Chapter 142

Chapter 142

◎Miss, it's been a while.◎

(Previous chapter revised; suggested to reread)

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing turned her gaze and saw that it had indeed started snowing outside.

At first, it was just snowflakes, but soon it turned into a heavy snowfall.

The two of them, one sitting and one lying on the long corridor, watched the snow for a while. Then Xie Heng patted her shoulder and reminded her, "The wine is warmed up now. Let's drink."

Only then did Luo Wanqing react and got up to watch Xie Heng pour the wine for her.

Xie Heng handed the cup to her and sat down beside her. Luo Wanqing took the wine and took a sip directly.

The wine carried the fragrance of plum blossoms, sweet and aromatic, but clearly very strong.

Now that Luo Wanqing was someone who knew her wines, she couldn't help but ask, "Young Master, why would you give me such strong wine?"

"Strong wine warms the body; we're going into the forest later," Xie Heng explained, then looked at her with a playful tone, "Besides, if I didn't give you strong wine, wouldn't it be like drinking sweet water to you?"

Luo Wanqing felt a bit embarrassed by his words. Xie Heng turned away, sipping his wine and reminded her, "In the future, drink less with the Si Shi within the organization, especially those three from the Fang family. They drink without limits, which can harm your health."

"I understand," Luo Wanqing acknowledged, knowing that the three brothers from the Fang family drank without restraint. She explained, "I only went there out of social obligation."

Xie Heng glanced at her but didn't expose her.

After drinking for a while and chatting casually, Luo Wanqing, looking at the snow, couldn't help but ask, "Is this vast forest all yours, Young Master?"

"Mm," Xie Heng responded, his tone indifferent, "It was left to me by my mother."

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing tightened her grip on the wine cup, wanting to offer some comfort but not knowing how to start.

After a moment, Xie Heng turned to look at her, curious, "With me being so pitiful, why don't you comfort me?"

Luo Wanqing paused for a moment, then honestly said, "I'm trying to find the right words."

Xie Heng was amused by her response and lowered his head to hide his smile.

"What are you laughing about, Young Master?"

Seeing his smile, Luo Wanqing was a bit puzzled. Xie Heng pursed his lips and simply said, "Laughing at how adorable my Xiniang is."

"Are you saying I'm dull?" Luo Wanqing raised an eyebrow.

Xie Heng thought for a moment and nodded, "Indeed dull."

He took another sip of wine and added, "Can't even tell when her lover is upset."

Luo Wanqing paused upon hearing this, hesitated for a moment, then reached out and held onto Xie Heng's arm.

Xie Heng's movement of drinking paused slightly as he turned to look at her. Luo Wanqing smiled and asked, "So, is my lover still upset?"

Xie Heng remained silent, holding the wine cup and gazing into her eyes.

Xie Heng's eyes were clear and penetrating, as if seeing through everything, yet if you looked at him, they seemed deep and unfathomable.

Luo Wanqing felt puzzled under his gaze and was about to ask when he leaned closer and whispered, "Leaving me for two months, did you miss me?"

He was too close, and despite their familiarity, Luo Wanqing still felt her face heat up. Instinctively wanting to retreat, she forced herself to stay in place and blinked, saying, "Sometimes."

"How often is sometimes?"

Xie Heng pressed further. Luo Wanqing couldn't answer immediately and began calculating the time. Seeing this, Xie Heng chuckled softly.

He couldn't resist giving her a light peck on the lips before straightening up and putting down his wine cup. "Well, as long as you missed me, I'll forgive you."

Saying this, he picked up a box nearby and handed it to Luo Wanqing. "Here, it's for you."

Luo Wanqing took the box in confusion and asked, "What is this?"

She opened the wooden box, revealing a deed with her name "Luo Wanqing" written on it, causing her to pause in surprise.

"The plum blossoms in this house have been tended to for many years. If no one takes care of them, it would be a pity," Xie Heng spoke gently, looking at the falling snow outside. "This has been my home every New Year since I was a child. In my heart, this is my home."

"But Young Master, you still..."

"I hope it can become Xiniang's home too."

Xie Heng looked at her earnestly. "Can it?"

Luo Wanqing held the wooden box, looking at the name on it, and remained silent.

Seeing her lack of response, Xie Heng became puzzled. "Xiniang?"

"But the name on it," Luo Wanqing looked up at Xie Heng, "is Luo Wanqing."

Since Luo Wanqing was no longer alive, the deed would not take effect.

Xie Heng, however, laughed and gently stroked her hair, saying softly, "Although I wish you could be my Xiniang forever, I know you are Luo Wanqing and won't be Liu Xiniang forever."

Luo Wanqing didn't quite understand, but Xie Heng didn't explain further. He turned to look at the snow for a while, noticing it had stopped, and then picked up the lantern he had just made, pulling Luo Wanqing up. "Come, let's go see the snow plum blossoms."

Following his words, Luo Wanqing let him lead her through the snow.

After walking for a while, the clouds dispersed, and moonlight appeared.

Luo Wanqing couldn't help but exclaim, "The moon came out?"

"That's perfect."

Xie Heng looked up at the tree branches and smiled. "It seems even heaven wants us to enjoy the plum blossoms properly."

Luo Wanqing, teased by his words, gazed at the plum blossoms under the moonlight. Most of the flowers in this courtyard were either white or red, planted on opposite sides. The outermost ones were red plum blossoms, their color enhanced by the snow, making them look particularly vibrant.

As they walked further in, they encountered the snow plum blossoms. Covered in frost and snow, they almost blended with the white snow, shimmering under the moonlight, making it hard to discern their beauty.

The two strolled and chatted, with Xie Heng knowing exactly what Luo Wanqing wanted to hear, so he carefully recounted the details that couldn't be written in letters.

"I brought back the Xuantian Box, and His Majesty was very pleased. He also told me about sending Li Guiyu to compete with me for the box. He said he wanted to test Li Guiyu's abilities through me, but I knew deep down that if possible, he actually hoped Li Guiyu would get the Xuantian Box."

"Why?" Luo Wanqing understood but still sought confirmation.

"For years, he has always told me that my uncle betrayed him. He said that he didn't know why my mother and brother suddenly rebelled in the palace, but my uncle refused to listen to his explanations and threatened the emperor for personal gain. However, he never told me about the gunpowder depot. If I had known about it, I would have realized that he allowed the Wang family to force my mother to her death in the palace."

"So Young Master didn't open the Xuantian Box, and His Majesty was relieved?"

Luo Wanqing realized, and Xie Heng nodded. "Yes."

"Then..." Luo Wanqing pondered, "Didn't Li Guiyu try to interfere?"

Hearing her mention Li Guiyu, Xie Heng glanced at Luo Wanqing but didn't elaborate much. "Li Guiyu is preoccupied. With Zheng Biyue dead, the Zheng family has severed ties with him. Wang Yunzhi fought with Li Guiyu in Jiangnan, which displeased Wang Shenfeng. Li Guiyu can only rely on His Majesty. Recently, he has been busy pretending to be filial before the emperor and placing his people in the court. Before gaining the emperor's trust, he won't comment on anyone."

"Has he made some progress recently?"

"Of course," Xie Heng's tone turned colder. "Someone like him will always achieve something when he sets his mind to it. He has placed many people in the court, and I haven't been able to clear them all out yet. And as for the emperor... everyone likes having such a capable son. Today, he went to inspect the military camp outside East Capital on behalf of the emperor. A few days ago, the emperor was discussing expanding his residence."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing frowned.

In her previous life, at this time, Li Guiyu should have already allied with Xie Heng, married Zheng Biyue, and gained support from the Wang and Zheng families.

Now, without an alliance with Xie Heng, Zheng Biyue dead, and the Wang family suspicious of him due to the assassination attempt on the crown prince, his situation seemed precarious compared to the past.

Yet, he managed to gain Li Zong's favor and even consideration for expanding his residence.

The Great Xia court had strict protocols regarding every aspect of a prince's residence, clothing, income, carriages, and more.

Li Guiyu's residence was originally no different from other princes', but now expanding it meant that Li Zong considered him the most likely candidate for the crown prince position among all the princes.

Expanding his residence could signal that Li Zong might indeed make Li Guiyu the crown prince if the ministers confirmed he was suitable.

Luo Wanqing had to admit she admired him for this. No matter how dire the situation, Li Guiyu always found a way out.

She thought quietly, and Xie Heng glanced at her, saying casually, "Xiniang must be quite idle these days."

Luo Wanqing found this strange. "Why does Young Master say that?"

"You still have time to think about irrelevant matters."

Realizing what he meant, Luo Wanqing laughed. "Young Master jests. Li Guiyu is our enemy, not an irrelevant person."

"If I were to think about enemies, I'd have thousands to worry about constantly." Xie Heng released her hand and carried the lantern forward. "Therefore, enemies are irrelevant to me. When enjoying plum blossoms, I wouldn't waste thoughts on them."

Sensing his mood, Luo Wanqing followed him, suppressing a smile. "I apologize; let's enjoy the plum blossoms then."

"If Xiniang doesn't like plum blossoms, there's no need to force it."

Xie Heng walked deeper into the plum grove. "It's cold and late; Xiniang should go back and rest."

Luo Wanqing stood still, watching his back, and smiled. "If I go back, where will Young Master go?"

"I have my own place to go."

"But you took the lantern; how can I return?"

"The moonlight will guide your way, quite elegant."

Seeing Xie Heng walking farther away, Luo Wanqing knew he was quite upset but couldn't help laughing. She squatted down, made a snowball, and gently threw it at him.

The snowball hit Xie Heng, who turned around with the lantern. "What does Xiniang mean?"

"Young Master, I'm a commoner and can't appreciate the plum blossoms for long."

Luo Wanqing smiled, playing with the snowball in her hands. "Shall we have a snowball fight?"

"A snowball fight?"

Xie Heng seemed uncertain, and Luo Wanqing quickly realized, "Young Master hasn't had a snowball fight before?"

After a moment of silence, Xie Heng replied softly, "Once."

That was practically never.

Luo Wanqing couldn't help but ask, "Why did Young Master only have one snowball fight?"

"Before leaving the Xie family, my father thought the heir shouldn't engage in such unrefined activities." Xie Heng looked at the snowball in her hand. "Besides, I didn't find it interesting."

"Would you like to try?" Luo Wanqing asked curiously.

Xie Heng thought for a moment, then looked up at her, tentatively asking, "If I win, would there be a reward?"

"What kind of reward does Young Master want?"

Luo Wanqing was puzzled, and Xie Heng hung the lantern on a nearby branch, removed his cloak, scooped up some snow, and smiled. "Let's see after I win."

As he spoke, a snowball flew swiftly towards Luo Wanqing. Seeing it come like a projectile, she panicked. "Young Master, no using internal energy!"

"Alright."

Xie Heng responded, raising his hand to send a gust of wind and snow toward Luo Wanqing, blinding her momentarily. Then, a dozen snowballs burst through the snowdrift, hurtling toward her.

Luo Wanqing's breath caught in her throat as she leaped into the air, kicking two snowballs back at Xie Heng before turning to run. "Enough, I won't play anymore!"

"In battle, one cannot flee without fighting."

Xie Heng chased after her, grabbing her and pulling her back. Luo Wanqing flipped and kicked a branch above, causing snow to cascade down. She took the opportunity to escape, scooping up a handful of snow and throwing it at him.

Xie Heng closed his eyes, letting the snow hit his face, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

He listened intently to Luo Wanqing's movements and said softly, "Xiniang, don't let me catch you."

With that, he swept a pile of snow and molded it into a ball, hurling it at a nearby tree.

The two engaged in battle, neither using their inner strength but relying on the branches for cover. They frantically made snowballs while hiding, launching them like a storm of pear blossoms whenever they met.

Xie Heng always tried to catch her, aiming to get snow under her clothes. She would ambush him from the branches, showering him with snow each time.

Luo Wanqing used all her skills in this snowball fight. Soon, both were covered in snow, which melted into water, soaking their clothes.

Luo Wanqing found an opportunity to crouch behind a tree and make nearly a hundred snowballs, hanging most of them in the tree and keeping some in her sleeves.

When she heard Xie Heng's footsteps approaching, she held her breath, hiding behind the tree. When he was less than ten feet away, she dashed out, sending all the snowballs flying!

Xie Heng heard her movement and pulled her into his arms as she threw the snowballs.

The snowballs scattered everywhere, and Luo Wanqing pushed him against the tree. Xie Heng, fearing she might hurt herself, embraced her tightly. She charged forward like a bull, slamming him against the tree.

Snowballs rained down on both of them.

Xie Heng laughed despite being hit by the snow.

"Gotcha."

Xie Heng smiled, and Luo Wanqing turned around, breathing heavily. Snowflakes had settled on her eyelashes, and through them, she saw Xie Heng, also covered in snow.

The moon shone above, illuminating the white plum blossoms, casting a soft glow on him.

Their clothes were soaked, clinging to their bodies. Xie Heng's arm circled her waist, her back pressed against his chest.

She could feel his warmth, hear his heartbeat, and smell the scent of alcohol on his breath. His gaze, like gentle moonlight, flowed over her heart.

She had only meant to glance back, but upon meeting his eyes, she froze.

He leaned down to kiss her, and she stood there, allowing him to hold her gently under the moonlight.

The plum blossoms looked beautiful under the moonlight. When he asked if she was cold, she leaned against the tree trunk, panting and looking into his eyes, unable to speak.

He understood her feelings and wrapped her in his cloak, shielding her from the rough bark.

When he stepped away, the cold wind rushed in; when he drew near, warmth enveloped her.

She did nothing but breathe deeply, looking up at the plum blossoms on the tree, watching the snow fall off, revealing their true beauty—some fully bloomed, others still in bud.

They swayed gently in the breeze, gradually opening under the moonlight, creating a breathtaking scene.

At the midpoint of the second hour of the night, fireworks suddenly exploded in the distance. The dazzling display illuminated her eyes, and she leaned heavily against the tree, trembling, watching the flowers bloom and fall.

"Xiniang," Xie Heng sensed her presence, holding her neck, and pressed his forehead against hers, panting, "May we have such moments year after year."

Luo Wanqing trembled slightly and whispered, "Alright."

Xie Heng was exceptionally gentle that night. Afterward, he helped her clean up and carried her to the carriage.

By the time they descended the mountain, it was already the third hour of the night. Xie Heng had to attend the early morning court session, so Luo Wanqing accompanied him.

To avoid drawing attention, they sat in Luo Wanqing's carriage. She was so tired that she rested her head on Xie Heng's lap.

Xie Heng dozed off, and Luo Wanqing, smelling the fragrance on him, asked curiously, "Young Master changed your scent?"

"I added a touch of plum blossom."

"Why add plum blossom?"

Luo Wanqing was puzzled, and Xie Heng smiled with closed eyes.

"Because Xiniang under the moonlight resembles a white plum blossom."

Luo Wanqing was taken aback, then understood what he meant. She murmured, "There's no need to change the scent just for that."

"Xiniang left me after our night together, leaving only the white plum blossoms in my dreams. Do I not even have the right to miss you through the scent?"

Xie Heng spoke with a hint of resentment, and Luo Wanqing felt it was too intimate.

She cleared her throat and said, "I'm back now."

"So what if you're back?" Xie Heng sighed, sounding plaintive, "We haven't seen each other for two months, and you didn't ask about me once. Even if you're back, your heart isn't with me."

Luo Wanqing laughed, "If you keep saying that, I'll become a heartless woman."

"Aren't you?"

Xie Heng played with her hair, opened his eyes, and said slowly, "Waking up feels like a dream. In the dream, you called me Lingshu, but now you call me Young Master. If you're not a heartless woman, what are you?"

"I am a heartless woman," Luo Wanqing said as she pushed herself up, smiling and moving closer to Xie Heng. "Why doesn't Young Master Xie let go and find another flower?"

"A man who indulges in love cannot easily escape it," Xie Heng sighed, lifting his hand to comb through Luo Wanqing's hair that had fallen down. He spoke slowly, "What can I do? I can only endure the pain."

"Then I'll have to make you endure even more."

Luo Wanqing sat on Xie Heng, her lips curling into a smile. "The person I wanted to ask about today, Young Master hasn't given me an answer yet."

"Hmm?"

Xie Heng raised an eyebrow, then remembered and sneered, "I only know so much about Li Guiyu. I don't bother to inquire further."

"It's not Li Guiyu."

Luo Wanqing leaned closer, surprising Xie Heng slightly. She stared at him with a smile. "It's Cui Guanlan. How has Young Master Cui been these past two months?"

Hearing this, Xie Heng was taken aback for a moment. Then, from outside the carriage, a swift sound of something cutting through the air approached rapidly, tearing through the carriage and heading straight for Luo Wanqing!

Luo Wanqing's face instantly turned cold, and she instinctively turned around. However, Xie Heng suddenly pressed her down forcefully with one hand while simultaneously reaching out with the other to grab the arrow flying towards them.

The arrow stopped an inch behind Luo Wanqing as the carriage came to an abrupt halt. The driver shouted, "Ambush!"

Xie Heng looked up coldly and threw the arrow back in the direction it came. The arrow, imbued with powerful internal energy, flew extremely fast and was about to strike the archer when another arrow shot out from the forest, colliding with it and deflecting its path.

Taking advantage of this gap, the ambusher quickly retreated. Luo Wanqing and Xie Heng listened to the surrounding sounds in silence. Soon, footsteps were heard outside the carriage.

A familiar and respectful voice called out, "Is Lady Liu Xiniang, the Si Shi, inside the carriage?"

Upon hearing this voice, Luo Wanqing immediately became alert.

Xie Heng instinctively wanted to speak, but Luo Wanqing pressed her hand over his mouth.

Xie Heng met her gaze, and Luo Wanqing shook her head. She then pushed open the carriage door that was hidden from view and stepped out.

As soon as she exited, she saw a familiar figure.

It had been a long time since they last met, and he had grown thinner. Dressed in a water-blue silk robe and draped in a fox fur cloak, adorned with jade and pearls, he looked exceptionally elegant.

He held a bow in his hand; the arrow that had blocked the attack earlier must have been his.

He gazed quietly at Luo Wanqing, his expression unreadable, focusing on her married woman's hairstyle for a long moment before finally smiling gently, "Miss, it's been a long time."