Jianghu Demolition Squad

The Child Returns Home (Part Thirteen)

After crossing into Jiangnan, Jun Lin and Yun Wangran were quick to dispatch messengers back to their respective manors, arranging for the relocation of their families, young and old.

In Jun Lin’s eyes, Qing Jiu and Yu’er were still like children, naive and impulsive. This sudden, unexpected turn of events, a marriage without proper ceremony or societal approval, was simply unacceptable!

But what was done was done. They had to move forward.

Marriage was a significant life event, and despite his reservations about Qing Jiu, Jun Lin had given his consent. He wanted to hold a grand celebration, ensuring Yu’er wouldn’t be denied the honor she deserved.

Yu’er, however, persuaded him otherwise. Both she and Qing Jiu disliked extravagant affairs. Furthermore, a marriage between two women was unprecedented. Even with their considerable fame, they couldn’t expect the whole world to accept their relationship. A lavish ceremony would only attract unwanted attention and create unnecessary trouble.

They simply wished for some close friends and family to be by their side, which was more than enough.

Jun Lin eventually relented but insisted on overseeing the arrangements personally.

Even a small wedding required meticulous planning. It took over a month for the members of the Jun family and Mingjian Manor to arrive.

During this time, Yu’er and Qing Jiu traveled to Yangzhou. They retrieved the wine they had buried beneath the tree at the Qixian Palace years ago, its aroma now rich and mellowed with age. While there, they also delivered a wedding invitation to Gong Shang.

The sight of that wine delighted Jie Qianchou, who had traveled from Xiaoqing Mountain for the occasion. Initially, he had been rather uncomfortable with the idea of two women marrying, but the moment he caught a whiff of that exquisite wine, his reservations vanished.

“Elder Jie, please save some for your disciple’s wedding,” she suggested.

Jie Qianchou shot her a disapproving look. “Stingy,” he grumbled. “I haven’t even complained about you stealing away my precious disciple, yet you won’t even let this old man enjoy a few extra sips of wedding wine.”

Qing Jiu laughed, “You old man, think about how you got this ‘precious disciple’ in the first place.”

“Always so sharp-tongued,” Jie Qianchou retorted, shaking his head.

As they were speaking, Yu’er approached.

Qing Jiu noticed her expression and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“People from Jile City have arrived,” Yu’er replied.

Qing Jiu raised an eyebrow, “What, did they hear that Yan Li is here and come to steal her away?”

“Not exactly,” Yu’er’s expression was complicated. “They came to deliver wedding gifts.”

They went to the main hall, where Si Yu stood stiffly, surrounded by a mountain of gifts. Qing Jiu approached and couldn’t help but laugh.

Pearls from the Southern Sea, blood coral, golden silk inlaid with jade depicting dragons and phoenixes…

Each gift was more precious than the last. It seemed they had indeed come bearing gifts.

Seeing them approach, Si Yu bowed and said, “The City Lord heard of your upcoming marriage and sent me to deliver these congratulatory gifts.”

Qing Jiu’s smile held a hint of irony, “The City Lord is quite well-informed.”

Si Yu remained impassive. “Our City Lord is occupied with official duties and couldn’t attend personally, but she will be sure to offer her congratulations in person on your wedding day.”

“Then we thank the City Lord for her kind intentions.”

After Si Yu left, Yu’er pulled Qing Jiu aside, “Why would she send such lavish gifts for our wedding?” she asked, bewildered. “When did we become so close?”

Qing Jiu chuckled. “She’s relieved. Relieved that no one is vying for Yan Li’s affections anymore.”

Yu’er stared at her for a moment, then burst into laughter, lightly punching Qing Jiu’s arm. “What, she still suspects you and Yan Li…”

“She’d be glad if we were married, and even happier if Linzhi and Mo Wen would hurry up and do the same. Then there would be no more perceieved threats to Yan Li by her side,” Qing Jiu laughed. “She’s quite clever. By sending these gifts and attending our wedding, she can see Yan Li without seeming too eager or causing any discomfort.”

“You make her sound almost pitiful,” Yu’er remarked. “Going through all this trouble just to be near Yan Li.”

“It’s rather touching, in a way. Traveling all this way despite her injuries.”

Yu’er sighed. Now that she had found her own happiness, she hoped the others would find someone to share their lives with as well. But achieving such universal bliss seemed unrealistic. “If only she had realized her feelings sooner, things wouldn’t have come to this. She made mistakes, lost what she had, and only then understood her true feelings, her desire to cherish and make amends.”

“Qing Jiu, perhaps we should…” Yu’er’s heart softened. She sensed that Yan Li harbored some feelings for Wu Yu. Perhaps Wu Yu’s past possessiveness had prevented Yan Li from truly confronting her own emotions, from determining if she had truly moved on, if she could forgive herself for loving Wu Yu.

If they both still cared, helping them reconcile wouldn’t be a bad thing.

But Qing Jiu’s response was measured. “People have different levels of closeness,” she said. “Others might forgive Wu Yu’s actions, but my loyalties lie with Yan Li. I don’t like Wu Yu, and I can’t easily forgive her for the pain she caused Yan Li. I won’t help her.”

“However…” she continued, her tone softening, “feelings are a personal matter. Only Yan Li can decide what she truly wants. Therefore, I won’t interfere with Wu Yu’s efforts either. Whether they end up together, or remain as they are now, like ordinary friends, is up to them. We should respect their choices and let fate run its course.”

Yu’er, finding her reasoning sound, nodded in agreement, dropping the subject.

Their wedding was set for mid-spring, and Wu Yu did indeed arrive, two days earlier than expected.

Despite her earlier reservations, Qing Jiu welcomed Wu Yu to the Lin Estate, treating her with courtesy.

The wedding day dawned with a light drizzle, adding a touch of melancholy beauty to the occasion.

Hangzhou was renowned for its picturesque scenery. The gentle rain softened the edges of the city, enhancing its tranquil elegance.

Although they had only invited close friends and family, a significant number of guests attended.

Qixian Palace, Wuwei Palace, and Xuhuai Valley were aware of the unconventional union, sent representatives with gifts. The Yanyu Pavilion and the Hua family, of course, were present in full force. And both manor families were, naturally, well represented.

The large gathering created a festive atmosphere. The estate was adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations, resembling a traditional wedding celebration.

Passersby, noticing the joyous occasion, paused to watch the procession.

Qing Jiu and Yu’er, like any ordinary couple, performed the customary rituals, bowing to heaven and earth, paying respects to the ancestral hall, and finally, to each other.

Unbound by rigid traditions, the jianghu heroes quickly settled in, enjoying the feast and drinks with their friends and family. Jun Lin, however, was more mindful of decorum, greeting guests and offering toasts.

As Jun Lin made his rounds among the numerous tables, he noticed Qing Jiu and Yu’er were missing. He beckoned Xin Chou, who stood by the entrance, stoic and unmoving like a door god. “Where are those two girls?” he asked.

Xin Chou shook his head, “Chou doesn’t know.”

Xin Chou was not adept at lying and looked visibly uneasy. It seemed he knew something.

He had accompanied Qing Jiu and Yu’er back to Hangzhou and likely overheard their conversation. Those two girls must have sworn him to secrecy.

Jun Lin wondered if they had slipped away to the bridal chamber already, so soon into the celebration.

Hua Lian chuckled, “I just saw them stepping out. Perhaps they drank too much and went out to sober up.”

Jun Lin was annoyed, “Went out to sober up? What do they think today is! Do they have any idea what day it is? They’re the heads of their respective households, yet they sneak away, abandoning their guests! This is utter nonsense!”

Hua Lian smiled, “Please be more patient, Manor Master Jun.” They were used to doing things their own way, unconcerned with social conventions. Such formalities were tiresome. If it were any other day, with so many guests present, they would have likely driven everyone away by now.

Hua Lian glanced at the night sky beyond the courtyard and sighed inwardly. On such a beautiful moonlit night, even someone like him, a solitary bachelor, found the lively festivities too noisy and wished to take a quiet stroll outside.

The rain had stopped, leaving the sky clear and bright. The moon shone brilliantly, surrounded by scattered stars. The surface of West Lake shimmered with gentle ripples, and wisps of mist rose gracefully.

In the lakeside pavilion, two figures sat facing the lake. One of them held a wine jar, pouring its contents into the lake.

The moonlight illuminated the cascading liquid, its flow a mesmerizing dance as it merged with the water.

Qing Jiu, holding Yu’er’s hand, spoke. “Father, Mother, Si’er has brought her wife to see you.”

Both were dressed in vibrant red wedding robes, the color symbolizing joy and celebration, their bodies entwined.

Yu’er squeezed her hand, feeling a bit nervous. “Qing Jiu, do you think your parents… Would they approve of us being together?”

A thought struck her. If Qing Jiu’s family were still alive, would they accept their daughter marrying a woman? And with Qing Jiu being the last of the Lin clan, their union wouldn’t produce any heirs…

She had been so focused on Qing Jiu’s feelings that she hadn’t considered how this might affect Qing Jiu as well.

Q Qing Jiu reached for Yu’er’s other hand, holding it gently in her own. She gazed at the shimmering lake, a smile gracing her lips. “They would accept you without hesitation,” she said, her voice filled with quiet confidence. “My family loved me very much…”

Her voice faltered, the smile fading as a wave of sadness washed over her. “They loved me very much…”

Seeing Qing Jiu’s expression change, Yu’er felt a sudden tightness in her heart, and her throat constricted. Standing up, she pulled Qing Jiu into her arms, “From now on, you have me to love you.” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. She knew Qing Jiu’s family would always be a source of pain, a gaping hole in her heart that Yu’er wasn’t sure she could ever fill.

But she would stay by Qing Jiu’s side, offering comfort and unwavering love, hoping to ease the loneliness that clung to her.

Qing Jiu returned the embrace, holding Yu’er tightly, her voice muffled as she spoke into Yu’er’s chest, “Yu’er, call me ‘Si’er.'”

Qing Jiu rarely got drunk, and she hadn’t had much to drink tonight. But she felt a strange lightness, a giddy intoxication that emboldened her to act so childishly, seeking comfort and affection from Yu’er.

Yu’er stroked Qing Jiu’s hair, her hand trailing down to gently caress her ear, “Si’er.”

“Say it again.”

“Si’er.”

Qing Jiu snuggled closer, resting her head on Yu’er’s lap, her arms wrapped around her waist. “Let’s not go back just yet,” she whispered.

They had abandoned their guests, their wedding celebration, to seek solace in each other’s company. It was utterly irresponsible.

But Yu’er simply replied, “Alright, let’s stay.”

Silence descended upon the pavilion, broken only by the gentle lapping of water against the shore. After a while, the tranquility was shattered by the sound of a zither.

Their peaceful solitude was over. Qing Jiu frowned, displeasure flickering in her eyes.

She sighed, lamenting the loss of their quiet intimacy.

She stood up, leading Yu’er out of the pavilion. As they reached the top step, their gaze fell upon the figure seated on the curved roof.

Qin Gui sat perched on the edge of the roof, plucking the strings of her zither on her lap.

Qing Jiu wasn’t surprised. After all, she had been the one to deliver Qin Gui’s wedding invitation. Qin Gui had recently been in Hangzhou, settling a Ghost Sect matter. Qing Jiu had known she would arrive either today or tomorrow.

“Disciple, although your master has never been married, I do recall that after paying respects to heaven and earth, you are supposed to enter the bridal chamber. I saw you two come here and thought you were seeking some excitement, but it turns out you were just chatting,” Qin Gui laughed. “Disciple, are you unsure of what to do? Your master can teach you!”

Qing Jiu bowed respectfully, “Master.”

Despite their unusual relationship, Yu’er could see that Qing Jiu still regarded Qin Gui as her master. Out of respect for the elder, Yu’er also bowed.

Gui narrowed her eyes at Yu’er, a long, drawn-out laugh escaping her lips, “You really do take after Lin Qingchao, that bitch…”

Seeing Qing Jiu frown, Qin Gui quickly covered it with a laugh and changed the subject, “Good disciple, don’t have such a sour face. At least your master has come to congratulate you on your wedding.”

Qin Gui had visited Lin estate earlier, but the ceremony was already over, and Qing Jiu and Yu’er were nowhere to be found. She had, however, encountered Gong Shang.

During their trip to Xuhuai Valley, Gong Shang had avoided her, so they hadn’t had a chance to interact. This unexpected encounter was a delightful surprise.

Gong Shang hadn’t been pleased to see her, which made Qin Gui incredibly happy!

“I wonder how Master intends to congratulate us?”

There was no one else around, but Qin Gui covered her mouth with her hand, laughing and pretending to whisper, “Dao Gui and Gui Jianchou went on a mission together this time. They’ve gone to Chiping in the East Sea.”

“Would you consider this information a suitable wedding gift?”

Qing Jiu smiled, “Why would Master suddenly decide to share their whereabouts with me?” She didn’t doubt the information Qin Gui had told her.

Qin Gui plucked a string on her guqin, the sound resonating through the air. “They have so many subordinates,” she said, her voice laced with amusement. “And Master has so few, especially after you killed three of them. I’d like to acquire some of their people. Of course, I wouldn’t object to taking them all…”

Qing Jiu remained silent, offering no response.

Qin Gui continued with a soft, coaxing smile, “Good disciple, good disciple, those two are such a nuisance. Deal with them quickly, and Master will await good news.”

Although it wasn’t explicitly stated, both of them knew in their hearts that she would definitely go.

By the time they returned to the estate, the festivities were winding down. Liu Xiu, her cheeks flushed, leaned against the table, clutching Tang Linzhi’s sleeve and calling her “darling.”

Yang Chun, gesturing wildly to Hua Lian and Qi Tianzhu, boasted, “My courtyard is this big!” He giggled, lost in his drunken stupor.

Yan Li sat quietly, surrounded by the Jile City entourage who had effectively pushed everyone else away. Only Yan Li and Wu Yu remained at their table. Although they weren’t speaking, Wu Yu’s gaze never left Yan Li.

Qing Jiu and Yu’er heard Jun Lin grumbling nearby, “Where are those two girls? They still haven’t come back. Qing Jiu’s master caused quite a scene, even driving Palace Master Gong Shang away. And Qing Jiu doesn’t even bother to intervene!”

Hearing this, the two felt even less inclined to show themselves and stealthily slipped back to their wedding chamber.

Red candles burned brightly inside, illuminating the embroidered pillows and the quilt adorned with mandarin ducks and dragons. Two cups sat on the table, ready for the customary sharing of wedding wine.

Qing Jiu took the wine and poured two cups, handing one to Yu’er.

They bowed to each other. “First, I wish my beloved a thousand years of life,” Qing Jiu said.

“Second, I wish for my own enduring health,” Yu’er replied.

“Third, may we be like the swallows nesting on the beams, together year after year.”

They exchanged smiles, their cups meeting in a toast before they drank.

Their eyes, bright with love and happiness, sparkled in the candlelight. Hand in hand, they walked to the bed, dimming the candles and drawing the curtains before lying down together, their bodies entwined.

After the wedding, the guests gradually departed. A few days later, Jun Lin, Yun Wangran, and the others prepared to return to the Central Plains.

They were reluctant to be so far from Yu’er. They had initially planned to hold the wedding at Jiuxiao Manor, but out of consideration for Qing Jiu, who had no family left, they agreed to hold it at the Lin Estate.

Jun Lin understood his daughter’s independent nature. Confining her to Jiuxiao Manor wouldn’t bring her happiness.

He didn’t expect too much. He had, in a way, gained another daughter. As long as they visited Jiuxiao Manor and Mingjian Manor occasionally, he would be content.

It was far better than Qing Jiu running away with Yu’er, disappearing from their lives completely.

Before departing, Jun Lin reminded them repeatedly that they must return to Jiuxiao Manor soon!

He had intended to take Qing Jiu and Yu’er back for an ancestral worship ceremony during this trip, but Qing Jiu’s planned journey to the Eastern Sea would delay their return.

“Don’t forget! Don’t be late!”

Even after their horses had disappeared into the distance, Jun Lin’s voice echoed in the air.

Most of the guests had departed, but one stubborn guest refused to leave.

Wu Yu remained at the Lin Estate, acting as if she had every right to be there. Despite their subtle hints and attempts to encourage her departure, she feigned ignorance.

“Let her be,” Yan Li sighed. “We’re leaving in a few days. What’s the point of her staying here alone? She’ll leave eventually.”

Another bright, sunny day arrived, and the group packed their belongings and prepared their horses.

“Take good care of the estate,” Qing Jiu instructed Xin Chou.

Xin Chou nodded eagerly, waving goodbye. “Master, Master, come back soon!”

As they rode out of the city, they found Liu Xiu waiting for them at a pavilion, wine and refreshments laid out for a farewell gathering. “How long will you be gone, Star Lord?” she asked.

“Three months at least, five at most.”

“Then, I wish you all a smooth journey.”

As they drank together, Liu Xiu took out a safety charm and tied it to Tang Linzhi’s sash. “I received this at the temple,” she said. “May it protect you on your journey, Miss Tang.”

Given the recent events between Qing Jiu and Yu’er, Yang Chun found the interaction amusing. “You’re playing favorites, Young Mistress,” he teased. “Why don’t the rest of us get charms?”

Liu Xiu chuckled. “This is a reciprocal gift,” she replied. “Have you offered me any rouge?”

Hearing this, Yang Chun’s smile broadened, his gaze at Tang Linzhi carrying a special meaning, “I wouldn’t dare offer such a gift lightly.”

Tang Linzhi, embarrassed by their teasing, stepped out of the pavilion. “Alright, alright, let’s go. It’s getting late.”

They mounted their horses and set off. Before they had traveled far, a lone rider approached from the direction of the city gates. Recognizing the newcomer, Yang Chun clicked his tongue. “One nuisance departs, another arrives.”

Yan Li’s brow twitched as Wu Yu rode up beside them. “What are you doing here?” she asked.

Wu Yu flicked her riding crop, a smile playing on her lips. “With Wu Chang dealt with, things are quiet in Jile City,” she replied. “I have some free time, so I thought I’d go for a little trip.”

Qing Jiu asked, “Is the City Lord heading to the Eastern Sea?”

It was phrased as a question, but they all knew the answer.

“Yes.”

Just as they suspected.

Qing Jiu smiled but didn’t comment further. She nudged her horse forward, Yu’er following closely behind. The others fell in line.

Yan Li and Wu Yu were the last to depart. Yan Li studied Wu Yu for a long moment. “You…” she began, but then sighed, her voice resigned. “Forget it. Do as you please.”

Trying to dissuade her would only lead to clever arguments and justifications.

She couldn’t stop Wu Yu. The road was open to all. She couldn’t physically prevent her from traveling.

Yan Li urged her horse forward. Wu Yu smiled, a genuine smile that reached her eyes, and followed.

The nine riders, bathed in the warm sunlight, set off towards the Eastern Sea.

They rode into the vast expanse of the jianghu, embarking on another adventure, their spirits free and unfettered.

The End.