Chapter 432
~ A SENTIMENTAL WORD IS SAD ~
The snowflakes got heavier and heavier, piece by piece, like catkins falling on the ground. The rustling sound of the snowflakes could be heard.
Mu Yunyao slightly moved the oil-paper umbrella away and stretched out her hand to catch the snowflakes. Pieces of white snow landed on her palm and turned into water droplets at first. Her fingers were numb from the cold, but the thoughts in her heart were in a mess.
Jin Lan and Jin Qiao walked out quickly. Seeing Mu Yunyao’s absent-minded appearance, they hurriedly went up to her and covered her with a cloak. “Miss, what are you doing? The snow is too heavy. Let’s hurry back.”
Mu Yunyao allowed Jin Lan to wipe her fingers clean before stuffing a heater in her arms, “It’s been a long time since I’ve admired the snow in the north. I want to look around. The two of you rest in the room. No need to follow me.”
Jin Qiao was so worried. “Miss, if you were to catch a cold from such a heavy snowfall, you would feel as uncomfortable as you did during the New Year.”
“It’s fine. You don’t need to worry.” After Mu Yunyao finished speaking, she took a big step forward.
Jin Qiao looked at Jin Lan helplessly. “Are we really not going to follow?”
“Let Young Miss be quiet by herself. Too many things have happened recently, so it’s better to be in front of Young Miss. In private, Young Miss always looks worried. If she walks away like this, she may be able to figure it out.
“However, Young Miss is alone, and it’s hard for people to rest at ease.”
“It’s alright. Liu Liang will definitely follow them from the shadows.”
“Alright then.”
Mu Yunyao held onto her oil-paper umbrella as she wandered aimlessly. In Baohua Temple at this time, the monks had all returned to their rooms. There was not a single person in sight, leaving behind only the ancient trees and the faint fragrance of pine in the air.
The snow had accumulated a layer on the ground, creaking under her feet.
As Mu Yunyao walked, she couldn’t help but wander to Lingxi River.
The last time she came here, Lingxi River had been filled with river lanterns. The river surface had already been frozen, and the clear stream filled with starlight could no longer be seen this time.
A wind blew, and snowflakes scattered in all directions. Mu Yunyao was caught off guard for a moment, and the oil-paper umbrella in her hand was blown to the ground.
Mu Yunyao looked at the oil-paper umbrella that had fallen to the ground, and for some reason, she felt like she was greatly wronged.
His footsteps lightly landed, then Liu Liang walked out from who knows where. He picked up the oil-paper umbrella and respectfully passed it to Mu Yunyao. “Mistress, it’s snowy and cold today. Please hold up the paper umbrella quickly.”
Liu Liang’s clothes were thin, and it was unknown how long he had been in the snow. His entire body was covered in a thick chill, and his hair and shoulders were covered with snowflakes. Only his eyes were still warm and focused.
Looking at such a figure, Mu Yunyao’s heart fiercely trembled. “On your body....”
Liu Liang carelessly brushed away the snowflakes with his hand. “I have martial arts as my foundation, so I don’t think the weather right now is too hard to bear.” Seeing that Mu Yunyao didn’t take the oil-paper umbrella, he carefully wiped the snowflakes off the umbrella. Then, he reached out and placed the paper umbrella over Mu Yunyao’s head.
“Liu Liang, you have been by my side for quite some time already. I have never asked about your true identity, and I have never wanted to know your name. Do you blame me?” She did not know his identity or his name, but she could simply treat him as a subordinate, enjoy his loyalty, and would make use of his ability with peace of mind. In the end, she could not be cruelest and heartless after all. She did not have the peace of mind to enjoy herself.
“This subordinate’s name was given to me by Mistress. It was Liu Liang.” He understood Mistress’s meaning. But if he were to reveal his name and identity today, it would be difficult for him to stay by her side.
“You …” Mu Yunyao slightly creased her brows. Looking at the calm expression on Liu Liang’s face, she couldn’t help but laugh, “I have forgotten your temperament. Liu Liang, you could be grateful toward the people. It’s a good thing to repay the kindness, but don’t be too foolish and think about yourself in everything. At the beginning, I spent six taels of silver to buy you from a man out of curiosity. If not me, then you will belong to someone else. You would only harm yourself in the end if you dug out hearts and lungs for others like this.”
The scene of when he first met Mu Yunyao flashed through Liu Liang’s mind. At that time, she was dressed in men’s clothing. Her lips were red, her teeth were white, and her gaze was clear. She was like a young master who knew nothing about the sufferings of the world. She spent six taels of silver buying him, but there wasn’t the slightest bit of contempt and disdain in her eyes. Later, she spent a lot of silver buying him a long sword, giving him food and clothing, and trusting him, which is why he follows her wholeheartedly: because she was worth it!
Seeing that Liu Liang was silent, Mu Yunyao slightly sighed: “Everyone says that the human heart is the most fickle thing in this world. I’ve already said before, when did you think it through and don’t want to stay by my side, you can directly speak. At that time, I hope you’re willing to tell me your name and identity.”
“…Alright.”
Seeing that Liu Liang held the umbrella over her head, ignored the snowflakes on his body, so Mu Yunyao walked to the pavilion not far away. Looking at the vast expanse of whiteness around her, she couldn’t help but let out a long breath. “How”s Qi Ming now?”
“Qi Ming already gained Ling Wang’s trust, causing the Ling Wang to think that he was one of Jin Wang’s men. After being hunted down by Jin Wang, his heart became completely cold, and he decided to work under Ling Wang. Soon, Yi Bao Xuan will arrive in the Capital.”
“Doing things with Qi Ming has always been reassuring. Didn’t he take the opportunity to make a profit of giving porridge in the Capital this time?”
“That’s not true. The grains bought earlier were sold to Steward Qin for a low price to make ginger tea and sent to Western Guangdong. Recently, he has been selling raw silk and fabric. He earned a small number of silver taels and invested it in Yi Bao Xuan.”
Mu Yunyao smiled, “This kind of talent is really exceptional. Get others to pay more attention to him and don’t let any danger appear. Once the Ling Wang’s suspicions are aroused, he should withdraw early. Don’t let himself in danger.”
“Yes, please rest assured, Mistress. This subordinate will tell him.”
Mu Yunyao looked at the snowflakes on his body. Some of them had already melted and were soaking his clothes, “Grand Princess Yi De has brought many people to protect the surroundings so there won’t be any problems. The injury on your body is not a good one, so you need to have a good rest. You don’t need to protect me in secret all the time. Nothing will happen.”
Liu Liang hesitated for a moment and then said with worry, “Mistress’ safety is more important.”
“Don’t worry. It’s not like I’m completely unprepared. Go back early and change your clothes so as not to be infected with the cold.” Mu Yunyao took the oil-paper umbrella from Liu Liang’s hands and walked towards the side room.
As Liu Liang gazed at her figure, his eyes were especially focused. In the midst of the snow, she held the oil-paper umbrella painted with the remnants of the ink and water lotus. She walked forward while stepping on the snow that filled the sky. The wind blew, blowing up the fragrant cloak, revealing a little purple skirt, clearly reflected in his pupils and imprinted on the bottom of his heart.
The sky was filled with black and white, and the only thing he could be seen were the different colors on her body. It was just like his world, which is already barren. Just when he was about to lose all hope, she charged in recklessly, bringing him to a new world. He didn’t want to think of his old name, nor did he want to speak of his previous identity. He was called Liu Liang. And in front of her, he would always be called Liu Liang!