A Sword of Frost - Chapter 9

Snow Sealed Mountain (2.4)

He had a nice voice and a gentle smile. While sitting on the small bench, on a snowy mid-winter day, he looked loveable and well-behaved —naturally, grannies and aunties were pleased by his presence. As Aunt Yu cooked, she would put the good stuff into a bowl for him. She only allowed him to leave after being stuffed full. Shortly after, lunch was distributed to the various courtyards. Yun Yifeng stood in the cloister, looking at snow-covered red plum trees, and said, “Please eat, Your Highness. I’m not hungry.”

Ji Yanran complained, “Why is Aunt Yu reluctant to give me a jar of fruit preserves?”

Yun Yifeng said, “It is mostly likely because people from the pugilistic world, like you, are brusque men who drink hard liquor and eat braised meat. First, there is no respect for good cooking, and Second, there is no appreciation for good cooking. It is not worth it to waste good ingredients. Everyone is looking for a bosom friend, and so is the chef.”

Ji Yanran had no words to refute, and then asked, “Does Master Yun have such a ‘bosom’ friend?”

A turquoise skirt swept through the door, Yun Yifeng quickly slid two steps back without changing his expression.

Liu Xianxian came in carrying the food box, “Master Yun!”

Ji Yanran raised his index finger, “Hush.”

“Why did you shush me?” Liu Xianxian was puzzled, “Why are you hogging the food? What about Master Yun?”

“Master Yun is not eating.” Ji Yanran lowered his voice, “If he eats too much, he’ll become fat.”

Liu Xianxian, “…”

“How do you think Master Yun came to have a waist so thin that it elicits tender affection from others?” Ji Yanran curled his hands to make a small circle, “It all came out of hunger.” As he said this, his eyes fell on Liu Xianxian’s waist with a meaningful expression. He deserved a good beating.

The swordswoman had to wear a padded cotton jacket, since it was dead cold in mid-winter. Wrapped in such a thick layer, it looked like she could go against two Master Yuns with her stature. Liu Xianxian became angry and raised her hand to hit Ji Yanran. The two of them rushed out of the Piaopiao Pavilion in a ruckus, startling Yun Yifeng who was also in the room. The Jin father and son, who were chatting by the side, were also baffled when they saw the fighting pair. They watched as the two fought from the roof to the courtyard, almost knocking down the weak scholar who had just entered.

“Brother Qi.” Jin Huan hurriedly stepped forward to support him, “Are you all right?”

“It’s okay.” Qi Ran was still in shock, “When I looked up, I saw a dark figure rushing towards me and I thought it was a group of martial artists fighting again.”

Ji Yanran cupped his hands in greatting, “It was Miss Liu who sought my advice. I didn’t mean to knock into Young Master Qi. Pardon me.”

“Swordsman Ji, you’re too serious.” Qi Ran smiled and waved his hand. “Please continue to swap pointers with each other. It wasn’t easy but I finally climbed up the mountain. I am very tired, so I will go back to my room to rest.”

Jin Huan said enthusiastically, “White Plum Pavilion is a little far away, I’m afraid it’s hard to find. I’ll show Brother Qi the way.”

After they left, Liu Xianxian harrumped and turned away. Ji Yanran returned to their residence alone. Yun Yifeng held a cup of osmanthus-and-pear preserves tea in both hands, “You both had a clash?”

“It was a little girl just playing around.” Ji Yanran said, “But, I discovered something that… can not really be called a discovery yet. Just now, when Miss Liu descended to the ground, Qi Ran and his little servant came through the door. Although he seemed to stagger in his steps, he avoided Miss Liu in a flash, without batting an eye, as if he knew kung fu.”

“Really?” Yun Yifeng put down his tea cup, “Who else was there?”

“The Jin father and son were also there, but they were far away. I don’t know if they have any clues about it.” Ji Yanran sat beside him, “What do you think?”

“There are six young masters in the Qi family. Qi Ran ranks third. He is neither at the top nor at the bottom. But he is the son of a concubine, so his position at home is somewhat embarrassing.” Yun Yifeng said, “People say that he is a nerd, but I have never heard of him knowing kung fu.”

Ji Yanran nodded. In a big house, it was not surprising that an unloved son would want to protect himself by secretly learning kung fu. However, since Mu Chengxue was staying in Piao Miao, anyone there could be connected to the relic. Exercising extra caution never hurt anyone.

The sky had been dark the whole day. Qi Ran slept in the White Plum Pavilion for six hours, so his welcome dinner was cancelled. As usual, Aunt Yu brought the dinner to the residence. As she was leaving, she remembered to tell Yun Yifeng that there would be a blizzard at night, and not to run amok. 

Ji Yanran asked, “Isn’t the snow now heavy?”　　 

Aunt Yu said with a smile, “This kind of weather is very common in the Northeast, so it’s not considered heavy. Once the real blizzard turns up even the beams of the farmers’ houses can collapse, if it doesn’t clear up in time. Now, that is scary.”

“Ah.” Yun Yifeng nodded, “Thank you Auntie for reminding us. We will stay in the room and not go anywhere tonight.”　　

In the middle of the night, a sharp loud noise pierced through everyone’s sleep.　　　　 

Yun Yifeng turned over and sat up, grasping the hilt of the sword with his left hand. It took him a long time to realize that it was just the wind.

From the deep mountains… From the icy sea… The sonorous roar exploded at the top of Piao Miao like thunder. 

Swan feather-like snow swirled wildly everywhere, as if it were dyeing everything in the world pure white.　　

The heavy snow sealed the whole mountain.　

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