Chapter 422
At the city gates, Princess Donglin had already prepared the carriage. Prince Wu arrived late, and the princess nearly threw the feather duster in her hand at him.
"You know that person is beyond your reach—why go looking for trouble?" Princess Donglin scolded, exasperated.
Prince Wu lowered his head pitifully. "Elder Sister, I’m about to return to Donglin. Must you still scold me?"
Princess Donglin’s nose tingled with emotion as she pulled her foolish, pitiable brother into a deep embrace.
Lowering her voice, she spoke gently, "You may love whomever you wish—except for her. There are many fine women in this world. One day, you’ll meet the right one."
Prince Wu’s eyes reddened.
Clutching his chest, he muttered hoarsely, "But Sister... my heart aches so much. I feel like I’ll never love another woman again."
The summer wind carried his sorrow, whispering his love into the air.
Princess Donglin patted his head. "Go now. I’ve prepared enough gold and silver for you. If you don’t return to Donglin, you may settle in the south—though for some reason, I have a feeling we’ll meet again soon."
Tearfully, Prince Wu nodded.
The siblings parted reluctantly.
The luxurious carriage carried the heartbroken prince along the long imperial road, away from the bustling Yanjing City.
Prince Wu slumped gloomily against the swaying carriage wall, his mind replaying Shen Wei’s graceful silhouette over and over.
Fifth Brother Zhang, noticing his melancholy, tried to distract him. "Your Highness, perhaps we could detour to Jiangnan. They say there are many beautiful and clever women there."
Prince Wu propped his chin on his hand, staring listlessly at the endless road ahead. "What use is beauty or cleverness? I prefer lively women—ones with striking figures and resilient spirits."
Like Yuan Xi’er. Like Shen Wei.
Alas, such women were rare.
If he couldn’t marry the one he loved, he’d rather remain alone forever.
Too restless to stay in the stifling carriage, Prince Wu stepped out and mounted a horse instead.
Just as he tightened the reins, the distant thud of hooves reached his ears. A black steed streaked across the yellowed grass of the road like lightning, kicking up a cloud of dust.
As the horse drew near, the dust settled, leaving Prince Wu blinking and coughing.
"Sir, how far is Yanjing City?" A bright, spirited voice called out.
Prince Wu rubbed his dust-filled eyes, unable to see the rider clearly. "About fifty li down this road," he answered.
The woman chuckled. "Thank you! Oh—did dust get in your eyes? My apologies. I’ve been in a hurry and haven’t groomed my horse in a while."
She rummaged through her sleeve and handed him a worn handkerchief. "Here, wipe your eyes."
Prince Wu did so.
When his vision cleared, he caught sight of the woman galloping away—her figure clad in dusty gray, hair tied carelessly with a cloth strip, her posture bold and unrestrained.
His heart, silent for hours, suddenly pounded wildly.
What a dashing figure!
Where was she from?
Was she betrothed?
Surely she wasn’t some kingdom’s dowager empress?
Fifth Brother Zhang drove the carriage over. "Your Highness, shall we continue? There’s a town twenty li ahead where we can rest tonight."
Prince Wu clutched the handkerchief and glared. "Continue? No! Turn back to Yanjing City! I’ve left something precious behind!"
He wheeled his horse around and raced back.
Meanwhile, at the Yan residence in Yanjing City, Princess Donglin was in low spirits after sending her brother away. Though Shen Wei was merciful and hadn’t punished Prince Wu for his audacity, his departure was still an act of contrition.
Sipping tea, the princess murmured, "Such a long journey... I hope he doesn’t fall ill or neglect himself..."
The steward rushed in. "My lady! Prince Wu—he, he, he—!"
Princess Donglin sighed. "He’s already gone."
"No! He’s back!"
Baffled, the princess hurried to the gates and found her brother, whom she’d bid farewell just three hours prior.
"A-Jie, I’ve met a woman!" Prince Wu declared joyfully. "I’m certain she’s the extraordinary one the court astrologer foretold! She even gave me her handkerchief—she must fancy me!"
Princess Donglin: "..."
Three hours ago, he’d sworn he’d "never love another woman again." Now here he was, his heart as fickle as a flipped page.
...
Night fell, and the imperial villa by Luoyue Lake glowed with lanterns.
Shen Wei stood at the entrance, waiting eagerly. Soon, the sound of hooves reached her.
A black horse appeared.
A young woman in gray dismounted, handed the reins to the steward, and knelt before Shen Wei. "Mingyue pays respects to Aunt! May Aunt be at peace!"
Shen Wei helped her up with a smile. "I only learned of your arrival this morning from your father’s letter. You’ve ridden hard—you must be exhausted."
Shen Mingyue grinned. "Not at all. Father and Mother were deeply worried after hearing of your illness, but border affairs kept them busy. Since I had time, I came to see you."
Shen Mingyue was the eldest daughter of General Shen Mieyue and Sun Qingmei, raised in Liangzhou.
When news of Shen Wei’s curse reached them, Shen Mieyue had been frantic. Mingyue had volunteered to make the trip.
This was Shen Wei’s first time meeting her niece. Studying her, she saw Sun Qingmei’s delicate features blended with Shen Mieyue’s bold demeanor.
Delighted, Shen Wei led her inside for supper and arranged quarters in the east wing.
Adaptable and cheerful, Shen Mingyue quickly befriended Le You.
By the lakeside pavilion, Moxun and Shen Wei cracked melon seeds.
Watching the two young women play on a painted boat, Moxun sighed. "Look at them, Shen Wei—so young, so full of life. Time spares no one. When I was their age, before I became this wretched, I laughed like that too."
She felt old.
Two lifetimes had worn her spirit to dust.
Shen Wei handed her a bowl of chilled summer drink. "Don’t dwell on it. If you ever want to talk, come find me."
As women of the same era, they had endless shared memories.
But lately, Shen Wei noticed Moxun growing lifeless—eating little, her face gaunt, her spirit withered.
Moxun had lost the will to live.
Gazing at the shimmering lake, she murmured, "Shen Wei, my time is short. When I’m gone, bury me in the southern mountains."