The Double-Chapter 498 - 154: Searching for Medicine

Xiao Deyin was assisted back to her courtyard by a maid.

She knew nothing; only the faint echoes of "The identity of that mysterious person is unknown, never seen by anyone. Some say it may not even be a human being, otherwise how could one never see their true face?" resonated in her ears.

She closed her eyes.

These days, she had lied about having a cold to avoid leaving her home, all because on that day at the Shen family’s house, she had heard the familiar zither music, fallen ill at heart, and had been restless since, hiding inside her residence. Who would have known that as soon as she stepped out today, she would hear these rumors again? For a moment, she felt as if that thing had latched onto her, overwhelming and inescapable.

The maid didn’t understand what had happened and thought Xiao Deyin’s cold had worsened. She bustled about, intending to find a doctor to prescribe medicine. Xiao Deyin, leaning on her bed, gradually felt a chill overtaking her body.

Who was that person? Human or ghost? Was it the dead Xue Fangfei or a living mysterious person? Why did they play nothing but "Moon over the Mountain Pass"? What if everyone learned about the first zither master of Northern Yan changing hands? To become the very best, she had given up marriage and fame, everything was for the word "first." For these two words, she had conspired to kill her best friend, for these words, she had betrayed her own heart. Yet now, was she unable to even keep this one thing?

For some reason, Xiao Deyin’s mind conjured up the face of Xue Fangfei from the past. The first time she saw Fangfei was not because of her renowned beauty, but rather joy at finding a kindred spirit in zither music. She had been thrilled to find someone who so closely shared her thoughts, but the deeper she understood, the more alarmed she became as Fangfei’s mastery of the zither far surpassed her own.

Although Fangfei had the reputation of a talented woman, the world could only see a small part of it. After marrying into the Shen family, Mother Shen did not allow her to show her face and demanded she manage household affairs instead of spending all day playing the zither and reading books. Hence, Fangfei couldn’t showcase her zither skills except for occasionally playing a piece when with Xiao Deyin. Xiao secretly rejoiced; thankful Mother Shen was there to stop her. If Fangfei played the zither in public, her own reputation as the first zither master would seem like a joke.

Jealousy, dissatisfaction, and anger had silently grown inside her; Xiao Deyin was not even sure when they began. She only felt that she was becoming more and more concerned about Fangfei, attending parties where Fangfei was present, fearing what would happen if Fangfei played the zither. Knowing that Mister Jin Luo from Mingyi Hall harbored unspoken feelings for Shen Yurong, she often instigated trouble between Jin Luo and Fangfei. She didn’t understand why she acted this way, only feeling that Fangfei’s presence always left her anxious.

What was once a close friendship had now become a source of unease for her, and this unease had escalated to its peak after Shen Yurong became the top scholar.

With Shen Yurong’s top scholar achievement, Fangfei would become the Madam of the House. In gatherings of the official families, where they occasionally played zither and discussed philosophy, Fangfei’s talent could not be hidden. She was like a gemstone; people were already dazzled by just one facet, and if they were to see it all, they would become blind to everything else.

Xiao didn’t envy Fangfei for having a husband both talented and handsome, nor did she envy Fangfei’s own exquisite beauty – she cared for none of that. But her obstinacy in the art of zither was unmatched by anyone.

She was desperate to destroy Fangfei.

Not that she hadn’t hesitated; after all, in these past ten years or so, the only one who truly understood her zither playing was Fangfei. "Immortal Jing Hong" came from a brothel; her zither playing was often languid and soft, which she disdained. Only Fangfei’s zither sound, pure and unconstrained, was what she appreciated the most.

Moreover, Fangfei had indeed treated her with the sincerity of a kindred spirit. She was gentle and kind, and every time Xiao saw Fangfei’s earnest eyes, she could feel her own darkness and madness.

Until one day, someone approached her, asking if she was willing to put something into Fangfei’s cup.

At first, Xiao thought her jealousy had been too apparent, that others had already seen it in her eyes. But she later realized that they had approached her simply because she was Fangfei’s friend and an easy target.

She feigned reluctance, unmoved by money, until the other party threatened her family with violence. Xiao then went with the flow, pretending to agree out of no choice, bearing the indignity.

She had never allowed a single stain on her reputation, thinking that even if the truth were to come out one day, she could claim she was coerced and not acting out of jealousy.