Love's Debt Comes Knocking - Chapter 3

A night of rain beating against the wutong trees, bringing the springtime affairs of the mortal world to their fullest.

The calamity that had tormented Wuti City for days came to an abrupt halt. The clouds dispersed, the rain cleared, and the east gifted the sky with a fish-belly white glow. Thin light pierced through the clouds, soothing the suffering people.

Peach Mountain slowly awoke from its slumber.

Branches sprouted new leaves, birds flapped their wings as they ventured out to forage. Their reddish-brown feathers brushed against the freshly washed azure sky, their clear cries bursting with tender yet vibrant vitality.

In the dilapidated temple, a rust-covered lock on the old wooden door was knocked open by a pebble the size of a broken silver piece.

Click.

The unusual sound startled the person inside the temple.

Inside, the bonfire had burned out, leaving only a pile of ashes. Behind the stone statue, Tao Yuan opened a pair of clear, cold, and beautiful eyes. Her snow-white skin and elegant hair, the faint blush at the corners of her eyes—two completely different temperaments blended strangely within her lifted gaze, followed by waves of soreness in her waist and legs.

She froze for a moment, then, by the morning light, looked at the “little beggar” who had held her in their arms all night.

Eyes were amorous, enchanting peach blossom eyes, not frivolous but rather innocent and well-behaved.

Lips were moist, red, and soft, thin lips that felt like kissing the most delicate flower of spring.

Her appearance was gentle and beautiful, visually giving the impression of someone frail, unable to carry heavy burdens or lift a hand.

This was the person who had accompanied her through a night of indulgence.

Eight years younger than her.

A jade-like arm reached out from under the quilt.

Tao Yuan stared with a complex expression at the spot on her forearm where the “shougongsha” (virginity mark) had been. After the night, it was now pure white.

Having lost her virginity through intimacy with another, the crimson symbol of chastity had naturally vanished without a trace.

Having suffered such a great fall, Tao Yuan couldn’t help but feel anger. She expressionlessly shifted her gaze away.

Tilting her head, she inadvertently caught sight of the faint, peach blossom-like marks on Lu Yang’s neck. Her cold face suddenly flushed with heat.

She bit her lower lip lightly.

Realizing that the two of them were embracing each other without a stitch of clothing, her eyes filled with helplessness.

Her upbringing as a noblewoman forbade her from taking her anger out on an innocent person.

Rather than feeling violated by a stranger whose only known detail was a name, at this moment, she felt more guilty for having corrupted a good young person.

This person looked tall and long-limbed, yet knew little about such matters.

So pure and innocent, yet she had dragged them into the worldly affairs. Tao Yuan suppressed her shame, and with a single movement, her entire body ached.

Lu Yang, in her eighteen years of life, had never felt as exhausted as she did now. It was as if she had fought a grueling battle, her energy completely drained, leaving her weary and heavy-headed. Yet her long arm still clung tightly to that slender waist.

Appearances could be deceiving. Having personally experienced the young person’s “recklessness,” Tao Yuan dared not wake her. With utmost caution, she struggled free from her embrace, which took considerable effort.

Feeling the emptiness in her arms, Lu Yang hugged the quilt and turned to her side.

After tidying her attire, Tao Yuan glanced back at her one last time. Ultimately, moved by their fleeting connection, she stepped forward to tuck the quilt around her.

She didn’t know what to say, and even if she did, this person likely wouldn’t hear it.

Her fingertip, following her heart’s desire, brushed across Lu Yang’s fair, tender cheek and slightly pursed lips.

The touch was warm and smooth. She smiled faintly.

In the darkness of the night, she hadn’t seen clearly, but now, awake, she realized someone raised with such care and refinement could never be a “little beggar.”

She might well be the beloved young master of some wealthy family.

Whoever had plotted against her intended to humiliate her.

Tao Yuan stood up, brushed her sleeves, and walked around the stone statue.

She didn’t feel that a night of springtime passion with such a pure and good young person was humiliating.

Even if she had suffered a loss, it didn’t seem like too great a loss.

Enduring the soreness, Tao Yuan walked out without looking back. With a gentle push, the door opened.

She smiled mockingly.

Indeed.

The meticulous planning had been aimed at destroying her chastity.

The gentle morning light shone upon the woman’s white robe embroidered with snowflake silver patterns, casting a shimmering glow that flickered like rippling water. Beneath the hem of her skirt, delicate silver threads embroidered into waves seemed to bring to life the poetic line—”The water glimmers in the sunlight, a perfect day.”

She was in no hurry to leave. With her slender neck slightly raised, she stood quietly at the temple entrance, keeping watch for those who were still half-asleep.

A mountain breeze suddenly swept through.

Along with the breeze came the increasingly close calls of a crowd.

Tao Zheng led the servants at the forefront, putting on a show of concern for her elder sister—a performance no one could fault. Rushing up the mountain to search for someone as soon as the floodwaters receded—what else could it be but sisterly affection?

Seeing the bright morning light, she quickened her pace, heading straight for the dilapidated temple.

“Miss! Miss, where are you?”

The maid beside Tao Yuan called out loudly. Han Chan’s voice grew hoarse from shouting, and she was on the verge of tears in her anxiety.

“The disaster struck below the mountain. To survive, one had to seek refuge up here. Don’t lose heart. My elder sister is sure to be safe and sound!”

With Tao Yuan absent, the usually inconspicuous Tao Zheng subtly became the backbone of the group. Encouraged by her, the Tao family’s attendants and servants all rallied their spirits.

“Miss? Miss?”

“Eldest Miss—”

“I’m here.”

Under the clear sky and amidst the lush greenery, Tao Yuan arrived gracefully in her white robe.

Recognizing the figure, Han Chan gasped in surprise and rushed over. “Miss!”

She dared not embrace Tao Yuan, instead kneeling at her feet and thanking heaven and earth.

The moment she caught sight of her legitimate elder sister, Tao Zheng’s expression stiffened. The woman carried an air of elegance, and despite having been “missing” all night, she appeared more poised and dignified than anyone present.

This was not what she had expected.

Not at all!

What had gone wrong?

Even after such a “calamity,” the noble and aloof demeanor of the legitimate eldest daughter of the family remained unbroken.

How infuriating!

She gritted her teeth in secret.

With the person found, expressions of relief spread across the faces of the guards and servants alike.

The Tao family was a prominent and influential clan in the capital, where legitimacy and seniority were highly valued. If anything had happened to the eldest miss, they would have been beyond redemption.

“Elder sister? Elder sister, you’re safe—that’s wonderful!” Tao Zheng cried tears of joy.

Normally, when her half-sister displayed such “genuine emotion,” Tao Yuan would grant her a bit of grace out of pity for her unfortunate circumstances. But now…

She watched Tao Zheng’s solo performance without a flicker of emotion. Unfazed, Tao Zheng played her part as if it were real, embodying the pitiable image of a delicate white flower. “Elder sister, we’ve been searching for you for so long…”

She cautiously glanced at Tao Yuan, her face filled with worry. “Elder sister, are… are you all right?”

Having been away all night, there must have been a place to stay whether she slept alone or accompanied someone else, who could say?

The speaker had intentions, and the listeners caught the implication.

Noble families prized their reputations, and among them, the Tao family’s legitimate eldest daughter was known for her purity and unassailable dignity.

As Tao Zheng’s words fell, the accompanying servants held their breath, not daring to make a sound.

Han Chan frowned deeply. What did the second miss mean by that? The eldest miss had barely escaped disaster, and with so many missing in Wuti City at the moment, why single out her lady?

No one spoke up, all intimidated by Tao Yuan’s silent authority.

Success or failure hinged on this moment. Though Tao Zheng also felt fear, the thought of such a lofty figure as Tao Yuan having her purity tarnished by a female beggar turned her fear into smug satisfaction.

The aphrodisiac, named “Immortal’s Fall,” had been purchased at great expense. Under its influence, even the most resolute would succumb—even an immortal would melt into a pleading, wanton mess.

She thought with a hint of malice: Sister may look neat and tidy on the outside, but what about beneath her clothes?

She must be pitiful indeed.

She had come to catch them in the act.

Since Tao Yuan was here, that little beggar was probably still in the dilapidated temple.

The place wasn’t far from the temple. Tao Zheng stepped forward, only to be blocked by Tao Yuan.

“Sister, besides you, there might be others who fled up the mountain to take refuge. Our Tao family has always upheld the principle of aiding the distressed and helping those in need. The situation at the foot of the mountain has stabilized now, so I think we should at least inform them that the danger has passed. If there are those with mobility issues who need assistance, we have enough people to lend a hand without any problem.”

Her reasoning sounded perfectly reasonable, and the servants below nodded in silent agreement, praising the second young lady for her sensibility.

Whether she was sincere or not, Lu Yang was still sound asleep in the dilapidated temple. Since Tao Yuan stood here now, she would never allow anyone to drag an innocent person into this mess.

“I’m tired. Let’s head back first.”

“Sister…”

“Go back!”

She disliked repeating herself, and having said it twice now was a sign she was about to lose her temper.

Unwilling to leave empty-handed, Tao Zheng withdrew her steps. Seizing a moment when Tao Yuan was momentarily distracted, she pretended to unintentionally lift her elder sister’s sleeve.

A glimpse of smooth, snow-white skin flashed by. The servants averted their eyes, not daring to offend.

Han Chan secretly resented the second young lady’s recklessness and was about to speak when she heard a startled exclamation—

“Sister, where is your chastity mark?!” ????.

It wasn’t until birds flew past the temple door three times that Lu Yang awoke from the emptiness of a soul drained dry.

The woman who had accompanied her through the night was gone. Her eyes showed understanding, but her chest was filled with nothing but regret.

She hadn’t even asked the woman her name.

But then again, considering what had happened, it made sense that the other party wouldn’t want to see her again.

Lu Yang sat up, comforting herself that it was all just a spring dream.

Sunlight streamed through the window into the dilapidated temple. After dressing, she smoothed out the wrinkled bedding out of habit. The air still faintly carried the lingering scent of intimacy.

Mixed with the light breath of spring, her face flushed red, and she began to feel distracted.

As some descended the mountain, others ascended.

Just as the Tao family and their servants hurriedly departed, they passed by the Lu family’s search party.

Sitting in the sedan chair, Tao Yuan closed her eyes wearily. After a night of turmoil and little sleep, her very bones felt soft.

No one dared to make any unnecessary sound at this moment.

Though their mouths were tightly shut, how could the storm raging in their hearts be easily stilled?

The young mistress had been violated by a scoundrel.

At this thought, the older attendant felt a belated chill run down his spine.

The second young lady shouldn’t have blurted it out so carelessly and thoughtlessly.

But what if it wasn’t carelessness, but a calculated move…

He lowered his gaze.

The intricacies of power struggles among noble families were always chilling to contemplate.

Even this second young lady, known for her warmth and kindness, might not have a truly red heart if you cut her open.

The Tao family had two young ladies—one legitimate, one illegitimate—as different as heaven and earth.

Now that the eldest young lady had lost her chastity, one’s decline meant the other’s rise.

In matters of rise and fall, glory and disgrace, even among sisters, it wasn’t uncommon for one to climb by stepping on the other’s pain.????.

After waiting and waiting with no sign of her return, Lu Yang felt disheartened, realizing she had truly left.

Gathering her wilted and weary emotions, she stepped out of the dilapidated temple and walked down the mountain against the wind.

The sedan chair landed.

Han Chan respectfully welcomed the young mistress as she stepped down.

Thanks to the active efforts from all sides, the flood in Wuti City had been barely contained. Tao Yuan, poised and dignified, walked through the inn’s main gate.

“Young Mistress, the water is ready.”

“Leave.”

“Yes…”

Han Chan withdrew, standing guard just outside the room door, not taking a single step away.

Born into a prestigious family, Tao Yuan had been raised with meticulous care and refinement. Spending the night in a dilapidated temple and surrendering herself behind a stone statue was, for her, a choice born of sheer desperation.

That night of passion had left more than just Lu Yang exhausted.

Standing before the bathtub, she drifted into a brief reverie, watching the steam rise in swirling tendrils. The chill in her eyes gradually faded away.

Her robe slipped down to her slender, pale ankles. She lifted a leg and sank into the water, concealing the crimson blossoms of passion that bloomed across her chest and waist.

She bathed for nearly half an hour.

Outside the door, Tao Zheng waited with bated heart, each passing moment feeling like a dull knife slowly carving into her flesh.

Though Tao Yuan possessed striking beauty, her nature was unyielding and resolute. When her temper turned cold, it could wound more sharply than an icy blade.

In Tao Zheng’s view, her elder sister was nothing like a woman. What woman lacked the gentle, tender graces as she did? Perhaps it was her fate to be too strong-willed, destined to bring misfortune to her husband. At twenty-six, she had yet to experience the intoxicating ecstasy of passion.

In that sense, drugging her elder sister could be considered an act of daily virtue.

The half-sister’s skin was thicker than a city wall. Unhurriedly, Tao Yuan changed into her loose-sleeved everyday attire, securing her hair with a wooden hairpin. Stripped of all adornment, she exuded a bone-deep, chilling elegance.

“Call her in.”

“Second Miss, the First Miss requests your presence.”

The inevitable had finally arrived.

Tao Zheng slowly released the hem of her skirt she had been clutching.

What was done was done. No matter how strong-willed Tao Yuan was, she was no longer a maiden.

She had always feared her elder sister—not because her sister treated her poorly. On the contrary, Tao Yuan was the kindest to her in the entire Tao family, trusting her and pitying her.

But as long as Tao Yuan existed, the world would only know her name, not Tao Zheng’s!

In a world where the strong preyed on the weak, who would willingly remain the pitied underdog?

Today, she would shatter her sister’s so-called “purity and integrity” and carve a painful wound into her heart!

Watching the Second Miss enter, Han Chan remained stationed outside as usual, ensuring no outsiders disturbed them.

The door opened and closed behind her. Tao Zheng turned around, a smile playing on her lips. “Sister, you—”

The remaining words caught in her throat.

A slender, pale hand clamped firmly around Tao Zheng’s fragile neck.

Tao Yuan’s eyes darkened. Though reluctant to speak, she had no choice. Her fingers tightened. “You’ve crossed my line.”