"Are you sure about that?" Xue Wuya asked again, his sharp tone making heads turn. His eyes focused on Yu Xiao, who stood with her shoulders hunched and her eyes glued to the floor.
Yu Xiao didn't dare meet his gaze. She could only manage a quiet, "Mmm…" and nodded, the sound barely above a whisper. She felt the tension in the air, saw the curious glances from the other disciples, and wished she could simply disappear.
Without lingering, Xue Wuya turned away from her, his coat swishing behind him. He turned right to Lan Qingwe, face unreadable. "We need to talk. Now," he said, his voice suddenly cold and serious. He didn't look back to see if she would follow, but strode ahead. The other disciples stepped aside, making a clear path for him, their faces a mix of fear and curiosity.
Lan Qingwe watched him go, her lips pressed together in a thin line. She let out a heavy sigh, eyes lingering on Yu Xiao for a moment—her look was sharp, a mixture of irritation and something else Yu Xiao couldn't quite name. Then, with a quick twist, Lan Qingwe turned on her heel and followed Xue Wuya, Mu Xuexin trailing behind her quietly.
They walked across the place grounds, lanterns starting to glow as the sun dipped lower. The air felt cooler now, and the gentle rustle of leaves filled the silence between them. When they reached the cultivators' living quarters, Lan Qingwe paused, taking a deep breath to steady herself before pushing open the door.
Inside, Xue Wuya was already waiting, sitting stiffly in a wooden chair. The light from a single lantern cast a pale circle around him. His posture was formal, his face icy and calm, but his eyes were anything but.
"Wuya?" Lan Qingwe called softly, her voice a little shaky. She tried to sound brave, but there was a crack of vulnerability beneath her words.
Mu Xuexin lingered by the doorway, unsure. Lan Qingwe turned to her and gave a gentle wave of her hand. "It's fine. You can leave us," she said quietly.
Mu Xuexin left, closing the door softly behind her, leaving Lan Qingwe and Xue Wuya in silence.
Xue Wuya's gaze locked on Lan Qingwe. "What are you doing?" he asked, his voice steady but his eyes sharp. Lan Qingwe moved towards him, her steps less confident than usual.
"Are you mad at me?" she asked, her tone gentle, uncertain.
Xue Wuya's face darkened. For a moment, Lan Qingwe felt like he was looking right through her, his anger barely hidden. But he took a slow breath, and the edge in his eyes softened just a little. He was disappointed, maybe even hurt, but he was holding himself back.
"Do you realize you're being even harsher than before?" His voice was low and tense. "What are you thinking? Do you really believe I don't know what happened? Why did you humiliate her?" The questions tumbled out, his frustration clear.
Lan Qingwe looked down and sighed. "I didn't mean to provoke her. I just wanted to ask—"
He didn't let her finish. "Didn't mean to?" Xue Wuya's words were sharp. "Lan Qingwe, when you disrespect her, you're disrespecting me as well!"
A tear welled up in Lan Qingwe's eye. "Why are you defending her so much? Is it true that you're fond of her?" she said, her voice trembling.
He said nothing, the silence between them growing heavy.
Lan Qingwe tilted her head, a faint, bitter smile on her lips. "See? You can't answer me. So it's—"
"Enough with the nonsense!" Xue Wuya snapped, his gaze turning sharper. "Is this why rumors are spreading? Are you one of those who slander me behind my back?"
Lan Qingwe let out a faint chuckle, more exasperated than amused, and looked at him straight on. "Wuya, we've been paired since we were children. Even if you don't accept it, that's our lineage's tradition."
Xue Wuya stood up suddenly and crouched down so he was eye level with her. His stare was steady and strong. "Lan Qingwe, I can't blame you for following tradition. But as Princess of Qingyu Palace, is this truly how you choose to behave?"
Lan Qingwe swallowed hard, refusing to look away.
"The person you offended earlier showed more grace than you. Do you even know who she is?" Xue Wuya pressed, his voice quieter now, but each word clear and careful.
Lan Qingwe slowly shook her head, trying to keep her composure.
"I respect her. I bow to her. Do you understand what that means?" he continued, his tone firm.
"Why don't you just tell me directly? Stop speaking in riddles, Wuya!" she snapped back, frustration breaking through.
Xue Wuya shot her a cold look, his expression darkening into a scowl. He stepped forward and paused beside her.
"If you truly care about our childhood betrothal, then take responsibility for your own actions," he said firmly. Without another word, he turned and walked quickly out of the room.
Lan Qingwe watched him leave, her fist clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white. She stood there for a moment, trembling, then let out a shaky breath.
"Xue Wuya, even if you won't admit it, the truth is crystal clear—I can feel it!" Lan Qingwe finally burst out, her frustration boiling over. "How can you fix your gaze on her? I was the one who's always been by your side! You make me sick!" She clenched her jaw and stomped her foot in anger, the sound echoing in the quiet room.
Outside, not far away, Yu Xiao rose from her seat as she saw Xue Wuya emerge from the entrance of the living quarters—the same place Lan Qingwe had followed him earlier. His steps were brisk, shoulders tense, as he walked straight to the other side of the courtyard.
A short while later, Lan Qingwe came out as well. She didn't chase after him; instead, she stayed where she was, her eyes following his retreating figure. For a moment, she seemed lost in thought.
Were they settled already? Yu Xiao wondered, watching the scene unfold in front of her. She couldn't help but feel there was more tension than before.
When Lan Qingwe turned in Yu Xiao's direction, her expression was unmistakably sour. Yu Xiao's brow furrowed as she fixed her gaze on Lan Qingwe. Is she angry? What happened to her? Yu Xiao wondered, trying to make sense of the situation.
Meanwhile, Lan Qingwe lifted her chin and marched away with heavy steps, disappearing into her living quarters. As she entered, she slammed the door shut behind her, the sound echoing across the yard.
Not long after, Han-Yun approached, noticing Yu Xiao's distant look. "My Lady? Is everything okay?" he asked softly.
Yu Xiao turned to him, forcing a faint smile. "Of course," she replied, but Han-Yun could see the worry in her eyes.
"There are still plenty of beautiful sights to see, My Lady. Come, let us accompany you—with this basket of your favorite fruits," he said, holding up a reed basket brimming with fresh fruit.
Yu Xiao sighed, her shoulders slumping. She stared at the basket, pouting a little, but then her mood seemed to lighten. "Then I won't hold back," she said, picking up an apple and taking a big, satisfying bite. Han-Yun and Han-Qing fell in beside her as she began to stroll through the gardens.
After a few steps, Yu Xiao paused and spun to face them. Han-Yun and Han-Qing stopped, looking a little confused.
Yu Xiao took another big bite of her apple, her cheek puffed out as she chewed. "Why are you two just staring at me? You should eat too! Don't make me remind you every time. Come on, eat!" she said, pointing her apple at them and smiling.
"But—" Han-Qing started, but Yu Xiao cut him off with a playful glare.
"I know exactly what you're going to say. Just eat! How can I enjoy my walk if you keep declining? If you refuse again, I'll hate you forever!"
The twins quickly grabbed some fruit and took eager bites. Yu Xiao watched them, pleased, then turned and continued walking. "Let's go! Follow the leader!" she called, her voice brighter.
As the day faded into night, the palace glowed with soft lantern light. Everyone eventually settled into their guest quarters at Beiming Palace, the halls quiet except for the faint sounds of laughter and footsteps.
After freshening up, Yu Xiao draped her cloak over her shoulders. She stepped outside, the night air cool on her skin, and went to find where Han-Qing and Han-Yun were staying.
She soon found their door wide open and walked in without hesitation. The twins jumped at her sudden appearance.
"My Lady! What are you doing here?" Han-Yun exclaimed, hand pressed to his chest.
Yu Xiao looked at both of them, arms folded. "Am I not allowed to come in?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Han-Qing stood and bowed. "Please don't be upset, My Lady, but usually, female guests aren't allowed in the male servants' quarters," he explained gently.
Yu Xiao glanced around the room, noticing how cozy and neat it was. Their room really is nice, she thought. How could they possibly stop me from coming in? Did they forget I'm their boss?
"Why are you overthinking such nonsense? Just close the door. I only want to sit for a while," she said, moving to the chair by the table and settling in with a sigh.
Once the door was closed, the twins hurried over and sat across from her.
"What brings you here, My Lady?" Han-Yun asked again. Yu Xiao didn't answer. Instead, she summoned her spatial ring and placed a neatly folded, freshly washed cloak on the table.
The twins' eyes widened as they recognized it. Han-Qing reached out and picked it up, checking the fabric. For a moment, the two exchanged a glance, then looked back at Yu Xiao.
Before Han-Qing could speak, Yu Xiao interrupted, "Return it to Xue Wuya. Tell him it's already cleaned. He doesn't need to worry about it."
The mood in the room shifted, becoming quieter.
Han-Yun puffed out his cheeks, while Han-Qing mirrored him as he carefully folded the cloak.
"Alright," Han-Qing said softly.
Yu Xiao let out a small puff of air, her cheeks puffing a little as she exhaled.
"A lot happened today. Did it scare you?" she asked, watching the twins for their reaction. She paused, then added, "Should you explain to me who Lan Qingwe is?"