Moth Chasing the Sun 5

The next day was the ancestral worship ceremony. The two were roused early by servants, ate a quick breakfast, and began preparing themselves.

They changed into formal attire, had makeup applied, and got their hair styled. Yan Xianchuan was sat in a chair for over an hour before it was finished, but she had to admit, she looked good. The makeup was natural, with no visible trace, and her features hadn't changed, yet she seemed different—like an upgraded version of herself, though she couldn't quite say how.

Lu Mingqiu, on the other hand, had always been striking, and after their work, she was elevated to another level entirely, almost stunningly so.

—At least, that was true for Yan Xianchuan.

The old Yan Xianchuan had thought: appearances mean nothing to me.

The current Yan Xianchuan: Delicious!

She sidled up to Lu Mingqiu, gazing at her intently, and declared loudly, "You look stunning today."

Lu Mingqiu... how to put it? She felt an urge to flee.

This was someone who loved openly, who laid out her thoughts and desires plainly, with boldness and candor.

Conventionally, the one who confesses love first in a relationship is at a disadvantage. Once declared, it's like chaining oneself and placing the other end of the leash in the other's hand, allowing them to lead, to step on your back in the name of love, to do whatever they want, go wherever they please, while you can only obey unconditionally.

And Lu Mingqiu—perhaps her weakness was that she was too soft-hearted, her moral bar too high.

When she tried to say harsh words to Yan Xianchuan, she'd consider the latter's feelings before the words even left her mouth.

What if my words are too harsh and hurt her? She hasn't done anything wrong. Is loving someone a mistake? Is expressing affection a mistake?

Moreover, Yan Xianchuan was very measured. She always stopped at the perfect point, never overstepping or being aggressive.

Were her requests excessive? No.

So what harm would it do to agree? Would Lu Mingqiu be harmed? No.

And if she refused? Yan Xianchuan might be devastated.

Thus, against the other's advances, Lu Mingqiu retreated time and again. But she couldn't always compromise; there was a term for that—letting the wolf into the house.

And her nature didn't allow her to run. When faced with a problem, she solved it; when faced with difficulty, she overcame it.

How to solve it... She met the other's frank, adoring gaze and forced herself not to look away.

Could she just kill the girl? If you can't solve the problem, get rid of the one who poses it.

No joke. She wasn't a clone of Yan Xianchuan.

"Can you..." Not cling to me, don't look at me like that, "...tone it down?"

—Let me breathe.

Sometimes she hated how acutely she perceived others' emotions.

Sure enough, Yan Xianchuan wilted like a frosted eggplant, a withered rose. "Can't I even compliment you?" she said, looking utterly dejected and heartbroken.

If one could squeeze her, tears of sorrow would gush out like from a waterlogged sponge, raising the level of the North Sea by three centimeters.

What could Lu Mingqiu do? She could only say dryly, "That's not what I meant."

Yan Xianchuan said nothing, head bowed, as if grieving beyond words, even speaking becoming a Herculean task.

Lu Mingqiu: "..."

Lu Mingqiu: "Fine, say it, say it."

Only then did Yan Xianchuan "break into a smile," happily sidling up to her again. "Pretty!"

Was she the vulnerable one, waiting to be slaughtered? Lu Mingqiu wondered. Why did it seem she was the passive one?

But she had no time to ponder, as someone came to remind them it was time to set off.

Ancestral worship was a major event, especially for a traditional family like the Yan.

Every able-bodied member who could be named, as long as they could move, had to come. Now they all gathered in one place, nearly filling the entire square.

Despite the frequent bloody conflicts over power in each generation, the Yan family's numbers were undeniably thriving.

Many. Too many.

Yan Xianchuan stood in line by birth order, with Lu Mingqiu beside her. Ahead was Fourth Sister Yan Zhitang; behind, Eighth Sister Yan Fufeng and Tenth Sister Yan Zhishui.

The tenth sister was an omega and didn't sit with them during family banquets, but with the other unmarried omegas.

As for the ninth, directly ahead of her, she was already married. A married omega was no longer considered part of the Yan family and needn't attend banquets or ancestral rites.

And the fifth, ahead of Yan Xianchuan, had been dead for years—his ashes were probably moldy by now.

He'd miscalculated, made mistakes in his duties, and the patriarch ordered him stripped of his position, cast out of the competition. Later, not long after, he died in a car accident. Whether it was truly an accident or not, no one cared.

They formed lines and walked en masse, with Patriarch Yan Wen at the lead.

Yan Xianchuan commented internally: Like a tour group.

The difference was that this group was deathly silent. Apart from the sound of instruments, there was no human voice. Everyone wore solemn, respectful expressions and walked for nearly an hour before arriving before a wooden building.

Yan Wen said, "Offer incense."

At that, a small team holding incense sticks came around, handing one to each person.

The bundle in Yan Xianchuan's hand was to the patriarch's as a grandson to a grandfather—far less grand.

The fragrance was subtle, not pungent, and not smoky. At Yan Wen's next words, everyone bowed in unison, creating a solemn atmosphere.

After the incense offering, servants carried out bronze censers, and each person inserted their incense before the censers were arranged on the platform in three rows.

Yan Xianchuan glanced up at the wide-open door; within, spirit tablets were densely packed, tier upon tier, almost forming a tower to the heavens.

The Yan family's history was long, and not everyone was honored with a place in the ancestral hall—only past patriarchs and those of great contribution. Yet even so, there were this many.

She looked away as Patriarch Yan Wen recited the family precepts, then began introducing the family history and the merits of past generations.

The autumn sun wasn't as fierce as summer's, but its heat was not to be underestimated. Everyone stood in the sun without shade, yet no one moved, swayed, or complained about the heat.

After another hour of this, Yan Wen concluded his speech and led the crowd back on foot.

By the time they returned to the square, it was noon. Everyone dispersed to their lodgings to change and freshen up for the luncheon.

After offering incense, Yan Xianchuan's mind had wandered. Exposed to the sun all morning, with not a cloud in the sky, she felt like an ice cream just taken out of the freezer—her brain had melted into a puddle, and she swayed as she walked.

If she was like this, she turned to look at Lu Mingqiu.

Lu Mingqiu was radiant.

Yan Xianchuan: ?

"What's wrong? Heatstroke? Feeling unwell?" Lu Mingqiu leaned over, looking at her with concern, and reached out to feel her forehead. "Dizzy?"

Yan Xianchuan blushed—not from the sun, but from embarrassment. "Not dizzy," she said. She wanted to dodge but couldn't bear to part from the touch of the other's hand, so she stood rooted to the spot, with an expression that said she wanted to run but her shoes were glued to the floor.

How strange. Aren't I the one with the better constitution?

Could it be that I'm an aquatic plant and she's a desert plant, so when the sun beats down, I wilt and she flourishes?

How ridiculous.

But the evidence was there, and Yan Xianchuan had to admit she was the more delicate one.

Indeed, she had never been exposed to strong sunlight.

In her previous life, she'd been doted on, never suffering in daily life. Moreover, because of her psychological condition, her parents' care could be described as meticulous and all-encompassing.

When she entered the death game, she saw even less of the sun.

What ghost appears at noon? Don't they all come out at night to scare people?

In all her years, Yan Xianchuan had never been sunburned, never attended military training; this was her first taste of such torment.

It was different from simple physical pain—more lingering, harder to endure.

Lu Mingqiu felt her temperature, told her to go cool off, and handed her a glass of warm water. "Drink it all."

Yan Xianchuan obediently took it and gulped down the water. After a glass, she did feel much better. Only then did she realize how thirsty she was and went to get another cup.

After a shower, a change of clothes, and a touch-up, a lively Yan Xianchuan was reborn.

The luncheon was nothing to speak of—just the family eating and drinking. The difference was that this family was quite large, and the topics of conversation were equally grand.

Yan Xianchuan was again seated at the second table, now with a more varied set of companions, mostly paired alpha-omega couples.

The Yan family: lovers of arranged marriages. When members of the clan reached marriageable age, they were basically all matched for political unions. If you were a failure and couldn't climb up—no problem, no matter. Your last task was to produce offspring for the family, to have children.

Have ten or eight kids, and surely one would stand out.

Yan Xianchuan was considered too useless, and with Lu Mingqiu's maneuvering, the two had been paired together and sent away, not even qualified to serve as breeding machines.

That was fine—that 'blessing' wasn't one she wanted, anyway.

But to be fair, there were no ugly people in the Yan family.

For the ancestral rites, one shouldn't be flashy, so everyone dressed simply and elegantly, each with their own charm. Yan Xianchuan scanned the room and spotted some familiar faces—actors she'd seen in Lu Mingqiu's films. They were likely omegas from other families who'd married into the Yan.

When the luncheon ended, the ancestral worship ceremony was temporarily concluded.

Unlike in the past, there was no requirement for three days of fasting; everything was simplified. As soon as the banquet ended, someone came to summon her: the patriarch wanted to see her in his study.

Lu Mingqiu naturally couldn't go, so Yan Xianchuan parted from her and went alone.

The study—the imperial study, where the emperor conducted affairs. Now the Yan patriarch sat there, with Assistant Zeng behind him.

Besides them, there were two others in the room.

Yan Xianchuan entered and, with lowered eyes, said, "Father."

"These two will accompany you to Dingyang City," Yan Wen said without preamble. "Xie Five, Xie Seven."

The two acknowledged.

Yan Wen continued, "Handle any problems through them." He smiled, his voice like a pot of clear tea, mellow and soft: "Do you understand my meaning?"

Yan Xianchuan: "I understand."

Wasn't it to be a puppet?

"Do well. Don't shame the Yan family's reputation." He turned away. "Depart at five o'clock. You may go."

It was already past three. Truly no time left.

Yan Xianchuan grumbled internally but showed no sign, giving him a bow before leaving the study.

The two followed behind her, introducing themselves as they walked.

The taller, darker one was Xie Seven; the shorter, paler one was Xie Five. One skilled in business, the other in social relations.

"Are you brothers?" Yan Xianchuan asked.

"We just happen to share the surname Xie," Xie Five replied. "I was born in the fifth month, he in the seventh, so the patriarch named us accordingly."

The two seemed respectful, but they were Yan Wen's agents sent to watch her.

Yan Xianchuan had thought of chatting them up, trying to charm them, but then realized—they'd surely be loyal to the patriarch. Anything she said would be useless, like casting pearls before swine. She might as well let Lu Mingqiu handle it.

So she shut her mouth and stopped trying to make conversation.

Back in the chamber she'd only stayed in for a day, Yan Xianchuan told Lu Mingqiu what had happened, and two servants began helping them pack their belongings.

"We haven't even had a chance to tour the palace," she said with a hint of regret. She'd planned to stroll through the gardens with Lu Mingqiu after the ceremony, but they were leaving before they could even catch their breath.

"There'll be other opportunities," Lu Mingqiu consoled her.

What opportunity—the fall of the Yan family? That sounded nice.

They traveled to Dingyang City on the Yan family's private airship.

Dingyang wasn't far from Moon City, about an hour's journey, but farther north, where it got dark earlier. When the airship landed at six, the sun was already out of sight, and everything was cloaked in dusk.

The airship flew directly to the Yan building there, dropping them at the doorstep.

Xie Five and Xie Seven disembarked and took the elevator down, saying they'd be staying on the two floors below, while the top floor was reserved for Yan Xianchuan and her companion.

Two maids were waiting at the entrance, busily taking the luggage to the dressing room, then said, "Miss and Madam, please rest. If you need anything, just say the word; the smart home system will notify us."

"Do you have any dietary preferences?"

"I like sweets and desserts," Yan Xianchuan said promptly. "She prefers lighter dishes, not too oily or salty. I'm not picky—I'll eat anything."

"Understood," the maid said. "You can note down dishes you'd like for tomorrow on the intranet. If there are no special requests, the chef will improvise based on your preferences."

"Breakfast will be at eight. At nine in the morning, the head of the Lin family will call; at two in the afternoon, the head of the Newman family will visit."

"Do you need a wake-up call?"

Yan Xianchuan: "..."

Seriously, did everyone in the Yan family have a disease where they'd die if they didn't work?

Yan Xianchuan: "No need. I can get up on my own."

Since she'd decided to put on a good show, she'd do it. All this verbal sparring? She didn't know how, but she could let Lu Mingqiu handle it.

Yan Xianchuan felt both guilty and justified.

The next day, the Lin patriarch arrived on time, and Xie Five led him to the sitting room.

Lin's visit was under the guise of paying respects to the new head, not for business, so there were no extra formalities.

Lu Mingqiu, as her wife, temporarily served as an assistant, pouring tea by her side. In formal business settings, omegas were not allowed to appear.

The Lin patriarch looked elderly but well-preserved, albeit with a prominent belly.

He was sharp, arriving with a gift—a wristwatch, unisex, limited edition, that couldn't be faulted. A thoughtful gesture.

After sitting down, he didn't rush to business but started with small talk.

"Has Miss Yan ever visited Dingyang?"

"No."

"Ah, then it's fate that you're here now!" Lin laughed heartily. "Dingyang may be small, but as they say, a sparrow may be small but fully equipped. We've everything one could want."

"But do you know what Dingyang is most famous for?"

Yan Xianchuan played along. "What?"

"Beautiful women!" Lin winked slyly. "Southern girls are gentle; our northern girls are, of course, lively and bold."

"Especially since we have many mixed-race folks here. Eyes so big they seem to speak—every one of them is stunning."

"To be honest, my youngest daughter is quite striking." He took out a photo of her to show Yan Xianchuan.

It was a young woman in a tank top playing beach volleyball, laughing widely, her honey-colored skin glistening like polished wax, radiating untamed beauty.

"My little Yun, a bit younger than you, I've spoiled her. Today, when she heard I was coming, she pestered me to ask about her boyfriend." Lin put on a helpless expression. "You may laugh, but every parent worries for their children. She's found someone, and I can't help but fret."

"This person—you might know him—the previous head here, Young Master Yan Wanzhi. You see, since the ancestral ceremony approached, he left, but there's been no word from him. My daughter, she keeps making a fuss, demanding to see him, to ask if she's been dumped. She's worn me down, so I must swallow my pride and come ask, though I know I'm being a nuisance." Lin said with a smile, "Are you familiar with Young Master Yan Wanzhi?"

Yan Xianchuan had no memory of this person, but she'd read the files and knew he was a son from Third Uncle's household. Beyond that, she didn't know more.

Before she could decide how to answer, Xie Five spoke first: "Lin, rest assured, you'll see Young Master Yan soon. He was summoned by the patriarch for important business and can't get away at the moment. That's why Miss here has come to temporarily fill in."

"Tell Miss Lin not to worry. The young master spoke to the patriarch about their relationship, and the patriarch has approved. Congratulations—I offer my felicitations to you."

"That's wonderful!" Lin's narrowed eyes shot a sharp gleam, and he laughed loudly. "Thank you for the good news!"

"Don't mention it." Xie Five smiled. "Won't the Lin and Yan families be in-laws soon?"

"It's a pity I've recently quit drinking, or I'd have a few cups!" Lin raised his teacup. "Drinking something makes it feel right. Let me toast with tea—thanks to this brother, thanks to the patriarch!"

With his heart at ease, Lin's smile grew more genuine. He chattered on about trivialities, then left without staying for lunch.

Yan Wanzhi... As soon as Lu Mingqiu heard the name, she had Hei Ge look into him and got a stack of photos of him and Lin Xiaoyun on dates. His movements weren't hidden, so it was easy to find.

During lunch, Yan Xianchuan glanced at them. "Pleasant-looking but no substance."

But his recorded movements only went up to a few days before, when he returned to Moon City. After that—nothing.

What important task could he have been sent on?