373 Cloud Song of the Maiden

tunate that Li'er also didn't fancy him. Even more surprisingly, the Emperor agreed to annul their engagement. As for why he wouldn’t allow this… Although the Emperor has given Li'er a marriage decree...373. The Cloud Song Maiden

Indeed, the Chu family is one of the great clans of Dacheng. Unfortunately, Ye Li is not a member of the Chu family. Besides, with the current headquarters of the Chu family in Yunzhou under the control of Lei Zhen Ting, how could they possibly fund Mo Jinglie's military campaign against Ding王府

Yao Ji helplessly pushed the invitation into Ye Li’s hand and said, "I don’t want to bring such a ridiculous matter to you. However, the Regent Prince has entrusted this to the Myriad Sun Marquisate, and our marquise is currently in a bad mood. I have no choice but to come here personally. I also wanted to ask about Qingchen’s news. It's not easy for me to walk into your residence openly."

Ye Li smiled as she looked at the invitation in her hand, then calmly replied, "It seems that Mo Jinglie indeed trusts the Myriad Sun Marquisate."

"The old marquise of Myriad Sun is such a person who changes his allegiance with the wind. He naturally knows what to do and not to do," Yao Ji said with a crooked smile. After Prince Mo Jingqi’s death, the Myriad Sun Marquisate immediately sided with Mo Jinglie. Although there was some conflict between the Myriad Sun Marquisate and Prince Li in the past, they have helped him quite a bit over these two years. Furthermore, he has already stepped down and passed his title to Mu Yang, so Mo Jinglie must show some gratitude; otherwise, how will he pacify those old ministers of Prince Mo Jingqi

Ye Li thought that was true as well, gently patting the invitation in her hand, "I understand. You can tell Myriad Sun Marquis that Junwei Chu will definitely attend the banquet on time."

"You’re not seriously going to help Mo Jinglie raise military funds" Yao Ji asked with a curious look.

Ye Li just smiled without saying anything, instead asking, "I am actually quite surprised. How can Mo Jinglie be short of money Dacheng hasn’t suffered from natural disasters or engaged in wars recently. A few years ago when Mo Jinglie moved south, he emptied the national treasury."

"Of course, most of that money must have ended up in Mo Jinglie’s personal vaults," Ye Li once believed Mo Jinglie might be one of the richest individuals in the realm.

"I don’t know about this matter. However, the Dacheng national treasury likely didn’t hold much money to begin with. There were several wars during those years, after all," Yao Ji shrugged. The worst part was that they always lost those battles and even lost the capital city of Chu in the end. "Moreover, even if Mo Jinglie has money, he might not be willing to use it for military expenses."

Hearing this, Ye Li couldn’t help but smile faintly, "I didn’t expect that Mo Jinglie also has the habit of being a miser." Among all the princes and nobles, Ding王府 had the strongest power, but Prince Ding and his wife were not particularly wealthy. While the wealth under the name of the Ding王府 was countless, Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao did not have the nature to accumulate wealth; thus, their personal vaults likely held only forty or fifty thousand taels of silver at most. That might seem like a lot, but compared with other powerful nobles, it looked rather inadequate.

Yao Ji didn’t stay long and said smilingly as she stood up, "Since the invitation has been delivered, I will take my leave."

"Take care," Ye Li replied calmly. She knew that Yao Ji was handling many matters in the Myriad Sun Marquisate nowadays.

Outside Nanjing City, deep within a mountain range several dozen miles away, a few simple thatched cottages were situated amidst the mountains and streams, blending into the scenery with trees and flowers around them. It would be hard to see these houses if one didn’t come close.

The front of the cottage had some small medicinal herb fields where many commonly used herbs were planted. Even in early winter when many plants had already dried up and looked sparse, those that were still alive were well taken care of. The fields were clean and orderly.

Inside one of the cottages, a handsome young man was seated on a stool by the window, idly flipping through an ancient book with a faint smile on his lips. He seemed like an immortal from beyond the heavens—none other than Qingchen, who had eluded Mo Family Army’s extensive search in and around Nanjing City.

After reading for a while, Qingchen looked outside with some helpless amusement written on his face. His chest was hurting slightly, making him unable to get up to walk around as he would like to. No one could have imagined that someone of such extraordinary talent and charisma as Qingchen would ever suffer such misfortune.

Light footsteps approached from the outside, and a girl in plain clothes carrying a bamboo basket filled with various herbs entered. Seeing the person sitting on the bed, she hurriedly put down her basket and came over to ask, "Xu Qingchen, why are you sitting up Do you feel better" The girl looked around fifteen or sixteen years old, with neatly tied hair using a thin string similar to the fabric of her clothes. She wore a light green rough cotton dress that didn’t look as well-off as other village girls usually did. However, such simple attire could not hide her beauty—her delicate pink lips naturally rosy, a cute and fine nose, along with clear eyes like mirrors into people’s souls. Despite being young, she exuded an unmatched grace. But now she looked distressed and apologetic while staring at the man on the bed.

"Xu Qingchen… Do you feel better I’m so sorry…"

Xu Qingchen helplessly watched as the girl seemed on the verge of tears, gently comforting her, "How can it be your fault Actually, you’re the one who saved me."

"But... If I hadn’t insisted on bringing you away, you wouldn’t have gotten injured," she said guiltily. She had only heard beautiful music while picking herbs and followed its sound to find someone playing like a god in a valley. Remembering her father’s gift of a jade zither that she couldn’t play, she cautiously approached him. Upon hearing he was unjustly imprisoned there, she decided to free him but accidentally injured him under the water. If only she had known, she wouldn’t have brought him out; those people seemed quite good to him.

"That’s not possible. I’d rather leave that place even if it means getting hurt," Xu Qingchen smiled slightly. He was certain someone from Ding王府 would come rescue him eventually, but when remained unknown. Sometimes, just being a moment too late could lead to disaster. As a person who had traveled widely without mishap for decades, he was adept at judging situations and decided not to meet the somewhat mad woman, Eastern You; rather, enduring some injuries first seemed better. He couldn’t help feeling regretful that he lacked martial arts skills.

The girl nodded repeatedly with a bright smile on her face, "Yes yes, I’ll heal you soon! My medical skills are good—doctors in the city said my medicine works well. Xu Qingchen, I bought some effective medicines from town and just made them now. Please take this."

Xu Qingchen smiled helplessly as he accepted a small wooden bottle she offered, opened it to find an aromatic fragrance filling his nose. He swallowed one of the white pills inside and felt relief instantly. There were only five such pills in total; though not a medical expert himself, Xu Qingchen could tell these required expensive herbs.

The girl constantly blamed herself for injuring Xu Qingchen but didn’t know that he owed her much more. She initially wanted to learn about playing the zither and perhaps felt lonely living alone on mountains sometimes. Yet she thought it was her fault for rescuing him, while if not his own hints, a child who hadn’t grown up yet wouldn’t have such thoughts. Nonetheless, he had been unexpectedly injured, but this girl took meticulous care of him, determined to heal him quickly. During their days together, Xu Qingchen learned that she lived in these mountains with her father since childhood and was alone after his death three years ago. She occasionally sold herbs and simple medicines made by herself for daily necessities. Despite her modest attire, her beauty remained striking—pale pink lips naturally rosy, a cute nose, clear eyes reflecting people’s souls; though young, she had unmatched grace. However, now this beloved girl looked worried with guilt while looking at him.

"Xu Qingchen… Do you feel better It’s all my fault…"

Xu Qingchen gazed helplessly at her about to cry and comforted softly, "How could it be your fault You’re the one who saved me."

“But... If I hadn’t insisted on bringing you away, you wouldn ‘t have gotten injured,” she said guiltily.

Yun Ge pouted and said, "They are the Mohist Army. My father says that they are good people, while the Marquis Li wants to fight them; he must be a bad person."

Upon hearing this, Xu Qingchen couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow and asked, "Why did your father say the Prince Ding is a good person"

Yun Ge thought for a moment before saying, "My father said that the Mohist Family is devoted to their country with loyal hearts. Unfortunately, the prince’s high achievements scared off the emperor who didn’t have enough tolerance and caused the early death of Prince Ding. My father said all in the Mohist family are good people." She nodded her head heavily to show her agreement.

Xu Qingchen finally understood that Yun Ge’s father must be referring to the previous Prince Ding, Mo Liufang or Mo Xiwen. He was just curious about who this deceased recluse was; he could have taught Yun Ge such profound medical skills and martial arts, which definitely couldn’t be a mere mortal. "Alright then, Prince Ding is a good person. Is there any other news What happened in the Chu residence I asked you to check"

Yun Ge nodded, saying, "I watched for a long time; people are going in and out frequently. But there are many experts in that estate, so I didn’t dare get closer to look. However, I saw a very handsome young man in white clothes... Later on, an elegant lady also entered."

"Young gentleman in white…" Xu Qingchen thought for a moment before asking, "Is it really Li'er who came personally"

Yun Ge looked at him in puzzlement and asked, "Are you looking for the young gentleman in white I can help you look tomorrow. By the way, there are many people searching around the nearby mountains as well; they almost discovered me when I was returning. I went to that valley today, but nobody was inside. But don’t worry, no one else would find us here, so there’s nothing to fear."

Xu Qingchen felt a bit helpless; he feared this place was too secluded for others to find him, even the people Li'er sent to look for him couldn’t locate him either. However, it was better like this. He could barely move and it would be much worse if they were found by enemies.

"Xu Qingchen, will you teach me how to play the zither" Yun Ge looked at Xu Qingchen softly and asked.

Xu Qingchen raised his eyebrows and smiled. "Sure! Didn’t I promise to teach you before Once my injuries are healed, I’ll teach you."

Yun Ge looked at him with a faint smile and said, "Once your injury heals, won't you leave then Can I practice now for you to see if it's alright Actually, I have learned some already. It’s all my fault; when my father taught me before, I didn’t study well enough, so he... stopped teaching me." Seeing the hope and disappointment in Yun Ge’s eyes, Xu Qingchen felt a moment of hesitation and smiled lightly as he asked, "Why does Yun Ge want to learn how to play the zither"

"The sound is very pleasant. I can play for myself," Yun Ge said with a happy smile.

Xu Qingchen sighed softly. Yun Ge’s father must have been overly reassured; when Yun Ge was only twelve or thirteen, even if she had martial arts skills and lived alone in the deep mountains, it would still be too lonely. However, given this little girl's appearance and personality, without someone close to her taking care of her, perhaps staying here might be safer.

However, Yun Ge hadn’t considered leaving after living here for a few years. She usually went into town once a month to exchange daily necessities. For the past few years, she followed her father’s last wishes and only used common herbs to repay debts. Otherwise, with such medical skills, she would certainly have already become well-known.

Lowering his eyes in thought, Xu Qingchen asked, "Does Yun Ge not want to leave this place"

Yun Ge looked at him blankly and said, "Why leave Father says there are many bad people outside." Even someone as handsome as Xu Qingchen was captured by others; if she went out, she would definitely be taken away by the bad guys. When her father just passed away and Yun Ge went into town alone for the first time, she encountered several robbers who tried to steal from or abduct her. Luckily, with her martial arts skills, it was easy to deal with them. After that, when Yun Ge entered the city each time, she knew to conceal her appearance; however, if she left here, could she really smear ashes on her face every day Although she grew up in the countryside, being pretty is a girl’s nature, and Yun Ge didn’t want to be dirty every day.

Xu Qingchen sighed again. He couldn’t help but raise his hand to tap her forehead lightly, which accidentally pulled at his wound causing him to frown slightly. Yun Ge quickly jumped up and pressed him down. "Don't move around; you’re still injured."

Xu Qingchen looked at her and said, "Living alone in the deep mountains won’t work for long-term. Why not go with me to Licheng"

Yun Ge was stunned for a moment before shaking her head. "No; my father said I should stay here. Someone will come to pick me up later."

"Pick you up Who Did your father say when they would come" Xu Qingchen suddenly understood. Yun Ge’s father certainly had planned for his daughter's future, but after three years with no news, could the other side still honor their promise and come

Yun Ge thought about it for a while before saying hesitantly, "Father wrote a letter asking me to send it out. Someone would then pick me up; however, nobody has arrived."

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. This girl was really naive. The sender had already mailed the letter three years ago but received no response. It could either be that they didn’t receive the letter or simply never planned to come. "Why don't we return together and leave a message here If someone comes for you, instruct them to go to Licheng to find you; when I return, I’ll send people to monitor this place for any arrivals. Besides, isn’t it your claim that my internal injuries will take long to recover Wouldn’t it be convenient if you could help me"

Yun Ge looked at him with difficulty. She indeed wanted to leave here with Xu Qingchen. Although she wasn't particularly fond of crowds, spending these days speaking with Xu Qingchen made her somewhat sad when thinking about being alone again. However, her father told her to wait for someone here; she couldn’t disobey.

Seeing her hesitation, Xu Qingchen’s eyes flickered and he smiled, "Or do you still remember the address on your letter I’ll send people to look for them. If they really didn't receive it, would you stay waiting here forever"

Yun Ge pondered for a long time before finally giving an address. Upon hearing this, Xu Qingchen couldn’t help but frown slightly. Yun Ge noticed his expression and became worried, "Xu Qingchen, what's wrong"

Xu Qingchen asked, "Do you have the surname Mu"

"Ah I don't have the surname Mu; my father’s surname is Shen," Yun Ge said in puzzlement. Had she not told Xu Qingchen her surname She tilted her head and thought for a moment, realizing that she had indeed forgotten to mention that her surname was Shen. If someone lived alone for too long, perhaps their name became less important.

"What about your mother's surname" Xu Qingchen asked.

Yun Ge said, "My father told me that my mother's surname is Li."

Xu Qingchen nodded and said, "I know the person your father wants to find. I can take you there. Wait for me to recover from my injuries before we go together." Yun Ge's eyes brightened. "Really"

Xu Qingchen smiled and nodded. Looking at the joyful young girl in front of him, he silently sighed; she was just a lonely child.

Chu Residence

"My Lady, a servant came to report that there is a maidservant eavesdropping outside," Wei Lin reported upon entering.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. "A maid"

Wei Lin nodded and said, "The girl’s martial arts skills are not bad, but she has no experience. She looked at the residence for half a day before leaving." Ye Li smiled with interest; neither Cangmang Mountain nor Mo Jingli would send an inexperienced girl to spy on the Chu Residence. "Did you see what she looks like"

"She seems to be around fifteen or sixteen years old, but I couldn’t clearly make out her appearance. Moreover, the person who followed her out of town has returned."

Ye Li smiled and said, "Lost her track"

Wei Lin nodded shamefully, feeling that his shadow guards were becoming less competent. They had first lost Qingchen公子, and now they couldn’t even keep up with a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl. This was truly a loss of face for the Qilin.

Ye Li smiled and said, "Alright, don’t be too harsh on them. To put it simply… They would never lose track of an inexperienced girl like her. Send people to look around where she disappeared. Additionally, keep sending people to watch that area; she certainly won’t come back."

Wei Lin nodded and said, "Yes, thank you for sparing their lives, My Lady."

Ye Li shook her head and said, "Although I say this, I believe the Qilin still needs to learn some more things in the future."

"Yes, we will follow your instructions strictly," Wei Lin responded.

Ye Li smiled and said, "We can discuss that later. What do you think… might this young girl be related to my brother"

Wei Lin thought for a moment and replied, "It’s indeed likely; even Mo Jingli didn’t notice any abnormalities at the Chu Residence, but how would this young girl specially come to observe it Furthermore, she appeared near where Qingchen公子 went missing. Perhaps, this young lady is the one who rescued Qingchen公子. But… Why isn't he willing to return if he has been saved"

Ye Li frowned and said, "My brother may have suffered severe injuries. Don’t worry; since he knows we’ve arrived here, he should contact us soon."

"Yes. I will instruct people to keep watch there. With the strict investigation currently being conducted at Li王府, and with Mo Jingli's banquet coming up shortly, it would be best if My Lady doesn't leave town personally," Wei Lin said. Ye Li nodded and sighed softly, "There’s no other option."

Indeed, the next day at noon, Ye Li met the young girl mentioned by Wei Lin. Upon seeing her, she couldn’t help but feel amused; it was indeed just a little girl. She didn’t seem to be sixteen yet, and most importantly, those clear eyes made even someone like Ye Li feel ashamed.

Yun Ge had been brought into the Chu Residence by people from Ding王府 at Xu Qingchen’s request. But Xu Qingchen told her not to enter through the main gate so she was caught when she tried to climb over a wall in the courtyard.

Curious, Yun Ge sized up Ye Li and asked, "You are the Li girl that Xu Qingchen mentioned"

Ye Li smiled and nodded. "Yes, I am Li Girl. And who might you be"

"I'm Shen Yunge," Yun Ge said with a smile, "and I’m Xu Qingchen's friend. You look really good… but why are you dressed as a boy" Ye Li was surprised and asked, “Did you figure out that I am a girl or did my brother tell you” Ye Li believed she had disguised herself well enough; nobody should be able to see through it, let alone this innocent-looking young lady.

"I’m a doctor," Yun Ge said proudly, "Of course I can tell. Men and women are very different."

Ye Li smiled; apparently those who understand medicine still have their differences. At least another so-called expert in medicine hadn’t seen through her disguise. Ye Li asked the little girl, “How is my brother”

Hearing this, Yun Ge’s face fell as she said with a sad expression, "I’m sorry… Xu Qingchen was severely injured."

"Don’t worry," Ye Li comforted her softly. "I know you saved him; tell me what happened." Yun Ge recounted in detail how she had met Xu Qingchen and sought help from his brother after hearing the sound of a guzheng. It was clear to Ye Li that maybe it was an accident at first, but when Shen Yunge managed to enter the valley without disturbing anyone and ask for the guzheng back, it no longer could be considered mere coincidence. Placing blame on this young girl would be too harsh.

Even ZHUO Jing and Wei Lin standing behind Ye Li had strange looks on their faces as they thought: This is probably what Xu Qingchen gets for tricking an innocent girl!

Ye Li patted Shen Yunge's small hand and said with a smile, "How can I blame you I should thank you for saving Brother."

Hong Yun had been prepared to face scolding, but Ye Li’s gentle attitude made her feel uneasy. She asked in a small voice, "Li... Aren’t you angry with me" Ye Li replied smilingly, "There's no need for formalities; I'm a few years older than you, so just call me Sister Li instead. Since it wasn't your fault, how can I blame you Furthermore, you managed to bring out an adult male from the water despite being such a little girl. It’s inevitable that there would be some bumps and bruises."

Hong Yun's eyes lit up; she had only known her father and mother since childhood, and seeing other girls with older sisters or younger sisters made her envious, so she said respectfully, "Sister Li."

"Such a good girl..." Ye Li patted her head fondly and asked, "How is Brother's injury now"

Hong Yun replied, "He’ll be able to move freely in a few days. But for these past few days he isn't allowed to move much. Uh... I’ve told Xu Qingchen everything you wanted me to say. Now I must return so that he doesn’t go hungry."

Ye Li smiled and nodded, "If that's the case then Brother will be in your care for now. Will I send someone over once his injury has improved"

Hong Yun shook her head with a smile, "There’s no trouble at all; Xu Qingchen keeps me entertained, so it’s fine."

"Alright then," said Ye Li as she turned to Wei Lin and instructed him, "Wei Lin, escort Miss Hong Yun out of the city. Also, send whatever medicine Brother needs along with her."

Seeing Wei Lin leading Hong Yun out, Ye Li couldn’t help but chuckle softly, "She’s quite a cute girl isn't she"

Zhuo Jing nodded and said, "We never expected that the one who took away Xu Qingchen would be such an adorable little girl. Most importantly, her nature is so pure and clear."

The most important thing was that there were actually beautiful girls in the wilderness. It seemed that Xu Qingchen’s luck had been very good...

"Why didn’t the duchess send someone to take care of Xu Qingchen" Zhuo Jing asked with a smile.

Ye Li said coolly, "Since Miss Hong Yun has taken such good care of Brother for so long, it’s fine if she continues doing so for a few more days. What are you saying"

Zhuo Jing raised his eyebrows and asked with a smile, "What does the duchess mean by that"

Ye Li waved her hand as she stood up, "I don’t have any particular meaning. Brother has been quite worn out in recent years; it’s rare to get such an opportunity so he should rest well."

The little girl had a pure and innocent temperament and didn't seem like the ordinary daughter who followed many customs. It was obvious that Brother trusted her, allowing her to come to the Chu residence. Since this is the case, she can just stay as she is.

"That’s right."

Hong Yun left with a pile of items that were delivered by Ding王府's guards near her home before returning herself. As soon as she walked in, Xu Qingchen pointed at the table where all sorts of boxes had been placed and said with raised eyebrows, "When did you start liking to go shopping"

Hong Yun wiped off the sweat on her face and pouted cutely, "I didn’t buy them myself; Sister Li sent them."

Xu Qingchen looked at her with a smile. She had only met him once but already called him Brother Xu; she was really an innocent girl.

While busy arranging the various items on the table, Hong Yun muttered to herself, "Xu Qingchen you’re such a pampered rich boy that even when resting at home for a few days you still have so much stuff prepared. It’s good that Guard Brother helped me carry them up here from town; otherwise I wouldn’t be able to bring everything back by myself." After opening the boxes and looking inside, she found there was indeed quite an array of things. Not only were all sorts of medicinal herbs and tonics needed for recuperation, but also various books and leisure items. There were even three or four sets of clothing.

Xu Qingchen glanced over everything and pointed to a box beside him saying, "Open this one."

Hong Yun curiously looked at the box and said, "This one" After opening it she found a delicate woman’s dress in pale yellow inside. Hong Yun didn’t know but Xu Qingchen certainly did; just by looking at the outer packaging of the box he could tell that it was from Nanking's most famous silk shop. He smiled and said, "That’s something Sister Li sent to you as a gift."

"To me" Hong Yun looked curiously at the delicate pale yellow dress in the box. She usually wore simple clothes but had seen many beautiful dresses in town when she went there before; however, she never envied them since clothing only needed to be warm enough to wear. However, now looking at this bright and beautiful dress again, and seeing Xu Qingchen smiling at her while wearing his white robes, Hong Yun suddenly felt embarrassed about her unkempt appearance. She quickly picked up the box and ran out.

Seeing the little girl's figure disappear from the doorway, Xu Qingchen couldn't help but smile as he shook his head. Playing with children was indeed quite fun; at the same time, he started to look forward to seeing Hong Yun in her new clothes and properly dressed up.

As for Sister Li obviously not wanting him involved in matters within Nanking, it would be best if things progressed naturally. Furthermore, his injury rendered him bedridden so there was no point going back only to slow others down. A mere Mo Jingli wouldn't stop Sister Li from returning home.

The carefree Xu Qingchen completely forgot that somewhere in the northern military camp, her husband, impatiently awaiting her return, was grinding his teeth and swearing at him, "Xu Qingchen, if you dare die here I’ll make sure to send Li back all the way from Jiangnan! And then I will make you work for the Ding王府 until your next life!"

—— Extra ——

Sweat... This chapter was a sweat-dripping one. Don't know if everyone likes this little girl; those who don’t like her can just call her a little sister, since there's no ending for her in the main story anyway. Those hoping to marry off Brother Xu should be satisfied now as she’s pure and adorable with an innocent heart. She has excellent martial arts skills that could suppress someone else and great medical knowledge. Yeah... Brother Xu is too smart; if you want one like him, then it needs to be another equally intelligent person or someone who doesn't play tricks at all!the soldiers who had charged into Jiangxia earlier were likely already dead or captured by now. As such, the losses they suffered in manpower during the battle of Jiangxia far exceeded those sustained...