The subordinate finished speaking, and Qingyao immediately remembered having seen Yin Xuan just last night. He was fine, so why would he go back and drink? She waved her hand, "Lead the way. I'll go and check on him."
"Thank you," the subordinate quickly turned and led Qingyao to the adjacent courtyard. Qingyao's courtyard was very close to Yin Xuan's, separated only by a small garden. In the gentle breeze, flower branches swayed, and a rich fragrance wafted through the air.
A group of people appeared in the courtyard. Inside, there were interspersed rockeries and flowing water. Passing through the long corridor, they soon arrived at Yin Xuan's room.
Outside the door stood several maids, and Haoran was also there. He looked up and was stunned to see Qingyao. He had never expected that beneath her plain appearance lay such a breathtakingly beautiful face, and that his master was so infatuated with her. It was a pity that his feelings were unrequited.
"Miss Mu has arrived."
Haoran greeted her. Qingyao nodded. A young maid stepped forward to lift the curtain, inviting her in. The others dared not enter; even Mochou stood outside the door.
Qingyao bypassed the screen and saw a red sandalwood carved bed in the room. Lying quietly on it was a person, eyes closed, sleeping motionlessly. His ink-black hair was spread out, like dense clouds in the sky. His skin was fair, and the Chinese flowering crabapple made him appear even more alluring.
Qingyao sighed softly and gazed at him, then slowly spoke, "Yin Xuan, why are you so careless with your body? You know that health is the most important thing. You really make me worry."
The room was silent, save for her gentle words. The person on the bed suddenly opened his eyes. A scorching light was released from his pupils, and he slowly spoke.
"You worry about me? You feel heartache for me too? Even just a little bit."
Qingyao's heart stirred. Yin Xuan's eyes burned as he stared intensely at her. Could it be that he...?
Her heart fluttered, and a pang of pain tightened in her chest. How could Yin Xuan like her? She now wished everyone liked her a little less, because she knew how much suffering love could bring. Yin Xuan, he shouldn't be the kind of person to be ensnared by love.
He was tall and handsome. If he wished, there were plenty of beautiful women in the world. Someday, he would meet someone suitable for him. With this thought, Qingyao's lips curved into a smile, and she reached out to grasp Yin Xuan's slender hand.
"Yin Xuan, there are many wonderful women in the world. One day, you will meet one who belongs to you. So please, take good care of your body, alright?"
Yin Xuan was taken aback. His eyes held a wounded look, and he remained silent, then slowly spoke.
"I just want to know, do you have me in your heart? Even a little bit would be fine, then I can leave with peace of mind."
As soon as he spoke, Qingyao automatically ignored the earlier part of his sentence and focused on the latter: "You are leaving? When?"
"I'll leave when he appears."
Hearing him say he was leaving, Qingyao still felt a pang of melancholy. To be honest, everyone had emotions. After spending so much time together, suddenly parting was indeed a bit unsettling. She tightly gripped Yin Xuan's hand and said earnestly.
"Can you promise me you won't drink anymore?"
"Then, can you keep me in your heart? Even just a little bit," Yin Xuan's eyes were bright, but his tone was somewhat petulant, which was quite out of character for his appearance, but it was the truth.
He was rather like Wuqing when he was like this. Qingyao pursed her lips and smiled, her expression placid.
"There's definitely a little bit, so you take good care of yourself. If I ever find out you've been drinking again, we'll pretend we don't know each other, understand?"
Qingyao withdrew her hand, placed her hands on her hips, and spoke with a stern expression. Yin Xuan smiled with satisfaction. However, because he had drunk too much, his stomach still ached, and he unconsciously covered his chest with one hand. Qingyao couldn't help but complain, "See? This is the consequence of drinking."
After scolding him, she called out towards the outside, "Someone!"
Haoran, along with his subordinates, entered, as did a group of attendants. Mochou also walked in. The few people stood respectfully by the screen. Qingyao instructed Haoran, "Go prepare some rice porridge. Make it not too greasy. He just drank alcohol, so something light and refreshing would be good."
"Yes," Haoran, seeing that Yin Xuan did not object, happily led the others to prepare the porridge. Mochou, seeing that everyone else had left, felt awkward about staying alone. Qingyao waved her hand, signaling her to leave.
In the room, Yin Xuan leaned against the bed, gazing fixedly at her.
"Qingyao, live more happily from now on."
"Mhm, I will. You take care of your health."
"I know," Yin Xuan nodded, but a thought flashed through his mind.
Before leaving this time, he must go to the Prince of Yin's mansion to eliminate Murong Ruoyin, because that woman harbored too much hatred, and he feared Qingyao might not be able to bring herself to do it. This woman was sometimes very merciful, and though offending her had dire consequences, this was only in very specific instances.
While the two of them were speaking, Haoran had already brought the rice porridge. Qingyao watched Yin Xuan eat more than half a bowl before she left with peace of mind, instructing Yin Xuan to rest well.
Yin Xuan felt both touched and regretful. He had mistakenly lost such a woman.
But time could never flow backward. If only he could, he truly wanted to dote on her, to give her everything she wanted and liked. Unfortunately, all of that had lost its meaning.
And he still had things to do. When Wuqing appeared, he would have to leave. He had been very happy accompanying her during this period, and she would still remember him.
The next evening, Qingyao, disguised with makeup, along with Mochou and Yin Xuan, set off for the Prince of Yin's mansion under the cover of night.
To be honest, Qingyao's disguise as Murong Ruoyin was not very convincing, as their appearances were too different. Murong Ruoyin was tall and voluptuous, while Qingyao was slender. There was also a significant height difference.
Furthermore, Murong Ruoyin's face had soft lines, while Qingyao's facial contours were more angular and sharp. Thus, the disguise required considerable effort. In the end, Mochou still shook her head.
"Miss, to be honest, it's still not very similar. However, if the lighting is a bit dim and hazy, it'll resemble her somewhat. Also, we must strike decisively and absolutely must not give Changsun Yin too much room to suspect, otherwise, the disguise will surely be exposed."
"Mhm, I'm not worried about that. As long as Changsun Yin enters the room, Yin Xuan's skills will surely be able to take him down in one fell swoop, leaving him with no escape."
The moonlight was as white as frost, carrying a cool, damp breeze. The wind was gentle, and the surroundings were peaceful.
The leaves rustled in the wind, and dew dripped from the withered lotus leaves.
The group moved swiftly, traversing streets and alleys, heading towards the Prince of Yin's mansion.
The Prince of Yin's mansion today was much quieter than the previous two days. Apart from the tall lanterns at the entrance, the rest of the place was shrouded in darkness.
Mochou, having been to Ruoyin's room before, led the way. She quickly guided the group into the courtyard where Murong Ruoyin resided.
The courtyard was very quiet, with few people around. Under the long corridor, a young maid was on guard, the very same maid who had led Mochou in that day. Upon seeing Mochou, she immediately spoke in a low voice, "Please come in with me."