She was about to speak when Master Li stopped her, gestured outside, and then left.
Xue Xingyue gritted her teeth, not looking at Feng Qing in the room. She went to the spot Master Li had indicated. Master Li stood there, the breeze ruffling the hem of his robes.
“Why wouldn’t you let me in?” Xue Xingyue asked.
Master Li turned, his gaze placid. “If Your Highness were Feng Qing, how would you wish to be treated?”
Xue Xingyue froze. If she were Feng Qing, she certainly wouldn't want anyone to see her. She looked up at Master Li.
Master Li spoke slowly, “Feng Qing was raised by my own hands. I know his temperament and character like the back of my hand. Feng Qing is stubborn. If he knew that his most cherished person saw him in such a helpless state, I imagine he would be heartbroken.”
“Then, you would just let Hong Cha insult Feng Qing like that? He is family you’ve lived with,” Xue Xingyue said.
“What of family? He caused this trouble, and he must face the consequences. Otherwise, he will make the same mistake again,” Master Li said, his eyes cold.
“Since you all do not cherish him, I will. I am taking Feng Qing,” Xue Xingyue said, turning away in anger.
Master Li’s gaze suddenly softened, a smile playing on his lips. Feng Qing, this is as far as Master can help you. Go and do what you need to do!
Wu Hen, having sorted the medicinal herbs, looked at the angry Xue Xingyue with some surprise. “Your Highness, what is wrong?”
Xue Xingyue was startled, realizing that she had seemed to be taking her anger out on Master Li.
But after calming down, she realized that Master Li had merely helped her make a decision. Previously, she had considered Feng Qing’s pride, but if she continued to be so considerate, Feng Qing would continue to be treated as he was. Therefore, only she, his mistress, the one Feng Qing had chosen for life, could make this decision for him. If she gave the order, Feng Qing would have to obey. She had forgotten this.
“Your Highness, what is wrong?” Wu Hen asked, seeing her go from furious to lost in thought.
“Wu Hen, if I take Feng Qing with me, you…”
“Of course, that would be wonderful,” Wu Hen replied without hesitation.
“Good, then we will take Feng Qing with us,” Xue Xingyue said.
Wu Hen nodded happily. When they had worked together on missions, she and Feng Qing had been the most in sync. That’s why, when His Highness hadn’t said she would take Feng Qing, and Feng Qing had chosen to stay, she had felt a pang of sadness.
She knew Feng Qing had pride, and His Highness feared hurting that pride. So, she had been unable to do anything. Now that His Highness had finally decided, she felt overjoyed.
When Xue Xingyue and Wu Hen entered Feng Qing’s room, he had already finished his medicine and was trying to stand up.
Seeing this, Wu Hen quickly went forward to help him. “Why are you pushing yourself? You are not supposed to stand up yet.”
Feng Qing smiled at Wu Hen. “I’m fine. It’s best if I can stand up as soon as possible.”
“Feng Qing, I have decided. You are coming with me,” Xue Xingyue said as she walked over, looking at him word by word.
Feng Qing’s body trembled. He looked at Xue Xingyue and said, “Your Highness, I…”
“I am not discussing this with you; I am ordering you,” Xue Xingyue said, her gaze clear and cold.
For a moment, Feng Qing seemed to be transported back to the past, to when His Highness would issue such commands. No matter how many years had passed, he cherished those times and thought of them every night. Now, he heard it again. His eyes flickered, and he choked back a sob. He slowly bowed. “Your subordinate obeys!”
Feng Jiu truly never would have imagined that His Highness would choose that good-for-nothing, leaving him behind? Why?
Even though Feng Qing had also chosen to stay, she still took him. What about him? What did he truly mean to her?
A mirror with a crack can never be restored.
He stood there in a daze, quietly watching the carriage carrying the three of them slowly depart. He couldn’t describe his feelings, only that he felt a void. What had once filled his heart had been taken away.
“Second Senior Brother, stop looking. It’s good they’ve left. Master, Eldest Senior Brother, and I can live peacefully now,” Hong Cha said, gazing at the disappearing figures. She was truly happy they were gone. If they hadn’t left soon, she wouldn’t have been able to bear it.
At this moment, Second Senior Brother no longer looked at her with the tenderness and affection he once had. Instead, his gaze was icy, and she could feel the chill penetrating to her very bones.
Suddenly, she couldn’t help but take a few steps back.
“Sec… Second Senior Brother,” she called out, unwilling to give up.
She saw his cold gaze, as if coated with frost, chilling her to the bone.
“Feng Jiu.” Master Li walked over.
Feng Jiu turned and looked at Master Li, respectfully saying, “Master.”
“Come with me,” Master Li said, glancing at Feng Jiu before turning to leave.
Feng Jiu followed. Finally, in a bamboo grove behind the courtyard, he saw Master Li. He stepped forward. “Master, what is it you wished to see me about?”
“Do you feel it is unfair?” Master Li turned, his gaze sharper than ever.
Feng Jiu’s body trembled, and then he slowly lowered his head. “Feng Jiu dares not!”
“You only dare not, but you have harbored such thoughts. Do you know why she did not choose you?” Master Li asked again.
This time, Feng Jiu shook his head. “Feng Jiu does not know. Please enlighten me, Master.”
Master Li stepped forward and said slowly, “Because your heart is filled with too much杂念 (zá niàn - distracting thoughts/worldly desires).”
“Master, I…” Feng Jiu suddenly looked up, but upon seeing Master Li’s knowing gaze, he could say no more.