A Sword of Frost - Chapter 8

Snow Sealed Mountain (2.3)

The food box contained a plate of desserts, layered and stacked into a lotus shape, accompanied by the fragrance of tea and honey. Yun Yifeng curiously asked, “Is this stuffing made with Jinding snow from Emei Mountain mixed with acacia honey? This method of cooking is rare.”　　 

Aunt Yu was happy to hear that, “So, the Young Master is a gourmet.”　 

“I only know a little about food, I can’t say that I’m an expert.” Yun Yifeng said modestly, and then continued, “There are so many of us here and with so many meals… It will be hard on Auntie over the next few days. “

“Not at all, it’s much easier here than down the mountain.” Aunt Yu wiped her hands on her apron, and said with a smile, “Everyone, enjoy your food. I have to go back to the kitchen and make tea for the guest in Xi Nuan Pavilion.”　　　　 

“Auntie.” Yun Yifeng called to her, “The guest of Xi Nuan Pavilion, is he easy to get along with?”

“Yes, he is.” Aunt Yu said, “The guest is a man of few words. All day long, either he sleeps, or stays in the ambulatory to enjoy the snow and drink tea. He is quiet. It’s just that his appetite is too small. He doesn’t eat much rice, nor does he eat meat or fish.”　　 

Jin Huan interrupted, “It’s not surprising that a mercenary would be most concerned about his body condition. If he overindulges in good food, he may lose his life.”　　 

Ji Yanran leisurely said, “A mercenary can’t be fat, and neither can a young lady. Otherwise, how could you marry the fairy-esque Master Yun?” 

Liu Xianxian’s face stiffened, as she dumped the pig trotter back into the bowl. 　　

Yun Yifeng couldn’t decide if he should laugh or cry. Knowing that the person opposite him had a tendency to continue talking nonsense, Yun Yifeng gave him a kick under the table as a warning to stop. 　　

His Royal Highness Prince Xiao’s face suddenly became solemn, and his calf was aching.　　 

After the meal, everyone returned to their rooms. The residence of Yun Yifeng and Ji Yanran was a small two-story building called Piaopiao Pavilion, which was very close to Xi Nuan Pavilion —If one stood on the roof of Piaopiao Pavilion, one could look into the quiet small courtyard covered by white snow.

Yun Yifeng asked, “Your Highness intends to only keep an eye on Mu Chengxue and not do anything else?”　　 

“We should avoid alerting the target with the investigation. Not to mention, Mu Chengxue is very vigilant.” Ji Yanran said, “If I head straight for Xi Nuan Pavilion, I’m afraid he will leave the mountain tonight.”　　

While the two were conversing in the room, the raging wind outside caused the door to bang against the doorframe. It’s deep howling seemed to overturn the entire building. Yun Yifeng stood by the window and asked, “Have you ever seen such a strong wind before?”　 

“I haven’t been to the Northeast during this season, but I have lived in Yan City in the Northwest for many years.” Ji Yanran said, “The wind in the desert is also very strong, and sometimes it can cause yellow sand to cover the sky.”　　 

The light in his eyes dimmed slightly and, remembering the various rumors about the prince among the people, Yun Yifeng didn’t say much.

“It’s late, Master Yun should rest early.” Ji Yanran said, “If anything happens, I will be next door.”　　 

Yun Yifeng nodded and watched him return to his room.　　 

The cold wind that evening made the sky a little bit gloomy.　　 

The candle on the table went out. Someone was sitting at the table, wiping a dagger.　　 

The blade was as thin as a cicada’s wings, and it could make a cut so thin that it was invisible to the eye while still making the victim bleed out.

……　　

At noon the next day, Yun Yifeng slipped into the kitchen alone, as Aunt Yu was preparing lunch. She smiled when she saw him and took out the freshly steamed taro cake from the basket to give to him, along with a small pot of sweet-scented osmanthus and autumn pear preserves, which were good for the throat when brewed with water.　

Yun Yifeng declined and said, “It is extremely difficult to obtain linden honey from the top of the cliff, I can’t possibly accept.”

“Young Master knows that the ingredients are precious, so he’s different from other guests.” Aunt Yu turned up the fire again, “These sweet-scented osmanthus preserves… I have been pickling for the whole autumn, most people cannot tell the properties of this drink. They will only treat it as honeyed water that quenches their thirst.”　　 

Yun Yifeng raised the corners of his mouth: “Thank you Auntie, I will keep it safe.”

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