Chapter 23: Waiting For You特意等你根據您的要求直接翻譯括號內的文字，並保持原有的HTML標簽

String Song, who was further back than Rong Jing, said worriedly as he came out of his hiding spot: "Prince Lingrui paid attention to Miss Yun Qianyue. This might be troublesome!"Rong Jing shook his...Chapter 23: Awaiting You Deliberately

The words "flower petals falling" made Yun Qianyue both embarrassed and angry, causing her to leave a threatening remark behind as she used her light-foot skills to head towards Rong Jing's carriage. Soon after arriving in front of the carriage, she pulled open the curtain with one hand, indeed seeing Rong Jing seated inside. She glared at him angrily and shouted, "Rong Jing, look what you've done!"

Rong Jing was closing his eyes to rest when he heard this and slowly turned around to face Yun Qianyue. Seeing her standing in front of the carriage with a furious expression that made her cheeks glow red from either anger or embarrassment, he blinked before asking softly, "You’ve only been on Cloud Mist Mountain for half a night; why are you so angry What good deed did I do"

Yun Qianyue pointed at her neck with her finger and said angrily, "Look!"

Rong Jing followed the direction Yun Qianyue was pointing and saw that there were still traces of rouge on her neck. The sun had risen high in the sky now, casting beams of light down that made these red marks even more noticeable against her delicate, snow-white skin. His heart stirred at this sight, and he looked at Yun Qianyue with eyes filled with tenderness as he said with a smile, "Oh, I see; you’re talking about this. Indeed, it is my good deed!"

"Get rid of them right now!" Yun Qianyue ordered Rong Jing.

"Can't be done," Rong Jing shook his head. Not only could he not remove them, but he wanted to add more.

"Aren’t you very skilled Aren’t there no limits to your abilities Can even this not be erased" Yun Qianyue looked at Rong Jing’s gentle smile with blazing eyes and saw through his thoughts. She wanted to punch him in the face but thought better of it, especially considering how pleasing to the eye that face was. Instead, she kicked the side of the carriage out of spite, shouting furiously, "You must remove them!"

"Really can’t be done," Rong Jing shook his head again. Seeing Yun Qianyue really angry, he said with a smile, "Why don’t you mark my neck as well Then it’ll be fair and square!"

“You dream on!” Yun Qianyue glared at him angrily; she could never do such an indecent thing!

"Then what should I do Should I strip me naked and hang me up by the city gate so you can vent your anger" Rong Jing asked with a smile.

“That’s not a bad idea!” Yun Qianyue suddenly broke through her clouded thoughts to laugh.

"Then hurry up and get in the carriage. We should return to the city before noon when the streets are busiest, allowing you to vent your anger," Rong Jing said with a smile as he extended his hand towards Yun Qianyue.

“Alright!” Yun Qianyue placed her hand into Rong Jing’s and used it to jump up onto the carriage.

The curtain fell, hiding Rong Jing's smiling face from view.

Xiang Ge waved his whip in silence as he turned the long-stationed carriage around to head back towards the capital city. He couldn’t decide whether to say that their young master was too evil or that Miss Qianyue was too easy to please. However, privately, he hoped they wouldn't fight; if they did, it would definitely be his own suffering.

The moment Yun Qianyue got on the carriage, Rong Jing pulled her into his embrace and kissed her as she looked up at him.

Yun Qianyue quickly covered her mouth with her hand this time and glared at Rong Jing. "Do you really have an addiction"

"Yeah, I’m caught," Rong Jing nodded honestly.

Yun Qianyue rolled her eyes in exasperation mixed with amusement. "Behave yourself! Making me run all the way to Cloud Mist Mountain and then return to the capital city is something only you can do!"

She would never actually strip Rong Jing naked and hang him up by the city gate; she was merely too embarrassed after being provoked by Flower Fall’s words. Then, thinking of how calmly she had chatted with everyone under the moonlight while holding a pearl that night, she wanted to bang her head against a wall.

"Cloud Mist Mountain is shrouded in thick fog. Nobody can see you there; it's not embarrassing!" Rong Jing said with a smile.

"I feel embarrassed enough before my mother! Can that still be called non-embarrassing Take back your pearl," Yun Qianyue pushed Rong Jing away and threw the box containing the pearl into his chest. She hated this pearl!

Rong Jing took the night pearl, looked at Yun Qianyue’s flustered little face with a gentle smile, "Let our mother see it; she’ll know her daughter has grown up and can now receive the Six Rites!"

"Get lost!" Yun Qianyue kicked Rong Jing again in anger. “You’re truly shameless!”

She had always known that Rong Jing was a man of sharp and poisonous speech, but she hadn't realized he could also be so shamelessly flattering!

"Ouch!" Rong Jing let out an indrawn breath as his eyebrows furrowed together. "You hit my wounded arm!"

Yun Qianyue was startled; indeed, it seemed that she had kicked the spot where he had been injured on his arm. She quickly leaned forward and pulled up his sleeve to examine it nervously. Seeing there were no bandages wrapped around it but only an unharmed arm before her, she looked up at Rong Jing in confusion to see him smiling softly at her; then realization dawned upon her as she angrily exclaimed: "This is clearly your good arm! You lied to me! What a…"

Rong Jing suddenly reached out and held her close against his chest, pressing her into it. He lowered his head and kissed her lips accurately, swallowing Yun Qianyue's words mid-sentence.

At this moment, Rong Jing’s kiss was warm and tender; whereas, after spending half a night on Cloud Mist Mountain, Yun Qianyue’s entire body felt cool, even the edges of her lips. However, with the misty air from the mountain peak mingling in, she smelled fragrantly clear, which transformed his initially light kiss into an intimate deep one.

Yun Qianyue's anger turned to laughter and then to a softness throughout her body as she panted rapidly.

A long while later, Rong Jing let go of her; with their lips still pressed together, he spoke in a hoarse voice. "A day without seeing you feels like three seasons have passed. The ancients were not lying to us. I haven’t seen you for just half a night but already feel it’s been as long as three seasons. What should we do"

"Cooling down!" Yun Qianyue panted.

"How do you cool down Teach me!" Rong Jing asked softly.

"Cooling down is... " Yun Qianyue was stumped, struggling to say a sentence before finally speaking up, "It's bathing in cold water!"

"Is that effective" Rong Jing raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, it works!" Yun Qianyue thought of how most men who lose their minds tend to cool down with cold water. She felt this scoundrel should wash his brain with cold water.

"No way! What if you catch a chill" Rong Jing seemed to seriously consider it before shaking his head, hugging Yun Qianyue tightly and burying his nose in her fragrance. He murmured softly, "As long as I hold onto you!"

Yun Qianyue was speechless. Rong Jing really was Rong Jing; showering with cold water is a fool's act!

"Did you gain any insights yesterday on the mountain" Rong Jing asked with a smile, plucking a strand of Yun Qianyue’s hair.

"Yes!" Yun Qianyue thought she had gained more than just insights. She looked up at Rong Jing and curiously asked, "Aren’t you supposed to welcome the Seventh Prince back to the capital Why did you come here instead Did you let him return by himself while you came back"

"No! I welcomed the Seventh Prince into the city and escorted him all the way to his residence. Considering that you didn't ride a horse, and the distance between Cloud Mist Mountain and the capital is over a hundred miles, how would you get back when you leave the mountain Since there was nothing else urgent, I went out of the city again to pick you up!" Rong Jing explained.

"Hmm, that's quite manly!" Yun Qianyue felt a little touched. She now had martial arts skills and could travel a hundred miles using her agility; she should be able to return on her own. However, having Rong Jing show concern for her made her feel like a pampered woman.

"You're moved already" Rong Jing chuckled, raising an eyebrow.

Yun Qianyue grunted without admitting it. "It's just a small matter. What to be touched by that"

Rong Jing smiled lightly and kissed Yun Qianyue’s lips again, not pressing the issue. "Alright! You're not moved then! But are you tired Are you sleepy"

"Yes, I'm very sleepy!" Yun Qianyue had initially not felt cold but now lying in Rong Jing's arms, she noticed how much colder her body was. She shifted and tried to leave his embrace, "Don't bother me; let me sleep."

“I’ll sleep with you.” Rong Jing lay down beside her as he did the previous night, encircling Yun Qianyue in his arms.

Yun Qianyue seemed used to Rong Jing’s actions and didn’t say anything else. She placed her head on his intact arm and closed her eyes.

Rong Jing also shut his eyes, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

Xiangge deliberately slowed down their carriage; it moved slowly. The warm sunlight shone onto the black curtains of the carriage, causing the dark wood to emit a greenish-black glow.

Along the way, they said nothing. Yun Qianyue was wrapped in warmth and slept deeply. Rong Jing’s breathing was light and even; he too was fast asleep.

After two hours, the carriage entered the city without any hindrance.

The bustling sounds on the streets woke up Yun Qianyue. She half-opened her eyes to hear people discussing something about the "Seventh Prince" faintly. Most of it was praising his appearance and saying that if Rong Jing was the most handsome man in the world, then the Seventh Prince would be just a notch below him...

She listened for a moment before closing her eyes again.

Rong Jing seemed to have been sleeping all along without any response.

The carriage headed straight back to the Honorable Mansion.

Xiangge had barely stopped when the voice of the mansion’s head steward, Rong Fu, came rushing over: "Young Master! You’re finally back!"

Rong Jing opened his eyes but didn’t immediately respond.

Yun Qianyue stretched. Even the best carriage was still a carriage; it wasn't as comfortable for sleeping as a bed.

"Head Steward, what is it" Xiangge asked.

"The palace sent someone very early in the morning to inform us that because of the Seventh Prince’s return, His Majesty is delighted and has arranged a banquet at the Imperial Garden for his welcome. The feast will start at noon. His Majesty also invites Young Master to attend," Rong Fu added: "The person from the palace emphasized that since Young Master welcomed the Seventh Prince late last night, it's imperative you attend!"

Yun Qianyue thought that this old emperor truly valued the Seventh Prince.

"I understand." Rong Jing responded coolly.

"Is Miss Qin Yue inside the vehicle" Cloud Meng's voice came from outside.

Cloud Qianyue didn’t expect that Yun Meng would also be waiting at Rong王府. She nodded and replied, "Yes!"

"Just now, someone from the palace went to our residence and invited Miss Qin Yue to attend a banquet in the palace." Cloud Meng said.

Cloud Qianyue’s action of stretching her arm stiffened. Was she also supposed to enter the palace She looked at Rong Jing.

Rong Jing glanced at her but didn’t say anything.

Cloud Qianyue got up and sat straight, reaching out to lift the curtain. Suddenly, Rong Jing stopped her with his hand. Turning back to look at him, she saw him holding a face mask and covering her head with it. Flipping her eyes, she saw Rong Jing release his grip, then continued lifting the curtain.

Outside, not only was Grand Administrator Rong Fu of the Rong王府 and Grand Administrator Yun Meng of the Yun王府 standing at the entrance, but there was also a woman wearing a face mask. Unlike Cloud Qianyue’s thin translucent mask that could be seen through, this woman's mask was slightly thicker, obscuring her features completely. But from her figure and attire, she recognized her as Wen Ruyan.

Cloud Qianyue raised an eyebrow at the sight of Wen Ruyan. She wore a face mask to cover up the marks on her neck, but why did Wen Ruyan need one Recalling Ye Qian’s words about having her "little cuties" like Wen Ruyan, she smiled.

Wen Ruyan also noticed Cloud Qianyue at this moment. Her exposed beautiful eyes revealed anger and hatred.

Cloud Meng was stunned when he saw that Cloud Qianyue was wearing a mask, then continued, "The messenger from the palace said the same thing as what they told Shizǐ Rong Jing—requesting you to enter the palace. The Emperor said that he frightened you on that day and this time he wants to compensate for it by inviting you to Prince Qi’s banquet."

Compensation Who knows what he is planning Cloud Qianyue wasn’t buying it. Shaking her head, she replied weakly, "I was indeed frightened that day and I’m still feeling unwell after visiting my mother's grave yesterday to burn joss paper for her. Currently, I feel uncomfortable all over, so I won't go to the palace! Uncle Meng, please send someone back with this message!"

"This... The Emperor insists you must attend. If you don’t come, wouldn’t it be disobeying his order" Cloud Meng looked at Cloud Qianyue; he was also somber when she mentioned her mother.

"It’s just Prince Qi’s welcoming banquet. I really can’t stand going there. Uncle Father-in-law shouldn't be too unreasonable, right Besides, he must know that yesterday was my mother's memorial day. Don’t worry, Uncle Father-in-law won’t blame me for it. Please send someone to the palace with this message!" Cloud Qianyue waved her hand.

Seeing how genuinely uncomfortable Cloud Qianyue looked, and guessing she probably couldn't show herself after crying bitterly over burning joss paper for Wangfei, Cloud Meng nodded and said, "Then... As it’s the day of mourning for Lady Wang, Miss must feel sad and distressed. If you’re feeling bad then there's no need to attend! I will personally go to the palace to explain!"

Cloud Qianyue nodded, "Yes, it would be best if you went in person."

"Miss should rest well and not get too distressed. Otherwise, Lady Wang’s spirit might feel sad seeing Miss being upset for her," Cloud Meng comforted.

"Alright, thank you Uncle Meng, I understand!" Cloud Qianyue nodded.

Cloud Meng didn’t say more; he turned and left the entrance of Rong王府.

Seeing that Yun Meng had left, Cloud Qianyue looked back at Rong Jing.

"You go ahead to Purple Bamboo Courtyard first! I’ll enter the palace alone!" Rong Jing watched Cloud Qianyue with warm eyes and said softly enough for only them to hear: "You were exposed to cold air on the Cloud Mist Mountain last night. After you return, take a bath in hot spring pools to drive out the chill; otherwise it might harm your health. If it does, I’ll have to treat you."

Thinking of how Rong Jing was fussing over her like an old granny, she replied and got off the carriage gracefully.

The curtain fell down, seemingly causing Rong Jing a slight chuckle as he gently instructed Xuan Ge, "Head for the palace!"

"Yes," Xuan Ge turned the horses around, and the carriage left from in front of Rong王府.

Cloud Qianyue walked into the compound as if it were her home.

The Grand Administrator of Rong王府, Rong Fu bowed to Cloud Qianyue and allowed her passage. Regardless of what was being discussed outside, no one in the Rong王府, whether openly or privately, dared to talk about the relationship between Shizǐ Rong Jing and Miss Qin Yue. He had served Lord Old Rong王府 since he was young, witnessing Rong Jing grow up as well; after falling ill, Rong Jing treated everyone indifferently, yet he always showed kindness towards Miss Qin Yue. Moreover, allowing her to stay in Purple Bamboo Courtyard—a place even the old lord didn’t permit others to enter—clearly implied that Shizǐ had a special care for Miss Qin Yue.

Seeing Cloud Qianyue walking into the compound confidently, Wen Ruyan also stepped forward.

"Miss Wen, please stop!" Rong Fu blocked Wen Ruyan’s way.

"Why are you stopping me Why can she enter while I am being stopped" Wen Ruyan angrily looked at Rong Fu. She absolutely must see Rong Feng today; since that day, he hadn’t visited Wen General Mansion once. After two days of waiting, she couldn’t stand it anymore and came to the Rong王府 today hoping to meet Rong Feng, only to be stopped outside, told that Gongzi Feng was seeing no visitors. Just as she was thinking about how to enter under some pretext, unexpectedly, she saw Cloud Qianyue getting off Shizǐ’s carriage and walking in confidently as if it were her own home. This distinct treatment made Wen Ruyan furious.

"Miss Yun can come and go freely because Miss Qin Yue is a guest at the Rong王府," Rong Fu politely explained.

"Then why can’t I" Wen Ruyan, who was ignored by Cloud Qianyue and stopped by Rong Fu without even a glance back, grew more enraged.

"You cannot. Not everyone is allowed to stay at the Rong王府 as guests." Rong Fu shook his head.

"Then why can Yun Qianyue" Wen Ruyan restrained her anger and asked.

"Miss Qianyue's body is extremely weak, and she needs our Young Lord to help her recuperate. However, due to his current injuries, he cannot travel back and forth between the Rong王府 and Yun王府 daily. Therefore, Miss Qianyue has to reside in the Rong王府," Rong Fu explained.

"There are so many imperial physicians available in the palace, but she insists on using Lord Jing instead; I suspect that she must have some ulterior motive towards him," Wen Ruiyan spoke loudly on purpose for Yun Qianyue to hear.

Rong Fu's expression immediately turned solemn and he warned her, "Miss Wen, be cautious with your words!"

Wen Ruiyan knew that she shouldn’t have said such things; after all, spreading rumors about Lord Jing at the entrance of the Rong王府 was not a wise idea. But she couldn't bear it, especially since Yun Qianyue had asked the emperor for an imperial marriage decree to marry Rong Feng during the martial examination tournament and now spent her days with Lord Jing instead. If only Rong Feng hadn’t cared about her but sent Yun Qianyue back home that day; she lowered her voice and said to Rong Fu, "What I said was right. With so many imperial physicians available in the palace, and Lord Jing injured himself, she insisted on using him for her treatment—this is clearly an ulterior motive toward Lord Jing..."

"Miss Wen, it is by His Majesty's imperial decree that our Young Lord treats Miss Qianyue. Are you questioning the validity of His Majesty’s command" Rong Fu had never seen such an unrefined woman; he coldly interrupted her.

"His Majesty’s imperial decree" Wen Ruiyan was surprised.

"Two days ago, when Princess Ye cast a spell in front of the Meridian Gate, Miss Qianyue's body condition was diagnosed as severely depleted. His Majesty entrusted our Young Lord to cure her to the best of his abilities. Do you think that the medical skills of those imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Office could surpass those of our Young Lord" Rong Fu looked at Wen Ruiyan through her veil and coldly said, "Our Young Lord was injured while saving Miss Qin, who is the fiancée to the Crown Prince-to-be. He cannot travel back and forth between Yun王府 daily due to his injuries, and Miss Qianyue’s body condition also makes it difficult for her to do so either. Therefore, our Young Lord came up with a plan that benefits both parties by inviting Miss Qianyue to stay at the Rong王府 as a guest."

Wen Ruiyan immediately fell silent.

"But this doesn’t seem like something you should concern yourself with. How our Young Lord and Miss Qianyue interact is none of your business, Miss Wen. I explained everything to you out of respect for General Wen’s face. Please be more cautious about what you say in the future. There are certain things that need to be said, but there are also things that should remain unsaid—this should be clear to you. Otherwise, it would lead to self-inflicted harm! What I heard today is something I can pretend never happened. However, if this reaches our Young Lord’s ears, Miss Wen might want to consider how he would advise you on being more cautious in the future," Rong Fu warned her.

Wen Ruiyan shivered and involuntarily took a step back.

"I heard that Miss Wen has contracted measles; it’s best for you to return home and rest!" As soon as Rong Fu entered, the guards hurriedly closed the door.

"Rong Chief! Wait!" Upon seeing Rong Fu enter the王府, Wen Ruiyan quickly called out, her tone softer this time.

“Is there anything else Miss Wen needs" Rong Fu stopped and looked at her.

"I... I want to see Feng," Wen Ruiyan pleaded. "Could you let me in for a moment or inform him so that he can come out to meet with me"

“Miss Wen, this is impossible!” Rong Fu shook his head decisively.

"Chief, I apologize for my rudeness earlier and hope you will forgive me. Please let me see Feng; there's something important I need to speak with him about," Wen Ruiyan said anxiously.

Rong Fu sighed as he looked at her through the veil. "It’s not that I don’t want to help, but Feng has instructed that no visitors be received. Someone already reported your arrival earlier, and Feng refused to see anyone."

"He... He knows I’m here And still won't see me" Wen Ruiyan asked with tear-filled eyes.

“Feng is currently in seclusion studying martial arts. You know that the results of the martial examination tournament between him and Xiao Wang have yet to be decided! There are many things piled up due to His Majesty’s delay, but it could start at any moment; Feng can't afford to lose focus. Ever since he returned to the capital, he has been residing here in the city. Miss Wen should not rush to see him.” Rong Fu added with a hint of sympathy: “Right now, you need to take care of your measles condition first. If Feng sees you in this state, he would likely be unhappy.”

Wen Ruiyan was stunned; she had been so anxious to see Rong Feng that she forgot about her measles. She hurriedly nodded and thanked him gratefully: "Thank you, Chief! I understand now. I'll return home first and come back when Feng is free!"

“Alright then! Miss Wen, please take care on your way back!” Rong Fu said.

Wen Ruiyan turned around and got into her carriage which quickly left the gate of the Rong王府 towards General Wen's residence.

Rong Fu thought that among the noblewomen in the capital, Miss Wen’s reputation was rather good; she was reported to be well-educated. However, women are like this once they fall deeply in love—becoming foolish and impractical. In his view, Feng had no interest whatsoever in her. Not only did he not intend for Miss Wen, but even many of the ladies in the capital had no intention either. Judging from Feng’s action to personally escort Miss Yun Qianyue back to the Yun王府 that day, it seemed likely that he indeed had feelings towards Miss Yun Qianyue, unfortunately for her, so did their Young Lord. However, these matters were beyond his control; after decades in the Rong王府, he understood that doing his duty as a servant was all he could do.

After Wen Ruiyan left, the gates of the Rong王府 closed tightly again.

Yun Qianyue knew why Wen Ruiyan came to the Rong王府—she wanted to see Rong Feng. She thought that once women fall for men, they become foolish and irrational. Wen Ruiyan probably saw her as an enemy now. Although she had requested an imperial marriage decree during the martial examination tournament, it was understandable if people considered her one of Wen Ruiyan’s rivals; however, it still felt somewhat helpless. Nobody wanted to be hated by others.

Yun Qianyue smiled helplessly as she made her way through the front courtyard towards Purple Bamboo Grove.

The Rong王府 was more lively today than when she had followed Lord Jing out yesterday. Back then, there were almost no people around; today, however, she encountered several individuals who avoided her with fearful expressions and paid their respects to her in a trembling manner as they hurried past her. She thought that the atmosphere now was very different from when she first came to the Rong王府. At that time, everyone had been curious about her, but now it seemed either Lord Jing had managed his household well or it was because of how intimidating she looked!

She wasn’t bothered by this thought and meandered lazily towards the Purple Bamboo Grove.

Passing through the courtyard pavilion columns, she saw someone standing on a pavilion over the green lake bridge. He stood tall in a white robe, though his back was turned to her. She recognized him immediately: Rong Feng, whom Wen Ruiyan wanted to see. She hadn’t expected to run into him here and stopped walking.

Rong Feng turned around and looked at Yun Qianyue.

Seeing Rong Feng’s face under the shade of the pavilion from the sunlight, standing by the green lake with purple bamboo groves as a backdrop, his white robe like snow, clean and pure, she thought that if Lord Jing didn’t exist, she might have liked Rong Feng. Although she did like him now, her feelings towards Rong Feng were different from those for Lord Jing. Her feelings for Rong Feng were purely fondness without any impurities, just as Rong Feng said they were family. However, her feelings for Lord Jing included numerous complex factors that made her heart race and blood flow faster.

Rong Feng looked at the veil on Yun Qianyue's face and suddenly raised his eyebrows.

Because her internal energy had become very profound, Yun Qianyue clearly saw the subtle expressions on Rong Feng’s face. Her face turned red; she cursed secretly in her heart: 'Rong Jing is a rogue.' After hesitating for a moment, she stepped forward to go over.

When she got onto the pavilion, Yun Qianyue stood before Rong Jing and saw that he was still looking at her veil. She coughed lightly before speaking, "Why are you standing here in the wind I saw Wen Rusyan when I came back just now; it seems like she's looking for you."

Rong Feng withdrew his gaze, all traces of expression on his face vanished. He nodded slightly, though his voice was still soft and gentle: "I know she’s here! I don't want to see her. I knew that you had returned to the manor; I’ve been waiting for you specifically."

"Wait for me" Yun Qianyue looked at Rong Feng.

“Mm.” Rong Feng nodded.

"Is there something Come, let's sit down and talk!" Yun Qianyue turned around to sit on the marble chair in the pavilion. The surroundings were quiet; within several square yards no one could hide here. It was a good place for conversation.

Rong Feng sat down and looked at Yun Qianyue, seemingly hesitating before asking: "Has Seventh Prince returned to the capital Did you see him"

Yun Qianyue was taken aback; she had wondered what Rong Feng wanted to talk to her about. It turned out it was about Seventh Prince! She nodded then shook her head, “It’s as if I saw him, yet also as if I didn’t.”

Rong Feng looked at Yun Qianyue in confusion.

"Yesterday Rong Jing went to pick him up; I was in the carriage and didn't go out. But I did hear a few words he said!" Yun Qianyue thought about her relationship with Seventh Prince. It seemed very close, but how close exactly They couldn’t possibly be betrothed already! If she wasn’t herself—Yun Shallow Moon—she might think so; but at this moment, knowing that she was indeed Yun Shallow Moon, she felt it unlikely according to her own cold-hearted nature. She wouldn't easily take a liking to someone.

"So it's like that! Is it because of the Young Master’s reasons that you didn’t see him" Rong Feng asked softly.

Yun Qianyue nodded. Rong Feng was a person with very meticulous thoughts; through several meetings and events, he naturally knew that she and Rong Jing were now in a mutually affectionate relationship. Since he asked like this, she wouldn’t lie to him by saying otherwise. Furthermore, though he said he considered her as family, the emotions hidden deeper than those of family she could sense. If she couldn't respond to him, it was better to stick with calling herself his family. Rong Feng asking in such a way showed that deep down he clearly knew they would only be relatives.

"I didn’t expect that after I sent you off to Cloud Manor two days ago, the Young Master and you had already developed this kind of relationship…" Rong Feng looked at Yun Qianyue’s face covered by a veil. A cool breeze from the lake in the pavilion blew on her veil, making it flutter slightly; faint traces of red powder marks along her neck were revealed. He naturally understood what they meant. After hesitating again he said: "If I knew this beforehand, I should have told you back then—about your previous relationship with Seventh Prince…"

Yun Qianyue listened attentively; although she didn’t insist on knowing about her past before losing her memory, if someone chose to tell her, she would still listen. Especially when it came to Seven Prince and herself.

But Rong Feng paused again, hesitated for a moment, then avoided any sensitive words: "Now that you’ve lost your memory, you also forgot about Seventh Prince… Actually, you and Seventh Prince…"

Yun Qianyue looked at Rong Feng as he frowned. He spoke several sentences brokenly but missed the exact words she wanted to hear. She saw him stop speaking again; his expression was hesitant and uncertain, seemingly unsure whether or not he should say it. She sighed helplessly: "Rong Feng, if you want to tell me something, just tell me properly. If you don’t wish to tell me anything, then there’s no need to say it. Your manner makes me uncomfortable; I also feel for your conflicting emotions."

Rong Jing looked at Yun Qianyue.

"Forget it, you don’t have to say it!" Yun Qianyue suddenly waved her hand and smiled coolly: "The past me is the past me. But now I’m the present me. If a lifetime can be divided into two lifetimes, then my previous life was before losing my memory; after that, everything has started anew, like rebirth. The past is forgotten."

Rong Jing was taken aback.

Yun Qianyue continued slowly, her voice soft but clear: "No matter what happened between me and Seventh Prince in the past, or no matter how close we were—closer than my relationship with Rong Jing now—or any other kind of relationship; I’m different from before. So even if Seventh Prince stood before me, it would feel unfamiliar to me. Therefore, why should anything else be considered"

Rong Feng continued staring at Yun Qianyue blankly.

"I’ve discovered that I genuinely like Rong Jing; this isn’t just simple affection but a liking of the opposite sex kind. If not for Seventh Prince's letter to me two days ago, I might not have realized how much I liked Rong Jing. Now I feel joy when he’s happy, anger when he’s angry, worry when he’s troubled, and sadness when he’s hurt; I’m jealous that he saved Qin Yuning and my heart aches when he gets injured. When he acts in ways inappropriate for a gentleman towards me, I don’t feel repulsed. Isn't this liking" Yun Qianyue asked Rong Feng.

After a brief hesitation, Rong Feng’s face showed a hint of gloominess which quickly vanished as he nodded slightly.

"So you know what you’re doing!" Yun Qianyue said confidently. Thinking that this might not be fair to Seventh Prince but the world never promised fairness. She couldn’t erase her feelings for Rong Jing after regaining memory simply because she had a past with him before losing memory, especially when those memories and experiences were hard to抹殺。

Rong Feng looked at Yun Qianyue; although he was looking through a veil, he could still sense the clarity of her recognition from her words and aura. Suddenly he felt his worries were insignificant in comparison to her demeanor. He pursed his lips lightly and said softly: "But have you thought about what will happen if after seeing Seventh Prince, you remember something or regain your memory"

Rong Feng wanted to say could she still be as emotionally detached towards Seventh Prince at that time Could she still say those words

Yun Qianyue was taken aback; after a brief pause, she said softly: "I will follow my heart."

Rong Feng looked at Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue smiled faintly and said to him with a sigh while leaning closer to look at his handsome face: “You see yourself, you're looking so gloomy like someone owes you money but hasn't paid it back. Don’t worry about me; there’s an old saying that 'there will always be a way when you reach the mountain.' Even if there's no road, we can create one. What is there to fear I've accomplished something as big as having the old emperor repeal a tradition set by his ancestors, so what else could scare me”

Rong Feng's expression softened slightly, and he sighed helplessly before saying gently: "As long as you are well, I am satisfied!"

Yun Qianyue was deeply moved again. Rong Feng was so good! Although he didn't speak much, she could sense his deep affection whenever they were together. She had no idea what kind of experience they shared that made them rely on each other for survival. Seeing him still looking worried, she teased with a smile: "There's also a saying that goes 'The emperor is not in a hurry but the eunuch is.' Are you thinking of becoming a eunuch, Rong Feng"

Rong Feng finally showed a more relaxed expression.

"Did you come here today just to talk about this Is there anything else" Yun Qianyue saw him smiling and felt relieved as she asked with a smile.

Rong Feng shook his head, "No!"

"Then what have you been doing in the capital besides participating in the martial arts championship" Yun Qianyue asked.

"I spend half my day practicing kung fu in my room and the other half reading military books assigned by the Young Master. I'm also getting familiar with the ministry of war's documents," Rong Feng said.

"Familiarizing yourself with the ministry of war's documents" Yun Qianyue raised her brows, "Can anyone read these documents from the Ministry of War"

"The Young Master has his ways. The documents and materials I've been reading are indeed those of the Ministry of War!" Rong Feng said.

Yun Qianyue blinked, thinking that though the military's documents couldn't be leaked to outsiders, Rong Jing had means to obtain them all. With Rong Feng’s excellent martial arts skills, if Old Emperor expected him to compete against Ye Qingran after some time and then assign him a post, it would likely be at the Ministry of War! Rong Jing was truly foresightful! She nodded her head, suddenly recalling something and gossiped with interest: "I know you live in the Jadesprout Pavilion. I heard that several noble ladies from town were also invited to stay as guests there"

Rong Feng's expression showed a hint of discomfort, looking at Yun Qianyue’s very interested eyes and said with slight annoyance and melancholy: "That was arranged by the Young Master after the martial arts championship! Apart from meeting Lady General Wen's daughter, I didn't see anyone else. Those ladies have already returned to their estates!"

"Rong Jing" Yun Qianyue raised her eyebrows.

"Mm-hmm!" Rong Feng’s face was unusually gloomy, "The day after you asked the Emperor for permission to marry me and become my wife at the martial arts championship!"

Yun Qianyue had an epiphany. She thought that Rong Jing really had a black heart pulling her around to eat in Drunken Fragrance Tower, spreading rumors about them, and even inviting noble ladies from town to stay as guests in Jadesprout Pavilion in his house. Seeing the rare gloomy expression on Rong Feng's face made Yun Qianyue speechless.

"The Young Master truly cares for you! He never shows such care to anyone else," Rong Feng sighed.

Yun Qianyue recalled that period of time and was both amused and annoyed. She had never seen a man liking a woman the way he did, to the point where he enjoyed bullying her as entertainment. She used to think that women who married him after being liked by him would be quite unlucky! She didn't expect to fall into his trap first. She rolled her eyes and huffed, "He has an abusive tendency and enjoys torturing others for fun."

"How many girls wish the Young Master would abuse them!" Rong Feng laughed.

Yun Qianyue grumbled, recalling Qin Yuning and Princess Six. There were likely even more she didn't know about. She angrily cursed: "Rotten桃花!"

Rong Feng finally chuckled out loud.

Seeing Rong Feng laugh at her, Yun Qianyue's face flashed with embarrassment. She coughed lightly and was just about to shift the topic when Qing Shang’s voice came from the Purple Bamboo Grove: "Miss Yun Qianyue, Young Master has sent a message through Qing Ti. He said for you to quickly bathe in his hot spring pool since he plans to check up on you upon his return. He also told Mr Rong Feng that Emperor just mentioned him. On the day of His Majesty's birthday, he will have Ye Xiao Wangye and Mr Rong Feng compete against each other as a way of adding some excitement for His Majesty’s birthday celebration. Young Master said your martial arts skills are hard to beat Xiao Wangye so you should start practicing soon!"

Yun Qianyue looked up at the sky! Who was Qing Ti This news spread too fast, right And she didn't see anyone enter the Purple Bamboo Grove.

"Qing Ti is a bird raised by Young Master," Rong Feng explained with a smile to Yun Qianyue. He then stood and brushed off dust from his white clothes that wasn’t there in the first place, smiling as he said: "I truly should start practicing hard soon. You spent the night at Cloud Mist Mountain yesterday where it was chilly; Young Master’s hot spring pool is full of medicinal herbs under water to drive away the cold and also benefit your health."

So Qing Ti was a bird! Yun Qianyue nodded with a warm smile, "Alright, then go quickly. You must defeat Ye Qingran. If you are promoted, I'll have someone to rely on in the future!"

Rong Feng smiled and nodded without further words. With his light-footed steps, he left a trail of white smoke across the green lake before moving westward towards Purple Bamboo Grove.

Yun Qianyue admired Rong Feng’s agility; this was called gliding over water without leaving traces! She had originally felt proud about her own excellent skill in light-footed steps, but after seeing Rong Feng's skills she realized that she shouldn't feel too smug as there were always those better than oneself. She then turned and walked to the bridge leading inside Purple Bamboo Grove.

As soon as Yun Qianyue left the Purple Bamboo Grove, Qing Shang was waiting at the entrance of Purple Bamboo Garden with her palm holding a green bird which she thought must be Qing Ti. Smiling, she said to the bird: "So not only are Qing Quan and Qing Shang from the same family, there's also Qing Ti!"

Qing Shang laughed, "Miss Yun Qianyue is making fun of me; this Qing Ti is a messenger personally raised by Young Master."

Yun Qianyue nodded and looked at Qing Ti. The bird tilted its head and stared back at her with its bright black eyes that looked extremely alert. Just as she was about to reach out to touch it, the little bird suddenly flapped its wings and flew away from Qing Shang’s hand towards the imperial palace.

Yun Qianyue pouted, "So he's actually a small telegraph!"

"Miss Yun Qianyue, what does 'small telegraph' mean" Qing Shang was puzzled.

"It means your Young Master’s puppy! Do you understand now" Yun Qianyue started walking towards the inner garden.

Qing Shang's mouth twitched as she nodded. Qing Ti would naturally go to the imperial palace to report that Miss Yun Qianyue had returned to Purple Bamboo Garden. She thought it was tough for Young Master too; he even worried about Miss Yun Qianyue when having banquets with Emperor in the imperial palace, as if fearing someone else might snatch her away.e on the ground not getting back up. Regardless of how much he screamed, they remained unable to rise from their painful positions. His eyes spewed fire as he raged, "A pack of good-for-nothings; I've...