Chapter 30: Perhaps She Should Join Him

Seeing Su Wanqing crying uncontrollably, Lu Chengfeng stood by, somewhat at a loss, not knowing how to handle the situation.

At that moment, Luo Suyi walked over, crouching beside Su Wanqing and gently patting her back. She leaned in close and spoke softly, "Stop crying. That man doesn't understand your feelings, and shedding so many tears will only bring you more pain."

"Stay here with me for a while, sister. Let's talk things over."

Hearing Luo Suyi's words, Su Wanqing felt as if her deepest emotions had been exposed. Embarrassed and flustered, she could hardly contain herself, and her crying gradually stopped.

Lu Chengfeng noticed how Luo Suyi's quiet words had eased Su Wanqing's tears and felt relieved.

Glancing around, he realized that Cangxiao Peak had grown much quieter now; only the five remaining disciples and two servant women remained.

Taking advantage of the moment, Lu Chengfeng gathered everyone. "Today is a special day. We're all here, and with everything that's been going on within the sect—upheavals, tremors, and all—we can't know what tomorrow will bring. It's a rare gathering, so let's light a fire here on Qingyun Terrace, cook up a feast, and drink until we're satisfied!"

Zhou Tong, noticing his invitation, replied, "Since you're all gathering as fellow disciples, I'll step aside and won't intrude. If anything comes up, Chengfeng, just find me on Jade Immortal Peak."

Lu Chengfeng, however, grabbed his arm. "Brother, what are you saying? There's no reason for you to leave. Today, thanks to your help, I escaped danger. You're not going anywhere until we've celebrated properly."

He turned to one of the servant women. "I remember there are two mountain goats and a goose in the courtyard, along with three jars of Drunken Bamboo Brew. Go gather some firewood and set up the fire."

With that, Lu Chengfeng led Zhou Tong to sit down and called the others over. "Let's feast on roasted lamb, stew that goose in an iron pot, and pour some wine. Tonight, we drink and eat until our hearts are full!"

The group's spirits lifted as he spoke, and everyone sprang into action, gathering firewood and preparing the food. Before long, the lamb was roasting, its skin turning golden and crisp.

As the servant women busied themselves with the goose stew, Li Mo and Lu Chengfeng fetched three large jars of wine and a handful of cups. Sitting around the fire, they clinked their cups and drank freely.

Luo Suyi and Su Wanqing, though women, were no ordinary individuals. Luo Suyi, who practiced the Golden Silk Jade Garment Technique, and Su Wanqing, trained in techniques from two powerful families, had both built robust constitutions. Each drank a bowl of wine, their cheeks blooming red as the firelight made their faces glow with even greater beauty.

Having lived together on Cangxiao Peak for years, Luo Suyi and Su Wanqing, being closer in age, had developed a bond that went beyond regular friendships. So, Luo Suyi was somewhat familiar with Su Wanqing's challenges and inner feelings.

Taking Su Wanqing's hand, she spoke softly by her ear. "Wanqing, I know what's in your heart, but fate can be twisted, leading to moments like this."

"For myself, I'm fortunate. My husband is good and treats me with kindness. I often feel blessed by the heavens."

"But I would be lying if I said I could give him up easily."

Startled, Su Wanqing stammered, "Sister, please don't misunderstand. I never had any intentions of competing with you…"

With a soft laugh, Luo Suyi interrupted, "Silly sister, I know you better than that. I say this because I know your circumstances. If you don't mind, why not stay here with him? We can be sisters, equals, living our days in harmony."

"What do you think?" These words weren't born of mere sympathy; Luo Suyi had long carried a hidden sorrow of her own.

While her practice of the Golden Silk Jade Garment Technique preserved her beauty, skin like jade, and offered endless benefits in the bedchamber, it also carried a drawback:

She couldn't bear children.

At first, Luo Suyi hadn't thought much about it, but recently, as the days grew quieter, she found herself troubled by it more and more. Especially after seeing the other disciples disperse earlier, she recalled Lu Chengfeng's words, "Of all unfilial acts, having no heir is the worst," which weighed heavily on her heart.

Though his wife in name, she could never bear his children. What kind of wife was that? A companion at best, or worse, a mere plaything.

Resigned to her fate, Luo Suyi's heart felt heavy with sorrow. But watching Su Wanqing cry today, she felt stirred. After all, they had grown up together on the mountain, knowing each other well.

Besides, Su Wanqing came from a reputable family; she was graceful, gentle, and skilled, an excellent match for a wife. Compared to her, Luo Suyi felt that Su Wanqing was more suitable to stand by Lu Chengfeng as his equal.

While a small pang of jealousy arose in her heart, she was sincere in her words, free from pretense or deceit.

Su Wanqing, unprepared for such a proposal, was momentarily stunned. She glanced toward the bonfire where Lu Chengfeng was seated. He wore a black brocade robe, with a serene, dignified air as he drank by the fire. Despite his casual demeanor, he carried a noble, almost princely aura, his sharp brow and refined bearing speaking of a swordsman's grace and confidence.

Lost in thought, Su Wanqing lowered her gaze, her cheeks turning a deep red.

Seeing her reaction, Luo Suyi could tell that Su Wanqing's heart was already moved, though hidden behind years of restraint.

"In that case, let me speak with him. I doubt he'll have any objections," Luo Suyi said, squeezing Su Wanqing's hand. "You should have a proper proposal and ceremony, but with things as they are, I fear we must keep it simple."

Su Wanqing wanted to respond, but her heart pounded, her mind a flurry of emotions, and she found herself at a loss for words.

Unaware of his wife's matchmaking, Lu Chengfeng continued drinking with his brothers, laughing and tearing into the golden-brown lamb. With the sounds of cheer and laughter, the night quickly grew darker. By the end of the night, the three jars of wine were empty, and every morsel of food was gone.

Having drunk plenty, Zhou Tong retired to an empty courtyard on Cangxiao Peak for the night.

Luo Suyi, supporting Lu Chengfeng who was slightly tipsy, brought him back to their room, where she washed his face and hands, helped him out of his robe and boots, and gave him a cup of honey water before she, too, prepared to rest beside him.

Once she lay down, Lu Chengfeng immediately pulled her close. "Ah, my sweet wife, let me hold you a little longer."

Luo Suyi, always weak when close to him, felt her legs turn to jelly as she relaxed in his embrace. However, this time, she tilted her head up, her eyes misty with tears. "Earlier, you told Brother Zhou that you encountered danger on the way back, nearly losing your life."

"I saw the wounds on your hand and back, yet you said nothing upon returning."

"What am I to you?"

Seeing the tears welling in her eyes, Lu Chengfeng sobered up, quickly wrapping his arms around her, soothing her with gentle words. "They're just surface wounds, nothing serious. And didn't I come back to you safe and sound?"