20demayo Chapter 77
Chapter 77
"That's enough for now, no need to see me off."
Jingchi looked at the man in front of him. He was so fragile that a gust of wind could blow him away, yet he was extremely stubborn. He supported his body, refused his help, and walked all the way here.
"This is from the prince. He said that if you are in pain by her side, she is willing to let you go, and only hopes that you can take good care of yourself."
Jinse looked down at the silver notes and indenture he handed her, somewhat bewildered. A lump formed in her throat, and she blinked. Crystal tears streamed down her cheeks, and her fingers trembled slightly as she accepted the thick stack of notes.
He was penniless and had nowhere to go, and was in dire need of money. Even though he couldn't accept it, he still did.
Consider it a loan from him, and also an excuse for him to see her again someday.
"Please, sir, help me deliver this to the prince. Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness."
Jingchi took the brocade pouch from his hand, his eyes flickered, and he put it into his pocket.
"I will personally hand it over to Your Highness."
"Thank you, sir."
After saying that, he turned and left, and only left when he could no longer see the thin figure.
The person who was walking forward suddenly stopped, looked back in that direction, first laughed, and then, unable to hold back their tears, cried out.
……
Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was tense. Pei Yunche looked at Nalan Jingwen, whose face was calm, with some concern. He wanted to say something, but then he noticed Rong Hengyu reading a book to the side, completely unaffected, so dignified and generous. After thinking for a moment, he shut his mouth.
The carriage curtain was lifted, revealing Jingchi's handsome face.
"Your Highness, I have safely delivered Young Master Jinse."
Nalan Jingwen nodded and said, "After returning to the manor, send someone to find out where he is and send a few people to protect him secretly."
This world is too chaotic, men have no place to stand, and Jinse is too weak, so she is bound to be bullied.
"Yes."
He then took out a brocade pouch from his bosom and handed it to Nalan Jingwen.
"This was given to you by Young Master Jinse through my subordinate."
Nalan Jingwen was somewhat stunned when he saw the brocade pouch. He reached out, took it, and opened it. Inside was a tuft of black hair tied with a red string.
In an instant, three burning gazes shot over, fixed on the black hair and red rope in their hands.
"We've tied our hair together, and we'll stay together until our hair turns white."
Nalan Jing looked over and saw Rong Hengyu smiling slightly at her.
"There's another layer of meaning behind this delivery, Your Highness. Would you like to know?"
"what?"
Before Rong Hengyu could speak, Jingchi said, "A strand of black hair, a strand of soul; a lifetime, a love between two people."
"A couple for life?"
Pei Yunche murmured, then suddenly chuckled softly.
"He's certainly bold..."
After saying that, there was silence.
This is something they wouldn't even dare to dream of. Ordinary people might be able to achieve it, but their background destined them to never realize it. What man doesn't hope to be with one person for life?
For some reason, the atmosphere inside the carriage became even more somber. Pei Yunche concealed the bitterness in his eyes and gently chewed over those few words.
Rong Hengyu continued reading his book, seemingly unconcerned, but one could easily overlook the fact that his knuckles were white from the force he was using.
Jingchi stared intently at that strand of black hair, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes.
Nalan Jing silently put the black hair back into the brocade pouch and carefully tucked it into his bosom.
The carriage moved slowly, and the interior was completely silent except for the sound of the wheels rolling over the pebbles on the ground, creating an eerie atmosphere.
It was not until dusk that they finally arrived in the capital.
The streets were unusually lively today, with all sorts of hawking cries filling the air. Nalan Jingwen lifted the curtain and looked outside. Unlike the serious and somber atmosphere of his last return, this place was much more vibrant and lively.
Rong Hengyu noticed her movement and also looked out the window.
"Unbeknownst to us, it has already come to this point."
Nalan Jingwen turned to look at him, her expression somewhat puzzled.
Rong Hengyu gave her a faint smile and explained, "Your Highness has never cared about these things before, so it's normal that you don't know the date. The sacrificial ceremony will be held soon."
Upon hearing this, Nalan Jingwen finally managed to retrieve a fragment of his memories.
The original owner didn't really care about these things, but someone would specifically remind her during each festival, and she would just go through the motions each time.
The annual sacrificial ceremony is presided over by each Crown Princess. If the Crown Princess has not yet been appointed, the Empress presides over it, praying that the year will be blessed with favorable weather and free from disasters.
Therefore, a few days before the annual festival, the people would make preparations in advance, and the festival would be especially lively.
The Empress has no sons, so Nalan Fengxing should preside over the ceremony this time.
When the carriage arrived at the gate of the Prince's Mansion, Cheng He had already been waiting with a large group of people for a long time, their expressions excited and their eyes frequently looking around.
"Your Majesty, we are here."
Hongyun's voice came, and Jingchi got out of the car first and reached out to accept Lan Jingwen, but Nalan Jingwen jumped down directly, then turned around and reached out to catch Rong Hengyu.
Seeing that Nalan Jingwen turned around after receiving Rong Hengyu, showing no intention of receiving him, Pei Yunche shouted, "Nalan Jingwen! Why aren't you receiving me?!"
Nalan Jingwen glanced back at him and said, "Don't you have feet?"
"Rong Hengyu also has legs, so why are you helping him up?"
"My consort is delicate and precious, so I must take good care of her."
"you!!"
That means he's thick-skinned and tough! Nalan Jingwen ignored him and directly instructed Jingchi, who was standing to the side, "Bring Young Master Pei back to the Pei residence safely."
"Yes!"
"I'm not going back!"
He tried to run away, but Jingchi caught him and brought him back. Nalan Jingwen was very satisfied and gave him a look. Jingchi immediately understood, grabbed Pei Yunche by the collar and disappeared from the spot, leaving Pei Yunche's heart-wrenching screams in the air.
"Nalan Jingwen!!"
Cheng He's face was beaming with joy when he saw Nalan Jingwen, but his expression fell the moment he saw Rong Hengyu emerge from the carriage. He was especially furious when he saw his lord personally helping Rong Hengyu off the carriage; he practically ground his teeth to powder.
But the moment Nalan Jingwen looked over, he quickly regained his composure and hurriedly went to greet her.
"Your Highness, you're finally back! This old servant was so worried that I couldn't eat or sleep. You've lost weight, it breaks my heart. I've already instructed the servants to prepare your favorite dishes, just waiting for your return."
Nalan Jingwen glanced at her expressionlessly, then said to Rong Hengyu beside him, "Together?"
Rong Hengyu glanced subtly at Cheng He, whose face showed disgust, and curled the corners of her lips into a smile.
"We've traveled for so long and are hungry, so let's go with Your Highness."
Nalan Jingwen glanced at the two of them. It wasn't that he didn't notice the undercurrents between them, but he was too lazy to care. Cheng He didn't know why she disliked Rong Hengyu so much.
"Then let's go."
"By the way, Your Highness, there is one more thing."
Cheng He called out to her.
"what?"
"His Majesty has just issued a decree ordering you to enter the palace tomorrow."
Nalan Jingwen waved his hand casually, "I understand."
Upon hearing this, Rong Hengyu, who was standing to the side, had a dark glint in his eyes, which quickly disappeared, and he walked quietly beside her.