Chapter 046

Chapter 46

It had been several days since Rong Yin last saw her. She held Yu Xi's hand, asking with concern about various matters. Yu Xi replied absentmindedly, her gaze fixed outside, eager to leave.

Rong Yin noticed her thoughts and smiled warmly, asking, "Princess, is there something on your mind?"

Yu Xi's behavior had been unusually abnormal these few days, with a perpetually furrowed brow and a melancholic expression. Anyone could tell that she was preoccupied, let alone an experienced woman like Rong Yin. Even if Rong Yin didn't know, Zhao Yunzhou would surely inform her.

Yu Xi didn't wish to speak of her troubles with Fu Anian. She wanted to handle it herself, without interference from others. Moreover, since she had already made her intentions clear, she desired even less for others to know.

Lowering her eyes, she managed a faint smile, saying, "No, I was just thinking about our return to the capital. Has Aunt finished packing?"

Rong Yin's eyes shimmered, deciding not to press further, "We'll only take essential items; the rest can stay here."

The Zhao family had spent five years in Linan, accumulating numerous possessions that couldn't be taken back all at once. Thus, this was their only option. Yu Xi acknowledged with an "oh," remaining silent and seemingly distant.

Seeing this, Rong Yin knew it wasn't appropriate to comment further, fearing it might irritate her. So, she changed the subject back to their return to the capital, "Are you prepared, Princess? It will be a month-long journey, and it won't be easy."

She softly hummed in response, "There's not much for me to prepare. We'll return as we came."

Though the words were spoken casually, Yu Xi's heart pounded in anticipation. Would Song Mingxuan appear? And as for her complicated relationship with Fu Anyian, it was a mess she couldn't untangle.

After chatting with Rong Yin and sipping a cup of tea, Yu Xi took her leave. She returned through the back garden, though she was reluctant to admit it, hoping to catch a glimpse of someone. Otherwise, she would have avoided the garden altogether.

She hastened her pace, lifting her skirt, with Dong Ling jogging behind, urging her to slow down and be careful not to trip. Yu Xi pretended not to hear or see her maid.

Arriving at the back garden, Yu Xi's head drooped in disappointment. There was no sign of Fu Anyian; he had already left.

Dong Ling cautiously observed her expression and suggested, "The flowers are lovely, Princess. Should we pick some to take back?"

Yu Xi spun around, stomping her foot in frustration. "Go ahead," she said, not in the mood for such things.

"Oh," Dong Ling replied, uncertain. Should she pick the flowers or not?

Yu Xi quickly left, and Dong Ling, seeing this, didn't pick any flowers either. She hurried after her, genuinely worried about the princess's state on their journey back to the capital, especially with Lord Fu traveling the same route.

But Dong Ling's concerns dissipated the next day when news came that Fu Anyian was returning to the capital and had specifically come to bid Yu Xi farewell.

Dong Ling was momentarily stunned before rushing to inform Yu Xi.

Yu Xi, with her cheek resting in her hand, was idly reading a romance novel. After a few lines, she forgot what she had read and found herself lost in thought. Dong Ling entered and called out to her, bringing Yu Xi back to reality.

"What is it?" she yawned, feeling slightly drowsy.

"Lord Fu has come to pay his respects to the princess."

Yu Xi lifted her head, her blurred vision suddenly clearing. Her eyes widened, and she parted her lips, ready to say "come in," but the words that left her mouth were different.

"I don't wish to see him." Having said all that needed to be said, there was nothing more to discuss between her and Fu Anyian.

Dong Ling bit her lip, remaining silent, and ventured hesitantly, "I've heard Lord Fu plans to return to the capital soon. Perhaps the princess might consider meeting him."

Upon hearing this, Yu Xi's expression subtly shifted. Her long eyelashes fluttered, revealing a myriad of emotions beneath. She was the one who had said she didn't want to see him, yet now, at the news of his departure, she felt a reluctant reluctance.

Yu Xi bit her lip and remained quiet, pondering for a moment before telling Dong Ling, "If he's leaving, let him go. Don't bother me anymore."

Dong Ling stood by the door for a while, sensing that Yu Xi had no intention of speaking further, and thus went to relay the message to Fu Anyian.

The man stood beneath a tree, his tall figure slender and upright like a pine. His thin garments clung to his body, accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist, giving him an undeniably handsome appearance.

Spotting Dong Ling emerging, he hurriedly approached to inquire, "What did the princess say?"

"The princess said she won't be retaining Lord Fu."

Dong Ling put it tactfully, as Yu Xi's original words would have sounded harsh. With a forced smile on her face, she suggested, "Perhaps Lord Fu should consult with Lord Lin."

"Mm."

His demeanor was cold, devoid of his usual amiable smile, giving off an aloof and distant vibe.

Fu Anyian acknowledged her and left without asking any questions. Whether or not he went to find Lin Xuean, Dong Ling was unsure.

-

Recently, Yu Xi had lost her appetite, and the weight she had gained was visibly fading. Dong Ling grew anxious and decided to cook her favorite dishes for dinner that night.

Although Yu Xi did eat more that evening, it was only half a bowl of rice – a significant decrease from her usual intake.

After dinner, she strolled along the veranda to aid digestion, her gaze slightly lowered as she stared at her own toes in deep thought.

After a few circuits, Lin Xuean found her. Upon seeing her, his expression turned serious, and he straightforwardly asked, "Does the princess truly want Fu Anyian to leave?"

This was Lin Xuean's last inquiry. If Yu Xi agreed, he would cease his disturbance and obediently carry out her orders.

Faced with Lin Xuean's question, Yu Xi fell into a moment of silence. Her thoughts raced, torn between wanting Fu Anian to leave and her reluctance to part with him.

Her pride and dignity refused to let her yield, so with determination, she gritted her teeth and said, "Let him go."

Lin Xuean studied her gravely for a while before reluctantly nodding, "Alright."

Before leaving, Lin Xuean turned back to gaze at her, letting out a heavy sigh.

Due to Yu Xi's insistence, Fu Anian departed Lian'an that very night, accompanied only by Wang Quan, heading back to the capital. Lin Xuean was the sole one to see him off; the others, including Yu Xi, did not attend.

Fu Anian, being considerate, went to bid Rong Yin farewell before his departure, showing great courtesy. Rong Yin didn't detain him, simply offering a few words of advice before allowing him to leave.

The surroundings were eerily quiet.

Yu Xi stood by the window, gazing up at the sky with a melancholic expression. Her brows knitted in deep contemplation, as she sighed repeatedly, lost in thought.

Dong Ling entered from outside, casting her a glance before remarking, "There's a breeze. It might rain tonight."

Dong Ling gently set down the tray in her hand and went over to close the window for her. Then she said, "Princess, your bird's nest soup is ready. Drink it while it's hot."

Yu Xi turned around. Perhaps due to the prolonged exposure to the wind, her face had lost its rosy glow and now appeared somewhat pale. She covered her mouth and coughed, asking, "Has he left?"

Dong Ling knew exactly who she was referring to. "Yes, he left after bidding farewell to Lady. He rode away with Wang Quan, and by now, they should have already left Lin'an."

Feeling stifled in her chest, Yu Xi sat down at the table and silently consumed the bird's nest soup.

It might have been the sudden change in weather at night or the extended period of exposure to the evening breeze, but halfway through the night, Yu Xi fell ill. Her body burned with fever, and she felt achy all over.

Alarmed, Dong Ling hurriedly sought out a doctor.

After examining her pulse, the physician diagnosed her with a cold and assured that a few days of rest would suffice. Dong Ling felt slightly relieved and promptly instructed someone to fetch medicine and prepare a decoction. Once the medicine was ready, she helped Yu Xi drink it, watching over her attentively.

The commotion drew the attention of the others in the household, and Rong Yin and the rest came to visit. Unfortunately, Yu Xi had fallen asleep after taking the medicine.

With no other choice, they could only return and plan to visit her again the next morning.

Yu Xi drifted in and out of consciousness for a long time before finally waking up in the middle of the following day. Weak and exhausted, her body felt limp, and after going without food for half a day, she was famished. Her throat was parched and uncomfortable.

After drinking two cups of water, her throat felt slightly better.

Zhao Yunzhou and Lin Xuean came to visit her together, asking, "You're not feeling well. Should we delay our return to the capital for a few days?"

Yu Xi leaned against a cushion, her fair skin translucent enough to reveal tiny veins. She moved her lips, expressing her disagreement. "A cold will pass in a couple of days; it won't hinder our journey back. Let's stick to the original plan."

The two exchanged glances, worry etched between their brows. Lin Xuean, discarding his usual jovial demeanor, tried to persuade her, "Two more days won't make a difference. Why are you in such a hurry, Princess?"

After being out for over a month, Yu Xi had grown tired of the excursion. The initial excitement had faded, leaving her feeling weary. Apart from physical exhaustion, her longing was genuine.

She missed Song Mingyin – they had never been apart for so long.

Moreover, home was where her heart found solace.

Yu Xi gently shook her head, her voice tender as she said, "Let's still head back as soon as possible."

The two looked at each other again. Seeing her determination, they fell silent.

Fortunately, her body rallied, and they set off for the capital as originally scheduled.

Many people returned to the capital alongside them. As Zhao Yunzhou and Rong Yin were returning with their entire family, they had numerous servants, maids, and guards in tow. Their entourage was grand and imposing.

From afar, they appeared like a winding, colorful ribbon on the main road.

When ordinary folks passed by, they would keep a safe distance, intimidated by their presence.

During the first two days, they traveled swiftly, invigorated and excited. However, their pace slowed down after that.

Firstly, their bodies grew weary, and secondly, the princess fell ill again.

This time, she had a cough, which didn't render her bedridden, but her health was undoubtedly compromised. They had to stop for medicine, and at night, they needed to find inns to rest. All these significantly delayed their journey.

Yu Xi was also annoyed. She was in perfect health when they set off, yet only two days later, her unreliable body succumbed to illness once more.

Currently, the group had just arrived at an inn, planning to rest for a day before resuming their journey.

Yu Xi was resting in her room when Dong Ling brought her medicine. "Princess, it's time for your medicine."

"Cough, cough."

She covered her mouth and coughed lightly, her throat tickling and her face reddening from discomfort. "Give it to me."

The medicine was at just the right temperature. Yu Xi tilted her head back and drank it down, then handed the bowl to Dong Ling. She grabbed a piece of sweet preserved fruit nearby and hastily popped it into her mouth to counteract the bitterness of the medicine.

"Go call Lin Xuean over."

"Ai, alright."

Lin Xuean's room was just a turn away from hers, so Dong Ling quickly went to fetch him. In no time, Lin Xuean arrived.

Dong Ling was perceptive and knew that the two had something to discuss. She closed the door and stood guard outside to prevent any interruptions.

Yuxi drank the medicine and stayed in the room for a while. Her face turned redder and her down was clearly visible.The room was a little stuffy, so she poured herself a cup of herbal tea to make her throat feel better.

"What brings you to summon me, Princess?" Lin Xuean asked as soon as he entered.

"Mm-hmm."

The bitterness in her mouth had faded, leaving only the lingering sweetness of the honeyed fruit, filling her palate.

Yu Xi glanced at the windows and doors before softly asking, "After traveling for several days, have you noticed anything unusual?"

Lin Xuean rubbed his nose, gazing at her with hidden meaning before shaking his head. "No, has Princess noticed anything?"

She shook her head as well. Dealing with her persistent cough was already challenging enough, let alone keeping an eye out for Song Mingxuan's appearance. In her heart, Yu Xi wished that Song Mingxuan would wait until she had fully recovered to make his move.

"I've been thinking, since our journey is mostly through open plains, it wouldn't be easy for Song Mingxuan to hide. He probably won't show up. But once we reach Jizhou, it's a different story. There, mountains and rivers intertwine, providing excellent hiding spots. If he plans on doing something, Jizhou would be his best choice."

Not only were the landscapes of Jizhou rugged, but its waterways also offered numerous escape routes – perfect for both hiding and fleeing.

After pondering over Lin Xuean's words, Yu Xi found them reasonable. After a moment of contemplation, an idea formed in her mind.

"Alright, we'll stay in Jizhou for two days."

Slapping his thigh, Lin Xuean's expression relaxed. "It's settled then."

Once their conversation ended, Lin Xuean returned to his room. He didn't idle; instead, he immediately took up a pen to write a note. Handing it to his attendant, he instructed him to deliver the message.

Standing by the window with a small crack open, he could just see the street and passersby below. Lin Xuean watched as his attendant left the inn and vanished into the crowd.

He took a deep breath, closed the window, and wiped the sweat from his forehead, instantly feeling more relieved.

In a secluded alley, Lin Xuean's servant passed a note to another individual before swiftly departing.

The recipient took the note, glanced around, and in the blink of an eye, vanished into the shadows.

-

After a day of rest, Yu Xi's health significantly improved. She was full of energy, albeit with occasional coughs, but they were not severe.

Rong Yin, concerned for her well-being, insisted on sharing a carriage with her for easier care.

Yu Xi protested, patting her chest to assure, "Aunt, I'm really fine."

"Your complexion does look better," Rong Yin observed, scrutinizing her from head to toe. "But when we reach Jizhou, we should find a reputable medical clinic. We don't want any lingering illnesses."

At the mention of Jizhou, her expression shifted slightly. Nevertheless, she agreed with Rong Yin, "I'll listen to you, Aunt."

Satisfied, Rong Yin returned to her own carriage.