Once, I Was a Legend | Chapter 4 | A Chance Encounter on the Lake | Novela.app

A raucous burst of laughter erupted from a black-awning boat passing beside them. "Hahaha... look at the idiotic looks on their faces!" A man holding an oar pointed at Ye Zhao and Jiang Ziqi, doubling over in laughter. There was no doubt he was the culprit behind the sudden rocking of their boat. Two other men, dressed as wealthy scions, sat on the boat with him. "They were looking at the beauty so hard they lost their souls! Hahaha..." "Isn't this the eldest Young Master Ye? Why aren't you looking at your erotic scrolls today?" Another chimed in, "Isn't it because he ran out here to see a living beauty? Hahaha..." "As the ancients said, 'Appetite and lust are only human nature.' Young Master Ye is just a bit impatient, that’s all." Wasn't this just a roundabout way of calling him a lecher, a literal starved ghost of lust? The three of them had loud voices, and as they roared with laughter, people from several nearby boats turned to look. Their gazes lingered on Ye Zhao, whispering amongst themselves. None of the comments from the onlookers—who thought they were being quiet—were pleasant. Jiang Ziqi’s face flushed red with anger as he barked, "Zhang Zuoyao, stop talking nonsense! Someone clearly framed Ye Zhao!" The man holding the oar wore a long golden robe. He had a long face, a high bridge to his nose, and narrow eyes filled with a disdainful smirk. He replied, "Framed? Are you saying Zhiyuan Academy expelled him without investigating the truth? That they can't tell black from white or right from wrong?" With a prestigious name like Zhiyuan Academy thrown at them, no one had the power to overturn the argument. Jiang Ziqi was momentarily choked up, his anger having nowhere to go. "Of course not. But Ye Zhao was wronged!" Ye Zhao, however, appeared quite calm. He had long been adept at ignoring ridicule and sarcasm; he had reached a state of inner stillness. Reflecting on the entire ordeal, he thought to himself: *Actually, that’s probably it.* Perhaps the academy had long wanted to get rid of him—the rat dropping that spoiled the pot of porridge—and simply used the incident as an excuse to sweep him out. He didn't actually like Zhiyuan Academy much, but his mother did. Everyone in the capital believed Zhiyuan Academy was the finest institution under heaven. It was a sacred land of literature that people yearned for. Only he had spent his time dreaming of escaping it. Sometimes he even thought that he was indeed naturally depraved, fit only to be a dandy who spent his days eating, drinking, and playing. Then he thought further: his mother’s efforts would likely be in vain. Even though he had been expelled, she would probably try to shove him back into the academy again. Seeing her son become a "dragon" was likely his mother’s greatest wish. He stared at the three men for a moment; they looked particularly familiar. *Oh... I remember now.* These were also "rat droppings" that Zhiyuan Academy couldn't wait to get rid of. He spoke calmly, "You were the ones who planted that book, weren't you?" He was merely bluffing, but he saw the three men’s expressions stiffen for a fraction of a second, and their laughter died down. "What are you babbling about? What book?" The three refused to admit it. "Your own book—don't you know it?" Ye Zhao asked back without emotion, smiling but saying no more. One of them put on a convincing act, snapping back, "You're talking nonsense. Ye Zhao, has your brain rotted?" Jiang Ziqi finally understood. He let out a furious roar, "Your brain is the one that's rotted! I bet it was your doing! See if I don't teach you a lesson today!" However, they were on the lake, making physical contact impossible. Jiang Ziqi swung his oar, sending wave after wave of cold water splashing onto Zhang Zuoyao, who was sitting outside the awning. The other two fared slightly better, though they were still partially drenched. "What are you doing! Stop! Stop it at once!" "Are you crazy!" In an instant, the air was filled with panicked cursing. "Hahahaha... Ye Zhao, look at them! Don't they look like drowned curs?" Jiang Ziqi stopped, delighted. Ye Zhao nodded with certainty. "Mhm! They really do." After a round of harsh words, water began to fly everywhere. Nearby boats instinctively steered clear, watching the "dogs biting dogs." The two boats drifted closer until only a meter separated them. Oars swung back and forth in greeting. In the chaos, Zhang Zuoyao swept his oar across in a horizontal strike. Ye Zhao arched his waist backward, the water-slicked wood passing almost flush against the tip of his nose. As he straightened his upper body, Zhang Zuoyao let out a strange cry. The men standing all froze their movements simultaneously. Then, under the gaze of the crowd, Zhang Zuoyao wobbled twice and—*splash!*—fell into the water. A large wave surged up, drenching Ye Zhao’s face despite his attempt to block it with his sleeve. Accompanied by Jiang Ziqi’s hysterical laughter and the frantic shouts of the other two trying to save their friend, the battle was decided. From a distance, Wei Feng caught a glimpse of Ye Zhao’s swift reaction through a tiny gap in the bamboo curtain, and his eyes narrowed. "If it were a blade, could he have dodged that as well?" The subordinate beside him remained silent. No one knew what the Commander was thinking at times. Sure enough, a moment later, he heard him mutter again, "He probably could..." His eyes were deep and unfathomable, as if he were lost in thought. Last night, more than half of the hidden guards at Bushe Mountain had been killed or wounded. The attackers were all experts, and the mastermind behind them must possess immense strength. Had he not arrived in time, they might have actually succeeded. And yet, Ye Zhao—a dandy who knew neither literature nor martial arts—had walked in and out of such a perilous place unscathed. Was it possible? Yes. It was possible if Ye Zhao was by no means as harmless as they believed. If so, why did he maintain such a reputation? What was he hiding, and why? What part did he play in all this? Was it truly just a coincidence that he was passing by? The many ways Ye Zhao differed from the rumors were beginning to strike a chord in Wei Feng, forcing him to overthink. "Has the escaped assassin been caught?" "Not yet," the subordinate replied. Among the group that died, the leader had managed to escape and remained missing without a trace. It was truly strange. The subordinate also glanced at Ye Zhao in the distance. He was one of only two people who had slipped away from Bushe Mountain last night. He thought silently: *Does the Commander believe that by following this Ye Zhao, we can find the person behind the scenes?* Unaware that he was being watched, Ye Zhao calmly wiped the water from his face. He looked at Zhang Zuoyao, who had been clumsily pulled from the water by his friends and was looking at him as if he wanted to devour him whole. Ye Zhao said placidly, "Why are you looking at me? You fell in yourself." "Ye the Useless! You just wait!" After saying that, Zhang Zuoyao tried to lung at Ye Zhao to fight for his life, but his two companions held him back firmly. They looked utterly pathetic now, soaked to the bone; they needed to go back and change immediately. "Calm down, calm down. We'll settle the score with him next time..." "Yeah, so many people are watching!" Indeed, people on the nearby boats were pointing and whispering, with occasional low laughter. The gazes falling on Zhang Zuoyao’s trio were stinging, making them feel uncomfortable, miserable, and humiliated. The other two at the center of the commotion were much more composed, acting like "dead pigs unafraid of boiling water," even looking quite happy. On the pleasure boat not far away, several people heard the noise and looked over. Princess Xiyue’s indifferent gaze swept over the two groups. Suddenly, her eyes stopped on Ye Zhao and didn't move. The youth on the small boat looked to be no more than eighteen or nineteen. His eyes were curved in a smile, appearing as bright as fallen stars. He had an exceptionally handsome face, yet it gave Xiyue an indescribable feeling. It was as if she had seen this person somewhere before, yet she was certain she hadn't. She asked, "Who is that?" Her voice was like pearls falling onto a jade plate—ethereal and tinged with a slight coldness, like frost gently settling on a branch, pure and moving. She lightly raised a hand to point. The young master sitting beside her had actually noticed the commotion long ago. Hearing her, he pulled himself from his thoughts and replied softly, "The son of Assistant Minister Ye, Ye Zhao." Unlike Princess Xiyue’s coldness, his voice was steady and unhurried, like a spring stream flowing over stones—clear, pleasant, and carrying a faint warmth. A single word from him could reach straight into one's heart, making people feel a natural affinity for him, like a breath of spring air. But as soon as that name was spoken, many people on the boat simultaneously showed expressions of realization or indifference. Two young ladies even covered their lips to hide their smiles—smiles identical to many others. Princess Xiyue had also heard of Ye Zhao’s great reputation, but this was her first time seeing him. Her expression remained cold and distant, like a jade statue, causing the others who wanted to mock him to gradually restrain their smiles. Just then, the young master spoke again, "The June weather is warm, but being soaked in cold water makes it easy to catch a chill. Why don't we invite them onto the boat to change their clothes?" Under the gaze of those around her, Princess Xiyue spoke a single word: "Granted." Some could not help but look surprised. The pleasure boat slowly sailed toward Ye Zhao and the others. Jiang Ziqi watched the approaching boat, his laughter cutting off. His expression gradually turned to shock, his mouth hanging slightly open as if he were seeing something miraculous. The man standing at the bow with his hands behind his back was as dazzling as a brilliant pearl in the night sky, drawing everyone's eyes. This was the very person who, when compared to Ye Zhao years ago, was said to be in the heavens while Ye Zhao was in the dirt. He was also the "Xi Shi" that Jiang Ziqi tried to emulate. The son of Duke Mingde—Xie Yusong. The pleasure boat stood more than ten feet higher than the small boat. The young master, dressed in lake-blue cloud-patterned silk, was elegant and refined. His brows were as light as willow leaves, and he stood tall and graceful. He looked down at them, his eyes seemingly filled with the radiance of the June sun, yet also carrying the gentle touch of the lake breeze. This was the famous Young Master Yusong of the capital—gentle, refined, and possessing the noble aura of a great scion at all times. Everyone present was dazed by the sight. In the brief silence, Xie Yusong spoke slowly, "There are many people out on the lake today. Whatever grievances you have, why not settle them slowly after reaching the shore? Do not let harmony be broken. There are spare clothes on the boat; if you do not mind, please come aboard to change into dry garments to avoid catching a cold." His words were gentle and polite, considering Ye Zhao and the others in every way, leaving no room for refusal. Zhang Zuoyao and his friends looked around, their faces flushing with shame as they quickly replied, "Many thanks, Young Master Xie!" Xie Yusong nodded with a smile and turned to order his attendants to lower the rope ladder. Seeing this, Wei Feng said softly, "Let's go." It was no longer appropriate to follow. The inconspicuous small boat sailed toward the shore. Ye Zhao looked up at Xie Yusong, a faint, strange feeling in his heart. His face showed no extra emotion—neither gratitude nor reverence—remaining calm to the point of silence. Xie Yusong didn't seem to have considered whether Ye Zhao and the others actually wanted to accept his kindness. Perhaps he forgot, or perhaps he simply hadn't considered it. He simply wanted to do it, so he did, and that was enough. Their wishes were irrelevant. Xie Yusong turned his head, and his gaze suddenly met Ye Zhao’s. Both were momentarily stunned. Xie Yusong gave him a small smile; Ye Zhao nodded faintly and then looked away. That look in Ye Zhao's eyes reminded Xie Yusong of a scene from a few days ago. That day, a murder had occurred at the Watchtower. A scholar had died in a courtesan's room, and the authorities had come to investigate. The girl insisted she was innocent, and the truth was yet to be determined. The scholar’s wife had rushed over upon hearing the news, hurling abuse at the girl with words so foul they were unbearable to hear. The scene had been quite ugly. Xie Yusong and several other officials' sons were preparing to leave, and by chance, Ye Zhao and Jiang Ziqi were coming downstairs. Jiang Ziqi seemed quite curious about the farce, but Ye Zhao walked past without looking, saying, "Let's go. There's nothing good about watching a commotion. What the eyes see isn't necessarily the truth; it's just what others want you to see." There were only a few people between them, and those words reached Xie Yusong’s ears clearly. He heard Jiang Ziqi ask him, "How do you think that man died? Did that girl really kill him?" Ye Zhao looked back, his gaze piercing through the layers of the crowd to glance at the person surrounded in the center. "Who knows. The truth has to be found by the living. People aren't stupid; the day will come when the water recedes and the rocks appear." Xie Yusong had looked over then, catching the look in Ye Zhao's eyes before he could fully withdraw it. He had been stunned. That look was one of indifference. Utterly flat, almost cold. The arguments where both sides insisted they were right seemed to mean nothing to him. Yet, it also seemed as though he saw everything more clearly and soberly than anyone else present; therefore, in his eyes, it was all meaningless. Those words didn't sound like something that could come from the mouth of a dandy. Furthermore, the way Ye Zhao had dodged earlier was also noted by Xie Yusong—his reactions were swift and his movements agile, much like someone who knew martial arts. But for these traits to appear in Ye Zhao only made things feel "wrong." Ye Zhao stood in the sunlight, his gaze avoiding the group of young lords and ladies. He already had a reputation for being a lecher; he didn't want to groundlessly gain the title of a "toad lusting after swan meat." He was the toad; everyone else present was a swan. However, their gazes frequently lingered on him. That was fine; they could look at him and laugh at him, and he wouldn't lose a piece of flesh. Besides, no one would tell them they shouldn't look or laugh. Xie Yusong came to his side. "Why is Young Master Ye still standing here?" Ye Zhao said frankly, "I'm basking in the sun. I'll be dry in a moment." Xie Yusong smiled. "Young Master Ye, there is no need to be a stranger. It is merely a small gesture on my part." But they were essentially unrelated outsiders. Ye Zhao didn't want to reject someone's kindness, but he truly felt he didn't need it, which was why he didn't accept. He was about to explain, but someone spoke faster than him. Zhang Zuoyao and his two friends, who had changed clothes and looked human again, walked out of the cabin and sneered, "Some people just don't know what's good for them." "Exactly... Young Master Xie, why bother saying so much to him? You're being kind, but he might not even appreciate it." "Why bother with him anymore?" Their words were meant to defend Xie Yusong, but the smile remained on Xie Yusong’s lips as he simply replied, "Gentlemen, please take your seats." Their words were treated as empty air, yet the three failed to notice this at all. Instead, they were secretly delighted that they could one day sit at the same table as Young Master Yusong and the others. Without a doubt, they were fools. No one could tell Xie Yusong how to act, let alone a few dandies. The others on the boat instinctively distanced themselves from where the three were sitting, ignoring them. Ye Zhao, standing outside the group, saw all of this clearly. Birds of a feather flock together; they were never meant to be on this boat. But when he turned to see his companion, who had just come out of the cabin and was staring blankly in a certain direction, he knew that ten oxen couldn't pull him away now. However, for the sake of Jiang Ziqi’s image in Miss Li’s heart, Ye Zhao decided it was better to leave! He cupped his hands to Xie Yusong and said, "I have imposed enough. My friend and I have other matters, so we won't stay any longer." "Eh?! It's fine, it's fine! We're not busy!" Jiang Ziqi, who had been dazed a moment ago, snapped awake instantly upon hearing this. Ye Zhao was slapped in the face by his own words immediately after speaking. The atmosphere turned stiff for a second, and some lady couldn't help but let out a giggle. Ye Zhao looked at his friend's idiotic face and, for once, felt truly embarrassed. Since the face was already lost, he didn't waste words. He stepped forward, grabbed Jiang Ziqi, and headed for their small boat. Jiang Ziqi and Ye Zhao pushed and pulled at each other, the former not wanting to leave. As they muttered to each other, Ye Zhao successfully dragged him to the edge of the boat, lowering his voice, "Look at yourself right now. If you stay and let Miss Li see you like this, won't you lose even more face?" Jiang Ziqi, who had been meticulously dressed earlier, looked down at the plain cloth garments he had changed into. They were indeed not good-looking. He had to go! He no longer hesitated. Just as one foot crossed the gunwale, a cold voice rang out, "Wait." Everyone looked toward the source: Princess Xiyue. She wore a sky-blue cloud-crepe gauze dress with a snow-white shawl. Her jet-black hair was half-bound with only a white magnolia jade hairpin. The pearl tassels on the hairpin shimmered against her loose hair. With only light makeup, she was a peerless beauty—cold, elegant, and dignified, like a celestial maiden from a cloud palace. "Dock the boat." Only two words, yet they surprised everyone again. Ye Zhao and Jiang Ziqi froze for a moment before realizing her meaning: she intended to take them directly to the shore. Xie Yusong was also surprised. He stepped forward and said, "Why don't you two sit for a moment? The boat will dock shortly." Ye Zhao was in a difficult position. To refuse again would truly be ungrateful, and it would be a public slight to the Princess. He feared he might actually end up being jumped and beaten one day. After giving his thanks, the two sat down. They were seated opposite Zhang Zuoyao’s trio, yet based on the seating arrangement, they were actually placed higher than many others. Ye Zhao was a bit confused because Xie Yusong had placed them right next to him. This position was undoubtedly the gathering spot for the central figures, yet now two outliers like them were inserted there. It was truly awkward. Princess Xiyue looked at Ye Zhao closely. After looking, she was certain she had never met him, but the strange feeling surrounding his face only deepened. It really felt as if she had seen him somewhere. Since they were both in the capital, perhaps she had indeed crossed paths with him once. Though they didn't know each other, an impression remained. So she thought. Ye Zhao, holding onto the thought that they were not of the same path, remained silent throughout the hitchhiked ride. He thought to himself that from now on, there would be no further interaction. But he thought too soon. As soon as the boat docked, he stood up to leave, but Xie Yusong called out to him, "Young Master Ye." "Ah? What is it?" Ye Zhao’s heart skipped a beat instinctively. It wasn't that he disliked Xie Yusong, but he was afraid of the man's "thoughtfulness." The young master, as gentle as jade, said, "In half a month, there will be a flower-viewing banquet at Wanhua Garden. I look forward to meeting Young Master Ye again." *Heh... heh heh...* Ye Zhao forced a dry smile. He thought: *What flower-viewing banquet? If I go, I'll be the one people are 'viewing,' right?* He had always disliked attending various banquets. When there were too many people, the food didn't taste good and the scenery wasn't interesting. Why go? But the meaning in Xie Yusong’s words was clear. He wanted to invite Ye Zhao that day. For him to personally say these words was a great condescension. What right did a dandy like Ye Zhao have to such an honor? No one present felt otherwise. Ye Zhao could not refuse such a distinction. He practically forced himself to nod and agree, "Until then." The two short words sounded quite cold to others, but they were the best he could squeeze out. Having said that, he pulled Jiang Ziqi and left the boat without looking back. His steps were slightly hurried, as if some monster were staring at his back. Once the other three redundant people had also left, someone finally let out a sigh of relief. "Good thing they're all gone..." "That Ye Zhao really doesn't know what's good for him." "Exactly, he didn't even say thank you!" Someone else turned to Xie Yusong and asked, "Yusong, why were you so polite to that Ye Zhao?" Xie Yusong watched the retreating figure disappear, smiling without offering much explanation. Just as he was about to withdraw his gaze, his eyes paused mid-way. The next moment, he stood up and smiled at the group. "You all continue. I see an old friend I haven't met in years; I shall go pay a visit and return shortly." Several young lords laughed and waved him off. Princess Xiyue gave a slight nod of etiquette when he looked her way. Xie Yusong was a good man, a gentle and polite gentleman with many friends. It was common for him to run into an acquaintance or two while out, and everyone was long accustomed to it. *** ### Glossary Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation --- | --- | --- 致远书院 | Zhiyuan Academy | A prestigious literary academy in the capital. 张祖耀 | Zhang Zuoyao | An antagonist/bully from the academy. 曦月郡主 | Princess Xiyue | "Morning Moon." A Commandery Princess and the capital's top beauty. 李云容 | Li Yunrong | Jiang Ziqi's love interest. 谢玉凇 | Xie Yusong | Son of Duke Mingde, known as Young Master Yusong. 明德公 | Duke Mingde | "Bright Virtue." A high-ranking noble. 万花园 | Wanhua Garden | "Ten Thousand Flowers Garden." A location for social events. 画坊 / 画舫 | Pleasure boat / Painted boat | A large, decorative boat used for leisure by the wealthy. 乌篷船 | Black-awning boat | A small, traditional boat with a dark cover. 玉松公子 | Young Master Yusong | Xie Yusong's honorific title.