Chapter Forty-Nine: Helplessness

The Gan family stronghold was filled with an air of joyful celebration, and even someone as aloof and refined as Nalan Xiner, a young lady from a renowned sect of spiritual cultivation, couldn’t help but feel a touch more grounded by the lively atmosphere.

Watching Nalan Xiner’s fascination with everything around her, Gan Ying, the young master of the stronghold, found himself growing increasingly fond of her. “May I ask, where are you all headed?” he inquired.

Mo Bai offered a gentle smile. “We are wandering the ends of the earth.”

Gan Ying’s interest was instantly piqued at these words. “Then why not stay at Gan Stronghold for a while longer? It would give me the chance to show you some real hospitality.”

Mo Bai thanked him politely and fell silent, leaving a faintly awkward air. Gan Ying cleared his throat and turned to Nalan Xiner. “Miss Xiner, would you care to come with me to see my younger sister? She’s to be married in a few days and is probably quite anxious.”

His intention was clear—he wanted to separate Nalan Xiner from the group and create an opportunity for them to be alone.

Upon hearing about visiting a bride-to-be, Nalan Xiner’s delight was evident. “That sounds wonderful, Brother Gan. Please take me with you.” The way she addressed him as “Brother Gan” sent Gan Ying’s heart soaring, and he straightened up, feeling more confident.

He then turned to Mo Bai and Wu Luohua, bowing slightly. “I see you arrived by carriage; you must have traveled far and endured many hardships on the road. Our stronghold has fine food and excellent wine—please, help yourselves and enjoy.” Without waiting for a reply, he called over a servant and had a table laid for the two, whether they wanted it or not.

Wu Luohua looked at Mo Bai, who nodded in quiet approval. The two decided to accept the hospitality.

Gan Ying was overjoyed and could barely restrain his eagerness as he led Nalan Xiner toward the rear courtyard. Once they had turned a corner and were out of sight of the others, Gan Ying lowered his voice. “Miss Nalan, there’s something I’d like to ask you, if I may.”

Nalan Xiner was not one to overthink things. “Please, Brother Gan, ask away.”

Gan Ying steadied himself. “Is that hero Mo your beloved?”

Nalan Xiner’s heart skipped a beat, like a startled fawn. “Ah—no, Brother Mo is just like an older brother to me, nothing more.”

Gan Ying let out a quiet sigh of relief and continued, “Ah, but Young Master Wu and you—surely, you two make a perfect couple, a match made in heaven.”

Nalan Xiner giggled. “You mean Brother Xiaohua? How could I possibly like him in that way?” As she spoke, a memory seemed to amuse her, and her sweet smile only deepened Gan Ying’s infatuation.

Hearing this, Gan Ying was inwardly overjoyed. So they were just friends—his chances were good indeed. After chatting for a while, they soon arrived at the room of the young lady of the Gan family.

Gan Ying knocked gently on the door. “Sister, are you in?”

A slightly flustered reply came from inside, and Nalan Xiner frowned in curiosity—was every bride this anxious before her wedding? What about herself, she wondered, and felt her cheeks grow warm at the thought.

With a soft creak, the door opened. Nalan Xiner’s mouth formed a perfect ‘O’—the woman before her was stunning. With her demure manner, slim frame, fair skin, and elegant poise, she was the very image of a noble lady. “Miss Nalan, welcome. I’m Gan Ying’s younger sister, Gan Yu.” The future bride’s very first words gave Nalan Xiner a sense of sweetness, like meeting a kindly sister from next door.

She immediately reached out and took Gan Yu’s hand, her manner intimate and warm. “Sister Gan, you are so beautiful!”

Gan Yu blushed slightly. “You’re just as pretty, little sister.”

Though it was their first meeting, the two fell into easy conversation, leaving Gan Ying a little neglected. He coughed and shot Gan Yu a meaningful look. “Sisters, do enjoy your talk. I’ll have some delicate dishes prepared for you,” he said, calling for Gan Yu’s maidservant.

At his call, Gan Yu’s expression changed slightly. She whispered, “Brother, Hong’er has been working hard these days; I let her rest.”

Gan Ying scowled. “Doesn’t that girl know what day it is? She should be here serving you instead of resting. I’ll go fetch her and give her a good talking to.” He tried to sound stern and manly.

Nalan Xiner wrinkled her nose at his posturing but, glancing at her gentle new friend, decided to let it go.

Gan Yu quickly replied, “No need, Brother. I’ll have Lian’er come in a bit. There are so many guests—please, do see to them.”

Gan Ying, reluctant to leave, glanced back three times as he exited, only leaving when he saw Gan Yu and Nalan Xiner arm in arm entering the boudoir.

Meanwhile, Wu Luohua’s pale cheeks had taken on a faint flush, an early sign of drunkenness.

“What’s the matter, little brother?” Mo Bai teased.

“Do you think Gan Ying has feelings for Xiner?” Wu Luohua asked unexpectedly.

“Are you jealous?” Mo Bai joked. Ever since Nalan Xiner had joined them, such banter had become rare between them, but with that little mischief-maker elsewhere today, they could speak freely again.

Wu Luohua rolled his eyes. “Of course not. She’s just a little sister, that’s all.” With that, he downed another cupful.

Mo Bai savored the stronghold’s special wine and laughed. “I doubt Gan Ying is a match for that little sister.”

Wu Luohua perked up. “I think so, too. He’s only an outer disciple of the Fallen Leaf Sect, after all.” He didn’t finish his thought, but Mo Bai understood perfectly. The two clinked cups, nothing more needing to be said.

Inside Gan Yu’s boudoir, delicate dishes and a small porcelain jug of warmed wine had been set out. At last, Nalan Xiner reluctantly let go of Gan Yu’s hand, and the two sat side by side.

Gan Yu lifted her cup, smiling a little wistfully. “Sister, though we’ve only just met, it feels as if we have endless things to talk about. Let me toast you first.”

Nalan Xiner’s drinking had improved rapidly under Mo Bai’s tutelage these past days, and she raised her cup in turn. “Sister Gan, I feel exactly the same. Here, let me toast you back.”

Gan Yu sipped her wine and sighed. Nalan Xiner, chopsticks poised, paused at the sound and set them down in concern. “Sister, what’s wrong? Aren’t these days meant to be joyful? Why do you sigh?”

Gan Yu set down her cup and said quietly, “Sister, do you have someone in your heart?”

The question made Nalan Xiner blush like an apple. “No, I don’t. Not like you, so lucky.”

At the word “lucky,” Gan Yu shook her head and sighed. “How can I call it happiness? I haven’t even seen the face of the man I am to marry.”

Nalan Xiner was taken aback. “Why haven’t you met your fiancé? How do you know he’s someone you could love? How can you marry him?”

Gan Yu replied helplessly, “It’s my father’s will, arranged by a matchmaker. I heard my future husband saw me once in Guihai City and fell in love at first sight, then sent someone to propose. My mother died early, so my father decides everything at home. They say he lives with only his grandmother, is very filial, and extremely well-educated—a fine young man. Father heard he had good character, so he promised my hand.” She refilled her cup and drank again with a sigh.

Nalan Xiner had grown up in the Cloud Sky Sect, surrounded by tales of passionate romance and heroic deeds. Such arranged marriages seemed utterly strange to her. In her mind, love was supposed to be a gallant dance across the world, not the sorrowful look she saw on Gan Yu’s face. Feeling both frustrated and sympathetic, she blurted, “Sister Gan, you never tried to sneak a look at this fiancé? If he’s not to your liking, we’ll refuse the marriage!”

At the words “refuse the marriage,” a spark lit in Gan Yu’s eyes. She nodded suddenly, as if moved by a hidden resolve.