Reunion in prison
When Leng Yue awoke, she found this secret room incredibly interesting. Although it was a prison, there was no straw scattered across the floor, and no rats. It was much cleaner than the dungeons in period dramas. Even more intriguing was the quilt beneath her. Though it looked tattered, it was soft and thick, and the touch of it revealed it was new.
That's right, Leng Yue was lying on a soft mat on the floor. This was the first time in Leng Yue's life that she had slept on the floor.
It was July, the height of summer, but the dungeon was dark, damp, and cold. Sleeping on the quilt was not only warm, but also quite comfortable. Even in prison, this was probably VIP treatment.
Leng Yue slowly sat up, leaning her back against the wall. Seeing her wounds healed, her clothes changed, and now living in such a "clean and elegant" cell, a satisfied smile crossed her pale face. No matter what happened, she always found something surprising. Perhaps because she knew it was all just a dream, she never felt fear or panic here.
There was a sound of light footsteps not far away, and she knew someone was coming.
Leng Yue heard the jailer say, "National Master."
"Open the door." It was Ouyang Mingri's voice.
The jailer opened the cell door.
"Our national teacher, under the order of the city lord, will secretly interrogate Yumian Haitang overnight. You all go and guard the door well. No one is allowed to enter without permission." Ouyang Mingri ordered.
"yes!"
After sending the jailer away, Mingri slowly walked into the cell. His fists clenched tightly behind his back, the two of them stared at each other.
Mingri sighed and said word by word, "If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have done it in the first place."
Leng Yue understood what he said immediately. She was about to say something to him, but her throat felt like it was on fire. She opened her mouth but coughed several times instead of saying anything.
Mingri quickly squatted down, supported Leng Yue's thin shoulders, and wiped her forehead with the back of his hand: "You have a fever."
Leng Yue forced a faint smile, "It's okay."
Ouyang Mingri approached her gently, wanting to hold her in his arms. Leng Yue said, "No, be careful, there are people around."
Mingri's hand hesitated in mid-air for a moment, but then he moved closer to her body, more gently holding Leng Yue's right shoulder with his right hand and Leng Yue's left arm with his left hand, slowly tilting her and leaning her lightly against his chest. He didn't dare to use force, as if he would break her if he was not careful.
Leng Yue leaned obediently in Ming Ri's arms. At this moment, they were like lovers who had been in love for a long time, peaceful and tranquil.
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Ouyang Mingri said softly, "Why worry about all this? It's so tiring."
Leng Yue nodded gently, tears already running down her smiling face.
The assassination attempt by Yumian Haitang on Huangfu Renhe heightened the vigilance of the entire palace. The entire army entered a state of combat readiness. Not only were the guards in the bedrooms of Madam Yuzhu, Ouyang Feiying, Ding Xuelian, and others doubled, but even Shangguan Yan and Sima Changfeng were moved to the room next to Huangfu Renhe's as quickly as possible, accompanying him in and out to prevent another sneak attack by Bantianyue.
Mingri sat by the window, quietly recalling the conversation with Leng Yue in prison:
"Do you blame me for locking you up here?" he asked.
"You locked me up here for my own good. How could I blame you?"
"You really shouldn't do this."
"I work under Ban Tianyue. I have no other choice."
"Now that you're back, just rest and recuperate here. Once we get rid of Bantianyue, we'll give you freedom and restore your reputation. Also, we..." Mingri hesitated when the words came to his lips, but he didn't say them out loud in the end.
"Then practice the Wuwo Sword well. Your swordsmanship seems to be a little lacking." Leng Yue said.
"Yes, I have only learned the first three moves. Master said that I should not be impatient and should practice diligently." Mingri said.
"It's a pity that you are not down-to-earth." Although Leng Yue's voice was soft, every word struck his heart.
Mingri was stunned and whispered, "Yes, I am not at ease."
"You are too sentimental and think that being selfless means being heartless, so you feel embarrassed. In fact, being selfless does not mean being heartless, it just means letting go of your ego." Leng Yue's voice became weaker and weaker, but her tone was firm.
"Really?"
"If Bai Tong hadn't been so obsessed with being number one in the world, he would have already been number one. If you don't work hard for a goal, nothing is possible; but if you only work hard, nothing is possible. Leng Yue suspects that the senior's request for you to be humble and cautious isn't simply because he's afraid of hurting you."
"Perhaps, Master meant that we should not only practice, but also comprehend. When the mind is calm, the sword is steady. Master did say so. Leng Yue, you have enlightened me again. Leng Yue?"
Leng Yue had already fallen into a deep sleep in Ming Ri's arms.
Mingri gently laid Lengyue flat, pulled out a small medicine bottle from his bosom, took out a pill and stuffed it into Lengyue's mouth. He wore two layers of outer clothing, took off the inner layer and covered Lengyue with it, then put the outer layer back on. He looked the same as when he first came in.
Wearing such thick clothes just now, it was really hot. Mingri wiped the sweat from his head with his sleeve, looked at the sleeping Leng Yue and said softly: "You have done so much. Now, let me protect you, even if it is in this way. You must be patient for now, it won't be long. After getting rid of Bantian Yue... I just don't know, are you willing to marry me?"
Mingri came to his senses and saw Ling Xue standing by the window.
"Haven't you rested yet?" Ouyang Mingri smiled very tiredly.
"Brother hasn't slept either, and I'm worried about him." Ling Xue said.
"I'm about to go to bed, you should also go to bed early." Ouyang Mingri said.
Ling Xue's hands fiddled with the hem of her skirt awkwardly, and she lowered her head without saying a word.
"What's wrong?" Ouyang Mingri asked.
"How...is she?" Ling Xue asked in a low voice.
"He has been locked up." Ouyang Mingri replied.
"Then...what should be done with her?" Ling Xue asked timidly.
"Everything is up to the City Lord," Ouyang Mingri said. "It's getting late, go back and rest."
Ling Xue whispered, "Brother, don't be too sad. After all, she is..."
"Lingxue," Ouyang Mingri interrupted Lingxue softly and said, "Don't worry, go to bed early."
Ling Xue bowed and said, "I'll take my leave, little sister."
Ling Xue gradually walked away. Ouyang Mingri frowned and muttered to himself, "Leng Yue, I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
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