...Qixi Festival?
ah?
Wen Hemian's thoughts were a beat slow to react.
That strange feeling finally found its explanation at this moment. She suddenly realized that today really was Qixi Festival.
She doesn't celebrate this festival, except for a brief meeting with Murong Yue last year.
In previous years, they had never paid any attention to the situation from within the Prince's residence, never imagining that there would be such a lively scene outside.
Xie Lang probably knew this, which is why he managed to lure her out before she could react.
The word is not quite appropriate, but it does convey the meaning.
I never expected that a moment of carelessness would lead me to be so easily fooled.
Wen Hemian pinched her palm, poured herself another glass of wine and continued drinking, thinking to herself that she needed to calm down.
What was her plan for dealing with this situation?
Xie Lang, however, seemed oblivious to the solemn aura emanating from her, and gently curled the corners of his lips: "Teacher, won't you look at the fireworks? They're beautiful."
Although Xie Lang later learned the reason for what happened last year, he still couldn't help but care. He hadn't even gone out with his teacher on Qixi Festival yet!
He anticipated that Wen Hemian wouldn't know what day it was, so he openly brought her out to sit with him and watch the fireworks.
Xie Lang rested his chin on his hand, smiling leisurely. His eyes were beautiful, illuminated by the lamplight. His tone carried a hint of nostalgia: "When I first celebrated my birthday, my teacher took me to see fireworks. At that time, I thought that if I had the chance, I would prepare a grand fireworks show for my teacher."
The initial stirrings in my heart have now transformed into a deeper desire.
I want to completely embrace this person.
Wen Hemian should have guessed that Xie Lang was behind this. She admitted that the scene was beautiful, and suppressed her many random analyses, thinking that perhaps this was a way of reminiscing about her childhood.
But it doesn't necessarily mean what she thinks, right?
But Xie Lang's words soon shattered her illusions.
"My teacher wants me to become a wise ruler. I can work hard to learn how to do it and gradually transform the world into the way you want it to be."
"I still have a promise I made that I haven't fulfilled. I'd like to ask the teacher for a small reward as well, would you please?"
Wen Heming's breathing suddenly quickened, her heart burning. Even the most oblivious person should have realized something was wrong: "What do you want to say?"
The boy had grown taller very quickly. He used to have to look up at her, but now he was tall and strong. When he didn't restrain his aura, he exuded a majestic imperial presence, which was very oppressive.
But when he was in front of Wen Hemian, his aura softened rapidly, like a wolf that had let down its guard, only gentleness remained.
"I just want my teacher to stay by my side forever."
The fireworks outside gradually subsided, and the boy's voice brushed past her ears on the breeze. Wen Hemian could hear what he was saying very clearly, and her whole body stiffened slightly.
She thought Xie Lang's restraint meant he had let go of the past, but now it seems she was completely wrong.
From beginning to end, he never thought of giving up the idea; he just hesitated to take action because of something on his mind.
She finally realized that she had misjudged the situation.
Wen Hemian took a deep breath, unsure which emotion was prevailing. The smile on his face slowly faded, but his voice remained calm: "Your Majesty, do you know what you're saying?"
Wen Hemian did not impose much restraint on Xie Lang's growth, at most guiding him to keep him from going astray.
Even when he later developed feelings for her, she thought it was a harmless act of rebellion and wanted him to return to the right path on his own, but the result was the opposite.
He never even considered letting go.
It was at this moment that he revealed his ambition.
"Of course I know what I'm saying," Xie Lang replied earnestly. He met Wen Heming's gaze, his voice sincere. "My teacher and I are the closest people in this world. Even if we were to be together, what would it matter? Besides, you clearly promised me..."
He kept the second half of his sentence very low.
Wen Hemian clearly heard the stubbornness hidden within it.
She felt a little dizzy, braced herself against the table with her hand, and said in a calm despair, "You know I'm your teacher, right?"
For many years, Wen Hemian had cultivated his mind and character with a calm and peaceful attitude. For the first time, he had an impulse to open Xie Lang's head and see what was inside—why couldn't he make sense of it?
Even if we don't mention this...
Wen Hemian considers herself an open-minded modern person, and she does not discriminate against teacher-student relationships.
“We’ve been together for so many years. I’ve treated you like family, like a younger brother. How am I supposed to deal with you?”
Wen Heming's lips trembled, and she couldn't come up with an adjective after thinking for a long time.
She never dreamed that she would be at a loss for words at a time like this.
He stared at Xie Lang with disappointment and frustration.
Xie Lang, on the other hand, remained calm and composed, as if he had been prepared to face her questioning.
"My teacher knows that I've grown up."
"You don't need to deal with me in any way, just treat me like an ordinary man."
Xie Lang lowered his eyes, looking extremely kind.
But the words he said were so impolite.
After calming down, Wen Hemian was still dizzy, but she still forced herself to stay alert: "Then is Your Majesty sure that you can tell the difference?"
The question she had been pondering was still the same: could Xie Lang distinguish between longing and affection?
Without needing to be explicitly stated, Xie Lang instantly understood her meaning. He leaned forward slightly and grasped Wen Hemian's hand: "I can tell the difference."
He answered quickly and confidently.
Wen Heming could believe that he was sincere at this moment, but enthusiasm comes and goes quickly, and besides, he was an emperor. Who could have imagined that he might regret it later?
Having lived two lives, as an elder, she is naturally calmer and less easily swayed by emotions, and should therefore provide him with proper guidance in these matters.
Wen Hemian did not reply, but quietly withdrew her hand. Her head was still spinning, but she spoke clearly, word by word: "I can pretend I didn't hear what happened tonight, but please, Your Majesty, think it over carefully."
For a fleeting moment, Xie Lang's expression turned extremely ugly.
He stared intently at Wen Hemian, his eyes seemingly churning with countless emotions, but these were quickly suppressed, and he finally returned to calm: "Okay."
Wen Hemian avoided his gaze, closed her eyes slightly, feeling extremely dizzy, and no longer had the mind to argue or contend with him.
Just as she was feeling unwell, two hands gently rubbed her temples, and she heard the young man chuckle:
"I forgot to tell the Grand Tutor that the wine tastes sweet, but it has a very strong aftereffect. Most people can't handle it."
From the beginning until now, Wen Hemian has drunk no less than five cups.
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