Reunion

When Jiang Mian returned to the clothing store, Jiang Qiyu had been waiting for a long time. Seeing her appear, his anxious mood gradually calmed down.

"Little Mian, which one have you taken a fancy to?"

He didn't ask her why she had disappeared for so long. Instead, he gently picked up the clothes she had just tried on and asked her if she liked them.

Jiang Mian glanced around casually. From Shen Ji's sudden appearance to her return here, her initial anticipation had vanished, leaving her only utter exhaustion.

She smiled at Jiang Qiyu, wanting to decline, but when she met his understanding and gentle gaze, she felt unable to speak. She simply nodded and left the choice to him.

After coming out, Jiang Mian was preoccupied and couldn't help but look up at the second-floor window opposite. In the past few days, she often felt that someone was watching her when she went out. At first, she thought it was just her imagination, but now it seems that the person hiding in the shadows must be Shen Ji.

Now, the doors and windows there are tightly closed, and it's impossible to tell if anyone is there.

"What's wrong? Did you leave something behind?" Jiang Qiyu asked, puzzled. He was about to help her into the carriage when he turned around and saw Jiang Mian's hesitant expression.

"It's nothing, just that the wind is strong and my eyes feel a little uncomfortable." Jiang Mian shook her head, not thinking about it anymore. She had already made things very clear with Shen Ji, and he had agreed to let her leave. Instead of dwelling on the past, she should look forward.

Jiang Mian boarded the carriage, the curtains were drawn, and soon they left the place.

Meanwhile, on the second floor opposite, the window was open.

The handsome, otherworldly-looking man watched the carriage disappear into the distance, his eyes deep and indifferent.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye. On the day of the palace banquet, Jiang Mian looked at the beautiful and outstanding woman in the bronze mirror and hesitated for a moment. Jiang Qiyu slowly walked up behind her, his eyes filled with undisguised amazement.

"Cousin, isn't this outfit a bit too complicated?" Jiang Mian was a little unaccustomed to it. She had been living in the capital for two months and had never worn such complicated clothes before. The thought of entering the palace today made her feel nervous.

"No, this dress suits you very well." Jiang Qiyu didn't hold back his praise. He stepped forward and inserted a hairpin into Jiang Mian's hair, praising her without reservation: "Thank you for helping me today."

This is Jiang Mian's first time entering the palace, and she is here as a member of Jiang Qiyu's family. When she was a child, her grandmother always told her that the capital city was the most prosperous place in the world. She hoped that Jiang Mian could go out and see the world when she grew up. Now, she has indeed come to the capital, but she is forced to come here.

"Let's go, don't be nervous, I'll take care of everything." Jiang Qiyu smiled gently, a smile that reassured Jiang Mian. She took a deep breath, deciding to make the best of it since she was already there.

The carriage traveled smoothly all the way, and soon passed through a series of gates before finally stopping outside the palace. Jiang Mian was filled with unfamiliarity and curiosity about everything, but she remembered her identity and dared not look around. Jiang Qiyu was afraid that she would feel uncomfortable, so he specially put a veil on her.

He helped Jiang Mian down from the carriage and was secretly pleased to see how graceful and elegant the young woman had become. There were many dignitaries present today, and thankfully, he had covered her face.

Jiang Qiyu knew that such behavior and thoughts were not gentlemanly, but he secretly did not want more people to discover Jiang Mian's beauty.

He naturally took her hand and led her inside.

**

"Your Highness, you cannot go in."

Xie Ying stood in front of the Marquis's mansion, her face showing displeasure.

"How dare you! You know this is Her Highness the Princess. How dare you stop her? Have you lost your mind?" A maid stepped forward and pushed the servant aside. Xie Ying was about to step inside when the door turned slightly, and Song Mingyan came out.

"Song Lang, today is a palace banquet, why aren't you going?"

When Xie Ying saw her beloved, her face softened, and even her tone of voice involuntarily carried a hint of coquettishness.

Song Mingyan waved his hand, and the servant tactfully withdrew. Then, he looked at the woman in the magnificent palace dress in front of him and said indifferently, "The princess broke into my residence and injured my servants, just to ask this?"

Under the moonlight, he slowly approached, and Xie Ying's heart began to race. She stared intently into his eyes, for it was those beautiful eyes that had bewitched her and made her fall hopelessly in love with him.

However, even if she fell in love first, as a princess, it should be Song Mingyan who revolves around her.

Xie Ying smelled a strong odor of alcohol. Upon closer inspection, she noticed that Song Mingyan's robes were slightly disheveled, as if he had been drinking heavily for several days. She felt somewhat displeased, and she knew why Song Mingyan was upset.

About half a year ago, her father wanted to choose a husband for her. At that time, she was proud and arrogant. Although she liked Song Mingyan, she had to make Song Mingyan propose to her. The proud princess did not directly express her feelings. Instead, she opposed him in every way so that Song Mingyan would pay more attention to her.

Xie Ying originally thought that it was only a matter of time before she and Song Mingyan got used to her presence, or that he, like her, had feelings for her but had never expressed them.

Xie Ying waited and waited, putting almost all her patience into Song Mingyan.

She never expected that the person she liked already had someone else in his heart.

"Song Lang, are you still blaming me?" Xie Ying was somewhat unwilling. She was of noble status, not to mention her beauty. There were many noble young men surrounding her in the entire capital. If she hadn't insisted on falling in love with Song Mingyan, why would she be so humble? Moreover, she didn't think she had done anything wrong.

“Even if I hadn’t shown up, she would still have been kidnapped by thieves. Everyone has their own fate. She’s gone now, so why have you turned yourself into this…”

"Are you done talking?" Song Mingyan looked at her calmly, all the playfulness and unruliness of the boy had vanished, leaving only an unfathomable coldness.

He was like a soulless puppet; no matter what she said, he couldn't get a response.

“Princess, your status is too noble for me to be worthy of you. Let’s not see you again.” With that, Song Mingyan sneered and glanced at everyone present. He saw his mother standing not far away and knew what they were thinking without even thinking.

Everyone wanted him to marry Xie Ying, and everyone told him that Mian'er was gone, urging him to give up on the idea.

However, he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, and he didn't believe that Mian'er was gone just like that. The thieves hadn't confessed, so perhaps Mian'er was still alive. As long as there was a glimmer of hope, he would never give up.

"Song Mingyan, you'll regret this." Xie Ying's tenderness vanished, she glared at him, and then turned and left with her large group of people.

Song's mother apologized behind him, and soon the courtyard was finally quiet again. As dusk fell, another year was about to pass. Fine snowflakes fell slowly with the cold wind. Under the clear moonlight, Song Mingyan suddenly got the urge to dig out the jar of wine buried under the pear tree.

He was only wearing a thin shirt, yet he seemed oblivious to the cold, even though his fingertips were icy.

Wine is the best thing in the world. Only when you're drunk can you stop thinking about the past. These past few days, he's been dreaming about the time he spent with Mian'er in Yangzhou.

She was just one step away from marrying him.

He was just one step away from fulfilling his lifelong dream.

Just one step away...

But it was this step that was crucial.

After giving him hope, they pushed him into the abyss.

Hot tears fell onto the back of his hand, and with a "thud," he collapsed into the fresh snow.

The servant who had just entered panicked: "Quickly, the young master has fainted!"

**

The palace was vast, and this was Jiang Mian's first time here. As the moon rose above the trees, light snow began to fall. She walked on the snow, her hood pulled up. Along the way, the dignitaries she encountered couldn't help but glance at her a few more times.

At the palace banquet, Jiang Mian sat next to Jiang Qiyu. She dared not do anything out of line and was careful with every move. Unexpectedly, when she raised her eyes, her heart trembled.

Not far away, beside the Crown Prince, stood a figure so familiar that it was none other than Shen Ji.

Her hand trembled, and the wine in her glass almost spilled.

"What's wrong? Your hands are a little cold."

Jiang Mian snapped out of her daze, saw Jiang Qiyu's concerned gaze, and shook her head: "My lord, I am fine."

She remembered her identity. At this banquet today, she was playing the role of Jiang Qiyu's beloved concubine. Since she arrived, besides Shen Ji, there was another gaze fixed on her.

She was a woman dressed in gorgeous clothes, with stunning looks. She looked unfriendly, so she must be the daughter of the Duke of Ningguo that Jiang Qiyu had mentioned.

Jiang Mian was in a state of turmoil, but she was glad that she was sitting at the very end; otherwise, she wouldn't know how to face Shen Ji.

A maid came to pour wine, but her skirt tripped over something, and the wine spilled almost all over Jiang Mian's clothes. She frowned, and Jiang Qiyu couldn't help but scold her. The maid trembled and knelt down beside her, saying, "Please forgive me, my lord. It's all my fault."

Jiang Mian didn't feel anything in particular, but it was a pity that the dress was chosen by Jiang Qiyu himself.

"It's nothing, today is a palace banquet." She reminded him, and Jiang Qiyu realized that the Empress Dowager and the Emperor were both present, so even if something went wrong, it was not his place to make a fuss.

Unexpectedly, the kneeling maid said cautiously, "If Your Excellency does not mind, you may come with me to change your clothes."

This back and forth was quite troublesome, especially since Jiang Mian was new to the palace and unfamiliar with everything. She didn't want to go through all that trouble, but the maid was very persistent. Helpless, Jiang Mian had no choice but to leave with her.

Night had fallen, and the hustle and bustle ahead had gradually faded away. The further Jiang Mian walked, the more uneasy she felt. The palace was heavily guarded, with constant patrols by guards since she arrived, but the road in front of her was eerily quiet. There were hardly any people around, and the silence was almost frightening.

"Where are you taking me?" Jiang Mian slowed her pace and asked tentatively.

"We're almost there. The adults going to the banquet are changing their clothes here."

"I suddenly remembered I still have something I haven't taken. I'll go back first." Under the moonlight, the girl finished speaking and quickly ran away.

The maid wanted to chase after him, but it was too late.

Jiang Mian was panting heavily as she ran, and just as she was about to reach the light, someone suddenly darted out from the side.

"My little beauty, it's been a long time."

The person before her was dressed in brocade robes and jade belts, yet his words carried a hint of frivolity and nonchalance. Jiang Mian suddenly froze; it was Bai An!

"Since we parted in Jeju, I've been longing for you. It's been half a year since we last met. You haven't forgotten me, have you?"

"Don't come any closer. This is the palace. Abducting women is against the law."

"Law?" Bai An chuckled softly. "Lord Liu of the Dali Temple is my brother-in-law. Do you think he'll help you or me?"

Jiang Mianxin sank to the bottom. She never expected to encounter Bai An here. It seemed that the maid had deliberately splashed water on her, which was at his behest. Now that no one was passing by, even if something happened to him, no one would come to her rescue.

For now, we have no choice but to...

She jumped into the lake to avoid falling into his clutches. She had grown up by the water since she was a child, so this little bit of depth was no problem for her. But what was scary was that it was already early winter. Even if she was lucky enough to survive, she would be riddled with illnesses.

Life and death hang in the balance.

As Bai An was about to approach, Jiang Mian closed her eyes. She didn't care anymore; death was better than humiliation.

"Mian'er, didn't I tell you not to run around?"

Just as she stepped back, suddenly, a hand grabbed her wrist without giving her a chance to refuse. Jiang Mianxin jumped and turned around, only to see half of a handsome face. Her hand was cold, but his hand was hot. The moment the burning heat touched her skin, she was momentarily dazed.

"What is Young Master Bai doing here?" Shen Ji asked knowingly, his narrow eyes slightly narrowed, and he moved closer with a sense of pressure.

"Shen Ji, what are you doing here?" Bai An was clearly a little afraid of him, but for the sake of his pride, he did not back down.

"Someone, Young Master Bai is drunk. Take him back to rest," Shen Ji ordered in a deep voice, suppressing his anger.

The servants came forward and, without saying a word, pulled Bai An away.

Before long, the place returned to its tranquility.

Jiang Mian lowered her head. It was undeniable that Shen Ji had saved her once again. He was always like this, the first to appear when she was in danger.

The pressure on her wrist gradually tightened, and she sensed that he seemed angry, but she couldn't understand what he was angry about.

"...Let me go."

It was too dark here, surrounded by bushes, and the moonlight couldn't get in. She didn't want to think about Shen Ji's feelings at this moment; she just wanted to get far away from him.

She tried to break free, but failed. Instead, the man held her tightly, then pinned her against a withered tree behind him, his voice deep and cold: "Jiang Mian, do you hate me that much?"

The oppressive atmosphere made it hard for her to breathe; her face turned pale, and she didn't know how to answer his question.

"Speak," Shen Ji couldn't help but emphasize.

"What does my cousin want to hear?" Unable to avoid it, she simply faced him directly.

"What is your relationship with Jiang Qiyu?" Shen Ji's breathing was a little erratic. He gripped her wrist tightly. Seeing them sitting so intimately together tonight, he felt as if a hand was tearing his heart apart.

He could accept her disgust and dislike for him, and even her repeated attempts to run away from him. But he couldn't stand her; she would turn around and throw herself into someone else's arms.

She can only belong to him.

No one can take her away from me.

"Jiang Qiyu couldn't protect you. If I hadn't shown up tonight, what would you have done?" Shen Ji felt that something was wrong with him. From childhood to adulthood, he had never been so demanding of anything. When facing her, he was almost helpless.

"Whether he can protect me or not is not for you to say. Thank you for tonight, but let's not see each other again." Jiang Mian broke free from his embrace, feeling a little tired.

"Whether or not you see her isn't up to you, Mianniang. You're too naive. Nothing in this world can be done as you please. How about we make a bet?"

"What are we betting on?"

“One day, you will come looking for me.” Shen Ji took a step back and smiled slightly.

This determined look has restored its former glory.

Jiang Mian was stunned for a moment, thinking it was impossible. She didn't need him. She could live a good life even without anyone else.

“If you don’t say anything, that means you agree.” Shen Ji walked up and took her hand.

Jiang Mian was stunned and didn't react before he picked her up around the waist.

"What are you doing? Put me down right now!"

“I have already sent someone to tell Jiang Qiyu that you are here with me and that there is nothing between you and him. Mianniang, your eyes cannot lie.” Shen Ji strode forward and soon arrived at the palace gate.

The banquet was nearing its end, and people were leaving from time to time. She stood in front of the carriage and noticed some curious glances directed at her. She couldn't help but shrink back behind Shen Ji.

She came with Jiang Qiyu, but left with Shen Ji. If someone with a keen eye saw this, she would have no way of explaining herself.

Fortunately, Chen Ji's carriage was spacious enough to comfortably seat three or four more people.

During the months they had been apart, she hadn't kept track of his whereabouts, nor did she know that he had also come to the capital, and that he seemed to be an official.

Snowflakes fell softly outside, and soon a thin layer of ice covered the bustling streets. When the carriage arrived at the Shen residence, Jiang Mian lifted the curtain, and a sudden chill made her shiver.

Just then, someone behind her draped a cloak over her shoulders.

Jiang Mian stiffened, feeling somewhat unaccustomed to his sudden thoughtfulness and consideration.

"Should you get down yourself, or should I carry you down?"

The thought had barely crossed her mind when it was shattered by that nonsensical remark. Without hesitation, she jumped off the carriage, but she lost her footing and almost fell.

Then, naturally, he picked her up.

"Put me down, I can walk by myself."

"I won't let go."

Jiang Mian couldn't persuade him, so she simply stopped fussing. She leaned against him, smelling the familiar sandalwood scent, and couldn't help but recall the winter last year when she went up the mountain to deliver knee pads to her grandmother. At that time, Shen Ji was still a perfect person in her eyes.

In just one year, everything has changed.

"We're in such a rush, you can sleep in my room." Shen Ji carried her to the main house.

"Where do you sleep?" Jiang Mian asked him warily.

"study."

"If you need anything at night, remember to call me. The study is next door." Shen Ji looked at her deeply and sighed inwardly. He didn't want to be separated from her, but he knew that if things continued like before, she would probably be scared away again.

Although it's a bit slow now, it should be the pace she likes.

Hearing this, Jiang Mian breathed a sigh of relief. She had been really scared that Shen Ji would say he would sleep here too.

She didn't know how to approach him for the time being. Those absurd scenes from the past were now too painful to recall. They could no longer be normal siblings, and it seemed unlikely that she could distance herself from him now.

Fortunately, Shen Ji didn't stay long. The door was closed, and the tension surrounding her dissipated considerably. Jiang Mian took a hot bath, dried her hair, and comfortably climbed into bed.

She closed her eyes for a moment, then suddenly realized what was happening.

This main house...

It's where Shen Ji always sleeps.

The pillow she used and the blanket she used were the same ones she'd been complaining about...

Jiang Mian sat up abruptly, went to the door, and was about to open it when she saw that it was pitch black outside.

Everyone seems to be resting.

Jiang Mian sighed and silently retreated. She would make do for one night and leave early the next morning.