled surface, performing one last wink of lustre before it parted from its owner forever. In the glassy reflection of the lake, Li Yingyan’s glazed stare could pass for one of boredom but the vein bulging above her neck betrayed no contempt.
“My lady, is it alright to do that to Sect Leader Jin’s gift?”
Beside her, a maid in simple green robes chewed on her nails. Her anxiety coaxed an amused laugh out of Yingyan. If she was any normal lady, she should be crippled with guilt for treating a Sect Leader’s token of appreciation as though it was trash, but she was Li Yingyan—the sole lady of the Anxi Li Clan. Though she wasn’t untouchable like the Five Great Clans, Anxi Li was the last living bloodline of a God. She had her own place in the cultivation world.
“Let's say my hands slipped.”
I’m benevolent enough to not pawn it. A gift from a treacherous scum should be buried deeply, where no lady would have the displeasure of seeing it, let alone touch.
Soon enough, the jade vanished from her sight.
“Xin’er,” she called. To that, the maid raised her head. “Purchase some light snacks to bring along the journey. The more, the better.”
Xin’er quickly folded her hands before her waist and bowed. “Yes, my lady.”
With that, Yingyan was left alone on the banks of Yunmeng City.
She nuzzled into her emerald cloak, lending some warmth in its soft shelter. February sent a tremor of chill down her spine as the late winter breeze blew through the crowd. Despite the cold weather, many had brought their families and friends in tow to celebrate the Lantern Festival. The celebration marked the final day of the Lunar New Year and beckoned for a new spring ahead.
Children ran past her, carrying colourful paper lanterns, narrowly missing the crowd of people racking their brains over festoons of lantern riddles. Below a bridge, locals set their floating lanterns into the river.
Yingyan herself freed her own lantern into the open water. It glowed purple with the small flame burning inside, mixing into the sea of wishes. Upon it, her handwriting stained the oil paper in svelte brushstrokes.
Even as it drifted far away, she could make out the written wish on her lantern: Marry into Yunmeng Jiang Clan.
The written characters resembled plum blossom branches: thin and ebony with a touch of elegance. It was the epitome of perfection, but her calligraphy hadn’t always been this neat. It was once a wide hook of lines, illegible and childish.
That ceased the moment Yingyan learned of duty.
The Li Clan was neither famous nor nameless. They had their own history of glory and achievements, what with their founder Lijian ascending to godhood. From then onwards, every sect leader that led the clan would do their best to follow Lijian’s footsteps, however he was the first and last man to reach immortality and divination. Nonetheless, they decided to continue their legacy in hopes that one day they would produce a worthy child who could reach the Heavens. However, the current Sect Leader bore no children. The position of heir naturally fell to Yingyan’s oldest brother, who was born eight years prior to Yingyan herself.
As a descendant of a God, she was raised to be flawless and marry well. Marry a man with prospects and birth a healthy child—one that would be nothing short of great.
Being a lady of talent and skill herself, Yingyan had some criteria for the future father of her child. So she compiled a list of all the eligible bachelors among the notable clans.
Baling Ouyang Clan’s heir was three years old. There was over a decade of an age difference and Yingyan would rather die than sign up to raise her own husband. Next, Tingshan He Clan but the entire clan was exterminated for treason against Jin Guangshan’s implementation of the Chief Cultivator position. Yingyan had no desire to be a ghost bride, therefore she did not ponder long before moving on to find her potential partner elsewhere. Pingyang Yao Clan was still recovering from its major damage after the Sunshot Campaign, sacrificing many heirs, including their own heir.
That narrowed it down to a few options.
As much as she agreed that the twin jades of Gusu were the most immaculate Young Masters of the continent, Yingyan would love to avoid meddling with the Lan Clan if she could. She needed a marriage with mutual benefits, not a one-way ticket to the blandest diet on land and the most miserable culture she could fathom.
Qinghe Nie wasn’t even in her list. Everyone knew the tale of Qinghe Nie Clan’s curse. Yingyan could not allow her own child to submit to that cruel fate, no matter what. Lanling Jin had an honourable bachelor, but unfortunately, he was her cousin’s son. There was another illegitimate child, but the rumours implied his preference for men. A homosexual. Or at least bisexual, she thought as she referred to the rumours in Lanling’s streets.
Other than the current Sect Leader Jiang, none were fit for her hand in marriage. In simple terms, he was the perfect suitor.
Yingyan absolutely needed to come to an agreement with him and secure a marriage.
“My lady, Xin’er bought some more biscuits and toasted nián gāo.”
“What about mandarins? Did you buy some mandarins?”
“Yes, the vendor said they were the juiciest.”
Yingyan dusted off her hands, fetching a white handkerchief from her pouch.
“Excellent.” She clapped her hands. “That means it’s time to head home.”
“Eh? Right now?” Xin’er blinked, clutching her basket.
Yingyan stood up and sighed at her maid. “Xin’er, you should unsheath your sword and prepare to fly for the rest of the night. Everyone should’ve arrived back home by now and my father would behead me when he realise I’m in Yunmeng without a proper escort.”
Xin’er did as told, but she remained rooted to her spot.
"Isn't it too soon? My lady was adamant to come to Yunmeng right after spending a week at Lanling, even though you were exhausted. Shouldn't my lady take a rest?"
Yingyan would love to do that. She had spent seven days in Lanling to accompany her aunt during the New Year. Her family believed it was adequate, as Madam Jin had lost both her son and daughter-in-law two years ago. She tried to salvage the mood with the help of Jinling, but her efforts couldn’t rile a smile from her aunt, and Jinling would throw tantrums twice a day. Her limbs ached from bouncing him on her forearm all the time.
“Now, we’re leaving on the same day we arrived!” Xin’er pouted.
“Don’t give me those resentful eyes. You know I am not as flippant and impulsive as Er-ge, I don’t decide to travel on a whim,” she said. All of Anxi knew her second brother never lingered in one place for long. “It was a brief and tiring journey, but I had a matter to ascertain here. That is all.”
"What matter?"
The smell of spices wafted from a store and her gaze followed the trail like a moth to a flame. Yingyan found herself gawking at the customers eating to their stomach’s limit, but it wasn’t due to hunger. Her heart swelled when everyone cracked a beam and toasted to the holiday without a hint of sorrow. This did not appear to be a ravaged land. No, it was a thriving home. The Sect Leader should have just finished the mourning period of the late Jiang Yanli, but he didn’t object to his people celebrating.
He made sure his people were happy.
That was the kind of man she wanted to marry.
Amidst the harsh winter, Yunmeng bustled with vivacity. Rows of restaurants and stores decorated their exterior in red banners and lanterns, emitting a shade of warmth against the white of snow. It was not lavish like Lanling or neat like Caiyi Town, but it was boisterous and the people were content. Things were in order, but not to the point there was no space to breathe. Compared to the other cities, she felt closest to home here.
"It's a secret."
“Are you sure you didn’t travel all the way here to discard your uncle’s gift, so he would never find it?”
Yingyan’s face twitched. The mere fact that Jin Guanshan was her aunt’s husband made her retch. He was her uncle, yet it never stopped his subtle ministrations and roaming eyes.
“Blasphemy! My dear uncle’s gift slipped through my hand as I was admiring it. I didn’t discard it,” she said, placing her cold palm on her chest. “Now, let’s go. Nine days without sleeping on my own bed made me homesick.”
“Xin’er worries our Young Lady wouldn’t be able to visit Yunmeng again in that case.”
“Save your worries,” said Yingyan. A smirk bloomed across her face as she moved ahead. “The next time I’m here, I’ll be sleeping in Lotus Pier.”
The beginning of spring was a busy period for the sect leader of Yunmeng Jiang.
Jiangcheng’s frown deepened at the mountains of paperwork piled on his desk. The silver bell hung on his side emitted a chime while he shifted in his seat uncomfortably. His eyes skimmed the first few scrolls on the top. All of them spoke of the same topic. He could not believe what he was reading.
“Are these all marriage proposals?” he asked, pinching the space between his furrowed brows.
He could feel a headache coming.
The other clans seemed to have restrained themselves and waited until the full mourning period ended, before sending their daughters’ portraits to his doorstep at dawn. Lan Xichen was the top-ranking bachelor amongst them, so why was he the one receiving the burden of marrying a lady? Lan Xichen wasn’t dead. What were these families doing, seeking Jiangcheng?
“That’s only the first batch, Sect Leader.” His aide, Hangxie, arranged the scrolls in front of Jiangcheng.
He snapped his eyes towards Hangxie. Zidian crackled on his finger and Jiangcheng resisted the urge to crack the table into half.
“You’re meaning to tell me there are batches?”
“Yes, Sect Leader. Batches.”
Hangxie, having grown accustomed to his Sect Leader’s perpetual foul mood, didn’t even flinch when Jiangcheng made a noise that revealed his disdain.
“I’ve divided ten proposals into each batch for convenience. At the present moment, we have three batches…” Hangxie glanced towards a servant on the side and exchanged a nod. “And still counting.”
Incredulous. Jiangcheng could only describe this entire situation as incredulous. “What time is it?”
“It’s the hour of Wu, Sect Leader.”
“Lianfang-Zun is arriving here with Jinling in two hours. Make sure all preparations are in order for our guests.”
He bowed. “Yes, Sect Leader.”
Jiangcheng submerged himself in the sea of work. To his dismay, his duties encompassed examining every marriage proposal and writing an appropriate and polite rejection letter. By the time Jinling arrived in tow with Lianfang-zun, half of his work was done.
Lotus Pier was covered with crowns of budding lotuses. A boat with the Lanling Jin Sect’s emblem flag approached the banks. A figure emerged from the boat. Two, if he counted the child buried in his embrace. At the sight of his uncle, Jinling babbled excitedly. He was three-years-old and spoke too fast, too much. His peony-adorned golden robes crumpled as he fussed around in Jin Guangyao’s embrace and the vermilion mark between his brows pressed into a thin line as he frowned.
“Sect Leader Jiang,” Jin Guangyao greeted with a placid smile.
He handed over the lively Jinling and Jiangcheng opened his arms to welcome him back into Yunmeng. Jiangcheng didn’t mirror the pleasant smile but nodded his head in respect. “Lianfang-Zun.”
He escorted his guests to the main hall. They strode down the corridors, navigating corners and a labyrinth above water. Disciples in violet robes flung their wooden swords in the training grounds beneath the scorching sun. The salinity of freshwater invaded their lungs as they ventured into the labyrinth of Lotus Pier.
Out of the blue, Jinling squirmed. His hands lurched forward as a butterfly flew past them.
Jiangcheng was quick to berate him. “You can’t grab them, Jinling. You’ll hurt them.”
Behind them, Jin Guangyao chuckled. “Jinling has taken a liking towards butterflies after the young masters and young lady of the Li Clan folded paper butterflies for him.”
Jiangcheng lifted his brow, feeling the usual tension on his forehead vanish. “Paper butterflies?”
Jiang Yanli used to fold paper animals for Jiangcheng whenever he got reminded of his three dogs that were sent away. They would often be dogs, but when Wei Wuxian joined, they added butterflies because his older brother would still be scared shitless, even if it were a thumb-sized paper dog.
The memory caused his heart to shrivel. His tragic sister. His traitorous shi-xiong. There was a time when they were just innocent children. By his side. Alive.
Immediately, Jiangcheng stopped that thought. “I heard they value unique craftsmanship in Anxi. It is no surprised they would be deft with their hands.”
The Anxi Li’s young heirs were Jin Zixuan’s maternal cousins. In a way, Jinling were their nephews. Jiangcheng had heard of them across the grapevine. The First Young Master and heir apparent was past marriageable age and rumoured to possess a great sense of justice. The Second Young Master and his brother’s right-hand man, on the other hand, was a frivolous man who went with the flow. Both were men Jiangcheng personally greeted before in prior meetings. It was only their youngest he had not met. Her reputation was not particularly splendid, nor was it tainted.
According to his memory, the Young Lady should be turning eighteen this year. Though they shared the same nephew, Jiangcheng had never came across her. She was closer to Jin Zixuan, as they used to train alongside one another in their adolescence. Back then, Jiangcheng would be wherever Jin Zixuan wasn’t.
“The Second Young Master created the idea of folding colourful paper into shapes while the Young Lady Li added some designs. She even composed a poem on the spot.”
“Why a poem?”
“From what I deduce, she is a fan of literature.”
A fan of literature? He grimaced. Jiangcheng had read books of poetry, philosophy and even diaries of his predecessors, but he couldn't find the appeal in them. In his teenage years, if Jiangcheng needed help sleeping, he would read the collection of poems in his study and fall asleep within a blink.
Jiangcheng couldn’t fathom getting along with Young Lady Li. “I see.”
When they arrived in the hall, Jiangcheng sat on the throne, turning to his shoulder to find Jinling sound asleep. He frowned at the drool staining his violet robes but made no initiative to pull the child away.
“Jinling has been restless the entire trip, keen to meet his uncle,” said Jin Guangyao. “I suppose all that lost sleep has caught up to him.”
Jiangcheng quietly caressed his nephew’s back. It had been three months since he last saw his nephew. Jinling would spend most of his days, brought up in Koi Tower since he was a Jin. Once in a few months—if Jiangcheng was fortunate, weeks—Sect Leader Jin would arrange a meeting for Jiangcheng and his only remaining family. Jinling would stay for a month or so, but Jiangcheng always wished he could stay longer despite how irritating he could be.
“No wonder he’s so fast asleep. Hangxie, bring Jinling to his room.”
Hangxie carefully peeled Jinling off him and carried the young child away, leaving only the Jiangcheng and Lianfang-zun in the vast hall of Lotus Pier.
Jiangcheng rested his elbow on the side of the throne. He flexed his wrist, twirling it to ease the stiffness after doing paperwork for two hours straight. Nearby, a servant held a tray in her hands. She served some jasmine tea—his mother’s favourite—between them.
Jin Guangyao sipped his tea. “How have you been faring, Sect Leader Jiang?”
Jiangcheng’s face twitched, reminded by this morning’s events.
“Things are relatively busy, but nothing I can’t keep in check.” He failed to mention the endless flood of marriage proposals. It’ll become a serious problem if they don’t stop, he thought. Judging by the number of servants entering and exiting with a scroll, Jiangcheng already knew he was entangled in the mess of the marriage market.
Jin Guangyao smiled. “It’s great to see Sect Leader Jiang is working hard for Yunmeng as always. I have prepared some rare ginseng as a token of appreciation for Sect Leader Jiang who always welcomes me with open arms.”
Jiangcheng really didn’t. He acted according to what a Sect Leader should act like, nothing more and nothing less. He bestowed Lianfang-Zun gifts occasionally, but those were all given with reason. For instance: when Lotus Pier needed renovations and there were no rooms left, Jiangcheng presented him with priceless lotus silk and accommodated him in one of the finest taverns in Yunmeng.
At the end of the day, it was all for the sake of maintaining relations. Which was why suspicion spiked within him. This gift came at a price and Jiangcheng knew his role.
“Thank you, Lianfang-Zun.” He set his teacup down, clinking it against the saucer. “I didn’t prepare a gift beforehand, but if Lianfang-Zun has anything in mind, I would do my utmost to grant it.”
“There’s nothing in particular, Sect Leader Jiang. But I have a suggestion. I wonder if Sect Leader Jiang wouldn’t mind listening to my proposal?”
There it was.
Jiangcheng extended a hand, urging him to continue.
“Sect Leader Jiang’s complexion has waned. Everyone knows of your dedication and endeavours in protecting Yunmeng, but there is only so much a man can handle. We are not Gods, after all. Wouldn’t it be more convenient to appoint a Madam who could cover all the household affairs? This way, Sect Leader Jiang would have less on his plate and be able to concentrate on his duties as a Sect Leader.”
If Jin Guangyao noticed how Jiangcheng stiffened as the words sunk into him, he didn’t bother to bring it up.
Taking Jiangcheng’s silence as cue to continue, Jin Guangyao began to lean towards him. “My wife has a cousin from her family who’s in the prime age to marry and received prior education from Madam Jin. In my humble opinion, she might be a candidate worth considering.”
It wasn’t as though Jiangcheng never considered Jin Guangyao’s idea. As a Sect Leader, he knew he would marry one day and produce an heir. Nonetheless, Jiangcheng found himself pushing away his marriage at every opportunity. He wanted to devote himself to reinstalling Yunmeng Jiang’s previous prestige and building a greater Sect. Even greater than the one his parents ruled.
Be that as it may, marrying a competent lady was another form of devotion and duty towards his Sect. He knew that. He also knew what Jin Guangyao’s true intention was: to consolidate power. Though both Great Sects were allies, Jiangcheng was wary of Lanling Jin, keeping them at arm’s length. Jiangcheng understood ambition, but the Jins were beyond greedy.
“I appreciate the concern, Lianfang-Zun, but I am not looking for a bride at the current moment. Naturally, the issue of a Madam would be settled in the future, when the time is right.”
Whenever that would be, whoever that would be, it would never involve Lanling Jin. Jiangcheng would make sure of that.
Jin Guangyao cast his gaze downwards, laughing gently. “Of course, Sect Leader Jiang. My advice was too ignorant of your circumstances. Forgive me.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for, Lianfang-Zun.”
Jin Guangyao departed shortly after.
His visit reminded Jiangcheng how unpleasant the Jins' company was, and Jiangcheng began to dread the upcoming banquet at Koi Tower where he would have to sit in a hall filled with the Jins.
Luck wasn’t on Li Yingyan’s side.
Four players sat beneath a pavilion, lending the shelter to escape the afternoon sun. She smacked her set of mahjong tiles on the table, revealing an assemblage of unfortunate tiles. Initially, her money pouch was filled with twenty silvers. Now, the green silk pouch sagged against the table, deflating as she emptied its contents. Pushing two silvers into the opposing winner, her gaze lingered on the last of her money.
“Victory seems so far away.” She clicked her tongue. “The fēngshuǐ here is terrible. Xin’er, ask the gardener to remove that flower over there. I can feel the misfortune it brings.”
“Yes, my lady.” Xin’er ceased arranging her set of mahjong tiles and stood up to carry out Yingyan’s order. She, too, started off with twenty silvers yet now all the fortune went to Yingyan’s uncle.
In the end, the lady and her maid both lost all their money.
Across her, Sect Leader Li rejoiced as he collected the money he won. Her second brother, Lixia, assisted him in counting the fortune he won.
“Look who’s sulking,” Lixia said. “Don’t be a sore loser. It can’t be helped that your mahjong skills are as terrible as your archery.”
“First off, my aim is but a whisker away from hitting a bullseye. Second of all, I am not sulking. There is something wrong with the fēngshuǐ here and it is not jest, I assure you.”
“How could you be certain?”
She clicked her tongue, placing her elbow on the table. “Intuition.”
“In other words, bullsh—”
“Xiao Yan, admit it, you just don’t like the flower I planted.” Her uncle’s tone was gentle when he addressed her by her nickname, not a trace of anger to be heard.
She ignored her brother and gave her uncle a sharp smile, one reaching too far up her eyes to be considered nice. “Nonsense. I’m merely taking the harmony and balance of your garden into account, Uncle. That plant is ominous, you must avoid it at all costs.”
Grey streaks peeked from his roots, growing in his bushy eyebrows and short beard. The faint wrinkles on his face etched into existence as he smiled at Yingyan. “It may bring ill fortune to you, but it brings an abundance of luck to me.”
“Precisely why you should never plant it again.”
Lixia snorted. “What a verbose answer to cover up your shortcomings.”
Yingyan’s ears grew hot. Her tutor raised her to be a lady of grace and tolerance, but her brother possessed a natural aptitude for getting on her nerves.
“You are taking an awfully long time to count the money,” she said. “Was all that time spent in the Cloud Recesses for nothing? Lan Qiren would be disappointed.”
“Actually, I’m done, so I’ll take my leave now.” He stood up, purposely slapping his sleeve into her face. “Goodbye, my dull sister and apologies to you, Uncle. You have to deal with her in my absence.”
In response, Sect Leader Li let out a roaring laugh and before Yingyan could snap back, Lixia rushed away.
To dissipate her annoyance, Yingyan sipped on her tiěguānyīn tea, savouring the fragrance of orchids blooming in her mouth. It was Anxi’s speciality, a luxury she grew up with since her birth.
“Xiao Yan, you have a purpose for arranging this private meeting, don’t you?”
Yingyan lifted a brow. “Oh? Uncle hasn't completely lost his wit. I was even beginning to worry about the deterioration of intellect that comes with age.”
“Is that a compliment?”
“That is up to your interpretation.”
Placing down her teacup, Yingyan caressed the porcelain rim with her finger. She wondered, once she officially left the family, would she still be able to taste the first batch of tiěguānyīn tea with her kin like every other year.
“Listen well, Uncle,” she started. “I want to marry a man.”
For a moment, Sect Leader Li blinked, bereft of speech. The silence lasted long enough for Yingyan to finish her tea before it went cold. Out of the blue, he began to laugh.
“Who’s this charming man who caught our Young Lady Li’s attention? I’ll immediately send your portrait right now!”
Yingyan appreciated her uncle’s enthusiasm.
“Thank you, Uncle. Please send it to Yunmeng,” she said. “It’s for Sect Leader Jiang.”
However, her uncle’s joy vanished the instant she mentioned Jiangcheng. His smile scattered and his hand stopped combing through his still-growing beard.
“Sect Leader…Jiang? Not Nie? Or Lan?”
She nodded.
“The Sāndú Shèngshou, Jiang Wanyin?”
She hummed.
“The one who tortured Demonic Cultivators in his idle time? The one whose wrath was rumoured to be scarier than vengeful ghosts?”
This time, Yingyan opened her mouth. “He’s quite popular, isn’t he?”
The sombre mood did not lift with her sly attempt. Sect Leader Li puckered his brows in concern. This close, the wrinkles on his forehead were three horizontal lines written on his face. It told the tale of his bygone youth and how it would soon be time for her generation to take over. For her brothers to lead this clan.
“Xiao Yan, are you sure you want to marry a man with such a reputation?”
“I am most definite. I’ve thought this through, and he is the most fitting man as my husband.” Indeed, she had thought about him long enough to make a plan in the past three months. Today was the first step. She held her uncle’s calloused hands and softened her voice. “Would you please send the proposal over?”
Sect Leader Li sighed. “Alright. But have you discussed this with your father?”
“He will know when Sect Leader Jiang sends the betrothal gifts.” Winking, she placed her index finger on her lips. “It’s a surprise!”
“You still have the heart to play tricks on your poor father? I’m beginning to feel bad for my brother.”
You’ll be congratulating him soon enough for becoming Sect Leader Jiang’s father-in-law, she thought. Xin’er had returned with the gardener who, as she instructed, removed a certain plant from her uncle’s garden to somewhere hopefully bright enough to shrivel up that forsaken plant. Then, she leaned into Yingyan’s ear, whispering a few words.
Yingyan cleared her throat. “Let’s end the game here. Uncle has many things to do and I need to prepare for Aunty’s birthday banquet that happens in a month, so off you go.”
Unperturbed, her uncle drank his tea. “You’re just keen to try on your new dress, aren’t you?”
“Duty awaits, Sect Leader Li.”
“You’re right.” He rose from his seat. “Maybe it’s time to focus on religion, Xiao Yan. You’ll need Heaven's divine help to marry a man like Sect Leader Jiang.”
“Well, isn’t it just my luck that my ancestor happens to be a God?”
He laughed, but did not say anything. While he walked farther from her, Yinglan waved him goodbye. “Send my best portrait, Uncle!”
After he left, Yingyan stared at the garden full of blooms.
“Religion, he recommended.”
Xin’er refilled her cup of tea. “My lady, are you really going to consider worshipping a God?”
The only reason her uncle agreed was that he didn’t believe Yingyan would become Sect Leader Jiang’s bride with the help of a single portrait and a written proposal. She didn’t either. Which was why she was going to strike at Madam Jin’s birthday banquet. Sect Leader Jiang would be there.
She smirked. “Nonsense. There’s no need to devote my faith to one particular God. If I have to, I’ll seek out every God within my reach!”
Koi Tower gleamed in the summer sunlight.
“Why do I feel like it is more dazzling than it was before?”
White peonies swarmed the Glamour Hall at every corner, adorning the golden expanse with Sparks Amidst Snow. It was almost painful for Jiangcheng to open his eyes.
“That’s natural, Sect Leader. It’s Madam Jin’s fiftieth birthday banquet,” Hangxie replied.
The Jin Clan was holding a big banquet despite the unfortunate loss of the heir two years ago, putting on a show for others. They seemed to convey the message: ‘Lanling Jin Clan will forever stand, no matter what.’ Their arrogance was akin to Qishan Wen’s vanity before the Sunshot Campaign.
Suddenly, he remembered Wei Wuxian’s words during the bloodbath of Nightless City.
He clenched his fists at the memory, the cords on his neck spiking rigid.
Jiangcheng approached the woman dressed in golden robes. Though her cultivation base was strong enough to preserve the youth on her face, the grief and sorrow had eaten away the remnants of life. However, she had enough spirit to glare at Jin Guangshan and raise her chin at the guests.
He saluted her, bowing his head. “Sect Leader Jin. Madam Jin.”
With Madam Jin by his side, Jin Guangshan dared not utter more words than necessary.
“Thank you for attending my dear wife’s birthday banquet, Sect Leader Jiang.”
“It is an honour. The Yunmeng Jiang Clan wishes Madam Jin a marvellous year.”
Madam Jin's smile looked flawless, every edge gleaming and sharp. Yet Jiangcheng didn’t believe it. Those eyes were hollow, like a soul trying to keep its corpse intact. Of course, he out of all the people would know. While Madam Jin buried her vulnerability under a shell of loftiness, Jiangcheng buried his beneath a mask of rage. One, always stern and brilliant, the other always volatile and frowning. Both were so close to insanity.
“Thank you, Sect Leader Jiang. The banquet will begin in a while, please help yourself.”
Jiangcheng didn’t smile back, but he inclined his head. “Of course.”
Banquets were a fun thing. Sure, one may agree it was no more than a diplomatic gathering with smiles and gifts involved, but Jiangcheng truly enjoyed them. Not for the company, the food or anything in particular. Formal meetings required him to be away from his Sect. That meant Jiangcheng could pardon himself from his duties as long as he partook in the conferences and banquets without engaging himself in the trifle wars between minor Sects. After this occasion, he would need to stay up at night to make up for the time and work he lost. But he walked in confident strides.
The seats were divided based on rank, with the more reputable Sects on the front rows. But the first seats closest to the dais were reserved for family only.
The wooden tables lined the hall, positioned to face one another during the feast. Jiangcheng's seat was on the right side, one table away from the dais where the Sect Leader and Madam sat. Those seats remained vacant until all guests had arrived.
Sat opposed to him were Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren. Beside them, it was the Anxi Li’s family that sat nearest to Madam Jin.
The banquet began with a light dish. From the periphery of his eye, a servant poured a cup of tea for Madam Jin. The teapot was a simple porcelain white. It was different from the rest, gold and furnished with jewels.
The servant whispered in the Madam’s ear.
Whatever news he conveyed must be good, because she broke into a soft smile. For the first time during this banquet, it wasn’t feigned. It was brief and gentle. Then, she lifted her eyes and surveyed the crowd. Her eyes were nearly moist with tears when she located the person she meant to find.
Jiangcheng trailed her gaze out of curiosity and sheer boredom. Although it was a common occurrence for him to knit his brows, he had not expected to see her.
It was Li Yingyan, the Young Lady of Madam Jin’s family.
She exchanged a knowing look with Madam Jin. Beside her was a man with thick eyebrows, indulging in cups of wine before the banquet even started. They occupied the table behind Sect Leader Li and First Young Master Li, close enough for Jiangcheng to see but too far for him to discern their whispers.
Young Lady Li was the other proposal that came to his doorstep three days ago. At least, her family had the decorum to not send her portrait the instant the mourning period ended, which found him in a good mood. Jiangcheng took a good look at her portrait and proposal. Witnessing her in the flesh made him realise the soon-to-be-eighteen lady looked nothing like her portrait. Maybe the nose and lips were similar, but she looked much sharper and matured compared to the horrendous work he received.
Jiangcheng only recognized her thanks to her uncommon green eyes.
Time went by in a blink. Following tradition, the last dish was a whole ginger-soy steamed fish, served to Madam Jin, the star of the day. The others were only served with the tender meat of the fish.
Jiangcheng didn’t particularly like seafood. Unlike him, Young Lady Li seemed to have a fancy for fish. She devoured her serve and even the Second Young Master’s. It was unladylike, though the latter appeared grateful that someone could finish his dish for him.
Their eyes locked. It startled him out of his thoughts.
Jiangcheng cleared his throat and turned away.
“Sect Leader Jiang from the Yunmeng Jiang Clan.”
A servant in golden robes announced his name as it was his turn to present his gift.
Jiangcheng rose from his seat with Hangxie by his side. They stood in front of the dais, in the centre of the Glamour Hall. A Yunmeng Jiang Sect servant approached, presenting their gift for Madam Jin.
“To extend our heartfelt felicitations from Yunmeng, I’ve chosen one of our antiques to commemorate this important day. This vase was made from the bones of the Ancient Tortoise and had existed for over three hundred years.”
Polished and vaguely chipped on the rim, the vase was shaped like a teardrop with engravings of a tortoise’s shell. Mosaics of honey brown hexagons spiralled the yellow vase. Jiangcheng went over his budget to obtain this vase, but he acted rather impassively. This way, the other Sects would not dare to express impertinence towards him. Yunmeng Jiang was still one of the Five Major Cultivation Sects, even if it was the weakest. He needed to show no weaknesses so the other Clans couldn’t even think of replacing his parent’s Sect. His Sect.
“By handing this relic over to Madam Jin, I wish you longevity and everlasting beauty.” Jiangcheng ended his speech with another bow.
“Nicely said, Sect Leader Jiang,” said Jin Guangshan. He glanced at his wife, fingers fiddling with his hands. He sounded timid, asking for Madam Jin’s opinion. “Madam?”
“I appreciate your thoughts, Sect Leader Jiang. I like this very much,” she said with a gracious smile.
When he went back to his seat, he drank his tea in silence while every guest took turns to display their gifts. But one Sect robbed him of his indifference.
“Sect Leader Li, First Young Master Li, Second Young Master Li, and Young Lady Li from the Anxi Li Clan.”
Green was Anxi Li’s colour. Not the eyesore shade of bright pears, but the deep emerald of aged moss and bamboos. Gold was added recently after Madam Jin married Jin Guangshan. Apparently, the prior Sect Leader Li wanted to honour Madam Jin by adding Lanling Jin’s gold colour into the small details of their clothes. With every step she took, Young Lady Li’s dress rippled and the golden embroidered leaves twinkled where the light shone. It created an illusion that reminded Jiangcheng of the dewdrops upon the lotus pads back home.
“The young lady never participated in the previous banquets,” Jiangcheng noted. It is more of a question rather than a statement, prompting Hangxie to speak.
“That’s because Madam Jin held separate banquets, one for the public and one for her family. Knowing that her niece is reaching the marriageable age, she merged the two banquets for this year.”
Today was her social debut, then.
“And here I thought it was because of Madam’s age.”
The hall broke into the sound of applause, ending their short conversation. Apparently, Sect Leader Li made a joke which did not strike as a surprise. After all, he was famed as a man of humour.
After Sect Leader Li presented their gift that represented their entire Sect, the young lady stepped forward.
“Our youngest prepared a separate gift.”
She unfurled a scroll. It was the painting of a phoenix. Its head consisted of the face of a swallow and the beak of a rooster, its back of a tortoise blended down its wings. At the end of the celestial animal’s body, its tail curved graciously like a fish’s. At the same time, a servant opened a box, revealing a jade necklace.
The young lady cleared her throat the same time Jiangcheng put down his teacup to listen.
“The phoenix is the goddess of all winged creatures. The head represents virtue, the wing duty, the back propriety, the abdomen credibility and the chest embodies mercy. In many depictions, it's the symbol of yin who brings out the best traits of a woman when paired with the dragon who represents yang and male.” The young lady paused. “However, the phoenix once separated from the dragon is also a symbol of strength and yang.”
The meaning behind her words registered on Jin Guangshan as his face flushed crimson. It didn’t fly off the guests’ heads either. Madam Jin is as powerful and honourable as her husband.
“Legends say that any house with the Phoenix guarding it would only welcome loyal and honest people,” she continued. “As soon as I heard of this legend, I immediately picked up my paintbrush. I thought that Aunt definitely needed this talisman to repent deceitful people!”
Across him, Lan Xichen choked on his tea.
Jiangcheng twisted Zidian. A feathery feeling tickled his lip and he almost smiled.
Jin Guangshan’s red face glowed brighter, but he maintained a smile on his face. “What does that mean, niece?”
“I mean goodwill through this painting, Uncle.” Her face dropped as though someone had accused her of the worst of crimes, tilting her head in a manner an innocent child would. “Could there possibly be another meaning behind this painting?”
The lady’s shoulder deflated. The action was enough to stir doubt, as seen in the Lan Qiren’s disapproving glance at Jin Guangshan.
“Fret not, Uncle. I will prepare a painting for your birthday too.”
Jin Guangshan begrudgingly shut his mouth.
It required a great deal of restrain to stifle his own bark of laughter. He lowered his voice as he tapped the table. “What do you think of the Li Sect’s young lady?”
“The young lady is a thoughtful woman who cares deeply for her family.” Hangxie swallowed some tea. “I suppose her character should be an example for others.”
“So you admire her filial piety. I, for one, prefer her boldness.”
“Sect Leader, I must remind you that you rejected Young Lady Li’s proposal.”
“Do you take me as demented? I don’t plan on marrying her,” he said harshly. “I merely find her behaviour amusing. You don’t see people nowadays with the galls to slander the Chief Cultivator to his face, let alone a lady.”
“I also prepared a talisman for Aunt to carry by her side.” She waved her hand and the servant lifted the box, demanding everyone’s attention. “This is a custom-made necklace carved into the body of a phoenix. I’ve inscribed Aunt’s name behind the pendant. Hopefully, my gift could repel all ill-fortune around Aunt.” She inclined her head. “Please accept my humble gifts.”
Madam Jin’s face brightened.
“How could I not accept them, when they were made with such care? My heart is moved by your gifts. In return, I bestow you a hundred gold taels.” She beckoned for her maid, voice loud and stern. “Meihua, hang the painting in my room right now and bring Xiao Yan’s necklace to me. Someone, bring forth my token of reciprocation towards my niece.”
“Thank you, Aunt.”
A boom echoed throughout the hall, breaking him from his stupor. Everyone’s heads turned towards Madam Jin as she descended the dais.
“It is time for the fireworks.”
Sparks, gold and green, blossomed like stars in the early night sky.
Yingyan held her breath. She wasn’t awe-stricken by the view. She was bored out of her mind. On the inside, that was. On the outside, her head tilted heavenward, no different than her eldest brother’s austere exterior. The layers of her dress weighed down like bricks and Yingyan used up her energy to refrain from wiggling. The sound of fireworks soaked into her, one rumbling after another. Ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen…… fourteen. Fourteen fireworks soared towards the round moon, and she had been standing in Koi Tower’s courtyard long enough for the humidity of spring to gather on her forehead in beads of sweat.
She leaned into Lixia’s shoulder. Her brother immediately knew what the gesture meant and patted the side of her head. “What’s wrong, Xiao Yan?”
“I feel sick.” A lie. She wanted to retire to her room. “Like I’m about to vomit my intestines out.”
Her other brother, Lishuo, turned to them in an instant. Unlike Lixia, his eyebrows and lips were an echo of their aunt’s—thin and light in pigment. They were scrunched up in concern as he inspected her from head to toe. Gone was the righteous, tall heir of the Anxi Li Clan, now replaced by Yingyan’s awkward oldest brother. “Was it the mushrooms?”
“The taste was disgusting. I could still taste it after drinking ten cups of tea.”
“You’re feeling like this exactly because you drank ten cups of tea.”
“Lixia, don’t tease her.” Lishuo’s rebuke elicited an eye roll from Lixia.
“Er-ge might be right for once in his life. Maybe my organs will burst soon from all that tea.”
“Alright, alright. Just one more performance and we’ll go to bed,” said Lixia. “I can’t stand that scum’s presence being near me, anyway.”
Said scum was no other than Jin Guangshan. He dared to eye a female courtesan who he hired for a performance, in front of the crowd. Madam Jin would've been livid if she noticed but her aunt was too immersed in a talk with their uncle.
“Should I just leave?”
“Where to?”
“Wherever the wind takes me.”
To that, Lishuo gave his brother a threatening glare. “This is not Anxi. We are in Lanling, representing the entire clan. It is not just your reputation to be concern about, Lixia.”
Lixia shrugged. “Fine. I’ll stay.”
“Don’t push yourself, Xiao Yan. If you can’t stand it, you can retire to your rooms at once.” Lishuo beckoned a servant. “I’ll send some medicine for digestion to you later.”
She held back a smile. “Alright.”
At long last. Xin’er should be waiting for her after completing the task she entrusted her.
After wishing her brothers a pleasant night, Yingyan slipped past the sea of bodies while dodging approaching men, each of them mirroring the same greed and deviousness. Her aunt wasn’t exaggerating when she said courtship was a ruthless game; it prioritised wits and haste. Now, she was thrusted into the limelight, earning the undivided attention of clans from all regions of the realm until another prestigious lady made her social debut.
Yingyan couldn’t even lament on how mortifying the ordeal would be, before something white appeared in the corner of her eye.
“Watch out!”
Yingyan yelped as someone collided into her side. She reached out by instinct, unexpectedly latching onto something sturdy enough to stop her from slipping. The golden pins protruding out of her hair dangled, and for a twinkle in time, blinded her. Was it the fireworks or her rampant heartbeat resonating through her bones? She squinted. Then she noticed. It was awfully dark for a night of fireworks. Darkness—no, a shadow engulfed her. Yingyan held onto an arm swathed in purple silk.
Purple?
She lifted her chin.
Oh.
There he was, towering over her while he caught a fan, inches away from her head. His expression was indecipherable, he looked mad, worried and at the same time… appalled to see her.
“Sect Leader Jiang,” she breathed out. This close, Yingyan could whiff the scent of lotus from his robes. “It’s you.”