Volume One: Hidden in the Azure Abyss Chapter Five

The spring breeze stirred gently.

Gengyuan slowly emerged halfway from the water, his hands lightly bracing the edge of the boat. As he looked back, the clouds above obediently drifted to veil the sunlight. Then, with great care, Gengyuan removed the lotus leaf, revealing the peaceful, sleeping face of Jinli before him. His heart pounded wildly, each beat louder than the last, as if it might wake Jinli from her slumber.

Pressing a hand to his chest, Gengyuan breathed quietly, calming himself. His fish tail beneath the water swayed gently, while the breeze toyed with the fine strands at Jinli’s temples, a stray lock brushing against his arm with a ticklish touch.

Her hair was in disarray.

When Jinli awoke again, her eyes opened to a curtain of drooping willows and a pond lush with emerald lotus.

She sat up and looked around, seeing Gengyuan leaning at her side, arms folded across his chest, eyes closed in quiet repose. The dappled sunlight played over him, and a slant of light fell across his face, allowing Jinli to notice for the first time a faint mole near the bridge of his nose.

She had never seen it before. Raising her hand, she shielded his face from the glare with a smile—perhaps he was at his most gentle when asleep.

Her gaze dropped to his slightly open collar, where beneath the delicate collarbone peeked a short plume of phoenix feather. Against his fair skin, the red markings were strikingly vivid and seductive.

Just as she reached out, Gengyuan’s voice sounded softly, “What are you doing?”

Startled, Jinli lifted her head, and their eyes met in mutual surprise.

Gengyuan was the first to avert his gaze. Jinli, caught red-handed in her mischief, hurried to her feet and stretched her arms. “You’re awake.”

Gengyuan sat up and regarded her. “What were you about to do?”

Jinli shook her head. “Nothing at all. I wasn’t doing anything.”

He tugged at his collar and stood at her side, adjusting his clothes. “Lady Jinli, I invited you to tour the lake today for two reasons: first, to thank you in person, and second, to make clear that I do not belong here—nor do I belong to you. I hope you will respect yourself and refrain from such actions that might give rise to misunderstanding.”

At these words, Jinli’s spirits sank. “Misunderstanding? You overthink, young master—there is no misunderstanding.”

She stepped closer. “I am interested in you. Can’t you see that?”

“But I have not the slightest interest in you,” he replied without hesitation.

His blunt rejection caught Jinli off guard, but the undisguised embarrassment only confirmed for her that there was someone in his heart.

“Is there someone you care for?” she asked softly.

“You… What nonsense are you speaking?” The youth’s ears flushed red, his eyes filled with the panic of having his thoughts exposed.

“It’s getting late. Let’s return.”

“Young master—”

He paused, looking back at her, his eyes questioning.

“Tell me more about the South Sea. I want to hear about it.”

Lowering his gaze for a moment, Gengyuan began to speak, his voice clear and melodious, like an early spring stream that found its way into Jinli’s heart.

“The sea in the South is brilliantly blue and clear—radiant as sapphire. There, the seasons never change. At dusk, my kin and I would race to see who could reach Sunset Gorge first. The daylight lingers, the sun seems far, yet with a leap, it’s almost within reach. We would also visit Starcrest Cliff, standing atop to gaze into the distance, where the horizon of the far coast comes into view. The constellations hang just before your eyes, and you can feel the stars slipping through your fingers, streaks of light gliding across the heavens, brushing against you—not with discomfort, but with romance and heat.”

Jinli watched the setting sun cast its orange glow across the sky, then slowly sink away.

“Let’s go back.”

She closed her eyes, silent.

Gengyuan gently rowed the boat back.

By the time they returned, Yunxiang and Jiang Ji were already waiting anxiously by the lotus pond. The moment Jiang Ji saw Gengyuan, he hurried to his side, inspecting him closely. “Young master, are you alright? Are you hurt?”

Gengyuan evaded his hand. “I’m fine.”

Yunxiang stepped to Jinli’s side. “Lady Jinli, Yun’an from Prince Sangli’s retinue has arrived, bringing many official documents. I’ve prepared a room for him.”

“Yun’an? Why has he come? Is there urgent business from Prince Sangli?”

Yunxiang shook his head but shared his guess in a low voice. “Since Prince Sangli sent his retainer with documents, might it not mean he intends to stay here?”

Jinli found it hard to believe. “What nonsense are you talking?”

Yunxiang rubbed his nose and whispered, “If Prince Sangli sees this young lord from the South Sea, might it not affect your relationship?”

Jinli said nothing, lost in thought, when Yunxiang added, “I think Prince Sangli came down just for you—perhaps to nurture feelings between you. My lady, you’ve been hiding for so many years, it’s time to think about yourself.”

“Yes, it is time,” she replied.

Then the young man gave a curt bow and left, without a trace of hesitation.

This woman falls for everyone she meets—what a waste of beauty’s charms.

Watching them leave, Jinli said to Yunxiang, “Come, show me.”

They entered the Pearwood Pavilion and indeed found Yun’an sorting Prince Sangli’s documents. As Jinli stepped inside, Yun’an looked up and greeted her with the dignified courtesy of an immortal, gentle and refined. “Greetings, Lady Jinli.”

Glancing at the piles of scrolls and documents, she said, “No need for formalities.”

Yun’an, hands respectfully folded, explained with a smile, “From now on, His Highness will reside here. I’ll deliver the daily records and documents, which might disturb you, but if you wish not to see me, I will keep out of your sight.”

“Why is Prince Sangli staying in my residence?”

“His Highness says the scenery of the Pear Blossom Valley is delightful, and the lotus pond is cool and tranquil—the perfect place to rest and, perhaps, to keep you company.”

Jinli had to admit, Yun’an’s eloquence was worthy of a scholar—she could offer no retort.

She sat down. “But with so many documents and official duties, how could anyone relax?”

“Your presence is all the rest he needs.”

At the sound of that voice, Jinli turned to see Sangli standing at the door, robed in splendid celestial garb, a gentle smile on his lips.

She stood. “Prince Sangli.”

He stepped in. “The work appears daunting but is quickly handled. No need to worry, Ali.”

Jinli nodded, smiling. “That’s good to hear.”

Seeing his ceremonial attire and the fatigue in his eyes, she realized he’d just descended from the Celestial Palace. “You could have come tomorrow—Lotus River isn’t going anywhere. Rest now, Yunxiang and I will leave you to it.”

She was just about to leave when Sangli said, “You haven’t had supper yet, have you? As it happens, neither have I. Let’s dine together.”

Yunxiang bowed with tact. “I’ll go prepare the meal.”

Jinli led Sangli to the kitchen with a smile, but before they could enter, they found Gengyuan standing before them, hands clasped behind his back, facing away.

Jinli called softly, “Young master?”

Gengyuan turned at her voice, his gaze settling on Jinli and then on Sangli, before addressing Jiang Ji, who was busy inside, “Jiang Ji.”

Jiang Ji dashed out, apron on and spatula in hand. “Young master, the scallops are almost ready, just a moment more.”

Seeing Sangli and Jinli, Jiang Ji was at a loss. But Sangli only smiled gently, his bearing warm and refined. “Is this the young lord of the South Sea?”

Gengyuan glanced at Sangli, returned his bow, and swept past Jinli. “Jiang Ji, you needn’t cook. Let’s go.”

He turned to leave. Jinli caught his sleeve. “Young master, what will you eat?”

“No need for your concern.”

With a glance at Sangli, he pulled free. Jinli, failing to catch the look in his eyes, released him.

Gengyuan paused, then strode out, clearly displeased. Jiang Ji, knowing it was better not to linger, hurried after him.

That night, Jiang Ji found Gengyuan and bowed respectfully. “Young master, now that His Highness is here, do we need to change our plans?”

Gengyuan considered, then raised his hand. “No matter. His Highness won’t stay long.”

Later, as Jinli returned to her chambers, Sangli arrived, carrying a bowl of peach blossom soup, smiling gently. “Ali, you barely ate at supper. I made you your favorite peach blossom soup. Try it.”

The fragrance, color, and taste of the soup filled her with mixed feelings. “Have Yunxiang do such things in the future, Sangli. You should rest.”

Sangli sat, his gaze gentle. “It’s only right that I do these things myself.”

Jinli tasted the soup; the aroma of peach blossoms spread in her mouth, soft and delicious. “It’s just as good as before.”

Sangli smiled.

He should have been the gallant, spirited prince of her youth, yet he was so calm, so rational, always exuding the dignity of the Celestial Clan. She knew she was not his match. The youth in white robes, with eyes that curved in laughter, was the same senior who had carried her up the mountain five hundred years ago. But the past was gone—she was no longer the mischievous junior who clung to him, and he was no longer the senior who would search for her, carry her home, and stand by her side no matter her trouble.

She remembered well his joy when he learned of their betrothal.

“Sangli, your position in the Ninth Heaven is not easy now. You needn’t trouble yourself with me.”

“Ali, I—”

“Sangli, you should return tomorrow.”

She saw the disappointment in his eyes, but he remained courteous. “Then I’ll visit you in a few days.”

“Fine. I’ll share a drink with you then.”

“Yes.”

Jinli smiled, restraining herself as she always did.

The next morning, Yunxiang came to report that Sangli had left. Gengyuan arrived early, and at the sight of Jinli, his gaze shifted away.

She smiled and nodded at Yunxiang, who replied with a grin, “Young master, today you shall help Lady Jinli dress and serve her.”

Jinli accepted and led Gengyuan to her chambers.

In the jade mirror, Jinli’s smiling face made hearts tremble. The youth glanced at her reflection, as if hoping to see another’s face, but reality denied him.

Jinli asked with a smile, “Did you sleep well last night, young master?”

“As usual,” he replied.

They shared breakfast. Afterwards, they went to the market together.

Gengyuan carefully selected vegetables, prompting Jinli to tease, “So you can cook?”

“I can manage some simple dishes.”

Jinli laughed. “You really are a fine husband. I wonder who’s lucky enough to win your favor.”

He looked up. “I can’t say for others, but you, Lady Jinli, just might have a chance.”

Jinli paused, surprised by this little merman’s sudden flirtation.

“You’re quite the charmer, young master.”

“As long as I’m in Lotus River, I am yours.”

“So you are,” she replied, amused by his compliance.

“Of course.”

But Jinli missed the darker undertone in Gengyuan’s words. As they turned, a few vendors came forward to greet her.

“Lady Jinli, how have you been lately?”

She answered each in turn, “Quite well, thank you.”

Their eyes soon came to rest on the youth carrying her vegetables. “That must be your new little Immortal, Lady Jinli.”

The young man paused in his selection, pretending not to hear. Jinli only smiled in response.