Chapter 86. Xiao Shenjing's heart skipped a beat.
Xu Yuansi stretched out his long arm but couldn't stop Yunxi from falling. So, he grabbed her and fell to the ground with her without hesitation.
He cushioned himself on the ground, so Yunxi, who fell on top of him, wasn't hurt.
"Yunxi, how are you?" He suppressed his dizziness, sat up, and quickly went to check on her.
Yunxi wanted to wave her hand to say that she was fine, but at this point she was so weak that even raising her hand was extremely difficult.
It was only then that Xu Yuansi noticed that Yunxi's hands were trembling violently.
She charged into battle, and even with her inner strength, she had reached her limit.
Once out of danger and her body relaxed, she felt completely drained.
Xu Yuansi was about to pick her up when he felt something sticky in his palm. He looked down and his expression changed drastically. "You're injured! Yunxi, where are you hurt? Does anything hurt?"
"My arm might be a little injured, but it's nothing serious, let's go first." Yunxi endured the pain, shook her head, and said with difficulty, "To save you, I made an alliance with the Uyghur Khan on your behalf, but now your power is unstable, and negotiating with him will only leave you being forced to go along. So let's leave now, we can't stay here any longer."
“Okay!” Xu Yuansi nodded without hesitation, tore off his robe, and carefully bandaged Yunxi’s injured arm.
The group hurried on for a long time before finally finding a water source and stopping to rest.
Yunxi's wounds weren't deep, but she had sustained quite a few minor injuries after charging into battle.
She had been carried by Xu Yuansi the whole way, and by now she had regained some strength.
Xu Yuansi, however, still held her.
Yunxi had no choice but to say, "Xu Yuansi, put me down."
"Can we hold each other a little longer?" He loosened his grip for a moment, but when he saw Yunxi covered in blood, he suddenly tightened his grip again. "I never expected you to come and save me. I thought I would die in the Xueyantuo tribe."
Yunxi is always soft-hearted when it comes to the people she cares about.
So when she saw the emotions surging in his deep eyes, Yunxi was easily diverted from the topic.
“You are the second prince, how could you die so easily?” Yunxi gestured with his chin, looking at the soldiers resting not far away. “If they hadn’t been with me, I wouldn’t have been able to rescue you. And the Uyghurs, although we were using each other, they did indeed lend a helping hand.”
“I know I will repay those who have been kind to me.” Xu Yuansi nodded emphatically. “But all of this is because of you.”
This time, Yunxi remained silent for a long time.
"I also had my own selfish reasons for saving you," she said frankly.
"It's alright." Xu Yuansi didn't mind at all. He held Yunxi and changed to a more comfortable position. He even tore off his inner garment and gently wiped the bloodstains off her face.
“When you came to Jing Kingdom, you wanted to take me away. I’ve always remembered that.”
His hand paused, and he admitted with some difficulty, "It's because I wasn't strong enough to save you."
“You’ve already done a remarkable job, returning to the Turkic region alone with no connections and managing to get to where you are today.” Yunxi shook her head. “Firstly, because I’m very grateful that you remembered me even during your difficult times.”
“But isn’t this what we should do? We’re husband and wife!” Xu Yuansi interrupted her hastily.
"Let me finish," Yunxi said.
"Okay." He nodded obediently and continued wiping the blood off her face.
His expression at that moment made Yunxi feel dazed, as if she had returned to the past, to her home in Yangzhou.
He stayed by her side when she was sick and in pain.
He would cook whatever she wanted to eat, and if he didn't know how, he would learn.
If Xiao Shenjing had never appeared on the day she married him, she and Xu Yuansi would definitely be living a good life.
Who knew fate would play such a cruel trick?
She suppressed her turbulent thoughts and continued, "Rather than letting that eldest prince become the Turkic Khan, it's better to let you be the one; at least you'll still have a chance."
"What opportunity?" Xu Yuansi asked after wiping the blood off her earlobe.
“I don’t think you are a tyrannical and bloodthirsty person. If you had become Khan, the frontier would not be what it is today. At least, the tragedy of cannibalism would no longer have occurred.”
She was not naive or ignorant of the ways of the world; she knew how cruel war could be. Therefore, she would not demand that the Turks and the Jing Kingdom cease hostilities or that they would make peace because of her. But at least she wanted to do something as best she could, because a single decision by those in power could save countless lives.
After saying so much, Yunxi's energy was completely depleted.
She unceremoniously leaned all her weight on him.
Xu Yuansi seemed to enjoy the gesture she was leaning on, her eyes crinkling with laughter, but her tone was incredibly solemn: "If I really become Khan, I can't guarantee there will be no more wars, but I will do my best to avoid massacring innocent civilians."
"Trust me, I will not let you down." After saying that, he was afraid that Yunxi would not believe him, so he made a promise.
Yunxi was about to say that she didn't trust him and wouldn't come to save him, but then he suddenly said, "How about you keep an eye on me?"
"How can I supervise you?" Yunxi's attention was diverted again, and she asked, following his lead.
"Return to the Turks and become my queen." He sat up straight, and seeing that Yunxi remained silent, he immediately added, "Although my strength is not yet stable, wait for me, wait until I..."
"Xu Yuansi." Yunxi smiled at him. "I'm a little tired. I'll rest for a while. Can you keep an eye on me?"
"Okay." Xu Yuansi realized something, and his expression was dejected for a moment, but when he saw Yunxi's brows furrowed in pain, he immediately put all his emotions aside.
He helped Yunxi lie down on his lap, and watched her close her eyes without saying anything more.
When Yunxi woke up, it was already daylight.
"She's awake!" Xu Yuansi handed her a pot of water and helped her sit up.
Yunxi drank some water and ate some beef jerky.
She was fully awake, and the first thing she said was, "You have to go back to the Turkic Khaganate quickly, we can't delay any longer."
Xu Yuansi remained silent for a few moments, clearly agreeing with the suggestion.
Although the Xueyantuo tribe was attacked last night, it was not completely wiped out. The Uyghurs are also an unstable force. Only by returning to the Turkic Khaganate can we make long-term plans.
"I'll go with you."
Upon his return, the Turkic Khan would surely seek other methods, and countless troubles awaited Xu Yuansi.
However, the most urgent task is to return immediately before the news reaches the Turks.
The more Yunxi thought about it, the less she felt she could stay any longer. She said, "Give the order quickly!"
"Yunxi!" Xu Yuansi grasped her shoulders, pursed his lips, and said with great difficulty, "Although I really want you to come with me, I can't let you go back with me."
"Why?"
His expression grew increasingly guilty. "I don't yet have the ability to protect you."
Yunxi also realized what was happening.
Yes, her identity is also a weakness for him, and she is indeed not suitable to return to the Turkic Khaganate with him.
Most importantly, she is currently injured, and going to the Turks will definitely become Xu Yuansi's weakness.
This is something she absolutely cannot accept.
Seeing his dejected expression filled with guilt and self-blame, Yunxi smiled freely and patted his shoulder with her uninjured hand. "I believe you can reach the top, otherwise I wouldn't have risked my life to save you, right?"
Xu Yuansi, nicknamed "Yunxi," suddenly looked up at her.
“However,” Yunxi deliberately dragged out her words, “if you really can’t do that, it’s okay. Just remember to protect your life and come to me for help. Although I can’t make you rich and powerful, I can still ensure you have enough to eat and wear.”
Although it was a joke, Xu Yuansi knew she meant it.
He couldn't hold back any longer and reached out to hug her. "Yunxi, thank you so much."
Yunxi patted him on the back like a brother and said, "Remember, if you become rich and powerful, don't forget me."
Even in such an intimate gesture as a hug, she showed no hint of romance.
Xu Yuansi seemed to have sensed something, but could only hold her tightly and refuse to let go.
Yunxi didn't push him away. Her gaze swept over the Turkic soldiers who were slumped on the ground, and she asked softly, "Do you think there will ever be a day when everyone can live well without fighting or dying in battle?"
She looked into the distance and wondered, "Will there ever be a day when the world is at peace?"
After a few breaths, Xu Yuansi replied firmly, "It will happen, even if not now, but as long as generations work hard, there will always be hope."
“I’ve remembered your words, and I hope you won’t forget them either.” Yunxi stepped out of his embrace. “Xu Yuansi, it’s time for you to go.”
We can't afford to waste any more time. Otherwise, if the current Khan finds out that Xu Yuansi has been rescued, he will definitely set up many obstacles to prevent him from returning.
Xu Yuansi naturally couldn't let Yunxi leave alone, so he asked, "Where are you staying? I'll have Yierjian and the others escort you back."
"Datong Town, Peach Blossom Village Tavern." Yunxi stood in the bright sunlight, her eyes sparkling. "Next time you come, I'll treat you to a drink."
Upon hearing her invitation, Xu Yuansi's wavering heart finally settled back into her chest.
He smiled broadly, his eyes filled with deep conviction, and said, "I definitely will, I will definitely come."
Xiao Shenjing originally planned to leave Datong early the next morning and go to Deshengbao.
He hadn't had a proper rest in the past few days because he was rushing to get somewhere. He thought he would be able to fall asleep after being extremely tired, but he was woken up by a nightmare and was unable to fall back asleep.
Gazing at the pale moonlight spilled across the ground, Xiao Shenjing gathered his clothes and got out of bed.
He pushed open the elm wood lattice door carved with lion patterns, and moonlight fell down his slender, jade-like fingers, spreading like a cool spring around him.
His dark temples were damp with a thin layer of sweat, which only made his eyebrows and eyes appear even darker. There was a hint of sharpness at the corners of his eyebrows, and his phoenix eyes were slightly upturned at the corners. When the moonlight shone through, they turned into a noble and elegant beauty, like spring water reflecting snow.
Simply standing slenderly under the moonlight, he casually suppressed the moonlight itself.
Where is Yunxi now?
When the last secret letter was delivered, she led Xu Yuansi out of the encirclement and sped northward.
Fearing discovery, the spies dared not get too close, and thus lost track of her for a time.
Where will she go?
Will she return to the Turkic Khaganate with Xu Yuansi?
Is rescuing him not enough for her? She wants to personally put him on the throne of the Khan before she will stop.
If it were anyone else, Xiao Shenjing wouldn't think the other person would have the guts.
But the other party is Yunxi
She was incredibly audacious, making her impossible to guard against.
She is passionate and courageous. Once she chooses someone, she will never back down. She is willing to take any risks, even if it means going through fire and water.
If she loves someone, she will never betray them.
This is Yunxi.
Xiao Shenjing closed his eyes, but his fingers gripped the windowsill so tightly they turned white.
He knew perfectly well that she was this kind of person all along.
Over the past few years, he has been thinking about what would have happened if he had chosen Yunxi when the kidnappers gave him a choice back in Sheqi Mountain.
Wouldn't this prevent so many things from happening again, and stop him and her from repeatedly driving each other to the brink of despair?
So what if the circumstances were difficult at the time?
As long as Yunxi trusts him, she can always find a solution by being with him.
But he did not choose that path.
Driven by self-interest, he abandoned her.
Later, he thought he had forced her time and time again, and how could Yunxi possibly compromise with his personality?
She would only choose to fight to the death.
Under the moonlight, the emperor's profile appeared even paler.
"Your Majesty!" Dao Er's voice rang out from outside.
"What is it?"
"The Inspection Office just sent in some new information."
"Bring it in," Xiao Shenjing suddenly turned around.
He eagerly unfolded the secret letter, and the few words it contained immediately changed Xiao Shenjing's expression.
When the news arrived, Yunxi appeared in Fengzhen.
Staring at those words, Xiao Shenjing was almost certain that Yun Xi must be injured.
She is most afraid of holding others back.
She can still walk, so if the injury is to her leg or upper body, could it be that she also injured her arm?
If she cannot wield a sword, she will become a burden to others, and that is what she fears most.
Was she badly injured?
Did you apply the medicine properly?
Xiao Shenjing held the letter and slowly paced back and forth in the room.
He has to find her.
Where did she live after leaving him?
Only Deshengbao remains between Datong and the city.
Deshengbao is not suitable for living.
Datong Town is definitely the best choice.
Will she live in Datong?
No matter what, he is now very, very close to her.
It's no longer the distance between life and death.
He and Yunxi will meet soon.
The thought of this possibility made Xiao Shenjing's heart skip a beat.
It felt like weightlessness, or the trembling of blood rushing wildly.
He was finally going to see her.
Xiao Shenjing did not sleep all night.
In the early morning, another message was received that Yunxi had arrived at Deshengbao.
At noon, the Supervisory Office sent back new information.
Yunxi headed towards Datong Town.
Xiao Shenjing suddenly gripped the glass in his hand tightly, so hard that distinct veins appeared on the back of his hand.
He was going to see her.
At that moment, my blood surged, and my heartbeat became a drumbeat, pounding against my eardrums again and again, as if trying to break free from my chest.
He was both anxious and excited, like a pair of invisible hands that repeatedly released and then tightened their grip on his heart.
Uncontrollable, inescapable.
This is a major taboo for emperors, but Xiao Shenjing did not force himself to suppress it this time. For the first time, he even allowed his emotions to be swallowed up and controlled.
Even though he knew that waiting for news in the city was the safest option, he couldn't wait a single breath longer.
Even if it exposes their identities, they still have to climb the high city wall.
Simply because you can see the farthest place from up there.
Whenever Yunxi appears, he is the first person he sees.
He was about to see Yunxi.
When a black dot appeared at the edge of his vision, and as the distance drew closer, Xiao Shenjing's mind went blank when he only saw the way the dot walked.
"Yunxi!"
Xiao Shenjing bit his hoarse voice between his teeth. He staggered half a step forward, his cloud-patterned boots crushing the newly grown creeping violet grass in the cracks of the wall bricks.
Despite being so far apart, the emperor dared not utter a sound.
I was afraid I would scare her away.
He knew that once Yunxi saw him, she would run away again.
Ignoring everything, I did everything I could to get away from him.
She hates him.
She absolutely did not want to see him.
A sour, bloated feeling stuck in Xiao Shenjing's throat, as if his internal organs were being violently kneaded together.
Rub, pull, trample.
He clenched his fists, barely able to breathe.
At this moment, Yunxi suddenly stopped and looked up at the city wall.
Her hair fluttered in the twilight, revealing her long, slender, and resilient neck.
Xiao Shenjing's pupils trembled, and he abruptly shrank into the shadows.
Whether it was her imagination or not, Yunxi always felt that someone was watching her.
But after scanning around, they found nothing.
Perhaps it's because I've been busy traveling these past few days and haven't had enough rest that I'm so easily startled.
Once we get into the city, everything will be fine.
The thought of arriving home soon and seeing Yuanxiao Xiaobei quickened her pace.
After Yunxi's figure disappeared into the city gate and was completely out of sight, Xiao Shenjing still stared at the spot where she had vanished.
What should he do?
She deceived him, lied to him, and kept things from him time and time again.
He should be angry, punish her, and find and severely punish those who helped her escape as a warning to others.
But then what?
He preserved the imperial dignity.
Yunxi, however, would fight him to the death for the sake of those she cared about.
Is that what he wants?
No, that's not it.
So, what does he want?
Xiao Shenjing suddenly raised his hand and gripped the scorching hot city brick.
In the years since Yunxi was lost, he had thought countless times that as long as she was alive, he would never force her to do anything again.
As long as she lives well, lives where he can see her instead of being a charred corpse, not in the despair of never seeing her again.
All he wanted was for her to live well.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
