Qinhuai's Sights and Pleasures, a Song of Wu's Sorrow; When the Song Ends, Parting Comes, Unaware of the Cold (I)

Yangzhou, Zhong Mountain.

The mountain is not high, but it occupies a strategic position. It borders the Qinhuai, looks towards Jinling to the west, connects to Guangling to the north, and controls the Three Wu to the south.

At the summit of the mountain stands a platform called Zhong Terrace. From the top, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the misty waters and romantic scenery of Jinling Qinhuai.

Ye Jinyu stood on the Zhong Terrace, gazing at the Qinhuai River winding like a ribbon below.

The river was dotted with painted boats, brightly lit. The sounds of string and wind instruments drifted on the wind, and the melodious singing of the beautiful singer Xianxiu could be faintly heard.

Restaurants and markets lined both sides of the river, with beautiful women in red sleeves fluttering in the breeze, and people of all kinds living together, creating an atmosphere of peace and prosperity.

"The beauty of Qinhuai, the charm of Zhong Hui," Ye Jinyu murmured.

Behind him, Ye Jinming, Ye Anlan, and the others flattered him with smiles, saying, "Young Master has been on Zhong Mountain since arriving in Yangzhou, and hasn't yet had the chance to see and experience the night view of the Qinhuai?"

"Why doesn't the young master take this opportunity to gain some insights tonight? If you only focus on cultivation, isn't it all for power, fame, and your own desires?"

If one cannot see the beauty of this world and the joys of life, what is the meaning of life?

Ye Jinyu smiled upon hearing this, a slight ripple stirring within her heart.

Looking at the Qinhuai River, the lights on both banks are dim, and the painted boats are gorgeous.

"The powerful and corrupt officials in the court are extravagant and incompetent, while the scholars are indulging in refined and decadent pursuits; the world is in decline. Very good, very good."

"The Guangling San of Jianghuai in the past, today I compose the Melody of Sorrow in the Three Wu; the sorrow of Wu is now replaced by the joy of freedom, haha."

Upon hearing this, Ye Jinming discerned a deeper meaning and smiled at the young master, saying, "There are countless paths to cultivation, but not everyone can ascend to the Great Dao and achieve fame and fortune. Let's just enjoy the moment and be merry for today."

"Wine, women, wealth, fame, and fortune; scions Aristocratic Clan noble families and immortal clans; prodigies of sects; court officials; and those... rogue Rogue Cultivator who come seeking advancement."

Then, Ye Jinming lowered his voice and said.

"Fourth Master (Ye Zhanxin) said there's a banquet tonight. Since the young master is in Yangzhou, it's important to maintain good relationships. These people will be useful in the future."

Ye Jinyu smiled.

"I don't have any kind of mental fastidiousness. The world is just a play; if I don't enter the world, who will?"

"No matter how you look at it, even in the mortal world, there are different classes, and what is casually tossed aside is something that ordinary people can only dream of."

A quiet night at Zhong Mountain Courtyard.

The villa covers a vast area, with pavilions scattered throughout and winding paths leading to secluded spots. In the center of the courtyard, a clear stream meanders through, its banks lined with tall bamboos whose swaying shadows are reflected in the water, creating a unique and charming scene.

Today, the main gate of the villa is wide open.

Hundreds of guests filed in, including scions of the Aristocratic Clan, elders of sects, government officials, and renowned Rogue Cultivator.

Everyone was impeccably dressed and exuded an air of refinement.

Ye Jinyu stood in the central courtyard, her white robes spotless, her beauty radiant. Her hair was tied up with a jade hairpin, her features clear and bright, her demeanor composed and serene, and a smile on her face added a touch of gentle warmth.

"Young Master Ye!"

I've heard so much about you!

"Young Master Ye is a prodigy, ranking seventh on the Hidden Dragon Rankings —a well-deserved honor!"

Ye Jinyu returned the greetings one by one, her demeanor and etiquette were impeccable, revealing no hidden thoughts.

The guests took their seats, and a banquet was set up by the stream. The winding stream flowed with wine cups, a scene of refined elegance.

A dazzling array of delicacies were laid out before them, and elegant maids in flowing robes moved gracefully among the guests, serving wine and dishes.

Ye Jinming, who seemed more like a steward, walked over and stood behind Ye Jinyu, whispering, "Today, almost all the prominent figures and nobles from Yangzhou Huainan have come."

The man in purple is Huainan Purple Mansion, the Aristocratic Clan of the Gu Household family, Gu Yongshi clan in Huainan. The white-bearded elder is the foremost Rogue Cultivator in Guangling, known as the Guangling Qingke." The young man is Lu Ji, the eldest son of the Lu Household of Wu Commandery...

Ye Jinyu nodded, her gaze sweeping over them one by one.

Suddenly, he noticed someone sitting in the corner.

The man was dressed simply, in a long blue cloth robe, and sat alone by the stream. He neither spoke to anyone nor drank or ate, but simply gazed at the water in silence.

"Who is that?" Ye Jinyu asked.

Ye Jinming glanced at it, frowned slightly, recalled a few things, and replied.

"He's probably a poor, Rogue Cultivator, his name should be Yu Liang. I don't know how he got in, he's probably a retainer of some Aristocratic Clan."

Ye Jinyu nodded and said softly.

"I remember that the Cloud Palace organization that I instructed you to establish has been in place for some time now. You will be the Cloud Palace Envoy."

"The reports from Jiangnan are of particular importance. Those who did not attend today's banquet, Cloud Palace should pay them a visit later."

"Rest assured, young master."

Ye Jinming lowered his head and agreed.

The banquet officially began.

Amidst the clinking of glasses and the clamor of laughter, the atmosphere was lively and boisterous.

Someone raised their glass and said, "Young Master Ye is a prodigy; he will surely achieve great things in the future! Come, let us toast to the young master!"

Everyone echoed in agreement and raised their glasses in a toast.

Ye Jinyu drank it all with a smile.

Another person said, "I've heard that Young Master Ye pacified two dynasties in the Wind Abyss Ruin Realm and received the blessings of both the Greater Yang Greater Yin! He established his immortal foundation and ascended to the Hidden Dragon Rankings. He can be considered a young king among the younger generation of Cangxuan. Young Master Ye's methods are extraordinary; he is truly Celestial Person being!"

"Absolutely! Absolutely! Young Master Ye is truly a gem of the Ye Clan! His beauty is unparalleled!"

Ye Jinyu waved her hand modestly and smiled calmly, "You flatter Jinyu. I was just lucky."

At this moment, Ye Jinyu was the center of attention, with all eyes on him. As he moved through the banquet, people would stand up and strike up conversations with Ye Jinyu, trying to get closer to him.

Each time someone arrived, Ye Jinming would immediately report their basic information in a low voice.

"This is Gu Qingyan the Gu Clan. The Wuzhong Gu Clan controls the entire Yangzhou and half of the spirit tea business in Jiangnan."

A young man stood up and bowed, and Ye Jinyu nodded in acknowledgment.

"This is Lu Ji of the Lu Clan. The Lu Clan has been the supervisors of spirit mines for generations. Seventy percent of the spirit mines around Yangzhou, as well as the business of rare treasures from mountains and lakes, all come from the Lu Clan and their subordinates."

Another young man stood up, and Ye Jinyu nodded again.

"This is Sun Xuansu of the Sun Clan, the Sun Clan..."

Having met with more than a dozen people, Ye Jinyu maintained a faint smile throughout, neither warm nor cold, neither too close nor too distant.

After toasting, Gu Qingyan returned to her seat Lu Jinghe beside her, "This young master Ye is quite composed."

Lu Ji smiled.

"The Cloud Mist Ye Clan has two Heavenly Suppressors suppressing their fortunes, so why are they so impatient?"

Gu Qingyan sighed.

"I wonder when our Gu and Lu families will produce a Golden Core cultivator?!"

Lu Ji glanced at him.

"If it's a dream-entering technique, then it's possible."

The two looked at each other and smiled bitterly.

Halfway through the banquet, a young man dressed in fine clothes stood up and raised his glass to toast Ye Jinyu.

"Young Master Ye has come from afar; I would like to offer you a toast."

Ye Jinyu looked at him.

This person had a hint of arrogance between his brows, and although he was respectful, there was a subtle scrutiny beneath that respect.

"And who is this?" Ye Jinyu, looking at Ye Jinming.

After looking him over, Ye Jinming said, "The Xie Household, Xie Qingying. Xie Qingying's cousin."

Ye Jinyu's eyes flickered slightly.

Xie Qingying's cousin?

He raised his wine glass and clinked it against Xie Xuanying's from a distance.

"Thank you for your hospitality, young master."

Xie Qingying finished her drink but did not sit down. Instead, she continued, "I have long heard that Young Master Ye displayed great power in the Wind Abyss Ruin Realm, even defeating Sima Ruiming."

"Young Master, could you please tell us what exactly happened within the Wind Abyss Ruin Realm?"

These words caused a slight tension in the room.

Everyone looked at Ye Jinyu.

Ye Jinyu put down her wine glass, looked at Xie Qingying, and suddenly smiled.

"Young Master Xie wants to know?"

Xie Qingying nodded.

"The affairs of the Wind Abyss Ruin Realm are a long story. But there is one fact that Young Master Xie should know, and that everyone in the world should understand."

He turned around and looked at Xie Qingying.

"Looking across the world today, talented people are as numerous as carp crossing a river, but how many people still recognize Sima Ruiming? And I, the young master, stand here, ready to make my name known throughout the land."

" In the Wind Abyss Ruin Realm, the victor is king and the loser is villain; it's all the same."

Xie Qingying's expression changed slightly.

The people at the table looked at each other in bewilderment, and some whispered among themselves.

Ye Jinyu ignored him and continued, "The process involves too many things. Some things are better left unknown. What do you say, Young Master Xie?"

Xie Qingying remained silent for a moment, then bowed respectfully.

"Young Master is right. I was being presumptuous."

He stepped back a few paces and sat down again.

The banquet continued, but the atmosphere had clearly changed.

Those gazes that had previously held a scrutinizing look now all withdrew.

Ye Jinyu sat down again, picked up her wine glass, and took a small sip.

Ye Zhanxin was naturally paying attention and transmitted his voice, "Is Jinyu making an example of someone to scare others?"

Ye Jinyu responded in her mind.

"Fourth Uncle, this isn't about killing a chicken. I'm letting them know that I don't like being tested."

Ye Zhanxin smiled.

"The powerful Aristocratic Clan of Jiangnan are all shrewd and mercenary, always ready to change their tune with the wind. If you're even slightly weak, they could devour you completely, leaving not a bone behind."

Looking at these faces clinking glasses, Ye Jinyu's eyes became somewhat deep.

After the banquet ended, Ye Jinyu did not leave immediately.

Instead, they were waiting for someone.

Footsteps sounded behind me.

Ye Anlan walked to his side.

"Young Master, the Prefect of Huainan has arrived."

Ye Jinyu nodded.

"Let him come over."

A moment later, a middle-aged man walked up to the bow of the boat and bowed.

"The Prefect of Huainan, acting on the orders of His Supreme Azure Waves, hereby congratulates Young Master Ye on his arrival in Yangzhou."

Ye Jinyu looked at him.

"Supreme Azure Waves sent you here not just to offer congratulations, right?"

Chief Clerk Li was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "His Majesty said that if Young Master Ye needs anything when he arrives in Yangzhou, he should just ask. Huainan and Yangzhou are as close as lips and teeth, like brothers. His Majesty treats Young Master Ye as if he were a son or nephew."

"The unpleasantness in the past was all due to the connection with the Huanyu. Now that Supreme Azure Waves, Young Master Ye should try to get closer to you."

The Ye Clan's grand banquet in Jianghuai today. Young Master Ye, please do not jeopardize your life and do anything unpleasant.

"His Majesty has stated beforehand that whatever Young Master Ye lacks in Jiangnan, he can have anything from Huainan, and we will grant it without fail!"

Sweet dates and a big stick, a threat?

Ye Jinyu looked at Chief Clerk Li and suddenly smiled, his expression becoming even more respectful and his manners even more elaborate.

"My Lord Chief Secretary, I am extremely respectful of the Supreme Azure Waves's kind intentions. The Cloud Mist Ye Clan is loyal to the court and also deeply admires the Supreme Azure Waves."

As for the young man, he spoke endlessly of his utmost respect and admiration, but there were some things he himself was unaware of.

Chief Clerk Li's expression changed slightly.

Ye Jinyu turned around and said coldly.

"See a visitor out."

Ye Anlan stepped forward and gestured for him to enter.

Chief Clerk Li hesitated for a moment, then ultimately withdrew.

"Jinyu is like a beautiful jade. He is born with the Bifeng Yin Fire of the underworld, his foundation naturally formed. This child possesses inner beauty and outward agility; given time, he will surely achieve great things, truly a precious gem of the Ye Clan."

While Ye Zhanxin was in the governor's mansion in Yangzhou, his thoughts were always on Ye Jinyu.

He flipped through the Hidden Dragon Rankings again and again, read the comments over and over, and looked at his nephew's growth trajectory, having his own plans in mind.

"Baoyu, Baoyu..."

"In this place of fame and fortune in the Jianghuai, we cannot tolerate even the slightest flaw in something otherwise flawless..."

"Old Ye, you're really dawdling..."

"We've already found Sima Ruiming. So, tell me, are you in or not?"

A rather fiery and urgent voice came from the void.