Chapter 39: The Mysterious Yi Family

While dining on the first floor of the inn, Mingyue couldn't help but stare at Qin Shi, who sat quietly with his head bowed. She wondered how she had ended up bringing him home, only to find herself unable to let go. In the beginning, she had merely intended to take advantage of him and then leave, even considering sending him off to the performers’ house. Yet, somehow, she became entangled in the web of Longing, unable to extricate herself. Mingyue poked absentmindedly at the rice in her bowl, trying to shake off the sense of helplessness.

She had always thought that, by using Qin Shi and the Longing, she might discover the reason behind her own transformation. But after more than a year, though she had encountered countless stories, none had offered her any answers. Except… perhaps that mysterious Yi family truly could. Yi Yanzhi, Gu Qianrun, and another—what was his name again? Mingyue scratched her head, recalling that the man in purple had never revealed his name, only stating he was Yi Yanzhi’s elder brother.

Mingyue glanced again at Qin Shi; perhaps understanding why Gu Qianrun wanted to kill Qin Shi was equally important. After all, how could it be mere coincidence that someone ended up at her doorstep, and just happened to be involved with the Longing?

“Master?”

“Hm? What is it?” Mingyue snapped out of her reverie, startled.

Qin Shi pointed at her bowl and asked, “Do you want another bowl?”

Mingyue looked down; she had nearly mashed the rice into a paste. Embarrassed, she waved her hand and said, “No, no need.” She shoved a few mouthfuls into her mouth, but with her mind elsewhere, she quickly lost her appetite.

When they arrived at the outskirts of Yinzhou, Mingyue hopped off the carriage first, walking alone through the countryside. A little further ahead, she could see the Luo River, which nurtured the people of Luo Kingdom, but she turned away, gradually distancing herself. Not long after, Qin Shi’s voice called from behind; she had not expected him to follow.

Mingyue bent down, plucked a foxtail grass from the ridge, and without ceremony, instructed Qin Shi to squat so she could leap onto his back. One arm wrapped around his neck, the other mischievously stuffed the grass into his ear.

“Master, please don’t make trouble… What if you fall?” Qin Shi said helplessly.

Mingyue tucked the grass into his hair, then wrapped both arms around his neck. “You wouldn’t dare. If you drop me, you can pack your bags and leave right away.”

His voice, as always, was placid, betraying no emotion. Yet at this moment, such calmness made Mingyue uneasy. She knew this man was beyond her control; at any time, he might regain his memory and depart. When that happened, where would she find someone to replace him? Mingyue tightened her grip.

“Where does Master wish to go?”

“To visit the Yi family.”

When they reached the gates of Yi Manor, Mingyue patted Qin Shi’s shoulder, signaling him to let her down. Just then, the man in purple from before pushed open the door and stepped out, raising his brows in mild surprise at the two.

Mingyue ignored him, turning instead to ask, “Eldest son of the Yi family, may I ask your name?”

“Yi Zihan. Has Mingyue come to prepare the Longing for Yanzhi?”

Mingyue shook her head. “The Young Master does not require the Longing.”

“Oh? And how do you know?” Yi Zihan’s eyebrows arched higher, and he invited Mingyue and Qin Shi into the manor.

Although she had visited before, Mingyue still couldn’t help but marvel at the tranquil beauty within. If Kangsheng were here, he would surely be compelled to paint. When Yi Zihan pressed her again, Mingyue finally answered, “How should I put it? The Young Master is unburdened by affection. I vaguely recall having once been infatuated with him for some unknown reason, though I cannot understand it. Yet I remember every gesture and action, and having seen him again in your manor, I found no trace of longing in his eyes.”

“Are you certain you wouldn’t mistake him?”

Mingyue hesitated, then shook her head. “I’ve seen many stories, large and small. Those who truly need the Longing never conceal their yearning for someone; rather, they must narrate their tale to forget or to share. That pain, joy, or sweetness, I never forget. But the Young Master’s expression is calm and restrained—either he has never suffered heartbreak, or never been moved. How could he need the Longing?”

“I see. If you hadn’t said so, I might have been deceived by my own brother.” Yi Zihan shook his head with a smile. “He’s always been closer to Mister Gu, rarely spending time with me. After so long, I hardly understand his thoughts.”

Mingyue paused, recalling the cold exchange between Gu Qianrun and Jun Yi. She looked to Yi Zihan. “May I ask, who is this Mister Gu? Why does he want to kill Qin Shi?”

“He truly harbors such intent? I was annoyed he tarnished our family’s reputation, but I thought you were all jesting. Is it real?” Yi Zihan slowed, his brows furrowing as he appeared deep in thought.

Seeing this, Mingyue refrained from interrupting, following him to the pavilion she had visited before. Once all three were seated, Yi Zihan continued, “When Yanzhi was very young, Mister Gu arrived. As I was often away, my brother was mostly in his care. Later I learned Mister Gu would occasionally leave, but never for long. I don’t know his origins. I asked Yanzhi once, and he only said Mister Gu was a transcendent. His appearance hasn’t changed in all these years, so I believed it and let the matter rest.”

No sooner had Yi Zihan finished than footsteps sounded nearby. Mingyue turned; it was Yi Yanzhi and Gu Qianrun.

Standing outside the pavilion, Yi Yanzhi bowed gently to Mingyue. “Miss Mingyue, we meet again.”

Mingyue, however, fixed her gaze on Gu Qianrun. If Yi Zihan spoke truly, this man was either a monster or a cultivator. Why did he target Qin Shi? Without thinking, Mingyue pulled Qin Shi closer to her side, unaware that both Yi Yanzhi and Gu Qianrun’s eyes darkened.

Yi Yanzhi sat opposite Mingyue and asked, “Has Miss Mingyue come this time to prepare the Longing for Yanzhi?”

“Though I would gladly earn a little from your request, I am powerless to help. Perhaps Mister Gu could aid you instead; he has assisted Miss Gu before, so surely he could do the same for you.”

Yi Yanzhi smiled, his handsome face animated. He glanced at Yi Zihan, who sipped his tea in silence. “Did Miss Mingyue hear something from my brother?”

“You misunderstand, Young Master. You seek the Longing, but you harbor no longing—how can I assist you? Must I first summon the Matchmaker to tie your fate?” Feeling thirsty, Mingyue poured herself a cup of tea. “I have been away from home for days and must return to the House of Longing. If you wish to patronize my business in the future, please do not hesitate.” Mingyue rose, bowed to the two brothers and Gu Qianrun, then dragged Qin Shi away along the path they had come.

When their figures had vanished, Yi Yanzhi murmured, “Brother, you truly have remarkable means. If only such wisdom were still in service of my Celestial Realm—why degrade yourself in the World of Sorrow?”

“Yanzhi and Mister Gu have their own burdens. Yet as your elder, I must remind you: Yanzhi is still mortal. Do not force matters; wait until you return to your rightful place, then you may act. Mister Gu should care for Yanzhi, but must not create trouble,” Yi Zihan said, feeling for his teacup. With a gentle squeeze, the cup shattered, and Gu Qianrun clutched his right eye in pain, blood streaming down his arm.

Yi Yanzhi’s cold eyes fixed on Yi Zihan, apparently unconcerned with Gu Qianrun’s suffering. Yi Zihan smiled faintly, rose, and with a sweep of wide sleeves, walked out, brushing past the stone table.

“Divine Lord…” Gu Qianrun held his right eye, blood trickling down.

Yi Yanzhi replied coldly, “Who told you to provoke Qin Shi? Though he has lost his memory, his true identity has not changed. Do you truly think you could harm him? Ten of you together could not hurt a single hair on his head. And Mingyue is notoriously petty and vengeful; if she discovers this, how will we convince her in the future?”

“Yes, I acknowledge my mistake.”