Chapter Thirty-Four: Reunion of Siblings

Update time: 2013-06-03

When only Meng Yanran and Yue Zhanpeng remained in the hall, neither of them spoke first. Standing two zhang apart, their gazes intertwined longingly, as if trying to etch one another deeply into memory. The hall was silent, save for the sound of their breathing.

So engrossed were they that neither noticed the window on the left side of the hall had been silently opened a crack, nor the four wide, curious, and anxious eyes peering in at them. The spies were none other than Yaoyao and Lianyue, who had found an excuse to return by the same route, with Lanshui following behind, unable to rest easy about Lianyue.

No one knew how much time passed. Lianyue’s legs had grown numb from standing, yet her parents inside remained locked in their silent exchange. She glanced at the already bored Yaoyao and was just about to suggest leaving when, at last, there was movement within.

“Ayue…” Yue Zhanpeng opened his arms to Meng Yanran, his voice brimming with affection.

Meng Yanran rushed to him, throwing herself into the embrace that awaited her. Her tears instantly soaked his robes.

Yue Zhanpeng held her tightly, a profound sense of happiness—of regaining what was lost—filling his chest.

Lianyue wiped her tears with a small hand, dragging the still-curious, unwilling Yaoyao away from the window, leaving space for the two inside.

When Lianyue judged they were far enough, she released Yaoyao’s hand. At once, Yaoyao turned to return to the window, but Lanshui blocked her way.

Though Yaoyao had never seen Lanshui fight, instinct warned her this was someone of unusual skill. Unwilling to give up, she protested, “Sister Yue, no one saw us. Why can’t we watch a little longer? It’s bound to get even more interesting!”

Lianyue was utterly defeated by Yaoyao’s insatiable curiosity, but she would not allow her parents to be spied upon. Inspiration struck, and she quickly changed the topic. “Yaoyao, take me to see my eldest brother and sister, then we’ll go find your senior brother. Don’t you want to see their reunion?”

Sure enough, Yaoyao’s curiosity shifted at once. She looked back toward the council chamber, made a quick comparison in her mind, and decisively chose Lianyue’s proposal. Impatiently, she grabbed Lianyue’s hand and broke into a run. “Let’s hurry… Come on, faster! This way…”

Fortunately, Lianyue was in good shape. Though not a martial arts expert, she managed to keep pace with Yaoyao, and Lanshui, of course, was never left behind.

Yaoyao led Lianyue through a winding path to a cluster of courtyards, where she seized a passing disciple. “Quick, tell me which courtyard the pretty guest from before is staying in!”

The disciple pointed to the left. “The third one from the left.”

Yaoyao immediately understood, pulling the slightly breathless Lianyue with her once more. Lianyue now felt like crying in frustration.

At last, they reached a small courtyard, slowed to a brisk walk, and entered. Lanshui followed Lianyue like a shadow.

Upon entering, Lianyue saw Qingluan standing in the center of the courtyard and was slightly surprised, expecting her brother to be there as well. But Qingluan made no announcement; instead, she stepped forward.

Qingluan bowed and reported, “Miss, the Young Miss and Young Master have gone to visit the Hidden Clan’s young master. They left me here to wait for you, and ask you to join them when you return.”

Before Lianyue could respond, Yaoyao exclaimed in alarm, “What, they’re already there?” She immediately tried to pull Lianyue along. “Let’s go, or we’ll miss all the excitement…”

They had passed Meng Chuchen’s courtyard earlier, so Lianyue remembered the way and needed no urging; her pace quickened.

Truth be told, Lianyue’s heart was uneasy. Since her earliest memories, her eldest sister and brother had always doted on her—she was their greatest treasure. Though she had mentioned in the hall that Meng Yanran’s every word and action confirmed Meng Chuchen was also their brother, she couldn’t be sure what her siblings would do. After all, this twin brother of hers had once abducted her. Lianyue prayed there would be no conflict between them. Her anxiety made her feet fly even faster; Yaoyao struggled to keep up and shot her a surprised look, but when she saw Lianyue’s footwork, realization dawned on her face.

Unlike Yaoyao’s understanding, Lanshui behind them was simply delighted.

But Lianyue’s worry proved completely groundless. When she burst into the familiar room, she found a different scene.

Meng Chuchen, still pale, half-reclined on a warm jade bed. Lianyu sat at the bedside, holding his hand and chattering on, while Yue Lingjun sat quietly on a nearby chair. Qingfeng stood beside him, both acting as attentive listeners.

At the commotion, all three turned their gaze to Lianyue, who spun about twice, quickly masking her surprise and asked awkwardly, “You…”

Lianyu laughed lightly and teased, “Jun’er, look at Yue’s expression. It’s as if she’s afraid we’ll do something to this little brother.”

Yue Lingjun nodded in mock heartbreak. “Big Sister’s right—now I’m jealous…”

Lianyue realized she’d been overly anxious, and, embarrassed by their teasing, protested coquettishly, “Big Sister, Big Brother…”

The others laughed as well, especially Yaoyao, who bent over in an unrestrained fit of mirth.

Lianyue pouted in protest. “Big Sister…”

“All right, all right, no more laughing,” Lianyu waved her over. “Come, Yue, sit with Big Sister.”

Seeing the smile fade from her sister’s face, Lianyue hurried over and nestled into her arms. She met Meng Chuchen’s ambiguous gaze and felt helpless. She realized that, within a certain distance, their special connection worked perfectly—he could read her every thought, and she could sense the subtle changes in his heart. Just now, as she entered, she had felt his emotional warmth and happiness.

“Big Sister Yue, are you and Senior Brother Chuchen really siblings?” Yaoyao, who had somehow ended up at the bedside, asked with wide-eyed curiosity.

Lianyue was exasperated. She was certain Yaoyao was feigning ignorance—she clearly knew everything but always pretended otherwise, purely to satisfy her boundless curiosity. She’d done the same in the council hall, and now again. The first couple of times, Lianyue hadn’t noticed, but after a while, she’d seen through it. Remembering Yaoyao’s exaggerated laughter at the door, she was sure it was intentional.

“Yaoyao, just now you were laughing so loudly at the door—what was so funny?” Lianyue deliberately drew out the words.

Yaoyao froze, then puzzledly replied, “Laughing? Oh, nothing. Everyone was laughing, so I just laughed too!”

Just as she’d guessed. Lianyue felt a chill run through her. To be fair, aside from Meng Chuchen, who was long accustomed to it, everyone else in the room was left dizzy by Yaoyao’s words.

“What’s wrong with all of you? Why are you looking at me like that?” Yaoyao asked, touching her face. “Is there something on my face?”

Utterly defeated, the group tacitly shifted the topic.

“Big Sister, isn’t this bed beautiful?”

“Chuchen, does your wound still hurt?”

“Mmm… This chair is really comfortable…”

Even Lanshui, who had been silent, began looking around, while Qingfeng and Qingluan seemed to have their souls drawn to the tips of their shoes.

Fortunately, Meng Chuchen deftly brought the conversation back on track. “Yaoyao, did you just drag Lianyue off to spy?”

Yaoyao grinned sheepishly and changed the subject. “Senior Brother, are you feeling better?”

Lianyue gave Chuchen a thumbs-up, then asked what was on her mind. “Big Sister, Big Brother, how did you end up here? I had to run around half the place to find you.”

Lianyu tapped Lianyue’s forehead. “Why? Chuchen is your brother, and not ours? Shouldn’t we come see him too?”

“Big Sister, didn’t you notice? Yue was so anxious because she was afraid we’d bully this little brother…” Yue Lingjun added, mischievously fanning the flames.

Exposed, Lianyue was embarrassed, but still tried to deny it. “Not at all…”

“Alright, I know what you’re thinking. Don’t worry, your twin brother is nearly recovered; he just needs rest. As for believing he’s truly our brother, you needn’t worry—ever since Jun’er cut his own wrist, we were convinced. Silly girl, you don’t need to fret!”

Lianyue nuzzled into Lianyu’s arms, acting spoiled. “Big Sister…”

“Oh, enough, enough! I surrender, can’t stand your pouting,” Lianyu gave in. “Jun’er, let’s go, and give these two some space to explore their special connection.”

“Big Sister, how do you know about that?” Lianyue blurted, then looked at the bed, realization dawning at the calm on Chuchen’s face.

“You get it now. Alright, you two carry on. We’re leaving,” Lianyu said, standing to go. Yue Lingjun rose as well, nodded to Chuchen, and followed her out. At the door, he turned to remind Lianyue, “Don’t stay too long, Yue. Chuchen is still injured and needs to rest.”