Mingxiang thought for a moment, then lowered the curtains and climbed into bed.
Xu Silin lay beside her, shirtless, unconscious, and breathing slightly rapidly.
She thought for a moment, then took off her clothes, tears streaming down her face as she did so.
Being locked up in this room indefinitely wasn't a solution. She needed to gain the Xu family's trust and regain her freedom within the Xu household. Otherwise, she would never see Xu Yan again, and she would never be able to take revenge.
The quickest way is to truly become Xu Silin's woman and get pregnant with his child. Today he's drunk, perhaps the best opportunity.
Mingxiang blew out the candles inside the room, leaving only the dim moonlight filtering through the window. Through the curtains, one could vaguely see her skin after she had taken off her clothes; it was fair and delicate, exuding a unique fragrance of a woman.
It was cold at night, and Mingxiang shivered a little after taking off her shirt. After thinking for a moment, her fingers touched his chest... and then she reached for his underwear.
Xu Silin's breathing became rapid, and his body reacted to the touch. His taut lower abdomen suddenly tightened even more, and his young, irresistibly teased area inside his underwear also reacted... At the same time, a murmur escaped his lips, but it remained indistinct and indistinct...
Under her touch, he gradually responded, instinctively embracing the delicate woman in his arms with his strong arms. The room was filled with the smell of alcohol and his masculine scent. His eyes remained closed; in the dim light, only his thick eyelashes were visible, and the large shadows accentuated his handsome features, giving him a mysterious allure. A hazy consciousness drove him to reach for her lips and caress every inch of her skin with his hands.
In the darkness, the man who had captivated countless noble ladies of the capital possessed an untamed spirit and a youthful, perfectly sculpted physique. Clinging to the soft bedding, his robust chest, arms, waist, and thighs... all exuded a primal, natural masculine allure. At this moment, he was about to embark on his first experience of passionate lovemaking.
Inside the curtained room, their breathing grew heavier. Mingxiang obediently allowed him to kiss and caress her, her soft body trembling almost to the extreme due to tension and some kind of primal bodily reaction.
His lips relentlessly demanded hers, his breath carrying a hint of alcohol, warm and uniquely his own. Their lips intertwined, nourishing each other. Between kisses, his fingertips caressed her breasts, which soon became fuller and firmer. The rounded, full touch further stimulated him, making his murmurs more frequent, and the fire within him growing ever more uncontrollable.
Mingxiang had already been forced to experience sexual intercourse, and she originally felt extreme disgust and repulsion towards such things. But she never expected that embracing and kissing this man, a relative stranger who treated her with such meticulous care, would give her a strange feeling. She could feel that her body and heart weren't so averse to his touch… in fact, she was involuntarily beginning to reciprocate.
This left her with mixed feelings, an indescribable sensation of teetering on the edge of shame and indulgence. Her breathless breathing in the darkness couldn't withstand close scrutiny, and a tear quietly slid down her cheek.
At the same time, Xu Silin, unable to contain his desire, was no longer satisfied with just kissing and caressing, and turned around to pin Ming Xiang down.
The scene playing out in his dream was not much different from reality, except that the woman beneath him was not Ming Xiang, but Shen Qingchen.
Just as he turned around, a single tear that Mingxiang had shed somehow found its way into his eye. Suddenly, the light and fragile dream shattered, bringing Xu Silin back to his senses.
He rubbed his eyes and looked at the person beneath him in the moonlight. He couldn't make out her features clearly; his vision was blurred by the alcohol. But he could vaguely sense that the person he was holding was not Qingchen.
He shook his head. "You are..."
Mingxiang didn't speak, but instead brought her lips closer.
Qingchen is being transferred to Yunnan, so naturally he can no longer serve as the tutor of Crown Prince Zhu Yuluo.
When Zhu Yulu heard the news, he was stunned for a while, and then a feeling of abandonment quickly welled up in his heart. No matter how the palace maids serving him called out to His Highness the Crown Prince, he ignored them. His long hair, which was not yet tied up, hung down behind him, covering the four-clawed golden dragon on his back.
In the mirror, the thirteen-year-old boy looked dejected.
He had been in a heavy mood all day attending lectures at the Wenhua Hall, and this feeling only intensified upon seeing the officials who were supposed to be reading to him. Sure enough, Master Shen hadn't come. He half-heartedly endured the lesson and then hurriedly returned to the Cining Palace.
Just as he was about to order someone to summon Qingchen to get to the bottom of things, he was surprised to find that she was already waiting for him inside the palace.
Upon seeing Qingchen, Zhu Yuluo finally released some of her suppressed emotions. "I heard you're going to Yunnan?"
Qingchen nodded. "Your Highness, I have come today to bid you farewell."
Zhu Yulu pursed her lips. The tall, slender young man stood with one hand behind his back, staring intently at her: "Can't you stay? You're my teacher. You promised me you'd always stay by my side. Why are you going to Yunnan to take up some prefectural post?"
A pang of sorrow gripped the young crown prince's heart. He couldn't understand why those he trusted and was close to, those he could rely on, could never be kept. What did it matter if he was the crown prince, what did it matter if the entire future of the world belonged to him? Was being born into royalty destined to bring him only loneliness?
How long will this loneliness last?
Qingchen was silent for a moment, then said, "Your Highness, please forgive me. This is... His Majesty's decree. The transfer documents from the Cabinet have also been delivered."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuluo became increasingly agitated and impulsively said, "I heard that it was Grand Secretary Song who recommended you. Why would he recommend you? Isn't he your teacher? Why would he send you to such a faraway place? I'm going to find my father and beg him not to let you go..."
"Your Highness!" Qingchen stopped him. "Your Highness, please don't go. I'm going to Yunnan to take up the post of Prefect of Yuanjiang. There's been some trouble in Yuanjiang, and the position of Prefect needs to be filled as soon as possible. Teacher Song recommended me, and the Emperor also wants me to go. They must have their reasons... Your Highness shouldn't anger the Emperor at this time..."
He understood. He was well aware that after Tianzhao's coup attempt, some tension remained between father and son, and the Emperor didn't fully trust him yet. Therefore, his plea would likely be utterly useless.
Master Shen didn't want him to go, but it was for his own good.
He was a truly pathetic crown prince.
After Qingchen left, Zhu Yuluo sat alone in the palace, thinking that once he seized power in the country, he would never want her to leave his side again. No one would be able to take her away.
...
After meeting Zhu Yuluo, Qingchen went to the Lin family.
After Xu Silin helped Shen Qian get a doctor to heal his leg, Shen Qian returned to the Lin family. Lin Xiaojin was a seasoned veteran in the court and was well-informed. Before Qingchen arrived, he had already told Shen Qian about her departure.
Qingchen is leaving. This trip is to say goodbye. Before coming, she bought a lot of things, food, daily necessities, and all sorts of things. Only by carrying large and small bags can she show her feelings and have a sense of ritual in saying goodbye.
Her departure was unexpected for Lin Xiaojin. He had originally planned to find her a good match, but he hadn't had a chance to do so yet. Nevertheless, he remained polite and courteous to her.
Qingchen thanked each member of the Lin family for their help and support over the years. The banquet was already prepared, and after exchanging pleasantries, the family took their seats.
Her second aunt, Madam Lin, didn't say much today, only focusing on her meal and occasionally looking after Lin Yu; her emotions were unreadable. Since Qingchen gave her eighty taels and stopped teaching at the Lin family, she hadn't seen her for quite some time. Seeing her today before parting, she felt that this eldest daughter of the Lin family, her second uncle's wife, seemed somewhat different than before… perhaps she had lost some of her arrogant airs, but she also gave the impression of being an older woman.
Lin Yu is nine years old this year, an age where he is neither too young nor too old, and he doesn't quite understand everything. He doesn't know where he heard the rumor that his teacher is about to go on a long trip, but while eating a chicken leg, he said bluntly, "Yunnan is so far away. By the time the teacher comes back, I will definitely have become an official."
Shen Qian's eyes immediately dimmed. Madam Lin silently put down her chopsticks, picked up another chicken leg for her son, and then poured a full cup of hot tea for her husband.
After finishing their meal, Shen Qian and his niece Qingchen chatted for a while in the room. They didn't talk for long; Shen Qian simply gave her some advice on taking care of herself while traveling, and Qingchen reciprocated by telling him to take care of himself as well. It was time for her to leave. With her departure from the capital imminent, there were still many things at home to pack and organize.
Before leaving, Shen Qian, as usual, escorted her to the front gate. Qingchen initially refused, but couldn't resist his insistence.
His leg was injured before, and although Xu Silin hired a famous doctor to treat him, it has not fully recovered yet, and he walks with a limp. Moreover, it is unknown whether he will be able to fully recover in the future.
Qingchen hadn't seen him for some time. When she saw him walking with such difficulty, she felt a sharp pain in her heart, but she could only keep it to herself.
Actually, if you don't look at his feet, he's still incredibly handsome and elegant. But...
"Second Uncle, go back now. I'll come back to see you when I have time," Qingchen said with a slight smile. "I'll bring you some delicious food from Yunnan."
"Mm." Shen Qian nodded, but did not turn around. Just like countless times before when he saw her off, his gaze lingered on her.
The difference this time is that he will finally be able to watch with his own eyes the fledgling he raised, the frail body that once sheltered under his wings, inevitably fly into the boundless sky.
Moreover, he didn't know if he would be able to wait for her to return after this trip.
The sun sets behind the western mountains.
On that once radiant face, a trace of true aging has appeared.
Qingchen couldn't bear to look closely and turned to leave.
February 14th was the day Qingchen set off for Yunnan.
This trip was a long journey, involving both land and water travel, so it wasn't convenient to bring too much stuff. She only packed a few simple items: some changes of clothes, pens, books, and dry food. Anything more would be too bulky, with books alone taking up most of the luggage space. After packing, she still had some things left at home. She sold what she could, gave away what she could still use, and discarded the rest.
It wasn't convenient to bring the kitten along in October. The journey was long and arduous, and even people might not arrive safely, let alone a cat. After thinking it over, Qingchen reluctantly entrusted it to Mingxiang's parents, leaving a letter for Mingxiang as well.
The kitten seemed to understand something, and kept meowing as it left her palm.
Qingchen didn't dare listen any longer, because it would remind her of the time last autumn when she encountered it on the way to Tongzhou. At that time, Song Yue was by her side.
Soon, the carriage Qingchen had hired arrived at her doorstep. She loaded all her belongings onto the carriage and then helped her father into it.
Before boarding the carriage, she glanced back at the small house. All the stories that had unfolded in the capital would likely be sealed away with it.
Once Qingchen got into the carriage, it set off south towards Yunnan.
The morning air was cool and slightly damp. The willow branches and leaves were submerged in the thin mist, and the dew on the grass had not yet dried.
The sound of horses' hooves clattering.
Qingchen sat in the carriage, lost in thought, his body swaying with the movement of the carriage, remaining silent.
I never imagined that he would really leave like this.
When she first heard the news, she felt a surge of determination. These past few days, she's been busy packing her bags and saying goodbye to everyone, too busy to feel sad.
Only now, as I embark on my journey, have emotions of sadness and reluctance suddenly overwhelmed me.
On the long journey, in the unknown future, in the distant Yunnan, with only her father, who could not speak, by her side, she suddenly realized how lonely she was.
Having gone through so much and met so many people, I'm still all alone in the end.
In three days, she met with many people, and many people came to see her. She said goodbye to many relatives, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and others, saying things like "take care" and "see you another day."
Xu Silin also came to see her and handed her a letter from Mingxiang, telling her to take care of herself and that when the time was right, he would have his father transfer her back to the capital. He also instructed her to contact him immediately if she encountered any difficulties.
Qingchen hadn't seen Mingxiang since his accident. Now that she was leaving, she was still thinking about Mingxiang. She simply thanked him for his concern and didn't take it to heart.
"Is Mingxiang doing well at your house?"
Xu Silin concealed the wound on his arm and didn't tell her that Ming Xiang intended to assassinate his father. He only replied, "She's alright. Don't worry, I'll take good care of her for you."
Neither of them said anything more. From the moment he watched Qingchen turn away, Xu Silin suddenly realized that his heart was harder than he had thought. Although he felt reluctant to let her go, he could bear the thought of severing her attachment to Song Yue. As long as she would one day be in his arms, he was willing to wait.
Perhaps it's because the blood flowing in his veins is always that of Xu Yan.
Later, Qingchen went to the Northern Garrison Office and met Lu Shenyun.
As before, Lu Shenyun kept all his thoughts to himself, revealing nothing. When Qingchen said goodbye, he simply said "Oh".
As she left the Zhenfu Division, Huang Yu looked at her, then at Lu Shenyun, clicked her tongue as if she knew something, and shook her head. She didn't understand what this meant, nor did she delve into it.
As she left, Qingchen couldn't help but think that the Zhenfu Division had originally been a tense place in her mind, at least when Song Yue brought her there to rescue Mingxiang. However, at this moment, it had become a rare place that made her feel at peace.
She knew it was because of Lu Shenyun. Who would have thought that the person she once thought was complicated was actually the simplest person she had ever met?
The three days before leaving were neither long nor short.
Qingchen met many people, but among all those people, there was one she missed the one she most wanted to see—Song Yue.
Her teacher, Mr. Song, the person she missed, the person she liked.
She didn't take the initiative to find him or say goodbye. After being refused twice when she brought him medicine, she guessed that he probably didn't want to see her, and that this time, there would be no other outcome. However, she couldn't help but hope in her heart that he would come to find her.
But he didn't. For three days, Song Yue was nowhere to be seen, neither in the court nor on the road. It was as if he had been suddenly removed from her life, making her realize that he and she had nothing to do with each other anymore.
Even until the moment before boarding the carriage, Qingchen was still wondering if he would suddenly appear, even if it was just to say goodbye.
But he didn't come.
This completely confirmed her understanding.
Sitting in the carriage, Qingchen couldn't help but recall the scenes they had spent together: their late-night solitude at the Huairou Inn, the way he carefully selected New Year's goods, their first kiss on a snowy New Year's Eve, the anxiety and unease of being apart for a day during the Grand Assembly... Their last time alone together was when he stood behind her, gently wrapping a bodice around her waist in the warm glow of the fireplace... Unconsciously, they had accumulated so many shared memories, yet now, even a casual moment couldn't withstand the test of recollection.
Because just thinking about it makes my heart ache.
A morning breeze blew into the carriage through the gaps in the curtains. Qingchen slightly raised her head, desperately trying to hold back the tears that were about to fall.
After taking several deep breaths, she calmed herself down a bit, took out a water bag from her bundle, and fed her father a sip.
At this moment, the carriage that was moving forward suddenly stopped.
The coachman's voice then came, "Sir, please come out and take a look..."
Qingchen lifted the curtain with some confusion, and saw a black horse parked in front of the carriage. The person on the horse was tall and straight, with an indifferent expression, looking at her.
"Why are you here?" she asked in surprise.
"I'll take you," he said. "To Yunnan."
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