C13

Xue Junxuan dabbed the corner of her eye with a handkerchief. "I'm used to eating light, so you don't need to go out of your way for me." She pulled him closer and gently touched his forehead. "Does it really not hurt anymore?"

Yan Xiuchuan shook his head vigorously, like a bobblehead, and started sharing some embellished stories from recent days to entertain his mother. It took a while, but he finally managed to make Xue Junxuan smile.

"Alright! If you can chatter away like that, you must be feeling much better."

"Every word I say is the truth, Mom, I'm not just blowing smoke! Are you leaving already? It's hot today, how about a bowl of sweet-scented osmanthus ice?"

"This is especially for you; I have plenty more at home!" Xue Junxuan pulled out a handkerchief to wipe Yan Xiuchuan's sweat, scolding him lightly, "You're all grown up and still don't know how to take care of yourself."

Yan Xiuchuan lowered his head, letting his mom wipe his sweat. "But I have Huang Bingquan!"

Xue Junxuan replied sternly, "No matter how attentive Huang Bingquan is, there are things he can't do for you. You need to take care of yourself." Seeing that Yan Xiuchuan understood, she smiled and added, "Tomorrow, the emperor is going on a journey, and your father has the honor of accompanying him."

Yan Xiuchuan was thrilled. "Father is leaving? When will he be back?"

Xue Junxuan playfully flicked his forehead. "You can't act like this in front of others. If your father finds out, he'll think you're being disrespectful, and it won't just be a scolding." She paused. "I don't know the details; your father doesn't discuss court matters with me. But with such a large entourage, it might be two or three months." She gave him a look. "Don't think you can slack off just because your father's away. You need to study and train diligently so you can have a bright future. Your older brother will be back in a few days, and even if your father isn't here, your brother will keep you in line."

Yan Xiuchuan's face immediately turned into a frown. Once his mother left, he claimed he needed to rest, closed the courtyard door, and dismissed all the servants, including Huang Bingquan.

In truth, he wasn't the least bit sleepy. As soon as the last servant closed the door, he slipped out through the window.

The evening at Yijing Lake was filled with a subtle fragrance and shadows under the bright moonlight. Yan Xiuchuan paced back and forth under the peach tree, feeling restless as if his heart was being scratched by a cat. "It's so late, and she still hasn't shown up. Was she just pulling my leg?"

Just as he finished speaking, something hit him on the head. Rubbing his head, he felt a sense of joy instead, knowing it must be the girl. Sure enough, a figure emerged from behind the peach tree, graceful and light-footed. Who else could it be?

"You silly goose, just pacing around without looking to the side," Su Luo teased, tossing something at him. "Since you're on time, here's a fruit for you."

Yan Xiuchuan quickly devoured it, the sweet juice easing the summer heat. "Did you catch the cricket for me?"

Su Luo shook her head.

Yan Xiuchuan was visibly disappointed.

Su Luo laughed, "Why are you in such a hurry? This cricket has quite a background. You can't just carry it around casually. You have to catch it yourself, and then it'll recognize you as its master."

Yan Xiuchuan was skeptical, but seeing Su Luo's confident demeanor, he thought, "I'll trust her this once. If she's deceiving me, I have my ways to deal with her." He then said, "Alright, I'll go with you. I'll have a servant bring the horses."

Su Luo chuckled softly.

Yan Xiuchuan noticed her peculiar smile but didn't quite understand it. Suddenly, he felt a tight grip on his wrist, and before he knew it, he was lifted off the ground, feeling as if he were soaring through the clouds.

"I've got you, don't worry," Su Luo whispered gently in his ear.

Yan Xiuchuan's face turned crimson. Despite his reputation for being a playboy and causing trouble, he had never been this close to a woman before. Embarrassed, he lowered his head and closed his eyes, trying not to look around. Yet, he couldn't escape the faint, sweet fragrance of the young woman or the soft, delicate sensation of her touch.

Su Luo had some knowledge of martial arts. Although the internal energy technique given to her by Xuan Kong was just a beginner's guide, it was exceptionally pure. After practicing for some time, she had made noticeable progress. As she channeled her energy, it felt like a warm little creature was darting around in her core. With a light step on the wall, she propelled them even higher. Initially, her movements were a bit awkward, but they soon became smooth and effortless. No wonder so many people are passionate about martial arts; the thrill of leaping and soaring is truly intoxicating.

When Yan Xiuchuan could finally open his eyes, they were already outside the city walls.

Yan Xiuchuan looked back at the towering walls, speechless. "How did you get over such high walls? You must be some kind of magician."

Su Luo was slightly out of breath. "If it were my master, maybe he could have flown us out. But I can't do that." She blinked. "A group was leaving the city just now, and I slipped out behind them before the gate closed. I moved so fast the guards didn't notice."

Yan Xiuchuan was full of admiration. "Being skilled in martial arts is amazing. If your master ever comes to our city, you must introduce me. I'd reward him handsomely."

Su Luo chuckled. "My master wouldn't care about that! I've read that martial arts can disrupt order, so it's not always a good thing." She paused. "Are you tired? The mountain is just ahead."

Yan Xiuchuan realized they had walked quite a distance while talking. Earlier, the moon was just above the trees; now it was high in the sky. In the darkness, he couldn't tell which way they were going, but with Su Luo guiding him, he didn't feel tired at all.

After a while, they finally stopped. As soon as Su Luo let go of his arm, Yan Xiuchuan plopped down on the ground.