"Hang Li?"
Seeing that he didn't say anything, Xue Ru looked puzzled as she wiped her hands with a handkerchief.
Hang Li came back to his senses and said, "Nothing, I just came to tell you that I'm going back to the northwest."
Xue Ru paused and asked, "Why are you leaving so soon?"
Hang Li said, "I came back to the capital this time for my brother's wedding. I originally planned to stay longer, but yesterday the deputy general sent a message saying that someone under the Dragon Court Guard had caused some trouble. I have to go back to check it out, otherwise I will be worried."
Xue Ru nodded: "So that's how it is. Then when are you planning to leave?"
"The day after tomorrow."
"That's really unfortunate. I have to go to Lucheng tomorrow to take care of some shop matters. I won't be back for three or five days. I'm afraid I won't be able to see you off then. I'll have someone prepare some things for you to take away. It'll be considered an early farewell..."
"Aru."
Hang Li listened to Xue Ru's words and pursed his lips: "You know this is not what I want."
Nian Xia, who was standing nearby, trembled, causing the water in the copper basin to sway. Xue Ru saw this and said, "Nian Xia, go down first."
Nian Xia quickly took the things and left. Xue Ru then walked to the side and sat down at the stone table in the courtyard. She said to Hang Li, "Would you like to try some of the good tea I just got?"
Hang Li walked over silently and sat opposite Xue Ru. Xue Ru picked up the teapot and poured him a cup of tea.
Her expression was calm, and her features seemed to have fully grown and become more outstanding as she grew older. Being stared at by Hang Li, she did not feel uncomfortable at all, and her every move seemed to be unaffected.
Hang Li felt his heart sink: "Aru, are you still unwilling to agree to me?"
Xue Ru chuckled when she heard this: "You ask this every year, aren't you tired?"
Hang Li pursed his lips and didn't answer her. He just said stubbornly, "I know you don't want to go to the northwest, nor do you want to leave the capital. If you just tell me, I can ask His Majesty to transfer you back to the capital. If you don't like getting along with others, I can live with you in Jiyun Lane. If you are worried about the future, I can resign from my official position..."
Xue Ru interrupted him: "Then why did you risk your life on the battlefield?"
Hang Li opened his mouth: "I..."
"Don't say it's because of me."
Xue Ru spoke before he could say anything: "I know that when you went to the northwest, some of your reasons were to establish yourself and marry me, but Hang Li, you also said that you shouldn't let me bear the burden of your future. From the beginning to the end, what happened between you and me was not your fault. Even if you returned to the capital, my answer to you would be the same."
"Besides, when our love is strong today, you can give up your future and official position for me. But when our love fades in the future, every time you look at me, you will feel resentment for everything you gave up today."
Xue Ru spoke gently as usual, but every word pierced the heart.
"Besides, you lost our original bet. You said you would accept the loss."
Hang Li's face turned pale, and all the words were stuck in his throat.
The courtyard was extremely quiet for a while, and neither of them spoke again.
After waiting for a long time, Xue Ru's expression softened and she whispered, "Brother Hang, I understand your feelings, but I've already told you the answer. I'm not as good as you think, and I'm not worth your waiting. Besides, I believe you'll be able to find someone who's truly right for you in the future."
"I have to leave the city tomorrow, so I won't go to the temple to celebrate with you. I'll use this tea instead of wine. I wish you a safe journey back to the northwest."
Hang Li didn't stay in Tang Mansion for long. He was a little dazed when he left. He didn't refuse the "farewell gift" prepared by Xue Ru for him. He left with his things in his hand with a gloomy look.
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