Chapter 016

Chapter 16

The biting wind howled and snowflakes danced in the air.

Outside, the cold was intense, intensifying as evening approached. However, inside the room, it was warm with the crackling of charcoal in the hearth, its crimson flames flickering and leaping to the ground.

Dong Ling crouched down to add a few pieces of coal, then stood up, her gaze drifting towards the nearby couch. Yu Xi had just emerged from her bath, her cheeks flushed pink, her eyes moist, with a shimmering glow in them. There was a touch of allure beneath her innocence, making her pure yet desirable.

She extended one foot, its skin delicate and translucent, her rounded toes gently swaying back and forth, revealing a playful charm.

Hearing the sound of the door being pushed open, she quickly withdrew her foot into the warmth of the blanket, straightening her posture and fixing her gaze on the newcomer.

De Shun entered from outside, bringing in a chill and a sprinkle of snowflakes. But they soon melted in the warmth of the room. Rubbing his hands together, he stood by the hearth to warm himself before eventually approaching her.

"Princess, I just saw Miss Jiang crying."

Yu Xi perked up at the news, hastily sitting upright with wide eyes, asking, "Crying? Why?"

Every time she had encountered Jiang Yaoyao, the girl had maintained a distant and indifferent demeanor. Though appearing vulnerable, there was an underlying pride to her. If she was weeping, it must have been a matter of great sorrow.

What could possibly upset her?

The only thing Yu Xi could think of was something related to Fu Anyian.

Lowering her eyelashes, she leaned back once more, not particularly interested in their affairs. Yu Xi imagined that Jiang Yaoyao's tears were likely linked to the incident in the plum grove.

Back then, her expression hadn't been good.

De Shun didn't notice her mood as he muttered, "I'm not sure, Your Highness. I only saw Miss Jiang rush out and head towards the rear mountain. Perhaps she's thinking about her parents and feeling sad."

After sharing his conjecture about Jiang Yaoyao, De Shun took out a warm, fragrant paper package from his chest.

Yu Xi identified it as food with just one sniff. "What's this?"

"Freshly roasted chestnuts. They're delicious."

Taking it, Yu Xi found it warm in her palm. Curious, she wondered where De Shun had gotten them. The temple surely didn't have such offerings, so he must have bought them from outside.

But with such heavy snowfall and treacherous mountain roads, how did De Shun manage to acquire them?

Yu Xi shot him a glance and couldn't help asking, "Did you buy them properly?"

Upon hearing this, De Shun immediately laughed, "Of course, Princess. We would never engage in anything sneaky or underhanded."

Reassured by De Shun's affirmative answer, Yu Xi felt much more at ease as she enjoyed her pastry. She then waved De Shun away with a gesture.

As soon as De Shun left, she stretched her legs, relaxing her muscles. After tasting one and finding it delicious, Yu Xi suggested to Dong Ling and Chunhua, "You two should have some too."

She couldn't finish them all, and eating too many would cause her to feel overheated, so she didn't dare indulge. Eating was merely a way to alleviate her boredom at the moment.

Dong Ling joined her after finishing her chores. Recalling De Shun's words just now and the afternoon's events, she couldn't help feeling troubled.

Forcing a smile, she absentmindedly ate two pastries. Observing Yu Xi enjoying hers, Dong Ling pondered for a moment before speaking up, "Princess, there's something I'm unsure if I should say."

Yu Xi, busy with her pastry, lifted her eyelids to look at Dong Ling and nodded. "Mmm, what is it? Go ahead."

Dong Ling swallowed, composed herself, and struggled to articulate her thoughts, "I feel that it's best for you not to meet Lord Fu privately, to avoid being seen by anyone with ulterior motives. It might invite gossip and harm your reputation."

Yu Xi had heard similar advice numerous times. They only knew to tell her not to meet him but were unaware of her innermost thoughts. Besides, her visit to Changhua Temple was coincidental, and their encounter in the plum grove in the afternoon was another coincidence.

Indeed, there was no need for an elaborate meeting.

Yu Xi was too lazy to explain, leisurely peeling chestnuts as she ate. "Mm, I have a sense of propriety."

With that simple response, she dismissed the matter and didn't bring it up again. Dong Ling dared not say more, fearing to irritate her.

The room fell silent, the crackling of the fire sounding especially loud in the stillness.

After finishing the chestnuts and sipping a cup of tea, Yu Xi felt a bit more at ease. She reclined with her hair loose, exuding a relaxed air.

"Have you prepared everything for our return?" Yu Xi suddenly thought of it and asked casually.

Having spent a few days at Changhua Temple to chant scriptures and eat vegetarian meals, they were due to leave the day after tomorrow. They needed to prepare their travel essentials in advance, but it wasn't convenient to purchase things at the temple. She wondered if they had managed to gather everything they needed?

Spring Flower acknowledged with an "oh" and nodded. "Yes, we'll set off early in the morning on the second day."

The journey back would take another three or four days. This trip to Changhua Temple had already consumed half a month of their time.

Yu Xi yawned and closed her eyes, feeling a bit tired. In truth, she had been longing to go back ever since they arrived. She waved them away, asking for some rest.

Dong Ling and Chunhua closed the door behind them, leaving Yu Xi alone in the room.

After a while, Yu Xi fell asleep. She couldn't tell how long she had been asleep when she heard a commotion outside. Assuming it was the guards, she turned over and continued her slumber.

The next morning, Dong Ling informed her that Jiang Yaoyao had gone to the back mountain and hadn't returned, prompting Fu Anyian to lead a search party.

Listening to Dong Ling, Yu Xi's emotions remained relatively stable. She found Jiang Yaoyao's behavior overly dramatic, wondering if she had intentionally made others search for her in the middle of the night. Yu Xi didn't dwell on it, casually asking about Jiang Yaoyao's condition. Upon hearing that she was safe, Yu Xi simply acknowledged with an "oh" and didn't pursue the matter further. It wasn't her concern.

She inquired about her past relationship with Jiang Yaoyao from both Dong Ling and De Shun. Both replied uniformly, stating that they had an uneventful relationship, exchanging mere greetings when they met without any disputes.

However, Yu Xi mused that even if she had disliked Jiang Yaoyao before, she probably wouldn't have expressed it.

Now, things were different. Keeping her feelings inside would be unbearable.

On the final day at Changhua Temple, as she was excused from reciting scriptures in the main hall, Yu Xi stayed in her room to rest adequately, ensuring she would be refreshed for the journey ahead.

-

Having spent a dull morning, in the afternoon, De Shun reported, "Princess, the heavy snow has blocked the mountain pass. We might not be able to leave tomorrow."

Yu Xi stretched her neck to look outside. The snow had stopped, but the accumulation remained. They would have to wait another day for the snow to melt before they could depart. There was no urgency to return to the capital, so an extra day's wait wouldn't be a problem.

She nodded slightly, maintaining her composure. "It's alright. Let's wait one more day."

De Shun acknowledged her decision and left to instruct the guards, ensuring that everything would remain orderly and under control.

Now, Yu Xi felt even more restless. She stretched lazily, dressed herself, and stepped out, planning to take a stroll. Dong Ling and Chunhua followed closely behind, worried about any mishaps.

As soon as she exited, the cold air hit her, causing her to shiver. Adjusting to the chill, she wrapped her cloak tightly around herself, seeking some warmth.

She didn't want to venture to the back of the mountain, so she strolled within the temple grounds. Changhua Temple was adorned with ancient trees, their branches lush and leafy, even providing a touch of green amidst the snowy landscape, a pleasing sight to behold.

Yu Xi sniffled and headed south towards the temple. Halfway there, she bumped into Fu Anyian.

He seemed to have just returned from somewhere, exuding a chill that matched the weather. His eyebrows were slightly furrowed, indicating some worry or trouble. As Yu Xi approached, she felt an additional coldness emanating from him.

She examined him from head to toe, then met his cold, yet faintly smiling eyes. She asked, "I heard that Jiang Yaoyao didn't come back last night. Is she alright?"

Fu Anyian's brows relaxed as he brushed off the sleeves of his robe. "It's fine. She's resting inside."

Yu Xi crossed her arms and watched him with a playful tone. "What happened to her? I heard she was crying."

"Who told you that?" he asked.

When he found Jiang Yaoyao yesterday, she wasn't crying.

Yu Xi pouted. Could it be that Fu Anyian didn't know about Jiang Yaoyao's tears?

"Somebody saw her."

Recalling the moistness around Jiang Yaoyao's eyes when she ran out, Fu Anyian guessed the situation. He blinked and said, "They must have seen wrong."

He didn't elaborate, and Yu Xi didn't press further. She sighed inwardly, thinking that he was quite protective of her.

She glanced at Fu Anyian before walking past him. Taking just two steps, she heard his deep, soothing voice behind her.

"When will the princess return?"

Yu Xi turned to look at him, tilting her head slightly as she replied, "In two days, when the snow has melted, we'll leave then."

Fu Anyian stood with his hands behind his back, his expression relaxed. "Mm, in that case, we'll travel together for mutual support."

A smile tugged at the corners of her lips, secretly rejoicing. She pretended to deliberate, nodding reluctantly in agreement.

Indeed, Fu Anyian had a point. With another person, there would be more assistance. In case of danger, they could discuss and strategize together. She had no reason to decline.

"Very well, I'll rely on Lord Fu on our journey."

"It's my duty."

Fu Anyian bowed slightly and strode away.

Yu Xi gazed at his broad back, pursing her lips in confusion. She found it increasingly difficult to read him.

Forget it, she decided. No need to overthink it.

Losing interest in her leisure activities, Yu Xi turned around and walked back. Dong Ling, fearing boredom for Yu Xi, took out a storybook for her to read and brought some snacks and hot tea.

She removed her cloak and outer garment, settling comfortably on a cushioned couch, leaning back with utmost contentment.

"Why didn't you bring this out earlier?" Yu Xi inquired.

Dong Ling explained with a smile, "A few days ago, you had to recite scriptures, so I didn't think it appropriate to present it."

Yu Xi pondered and agreed. Indeed, she had been occupied with reciting scriptures for blessings those days. When she had spare moments, she was either resting or sleeping. Thus, Dong Ling logically did not bring the book out.

Flipping through the storybook, which was one she often read, Yu Xi waved them away, allowing herself some solitude within the room.

Yu Xi flipped through them one by one, and at the end, she came across a title unfamiliar to her. It didn't seem like one she usually read.

She picked it up and casually flipped through a few pages. In the next moment, her face flushed crimson, almost to the point of dripping blood, and she nearly threw the book away in embarrassment.

This is not a story, it is an erotic picture.

Dong Ling, this young maid, didn't bother to take a closer look before she acted.

Yu Xi contemplated summoning Dong Ling for a scolding, but eventually dismissed the idea. Blushing, she gazed intently at the object in her hand, torn between throwing it away and satisfying her curiosity.

Despite her struggles, Yu Xi couldn't resist her curiosity and turned the page.

With folded hands, she muttered, "Buddha, forgive me. I'm just curious. I'll only take a quick look."

Well, the first page depicted an embrace – acceptable. The second page showed a kiss, not overly explicit, merely expressing affection – tolerable to read.

But on the third page...

Yu Xi frowned. It was blank. Had she picked up the wrong book?

Flipping through a few more pages, she found something – but it was different from the previous two. The illustrations after this point were unlike those at the beginning.

There was a man and a woman conversing, but without any text, she had no idea what they were saying.

Finding it dull, Yu Xi tossed the book aside, letting it land on the bedside. She then lay down, staring blankly at the ceiling. After a while, a new curiosity struck her. She burrowed under the covers, taking a good look at herself.

Snowflakes danced wildly outside, while inside the room, warmth embraced her like spring. After sweating under the covers, she finally poked her head out.