A Sword of Frost - Chapter 7

Snow Sealed Mountain (2.2)

Liu Xianxian followed the two at a relative distance and, although she was carrying a huge bag, her footsteps were brisk. She also didn’t seem to care about Yun Yifeng’s indifferent attitude at all. Piao Miao was vast and full of snow, and only in the few hidden places could one or two naked boulders be found. Liu Xianxian stroked the surface of the green-ish stone with her hands and brought it close to her nose —it seemed to carry the extremely faint smell of sulphur and kerosene.　　

…… 

It wasn’t until evening that the group arrived at Shang Xue Pavilion. 

Food and drinks had long been prepared and placed in the conservatory. In addition to the Jin father and son pair, there was another young man dressed like the son of a wealthy family who looked extremely enthusiastic. He claimed to be Yue Mingwei’s nephew, Yue Zhihua. He had come up to Piao Miao on behalf of his uncle in order to entertain all the distinguished guests.　

He smiled and greeted them, “I was just telling Uncle Jin that if Master Yun and Young Master Ji didn’t arrive soon, the food would turn cold. Please take your seats at the table, and Miss Liu as well. Let’s have a drink together.”　　 

“Young Master Qi Ran hasn’t arrived yet?” Yun Yifeng pulled his chair away.

“Ah- he… he is unaccustomed to physical exertion.” Yue Zhihua shook his head, “I heard that my uncle had sent a few skilled martial artists to escort him along the way,but, that sort of fragile scholar… surely, they can’t withstand the wind and snow. I don’t know why he was insistent on coming.”

Ji Yanran said, “Scholars and literati always prefer beautiful sceneries- …Excuse me, Miss Liu?” 

There were obviously many chairs in this room. Why did she have to grab this one from me?　

 Liu Xianxian pretended not to hear him, as she squeezed herself beside Yun Yifeng.

Ji Yanran was quite dissatisfied, “Are all heroines of the pugilistic world as unreasonable as you, Miss Liu?”　　 

“This seat is near the door and the wind is seeping in. Swordsman Ji should find a warmer place to sit.” Liu Xianxian pointed out casually, “I think the seat next to Chief Jin is good.”　　 

Ji Yanran was amused, “Since the seat beside Chief Jin is warm and comfortable, it should naturally be enjoyed by Miss Liu. I just want to sit here.”

Liu Xianxian arched a slender brow,  “Don’t even think about it!”

Yun Yifeng rubbed his brow with one hand. Obviously, the fact that he seemed to be in high demand was troubling. Seeing that the two were still quarreling, he simply picked up his wine cup, his white robe glinting under the light with his movement, and he seated himself between Jin Manlin and Jin Huan before anyone could notice.

It really was quite warm and comfortable.

“Master Yun!” Liu Xianxian smacked her hand on the table, making the wine cups shake from the impact.

“I say, this lady.” Ji Yanran pulled the chair and sat down, “Master Yun is still ill from these past two days’ travel. If he is unable to eat because you’re causing a fuss, he will have coughing fits again at night. If you want to marry someone, you ought to learn to be gentle and considerate. Otherwise you’ll soon become a shrew woman or a bandit. Who would dare marry you.”

“It’s none of your business! I am not marrying you!” Liu Xianxian was reluctant to give in but finally decided to stop, so she picked up her chopsticks and started eating in anger. 　　 

The atmosphere was a little awkward. While refilling the wine cups of the guests, Yue Zhihua said, “Since we are here to enjoy the snow together, it is best to stay calm and relaxed. Otherwise, we will be wasting time instead of appreciating the beautiful scenery. Come now everyone, let’s drink!”

“Where is the guest in Xi Nuan Pavilion?” Yun Yifeng asked.　

“Mu Chengxue?” Upon mentioning the name, Yue Zhihua couldn’t help lowering his voice, “My uncle has told me to not disturb him. I dare not invite him.”　　 

Jin Huan followed up, “On the way up the mountain, my father also mentioned that this Mu person has a weird temper and is very highly skilled in kung fu. Let’s not poke the hornet’s nest.”

Jin Manlin heard the conversation and asked, “Why does Master Yun wish to meet him?”　　 

“I am just curious.” Yun Yifeng smiled, “It’s a rare opportunity to be all together under the same roof. I thought we could have a drink together.”　　 

Jin Huan shook his head again, “I’d rather not meet him. These mercenaries with ambiguous allegiances can only be controlled with money. It would be easier to ascend to heaven than to become friends with them.”　 

“Brother Jin is right.” Yun Yifeng agreed, and served himself a bowl of mutton soup. “Everyone please taste the soup, it has cane sugar added to it and tastes refreshingly sweet.”

When he said this, the lady chef entered the dining room with a food box, a smile graced her face when she heard him, “If the Young Master likes the soup, there is still more in the pot.” She was tall and strong, with nimble limbs —one could tell she was a great worker. She was sent there specially by Yue Mingwei to cook for the guests of Shang Xue Pavilion, and was addressed as ‘Aunt Yu’ by everyone.

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