Chapter 56 “You Don’t Like Me Anymore, Do You”

Chapter 56: "You don’t like me anymore, do you?"

That day, I don’t know what spell had come over me. I ended up sitting foolishly in the cooling pavilion until late at night. It wasn’t until Huai Xin, worried after waiting for me for so long, anxiously came looking for me that he scooped me up from the cold stone bench and carried me back.

Although Chou Yunqing’s body was much healthier than my previous one, it still wasn’t a robust constitution. Whenever a cool breeze blew, I would immediately catch a cold.

That night, after being exposed to chilly winds for hours, I developed a high fever. My mind was hazy, and I fell into a coma, plagued by all sorts of surreal dreams.

In the dream, my beloved mother and kind father were still alive, and I was just a half-grown child, carefree and playful in the Prime Minister’s residence—chasing cats, teasing dogs, occasionally getting into mischief by climbing onto the roof, and even lounging leisurely on the rooftop to watch the white clouds over the distant mountains.

It was just dusk, and large clusters of thick clouds were tinged with a crimson glow, like countless brightly colored, tasty mushrooms. A gentle breeze brushed past my eyelashes, and evening smoke rose from the myriad lights in the distance. The air was filled with the aroma of food and the lingering scent of smoke. I silently counted in my heart.

"One."

"Two."

"Three."

Just as I finished counting, I heard my father’s voice from below. His tone was mellow, like a soft breeze brushing my face, as he called out leisurely, "Xiao Qiu, come down for dinner."

I looked down from the rooftop and saw him still wearing his dark blue official robe, clearly having rushed home right after court. His young, handsome face was full of doting affection for his child, though he couldn’t help but scold me, "You, you’re so mischievous. If you fall, let’s see if you’ll dare to be so reckless again."

"I won’t fall," I boasted shamelessly as I nimbly climbed down the ladder. "Father, don’t underestimate my agility. I’m telling you, none of the shadow guards in the palace are better than me. Besides, even if I accidentally fall, I believe you’ll definitely catch me!"

I was brimming with confidence as I bragged, but as they say, pride comes before a fall. My foot slipped, and my whole body plummeted downward. My heart felt like it was about to leap out of my throat. Fortunately, the expected shattering impact never came—my father caught me firmly.

"You, you’re so mischievous all day long. One of these days, you’ll really fall and get badly injured."

My father casually hoisted me onto his shoulder. I lay comfortably against him, gazing at the crimson sky in the distance, feeling a sense of peace and tranquility. Everything was as beautiful as a long-lost dream.

My father, tall and long-legged, quickly carried me to the dining hall. My mother greeted us with a smile and patted my head. She was as radiant as peach blossoms, with a fair complexion, loving eyes, a delicate nose, and full, slightly upturned lips. When she smiled, her clear eyes shimmered with a watery glow.

She gently pinched my nose and questioned me, "Did you climb onto the roof again? Do you know how dangerous that is?"

"Ah, Mother, don’t be angry," I said, burying my face in her embrace, intoxicated by the faint floral scent she carried. My mother loved wisteria flowers dearly and tended to all the flowers in the Prime Minister’s residence, so she always carried a pleasant floral fragrance. I couldn’t help but act coy. "Mother, don’t be angry. Xiao Qiu promises to be good from now on and won’t do such dangerous things again!"

"You little rascal, you know we dote on you, so you’re always acting spoiled." My mother sighed helplessly while rubbing my ears. "Alright, alright, we’ll let it slide this time. But if you dare climb onto the roof again, you’ll regret it."

Seeing that the matter was finally over, I quickly served food to my father and mother, smiling sweetly to please them. "Father, Mother, eat more. This is delicious."

"Good, good."

"Xiao Qiu, you should eat more too, so you can grow up quickly."

Our family sat together around the table, steam rising from the dishes, filling the air with a fragrant haze. My bowl was piled high with food served by my parents.

The last rays of the setting sun streamed through the open window, falling directly onto the dining table. Everything on the table was bathed in a shimmering glow, with dappled light landing on the snow-white porcelain plates, creating a dreamlike scene.

As I looked at my parents beside me, for some reason, my vision blurred. Tears gathered in my eyes, carrying an inexplicable sadness.

Fortunately, my parents didn’t notice my distress. After finishing their meal, they said they were going out for a walk. To ensure they could be alone, they instructed me not to follow and to stay home to do my homework, or else the tutor would spank my hands tomorrow.

I was frustrated but had no choice. I reluctantly took out my paper and brush, scribbling characters crookedly. I watched as the colorful clouds in the sky turned into indigo mist, the dusky sky gradually fading to gray. A crescent moon replaced the bright sun, and night fell. Yet, my parents still hadn’t returned.

I anxiously wandered around the Prime Minister’s residence, only to horrifyingly discover that there was no one left in the estate. The servants and guards seemed to have vanished into thin air. I was terrified.

The vast residence was unlit, and even the swaying red lanterns looked like eerie ghostly shadows. I screamed and ran outside, sprinting wildly while calling for my parents, but there was no response.

The bustling streets of the capital were empty, with only desolate leaves dancing in the evening wind. Dilapidated doors creaked as the wind slammed them shut. How could there be no one? The thought made me break out in a cold sweat. I ran forward desperately, but as I grew exhausted, I was shocked to see the sky suddenly brighten.

The dead of night had turned into broad daylight. The bone-chilling horror made it hard for me to breathe. I reached out to steady myself against something nearby. When I finally calmed down, I realized I was holding onto a royal proclamation. Written clearly in black and white were the words:

"Feng Xu, as the Prime Minister of the Jiang Dynasty, should have assisted the Emperor with self-restraint and propriety, remaining loyal and avoiding factional conflicts. However, Feng Xu secretly formed cliques for personal gain, colluding with officials. His heart is treacherous, and his crimes warrant execution. By this decree, Feng Xu is to be executed at noon today. So ordered."

What? Execution? How could this be? This isn’t my father. No, it’s impossible. My father was so loyal to the Emperor—how could he have formed cliques for personal gain? This must be fake. My entire body trembled, and I bit my fingers until they bled. After a moment’s hesitation, I rushed frantically to the execution ground.

The frantic run alone nearly cost me my life. I struggled to catch my breath, panting heavily as I scanned the empty execution ground, searching for my father.

The sky had turned eerily dark, with thick clouds obscuring the sun. The execution ground, enclosed by wooden stakes, was covered in flying dust and stones. Kneeling in the center, dressed in prisoner’s garb, was my father. He looked haggard, his once vibrant face now marred with wounds. Even his white prisoner’s uniform was stained red with seeping blood.

"Father!"

"My father is innocent! You can’t harm him! He’s innocent! Innocent!"

"Someone, please save my father!"

I tried to rush into the execution ground to save my father, but countless hands grabbed me from behind, holding me almost immobile. When I turned around, I was horrified to see that the people behind me had ghastly pale faces and vacant eyes, like soulless zombies. Their limbs were stiff, but their grip was incredibly strong, pinning me firmly outside the execution ground.

"Noon has arrived. Carry out the execution."

As the authoritative voice fell, the execution order dropped to the ground. I struggled and screamed like a madman, but it was useless. Unable to break free from the strong hands holding me, I could only watch helplessly as the executioner’s blade rose high, splashing bright red blood three feet into the air.

My heart nearly stopped at that moment, as if a giant hand of fate had seized my throat. I clutched the front of my robe tightly, a sticky, metallic taste rising in my throat. Suddenly, I vomited a mouthful of foul black blood.

Following the trail of blood on the ground, I looked up and saw my father’s head. His eyes were wide open, staring directly at me, filled with resentment and hatred. My father must blame me for not saving him. I’m such an unfilial son. It’s all my fault.

At that moment, the resistance behind me suddenly vanished. I stumbled to my father’s corpse, trembling as I tried to close his eyes. But suddenly, someone shoved me to the ground violently. The person grabbed my collar, their face—almost identical to mine—twisted with fierce, overwhelming hatred.

My mother’s eyes were red, her expression dark and fierce. She shook my shoulders desperately, as if trying to wake me from a sinful dream.

Her once-neat hair was disheveled, her beautiful face smeared with dirt. She was so angry she seemed on the verge of grinding her teeth to dust, snarling at me viciously, "It’s all your fault! If it weren’t for your obsession with that damned Crown Prince, your father wouldn’t have died! How could he die!"

"Xie Yan killed your father! He killed him!"

"How can you still show him mercy? How dare you! How can you face your father? How can you face me?"

I tried to open my mouth, but no sound came out due to the pain. My tears burst forth uncontrollably. I could only clutch my head tightly, feeling as if a needle were piercing through my brain, shattering my last nerve.

In my final struggle, my mother’s hands finally released my shoulders. I lost my last support and fell straight to the ground.

In that moment, I finally saw the executioner behind my father. Dressed in flowing white robes, his gray eyes cold and imposing, he looked down on me with a detached, Buddha-like calm. Yet his hands were stained with sinful blood, like a demon from hell.

"Xie Yan! Xie Yan! Xie Yan!"

"Why are you doing this to me!"

"Young Master, are you having a nightmare? Wake up."

My hands flailed wildly until Huai Xin gently patted my face, waking me from the dream. He was so worried that sweat beaded on his forehead, but he ignored it, using a silk handkerchief to gently wipe the tear stains from my face.

"Young Master, tomorrow I’ll find a doctor to examine you and help improve your condition. You’ve been having nightmares frequently, not sleeping well, and lacking energy during the day."

"But thankfully, the fever has finally subsided." Huai Xin sighed in relief. "You’ve been feverish for so many days—it’s finally gone. The past few days have truly frightened me."

"It’s fine, no need to call a doctor." I spoke softly, my voice hoarse from screaming, as I rubbed my aching temples. "A doctor wouldn’t be able to help anyway."

Emotional wounds can only be healed by emotional medicine. Until I get revenge, I fear these nightmares will continue to plague me, leaving me no peace. Staring blankly at the moon outside the window, I asked, "How many days have I been sick?"

"Young Master, it’s been three days." Huai Xin placed a pillow behind my back to help me sit more comfortably, then added, "Young Master, I’ll go to the kitchen to have some light porridge prepared and bring you the brewed herbal medicine."

After drinking the porridge and taking the medicine, I felt much more comfortable all over. At least the dull pain that had been piercing half of my brain had subsided considerably. I lazily set up a small table by the window on the soft couch and idly played a game of solitaire chess.

Where in the world would Xie Yan hide the seal?

"Young Master Qiu, are you asleep?" The house steward's voice sounded outside the door. I set down the chess piece in my hand, went to open the door, and frowned and asked, "Steward, what brings you here so late?"

I was less polite than usual; instead, my tone carried a slight reproach, making the steward uncomfortable. He replied rather apologetically, "It’s so late, and I really shouldn’t be troubling you, Young Master Qiu. But the Crown Prince has been in a poor state these past few days. He’s been drinking at night and hasn’t slept at all. During the day, he neither eats nor drinks, only attending to official business when he’s sober."

"I was hoping Young Master Qiu could help persuade His Highness. Would you have the time and be willing to help?"

My first instinct was to refuse, but then I thought better of it. As Xie Yan’s attendant, this was a duty I couldn't shirk, and I still hadn’t found the whereabouts of the seal.

With this in mind, I softened my expression and nodded. "Don’t worry, Steward. I’ll go check on His Highness shortly."

"Thank you, Young Master Qiu." The steward left, full of gratitude.

I put away the letter Xie Xing had given me and stepped out under the moonlight. My residence was on the other side of a flower field from Xie Yan’s bedchamber. Countless swaying wisteria blossoms danced in the wind, their rich, intense fragrance identical to the scent of the flowers in my mother’s embrace in my dream.

"Mother, don’t worry. I won’t be like that again." I murmured softly as I gazed at the sea of purple, my grip tightening on the dagger hidden in my sleeve. My tone was resolute, as if I were answering my mother or convincing myself.

Only a gust of wind answered me, brushing past my hair and fingertips, swaying the delicate blossoms like elegant spirits in the night.

When I arrived at Xie Yan’s bedchamber, he was indeed as the steward had described—not resting in bed. I found him in the side hall, dressed in a cold, white robe that made his face as pale as paper. He looked gaunt and frail, more pitiable and lonely than the cold-blooded killer from my dream, like a piece of jade covered in dust.

Putting on an act, I pursed my lips, a cold sneer curling at the corners.

Xie Yan was sitting on the windowsill, drinking. The wine trickled down his slender neck and disappeared into his collar. The cold moonlight gave him a faintly distant air.

He seemed to hear my footsteps as I entered and turned his head. His heavy gray eyes transformed from a withered wasteland to lush green sprouts in an instant. His long lashes fluttered slightly before he swiftly climbed down from the windowsill and walked toward me with unsteady steps.

If not for his delicate and slender appearance, Xie Yan’s height would have been overwhelmingly imposing. But now, due to his extreme thinness, he seemed as sharp as a blade.

He stared intently at me, like a hawk circling in the sky, spotting a rabbit in the woods. The overwhelming sense of aggression made me instinctively step back until my lower back pressed against the round table in the center of the room. With no escape, I lifted my eyes to meet his gaze, wondering what drunken antics he was up to now.

The next moment, his cool fingertips touched my lips, still damp with wine. The strong scent of alcohol hit my nostrils, and I turned my face away in disgust, clenching my teeth without saying a word.

Xie Yan, like a dog, sniffed me all over, his hot breath falling on my cheeks, lips, and neck. Then, like a fierce bear, his strong, slender arms lifted me entirely off the ground.

My feet dangled in the air, and I could only rely on Xie Yan’s arms to keep from falling. I thought he was just drunkenly teasing me and couldn’t help but feel angry. "Your Highness, put me down."

But Xie Yan seemed not to hear. Like a child with a new toy, he cupped my face with his cold hands, drawing closer as if he couldn’t get enough of looking at me, carefully trying to discern who I was.

The room was dimly lit, with no lamps lit. Only the moonlight streaming in allowed us to barely make out the surroundings.

He held me for a long time, sniffing me intently, before suddenly speaking, his voice tinged with sorrow. "Xiao Qiu, why don’t you smell fragrant anymore?"

My heart skipped a beat. So he had been searching for the floral scent of Feng Jiuyue on me. I had no patience for his drunken madness and said coldly, "Your Highness, you’re drunk. You should rest in bed."

Hearing my impatient tone, Xie Yan suddenly lifted his head. His gray eyes were misty as he asked, "You don’t like me anymore, do you?"

I assumed he was just rambling drunkenly and didn’t answer.

Seeing my silence, he pressed on anxiously, "Is Xie Xing better?"

This time, without waiting for my reply, tears began to fall like rain. It seemed as if he had transformed all the grievances in his heart into teardrops. His pale, handsome face, red-rimmed eyes, and stubbornly pursed lips were silent for a long time before he finally made up his mind, making the greatest concession to me. In a hoarse voice, he said, "As long as you come to see me every day, everything else is up to you."

He looked more haggard and frail than ever before, with sunken cheeks and deep-set eyes. His gray pupils resembled melting snow, carrying an unusual tenderness. His fingertips gently caressed my cheek, as if stroking a proud cat.

I found it laughable, and my words were laced with mockery.

"Are you saying that as long as Xiao Qiu comes to see you every day, you can tolerate him liking someone else?"

Impossible.

Xie Yan was far too proud to allow anyone to trample over him. He had always held himself in high regard and knew how to eliminate rivals quietly. Even if it was something he didn’t cherish, if he had once possessed it, he would rather destroy it than let it go. How could he make such a humble plea?

I thought I must have misheard, but soon, I saw Xie Yan nod gently.

"But you must come to see me every day." He negotiated with me solemnly, his tone firm and unyielding on this matter. His lips were pressed tightly together, as if he would throw a fit if I refused.