Ruan Ning was mesmerized. The first time she saw him, he had walked towards her through fire and blood, instilling terror that made her want to stay far away. Now, he made her heart surge, and she wished to throw herself into his arms and express her love.
Beside her was a drum. Ruan Ning raised the heavy drumsticks and struck the drum surface. In the thundering sounds, Chu Yuan seemed to sense her presence and turned to look at the city tower, meeting her gaze. They exchanged smiles, a hint of tenderness emerging amid the carnage.
The battle did not last long. An hour later, the barbarians fled in panic, abandoning a ground full of corpses. Chu Yuan’s bright red robe had turned deep red. He strode towards the wide-open gate, where Ruan Ning stood, his best comfort. He rushed to her, lifted her legs, and carried her, laughing: “Ning Ning, I’m so happy!”
Night fell, and warm lamplight blocked out the cold and war outside. In the brocade curtains, spring’s passion was boundless, and the intertwined bodies of a man and woman endlessly expressed their love.
Chapter 130: Grand Finale
Ruan Ning drowsily woke up around noon. In the past two months, she had mostly spent her time in a bumpy carriage. Entangled by Chu Yuan all night, her body felt crushed, and she didn’t want to move.
Chu Yuan leaned by the bedside with a food box and hot water. Seeing her awake, he smiled and kissed her, softly saying, “Are you tired?”
Ruan Ning leaned against him, dazedly staring at the curtains.
“Eat something; don’t starve yourself,” Chu Yuan said, concern in his voice. He lifted her onto his lap, helped her wash her face, and fed her half a bowl of meat porridge, chattering, “The food at the border isn’t as refined as in the capital; bear with it.”
Ruan Ning replied lazily, “Am I someone who can’t endure hardship? I’ve eaten cold flatbread with you for two months.”
Chu Yuan kissed her cheek, smiling. His expression became serious: “After this battle, the Emperor will soon know my whereabouts.”
“I only hope the Crown Prince can persuade him not to come looking for me.”
