Resplendent – Chapter 553

Chapter 553: Disillusionment

Gu Ye turned around and exclaimed, “Hey! Look who we have here, an old acquaintance!” 

Ever since arriving in the capital, Jun Qicheng had been thriving like a fish in water. One day he’d gather classmates to compose poetry, the next he’d join fellow scholars at literary gatherings. Wherever literati assembled, his presence was guaranteed. 

Lately, as Gu Ye was busy preparing for the examination, she became even busier, rarely catching sight of him.

“Hey! Busy bee! I finally got to see you. Has the sun risen in the west today?” Gu Ye set the wild boar down on the ground. Her expression darkened upon seeing the bloodstains on Jun Qicheng’s sleeves. “Brother Cheng, are you hurt?”

“No, it’s someone else’s blood. Cousin, come quickly. Brother Ziyan is badly hurt…” Jun Qicheng recalled her exceptional medical skills and how she always carried a few remedies. On this outing… hunting? She must have brought external wound medicine, right?

“Let me see!” Gu Ye carefully washed her hands in the nearby stream, then tore open Brother Ziyan’s trouser leg to reveal the bloody wound beneath. This Brother Ziyan was clearly one of the unlucky souls chased by the wild boar. The wound was the little boar’s handiwork.

This young boar, too, had been driven into a panic by her pursuit, forcing it into the crowded area. Thus, she bore some responsibility for this scholar’s injury.

She retrieved several medicine bottles from her shoulder bag. She first cleaned the wound with hydrogen peroxide, then disinfected it with iodine solution. After applying wound powder, she bandaged the injury with sterile dressing. 

Given the wild boar bite, she took out a syringe to prevent infection. “Brother Ziyan,” she instructed, “Please roll up your sleeve.”

Shao Ziyan and the surrounding scholars were puzzled. The injury was clearly on his leg, why roll up his sleeve? Shao Ziyan hesitated out of respect for the young woman…

“You’re not some delicate maiden, stop acting all shy and hesitant!” Gu Ye roughly yanked his arm, rolled up his sleeve to the upper arm, disinfected the area with an alcohol swab, then drove the needle in, injecting the solution into his muscle.

Shao Ziyan flinched at the needle prick. Even after the shot was done, his entire arm felt stiff and unnatural.

The scholar in blue robes Gu Ye had rescued from the boar limped over. Spotting her packing away the syringe, he widened his eyes. “Isn’t that the muscle injection method from Jimin Pharmacy? Could you be a disciple of one of Jimin Pharmacy’s attending physicians?”

“No! But I do have some connection to Jimin Pharmacy!” Gu Ye stuffed the bottles and jars scattered on the ground into her shoulder bag. To disguise retrieving items from her space, she had specially commissioned her mother to make this sunflower-shaped satchel. It was both stylish and functional.

“Brother Dongchen, didn’t you hear Brother Qicheng call her ‘cousin’? The Jun family has no connection to Jimin Pharmacy.” A scholar fanned himself, exuding an air of self-styled sophistication. Though his topknot, tilted comically to one side, did lend him a touch of scholarly elegance.

Gu Ye smiled as he observed these scholars. Though bedraggled from the wild boar chase, they still radiated refined gentility. Their collective looks could easily launch a group idol debut.

Wait… Brother Ziyan, Brother Dongchen… Could they be the ‘Capital’s Twin Heroes’ Shao Ziyan and Ning Dongchen? The two sets of potential sons-in-law listed in her mother’s neat little booklet? Hahaha… Now, one was clad in dust-covered white robes with a wounded left leg; the other wore disheveled garments, a crooked hairpin, and a bruise on his cheek where the boar had ‘kissed’ him… Mother should see these two she favored, reduced to such a sorry state.

Wait… Could it be they chose this spot for poetry and painting because of her? Gu Ye mused, a touch of vanity and disdain mingling in her thoughts.

“Brother Cheng, where are you staying? When did you arrive?” After treating the wounds of several injured scholars, Gu Ye asked casually.

Jun Qicheng had at least learned a few moves from his cousins and hadn’t been injured by the wild boar. Hearing the question, he turned to Shao Ziyan and said, “We’ve been here for two days, staying at Brother Ziyan’s estate. Cousin, why did you find time to visit Xiang Mountain?”

“I came to find some peace and quiet!” Gu Ye sighed dramatically, and the two exchanged a knowing glance.

Before leaving, Jun Qicheng had inquired about who was ‘popular’ at the Defender Duke’s Manor. Even he, a cousin staying there, had felt the repercussions. Accepting Shao Ziyan’s invitation to attend the literary gathering at Xiang Mountain also served as a form of escape.

“Xiang Mountain is truly picturesque, refreshing to the soul. Cousin, you should stay a few more days… Oh, and could you spare some of that wound medicine for me?” 

The Shao family estate was quite a distance from the Duke’s, so he wouldn’t trouble his cousin with a trip for a dressing change tomorrow.

Gu Ye handed him a bottle of golden sore medicine and left some anti-infection medicine for the severely injured Shao Ziyan. With a wave, she shouldered the young boar and strode off at a brisk pace.

Ning Dongchen stared speechless at her retreating figure, stammering, “Brother Qicheng, y-your cousin possesses incredible strength! A wild boar weighing dozens of pounds seemed weightless in her grasp. And just now—she subdued it with a single move! She’s truly… a heroine among women!”

“Gossiping about others behind their backs is unbecoming of a gentleman. Brother Dongchen, watch your words!” Jun Qicheng was protective by nature; he wouldn’t tolerate anyone speaking ill of those he cared about.

Ning Dongchen clutched his face, which was throbbing slightly, and hurriedly explained, “I’m not speaking ill of her! I… I’m genuinely grateful and deeply impressed by her skills!”

As the wild boar charged in, Wang Junzhi, who had been hiding behind a tree all along, gave a gentle flick of his fan. He gazed longingly in the direction the young girl had vanished, a meaningful smile curling at the corners of his lips.

That girl’s figure seemed so familiar! Jun Qicheng’s cousin; wasn’t the Duchess his aunt? The Defender Duke’s estate was located nearby… So, he had already guessed the girl’s identity with near certainty. To encounter her like this was quite a coincidence, wasn’t it?

Though Gu Ye had lingered at the literary gathering, she still arrived first at the agreed-upon location. She released the large and small wild boars she’d knocked unconscious, along with the rabbits and pheasants whose legs and wings had been bound, all at once from her space. She surveyed her haul with considerable satisfaction.

Glancing at her watch, she saw she had nearly ten minutes before the agreed time. She crossed her legs on a flat rock and waited patiently for Brother Chen’s return.

Before long, that white figure came into view. It was Gu Ming, lost in his own enjoyment, who returned quite a bit late.

Though Ling Juechen’s haul included a foolish roe deer, it paled in comparison to Gu Ye’s three wild boars of various sizes. Gu Ming felt both awe and surprise. How had his sister managed to bring back such prey?

Gu Ye dismissed him with a casual excuse, exchanging a knowing glance with Ling Juechen.

A faint smile touched Ling Juechen’s lips as his eyes softened with tenderness. He asked gently, “I’ve lost. What would you like me to do?”

Gu Ye’s dark, grape-like eyes rolled around as she furrowed her brow, racking her brain. This felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—she couldn’t just let it slip away. After much deliberation, she still couldn’t decide.

“I haven’t figured it out yet! You can owe me for now. Once I think of something, I’ll tell you!” She put on an air of magnanimity.

Ling Juechen’s full lips curved into a captivating smile as his large hand ruffled the little girl’s hair. “Stop agonizing over it. Even if this were the wager, whatever you ask of me, have I ever refused? Could I ever bear to say no to you?”

Gu Ye thought about it. He was right! She pointed at Ling Juechen and exclaimed, “Oh, I see! You cheated! This bet didn’t cost you anything at all! Thank goodness Heaven has eyes—I won this round!”

After all, Ling Jue had lost without any real loss, because he would never refuse or decline anything she asked. If she had lost, she would have to honor the agreement and grant Brother Chen one wish. What if he demanded she marry him immediately? Would she agree or not?

She had only just found her family, experienced her parents’ affection, and felt her brothers’ adoration. She wanted to stay by their side for a few more years. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to marry Brother Chen. It was just that she would spend the rest of her life with him. Their days together were long. Was it really too much to ask him to wait a few more years? 

(Brother Chen, looking utterly aggrieved: Too much? I’ve already waited two lifetimes for you. And now you want me to wait longer?)

However, when Gu Ye agreed to the wager, she had a backup plan. She’d decided that if she lost, she’d simply refuse to pay up. Brother Chen would never dare to do anything to her!

Ling Juechen knew full well: this little minx had him wrapped around her finger!

The two stared at the pile of prey before them, troubled. How would they carry all this back? And once home, what would they do with so much prey? Finally, Gu Ming volunteered to run an errand, heading back to the estate to fetch reinforcements.

Gu Ye sat on a tree stump, munching on an apple with relish. Her restless little feet occasionally kicked the wing-bound pheasant, drawing impatient clucks from it.

Ling Juechen watched her quietly from the side, as if he could never get enough of the sight. 

She glanced back at him occasionally, flashing a mischievous smile. That smile radiated vitality and energy, something she had never possessed in her previous life. This smile was meant to be hers…

Suddenly, his gaze shifted toward a certain direction. Curious, Gu Ye followed his look. Before long, a group of scholars appeared—their clothes disheveled, hair askew, looking utterly bedraggled. Great, they’ve run into them again!

Those scholars, especially those with minor injuries supported each other, while those like Shao Ziyan, whose legs were injured, were slowly carried along by two fellow students.

They sensed Ling Juechen’s gaze and lifted their eyes to look over. Though they were men themselves, they stared in awe. His flowing white robes billowed in the mountain breeze, his icy-cold features untouched by the slightest trace of worldly dust. Not a single flaw marred his handsome face, as if carved by a celestial artisan. 

Could it be they had encountered a divine being upon the mountain?

“Hey! We meet again!” Gu Ye waved at them, still holding a half-eaten apple in her mouth.

A hint of surprise flickered across every student’s face, more pronounced in some than others. A few of the more timid ones visibly exhaled in relief. They had feared encountering another beast. 

Though relying on a young girl stirred a tiny twinge of shame, her skill was undeniable; she had subdued a wild boar single-handedly. Compared to their own safety, that budding shame was swiftly crushed.

“What a coincidence to meet you again, Miss! I was still shaken earlier and hadn’t properly thanked you for saving my life!” Wang Junzhi, naturally seizing the chance to impress Gu Ye, stepped forward and offered a formal, courteous bow.

“No need, no need! I’m a woman of principle, no favors expected. Do you need any help?” Seeing these scholarly gentlemen supporting each other with obvious effort, Gu Ye kindly offered.

Wang Junzhi spoke first again, offering a warm smile. “Thank you for your concern, Miss, but we’re fine.” Someone was already on their way to send word; the people from Shao estate should arrive soon. How could they keep accepting help from a young girl?

Gu Ye nodded, adopting an unexpectedly mature tone. “You young scholars really ought to work on your physical conditioning. Your bodies are… the capital for serving the court. Only with strong bodies can you better perform your duties, serve His Majesty, and uphold justice for the people!”

Many scholars caught her subtext: How weak can you big men be, getting beaten by a mere wild boar? 

Several lowered their heads in embarrassment.

Still, one stammered, “That wild boar appeared so suddenly… we were momentarily flustered…”

Wang Junzhi, however, followed Gu Ye’s lead and said, “Miss speaks wisely. Mingli thanks you for your golden words of advice.” He had passed adulthood, and Mingli was his courtesy name.

Gu Ye’s gaze swept lightly across his face. 

Wang Junzhi’s handsome, refined features softened into an even gentler smile. A flicker of delight crossed his mind: Excellent. Miss Chu is finally acknowledging him.

Among men, Wang Junzhi’s appearance was notably striking. His captivating almond-shaped eyes, as if freshly washed by rain, glistened with a dewy moisture. They held a hint of intoxication, a touch of a smile, hazy and alluring. Paired with his gentle, scholarly smile, he was undeniably charming. 

Though he had been betrothed once, he still attracted a group of young ladies in the capital who secretly harbored feelings for him. Those almond eyes played no small part in this.

“Hmph!” Ling Juechen snorted coldly. This guy was asking for trouble, openly flirting with his girl right in front of him. This was a classic case of ‘an old man hanging himself, tired of living!’

All show, but no substance! Thankfully, his little girl wasn’t the type to fall for just anyone. He could clearly sense she held no admiration for this fellow.

Seeing Gu Ye staring at him with a half-smile, Wang Junzhi momentarily forgot himself. He took two steps forward, wanting to draw closer to the girl with the bright, alluring eyes. Suddenly, a piercing scream echoed, followed by a dizzying sensation as he crashed heavily to the ground.

Several scholars nearby scrambled to drag him backward. Before Wang Junzhi stood a wild boar, its eyes wild with fury, mere inches away. Panic seized him completely. Forgetting everything else, he kicked wildly and screamed shrilly.

He had seen three wild boars of varying sizes lying on the ground, along with scattered rabbits and pheasants. He assumed the boars had been hunted and were already dead. Little did he expect that as he approached, he accidentally stepped on one, causing it to charge and knock him flat on the spot.

The newly awakened wild boar charged at him like a locomotive, its newly sprouted tusks gleaming with a sinister, white-hot glint.

“Ah—Help! Help! Don’t come near me!” Wang Junzhi’s legs gave way, unable to stand. He grabbed stones and clods of earth from the ground and hurled them at the wild boar. This action only enraged the beast further, which locked onto him and charged.

Just as the boar’s tusks were about to touch him, a stone bullet struck its head. The boar collapsed suddenly, motionless. 

Wang Junzhi, having narrowly escaped death, lay limp on the ground, his face smeared with snot and tears. Where was the graceful, elegant gentleman he had been moments before?

“Ah! My apologies. I forgot to mention these boars were only stunned, not dead. Young Master, are you alright? Do you need some wound medicine?” Gu Ye stifled a laugh as she ‘kindly’ inquired.

Still shaken, Wang Junzhi shook his head frantically. “I’m fine! I’m fine! I’m not hurt… not hurt…”

“By the way, you’re staying in the estate down the mountain, right? We caught plenty of game today. How about we give you one boar to take back for a feast?” Gu Ye’s mention of the boar sent a shiver through Wang Junzhi. Several scholars who’d suffered the worst injuries felt their wounds sting anew.

“Forget it, really, no need…” The scholars laughed awkwardly, declining the offer. 

Joking aside, the young girl had just said these boars were only stunned. What if one woke up and went berserk on the way back? Who could stop it then?

“Oh… then you’re missing out on a real treat! Such a big wild boar meat is tender and delicious, whether roasted or stewed!” Gu Ye looked at Jun Qicheng in the crowd and called out, “Cousin Cheng, are you coming back for dinner later? We’ve got plenty of wild game for lunch!”

Recalling Aunt Yan’s cooking skills, Jun Qicheng inquired, “Is Aunt Yan here too?”

Seeing Gu Ye nod, he eagerly nodded himself and said, “After I escort Brother Ziyan and the others back, I’ll head to the estate to have lunch with Aunt. Be careful on your way down the mountain…”

After speaking, he glanced at Ling Juechen standing nearby. He was worried needlessly. With this cold-faced war god present, how could his cousin be in any danger?

Gu Ye watched the group of scholars limp past her, heading down the mountain. Finally, she couldn’t hold back any longer and burst into a snigger. 

These brilliant scholars, who might one day become pillars of the nation, had made complete fools of themselves before her today. And those Two Heroes of the Capital, one limping, the other pale as death, were utterly disappointing.

“What’s so funny?” Ling Juechen tugged her pigtail. “Shao Ziyan and Ning Dongchen among them meet the standards of those ‘little fresh meat’ idols from our previous life. Their looks aren’t half bad…”

“Really? All I saw was their crooked topknots and the pitiful sight of them limping along. I completely forgot to look at their faces. What a pity! Next time I see them, I’ll have to stare my fill to make up for it!” Gu Ye shot him a sidelong glance, her tone deliberately teasing.

“You can only look—no other thoughts allowed!” Ling Juechen transformed into a domineering CEO, performing a ‘tree-slam’ pose on her. His forehead pressed against hers, his eyes like pools of spring water, misty and hazy, as if they could suck one’s soul right in.