Chapter 262: Companionship (1/2)

The emperor kept his intention to himself, while Qi Yun continued to play the obedient son.

For reasons she couldn't fathom, Jun Huang was filled with a sense of apprehension. If something happened to upset the careful balance they'd reached, she had a feeling that the emperor would abandon Qi Yun just as easily as he had done with his other sons.

She didn't voice her concern. It was without basis served no purpose other than worrying Qi Yun.

Afterwards, Qi Yun took Jun Huang to the royal garden. He heard that the flowers had blossomed and wanted to show her. She followed him without a word. She knew Qi Yun must have something to say to her.

They walked for a while with Qi Yun taking the lead. Then he stopped to look at her with a hesitant expression. Jun Huang smiled and asked quietly, “Is something on your mind?”

Qi Yun nodded and took a deep breath. “I'm not a weak man, but my history with father isn't a simple one. Seeing him declining with age, I started to wonder if we should treat his poison. That way, he'll be able to live longer and you'll be able to go to Southern Mu for your cure.”

Jun Huang considered it for a moment. She'd seen for herself how the emperor had treated Qi Yun. It was only natural that the kind-hearted prince would hesitate to let his father die.

“It's not undoable,” said Jun Huang. “The cure needs time to refine, however. The royal doctors have been trying their best to treat the emperor's ailment. He should be able to stay alive long enough for us to produce the cure.”

Qi Yun relaxed slightly and chuckled. “Don't feel pressured. We have time.”

They fell silent. Qi Yun found himself attracted to the scenery in the garden. He'd never felt so serene before when he walked past this place. Perhaps it was because of Jun Huang's presence.

Jun Huang was thinking about how hard-working Qi Yun had become. He'd changed from the young boy she knew.

Meanwhile, Qi Yun wondered if Jun Huang would come to fall for him if he kept her by his side. He felt apologetic to Nan Xun, yes. The man had never kept his affection for her a secret. But in the end, everyone could only strive for their own happiness.

He didn't want to let go. He wanted her bright smile for himself.

Qi Yun lost track of time as they strolled in the garden. Jun Huang followed without a word. Hours had pa.s.sed before he realized it. He was suddenly reminded that she hadn't fully recovered yet. He nervously turned around and asked, “Are you feeling alright? Sorry for losing track of time. It's getting windy, and you aren't in a good condition. We should get back.”

Jun Huang nodded with a faint smile in lieu of a response. She was getting a little cold. She kept quiet, not wanting to dampen Qi Yun's rare good mood.

Once they returned to their residence, Qi Yun immediately had a servant prepare some hot tea. He got a cloak for Jun Huang suggested her to stay indoor, but she found it more comfortable to stay in the backyard.

Qi Yun rarely went against her will. He stayed and chatted with her.

That was what the maid saw when she came back with a pot of hot tea. She could tell that Qi Yun valued Jun Huang greatly and might marry her one day. On top of that, Jun Huang had always treated the servants well. None of them wanted or dared disrespect her.

“Prince Nan Xun has delivered some osmanthus cake in the morning saying that the lady would like it,” said the maid in a respectful tone. “Are you hungry? If you are, I'll bring you some.”

Jun Huang looked up at her and thought for a moment. A smile blossomed on her face suddenly. It was faint, but anyone who'd seen her usual smile would be able to tell she was happier now than ever.

The maid was transfixed by Jun Huang's bright smile.

“I'll appreciate that,” said Jun Huang, pulling the maid out of her trance. She hurried away with her face flushed.

Jun Huang ate quite a lot of the osmanthus cakes. She had a better appet.i.te than usual.

The next few days, the emperor again asked for Jun Huang's presence. She gladly followed Qi Yun to visit the emperor and always stayed for some conversation.

She knew a lot about what was happening with the peasants. She hadn't expected the emperor to be interested, but he was.

Qi Yun sat on the side listening to the two of them talk, his heart swelling. He wanted her to be his lifelong companion.

The thought hit him hard. Heat rose to his cheeks without him realizing.