The Song Residence

“It’s nothing serious, as you said, cousin. They’re nothing but petty clowns, unworthy of notice. I simply struggle with cultivation and am not well-informed about matters outside.”

“In that case, leave the Yu family, the Song family, and even the Wang family to me. You focus on your training, and I’ll keep you apprised of everything.”

“That’s ideal. This way, I can make plans early, scheme a little, so that all the slights you’ve suffered will be repaid, and perhaps you’ll win your beloved sooner rather than later.”

“Haha, we’re brothers—no need for such formality.”

Hearing Lin Tao mention winning his beloved, Lin He grinned so widely his smile could barely be contained.

Lin Tao smiled faintly, gazing at Lin He, whose thoughts seemed elsewhere, and felt a wave of revulsion inside.

He was merely using this useless fool as a pawn, testing the attitude of the other three families.

Lin He sent Lin Tao off with a smile, and even after Lin Tao had disappeared from view, he kept grinning foolishly, though he himself didn’t know why.

After parting ways with Lin He, Lin Tao walked silently along the path to his own room, his expression shifting between light and shadow.

He carefully examined the slip of paper wedged in the door, confirming no one had entered or exited, then slowly opened the door. The room was dark, damp, devoid of light, oppressive in its silence.

Warm sunlight spilled in for a brief moment, illuminating the gloom so suddenly that Lin Tao had to squint. Moments later, he closed the door, plunging the room back into darkness, and exhaled heavily, as if this environment brought him comfort.

He walked to his desk, began to grind ink slowly, his gaze focused, his movements meticulous. Even after half a cup of tea’s time, he continued grinding, patient and unhurried.

At length, he spread a sheet of paper, dipped his brush in ink, and wrote something, his eyes cold and indifferent.

After a while, he set down the brush, folded the paper repeatedly, and sat quietly, waiting.

“Master.” A hoarse voice echoed from the shadows, no telling how much time had passed.

“The Lin family has gambled everything, but I cannot,” Lin Tao said softly.

“Father and the uncles have been suppressed for too long. With this opportunity, they have finally let go, but I need this stepping stone, too. Still, one must always leave a way out. I have talent and means; I cannot let myself be bound to the Lin family forever. If all goes well, burn this letter. But if anything unexpected happens, deliver it in my name to the Lin clan of Linfeng Territory. No one else can know of this.”

“But…”

“There are no buts. The clan is not foolish. No matter how deeply we conceal things, if anything is exposed, they’ll immediately see through our little tricks, those attempts to shift blame. We can’t fool them, and they’ll turn their wrath on us. This letter may change nothing, but at the very least, it may extricate me. I’ve kept in touch with the clan all these years. Even if the inheritance fails, with my talent, I’ll do well enough among them. There’s no need to wait here idly.”

“Are you certain, young master?”

“No one in the household but me can shoulder the responsibility of reviving Lin family, not even my father. He lacks the means. I’ve always assisted from the side, but as long as I’m here, the Lin family stands.”

“I understand, sir.”

“Uncle Lin, you’re the only one who knows of my connection to the clan. You’ve watched me grow, you know my abilities and talent better than anyone. The future of the Lin family rests on my shoulders, so I ask you to keep believing in me.”

“You overstate, young master. I’ll take my leave.”

“Very well.”

The room returned to darkness, silent once more.

“All unforeseen obstacles must be dealt with first—the Wang family, then the Song family, then the Yu family. One Lin Tao is enough for Qingshan Town,” Lin Tao murmured, eyes half-closed.

Song Residence.

In a secluded courtyard, lush trees flourished, exotic flowers bloomed, and a stream flowed from the depths of the garden, trickling between stones.

A young maiden, gentle and dignified, sat by the pond, eyes closed, breathing quietly, wrapped in a serenity that made one loath to disturb her.

“Sister, Brother Dao Yi is here!” A small head peeked out at the gate, and Song Cheng called to his sister.

“Why shout so loud? If that fellow’s here, it’s never anything good,” Song Qiuling ended her breathing exercise, opening her bright, crystalline eyes, and frowned slightly.

“Should I turn him away then? Tell him you’re not here?” Song Cheng asked softly.

“You know his temperament. Do you think he’d believe you?” Song Qiuling sighed deeply, helpless.

“Then shall I bring him in?”

“Go ahead.” Song Qiuling nodded.

A moment later.

“Ah, Qiuling, what a coincidence! Long time no see,” Xiao Cai appeared at the door, grinning mischievously.

Song Qiuling: “……”

“This is what you meant by bringing him in? He was at the door already!” Song Qiuling said, exasperated.

“Well, I knew you’d see him, so it makes no difference,” Song Cheng replied awkwardly.

Song Qiuling shook her head, feeling her brother had been utterly corrupted by this fellow—he needed discipline!

“Speak. Why are you here? I have to train!”

“Can’t I just come to see you?” Yu Dao Yi trotted over to Song Qiuling, entirely unfazed by her disdain.

“Speak. What is it!”

“Qiuling, you’re so cold. In a few days, we’ll be traveling together, you know.”

“It’s just gathering herbs. If you don’t want to go, you can stay home.”

…Still so cold! Really, if we keep talking like this, there’s nothing left but romance to discuss.

“Qiuling.” Yu Dao Yi gazed at her with deep affection.

Song Qiuling felt a chill as Yu Dao Yi’s gaze landed on her.

“If you have something to say, say it. If not, get out!”

“The fortune-teller said I bring luck to my wife. Would you like to test that, Qiuling?”

Yu Dao Yi spoke casually, but saw a faint blush on Song Qiuling’s cheeks. Hmm? Is there hope?

“I only like you, so in my eyes, all the fabric you wear is superfluous.”

The next moment—wait, why is the sky upside down?

“Ah!” Song Qiuling spun around and threw Yu Dao Yi over her shoulder in a perfect backflip.

“Scoundrel! Shameless!” Song Qiuling, face flushed and breathing lightly, truly couldn’t fathom how she’d come to know someone so brazen. Could he possibly be any more shameless?

Song Cheng nearly wanted to kneel. Seeing his sister teased like this and not even angry, he thought her composure was shattered—indeed, Brother Cai is always Brother Cai.

“Hiss, you’re trying to murder your future husband!” Yu Dao Yi shouted.

“Song Cheng! Bring me my Qing Frost Sword! Today I’ll cut him down!” Song Qiuling demanded, hand outstretched.

…Is it really necessary to go that far?

“Song Cheng, you should head back. Don’t get in the way of my deeper conversation with your sister.”

“All right, Brother Dao Yi, just call if you need anything.”

“Mm, good boy.”

Song Qiuling looked at her brother, feeling an inexplicable sense of familiarity. Whose brother was he, really?

“Come, let’s forget what just happened and start over.” Xiao Cai scampered back to the courtyard gate.

“Ah, Qiuling, what a coincidence! Long time no see,” he repeated, the scene and words all too familiar.

Song Qiuling: “……”

Truly, if her parents allowed it, she would dearly—so dearly!—like to cut him down. How could there be someone so shameless in this world?

“Ah, I don’t have any other business today. Just wanted to see you—but if possible, I’d like a little favor,” Yu Dao Yi said sheepishly.

“Speak! Then get out!” Song Qiuling snapped.

“Don’t be so heartless. I just got hold of a pill recipe recently and want to try it out. Maybe your Song family could spare me a place?”

“What did you just say?” Song Qiuling’s face darkened.

“Just… want a place to refine pills, that’s all~”

“The previous sentence.”

“The previous? I said I didn’t have any other business?”

“Enough. If you have nothing, get out! Someone, see the guest out!”

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