The stern figure standing in the wind disappeared into the night sky after a long while.
Chu Qianli had not looked at him, nor did she seem to care about his presence.
But perhaps, only she knew how difficult those half-hours were, with his gaze lingering upon her.
How many times had she wanted to return to the rooftop, take his hand, and tell him, "Let's walk the path ahead together."
Yet, how many times, at the very moment she almost couldn't resist stepping forward, did countless thoughts remind her that their paths were different!
After Feng Yexuan left, Chu Qianli walked to a tree not far away, spread out a blanket and cushion, and sat down on it.
The night was growing deep.
The children had dispersed and gone home to rest.
At the village entrance, the adults were still roasting meat.
In all these years, when had they ever eaten such a lavish meal?
Everyone was simple and honest, and no one felt it was right to take their meat home while others were still eating.
So, they all had to wait.
After everyone finished eating, they would see how to distribute the remaining ingredients.
These ingredients, if stored properly, could last for many more days.
Chu Qianli sat under the tree, and beside her, at some point, someone sat down.
He held a wine bottle and was drinking slowly.
"You knew he was here, didn't you?" Chu Qianli asked.
Feng Dingchu remained silent, continuing to drink.
"What do you know about Huarong? Back then..."
Feng Dingchu continued to raise his hand, drinking slowly, showing no intention of engaging in conversation.
Chu Qianli let out a soft sigh. She had forgotten; he was Feng Yexuan's ninth uncle.
Why force him to take sides?
She casually raised her hand, and a bottle of cocktail appeared in it.
With a flick of her long fingers, she uncapped the bottle and began to drink quietly.
Feng Dingchu indeed showed no reaction, still drinking his wine, completely immersed in his own world.
After an unknown amount of time, the man, who had a very low tolerance for alcohol, suddenly tilted his head, leaned against the tree, and fell into a drowsy state.
Chu Qianli looked up and saw him with blurry, half-closed eyes.
Those thin lips parted slightly, and the whispered call instantly tugged at her heart: "...Mother."
Mother!
Within his strong body resided a heart that could be very fragile at times.
And the greatest desire in that heart was for his mother.
Chu Qianli sighed and looked at his long, well-defined fingers, feeling a sudden melancholy.
She also missed her mother dearly.
Having lived two lifetimes, she had never felt the warmth of a mother's love. She wanted a mother too, but she was destined not to have such good fortune.
She took out a pillow, placed it beside her, and carefully helped Feng Dingchu to lie down on it.
Afterward, Chu Qianli took out a quilt and covered him.
She also took out a quilt and pillow for herself and slept not far from him.
Granny Sun came, wanting to ask if they wanted to sleep inside, but was afraid of waking the divine young man.
Chu Qianli waved her hand, signaling that this was fine.
Granny Sun, still worried they might be cold, lit a brazier for them not far away before leaving.
Chu Qianli watched her retreating back, feeling inexplicably envious.
Perhaps, living without distractions, striving for sustenance day by day, was also a form of happiness.
At least, she had family who loved her and whom she loved.
When would she be able to live the life she truly desired?
Not to be high and mighty, not to be an empress, but simply to live peacefully, freely, and at ease.
Did Prince Xuan truly wish to spend such days with her?
...At this moment, Feng Yexuan had already returned to the military camp.
Leng Ji came out of the tent, carrying the untouched food.
He looked up and saw Feng Ling walking towards him...