7 Chapter 7

◎Secretly dating◎

The news that the young master Chen from the capital was going to marry the local Xue family's daughter spread like wildfire throughout the city in just a few days.

Such a wealthy marriage, allowing one to be associated with royalty, would normally be met with a grand banquet by other families, who would then share in the glory with their relatives and friends.

However, in order to resist this marriage, Pei Xueyan began a hunger strike.

Master Xue was already troubled by his daughter's situation, and seeing her so stubborn, he lost all interest in holding a grand banquet.

Firstly, he really didn't want his guests to see his daughter crying and looking haggard, which would only cause gossip.

Secondly, he was even more afraid that news of his daughter's hunger strike against the marriage would reach the ears of the Chen family in the capital, ruining this blessed marriage.

Jiang Qiye had actually met that Young Master Chen at Yuguan Temple.

His entourage was so grand, with all his attendants dressed in fine silk and brocade, clearly indicating that he came from a wealthy family.

He stared at the female demon for a long time, his eyes filled with admiration and possessiveness, clearly indicating that he had developed feelings for her.

Jiang Qiye simply didn't bother to take the matter to heart.

To outsiders, he was a weak scholar who could be easily manipulated, but who knew that he was actually a cultivator who could take a life with the flick of his finger?

Jiang Qiye was waiting for an opportunity, an opportunity to set Pei Xueyan's standards extremely high, then to be disappointed, and finally to get what he wanted.

For example, when he arranged to meet her before, he had already anticipated that the female demon was under strict surveillance and would certainly not be able to break free from her restraints to keep the appointment.

Helpless, her longing and desire for him intensified, and her obsession grew ever stronger.

Her initial resistance to the marriage will gradually transform into a deep longing for him.

When her expectations are repeatedly dashed, she gradually becomes desperate due to the powerlessness of reality, until she gives up on herself.

Young Master Chen is already about to present the betrothal gifts, so Pei Xueyan is only one step away from giving up on herself.

Jiang Qiye knew that he had to appear at the right time before she completely despaired.

With his cultivation level, sneaking into Pei Xueyan's room would have been as easy as entering an empty room.

He never used the back door, but if he swaggered in through the front door, it would inevitably startle the Xue family and cause a lot of unnecessary trouble later.

Since they were unwilling to go through the front door or take the detour through the back door, it would be easier to let Pei Xueyan come out on her own.

Jiang Qiye raised his hand and conjured a nimble flying dove, lightly pinching it between his fingertips and imbuing it with a faint spiritual energy.

The pigeon took flight, following Pei Xueyan's scent, and easily flew to her bedroom window.

Pei Xueyan lay face down on the pillow, completely listless, barely having the strength to even open her eyes.

Lying in bed with my eyes half-closed, I vaguely saw a pigeon gently land on the bedside table.

He instantly regained his senses and hurriedly got up to grab the pigeon, carefully removing the note tied to its leg.

Upon unfolding it, familiar handwriting came into view:

"Lianqing, everything is ready at the Sparrow Bridge at Hai hour (9-11 PM). Please come." (Jiang)

That short sentence was like a ray of light piercing through the darkness that had enveloped her for many days.

The sadness and pain that had been building up over the past few days seemed to vanish in an instant, and her heart was filled with hope again. The person she had been longing for and who had been her pillar of support had finally come to find her.

It was less than an hour before midnight, and Pei Xueyan dared not delay, so she immediately got up to wash and change her clothes.

She picked up a comb to style her hair, but her fingers trembled uncontrollably.

This was the first time she had ever cared so much about her appearance, afraid of seeing him looking haggard and making him worry.

Pei Xueyan knew that although Young Master Jiang was a scholar from a prominent family, the Xue family was currently tied to Young Master Chen's marriage. Young Master Chen also had influence in the capital. What way could Young Master Jiang possibly control the Xue family and help her get out of this predicament?

After much thought, I decided to put a veil over my face before leaving the house, partly to avoid being recognized on the street and partly out of caution.

The servants who were guarding the door were drunk and asleep, slumped over.

The back door, which was manned by guards, was empty; there wasn't a soul in sight.

She was a frail teenage girl who had never experienced anything before. She clutched her skirt tightly and hurried across the courtyard, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it would burst out of her chest.

Pei Xueyan didn't know whether the "unguarded" situation was Jiang Gongzi's arrangement or just a fluke.

They only knew how to charge forward, afraid of being discovered.

Just as I stepped out of the back gate, I saw a horse-drawn carriage quietly waiting by the roadside.

When the servant beside the carriage saw her, he only whispered, "Young Master Jiang has been waiting for a long time." Without the slightest hesitation, Pei Xueyan immediately lifted the carriage curtain and sat inside.

Having a secret rendezvous with someone before marriage is a disaster if discovered!

She loves her family, yet she can't help but seek out "Young Master Jiang," even at such a great risk.

The Magpie Bridge is not the magpie bridge of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, but rather a place where many birds like to build their nests after it was built, hence the name "Magnolia Bridge".

Below is a gentle stream, which is very beautiful in spring. Although it is not spring now, the night still has a touch of tranquil beauty.

Pei Xueyan felt like she couldn't breathe.

He probably couldn't understand her feelings; for ordinary people, even going out once is as difficult as climbing to heaven.

For Jiang Qiye, it was just a trivial matter that could be resolved by simply using a little spiritual power.

Everything has a cause before it has an effect.

The carriage traveled quickly and soon arrived at the Que Bridge in the west of the city.

Pei Xueyan lifted the carriage curtain and got out. The moonlight was clear, and she could see Jiang Qiye's figure in the distance.

So upright, so breathtaking.

She was momentarily stunned, and didn't even know how to lift her feet.

As if sensing her gaze, Jiang Qiye slowly turned around and looked at her.

At that moment, Pei Xueyan's heart was filled with indescribable emotions.

What kind of feeling is this?

It is the thrill of a long-awaited reunion, the enchanting sight of meeting under the bright moon, and the reassuring feeling of having received a response to all the efforts.

Pei Xueyan stared at him, completely mesmerized.

If the emptiness and longing at home were a fabricated "him," now he is truly standing before me, his features clear and his breath real.

Like a dream.

She was controlled and bound by etiquette, yet now she rushes towards him regardless of everything.

All the grievances and perseverance gained meaning the moment I saw him.

The two stood facing each other in the middle of the bridge, the stream below shimmering with tiny ripples under the moonlight.

Pei Xueyan raised her hand and gently removed the veil from her head.

tearful.

Jiang Qiye's body moved slightly.

He was not good at comforting people, let alone how to console a woman who was crying her eyes out with deep affection for him.

After a moment of silence, he said softly, "You've worked hard."

Pei Xueyan looked up into his eyes, her voice trembling with tears, and choked as she began to speak: "Young Master Jiang... I..."

She was very restrained, while Jiang Qiye needed to take the initiative.

After all, they've reached this point, they're now star-crossed lovers, and they need to get closer to her so that she can completely be devoted to him.

He took a small step forward, reached out his arm, and carefully put his arm around her shoulder: "Miss Xue, don't cry, things haven't gotten to the worst yet."

Pei Xueyan's heart started pounding.

The first time she was held in a man's arms, the intoxicating and blissful feeling of love between a man and a woman completely captivated her.

She obediently rested her head gently on Jiang Qiye's shoulder.

Suddenly, I felt a slight warmth coming from the top of my head, followed by a slight dizziness.

Pei Xueyan was so overwhelmed by the tense yet sweet atmosphere that she didn't realize that just moments before, Jiang Qiye had been using his spiritual power to check on the condensation of her Heart Elixir.

The results of the investigation surprised Jiang Qiye slightly.

Held in her arms, tears streaming down her face, she had broken free from constraints and kept their appointment late at night; by all accounts, she should have succeeded in condensing her love for him.

I didn't expect it to still fall short.

It's not far off; it's always stuck on the verge of perfection, never taking another step forward.

Jiang Qiye was very curious about what this young female demon was lacking deep down.

He didn't know much about love between men and women, but he had seen his master and his master's wife get along. Their relationship wasn't so dramatic, but they could cultivate together for decades and remain as loving as ever.

She's so young, what could she possibly lack?

Women from wealthy and influential families, don't they just like to pursue free love?

Why is it still just one step away from success?

He couldn't understand it, so he could only try to persuade him.

Jiang Qiye slowly released his arms, his gaze falling on her reddened eyes. He lowered his voice and said softly, "I've made up my mind. No matter what, I will wait for you for the rest of my life. If you ever look for me in the future, I will do everything in my power to protect you."

Pei Xueyan's hair hung down, her mind in turmoil.

Seeing Jiang Qiye now, I am truly satisfied. I can be sure of my feelings and that I have not misjudged him.

However, years of education have taught her that if she rushes to him regardless of everything, eloping will surely bring disaster to her whole family.

Her father would be branded as "untrustworthy," and the whole family could face annihilation because of her selfishness.

If the elder sister of that young master Chen in the palace were to find out about this, the Xue family would be doomed.

Therefore, a corner of my heart is always reserved for my family.

Jiang Qiye had never considered this aspect.

Or rather, he simply disdains to consider these "mundane entanglements."

He cultivated Taoism in the Qing Sect since childhood and was seen as a prodigy by everyone.

Only those who uphold justice and spiritual practice will never understand the "unavoidable circumstances" and "helplessness" in the mortal world.

They don't understand the struggles and compromises that daughters face between love and family.

Jiang Qiye has been cultivating in the Qing Sect since childhood. As a proud son of the Heavenly Gate, he is always righteous and never considers "having no other choice".

Pei Xueyan's tears gradually stopped. After lowering her eyes for a moment, she raised her head and boldly looked at Jiang Qiye: "Young Master Jiang, we are of the same mind, but we met so late."

“How could it be late? It’s never late,” he said casually.

Pei Xueyan lowered her head and stopped talking.

Even in this illusory world, one's emotions are real; joy, grievances, and struggles truly stir the heart.

Pei Xueyan, who at least hasn't completely turned into a demon, is now filled with pure eyes and an innocent, naive expression.

She is still worth saving.

However, Jiang Qiye only wanted her to condense her core as soon as possible, so he didn't care about being too roundabout and his tone was more direct than before: "Miss Xue, I know you are hesitant. The marriage between Young Master Chen and Xue is indeed a rare and good match for the Xue family. It is reasonable for you to think it through. I will not force you."

Her tears, which she had just stopped, surged again. She shook her head repeatedly, her voice choked with sobs and guilt: "Young Master Jiang, I... I didn't mean to. I've always been a coward, perhaps... perhaps I've disappointed you, I... I'm sorry."