The moment Ye Qingyi saw Liang Xiao, she almost suffocated. A heart that had been as still as a pool of ancient well water was stirred by waves.
The two women in plain skirts behind Ye Qingyi, also beauties of considerable caliber, possessed the clear features of standard Jiangnan women. They too regarded Liang Xiao and the Cloud Pavilion Master with curiosity.
The Cloud Pavilion Master was also handsome, but he lacked Liang Xiao's unique aura, being much like Yu Qingchuan, Chen Shaoling, Gu Shaoyan, and Li Xiuyun.
Consequently, most attention was focused on Liang Xiao.
The woman in the plain skirt to Ye Qingyi’s left extended a finger as delicate as scallions, pointing at Liang Xiao, and asked, “Sister Qingyi, who is he?”
“He?”
Ye Qingyi returned to her senses, her smile blooming like a hundred flowers.
“He is an immortal, detached and transcendent, the only one of his kind in this world.”
With that, Ye Qingyi cast another glance at the Cloud Pavilion Master in the distance, sighed, and turned away silently. Two streams of clear tears welled up and spilled over, and she paid no further attention to the calls of those around her.
“Sister Qingyi…”
The two women in plain skirts were taken aback. Thinking that Liang Xiao had once caused Ye Qingyi emotional distress, they cast him a resentful glance before turning to leave.
A meeting of talented scholars and beautiful ladies, which had begun so suddenly, ended just as abruptly and unhappily.
Jian Qinwan watched the entire scene silently and couldn't help but sigh.
How many women in this world would mourn for this rake, yet she was fortunate enough to be one of the few he cherished…
Liang Xiao was also surprised to see Ye Qingyi. Seeing her leave, he shook his head helplessly and looked toward the Cloud Pavilion Master in the distance.
At this moment, the Cloud Pavilion Master was filled with shock as he gazed at Liang Xiao. His sister beside him was much the same, save for the light in her eyes that drew one in, making them want to gaze at her longer, even with her veiled face.
Those eyes alone were too beautiful, making the stars in the heavens seem to dim in comparison.
With just those eyes, she could ensnare countless men, let alone the hazy beauty beneath the veil!
Seeing Liang Xiao look at her, the young girl’s surprised eyes showed a touch of shyness. She timidly lowered her head, not daring to meet Liang Xiao’s gaze.
Jian Qinwan and Yue Lian observed the young girl’s reaction from across the way, their hearts a complex mix of emotions.
Could it be that he was going to charm another young girl away? Oh dear, this man is truly…
This young girl’s eyes were indeed captivating, enough to make one’s heart flutter, even for women.
Liang Xiao, standing at the bow of the boat, made a gesture towards the Cloud Pavilion Master in the distance, pointing towards a secluded spot on the shore.
The Cloud Pavilion Master touched his chin, then seemed to sigh, and finally nodded.
The large and small boats gradually docked, and the Cloud Pavilion Master finally stood before Liang Xiao.
“You must be the Cloud Pavilion Master,” Liang Xiao sighed.
The Cloud Pavilion Master nodded: “Indeed. Beside me are my younger sister, Lin’er, and our guard, Yun Jiu.”
“Brother, who is he…” Lin’er asked timidly, looking at Liang Xiao and clutching Yun Xiu’s right arm.
The Cloud Pavilion Master hesitated, then said, “He… perhaps you can answer that yourself.”
“Just a wanderer in the mortal world, seeking joy,” Liang Xiao replied without hesitation.
The Cloud Pavilion Master and his two companions froze, all three turning to look at Liang Xiao.
“Hmph~ He only knows how to charm young girls~” Jian Qinwan thought, feeling a twinge of jealousy. She secretly pinched Liang Xiao’s arm.
Lin’er hesitated for a moment, then timidly called out, “Brother Xiaoyao?”
Liang Xiao’s old face flushed, and he chuckled dryly, “Just call me Xiaoyao.”
Lin’er nodded obediently, “Alright, Brother Xiaoyao… I never imagined your flute-playing skills would be any less than my brother’s!”
This time, even Yue Lian felt a pang of sourness in her heart.
This little girl seemed as obedient as she was…
It’s over, will she be even more obedient than me!
Liang Xiao was speechless, a wry smile on his face.
He had originally intended only to share music with a fellow enthusiast, never expecting the other party to be the Cloud Pavilion Master.
What a coincidence…
“But Brother Lin’er’s brother is very impressive, not only at playing the flute, but he knows astronomy and geography, and understands all sorts of teachings and lore…” Lin’er said with pride in her eyes.
Liang Xiao smiled and nodded, “I believe you.”
The Cloud Pavilion Master gave a wry smile, “Compared to the person before you, I am merely a drop in the ocean.”
“Brother, you only listened to Brother Xiaoyao play the flute, how did you know he knew everything…” Lin’er said, sounding somewhat unconvinced.
The Cloud Pavilion Master frowned slightly, seemingly pondering how to explain to his sister without revealing Liang Xiao’s identity.
“Because many people know he is very capable,” Jian Qinwan said proudly.
“Oh…” Lin’er cast a shy glance at Jian Qinwan and hid behind the Cloud Pavilion Master, like a timid little girl.
Liang Xiao studied the Cloud Pavilion Master for a long time before finally speaking, “It seems you were reluctant to meet me.”
The Cloud Pavilion Master was silent for a moment, then smiled, “I am but a carefree spirit, merely lending a hand now and then.”
“You are a man of great talent, unlike those scholars who empty their words and harm the nation. Yet you have no desire for officialdom, and I would naturally not force you,” Liang Xiao sighed.
“Brother Xiaoyao is an official?” Lin’er exclaimed in surprise.
“Yes,” Liang Xiao nodded calmly.
He had to admit that the young girl, Lin’er, was exceedingly shy, which could indeed stir a protective instinct in most people.
“This world is murky, and I lack the confidence to even protect my own family,” the Cloud Pavilion Master said.
Liang Xiao smiled, “When has this world not been murky? If everyone chooses to be passive and avoid the world, it will undoubtedly fulfill the wishes of those evildoers. It is precisely because the world is murky that more people should stand up, sweep away the wicked, and return a clear sky to the common people! If heaven and earth were to collapse and the primal chaos to overturn, how would you and I have the opportunity to be carefree spirits again?”
“Well said!” Yu Qingchuan and the others nodded in deep agreement.
This was also why they had resolutely left Mount Tian and followed Liang Xiao!
For the country and the people, the greatest chivalry!
Liang Xiao continued, “You wish to expose the Hui Chun Sect and have provided details for the Prime Minister and Lin Xiufeng on agricultural settlements. This shows you also have the welfare of the nation at heart.”
“That is because I respect your actions. It was merely a small gesture, and my involvement, or lack thereof, has little impact,” the Cloud Pavilion Master replied, shaking his head.
“Brother, who exactly is this Brother Xiaoyao…” Lin’er nudged the Cloud Pavilion Master’s arm and asked timidly.
“He, he is Liang Xiao, the Marquis of An, said the Cloud Pavilion Master with a sigh.
Lin’er was struck as if by lightning, staring blankly at Liang Xiao, her pupils trembling slightly.
Yu Qingchuan and the others observed this, understanding dawning in their hearts.
Just as their junior sister had said, the Marquis of An had a habit of charming young girls at the slightest provocation!!
Although it was being charmed passively…
Regaining her senses, Lin’er said with a charming pout, “You, why did you lie to me? You’re so wicked…”
Liang Xiao looked innocent, “I truly am a wanderer in the mortal world seeking joy!”
Lin’er mustered her courage and whispered, “Brother Liang Xiao…”
*Hiss~*
Yu Qingchuan and the others collectively gasped, casting envious glances at Liang Xiao, and then noticed Jian Qinwan’s complicated expression.
“Still call me Liang Xiao, I’m afraid I’ll be beaten to death by the men around me,” Liang Xiao said with a pout.
“Alright, Brother Liang Xiao.”
Lin’er agreed obediently. After a moment’s hesitation, she bravely lifted her veil.
Her skin was like exquisite jade, flawless and white.
Her peerless beauty, coupled with eyes that could dim the stars, caused everyone present to hold their breath.
Upon seeing Lin’er’s true face, Liang Xiao’s pupils contracted even further!