Chapter 27

At the Flower Cottage.

Xie Ping’an finished his meal and left first.

Normally, he would stay behind to chat with Xie Changning before returning to his books.

But today, Xie Qingya was present.

In order to avoid any conflicts or arguments with Xie Qingya that might upset his younger sister, Xie Ping’an ultimately decided to leave.

The remaining dishes on the table were already cleared away by Fuqu.

Fuqu then brewed two cups of tea for the siblings.

Xie Changning’s was still a refreshing and sweet honey fruit peel tea. After all, she was still a child and naturally liked sweet things.

Xie Qingya’s, however, was replaced with a cup of Wuyi Mountain black tea.

Drinking black tea at night wouldn’t cause insomnia.

But Xie Qingya didn’t seem interested in drinking it.

He had been spending less time with his younger siblings lately and really didn’t know how to interact with them. He also felt uneasy about facing them.

Though his younger sister didn’t blame him like Ping’an did for their father and brothers’ downfall, he still felt guilty.

Even with his younger sister’s current stutter, Xie Qingya blamed himself.

If he had paid more attention to his sister instead of drowning in regret and sorrow back then…

How could his sister have ended up like this?

So how could he face her now?

What face did he have to face her?

If she were like Ping’an, cold and resentful of him, maybe he could feel a bit at ease.

But his sister was still the same as before…

This only made him feel more unsure of how to act around her.

Xie Qingya sighed deeply, unable to face it.

In the end, he decided to leave.

“You rest, I’ll leave first,” Xie Qingya said as he stood up.

Xie Changning’s small face immediately filled with reluctance and affection.

But she had always been well-behaved and sensible since childhood. Now that their family had changed so much, she didn’t dare ask for anything. Though she was reluctant, she couldn’t bring herself to make any efforts to keep him. She could only helplessly say, “I… I’ll send Second Brother… out.”

Xie Qingya initially wanted to refuse.

But seeing her already standing up, looking at him with anticipation, he was afraid to refuse for fear of making her sad.

So he didn’t say anything.

The siblings walked out together.

When they reached the courtyard, Xie Qingya stopped Xie Changning from sending him off.

“Go back inside.”

He paused and spoke to her.

This time, Xie Changning didn’t insist. She just stood there, looking at him with longing and reliance, stuttering as she said, “Second… Second Brother, will you… come again to eat with… me and Third Brother… together?”

“I… I want to eat with you… Second Brother.”

Xie Changning clasped her skirt with both hands, standing under the eaves, tilting her head up and summoning the courage to speak to Xie Qingya.

Xie Qingya looked at her hopeful face.

He didn’t directly refuse in front of her but only looked at her and said, “If I have time, I will.”

Although it wasn’t a definite promise, it was enough to make Xie Changning happy.

“Good!”

Her eyes sparkled as she nodded enthusiastically.

She had a little thought in mind and continued looking at Xie Qingya as she asked, “Then… then can I call… sister-in-law… to join us?”

Xie Qingya frowned.

He hadn’t expected Xie Changning to ask such a question.

He fell silent for a moment.

She quickly grabbed Shiyu’s arm. “It’s late at night, don’t say such scary things.”

Seeing her like this, the serious expression on Shiyu’s face disappeared, and she returned to her usual self.

She smiled mischievously and said, “You’re such a coward. If you’re so scared, I’ll keep watch tonight.”

“Then I’ll still be alone if I go back,” Bixi glared at her, but didn’t want to let her go, even more so not wanting to stay alone for the night. “You stay and keep watch with me tonight.”

Shiyu naturally had no objections. She could sleep anywhere. She nodded without any hesitation, agreeing to stay.

The two of them talked as they headed back. Shiyu made the bed in the outer room while Bixi went in to check if the master had fallen asleep.

“What happened just now?”

Xu Duanyi, who had been pretending to sleep, opened her eyes when she heard Bixi enter and asked.

Bixi didn’t hide anything and told her the truth, “Shiyu said she saw a shadow, but when she went out, there was nothing.”

Xu Duanyi didn’t think much about it when she heard this. “It was probably just a wild cat.”

She was very tired. Perhaps due to the calming incense burning in the room, her eyelids had already been heavy. Before she knew it, she fell asleep as she was talking.

Seeing that Xu Duanyi had fallen asleep, Bixi didn’t dare to disturb her. She lowered the bed curtains and quietly walked out.

“Did the master fall asleep?”

Shiyu, who had been waiting outside, asked in a low voice when she saw Bixi coming out.

Bixi nodded, and Shiyu didn’t say anything else. The two tidied up and went to sleep outside.

Elsewhere, Xie Qingya had returned to his study. By this time, it was already late, and Lingji, holding a knife and leaning against the railing, had already started to doze off.

Hearing a noise outside, Xie Qingya immediately opened his eyes. Upon seeing who it was, he rubbed his eyes and sleepily asked, “Your Highness, why are you back so late?”

Xie Qingya naturally couldn’t tell him the truth. Seeing how tired Lingji was, he simply said, “Go rest now.”

“…Oh.”

Lingji wasn’t the type to ask too many questions, especially since he was exhausted and his brain had already stopped functioning, only wanting to go back and lie down.

“Then I’ll go rest.”

“Mm,” Xie Qingya responded, but then paused and added, “We’re going to the palace tomorrow. Prepare the carriage first thing in the morning.”

The visit was meant to be to the Marquis of Wu’an’s residence, but since the Marquis was away, there were only a few servants left. So, the trip to the palace was arranged instead.

He had not seen His Majesty for a while, and he hoped to meet with him tomorrow.

However, he was sure that Cao Da’s spies would be watching him closely, trying to learn about his current situation.

Thinking about Cao Da, Xie Qingya’s expression darkened.

Lingji agreed and went out. Xie Qingya remained silent as he entered the study.

After a quick wash, Xie Qingya lay on the couch in the study. Although the couch was more spacious than the chair he had slept on last night, it still wasn’t as comfortable as his bed in the Wind Pavilion.

He fell asleep easily on the chair last night, but tonight, despite the bed being much bigger, he couldn’t fall asleep.

After tossing and turning for a while, he finally went out and practiced a sword technique. When he was exhausted, he returned, wiped himself clean, and went to bed again. This time, he finally fell asleep, though the rest was restless, filled with dreams of things he didn’t want to face.

—-

The next day was the visit to the palace.

Xu Duanyi had slept quite well last night. She had expected to struggle with sleep in the unfamiliar bed, but to her surprise, she slept soundly without any dreams. When she woke up, she felt refreshed.

She had to go to the palace today. To avoid worrying her aunt, Xu Duanyi got up early to get ready.

Aunt Deng had already sent word that everything had been prepared.

The palace visit wasn’t like other places where you could bring anything. Some items were forbidden, but they also couldn’t bring nothing, or else the Empress Dowager would be displeased, thinking them impolite.

Aunt Deng had consulted with Xu Duanyi and had prepared a gift for the Empress Dowager, ensuring it was suitable.

After breakfast, Xu Duanyi asked, “Aunt, what about the prince?”

Xu Duanyi was most concerned about Xie Qingya. She feared that he might refuse to go.

Aunt Deng, knowing what she was asking, quickly replied, “The prince has already woken up. I just checked. Everything is ready; he’s just waiting for you, and then we’ll go together.”

She added, “The carriage was personally arranged by the prince.”

Xu Duanyi was relieved to hear this. At least, on important matters, Xie Qingya wasn’t neglectful. Otherwise, she wouldn’t know how to explain it to her aunt.

Since everything was in order, Xu Duanyi finished her breakfast and, estimating the time, stood up and said, “I’m ready now. Let’s go.”

She left Wind Pavilion with Bixi and was accompanied by Aunt Deng to the dividing wall, where the carriage was already waiting.

Since they were heading to the palace, they couldn’t bring any attendants, so Chang Feng would drive the carriage.

When Xu Duanyi approached, Chang Feng quickly bowed and greeted, “Princess.”

Xu Duanyi nodded, but her gaze shifted toward the carriage behind him.

The curtain of the carriage was lowered.

She couldn’t see what was inside.

But she didn’t know if Xie Qingya had arrived.

Before Xu Duanyi could ask, Deng spoke first, “Where is the prince?”

Chang Feng answered, “The prince is already inside.”

Hearing this, Deng sighed in relief.

At least the prince hadn’t caused any trouble with this matter.

“Princess, let me assist you,” Deng said, offering to help Xu Duanyi over.

Bixie stepped forward and lifted the carriage curtain.

As Xu Duanyi reached the carriage, she looked up and saw Xie Qingya sitting inside.

Xie Qingya had his eyes closed, resting.

The moment the curtain was lifted, the sunlight shone in, and Xu Duanyi saw him frown slightly as he was disturbed by the light.

But it was just a fleeting moment.

Before Xu Duanyi could say anything, Xie Qingya returned to his usual demeanor and remained silent.

Xu Duanyi wasn’t bothered by this, but Deng had something to say: “Prince, don’t just sit there, help the princess!”

Xu Duanyi’s expression slightly changed.

She was about to decline.

She didn’t want to trouble Xie Qingya or make him uncomfortable.

“No…”

Before she could finish, she saw Xie Qingya’s hand extending toward her.

It was just like on their wedding day.

His long, defined fingers radiated a sense of strength.

The hand was right in front of her, waiting for her to take it.

Xu Duanyi had felt that hand before, so she knew exactly what it felt like.

“Princess.”

She heard Deng gentle reminder, urging her to take his hand.

Xu Duanyi felt a little embarrassed.

“Thank you, Prince.”

She lowered her eyes and softly said the words, then stepped up onto the carriage with his assistance, keeping her head lowered.

Xu Duanyi sat opposite Xie Qingya.

Their hands separated at that moment.

Deng, who was outside the carriage, was somewhat displeased that they weren’t sitting together.

But recalling what the princess had said yesterday, she held her tongue and instructed Chang Feng to drive slowly before stepping aside.

The curtain fell again.

Bixi also got on the carriage, but she didn’t enter, instead sitting outside with Chang Feng.

Soon, Chang Feng drove the carriage away from the wall.

Inside and outside the carriage, there was no conversation. The only sounds were the rolling wheels and the soft jingling of the copper bell hanging outside the carriage, ringing in the wind.

This wasn’t the first time Xu Duanyi and Xie Qingya had ridden together in a carriage.

Not counting their childhood days, even during their wedding, they had sat together for a long time.

But back then, they had sat side by side.

Her face was partly hidden behind a fan, unlike now when they were facing each other.

Xu Duanyi had long since developed the ability to remain composed in various situations.

But facing Xie Qingya at this moment, someone she wasn’t sure how to deal with, both speaking and remaining silent became difficult.

She didn’t know whether to continue in silence or say something.

While hesitating, Xu Duanyi suddenly noticed the dark circles under Xie Qingya’s eyes.

She frowned slightly.

Not caring whether Xie Qingya would respond or not, she asked, “Prince, did you not sleep well last night?”

Hearing Xu Duanyi’s voice, Xie Qingya was a little surprised. He was still warming his fingertips.

He looked up, and their gazes met.

He had thought Xu Duanyi wouldn’t speak.

He nodded in response.

Then Xu Duanyi saw his beautiful willow-like eyebrows furrow even deeper.

“Didn’t…”

Before she could finish, Xie Qingya interrupted, “No.”

He knew what Xu Duanyi was about to say.

“I didn’t lose sleep because of the change in location; it’s the same to me wherever I am.” After saying this, Xie Qingya suddenly realized he was known for his reputation and wasn’t sure what Xu Duanyi might think.

Xie Qingya lightly furrowed his brows.

He wanted to explain but decided it wasn’t necessary, so he stayed silent.

Xu Duanyi didn’t think much about it.

She had simply assumed that Xie Qingya hadn’t slept well because of the change of place, thinking she should have someone move him back to the other place to rest.

But when Xie Qingya interrupted, she didn’t know what else to say.

After a brief hesitation, she said, “There’s still a distance to travel. Prince, sleep for a while. When we’re closer, I’ll wake you.”

Xie Qingya wasn’t actually able to sleep.

But facing Xu Duanyi while keeping his eyes open was awkward.

So he didn’t refuse.

“Mm.”

Xie Qingya leaned against the carriage and closed his eyes.

Although his eyes were closed, his ears became more sensitive. He heard a faint sound in the carriage, similar to the sounds Xu Duanyi had made in their new room that day.

She was trying not to wake him.

Then Xie Qingya heard Xu Duanyi telling Changfeng to slow down.

Gradually, Xie Qingya really did fall asleep.

He found it fascinating.

In such an environment, he never thought he could sleep, nor had he ever wanted to. Today, he had just been trying to avoid facing Xu Duanyi, so he casually agreed to sleep.

But unexpectedly, once he closed his eyes, sleepiness overtook him.

Perhaps it was because he hadn’t had enough sleep in the past few days, or maybe… he finally felt at ease at that moment.

Peace of Mind?

How could he be at peace?

Clearly, she was the one in the most danger.

Although he thought this way, he soon fell into a deep sleep again.

When he woke up, he heard Changfeng outside saying, “Your Highness, the Princess has arrived.”

With Xu Duanyi’s name as a mark, the carriage went straight into the palace through the East Gate without stopping outside.

Xu Duanyi responded to Chang Feng.

Just as she was about to wake Xie Qingya, she turned around to see that Xie Qingya had already opened his eyes.

He looked drowsy.

This was the first time she had seen him like this.

Xu Duanyi was momentarily stunned, reacting a beat slower, before speaking, “Your Highness, you are awake?”

“Mm.”

Xie Qingya’s voice was hoarse.

Perhaps he had slept soundly but felt a bit parched.

He coughed a few times, feeling uncomfortable but didn’t mind much. Just as he was about to speak to Xu Duanyi, he suddenly heard the sound of flowing water.

Looking toward the sound, Xu Duanyi was holding a cup of tea and offering it to him.

“It’s a little cold now, but it’s just right to drink. Your Highness, please soothe your throat first.”

Xie Qingya looked at the cup of tea but didn’t speak.

Only when Xu Duanyi called him again did he silently take it from her.

“…Thank you.”

He held the cup, quietly thanking Xu Duanyi.

“You’re welcome.”

Xu Duanyi smiled and spoke softly.

From Xie Qingya’s perspective, even though he had tried to avoid looking at Xu Duanyi, he still caught a glimpse of her calm, gentle gaze.

The smile in her eyes made her face even more radiant and beautiful.

Xie Qingya’s heart suddenly skipped a beat, and he quickly turned away, almost fleeing in panic, avoiding looking at her.