Chapter 158: Keeping silent, she’s self-aware (2/2)

“All right now, let’s not speak of such things. You coming here has already put my heart to rest,” Grand Concubine Yi smiled lightly.

“Then Yao Yao will spend the New Year’s with you, how’s that?” Duanmu Yao asked.

Grand Concubine Yi was delighted. “Don’t just say things to make me happy.”

“Then we’ll have to see if senior brother agrees,” Duanmu Yao said with a pout as she looked towards Long Feiye. Grand Concubine Yi looked over as well, leaving Han Yunxi the only one with her head bowed, staring at the teacup in her hands.

Long Feiye cast a glance at Han Yunxi and saw that she looked completely indifferent. For no reason at all, he suddenly felt annoyed and replied coldly, “Mufei can decide.”

Grand Concubine Yi was puzzled that it’d be so easy to talk terms with her son. She’d heard of this junior sister from years ago and had wished the two could marry. But it was hard to bring up the topic when Duanmu Yao’s identity was so particular. Now that Western Zhou wanted to make an alliance through marriage, Emperor Tianhui had bowed before the pressure to follow its lead in picking a marriage partner. Everything had gone smoothly so far, but the last obstacle was the hardest one of all: her son. She’d tried to sound him out on the matter long before, but he’d refused every time.

Yet, recently she heard that this son had accompanied Yao Yao for an entire day. The palace was rife with rumors about it. It looked like they had some weight! A delighted Grand Concubine Yi took Duanmu Yao’s hand. “Then it’s decided. This year you’ll…stay here to spend the New Year’s.”

Duanmu Yao was overjoyed at her unexpected gain. She didn’t expect things to go so smoothly with her senior brother, either. Long Feiye didn’t protest, while Han Yunxi kept her head bowed. Both of them remained silent. It was then that Duanmu Yao walked down to sit by Long Feiye’s side with a mysterious smile.

“Senior brother, the last present is for you! Guess what it is?”

“I don’t know.” Long Feiye’s words were bland, but in the end he’d still replied her.

Duanmu Yao was again surprised. After all, in the past years she’d tried all sorts of excuses to give her senior brother gifts, but every time he’d tell her, ‘No need.’ Now that he’d answered her question, did this mean that he was willing to communicate with her? Willing to accept her? The fact was, she hadn’t been able to find a trace of him after they spent that day together. If not for the engagement ceremony today, she’d probably still be trying to find him.

“Senior brother, guess. This is something from our Celestial Mountain. When Master saw it, he said you’d be sure to like it!” Duanmu Yao said happily.

“Can’t guess it,” Long Feiye replied, as bland as ever.

Duanmu Yao scooted closer, acting like a spoiled child. “Senior brother, just take one guess. Just one is enough!”

Han Yunxi finally lifted her head to look at them, one tactiturn, one spoiled; one handsome as an Immortal, one beautiful like a Celestial. She really felt from the bottom of her heart that these two people were a perfect match, as if Heaven had created them to be an ideal like two sides of a ceremonial jade piece.

While she stared dumbstruck, Long Feiye actually made his one guess. “Snow wine.”

Duanmu Yao was so thrilled that she gave a cry and hugged him by the arm. “Senior brother, you! You actually remembered! It’s been ten years, but I didn’t expect you to still remember!” She let go right after she spoke to take out a flask of snow wine. “Ten years ago, I buried this just for you. I thought you’d forget.”

Ten years…

So they’d known each other for that long!

Han Yunxi suddenly thought of a saying. There’s only one chance in every lifetime. If I miss you by one second, my life will be devoid of that second that belongs to you. Even in our next life, we might not meet again.

They already knew each other from ten years ago. He was already willing to remember the events of ten years ago. That really was nice…

Han Yunxi heaved a quiet sigh as she lifted her tea for a sip. Long Feiye was only saying whatever came to mind, but never expected to guess the right answer. He accidentally caught sight of Han Yunxi, but only saw her sitting there drinking tea with her head bowed. She seemed both leisurely and comfortable.

At last, his cold and chilly face abruptly turned even chillier. He didn’t understand Han Yunxi’s behavior. At first she’d given her all to forcefully step in his doors and marry him. But today, she was acting completely aloof. What did that woman take him as? She’d claim ties of kinship with those in higher position if she wanted? And when she got tired of playing around, she’d completely retreat? For what? Was she just holding onto the title of Qin Wangfei as a joke?

“Senior brother, do you want to talk about things? It’s been ten years!” Duanmu Yao was still lost in her own joy.

“We can talk about it in the evening. Stay here and have dinner.” This was the first time that Long Feiye had ever kept a guest back.

“Okay!” Duanmu Yao nodded immediately, afraid that Long Feiye would change his mind. Her heart was surging with emotions. Grand Concubine Yi was thrilled as well, and immediately order Gui mama to prepare for the evening meal. Meanwhile, Han Yunxi watched with hooded eyes. It looks like Long Feiye won’t be travelling away after all. After the New Year’s we’ll probably have two marriages taking place at the Duke of Qin’s estate.

Duanmu Yao’s eyes flickered with disdain when she realized that Han Yunxi hadn’t said a word. Still, she wasn’t planning to let her off.

“That’s right, esteemed wangfei. I came in too much of a rush and didn’t prepare a gift for you. You won’t blame me, right?” she asked earnestly.

Han Yunxi raised her head, indifferent and self-possessed. “I wouldn’t.” She didn’t value such things.

But Duanmu Yao kept up her provoking questions. “Esteemed wangfei, I forgot to ask you just then. You don’t mind if I spend the New Year’s here, do you?”

-o-

[1] tuber fleeceflower (何首乌) – used in China as a tonic and anti-aging agent.