When Xiao Yunting went to find Xie Ying, the latter had already been waiting at Taibai Building for some time.
Upon seeing his old friend, Xiao Yunting gave him a friendly punch on the shoulder and laughed, “Looks like studying hasn’t made you neglect your martial training—otherwise, how would you explain yourself to Master?”
Usually reserved and unreadable in expression, Xiao Yunting now smiled with dimples on both cheeks, a rare show of genuine joy.
Xie Ying smiled too. “Isn’t that exactly why I didn’t dare slack off? Afraid Master would scold me. But really, I only train to keep fit—nothing compared to your killing skills.”
As soon as the two met, they had endless things to talk about.
From the time when Qi Wang nearly wiped out the Xie family in Jiangxi, to the recent fall of Duke Chu’s household in the capital—the conversation flowed, and in the blink of an eye, it was already dusk.
Xie Ying felt both gratified and wistful. “Your Highness is even better than when you left Mount Longhu. If Master could see you now, he’d surely be proud.”
Xiao Yunting, however, felt some guilt. “I should’ve sent more men. Then perhaps your family wouldn’t have suffered that senseless disaster.”
Qi Yuan had warned him about the potential risk early on—it was ultimately his oversight.
“Please don’t say that, Your Highness.” Xie Ying shook his head sincerely. “At the time, Qi Wang held all the power in the capital. Many things weren’t yours to decide. I understand.”
He went on to talk about visiting the Qi family home with his mother.
As soon as he mentioned they had visited the Qi residence, Xiao Yunting’s emotions became subtly complicated.
Of course he hadn’t forgotten Qi Yuan’s particular concern for the Xie family.
Xie Ying spoke plainly: “Miss Qi asked my mother something—why it was someone else who went to request the Celestial Master to treat my brother’s illness, and not our own Xie family. Then she asked me if I liked azaleas.”
His gaze was bright and honest. “Your Highness, I think there may be some misunderstanding between you two.”
Xiao Yunting let out a helpless sigh. He had always felt there was a chasm between him and Qi Yuan—but he hadn’t known what had caused it.
Still, that didn’t matter. He had always been straightforward when it came to those he cared about.
If the mountain won’t come to me, I’ll go to the mountain.
That night, he went to the Qi residence.
When he arrived, Qi Yuan was writing a reply to Lai Chenglong. Hearing noise, she looked up to see Baizhi standing awkwardly at the window, unsure whether to open it or close it.
Xiao Yunting stood under the corridor roof, looking directly in her direction.
Qi Yuan paused, then said coolly, “Baizhi, let His Highness in.”
Only then did Baizhi breathe a sigh of relief and quickly opened the window.
The Imperial Grandson climbing into Mingyue Pavilion had become routine by now—but since it was nighttime, it was still necessary to check with the young lady first.
Elsewhere, Babao and Liujin were eavesdropping on the wall.
Babao nudged Liujin’s elbow. “You think Miss Qi will finally give His Highness a proper answer this time?”
Liujin looked at his hand. “I don’t know if she’ll agree, but if she finds out you’ve been betting on her behind her back, she’ll definitely chop that hand off.”
“Hiss!” Babao drew back his hand in alarm and muttered, “It’s not just me—didn’t you happily collect silver too?”
Qi Yuan sealed her letter and looked over to see Xiao Yunting sitting quietly by the window, gazing at her.
She asked softly, “Does Your Highness not find me difficult to deal with?”
“A little,” Xiao Yunting replied truthfully. Then he sighed and added gently, “But it can’t be helped. If you’re a different kind, then I want to become your kind.”
Qi Yuan let out a snort of laughter.
She leaned against her chair and studied him. Suddenly, she asked, “You and Xie Ying had the same master—why does he have no ties to the Celestial Master’s sect?”
Though Xiao Yunting wasn’t sure why she asked, he answered honestly, “Our master was from Mount Mao.”
…..
Seeing Qi Yuan momentarily lost for words, Xiao Yunting suddenly had the urge to pinch her cheek.
But knowing she might retaliate with a hairpin, he restrained himself and calmly explained:“After the Baorong incident, I couldn’t stay at Mount Mao anymore. My master took me to Mount Longhu. At first, they didn’t want to accept me because of my identity. The Celestial Master was in seclusion, but unexpectedly emerged just to take me in—this hot potato.”
He downplayed it. “So from then on, I trained under the Celestial Master.”
So that’s how it was—this was his connection to Mount Longhu.
Qi Yuan was silent for a moment, then asked, “That day I told Your Highness not to come again—why did you still come?”
Xiao Yunting also fell quiet before answering plainly, “Because I thought it through. If the version of me in that dream did something wrong, he must have paid a heavy price for it. But he isn’t me.”
Qi Yuan looked at him steadily. “Your Highness, give me some time to sort things out.”
She never lied to herself.
If she liked someone, she liked them. If not, then not.
If she was betrayed, she would leave and never look back.
She had walked a long road alone.
But if it turned out everything had been a misunderstanding—she would still follow her heart.
If I want to love, I’ll love. If I no longer want to, I’ll leave. To live life as one wishes—that’s the most worthwhile way to live.
Xiao Yunting was overjoyed.
For the first time, he truly understood what it meant for one’s heart to bloom with happiness.
He smiled and agreed, then solemnly said to Qi Yuan, “I don’t know what I did in that dream, and I can’t explain it—but if a man ever does something that truly wrongs a woman, I suppose it must be… falling for someone else.”
Qi Yuan was a bit surprised. “You think getting a new love means wronging a woman?”
Men like him who thought this way were rare—especially men of status.
Even in her past life, she never dared to dream he’d be faithful to one woman.
Historically, faithfulness was expected only of women—not something that constrained men.
Xiao Yunting countered, “Why is that strange? Cultivation partners are meant to be devoted. Besides, ever since I can remember, my mother has never been happy. I swore I would never let my wife live like she did.”
Qi Yuan gave a meaningful smile.
So that letter from her past life really did seem suspicious.
Babao stretched his neck, straining to hear more.
Upon hearing Xiao Yunting’s words, he stomped his foot and whispered dramatically, “Oh my foolish prince!”
Liujin rolled his eyes.
Still, Babao’s excitement was understandable—His Highness’s pursuit was indeed thrilling to watch.
Who wouldn’t enjoy watching someone in high places act humble for love?
