If it was this, she took back her previous words—this box indeed needed a lock.

Even holding it in her hands felt like holding something burning hot. If it had accidentally opened on the journey and Jiang Zhiyi had seen it, it might have frightened the poor child…

Bao Jia stared at the object in her hands, her eyelids trembling slightly.

She had similar objects in her private collection, but those were merely simple objects.

This one, however, was crafted in Li Dafeng’s shape, carefully polished by his own hands. Holding it felt like holding him.

“You—” Bao Jia swallowed lightly as she looked at the jade, slowly raising her eyelids to confirm, “Made this yourself?”

Li Dafeng stared at her swallowing motion: “Does the Princess think this is something that could be delegated to others?”

“It seems Master Li has been quite busy in secret at the military camp these past few months,” Bao Jia curved her lips, looking at him. “I—”

Before she could say “like it very much,” she suddenly noticed Li Dafeng’s gaze shift, looking past her.

Bao Jia followed Li Dafeng’s line of sight and turned around, seeing Liu Linfei hesitantly standing at the other end of the corridor, looking at her and Li Dafeng from a distance, as if he had something to discuss with her.

Liu Linfei hadn’t been among the companions she had just dismissed.

Aware of his past theft and guilt, Liu Linfei knew that being allowed to stay was already fortunate, so he didn’t dare to hover around her like the other companions.

“Do you need something?” Bao Jia’s smile faded as she closed the box and raised her chin toward Liu Linfei.

Liu Linfei glanced at Li Dafeng, then hesitantly said to Bao Jia: “…Could the Princess spare a moment for a private word?”

The last time he had asked for a private word was also when Li Dafeng was present. Why another private conversation now?

Since Liu Linfei rarely appeared before her, Bao Jia feared it might be something urgent. She turned to Li Dafeng and said, “Wait for me in my room.”

Li Dafeng opened his mouth to say something, looked at Liu Linfei, then paused. Only when Bao Jia gave him a questioning look did he finally speak: “I don’t believe I know which room is the Princess’s bedchamber.”

Indeed, during his half-month stay at the Princess’s residence half a year ago, he had never set foot in her bedchamber.

Bao Jia let out a laugh, looking at Liu Linfei, then back at Li Dafeng.

What was this? Was he unwilling to appear inferior in front of a colleague? But who had insisted on being nobly righteous and painfully letting her go back then?

Bao Jia smiled and turned to give instructions: “Cui Mei, please lead Master Li there, and have someone prepare bath water for Master Li.”

Cui Mei gestured for Li Dafeng to follow.

Li Dafeng gave Liu Linfei one last look, remained silent for a moment, then followed Cui Mei.

Liu Linfei approached, waiting until Li Dafeng’s figure disappeared around the corner before stammering: “…Princess, this humble one wanted to tell you that I met Master Li at the medical shop this afternoon.”

Oh? So what?

“This humble one went for that same ailment as before, and Master Li might have overheard…”

Bao Jia was momentarily stunned before realizing which ailment he meant.

“You said this afternoon? Was that before I went to the Marquis’s residence?”

“Yes, this humble one saw Master Li at the medical shop and thought my eyes were playing tricks. Just now, hearing from Jin Yue and the others that Master Li had returned to the capital, I realized it wasn’t a mistake. This humble one was concerned that Master Li might misunderstand again, so I came to inform the Princess.”

Bao Jia slowly turned her head in the direction Li Dafeng had left, recalling his indifferent attitude at the Marquis’s residence earlier today and his restrained demeanor just now. She suddenly understood.

“Oh—” Bao Jia drew out the sound and laughed.

Liu Linfei: “The Princess told this humble one not to speak unnecessarily last time, so this time…”

Bao Jia was still lost in her thoughts and took a moment to remember Liu Linfei was still present: “All right, I understand. You don’t need to concern yourself with this matter. Go about your business.”

Liu Linfei bowed and withdrew.

Bao Jia weighed the box in her hand, her lips curving upward gradually as she walked briskly toward her bedchamber.

*

When Li Dafeng emerged from the bathhouse, night had fallen. He saw Bao Jia reclining on the bed with her head propped up on her hand, examining his gift by candlelight.

Hearing him enter, Bao Jia glanced at him and pointed at the box: “Is Master Li’s gift meant for me to remember him by, or is it meant to be put to use?”

Li Dafeng looked outside to ensure no one else was present, then replied: “Whatever pleases the Princess.”

He had selected a special jade material that wouldn’t harm the body and had carefully polished all the edges and corners smooth. Naturally, it wasn’t merely for looking at.

“However, it should be viewed more often than used, and must be thoroughly cleaned before use. It is, after all, a foreign object. I’ve written all this in the accompanying letter,” Li Dafeng added.

So formal, like giving medical instructions?

She had, of course, already read the letter in the box, which contained detailed instructions about the cleaning solution formula and methods. Originally, with him absent, she would have simply read the letter herself. Now that both the gift and the giver had arrived, couldn’t they have a more intimate conversation?

“View more often than use? Master Li speaks from a position of comfort,” Bao Jia smiled, taking out the jade piece and holding it in her hand, waving it slightly. “If I look at it, how can I resist using it?”

Li Dafeng looked at her hand holding the jade: “The Princess has others she can use.”

Bao Jia suppressed a laugh as she looked at him: “Master Li has tempted me with a replica of himself. If I were to seek others to satisfy my desires, wouldn’t that be unfair to you?”

Li Dafeng stood silently for a moment, then turned to open his medical box and took out a diagnostic pillow as he approached.

“What are you doing?” Bao Jia eyed him suspiciously.

“Checking the Princess’s pulse.”

Bao Jia was stunned: “Li Dafeng, I’m trying to have an intimate conversation with you… And you want to check my pulse? How discouraging.”

“I want to see if the Princess’s cold womb condition has improved. The Princess can continue talking while I diagnose. It won’t interfere.”

Bao Jia was quite irritated by his mood-killing behavior: “It hasn’t improved, not one bit! With beautiful companions by my side and wine as my companion every day, how could it improve?”

Li Dafeng extended his hand toward her.

Bao Jia grudgingly gave him her hand, while with her other hand, still holding the jade, she pressed down firmly on its top.

Li Dafeng’s fingertips on her pulse suddenly froze, and he looked up.

Seeing his reaction, as if some lock had been opened, Bao Jia blinked and experimentally pressed down slowly.

Li Dafeng’s breathing tightened, and the fingers on her pulse trembled slightly.

Bao Jia’s lips curved upward as she began to play with the jade right before his eyes.

Li Dafeng watched her fingers sliding up and down: “Princess—”

“You diagnose, I play. It doesn’t interfere,” Bao Jia threw his words back at him.

Li Dafeng’s three fingers on her pulse pressed down and released, released and pressed down again, repeating several times before finally letting go completely.

“Well? Has it improved?” Bao Jia continued to caress the jade’s tip.

Li Dafeng turned his eyes away: “I couldn’t tell.”

“Even Master Li’s divine hands have moments of failure?” Bao Jia looked at him sideways. “So, which comes first—examining my pulse or speaking words of love to me?”

“Princess, the battle only ended five days ago.”

“And so?”

“So I’ve only taken the medicine for four days.”

Bao Jia paused in surprise before bursting into laughter.

So it wasn’t that he didn’t understand romance, but that he dared not indulge in it.

“That still leaves three days. Do you intend to keep me waiting all that time?”

Li Dafeng’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he looked at her.

Bao Jia smiled and placed the jade in his hand: “Hasn’t Master Li come prepared? Here, you play with it.”

*

In the hot summer night, after the clouds had dispersed and the rain had ceased, the bedchamber was filled with an intermingling of sweet and salty humid air.

On the bed, Bao Jia lay limply in Li Dafeng’s arms, her bare arm draped over his shoulder, her voice hoarse: “Li Dafeng, will you return to Hexi after this?”

“If there are no special circumstances, I’ll remain in Chang’an until the Young General returns to the capital at year’s end for his wedding with the Ladyship.”

“And if there are special circumstances?”

Li Dafeng was carefully considering his answer when he suddenly heard the person in his arms say, “Li Dafeng, I’m hungry.”

Li Dafeng lowered his head: “We can’t again—”

“My stomach is hungry,” Bao Jia interrupted with a laugh. “Hungry!”

Li Dafeng laughed along and gently laid her back on the bed, then put on his clothes and got up: “I’ll have food brought in.”

Bao Jia pulled up the thin quilt, supporting her head with her hand as she watched him leave the bedroom.

Li Dafeng arranged for the evening meal with a maid outside and was about to return when he noticed a young man pacing back and forth at the courtyard entrance. It looked like Jiang Jin Yue.

“Master Li—” Jiang Jin Yue had also spotted him.

Li Dafeng walked up to him: “Does Master Jiang wish to see the Princess? The Princess might be somewhat indisposed at the moment.”

Jiang Jin Yue shook his head: “Master Li, I’ve come not to see the Princess, but to find you.”

Li Dafeng looked puzzled.

“Half a year ago, when I was ill and unable to speak, I wanted to thank Master Li in person once I recovered, but I heard Master Li had already left the capital… When I first saw Master Li, I thought you were a new addition to the residence, so I deliberately tried to flaunt my favor in front of you. Later, I learned that Master Li was different from us—a truly compassionate and skilled physician. Master Li is noble and upright, not holding a grudge against me, and even saved my life,” Jiang Jin Yue lowered his head at this point. “I’m truly grateful and ashamed.”

Li Dafeng shook his head: “Saving lives is a physician’s duty. Master Jiang need not express thanks or apologize.”

“Yes, Master Li probably doesn’t need my gratitude or apology, but you might want to know about Master Liu’s situation…”

Li Dafeng’s eyebrow raised slightly.

“Before Master Liu went to find the Princess earlier, he first spoke to me about meeting you at the medical shop today. He wanted my advice, saying that last time you misunderstood him, but the Princess didn’t let him explain. He feared you might misunderstand again… After all, we’ve all noticed that the Princess treats Master Li differently. He’s afraid of offending you and being driven out of the residence.”

“Misunderstand?” Li Dafeng asked.

“Yes, Master Liu’s ailment was entirely self-inflicted, including half a year ago. At that time, Master Liu lived in a remote courtyard and couldn’t see the Princess at all. For the past half year, the Princess hasn’t summoned us, nor has she held any banquets. She has followed Master Li’s words and hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol.”

Li Dafeng’s eyes flashed.

“The Princess doesn’t easily show weakness. Her issues with Master Li may not be completely resolved, so she probably won’t explain these things. I thought, since I have no way to repay Master Li, I could at least clear up this misunderstanding.”

*

When Li Dafeng returned to the bedchamber, Bao Jia had already been helped by her maids to dress and was sitting on the edge of the bed.

Bao Jia looked at him with dissatisfaction: “Taking so long to arrange a meal—did you personally go to the kitchen to light the fire?”

Li Dafeng crossed the threshold, still thinking about what Jiang Jin Yue had just told him.

Jiang Jin Yue had finally admitted that he was also speaking out of self-interest, hoping to curry favor. He said that if Li Dafeng were to join the residence in the future, they would likely be dismissed. He hoped that when that time came, Li Dafeng wouldn’t hold a grudge against the companions or deprive them of the properties the Princess had given them.

He hadn’t given Jiang Jin Yue an answer, but in his heart, he knew he had never blamed them.

To blame them would mean blaming Bao Jia, and how could someone who had left first have the right to blame those who were left behind?

In this world, only that which has a time limit or an end can be called waiting. But for Bao Jia, the past seven years had been a period without a time limit, without an end—a hopeless period. There was no difference between these seven years and seventy years, no difference between separation in life and separation by death. It wasn’t waiting.

Leaving was the path he had chosen, so whatever she did after he left was her freedom.

Even if in the future she wanted him to coexist with these companions, that would be the bitter fruit he would have to swallow for his choice. Of course, he didn’t like these companions, but if she wished it, he would accept it all.

So Jiang Jin Yue’s attempt to curry favor was unnecessary.

However, Jiang Jin Yue had reminded him—the knot in Bao Jia’s heart hadn’t been untied. Seven years of hopelessness couldn’t be healed overnight. She was still afraid that one day he would leave again due to some new difficulty.

So when she had asked earlier about special circumstances, his silence was merely him considering how to express himself. She had misinterpreted it as him having another unspoken difficulty, so she had changed the subject with the excuse of asking for food.

Li Dafeng explained as he entered: “Master Jiang found me and said a few words.”

“What did he want with you?”

“To thank me. He said he hadn’t had the opportunity before.”

“Oh.”

Li Dafeng walked to the edge of the bed when suddenly he heard a “meow.” Turning around, he saw Cui Mei carrying Ruyi.

Seeing him in the room, Cui Mei seemed to remember his rule of avoiding Ruyi and hurriedly began to take the cat away.

“Wait,” Li Dafeng called to Cui Mei. “Please bring Ruyi in, Miss Cui Mei.”

Cui Mei hesitantly looked at Bao Jia.

Bao Jia, in turn, looked hesitantly at Li Dafeng.

Li Dafeng stepped forward and took the cat from Cui Mei’s arms.

After more than seven years apart, Ruyi should have long forgotten him, but the cat didn’t seem to resist his embrace, looking at him with round eyes.

Li Dafeng carried the cat to the bedside and sat down: “Before I went out, there was something I hadn’t finished saying to the Princess.”

“What?” Bao Jia had a vague feeling about what he wanted to say.

“The Princess asked earlier what I would do if there were special circumstances. It wasn’t that I couldn’t answer; I was just thinking about how to answer.”

“So now… have you thought it through?”

Li Dafeng turned his head to look into her eyes: “The Young General has shown great kindness to my Li family. If the Xuance Army needs me in the future, I will still fulfill my duty without hesitation. So I cannot promise the Princess that I will never face danger again.”

Bao Jia glared at him: “Is that the promise I want? If Hexi faces trouble and I don’t let you go, what kind of person would I be? Without talking about serving the country and the people, Jiang Zhiyi is the Young General’s wife. For this reason alone, I couldn’t possibly stop you.”

Li Dafeng nodded: “I know the Princess would support me, so the promise I want to give the Princess is that, no matter where I go in the future, I will respect the Princess’s choices.”

Bao Jia fixed her gaze intensely on him.

“Before, I only considered my own choices without giving the Princess a chance to choose. From now on, whether the Princess wants to be with me or not, whether the Princess wishes to accompany me in life or death, I will respect the Princess’s choices and remain forever faithful to the Princess.”

Bao Jia looked at him silently, hearing her heart pounding loudly in her chest, beat after beat.

Though she had already been intimate with the man before her, had shared the most intimate acts in the world, at this moment she felt like she was back to being fifteen with the first stirrings of love, all those feelings resurfacing.

When she spoke again, Bao Jia’s voice carried a hint of tears: “This is what you’ve said, and you mustn’t go back on it.”

Li Dafeng nodded solemnly: “It is what I’ve said, and I will never go back on it.”

With a “meow,” Ruyi, who had been listening to them talk for a while, suddenly seemed to recognize him. The cat suddenly leaped up with its front paws onto Li Dafeng’s shoulder.

Bao Jia was startled, watching Li Dafeng lean back as he carefully caught the cat in his arms, just as he had done years ago in that palace where she had spent her days and nights.

—End of Bao Jia and Li Dafeng’s Chapter—

P.S. This couple has more story to come, details in future Extra Chapters about the main characters, or in the author’s summary at the end of this chapter.