...
This life
"Lord Liu, it's a pleasure to see you back safely."
The person in front of him had bright eyes, a smile on his lips, and looked at him openly. It was Shen Tangning, whom he hadn't seen for a long time.
Liu Yi blinked, smiled, and said slowly, "I'm happy too."
The palace coup finally came to an end, the eldest princess ascended the throne, and he was summoned back to the capital.
She propped her head up slightly, looking curious: "What is Jiangzhou like? I've heard that its culture and customs are very different from those of Yanjing."
Liu Yifu patiently explained the story to her, and Shen Tangning listened attentively, occasionally chiming in with a few words. When she heard something surprising, she held her breath, her eyelashes trembling slightly, her expression incredibly vivid.
His thoughts had already drifted uncontrollably, landing quietly on her face, his gaze holding a tenderness he himself was unaware of.
Chi Yan appeared at that moment, arms crossed, a forced smile on his face: "What are you chatting about so happily?"
Shen Tangning looked up at him, her eyes filled with reproach: "Why didn't you say anything? You scared me!"
Chi Yan gave a deliberately mocking laugh: "I think you guys are just too engrossed in yourselves."
He plopped down, determined not to leave, saying, "I want to hear what they're talking about."
She moved her lips, speechless.
Liu Yifu smiled good-naturedly and poured him a cup of tea: "We were talking about things in Jiangzhou."
——
Liu Yifu's decision to go to the State of Qi for exchanges was made after careful consideration.
He was very interested in Qi's water conservancy projects and animal husbandry, and this learning opportunity was rare.
Shen Tangning said nothing upon hearing the news, but simply gave him a gift: a wind chime, exquisitely and uniquely designed, with a clear and melodious sound.
"When you miss home, you're welcome to come back and visit us, your old friends."
She offered it so openly that Liu Yifu couldn't bear to refuse, and looked straight into her beautiful eyes: "Of course."
He only wanted to temporarily exile himself, but did not intend to avoid seeing them for life.
...
Jiang Zhijing specifically asked for him, not for the romantic reasons that were rumored, but rather for a very practical reason.
"I've just ascended the throne, and my people aren't entirely trustworthy yet. I know you're quite capable when it comes to solving cases; how about you stay and help me out?"
The young empress's eyes were cunning, like those of a sly fox, as if she were certain he would not refuse.
Liu Yifu reluctantly agreed.
Jiang Zhijing bossed him around without any politeness. She looked gentle on the outside, but in reality, she was a decisive and efficient person.
Liu Yifu was so busy for a long time that he barely had time to think about anything else. He had a very fulfilling time here.
One day, the two collapsed into chairs, exhausted. Jiang Zhijing watched him slowly straighten his clothes even when he was incredibly tired, and suddenly laughed, confiding her feelings to him:
"I was a little interested in you at first."
Liu Yifu paused, not being very good at handling this kind of situation, and could only remain silent.
"Tsk, don't look at me like that! I meant before!" She glared at him with disdain. "You're like a wooden post. I don't like to make things difficult for myself!"
Liu Yifu's eyelids twitched slightly as he slowly glanced at her. How could she have the nerve to call herself a wooden stake?
Yan Jue's cold gaze could kill him every time.
Jiang Zhijing, used to doing whatever she wanted, continued lazily, "Besides, don't you like Shen Tangning?"
The thoughts hidden deep in his heart were suddenly exposed to the blazing sun, and Liu Yifu's face showed a bit of helplessness.
"Don't worry, I didn't tell anyone!" Jiang Zhijing looked at him, resting her chin on her hand. "But why do you like her? Is she prettier than me?"
Her tone clearly showed she wasn't convinced.
Liu Yifu smiled slightly, lowered his eyes, and remained silent for a long time: "Liking her is an easy thing."
He had never confided in anyone before, but now he had the urge to tell them.
After listening, Jiang Zhijing remained silent for a long time, her brows furrowed tightly, as if she couldn't understand: "You people from Daqing are too reserved. In our Qi Kingdom, if you like someone, you let them know. If you like someone, you go after them. Only by taking action will you avoid regrets."
She glanced at him and shrugged. "What are you trying to achieve by staying so low-key?"
Liu Yifu could only remain silent. After a long while, he slowly spoke:
"No, I'd be content just to see her happy and to be able to see her occasionally."
As long as I can see her safe, happy, and fulfilled, that's enough.
That's all he wanted.
Jiang Zhijing objectively commented: "Completely selfless!"
She didn't know that if the same thing happened to her, she would also feel speechless.
...
Another winter has arrived.
They agreed to meet in Daqing.
Liu Yifu stood under the corridor, watching Shen Tangning having a snowball fight in the courtyard. She scooped up a handful of snow, her lips red and teeth white, and smiled brightly.
He suddenly felt very peaceful.
That crabapple tree should bloom high on the branch, without sorrow, graceful and never withering.
This winter is still very long.
Fortunately, spring is not far away.
...
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