Chapter 27: Yu Ling

  The sky is bright, a night without words.

  It's almost time to part ways, and Xu Xian also felt particularly annoyed. Perhaps because the transportation and communication in their past life were too developed, people nowadays no longer have such feelings.

  Only now do I understand the meaning of what the ancients said, "geese leave messages on silk, fish send signals with bamboo strips". Because this separation is truly one where we can only entrust our thoughts to letters. Unable to hear each other's voices, unable to see each other's faces. How are we supposed to spend these days apart?

  One day, they revisited the old place. Pan Yu spoke of her feelings at that time, sometimes sad, sometimes happy, sometimes hurt, and sometimes resentful. She could always make Xu Xian feel extra sympathy for her. In the Knowing Fish Pavilion, Pan Yu smiled and said, "It was right here that you gave me this Qinghong Sword." As she spoke, she gently stroked the Qinghong Sword at her waist, a sword she often carried with her.

  Xu Xian smiled and said: "Consider it a token of our engagement! You also said you wanted to dance with your sword for me!"

  "Are you still keeping that cicada shell?"

  "Of course!" Xian took out Bing Chan from his bosom, and the two of them exchanged a smile. Perhaps they had indeed predestined their relationship long ago!

  It's just that entering the night can't sleep as peacefully as usual, Pan Yu wants to leave Hangzhou is a big deal, this point is not only for Xu Xian, but also for many people. The farewell banquet is always indispensable, and the arrangement is extremely grand, it's even more magnificent than Xu Xian's wedding banquet last night.

  The big shots of Hangzhou Prefecture gathered together, not for the title of Jiangnan's talented scholars, but for the future master of the Pan family. These people all secretly thought that this time Pan Yu returned to Beijing, probably to start taking over the affairs of the clan.

  Pan Wang is getting older, while Liang Wang, who presides over the court, is even more so. However, there are already newcomers waiting to take over everything from them and continue to engage in a life-and-death struggle for the survival and development of their respective factions without seeing any sword lights or shadows. Who will be the final winner, it's still hard to say.

  The lanterns had just been lit, and the weather was already warm, so the banquet was set up in the courtyard of Zhen Tian Academy. After all, there were many people attending this banquet. It goes without saying that many scholars from Hangzhou attended, and there were also many people from the Governor's Office, plus the students and teachers of Zhen Tian Academy, making it a grand feast.

  But it is also divided into upper and lower seats. The lower seat is set in the middle of the square, with round tables for drinking like a normal banquet. The upper seat is set on a high platform in the square, with people sitting separately, two to a table.

  As usual, Pan Yu was by Xu Xian's side.

  By the end of the month, there is no moon in the night sky. However, with no clouds for thousands of miles, the Milky Way shines brightly.

  Although the two of them were talking and laughing in a low voice, they didn't show any unusual expressions. Occasionally, there would be some unusual colors, but it wasn't enough to arouse people's suspicion. After all, in ancient times, it was emphasized that wives should be like friends, with equal status and mutual respect. Friends seemed more like wives, often sleeping together and having midnight conversations. The three men who formed the Peach Garden Oath were often like this, causing later generations to ask: where did their wives sleep?

  Everyone knows that these two are bosom friends who have been through thick and thin. Recently, Pan Yu even gave Huakui Cai Feng to Xu Xian as a concubine. Who wouldn't praise Pan Yu for this: valuing friendship over romance, having such grandeur at a young age, not something ordinary people can achieve.

  After all, they had also seen Cai Feng's appearance, and they thought that they didn't have Pan Yu's temperament. Unconsciously, they looked at her with even more admiration in their hearts, although it wouldn't produce any substantial effect for the time being, but the momentum was built up in these subtle moments.

  Even Governor Lian Pan specially praised Pan Yu a few words, saying that she had done a good job and had the style of her father. Of course, there were also some dissenting voices, saying that she had disappointed Cai Feng's good intentions, but most of them were just sour words, which naturally couldn't compete with the mainstream of this era.

  Is there any man who doesn't envy Xu Xian? Not to mention Caiyun is a stunning beauty, just the title of "the number one talented woman in Jiangnan" makes countless men infatuated.

  But the most unpalatable thing is Jin Shengjie! He spent a lot of thought to capture Cai Feng, but was defeated by Pan Yu, and in the end, he did not expect to let Xu Xian gain an advantage, achieving his unrealized grand plan of "Dragon and Two Phoenixes".

  But what he hated even more was Xia Ziqi, not for being a woman, but because she actually sat in the lower seat. Jin Shengjie also represented Jin Wancheng and could sit in the upper seat, while ordinary officials naturally couldn't bring their children to occupy a position in the upper seat.

  In fact, if it weren't for Xu Xian and Pan Yu being close friends, and this was also a farewell banquet for Pan Yu, even Xu Xian wouldn't have been qualified to sit at the top seat.

  Xia Zi glared at Xu Xian's position, feeling resentful and hateful in his heart. It seemed that since he had seen this kid, his own life path had been going downhill all the way, and his bright future had changed because of his arrival. Whether it was bias or ignorance, he always thought that if he could swap places with Xu Xian, he would be able to sit next to Pan Yu today.

  But he didn't know that even without Xu Xian, he was just one of the resources that Pan Yu could use, and it's very likely that he would be silenced after discovering Pan Yu's true identity. Pan Yu had never been considerate of others.

  At this time, someone suddenly said: "Such a grand occasion, unfortunately, there is no Miss Cai Feng to perform a dance, it's really a pity!" Many people at the table echoed in agreement, but none of them looked towards Xu Xian's table. If they knew what was proper, they should have let Miss Cai Feng come out and perform a dance.

  Xu Xian furrowed his brow, saying that the official had never seen him speak like this before, but it was clear that he had been eyeing Cai Feng for a long time. A concubine is always just a concubine, which is why these people can be so unscrupulous.

  The great writer Su Dongpo once wrote the famous poem "Ten years of life and death, two vastnesses, not thinking, can't forget!" to mourn his deceased wife. However, when he was demoted, he gave away all the concubines in his mansion, some of whom were already pregnant. This does not mean that Su Dongpo was heartless or hypocritical, but rather that this was just a normal phenomenon at that time. The same can be said for people's behavior today - who knows, maybe after a hundred years, they will also be criticized by later generations.

  Now, among these people, who knows how many have such thoughts in their minds. Cai Feng is on the painting boat, they can't get close to her fragrance, but they've promised others, and yet they have this opportunity. After all, Cai Feng has to listen to Xu Xian's arrangements now. Who would offend these high-ranking officials for a concubine? Today, those who started the commotion had many people with probing thoughts in their minds. Seeing Xu Xian frowning and not speaking, many people secretly scolded him for being unwise.

  Pan Yu saw Xu Xian's displeasure and softly laughed: "This is for you!"

  Xu Xian was puzzled, Pan Yu drew her sword and stood up, saying loudly: "Today you all came for me, I will dance to celebrate for everyone!" With a heroic spirit between her eyebrows, who would have thought that she had the demeanor of a little girl in Xu Xian's arms.

  Pan Yuyan finished speaking, and with a light wave of her hand, the dancers in the field knew to retreat. Pan Yu walked into the field, pulled out the long sword from his waist, and said: "This sword is called Qinghong, it was once Cao Mengde's object, and was obtained by my good friend, who gave it to me. Today, I will use this sword to dance for you all."

  Everyone present, who doesn't know about antiques and calligraphy, heard the three words "Qinghong Sword" and took a deep breath. This sword itself is a rare antique, and it's even more valuable with the addition of heroic figures like Cao Mengde and Zhao Zilong - truly priceless.

  It's no wonder that Xu Xian was able to give this sword to Pan Yu, it really cost him a lot. At the same time, he secretly guessed the meaning of Pan Yu's words, that Cai Feng is like this Qinghong Sword, also a gift given by close friends, how can others intervene, and many people have put away their thoughts.

  Xu Xian understood Pan Yu's intention, she had said earlier that she wanted to dance with the sword for herself, now she came out to help herself intimidate the villains, it can be said that she was kind and thoughtful.

  Pan Yu tonight wears a high crown and ties up her hair, holding a sword in her hand. The long sword in her hand shines brightly, illuminating those eyes which are also as cold as water. With a flick of her wrist, the sword points to the sky. Although she has not yet begun to dance, it has already made all the guests solemn.

  With a sword hanging down and a movement of the body, one can see the dance of a clear night.

  The sword light is like a river returning to the great sea, although it makes thousands of turns, it goes east with one heart, and its will does not return. The body shadow is like a dragon's dance in the deep pool, although it hides its shape, it controls the water of the river, waiting for the blue sky.

  Who can attain this posture, who can practice this will! All guests are not allowed to think about it.

  Xu Xian, however, couldn't help but feel fortunate that he hadn't kept Pan Yuqiang by his side. In life, there are always one or two things that one wants to do, and to exert one's talents to the utmost. This is the same for both men and women.

  It's just that women at this time are often bound by the times, and few have such a mind and opportunity. Pan Yuhao is fortunate to have such a stage, dancing with her long sword, walking her own path. And only on such a path can she exert her charm to the extreme, so as to fascinate the city.

  Thinking of this, I couldn't calm down, and involuntarily stood up and loudly recited:

  "Jade moon, when will you appear? I'll hold up my wine and ask the blue sky. Unaware of the heavenly palace's towers, what year is this evening? I wish to ride the wind back home, yet fear the crystal halls and jade palaces, where high up it's hard to bear the cold. Rising to dance with the clear shadows, how can it be like being among humans?"

  "Beyond the vermilion pavilion, beneath the silken door, shining without sleep. Why should there be resentment? What reason is there for longing at parting time? People have joys and sorrows, partings and reunions, the moon has its phases of fullness and emptiness, this matter is difficult to perfect since ancient times. But I wish people longevity, sharing the beauty of the moon together a thousand miles apart."

  Pan Yu listened to his recitation, the sword light condensed, but it was not stagnant, and it danced with the tone, compared to just now, it was much slower, but it had a different artistic conception, and it was even more wonderful with this ancient poem.

  "I ask the blue sky which day I will have a bright moon, a phrase with double meanings, seeming to ask why there is no moon in the sky, yet also calling out her name, lamenting today's parting."

  "Unaware of the heavenly palace, what year is it tonight?" coincidentally matched the intentions in the hearts of the two. The封王拜相 (kingdom and minister) that Pan Yu and Zeng Jing had been seeking, weren't the pavilions and towers of Wangdu just like the heavenly palace? And Xu Xian was indeed on a path to immortality, asking about the road to becoming an immortal.

  "I wish to ride the wind and return, yet I fear that in the jade halls and crystal palaces, the high places are not free from chill." They all had such notions of riding the wind and returning, but when they truly arrived at the jade halls and crystal palaces, what they got was probably just a few words: "the high places are not free from chill".

  "Dancing with the clear shadow, what's it like to be in the human world?" It's better to meet each other in the crowd than to persist alone. Only then does their persistence have meaning. It's no longer just stubbornness or painful endurance, but truly rich in significance. Pan Yu knew that this road would be as difficult as before, but her heart was no longer filled with so much disgust, because she knew that no matter how far she walked in the wind and snow, looking back, she could always see that little light waiting for her to return home.

  "No resentment" then, today's farewell is indeed "this matter is difficult to complete", but as long as we understand each other's intentions, we can "be together for a long time, share the beauty of life".

  Under the clear night sky, one person dances with a sword, and another sings with words. The high mountains and flowing water are like Bo Ya and Zhong Ziqi. Everyone sighs in admiration, only such words can match such dance. In a daze, everyone seems to see two new stars rising in this era, and vaguely guesses their future prospects: one is a famous minister who will benefit the world, and the other is a literary giant whose name will last for thousands of years. Standing opposite each other, it's hard to say who is better.

  Pan Yushou sheathed his sword and returned to his seat, sitting back down beside Xu Xian. The two of them exchanged a smile, their hearts in perfect harmony.

  Everyone at the banquet was still deep in thought, but now they suddenly woke up like a dream and applauded with praise.

  "Good Water Tune Head, I thought the previous 'Green Jade Case' was already a masterpiece, but today's lyrics seem to be even better! I really don't know how to evaluate it. All I can say is that it will be famous for thousands of years, just four words! Nephew, I had some regrets before, but after seeing your sword and listening to Xu Xian's lyrics, I realize that this trip was indeed a good one. If not for this occasion, how could we have such great lyrics?" The praise overflowed from his words.

  "Uncle still likes this poem more, right!" Who can surpass her in the emotional shock and resonance she felt when listening to this poem recited for her?

  Su Dongpo called him a literary giant, leaving behind numerous excellent writings and sentences. The most widely spread one is this poem "Shui Diao Ge Tou". There's no need to elaborate on its merits, roughly every student in the past has memorized it, these few dozen words have been repeatedly interpreted and praised by later generations with tens of times more words.

  Although it is said that there is no first in literature and no second in martial arts, if one really wants to choose a champion from Song poetry, this poem would probably be the first choice of many people. The peak of a literary giant's life, the ultimate song of an era, all in this small poem.

  Everyone present knew that Xu Xian would no longer be limited to the name of Cai Yun. In this field, this young man has already stood at the pinnacle of this country, and no one can surpass him.

  The banquet dispersed, and many people wrote letters to each other overnight to exchange their views on Pan Yu. They made new plans for the future. However, at the end of the letter, they would always mention Xu Xian's poem, slightly proudly telling their good friends how they witnessed the birth of this poem.

  Xu Xian had originally planned to go to the Tian Shu Academy, but Pan Yu had already packed up his belongings and moved them to their new home on the day of their grand wedding. Today, they couldn't bear to be apart for a single moment, so there was no way he would go gather his things; instead, he headed towards their new home.

  She pushed open the door and saw Qing Luan standing there, her eyes fixed on Pan Yu with a hint of anger. But when she saw Xu Xian, she called out softly: "Brother, you're back!"

  Xu Xian suddenly felt a little like he was back home, and quickly opened the door to find Caiyun waiting in the hall. Seeing the two of them come together, she didn't know what to feel in her heart.

  Loving one person, but belonging to another, yet still being close friends with both.

  Fortunately, Xu Xian ordered her to withdraw, and she finally breathed a sigh of relief as she exited the hall. However, upon seeing Pan Yulou's elegant appearance again, she couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache once more.

  Xu Xian said again: "Luan'er, go and help me tidy up the room!" He was always polite to Cai Feng, but much more casual with Qing Luan.

  Qing Luan heard him shouting at himself, and he liked it in his heart. He went out to help him clean up the room. Pan Yu smiled and said: "Han Wen, what a good fortune!" Along with Tong Xian's deepening emotions, and tonight is just before parting, the sour and vinegar thoughts have faded away.

  Xu Xian reached out and touched Pan Yu's cheek, saying: "Yes!"

  Pan Yu's face turned red, and he opened his hand to say: "Your sister knows martial arts, if she sees it, I can only silence her!"

  Xu Xian said, "I'll shut your mouth first!" He moved forward and pressed his lips to hers, Pan Yu's body went soft and she couldn't resist, so she could only lightly wrap her arms around his waist. However, Xu Xian also knew the pros and cons of this situation, so after a deep kiss, he let go of her. Seeing her face flushed red and her adorable appearance, he thought to himself that tonight he would savor it slowly.

  Not long after, Qing Luan came in and said: "Brother, it's all packed up, in the east wing."

  Xu Xian nodded and said: "Alright, you go rest!" And then to Pan Yu:

  "We should get some rest too, you have an early start tomorrow!"

  Pan Yu's face, which had just recovered its color, turned red again, knowing that he was up to no good. As soon as they entered the room, Xu Xian immediately extinguished the lights and helped her take off her necklace. He could now see in the dark as clearly as in daylight, and he took in her beauty completely. Sitting on the bed, he held her on his lap and undressed her.

  Although Pan Yu was used to it, her face still had a reddish glow, and she leaned weakly in his arms. Although she still wore a hairpin, there was no longer any trace of the heroic bearing she had when dancing with a sword. Instead, there was a strange allure about her. Xu Xian couldn't help but put his hand inside her clothes to caress her intimately, but he only dared to wander around her waist and back, places that didn't matter. The feeling of her skin was so delicate, like silk, and he reveled in it endlessly. Pan Yu breathed softly, thinking that the rough hands were giving her the most pleasurable sensation in the world.

  Tomorrow they will be parting ways, and both of them are finding it hard to control their emotions. However, Pan Yu thought about Qing Luan's martial arts skills and still couldn't bring herself to reveal the lie, or else she knew what would happen - she didn't have the confidence that she wouldn't make any noise.

  Xu Xianqiang stopped himself, knowing that if he continued like this, he really wouldn't be able to hold on. He withdrew his hands and held the Ming Wang seal still, causing the flames to gradually subside. Pan Yu had not yet experienced worldly affairs, so she was able to control herself. In this regard, her choice was undoubtedly correct.

  "Pan Yudao said: 'If you want, go find Cai Feng, she won't refuse you.'"

  Xu Xian patted her buttocks and said: "Don't talk nonsense, I really went there, you'll cry again here."

  Pan Yuhong's face turned red, and she tilted her head to say: "You went and didn't come back!" Although in her heart she had some sympathy for Cai Feng, compared to Xu Xian, it was naturally a difference of heaven and earth, and they couldn't be mentioned on the same day.

  Xu Xian couldn't help but say again, "Do you really think she's your substitute? She's also a good woman, how can...".

  Pan Yuhu covered his buttocks and said, "Alright, alright, my family's Hanwen is the best at cherishing beauties. I'm wrong to be a bad person, okay?!" The rare sight of her charming appearance made Xu Xian's heart hot again.

  "Alas, you, I now only want to hold you and talk with you all night, who else would I want?"

  Pan Yu was somewhat moved and leaned her head against his chest, saying softly: "You will be in the autumn examination this year, and the spring examination next year. By then, we can meet again."

  Xu Xian sighed: "A year's time!"

  Pan Yulan counted on her fingers and said: "Next year you should come earlier, it won't take a whole year."

  At this time, Xu Xian took out a light yellow paper crane from his bosom and said: "A birthday gift for you." Thinking that the woman in his arms was not yet eighteen years old, but whether it was her words or actions, um, her figure was all mature.

  Pan Yu carefully accepted it and held it in the palm of her hand like a treasure, not minding that her gift was just this small paper crane.

  "This is a warning signal, if you need me at any time, just ignite it. I will rush to your side with the fastest speed!"

  Pan Yu tidied up with a smile and carefully put things away. "Husband, it's time for bed!" she said as she helped Xu Xian take off his clothes.

  Xu Xian sighed, the beauty in his arms, loving each other, this is probably the happiest and most painful moment of every day. He covered her with a quilt, holding her in his arms. He stretched out his hand to make another Immortal King Seal, but Pan Yu reached out to stop him.

  Xu Xian was stunned, but saw Pan Yu burying her head in his chest, her beautiful earlobe red as if it were about to drip with blood, and said in a mosquito-like voice: "I'll help you."

  She had read extensively since childhood, whether it was poetry or medical divination, and could be said to have read every book. However, there was one type of book that she never looked at. Recently, for the sake of Xu Xian, she made up for this deficiency, and only then did she realize that such things had so many variations, and that it wasn't necessary to do them in a certain way. Although she felt ashamed and embarrassed, for the sake of making her beloved happy, she couldn't help but continue.

  Xu Xian was somewhat dazed, gently lifted her face, red lips about to drip, deeply kissed.

  The long night is endless, and life is short.

  When the sky was slightly bright, Pan Yu woke up from her sleep, gently opened Xu Xian's arms around her, and quietly got out of bed. Thinking of last night's absurdity, she still blushed and palpitated, wanting to leave quietly like this. But then she heard Xu Xian laugh and say: "Where is the lady going?" Turning back, she saw Xu Xian with a face full of "lustful smiles", her own face became even redder.

  The two of them packed up their belongings, but there weren't many things to pack. The things they needed to bring had already been transported onto the cargo ship, a whole boat full of Jiangnan's possessions. Pan Yu only brought with her the sword that Xu Xian gave her, and Xu Xian also handed over all the talismans he had accumulated over these days to her, fifteen thunder symbols in total.

  Pan Yu could trigger it with his inner strength, although he couldn't control it, but it was a rare and useful tool. Ordinary cultivators would never do this because if the talisman were to be used by someone to kill or commit evil, the person who drew the talisman would also incur karma. But Xu Xian was absolutely doting on Pan Yu, and the word "husband" meant linking their fates together, taking responsibility for everything each other did.

  Pan Yuxin was moved, but all the way, Xu Xian occasionally smiled and spat, with an aftertaste of endless expression, really hateful. As if to remind her of last night's affairs at any time, making her want to give him a slap.

  All the way to the lake, they saw lights flashing in the distance, obviously waiting for Pan Yu's arrival. The two of them collected their colors and walked forward. A man who looked like a general said respectfully: "This subordinate has seen the two young masters, and from now on, I will be responsible for escorting you." Although it was all prosperous land along the way and they shouldn't encounter any danger, the Governor still arranged for his personal guards to escort them.

  As it was already a farewell last night, there were no other visitors this morning. Xu Xian and Pan Yu bowed to each other, exchanged a smile, but both felt tears welling up in their eyes. The cool breeze rustled their clothes and long hair, they stood far apart, not entwining with each other, but their hearts had already been tightly tied together, no longer needing anything to rely on.

  After standing for a while, Xu Xian said "Go!" and turned around to leave. Pan Yu looked at his back and smiled, then boarded the boat. Looking back again, she saw him quietly gazing at her, the boat docked farther away, unable to see each other's figures clearly, but seemingly still able to see the emotions in each other's eyes.

  Xu Xian took a deep breath, looked up at the sky and let out a long whistle that seemed to go on forever. The bells of several temples near West Lake rang out loud and clear, echoing across the lake. Many people who were still asleep were startled awake, looked at the sky in surprise, and wondered why the morning bell was ringing so early today.

  The bell tolls in this cool and refreshing morning!

  Farewell, Ming Yu!

  …………………………