Chapter Forty-Two: A Match Made in Heaven, Reunited in Harmony

The three women by the waterfall watched the bewildered men with teasing eyes, and finally couldn’t hold back their laughter, bursting into peals of mirth. The others, hearing this, grew even more confused, exchanging puzzled glances as they tried to guess what these women were up to.

At last, Yu Xiaoran could no longer restrain herself and asked, “You say you were simply training together, but why did you all look so furious, your eyes filled with such bitter hatred, as if you wished nothing more than to destroy each other? Even your swords sensed something amiss and hurried out to stop you. Don’t deny it—just lay everything on the table and resolve it. Wouldn’t that save us all a lot of unnecessary misunderstandings?”

She eyed the three women with deep skepticism—for the hatred on their faces moments ago was far too real, far too intense to be mere pretense.

“Why can’t you understand?” Yanxue Su replied helplessly. “We really were just sparring, nothing more. But to make the training effective, we imagined the other as our life’s greatest enemy. Only then could we truly go all out and awaken each other’s fighting spirit. Otherwise, none of us would have been able to put in our full effort.”

She sighed, still baffled by the men’s confusion. Weren’t they usually sharp and clever? Why did they turn into blockheads the moment women were involved? Still, their cluelessness was far more amusing than their usual foxlike cunning.

“As for the swords intervening,” Lan Wu speculated, “they must have sensed their owners’ thoughts. Since you all assumed we were fighting for real, the swords misread the situation too, thinking we were truly out to hurt each other. That’s why they stepped in to calm the so-called conflict.”

She recalled during their training that, though the swords seemed ruthless, they were actually careful, afraid of causing real harm. It was just as she’d thought: they wanted to push each other to greater heights, but were equally wary of letting things go too far—lest an accident lead to irreversible regret.

“You little tricksters nearly fooled even me,” Yu Shang laughed at himself. “I was starting to wonder what could have made you so furious, so desperate to fight to the bitter end. Turns out it was all just an act for training’s sake! You played your parts perfectly.”

He smiled wryly at his own gullibility. How could he have believed what his eyes saw? If he’d used his head, he’d have realized it was all a ruse—and surely there was more to it than just helping Meng Youyuan train. There had to be hidden motives at work.

Yanxue Su and Lan Wu exchanged mischievous glances, silently marveling at how easily the men had been deceived. Only they knew that even this so-called training was just a little scheme, a ploy to trick everyone into coming out and having an honest talk. They couldn’t bear to see two lovers let misunderstandings poison their happiness and destroy a beautiful relationship. Even Meng Youyuan herself was kept in the dark; if she’d known the truth, she’d never have agreed to this little charade. Sometimes, a well-intentioned lie was for the best—it spared pain and let people remain in their happiness. If the ending could be blissful, then let the lie endure.

“Yuanyuan…” Lan Bingxian, hesitant for a long time, finally called out the name of his beloved.

“Sisters, it seems today’s training can’t continue. I’ll take my leave now,” Meng Youyuan said, as if she hadn’t heard him at all. Without looking back, she strode away toward the cottage behind the bamboo grove. In her heart, how she longed to stay and gaze at her dear Xian-ge, but she feared that her forced, insincere words had wounded him too deeply. Yet if she didn’t harden her heart, would she not become a burden to him? No, she mustn’t waver. Better to be the “bad” woman in his eyes than to have him give up everything for a sweet, obedient lover. So she forced herself not to look back, striding forward with all her might, desperate to flee.

“Don’t go!” Lan Bingxian cried, running after her. He caught her arm, pulled her back, and swept her into his embrace, holding her so tightly he wouldn’t let go for anything. “Don’t make yourself suffer like this anymore. Don’t force yourself to endure. I know your heart. You want me to live freely, to pursue my dreams without concern. You don’t want to be my burden, my stumbling block—I know that! But do you know what I truly want? Above all, I want you to live happily, joyfully, free from worry. Yet I neglected your own yearning for freedom, for a life of your own. I realize this too late, but no more. I won’t restrain you again. If you wish to grow strong and take care of yourself, then I’ll train with you. I’ll compete by your side. I’ll go out into the world and see its wonders with you. Only promise me: don’t push yourself too hard. Promise you’ll finish this contest safe and sound.”

He hugged her even tighter, as if he could merge her into himself. At that moment, he was like a child who wanted nothing more than to protect his beloved from all harm.

“All this time, I thought I was the only one willing to suffer and give everything, but now I see your love for me far surpasses what I ever expressed to you. I never realized how deeply you cared, how well you understood me, and I never truly tried to understand your heart. You’re awful—you’ve made it impossible for me to leave you now!”

Meng Youyuan sobbed in his arms, her tears brimming with gratitude, happiness, and every beautiful emotion. Watching the two lovers locked in such a close embrace, the others couldn’t help but recall the phrase “mutual sustenance.” Wasn’t that the very image of their love? No matter what hardships befell them, they always had each other. Even with only the faintest strength left, they would support one another, never to be parted.

“How moving, truly!” Lan Wu, who’d just been weeping at the lovers’ reunion, turned and threatened Xiaoyin with a fierce glare. “Now, you’d better treat me with the same devotion Lan Bingxian gives Yuanyuan, or I’ll make your life a living hell!”

“How could I ever treat you badly?” Xiaoyin replied, feigning terror. “Do you think I want to be torn limb from limb by you?”

“So you only treat me well because you’re scared of me? If I started being gentle and obedient, would you ignore me completely?” Lan Wu was riled by his words, glaring at him and striking a pose as if ready to teach him a lesson. Poor Xiaoyin seemed destined for trouble.

“I was only joking, silly girl! If you tried to become sweet and demure, I’d feel out of place. I love you just as you are—fiery, domineering, lively!” With that, Xiaoyin drew the pouting Lan Wu into his arms, soothing her with gentle words.

“That’s more like it. I’ll let you off this time!” Ah, women—they truly are strange creatures who love to hear sweet words. Just a few tender phrases and Lan Wu was smiling again. But she believed it wasn’t just flattery, but the truth from Xiaoyin’s heart. This was what she cherished: no matter how unreasonable she acted, he would always embrace and love every part of her, good or bad, never tiring of spoiling her and making her feel cherished.

“Well, everyone else has spoken their hearts. What about you? Will you treat me so well?” Even Yanxue Su, usually so mature and composed, transformed into a coquettish girl, tugging at Yu Xiaoran’s sleeve and asking for reassurance. She knew he would never betray her, would always care for her, but somehow she still longed to hear it from his own lips. Perhaps only a spoken promise could give her true peace of mind.

Yu Xiaoran understood her thoughts, and knew she had endured much suffering in the past—so much that she’d nearly lost faith in people altogether. To reassure her, he’d set aside his old flirtatious ways and become a steady, dependable man. Though his words were still playful, his heart was now mature and sincere. “Not only will I say it, I’ll prove it with my actions. I’ll treat you well always.” He took her hand and pressed it to his heart, showing he’d given it to her. As long as she stayed by his side, he would never abandon her.

Yanxue Su said nothing, just smiled knowingly. That single promise was enough for her—enough to make her willing to do anything for him, to entrust him with her all, even if their story did not end in perfection. She leaned quietly against him, needing no close embrace, no honeyed words—only to be by his side, breathing the same air, and she was content.

Watching the couples entwined so sweetly, Yu Shang could not help but feel a pang of envy and sorrow. He remembered a time when he, too, had a devoted girl at his side, and together they’d vowed eternal fidelity. But fate had other plans. The woman he’d thought would love him forever betrayed him in the end, sacrificing their love for her family’s future. He didn’t understand, nor did he want to—he feared that if he tried, he’d only forgive her and be hurt again. He’d rather hold on to his hate than forgive one who betrayed him. But now it was too late—she was gone, and their love had vanished from the world with her.

Leng Huaiyi saw Yu Shang’s somber expression and understood his pain—so like her own sorrow for a past that cut to the bone. Looking back, there were so many unforgettable, searing memories, so many bitter lessons about human nature and the world’s coldness. She tried desperately to let go, even to forget, but how could one cast aside such things at will? Perhaps others could, but she truly could not. Ah—if she really couldn’t let go, then she would just let things be. Whether good or bad, her past was a precious memory; when she was old and gray, she could look back and laugh or cry, but at least she would have something to remember. Love is a strange thing—it binds you relentlessly. But once you finally escape its grasp, your heart feels hollow, as if something vital is missing. In the end, perhaps it’s best to avoid it altogether.