Chapter 2
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In June, Jiang Cheng, as usual, bustled with excitement over the upcoming “Yi Shui Sword Duel.”
Countless martial artists from the Jianghu rushed to Jiang Cheng at the foot of Yi Shui Manor, causing the inns and taverns of all sizes to be packed to capacity.
Rooms were so scarce that finding one became nearly impossible.
Even if someone kept asking stubbornly, “If there’s a room, just name your price,” the diners nearby were no longer surprised.
Those who had secured lodgings secretly celebrated their early arrival, while the unfortunate ones gritted their teeth, pondering where to try their luck next. Meanwhile, the nimble waiter expertly maneuvered through the dense crowd, delivering dishes with precision.
People from the Jianghu aren’t ones for formalities. Picking up a single peanut with chopsticks and tossing it into their mouths, a swig of wine would soon follow to loosen their tongues—
“So, what do you all think? Will Tan Ci take the stage this year?”
A nearby diner, setting down his chopsticks, raised his voice with a laugh, “Oh? You must be from out of town, huh? Tan Ci? That’s the son-in-law of Yi Shu Tang! Two months ago, Yi Jiao Jiao gave birth to their daughter. The couple’s return this time is purely out of respect for the old Manor Master. You think they’d be willing to step onto the stage?”
The first speaker smacked his lips regretfully and shook his head. “I came all this way just to see Tan Ci… I missed his brilliance during the ceremonial sword festival at Biling Villa and wasn’t around eight years ago that he won laurels at Yi Shui Sword Duel. Hearing he’s returned to Jiang Cheng with Yi Jiao Jiao, I thought I couldn’t afford to wait any longer. If I do, I’m afraid I’ll never have the chance to witness the splendor of Tan Ci again…”
The waiter delivered another dish, slinging a cloth over his shoulder as he turned with a smile. “Young Master, you’re only thinking of admiring the splendor of our family’s son-in-law.
But have you no interest in seeing the grace of our young mistress? Eight years ago, Yi Jiao Jiao’s beauty was renowned across the Jianghu. Now, though she has been happily married with children all these years, she’s grown even more radiant and captivating. Surely, you must know that?”
The swordsman’s face turned bright red, as though afraid of being misunderstood. He waved his hands hurriedly. “No, no, that’s not what I meant… I’ve merely heard of Lady Yi’s devoted relationship with Master Tan, and I…”
Before he could finish, the person beside him slapped the table and burst into laughter, sloshing wine from his cup.
“You’re afraid that Tan Ci will carve you up like he did the plumes during the sword festival, slicing them into neat, even pieces, aren’t you?”
The quip sent the crowd roaring with laughter, teasing calls echoing from all sides. The flustered swordsman, honest as he was, blushed furiously and couldn’t think of a retort.
Amid the chorus of laughter, a sharp, mocking snort cut through the noise. Someone scoffed, “Devoted couple? So what? Yi Jiao Jiao is just a second wife.”
Someone couldn’t hold back and interjected with a disapproving “Hey, that’s going too far! What’s wrong with being a second wife? Never mind the fact that Yi Shui Manor’s Yi Jiao Jiao is renowned across the Jianghu. Her years of harmony and affection with her husband are well known. And think about this—years ago, when she was pregnant with the heir of Biling Villa, Tan Ci was ambushed on the Xiaoshan Road and vanished without a trace. Yi Jiao Jiao, pregnant with a child, traveled thousands of miles in search of her husband. Such devotion! Whether she’s the first wife or the second wife, people like you, with your narrow views, will never deserve such love in this lifetime.”
Among the Jianghu folk, many admired beauty and virtue, but Yi Jiao Jiao’s name commanded even broader respect. She wasn’t just the famed beauty of Yi Shui Manor but also its cornerstone.
The old Manor Master had been entirely absorbed in swordsmanship and the annual “Yi Shui Sword Duel,” leaving the massive responsibilities of Yi Shui Manor in her hands before her marriage.
Whether it was managing the household, handling countless guests, or running things inside and out, Yi Jiao Jiao, despite being a woman, had handled it all with impeccable precision and grace. No one could help but marvel at her capability.
This place, situated at the foot of Yi Shui Manor, erupted into a lively debate as swordsmen from the Jianghu began rebutting the earlier slander.
“That’s right! Ever since Yi Jiao Jiao married into Biling Villa, have you seen any other stronghold in the Jianghu that can surpass it today?”
“Everyone knows Lady Yi is a renowned philanthropist! She and Tan Ci are a match made in heaven. How dare you slander her?”
“And what if she’s a second wife? Who doesn’t know that nine years ago, during the Yi Shui Sword Duel, Tan Ci praised Yi Jiao Jiao’s unparalleled beauty, saying, ‘A wife should be like this.’
If it weren’t for the fact that Biling Villa had just passed down the title of Villa Master during its Sword Offering Ceremony, coinciding with Tan Ci sealing his blade, the winner of that year’s Yi Shui Duel should’ve been Tan Ci! How could fate have then twisted to make him marry that Yi woman…?”
The arguments raged on in the Manor until the curtain separating the back kitchen suddenly flipped open. The voluptuous proprietress strode out, abacus in hand, and slammed it onto the counter with a loud thud. The room instantly fell silent.
Frowning in irritation, she pointed a finger and cursed, “Which blind fool dares to insult our young mistress on my turf? Yi Jiao Jiao, a paragon of virtue, and you dare to tarnish her name? Have your hearts been blackened? Without Lady Yi, would Jiang Cheng be what it is today? Would I be what I am today?”
With a wave of her hand, the troublemaker was promptly dragged out by the servants. The proprietress cast a sharp glance over the room with her phoenix-like eyes, simmering with rage as she continued, “Let me make this clear: Lady Yi and her husband are about to set foot in Jiang Cheng any day now. If anyone dares to disrespect her, don’t even think about Tan Ci—you’ll have to deal with me first!”
The scene shifted to a carriage traveling along the stone road leading to Yi Shui Manor’s outer courtyard. On either side of the long path, the white magnolias had just withered, while the cinnabar magnolias were still in full bloom.
The pale petals tinged with crimson at their base exuded a rich fragrance, stretching along the roadside as though welcoming the daughter returning home.
Little Yan’er, her small eyes fixated on the rows of flowers, grinned so widely she could barely close her mouth. Drool trickled down her chin as she beamed with delight.
Jiao Jiao patiently wiped away the drool with a handkerchief while holding Yan’er’s tiny hand, her smile gentle and warm. “Yan’er likes these magnolias, doesn’t she? Once we’re inside the courtyard, there will be many more. Shall we ask your brother to pick a few branches to decorate your room?”
The lively conversation between father and son inside the carriage suddenly quieted down in perfect understanding. Jiao Jiao turned to glance at Jing’er with a smile. The boy’s gaze toward his younger sister was filled with tenderness. Meeting their expectant eyes, he nodded slightly.
Jiao Jiao, satisfied, cast a triumphant look at Tan Ci, only to catch him smiling back at her with eyes filled with mirth, so strikingly similar to his son’s.
As Yi Shui Manor’s eldest daughter returned to her maiden home, bringing with her an infant daughter in swaddling clothes, Master Yi personally led a group of people to greet them at the main gate. From afar, they could see a crowd of figures gathering.
Tan Ci turned to Jiao Jiao. “All these years, I’ve refrained from unsheathing Tan Ci, but I’ve heard whispers rising throughout the Jianghu…”
She glanced lazily at him while rocking their daughter, already understanding his meaning. Her gaze softened, and a faint smile played on her lips.
“Do you think I haven’t heard? These people think my husband’s reluctance to wield the Sword is a sign of weakness and have begun scheming in the shadows. It’s not just you—these years, I’ve stayed by your side, dedicating myself to our two children, and keeping things quiet. But now, Jing’er is still young. In a couple of years, it will be time for our Biling Villa’s heir to make his debut, to show them that Biling is far from fading and that we have successors.”
Jing’er, unfazed, chuckled softly. Raising his head, he said resolutely, “The son of the Tan Ci and Yi Jiao Jiao—how could they… Bah! They’re just a bunch of fools.”
He paused and then added, as if to reassure Jiao Jiao, “Mother, don’t worry. I’ve been diligently practicing my swordsmanship all these years. When the next Yi Shui Sword Duel comes, I’ll win the laurels and present them to you, just as Father once did.”
At his words, her gaze dimmed slightly, but she didn’t let it show. She maintained her bright smile and praised him, “Mother loves Jing’er’s pride and determination. You truly are my son. When you meet your grandfather later, make sure to spar with him.”
Tan Ci watched her radiant smile and noticed nothing amiss. He had always adored her in this state—effortlessly commanding in the face of the world, yet still a woman through and through, standing firmly by his side.
It was for this reason that he had willingly filled Biling Villa with Magnolian blossoms, just like Yi Shui Manor, all to bring a smile to her face.
She was the pride of the Jianghu, the darling pearl of Yi Shui Manor, who had captivated countless heroes. From the day Tan Ci married Jiao Jiao, Tan Ci had silently resolved to spend his life by her side, ensuring she would enjoy the same glory and ease she had in the eighteen years before their marriage.
After all, she was the love of his life.
