On that final night, Yindeng deliberately played a heart-wrenching rendition of *The Phoenix Hairpin*:
"The world’s ways are thin, human hearts are cold; rain ushers in the dusk, and flowers easily fall."
"The morning breeze is dry, tear stains remain. Wishing to write down my heart’s secrets, I speak alone by the leaning rail..."
Wei Qingming listened for a while, then quietly lifted her flute and slowly joined in. Yindeng watched her expression without blinking, then mischievously started the song from the beginning. Wei Qingming followed suit.
"People are apart, today is not yesterday; the soul of sickness is like a swinging rope."
"The horn’s sound is cold, the night is fading. Fearing others’ questions, I swallow my tears and feign joy."
"Hide! Hide! Hide!"
By the time Yindeng finished singing, she had fallen into a state of sorrow herself. The two sat facing each other in silence. The autumn night had grown deep; the trees throughout the city were bare. Outside the building, withered branches scraped against the bright, festive red-lacquered window frames. Crows cried out one after another. Before long, it would snow in the capital.
Yindeng cleared her throat and smiled. "This song of mine makes even the most hot-blooded men weep. Why is Lord Wei unmoved?"
Wei Qingming smiled as well, but she only lowered her head. She reached out as if to grasp something in the empty air, then released her hand. Only then did she say something seemingly unrelated: "I am leaving."
She remained seated after speaking. Yindeng understood; she meant she was leaving the capital for an assignment—likely a very perilous one. She was bidding farewell while her body was still weak from recent recovery.
"Have you... gone to see her?"
"I have," Wei Qingming said. "Only once, on the night I nearly lost my life."
Yindeng’s heart ached for her. she said, "Why not go tonight? You truly love her deeply, don't you?"
"Yes." Wei Qingming gave a faint smile.
"She is actually very fragile and loves to be pampered. When she acts willfully and looks at you with those eyes, you find yourself agreeing to anything. Yet she is incredibly brave, full of passion and loyalty. When I am with her, I am always afraid that if I blink, she will run off and get lost in the crowd. Those hands of hers are untainted by a single speck of dust; a villain like me shouldn't be fit to defile them, yet I cannot help but want to hold them again and again."
As she spoke, she raised her hand as if catching something drifting down from the sky. Her eyes were filled with a tender smile. "I love her like the first snow of dawn."
Yindeng wiped the tears from her eyes and scoffed at her. "Lord Wei truly does not understand a woman's heart. Although you and I share only the friendship of comrades-in-arms, I am still a very beautiful woman. I have my pride. Hearing a man gush so mushily about another woman is bound to be irritating."
"I don't understand?" She chuckled softly. "Perhaps."
"Then why not go find her?" Yindeng said. "Speaking as a woman, she must be waiting for you. She must be annoyed that you aren't being firm or proactive enough."
"Sooner or later, I will be nothing but a heartless, short-lived corpse," Wei Qingming said with a faint smile. "Better not to provoke her grief in vain."
As a fellow secret agent living a precarious life, Yindeng understood this feeling well. She lowered her head and sighed. "I see. You are telling me this because you fear you won't return from this trip, and that this love will be buried and forgotten. You needed someone to tell." She looked up, teasing with a grin, "It seems that even though I am but a woman of the demimonde, I am quite reliable in Lord Wei's heart."
"Indeed," Wei Qingming laughed. "If I didn't tell you, I truly wouldn't know who to speak to. Besides..." Her tone regained that composure typical of those who play at power. "If I die, you will likely be the new Envoy. She is in the capital; I must entrust her care to you. Yindeng, please promise me."
Yindeng was first moved by her emotion, then enticed by the prospect of gain, and ultimately realized all of this was a calculation for her beloved. Her heart felt sweet, spicy, and sour all at once. She could only huff, "Bah! Why should I promise you? I’d rather curse you to truly never come back!"
"That would be for the best." Wei Qingming laughed as well. Just as Yindeng was about to scold her further, she suddenly stared at the changes occurring on Wei Qingming's body, shocked into silence.
"Shh." Wei Qingming raised a finger and whispered with a smile, "Miss Yindeng is very reliable. I leave it all to you."
***
After watching this, I had cried until I could barely breathe. So it truly was her I saw that rainy night. Yindeng’s care and protection for me, that phrase "the first snow of dawn"—it was all because of her request. So she... all these years, she never stopped loving me or thinking of me.
Master remained silent for a moment, then raised her hand to dispel the illusion she had placed on Wei Qingming, along with the spell freezing me. I stumbled toward Wei Qingming, wiping the tears from my face and the blood from the corner of her mouth. I took out a healing pill and fed it to her. She remained in a kneeling position, though her upper body was inevitably hunched a little. I supported one of her arms, draping it over my shoulder to let her weight transfer to me.
Soon, her eyelashes fluttered, and she woke up. Seeing me, she pulled me into her arms in one swift motion.
I was overcome with bashfulness, looking at her with a red face and then at Master. I saw Master pinch her nose and wave her hand as if fanning away a scent. "Fine, I allow it. Children of the martial world don't need those tedious rites. You two drink your nuptial cups tonight. Tell the Eldest to set a good table."
I was stunned, then began to laugh and cry like a fool. Wei Qingming’s lips curled into a smile as she performed three heavy kowtows toward Master.
I helped Wei Qingming out of the hall. After descending a flight of stairs, she regained her strength, gently lowered my arm, and took my hand. I leaned against her shoulder, apologizing on Master's behalf. "Does it hurt badly? It's all my fault. If I had just spoken clearly with Master earlier, we wouldn't have had to go through this... Don't resent her too much. She's actually a good person; she's just self-centered, eccentric, and doesn't follow common sense."
"How could I?" she chuckled, her tone unable to hide her triumph. "The old lady is probably afraid she won't be able to beat me in the future, so she had to use a heavy hand and harsh punishment to intimidate her dear disciple's future husband. Besides, when a daughter marries, the parents are always reluctant. I had to show my bones were tough enough to withstand it before she felt the pleasure of venting her frustration."
"No wonder you deliberately provoked her..." I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Lord Envoy, you use far too many schemes even in this."
"To marry A-Zhi, how could I not exhaust every thought and effort?" she whispered into my ear.
Lu Kaifeng seemed to have anticipated how things would develop given Master's temperament. He had already ordered a festive banquet and brought it up the mountain early. Auntie Dong was the most excited; while grumbling about Master's hasty decision, she busied herself finding clothes for me and helping me wash and dress. She managed to rummage through the chests and find a few red skirts, but they were all somewhat old and outdated in style. Just as Auntie Dong was about to rush down the mountain to buy new ones, Zhu Yixin pushed the door open with a grin. She held a stack of vermilion garments, along with a makeup box and a jewelry case. It turned out the Lord Envoy had planned everything perfectly and had prepared these in advance...
Now, even Auntie Dong’s impression of this yet-to-be-met nephew-in-law soared. She touched the fabric with joy and opened the case to inspect the jewelry under the light, praising them repeatedly. "This surely isn't something you can buy on the market. It must be an inner palace reward given to a Duke's household. It's several hundred years old but very well-maintained. The fabric is top-grade Yue silk with black embroidery—very elegant. It's just that the color isn't as bright as a typical wedding robe. Oh, it's all too rushed!"
I smiled. "Making a set of bright red wedding robes takes so much time and effort, yet you only wear them once in a lifetime. What a waste. This set can be taken apart and worn for daily use later."
Auntie Dong and Zhu Yixin both scolded me at once. "What nonsense! Once you wear it, you mustn't wear it again!"
Then we heard Wei Qingming ask Zhu Yixin from outside the courtyard, "Sister, is it suitable?" Her voice was calm, but I could sense she was a bit nervous, fearing that the clothes and makeup she had chosen on her own wouldn't satisfy a house full of women for such a major event as a wedding. Zhu Yixin snorted, "It's no good, no good at all. You'd better hurry down the mountain and buy new ones."
The courtyard went silent for a few breaths, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps. The Lord Envoy actually believed her! She strode into the courtyard and knocked on the door, saying, "I am at the command of Sister and Auntie. Whatever is lacking, I shall rectify it all."
Zhu Yixin burst into laughter. Auntie Dong hurriedly held the door shut and said urgently, "It's all good, it's all good! The fifth girl was teasing you. Please go back, Groom; you cannot see the bride yet!"
Tricking the Lord Envoy was a first. I also found it quite funny and shared a laugh with Zhu Yixin. Only then did Wei Qingming politely and softly agree. "Then I shall trouble you both. Call for me if you need anything." Her sleeve brushed against the door as she turned to leave.
Although etiquette dictated that the couple should not meet until entering the bridal chamber, we hadn't followed the traditional "three matchmakers and six etiquettes" at all. I had even firmly refused to wear a veil or mask. Though helpless, Auntie Dong had to open the door and let me out to complete the ceremony. Wei Qingming was, of course, dressed in a robe of the same color with a gold-inlaid belt, looking incomparably noble and handsome.
The two of us bowed three times before Master, which served as the bows to Heaven, Earth, and the Master. Lu Kaifeng had wanted to act as the master of ceremonies and announce the rites, but Master glared at him, and he didn't dare make a sound. He honestly lowered his hands and retreated to his seat.
Master was actually being quite gracious. She had changed into decent clothes and was rarely sitting properly in the high seat. Before Wei Qingming and I could even stand up after our bows, she said impatiently, "Wei girl... *ahem*, Son-in-law! Pour me some wine!"
"Yes." Wei Qingming turned, lifted a small ancient jade pot, filled a cup, and respectfully presented it to Master with both hands. Master downed it in one gulp and wanted more, so she refilled it. After three cups, she actually tilted the cup toward Wei Qingming again. The Lord Envoy acted as if nothing was amiss and didn't expose her, pouring another cup...
At this moment, I truly regretted not listening to Auntie Dong. If I had a veil, I wouldn't have to cover my eyes... How could Master be so unreliable even in this!
Then I saw Master hold the wine to her lips, but she didn't drink. She gave a mischievous grin and suddenly flipped her hand, splashing the wine all over Wei Qingming.
Everyone at the table was shocked. Zhu Yixin was so startled her chopsticks fell to the floor. Lu Lingfeng actually wanted to clap—I couldn't tell if she thought the ceremony was complete and was celebrating, or if she was simply gloating. Her brother grabbed both her hands and pulled them under the table.
Strangely, the wine transformed into a spiritual mist as it splashed onto Wei Qingming. Not a single wet mark appeared on her, but her illusionary sigils flared with golden light and vanished into ash in an instant. The Yin Essence Mark, which she had been concealing, was maliciously brought to light by Master...
Now, everyone wasn't just shocked; they were frozen in place. After a long time, Ren Xuzhou pointed a trembling finger at the new "groom," stammering, "This... this... she... she..."
Du Chuilun, on the other hand, gazed quietly at me and then at her, the sorrow and despair in his eyes beyond words.
Master snorted with a triumphant smirk. "What of it? This is the son-in-law I have acknowledged. From now on, she shall be like a daughter to me." Her expression held a kind of smugness we had never seen before, as if she had recognized who had drawn the illusionary sigils for Wei Qingming and was very proud of herself for breaking the technique. She must have spent the two hours I was dressing up researching how to crack it...
I stomped my foot in frustration. "Master!" Now that Wei Qingming had lost the illusionary sigils, what would she do in the future? I might have to beg Master tomorrow to draw them back on...
Wei Qingming, however, remained as calm as ever. She smiled and placed the pot and cup on the table.
The impact of this revelation was truly staggering. Having dropped the bombshell, Master ignored her stunned disciples and retreated to her room to sleep, her metaphorical tail wagging with pride.
After a few moments of awkwardness, the Eldest Senior Brother stepped forward. Wei Qingming met his gaze, and they shared a smile. She picked up the pot and respectfully filled his cup. Lu Kaifeng raised his hand to pat her shoulder, but hesitated as it was about to land—likely considering her female identity and not wanting to be offensive. Ultimately, his hand landed firmly. He patted her shoulder and said kindly, "From now on, we are brothers and sisters."
"Big Brother." Wei Qingming lowered her eyelashes, seemingly with a hint of tears, as she called out to him. She then smiled and shared a drink with him.
Lu Lingfeng walked up, extending her cup and her hand. A hug was very expensive, and a whole demon must be astronomically so. Wei Qingming smiled as she poured wine and clinked cups with her, blinking as if to say, "I'll save it."
Ren Xuzhou raised his cup and cleared his throat pretentiously. He launched into a long, talkative lecture about how she must treat his Sixth Junior Sister well, support each other through wind and rain—all the usual clichés. Remarkably, the Lord Envoy listened patiently with a slight, respectful bow of her head. Finally, he scratched the back of his head and grinned. "Now that you've come up the mountain, I'll have to vacate my spot as the most handsome person on Mount Gomeng. Ah well, it's lonely at the top!"
Everyone booed and teased him.
Qiao Songlin was the most composed. The two of them were already kindred spirits who appreciated each other's talents. He walked up as usual and clinked cups; everything was understood without words.
Zhu Yixin toasted along with Auntie Dong and the two younger sisters. Zhu Yixin gave a bold laugh. "We all know exactly how well you treat A-Zhi. Just keep it up! I'll drink first!" Auntie Dong, true to her experience with life's great storms, spoke elegant and auspicious words. The two young girls were still shy, their faces flushed as they stared at Wei Qingming. Whether out of innocence or mischief, they asked, "In the future, should we call you Brother-in-law, or Sister-in-law, or Big Sister?"
"As you wish," Wei Qingming laughed. "You may also call me by my name."
As the only person close to Wei Qingming present, Hong Lu had also been seated at the table at Lu Kaifeng's insistence. Master's earlier antics had scared Hong Lu so much his face had turned pale and then flushed; between the great joy and great shock, he had nearly suffered a heart attack. He was currently shrinking into his seat like a quail. Seeing Wei Qingming approach him with the pot, he stood up, overwhelmed. Before he could speak, he was already sobbing. "Mas... Master..."
After "Mastering" for a long time, Wei Qingming patted his back and comforted him kindly, "Why are you crying? You are like a brother to me." Hong Lu was so moved he was about to kneel and kowtow, but everyone held him back. He wiped his tears and looked at me with a smile. "I only wish for Master and the Mistress to have a lifetime of joy and a harmonious marriage. I, Hong Lu, have no other wishes!"
Finally, only Du Chuilun remained sitting quietly, holding an empty cup, not looking at the festivities. Wei Qingming took the initiative to walk up to him. He remained seated while she stood, but she didn't take offense at all. She smilingly took the cup from his hand, carefully filled it, and handed it back to him.
Du Chuilun suddenly looked up, staring into her eyes, and said in a raspy voice, "You must... be good to her."
"Naturally." The Lord Envoy had long understood everything. Though she was usually the world's biggest "vinegar jar" of jealousy, she wasn't angry at all now. She replied with a warm smile, "Seventh Brother, please."
Du Chuilun took a deep breath, accepted her toast, and drained the cup in one go.
***
