Chapter Forty: Bona

At this moment, Shangguan Wanru remembered her master once telling her that her sword was strange—lacking upright grandeur, lacking the breadth to embrace all rivers. Thus, her swordsmanship could never reach the pinnacle of perfection. Through the years, she strove to let her heart encompass the world, yet her mother’s ordeal had filled her with hatred and extremity. It wasn’t until her mother recovered that, as she pondered Chu Youcai’s views on equality between men and women, a sudden flash of insight struck her.

She rose, drew her sword, and danced beneath the moonlight. The world was filled with her silhouette, so beautiful and ethereal. At first, her sword was like a clear spring, but gradually its force grew stronger, transforming into a vast ocean, grand and boundless. In that instant, she felt her swordsmanship reach the level of “embracing all,” just as her master had described.

All the previous obscurities in her technique vanished completely. At that moment, she felt her mind and spirit connect, the cage that had trapped her for years finally opened. Joy surged within her.

She did not sleep all night, maintaining this sword momentum, training diligently. Only when the morning light appeared did she sheath her sword, having stabilized her sword’s aura. She rested briefly, her thoughts once more turning to Chu Youcai.

Last night, Chu Youcai had shown more and more qualities that astonished her. It was no surprise, for Chu Youcai had already established a foundation in Daoist arts; his demeanor and poetic talent had transformed accordingly. Yet what puzzled her was how every situation upon entering the Gui Mansion seemed to be within Chu Youcai’s expectations. It was as if, from the moment he stepped inside, he knew the mansion was facing mortal peril, knew its inhabitants were simply transformed bees, knew their enemy was but an ordinary snake.

How could that be? How could Chu Youcai possess such prescient abilities?

At this moment, Chu Youcai became more and more a mystery in her heart.

Just then, the door opened suddenly.

It was her mother, already risen.

Shangguan Wanru immediately stood up and went to assist the lady, saying, “Mother, you’re up so early?”

The lady smiled gently. Though her eyes were blind, her smile in the morning light radiated warmth. “You practiced sword all night, it must have been exhausting. But staying up late often is not good for your health.”

“Mother, I had a sudden epiphany, which is why I stayed up so late. It won’t happen again.” Shangguan Wanru smiled softly, her gaze gentle. “Mother, are you feeling better today?”

“Yes, Young Master Chu’s medicine is truly miraculous. In just two days, my illness has greatly improved.” The lady said, “You must thank him well. Even a drop of kindness should be repaid with a fountain, let alone such a life-saving grace.”

“Yes, I will heed your words and thank him properly,” Shangguan Wanru replied.

“Young Master Chu is a good man, and he treats his wife so well—he’s truly someone worthy of trust.” The lady said.

Shangguan Wanru was taken aback by her mother’s words; she herself was not convinced. Chu Youcai carried too many mysteries, and she still could not discern what kind of person he truly was.

The lady saw Shangguan Wanru remain silent and sighed. “Wanru, all these years, your father and I have neglected you. You left home as a child and never had a happy, peaceful life. In these past two or three years, it’s always been me dragging you down—I’ve always felt guilty towards you…”

Shangguan Wanru’s eyes reddened. “Mother, please don’t say that. These are my responsibilities. Besides, I’ve loved freedom since childhood, so I chose my own path. Though I lost much, there’s nothing to regret.”

The lady, feeling tired, sat back with Shangguan Wanru’s help, and grasped her hands. “Recently, I almost couldn’t hold on, but it was because I couldn’t let go of you…”

Hearing this, Shangguan Wanru recalled her mother’s appearance days ago, and tears streamed down her face. “Mother!” she choked, unable to finish her words.

“Thankfully, the Chu family helped us through the ordeal. But how long can I endure? You rarely smile and speak, though you are beautiful, your nature is unrestrained. I’ve always wanted to find you a husband, but it’s truly hard to find someone who can accept you.”

Shangguan Wanru was stunned. “Mother, I’ve never considered marriage.”

“I know. But someday, you must start a family. The hatred of our family—perhaps you can avenge it, but what about our bloodline? Do you wish it to be severed?” The lady’s words grew heavy.

Shangguan Wanru looked at her mother’s aging face and listened to her grave tone, unable to reply.

The lady spoke gently, “I am old now, nearing the end of my days. Sooner or later, I’ll be buried in the wilderness. I fear that when I’m gone, you’ll be left alone, shouldering immense resentment. Will you become a nun after vengeance?”

Shangguan Wanru’s heart jolted. She’d had such thoughts long ago, but never imagined her mother would guess so precisely.

The lady continued, “Just now, I heard your sword moves were broad and bold—the momentum was different from before. I suppose your heart is more open now. But, as in swordplay, you must learn to embrace and accept. Don’t always wear a cold face toward everyone, like with Young Master Chu—your expression toward him is also quite indifferent.”

“Ah?” Shangguan Wanru was surprised.

“Young Master Chu is skilled in medicine, approachable, modest, and deeply loves his wife. Can you tell me more about him?” the lady suddenly asked.

Without thinking, Shangguan Wanru replied, “He acts mysteriously and hides too many riddles. One can never truly know his heart…”

The lady interrupted, “But I believe that, as a man, as long as he’s filial and treats his wife well, he’s a good man. Just like your father—he’s benevolent and upright, but sometimes acts shrewdly in court, which is only natural…”

Listening to her mother’s praise for Chu Youcai, Shangguan Wanru felt more and more astonished.

The lady went on, “So I hope you can change a bit in how you treat others—speak more kindly to Young Master Chu, for instance…”

At this, Shangguan Wanru understood her mother’s meaning. Her face flushed hotly, embarrassment and anger rising within her. Unable to bear it, she stood up quickly and said, “Mother, I’ll go make porridge for you.”

She took the rice that Yun Cuixian had brought yesterday and washed it with clear water. Her fingers moved deftly, transforming her fingers into swords, treating the water as if it were Chu Youcai’s body, slicing left and right, making the water ripple and scatter.

Yet for some reason, Chu Youcai’s calm and unruffled expression in the Gui Mansion last night, facing mortal danger, seemed to appear before her eyes.

She grew increasingly annoyed, stirring the water until it became a misty whirlpool.

Just then, she heard the sound of the main door opening next door—it seemed Yun Cuixian had just gone out.