People under the umbrella

  Another night falls, and on the wall of Yuan's house, a yellow paper umbrella is propped up. The spring rain is as fine as silk, reluctant to stop, and the raindrops on the tip of the umbrella become falling pearls, big and small, forming a line.

  Under the big yellow paper umbrella sat two people, one red and one white. Whether viewed from the front or back, this was a great picture, with some of the beauty of "one umbrella, one couple". However, what they were doing at that moment was not very beautiful.

  Because they were eavesdropping at the corner of the wall.

  The sound of the rain disturbed the voice in the room, but the martial artist's hearing was much better than ordinary people. Through the gap between the late peach trees, the candlelight in the house flickered, and a loving couple was still whispering to each other.

  Yan Sanbai felt a bit awkward, so he kept staring at the branch of peach blossoms on that tree to pass the time. Li Yan was also quite silent tonight, and it wasn't until after a long while that he heard him say, "Thank you."

  "Huh?" Yan Sanbai turned his head in confusion.

  "You could have settled the case during the day, but you gave me so much extra time, and now you're still here with me." Li Yan's starry eyes stared straight into Yan Sanbai's, making him pause for a moment before responding, "I'm the one investigating the case, what are you talking about accompanying me?"

  Two people stared at each other, eye to eye.

  Just after saying a few words, Yan Sanbai felt extremely embarrassed. Looking at each other was his usual method, because it could very well distinguish whether the other party was lying or not, and it was also a courtesy. In the past, Yan Sanbai would never feel embarrassed, because he was very open-minded, only the other party would be looked at by him in a daze and turn red to turn their head away.

  But this time...

  Yan Sanbai thought that this was probably because the two of them were leaning too close together. One umbrella, although it was very large, but in order to avoid getting wet, they had to lean in close, so the two of them stood shoulder to shoulder, feeling each other's body heat on this cold night.

  Yan Sanbai thought to turn his head, wanting to do so very calmly and naturally, if he let his own awkwardness make Li Yan also feel awkward, it would be really too awkward.

  But Li Yan immediately said another sentence, which made him unable to calm down.

  "If you were a girl, I would take you back to the palace and Grandmother would be delighted. That way, she wouldn't keep urging me to find a queen every year."

  Yan Sanbai was greatly embarrassed and said, "Your Highness, please don't make fun of me like this."

  "Does the king look like he's joking?" Li Yan smiled and said: "You're so handsome, if you were a girl, you'd definitely be a stunning beauty, with high martial arts skills, great literary talent, and being gentle and considerate. Who wouldn't want to marry you? I'm afraid that if we set up a stage, all the young talents of the entire Zhou Dynasty would fight over you."

  "Prince Wang, I can get angry too." Yan Sanbai was helpless, but no matter how angry he appeared to be, in Li Yan's eyes, it didn't have any persuasive power.

  Looking at the eyes that widened in embarrassment, Li Yan suddenly wanted to reach out and touch his face, a surge of impulse rising from the bottom of his heart. He was a person who thought about something and then went to do it, enjoying life, so his hand almost reached out as soon as the idea was born.

  But at this moment, Yan Sanbai happened to turn his head, and that handsome face slipped away from Li Yan's hand, leaving only the black hair behind his ear silently slipping through Li Yan's fingertips.

  Yan Sanbai sensed something was off and turned his head back to see Li Yan rubbing his fingers together, which made him feel suspicious. "Just now..."

  "It's nothing." Li Yan withdrew his hand.

  Yan Sanbai was still suspicious, but he didn't ask any more questions. Talking to Li Yan often put him in such an awkward situation. Although he had a heart that wasn't moved by fame or wealth, it was better to avoid challenging situations whenever possible. As Yan Sanbai thought this, Li Yan asked again: "Does Brother Yan have a red-skirted confidante?"

  "This question is quite sudden, Yan Sanbai paused for a moment, 'Why ask this?'"

  "That day you heard the pipa sound, as if it was deeply moving."

  "Oh...... yeah." Yan Sanbai indeed lived up to his reputation as a honest and kind young man, directly nodding in acknowledgement.

  Li Yan's eyes narrowed slightly, but a smile played on his lips as he asked, "Who is she?"

  Yan Sanbai was oblivious to his expression, his gaze passing through the rain curtain, as if drifting away to a distant past. Lost in thought, a warm smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, "Her name is Su Mei, she plays the pipa exceptionally well, in my opinion, no one in this world can compare, but I'm sure you wouldn't know her, Your Highness."

  "Oh? Then she must be very pretty too?"

  Yan Sanbai recalled the delicate profile that was shrouded in dust, and although he knew about the terrifying scars on the other half of her face, he still nodded affirmatively, "Yes, she's beautiful."

  Li Yan inexplicably felt a pang in his heart, and the rain before him suddenly became annoying. "Brother Yan is not young either, when will he marry this Miss Su?"

  However, Yan Sanbai suddenly fell silent and didn't speak for a long time. Li Yan noticed something was off and asked: "What's wrong?"

  Yan Sanbai finally spoke up, his soft voice drifting out far away in the rain.

  "She has been dead for many years."

  Li Yan didn't expect it to be this kind of answer, the heart block from before instantly dissipated, but his mood wasn't very good either. Although he knew that the woman was already dead, Li Yan's curiosity about her increased even more, what kind of person was she, that could make Yan Sanbai remember her forever?

  But he was afraid of touching Yan Sanbai's sore spot, so after saying "sorry", he didn't ask further.

  Yan Sanbai smiled and said, "Her death has nothing to do with you, why should you apologize. Actually... you two have something in common."

  Similar, "where?"

  Yan Sanbai rubbed his nose, "Forced me to eat."

  "Haha......" Li Yan couldn't help but smile wryly, "Nobody is perfect, indeed. In this regard, even a three-year-old can do better than you."

  The topic changed, and the atmosphere between them suddenly became much lighter. Neither of them wanted to bring up those heavy topics again, so they casually chatted about trivial matters, passing the night like this.

  Until the spring rain finally stopped, a faint white light appeared on the horizon. A figure hastily rushed over from the Wang Manor, handing each of them a cloak to keep warm. Their eyes were filled with concern, but their mouth complained: "Can't someone else do this? Why did you two really stay up all night? Yan Daxia, why are you also following my king and causing trouble?"

  Ling's complaints are actually not wrong at all. It was still raining last night, and if it reaches the Empress Dowager's ears, she will scold people to death.

  Yan Sanbai and Li Yan exchanged a glance, neither of them speaking.

  Everything, big or small, once done must bear the consequences. The one responsible for investigating the case was Yan Sanbai, he had to ensure that nothing unexpected would happen in that room last night, and with his serious personality, he wouldn't be at ease leaving it to others. And Li Yan, Yan Sanbai could somewhat understand his feelings - this might be the last thing he could do for his old friend Qin Sang.

  As for what unexpected events will occur?

  It's just like now.

  Yan Sanbai's eyes were constantly paying attention to the movements in the house, and the two of them had already gotten up. Yuan Yiqing knew that he couldn't shake their decision, so he planned to treat Xiaoyue well during these few days and make her happy. So early in the morning, he got out of bed, wanting to take Xiaoyue to Lingjue Temple to pray. They met there, and their fate began from there.

  Xiao Yue's feet were still wearing ankle chains, clinking and clanking, as she sat gently on the bedside, watching her busy lover.

  Yuanyi Qing was busy bringing over hot water to wash her face, and then handing her a comb to brush her hair. The two people's gazes would occasionally meet, and fate would be sealed at the point where their eyes met, leaving a beautiful mark like cinnabar.

  The room was filled with warmth and affection, the chill of the morning was shut out, and in each other's eyes, it seemed as if only the other person existed.

  Yuanyi Qing stood behind Xiaoyue, putting a new hairpin on her. He couldn't help but let hot tears fall onto his own hand. He quickly wiped them away, and Xiaoyue seemed to sense something and turned around to hug him, "Don't cry, don't be sad, we won't be apart."

  "What nonsense are you talking about? Don't comfort me anymore..." Yuan Yi Qing also hugged her emotionally, feeling more and more heartache.

  "How can this be comforting? Don't you want to be with me forever?" Little Moon gazed at him dazedly, reaching out to stroke his cheek.

  "I thought so, but..."

  "There's no but, we'll be together forever, never to part. Little Moon smiled faintly, and the clear face with rouge suddenly showed a few shades of color, those pale fingers gently stroking her lover's face, saying: 'Hey, you won't leave me, will you, Dong Lang?'"

  Yuan Yi was lost in her gaze, subconsciously nodding, but in an instant, he suddenly felt something was off, "Dong, Dong Lang? Xiao Yue, did you make a mistake..."

  "How could it be? Aren't you Dong Lang?" Little Moon lightly laughed.

  Dong Lang's name was too loud, and Yuan Yi had already sweated cold sweat on his forehead. He didn't know why Xiaoyue would suddenly say that. He dared not think about the worst-case scenario. "Xiaoyue, what's wrong with you? Are you uncomfortable? Why don't you sleep for a while?"

  Xiao Yue clutched his hand and suddenly tightened her grip, she leaned her head on Yuan Yi Qing's shoulder, her pale hand gently stroking his back. "I'm fine, don't worry, don't be afraid, we'll soon be together forever, forever..."

  Xiao Yue's voice was extremely gentle, with a hint of laughter, but Yuan Yi Qing's heart suddenly felt a chill, as if her smile hid some other meaning. He hurriedly tried to stand up, but Xiao Yue's arms had already tightly wrapped around him, warm and gentle, yet also deadly.

  "Dong Lang, what's going on? Are you also thinking of leaving me?" A hint of coldness suddenly crept into Xiaoyue's voice.

  "Xiao Yue, calm down!"

  "Listen, you've been calling my name wrong all along." Xiaoyue suddenly laughed again, "Donglang, hey, what do I call?"

  "Xiao Yue? Xiao Yue, what's wrong with you? Don't scare me...!" Yuan Yi Qing's heart was in a panic, he tried to pull Xiao Yue away, he wanted to immediately go find a doctor, to see what was wrong with Xiao Yue. However, Xiao Yue's pale arm was like two iron bars tightly wrapped around him, bursting out with unimaginable strength.

  Yuan Yi Qing suddenly felt a sharp pain in his back, and the soft voice sounded again in his ear, "Good boy, Dong Lang don't be afraid, it will be okay soon..."

  Yuan Yi Qing was greatly shocked, "No, don't!"

  But at this moment, Xiao Yue's eyes were already filled with a crazy color, the silver light of the knife shining in her eyes, she looked at the blade piercing through her clothes and squeezing out fresh blood, and a hint of joy and relief flowed out of her eyes.

  "Hahaha......" She burst out laughing, tears streaming down her face, laughing as if she were crying.

  Yuan Yi Qing was also heartbroken at this moment, he never thought it would become like this, he was shocked, terrified, but more want to ask - why?!

  The blade was slowly piercing the flesh on his back, and Yuan Yiqing felt a sharp pain that seemed to pierce straight into his heart. He couldn't tell whether it was the knife or Xiaoyue that brought him this pain. He even forgot to shout for help, struggling futilely, crying out to ask her why.

  Xiao Yue suddenly softened, paused for a moment, and wiped away his tears with her blood-stained hand. "Don't cry, it'll be okay soon. Don't you want to be with me? Let's be together, okay?"

  Yuan Yi Qing's heart turned to ashes in an instant.

  Suddenly, a stone flew through the air and hit the dagger in Xiaoyue's hand with a "ding" sound. Xiaoyue's face changed, and she quickly reached out to pick it up, but a red figure appeared in front of her, blocking her way.

  "Stop it," he said.

  Xiao Yue tightly hugged Yuan Yi Qing, looked up at him and said in a cold voice: "Let go."

  "If you still consider me a friend, then stop immediately." Li Yan's voice was equally cold, "Does it feel good to use those hands that play the piano to kill people?!"

  "What's the difference?!" Xiaoyue's eyes suddenly became somewhat hysterical, "Only you aristocrats would think that these hands can only be used for playing the piano and other elegant things. How do you know I play the piano just to entertain those disgusting men?! What's the difference between killing someone and playing the piano?!"

  "Yes." Li Yan replied without hesitation, his gaze level with hers, as if he could see into her heart. "Killing people will get you executed. Playing the zither, I can still save you. You met me three years ago, you should be clear that you can take a different path."

  What Li Yan couldn't accept wasn't the fact that the murderer was her, but rather that all of this could have been avoided. However, she didn't say anything and even refused Li Yan's help, leading to the current situation.

  Li Yanming had the ability to save her, but now he can't do anything. He hoped she would turn back in the end, but the result was just the opposite of what he hoped for.

  Upon hearing this, Xiaoyue's eyes finally softened a bit. She smiled and said: "Yes, you are my only friend. I know you've always wanted to help me, and you're the only one who truly acknowledges me in your heart. But what does that matter? You're not Donglang, no matter how good you are, it's still of no benefit to me."

  Yuan Yiqing was stunned, watching everything in a daze. At first, he couldn't understand what they were saying, but when Li Ye arrived, it meant he was saved! However, now that Yuan Yiqing had finally understood the meaning behind their words, the joy that had just been born instantly vanished.

  He turned his head with difficulty towards Xiaoyue, ignoring the wound on his back, and asked in a hoarse voice: "Are you... Qin Sang?"

  Qin Sang gave him a smile, with a hint of reproach in her words, "Really, Dong Lang, don't you recognize me?"

  Yuanyi Qing looked at her, woodenly, as if something inside him was rapidly collapsing. He suddenly shook his head, half-crying and half-laughing, refusing to accept this fact, "No, no way! Qin Sang is already dead! She's already dead! Why are you lying? Tell me, why?!"

  Yuanyi Qingyong grasped Qin Sang's shoulder with a fierce grip, his eyes filled with hatred. But Qin Sang still looked at him dazedly, "Dong Lang, from the very beginning it was me, have you forgotten? We made a promise to each other under the mountain and by the sea, I even used my original appearance to test you, and you rejected me for me, I'm really so happy, so happy..."

  "How could I have known something like this?! Yuan Yi Qing was going crazy, last night she was still in his arms, how could things change to this today?"

  Suddenly, a hand landed on his shoulder, and the warm power from the palm calmed him down miraculously. He turned around to see that Yan Sanbai had also walked in.

  He grasped Yan Sanbai's arm tightly, as if he had seen a lifesaver. "Lord Yan, tell me, what is going on? Why is this happening? Where is my little Yuemei?"

  "Xiao Yue she..." Yan Sanbai hesitated and stopped speaking.

  "She thought she could steal you from me, of course I would kill her. I only used her name to meet with you, but she dared to try and replace me. For three years, I treated her so well, she knew how important you were to me, yet she repaid me like this, it's simply a death sentence."

  As she spoke, Qin Sang burst out laughing again, her expression naturally changing, as if she was crazy. "Dong Lang, from the very beginning, there was no Xiaoyue, the one you loved has always been me... touch your own heart and ask yourself, do you love me?"

  "No, I don't know... Don't ask me, I don't know..."

  She took another step back, and Yuan Yiqing's tenderness from yesterday had turned into a heart-wrenching ache. He felt his mind was in disarray, the pain from the wound on his back piercing through, making it hard for him to distinguish reality from illusion. He looked at Xiaoyue, no, it was Qin Sang, and her crazed expression seemed as terrifying as that of a female ghost.

  Qin Sang saw the fear in his eyes, but she still stubbornly walked towards him, stretching out her hand. However, as she took a step closer, he retreated one step back.

  Yuanyi Qing's retreat was like a trample on her heart, shattering it, and the infatuated eyes that were once full of passion also became dispirited. She trembled as she asked: "Dong Lang, don't you want me again?"

  All the past events will be revealed ~ Have you found out Qin Sang's attribute? ~~

  Yesterday, I didn't update, don't know if it's because of the curse of Yan Wang Ye, all documents and audio-visual materials collapsed!!!!!! Nothing left!!!!! Author is hitting his head on the ground!!!!!!! Only at this time will he be extremely grateful to himself! No draft saved!!!!!

  Insert Bookmark