River Mountain Gathering

"Young Miss, remember to pivot with your left foot when executing a leftward swing," Liang Shen patiently instructed, his voice slicing through the air just as he demonstrated a flawless swing against a worn training dummy. His armored uniform, while heavy and formidable, did nothing to hinder his movements. A testament to his skill and years of discipline.

Beside him, Yi Hua was panting lightly, her brows furrowed in concentration. After his demonstration, Liang Shen turned to her, "Now, it's your turn. Remember, the key is in the footwork."

Yi Hua, nodding determinedly, squared her shoulders and moved forward. Her movements were more fluid this time, a perfect mirror to Liang Shen's earlier demonstration, and her wooden sword connected solidly with the dummy. A triumphant smile bloomed on her face as she turned to us, exclaiming, "I did it!"

Liang Shen clapped, his face filled with genuine pride, "Indeed, you possess natural talent with the sword, Young Miss." His praise echoed in the training field, causing a blush to creep on Yi Hua's cheeks.

Seeing her moment of accomplishment, I found myself smiling, "Well done."

She tried to suppress her smile, but it peeked through anyway, lighting up her face in a way that belied her typically stern demeanor. After a moment, Liang Shen cleared his throat, "I believe that concludes today's training, Young Miss. Shall I escort you back to your quarters?"

Yi Hua, still buzzing from her victory, shook her head, "No need. I'm heading to the River Mountain Gathering soon."

Liang Shen bowed respectfully, "Understood, Young Miss. I shall take my leave then." With a final nod in our direction, he turned and disappeared into the bustling compound.

Once Liang Shen was out of sight, I turned to Yi Hua, "This family gathering, could I perhaps join you?"

Her eyebrows furrowed slightly as she studied me, "I thought you had plans to go with your friends today. Why are you still here? Weren't you leaving early?" Her voice was slightly frosty, a stark contrast to the warmth she had shown earlier.

Realizing she was referring to the same gathering Yi Long had mentioned, I replied, "I decided not to go with them. I promised to train with Yi Long."

She studied me for a moment longer before sighing, "Fine, you can tag along with me and my friends. Just don't cause any trouble like you did at the Jade Phoenix Pavilion!"

Nodding enthusiastically, I agreed, "Okay. I promise."

...

Yi Tian and Yi Hua approached the monumental "Jianmen Gate," the main entrance to the palace. The colossal structure, an imposing behemoth of carved stone, was flanked by solid wooden doors, each large enough to admit a phalanx of soldiers. As they drew near, the vigilant patrol guards recognized them and signaled for the monolithic doors to creak open.

A man in a pristine uniform stepped forward, offering a respectful bow and clasping his hands, "Young Master, Miss, your transport is being readied at this very moment."

No sooner had he finished his sentence than a luxurious, royal purple carriage was brought forth. It was pulled by a pair of muscular horses, their coats gleaming in the sunlight. The carriage's wooden panels were exquisitely engraved, indicating it was designed to ferry a group of notable people. Four guards and a coachman stood ready, their stances firm and alert.

Yi Hua acknowledged the man's courtesy with a nod and gracefully ascended the carriage steps, Yi Tian following suit. Inside, the carriage was a cocoon of comfort, outfitted with silk-upholstered seating and plush cushions, designed to provide a smooth and relaxed journey over long distances.

Once settled in their seats, Yi Hua spoke, "We have a stop before we head to the festival. We're picking up a friend of mine."

Yi Tian inclined his head, "Alright. What's her name?"

"Liu Yue. She's a member of the Liu branch family," Yi Hua explained, her voice carrying a note of pride. "She's an extraordinarily talented Guqin artist."

Intrigued, Yi Tian responded, "I look forward to meeting her."

As the carriage began to roll, Yi Tian admired the scenery from the lattice windows. They passed along a stone-tiled road, with vibrant trees and lush vegetation surrounding it. Gradually, the palace's vast estate gave way to a bustling town. Ancient Chinese-style buildings, expertly constructed, flanked the broad avenue. The individuals strolling along the road were clearly of high standing, their fine grey and purple clothing a testament to their status.

The carriage deviated from the main road into a residential district. Large, opulent courtyards dotted the landscape, each boasting impeccably maintained gardens. Upon stopping in front of one such courtyard, Yi Hua and Yi Tian alighted from the carriage and approached the entrance, an elegant plaque overhead proclaiming it as the "Liu Estate".

The courtyard's grand wooden doors swung open to reveal a young girl, perhaps in her late teens. She had raven-black hair neatly tied up in a bun, and her clear, bright eyes sparkled with anticipation. She wore a simple green dress that subtly highlighted her delicate figure.

"Liu Yue, it's good to see you," Yi Hua greeted her warmly.

As Liu Yue was about to return the greeting, her gaze landed on Yi Tian. Bowing respectfully, she began, "Young Master Yi, it's an honor to have you visit—"

Yi Hua swiftly interjected, "Enough of that, Liu Yue. He's just tagging along with me." She shot a glance at Yi Tian, who responded with a friendly nod.

With an uncertain smile, Liu Yue looked back at Yi Tian. But before any further introductions could be made, a frantic voice echoed from within the courtyard.

"Liu Yue!" An older woman, presumably her mother, rushed out of the entrance with a Guqin in hand. Liu Yue turned, her face reflecting surprise.

"What's wrong, mother?" she asked, concern etching her features.

Huffing slightly, the older woman handed Liu Yue the Guqin, saying, "You forgot your instrument, dear! How can you perform without it?"

Liu Yue's face flushed a deep red, embarrassment creeping up her cheeks, "Thank you, mother. I... I almost forgot."

Her mother responded with a gentle, warm smile, "Not to worry, my dear. Enjoy yourself at the festival."

With a relieved smile and a nod of gratitude, Liu Yue ascended the carriage steps, joining Yi Tian and Yi Hua. As the carriage lurched forward, resuming its journey towards the River Mountain Gathering, she cradled her Guqin lovingly. The atmosphere inside was filled with anticipation, the excitement of the festival ahead seeping into the luxurious confines of the carriage.

...

As the carriage navigated back onto the bustling main avenue, the atmosphere took a shift. The sounds of the market chatter and the clatter of horse hooves faded away, replaced by the gentle lullaby of the river that snaked through the heart of the compound. The carriage continued down the road, the tranquil river on one side, and an array of opulent estates on the other.

They eventually arrived at an imposing edifice nestled by the river. The structure was enveloped by towering stone walls, which concealed a vast courtyard paved with cobblestone. The building was a grand multi-storied spectacle, its flying eave roofs adorned with lustrous red tiles, reflecting the setting sun's glow.

The grand entrance, agape to the road, buzzed with a flurry of people. As the carriage made its way in, the crowd parted like the Red Sea, a murmur of awe rippling through the bystanders. The gilded plaque on the building read: "River Mountain Hall."

The carriage came to a halt at the base of the building's elevated foundation. As the trio alighted, the onlookers watched in admiration and whispered among themselves. Yi Hua pivoted towards Yi Tian and Liu Yue, "Let's head inside. The competition will commence shortly."

Just as they were about to follow her, a voice laced with snide mockery echoed in the air, "Ha, older brother, you're still in the mood to participate in the competition?"

Yi Tian turned towards the voice, finding his younger brother from earlier in the morning. The young man was flanked by two similarly dressed companions, their fine clothes exuding an air of arrogance. Yi Tian inspected his brother, replying coolly, "What competition? I'm merely accompanying Yi Hua."

A sneer curled up on the younger brother's lips as he glanced at Yi Hua, "Ah, you even brought your fiancé." He chuckled, his voice a low rumble, "Brother, your efforts are futile. Your fate is sealed. In four months, you will be dispatched to the battlefield." Leaving his chilling words hanging in the air, he motioned to his companions and sauntered into the hall.

Yi Tian watched his retreating figure, shaking his head. Turning to Yi Hua, he said, "Don't mind him, let's head inside." But to his surprise, Yi Hua was staring at him, her face an unreadable mask. He waved his hand, "Hello, Yi Hua."

Suddenly, her face twisted into an expression of pain, "Why didn't you tell me?" Before he could respond, she spun on her heels and dashed into the hall, leaving a bewildered Yi Tian and Liu Yue standing outside.