Chapter Seventy-Eight: The Secret Guard x Princess (End)

Chapter Seventy-Eight: The Secret Guard x Princess (End)

Lu Nian's wedding day was drawing nearer. Regardless of her previously low standing and lack of favor, she was still a legitimate princess. As such, the necessary dowry and ceremonial display were prepared.

Lu Nian herself had no interest in these proceedings. The governess brought her over to teach her some things a bride should know before marriage. But having been around Chang Yi for so long, a person without moral restraint, Lu Nian had already grasped the essentials, rendering the governess' guidance somewhat redundant.

When the wedding gown was delivered, Xing Yu was quite thrilled.

"The princess will be married in ten days," she discussed privately with Ti Ying, "By then, we should all accompany her to her new home. I heard the Marquis is very affectionate."

Ti Ying was engrossed in her work, not picking up the conversation, but her eyes harbored worry. She asked, "Don't you think the princess has been acting a bit strange lately?"

Logically speaking, she knew of Lu Nian's resistance to this marriage. However, as the wedding date drew nearer, there seemed to be no signs of protest from her, not even a hint of displeasure in her mood.

Apricot Rain didn't seem to care, "The princess has always been this way, otherwise, you can ask 'him'," she gestured vaguely with her mouth, her words tinged with discontent, "If you ask me, he has absolutely no sense of propriety. He knows full well the princess is about to be married off, yet he shows no restraint..."

Apricot Rain was indeed fearful, apprehensive that the princess might be beguiled by him before the grand wedding, perhaps doing something untoward, which would ultimately bring disgrace to the princess, leaving the handmaidens who accompanied her in marriage without any favourable prospects.

"Stop it," Teary Nightingale said, her voice tinged with fear as she covered Apricot Rain's mouth.

In recent days, Princess Lu Nian had indeed been unusually serene. She had already resolved to leave, and with plans settled, she spared herself further contemplation. In the worst-case scenario, she would be retrieved and confined to the cold palace for life, enduring a repetition of her past existence.

She hadn't informed anyone.

Only Chang Yi, who had personally entered the palace once he learned of her marital arrangements.

Lu Nian shared her approximate plans with him, giving him a hint of what was to come.

Chang Yi regarded her, his gaze tranquil, "The Emperor won't harm you, but what if things don't go as planned and your scheme is exposed? What will happen to him?"

From one side, the silent young man clad in black finally spoke, his tone indifferent, "Don't worry about me."

"Have you considered it?" Chang Yi asked Lu Nian, having anticipated the young man's response.

Lu Nian froze, realizing she hadn't thoroughly pondered the consequences of potential failure, and the fate that might befall Qin Si...

Chang Yi continued, "After leaving the palace, do you plan to marry him?"

He had never harboured extravagant hopes of marrying her.

Lu Nian remained silent, realizing she had never granted him that promise.

Chang Yi sighed softly.

Duanyi's temperament remained as it was during her childhood, whether seen as naïveté or cruelty. Ultimately, it was his indulgence that allowed her to offer herself so unreservedly, expecting nothing in return.

She declared, "If you both are certain, I will assist you."

After all, she envied the presence of someone willing to risk their life for her without expecting anything in return, whether it was a romance or a simple master-servant bond.

After Chang Yi left, Lu Nian became contemplative, carefully considering every word he had uttered before hesitating to ask, "Maybe, I shouldn't go?" She bit her lip, "If you are afraid."

The usually quiet and reserved young man spoke, adamantly stating for the first time, "I am fine."

Since childhood, the tasks they undertook at the Grey Falcon Camp involved dancing on the blade's edge, where life and death were but a moment's decision. His life was not precious.

Especially now, when it concerned her.

"If you die," the young girl said, her stunning eyes shimmering brilliantly, whispering, "I will accompany you."

Offering her life as recompense to him.

Qin Si had evidently not anticipated her response. He fell silent, offering no rebuttal.

His life was as insignificant as a blade of grass, incomparable to hers. Rather, he seemed to have been crafted for her, living for her, ready to sacrifice himself for her. This was the fate he had determined for himself long ago.

If it truly came to that point, before dying, he would rather send her back to be imprisoned for a lifetime than allow her to die for him.

The bridal gown had arrived. With the assistance of a few maids, Lu Nian managed to try it on, only to find it oppressively heavy on her head. She dismissed everyone around and called for Qin Si, asking, "Does it look good?"

His footsteps were always light, hitting the ground swiftly. Under the red veil, Lu Nian heard him clearly and knew he had arrived.

"It looks good," the man's voice was slightly husky. Suddenly, Lu Nian yearned to see his expression at this moment. Unfortunately, she could not see through the layer of the red veil.

"Now, you try." She was somewhat curious about this ritual.

When he lifted her veil, Lu Nian happened to be wearing a playful smile. Originally a beauty, she looked even more enchanting dressed in the crimson bridal gown, with skin fairer than snow and features delicate as a peach blossom. The flickering candlelight cast shadows on her face, making her appear even more charming and radiant. For a moment, he seemed to lose his breath, unable to utter a word as he stared at her.

The groom was not him, nor would it ever be him.

Before the veil was completely lifted, it fell back down. Once again engulfed in darkness, Lu Nian was somewhat confused. She lifted the veil herself and glared at him with puffed cheeks, "What are you doing? Aren't your hands normally steady when you wield a sword?"

Now, you can't even lift a veil?

His cheeks turned red, seemingly caught between shame and embarrassment, unable to articulate the difference between the two.

When he lifted the veil, there was a moment when he nearly lost himself, only realizing his role in this play when he noticed his familiar black attire.

In the seventh year of the Heavenly Calendar, Princess Duan Yi was about to be married off.

Everything was prepared, only waiting for the auspicious time the next day.

The sunset that day was exceptionally dazzling, painting half of the sky red.

After nightfall, just after the watchman's call, a sudden blaze erupted in Qiu Yi Palace, its flames almost as vibrant as the sunset.

Although it was a secluded hall seldom visited, if the fire could not be controlled, it might spread to the Emperor's residence. Soon enough, a eunuch reacted, shouting for people to fetch water as many were roused from their beds to fight the fire.

"Isn't that Princess Duan Yi's residence?"

"Isn't she supposed to get married tomorrow? What are we going to do now?"

"Never mind that now. This is not the time to worry about such things. Hurry and notify His Majesty to move to a safe place."

Xing Yu, watching the soaring flames, cried with swollen eyes, grabbing the sleeve of a soldier who rushed over, "Sir, please help us find our princess. She has gone missing."

The fire originated from the princess' bedroom. The servants and maids who resided outside were not on night duty that evening, per the princess' instructions. Xing Yu was displeased, assuming the princess wanted to have a private conversation with the secret guard. Unexpectedly, she was awakened by the fire at the witching hour.

The epicenter of the fire was Princess Duan Yi's residence. The charred columns were about to collapse, and the roof seemed ready to cave in.

For a while, no one dared to enter. Fortunately, the heavens were merciful, and soon a downpour began.

Lu Nian, watching the flames behind her, touched her cheek, murmuring, "I haven't really disfigured myself, have I?" She felt she might have overdone the disguise a bit, almost burning herself in the process. Touching her sooty, somewhat painful cheek, she wondered if she had truly been injured.

She joked, "What will happen in the future if I am really disfigured and cannot get married?"

Before he could respond.

She had already answered her own question, "Never mind, as long as I can get out of here successfully, I won't marry anyone in this lifetime, I will live the life I want to live."

"You will accompany me for a lifetime."

This time, he answered without any hesitation, "Mm."

That night, the most thrilling of Lu Nian's life, the moon behind them was exceptionally round, yet carried a tinge of ominous blood-red hue.

She lay on his back, feeling the sound of the wind whooshing past her ears.

Soon, a torrential downpour began.

Fortunately, he knew the palace like the back of his hand, and because of the sudden fire, the entire palace was in chaos.

When they finally saw the scenery outside, Lu Nian hugged him tightly, almost unable to believe it.

Qin Si's voice was very hoarse, due to the stress and exhaustion, "Go," he uttered just one word.

They couldn't linger here.

Emperor He De was not a fool; once the fire scene was cleaned up and organized the next day, discovery was just a matter of time.

They had to leave as soon as possible, the farther, the better.

Lu Nian obediently followed him. She had changed into men's clothing, her fair little face deliberately darkened. Following him, she looked like a handsome younger brother accompanying his elder sibling, they didn't rest and soon boarded a passenger ship heading south to Jiangnan.

Two months later.

The people sent by Chang Yi met with them successfully.

She had packed up some of Lu Nian's old belongings, jewelry, and valuables from the palace.

She only kept a small flowered hairpin and a note with graceful handwriting.

"May we never meet again, even at the ends of the earth."

Afterwards.

Emperor He De announced to the outside world that Princess Duan Yi was injured in a palace fire, despite months of treatment, she ultimately passed away, her engagement with Yong Wei Marquis was transferred to the Tenth Princess, An Ning.

When Lu Nian heard of her own death, they were already at the southernmost point of the continent.

She was smiling, dressed in light, casual white garments, still in a youthful attire, her black hair pinned with two small delicate winter jasmines, enhancing her refreshing and attractive appearance, her almond eyes sparkling with vibrant charm.

Compared to the old days, she seemed more like a plant that had finally basked enough in the sun and soaked up sufficient dew.

"Si Si," she called him softly, "have we had enough fun here? Where shall we go next?"

The young man in black attire with matching black hair and a sword at his side walked beside her, he asked, "To the Northwest?"

He had an old friend in the northwest from a long time ago. Having seen enough of the watery landscapes of the southern Jiangnan region, he wanted to show her the scenic beauty of the northwest.

Lu Nian had only heard about it, but now, filled with anticipation, she was eager to witness it herself.

"Alright," she agreed cheerfully.

They walked for a while.

"I'm tired, can you carry me?" she cooed at him playfully.

He squatted down, skillfully massaging her legs before lifting her up onto his back. Lu Nian clung to him, laughing softly on his back. Suddenly, she kissed him on the ear, causing his entire face to flush in silence.

Just as promised, he stayed by her side constantly.

In the following years, an unexpected incident led to many complications. She married Qin Si, and for a long time after their marriage, despite finally having a legitimate status, he struggled to adjust to his new role, feeling he didn't deserve her.

As a result, his affection for her intensified, nurturing her with great care and attention in every possible way.

After their marriage, Lu Nian felt an intensified happiness compared to before, with absolutely no regrets. Looking back, she realized that her actions and words towards him from a long time ago were signs of her early affection for him, although she would never admit this to Qin Si in her lifetime.

The couple never had children, but until her last breath, he remained at her side.

Just as at the very beginning, when they first met as children in the innocence of youth, he kept the promises he made to her.

Modern - Parallel World