The First Encounter with Xuanyuan Hao

After finishing dinner early, Xianyue wished to take a stroll around the city with Jun Pinyu. Though she had been in Zhao'an City for quite some time, she had mostly stayed within the mansion, spending her days accompanying Uncle Fu. She had yet to explore the city.

As soon as she stepped out, before taking more than a few steps, the maid Xianglan, who took care of Uncle Fu, ran up to her and greeted her with a smile.

Xianyue was different from most young ladies of noble birth. She didn't carry herself with the air of superiority, assuming the role of mistress with pride. Instead, due to her years spent living in the mountains, she embraced the philosophy that all people are born equal. She was approachable and down-to-earth, often sharing tales of her adventures in the jianghu with the household staff. Because of this, they had all come to see her as the true lady of the Jun family.

"Madam, Uncle Fu is asking for you," Xianglan said with a smile, her manner free of any formality.

Xianyue glanced at the sky. It was still early, the summer sun not yet fully set. She nodded, "Is Jun Pinyu with Uncle Fu?"

Xianglan nodded as well. At first, hearing her call him 'Jun Pinyu' so casually had seemed odd, but now everyone had grown accustomed to the special way Xianyue addressed him.

As they reached the courtyard, she spotted Jun Pinyu, dressed in white, standing by the door. Bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, he appeared as graceful and striking as ever, a faint melancholy surrounding him like an aura.

He turned just in time to meet her gaze, offering a gentle smile as he approached and took her hand. "Go in and speak with Uncle Fu," he said softly.

His palm felt damp, his fingertips cold and trembling slightly as he gripped her hand tightly, as if clinging to her like a man drowning at sea grasping at the last shred of hope.

"What's wrong with Uncle Fu?" Xianyue frowned, studying Jun Pinyu's face. Though he tried to act calm, a deep sorrow lingered between his brows.

"He's fine," Jun Pinyu said, releasing her hand and looking toward Uncle Fu's room. "In fact, his spirits are the best they've been in a while. He even had a full bowl of rice tonight."

Xianyue paused. She and Jun Pinyu both looked in the same direction, and then she turned to him, patting his shoulder. "I'll go keep him company."

She knew that this was likely his final burst of energy, a fleeting resurgence before the inevitable end. Though known throughout the jianghu for his miraculous healing skills, even Jun Pinyu was powerless against the slow decay of life itself.

Birth, old age, sickness, and death—these were the natural cycles of life, immutable and inescapable.

"Madam, you've come," Uncle Fu greeted her warmly when she entered, glancing at Jun Pinyu, who had followed her in. He smiled, the wrinkles on his face deepening into a crinkled mass. He wasn't lying in bed but seated in a chair by the table, dressed neatly and looking much more spirited than usual.

"Young Master, I'd like to speak with the Madam privately," Uncle Fu said, not as a servant pleading with his master, but more as an elder making a simple request.

Jun Pinyu glanced at Xianyue as if seeking her opinion. Xianyue waved her hand dismissively. "Jun Pinyu, don't be jealous. Close the door and wait until we've had our little chat, then you can join us."

Jun Pinyu chuckled, feigning hurt, and stepped back, closing the door behind him before sitting down on the steps outside, his gaze wandering from the fading red glow of the sunset to the vines entwined around the dried-up well, and the servants bustling back and forth.

"What is it that Uncle Fu wants to tell me in private?" Xianyue pulled up a chair and sat across from him. She considered leaning against him playfully but found she couldn't bring herself to be so casual, not like she had with Feng Jiulan.

The room was softly illuminated by a lamp, and the fading sunlight still poured in through the windows. Uncle Fu smiled again, this time with effort, as he reached into his robe with trembling hands and pulled out a carefully folded handkerchief. Something was tucked inside.

He placed the handkerchief on the table and slowly, corner by corner, unfolded it to reveal a small, intricately carved wooden box with a qilin emblem. The box was polished and smooth, clearly of fine craftsmanship. Judging by its size, Xianyue guessed it held a bracelet or something of similar value.

Uncle Fu opened the box, and as she had expected, there was indeed a jade bracelet inside. Its surface was smooth, with a soft, lustrous sheen that seemed to glow even in the dim light, as though it were a river of jade flowing in her hands.

"This bracelet was a token of affection from the master to the lady," Uncle Fu said, and Xianyue instantly understood his intent. He wanted to give it to her.

He gently took out the bracelet, his gaze lingering on it before turning back to Xianyue. For a moment, his aged eyes gleamed with a sharp clarity. "Before her passing, the lady entrusted me with this, asking that I personally hand it over to her future daughter-in-law."

Xianyue had originally intended to accept the bracelet temporarily, so as not to trouble the old man, planning to return it later to Jun Pinyu. But hearing Uncle Fu's words, she hesitated. This was not something to be casually accepted.

As she mulled over her options, Uncle Fu had already taken her hand, trying to slip the bracelet onto her wrist. Xianyue caught his trembling hand in hers, stopping him gently. "Uncle Fu, this is far too precious. I can't accept it."

Her gaze was sincere as she spoke, her refusal firm yet respectful.

Uncle Fu paused, his eyes fixed on hers. "This is not something I am giving you—it's from the lady of the house to her future daughter-in-law. Or… is it that you do not wish to be part of the Jun family? Is our young master not worthy of you?"

Xianyue looked into his sorrowful eyes, seeing the countless threads of worry and care intertwined within them. Her heart ached. So few people had ever treated her with genuine kindness. She could tell that Uncle Fu's concern for her was real, whether born out of affection for Jun Pinyu or a genuine fondness for her. It didn't matter—the old man's sincerity was undeniable.

She patted his hand gently. "How could that be? Jun Pinyu is so talented and accomplished that any woman would be eager to marry him."

Every man in her life was exceptional in their own way, but even she didn't know which one would ultimately be the right match for her.

Uncle Fu sighed. "Xianyue, you're a good girl—kind, approachable, and open-hearted. That's why I like you so much. I've watched the young master grow up, and I won't be at peace unless I know he's in your capable hands."

His gaze held hers, his words filled with earnestness.

"I understand," Xianyue replied with a nod. "But marriage is a serious matter, one that requires the consent of parents. I ran away from home, and if my father finds out I've made such a decision on my own, he'll be furious."

She thought of Feng Xuanling, her father, who would likely arrange a political marriage for her benefit and the kingdom's. No matter how remarkable Jun Pinyu was, in her father's eyes, he was still just a young physician.

"Good child, I don't have much time left. I won't live to see that day," Uncle Fu said softly.

Xianyue's eyes widened, her heart suddenly tightening with fear.

It was a fear born of the thought that one day, that same cold, distant man dressed in black might cradle her in his arms, stroking her hair, and whisper those same heartbreaking words to her.

"Xianyue, I'm begging you, just this once," Uncle Fu pleaded.

Xianyue vigorously shook her head, as if attempting to dispel the shadows that loomed over her heart. She took a deep breath, reached for the jade bracelet that Fu Bo held in his hand, and slipped it onto her left wrist. Then, she waved it in front of Fu Bo and asked, "Fu Bo, does it look good?"

Fu Bo grasped her hand tightly, nodding incessantly, tears streaming down his face, yet his expression radiated satisfaction. "It's beautiful, truly beautiful. No one is more suited than the young mistress. Even the late mistress couldn't wear it as elegantly."

Seeing Fu Bo, overwhelmed with emotion, shedding tears, a smile crept onto Xianyue's face, though her heart was shrouded in a thick fog of despair. She wondered if one day, when her brother learned of her impending departure, he would be as concerned as Fu Bo, striving to find her a lifelong companion.

Fu Bo held Xianyue's hand firmly, trembling even more than before, his gaze drifting to the flickering candlelight on the table as if lost in memories. "The young master was not always like this. When the master and mistress were alive, everyone cherished him. Back then, he was willful and full of energy, a true king of children. He would often wield the wooden sword his father had crafted for him and challenge others to duels. The other children dared not retaliate. After each fight, he would return home, beaming with pride, boasting to the mistress. The master would occasionally be angry, scolding him for neglecting his studies, but the mistress always defended him, and he never suffered a single punishment. However, everything changed after that tragedy—"

Fu Bo's voice faded like the dimming flame of a candle in the wind. "Since that tragedy, the young master transformed; he no longer cried or fussed, isolating himself in his room for an entire year. Then, someone came to find him, and he left with that person. He has been away ever since."

Though she had never experienced it firsthand, Xianyue understood that feeling—happiness obliterated in a single night, families shattered. Such a blow was unbearable for most, let alone for someone as young as Jun Pinyu.

Xianyue allowed Fu Bo to lead her, assuming the role of a competent listener. She believed that for Fu Bo, who had endured that great upheaval, life and death had long lost their weight; his only concern now was Jun Pinyu. Over the years, he had remained in this place alone, yet he worried day and night for Jun Pinyu, who was thousands of miles away. One person felt unbearably lonely, and he longed for an opportunity to share the thoughts buried in his heart.

Pouring Fu Bo a cup of water, she noticed his weary expression. "Fu Bo, you're tired. You should rest early. I'll accompany you again tomorrow."

She extended the cup towards him, ensuring he grasped it firmly before letting go.

Fu Bo drained the cup in one go and turned his gaze to the darkening sky outside, nodding slightly. "Good child, from now on, I'll rely on you to take good care of the young master."

Xianyue nodded in agreement. "I will let Jun Pinyu come in."

Fu Bo smiled gently. "Let the young master enter; I have something to say to him as well."

Xianyue approached the door, opening it to find Jun Pinyu sitting on the steps. "Jun Pinyu, Fu Bo wants you to come in."

Jun Pinyu stood up, turning to face Xianyue. His clean, refined face bore no expression as he entered and approached Fu Bo. "Fu Bo, let me help you to bed."

Fu Bo remained seated, observing the duo standing side by side with growing satisfaction and assurance. "Young master, I can finally rest easy and seek out the master and mistress."

In that moment, looking at the elderly man smiling in the sunset, Xianyue felt a wave of uncertainty wash over her. She couldn't discern if her assistance to Jun Pinyu was right or wrong.

While others might offer comforting words, Jun Pinyu remained silent, bowing his head without a word. As a healer, he understood well that sometimes ignorance is far more blissful than understanding.

"Yue'er is a good child. You must treat her well and never bully her. If I find out you dare to harm her, I will summon the master and mistress to teach you a lesson."

Jun Pinyu raised his gaze as Xianyue brushed her hair aside. He noticed the jade bracelet on her wrist, and a sudden smile broke through his usually composed demeanor, illuminated by the gentle glow of the setting sun. Yet, this warmth was fleeting, quickly replaced by an icy glare that shimmered at the corners of his eyes.

"Fu Bo, I will."

Suddenly, Fu Bo stood up. Perhaps due to sitting for too long, his legs had gone numb, and as he rose, he almost stumbled into the table. Xianyue quickly caught him.

Fu Bo smiled, "Good child." The smile on his face deepened, and he thought to himself, with Xianyue's agility, the young master would have no need to fear being bullied while he was away.

With Xianyue supporting him, he made his way to the door. As the sun dipped below the horizon, he felt he had never seen such a beautiful sunset in his life.

As he stepped outside, his frail body bathed in sunlight, Jun Pinyu looked at him and suddenly felt that the person who had always served him might depart alongside the setting sun.

"Young master."

Fu Bo turned around, calling for Jun Pinyu.

Jun Pinyu stepped forward and stood beside him. He grasped Xianyue's hand with one hand and took Jun Pinyu's hand with the other, intertwining them tightly.

Xianyue gazed at Jun Pinyu, and he returned her look, neither withdrawing their hands as they watched the sun sink lower, a deep sense of sorrow welling up within them.

"Young master, take the young mistress out for a stroll and enjoy the sights."

Jun Pinyu felt a pang of unease, and Xianyue felt the same.

"There will be plenty of time ahead; we can spend it together at home."

Xianyue spoke first, and Jun Pinyu nodded, murmuring, "Indeed."

Fu Bo chuckled, patting their tightly clasped hands. "I know your good intentions."

He smiled warmly. "I'll escort you both to the entrance."

Xianyue understood he wished to see her and Jun Pinyu hand in hand as they walked a short distance.

Jun Pinyu seemed about to say something but was silenced by Xianyue. She turned to Fu Bo, her smile radiant. "Having been here for so long, I truly want to go outside and see."

She tightly grasped Jun Pinyu's hand and led the way, while Jun Pinyu followed, maintaining a respectful distance behind her.

In the evening light, her hair floated freely, and from where he stood, he could catch a glimpse of her profile, bathed in a soft, radiant glow, slightly blinding, her lips gently pursed, forming a determined curve.

They walked slowly, trailing behind them was Fu Bo, laboring yet persistently following. His gaze remained fixed on their intertwined fingers, a satisfied smile on his face throughout the journey.

Neither Xianyue nor Jun Pinyu looked back. Fu Bo continued until they reached the entrance, finally sitting down on the threshold, his eyes still fixed on their clasped hands. In his heart, one thought lingered: he hoped his young master would hold onto that hand for a lifetime and never let go.

Until they reached the end of the street, Xianyue led Jun Pinyu into a secluded corner, hidden from Fu Bo's view. Leaning forward to peek, she leaned against the wall, released Jun Pinyu's hand, and let out a sigh of relief.

Jun Pinyu stared blankly at his right hand, which he now tucked behind his back, slowly forming a tight fist, as if grasping something tightly.

Xianyue felt utterly exhausted, realizing that being a good person was far more challenging than practicing martial arts at Lihua Zhai. "Jun Pinyu, I've done my best. Remember your promise to me."

She pointed at Jun Pinyu, her heart racing, her mind blank. All she wanted was to find the divine herb he had mentioned and locate the rare spirit medicine recorded in that book, concocting a remedy so that her brother could recover swiftly and free her from daily worry.

Jun Pinyu looked up at Xianyue and extended his left hand to grasp her lightly clenched right fist.

Xianyue straightened, walked up to Jun Pinyu, removed the jade bracelet from her wrist, and, leaning in, opened his right hand to place the bracelet that Fu Bo had entrusted to him moments before. "When you meet the woman destined to share your life, remember to give this to her."

Jun Pinyu stared at the jade bracelet in his hand, then raised his gaze to Xianyue, whose expression bore no trace of hesitation. Suddenly, he seized Xianyue's left hand and, with lightning speed, placed the bracelet back onto her wrist. "What is given to you belongs to you."

Xianyue was taken aback, her smile freezing on her face. What was the reasoning behind this? If it were merely common riches, she wouldn't mind; however, this was different.

Although she had no knowledge of the events that transpired in his family years ago, they must have been significant. His parents left him little, and this was