“No, this isn’t like an inn. Few could take someone away without alerting any guards. The few with such skills in the world would not harm Bing Zhi,” Yun Qi shook her head, “Let’s go look for her.”
“Okay, let’s start searching from the most dangerous places,” Yi Mu’er agreed, pulling Yun Qi out to search for Bing Zhi.
The Falling Clouds Annex Palace had a “Flying Clouds Garden,” modeled after the garden in the Falling Clouds Palace, but with all scenery slightly reduced in scale. The garden had a lake view. Though it was mid-winter, the lake had not frozen due to ground heat.
Bing Zhi, unwilling to stay confined indoors, saw the snowfall and came alone to the lakeside, unsure what to do, simply standing quietly.
When Bing Zhi heard of Xiao Jin’s death, she felt the world had shattered and had been in a coma for a day. Upon awakening, she realized how foolish she had been, not cherishing Xiao Jin while he was alive. Now that he was dead, where could she find him? This thought brought her despair, causing her to isolate herself – both as self-punishment and to contemplate her future path, determined not to have regrets again.
“Bing Zhi!” Yun Qi, with sharper eyes than Yi Mu’er, spotted Bing Zhi by the lake and was alarmed. His body moved faster than his voice, swiftly rushing forward. Reaching Bing Zhi, he restrained her from behind, quickly moving back two zhang, pulling her away from the lakeside.
“Bing Zhi, why… People cannot return from death, why do this?” Yi Mu’er nervously approached, relieved to see Bing Zhi unharmed, trying to dissuade her.
Bing Zhi’s face remained impassive, speaking calmly, “I was just enjoying the scenery, not what you think. I won’t kill myself. I’ve lived on an island for years and am a good swimmer. If I wanted to die, I wouldn’t choose this method. I will live in this world because I want to spend my lifetime remembering Jin, to prove that love leaves a trace.”
Yun Qi, hearing this, looked uncomfortable and awkwardly released Bing Zhi, saying, “I was just worried. It’s good if you’re thinking clearly.”
“I haven’t thought it through. It’s because I can’t get over it that I want to keep living, to keep thinking – why I left Jin, why he died for me, in which lifetime I might wait for him,” Bing Zhi continued in her flat tone, as if discussing a simple parting rather than life and death. “Hmm, perhaps he isn’t dead… No… It’s been so many days, he must be dead.”
“Bing Zhi, please don’t be like this. Everything will pass. The one who should leave isn’t him, but me!” Yun Qi cried out painfully, unable to bear Bing Zhi’s state. She was right before him, yet seemed infinitely distant, her heart and soul unreachable.
Bing Zhi shook her head, sighing, “No, no one should leave. Qi, I don’t blame you. This is all fate.”
Since all misfortunes have occurred, there can’t be a worse situation. This is good, this is good.”
At this moment, Bing Zhi couldn’t possibly comprehend the true meaning behind Yun Qi’s last words, “The one who should leave isn’t him, but me.”
Bing Zhi finished speaking and started walking towards the lake again.
Yun Qi didn’t think much of it, her heart entirely focused on Bing Zhi. She simply said, “Okay, don’t tire yourself out.” Without even turning her head, she hurried to catch up with Bing Zhi.
Chapter Nine: Night Infiltration (1)
Bing Zhi and Yun Qi stood together for a long time, neither speaking. Yun Qi looked at Bing Zhi, while Bing Zhi gazed at the lake. Through Bing Zhi’s eyes, Yun Qi knew her thoughts were not of her, feeling both joy and sorrow, a mix of emotions.
“Qi, I hope you can help me with something,” Bing Zhi spoke first, clearly having a request.
Yun Qi forced a smile, “Go ahead, I can’t possibly refuse you.”
“Take me to the imperial palace,” Bing Zhi finally turned, looking at Yun Qi. “I want to meet Yan’s father.”
There’s something I’ve always wanted to clarify. I want to ask and settle this.”
“Fine, I’ll help you. Well, it’s quite far to the capital. If we ride horses, it’ll take about seven days.” Having just returned from the capital, she carefully calculated the time. Knowing Bing Zhi was weak, she extended the journey by three days.
Bing Zhi pondered for a moment, then said, “Let’s set out this afternoon. My luggage is simple, just some necessities, and it’s already prepared.”
Yun Qi gave a bitter smile, “So you’ve already planned this… Alright, we’ll leave this afternoon. I’ll ask Old Li to prepare fast horses.”
Bing Zhi acknowledged and fell silent again.
“Aren’t you going to ask where I’ve been these ten days?” Yun Qi couldn’t help but ask.
Bing Zhi seemed surprised, “So ten days have passed! I thought it was only two days at most. But you’re a young master, naturally you’d have matters to handle. Besides, you’re standing right in front of me now.”
“So for you, without Xiao Yan, any amount of time is just fleeting, and even I, though noticed, am of no real concern,” Yun Qi turned her head, murmuring to herself.
After standing with Bing Zhi a while longer, Yun Qi said, “Rest in your room if you’re tired.”
“We’re traveling this afternoon. I’ll arrange the horses.” With that, she left.
Yun Qi looked at the person walking out of the darkness, startled, because this person looked very similar to Xiao Jin, only appearing two or three years younger. Could he be…
“I mean no harm, I just want to meet the emperor. I hope this friend can help guide me.”
“I am Xiao Hui, Xiao Jin’s younger brother,” the man introduced himself openly. “Since we are friends and not enemies, I am willing to lead the way. Please follow me.”
“Thank you so much!” Yun Qi felt relieved as Xiao Hui’s demeanor resembled that of Xiao Jin, appearing to be a graceful gentleman.
Xiao Hui did not immediately lead the way but instead carefully examined Bing Zhi, his gaze briefly showing a hint of surprise. Bing Zhi merely glanced at him and then looked into the distance. For Bing Zhi, one glance was enough to distinguish between the two brothers.
Yun Qi, seeing this, stepped in front of Bing Zhi, with an angry look.
Xiao Hui, seeing Yun Qi’s reaction, smiled and shook his head, saying, “This way, please.”
Along the way, with Xiao Hui leading, there was no need to hide. The guards saw Yun Qi and Bing Zhi were unfamiliar faces but did not dare to ask questions.
“Is this the place?
” Bing Zhi, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. She would never forget that here, behind the screen, she had overheard the conversation between Xiao Jin and the emperor, first learning Xiao Jin’s true identity. The pain and shock she felt then remained undiminished even now.
Xiao Hui did not need to speak before Bing Zhi knew, so he said, “Yes, my father is inside. I will go and announce your arrival. Please wait here for a moment.”
“Thank you,” Yun Qi replied casually, his mind focused on Bing Zhi, afraid she might be emotionally overwhelmed by the memories.
Xiao Hui nodded and turned to enter the room.
Moments later, Xiao Hui emerged, saying, “Miss Bing Zhi can go in now. My father is inside.”
Bing Zhi nodded and walked directly into the room.
“She didn’t even look back…” Xiao Hui watched Bing Zhi disappear behind the curtain, sighing.
Yun Qi detected the underlying meaning in Xiao Hui’s words but did not respond. Instead, he said, “You were waiting here all along, weren’t you?” He noticed Xiao Hui’s familiarity with Bing Zhi’s name, and since this was their first meeting, how would he know her name? He must have tried to understand her beforehand.
“You saw through me? Your observation and analytical skills are not bad.”
Hehe, yes, I knew you were coming, so I had long been prepared,” Xiao Hui spoke with an unexpectedly casual tone, even complimenting Yun Qi.
