Mysterious Lotus Casebook [BL Version]

Chapter 38: The truth behind Li Xiangyi's first love

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Li Xiangyi, now fully recovered, joined the seniors for dinner. A celebratory atmosphere filled the air, buoyed by the anticipation of brighter days ahead.

"To the health of Sect Leader Li Xiangyi!" one of the elders proposed, raising his glass in a toast that was echoed by all present. 

Fang Duobing found himself seated across from Li Xiangyi, who remained aloof, his attention elsewhere. Beside him, Di Feisheng offered silent support, a reassuring presence amidst the festivities.

"Who delivered the medicine for me?" Li Xiangyi inquired, his gaze sweeping across the room.

"It was Fang Duobing," the senior replied, gesturing towards Fang Duobing with a nod.

Li Xiangyi took hold of his wine glass and approached Fang Duobing, standing before him with a solemn expression. "I owe you a debt of gratitude," he declared, his voice filled with sincerity as he offered the cup of wine.

Moved by Li Xiangyi's words, Fang Duobing reached for his own glass, rising to his feet with a tremulous smile, his emotions threatening to spill over. Just as he was about to take a sip, Di Feisheng abruptly stood, intercepting the wine from Fang Duobing's hand and swallowing it down in one swift motion.

"It is my privilege," Di Feisheng proclaimed, his voice resolute. "In honor of my master's health, I drank on his behalf."

Li Xiangyi grinned contentedly as he settled back into his seat, his gaze drifting towards the elders as they began discussing his impending marriage.

"It is time for you to consider marriage, Li Xiangyi. Wan Mian has waited patiently for you all these years," suggested the monk from Pudu Temple, his words echoed by others in the gathering.

"Thank you for your concern," Li Xiangyi replied amiably, offering his gratitude before moving on to greet the next person in the gathering.

As the discussion about Li Xiangyi's marriage unfolded, Di Feisheng leaned in close to Fang Duobing, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Be careful with the food," he advised, casting a discreet glance at Fang Duobing's stomach. "You're eating for two now."

Fang Duobing's eyes widened in mock surprise, a mischievous twinkle dancing in his gaze. "You should say four," he quipped, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "They're triplets."

Di Feisheng's eyes widened in shock as he choked on his wine, a startled cough escaping him. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the pair, puzzled expressions flickering across their faces. Fang Duobing couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, a grin spreading across his face as he relished the unexpected reaction.

In a secluded corner of the palace, Fang Duobing met with Wan Mian, a sense of urgency coloring his expression. Silently, he handed her Li Xiangyi's sword, his eyes pleading with her to deliver it to its rightful owner.

"You haven't changed a bit, Fang Duobing," she remarked with a fond smile, her gaze softening as she accepted the sword. "Always willing to go to great lengths for those you care about."

Wan Mian's laughter echoed in the quiet space, a melodic sound tinged with amusement and nostalgia. She remembered the day when Fang Duobing had stood before her, his heart laid bare in a confession that she had intervened to halt, causing him to leave in embarrassment.

In a secluded corner of the palace, Fang Duobing met with Wan Mian, a sense of urgency coloring his expression. Silently, he handed her Li Xiangyi's sword, his eyes pleading with her to deliver it to its rightful owner.

"His sword? You truly are infatuated with Li Xiangyi," she teased, her tone tinged with fond reminiscence. "It takes me back to that night when you were prepared to reveal your true identity to him, the night we first met. You were the one exchanging love letters with him, weren't you? But you should understand, Li Xiangyi isn't one to fall for just anyone. He needs someone who can match his spirit."

"Let's not dwell on the past," Fang Duobing replied earnestly, his gaze unwavering. "Please, take care of him."

With a nod of understanding, he passed over a stack of documents to Wan Mian. "These are crucial. Give them to the senior detective and ask him to investigate Mr. Xiao. He's the one who poisoned Li Xiangyi."

As Fang Duobing turned around, he caught sight of Di Feisheng lurking in the shadows, his expression unreadable. 

"What was she saying?" Di Feisheng demanded, his voice tinged with frustration as he stepped forward.

Fang Duobing hesitated, his heart heavy with the weight of his secret. "It's nothing, just some personal matters," he replied evasively, avoiding Di Feisheng's piercing gaze.

"Personal matters? You're keeping secrets from me now?" Di Feisheng's tone was laced with betrayal, his frustration boiling over. "After all we've been through, you still don't trust me enough to confide in me?"

Tears welled up in Fang Duobing's eyes, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. "I...I can't," he choked out, his voice barely above a whisper. Seeing Fang Duobing's distress, Di Feisheng's anger softened into concern. With a sigh, he reached out and gently took Fang Duobing's hand, leading him towards the carriage.

Throughout the journey, Fang Duobing remained silent, lost in his own thoughts, and Di Feisheng, sensing his companion's reticence, refrained from pressing him with questions. The silence between them stretched as they arrived at Di Feisheng's residence. Di Feisheng was preparing to retire to his room when Fang Duobing stopped him with a hesitant voice.

"Would you like to take a late-night stroll?" Fang Duobing asked softly.

As they strolled beneath the stars, Fang Duobing recounted his heartache to Di Feisheng, each word heavy with the weight of his emotions. "You know," he began, his voice laced with sorrow, "there was someone I loved deeply, Li Xiangyi."

"I wrote him letters, pouring out my feelings," Fang confessed, his voice quivering with emotion. "I believed we shared a connection, a bond that could withstand anything. We even planned to meet in Sigu Sect, under the cover of darkness."

Di Feisheng's silence weighed heavily on Fang, but he pressed on, needing to share his pain. "But then Wan Mian intervened," he continued, his voice growing strained. "She took away the letters, mocking my love as foolish and futile. Li Xiangyi never knew the truth, never knew how much I loved him."

"And then..." Fang's voice trailed off, his eyes clouded with tears. "Then she went to Li Xiangyi, pretending to be the one who wrote those letters. And he... he believed her, embraced her..."

"Fang," Di Feisheng finally spoke, his voice low and measured, "you must confront this head-on. You cannot allow yourself to be consumed by regret and despair. Li Xiangyi may have forgotten, but your love was real, and it deserves to be acknowledged."

But Fang Duobing simply laughed, the sound hollow and bitter. "Why should I confront anything?" he said, his voice tinged with resignation. "Li Xiangyi has moved on, forgotten about me and this pregnancy. Why should he believe me now?"

Di Feisheng's heart ached at Fang's words, but he knew there was truth in them. Still, he couldn't bear to see his friend suffer alone. "Because," he said, his voice gentle yet firm, "you owe it to yourself to speak your truth. Regardless of the outcome, you must find closure, for your own sake."

Fang Duobing shook his head, his decision firm. "I have no desire to confront Li Xiangyi or anyone else. I will live in seclusion, raise my children, and leave the past behind."

Di Feisheng frowned, concern etched on his face. "But what about your children? Will you hide them from their grandmother forever?"

"That's the problem," Fang replied, a hint of frustration in his voice. "I don't know what to say to her. If I don't visit her, she'll never let me hear the end of it."

Di Feisheng sighed, understanding Fang's dilemma. "You need to face this sooner or later, Fang. You can't hide from your problems forever. And as for your mother, she deserves to know the truth, no matter how difficult it may be."

To be continued...