newbobooks Chapter 281
Chapter 281
Liu Qingxu, holding an umbrella, stood on the city tower. Hearing the noise, he turned around and saw Nalan Jingwen coming up. He immediately went over to hold the umbrella for her.
Spring weather is unpredictable. It's fine during the day, but spring rain starts to fall at night. The temperature drops sharply, and the fine rain is mixed with a cold wind, which gives people goosebumps.
"what happened?"
"Your Highness, a group of about a hundred people is approaching from outside the city. Who could they be with such a large force?"
Nalan Jingwen stood by the city wall and looked down, his face cold and stern. The red hem of his robe fluttered in the wind, and the rain soaked it, outlining his tall figure.
Because it was too dark and the rain was thick, making it difficult to see clearly, everyone held their breath and focused on the approaching army, gripping their swords tightly, ready to strike.
So late at night, and with so many people, could they be bandits from the nearby mountains?
Countless guesses flashed through Liu Qingxu's mind. He looked at Nalan Jingwen, wanting to speak but holding back. The latter stared intently at the rapidly moving shadows below the city, remaining silent.
The sound of hooves grew louder and clearer, and the previously blurry figures gradually emerged from the rain. A group of people was galloping rapidly towards them across the vast land. As the golden figure at the front approached the city, it suddenly accelerated, gradually distancing itself from the main force. The golden figure stood out among the group, galloping wildly, its wide robes drawing graceful and magnificent arcs in the night.
There was no moonlight tonight, yet the shadow seemed to be enveloped in countless halos, reflecting a dazzling light. Black hair fluttered in the air, tracing beautiful arcs along with the golden hem of the robe.
The figure drew closer and became clearer. Nalan Jingwen gripped the bricks and tiles by the city wall with both hands, his pupils shrinking slightly.
Liu Qingxu had no martial arts skills and could not see clearly; he could only make out the general outline.
"Your Highness, why did the person at the front suddenly speed up? I can't see him very clearly, but judging from his figure, he seems to be a man."
"Your Highness, isn't there a carriage in the very middle of that procession? Would bandits openly ride into the city in a carriage?"
Not hearing a response from Nalan Jingwen, she turned her head away, and the word "Your Highness" suddenly stuck in her throat.
There was no one beside her anymore; Nalan Jingwen was nowhere to be seen.
Liu Qingxu looked down from the city and saw that familiar figure flying towards the person at the front of the group, his red clothes fluttering in the rain.
She was shocked and her mind hadn't processed what was happening. She instinctively tried to climb over the city wall to follow Nalan Jingwen, but as soon as one leg was over the wall, she was pulled back by a hand.
She turned around and saw that Jingchi had come up at some point, staring intently at the city gate below, a trace of sorrow lingering between his brows, and turbulent emotions churning in his clear blue eyes.
Liu Qingxu then came to his senses and realized how dangerous his actions had been. He chuckled awkwardly at Jingchi and said, "Thanks, Guard Jing."
She glanced down at the city walls, then at the Mirror Pond. "Aren't you going to follow them and protect the Prince? We don't know what their purpose is."
Jingchi withdrew his hand, lowered his eyes to conceal all emotions, and said calmly, "No need."
"...Your Highness, everything will be alright."
That person...
It won't harm Nalan Jingwen.
Liu Qingxu didn't understand what he meant. Turning his head, he saw the red figure land steadily on the horse at the very front and skillfully embrace the golden figure on horseback. The two immediately switched positions. The woman held the person with one hand and pulled the reins with the other, galloping towards the city.
"Open the city gate!"
As Nalan Jingwen rode his horse, he looked down at the person in his arms. The rebuke that was about to come out of his mouth was swallowed back when he saw the fatigue between his brows and the dark circles under his eyes.
"Your Majesty..."
His voice betrayed his exhaustion.
Nalan Jingwen glanced at him and said, "Hmm."
"Sleep when you're tired, I'm here."
Rong Hengyu nestled in her arms, his noble face pale and haggard from the rain. His body and hair were soaked. Perhaps it was the familiar scent that brought on the exhaustion of his days of travel. He leaned against her, listening to her strong heartbeat, and finally let down his guard. He slowly closed his phoenix eyes, and drowsiness overwhelmed him.
Nalan Jingwen led his men at full gallop, the empty and quiet streets filled only with the crisp sound of hooves. They soon arrived at the inn. He dismounted, carrying the person in his arms, but his movements were extremely gentle, as if he were afraid of disturbing the person in his arms. He shielded the person from the fine rain with his own body, and after instructing the servants to boil water, he carried the person quickly to another room.
She sat on the bed, holding him in her arms, her hands moving gently as she helped him take off his wet clothes.
Rong Hengyu opened her eyes slightly, glanced at her, and then closed them again. Perhaps she was exhausted and had no strength left. She let her help her take off her clothes, feeling weak all over, and leaned closer to her.
Soon, she was left with nothing to cover her body. Her skin was smooth and fair, like the finest mutton fat jade, gleaming with a soft white light. However, between her long, straight legs were marks from riding horses for a long time, which were particularly glaring against her fair skin. Large patches of skin had broken off, and slight bloodstains were seeping out, indicating that she must have been in great pain.
Nalan Jing frowned upon hearing this, but ultimately said nothing. He pulled the blanket over the man, wrapped the hair around his temples, and gently kissed his cold forehead.
She held him tightly, and Rong Hengyu quietly nestled in her arms to sleep. She was used to his dignified and noble appearance, and it seemed that he could handle everything well. He rarely complained of being tired or in pain. All the affairs of the manor were on his shoulders, and she seemed to have gotten used to his invincible appearance.
But now, seeing his fragile and vulnerable appearance, with the dark circles under his eyes, made her want to pity him even more. Only when she realized it was real did she vaguely remember that he was just a man who needed to be protected.
Soon, a very light knock sounded at the door. "Your Highness, the hot water is ready."
"Send it in."
After everything was ready, the door was closed again. Nalan Jingwen carried the person to the bathtub and gently placed her inside. The rising steam blurred her face. Rong Hengyu opened his eyes and looked at her, his slender, jade-like hands gently holding hers.
Nalan Jingwen touched his thin cheek and said, "You can go to sleep."
Upon hearing this, Rong Hengyu closed his eyes again, but did not let go of her hand.
Nalan Jingwen wanted him to rest quickly, so he didn't wash him for long. He quickly lifted him out of the water, dried him off, applied medicine to his groin, and then dressed him and carefully placed him on the bed.
Just as she was about to turn and leave, her wrist was suddenly grabbed. She turned around and saw Rong Hengyu staring at her intently.
Although he didn't say anything, she understood what he meant.
"You rest first, I'll go take a bath and come right away."
After he finished speaking, he let go of her hand and obediently closed his eyes.