Chapter 51 (9,000 words) Anxious Seven...
The warm and expansive summer wind fills the sky and earth, bringing with it a lingering heat. Even the green leaves and branches droop and sway with drooping vitality, no longer as vigorous as in spring.
Yin Xing, who was sitting in front of the Dali Temple's general treasury desk, was also lying on the desk weakly at this moment, with a slightly blue tinge in his clear eyes, looking depressed as if he had not slept well.
"Master Xiao Yin, this case file requires a signature."
"OK."
Yin Xing's hand was shaking slightly as he wrote the order to retrieve the case file with difficulty. Feeling guilty, he didn't dare to look at the official's gaze.
Not long after, the official left the general treasury. A colleague asked with concern, "Master Xiao Yin, have you not been getting enough rest at night lately?"
Yin Xing's hand, which was originally holding the tea, almost trembled at the words, and he stammered, "Yeah, it's too hot."
After saying that, Yin Xing lowered his head and drank warm tea to hide his embarrassment.
I never thought I would feel so weak. It seems I can't let Xuan Yizheng indulge himself like that at night.
My colleague wiped the sweat from his cheek with a handkerchief, staring out the window at the blazing sun without giving it much thought, sighing, "Yes, the weather is getting hotter. I and the others have never seen such a harsh summer."
"Who says it isn't? Many places are barren, nearly one million people are displaced, many city gates in the capital are blocked, the court is busy with disaster relief and comforting the victims, and all officials except the second-rank officials in the six ministries have their salaries cut in half. I'm afraid the financial situation in other states is even worse." Another colleague stroked his beard, looking quite worried.
Hearing this, Yin Xing collected his thoughts and sighed, "So it's so serious."
Unexpectedly, now even the salaries of court officials have to be reduced by half. It seems that the financial situation of the national treasury is not optimistic.
Outside the window, the sun is scorching and the cicadas are chirping loudly. As the light slowly moves, it clearly reveals a large resettlement area in the outer city of the prosperous capital, with long sheds stretching out as if there is no end in sight.
When it was dusk, Yin Xing returned to the villa and the first thing he did was to take a bath.
Soaking in the tub to cool off, Yin Xing tossed the warm and cool water droplets in his palms. His gaze fell on the tall figure beyond the screen, and he felt reassured. "Yizhen, the disaster outside is very serious right now. All officials below the second rank in the court will have their salaries reduced by half."
The figure behind the screen walked towards the wardrobe, his voice as gentle as the warmth of jade, responding softly, "Well, a total of approximately thirteen states and cities are currently implicated. Victims from all over the country are not only rushing to the capital, but are also gathering in other towns, including some important military towns."
Yin Xing twisted the handkerchief in his palm and wiped his face carefully, muttering, "This really doesn't sound optimistic. With so many victims, why didn't the various provincial capitals notify us earlier?"
With so many people around, other accidents are likely to occur, so the disaster should be dealt with earlier.
"It's probably because of the negligence of local officials." Xuan Yizhen took out clothes from the wardrobe and carefully selected them. Her beautiful eyes were gentle and her expression was focused. She did not want to interfere in this disaster caused by the Xiahou family and various forces.
When the emperor wanted to use a knife to kill Xiahou Shao at the palace banquet, it had already sharply exposed the conflict between the royal family and the aristocratic families.
Not long after, Xuan Yizhen slowly jumped over the exquisite screen holding the pink clothes, and his eyes fell on Yin Xing in the bathtub. The rippling water made her look even more pink and tender, and his mind was slightly dazed.
"Ah!" Yin Xing didn't react in time because the handkerchief was on her cheek. She was in a panic and didn't know what to do.
The water surface was surging, the waves were shimmering, and there were slight spots of light, which reflected Yin Xing's fair body, making her look delicate and charming.
Gaining weight seems to have some benefits.
Xuan Yizhen's calm and beautiful eyes quietly watched the panicked Yin Xing. Her gaze passed over a certain place, and her throat tightened slightly. She slowly put her clothes aside, reached into the water, and gently stirred the warm water. Her eyes followed the water and wandered around, observing, "Why are you so nervous? I'm not an outsider who should not be looked at inappropriately."
As he spoke, his fingertips played with the water surface, making the water deep and shallow, with an unclear meaning.
Yin Xing blinked her eyes in embarrassment, looking at Xuan Yizhen who was calm and composed. Her jade-white face showed no trace of charm, like an elegant and dignified exiled immortal. She finally explained, "That's not what I meant. It was just a little sudden."
"Is that so?" Xuan Yizhen withdrew his hand, letting the water droplets slide down his fingertips and drip into the tub. His voice was clear and pleasant. "The water seems a little cold. Do you want to continue bathing?"
Xuan Yizhen's beautiful eyes gently met Yin Xing's clear eyes, bright and open, and then she casually wiped the cool water droplets between her white fingertips with an embroidered handkerchief.
"Well, I'm a little hot, this is very cool." Yin Xing's eyes unconsciously fell on Xuan Yizheng's beautiful hands. The joints of his fingers were smooth, thin and straight, as flawless as if they were carved from jade.
Seeing this, Xuan Yizheng didn't say much. His eyes fell on Yin Xing's thick eyelashes. Seeing drops of water silently sliding down her clear eyes, he bent down with the embroidered handkerchief in his hand to wipe the water marks for her, his breathing slightly heavy.
Yin Xing subconsciously closed his eyes because of the water droplets to relieve the discomfort of water in his eyes, and then he felt even more embarrassed when he noticed Xuan Yizheng's movements.
After all, I am taking a bath now, and Xuan Yizheng is dressed neatly, which feels very strange.
I always have the illusion that Xuan Yizheng is watching me!
In the silence, the mist dissipated, and the clear water light flowed between the two people. One closed his eyes and was unaware, while the other stared at him in fascination.
After a long time, Xuan Yizhen stopped wiping. Yin Xing blinked her eyes and looked at her. Her breathing slowed down unconsciously, and her heartbeat quickened slightly as she called out, "Yizhen, I want to rest early tonight."
Based on past experience, it is all too easy for something romantic to happen naturally in this situation.
However, Yin Xing thought about the frequency of these days and felt that it was necessary to restrain himself.
Hearing the voice, Xuan Yizhen stared at the evasive look in Yin Xing's eyes, and slowly put the embroidered handkerchief aside. His expression became more gentle, and he replied in a calm voice: "You look a little tired, so get out of the bath early, have a meal and rest."
After saying that, Xuan Yizheng left behind the screen without staying any longer, his eyes dimmed slightly, and he didn't understand Yin Xing's reluctance.
Yin Xing looked at the gradually blurred figure in disbelief. He didn't expect Xuan Yizheng to agree so easily.
As night fell, the two of them had their meal early. Yin Xing lay on the low couch and felt so sleepy almost as soon as he touched the bed. He fell into a deep sleep with long breathing.
The candlelight was dim, Xuan Yizheng raised his hand to fan Yin Xing, his eyes fixed on her peaceful sleeping face, never moving for a moment, gentle yet anxious, like an ancient jade statue that had not changed its posture for a long time, guarding the only pure land.
This is an existence that no one can destroy, not even Yin Xing.
After a long time, Xuan Yizheng leaned forward slightly, with a few strands of black hair falling on the side of his face, and then tucked behind his ears with his fingertips. He kissed Yin Xing devoutly from the tip of her eyebrows to the corner of her mouth, looking straight at her, restrained yet wanton.
Xuan Yizheng felt a little regretful that he couldn't get a response, so he could only curl up beside the couch, listening to Yin Xing's heartbeat with his ear close to his head before closing his eyes and falling asleep.
It was a dreamless night and Yin Xing woke up very early. Outside the pavilion, light and darkness were intertwined. A little light from the sky could be seen through the dim surroundings, making it difficult to tell whether it was dawn or dusk.
Yin Xing turned his head in confusion, looking at Xuan Yizhen who was holding him. Her slender arms were tightly wrapped around her body, but she lowered her head and rested it on her body. Her soft black hair cascaded down her body. She was so quiet and beautiful that he didn't want to move to wake her up.
Xuan Yizheng looked different like usual, she seemed like a girl seeking someone to cuddle with.
As the morning light gradually fell on the low couch in the waterside pavilion, it also reflected on Xuan Yizheng's cold and outstanding face. Yin Xing slightly blocked the light for her and rarely looked at the sleeping Xuan Yizheng.
Xuan Yizhen's beautiful eyebrows are naturally sparse, soft and cold, and her nose and thin lips add a bit of indifference. However, her facial bones are symmetrical and straight, which makes people feel like spring breeze and radiant when she smiles gently.
Yin Xing raised his fingers and traced Xuan Yizheng's facial features in the air, secretly sighing how it was possible for a person to have such a fair complexion and such a bright and beautiful appearance.
The eyelashes look very nice!
Suddenly, the infatuated Yin Xing felt a soft touch on his fingertips, with a little warmth.
Xuan Yizhen, who had been sleeping for an unknown period of time, opened her cold and misty eyes, which were filled with a hazy, cold and shocking look.
In the silence, Yin Xing heard his own heartbeat pounding in his ears, feeling embarrassed.
"Didn't you say you were tired?" Xuan Yizhen murmured in a low, sleepy voice. He held Yin Xing's kissed fingers in his palm, moved them slowly, and got into the thin blanket.
"..." Yin Xing was a little confused as he watched Xuan Yizheng's cold face gradually turn lightly red. Her beautiful eyes looked at him gently, as if they wanted to surround him.
At dawn, everything was silent, even the chirping of cicadas had temporarily subsided. Yin Xing could only hear Xuan Yizheng's breathing.
The lotus leaves on the surface of the pond stand still, there are fish splashing around, ripples spread out, and then sway unsteadily, everything returns to silence again.
After a slow moan ended, Yin Xing kissed Xuan Yizhen, and he heard her soft voice like an exhaled breath, "You shouldn't feel tired this way."
Yin Xing looked up at Xuan Yizheng with a blushing face. Apart from a thin layer of red on her cheeks and a few strands of damp hair sticking to her cheeks, there was basically no other desire on her face.
But Xuan Yizheng's deep eyes were filled with burning desire, as if she would fall into the abyss without him.
Although I know that Xuan Yizheng is very good at concealing his expression, his every frown and smile is the most subtle change.
Perhaps Xuan Yi's pity at this moment was also a disguise on her part, but Yin Xing could not ignore the burning sensation on her fingertips, even if it meant getting burned.
Yin Xing excitedly looked at the adorable Xuan Yizhen and said, "Yizhen, are you worried about something?"
Although they were often intimate when they first got married, it was not so frequent in the past.
After Xuan Yizheng went to the palace that day, she seemed a little different.
Xuan Yizhen lowered his eyes to meet Yin Xing's concerned gaze, as if being watched by the sun. His body swayed slowly, and he responded softly and gracefully: "No, as long as I stay like this, I won't have any worries."
After she finished speaking, Yin Xing wanted to ask more questions, but Xuan Yizheng kissed her on the lips again, so she could only let her enjoy herself.
In the morning light of the waterside pavilion, the red sun appeared unnoticed, scorching like fire, as if to burn everything to ashes.
Yin Xing felt that Xuan Yizhen seemed eager to consume everything she had with him, including her life.
At noon, the Dali Temple's general treasury was empty. Yin Xing stared at his fingertips in a daze, feeling the hot dampness and slight pain.
Xuan Yizheng is usually very cool, but at that time he was like boiling magma.
In an instant, Yin Xing's cheeks turned red, and she once again felt that she could not be so soft-hearted and indulge Xuan Yizheng.
Excessive indulgence can be fatal!
Jiang Yun walked into the hall with the case file in hand. Seeing Yin Xing's cheeks flushed as if she had a heat stroke, he asked suspiciously, "Are you okay?"
"It's okay." Yin Xing came back to his senses and responded, looking at Jiang Yun awkwardly, feeling a little guilty.
"That's good. A lot of Dali Temple detectives have been suffering from the heat lately. Liu Ci has been pinching my nose and forcing me to drink medicinal tea." Jiang Yun placed the case files on the table and skillfully went to pour tea, but found it was just plain water. He couldn't help but tease, "Why? Could it be that the court is withholding salaries, so your princess wife can even avoid paying for tea?"
Yin Xing raised his hand to record the case file, ignoring Jiang Yun's teasing, and said, "The Dali Temple is frugal in spending. On weekdays, they use firewood to boil tea for backup. It's hot now, so it's better to drink plain water."
Jiang Yun sighed softly and drank the water without saying anything more. He raised his eyebrows and asked in confusion, "Why is it a little sweet?"
"Because there's honey in this water."
"You really know how to enjoy life. Prices in the capital are skyrocketing, and officials have to tighten their belts to make ends meet."
Yin Xing wrote down the case number, looked up at Jiang Yun who was sitting beside him, and said, "Do you have anything else to say?"
Jiang Yun sipped his tea slowly, his expression unnatural as he asked tentatively, "Chinese Valentine's Day is coming soon this year, so if you have any spare money, please lend it to me."
Half of the salary of the Dali Temple constable was deducted. Jiang Yun, who usually spent money lavishly, was a little stretched.
"I only have some copper coins in my hand now, and the rest is in the money shop. How much do you want?" Yin Xing remembered the last time he borrowed money from Jiang Yun, so he naturally did not hesitate.
But if Jiang Yun hadn’t mentioned Qixi Festival, Yin Xing would have forgotten that this year’s Qixi Festival was coming.
"Then let me borrow a hundred taels first." Seeing that Yin Xing did not look embarrassed, Jiang Yun spoke directly.
"One hundred taels, are you going to spend so much money on the Chinese Valentine's Day?" Yin Xing was very surprised. Last year, he bought a box of Impatiens rouge for Xuan Yizheng for less than one tael.
Compared to this, Yin Xing suddenly felt that he was really stingy towards Xuan Yi!
Jiang Yun didn't hide anything from Yin Xing and simply told him the truth: "Actually, it's not all about the Qixi Festival. There were disaster victims gathering in the outer city of the capital, so I contacted some people in the martial arts world to help rescue orphans and widows."
"So that's how it is. If you need it urgently, I'll go get the banknotes this evening." Yin Xing knew a little about the current situation outside, so he didn't delay.
"Okay." Jiang Yun didn't expect that Yin Xing, who usually gave rewards to minor officials, would be so righteous. He couldn't help but look at her with admiration.
As he finished speaking, the scorching sun outside the window was still shining brightly. Soldiers were patrolling the streets of the capital. In the evening, Yin Xing rode on horseback with Jiang Yun to the bank.
Jiang Yun looked around the luxurious bank in front of him and saw that most of the people coming in and out were dressed richly. He thought that Yin Xing was indeed a royal relative.
Yin Xing at the counter took out the voucher token Xuan Yizhen had given him and said, "I'd like to withdraw two hundred taels. Please exchange them for twenty taels of silver ingots each."
Disaster relief supplies are difficult to spend if the banknotes are too large.
The shopkeeper at the counter looked at the token with a slightly surprised expression, then respectfully listed the receipt and ordered the waiter to get the money.
"Two hundred taels, what surprise are you planning to prepare for the Chinese Valentine's Day?" Jiang Yun leaned against the side with his sword in his arms, unable to help but teasing.
"I haven't decided on any activities for the Chinese Valentine's Day yet, I just want to do my bit." After saying that, Yin Xing stamped the document with his fingerprint and then put the certificate token back into the bag at his side.
Soon, Yin Xing tied up the heavy silver ingot and gave it to Jiang Yun, saying, "Wait for your good news."
Seeing this, Jiang Yun took the silver ingot without hesitation and said generously: "Okay!"
Soon, the two parted ways at the money shop. When Yin Xing returned to the villa, it was a little later than usual. The sky was a little dark, and there was a lingering smell of burning in the wind.
The light and shadows inside the pavilion were hazy. Xuan Yizhen stood at the candlestick, lighting the lamps one by one. She was tall and graceful, with a slender figure. She said calmly, "Did you go to the bank to withdraw money today?"
Yin Xing looked at Xuan Yizhen, who was illuminated by the candlelight. It seemed unreal. He stepped closer and called out, "Yeah, Yizhen, how did you know so quickly?"
Unless you have a mobile phone, there is no way you can be so well-informed.
"I'm the one who deposits money for you in the bank, so I naturally know the news. Otherwise, it would be very easy for your money to be stolen." Xuan Yizheng lit all the lamps in turn, then turned his head to look at Yin Xing, examining her empty-handed body quite seriously.
"That's right. I took out two hundred taels today to give to Jiang Yun to help the orphans and widows who were affected by the disaster." Yin Xing explained without noticing anything wrong in his eyes.
Xuan Yizhen raised her hand and took the embroidered handkerchief to wipe Yin Xing's sweat, and said slowly: "Is that so? I thought you were withdrawing money to prepare a big gift for Qixi Festival."
Yin Xing looked at Xuan Yizhen, who was so close. Her makeup today was quite elegant and gentle, and her eyebrows and eyes were even more beautiful. Her heartbeat was slightly faster, and her face was hot as she asked, "Yizhen, what gift do you want?"
At this time, even if Xuan Yi really wanted the stars in the sky, Yin Xing would climb the ladder to pick them for her!
Of course Yin Xing knew that Xuan Yizhen would not torture him like this.
"If you want to give a gift, naturally you should put some thought into it yourself. Otherwise, wouldn't it seem perfunctory?" Xuan Yizheng tapped Yin Xing's smooth forehead lightly with his fingertips through the embroidered handkerchief, and responded with a hint of anger.
"Hehe, mainly because I don't know much about Yizhen's preferences. Besides, there will be a curfew at the inner and outer city gates and the market towns of the capital on Chinese Valentine's Day this year, so it seems we can't go out for a night stroll." Yin Xing blinked his round eyes and looked at Xuan Yizhen infatuatedly, muttering with a wry smile.
This outfit is very similar to the one I first saw.
Xuan Yizhen slowly withdrew her hand and walked leisurely. The hem of her aquamarine skirt billowed like waves, and the silver streaks in it resembled shimmering waves. She moved her lotus footsteps and sat down alone. "It's hot now, so a night out is boring."
Yin Xing obediently sat down beside her, raised her hand to pour tea and handed it to Xuan Yizhen, without blinking, staring at her straight, and said with a silly smile: "So, what do you find interesting, Yizhen?"
After he finished speaking, Xuan Yizheng did not respond. She lowered her fair and slender neck and drank tea quietly, looking calm and beautiful.
The maids came in from outside, served dinner, added fumigation medicine, and then left.
For a long while, Yin Xing didn't wait for Xuan Yizheng to speak. He just saw her slowly raise her eyes and look at him quietly, as if silently telling thousands of words.
This look was very similar to hers at that time, fiery and moist, enough to melt everything.
Yin Xing avoided the gaze with a burning face. He raised his hand to pick up the teacup and drink to relieve the heat. Then he said firmly, "Yizhen, we can't do it that frequently."
If I am always soft-hearted, there is no way I can persuade Xuan Yizheng to exercise restraint!
Xuan Yizhen blinked her beautiful eyes, her eyelashes covering the darkness. She lowered her eyes to look at the tea, pretending to be calm and replied, "Okay, then go think of another Qixi Festival gift."
After the conversation ended, the two of them ate quietly as if they were ordinary, but there was an inexplicable loneliness in their hearts.
Yin Xing tasted the golden egg dumplings absentmindedly and found that they contained not only minced meat and shrimp, but also sweet and refreshing lotus root, which went very well with rice!
But after dinner, Yin Xing realized that he had missed the best opportunity to coax people.
Because Xuan Yizheng said he didn't want to sleep in the waterside pavilion, in other words, he wanted to separate!
"If you are afraid of the heat, you can continue to sleep in the waterside pavilion." Xuan Yizheng said very reasonably.
“…” Yin Xing really wanted to say that this was not a matter of being afraid of the heat at all.
But because he knew the reason why Xuan Yizhen was unhappy, Yin Xing shyly took her hand and called softly, "Yizhen, we haven't slept in separate beds since we got married."
Xuan Yizhen remained unmoved and let Yin Xing hold her hand and act coquettishly. She responded very considerately, "Then you can go back to the house. I won't refuse you."
When Yin Xing heard this, she thought that Xuan Yizheng was indeed angry because he advised her to restrain herself!
It was late at night and the house was quiet. Flowers were in full bloom and candlelight was dim. Yin Xing tossed and turned in the gauze tent, unable to sleep. He never expected that there was not even a mat. The furnishings were exactly the same as in spring.
But Xuan Yizheng seemed to have fallen asleep peacefully, completely unaffected by the midsummer heat.
No wonder she had to cover herself with a thin blanket when she slept in the waterside pavilion at night!
At this moment, Xuan Yizheng's sleeping posture was very proper, with his hands folded in front of him, his breathing was calm, and he looked like he was soundly asleep.
Yin Xing raised his hand and carefully picked up the fan to fan himself, silently praying that if he calmed down he would feel cooler!
However, when Yin Xing endured this for several days until the Chinese Valentine's Day, Xuan Yizheng still showed no signs of relenting, and was even considerate enough to refuse any gifts, which showed how unhappy he was.
Just when Yin Xing was at his wit's end, he unexpectedly broke out in a patch of prickly heat. He could only take a medicinal bath to relieve the itching, which was extremely miserable and pitiful.
"Don't scratch it." Xuan Yizheng checked Yin Xing and saw dense red spots on his skin, with some blisters. Many of them were scratched and bleeding, which was very shocking.
"Oh." Yin Xing had no choice but to dig the bathtub with his hands impatiently, thinking that people are so different.
The mist had not yet dissipated, and the cool fragrance penetrated into his lungs with his breath. Yin Xing felt vaguely less itchy and a little comfortable.
"You should move back to the waterside pavilion tonight."
"Will Yizhen move back to the waterside pavilion?"
Yin Xing turned his head to look at Xuan Yizhen who was standing beside him, but he couldn't see what she was thinking.
Xuan Yizhen noticed the gaze and raised his hand to cover Yin Xing's eyes, letting his eyelashes brush across his palm. He lowered his head and kissed her lips, muffledly saying, "You've worked so hard on this self-torture scheme. If I don't follow your wishes, wouldn't that be very bad?"
Yin Xing's eyes fell into darkness. He raised his head and followed Xuan Yizhen's intimacy, tasting her softness. His face was hot as he said vaguely, "She's not bad. Yizhen is the best wife in the world."
He is usually afraid of the cold and noise, but he is still willing to sleep with me in the waterside pavilion. Xuan Yizheng is obviously very gentle.
"Then why are you refusing my closeness?" Xuan Yizheng slightly retreated from the kiss, lowered his eyes and stared at the blindfolded Yin Xing, his gaze falling on her crystal lips, greedily and wantonly.
"I didn't refuse, I just hope Yizhen can take care of her body so that we can be together for a long time." Yin Xing was worried that Xuan Yizhen was unhappy and wanted to get closer to kiss her.
But Yin Xing was restrained again, and then the hand in front of him moved away, and his vision became clear again. Xuan Yizhen had already left his side, and there was no other emotion on her beautiful face. If it weren't for her red lips, it would be almost impossible to tell that she was kissing him just now.
Yin Xing felt abnormally that Xuan Yizheng was very far away from her, so far away that even if she was very close to her, she could not understand what she was thinking, as if she was just a detached observer.
In the silence, Xuan Yizhen didn't meet Yin Xing's gaze. Instead, he tilted his head to look at the window frame, letting the blazing light shine all over him. However, he felt like a deep pool filled with endless loneliness. He murmured, "For a long, long time?"
Yin Xing nodded happily and said, "Yes."
Xuan Yizheng slowly came back to his senses and looked at Yin Xing, who was full of admiration. Without saying much, his gaze fell on her red and prickly skin, revealing self-blame.
The idea of a long time is too elusive, so it is better to grasp the day and night.
Under the cover of night, Yin Xing was lying on the waterside pavilion applying medicine, his eyes looking at Xuan Yizheng beside the pillow. She wouldn't even stick to him, maybe she was still angry.
So Yin Xing had no choice but to move closer and snuggle into Xuan Yizheng's arms. He smelled the familiar cool fragrance at the tip of his nose, suppressed his shame, and slowly opened his lips.
Xuan Yizhen closed his eyes, but raised his hands to hug Yin Xing who was approaching him. He breathed heavily and whispered, "What are you doing?"
Yin Xing's face flushed as he lowered his head and muffled his response: "This shouldn't be so exciting."
As soon as she finished speaking, the thin blanket covering Xuan Yizhen slipped off, covering Yin Xing and obscuring his own ears and eyes, but making him feel her love even more clearly.
The pain from his heart continued to spread, but it made Xuan Yizheng happy.
Outside the waterside pavilion, a waning moon hangs high in the sky. It is rare for the Qixi Festival night in the capital to be so quiet. The silvery moonlight shines on the surface of the pond, silently reflecting the dark and silent water surface. The layers of folds stirred by the wind, the sound of water gurgling, and the scattered spots of light are emitted, quiet and natural.
In the dimness, Xuan Yizheng placed his fingertips lightly on Yin Xing's hair, not daring to apply force. Her clear and beautiful eyes slightly opened, revealing a ripple of light, and she was no longer silent and cold.
Because Yin Xing is really not very good at it, such random teasing is simply torture.
The night was long, and when the dawn broke, Xuan Yizhen raised her hand to tie the belt of her thin clothes to cover her body. She looked at Yin Xing, whose face was blushing, unnaturally, and said in a reserved manner: "Are you still not awake?"
She was so proactive last night, but now she is so shy. There is really nothing I can do about her.
Yin Xing sat cross-legged in a thin blanket, cheeks flushed with heat or embarrassment, his gaze fixed on Xuan Yizhen's slender figure wrapped in a thin, plain dress. He wanted to ask but didn't dare, and stammered, "No."
She should be happy about this!
This Chinese Valentine's Day was really unsettling.
In the morning, Yin Xing hurried into the Dali Temple and barely managed to avoid wasting time.
However, many officials and detectives gathered in the lobby, discussing the matter.
"According to the latest news, the disaster victims have caused quite a bit of trouble in various places. Even food and fodder being transported to important military towns has been looted. I'm afraid the situation is getting worse."
"These are obviously not just ordinary disaster victims. I'm worried there might be rebels among the victims in the outer city of the capital. The Crown Prince was ordered to deal with the disaster but suddenly lost contact. The Emperor hurriedly mobilized troops. Now the capital is short-staffed, and the Dali Temple constables are also joining in the patrols to ensure public security."
"It's really like a double whammy right now. Officials' salaries have been cut in half, and they have to do more work. The weather is too hot."
Yin Xing listened for a while before heading towards the general warehouse, thinking that something seemed to be wrong.
Then, Yin Xing met Liu Ci in the corridor. It was rare that she didn't see Jiang Yun following her, and she felt a little uncomfortable.
"Coroner Liu, is there a case?"
"Um."
Seeing this, Yin Xing didn't delay in chatting any further. He looked at the sunny sky above his head, hoping that it would rain soon.
Otherwise, Yin Xing always had a sense that a storm was about to come.
But Yin Xing's prayers were ineffective, as it still did not rain throughout July.
Offering sacrifices to heaven and praying for rain was the only ritual the emperor could perform.
At noon, Yin Xing heard Jiang Yun mention the heavenly offering ceremony and said, "What if the prayer still doesn't bring rain?"
Jiang Yun drank the water proudly and said, "The emperor will have no choice but to postpone the ceremony until it rains."
"Okay." Yin Xing was speechless. Thinking of the obvious drop in the water level of the lake outside the water pavilion recently and the scorching sun outside, he thought to himself that it must be very hot to pray like this.
"It is said that all members of the royal family will attend the ceremony of offering sacrifices to heaven. Will you and your princess go?" Jiang Yun looked at the delicate and tender Yin Xing and said.
In such hot weather, Jiang Yun was almost sunburned into charcoal, and Yin Xing was also sunburned and her skin was peeling.
Yin Xing had never heard Xuan Yizhen mention this before, so he shook his head and replied, "I don't know yet."
Under normal circumstances, Xuan Yizhen would not often witness the various royal banquet ceremonies, but the situation is special now, so he might have to go back and ask her.
Jiang Yun had a look of astonishment on his face. He thought that Princess Zhang Hua was keeping a close eye on Yin Xing, and that he was closely watched every time he went out to socialize. He was isolated from the news. He sighed and said, "Then you probably haven't heard about the attack on the eldest prince, have you?"
This disaster caused by the refugees from famine has gradually become somewhat unusual, and I am afraid that many forces are fanning the flames.
The siege of an ordinary provincial capital could be explained as the victims' struggle to survive, but the siege of a military stronghold was clearly being directed with malicious intent.
"The eldest prince was attacked, how could it be so serious?"
"There are some disloyal people among these disaster victims. And judging by the area of the affected prefectures and cities, this route is heading straight towards the capital and other fortresses. I'm afraid it's the work of the Xiahou family."
Jiang Yun finished his tea, put it down, and said mysteriously, "Last time I lent you money to help people in the underworld and help orphans and widows, but who would have thought you'd find some spies there."
Yin Xing was a little nervous at Jiang Yun's sudden seriousness, and whispered, "Could it be that rebels have really sneaked into the capital to start a rebellion?"
"That's right. Those people may look like ordinary disaster victims, but they are actually very skilled. All my friends in the martial arts world are at a disadvantage. Now the inner and outer cities are blocked to prevent chaos. You'd better be careful." Jiang Yun said it seriously and gave a kind reminder.
"Don't worry, I rarely go to other markets." Yin Xing was secretly glad that Xuan Yizheng didn't like to leave the villa very much.
Jiang Yun was helpless. Seeing that Yin Xing didn't understand his warning, he could only be more straightforward: "I suspect it's the Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony. Those people are all top assassins. They definitely didn't come here just to gather information."
Yin Xing was stunned. He didn't expect that Jiang Yun was referring to assassinating the emperor!
This time Yin Xing nodded without being careless, thinking that he must tell Xuan Yizheng quickly!
The scorching sun outside the window changes with the swaying branches and leaves, like the ripples on the surface of a flowing pond. The dusk is vast, the setting sun is as red as blood, and it gradually becomes sad and quiet.
In the waterside pavilion, Xuan Yizhen sipped his tea while listening to Yin Xing's worried words. He said calmly, "Are you sure someone wants to assassinate the emperor during the heavenly sacrifice ceremony in the capital?"
Yin Xing shook his head and said thoughtfully, "I'm not sure either. After all, Jiang Yun didn't catch any witnesses. But with her skills, there's no reason for her to make a wrong judgment."
"Do you trust Jiang Yun so much?" Xuan Yizheng wiped the sweat off Yin Xing's face with a handkerchief, speaking in a nonchalant manner.
"I'm worried about Yizhen's safety, so it's better not to participate in the ceremony of offering sacrifices to the sky." Yin Xing felt that it would be very dangerous to use a sword without an eye.
Xuan Yizhen paused slightly, blinked her beautiful eyes and looked at Yin Xing, then smiled and said, "Then you don't have to worry. I'm not the emperor. The assassin's target is the emperor."
Yin Xing looked at the calm Xuan Yizhen, wanting to say something but hesitant. Knowing that she couldn't change her decision, she could only say, "If Yizhen is sure she wants to attend the ceremony, I want to go too. Is that okay?"
Then, maybe I can be more prepared.
"Silly, it's not me who has to go to this heavenly sacrifice ceremony, but you who has to go."
"Why?"
Xuan Yizhen touched Yin Xing's face with his fingertips before slowly withdrawing his hand. He unfolded a copy of the imperial edict for her to see, explaining, "The Emperor sympathizes with the princesses' precious lives, and therefore only requires the consort to accompany the two princes and the royal family to the ceremony of offering sacrifices to the heavens."
After reading the imperial edict, Yin Xing muttered, "The emperor really favors the princesses."
"Preference? Maybe." Xuan Yizheng said indifferently. He raised his hand and casually placed the edict aside, unwilling to touch it again.
"Then I can participate alone, and Yizhen should just stay in the other courtyard." Yin Xing spoke without noticing and looked away.
Xuan Yizhen collected her thoughts and replied, "No, you have never participated in any royal ceremony or activity, so I decided to attend the Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony."
Yin Xing didn't expect that Xuan Yi was really worried about him, and he was touched.
"Don't worry, Yizhen, I'm just following everyone and I won't make any mistakes." Yin Xing raised his hand and held Xuan Yizhen's hand, very happy to share her worries.
Putting aside the assassins, it is also very tiring to be exposed to such a scorching sun. After all, Jiang Yun said that the ceremony of offering sacrifices to the sky should continue until it rains.
Xuan Yizhen looked at Yin Xing who was full of enthusiasm. It was hard to dampen her enthusiasm, so she could only say: "Then let's go together. I am worried about you."
Yin Xing's face flushed as he listened. He wanted to say something, but was kissed lightly on the lips. In between breaths, Xuan Yizhen's eyes showed a doting look as he said helplessly, "If you keep nagging like this, I won't take you, my little prince consort, to the Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony."
After he finished speaking, Yin Xing was kissed on the lips again. His heart was beating like thunder and he couldn't help but feel secretly happy. This somewhat arrogant Xuan Yizheng was also very cute!
The water pavilion was suddenly quiet, with only the intimate and ambiguous sound of water. Yin Xing retreated with difficulty breathing, and he had no energy to talk any more.
Xuan Yizheng's expression was relatively calm, and apart from the fact that her bright red lipstick was smudged, there was basically no major change.
The two looked at each other silently, letting the sunset outside the pavilion fade away and gradually fall into gray and silence.
But the darker it was, the brighter Xuan Yizheng found Yin Xing's eyes became. His gaze fell on her lips, which were slightly moist, just like her embarrassed look when she looked up at herself.
Yin Xing breathed unevenly as he watched Xuan Yizhen raise his hand to his lips, as if wiping, or caressing, the ambiguity making people feel warmer. He whispered, "Yizhen..."
"What's wrong?" Xuan Yizheng touched Yin Xing's lips with his fingertips. His eyes were attracted by her opening and closing movements. His breathing became heavier because he thought of her initiative.
"I, I'm a little hungry." Yin Xing didn't dare to look at Xuan Yizheng at all. He felt that her gaze seemed to be able to eat him alive. The feeling was too ambiguous.
After he finished speaking, Xuan Yizhen let out a light laugh. He cupped Yin Xing's cheek with his palm, leaned in close to gaze into her crimson eyes, and coaxed her impatiently, "Then kiss me again."
If Xuan Yizheng had to choose a long-lasting relationship, he could only rely on the warmth Yin Xing gave him every day to keep everything going.
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