Shen Zhao walked up to Jiang Qingluan, slowly bent down, and extended his hand, saying, "Give me your hand."

Jiang Qingluan stopped crying and obediently extended her hand.

Looking at the dust and bloodstains on his five fingers, Shen Zhao sighed silently.

Then gently wipe with a damp cloth, carefully cleaning every inch of your knuckles.

Jiang Qingluan watched Shen Zhao's every move, her bright eyes fixed on the man's face so close to hers.

He was still so focused, still so heroic. Just like in his previous life, this man was extremely serious once he started doing something.

Does it hurt?

Shen Zhao asked softly.

Jiang Qingluan shook her head.

"I'm sorry I didn't notify you in advance."

"No, I don't blame you...no, I, I don't care, no..."

For a moment, Jiang Qingluan was in a state of utter confusion, and she didn't know how to express herself clearly to Shen Zhao in a single complete sentence.

Shen Zhao sighed, and after cleaning the stains off her jade-like fingers, he looked at the several cracks on her fingertips and shook his head again.

Next, carefully and gently wrap the gauze around your fingers.

After tying a knot in the gauze, Shen Zhao took out a towel and wiped the dust off Jiang Qingluan's face.

"Can you get up?"

"able."

Upon Shen Zhao's question, Jiang Qingluan immediately echoed his agreement.

This is also because he met Jiang Qingluan, a shy and introverted woman.

If it were Mu Qiuyao, she would probably have to have Shen Zhao carry her.

Following behind Shen Zhao, looking at his broad back, Jiang Qingluan felt her heart in turmoil.

Even after everything that just happened, why hasn't Shen Zhao confessed to me yet?

Or is it that Shen Zhao didn't actually have those feelings for her at all?

Just as she was lost in thought, Shen Zhao suddenly spoke up.

"Qingluan, we're friends, right?"

The word "friend" instantly made Jiang Qingluan's heart sink.

"Since we're friends, you should trust me. I never do anything I'm not sure of. Don't do anything so foolish in the future."

Hearing Shen Zhao say this, Jiang Qingluan lowered her head and gently bit her lower lip.

Suddenly, Mu Qiuyao's words echoed in his mind: "Some people, if you don't take the initiative, they can play dead for you for a lifetime."

She doesn't want to be just friends with me, Shen Zhao; she wants to be Shen Zhao's Daoist partner.

However, she couldn't bring herself to express her feelings to Shen Zhao as openly and boldly as Mu Qiuyao.

That's just how personality is; it's not something that can be changed overnight.

what to do?

Shen Zhao was unaware that the Empress behind him was suddenly burdened with many troubles because of his words.

He assumed she already understood what he meant: that she didn't need to do these futile efforts anymore, that she always knew what she was doing, and that he didn't need to risk his life for her.

Just as this budding relationship was about to slip away from her, Jiang Qingluan had a sudden inspiration and spoke up.

"Young Master Shen, may I play a tune on my zither for you?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhao turned to look at Jiang Qingluan, but thought to himself: Playing the zither? Why play the zither when there's nothing wrong with that?

But what came out of his mouth was: "Are your fingers suitable for playing the piano?"

Jiang Qingluan nodded repeatedly: "These are minor injuries, nothing serious, Young Master Shen, is that alright?"

Seeing Jiang Qingluan's expectant eyes, Shen Zhao couldn't bear to refuse, so he nodded.

"Young Master Shen, there is a bamboo grove ahead. Would you please move there?"

Upon hearing Shen Zhao's agreement, Jiang Qingluan was overjoyed.

She wanted to express her feelings to Shen Zhao in her own way.

This was the greatest courage she could muster.

The two remained silent as Jiang Qingluan led them into the secluded bamboo forest.

"Young Master Shen, please have a seat."

Jiang Qingluan asked Shen Zhao to sit on the stone chair opposite her, where she had placed the zither.

Then she took out the incense burner and lit it, and immediately the bamboo forest was filled with the enchanting scent of sandalwood.

"Conquest..."

After gently plucking the strings, Jiang Qingluan took a deep breath and devoted herself wholeheartedly to playing the zither.

The moment the melody began, Shen Zhao's pupils constricted.

He immediately understood what Jiang Qingluan was trying to express.

The sound of the zither was gentle and lingering, like pearls falling onto a plate.

Jiang Qingluan closed her eyes and poured all her emotions into the music of the zither.

In his mind, he recalled the scene of Shen Zhao and himself cooperating and conversing in his previous life:

"Empress Jiang, I have resolved the troubles of the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Jade Pool Holy Water for you. According to the agreement, the Jade Pool Holy Land should sign a permanent cooperation contract with the Great Yin Dynasty."

Looking at the contract terms handed to her, Jiang Qingluan stared at Shen Zhao's face with a complicated expression.

But in the end, the terms were still signed.

"Your Highness, are you planning to leave already?"

"Now that the cooperation is complete, I don't think there's any need for me to stay here any longer."

"Then, may I prepare a farewell banquet for His Highness the Prince of Wu?"

"There's no need for that. My partner doesn't allow me to drink alcohol. I'm really sorry."

Shen Zhao smiled and shook his head, then stood up and said, "Empress Jiang, it is a pleasure to cooperate with Yaochi Holy Land. I hope we will meet again in the future. Take care."

After saying that, he laughed heartily, turned around, flicked his cloak, and strode away from Yaochi Palace.

Watching his departing figure, Jiang Qingluan instinctively stood up, wanting to call out to him.

But when the words reached her lips, she couldn't say anything in the end...

Jiang Qingluan closed her eyes tightly, her mind constantly recalling every moment she had spent with Shen Zhao.

Those beautiful and unforgettable memories flooded her mind like a tide, immersing her in them and making it impossible for her to extricate herself.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!