The warm sunlight streamed through the clouds, carrying a languid aura. Peach blossoms drifted down, lining the flower-covered corridor and balustrade, painting a scene of pure elegance everywhere.
After breakfast, Qingyao, accompanied by Wen Yu, strolled through the valley. Behind them trailed Mochou and Xiao Yu'er, sticking close to their heels. It wasn't out of fear for Qingyao's safety, but rather an aversion to Wen Yu, and a desire to prevent them from being alone together.
Behind the valley stood a gentle, rolling hill, covered in medicinal herbs that swayed in the breeze. The air was thick with their fragrance. Beyond the herb fields lay the Clear Lake, its surface rippling with gentle waves, shimmering and dancing in the wind.
Wen Yu stood amidst the medicinal herbs, his eyes closed as he breathed in deeply. To be honest, this place was truly an idyllic paradise, one that made one want to linger. Most importantly, it was far removed from the worldly dust and clamor, devoid of any worries.
"The snake swarm last night, so sudden, and it attacked precisely as I entered the valley. I'm afraid others might suspect I had ulterior motives. Will I leave the valley today?"
Wen Yu's voice carried a hint of melancholy. Mochou and Xiao Yu'er exchanged glances behind him, their hearts filled with a joy that almost made them want to clap their hands.
However, in the next moment, Qingyao's voice rang out, "You're overthinking things. I just want to ask you?"
Qingyao's eyes were clear and bright, making Wen Yu hesitant to meet her gaze. Yet, he looked at her steadily as she spoke, enunciating each word carefully. "Did you do this? I believe what you say, but if you lie to me, we will no longer be friends."
Though her words were slow and spoken in a relaxed tone, those who understood her temper knew that she always followed through on her promises.
Wen Yu's heart trembled. The arrow was already on the string; it had to be fired. Even if he confessed, she would likely despise him. It was better to stake everything now. This was no longer a simple matter of affection.
In the past, he had envisioned a life hidden away in the common world with her, as long as she agreed. But now, he was no longer unburdened. He was the Third Prince of Yun Cang Kingdom, and the world was on the brink of chaos. As a member of the royal family, he naturally worried about Yun Cang Kingdom's potential destruction.
Although he liked Yao'er dearly, with the world on the verge of turmoil, where could a pure land be found? If he could keep Yao'er by his side, she would be a formidable asset, along with a strange little girl. Wen Yu's mind was already charting a course.
His expression was calm as he spoke indifferently, "How could I possibly let the Black and White Fiends into the valley? And I don't even know them. However, if you all think that way, I will leave the valley immediately today."
Wen Yu employed a tactic of retreating to advance. Qingyao said nothing, took a deep breath, gazed at the lake by the herb fields, and offered a faint smile.
"Why be so suspicious? The pure will naturally remain pure. Besides, even if someone were to enter, wouldn't they just be meeting their end? Wu Qing isn't renowned for nothing. Those who come in greater numbers will only die more miserably."
As soon as Qingyao finished speaking, Xiao Yu'er behind her cried out immediately.
"Yes, Master Wu Qing is amazing! He kills one who comes, and kills a pair who come!" After saying this, she shook her little head and cast a sideways glance at Wen Yu. Wen Yu's heart trembled. Why did he feel as though this tiny person seemed to understand everything he did?
The thought sent a shiver through Wen Yu. No, it had to be him overthinking things.
This little girl didn't seem to be even a year old, yet she possessed eyes as sharp as an adult's and spoke with such cutting precision. Every time he saw her, Wen Yu felt a chill run down his spine.
Qingyao withdrew her gaze from the clear lake, turned to look at Wen Yu, and spoke softly.
"Have you been to Ling Shan?"
Wen Yu, unsure why Qingyao was asking such a question, frowned and pondered for a moment before cautiously replying, "Yes."
He knew of Ling Shan; it was as famous as Tian Shan, and it was said to hold many rare herbs and treasures.
Qingyao sighed, "I haven't been to Ling Shan, so I wish to see its beautiful scenery. I've heard it's as renowned as the famous Tian Shan. I wonder if that's true."
Wen Yu breathed a sigh of relief and smiled gently. His alluring face radiated charm, and a slight curl of his lips was captivatingly bewitching. "If Yao'er wishes, I will accompany you on a trip to Ling Shan."
As his words fell, Qingyao's heart fluttered. It turned out Yin Xuan truly wasn't him, but someone else. The answer was obvious, yet it weighed heavily on her heart.
So, it really was another him. The depths of his eyes held a heavy hue as he slowly gazed at the clear lake, unmoving.
Wen Yu's clear voice rang out, "Qingyao, what are you thinking about?"
"Oh, nothing. Let's go back," Qingyao snapped back to reality and replied indifferently. Perhaps she truly owed him something, but it was good that he had left, saving her the trouble of facing him. She truly didn't know how she would face him again.
Wen Yu was no longer the Chu Qianyi of the past. Or perhaps, she had never truly understood this man. To think that he, as a mere child, could conceal his identity for over twenty years showed that his schemes were no less than anyone else's. She had only ever seen his carefree side, never his hidden cunning.
Thinking of this, she suspected that he had indeed released the Black and White Fiends. Then, what was his objective?
Qingyao pondered silently, then walked ahead. Xiao Yu'er and Mochou followed closely behind her, keeping a distance between their mother and the Third Prince.
Wen Yu's gaze fell upon the tiny figure at the very end. He suddenly smiled. Everyone had a weakness. If he took Xiao Yu'er away, would Qingyao still be so calm? Would she remain unmoved? He didn't want to make things difficult for her, but he truly wanted her by his side, and he also didn't want to abandon his country. Thus, this was the only resort.
With his scheme set, Wen Yu relaxed and followed the figures ahead, walking back the way they came.
When Qingyao returned, Wu Qing was waiting for her in the room, a gentle smile on his face, as radiant as the sun. He gazed at her fixedly, and seeing that her brow seemed somewhat furrowed, he asked softly.
"What happened?"
"So, he really isn't Yin Xuan," she said, walking to the chair beside Wu Qing and sitting down. Wu Qing reached out and took her hand.
"Yes, he doesn't have Yin Xuan's demeanor, nor his deep-seated feelings," Wu Qing stated plainly. For that person could be considered a rival in chivalry to him; at that moment, they were at least of one mind, unlike Wen Yu, whom he disliked the moment he saw him. This man was profoundly cunning.
He allowed him into the valley precisely to let Qingyao understand that he was not Yin Xuan, so that she wouldn't fall prey to his schemes again. Moreover, he suspected Wen Yu would make further moves, and by then, Qingyao would fully comprehend how formidable this man's cunning truly was.
"Alright, stop thinking about him. I've come today to give you a gift."
His face was filled with joy, his eyes like paintings, and the smile at the corner of his lips deepened.
Qingyao was swayed by his mood and set aside her heavy heart. "What gift?"
Wu Qing remained silent, appearing quite mysterious, and said softly, "Close your eyes."