A Tale of Two Phoenixes

“Is there anything poisonous?”

“There is none . ”

“Any addictive fragrances?”

“What do you mean by addictive?”

“If used for a period of time, one would rely on and be unable to stop using it . ”

“Should be none . ”

Chu Yu and w.a.n.g Yizhi discussed for a long time, but kept revolving back to these key details .

As for the fragrance names, uses and traits, Chu Yu noted them all down even though they didn’t pose much use .

According to w.a.n.g Yizhi, the fragrances had been soaked in some kind of medicinal liquid, making it difficult for complete certainty of what they once were . As a result, some guesswork was necessary .

Medicinal ingredients and fragrances . These two items were currently held in the palm of Rong Zhi’s hand .

Chu Yu sat on the floor looking absentmindedly at her silk purse .

Meanwhile, w.a.n.g Yizhi had already gotten up and was lazily slouched against the wall . His sandals tapped the floor in a rhythm, the wood letting out a pleasant sound . “Is something troubling you? Tell me what it is, I may be able to help . ”

Chu Yu withdrew the worry on her face and shook her head . “It’s nothing, I was just thinking about some matters . ” Looking up, her gaze met with w.a.n.g Yizhi’s . His eyes held kind understanding and knowing acceptance .

He could tell she was lying, but chose not to critique .

Chu Yu was apologetic once more . “I do not mean to hide anything from you; the main reason being I simply don’t know how to word it . As for the second, I still have things to consider . ”

w.a.n.g Yizhi smiled in understanding . “Pay it no mind . In this world, who doesn’t have a secret or two of their own they wish to keep?”

His words were cut short by the sound of knocking on the door . After two knocks, a young voice called out behind it . “Master, young master Xiao Bie sends word he will depart earlier today and will visit another day . ”

Remembering how he had abandoned his guests in the pavilion, w.a.n.g Yizhi gave a bitter smile and opened the door . Outside stood the same teal robed youth who had led Chu Yu over . At the sight of w.a.n.g Yizhi, the youth respectfully answered . “Xiao Bie and the others have already left . ”

Chu Yu realized with a jolt she and w.a.n.g Yizhi had whittled away too much time and in its midst, whittled away Xiao Bie . A pity, but there were always other opportunities to tackle him . For now, she would take things slow .

Coming to know someone like w.a.n.g Yizhi more than made her day today .

The teal robed youth did not leave after speaking . He faltered a few moments, then finally added on in a small voice . “Before leaving, young master Xiao Bie has also left some words for this guest . ”

w.a.n.g Yizhi grinned as he glanced at Chu Yu . “Go on . ”

Clearing his throat, the teal robed youth spoke up louder . “The next time they meet, he wishes to consult this guest for zither playing advice . ”

w.a.n.g Yizhi let the youth go off and turned to face Chu Yu with a wide grin . Silence ensued for a long moment, until both of them erupted into sudden laughter .

w.a.n.g Yizhi shook his head as he spoke . “You must’ve really gone and angered him now . Xiao Bie is known for being cold as frost, few things can rile him up, yet the improbable has happened . Just what have you done, that has made him so hateful of you?”

Chu Yu stood up and smiled . “Perhaps I have defiled him . ”

“How pitiful . ” Despite saying so, w.a.n.g Yizhi looked amused and entertained, with nary a crumb of sympathy for Xiao Bie .

The two of them walked side by side out of the house . It was already twilight and the lake’s surface had grown dark . In the colours of the dusk, Yue Jiefei stood straight as a blade beside the lake; his shadow, which dragged lengthily on the ground, was just as stiff as its owner .

w.a.n.g Yizhi stopped after a couple more steps . “Since your guard is waiting for you, I won’t be sending you off . ”

Looking back, Chu Yu gave him a salute . “I thank Brother Yizhi for today . As for my ident.i.ty, I hope Brother Yizhi would keep it a secret . Not everyone would be as uncaring if they were to find out . ”

w.a.n.g Yizhi smiled lightly . “That is of course . ”

Departing from w.a.n.g Yizhi’s home, Chu Yu and Yue Jiefei made their way to Qin Huai River . By the time they reached it, dusk had fallen, and the previously bustling river scenes of the day had turned quiet, until all that remained was the inerasable sound of water flowing into the distance .

All was silent this twilight evening .

The ships that were seen midday were nowhere in sight . Chu Yu and Yue Jiefei were forced to proceed onwards on foot, resulting in a difficult journey back to the city . The darkness surrounding the city felt oppressing as they moved, with only Chu Yu and Yue Jiefei in a straight line on the empty streets .

Out of nowhere, a group of people turned around the approaching street corner . One of them was holding a lantern and in the dimness of its light, it became clear that most of them were in military costume .

At the same time, the other party had also noticed Chu Yu and Yue Jiefei . Their leader, a young man who looked like a military officer, began walking forwards while warily looking them – Yue Jie Fei in particular, over . “Who are you two? Don’t you know there’s a curfew tonight?”

Having scrutinized the person before him, Yue Jiefei dropped his guard and retrieved a token from his belt . He held it up for the man to see . “We are from the Princess’s Palace . There was something to take care of outside which delayed our return . ”

After glancing at the token, the young officer’s demeanor settled a little . However, his gaze turned disdainful towards Chu Yu .

Given her current dressing and beautiful appearance, Chu Yu surmised he must have taken her for one of the male concubines . Not bothering with explaining, she waved a hand at him, muttered a short “sorry for the trouble”, and proceeded to walk right past the group .

Just then, right around the street corner came a person’s voice . “What is it?”

That voice was ragged with age, yet held overpowering strength . Chu Yu could not help but look across, and saw an old man riding a horse . He was tall and broad in build, his hair and beard fully white; even the wrinkles on his face could be seen in the dark of the night . Although clearly old in age, atop his horse, with his broad shoulders and powerful back, he gave off the foreboding aura of a towering mountain, one that was utterly indestructible .

Seeing the old man, the young officer’s expression instantly morphed into deep respect and admiration . He hurried forwards to give his report and, upon hearing it, the old man cast a glance in Chu Yu’s direction .

His glance was sharp as a sword’s edge and electric, channeling immense power behind it . Just by meeting his eyes, Chu Yu was rendered immobile, her breath halting unconsciously on its own .   Only when the old man and the group were far away did she let out a breath still lingering with terror . “Who was that just now?” She asked .

Yue Jiefei turned to look back at old man’s silhouette . “Shen Qingzhi . ”