In the dark...
Some things are more likely to happen the more you worry about them.
The more you care about some people and try to hold on to them, the further they drift away from you, and they may even disappear completely.
Such people and events are not limited to Mei Xiyuan alone; there is also the woman from Baicao Valley at this moment.
It was already three-quarters past noon, almost noon.
In Baicao Valley, Zisu and Baizhi were dressed in newly made, very festive red dresses, and each of them had a short silver hairpin with red plum blossoms inlaid on their high buns.
At this moment, the two of them were running around inside and outside Xiaoyao Pavilion, busy as bees.
In the most secluded corner of the Xiaoyao Pavilion, in an inconspicuous warm room, Yi Junhao, dressed in a symbolic crimson brocade robe that perfectly accentuated his alluring beauty and unrestrained spirit, sat upright, grinning with delight and anticipation at a small jade-colored medicine bottle in his hand. Beneath his thick, dark eyebrows, two slender and captivating peach blossom eyes were half-closed, as if he were completely absorbed in his work.
As the saying goes, "Heaven helps those who help themselves," and he finally succeeded in concocting the miraculous medicine that could give the girl's legs a new lease on life.
Today was the day he and his girl had agreed to spend New Year's Eve together. The thought of his girl soon standing before him, healthy and strong, brought a bright light to his eyes.
"Zisu, every year during the New Year, Third Young Master is always the most excited one, making arrangements and giving instructions to everyone. It seems like he doesn't trust us and insists on decorating himself. But this year, it's already this late and he's still not moving. We can't even see a shadow of him." Bai Zhi held a red "Fu" character sticker in her hand and asked Zisu curiously, glancing around from time to time.
Zisu thought about it and also felt a little strange. She hadn't seen Yi Junhao since breakfast. So she handed the half bowl of paste she was holding to Baizhi, but took the "Fu" character sticker from Baizhi and said, "I'll go take a look." Then she ran into Xiaoyao Pavilion.
She searched carefully room by room, and finally saw her most familiar figure in the warm room in the last corner.
So, he picked up the "Fu" character sticker in his hand and asked with a forced smile, "Third Young Master, take a look at this 'Fu' character sticker. Is the perilla leaf pasted on neatly?"
“Very good…very good,” Yi Junhao replied absentmindedly, sitting with his back to her without turning his head.
Upon hearing this, Zisu's smile vanished, replaced by a hint of displeasure. She then quietly walked over to his side.
Only then did she realize that Yi Junhao was so engrossed in the small medicine bottle he was clutching tightly in his hand that he was completely absorbed in it, and had actually managed to fool her with his questions.
She stood behind him for a long time, her gaze filled with affection yet tinged with reproach, before Zisu finally asked him, "When does Third Young Master plan to give this medicine to Miss Yi?"
Yi Junhao seemed to only then come to his senses, and turned around abruptly, as if he had just noticed Zisu coming in. Then he just smiled faintly at her and said, "Let's say goodbye to the old and welcome the new. Tonight, we will administer the medicine to the girl. When she opens her eyes tomorrow morning, her leg will definitely be completely healed, as if she has been reborn."
"Tonight?!" Zisu exclaimed in surprise upon hearing this.
"Yes, tonight." Yi Junhao had been waiting for this moment for too long and didn't notice the displeasure and surprise on Zisu's face.
"But……"
Zisu was about to persuade him to spend New Year's Eve with her and Baizhi as they always had, but Yi Junhao had already quickly stood up. He then placed a strong yet gentle hand on Zisu's shoulder and said to her with a gentle smile, "You don't need to wait for me for New Year's Eve dinner tonight. Happy New Year!"
After saying that, Yi Junhao hurriedly walked out of Xiaoyao Pavilion. Zisu looked at his departing figure with a disappointed expression, her gaze falling back to the spot where Yi Junhao's large hand had just landed on her shoulder, the large red "Fu" character sticker in her hand quietly sliding to the cold ground.
"Perilla, Perilla..." A moment later, Bai Zhi's frantic calls echoed throughout the Xiaoyao Pavilion.
Upon reaching the entrance of the warm pavilion in the corner, she saw the "Fu" character sticker lying on the ground. Looking up at Zisu, who seemed lost and dejected, she was startled and quickly approached her, asking with concern, "Zisu, what's wrong?"
Zisu blinked, a hint of sadness in her eyes, and said softly, "I'm fine, just a little tired."
Bai Zhi, being simple-minded, assumed Zi Su's words were due to overwork, so she hurriedly stepped forward to support her. Then, anxiously and somewhat excitedly, she said, "Third Young Master just asked me for the Yanghe Soup you just made, but it seems he's left the valley. Today is New Year's Eve! In the past, he would spend the whole New Year's Eve in the valley with you and me. What's wrong with him this year?"
Just as Bai Zhi was wondering what was going on, Zi Su said calmly, "The Third Young Master won't be spending New Year's Eve with us this year. Let's go, I'm hungry, let's go eat."
So the two of them linked arms and walked toward the kitchen on the east side.
As the sun began to set, Cheng Liang entered Chenghua Palace with a hint of unease. After bowing respectfully to his master, he urged with a touch of helplessness, "Your Highness, it's time to enter the palace. The Princess Consort has been waiting outside for quite some time." As he spoke, he glanced slightly at the entrance.
Although it is now the Spring Festival, a time of universal joy, Xuan Yuanhan is still as diligent as ever in his official duties, handling urgent matters presented from various places in Xiqin. Cheng Liang had been waiting outside the palace for half a day and only came in to disturb him after seeing him take a short rest.
However, Xuan Yuanhan was not in a hurry. He simply asked, "Is there any movement from the Yi family?"
"Not yet, Your Highness. Rest assured, I have already sent capable men to keep an eye on things, and they will report back immediately if there is any disturbance." Cheng Liang knew that Xuan Yuanhan was still worried about Yi Shangyun's safety, so he sent his most capable men to guard the Yi residence.
Xuanyuan Han was relieved after hearing this. He then picked up a secret letter from his desk and handed it to Cheng Liang, saying, "This is a portrait of the eldest prince of Beilie, Tuoba Ze, that was just provided by our spies in Beilie. Give the order to find him for me as soon as possible, no matter what. This man is too dangerous!"
Cheng Liang reached out and took out the portrait, examining it carefully.
Speaking of the Northern Lie Kingdom, Xuan Yuanhan suddenly thought of Yu Niang and asked, "Is there still no progress on Yu Niang's side?"
Cheng Liang replied, "Some time ago, Yu Niang sent word that she met a tea merchant from the Northern Lie Kingdom at Wan Jiao Pavilion and agreed to help him find Zhao Ping'an in the Northern Lie Kingdom. Since then, there has been no further news."
"A tea merchant?" Xuan Yuanhan seemed to have some doubts, so he raised his eyes and frowned as he asked.
"Yes, the message said it was a tea merchant from the Northern Lie Kingdom, that's right," Cheng Liang confirmed after a moment's thought.
After listening to the analysis, Xuanyuan Han said, "Tea is as indispensable to the Northern Lie Kingdom as salt is to us..."
As he spoke, he seemed to realize something, and suddenly looked up at Cheng Liang seriously, saying, "Anyone who can do this kind of business must have a very close relationship with the Northern Lie royal family. This person must be extraordinary. Find an opportunity to give Yu Niang a copy of the portrait as well, and tell her to keep it carefully. That kind of place is full of shady characters, and it might be easier to find out information there. Remember, never reveal the portrait, lest you alert the enemy."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Liang felt that the long-standing chaos and lack of direction seemed to suddenly become clear, so he happily said to Xuan Yuanhan, "Great, the fox's tail is about to be revealed."
At this moment, Xuanyuan Han slowly got up, and the two of them walked out together.
After a pleasant afternoon nap, Mei Xiyuan changed into a specially made bright red festive dress adorned with flowers, which was for her first New Year's Eve family banquet at the Western Qin royal family. Her fair skin and the delicate beauty mark between her eyebrows further accentuated her pampered and noble temperament.
At this moment, she had been waiting in front of the carriage for a long time. A cold wind was blowing, and she seemed to be getting a little impatient, pacing back and forth hurriedly. Lu Tianjiao stood quietly to the side, staring at the gate of the Qin Prince's Mansion with her.
Finally, the master of the Qin Prince's Mansion, with a figure as noble and domineering as a god, slowly appeared in front of the magnificent and solemn gate. Mei Xiyuan immediately perked up and put on a smile, hurriedly reaching out to tidy up her head full of jewels. Lu Tianjiao then helped smooth out her gorgeous clothes.
When Xuan Yuanhan approached, the two of them bowed to him with joyful expressions. Mei Xiyuan then reached out her hand, hoping that Xuan Yuanhan would help her get into the car first.
However, Xuan Yuanhan never looked at her directly from beginning to end. Only when he saw her for the first time after leaving the house did he catch a glimpse of her extremely inappropriate attire for her status and occasion.
He stepped into the carriage and sat down, then closed his deep eyes to rest.
Mei Xiyuan was extremely embarrassed at this moment, but she tried her best to endure it.
Finally, she could only get into the carriage with the help of Granny Zhao. Seeing that Xuan Yuanhan was resting with his eyes closed, she quietly sat down next to him.
The carriage moved slowly along the road to the palace. Shops of all kinds were decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations to welcome the New Year, creating a festive atmosphere of universal celebration.
Mei Xiyuan lifted the curtains and gazed intently at the beautiful and festive scene outside.
Half a day later, she suddenly came to her senses and asked softly with a smile, "Your Highness, may I ask you something?"
After a long while, Xuanyuan Han finally asked thoughtfully, "What is it?"
Mei Xiyuan then smiled and said, "I heard that Your Highness and General Cheng went out with their swords yesterday and only returned to the manor in the middle of the night. I wonder what happened?"
Upon hearing this, Xuan Yuanhan immediately opened his eyes, revealing a stern look. Mei Xiyuan, seeing this, feigned fear and pitifulness, saying, "Your Highness, please don't misunderstand. I just noticed that Your Highness rarely carries a sword when going out, and I was worried about you, which is why I asked this question. I didn't intend to spy on Your Highness's whereabouts; I was just afraid that on my first New Year's Eve dinner after marrying into the Western Qin royal family, I wouldn't have my husband by my side."
Upon hearing this, Xuanyuan Han blinked slightly and replied, "Yesterday, General Cheng and I went up the mountain... to pick flowers."
Mei Xiyuan exclaimed in disbelief, "Picking flowers?!"
However, Xuan Yuanhan stopped speaking and closed his eyes again. Mei Xiyuan assumed that she was being too noisy, so she stopped talking as well, but would occasionally turn her head to look at Xuan Yuanhan beside her.
She thought to herself, "Do I need to carry a sword even to pick flowers in the mountains?"
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