Chapter 2 Cold Moon, the important thing is the person in front of you.

A hand with distinct knuckles supported her slender arm. The large palm and long fingers could have easily encircled it, but the hand held it aloofly, strictly adhering to the etiquette of a gentleman.

Through the thin sleeve, Cui Yilu could clearly feel the warmth of the man's palm, and even the roughness of the calluses on his hands and knuckles.

Cui Yiluo looked up at the man with tears in her eyes.

Jiang Yunjin dismounted from his horse at some point. Although he was supporting her arm, his expression was extremely cold, as if a layer of frost had accumulated on his face.

The voice was as calm and still as an ancient well.

"I'll help you up."

The curtain was lowered, and the carriage started moving again.

The beautiful smile vanished instantly. Cui Yiluo looked at the bloodstain on the hem of her plain white sleeve. It was from when Jiang Yunjin injured the bandit leader with his sword. It had just splashed onto a small forsythia embroidered with pale yellow silk thread, and was so bright red that it was glaring.

With her slender fingertips gently stroking it, Cui Yiluo stared at it thoughtfully.

-

The carriage arrived at Baoming Temple after about an incense stick's time. When Cui Yiluo lifted the curtain and stepped out of the carriage, there were already people waiting to greet her at the familiar temple gate. It seemed that Jiang Yunjin had sent someone to inform her in advance.

Jiang Yunjin dismounted and discussed the arrangements for the night with the abbot and others who came to greet him. When he returned after the discussion, Cui Yiluo still had not gotten out of the carriage.

She had injured her ankle and had only been able to board the carriage with Jiang Yunjin's help. Getting off the carriage was even more difficult than getting on, and a slight mishap could worsen her injury. Therefore, Lilan, who was following below, was also very careful.

Cui Yiluo was so anxious that she broke out in a cold sweat. She looked at Jiang Yunjin apologetically and said, "Cousin, please go in first. I can manage on my own."

After saying that, he tried to get off the car by moving his injured foot, but his posture looked awkward no matter how you looked at it.

Jiang Yunjin observed for a few moments before finally stepping forward.

Cui Yiluo looked at him with a hint of surprise, but he only lowered his eyes and did not look at her. His long eyelashes covered his eyes, making it impossible to tell any emotion from them.

My arm was held firmly, the heat coming through my clothes and then disappearing in an instant.

They parted abruptly, his indifference exactly the same as when he helped her into the car earlier, maintaining the most basic politeness and manners of a young master from a prestigious family.

Restrained yet distant.

As soon as Cui Yiluo landed firmly on the ground, the man quickly withdrew his hand, turned around and left. When she looked up, she could only see his tall and straight back.

"Thank you, cousin."

Cui Yiluo said to him.

The man didn't respond, nor did he stop walking, but she knew he had heard her.

With Lilan's help, Cui Yiluo was led to the side room by a young novice monk.

It was already quite late, and soon the young novice monk brought over dinner. The food at the temple was simple: a bowl of white porridge mixed with lily petals, a plate of vegetarian spring rolls, and stir-fried seasonal vegetables.

Lilan bribed the young novice monk with silver and chatted with him for a few more minutes. Their conversation was not clearly heard through the window. Cui Yiluo held her bamboo chopsticks and calmly ate the simple meal.

With a creak, Lilan pushed the door open and came in: "Miss, it will be a while. I got some medicine from them. Let's apply it first."

Cui Yiluo slowly chewed the well-cooked lily petals in her mouth, the delicate fragrance swirling between her lips and tongue.

"good."

As the last rays of twilight faded and darkness descended, only a few stars adorned the inky night sky, accompanied by the high-hanging moon, which illuminated the night with a touch of inky blue.

Under the moonlight, there was a gentle knock on the door of the side room.

Lilan hurried out, then opened the door a crack and called to Cui Yiluo, who was sitting on the clean and tidy bed reading a book.

"girl."

Cui Yiluo had already restyled her hair. Several hairpins had fallen off, but fortunately, the loss wasn't noticeable. The real problem was that one of her earrings was missing. Cui Yiluo had no choice but to remove the only remaining earring, revealing the small ear hole on her round earlobe.

As she took them off, she looked at the earrings in her palm. They were made of pure gold and shaped into intricate floral patterns. The small, bright gemstones on the delicate tassels shone brilliantly even in the dim candlelight.

This was a birthday gift from her aunt when she was ten years old. If it weren't one of the most exquisite and beautiful earrings in her dressing case, she wouldn't be wearing it today.

What a pity.

Her skirt was neatly arranged; she hadn't brought a change of clothes, as it would be too obvious. Lilan had no choice but to wring out a damp cloth to wipe the dust off her skirt. While not completely clean, it was much cleaner. However, this made the dark footprints at her ankles and the hem of her skirt even more noticeable.

Upon hearing Lilan's voice, Cui Yilu tidied her clothes and hair before stepping out of the room.

Baoming Temple is located on a high mountain. Even in summer, it is inevitably chilly at night. A cool breeze gently blows through the thin white dress, outlining the slender and graceful figure of the woman.

Suddenly, a few rustling sounds came from the bushes outside the side room.

Cui Yiluo strode forward, squatted down, and reached in with both hands to hold a white rabbit securely in her arms.

The white rabbit's fur was snow-white, and it was clear at a glance that it had been looked after by the young monks in the temple. It had just crawled into the grass and picked up some bits of grass, which were sparsely mixed in with its fur.

Several stone lanterns were set up outside the side room for lighting, and Cui Yiluo carefully picked out the grass clippings from the white rabbit's back by the light.

"Cousin." Hearing footsteps, Cui Yiluo looked up with a bright smile.

Jiang Yunjin's gaze lingered on her ankle, as if hesitating, but he eventually walked over.

He was still wearing the same silver-gray brocade robe he had worn during the day. The blood was difficult to wash off, and although the bloodstains on the hem of the robe had been carefully wiped away, a few faint red spots remained. Yet even in the soiled robe, his aloof and noble air was still undeniable. His handsome face gradually emerged in the dim candlelight, leaving onlookers stunned.

As fine as jade, it truly deserves everyone's praise.

Cui Yiluo asked with concern, "Why hasn't my cousin gone to bed yet?"

Jiang Yunjin glanced at the white rabbit she was holding: "There are some things."

Cui Yiluo stroked the fur on the white rabbit's back: "Cousin, I saw this rabbit in the grass just now. I don't know where it came from, but it's very cute." She picked up the white rabbit and asked with a smile, "What do you think, cousin?"

The white rabbit was docile and adorable in her hands, its eyes like the ruby ​​adorning her dark hair. Jiang Yunjin raised his eyes, his gaze, seemingly filled with unyielding, deep ink, shooting into the moonlight.

But he only glanced at it before looking away, his eyes still cold, as if he had no intention of answering.

Seeing that he did not answer, Cui Yiluo did not continue to talk about the rabbit of unknown origin: "Cousin, thank you very much today. If it weren't for you, I don't know if I would be able to go back to see my aunt."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yunjin's expressionless face froze, revealing a hint of unease.

Cui Yiluo understood perfectly. When she was fighting off the bandits today, she hugged his strong, lean waist tightly from behind, their bodies pressed close together. She could even feel the strength accumulating on his waist and abdomen. However, the bandits' attacks were as dense as rain, and he had no chance to push her away.

She slowly approached a few inches closer, her tone earnest and solemn: "If my cousin ever needs my help in the future, I will definitely do my utmost to help you."

Her gaze was firm and intense, but Jiang Yunjin looked away: "No need, it was just a coincidence today."

If it weren't for a guard breaking through the encirclement and just happened to run into him on his way back to the mansion after finishing his official business in the suburbs, he wouldn't have been able to rush there.

She insisted, "I will never forget the life-saving grace. Yiluo will always remember what happened today."

The bright candlelight illuminated her profile, making her appear even more beautiful. The white rabbit she held nestled obediently and quietly in her arms, blending seamlessly with her white dress. The pale yellow forsythia embroidered on her sleeves seemed like moonlight embellishments, making her appear as delicate and ethereal as a fairy maiden from the moon palace. However, she walked with a limp.

As she stepped forward, Jiang Yunjin immediately noticed the dark footprint. Her ankle was slender, looking as if it would break at any moment, yet today he had stomped heavily on it…

Jiang Yunjin composed himself and asked, "How is your foot?"

His tone was calm and even, without the slightest hint of worry. Asking the question seemed to stem solely from the sense of responsibility and etiquette expected of a patriarchal son raised from childhood.

Cui Yiluo showed a look of surprise, seemingly touched by his concern: "Although the medicine in the temple is not as good as the one in the manor, it is still much better."

Jiang Yunjin said, "When I get back, I'll have someone fetch a doctor and send you some medicine."

Since it was his fault for accidentally stepping on and injuring the person, he should be held responsible.

"Thank you, cousin."

The woman's voice was soft and gentle, making one's heart soften.

Jiang Yunjin's face remained calm and expressionless; he simply nodded slightly.

"Speaking of which, Yiluo has another favor to ask of her cousin."

"explain."

Cui Yiluo bit her lip, her eyes suddenly reddening, her expression becoming incredibly conflicted and aggrieved: "The bandits who came today were suspicious, unlike ordinary mountain bandits, but... I've only been in Shengjing for a few days, and I haven't made any enemies. I... I really can't understand who would want to kill me... my cousin..."

At this point, two crystal-clear, round tears rolled down her cheeks pitifully, and the girl choked up, unable to speak for a moment.

She cried pitifully, but the man showed no mercy, remaining as calm as a ruler with the power of life and death: "I have ordered a thorough investigation."

Hearing him say that, Cui Yiluo's tense shoulders relaxed. She gently sniffed her slightly red nose: "That's good. My cousin is brave and resourceful, and he will surely investigate this matter thoroughly. I will wait for your news with peace of mind."

"I only knew that my cousin was exceptionally talented and outstanding before, but I never imagined that he was also a skilled swordsman. Today, he fought against many opponents by himself. I have never seen anyone as heroic as my cousin before."

The girl's eyes, still glistening with tears, shone brightly in the moonlight. Her fair cheeks were still wet with tear stains, and her grateful gaze held an unwavering admiration.

Jiang Yunjin's eyes flickered slightly.

She took another step closer without making a sound, and just as she was about to open her mouth, Jiang Yunjin interrupted her.

"They found this while they were searching."

He raised his hand, holding in it the red-gold floral earring she had lost.

Cui Yiluo, unable to contain her excitement, accepted it: "It was something I lost, thank you, cousin." Then she choked up a little: "This is a keepsake left to me by my mother."

"Mother?"

“Yes,” Cui Yiluo nodded, her expression darkening. “My mother died in an accident when I was less than a year old. She was discovered three days later… Even my father almost didn’t recognize her. Although I don’t remember what my mother looked like at all, when I look at her belongings when I’m sad, I always feel that she has been by my side all these years, which comforts me a lot.”

She looked at the earrings in her hand and said softly, "I often wonder what things would be like if my mother were still here." She then laughed self-deprecatingly, "At least I would have a marriage that suits my taste."

They couldn't possibly marry her off to an old man old enough to be her grandfather.

Cui Yiluo looked up and met Jiang Yunjin's complicated gaze. She smiled self-deprecatingly and said, "I'm sorry to have made you laugh tonight, cousin."

Jiang Yunjin simply said, "The person is gone, but the living remain."

Cui Yiluo gave a soft "hmm" and stared at him, saying, "Cousin is right. The important thing is the person in front of you."

Jiang Yunjin's expression shifted slightly, as if he were probing. Cui Yiluo simply met his gaze openly, and after a moment, he was the first to look away.

Silence fell, broken only by the occasional chirping of cicadas. The conversation seemed to have come to an end.

Jiang Yunjin turned slightly, intending to leave, but the woman suddenly stepped forward and grabbed his hand.

"Cousin, your hand is injured!"

Cui Yiluo frowned, her brows furrowed, and she exclaimed in worry.

By the moonlight, a long wound could be seen across the back of the man's large hand. It looked like it had only been simply cleaned, with the skin and flesh turned inside out and bright red scabs dried on the wound.

The wound looked fresh, clearly indicating that it was left while defending against bandits.

Her palms were warm and soft, and the man's long fingers seemed to sink into a soft mass, stiffening the moment they were enveloped.

Almost instantly, Jiang Yunjin abruptly pulled his hand away.

Cui Yiluo was taken aback: "Cousin..."

Jiang Yunjin's face was usually indifferent and devoid of emotion, but at this moment, a thin layer of anger appeared on his brows, his dark eyes were gloomy, and his cold gaze at her exuded immense pressure.

Clearly, her actions just now had severely crossed his boundaries.

Jiang Yunjin took a few steps back to create some distance, and a cool breeze instantly blew by, carrying countless chills and causing his clothes to flutter.

The man's previously calm and even tone turned cold and indifferent: "Insolence."

Cui Yiluo was both at a loss and embarrassed. The hand that was holding his suddenly didn't know where to go, so she could only awkwardly stroke the white rabbit. Like a child who had done something wrong, she lowered her head and whispered, "I'm sorry, cousin, I was just worried about your injury."

Jiang Yunjin remained silent, radiating a strong sense of oppression and aloofness.

The gentle atmosphere vanished completely, and the air seemed to have stopped flowing.

Cui Yiluo looked timid under his gaze: "Cousin..."

"No need. Men and women are different; don't overstep the bounds."

After the man finished speaking, he turned and left, leaving Cui Yiluo standing there holding the white rabbit.

Until the tall figure completely disappeared around the corner, a person emerged from the shadows behind.

Lilan frowned as she looked in the direction Jiang Yunjin had left, saying, "How could Young Master Jiang be so aloof? You were so considerate of his injury, yet he showed you absolutely no respect!"

Cui Yiluo slowly withdrew her gaze, gently stroking the white rabbit in her hand. There was no trace of the embarrassment she had just felt on her face.

"Isn't that just the kind of person he is? Let's take it slow. Pushing someone too far isn't a good thing."

The situation was going well, and mentioning his deceased mother made him feel more empathetic. Unfortunately, he was still guarded, and she only touched his hand, yet she made him so angry.

But that's alright. In any relationship, someone has to be responsible for breaking down boundaries and bridging the gap; their bottom line is meant to be lowered inch by inch. And Jiang Yunjin is clearly not the type to do that, so let her take on that role.

"Moreover, tonight wasn't entirely fruitless."

Lilan suddenly remembered something, and her expression changed: "Miss just asked him to investigate the bandits, could it be that..."

Cui Yiluo paused in stroking the rabbit, her eyes filled with frost, and her tone suddenly turned cold: "You've figured it out too, haven't you? That's not someone we hired."

On the other side, bathed in moonlight, a tall, upright man with a somber expression instructed in a low voice: "Wenfeng, send a message to His Highness that the person has been rescued and there may be progress in the matter. We will discuss it in detail after we return to the city tomorrow."

Wen Feng was taken aback: "What does Young Master mean..."

Jiang Yunjin nodded slightly.

Wen Feng frowned: "That would be troublesome. Miss Cui seems to be powerless to resist. If they really take her life, wouldn't that affect His Highness's plans?"

Jiang Yunjin's face was half-hidden in darkness. "Not necessarily. She's very smart."

The bandits were numerous today, and although she hid behind him, she swiftly dodged their swords and blades; the only wound on her body was inflicted by him. Conversely, he was struck in the knee by a flying broken blade.

We may be outmatched by force, but we can outsmart them.

A note from the author:

A Luo: What a chaste and virtuous man! [question mark]