116. The Green Silhouette

The lake water was clear and bright, with lotus blossoms filling the entire pond.

Beigong Qiyi leaned against the railing. "Ximo, did I order these lotus flowers to be planted here?" Ximo lowered his eyes and nodded, smiling. "Yes, Master commanded people to transplant them from Hainan." Beigong Qiyi took a sip of wine and wondered, Why did I go to such lengths to transplant an entire pond of lotus flowers? I am not one who loves flowers.

Seeing him lost in thought while gazing at the lotus, Ximo’s eyes flickered slightly as he smiled and asked, "Master, what are you thinking about?" Beigong Qiyi shook his head. "I feel as though I’ve forgotten something—something important..." Ximo’s smile stiffened as he recalled what Beigong Juechen once told him, "Master, anything that can be forgotten is not truly important."

"That’s true," Beigong Qiyi chuckled softly, turning to ruffle Ximo’s hair. "What you said is quite right. If it can be forgotten, it’s not important enough..." He lifted his head slightly and took a deep breath.

The sky was gloomy today, heavy and oppressive. Beigong Qiyi leisurely sipped his wine, his gaze drifting toward the lake, where vast stretches of dark green lotus leaves covered the water. Suddenly, an image surfaced in his mind—a small youth clad in flowing dark green robes standing atop the lotus leaves, with snow-white hands plucking a pure white lotus flower.

Beigong Qiyi closed his eyes briefly and casually set the wine cup on the railing. "Ximo, it must be dull staying inside the manor all day. Today, this young lord will take you out for a walk." Ximo was momentarily stunned. He suddenly recalled that long ago the youth had once told him, "If you find staying in the manor boring, I will take you out more often." But since then, Beigong Qiyi had never taken him outside.

Ximo felt a faint sting in his nose. Master, as long as I can stay by your side, I would never be bored anywhere. I only ask that you never send me away again...

"Ximo?" Seeing him with reddened eyes and a vacant expression, Beigong Qiyi waved his hand before his face. Ximo blinked and slowly smiled. "Alright, it’s been a while since I went out with you, Master." Beigong Qiyi smiled and adjusted his clothes. As his hand moved to his waist, he instinctively reached for something but found only a piece of silk fabric.

Beigong Qiyi frowned subtly. He always felt there should be something hanging there.

The sky grew darker, as if a heavy downpour was imminent. The streets were sparsely populated; even the street vendors were packing up their stalls to leave. Beigong Qiyi, dressed in white, with long hair dancing wildly in the wind, passed by. The vendors watched him approach from afar—white robes and dark hair fluttering in the air, his exquisite beauty reminiscent of a bloodthirsty demon—deadly yet breathtakingly beautiful.

As Beigong Qiyi walked past, a vendor blinked blankly, then turned to look at the white figure, feeling a vague sense of familiarity. Perhaps there had been someone like him not long ago, though that one wore green? The vendor shook his head sharply. The weather was bad, clouding his vision. Hastening his pace, he thought to himself that a heavy rainstorm was surely coming.

"The past few days have been sunny and bright. Today’s sky is so overcast," Beigong Juechen remarked with a half-smile. "We came empty-handed, so if it rains, we’ll have to find shelter in some old temple."

"I brought money," Fu Zhi said. "No need for a temple; we can stay at an inn." Beigong Juechen curled his lip. "You’re still so boring." Fu Zhi looked at him, puzzled. "I think you’ve become somewhat... strange." The Beigong Juechen of old was cold and aloof, never one to joke.

Raising an eyebrow, Beigong Juechen said quietly, "Probably because I’ve let go of the title ‘Master of Lizhuang.’ I feel lighter now." Fu Zhi pondered for a moment before asking, "Why are you leaving? Even if Beigong Qiyi no longer remembers you, staying in Lizhuang, you are still its master."

Beigong Juechen smiled. "I was never really a Beigong. You don’t owe anyone anything. I’m just returning what rightfully belongs to him. Besides, traveling across the country and enjoying the scenery is so much more pleasant. Why would I confine myself to that estate?" Fu Zhi nodded in agreement. "You took over Lizhuang as a youth, and it had just gone through turmoil. I always thought that burden was too heavy for you."

Beigong Juechen smiled. "Since I met you, you’ve never had a smile on your face." Suddenly switching topics, Fu Zhi frowned. "I smile the most around you."

"I’ve noticed that," Beigong Juechen said, turning to look at his expressionless face. He suddenly poked him. Fu Zhi blinked but didn’t move, letting him do as he pleased. "What’s this for?" Fu Zhi asked.

Beigong Juechen laughed. "I was just wondering, with your face so expressionless, if your facial muscles might atrophy."

Fu Zhi fell silent, watching him before turning his head away. "I’m a doctor."

A crack of thunder rolled across the sky. The clouds darkened further, yet no rain fell.

People hurried along the street, quickening their steps. Beigong Qiyi sighed. "Ximo, today isn’t a good day to be out." Ximo looked gloomy and nodded. Damn it, finally out with Master and now it’s about to rain. "Maybe we should go back, Master..."

Beigong Qiyi looked at him, raising an eyebrow with a smile. "Judging by your expression, it doesn’t seem like you want to go back." Ximo pouted. "Of course I want to play with Master longer, but it’s about to rain..."

Beigong Qiyi smiled faintly and said slowly, "What to do? How about this: I’ll take you somewhere fun." Ximo blinked. "Somewhere fun?" Beigong Qiyi’s eyes narrowed with a mischievous smile. "The Yihua Pavilion."

Ximo was silent, recalling the last time Beigong Qiyi took him to Yihua Pavilion—a memory that still sent chills down his spine. "Uh, Master, maybe somewhere else?" Beigong Qiyi raised an eyebrow. "Have you been there before?"

He had, but it was Master who took him. Thinking of how Beigong Qiyi had brought him there because of Beigong Juechen, who was likely forgotten now, Ximo shook his head. "No..."

Beigong Qiyi reached out and draped an arm over Ximo’s shoulder teasingly. "Since you haven’t been, this young lord will accompany you this time, so you won’t get your soul stolen." I was possessed by you, Master, which is why you chased me away, yet I shamelessly came back...

Another thunderclap sounded, followed by a sudden downpour.

Beigong Juechen and Fu Zhi, protected by internal energy, remained dry. "It’s really raining now. Your choice—temple or inn?" Fu Zhi said calmly, playing with the ring on his thumb.

Beigong Juechen smiled. "I don’t think we need a temple or an inn today. There’s a fine place just ahead." With that, he strode forward.

Fu Zhi silently followed. Through the wooden door, they heard women’s laughter and men’s low growls. Furrowing his brow, Fu Zhi looked up at the sign: “Yihua Pavilion.” He glanced at Beigong Juechen.

Beigong Juechen pushed the door open and whispered, "With warm fragrance and velvet softness to accompany us, I had someone prepare things here. Rain or shine, we must visit once. Since it’s raining, we’ll stay the night." Fu Zhi nodded. "As you wish."

The Yihua Pavilion’s madam, Yu Qin, greeted Beigong Juechen with a bright smile. "Master, you have arrived." Beigong Juechen asked, "Is everything prepared?" Yu Qin nodded. "All is ready. Are you going out?"

Beigong Juechen’s long lashes fluttered as he spoke softly, "I am no longer the master of Lizhuang. Tell everyone here that Beigong Qiyi is the current master."

Yu Qin was startled, unaware of recent events. Seeing Beigong Juechen’s serious demeanor, she suppressed her surprise and dared not ask. Nodding hesitantly, she said, "Yes." He smiled faintly and added, "Also, don’t mention me in front of Beigong Qiyi."

Yu Qin’s shock deepened. She looked at him hesitantly. "Master, why?" Beigong Juechen narrowed his eyes. "No need to ask why. Just do as I say." Frowning, Yu Qin nodded. "Yes, I will instruct them immediately."

"Let’s go upstairs," Beigong Juechen said, looking at the pale yellow gauze curtain. Fu Zhi followed behind. Suddenly, Beigong Juechen turned his head, then quickly looked away. Fu Zhi glanced over to see Beigong Qiyi in white standing by the door, chatting with a youth.

"Juechen..." Fu Zhi frowned. Beigong Juechen swept his wide sleeves and said sternly, "Upstairs." He did not look back again, his steps swift as if detached. Fu Zhi sighed softly. "Nemesis..."

"Ximo, take a good look and see if there’s anyone you like." Seeing the youth blush, Beigong Qiyi teased. But his eyes flicked sideways as if he saw a shadow. Beigong Qiyi was startled and turned his head, but saw only a corner of dark green...

Beigong Qiyi’s sharp brow lifted. He quickened his pace in pursuit. Ximo sensed trouble and followed silently. A woman in bright clothes leaned against the railing. Seeing Beigong Qiyi, she hurriedly bowed. Beigong Qiyi squinted and surveyed the area but saw no trace of the green shadow.

"Did you just see a man wearing dark green robes?" he asked.

Dark green robes? The woman thought for a moment. Could it be the master of Beigong estate? "Young Master, are you referring to—"

Her words were cut off by Yu Qin rushing over. "You should not—" Yu Qin was about to speak when she saw Beigong Qiyi and immediately knelt, greeting him. Beigong Qiyi turned and looked down at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Miss Yu, did you see anyone just now?"

Yu Qin quickly smiled apologetically. "The Yihua Pavilion is always busy. Master, who do you mean?" Beigong Qiyi raised the corner of his eye. "I mean the person you were about to mention to Luo Yun."

Yu Qin blinked. "Master, I wasn’t trying to interrupt Luo Yun. I don’t know if she saw anyone." Luo Yun quickly nodded. "Master, I did not see a man in dark green robes."

Beigong Qiyi stared at them both for a long moment before snorting coldly and entering the room.

Once he was inside, Luo Yun sighed in relief and whispered to Yu Qin, "Sister Yu, what happened?" Yu Qin glanced at Beigong Qiyi’s room and shook her head slowly.

Author’s note: *sniff* The last chapter has been drafted—only two or three chapters left to finish! So tired! 166 Reading Network