22 Ill Intentions

Tian Yu truly disliked anyone with the surname Long. In her previous life in the entertainment industry, she had encountered far too many schemers with faces full of cunning, those who delighted in looking down on others. Back then, for the sake of her work, she could only endure it. But in this life, born into a world where strength spoke louder than words, she certainly would no longer put on a pleasant face for such people.

However, considering he was a guest of Li Xunhuan, after exchanging a few sharp words with him, she knew when to stop. She didn’t want to spoil her friend’s joyous occasion by holding onto this matter and causing embarrassment.

What pleased her was that Li Xunhuan made no attempt to mediate between them. He only instructed his servants to escort Long Xiaoyun to the waterside pavilion to join the guests. As for Tian Yu, he personally attended to her company. He didn’t even bring her to the main banquet hall that evening but instead sent her directly to his newlywed wife.

Back when he was recuperating in Guandong, Tian Yu had heard him mention this Miss Lin. Now that she had the chance to meet her, she naturally wouldn’t refuse. Yet, before going, she couldn’t help but wonder, “Tonight is your wedding day. Would it be improper for me to visit her now?”

Li Xunhuan smiled and said it was no problem. In the world of martial artists, such formalities mattered little. He added, “Shi Yin has always wanted to meet you. If she knows you came but I didn’t bring you to her immediately, she might be upset with me.”

Hearing this, Tian Yu no longer hesitated and followed him to Lin Shi Yin’s residence—or rather, the place they both now shared.

Li Yuan was divided into two gardens, separated by a stream that flowed into the estate. Passing through a series of corridors, they reached the stream’s edge and crossed a bridge to a plum grove draped in red silk.

Li Xunhuan and Lin Shi Yin’s home, called Cold Fragrance Cottage, was nestled within this plum grove.

Though night had fallen, the red lanterns hanging at the entrance illuminated most of the grove. Tian Yu, accompanied by Qiao Feng and Li Xunhuan, had just stepped inside when a melodious voice drifted through the trees.

“Is that cousin?” the voice asked.

In the next moment, a graceful figure emerged from behind the plum trees.

She was surprised to see Tian Yu dressed in black, but the astonishment lasted only a moment before her eyes sparkled with delight. “Could this be Miss Tian Yu?”

Li Xunhuan glanced at Tian Yu and smiled, “Yes, this is the very Miss Tian Yu you’ve been eager to thank in person.”

“I was wondering how to introduce you, but you recognized her immediately,” Lin Shi Yin said with a smile.

Li Xunhuan had once said, “Miss Tian Yu is exceptionally beautiful, loves elegant attire, like a rare orchid or jade tree—a true paragon of grace. If I ever had the chance to meet her, I would recognize her at once.”

With that, she stepped forward and bowed gracefully to Tian Yu. She was truly beautiful, with a voice that captivated the ear, and her gaze upon Tian Yu was filled with an incomparable gentleness.

Even Tian Yu, who fancied herself no stranger to beauty, was momentarily stunned by such tender regard. No wonder when Li Xunhuan spoke of this Miss Lin during his time in Guandong, he could hardly hide his longing—murmuring in drunkenness and smiling foolishly when sober.

If it were her, having such an ethereal fiancée, she supposed she wouldn’t be any better off than he was.

“Miss Lin, there’s no need for formalities,” Tian Yu smiled. “You may simply call me Tian Yu.”

Lin Shi Yin paused briefly, then curved her lips into a smile. “Very well, then I shall call you Tian Yu.”

As they spoke, Qiao Feng, who had been quietly following Tian Yu, suddenly had his stomach growl.

Tian Yu froze, almost forgetting that a growing child could not go hungry.

Before she could say anything, Li Xunhuan, having heard the sound as well, suggested they move to Cold Fragrance Cottage to enjoy some food and wine together.

Tian Yu did not refuse.

But scarcely had they settled in when a servant came from the front garden, saying the guests at the waterside pavilion were all looking for the young master.

“If they don’t find you soon, a quarrel might break out,” the servant warned.

Reluctantly, Li Xunhuan rose to check on matters in the front garden.

However, once he left, he did not return for some time.

Lin Shi Yin was unconcerned and said to Tian Yu, “Cousin must have been caught up drinking with his friends.”

“Let’s not wait for him and enjoy our meal,” Tian Yu said.

Imagining the scene, she figured he wouldn’t be free anytime soon and didn’t hesitate to start eating with Lin Shi Yin.

During their meal, they spoke of the time when Li Xunhuan was pursued and nearly killed.

Lin Shi Yin’s heart ached as she recounted the rumors that her cousin had died. She spent her days in tears and offered countless scriptures at the Buddha’s altar, praying for his safety.

“When Cousin returned unharmed, I realized it was all thanks to you, Tian Yu,” she said, nearly in tears, her sorrowful eyes drawing sympathy. “I truly don’t know how to thank you.”

Seeing her hands tremble, Tian Yu reached out and held hers gently. “It’s all in the past now. He is safe, and you two have wed successfully.”

“Lovers united at last—isn’t that enough?”

Lin Shi Yin clasped her hand softly in response.

The topic was too easily laden with emotion, so they soon turned to lighter subjects.

Lin Shi Yin had lived in Li Yuan since childhood. Though not a typical maiden confined indoors, she had never ventured beyond Baoding.

Noticing her curiosity about Guandong, Tian Yu casually described some of its famous sights—such as Changbai Mountain.

Captivated, Lin Shi Yin said, “I had only read of it in books, knowing that Tianchi Lake’s beauty was otherworldly, but I could never imagine how breathtaking it truly was until today, hearing your description.”

Tian Yu smiled. “If you have the chance in the future, you should see it for yourself.”

Lin Shi Yin’s face lit up with longing. She whispered, “I would like that very much.”

...

Around the hour of Hai, word came again from the front garden: Li Xunhuan had been overindulging in wine with friends, and to avoid overwhelming Lin Shi Yin with the smell of alcohol, he decided to first visit the Bamboo Listening Pavilion to sober up and freshen himself before returning.

Lin Shi Yin nodded in understanding.

After the messenger left, she turned to Tian Yu. “It’s late. Why don’t I escort you and this little brother next door to rest? That was my and Cousin’s old residence before we married, very close by.”

Tian Yu guessed that after sending her and Qiao Feng to rest, Lin Shi Yin might return to check on Li Xunhuan at the Bamboo Listening Pavilion. She agreed and followed her to the neighboring courtyard.

Qiao Feng, being young, went straight to sleep after washing up.

But Tian Yu, having drunk too much tea at Cold Fragrance Cottage, found herself wide awake. Bathed in moonlight, she began practicing her swordplay in the courtyard.

Suddenly, a startled cry came from Cold Fragrance Cottage.

“What are you doing here?” It was Lin Shi Yin’s voice.

Tian Yu frowned. What was going on?

Then a familiar voice rang out.

“I... I just want to see you, Shi Yin.”

It was that Long from outside Li Yuan!

Before Tian Yu could fully register her shock, Lin Shi Yin spoke coldly, “Young Master Long, this is not a place for you. Please show some respect.”

“I only want to see you...” Long replied anxiously, “Don’t you know how I feel?”

“I remember I rejected you,” Lin Shi Yin said calmly. “When Cousin disappeared, I was grateful you tried to help find him, but my feelings for you are only gratitude.”

“Now that I am married to Cousin, if you are a gentleman, you should no longer speak to me in this way.”

“I’m not!” he suddenly raised his voice. “Why must I be a gentleman? Don’t you know that in the days I couldn’t see you, I thought of you every moment, even lost sleep—”

At that moment, Tian Yu could bear no more. She clearly heard the tinkling of jade and pearls from the hairpin on Lin Shi Yin’s head.

Given Lin Shi Yin’s upbringing and character, she would never allow her jewelry to make such a sound unless she was caught off guard.

Clearly, Long’s outburst had frightened her.

Without hesitation, Tian Yu stepped out of the courtyard. Sure enough, she saw Long trying to grab Lin Shi Yin’s shoulder.

She spat and, swift as the wind, positioned herself in front of Lin Shi Yin, raising her blade with a single slash!