Chapter 10: Jiang Yu.
She was a middle-aged woman, the visible lines on her face speaking of years spent tending to both wounds and worries. Her black hair was neatly arranged into a double bun, an austere style that suited her no-nonsense demeanor.
Jiang Ma exhaled through his nose, his voice measured but heavy with concern.
"Sister Yu, will she be alright?"
Jiang Yu sighed, shifting slightly as she adjusted the sleeves of her robe. Her gaze was steady, but there were still hints of sympathy within.
"All I can say is that the young miss has nothing to worry about, Patriarch." she admitted. "Physically, she is unharmed, but the weight of the news… it is not an easy burden to bear I'm sure. I recommend giving her time to gather her thoughts, in a few days or so, she's sure to return to her usual self." Jiang Yu added but Jiang Ma wasn't so sure. Unlike Jiang Yu who saw Yao Zi as nothing but a promising young vessel of the clan, Jiang Ma knew how attached Jiang Xue was to Yao Zi.
The news of his passing might just be one of the gravest things Jiang Xue had ever experienced in her life. He couldn't help wondering whether this would hinder her cultivation path, If Jiang Xue couldn't overcome this reality, then forget the unfortunate loss of Yao Zi, the Jiang Clan might stand to receive a severe blow because of this.
As one of the 4 major clans of Qin mountain, The Jiang, Chen, Shen, and Mo clan respectively, were always competing against each other, if news where to spread that the Jiang Clan had lost not one but two of their most talented young geniuses–then the clan would naturally face more pressure from the other clans.
He remained silent for a long moment, his sharp features unreadable. Then, with a curt nod, he acknowledged her words.
' We'll wait for a month or so, if she really can't get over this then I'll just have to intervene...I can't have the clan facing set backs because of this...' A determined glint flashed past Jiang Ma's eyes.
Jiang Yu clasped her hands together and bowed slightly in respect. "If any further concerns arise, do not hesitate to summon me," she said.
Without waiting for a response, she turned and left, her steps light as she disappeared down the corridor.
Jiang Ma lingered Infront of Jiang Xue's room door. The dim lighting in the corridor carved deep shadows into his face, his usual air of authority dulled by the weight pressing on his shoulders. Eventually, he let out a breath—one he had been holding for far too long—before finally turning away.
Inside her room, Jiang Xue lay curled on her bed, her delicate frame trembling beneath the silk covers. The once-pristine bedding was now crumpled and damp with tears. Her long, raven-black hair spilled around her, strands clinging to her cheeks where dried tear tracks marked her pale skin. Her lips, usually soft with warmth, were cracked from the countless sobs that had left her breathless.
In her hands, clutched so tightly that her knuckles turned white, was a single silver hairpin. The intricate metalwork glinted faintly in the dim candlelight—a token from a past now lost to blood and fire.
Her grip on it tightened as fresh tears welled in her swollen eyes. Her breath hitched, and her chest rose and fell unevenly, as if even the simple act of breathing had become too painful to bear.
Deep within her mind, a past memory she treasured dear was busy playing.
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The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the stone pathways of the Jiang Clan estate, accompanied by the breathless laughter of two children. The golden light of late afternoon stretched their shadows long across the courtyard, flickering between the towering columns of the clan's grand halls.
"Xue'er, hurry up! Father is waiting for us!" A young Yao Zi called out, his voice carrying the same commanding tone he had recently started to imitate from the elders. He was just a boy, but he spoke as if he were already a man with great responsibilities.
Jiang Xue, who was a year younger and significantly smaller than him, panted heavily as she tried to keep up. She lifted the hem of her silk robe slightly to run faster, but no matter how much she pushed herself, Yao Zi remained ahead.
"I'm… trying!" she gasped between breaths, her little legs burning with effort.
Yao Zi turned his head slightly, grinning. "You're too slow! If you don't pick up the pace, I'm going to—"
Before he could finish, a sharp yelp cut through the air.
Jiang Xue's foot had caught on a loose stone, sending her tumbling forward. Her small frame hit the ground with a dull thud, her hands scraping against the cold pavement as she landed face-first.
The once cheerful laughter turned to silence. Then, a small sniffle was heard.
Yao Zi skidded to a stop and turned around, his playful expression immediately morphing into concern.
"Xue'er!" He called out.
She didn't look up, but he could see her shoulders trembling slightly. By the time he reached her, she was already trying to push herself up, wiping at her face with her sleeve in an attempt to hide the tears threatening to spill.
"I'm fine," she mumbled stubbornly.
But when she put pressure on her left foot, pain shot up her leg, and she winced.
Yao Zi caught the reaction instantly. He crouched beside her, his lips pressing into a thin line as he assessed the situation. "That leg looks bad. You shouldn't move it." he said matter-of-factly. His tone carried no judgment, only quiet certainty.
Jiang Xue bit her lip, refusing to look at him.
Yao Zi sighed, rubbing the back of his head before turning around and squatting in front of her. "Alright, get on my back. I'll carry you."
Jiang Xue's eyes widened. "W-What?"
"Get on my back," he repeated, glancing at her over his shoulder. "You can't walk like that, and we still have to meet Father."
Jiang Xue's face turned red. It wasn't like she hadn't been carried before, but something about this felt… different. More embarrassing. She fidgeted in place, unsure of how to respond.