Chapter 30

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Don’t look back.

He could feel the warm breath at his ears, but all Rong Luoyun could hear was buzzing. Huo Linfeng released him after he spoke. His expression revealed nothing, calm and collected and full of mystery.

Rong Luoyun wanted to ask, but after some thought, he stopped himself. After all, he wouldn’t be able to hear.

Unable to ask, he could only guess as they made their way to the Profound Jade Hall. Was Huo Linfeng insulting him? Or perhaps praising? He ignored the pain and numbness in his ears, even forgetting to stomp on the other party’s shadow, concentrating wholly on thinking until they reached the hall entrance.

They were the last to return. Everyone was already seated and having breakfast. After hustling all night, Huo Linfeng was really hungry. He sat down first and then pulled over a stool for Rong Luoyun but did not expect that little deaf guy to run pass him towards Duan Huaike.

“BIG BROTHER!” Rong Luoyun shouted.

His shout was loud and abrupt, causing two people to swallow congee down the wrong pipe and another to choke on their pancake. Diao Yuliang nearly stuffed his chicken drumstick up his nose. Duan Huaike was taken aback: “What’s the matter?”

Rong Luoyun pointed at his ear and used his hand to gesture a “six”. Duan Huaike understood and rose to get medicine from the inner hall. He emerged with a row of silver needles, planning to perform acupuncture on Rong Luoyun to relieve some pain.

Everyone ate as they watched Rong Luoyun sit up straight, letting Duan Huaike poke a few needles in his head and neck. Sometimes Rong Luoyun would groan in pain and dodge, and other times, he would look at Duan Huaike pleadingly, begging him to be a little gentler.

Huo Linfeng stared without taking his eyes off Rong Luoyun. He didn’t bother to eat, leaving his congee to cool and his pancake to harden. Suddenly, Rong Luoyun turned his look towards him, his eyes proud and sly like a playful, mischievous child.

This was him spiting Huo Linfeng for hiding his words. It was undisguised retaliation, provocation as clear as day.

Huo Linfeng avoided his look and glanced at the Duan Huaike. The First Palace Lord’s expression was gentle and patient, making Huo Linfeng feel very annoyed.

Rong Luoyun ate breakfast with peace of mind after suppressing his pain with acupuncture. He lifted his bowl to take a sip of congee and peered over the rim at that person, wanting to try that pickle dish set in front of the other party. The envious Huo Linfeng pulled over the dish and passed it to the other party with a meaningful glance.

When Rong Luoyun reached out to take the dish, his hand brushed against Huo Linfeng’s. In front of everyone at the table, there seemed to be hidden meaning underlying their actions. Rong Luoyun didn’t dare do anything more and ate his meal with his head lowered. During this time, his hearing slowly recovered.

After their meal, the Great Disciples each reported the movements in their area from the night before. Diao Yuliang said: “I saw a black shadow in the south around the hour of yin *, but they were too far away to catch.”

*hour of yin -3-5am

The buzzing noise in his ears gradually faded as Rong Luoyun said: “I was in the heart of the city yesterday. I heard abnormalities in the north through the Six-way Sanskrit, but I believe it was a diversion. When I listened again, I heard what happened at Fourth Bro’s location.”

Diao Yuliang asked: “If it’s like what Second Brother said, then that flower picking criminal went from the south to the north, just as Second Brother headed north from the center. But, how can he be faster than Second Brother?” He shook his head, “Roaming the Eight Directions is the fastest qinggong in the world. It’s impossible.”

As everyone voiced their skepticism, Rong Luoyun spoke up: “Thus, I’m guessing that the flower picker is not just a single person.”

This time, everyone recieved a shock. In Jianghu, flower pickers usually acted alone. They have never heard of them forming groups. As they were discussing, a disciple rushed into the hall, saluting before reporting: “Palace Lords, news came from the third station. Liu family’s daughter met her demise.”

Rong Luoyun stood abruptly: “When did this occur?”

The disciple replied: “An hour ago. The body has yet to cool.”

During the daytime was when the families let down their guard……Rong Luoyun immediately ordered: “Du Zhong, arrange disciples to go patrol, hurry!”

Yet Huo Linfeng did not move: “Palace Lord, the disciples are human too. They need rest.” If they patrolled day and night, within a few days, the disciples would all be utterly exhausted. He said: “I propose we set up a temporary gathering place in the city and let all the young misses in the city take shelter there. It’ll be easier to protect them that way.”

This was a good plan. No one had any objections, so they immediately set to see it happen.

Taking advantage of their busy surroundings, Huo Linfeng nudged over to Rong Luoyun without a change of face and rubbed the other party on the back. Rong Luoyun turned to look at him, his anxious expression slightly eased.

Huo Linfeng said quietly: “Don’t worry, there will definitely be a way.”

He didn’t know if it was because the hand was too warm or if that voice was too deep, but Rong Luoyun’s worry faded little by little. He calmed down and analyzed: “Making a place of refuge is only a temporary solution and won’t resolve the root problem. It won’t do much holding back the flower picker for a while. The young ladies cannot stay in hiding forever.”

Furthermore, if the flower picker escaped to another place to do evil, wouldn’t it be more troublesome to catch them by then?

Huo Linfeng said: “I often hunt wild game at the Cleansing Sand Isle. Set up a trap, sprinkle some bait next to it, and simply wait.”

Rong Luoyun caught on: “So, you’re saying we should lure the flower picker to reveal themselves and capture them?” His eyes turned shiny, but after giving it a second thought, the light extinguished, “But humans and animals are not the same. Animals are easily enticed by food, but as for people……”

That hesitant expression stirred Huo Linfeng’s calm heart, causing him to scold inwardly. This guy is really too innocent and ignorant. He got closer and said in a low voice: “Do you still need to think? We’ll cater to their tastes.”

Rong Luoyun, however, rolled his eyes. Of course he knew to cater to their tastes, but to cater to a flower picker would be to satiate their lust. Which family’s daughter can they put into this kind of dangerous situation? As they debated, a carriage rolled into the Extraordinary Palace, stopping at the Distant Gray Platform.

Rong Luoyun looked over. The coach was a servant from Dusk-till-Dawn.

A pale hand lifted the curtain, revealing the figure in goose yellow inside the carriage. An embroidered shoe stepped out, pulling the ends of a long skirt across the ground. Rong Duanyu stepped out of the carriage. She wore no jewlery nor cosmetics, with only a jasmine flower perched upon her flowing hair. When she looked up, her face was slightly pale. That worried expression was even more moving.

Rong Luoyun exited the hall: “Jiejie, why are you here?” He ran over to greet her and led her back into the hall.

Rong Duanyu sighed. Seeing all the important people present, she said: “Everyone’s panicking. Dusk-till-Dawn is seldom this deserted. I came to see if there’s anything I can do.”

After a moment of hesitation, Rong Luoyun brought up Huo Linfeng’s proposal.

Duan Huaike nodded. This plan was feasible and would turn them from being on defense to offense. Diao Yuliang grew eager as if the flower picker was right in front of him. “It sounds like a good plan, but it’s hard to execute.” Rong Luoyun poured a basin of cold water on everyone, “With each family so terrified, who would let their daughter take the risk? Not to mention, no one would believe in the Extraordinary Palace.”

The hall turned silent. Suddenly, Rong Duanyu said: “How about me?”

The oiran [1] of Dusk-till-Dawn, Xiqian Ridge’s most beautiful person, and was also someone who trusted the Extraordinary Palace. As soon as she spoke, Rong Luoyun grew alarmed: “No! I won’t allow it!” He angrily glared at Rong Duanyu, “Don’t even think about it!”

Being blood-related siblings, it was natural he wouldn’t allow it. No one else wanted Rong Duanyu to take such a risk either. After a moment of silence, Rong Duanyu strode to Rong Luoyun, gently patting the dust off his shoulders, wiping his face with a handkerchief, and stroking his ponytail.

It was like comforting a provoked cat or dog. Rong Luoyun relaxed a little but still refused to relent.

Rong Duanyu spoke: “You’re all so powerful. What is there to be afraid of?” She turned to Huo Linfeng and approached him a few steps: “The idea is yours. I presume you have already thought the plan through?”

Huo Linfeng indeed has. If they want to lure the flower picker, they need to find something that will attract their attention. Huo Linfeng had seen the girls back in Saibei at the Little Spring Stage throwing embroidered balls to attract guests. It would be so lively and packed that not a drop of water could escape through the crowd. If they follow this example and set up an ambush at Dusk-till-Dawn beforehand, they can capture that flower picker in one fell swoop.

He watched everyone’s reactions to his words. Some were nodding, some were thinking, and there was the Second Palace Lord, whose eyes were shooting needles. Rong Luoyun was angry at him, seeming like he was itching to punch and kick him. Fortunately, they were in the Profound Jade Hall. If it was the Nameless Abode, he’s afraid Rong Luoyun would shatter that lantern to relieve his rage.

Rong Luoyun snorted coldly: “Everyone knows the oiran is my sister. Only a fool would fall for the trick.”

Huo Linfeng refuted: “There’s a saying: ‘taking risks to gain wealth and glory’. Beauty and lust also fall into this category.” He paused before bringing up his guess, “Perhaps, it is precisely that the oiran is Palace Lord’s sister that the flower picker would definitely show up.”

Jianghu was vast, so why would the flower picker solely target Rong Luoyun? The flower picker had followed from Luoyang City two years ago to Xiqian Ridge today, evident that they’re provoking Rong Luoyun.

Everyone discussed for a long time before agreeing one by one to Huo Linfeng’s idea. Rong Luoyun was helplessly one against many, and when the group dispersed, he was the first to leave. Huo Linfeng stood, wishing to chase after, but seeing the other party’s sister present, he could only stop himself and pretend to be a gentleman.

Rong Duanyu smiled: “He definitely went to get honey snacks to eat. He’s like that every time he throws a temper.”

Huo Linfeng listened. Honey treats are bad for the teeth. He decided he should send more dried pears to him. Rong Duanyu was walking in the same direction as Huo Linfeng when they left the hall. The other party spoke up when they arrived at a fairly empty street: “As the young master who threw away four thousand taels in Dusk-till-Dawn, how did you end up as a disciple here?”

Her softly asked question was really abrupt. Huo Linfeng buried his guilty conscience and answered calmly: “Life in Jianghu is unpredictable. I can spend money grandly in the past, devote my life to the Palace today, and be back in my hometown tomorrow. There’s no reason, it’s all based on mood.”

Rong Duanyu said: “You’re very carefree.” She looked into the distance and could vaguely make out the outline of the Nameless Abode, “You’ve saved my didi’s life. I’m really grateful.”

Huo Linfeng seized this opportunity: “Then, would young miss please keep what happened that night from Palace Lord? If Palace Lord knew I asked his sister to sing a song for me on stage, he’d probably stab me through with his sword.”

Rong Duanyu covered her face and laughed softly, nodding her head in agreement, and continued forward.

When she arrived at the Nameless Abode, a bobcat crouched at the door, unexpectedly tied with a rope to the door. In the courtyard, parts of the gravel were swept aside, forming a smooth path. Rong Duanyu gently walked in and trailed through the veranda, stopping outside the bedroom window. She lowered her head to see her didi gnawing on milk pastry.

Rong Luoyun was unhappy. When he saw the bobcat eyeing his fish, he caught it and tied it up so it wouldn’t bother Rong Duanyu. He then pushed aside the gravel to form a path for Rong Duanyu to walk, so the stones won’t press against her feet. He busied himself with preparing tea, placing a cushion on the seat, and lighting incense.

The fragrance of the dairy pastries comforted him. While he was immersed in his food, the person at the window grabbed his ponytail. “My good little brother, don’t be mad.” Rong Duanyu leaned in, “Leave some room in your stomach. Du Zhong said he’ll send you some dried pear.”

Du Zhong’s sending pears to him? Rong Luoyun stopped his movement and placed down his pastries. His mood gradually improved. The person who’s taking the risk is his jiejie. If he stays uncooperative, it would be even more dangerous for her.

“Sis.” He called to her, “You haven’t come to visit for a while.”

Rong Duanyu let go of his ponytail and gently stroked Rong Luoyun’s head, like a sister yet also like a mother. She looked around and noted the new additions: the tank of red carp and lotus flowers in the yard, and the new lantern and swallow kite sitting in the room. Seeing all the hints of Rong Luoyun living a happy life, she happily flicked a finger at him.

Rong Luoyun confessed without being asked as if he was flaunting: “They were all from Du Zhong.” He glanced at the designs wrapped around the lantern handle and continued, “He saved my life, sacrificed his internal energy to treat my wound, and even changed my clothes and washed my hair. We also roasted rabbit meat. He also, he also……”

He stared blankly, his flaunting took a turn, becoming sickenly sweet: “He also wiped my mouth.”

Rong Duanyu was taken aback and couldn’t think of what to say for half the day. The other activities were fine, but he even got someone else to wipe his mouth? She turned the thought over and over and finally squeezed out a sentence: “I gave you a handkerchief, so wipe it yourself in the future.”

Rong Luoyun said: “I gave the handkerchief to Du Zhong. Make me another one please”

How straightforward. Rong Duanyu was rendered speechless and poked at the other party’s head. She pondered inwardly, what is a man doing gifting his handkerchiefs? Wouldn’t it be more fitting to give swords or daggers? She couldn’t wrap her mind around it. Since the item was already given away, then she’ll just let it be.

In the early summer afternoon, Rong Luoyun moved to sit under the eaves, freeing up his room for Rong Duanyu to rest in. Out of boredom, he picked up a handful of gravel and aimed them into the tank, splashing out drops of water. While he amused himself, he saw a figure walk through the gates and changed his trajectory, sending a rock sailing at the other party.

Huo Linfeng caught it. His palm did not hurt, a sign that the other party had calmed down and couldn’t bear to use force to hurt him. He walked up to the eaves and bent his knee, lowering in front of Rong Luoyun. He held out a bag of dried pears.

Rong Luoyun reached to take it but realized his hand was covered in a layer of dust from his playing. Huo Linfeng pulled out a piece and held it to the other party’s mouth in broad daylight. He felt a little embarrassed, so he looked away.

His fingers turned empty. Rong Luoyun had taken the piece away with his mouth.

Rong Luoyun’s appearance was like how a bobcat held its prey in its jaws and how a bird would eat its food.

He chewed, tasting the sweetness, feeling a bit thick-skinned and even more embarassed. As if his praying mat caught fire and scorched his ass, he hurriedly ran away to wash his hands. When he returned and sat back down, he brought up an old score that had yet to be settled: “What did you say in my ears this morning?”

Huo Linfeng answered: “I was making fun of you. You order me around every day, making me feel hateful.”

Rong Luoyun was unconvinced: “Then I’ll just order around other people in the future, hire a maid and give them handkerchiefs in addition to their monthly salary.”

Huo Linfeng changed his words: “I was praising you. I’m too shy to say it, so don’t press me.”

This was even more unconvincing. Rong Luoyun felt defeated after not being able to pry that mouth open. Huo Linfeng watched him and felt his heart go soft, so he promised: “I’ll tell Palace Lord in the future. I’ll have to tell Palace Lord sooner or later.”

Rong Luoyun didn’t quite understand but silently noted down this promise. Soon, Huo Linfeng’s legs began to feel numb from crouching so he pulled over another mat to sit on, reminding him of the temple in the mountains where they knelt and prayed to Buddha.

That time, they confessed their sins and repented.

He suddenly asked: “Palace Lord, that night we prayed to Buddha, what did you wish for?”

Rong Luoyun sighed, feeling that things did not go as he wished. He answered softly: “I wished for….. the people to live in peace.” He asked, “What about you?”

Huo Linfeng was slightly surprised: “For a world without wars, for peace and prosperity.”

He couldn’t hold back and took Rong Luoyun’s hand. There was no wound to inspect, no coolness to warm. He just wanted to hold him. It was like their hearts linked at this moment. Neither showed resistance, understanding one another like a pair of old friends. Rong Luoyun reciprocated, holding Huo Linfeng’s hand tightly, fitting their palms closely together.

At this moment, everything was quiet and peaceful, save for the gust of wind nudging the clouds.

And also, behind that little window, Rong Duanyu knitted her eyebrows, perplexed.

If you enjoy reading Riling Up the Jianghu and would like to support the author (please do if you can!!), please consider purchasing the raws here (guide on JJWXC here). Thanks for reading!

Translator’s Notes

Reminder that wind = HLF and cloud = RLY

Here’s the long overdue breakdown of their names:

Rong Luoyun

(容 – róng) – appearance

(落 – luò) – falling

(云 – yún) – cloud

Huo Linfeng

(霍 – huò) – suddenly/quickly

(临 – lín) – to face

(风 – fēng) – wind

Also, I’m not sure if it gets too confusing, but didi = little brother, gege = older brother, jiejie = older sister, meimei = little sister. I just thought it would be cuter if I kept it like this (especially gege ahem ahem)

and then there’s Rong Duanyu enjoying the show: 👁👄👁

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Notes

Click on the bolded words to locate it in the chapter.

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