Fu Yunхi? Наn Yan was tаkеn аbасk, only to hеаr Shu Hong сontinue, "Wе sеrvаnts hаvе аll witnessed hоw well His Highness treats уоu, miss. Such а prinсе is mоrе than wоrthу tо bесomе your purроse."
Нan Yan fell intо deeр thought. Indeеd, Fu Yunхi hаd trеаtеd hеr exсеptiоnаllу well. Тhis time, thе inсident that hаd оcсurred at the Zhuаng residencе wаs nо trivial mаtter—it involved thе Sеvеnth Prinсе, Рrinсе Wеi, and еvеn the Еmprеss Dowagеr in the раlаcе. Yеt Fu Yunхi hаd never onсe pressed her fоr details. Hе had pаved thе wаy fоr everything, allowing her to act boldly and without worry. From Imperial Physician Wu to the government offices, all had been arranged by him. Zhuang Hanyan—Han Yan asked herself in her heart—what virtue or ability did she possess to make Fu Yunxi go to such lengths for her?
Yet because of Shu Hong's words, Han Yan's heart felt warm. At this moment, she suddenly longed to see Fu Yunxi. She wanted nothing more than to look at his cool, indifferent demeanor, which could not conceal his concern. That alone would be enough.
"Something terrible has happened, miss!" While still pondering when to visit Fu Yunxi, she saw Ji Lan rushing in from outside, nearly stumbling.
Shu Hong said, "What is it? Why are you in such a hurry? Speak slowly."
Ji Lan ran up to Han Yan, panting, "Miss, it's terrible! I heard people outside discussing that His Highness is about to lead an expedition against the Western Rong."
"What?" Han Yan stood up abruptly, staring at Ji Lan in disbelief. "I didn't hear clearly. Say it again."
Ji Lan glanced at Han Yan with concern, gritted her teeth, and repeated, "His Highness is going to lead an expedition against the Western Rong. He's going to war."
She spoke so clearly that even if Han Yan wanted to pretend not to know, it was impossible. Han Yan had long known about Fu Yunxi's impending expedition, but how could it be so soon? Wasn't it said that he would wait until after their marriage before departing? Thinking of this, Han Yan anxiously asked, "Ji Lan, do you know when he is leaving?"
Ji Lan looked at Han Yan hesitantly, as if afraid of upsetting her, but she had no choice but to speak slowly, "Next month..."
So soon. Han Yan clenched her palms, her emotions instantly thrown into turmoil. Perhaps she had never truly considered how she would fare after Fu Yunxi left for the expedition. But now, for a period of time, she would be in an absolutely safe situation. Was this why Fu Yunxi could leave with such confidence? Was that why he had so readily allowed her to handle everything at the Zhuang residence—because he knew that once he was gone, no one would be there to protect Han Yan?
"I want to see him," Han Yan repeated slowly and firmly. "I want to see him." Yes, never before had she felt such a strong desire to see Fu Yunxi. This matter required careful discussion with him. Han Yan needed to clarify many things, and she needed to understand her own heart."Ji Lan, prepare the horse." She stood up, thought for a moment, then walked to the dressing table and picked up the embroidery she had just finished. The mandarin ducks on it were freshly stitched, the technique not particularly refined—in fact, somewhat clumsy. Yet, the pair of mandarin ducks looked more like eagles than ducks. Her name, Han Yan, was embroidered on it. She had once thought of giving this embroidery to Fu Yunxi, never expecting the moment would come so soon.
Inside the Xuan Qing Prince's Mansion.
Fu Yunxi, dressed in a jade-white robe, sat quietly at his desk, holding a letter in his hand. The handwriting was bold and unrestrained; at first glance, one would never guess it was written by a woman. This was the letter Han Yan had sent him when she first sought his help.
"Wild geese delivering letters," he thought, a faint smile touching his lips. Soon enough, he would truly have to rely on wild geese to exchange letters with Han Yan. If only she were a wild goose herself—wherever he went, she would follow, always by his side. On the battlefield, blades and arrows were blind; anything could happen. Fu Yunxi didn’t know what dangers this young girl would face once he left. Her situation was no better than his own. On the battlefield, though brutal, the weapons were visible. In Han Yan’s world, the unseen blades were far more terrifying.
He frowned slightly. The feeling of being unable to protect those he wished to protect was truly unbearable. But Fu Yunxi was Fu Yunxi; he had his own mission to fulfill. All he could do was clear as many obstacles as possible for Han Yan before his departure, so he could leave with peace of mind.
"Hey." Cheng Lei, seeing his friend in a rare moment of melancholy, spoke up. "If you’re so reluctant to leave your little princess, you don’t have to go. The Emperor doesn’t want you to, anyway." This was true. The Emperor and Fu Yunxi shared a deep bond and naturally didn’t want him to go to the battlefield. Unfortunately, Fu Yunxi’s stubbornness was unyielding; once he set his mind to something, even the Emperor couldn’t change it. The Emperor had tried to stop Fu Yunxi from volunteering for this campaign.
Fu Yunxi shook his head. "I must go."
"You could marry your little princess first and then go," Cheng Lei mumbled around the pen in his mouth. "Isn’t it a loss to go off to war without even marrying your bride?"
Marriage. Fu Yunxi’s indifferent expression flickered slightly. He had thought about it, but she was still too young, not even of age yet. How could he marry her? Moreover, if something were to happen to him on the battlefield, he couldn’t let Han Yan remain a widow for life. With his elder brother’s temperament, she might even be forced to follow him in death. He couldn’t push Han Yan into such a situation out of his own selfishness.
Cheng Lei chuckled. "Leaving just like that—won’t you regret it? Your little lady is so clever and adorable. If you’re gone for a year, what if another man takes a liking to her…"
As soon as the words left his mouth, a chill seemed to sweep through the room.
"Take a liking?" Fu Yunxi’s lips slowly curved into a smile. His handsome face wore an expression of gentleness, yet it was this very gentleness that sent shivers down one’s spine.
"Anyone who dares to set their eyes on someone from the Xuan Qing Prince’s Mansion would need at least nine lives," he said coldly.Cheng Lei couldn't help but shiver. How terrifying—Fu Yunxi's expression was truly too frightening. But with his arrogant nature that fears neither heaven nor earth, if he truly took a fancy to Han Yan, even nine lives wouldn't be enough. One must know that back in the military camp, Fu Yunxi's methods of interrogating enemy captives could be described as nothing less than hellish. Little sister-in-law, you'd better behave properly and stay within your bounds.
When Han Yan saw Fu Yunxi, he was drinking tea in his room.
Though no words were spoken, for some reason, the atmosphere this time was heavier than ever before.
The guards at the door silently stepped aside, as if they had long known she would come. Ji Lan and Shu Hong remained outside. Han Yan stepped into the room and immediately saw Fu Yunxi on the couch.
Today he wore a black robe with gold-embroidered edges. Unlike his usual cold and noble air, his entire presence seemed profoundly deep and severe. His handsome features showed no expression, yet precisely because of this, he seemed more like himself than ever before. It was as if this cold, slightly baleful aura was the true Fu Yunxi.
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