Chapter 86 Listen to Her
There were only a few corner lamps lit in the inner hall of Zhuoming Pavilion, and the light was a little dim, creating a quiet feeling that was isolated from the outside world.
Occasionally, the candle wick would lightly burst into sparks, making a crackling sound that was particularly clear in the overly silent air.
Pei Ji stood not far from the charcoal brazier, while Luo Zhaohan sat in a rosewood chair by the window, with a perfect distance of more than ten feet between them.
The warm scarlet light from the charcoal basin illuminated Luo Zhaohan's slightly red face and cast his tall silhouette on the blue brick ground behind him.
The air was filled with an almost frozen warmth. No one spoke, only their eyes moved silently, entwining each other.
At this moment, a calm and respectful male voice came clearly from the direction of the hall door:
"Master, it's almost midnight, it's time to ask Miss Luo to go back."
It's the Artichoke.
Luo Zhaohan felt as if he was pricked by an ice needle, and his shoulders and back trembled almost imperceptibly. His body, which had just relaxed slightly due to the fire and the person in front of him, tensed up in an instant.
She stood up from the chair almost subconsciously, her movements a little hastily and her feet involuntarily took a step back.
Her gaze quickly shifted from Pei Ji's face to the ground, and her fingers subconsciously grasped a corner of the tassel jade pendant around her waist. Her whole body suddenly changed from being soft and relaxed just now to becoming the cold and self-restrained daughter of the Luo family.
Pei Ji's gentle gaze, which had been fixed on her, slightly condensed, and then an extremely bright smile quickly spread from the depths of his eyes.
This laughter was carefree and unrestrained, a style he had never shown to outsiders before.
The expression at that moment made his slightly stern face bright and lively.
"Nothing." He looked at Luo Zhaohan's upright posture as if facing a great enemy, and felt that the last bit of tension in his heart caused by uneasiness was completely melted by this smile.
He turned towards the hall door and said, "Ling Ji, wait outside. Miss Luo still has some unfinished business. Once I'm done, I'll personally take her back."
Ling Ji outside the door was silent for a moment, and seemed to take a very light breath. In the end, only a steady response came through the door: "Yes."
Ling Ji's presence disappeared outside the door.
The hall returned to its previous tranquility, but the atmosphere was completely different.
Pei Ji had been watching her the entire time, so he naturally didn't miss this subtle change. The soft spot in his heart was silently soothed by this small, dependent feeling, and the previously boiling throbbing and uneasiness strangely subsided.
Pei Ji took two steps forward, getting closer to her while still leaving enough space.
"Zhao Han," he called her name, the two words coming out with a cautious weight, "Just now... I was abrupt."
Hearing this, Luo Zhaohan looked up at him with a hint of surprise in his eyes.
Pei Ji met her gaze frankly. "Being alone late at night is already reckless. I shouldn't have revealed my feelings to you without the presence of my elders. This was frivolous and inappropriate. I was inconsiderate and lost control of my joy. If I disturbed you or made you unhappy, it's my fault. I sincerely apologize."
Luo Zhaohan stood there in a daze, watching him apologize so solemnly, his heart felt like ice and snow thrown into boiling water, suddenly melting.
However, Pei Ji's next words were what really dragged her into the storm.
"I, Pei Ji, come from humble origins and a bleak background. The road ahead is even more difficult, my future uncertain. Without a distinguished family background to rely on, I am left with only a serious illness and unpredictable dangers. Do I, Zhao Han, have the slightest right to ask: Are you willing to stay with me for the rest of my life?"
Luo Zhaohan only felt a loud "buzzing" sound in his head.
What did he say? Stay together forever? Become husband and wife?
This was completely beyond her expectations.
No, it completely overturned all her understanding of the distance between them.
"I know." Pei Ji's voice interrupted the momentary blank roar in her mind. He was still calm, but revealed an indomitable stubbornness. "Given my situation, General Luo and his wife may not agree."
"I understand that my situation isn't ideal for them. If I go once, I'll definitely be turned away. That's fine. I'll shamelessly go... a second time, a third time."
"Until the two elders see my heart."
“Until they allow it.”
"After the two elders agree, I will prepare the three letters and six ceremonies, respectfully inform the heavens and the earth, and ancestors, and choose the most peaceful and auspicious day and time in this world to marry you in a grand ceremony."
"All Pei Ji wants in this life is you."
The air was frozen. The candlelight flickered silently between the two of them.
Luo Zhaohan felt as if he was nailed to the spot. His head was filled with a chaotic roar.
Are you willing?
Marry Pei Ji?
Become his wife?
Spend your life with him?
This was a scene she had never imagined.
However.
The images that flashed through her mind were such a clear contrast: the despair and suffocation of being completely swallowed by the cold lake water in her previous life; and the dark figure that stood in front of her and gave her shelter and safety in every crisis in this life.
Ice cave.
Charcoal basin.
The cold penetrates the bones.
The past has dissipated like flowing clouds, and the resentment and entanglement engraved in the bones have long been diluted by time. All that remains is the countless times in this life when he looked back, and his hand extended to her again and again, silent but firm.
The picture finally freezes.
He stood in the inner hall of Zhuoming Pavilion where the firelight flickered, casting off his usual coldness and aloofness, and in an almost humble yet extremely stubborn manner, begged her for a promise to spend the rest of his life with him.
At this moment, those eyes reflected the candlelight, as well as her slightly red, dazed reflection. They were so gentle that it made one's heart tremble, and so hot that it was enough to melt her last hesitation and cowardice.
All the haze of the previous life suddenly dissipated, and all hesitations in this life were completely washed away by this torrent.
The vague thought deep in my heart was instantly illuminated by this gaze. It became extremely clear and resolute.
If she wants to spend the rest of her life with him, then she is willing to walk this thorny road with an uncertain future!
No more hesitation.
A sweet, moist smile suddenly blossomed from the corners of her eyes and lips. Crystal clear water light silently filled her eyes, like starlight filling the entire lake.
"Pei Ji, since you have already thought about how to deal with it, then you are allowed to go to my house to propose marriage. Don't... just say you won't go."
Pei Ji was shocked when he heard this.
Pei Ji didn't even realize when he stretched out his hand. His trembling fingertips were hot as he carefully and lightly touched the back of her warm fingers. The touch was so real that he seemed to have regained his breath.
He looked at the face in front of him with tears and smile. It was the most beautiful picture and also the most important destination.
There is a hot smile, starlight, and tears in the eyes. There is no need to say anything.
Ling Ji stood outside the hall door, his body as straight as a pine tree, holding a sword.
The night wind was cold and strong, making the icicles hanging from the eaves make slight crisp sounds.
The hour of midnight had long passed, and the inner hall was nearly silent. Time seemed stretched to an infinitesimal length in this silent waiting. Snow drifted silently down the courtyard, gradually forming a thin layer of white on the bluestone slabs.
Ling Ji's face remained calm, but he was secretly anxious in his heart.
He knew where his master was injured. With such a serious injury, he couldn't afford to overexert himself, let alone catch a cold. Besides... He glanced at the tightly closed hall door. Inside was Miss Luo.
Everything that happened tonight was already extremely inappropriate. If he delayed any further, he could almost imagine that if Jingchen, who was so impatient, was here, he would probably find an excuse to knock on the door and urge him.
Thinking of this, Ling Ji couldn't help but feel fortunate again that it was him who followed him tonight.
He silently moved his frozen fingers again and gripped the hilt of the sword tighter.
Just when my patience was about to run out, the tightly closed door of the inner hall finally opened a crack from the inside silently.
Ling Ji immediately held his breath, turned around quickly, and bowed his head.
The crack in the door gradually widened, and two figures walked out one after the other.
The first person was Luo Zhaohan. Her steps were still steady, but the cold and aloof air that had long lingered around her seemed to be diluted a little. Although her eyebrows and eyes were trying hard to maintain calm, a closer look revealed a subtle warmth and gentleness.
Pei Ji followed closely behind her half a step.
The moment he saw Pei Ji, Ling Ji's pupils shrank almost imperceptibly.
The master actually stayed here.
He didn't even wear an outer coat, only a dark inner garment and a thin outer robe. The cold was intense, and for someone who had just recovered from a serious injury and was most afraid of catching cold, this was undoubtedly a huge risk.
Worry and a hint of wanting to say something suddenly surged into Ling Ji's throat, and he was almost about to open his mouth to remind him.
Before he could finish his words, Luo Zhaohan, who was standing in front of him, had already turned to him. Her eyes were as calm as water, filled with an unquestionable determination. She didn't even glance at Pei Ji beside her. She spoke directly, her tone crisp and clear: "Give me a torch. I'll still go through the secret passage."
The words were concise and clear, cutting off other possibilities. "Your master,"
She paused, and quickly glanced at Pei Ji beside her, "He's not feeling well, there's no need to see me off." Her gaze fell back on Ling Ji's face, and her meaning was clear: You will take care of him.
Ling Ji didn't hesitate at all, as if this was the most logical order. Without even thinking about it, a decisive "Yes!" came out of his mouth.
As soon as he said this, he felt a chill in his heart. This unhesitating obedience was directed at Luo Zhaohan, not his master!
He subconsciously raised his eyes to look at Pei Ji, but saw that Pei Ji did not show any displeasure. On the contrary, his master's eyes were fixed on Luo Zhaohan without any intention of rebuttal, as if her decision was the final order.
Even... Ling Ji saw that after Luo Zhaohan asked him to take care of him, Pei Ji nodded slightly to him in cooperation.
At this moment, Pei Ji's voice rang out, completely confirming Ling Ji's suspicions. It complemented his straightforward execution and confirmed Luo Zhaohan's instructions: "Ling Ji, do as Miss Luo says."
The last bit of worry in Ling Ji's heart disappeared without a trace.
He quickly collected his thoughts, stopped looking and thinking, and just said "wait a moment". He immediately turned and walked towards the storage corner room not far away. After a moment, he retrieved a blazing pine oil torch, the flames dancing in the cold wind.
Luo Zhaohan reached out and took the heavy torch swiftly.
The scorching heat, accompanied by the scent of pine, hit her face. She said nothing more, not even glancing at Pei Ji again, her eyes only quickly scanning the direction of the secret passage wellhead.
She turned her head and said to Pei Ji, "Say goodbye to Mr. Chu for me."
After saying this, without pausing for a moment, Luo Zhaohan walked briskly and quickly, reaching the dry well in the center of the courtyard in just a few steps.
She supported herself on the rough and cold edge of the well with her left hand, and her movements were so nimble and quick, without any hesitation of a young lady in the boudoir. Her graceful figure, carrying the dancing flames, jumped neatly into the deep well.
The blazing flames suddenly sank, falling rapidly in the deep and dark well, soon turning into a small jumping red dot, quickly shrinking and moving away, and finally completely disappearing in the boundless darkness in the well.
The people left and the fire went out. Suddenly, the world fell into a deeper silence. Only the sound of falling snow became clearer and more audible, covering the ground with a rustling sound.
Pei Ji stood in place, his eyes fixed on the wellhead where the fire had completely disappeared.
The cold wind whipped up snowflakes, lashing them against his thin clothes and scraping across his still pale face. He seemed oblivious to the cold, remaining motionless, his tall figure blending into the snowy night. Only his focused gaze seemed to still hold the warmth of the flames that had just leaped.
Ling Ji quietly returned to stand half a step behind him, also looking at the wellhead, guarding it diligently and responsibly, and quietly shielding his master from some of the wind and snow blowing from the side and rear.
In the silent stillness of the falling snow, a slightly dragging but steady sound of footsteps came from the direction of the corridor leading to the main house, making a light "crunch, crackle" sound on the bluestone slabs covered with a thin layer of snow.
Pei Ji finally moved and looked in the direction of the sound.
In the dim light of lanterns under the eaves, a short, fat but energetic figure wrapped in a thick cloak slowly walked over. It was his teacher, Mr. Chu.
The old man's round face was covered with an all-knowing smile, and his small eyes, wrapped in wrinkles, were shining with a mischievous and relieved light.
Old Chu walked to Pei Ji's side and stood still. Following Pei Ji's gaze, he also glanced at the dark wellhead. He chuckled twice, his tone full of undisguised ridicule:
"Is the snow so heavy that you're blind? Or are you worried that the girl won't know the way?"
He deliberately raised his tone and explained cheerfully, "I, an old man, deliberately waited until they left before coming out. Alas, I'm old, my legs aren't as strong as they used to be, and I can't walk anymore... More importantly, I'm a kind-hearted old man! I'm afraid that standing here would be an eyesore and ruin the young people's business!"
As he spoke, he nudged Pei Ji's arm meaningfully with his elbow, winked at him, and had a mischievous look on his face.
Pei Ji finally withdrew his gaze from the cold well. He ignored the teacher's teasing face and tilted his head slightly upward, his gaze slowly moving across the snow-covered eaves to the lantern that emanated a vague warmth.
A dim halo enveloped half his face, and the emptiness in his eyes, a glimmer of separation, faded quietly. Perhaps it was the fading flames at the wellhead, or perhaps the candlelight in the inner hall, that struck him. A faint warmth, like melting snow, crept up the corners of his mouth, forming a gentle curve.
Although the smile was shallow, it was like a stone thrown into an ancient pond, instantly igniting Mr. Chu's interest.
The old man's eyebrows were even more beaming, and he slapped his thigh and laughed: "Oh my! Look at how happy this kid is! Like a silly groom! Tell me quickly, how did you say that? Are you stuttering because you're scared? Didn't the girl run away because of your stuttering?"
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