He had found the person his mother spoke of, truly found her, worrying for her, infatuated with her, his heart aching for every tear she shed. He loved her. The thought made him happy. Mother, I have finally found the one I want to love.
Uniform breathing came from behind him. Ming Yu knew he was asleep. She gently pried his hand away, only to find his grip to be incredibly tight. With great effort, she finally managed to break free from his embrace.
Casually glancing at his face, she smiled. The corners of his lips held a hint of a smile, as innocent and pure as an infant's. His chiseled features, as perfect as a celestial being's, were exquisitely carved onto his face. Upon closer inspection, she noticed a drop of saliva clinging to the corner of his lips, glistening and transparent, inviting a tender smile.
She reached out her fair jade finger, gently tracing the stars that veiled his eyes, his high-bridged nose, and his thin lips. Every stroke was so flawlessly perfect that it was beyond criticism.
The next day, as the sun began to rise, a covered carriage, escorted by over a dozen individuals dressed as martial arts practitioners on horseback, set off.
"We're returning to Huacheng so soon?" Ming Yu, still in the carriage, was somewhat taken aback.
Hua Yun Jin had woken up very early that morning. When she opened her eyes, she saw him watching her. For some reason, her heart fluttered uneasily. Had he discovered her whereabouts last night?
Then she reconsidered; it shouldn't be possible. She had clearly seen him asleep when she returned. Was he feigning sleep? If so, that was rather unsettling.
However, regarding the arrangement to return to Huacheng, Ming Yu felt it wasn't overly hasty. After being away for such a long time, Hua Yun Jin, as the ruler of a nation, should indeed return. She wondered how he was faring in the palace. Ming Yu's gaze became distant. That composed, restrained man, had he managed to arrange everything?
"Do you wish to go back?" Hua Yun Jin asked calmly, looking at the somewhat lost in thought Ming Yu as the carriage rumbled along outside.
Ming Yu snapped back to reality, only then realizing that Hua Yun Jin had spoken. Ming Yu felt a pang of embarrassment. She had, in the presence of this man she was so focused on, just thought of Hua Yun Dan. If Hua Yun Jin were to find out, she could imagine that neither she nor Hua Yun Dan would fare well.
"Your Highness, what did you say?" Ming Yu asked cautiously, afraid of displeasing Hua Yun Jin. She dared not offend him and had been speaking with extreme care these past few days, treading on thin ice with every step, terrified that Hua Yun Jin might discover her abnormality.
"Do you wish to go back?" Hua Yun Jin narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Ming Yu. Ming Yu didn't even dare to breathe. Under Hua Yun Jin's gaze, Ming Yu felt as if she were completely transparent.
Ming Yu's heart leaped. Did he know she had recovered her memories? Otherwise, why would he be scrutinizing her with such a gaze?
"I don't know. It's pleasant outside, but Huacheng is quite stifling," Ming Yu said, turning her head away to avoid Hua Yun Jin's gaze, speaking softly.
Heh heh, Hua Yun Jin suddenly chuckled. He had begun to harbor suspicions. Ming Yu had been acting rather strangely these past few days.
Otherwise, why the recent cautious demeanor? Hua Yun Jin's lips curved into a bitter smile. As long as you are still by my side, that is all that matters.
"Miss Ming Yu, as long as you are by my side..." Hua Yun Jin murmured to himself.
Ming Yu, who had been lifting the carriage curtain to look outside, suddenly heard these words. Her body stiffened abruptly, then slowly returned to normal.
Since Hua Yun Jin did not wish to break the unspoken understanding, there was no need for her, Ming Yu, to do so either.
Let things continue as they are. She wondered how Hua Yun Dan was doing.
If she no longer appeared, would the Empress Dowager then make a move against Hua Yun Dan?
She always felt that the Empress Dowager would not be so heartless, nor would she treat Hua Yun Dan in such a manner.
"Protect the master!" a sharp shout suddenly came from outside the carriage, followed by the sound of galloping hooves and the clash of weapons.
Hua Yun Jin, who had been sitting beside her, immediately rose and went to the curtain. He reached out and pulled it aside, sticking half his head out to look. Four people were protecting the carriage. The other guards had already engaged in a fight with a group of masked individuals.
Observing the moves of the masked assailants, each strike was vicious and clearly intended to kill.
"Master, the situation is not good. Allow me to escort you away," a guard said nervously, his eyes warily scanning their surroundings.
"Go..." Hua Yun Jin shouted coldly. One of the guards flicked the whip at the horses pulling the carriage. The horses, in pain, neighed and, carrying Hua Yun Jin and Ming Yu, fled swiftly towards the group of masked assassins.
Behind the carriage, four guards on horseback circled them protectively.
"Miss Ming Yu, do not be afraid..." Hua Yun Jin said, seeing Ming Yu leaning against the carriage wall, her face pale, her hands clenched tightly. Fear now clouded her large, limpid eyes.
Hua Yun Jin's heart tightened. He turned and pulled Ming Yu into his arms, gently comforting her.
"I, I'm not afraid, it was just too sudden. His Majesty's whereabouts are extremely well-hidden. Who would be so heartless as to try and kill His Majesty?" Ming Yu stammered, nestled in Hua Yun Jin's arms. She had truly been terrified. Just a moment ago, she had been worried about Hua Yun Dan.
The next moment, a dozen masked assassins suddenly appeared, striking without mercy, each move aimed at taking a life. Their immediate ferocity clearly indicated they were prepared. Who could have leaked Hua Yun Jin's movements?
Hua Yun Jin, holding the trembling Ming Yu in his arms, a hint of a cruel tear flashed in his eyes. Very few people knew his movements. Only a handful of his trusted confidantes were aware.
Could it be her?
Only she had the motive and the capability.
But could it be her?
Would she also try to eliminate him because of Hua Yun Dan? Hua Yun Jin's eyes flickered with a fleeting thought.
What if he let go of Ming Yu?
Would she still pursue him relentlessly?
But the woman in his arms was no ordinary person; she was the woman he was gradually falling for, the woman he couldn't stop thinking about.
"Master, quickly get out of the carriage..." Ming Yu had just begun to relax when she heard the guards outside the carriage shout urgently.
Hua Yun Jin paid no heed to anything else. With one arm around Ming Yu, he used his Qinggong, disregarding the speeding carriage, and with a swift movement, shot out of it.
Ming Yu felt a buzzing in her head, and then her feet slowly touched the ground. Only then did Ming Yu regain her senses. Everywhere around them were dense trees.
The speeding carriage continued to rush forward, desperately moving. Suddenly, a horse neighed, then let out a pained cry. The horse's front legs buckled and it knelt on the ground, causing the entire carriage to overturn.