For a brief moment, Yu Mingyue felt as if a lifetime had passed, her hand trembling as she gripped the cup.
Xie Jiayan lowered his gaze, then quickly looked back at Yu Mingyue. "Aren't you afraid that our dynasty will be precarious, and you'll be wandering aimlessly in the future?"
She had indeed grown up. Her eyes had become firm and gentle, no longer the impetuous young girl he first met.
The way she looked at him, without flinching or averting her gaze, made him feel somewhat at a loss.
Yu Mingyue noticed the red bloodshot veins in his eyes. He must not have rested well these past few days.
His background was a heavy burden for him. She, on the other hand, felt it was for the best. Leaving the capital and shedding the responsibilities of the court would lighten his life.
From now on, he should live for himself. He had done enough for the Great Wei, he was worthy of being a descendant of the Xiao family, and he was worthy of the noble blood flowing in his veins.
"I grew up pampered and well-fed, protected by my family. Although these past two years have been eventful, I have never suffered the hardships of life. Compared to others with difficult lives, I am fortunate. If I had to face such a life alone, I would naturally be afraid."
"But in these two years, my friends and loved ones have left me one after another, which has also taught me what is most precious to me. I enjoy a stable life, and I also yearn for a magnificent life. I would be content to wander the world with Brother Jiayan." Yu Mingyue's voice was unhurried, her well-articulated words deeply moving.
The room was too quiet, so quiet that every word she spoke seemed to strike his heart.
Content.
Her understated tone and her longing expression caused his heart to ache intensely.
Yes, she had never experienced the hardships of life. What right did he have to ask her to wander with him, to risk danger with him?
He also wished for her life to be peaceful.
Xie Jiayan picked up the cup beside him, brought it to his lips, and drank the wine. "Even if it means being displaced, having no fixed abode, and rarely seeing family and friends again."
"Life is like the sea, with partings and reunions." Although she had experienced life and death, she still feared separation. But this time, she absolutely did not want to be apart from him.
She had a premonition that if they separated this time, they might truly never see each other again.
"Since you've made up your mind, I'll wait for you at the city gate tomorrow morning," Xie Jiayan said.
"Really?"
The light in Yu Mingyue's eyes reminded him of their first meeting, when she had looked at him just like this.
Xie Jiayan nodded. "Yes!"
"Then I'll go back and pack my things now." Leaving the day after tomorrow morning was a bit rushed, but there was still time.
However, how was she going to convince her mother? Her mother had always doted on her and would be heartbroken. Her father and brother were not in the capital, and now she was leaving too.
She was also letting down her master. She had promised to look after Dali Temple for him, and now she had broken her word. When she reached Yangzhou, she would personally go to her master to beg for forgiveness.
"Eat first. It's all your favorite food," Xie Jiayan stopped her with a gesture.
Yu Mingyue took a breath. "Alright!"
She was indeed hungry. Once she left the capital, she wouldn't be able to enjoy the delicacies of Wuwuju.
After a satisfying meal, Xie Jiayan personally escorted her back to her residence. "It's too late today. I'll visit your mother tomorrow."
Yu Mingyue nodded with delight. It seemed Brother Jiayan truly intended to take her with him. When he lived next door, he rarely visited their home. This time, he had even taken the initiative to ask.
Until Xie Jiayan's figure disappeared, Yu Mingyue stood at the door. In fact, she had gone inside, but couldn't bear to leave him and ran back out. She had barely managed to suppress the urge to chase after him and hug him.
Upon returning to her residence, the initial elation was gradually replaced by worry. How was she going to convince her mother? She absolutely could not let her mother vent her anger on Brother Jiayan tomorrow.