Chapter 029: Scheming

“Elder Brother, I have something to ask you!”
Lianzi stopped Lanshui, who was just about to leave the snowy bamboo grove, looking as if he was heading off to supervise the disciples’ training.
“What is it? Why not ask Xueze? Aren’t you two together day and night?” Lanshui feigned calmness and probed, “Where is Xueze? Why aren’t you together?”
Lianzi glanced around, replying awkwardly, “I got a bit carried away and walked too fast, so Senior Sister is probably still looking for me. I only wish to get my answer, then I’ll return to meet her.”
Lanshui nodded with a gentle smile, maintaining a composed demeanor, “If that’s the case, just speak plainly.”
“It’s about the last investiture. We feared the two Spirit Maidens might feel slighted or unsettled, so we wanted to prepare a thoughtful gift to explain and apologize. But we’re unsure of their tastes and hoped you could offer some guidance.”
“Is that so? Why ask me? I’m not familiar with the Spirit Maidens, I’m afraid I’m of little help.”
Lianzi grinned mischievously, “Forgive my bluntness, Elder Brother. I think one of the Spirit Maidens respects you, and the other admires you—of all of us, you’re the one closest to them. Perhaps…”
Lanshui understood immediately, his face darkening. “Don’t mention this in front of Xueze! So that’s why you didn’t ask Jilin. You’re quite clever for your age, so observant!”
Lianzi bowed his head, snickering, then resolutely declared, “Rest assured, Elder Brother, my heart is wholly devoted to Xueze. Everything I do is for her sake; I won’t use such thoughts for any mischief! This matter is complicated, please don’t take it the wrong way.”
“Very well. I’ll see what I can find out. Come find me this evening.”
“Thank you, Elder Brother!” Lianzi called out cheerfully as he watched Lanshui leave, “Take care, Elder Brother!”

After leaving the snowy bamboo grove, Lanshui first made his rounds across the Tianshan grounds before finally finding Jilin at a training ground.
Jilin usually assisted Lanshui with various tasks, and when idle, led the Tianshan disciples in their cultivation, training, studies, and chores. At this moment, he was instructing the male disciples in their practice.
“How are they doing?”
Jilin glanced back at Lanshui, replying with a smile, “Not bad, they’ve made some progress.”
Lanshui carefully observed the practicing disciples, his face as calm and serene as ever, betraying no emotion. “Last time, you declined any reward, but you still deserve some recognition. Is there anything you want?”
Jilin lowered his head with a small smile, “All I desire is your approval.”
Lanshui paused, looking at Jilin in surprise and confusion, but fell silent along with him. Among men, words are best left unspoken, and feelings even more so.
Uncomfortable with the awkward silence, Jilin changed the subject, “By the way, Sister Baiyu was just here, saying she came to greet you in passing.”
Lanshui nodded indifferently, initially unconcerned, but then remembered Lianzi’s request.
“Where is she now?”
Jilin looked surprised—Lanshui had never shown interest in the Spirit Maidens before.
“She just left, left some refreshments as a reward for the junior brothers. Why, interested in having a look?”

Lanshui thought for a moment, sighed, and put on a stern face, “Show me.”
Intending to use the opportunity to observe Baiyu’s preferences, Lanshui found only the usual cooling and invigorating snacks and tea. He felt somewhat disappointed, barely glancing before looking away.
“What’s this? Does this look like something a Spirit Maiden would make?”
“You don’t like them, Elder Brother? The colors are indeed plain, but they were meant for the training disciples. If they were made to suit a woman's tastes, the male disciples might not accept them well.”
Lanshui looked away, seemingly lamenting, “If that's the case, why show me?”
“Oh, I understand! I’ll gently suggest she make some changes.”
“What do you mean?”
Jilin grinned mischievously, “Eating the same things every day becomes tiresome. Just say the flavors are becoming dull! With Sister’s skills, I’m sure she can create something novel and delightful.”
“There’s no need to trouble her too much. Just suggest she makes her own favorites, or whatever she’s best at.”
Jilin nodded, unable to suppress a laugh. “So, Elder Brother, what’s this about?”
“Don’t overthink it. It’s not for myself!”
With that, Lanshui walked away. If not for Lianzi and Xueze, he would never have concerned himself with such matters.
Yet Lanshui’s words and his departing figure left Jilin puzzled.
Why has Elder Brother suddenly taken an interest in Sister Baiyu’s affairs? Is it for my sake? He’s never tasted her cooking, always wore a cold, expressionless face—why the sudden change? Suggesting she make her favorites, is he trying to learn her tastes? But Elder Brother never specified what he wants her to make. When I see Sister Baiyu, what should I say?
“Sister Baiyu? Sister? No, that’s too familiar. Lady Baiyu? That seems too formal…”
“What doesn’t seem right?”
Jilin looked up abruptly to see Lady Baiyu herself, and stood awkwardly for a long moment. He had been muttering to himself while walking, and now he’d been caught—it was mortifying.
“Why so silent? What were you mumbling just now? I thought I heard my name!” Baiyu smiled and walked to stand opposite Jilin.
“Uh… I…” Jilin hesitated, then remembered Elder Brother’s words and blurted out his purpose. “Elder Brother asked me to, well, not really—actually, I came of my own accord to offer you a suggestion.”
Baiyu smiled gently, “What is it? Please speak freely.”
“Today, Elder Brother happened to see your refreshments and made a passing comment. He mentioned that you should make what you like, rather than always catering to us male disciples. If you make your own favorites, I’m sure everyone will be surprised and delighted!”
Baiyu nodded in apparent understanding, her attention wholly focused on any mention of Lanshui.
“If it’s Elder Brother’s suggestion, then I shall certainly comply. This afternoon, I’ll make my favorite, Sakura Fairy Grass Jelly, for everyone! The season is just right for it—I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!”
Jilin grinned, “We’ll leave it to your discretion, Sister. We’re all grateful for whatever you make!”

On the surface, Baiyu smiled lightly, but inside, she was in turmoil. If there were no one around, she would have been overjoyed.
“Elder Brother finally responded to me, even if just a little. It must be because Xueze isn’t skilled in the kitchen and has fallen out of favor. This is my chance to shine and show my worth.” Thus she mused, already pondering how to craft those delicacies and win Elder Brother’s heart.

In the mortal realm, the night of the full moon had just passed; today was the seventeenth.
Within the vast imperial palace, silence reigned—deep into the night. There were many in the inner palace who could not sleep, yet none dared to stroll about. Ever since the events of two nights prior, no one ventured out alone at night.
On the night of the full moon, most of the palace’s inhabitants sensed a tremendous and extraordinary force; some suffered splitting headaches, others felt their lungs ablaze. High Priest Mufan and the imperial physicians confirmed that all those affected were men of strong, yang energy.
Rumors had spread like wildfire, as a man had fled from the back mountain that night, terrified out of his wits, recounting his experience to many and plunging the palace into unrest.
At this moment, High Priest Mufan was bent over his desk, writing a letter. The recent occurrences were so strange that Mufan wished to inform the elders of Tianshan and seek their counsel.
The letter read:
“Mufan, in Beihua, conducts himself with caution, observing all with clarity. Recently, the omens in the heavens have been strange, and misfortune has befallen the world of men. A mysterious force grows daily stronger in the back mountain. A common man, having become separated from his group, was fortunate enough to escape the back mountain unharmed. Judging from his condition and story, I sense this matter is tied to his fate. The entity in the back mountain surely preys upon strong, yang men. To prevent disaster among the people, I have spread word, causing panic and self-preservation among the populace. I entreat the venerable elders to reply soon and remedy my shortcomings.”

As the carrier pigeon took flight, in a distant palace, the Plum Blossom Curse was being cast.
Pinkish purple smoke curled and swirled, like a hazy mirror. The person by the mirror was anxious; the one opposite, vigorous and energetic.
“Master, what should we do next?”
“What’s the situation now?”
“The man who escaped first saw the High Priest, then drew the attention of many. Now the palace is in turmoil. It will be difficult to find another strong, yang man. The court is unstable, the palace in chaos—please, Master, advise me.”
“Hmph! You can’t even handle this? On the night of the full moon, I could have used the chance to escape the mountain, but now I’m still trapped in this cave. And you expect me to settle your palace affairs?”
“I wouldn’t dare! Perhaps, Master, you could first help me with the matter we discussed before? There are over three hundred people in the residence, not lacking for yang energy. Thus, we could kill two birds with one stone, could we not?”
“If I could leave this cave, it would be no trouble! But now that I’m trapped, how can I assist you? Who must you kill, that you’re so anxious and uneasy day and night? Tell me, perhaps there’s another way.”
“The late emperor’s brother—Liu An!”
“Hahaha! You want to kill him? Isn’t he the emperor’s uncle? He wields considerable power and influence, and is highly learned. If he’s killed, won’t Beihua lose a great talent? What grudge drives you to this?”
“That is not for you to know, Master. All you need to know is that this man is of imperial blood, and purely of yang essence. If you can seize his vital energy, perhaps—”
“Then I could… ha ha ha, very well, I accept!”