Chapter 89 Soul Swap

"Whoosh—whoosh—"

Zhu Yun first heard a gust of wind, followed by the icy cold snowflakes landing on his face. Always alert, he immediately awoke from his deep sleep, but it took him quite a bit of effort to open his eyes.

He saw distant mountains and flying snow, and stood on the edge of the cliff, holding a short sword in his hand. The tip of the sword had already penetrated the chest of someone next to him, and blood was flowing down his clothes and onto the ground.

A scene that seems familiar.

A confused voice, carried on the cold wind, came from a swimming fish: "Young Master... are you daydreaming?"

Hearing the name "Youyu," Zhu Yun frowned, realizing this was two years ago. He kicked aside the obstructing corpse and turned to look around: "Where is my wife?"

The short sword was Zhan Feng's prized possession. He flew down from the tree, washed the blade with snow, and upon hearing this, exclaimed, "Ha! What, madam?"

Summer hunting was not only for hunting and recreation, but also an important means for the emperor to connect with his ministers. As a close minister of the emperor, Zhu Yun became increasingly busy as the summer hunting approached, leaving early and returning late every day. Although Luo Yan's foot injury had healed well, Old Madam Zhu still specially exempted her from paying her respects in the evening.

For several days in a row, she did not see Zhu Yun.

Before they knew it, the summer hunt was about to begin. On this day, a gentle breeze blew, the evening clouds stretched for miles, the greenery stretched endlessly, and the blazing sun shone on the sandy land, while the horses' hooves kicked up dust for miles.

The journey from the capital to Yueshan takes about two or three hours. The emperor and empress's carriages lead the way, escorted by the Yunyi Guards and the Imperial Guards. The other young men ride horses, while the women ride in carriages.

The mountains were not as hot as the capital, and there was a slight coolness in the air, making it seem like a comfortable and pleasant journey.

Luo Yan sat next to Lan Hui. Lan Hui's husband, Zhu Wen, who was also Luo Yan's uncle, was the Minister of Revenue, so their carriage was positioned further forward.

Zhu Zhaoyue and Lan Hui accompanied her on the annual hunts twice a year, so they had long since lost interest in the journey. This was Luo Yan's first time accompanying them, but she hardly looked out the window once along the way.

She looked thoughtfully at the back of the carriage. Separated by a wooden wall was a tightly bound trunk, inside which Yuan Ling's clean and neatly folded robes were placed.

She had washed her robes two days earlier, but just before she was about to hitch up the carriage and leave the mansion, she suddenly changed her mind.

By dusk, the main force had arrived at the Yueshan camp.

The hunt officially begins on the second day; we will rest today.

The arrangement of the tents was also very particular. Luo Yan was naturally placed in the same tent as Lan Hui's family, while the tents of important officials like Zhu Yun were placed near the emperor.

When Lilan reported on the camp layout, Luo Yan simply replied with a faint "I know."

Not long after, the palace servants brought in the evening meal. The meals during the summer hunt were quite different from those on ordinary days. Although the hunt would not officially begin until tomorrow, the palace servants from Yueshan had already caught some game, which they cut with sharp gold blades and roasted over a large fire.

Rabbit and mutton were delivered to Zhu Wenyi's room. The aroma was irresistible, and Zhu Zhaoyue kept praising it as she ate. She declared that she would definitely hunt more than her brother Zhu Mingxun the next day and invited Luo Yan to go hunting with her.

Luo Yan had never hunted before, nor had she eaten much roasted meat, so she saved a lot for herself. By the time she returned to her tent after dinner, it was already dusk. When she lifted the tent flap, she saw Li Lan pacing back and forth anxiously.

What happened?

Lilan came forward and handed the folded letter to Luo Yan, "Miss, it was sent by Master Cheng. He wants to meet you by the stream to the east at Shenshi (3-5 PM) tomorrow."

Cheng Feng's son, Cheng Yi, served as an assistant secretary in the Ministry of Personnel.

Luo Yan didn't even open the letter before handing it back to Li Lan, saying, "I'm not going."

After saying that, he calmly sat down on the rosewood couch.

“But…” Lilan’s face tightened as she recalled the message Cheng Yi had sent: “Master Cheng said that if you don’t go, he will reveal the truth about the scalding incident, and your reputation will be ruined, and you will not be able to marry into the Cheng family.”

Luo Yan continued pouring tea, then nodded calmly to indicate that she understood.

Lilan was taken aback. "Miss, why aren't you worried at all? What if he really spreads the word that he put medicine in the tea?"

Luo Yan chuckled lightly: "When did we add the drug, and what drug did we add? Does he have any proof?"

Li Lan stayed there.

"Lilan, you're just bluffing us. You have far too little faith in Uncle Sui's medical skills. He's using this to prevent me from competing with him for Cheng Feng's property after I marry into the family, or perhaps he wants to work with me from the inside to send his father on his way, so that things don't get complicated."

After all, Cheng Feng is a womanizer, and even without Luo Yan, a younger brother might suddenly appear one day.

Short-sighted and ignorant.

Lilan was startled by this guess, but after regaining her composure, she said, "Miss, then we won't go tomorrow?"

Luo Yan slowly brought the teacup to her lips and asked, "When Cheng Yi sent people over, was anyone else there?"

Lilan thought for a moment and shook her head: "No, it had been a while since the meal started, and everyone was eating in the tent."

Luo Yan took a sip of tea and slowly said, "In that case, tell Cheng Yi that I will go."

"Ah?" Lilan exclaimed.

The teacup made a very slight, crisp sound when it was placed on the small table.

Looking at the flickering candlelight in the pale green tea, Luo Yan continued, "A palace maid will be bringing a fruit platter soon. Pay some silver to keep quiet, change into her clothes, and then go out. Avoid people and don't let anyone see you. Also, tell Yuan Ling to meet him at Houqin Forest in the west at Shenshi (3-5 PM) tomorrow. Tell him you thanked him last time and that I will return the outer robe to him tomorrow. Remember, don't let anyone see you either."

Lilan asked in confusion, "Miss, if you're going to use Lord Yuan as a witness, why avoid people? Shouldn't it be better if people can see it?"

Luo Yan's eyes were deep and unfathomable: "If we don't do it this way, how can we lure the snake out of its hole?"

The next day.

As the mountain mist slowly dissipated, Luo Yan changed into the riding clothes that Lan Hui had given her. Full of energy and quickness, she took the riding whip and headed to the place she had arranged to meet Zhu Zhaoyue the day before.

On a large open space beside the camp, the group that Zhu Zhaoyue had arranged to meet were already waiting there, and they had ordered the horses to be brought out.

Luo Yan greeted them one by one.

When it was Xie Xiyun's turn, she bowed gratefully and solemnly: "Miss Luo, thank you so much for last time. If it weren't for you, I'm afraid I would have drowned in the lake. I've been confined to my home to recuperate these days, which is why I haven't been able to come and thank you in person. Please forgive my rudeness."

Luo Yan quickly stepped forward to help her up, saying, "Miss Xie, you flatter me. I am already overwhelmed by the many gifts your mother brought."

Xie Xiyun did not visit in person because she was bedridden, but the Xie family had strict family traditions and was very polite. On the second day after the lotus banquet, Xie Xiyun's mother, Madam Xie, brought several trunks of gifts to express her gratitude.

Xie Xiyun asked somewhat cautiously, "Do you like those things?"

Luo Yan understood, "Of course, especially that white jade tea set with peony design."

In fact, Luo Yan's real favorite flower is forsythia, but she claims to like peonies. Xie Xiyun must have inquired with Zhu Zhaoyue before specially choosing this tea set.

While the preference was feigned, the intention was genuine. To be precise, "going into the water" wasn't entirely her idea at the time.

She might not be able to accept Xie Xiyun's sincere feelings.

Xie Xiyun smiled, her dimples appearing and disappearing: "I'm glad you like it."

After this ordeal, Xie Xiyun lost a lot of weight and looked rather sullen. Even when she smiled, there was still a cloud of gloom in her eyes.

Yang Jingling noticed this as well. "Xiyun, you don't look well. Are you still not fully recovered? Why don't you go back and rest today?"

Xie Xiyun shook her head: "Didn't you take my pulse? I'm fine, I'm just a little tired from yesterday's long journey."

Yang Jingling frowned, about to persuade him again, when she suddenly heard the light thud of hooves and the tinkling of bells from not far away.

Following the sound, they saw Xiao Ying dressed in a scarlet riding outfit, carrying a delicate horn bow on her back. The small white horse she rode had a quiver hanging on its back, and she was about to walk into the forest.

Beside her stood a handsome man, his black riding attire embroidered with intricate and elaborate python patterns in gold thread, and a purple-gold crown that held his hair back, reflecting the dazzling sunlight. He was strikingly handsome, but unlike the other men's resolute appearance, he possessed a somewhat gloomy air, his dark pupils like deep pools, and even the blazing light reflected in his eyes seemed to carry a chilling undertone.

The two noticed Luo Yan and her group. Xiao Ying led her horse over first, and the man behind her glanced at them disdainfully before following.

Luo Yan and the others bowed and said, "Greetings, Fifth Young Master, and Princess Hejia."

His demeanor was noble, and he was with Xiao Ying. The two also shared a five or six-point resemblance in appearance, so he was clearly Xiao Ying's half-brother, the Fifth Prince Xiao Zheng.

The two rode their horses over at a trot. When they were only a few steps away, Xiao Ying seemed to remember something. Her face furrowed in confusion, and she pulled on the reins, stopping a few steps away from the group.

Xiao Zheng glanced at the corner of his eye and reined in his horse.

Luo Yan noticed that the corners of his lips curled up slightly.

Xiao Zheng was perceptive; with a slight turn of his eyes, he met her gaze.

Luo Yan remained in the bowing posture, half her face hidden in the shadows, only glancing at him. Xiao Zheng, on the other hand, sat upright on his horse, looking down with a cold and arrogant gaze, as if he regarded the others as ants.

With amusement, he raised an eyebrow slightly.

Xiao Ying, oblivious to their subtle interaction, said, "No need for formalities. Miss Luo, where are you headed?"

Luo Yan withdrew her gaze and put on a charming smile: "Young master, we ladies are just about to go hunting in the forest. Would you like to join us?"

Xiao Ying opened her mouth, but suddenly her expression froze: "I have made an appointment with my brother to go to the north, so I will not be with you."

Luo Yan smiled, seemingly oblivious to the reluctance in Xiao Ying's words, and said, "Then, young master, are you free this afternoon? I would like to invite you to go fishing by the stream to the east."

Xiao Ying rarely fished, but she suddenly became interested and was about to nod when her brother beside her suddenly looked at her sharply. The words she was about to say changed instantly: "Never mind, I am not good at fishing. Miss Luo, you should go by yourself."

Despite being turned down, Luo Yan maintained her smile and said, "Yes."

"Sister, let's go."

Xiao Zheng slowly spoke, pulled on the reins, and turned his horse towards the woods.

Xiao Ying said "Oh," but her expression betrayed her disappointment.

Only after the two had left in a large entourage did Zhu Zhaoyue finally ask, "Cousin, when did we agree to go fishing?"

Luo Yan explained, "Cousin, I heard that the crucian carp by the stream were plump and delicious, and I got excited on a whim, but I haven't had a chance to tell you yet."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhaoyue and the others all thought that she was just being greedy, which was why she couldn't stay still. Only Yang Jingling solemnly instructed, "Luo Yan, remember to be careful this afternoon. Bring more servants with you. If you need anything, just come and find us."

Luo Yan replied earnestly, "I will."

It was Luo Yan's first time hunting, but surprisingly she reaped quite a harvest, much to the amazement of Zhu Zhaoyue and the others.

When Lan Hui heard that she was going to fish by the stream, she gave her a series of instructions and personally helped her pack her protective gear.

After lunch, to avoid being recognized, Luo Yan set off eastward first, only turning her horse around towards Houqin Forest when she could no longer see anyone.

As the sun began to set, dusk approached. The shadows of the crabapple trees stretched long across the sand, and the woman's slender figure intertwined with their shadows, the twilight gilding her profile with a golden edge. Suddenly, another shadow appeared on the ground, strong and imposing—a man's.

"Miss Luo is looking for me."

Luo Yan turned to look at the person who had come and handed over the wooden box she was carrying.

The sandalwood emitted a faint, delicate fragrance, and the box was engraved with exquisite floral and bird patterns. Yuan Ling glanced at it and then took it.

"Miss Luo sent someone to meet me discreetly, surely it wasn't just to return the robe?"

“Commander Yuan is intelligent and wise; he should know the purpose of my visit.”

Yuan Ling smiled slightly, "How can Miss Luo be so sure that I will help you?"

Luo Yan met his gaze calmly, "If you don't help me, I suppose I won't have the chance to return the robe to you, will I?"

Their eyes met, and Yuan Ling gradually suppressed his smile and straightened his expression.

"Miss Luo is truly intelligent. How about we make a deal?"

This was exactly what Luo Yan wanted to hear. With a stake in the deal, she wasn't worried that he wouldn't help her. She nodded slightly, signaling Yuan Ling to continue.

Yuan Ling casually fiddled with the tassel of the sword at his waist and said, "The sleeping potion you applied to the dagger is quite effective. Give me the prescription, and I will keep it a secret for you."

He lowered his voice: "I will never let your cousin know, nor will I let anyone else know."

"I didn't make the medicine, but I can give you a few packets. Whether you can replicate the prescription depends on Lord Yuan's abilities."

Yuan Ling lowered his eyebrows slightly, clearly dissatisfied: "Tell me who made the medicine."

Luo Yan sneered: "Lord Yuan, I promised the pharmaceutical workers to keep it a secret. Are you trying to make me an unjust person?"

“When has Miss Luo ever upheld propriety? If she had, Cheng Feng, the supervisor, wouldn’t have claimed illness and skipped the hunt.”

Luo Yan's expression changed slightly. "You investigated me?"

Yuan Ling's expression turned sharp, like a blade being slightly drawn from its sheath. "The Yunyi Guards have all the eyes and ears in the world, and since we're going to make a deal, they naturally need to know the other party's background. But don't worry, Miss Luo, even the imperial physicians in the palace won't be able to detect any traces of the medicine. I was just lucky to know a little about Miss Luo, which is why I guessed correctly."

Luo Yan's face turned cold, all her rare politeness and gentleness towards Yuan Ling vanished, and she said coldly, "I can't go back on my word. I can only give you a few packets of medicine. Do you want them or not?"

Yuan Ling stared intently at her face, and Luo Yan looked up to meet his gaze, neither giving way.

A few moments later, Yuan Ling smiled and said, "After returning to the capital, send someone to deliver it to the Yuan residence."

This meant they had agreed, and Luo Yan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "I hope Lord Yuan will keep his promise. There is an order in the palace that the Imperial Guards are not allowed to trade privately with others. This time, Lord Yuan and I have achieved mutual benefit and each got what we needed."

These words were practically a blatant threat. Yuan Ling looked at her meaningfully: "Relationships based on mutual benefit are the most enduring. Isn't that right, Miss Luo?"

He was about to leave, carrying the sandalwood box containing his robes, when his expression suddenly froze. His eyes, like those of a hawk, fixed on Luo Yan's, his expression a half-smile:

"What kind of people have you brought to me?"

[Original Book World]

Zhu Yun slowly woke up and found herself sitting upright in the study, holding a classic book in her hands.

He touched the corner of his lips, a series of unfamiliar emotions welling up inside him, as if he had been pulled out of a long dream. The joy and loss were still there, but he couldn't remember what he had dreamt about.

Oh well, it's just a dream, why bother to delve into it?

He lowered his eyes and continued studying the formation.

...

One day, six months later.

Zhu Yun recovered from the lingering sensation, and fragments of a dream suddenly flashed before her eyes. To be precise, it wasn't a dream, but another world that Luo Yan had mentioned.

Therefore, no matter how many worlds there are, Luo Yan and Zhu Yun are destined to meet.

He looked at his wife, who was fast asleep, her cheeks still flushed, her lips still twitching as she bit him, and her skin covered in hickeys.

Zhu Yun felt his blood boiling, wishing he could bury himself in the snow and roll around in it. He couldn't wait to share with Luo Yan, so he kissed her deeply, urgently, and passionately.

Luo Yan was forced awake, sobbing as she looked up: "Wasn't it over?"

He gasped, "I'm sorry, but I couldn't help it."

Now that his dream has finally come true, how could he not feel the truth of it, thus failing to live up to the favor bestowed upon him by heaven?

"Yanyan." Zhu Yun smiled and kissed her. "I've really met you."