Ask Master Three? Ji Yunshu suddenly realized: “Back in the capital, Master Three told me that I looked very much like an old friend of his. He also mentioned the internal strife in Huyi twenty-one years ago—it was precisely at that time that he became separated from that old friend of his. Twenty-one years ago? This timing matches exactly with what Bai Yin said.”

Could there truly be a connection? Jingrong took a couple of steps, picking up the conversation: “When we encountered him in the alley, Master Three’s gaze toward you was indeed somewhat unusual. When you were captured by the Yuedan people this time, he was also extremely anxious.” As he spoke, he lightly furrowed his brow, analyzing: “Twenty-one years ago? An old friend? Huyi? The wooden plaque? Perhaps there truly is some connection among all these things.”

Tang Si: “When my father returns, we’ll know once we ask.”

“But he’s gone to find Muzhār now. He won’t return so quickly,” Muruo said.

“Then we’ll wait!”

This trip of Master Three’s would take at least five or six days.

After all, it was a discussion about war between two tribes—it couldn’t be treated lightly or carelessly.

Over the next two days, Ji Yunshu was weighed down with worries.

Her mind constantly dwelling on this matter!

At the moment, she had gone alone to a nearby hill, sitting on the grass, gazing at the boundless Western Fortress grassland stretching before her eyes.

What met her eyes was an expanse of green grass.

It filled one’s heart with joy.

Breathing the gentle breeze, smelling the fragrance of green grass, her tightly wound heart relaxed considerably.

At some point, Jingrong appeared behind her.

He walked to her side and quietly sat down.

Ji Yunshu turned her eyes to look at him, the corners of her mouth curving into a gentle smile.

Then, she rested her head on his solid shoulder.

Jingrong also reached out to hold her slender body tightly.

The two remained seated like this.

Neither spoke.

Enjoying the scenery of the grassland.

In the distance, the setting sun slowly descended!

Orange-yellow radiance reflected within the distant clouds, tinting half the sky like a piece of blood jade. The green grass also seemed covered with a layer of nostalgic color, causing a faint sadness and reminiscence to veil one’s heart.

Ji Yunshu couldn’t help but recall many things—good and bad, happy and unhappy—each scene flashing through her mind like slides. The taste of memories always made one sigh with special emotion, sighing at how quickly time passed, sighing at how many regrets there were.

“Jingrong.” She suddenly called his name softly.

The man turned his head to look at her.

“Hmm?”

Her expression sorrowful, she asked: “Tell me, are we like the wind on the grassland—whether day or night, summer or winter, never able to stop?” A trace of heartache flashed through Jingrong’s eyes. He looked down at her delicate willow-leaf brows and those long, thick lashes, involuntarily raising his hand with its distinct knuckles to lightly brush the hair stirred by the breeze. As his fingertips slowly passed through her soft black hair, even the strongest and coldest person would become extraordinarily tender in this moment…

He said: “We’ve already left the court, left the capital. This is our new beginning. No matter what happened before or what’s happening now, everything will pass. The things I promised you will be realized one by one.”

Ji Yunshu raised her eyes, gazing at his look that was both certain and gentle, her face brimming with a warm smile.

And Jingrong curved his thin lips, pointing a finger behind him.

Hmm?

What did he mean?

She followed the direction of his finger and looked back. A fine horse was not far behind, head lowered eating grass, occasionally lifting its hooves to prance about on the grassland.

“When did you lead it here? I didn’t even notice.”

“Before coming, I already threatened it—if it dared to disturb our harmonious union, once we returned, I’d build a fire and roast it.”

Pfft—

A blush spread across Ji Yunshu’s cheeks as she said: “Harmonious union describes marital harmony. You and I aren’t even married.”

Jingrong revealed a mischievous expression, leaning close to her, uttering two words: “Soon.”

“…” She pressed her lips together, not knowing how to respond.

This bashfulness, reflected in Jingrong’s eyes, was taken as the woman’s tacit consent.

He was extremely satisfied, unable to hide the smile on his lips.

Then, he lifted her chin and kissed her tenderly.

Lips meeting!

Passionate and intense!

Until satisfied!

Although they had kissed many times, each time she was as bashful and shy as when first experiencing love.

Jingrong pulled her to her feet.

His gaze pointing at that horse: “We can’t waste such beautiful time.”

So, she let him lift her onto the horse’s back.

With one step of his foot, he mounted as well.

Holding her firmly from behind.

Grasping the reins.

Ji Yunshu’s hands involuntarily gripped the front of the saddle, her heart inevitably somewhat nervous.

Jingrong whispered softly in her ear: “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”

With these words, her heart settled, and her hands loosened somewhat.

Jingrong squeezed the horse’s belly with both legs, moving gently.

“Giddyup!”

The fine horse trotted across the grassland, going faster and faster…

Facing the setting sun—one expanse of grass, one horse, two people.

Like a painted scroll.

Magnificently beautiful.

This… was the life Ji Yunshu wanted.

On another front.

Qin Xi’s body had improved considerably. Combined with the cold-dispelling incense Lang Bo had given her, her body seemed even better than before.

She walked out of the tent and looked around the surrounding area.

She didn’t see Lang Bo’s figure.

Instead she encountered…

“Miss Qin.” Tang Si called to her from afar.

Walking over with her pregnant belly protruding.

Qin Xi bowed her head slightly: “Miss Tang.”

“How is your body? Are you feeling better?”

“I…” She paused.

She had wanted to say she was better, but when the words reached her lips, she swallowed them back.

Tang Si grew nervous, asking worriedly: “How are you?”

She lowered her eyes, saying: “I am somewhat better, but my throat still feels a bit uncomfortable. Perhaps… I’ll have to trouble you all for a few more days.”

“It’s no trouble at all. Just consider this your home. Stay as long as you like. When you want to return, we’ll have someone escort you back. Besides, it’s that big fool who’s been looking after you all along—he’s the one being troubled.”

The big fool, of course, referred to Lang Bo.

They say you should never speak ill of people behind their backs. Sure enough, the big fool arrived.

Holding in his hands a large bowl of some unknown substance!

For some reason, Tang Si couldn’t help but laugh whenever she saw him.

After all, this big fool’s kindness toward Qin Xi—everyone could see it.

Lang Bo walked over, somewhat embarrassed, and greeted her: “Miss Tang, you’re here too.”

“I was passing by.”

“Oh.”

Tang Si pointed at the thing in his hands, asking: “What’s in there?”

“It’s…” He found it hard to speak.

Oh my!

Tang Si’s curiosity was piqued. She turned to glance at Qin Xi, only to see that woman’s face flushed red, shyly lowering her head.

So, she rolled her eyes, sniffed her nose toward that pot of something, then lifted the lid and gossiped: “So it’s porridge inside. I thought it was some treasure! What, is it for Miss Qin?”

They say what’s understood need not be spoken—you, young lady, are far too honest.

But speak she did, and she insisted on doing so right in front of the two people involved. Don’t they need face!