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墨書 Inktalez
Standing at the periphery, Shanling, Shining, and Shan Yue exchanged a silent glance and retreated, guarding three different directions.
Yun Kexin completely forgot her shyness, immersed in the same state of mind as Feng Yinxiao. She allowed him to hold her in his arms, and all around them was silent except for the sound of the light rain falling.
"Young Lord, I’m sorry..." She nestled her face into his chest and spoke softly.
"Why do you say that?" He tightened his embrace and lowered his head to ask her.
"Earlier, your Duchess wanted to see me," Yun Kexin said. "If I had gone with you immediately, there would be no regrets now, and you wouldn’t have to bear the unjust reputation of being 'unfilial.'"
"It’s not that serious," Feng Yinxiao comforted her. "Mother only expressed this in front of Father and me; no one else knows. Besides, it was Mother who wanted to wait until she felt better before meeting..." Feng Yinxiao paused, barely able to hide his pain and guilt. In just a few words, he struggled to express everything he felt. "I didn’t expect Mother to leave so suddenly; otherwise, I would have definitely taken you to see her."
Yun Kexin said, "Life is unpredictable; you shouldn’t blame yourself too much, Young Lord."
"How can I not blame myself?" Feng Yinxiao looked up, closing his eyes as the fine rain misted his handsome face. "Mother raised me all this time, and I didn’t get a chance to repay her kindness before she left..."
Yun Kexin felt a pang in her heart: when she heard about Second Uncle's tragic death, her feelings mirrored his now; they truly shared a deep connection. She offered no words of comfort but simply nestled against him obediently, listening as he poured out his heart.
"...I always thought there would be time, more time, but in the end..." After a moment, Feng Yinxiao opened his dark eyes slightly, his eyelids reddening as he weakly said, "Not only did I fail to let her see me settle down and start a family, but I couldn’t even fulfill her wish to meet you. I am truly unfilial..."
"Young Lord. Do you regret it?" Yun Kexin thought for a moment before suddenly asking.
"Regret?" Feng Yinxiao was taken aback, not understanding what Yun Kexin meant.
"The Duchess hoped that you would marry early during her lifetime," Yun Kexin said. "If you had listened to your parents back then, perhaps—"
"No, I don’t regret it," he replied while gently brushing against her dark hair. "This has always been my conviction. My parents can understand; it’s just a bit regrettable. The only comfort is that Mother knew my heart already belonged to someone."
"Young Lord. Let’s go back quickly; it has been raining for quite a while now, and we might catch a cold."
"I don't want to go back yet," Feng Yinxiao said, loosening his arms and looking at Yun Kexin. "Yun Kexin, will you stay with me for a while?"
Without hesitation, Yun Kexin replied, "Sure, but where shall we go?"
"To the farm," Feng Yinxiao said as he took Yun Kexin's hand and started walking. Suddenly, he turned around and called out to the dark surroundings, "Shanling, Shining, Shan Yue, come out."
Three people emerged from different directions and walked towards Feng Yinxiao and Yun Kexin.
"Young Lord, Seventh Sister..." Shan Yue said. "I'm really sorry; I forgot to bring rain gear when we left."
Feng Yinxiao replied, "It's fine. Fortunately, the rain isn't heavy. Seventh Sister's hair and clothes are just a bit damp; we can dry them by the bonfire later."
The three maidservants nodded and followed their two masters to the farm, which had been the residence of Second Master during his lifetime and was now a resting place for Seventh Sister. Since Yun Kexin had been visiting this place frequently lately, Shanling and the others always prepared living supplies in advance, fetched water, and gathered firewood. Soon, they had a bonfire lit in a clear area of the yard.
"Sister, you should go into the bedroom first and change out of your wet clothes; we'll take them to dry," one of them suggested.
Yun Kexin complied, and when she came out again, she felt refreshed all over. Feng Yinxiao invited her to sit beside him—during the time she spent changing clothes, he had also dried his coat.
"Yun Kexin, were you cold just now?" Feng Yinxiao asked as he added firewood to the flames. He turned to her with a guilty expression. "It's my fault for being so consumed by my mother's passing that I neglected you getting soaked in the rain."
"The rain doesn't matter," Yun Kexin said. "It should be warmer in front of the bonfire."
Then, Feng Yinxiao insisted on draping his cloak over Yun Kexin's shoulders like a shawl, and she felt warmth fill her heart.
The two sat side by side in front of the bonfire, reaching out for warmth while silently watching the blazing flames. After a moment, Yun Kexin thought for a while and asked, "When did the Duchess pass away?"
"On the second day after returning home from a boat trip, my mother's condition took a sudden turn for the worse," Feng Yinxiao said quietly as the flames danced in his dark eyes. "On the third morning, when she got out of bed, she suddenly fainted. The Imperial Physician barely revived her with acupuncture for a moment before she passed away..."
"Did the Imperial Physician determine what illness the Duchess had?" Yun Kexin furrowed her brows thoughtfully. "Why did she succumb to such a serious illness at such a young age?"
“Imperial Physician can't see anything for now,” Feng Yinxiao paused, a hint of impatience and sarcasm in her brow. “It's always an 'illness,' but it's unclear.”
Yun Kexin was originally just listening seriously, but suddenly recalled Feng Yinxiao's fainting spell in bed that morning. Her heart skipped a beat: could this be the same cause as the Crown Prince's sudden fainting in her previous life? Yun Ci was also implicated; if she could find out the cause or source, perhaps she could salvage or change some things.
Seeing Yun Kexin staring into the campfire, seemingly deep in thought, Feng Yinxiao noticed her expression was resolute, with her gaze alternating between dim and bright, a mix of sorrow and joy.
“Yun Kexin, what are you thinking about?” Feng Yinxiao asked gently, gazing at her.
“I’m thinking about what Young Lord just told me,” Yun Kexin replied calmly. “How is Duke of Wind?”
“Father has completely collapsed,” Feng Yinxiao murmured. “He locks himself in his room, staring at mother’s portrait, rarely going out.”
Yun Kexin thought: Was mother also like this in the early days after Father passed away?
“Take good care of Duke of Wind,” Yun Kexin placed her hand on Feng Yinxiao's arm and looked at him, saying, “Everything will be alright.”
A slight smile appeared on Feng Yinxiao's lips as his gaze became unfocused. “Yun Kexin, it’s really nice to have you by my side.” Yun Kexin smiled bitterly: If you knew my “background” and “purpose,” you might wish for me to stay far away.
“Young Lord. I will always be with you.” For the first time, Yun Kexin looked at Feng Yinxiao with focus, seriousness, and without any avoidance or restraint.
Feng Yinxiao was taken aback for a moment, gently holding her delicate hand. His lonely heart seemed to find calm and peace like arriving at a harbor.
****
Time passed like this, and ten days before the Lunar New Year, Han Wang and Jin Wang’s family moved to the capital simultaneously. Han Wang, along with Fu Yueze, Princess Wang Ling, and Heir Apparent Fu Yihang, visited the Duke of E State Mansion. Yun Kexin had already learned this news from Yun Yang and Fu Lianyin, so she was mentally prepared.
Feng Momo and Ruan Ma brought tea and snacks one after another.
“Yun Kexin greets Uncle, Aunt, and also Heir Apparent.” In the West Garden Main Hall, Yun Kexin bowed respectfully in front of the Han Wang family. “Long time no see, how have you all been?”
"Little cousin, no need for formalities," Fu Yihang couldn't hold back any longer. He jumped off the chair and walked over to Yun Kexin, supporting her. "We are all family; there's no need for this."
Yun Kexin looked up at Fu Yihang, who was now much taller. He resembled Wang Ling, and his demeanor was just as imposing as his mother's.
Wang Ling glanced at the two of them, feeling somewhat displeased: They had been apart for several months, yet her son was still so attached to Seventh Sister Yun Kexin. Even their family's move to the capital this time was due to her precious son's insistence. Fu Yueze had just requested permission from the emperor and finally received approval.
At the moment Fu Yihang reached for her hand, Yun Kexin subtly took two steps back.
"Thank you, Heir Apparent."
Yun Ran, unwilling to be outdone, stepped forward. This time she had learned her lesson; from walking to greeting, everything was flawlessly "correct," yet it did not attract the attention of the Han family. Undeterred, she smiled and said, "Uncle, Aunt, Heir Apparent brother, since you all have come to the capital this time, you won't be leaving again, right?"
"Yes," Fu Yueze replied lightly. "The sovereign's grace."
Wang Ling called Yun Kexin over to her. After examining her for a moment, her narrow phoenix eyes slightly raised with a hint of barely concealed jealousy flashing in them, but her face wore a flower-like smile as she said, "It's been months since we last met; Seventh Sister has become even more charming. No wonder our Hang Er can't stop thinking about you and insisted on coming to the capital."
Fu Yihang's face turned slightly red as he shot a glance at Wang Ling and said, "Mother, don't..."
"What's wrong with that? In Fan City, weren't you always clamoring to see your cousin?" Fu Yueze chimed in with a smile. "Now that you've met, why are you embarrassed again?"
Fu Yihang's gaze became fervent and unabashed. Yun Kexin awkwardly retreated to Yun Yang's side.
Yun Ran, left out on the side, was fuming silently.
"Seventh Young Lady, why aren't you talking to your cousin?" Fu Lianyin said with a faint smile while holding Yun Xiao. "He came all the way to the capital just for you."
Oh, just for me? Then my status really doesn't matter! Who knows what schemes these people are plotting! Yun Kexin thought resentfully.
"Mother, I just didn't know what to say for a moment," Yun Kexin said calmly with a smile. "Also, I think Uncle and Aunt just arrived in the capital, and there must be many things for the elders to discuss. It's not appropriate for me to interrupt; I'll just listen."
"Oh, look at our Seventh Young Lady, not only is she beautiful," Wang Ling interjected at the right moment, "but she's also quite sensible now. Unlike—" She glanced at Yun Ran but ultimately refrained from finishing her comparison, instead changing her tone. "Uncle and Aunt must be very pleased."
Wang Ling kept referring to "our Seventh Young Lady," which made Yun Kexin feel nauseated. She couldn't show it on her face and had to force a smile to thank Aunt for the "compliment."
"King Han, Princess," Yun Yang, who was seated at the head of the table, finally spoke up. "Since the Heir Apparent has been looking forward to meeting Seventh Young Lady, let him come over to play often."
Yun Kexin frowned; her adoptive father was causing her trouble. Sigh! But then she thought that such polite remarks were necessary. Even if he didn't say it, Fu Lianyin would, though their intentions were different.
"Yes, Yi Hang, it used to be difficult to meet Seventh Sister because you were in Fan City," Fu Lianyin smiled at Fu Yihang. "Now that you're settled in the capital, it's much more convenient. From now on, Third House will be your home; you can come anytime."
Fu Yihang's face turned red upon hearing this, and he cast a hopeful glance at Yun Kexin, expecting her to say something as well.
"Oh, Seventh Sister has plenty of friends in the capital," Yun Ran noticed that Yun Kexin was pursing her lips and hesitating to express herself, so she mocked, "If you don't believe me, just ask her if she's thought about the Heir Apparent these past few months."
Yun Kexin coldly retorted with a smirk: "Eldest Sister, the Heir Apparent is just my cousin. Why should I think about him? He's not my husband..." (To be continued)
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