Choice 23
After journeying for seven or eight days, Jun Xiao had finally left the paved avenue behind and entered the secluded mountain paths. Ming Yue, following behind, now truly understood the meaning of a long trek. Unable to continue riding in the later days, she allowed Qin Shi to carry her instead.
One day, as Jun Xiao stopped to build a fire, a rustling sound came from the woods. Ming Yue noticed it, and with his years of martial training, Jun Xiao sensed it as well. He drew his sword slightly, but as the shadowy figure emerged, he leapt up into a tree to hide.
The woman in green approached the fire, scanning the surroundings, and just as she was about to draw a silver hairpin from her hair, Jun Xiao dropped down behind her and seized her hands.
“We meet again.”
The woman in green was momentarily startled, then smiled, “Young Master... Oh, wait, now you’re the Master, aren’t you? What a coincidence. May I ask where you’re headed, Master Jun?”
“Naturally, the same destination as you. Tell me, is it only by completely crippling your martial arts that you’ll stop thinking of escape?”
“You jest, Master Jun.” With that, the woman in green suddenly kicked Jun Xiao, freeing her hands to snatch the silver hairpin and transform it into a slender sword. “Master Jun, since our paths diverge, it’s best we not travel together.”
She tried to leave after speaking, wary of Jun Xiao’s next move, so her steps were slow. Yet, she was no match for him; as soon as she took a step, he closed in, parried her sword, and struck her acupoint. Jun Xiao returned the slender sword to a hairpin and slipped it into his own robe, then drew the jade hairpin from her bun, letting her dark hair cascade over her shoulders. He gently picked up a lock, brought it to his nose, and lowered his head toward her.
“Are you planning to force yourself upon me, Master Jun?”
Jun Xiao replied hoarsely, “That’s right. It may be despicable, but it’s better than never seeing you again.” He held her tightly on a giant stone, trapping her in his arms. His kisses fell lightly and relentlessly, turning her exposed skin a soft pink. Her gaze darted past Jun Xiao, landing somewhere unknown, mingled with a hint of struggle.
Not far away, Qin Shi turned aside to avoid looking, but Ming Yue stared intently without blinking. Qin Shi chuckled, “Are you so eager to watch, Mistress?”
“Cough, cough. Since it’s free, why not watch?” Ming Yue covered her mouth, hiding her embarrassment.
“If so, why did you cover your eyes at the inn and scold me?”
“That’s... That’s because... Mind your own business! How can an inn compare to the wild?” Ming Yue exclaimed in frustration, pinching Qin Shi’s waist, though her eyes remained glued to the scene.
The sash loosened, and the woman in green was left with little to shield her from the cold, shivering slightly. Jun Xiao gathered her into his arms, murmuring her name. At some point, she regained control of her acupoint and tried to push him away, her hand resting gently on his shoulder.
“She shouldn’t have much strength left now, right?” Ming Yue asked.
Qin Shi looked embarrassed. “I don’t know.”
Suddenly, the woman in green clamped onto Jun Xiao’s shoulder and bit hard, her delicate brows furrowed, eyes shimmering.
Ming Yue, puzzled, tried to move closer for a better look but Qin Shi pulled her back.
“Do you know what’s happening? People say it’s one of life’s great pleasures, full of delight—why does she seem so miserable? Is Jun Xiao doing something else?”
Qin Shi looked away, his usually cool face tinged with discomfort. Still, he pulled Ming Yue back a few steps. “Best not to disturb them, Mistress.”
“What’s wrong?” Ming Yue was about to nod but suddenly noticed that Qin Shi, usually cold as death, felt strangely feverish. She leaned closer, touching his forehead. “Are you ill?”
“I’m fine...” Qin Shi stepped back, avoiding both Jun Xiao and the woman in green, as well as Ming Yue’s scrutiny and touch.
“That’s good.” Ming Yue pursed her lips and looked back at Jun Xiao. He still held the woman tightly, sweat running down his handsome face, his brows... oddly contorted. Ming Yue couldn’t tell if it was pain or pleasure. Jun Xiao kept murmuring her name, and once, Ming Yue caught the words clearly.
Jun Xiao asked, “Tell me, who are you, really?”
“No matter who I am... It’s enough for you to know me as the woman in green.” She bit her lip, her face flushed.
After that night, Jun Xiao and the woman in green grew closer. Perhaps because he had taken her weapons, she no longer openly showed any desire to leave. While she still jested, she rarely pushed him away. The two traveled together until they reached the imperial capital. Once settled, the woman in green found an excuse to depart.
Just when Ming Yue thought she would not return, the woman in green reappeared before Jun Xiao, now dressed in red, holding two jars of wine. Before Jun Xiao could reach out, she lifted a jar and poured it into her mouth, spilling wine over her face and clothes. She danced, like a butterfly with broken wings, struggling yet unable to stop her fall, until she collapsed and was gathered into Jun Xiao’s arms.
“Am I beautiful?” she asked, tossing aside a jar and wrapping her arms around Jun Xiao’s neck, her mind muddled by the wine.
Jun Xiao frowned and clenched his teeth, saying nothing, then carried her into the house. She hugged the wine jar, waving her free hand, occasionally gulping more, until Jun Xiao closed the door behind them with a kick, and inside came the clear sound of the wine jar hitting the floor. The sharp scent of spirits filled the air, making even Ming Yue feel a little tipsy.
Late at night, Ming Yue rested her eyes on Qin Shi’s shoulder when a creaking sound startled her awake. She saw the woman in green step out of the house, her usual flamboyance gone, leaving only a hint of weariness between her brows.
Ming Yue nudged Qin Shi, whispering, “Is she leaving?”
“This is Jun Xiao’s illusion. How could we know?” he replied.
Ming Yue thought it over; indeed, unless Jun Xiao himself had knowledge or contact with it, they would hardly discover anything.
The next morning, Jun Xiao noticed the woman in green had left but showed no special reaction, as if he had expected it. With disciples sent ahead, he quickly learned the situation in the capital. Selecting two to accompany him, Jun Xiao headed for the imperial palace.
As a man of the martial world, entering the palace would not be easy for Jun Xiao, and Ming Yue was too lazy to trail him step by step. As she neared the palace, she saw Jun Xiao and his two companions returning.
“Master, what now? We can’t even see the Prince of Shu—how can we stop the Kingdom of Que?”
Jun Xiao said, “No rush.”
Though he said so, the faces of his disciples grew ever more grave.
That night, Ming Yue finally understood Jun Xiao’s intentions. At dusk, Jun Xiao changed into black clothes for travel, led a few disciples out of their lodgings, and quietly approached the palace. He waited until the imperial guards changed shifts, then leapt onto the city wall, moving across rooftops toward the brightest palace.
The Prince of Shu’s preferences were well known; he loved splendor and luxury, and every night his palace was lit as bright as day. Easiest to find, but hardest to approach.
As they neared, Jun Xiao raised his right hand, signaling to those behind. Ming Yue, watching from below, saw the disciples scatter in midair, approaching the palace from different directions. The guards, noticing movement, rushed out, unwittingly giving Ming Yue and Qin Shi an opening. When the guards relaxed, Jun Xiao landed lightly and slipped toward the hall.
“You’ve come after all.”
The gentle, familiar voice made Jun Xiao halt.
Ming Yue looked over to see a man in a black dragon robe sitting on the throne, with a stunning woman beside him. Jun Xiao’s face showed surprise, then quickly hid it.
The woman in green pressed the tip of her silver hairpin, the sharp blade grazing the Prince of Shu’s neck. “I once thought that if I didn’t see you tonight, when all this was over, I’d abandon my martial arts and return to your side, living as a quiet woman. But there are never so many ‘ifs’ in life.”
“Even now, you refuse to tell me who you are?” Jun Xiao asked softly.
She shook her head. “I’d rather you see me only as the woman in green.”
“In that case, there’s only one choice left...” Jun Xiao pressed lightly on the sword hilt, and the blade flashed across her face. He did not act hastily, nor did the woman in green, holding the Prince of Shu hostage.
Just then, a stranger lifted the brocade curtain beside the hall and stepped into their view. He carried one hand behind his back, the other caressing a jade ring on his thumb, his expression stern and noble by nature.