Chapter 113: Sitting in the Pavilion Watching the Rain

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By the time they reached downstairs, a steaming meal had already been laid out on the table, and Ling Yin was waiting there. He stood like a statue, silently still, his bloodless face causing a slight chill to those who looked upon him. However, when Xue Blood descended, he showed a subtle movement. “Master,” he bowed his head and spoke with respectful politeness.

Ji Wuqing noticed the gesture, her eyes pausing briefly. “Though you failed to save Xue’er yesterday, the solitary king will make an exception and allow you to remain by her side.”

His expression betrayed nothing, but a subtle flicker passed through his deep eyes.

Upon hearing his words, Xue Blood was somewhat puzzled. Just moments ago, he had opposed Ling Yin staying close to her, yet now he had changed his mind so quickly.

“Master is master, no matter what,” Ling Yin insisted stubbornly, implying that whether Ji Wuqing agreed or not, he would remain by Xue Blood’s side.

Ji Wuqing smiled lightly, unconcerned with his stubbornness.

“By the way, what of Yue Ying and the others?” After the meal, she hadn’t seen anyone from the City State. Had they already left?

“The Regent Prince of the City State left early this morning with the Regent Princess. They’re probably enjoying themselves somewhere now,” Ji Wuqing said, then drew close to Xue Blood’s side. “Why don’t I take you out to enjoy yourself as well? To see the local customs and scenery.”

The lake rippled gently, a small boat swayed, encircled by the Si River, with green mountains and shadows all around.

Though the sky was gloomy and uncooperative, the overcast weather did nothing to conceal the breathtaking beauty of the landscape.

“Wuqing, I’m still a little worried. Zuo Qiu Liye and the others have already left. Shouldn’t we return to the palace sooner?” Unease stirred in her heart. Zuo Qiu Liye was undoubtedly a cunning and troublesome adversary.

Beside her, Ji Wuqing rested one hand leisurely on the edge of the boat, the other arm around her back, exuding a gentle serenity. “With me here, don’t worry. Nothing will go wrong.”

At his words, Xue Blood fell silent, savoring the peaceful beauty of the moment.

“That Zuo Qiu Liye is meticulous but overly confident. Often, the things he is most sure to win are the easiest to expose,” Ji Wuqing spoke slowly, as if analyzing their rival. “So, since we rarely have such outings, let’s enjoy ourselves fully and not waste this beautiful scenery.”

“Hmm.” Xue Blood nodded, her previously furrowed brows relaxing.

Leaning into each other, the small boat drifted slowly through the scenic embrace of the Si River and surrounding hills.

Gradually, a pavilion appeared ahead, standing in the middle of the lake, surrounded by water. Against the backdrop of mountains and water, the pavilion looked uniquely enchanting.

It was large, with eaves adorned by spring peach blossoms, some in bud, some flourishing with myriad postures, lifelike and vivid.

“What is this place?” Xue Blood asked, drawn by the scent of the peach blossoms as Ji Wuqing led her onto the pavilion.

But how could peach blossoms bloom at this time of year?

“This is the Peach Blossom Pavilion.”

Suddenly, a rumbling sound rolled through the air. The sky churned, a dazzling flash of lightning pierced like a silver needle, fierce and commanding.

“We arrived just in time. It’s about to rain,” he said, guiding her inside the pavilion to shelter from the coming storm.

Once they settled inside, a heavy rain began to pour, the water hitting the lake in torrents, roaring mightily, as if the entire lake would steam up, stirring a slight unease.

“Sitting in the pavilion watching the rain—the downpour is truly fierce,” she lifted her head to face the rain’s breath, cool and fresh.

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Ji Wuqing chuckled softly without a word. He gently embraced Xue Blood, seating her in his arms, then wrapped them both snugly with his cloak.

“It’s wonderful. Xue’er is finally back by my side. There won’t be a next time,” he murmured, brushing her hair tenderly, his tone soft yet tinged with an unspoken deeper meaning.

Like a domineering emperor declaring his possession.

“So many things have happened recently. Why haven’t you asked me about any of it?” She nestled in his embrace, realizing as she spoke that she had asked him a similar question before.

“Why should I ask? I know everything.” As if aware of her secret abilities, he was already well-versed in all about her but chose not to show it. “But Xue’er, do you still remember the chess game we left unfinished?”

His voice was intoxicatingly pleasant, as if lost in a deep memory.

“Do you want to play now?” Xue Blood tilted her head. She had remembered that game well.

“No, I was just thinking about how you played with me then, but your thoughts were elsewhere. Isn’t that right? You fled with my token before the game was over—that’s something the solitary king will never forget.” His words carried a mischievous tone, implying he was one to hold grudges.

“...Are you trying to settle scores with me in the autumn?” she asked in disbelief, not expecting him to be so petty.

“Do I seem like a petty man to you, my lady?” Ji Wuqing asked, feigning hurt, his voice full of grievance.

“...” Xue Blood was silent, waiting for him to continue.

“I just thought about how you felt then, probably unwilling to stay in the palace. And now? How do you feel? Are you willing to stay by my side, to remain with me in the palace?” His question was cautious, as if seeking a promise, an answer.

Willing?

Her heart stirred with an indescribable feeling. Even now, he still cared so deeply for her emotions.

She chuckled wryly. “What do you think?” She believed she had already made her feelings clear.

“But I want you to say it,” Ji Wuqing replied, unfazed by her counter-question.

“I didn’t expect you to have such a silly side,” Xue Blood laughed, her voice bright and joyful as fireworks blooming in the sky. “Though I don’t like palace life, now that I have some attachment, it no longer feels like a luxurious cage without freedom.”

“Hmm, what do you mean by attachment?” The king seemed to catch the key point in her words.

“Simply put, home is where the heart is,” she said bluntly.

“Home is where the heart is?” He softly repeated her words, his expression seemingly casual. Yet his hands tightened, fingertips gently stroking her arm and waist.

Xue Blood felt the change, her heart inexplicably tense.

Had she just confessed her feelings?

Thunder and rain intertwined, the sky dark and overcast. Lanterns hung around the pavilion, lightning streaking across the horizon with booming thunder, the rain growing heavier.

Ji Wuqing suddenly laughed softly. Leaning against his chest, Xue Blood naturally felt the subtle vibrations of his chuckle. His laughter mingled with the storm’s roar, strangely enchanting.

“Xue’er, do you know? I’ve been waiting a long time to hear you say those words,” his voice was gentle, laced with a bewitching tenderness. “I’m very happy.”

Feeling the strong heartbeat behind her, pounding steadily—matching her own.

Ji Wuqing, she was very happy too...

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By the time the rain stopped, Xue Blood was already drowsy in Ji Wuqing’s arms. When they returned to the inn, Cheng Feng and Yue Ying were already there. Seeing that Xue Blood was carried from the carriage, Yue Ying did not approach to disturb her.

Her elder sister must be exhausted today; she appeared to be sleeping quite well.

Ji Wuqing carried Xue Blood back to the room. Watching their figures disappear upstairs, Yue Ying curled her lips. “Looks like there’s no chance to talk to sister today. Prince Ji is really keeping a close eye on her.”

“You should get some rest too. We leave for the City State tomorrow,” Cheng Feng gently patted her head, his expression warm.

“Oh.” Hearing this, Yue Ying’s spirits completely sank, and she slowly returned to her room.

Meanwhile, after Ji Wuqing had settled Xue Blood, he went downstairs. Cheng Feng sat by the table, where a light wine was laid out, its fragrance delicate as water.

“Prince, not sleeping yet?” Ji Wuqing approached and sat opposite him.

“Neither are you, Prince Ji,” Cheng Feng replied, raising his hand to pour wine gracefully, with a hint of casual ease.

“Preparing to leave tomorrow? I suppose your little princess won’t be pleased,” he said, having heard rumors. That young princess was no troublemaker but had caused quite a few incidents, nearly dragging him into trouble this time.

“With her temperament, I can’t leave her alone,” Cheng Feng said gently. “Whether she agrees or not, she must come back with me. And the great battle of Ji Kingdom is imminent. I wish Prince Ji swift victory.”

“Thank you for your kind wishes.”

They raised their cups, like old friends sharing everything. Though their words were few and casual, a subtle atmosphere lingered.

“By the way, do you know a certain young lord named Luo Hua?” Ji Wuqing suddenly asked. “He once wrote a letter to me, but he vanished from the Flower Rain Pavilion.”

“Is that so?” Cheng Feng showed no reaction, his expression remained gentle.

Meanwhile, Yue Ying, who had been sent back to rest, secretly retraced her steps unnoticed, crouching as she crept into Xue Blood’s room.

She bent low, thinking no one could see her, though others might have noticed but chose not to say.

Finally, she slipped into the room silently.

Approaching the bedside, she saw Xue Blood seemed to be sleeping soundly and sighed.

“Why the sigh?” However, Xue Blood had sensed her arrival the moment she entered, though she remained silent to see what she intended.

Unexpectedly, the young girl merely sat there sighing, her face troubled.

“You’re not asleep yet, sister?” Yue Ying was startled by Xue Blood’s sudden question, a flicker of surprise crossing her face.

“How can I sleep with you sitting by my bed?” Xue Blood chuckled softly.