Chapter 147
Before the mist had completely dissipated, the door of Shuyu Courtyard was knocked on, not too hard, but not too soft, with a hint of cautious urgency.
"Ze Lan? Are you awake?" Sheng Xuan's voice came through the door, lowered but unable to hide his excitement.
Inside the courtyard, Su Zhelan sat on a soft couch by the window, reading a medical book in the morning light. His dark hair was loosely draped over his shoulders. Hearing the sound, the corners of his lips curved almost imperceptibly. He put down the book and got up to open the door.
The door had barely opened a crack when Sheng Xuan squeezed in, bringing with him the cool morning air and the refreshing scent of soap. He closed the door behind him, his gaze immediately fixed intently on Su Zhelan's face, scrutinizing her from head to toe as if to confirm something.
"You look much better." He breathed a sigh of relief, his tone lightening with obvious joy. Before Su Zhelan could respond, he naturally reached out and gently touched the back of her hand with his fingertips, feeling its cool touch. "Your hands are still a little cold." As he spoke, he naturally took Su Zhelan's hand in his palm and rubbed it with his warm, calloused fingers. "To warm you up."
Su Zhelan did not pull her hand away, letting him hold it, only slightly raising her eyes to look at him: "What are you doing here so early?" There was no reproach in her voice, but rather a very faint hint of indulgence.
"I missed you!" Sheng Xuan answered crisply, her eyes sparkling as if filled with morning light. "I haven't seen you for days! I wanted to come find you as soon as I got back last night, but Xiao Qiyun stopped me outside!"
He pursed his lips, a hint of dissatisfaction in his tone, but it was quickly replaced by joy. "How are you? Are you tired from the journey? Is anything bothering you?" he asked in a string of questions, moving closer so that you could almost feel the warmth of his breath.
Su Zhelan chuckled at his rapid-fire questions and leaned back slightly. "I'm fine. I rested for a night and recovered." He tried to pull his hand away to grab the book, but Sheng Xuan gripped it even tighter.
"Then don't just read books all the time." Sheng Xuan grumbled, pointing out the window with his other hand. "The weather's nice today, want to go for a walk with me? Just for a little while?" He shook Su Zhelan's hand, with a hint of coquetry. "There are some new plum blossoms blooming over at the training ground, I'll take you to see them?"
Looking into his expectant eyes, Su Zhelan saw her own reflection clearly in those usually bright and spirited eyes. He remained silent for a moment, but ultimately couldn't bring himself to refuse. He sighed softly, his tone carrying a hint of helpless compromise: "Just for a little while."
"Okay! Just for a little while!" Sheng Xuan immediately smiled, as if he had received some great benefit, his eyebrows and eyes relaxing. Only then did he release Su Zhelan's hand with satisfaction, but immediately turned around and put his arm around his shoulder, half pushing and half supporting him to lead him to the door, "Come on, come on, let's go before the sun gets too high!"
Su Zhelan, held in his arms, shook her head helplessly but did not break free. Their plain white robes and Sheng Xuan's dark, fitted outfits clashed, their steps different yet strangely harmonious.
Upon reaching the door, Sheng Xuan opened it first, letting in the crisp, cool morning air. He stepped aside to shield himself from the breeze, then turned back to Su Zhelan with a smile, saying, "It's a bit chilly outside. Wait a moment, I'll go get you a cloak."
As he spoke, he turned around and strode back into the house. His eyes swept around the room, and he precisely picked up the one that Su Zhelan often wore, which was draped on the screen. He carefully draped it over Su Zhelan's shoulders, his fingers clumsily but earnestly tying the collar ribbon.
Su Zhelan stood quietly, letting him do as he pleased. Morning light streamed through the door, illuminating Sheng Xuan's focused profile and Su Zhelan's slightly lowered eyelashes.
After fastening the belt, Sheng Xuan stepped back half a step, looked Su Zhelan up and down, nodded in satisfaction, and put his arm around her again: "Let's go!"
Sheng Xuan held Su Zhelan's hand, their steps light and quick as they strolled through the corridors and courtyards of the General's Mansion. The morning mist had not yet completely dissipated, dampening the moss under the eaves, and the air was filled with the crisp scent of grass and trees.
Shengxuan was like a playful puppy, pointing out the tender shoots sprouting from the cracks in the rockery to Su Zhelan, and then pulling Su Zhelan to look at the red carp wagging their tails in the pond. He kept talking about the fun and frustrations that had happened on the training ground these past few days, as if he wanted to fill in all the blanks of the past few days apart.
Su Zhelan was led by the hand, her steps unhurried, a faint smile playing on her lips as she listened quietly. Sunlight gradually pierced through the thin mist, bathing them both in a warm glow.
They walked to an open pavilion overlooking the water, where a few early plum trees were sparsely in bloom, their cool fragrance faint and elusive. Sheng Xuan stopped and led Su Zhelan to the plum tree in its best bloom. He raised his hand to brush aside the drooping branches so Su Zhelan could see it more clearly. The pink and white petals were still covered with morning dew, glistening and translucent.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Sheng Xuan turned his head to look at Su Zhelan, his eyes shining with a hint of pride, as if showing off a treasure. He held Su Zhelan's hand tightly, and now he unconsciously rubbed the back of her hand gently with his thumb.
Su Zhelan's gaze fell on the plum blossoms on the branch, and she softly hummed in agreement.
Sheng Xuan looked at his serene profile, the morning light outlining his handsome features. The playful energy from before had subsided slightly, and he hesitated for a moment before speaking casually, as if it were just a casual conversation, but his voice was a few decibels lower than before: "By the way... you promised me before, do you remember?"
Su Zhelan shifted her gaze from the plum blossoms to Sheng Xuan.
Sheng Xuan licked his slightly dry lips, his eyes filled with anticipation, yet also a hint of cautious probing: "You said... when you come back, you'd tell me what you've been busy with all this time? You've been so secretive..." He shook their clasped hands, his tone slightly coquettish, "Can you tell me now? I've been holding it in for days!"
Su Zhelan didn't answer immediately. He quietly looked at Sheng Xuan, his eyes, which always carried a hint of coldness or aloofness, now appearing exceptionally serene in the morning light and Sheng Xuan's figure. He neither withdrew his hand nor avoided Sheng Xuan's gaze.
The air seemed to quiet down for a moment, with only the soft rustling of a breeze through the plum branches.
Then, Su Zhelan suddenly stopped. He tightened his grip slightly, turning their loosely clasped hands into a more secure interlocking knot. This action startled Sheng Xuan, who instinctively tightened his fingers as well.
Su Zhelan's gaze was fixed on Sheng Xuan's eyes. Her eyes were no longer calm and still as usual, but were filled with an unprecedented seriousness and solemnity, as if she wanted to pierce through Sheng Xuan's pupils and see into his heart.
The air seemed to freeze, with only the sound of plum branches swaying gently in the breeze.
Su Zhelan's voice was not loud, but each word was clear and carried an undeniable force, like an ice bead falling to the ground and striking the silent air: "A heretical cult. I accompanied Your Highness on this trip to seek military assistance from a vassal king. We intend to eradicate it completely."
Sheng Xuan's expectant expression froze instantly, his pupils contracted sharply, and all color drained from his face. He tightened his grip on Su Zhelan's hand abruptly, so much so that his knuckles almost turned white, and his voice was dry and hoarse: "What...did you say?!"
Su Zhelan didn't look away, meeting his shocked and unfocused gaze, and continued in a steady, uninterrupted manner: "I know what that place is, I know how dangerous they are. Precisely because I know, precisely because I can't forget what they did to me, can't forget how those evil spells and poisons harmed people, it's even more important to eradicate them completely. They won't let me go, and as long as they're not eliminated, I won't have a moment of peace. All of this must end."
He took a slight breath, his gaze calm yet penetrating, looking directly into the panic and confusion surging in Sheng Xuan's eyes: "I didn't tell you before because I was afraid you would do what you did last time, recklessly putting yourself in danger."
Sheng Xuan opened his mouth, wanting to refute or question, but was rendered speechless by Su Zhelan's rapid-fire, calm, and almost cold-blooded frankness.
Looking into Su Zhelan's eyes, which were calm as an abyss yet burning with a resolute flame, the anger of being deceived and the overwhelming worry were replaced by a deeper, cold sense of powerlessness.
Looking at his face and vacant eyes, Su Zhelan's tone finally softened slightly, almost with a sigh, yet remained resolute: "Borrowing troops is a means, Your Highness has made thorough arrangements. I'm not going to my death; I'm going to end all of this."
Sheng Xuan's chest heaved violently. The initial shock and fear receded like a tide, replaced by a heavy, burning determination. He stared intently into Su Zhelan's eyes, where there was no madness, only cold rationality and unquestionable resolve. He took a deep breath, swallowing back all words of dissuasion, his gaze becoming exceptionally bright and firm.
"I understand." Sheng Xuan's voice became steady, carrying an unprecedented seriousness.
Before Su Zhelan could respond, he stepped forward, his gaze intense, his tone carrying an undeniable force: "You know my abilities. Close protection, danger detection, charging into battle—what can't I do?"
He gripped Su Zhelan's hand tightly, as if trying to transfer his strength. "You kept it from me before because you were afraid I'd act recklessly and ruin things, I understand. But now that the plan is set, tell me, what can I do?"
Seeing Su Zhelan's slightly stunned expression, he spoke with even greater determination, even with a hint of forcefulness: "I don't care about anything else, but your safety is my responsibility. I will stay by your side during this operation, protecting you closely, and I won't go anywhere else."
He paused, his eyes sharp. "Don't even think about getting rid of me again. Those cultists will have to step over my dead body before they can touch you."
Su Zhelan was stunned by his sudden, fervent, and incredibly clear statement. He looked into Sheng Xuan's eyes and saw the unreserved support, the confidence based on his own strength, and the almost obsessive protectiveness. That look was no longer just simple impulsiveness, but a mixture of understanding, responsibility, and a mature sharpness.
He remained silent for a moment, the ice in his eyes completely melting away, and beside that resolute flame, another cluster of blazing fire seemed to be reflected. He gripped Sheng Xuan's hand in return, his grip equally firm.
“…Okay.” Su Zhelan’s voice was soft, but it carried a sense of relief and trust, along with a subtle warmth.
"Mm." Sheng Xuan responded immediately, naturally adjusting his posture to let Su Zhelan walk to the inside of his position, his gaze habitually sweeping across the corridors in front and on both sides. He slowed his pace, matching Su Zhelan's rhythm.
On the way back, Sheng Xuan spoke much less, but he held Su Zhelan's hand tightly the whole time, conveying a silent sense of companionship.
The two walked quietly, their footsteps echoing softly in the silent corridor of the early morning.
Returning to the courtyard gate, Su Zhelan stepped into the familiar courtyard. He walked to the soft couch, took off his moon-white thin cloak, and casually draped it over the screen.
Sheng Xuan followed him in, closing the door behind him, but didn't leave immediately. He stood at the doorway, his gaze fixed on Su Zhelan, a hint of barely perceptible concern in his eyes.
"You rest." Sheng Xuan's voice was deep, but then, as if he had found a perfect reason, his tone became more assertive. "I'll stay here and guard. It's my duty as a guard, I won't leave your side for a moment."
As he spoke, he walked to the window, solemnly checked the window bolt, and then strolled to the door to confirm that the door latch was secure, appearing to be earnestly fulfilling his guard duty.
Su Zhelan looked at his busy figure and said with some helplessness, "You don't need to do this in your own residence."
Sheng Xuan turned around, his face serious: "Cults are full of tricks, so it's always better to be safe than sorry. A bodyguard should naturally stay close to you."
He deliberately emphasized the word "intimate," a hint of triumphant amusement in his eyes. He gave Su Zhelan no further chance to retort, walking straight to the small table beside the soft couch, picking up the teapot and weighing it in his hand.
"The water's cold, I'll go get you some hot water." With that, she picked up the teapot and headed out.
A moment later, Sheng Xuan returned with a steaming teapot, quickly poured Su Zhelan a cup of warm water, and handed it to him: "Drink something hot to warm yourself up."
He sat down on the low stool next to the soft couch, staring intently at Su Zhelan, clearly indicating that he had no intention of leaving.
Seeing his determined attitude, Su Zhelan knew exactly what he was thinking.
He took the water glass, his fingertips inadvertently brushing against Sheng Xuan's warm fingers, feeling the other's instant tightening followed by feigned composure. Su Zhelan lowered her eyes, sipping the warm water without making a sound to shoo him away.
Seeing Su Zhelan's tacit approval, Sheng Xuan couldn't help but smile. He adjusted his posture to make himself more comfortable, but his gaze never left Su Zhelan, as if admiring a rare treasure.
He cleared his throat and began to make small talk, from morning exercises on the training ground to the newly made snacks in the kitchen. The topics were trivial, but they carried an awkward warmth of wanting to keep someone company.
Su Zhelan listened quietly, occasionally responding with a sound. Inside Shuyu Courtyard, steam rose and the aroma of tea wafted through the air. Sheng Xuan's voice was not loud, but it dispelled the morning silence and also dispelled the last trace of heaviness in Su Zhelan's heart caused by revealing her secret.
Looking at Sheng Xuan's smiling face, which was trying hard to find topics to talk about, a corner of his heart quietly softened.
He put down his water glass, his gaze falling on Sheng Xuan, his voice soft, carrying a hint of barely perceptible indulgence: "...Whatever you want."
Sheng Xuan's lips immediately curled into a wide smile, as if he had received a pardon, and his whole demeanor brightened.
He stopped trying to find topics to talk about, and simply sat quietly on the low stool, his gaze seemingly fixed on Su Zhelan, filled with undisguised focus and warmth. The Shuyu Courtyard was filled with steam and the aroma of tea, and time flowed slowly in the tranquility.
It wasn't until the afternoon sun slanted through the window, casting long shadows on the floor, that Su Zhelan put down the medical book she had already read several times. She tapped her fingertips lightly on the pages, seemingly deep in thought.
Sheng Xuan immediately noticed his movement and leaned forward slightly: "What's wrong? Are you hungry? I'll go to the kitchen and see if there are any snacks?"
Su Zhelan shook her head and looked up at him: "I'm going to the medicine hut to find Master Su Yan."
Sheng Xuan's smile vanished instantly, and his brows furrowed slightly: "What do you want with him? Are you feeling unwell?" He instinctively reached out to touch Su Zhelan's forehead.
Su Zhelan slightly turned her head away, her tone calm: "No. I'm going to check on the progress of the medicine I asked him to refine."
"Medicine?" Sheng Xuan's eyes held a mixture of inquiry and barely perceptible tension. "What medicine? Are you still not fully recovered? What medicine do you need? I'll go ask Mr. Su for it, or have the doctor in the manor..."
“It was agreed beforehand.” Su Zhelan interrupted him, her tone calm but carrying an undeniable air of authority. “I’ll go myself.”
“Okay.” Sheng Xuan stood up immediately, his movements swift and decisive. “I’ll go with you.” He walked to Su Zhelan’s side, his gaze sweeping over Su Zhelan’s slightly thin figure, and added, “It’s still a bit sunny outside, put on your cloak.”
As she spoke, she picked up the thin cloak draped over the screen and naturally draped it over Su Zhelan, carefully tying the collar straps.
Su Zhelan watched his practiced movements and did not refuse, but simply nodded slightly: "Mm."
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