Chapter 226 (1/2)

Chapter 226: Nature's Comforts

Jun Huang's mind had quieted down. She got to her feet and steadied herself with a hand on the pillar. Once the wave of dizziness pa.s.sed, she walked away from the pavilion.

Nan Xun ran up to her when he ran into her and reached out for her hands. Her fingers were cold. He frowned without him realizing it.

Before he could say anything, Jun Huang looked up at him and asked, ”Who else know about my ident.i.ty other than you and Mister Ji Bo?”

Nan Xun thought for a moment before shaking his head. ”No one else.”

”Are you sure?” she asked worriedly.

He nodded. Only then did she let out the breath she'd been holding. She rubbed at her forehead and said, ”I'm a little tired. I'll go back to my room first. Please excuse me.” She broke out of his hold and walked away.

He watched her go. He could still feel the texture of her skin at his fingertips. He stood in the garden for a good while before letting out a sigh.

They hadn't talked about his confession. Nan Xun knew it would take a long time for Jun Huang to accept him. He had to first encourage her to acknowledge her own feelings and to allow herself the freedom to think about things other than revenge.

The fight between Northern Qi and Eastern Wu had ended for the time being. Eastern Wu dared not make a move at the moment. Qi Chen wouldn't do anything to sabotage his opportunity to get on Nan Xun's good side. He must be looking for an opening still.

Nan Xun wasn't going to stand idle and let Jun Huang run away from him. He left for the palace and ask the emperor for a day off before going straight to the crown prince's manor.

Qi Chen was surprised by his visit. He hurriedly told a servant to walk Nan Xun in.

He walked up to Nan Xun and cupped his hands in greeting. ”I didn't know royal brother would come. Please forgive me for not giving you a formal welcome.”

Nan Xun threw him a glance. He cupped his hands politely and explained what he was here for. ”The battle with Eastern Wu had kept us busy. Now there's finally some free time. I'll like to take a short trip. Are you willing to let Gentleman Feng come with me?”

Qi Chen paused, listing the pros and cons in his head. Nan Xun had visited him personally as a show of respect. With all the rumors floating around, he himself was convinced that Nan Xun and Jun Huang were involved. This would be a good opportunity for him to earn a favor from Nan Xun. There was no reason for him to say no.

He smiled. ”Of course. However, Brother Feng is p.r.o.ne to illness. Please take care of him, royal brother.”

Nan Xun's lips quirked up. ”Of course. We aren't going anywhere too far. I'm only taking him to regions around the imperial city. Now, please excuse me.” He rose and walked away without stopping.

Qi Chen didn't try to keep him. He walked Nan Xun to the door and watched him go. A coy smile tugged at Qi Chen's lips. He sent a message to Jun Huang telling her to use the opportunity to get closer to Nan Xun.

Jun Huang got the message before Nan Xun returned to his manor. She was exasperated, but also moved. She didn't know how to describe this feeling filling her chest. Her lips curved into a smile without her noticing.

She simply nodded when Nan Xun told her about the trip. He knew what she was thinking. He didn't care if Qi Chen had given her any orders. He arranged this trip to let her relax and get used to his care. There was nothing to worry about.

”We're just relieving some stress. Don't feel pressured and don't think too much. You've worked too hard recently. I'm worried about your health. That's why…”

”I know your concerns,” she cut in, her lips curved into a smile and her calm eyes darted to him. ”I won't think too much. You don't have to explain. Thank you.”

Nan Xun's heart skipped a beat. He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms, but he managed to stop himself. Before his confession, he would just do it. The worst that could happen was for Jun Huang to call him shameless. Now it was different. He'd confessed his feelings. If he crossed the line between friends.h.i.+p and love, he didn't know what she would do.

Jun Huang couldn't read his mind. She cleared her throat and turned away, feeling awkward because of his attention. Nan Xun turned away in embarra.s.sment too. It was inappropriate for him to stare at her.

They remained silent for a good while, filling the room with an awkward air.

”When are we leaving?” Jun Huang finally asked.

”Tomorrow morning,” Nan Xun rushed out. ”I've prepared the coach. You only have to bring some clothes.”

She pretended to not notice his mortification and nodded. ”If so, we should go rest. It's getting late now. We don't want to leave with a tired body.”

Nan Xun nodded and left.

The next morning, Nan Xun rose early and had servants prepare the coach. When Jun Huang woke up, he had already finished with the preparation. After having breakfast, they left the imperial city.