Chapter 75: “Do Not Disturb My Lover, Wait for Her…”

Chapter 75 "Don't disturb my beloved, wait till she..."

Before Xue Li could react, a sword palm strike carrying windblade force swept from the doorframe toward Lin Ye.

Yet Lin Ye had already sensed it. After a fleeting embrace with Xue Li, he swiftly retreated. Xue Li remained standing dazed, the pungent herbal aroma from Lin Ye lingering at her nose, when she saw the gust of wind rush from behind, sending Lin Ye stumbling backward down the slope.

Only then did Liang Chen and Ming Jing, utterly stunned, snap into action, diving down to grab Lin Ye from either side. Liang Chen even pivoted to intercept the fan-borne wind attack with a palm strike, forced to take a step back.

Young and defiant—despite the chest-crushing impact, Liang Chen tilted his chin up defiantly and called out, "What’s this display of might, Mr. Song? Need I remind you it was our young master who feigned death to help unravel this scheme?"

Dou Yan arrived from below the slope just then, her expression odd. She glanced at Lin Ye, who was grinning, his peach-blossom cheeks flushed, dewy peach-blossom eyes glinting. Her heart skipped a beat, but she steeled herself and stepped forward to face Song Wanfeng. "Wind Master, surely there’s some misunderstanding?"

Lin Ye leaned out from behind them. "What misunderstanding?"

His protectors shot him frantic glares, wishing they could immediately silence his trouble-stirring mouth.

Meanwhile, by the fence near the cottage above, Song Wanfeng gripped Xue Li’s wrist, his fingers trembling violently. The moment he had sent that wind-laden fan strike toward Lin Ye, he had also materialized beside Xue Li, seizing his junior sister as if fearing her youthful naivety might let her be deceived by that rogue.

Yet Xue Li hadn’t moved an inch. Her quiet, luminous eyes remained fixed on Lin Ye below. Only when she felt the tremors in Song Wanfeng’s grip, sensing his turbulent emotions, did she tilt her head slightly to look at him.

For the first time, Xue Li saw what it meant for someone’s face to be frost-bitten.

Song Wanfeng was not known for a gentle temper, but he rarely showed anger. He buried all emotions beneath a refined, wind-like demeanor, offering everyone a smile—whether shallow or deep—as mere courtesy.

Those in "Qin Yueye" often described Song Wanfeng as "gentle as jade." When had he ever been so... this unhinged?

The last time he had been like this...

Xue Li’s thoughts drifted to the scene from her dream a few nights prior—an event from the previous year. Back then, she had witnessed Song Wanfeng arguing with their master, and even then, he could be described as "visibly agitated."

Song Wanfeng’s rare outbursts of emotion were always tied to Xue Li and Yu Long.

Xue Li lowered her lashes.

Song Wanfeng bit out, "Xue Li, we’re leaving."

His fingers never stopped shaking. Though he glared coldly at Lin Ye, shielded by the crowd below, fear and panic churned in his heart—what if Xue Li sided with Lin Ye? What if she refused to listen and stood with him instead?

If even Xue Li turned toward Lin Ye... what would he do?

Xue Li calmly regarded Lin Ye, then Song Wanfeng.

Softly, she replied, "Mm."

Song Wanfeng’s ice-chip eyes flickered beneath his lashes. His junior sister was his anchor. He didn’t know how much she truly understood—or if she understood at all. But in this moment, Xue Li’s stillness, her refusal to step toward Lin Ye, letting him keep hold—it all soothed Song Wanfeng’s heart back to calm.

Regaining his composure, Song Wanfeng took a deep breath, swept an arm around Xue Li, and without another glance at the chaos behind them, vanished into the sky, as if walking on air. If there was one martial skill he surpassed Xue Li in, it was this ethereal lightness technique.

Xue Li did not resist.

Only when Song Wanfeng pulled her onto the reed-thatched roof did she glance back, looking down at her companions.

There, behind the crowd, Lin Ye leaned out and gave her a subtle gesture, his eyes still bright as clear water, his face as flawless as fine jade.

And just like that, Xue Li’s spirits rose.

Yes, they rose.

It turned out that the recent gloom and listlessness were just called "feeling down." She didn’t quite understand what was making her feel this way, but when Lin Ye waved at her, that weight in her chest lightened a little.

Unfortunately, Song Wanfeng and Lin Ye didn’t get along.

Wait… What exactly had Lin Ye mumbled in her ear earlier, asking her to call him something? When he rushed over and hugged her, not only was Song Wanfeng stunned, but even Xue Li herself was bewildered.

Still, she didn’t dislike it.

In fact, the still waters of her heart churned, twisting into a single wave. That wave drifted downstream, and when it reached the mountain’s peak, it leaped high into the air. The winter snow was silent, but the glittering spray from that inner wave shimmered—it was truly wonderful.

--

Meanwhile, on Lin Ye’s side, Dou Yan and the other two tagged along as they walked downhill, all looking at the young master with a mix of curiosity and hesitation, hungry for the scoop.

Originally, Liang Chen and Ming Jing had discussed finding Ah Zeng. Once they consulted him, Ah Zeng would stay with Xiao Yun while the two of them dealt with the Huoqiu Kingdom spy, deliberately giving the spy a chance to escape so they could track him back to Southern Zhou’s main base.

But before their plans could even begin, the two young men hastily hit pressure points on the bound man in the house and rushed to their young master, eager for gossip.

Dou Yan scrutinized Lin Ye up and down, utterly amazed: *Impressive, having a thing for the Snow Girl.* Despite witnessing Xue Li’s terrifying martial prowess and her icy indifference, Lin Ye still charged straight into the fire—wasn’t he afraid of being cut down by her sword?

Did the Snow Girl have emotions?

Impossible.

Dou Yan leaned back, ready to watch the drama unfold. She was more inclined to believe that Xue Li wouldn’t care about Lin Ye. After spending so much time together, though she didn’t know the full effects of the "Heartless Art" on Xue Li, someone as sharp as her could naturally tell that Xue Li didn’t get people and had no interest in worldly affections.

Besides, on one side of the scale was Lin Ye, and on the other—Song Wanfeng.

Dou Yan settled in comfortably, eager to see how things played out. Neither Song Wanfeng nor Lin Ye were good people—both had used her. Whoever lost, she’d clap in delight. She even harbored a malicious thought: *Best if Xue Li suffers a bit too.*

Liang Chen, on the other hand, was dazed, stumbling along as if *he* were the lovestruck one instead of Lin Ye.

He nearly rushed off to find Ah Zeng right then to blab about their young master’s romantic affairs: *So that’s it, that’s it!*

No wonder the young master treated Xue Li so well—always seeking her out, always giving her little gifts. Just a few days ago, he’d handed Liang Chen a fruit knife with blueprints, asking him to have it reforged. Liang Chen recognized it instantly—it was the same knife Xue Li had taken from the Jianye carriage. Lin Ye had deceived her all this way, only to finally grow a conscience and give her a real weapon.

At the time, Liang Chen had thought Lin Ye was just being kind. Now, it seemed this had been premeditated all along.

Well, Xue Li *was* a total knockout, like a statue carved from ice—crystalline and pure. Who wouldn’t look twice? And she was quite endearing, despite her weird moods and hard-to-read vibe. After all, with martial arts as formidable as hers, she’d accompanied them on this diplomatic marriage journey without asking for a dime. The young master had really hit the jackpot.

Moreover, if Lin Ye’s beloved was Xue Li, then Liang Chen wouldn’t have to worry about him sneaking around with his sister. He’d always felt uneasy about her insistence on becoming empress for the family’s sake. But if she and Lin Ye were involved… that would be even more awkward…

Liang Chen’s thoughts had already wandered far, even considering what names Lin Ye and Xue Li might give their future children, when Ming Jing’s anxious voice jolted him out of his thoughts:

"Young Master… does this mean you’re ditching the wedding?"

Lin Ye blinked.

Liang Chen finally clicked for him, and he and Dou Yan both turned to Lin Ye.

Ming Jing kept her eyes down, fingers twisting the hem of her robe. She was torn up, but the reason she followed him compelled her to speak: "Princess Ye is already in Jinzhou. The marriage alliance between Southern Zhou and Northern Zhou is a big political move. The fact that the princess personally chased you to Jinzhou shows how seriously Northern Zhou takes your betrothal. And… your Emperor Guangyi is also in Jinzhou, watching you. If you back out now… we’ll all take the fall."

Only then did Liang Chen realize the gravity of the situation. "R-right…"

If the young master truly intended to break the engagement, would he have to call in favors from the Lu family to help him? But this concerned the policies of two nations—his own father, Grand Chancellor Lu, had helped hammer out this deal. How could the Lu family possibly side with the young master?

Ming Jing lowered her head.

She liked Lin Ye. She liked Xue Li too. She was crazy about her new crew, but she never forgot—she was from the Zhuju Kingdom, a descendant of the Fulan clan. She had fled thousands of miles to Great Zhou seeking the protection of a major power. She hadn’t come here to start drama.

If the young master couldn’t help her, she certainly wouldn’t risk offending both Northern Zhou and Southern Zhou for his sake. Her voice barely a whisper: "If you’re really ditching the wedding… I guess I…"

Words like "goodbye" choked in Ming Jing's throat, making her eyes brim with tears as she struggled to speak. Liang Chen faintly noticed her distress and stared at her blankly, gently tugging her sleeve. After a moment of silence, Ming Jing resolved to force out her harsh words.

But Lin Ye’s eyes crinkled as he cut her off: "Who said I’m backing out of the marriage?"

At this, all three who’d come down the mountain with him widened their eyes in unison.

They stared at him, even the most heartless Dou Yan, whose eyes screamed accusations: *two-timing, lecherous, shameless, cruel...*

Though Lin Ye had anticipated their reactions, their three piercing gazes still made him uneasy. He turned his face away, coughed dryly, and put on a stern face: "What nonsense are you all imagining? Do you really take me for some scoundrel?"

Ming Jing said numbly, "Even though I don’t wish for any mishap with the marriage alliance, you just hugged Xue Li. If you say it didn’t mean anything, even I won’t forgive you for leading her on."

At the mention of the incident, Lin Ye’s face flushed crimson. His flustered reaction only made them more suspicious.

Annoyed, he retorted, "When did I say it meant nothing? That was my true feelings... You’re not mistaken. A Xue’s the one who doesn’t understand these things, not me. Do you think I don’t know?"

He wanted to declare his feelings boldly, but nervousness made him stumble over his words: "I-I... I’m in love with her!"

Dou Yan interjected, "So you want to have your cake and eat it too? Or to hide a lover away? Young master, no matter how Princess Ye feels or whether she’d allow it, if Snow Girl learns of your intentions, she’ll kill you. She might not know the ways of the world, but she’s not stupid. Don’t ever think you can deceive her."

Lin Ye’s face darkened.

Before he could defend himself, Ming Jing suddenly wondered aloud, "Are you trying to play both sides? That... that wouldn’t be right."

Liang Chen agreed fervently, "Of course not! Young master, I’m on your side, but if you play with two women’s affections, I’d be deeply disappointed. I’ve always despised those two-timers who say ‘the ends justify the means.’ Such men exploit women for power or wealth, weaving lies left and right, then plead helplessness when questioned—saying the women cling to them unwillingly.

"I refuse to believe there’s no other way. They’re just being lazy cowards. Betray others today, betray me tomorrow."

Dou Yan and Ming Jing nodded in agreement, all three declaring in unison: "We won’t accept such a young master!"

Lin Ye: "..."

Lin Ye: "Seriously, after everything I’ve done for you, is this how you see me? When did I say I’d deceive anyone? I haven’t even spoken, yet you’ve already convicted me. If every judge jumped to conclusions like you three, the world would be full of wrongful verdicts."

The three of them shifted guiltily.

Dou Yan’s eyes flickered. "Then... young master, you have another plan?"

"Mn," Lin Ye sighed softly. "Princess Ye and I will work something out. Rest assured, since I’ve come this far, I won’t let A Xue suffer... As for the princess, she was never serious about it. If it’s only about power, there’s room for negotiation."

Besides, Ye Liushu needed his help.

She had asked him to trace the maid’s surveillance, and the trail now pointed toward Huoqiu Kingdom. If that maid truly was from Huoqiu, combined with his findings about Huoqiu’s dealings with Elder Qian... perhaps this could lead to Emperor Xuanming himself.

If Emperor Xuanming allied with Huoqiu against Southern Zhou, how would the world react?

If a ruler betrayed his country, would the powerful Zhang family of the capital stand with him? Ye Liushu once mentioned collaborating with Mr. Zhang, son of Northern Zhou’s prime minister.

Hmm. Lin Ye mused that he needed another talk with Ye Liushu.

No matter what, he wouldn’t truly marry her now. Whether Xue Li reciprocated or not, he refused to let her suffer. He would wait for her, devoted and pure.

The one he loved deserved nothing less.

Thinking this, Lin Ye couldn’t help but smile.

In the eyes of the three onlookers, the young lord's smile held both frustration and sweetness. Lin Ye, usually boisterous and thick-skinned, had never been so bashful before. The sight of the shy young lord with peach-blossom cheeks and eyes glistening like autumn ripples made them realize belatedly—he was still just a boy.

Yes, Lin Ye had not yet come of age.

He was usually so capable and formidable that many often forgot he was merely a boy.

A young man's crush—this should have been natural for someone Lin Ye's age... yet everyone had forgotten.

Lin Ye snapped out of his thoughts and saw the three of them staring blankly, which made him even more embarrassed, his face flushing deeper. Though nothing had happened between him and Xue Li, his nervousness was as palpable as if it were someone else's wedding night.

He couldn’t just wallow in shyness. He cleared his throat and put on his usual bold front, instructing, "Well, about today’s matter—you know it now, but don’t go blabbing about it. Don’t let others find out."

Liang Chen: "Why? Do you want to keep it a secret? Oh right—we can’t let His Majesty hear about this."

Lin Ye said softly, "Not entirely for that reason... I have ways to handle both His Majesty and Princess Ye. It’s not that I’m unwilling to make it public, but I don’t want to pressure A Xue. If too many people know, they won’t be able to control their eyes or tongues, and it’ll affect A Xue. If too many people act for my sake, constantly talking and watching, A Xue will feel uncomfortable."

Ming Jing was bewildered. "Isn’t that good? If you like Xue Li, and we help you, isn’t that good? Xue Li’s so clueless—who knows if she’ll ever figure it out."

Lin Ye shook his head and sighed faintly. "That’s exactly what I fear... I don’t want her swayed.

"I don’t want everyone, out of concern or respect for me, to go to A Xue and say things, encourage her, or nudge her toward me.

"I want A Xue to be free—to do what she wants, like what she likes, love whom she loves. I don’t want people influencing her, urging her, pressuring her. I don’t want the outcome where it seems as if she’s wronged me or done something wrong by not responding to me.

"I’m not helpless. If I want to do something, I’ll do it myself. If I want to say something, I’ll speak myself. If I want to love someone, I’ll pursue her myself. I don’t need others to help or assist—I just want A Xue to be happy."

Sunlight spilled through the trees, brightening the sky. The radiant light fell upon Lin Ye as the three youngsters, whose ideas about love had been childish, heard this extraordinary declaration today. Deeply moved, they watched as Lin Ye leaped forward and dashed ahead, leaving them behind.

The young lord, his heart surging with emotion, darted through the green woods, his robes and sash fluttering, carefree and graceful. He turned to smile at them, then tilted his head to gaze at the sunlight behind them. His eyes sparkled brilliantly, brimming with tenderness.

Clutching his pure heart, drunk on the feeling, treasuring it like life—

"Don’t rush my love. Wait until she is willing."

--

Thus, in the following days, everyone got busy with their own work.

Liang Chen and Ming Jing went to deal with the Huoqiu envoy, while Lin Ye worked alone with his subordinates to investigate the deaths of the soldiers. He wanted to uncover how many hadn’t died but had instead disappeared in Elder Qian’s dealings.

Kong Laoliu, having received word from Lin Ye, pounded his chest and swore to rally the wanderers to investigate this disappearance. They grew solemn, all wanting to know how many among the wanderers had gone missing over the years—how many had truly died, and how many just vanished.

Lin Ye also attempted to climb the wall to see Xue Li.

He held little hope.

Indeed, he failed to see her—Song Wanfeng was truly furious, guarding against him as if he were a thief. The Prefect's residence was now surrounded by hidden guards. After circling the residence, Lin Ye had to admit that climbing the wall would probably turn him into a pincushion before he even caught a glimpse of Xue Li.

No luck.

Lin Ye thought mischievously—he’d wait a couple more days until Song Wanfeng let his guard down, then try again.

In the meantime, he’d focus on handling real business. If his predictions were correct, Jinzhou was about to see some upheaval. If the "General Wei Changyin" mentioned by the Huoqiu spy was truly as resourceful and adept at strategy as claimed, then the play in Jinzhou was coming to a head.

Lin Ye and Wei Changyin were both operating in the shadows—the two generals from opposing nations were likely to clash in Jinzhou.

--

As for Liang Chen, he spent several days fidgety and distracted during work.

Finally, one day, after obtaining Lin Ye’s permission, he went to the other side of the mass graves to find Ah Zeng, who was guarding Xiao Yun’s home.

Beneath a sky ablaze with stars and earth washed in silver.

Ah Zeng hid amidst the dense Wutong trees, feigning sleep with closed eyes. He heard Liang Chen's footsteps but remained silent. The courtyard of Xiao Yun's home was rigged with traps by Dou Yan, making it easy for ordinary people to get lost inside. Yet Liang Chen was incredibly persistent, wandering for half an hour without leaving, and finally found Ah Zeng perched on a Wutong tree.

Liang Chen lowered his voice conspiratorially, "I have a secret about the young master to tell you."

Ah Zeng raised an eyebrow.

Regarding Lin Ye, he believed he knew more than Liang Chen. But Liang Chen's excitement piqued his curiosity.

Unable to contain himself, Liang Chen blurted out before Ah Zeng could react, "Let me tell you—the young master likes Xue Li! That Snow Girl from Qin Yueye! The ice-carved beauty Xue Li. He doesn’t want to marry anyone else—he wants to marry Xue Li, have children with her, and wander jianghu together, blades drawn."

Ah Zeng: "...Oh."

He closed his eyes again.

Liang Chen went on indignantly, "Why are you so indifferent? Did you already know? Did the young master tell you first? Are you closer to him than I am? Open your eyes and explain this to me properly!"

--

---

On Xue Li's side, at night, she slipped out of her chamber, about to leap over the wall. Suddenly, she lifted her gaze and saw Song Wanfeng standing at the base of the wall, leaning against a tree with closed eyes, pretending to sleep.

Xue Li pursed her lips.

She moved to bypass Song Wanfeng.

With her qinggong skills, she shouldn’t have disturbed anyone. Yet the moment her sleeve brushed the wall, she sensed something amiss—a glimmer of metallic thread flickered past her skirt. Xue Li reached down and plucked out an extremely thin, nearly invisible golden thread.

Such a thread couldn’t hurt anyone, but it had clung to her hem.

As Xue Li examined the thread, Song Wanfeng spoke calmly, "This is a failed prototype thread from Shu brocade production. The new technique blends it with silk—it’s not strong but is thin, delicate, and sticky. It’s useless for weaving brocade, but everything in this world has its purpose. After much thought, I realized that to stop you without harming you, I could only string these threads around your courtyard."

Xue Li looked down. The young man leaning against the wall was ghastly pale and weary as he gazed at her. Most people might feel guilty, but Xue Li remained utterly indifferent.

Song Wanfeng said with exasperation, "What are you planning to do, sneaking out in the dead of night? Didn’t I tell you that in these precarious times, wherever you go, I must accompany you?"

Xue Li stared at him.

Song Wanfeng’s smile faded. "Are you going to meet the young master in secret?"

Xue Li: "No."

Song Wanfeng didn’t believe her. "Didn’t I make myself clear about what happened that day? You’re a woman, he’s a man—for him to embrace you in public is improper, reckless, and an insult to you. How should you treat someone who insults you?"

Xue Li’s eyes shimmered briefly.

Having spent so much time away from the mountain, influenced by Lin Ye’s liveliness, a spark of defiance had quietly grown in Xue Li’s heart. It wasn’t strong, but it was enough to make her think—if that was considered reckless, she had done something even more reckless.

If Song Wanfeng knew she had kissed Lin Ye, would he faint?

If he knew she wanted to kiss him again but couldn’t find an excuse, would he faint from anger?

Song Wanfeng looked up at the full moon, his eyes veiled in a hazy glow. "Xue Li, my heart holds you. I don’t ask for anything in return, but now you must return to the Snow Mountain with me. Your condition is worsening, and we need to find a solution back home. The Red Dust has affected you too deeply—it’s not good. Now that you know about Elder Qian’s dealings and suspect Qin Yueye's involvement, why don’t we return to the mountain together? Get to the bottom of our master’s death, uncover the truth about the entire Assassins' Guild—isn’t that better?"

Song Wanfeng pressed, "Is Lin Ye more important to you than our master?"

Xue Li lowered her head.

She whispered, "Master is the most important."

Song Wanfeng’s tension bled from his shoulders. He leaned against the tree, feeling the clammy sweat on his back. Xue Li still didn’t look up. "Song Wanfeng is second in importance."

Song Wanfeng stiffened, his grip on the iron fan in his sleeve slackening slightly, nearly dropping it. He probably never realized how much he meant to her, raising his head to gaze at the girl in white bathed in moonlight.

Xue Li spoke slowly, "I’m not going back to the mountain with you because I haven’t fully uncovered all the clues in Jinzhou. I don’t plan to leave now, nor do I intend to secretly meet with Lin Ye."

Keeping his annoyance in check, Song Wanfeng said gently, "Then what exactly are you planning to do?"

Xue Li replied, "Earn money."

Song Wanfeng: "...I’ll go with you."

Xue Li: "...Mm."

Before long, Song Wanfeng stood expressionlessly outside Lin Ye’s residence, following Xue Li. Before he could grab her and turn away, the gatekeeper announced their arrival, and Lin Ye appeared out of nowhere like a specter, greeting them enthusiastically.

Song Wanfeng said coolly, "Xue Li."

"Ah," the girl drawled, "I didn’t come to 'secretly meet' Lin Ye. I came to earn money from him."

Song Wanfeng let out a frustrated laugh: *You’ve grown bold, A Xue. Life outside the mountain really corrupts—it’s terrifying—the worst being that weirdo who keeps saying, 'I’m willing!'*

Sure enough, that weirdo came bounding over, volunteering himself eagerly: "I’m willing, A Xue! I’m so willing! I’m especially good at making money!"