Chapter 13 The江山 Is Too Heavy
lendor of ProsperityThe Glory王府, though not as splendid and luxurious as the imperial palace, had its own unique ancient charm. Piled rocks and stone carvings, pavilions by water, bridges adorned with...Chapter 13: The Realm is Too Heavy
Yun Qianyue's voice was extremely soft, as if she had casually spoken it out, yet it seemed to be the result of careful deliberation.
Rong Jing suddenly stopped in his tracks and looked down at Yun Qianyue with a quiet gaze.
Yun Qianyue also looked up at him. She raised an eyebrow and asked, "How is it"
Rong Jing smiled and pulled the silk from her arm to cover her eyes. His voice was warm and calm as he said, "It's not that good."
"Not that good" Yun Qianyue saw everything go dark before her eyes. Through the silk, she raised an eyebrow.
“Mm-hmm, it’s not very good.” Rong Jing shook his head and looked towards the sky. Snowflakes were lightly falling to earth; the distant mountains met with a silver blanket of snow spread out like a scroll painting, though no blue-green hills could be seen. He softly said, "The realm is too heavy for me to bear. All I can carry is just you."
Yun Qianyue's heart was instantly touched. She quickly pulled off the silk covering her face and looked straight at Rong Jing.
Rong Jing turned his gaze away, tilting up one corner of his mouth as he said in a low voice, "You've actually gained some weight these few days; you're heavier to hold."
Yun Qianyue couldn't describe the impact those words had on her. She only knew that at this moment being held by him made her feel more cherished and loved than ever before. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She tried again and managed to say, "Rong Jing, you…" Wanting to ask something, she suddenly changed the topic, “I don't think I've gotten fat.”
Rong Jing looked at Yun Qianyue with a light laugh and lowered his head, pressing his lips on hers for a kiss before saying softly, "Who wouldn’t notice such details as I do If I say you’ve gained weight, then you have."
Was he telling her that he had measured and calculated her body every day Yun Qianyue was speechless. "Sir Rong, are you complimenting me"
"Yes!" Rong Jing nodded.
"You think saying I've gained weight is a compliment" Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow.
“Yes!” Rong Jing was extremely serious as he said each word, "Gaining some weight means you're growing up."
Yun Qianyue's face flushed. Looking at his solemn expression, she wondered if he knew what he was saying This sentence should have been innocent and unsexy, but for some reason, it sounded erotic to her. What was going on here She stared at him for a long time and noticed that he was still walking forward with her in his arms. He wore a light robe with loose sleeves, and there wasn't even the slightest hint of anything strange about the way he looked; as if he hadn’t realized what he had said. Suddenly she became upset and said, "You have wasted away so much that you haven't grown up yet!"
Rong Jing suddenly stopped walking. He lowered his head to look at Yun Qianyue with a pleasant voice and made an “mm-hm” sound.
When she heard this, it was as if dark clouds were covering her head. She quickly looked up toward the sky and laughed awkwardly, "Ah, so cold! Put me down, let's go back home quickly!"
Rong Jing watched her but didn't say a word.
"I want to eat the carp you cooked with lotus roots!" Yun Qianyue pushed him. Using some leverage, she jumped out of his arms and took two quick steps forward. She then turned around with a smile and beckoned at Rong Jing, "Come on! Didn't you see that it's getting dark"
Rong Jing’s eyes slightly narrowed as he nodded and followed Yun Qianyue.
Yun Qianyue looked back suspiciously at Rong Jing. Was he letting her off so easily She walked backwards while staring at him for a long time. He didn’t even blink an eye, his expression never changing. Carefully probing, she asked, "Hey, did you hear what I just said"
“Yes!” Rong Jing responded.
Seeing that he had heard her but didn't show any reaction, it meant that he didn’t care. Yun Qianyue was immediately relieved and walked back to him, grabbing his hand with hers. Interlocking their fingers together, she moved both of them in a gentle swinging motion as her mood suddenly improved. She tilted her head to the side and smiled, "Rong Jing, say what you just said again."
"What words That I've gotten fat or that I'm growing up" Rong Jing raised an eyebrow.
“No!” Yun Qianyue shook her head. “It’s about the sentence on the realm.”
Rong Jing's lips curved slightly as he looked at her and repeated, "The realm is too heavy for me to bear, all I can carry is just you."
Yun Qianyue suddenly smiled with joy. She pulled up Rong Jing’s arm repeatedly then let it down again several times before releasing his hand. Turning sideways, she hugged him and asked innocently, "Is that really true"
"Yes!" Rong Jing looked at her and nodded with a smile.
Cloud Qianyue made a "hmph" sound and buried her face in his embrace, whispering, "Everyone loves power more than beauty. Why aren't you like that"
"Miss Cloud Qianyue, are you sure you're a beautiful woman" Rong Jing looked at her with amusement.
Cloud Qianyue lifted her head and looked at Rong Jing's face, "I should be considered a beauty!"
"Not ugly then!" Rong Jing uttered four words.
"You really go all out to discourage me. The common people outside say that I actually look more beautiful than Qin Yuning." Cloud Qianyue glared at him; this person never knew how to flatter a woman. Wouldn't normal people, in such circumstances, say something like "Yes, you are the most beautiful, no one is as beautiful as you" Why did he not do so Indeed, he was not an ordinary person.
"That just means she looks even uglier than you; you're only a bit better off," Rong Jing said slowly and leisurely.
Cloud Qianyue fell silent instantly. She reminded him, "Mr. Rong, I'm the No. 1 beauty in Sky Dynasty. Are you saying that everyone's vision is flawed"
"Perhaps so, aren't you always quoting 'when all are drunk, only I am sober' Perhaps only I am clear-headed while others just speak nonsense," Rong Jing glanced at Cloud Qianyue.
Cloud Qianyue was utterly defeated. She turned her head to avoid looking at him, fearing that she would lose control and pull his face which she found pleasing to look at. Mr. Rong, can you be any more arrogant
Rong Jing's jade-like hand covered his lips as he coughed lightly; even the sound of his cough seemed to carry a hint of laughter.
The two of them did not speak further on their way back to the city gate.
During the period of mourning for the late emperor, the whole city was closed off and no one could enter or leave. The entire hundred-mile radius around the capital was under strict control and lockdown. Upon seeing Rong Jing and Cloud Qianyue return first, the guards at the gate stretched their necks to look behind them; there were no others following, so they quickly opened the city gates for them.
The city was extremely quiet with very few carriages or pedestrians on the streets.
Cloud Qianyue tilted her head and looked at Rong Jing. "Let's go to your Glory Manor; I want you to cook steamed mandarin fish."
"Alright!" Rong Jing nodded in agreement.
The two of them headed toward the Glory Manor. As they passed through Drunken Fragrance Tower, a person suddenly opened the second-floor room and poked their head out; it was a familiar voice calling out, "Prince Jingshi, Miss Qianyue, long time no see!"
Cloud Qianyue looked up to see a familiar face peeking from the window on the second floor. It was Cang Ting. She observed Cang Ting; she had not seen him for days since he went to Green Mountain City to oversee water management after Night Tianyu left. Now, he had returned to the capital unexpectedly. He seemed somewhat thinner but his features remained unchanged as usual; she did not speak.
Rong Jing slowly raised his head and saw Cang Ting. He smiled faintly and said, "Young Master Cang returned very quickly! Why didn't you attend the late emperor's funeral if you've just arrived in the capital"
"Upon receiving news of His Majesty's imminent demise, I hurried back to the capital at top speed; unfortunately, a heavy snow blocked my way. Now that I'm finally here, it's too late for me to attend the late emperor's burial ceremony as it's already past his auspicious time. Therefore, I decided to wait here," Cang Ting said with a smile as he looked at Rong Jing. "I didn't expect to meet Prince Jingshi and Miss Qianyue before waiting for the funeral procession; this is truly surprising."
"There's nothing particularly unusual about it. Today, someone tampered with the divine bell in the imperial tomb, nearly causing harm to Miss Qianyue. She was greatly shocked, so we returned earlier." Rong Jing tugged Cloud Qianyue along and said calmly, "Young Master Cang used to be a guest at Prince Qi's residence. Now that Prince Qi has become the Regent, it shouldn't hinder you from visiting him. You don't need to wait here in Drunken Fragrance Tower; go directly to the Regent’s Manor."
"The divine bell was tampered with Is there someone trying to harm Miss Qianyue" Cang Ting raised an eyebrow and asked, "Who could it be"
"We don't know. The Regent will investigate," Rong Jing replied as he continued walking forward while pulling Cloud Qianyue along. "Young Master Cang must have worked hard overseeing water management in Green Mountain City and traveled a long distance; you should rest early. We'll be going now."
"Alright, Prince Jingshi, safe journey!" Cang Ting didn't try to stop them but merely nodded respectfully.
Cloud Qianyue thought that since Cang Ting had worked hard on water management in Green Mountain City for many days, she no longer found him particularly annoying when seeing him now.
Cang Ting watched as Rong Jing and Cloud Qianyue walked away before tapping his fingers lightly against the window frame while lost in thought.
Upon returning to Glory Manor, a young man was just coming out from within the compound. He appeared to be around sixteen years old with an elegant appearance; he wore a soft cotton robe. With each step he took, he would glance back, his expression appearing somewhat pained and conflicted.
Cloud Qianyue recognized this young man as Qin Qing, son of the former Chancellor’s residence. Due to the overwhelming brilliance of Qin Yuning since she was crowned as Sky Dynasty's No. 1 beauty at ten years old and her proficiency in all four arts – music, chess, calligraphy, and painting – no one could compete with her among the womenfolk of the capital or even throughout the entire country. As a result, everyone’s attention focused on Qin Yuning while neglecting another person from the Chancellor's residence: a younger brother. Unlike his sister, this little princess was introverted, shy, not good at talking, and lacked martial arts skills; overall, she didn’t stand out in any way. Hence, she wasn't favored by her father, who devoted all his attention to Qin Yuning.
Cloud Qianyue paid little heed to this young master of the Chancellor's residence either. Just like the third son of Prince Xianxiao’s household before him, he was someone easily overlooked. After the disappearance of the third son of Prince Xianxiao, Cold Shaozhuo had only briefly mentioned it after uncovering the truth and then remained silent; even Prince Xianxiao never brought up the matter again out of fear that no one would believe his son was actually the Crown Prince of Western Yan. Similarly, if not for this young man's presence in Glory Manor today, Cloud Qianyue might have forgotten about Qin Yuning’s younger brother.
Cloud Qianyue turned her head to look at Rong Jing who raised an eyebrow but continued walking forward without further comment.
After Qin Qing turned around once again and returned to his original position, he seemed startled when he saw Rong Jing and Yun Qianyue. He took a step back and quickly paid them respects, his tone somewhat flustered and hesitant, "S-Sir Jing... Miss Qianyue... You look well..."
Yun Qianyue looked at Qin Qing as she suddenly smiled, "I remember that Master Qin isn’t usually stammering. Why are you doing it now"
The face of Qin Qing turned red, his head lowered without daring to raise it up, seemingly not knowing how to respond.
Rong Jing gave a gentle smile, “Is Master Qin here looking for Miss Five”
Yun Qianyue was enlightened upon hearing this. She recalled that she had heard something about Rong Lingyan declaring her love to Night Tianyi at the door of the Glory王府 (Royal Manor), and then Lord Fourth and Lady Fourth wanting to arrange a marriage for Miss Five, Rong Lingyan. Later on, during the Qiqiao Festival, she had heard from Xian Ge that an official son from the Chancellor's Mansion went to the Glory Royal Manor to invite Miss Five to celebrate the festival together, and Miss Five agreed. It seems like this Qin Qing has some involvement with Rong Lingyan.
This time, not only did Qin Qing turn red in his face but also his ears were a bit flushed too. Being exposed by Rong Jing seemed to make him somewhat flustered and at a loss for what to do; he nodded, "Yes!"
Yun Qianyue looked at him, thinking of the cunning Chancellor Qin and the shrewd appearance of Qin Yuning. Yet unexpectedly, this official son came from their family. Looking at his state, she truly couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed when comparing him to Chancellor Qin and Qin Yuning.
Rong Jing smiled and asked, "Master Qin, did your conversation with Miss Five go well"
Qin Qing raised his head to glance at Rong Jing before lowering it again, shaking his head.
Rong Jing chuckled as he said to him, “If Master Qin has no other business, would you like to come to the front hall and have a cup of tea with me for a short while”
Qin Qing was taken aback, raising his head once again in apparent thought about Rong Jing's meaning.
Rong Jing looked at him smilingly and said in a gentle tone, "We can discuss Miss Five’s matters. I remember that Uncle Fourth and Auntie Fourth discussed marriage arrangements with the Chancellor’s Mansion some months ago, but later on there were many other things happening which delayed it."
Qin Qing hesitated for a moment before silently nodding.
Rong Jing released Yun Qianyue's hand and turned his head to her, saying, “You should go back first to the Purple Bamboo Courtyard. Prince Jade must have heard about what happened at the Imperial Mausoleum and is probably worried about you. I will return later.”
“Alright!” Yun Qianyue nodded before stepping towards the Purple Bamboo Courtyard.
Rong Jing walked forward towards the front hall, with Qin Qing slightly lowering his head following behind him.
Around a long corridor later, Yun Qianyue turned to look back once and no longer saw Rong Jing and Qin Qing. She retracted her gaze, recalling that Lord Fourth and Lady Fourth had hurriedly discussed marriage arrangements with the Chancellor’s Mansion out of consideration for Qin Yuning becoming the Crown Princess Consort. However, since Rong Jing hadn’t given any indication, coupled with later events such as Night Tianqin being deposed, it rendered the matter unresolved. It appeared now that Qin Qing liked Rong Lingyan; today he had personally come to the Royal Manor and judging from his expression, either the discussion wasn't going well or there was a problem with Lord Fourth and Lady Fourth's approval. Yet Rong Jing invited Qin Qing to the living room for tea, wondering what his intentions were.
Thinking about all of this as she returned to the Purple Bamboo Courtyard, upon arriving at the door, she saw that Yu Zishu was standing in the courtyard looking in one direction. She glanced at him, following his gaze and noticed a peach blossom tree planted somewhere around the southwest corner of the Purple Bamboo Courtyard. At present, the peach blossoms were just beginning to bloom; their red and pink buds exceptionally tender. With snow falling, it bloomed delicately amidst the snow.
Yu Zishu heard her approach and turned his head to see Yun Qianyue coming towards him. He gave her a slight smile and said, "I knew you would be fine!"
"Almost got flattened by that toppling bell," Yun Qianyue walked toward Yu Zishu.
"With Sir Jing protecting you, naturally, you will be safe." Yu Zishu brushed the snow off his body and laughed, "I really don’t need to worry."
Seeing him brush off the snow from his clothes, Yun Qianyue felt warmed in her heart. Even though he said not to worry about her, yet still stood waiting for Rong Jing and herself to return. This obviously wasn't genuine. She hastened a few steps over and arrived beside him, punching him lightly, "Speaking without sincerity, if you’re worried about me just say it directly instead of being so roundabout."
Yu Zishu suddenly smiled as he touched Yun Qianyue's shoulder gently to remove the snow. He pointed towards something with a graceful movement and said, “Did you see that peach blossom tree”
"I saw it! When did someone plant a peach blossom here" Yun Qianyue thought about how long she had been away from the Glory Royal Manor.
“That is something to ask Sir Jing!” Yu Zishu smiled.
“Qingshang, you tell me. When was that peach tree planted” Yun Qianyue saw Qingshang emerge from a western room and asked her.
Qingshang said with a smile, "Miss Qianyue, it has been two months already. The Young Master said then there would be someone coming from afar, so he wanted to see the peach blossoms bloom in his own courtyard every day to feel reassured."
Yun Qianyue was stunned and looked at Yu Zishu, “Isn’t that when you came from the Eastern Sea Kingdom”
Yu Zishu smiled and nodded. "Yes!
Yun Qianyue suddenly realized and blushed, spitting out, "This Rong Jing!"
Qing Shang covered her mouth and laughed, glancing at Yu Zishu and teasing Yun Qianyue, "This shows that the Young Master cares about you!" After saying this, she looked at the peach tree and continued, "The Young Master has us warm it every day with a greenhouse and a heating stove. We dare not neglect it in the slightest; now it's already budding. By New Year’s time, it will bloom, and it will surely be stunning."
Yun Qianyue glared at Qing Shang angrily, saying, "I'll have your Young Master help String Song plant one for you to see tomorrow."
Hearing this, Qing Shang no longer dared to joke around and was so embarrassed that her face turned red.
"Let's go! We're heading back to the room. I'm freezing!" Yun Qianyue rubbed her hands and called out to Yu Zishu.
Yu Zishu smiled and nodded, following her into the house.
The carpet in Rong Jing’s room was made of high-quality deerskin. In the middle sat a stove. Yun Qianyue didn’t want to step on it with snow-covered feet, so she kicked off her shoes and plopped down beside the stove. Yu Zishu also took off his boots and followed her in to sit by the stove; he then asked about today's events.
Yun Qianyue recounted what happened briefly and without much emotion.
Afeter hearing her, Yu Zishu sighed. "The late emperor of Tiensheng really went all out to eliminate you by destroying the guardian clock in the imperial tomb! This generation's emperor indeed has impressive methods. But unfortunately, he has a son who is obsessed with you and a Rong王府 Young Master who isn’t his match. Otherwise, you would truly have been doomed this time."
"Yes, I felt death at that moment." Yun Qianyue nodded sincerely and said softly, "It was a real sense of death. Even when I jumped off the NSA building with a timed bomb last time, I didn't feel like it."
The expression on Yu Zishu’s face changed as he looked at Yun Qianyue and asked in a low voice, "Why didn’t you throw the bomb away You could have saved yourself!"
Yun Qianyue suddenly smiled and said lightly, "At that time, I didn't want to live. It was such a good chance to die, how could I let it go After you left, every day felt tasteless to me; perhaps subconsciously, I was waiting for an opportunity to make a sacrifice. How could I not give my life If I had thrown the bomb away, no matter where it landed, it would have caused massive casualties. But if I held it in my arms, only I would be blown up into ashes and countless lives could have been saved! Our great belief is selflessness, isn't it I’m as noble as you; I did this until my death."
Yu Zishu patted Yun Qianyue’s head warmly and said, "It's so long ago now, don’t think about it!"
"Okay." Yun Qianyue leaned to one side and lay on the carpet. She told Yu Zishu, "Zishu, do you know Night Tianyi also knew that this was his father’s handwriting, so he didn't investigate but executed all 500 of the royal family's secret agents. The bloodstained scent spread across Jade Dragon Mountain; I really couldn’t bear to stay any longer and pulled Rong Jing away first. Outside Jade Dragon Mountain, suddenly I wanted Rong Jing to overthrow Night Family’s kingdom."
Yu Zishu raised his eyebrows and asked, "Then what Did you tell him"
"Yes, I did!" Yun Qianyue nodded.
"How did he respond" Yu Zishu inquired.
"I asked him how it was going; he said that it wasn’t good." Yun Qianyue smiled and continued, "He said the empire is too heavy for him to bear. The only person he can support is me."
The expression on Yu Zishu’s face slightly changed.
"Zishu, I didn't expect him to say that; you know that he clearly…" Yun Qianyue stopped speaking and covered her face as she sighed softly. She murmured, "So am I light or heavy"
Yu Zishu looked at Yun Qianyue with eyes full of warmth like melting spring water. He patted her shoulder gently and said slowly, "Whether you are light or heavy doesn’t matter; he has such a sentence to say, making it worth you dedicating your life to him. Cloud兒, you’re lucky."
"Yes, I am lucky, so very fortunate." Yun Qianyue sighed deeply, "For this one sentence, suddenly I feel that no matter what I’ve paid in the past or will continue to pay for it in the future, even if there are things I can’t bear and cut off, if I cut them off as well, it’s worth it. Because he is Rong Jing."
Yu Zishu smiled and nodded.
Yun Qianyue didn't say anything more; she still covered her face with her hands and closed her eyes.
The fire in the stove burned vigorously. The snow outside was unlike a few days ago, when it had been heavy all over the sky. This time, the snow fell lightly, sprinkling down layer by layer to cover the ground.
Half an hour later, footsteps approached, with Rong Jing’s unique slow and elegant steps.
"This person is always unhurried!" Yun Qianyue muttered.
"When we save you, speed matters!" Yu Zishu said with a smile.
Yun Qianyue tugged at the corner of her mouth and released her hands; she looked toward the door. Rong Jing walked in slowly under the snow; from whichever angle one looked, he was elegant and incomparably handsome. She murmured softly, "Respectful as an emperor, refined surpassing a prince."
The Jade Egg Book looked at Yun Qianyue with a teasing expression and said, "Is Cloudie bewitched by his appearance or tricked by his black heart"
"Both of them! How can I explain it clearly!" Yun Qianyue shook her head but did not take her eyes off Rong Jing.
At this moment, Rong Jing arrived at the door. He glanced inside through the curtain and raised an eyebrow before slowly walking in. He also kicked off his boots and came to the fire stove. Then he stretched out his hand towards Yun Qianyue. "Get up, the ground is cold."
"Young Master Rong, this place is beside the fire stove!" Yun Qianyue looked at him.
"The place where you're lying down is the floor." Seeing that she wouldn't get up, Rong Jing reached out to pull her up and glanced at Jade Egg Book. "Prince Jade isn't afraid of cold, right Then continue sitting."
"Actually, I'm also afraid of cold, but someone loves sitting on the ground, so I can only accompany him," Jade Egg Book smiled as he slowly stood up. "Seeing how Prince Jing is so worried about Cloudie, I'll be at ease when I return to the Eastern Sea tomorrow."
Yun Qianyue had just sat down on a soft couch and immediately jumped up upon hearing this. She looked at Jade Egg Book and said, "You're returning to the Eastern Sea tomorrow"
"Mm-hmm!" Jade Egg Book nodded with a smile. "I've been out for too long, Father Emperor is worried and urging me to return. It's already my third imperial edict. If I don't go back now, he might send people to look for me."
Yun Qianyue frowned. "If he comes looking, let him come! Stay a few more days!"
"If we wait until he sends troops, it won't just be one or two people; the Eastern Sea's army might press forward." Jade Egg Book shook his head with a smile. "In reality, Father Emperor is similar to Uncle Old King in nature, so doing such things isn't surprising."
Yun Qianyue was reluctant and said, "Then let him send troops! What are we afraid of"
Rong Jing tapped Yun Qianyue on the head gently and said slowly, "Miss Yun Qianyue, he is the Crown Prince of the Eastern Sea. He can't keep staying in Tian Sheng indefinitely. If the Eastern Sea's army presses forward, the people will be uneasy and politics will become unstable. I'll have to busy myself again with no time to accompany you."
"To be busy would be Night Tian Yi being busy," Yun Qianyue said.
"I am the Chancellor; how can Regent Wang let me off" Rong Jing said carelessly.
Yun Qianyue thought it made sense and harrumphed. However, she was still reluctant. This reluctance stirred her insides, and she looked at Jade Egg Book and said, "Then there's no need to rush to leave tomorrow; delay one more day."
"Whether a day earlier or later makes little difference." Jade Egg Book gave Yun Qianyue an appeasing look and smiled. "Uncle Huo Wang and Auntie are in Tian Sheng now, so I'm at ease with you nearby. When you have free time someday, we can go to the Eastern Sea. Perhaps not long after that, I'll come back to Tian Sheng again. The Eastern Sea isn't at the ends of the earth or too far away; it's just a matter of delaying travel time a bit. There will be plenty more opportunities for us to meet in the future."
Yun Qianyue felt bitter and grumbled, "You said you'd stay two more days back then but didn't keep your word."
Jade Egg Book smiled and asked, "Will making it up later be fine"
Yun Qianyue harrumphed and suddenly turned to push Rong Jing. "Go make some steamed mandarin fish soup and prepare more dishes; I want to have a night talk with Zi Shu tonight without getting drunk." Rong Jing tilted his head and looked at Yun Qianyue. "Miss Qianyue, I've just returned and haven't rested yet!"
"Zi Shu is leaving tomorrow," Yun Qianyue said in a pleading tone. "After sending him off, I'll treat you well; will that do"
"Fine!" Rong Jing immediately stood up with a smile and nodded.
Jade Egg Book watched as Rong Jing left the room and looked at Yun Qianyue humorously. He sighed. "To be able to send Prince Jing, who is respected and admired by everyone, into the kitchen—there's only you in this world!"
Yun Qianyue proudly raised an eyebrow but soon became reluctant again as Jade Egg Book was about to leave.
This evening meal was exceptionally rich. Rong Jing personally prepared all the dishes; the three of them had a night talk by the fire in their room. Yun Qianyue poured her reluctance towards Jade Egg Book into the alcohol, drinking glass after glass.
Rong Jing did not try to stop her but smiled as he watched her drink. "Are you trying to get Prince Jade drunk so that he can't leave tomorrow"
Yun Qianyue nodded seriously and said, "That's exactly what I'm thinking!"
Jade Egg Book chuckled and shook his head. "Cloudie, my tolerance for alcohol was honed by Uncle Old King and Uncle Huo Wang to the point of drinking a thousand cups without getting drunk."
Yun Qianyue harrumphed. "I can also drink a thousand cups without getting drunk!"
After several rounds of wine and five courses, it was already midnight; Yun Qianyue felt tipsy. Suddenly she remembered something important. She jumped up and said to them both, "I need to return to the Cloud王府!" Without waiting for a response from either of them, she shot out.
Rong Jing wanted to get up, but Yu Zishu suddenly reached out to stop him and smiled at him. "Prince Shi Jing, I roughly know why she returned to the Cloudy Capital王府. Shall I follow her there I will leave the Cloudy Capital王府 tomorrow morning."
Rong Jing looked at Yu Zishu for a moment before smiling and slowly nodding his head before sitting back down.
Yu Zishu left the room with light feet, following Yun Qianmo to the Cloudy Capital王府.
Sitting by the fireplace, Rong Jing's gaze was directed towards the窗外. The snow rendered everything outside silvery white and he could clearly see that peach blossom tree in the southwest corner of the courtyard. He rubbed his forehead and muttered to himself, "If I care about him so much, what should I do if I become jealous again"
The room was quiet, no one responded.
A moment later, Rong Jing lowered his hand and called out, "Qing Shang!"
"Servant is here!" Qing Shang immediately appeared at the door.
"It's snowing heavily tonight; make sure to wrap that peach blossom tree well so it doesn't bloom," Rong Jing instructed in a low voice.
Qing Shang understood what the Young Master meant, covering her mouth as she chuckled and nodded, saying crisply, "Yes, servant will definitely look after it for the Young Master. If it blooms, it'll do so within our courtyard."
Rong Jing nodded his head and made a serious sound of agreement.
Seeing that he had no further instructions to give, Qing Shang smiled as she backed away.
Leveraging the liquor's effect on her senses, Yun Qianmo used her light-footed skills to leap over the Purple Bamboo Grove and out of the Honor王府. Despite being drunk, she managed not to get lost, heading straight for the Cloudy Capital王府. She soon returned to the Cloudy Capital王府, landing in a graceful manner at the Qianmo Courtyard. With snow crunching under her feet, she rushed into the house.
"Miss, why are you back now" Ling Lian and Yi Xue came rushing out from inside the room, surprised by her appearance.
"Mm, I remembered something that needs doing!" Yun Qianmo pushed open the door and walked straight towards a cabinet.
Intent on asking what it was about, they saw Yu Zishu land in the courtyard. Turning around, both of them greeted him respectfully at once, "Prince Yu!"
Yu Zishu nodded his head and smiled as he walked into the room.
Yun Qianmo had already stood before the cabinet, opening it up to rummage through its contents. She first took out a piece of fabric - exquisite black brocade silk; followed by scissors and matching embroidery thread of the same hue. From her agile movements, it wasn't apparent she was drunk.
Yu Zishu glanced at her before walking over with a smile to take what she had taken out, saying in a warm voice, "I'm not in such a hurry, you can make this for me later..."
"No way!" Yun Qianmo shook her head resolutely. "Tomorrow morning, I'll have it ready for your return to the East Sea." With that, she snatched back what was in his hand and said, "Sit down and keep me company; I can finish by then."
"Miss, now is past midnight, how could you possibly complete a robe by tomorrow morning You took an entire day to only half-complete the Prince Shi Jing's robe," Ling Lian and Yi Xue understood the situation clearly, saying at once.
"It can be done. I was making clothes for the first time back then, my hands were unskilled; this is the second time, so they're more adept." Yun Qianmo spread out the fabric and used her fingers instead of a ruler to measure it before beginning her cutting with swift strokes, without any hesitation.
In no time, she had cut all the pieces needed. She threaded her needle and began sewing.
Ling Lian and Yi Xue watched in amazement as her fingers worked deftly with the thread; could it be that she was not a beginner A lifetime of embroidery would hardly match what she displayed, so both of them looked up at Yu Zishu.
Yu Zishu stared at Yun Qianmo, his gaze slightly unfocused as he murmured softly, "Before I turned fifteen, all my clothes were bought by Cloud; after that, they were made with her own hands. It feels like yesterday is today and today is yesterday." With this, he placed his hand on his forehead, suddenly smiling, "To be able to wear her clothes once again is something I would never dare dream of from the moment I arrived here. Heaven's favor towards Zishu is already too much; I mustn't ask for more."
What a wonderful Prince Yu! Even I feel reluctant to send him away, hmm...
Little Jing sure has many abilities; he even managed to plant a peach blossom tree in the middle of winter... o（n_n）o Yay!
Lovely ladies, it's truly at the end of the month now. Those who still have monthly votes, please give them to me! The more you throw, the sooner I'll let the peach blossoms bloom... O(n_n)o~
I've seen all the monthly and annual votes and precious gems you lovely people have given; I love you guys! Thank you for your support with the votes, precious gems, and flowers!clarity. Although her expression did not show any sign of委屈 or crying, this calm narration made it easier for people to believe her story. Especially since this was the truth."So that's how it is! I t...