maidservant

It was afternoon, and sunlight poured into the courtyard, giving everything a warm yellow glow.

Yan Lie was drunk, his steps were unsteady but his heroic spirit could not be concealed. In this sun-drenched courtyard, he started to practice drunken swordplay.

His body was agile yet strong. Every turn and every swing of the sword was accompanied by a fierce momentum, adding a bit more powerful force than before. The strong wind he raised even made the surrounding flowers and plants rustle.

Yunshan stood aside, her hands resting lightly on the stone railing, staring intently.

Although she did not understand swordsmanship, she could clearly feel the entanglement and struggle hidden in Yan Lie's moves, which were sometimes as swift as thunder and sometimes as slow as if he was lost in thought. It was as if those sword moves were a direct confession of Yan Lie's inner thoughts, making her unable to help but guess the story in his heart.

Suddenly, Yan Lie's sword shifted, its momentum sharpening as it sliced ​​through a single autumn longevity flower. The flower, previously unrestrained and blooming with the grace of an iris and the vibrant colors of a blazing fire, was now engulfed in the sword's energy, drifting and careening onto his sword.

Yan Lie suddenly stopped moving, staring at the flower intently, as if he could see the past through it.

After a long time, he slowly put down his sword and carefully held the flower in his hands, as if holding a memory.

Yunshan watched this scene quietly. She thought that Yan Lie was sent by Lin Xiao to protect her today, and thought of the complicated relationship between the young prince and the deposed prince, and vaguely guessed some reasons in her heart.

The helplessness and pain hidden behind the power struggle have left indelible marks on Yan Lie.

Some things cannot be comforted. Even if they are mentioned with good intentions, it will only reopen the wound again and again.

Yunshan crushed a northern trifoliate orange and handed it to Yan Lie. "Drink this to sober you up."

Yan Lie raised his head, sadness still lingering in his eyes.

He took the bowl and said in a slightly hoarse voice, "Thank you." Then he raised his head and drank it all in one gulp.

The sour taste with a hint of astringency slid down his throat and actually relieved some of the depression in his heart.

"Have you finished talking to Madam Li? Come on, follow me to the General's house. There's a lot to do."

Lin Xiao’s residence was not far from Li’s residence, so the two of them did not ride horses but chose to walk.

The streets were bustling in the afternoon, with the cries of street vendors echoing and people coming and going. The sound of footsteps was drowned out by the clamor of voices as I weaved through the crowd.

"It's great to be close to my sister."

The sun was high in the sky, and at the entrance of the mansion, a pair of brand-new stone tigers squatted majestically on both sides. The stone had a cold and hard luster, and even the carved lines were clear and sharp, obviously they had been installed not long ago.

The servants were busy moving stone slabs, which made a dull sound as they rubbed against the ground.

Some of them saw Yan Lie and quickly nodded in greeting. Yun Shan glanced at these people. They were all unfamiliar faces, and they probably weren't from the Marquis' Mansion.

As you step into the courtyard, an old locust tree is the first thing that catches your eye.

The tree has a thick trunk and branches that twist and turn, like a weathered old man stretching his muscles. Its roots are deep and wide, winding around and occupying a corner of the courtyard, and its lush branches and leaves cast a large shade on the ground.

"This mansion must have been built a long time ago."

"Left behind by the previous dynasty, this tree is four hundred years old."

Over the years, things have changed and people have changed. Fighting and struggling are only a short moment in a lifetime.

The courtyard was still littered with weeds, drooping listlessly in the sunlight. Dead leaves piled high, leaving several large carriages unloaded. The grass on one side had been tilled, the dark yellow soil exuding a rustic atmosphere, clearly a perfect spot for growing flowers.

On the east side of the garden, an octagonal pavilion is particularly eye-catching, and this is also Yunshan’s favorite place.

There is a fish pond next to the pavilion. There is no fence on the side close to the fish pond, which is only one foot higher than the pond.

The fish pond was now emitting a foul smell. The stagnant water had been cleaned up, and thick algae could be seen clinging to the bottom, making it a mess.

Yunshan stared at the pond and thought for a long time.

Yan Lie watched her focused expression from the side and said, "The general said you would like it."

Yunshan came back to her senses, her eyes twinkling, "Hmm! Wouldn't it be nice if this pond could be filled with fresh water?"

"The general has already ordered this work. Outside the east wall is a river that circles the west side of the city. Once it's opened up and a fortified wall is built, it will be completed in two months."

Yunshan nodded slightly, "He's really thoughtful."

The sun was setting, casting a warm glow. Yan Lie raised his hand and called out, "Old man, come here."

A gardener with gray hair but a capable figure heard the voice and immediately trotted over and said respectfully, "Sir, please give your orders."

Yan Lie turned sideways and looked at Yunshan, with a bit of gentleness in his eyes: "Yunshan, take a look at which flowers and trees are needed and where to plant them. This old man has a high level of attainment in gardening. Please feel free to talk."

Yunshan's eyes suddenly lit up, and for the next half afternoon, she described her ideas vividly, sometimes gesturing the planting layout of flowers and plants, and sometimes depicting the arrangement and shape of trees, with full concentration.

The old gardener listened attentively, nodded from time to time, and gave some professional and practical suggestions. The two of them had a lively discussion.

Before we knew it, the clouds on the horizon were slowly covered with the gorgeous sunset glow, like an overturned paint palette that was smudged everywhere.

Yunshan, who had been busy for a long time, sat in the octagonal pavilion, holding a cup of steaming chrysanthemum tea in her hand. She took a sip, the fragrance of the tea spread on her tongue, and her fatigue also dissipated.

Yunshan has been good at making pastries since she was a child.

She leaned against the pavilion pillar, looking at the changing colorful clouds in the sky, and the tall and rugged figure of Lin Xiao emerged in her mind. She thought to herself: I can find ways to make some exquisite food for Lin Xiao in the future. Although that rough guy seems to have no interest in food, maybe he will like it if I change his taste more often.

After experiencing so many twists and turns, peace and tranquility became particularly precious, making her more and more eager for this peaceful life without any waves.

"You're not going back to the palace today, are you?" Yan Lie came over at some point, reached out to pick up the pot of chrysanthemum tea next to Yun Shan, tilted his head back and poured it directly into his throat.

Yunshan glanced at him and put down her empty cup. "I won't go back."

Yan Lie looked at her "young master" outfit and showed appreciation. "That saves us some trouble. Come with me."

Soon, the two men each led a horse, climbed on it, and with the sound of horse hooves, they galloped through the city gate.

The wind outside the city blew in my face, blowing away the hair at my temples and also blowing away the haze that remained in my heart.

"You said you'd take me to the military camp? Is that in accordance with the rules?"

"There's a tent outside the barracks. Take Master Song there to try some of the strong liquor!" (End of this chapter)