Chapter 15: Misunderstanding Part 2

What happened to no talking while eating? Xun Changqing looked up at her, her small face scrunched like a steamed bun from a street vendor, a grain of rice unnoticed on her lip. Wei Lingci’s gaze was sharp; she smiled and wiped it away. After all, she was still just a child who didn’t know how to care for herself.

The warm fingertip slid across her lip, and Xun Changqing instinctively licked her lips. Lately, she noticed Wei Lingci treating her with increasing care—something rare in her previous life. A faint unease stirred in her heart. Could it be that Wei Lingci had also experienced their past life?

The thought suddenly took root. In the previous life, after Wei Lingci learned of her unworthy feelings, that look of disgust replayed endlessly in her mind. Her right hand holding the chopsticks trembled faintly. She shoveled a bite of rice and masked the fear in her eyes. Looking at Wei Lingci, she forced a smile and asked, “Master, do you often have dreams?”

Candlelight dotted the room, illuminating Xun Changqing’s pale face. After rebirth, she dreamed frequently—of Wei Lingci in fiery red robes, marrying Xun Yiran. The opulent Changle Palace brimmed with treasures, officials gathered in celebration, the matchmaker beside the newlyweds proclaiming eternal union.

Each time, as she tried to lift the veil, an invisible force yanked her back, and she woke. The next dream returned to the scene; another attempt to lift the veil, another awakening. Repeatedly, she never succeeded in unveiling Wei Lingci.

A nightmare was a nightmare—it wouldn’t grant your wish.

Wei Lingci fell silent after hearing this. As if nightmares were unusual, she took Xun Changqing’s wrist, rolled up her sleeve, and checked her pulse with her fingertips. Afraid of angering her, Xun Changqing obediently waited.

She felt a pang of sadness. If Wei Lingci knew of the past life too, would she still despise her? In the two years after rebirth, though they hadn’t met, Xun Changqing thought of her daily, and over time, the hatred faded.

Lost in thought, Wei Lingci released her hand. Medicine was a required course on Lingyun Mountain, though most only learned the basics—martial arts and literature were primary. But as the sect leader’s disciple, Wei Lingci knew more than average, including advanced medicine.

Wei Lingci’s gaze held a trace of probing, startling Xun Changqing into scooting back. She picked up the cup and took a small sip to hide from the scrutiny. When she set it down, a thin mist of tears welled in her eyes—surely from the steam, she told herself.

“Changqing, you’re overthinking things. Are you missing your consort mother now that you’re out?” The pulse was steady and normal. It was common for a child to miss family after leaving home for the first time. Wei Lingci noticed the mist in her eyes, and her heart sank. Her recently relaxed brows furrowed again as she said gently, “Lingyun Mountain has no overly strict rules. You can still return to the Imperial Capital.”

It seemed Wei Lingci had misunderstood—that meant she wasn’t reborn and knew nothing of the past life. Xun Changqing felt relieved. As long as there was no dislike, it was fine. Her lips curved up, and she said joyfully, “I understand.”

After that, each harbored her own thoughts and spoke no more. Wei Lingci took small bites of rice, and once Xun Changqing finished, she returned to her room. She needed to rest early for tomorrow.

She sat upright, gazing at the pitch-black night outside—starless and moonless. Her eyes darkened. Closing them, Xun Changqing’s earlier dejected expression filled her mind. Why had she looked so lost? And why the sudden joy?

…

The marriage procession continued northward. The autumn chill deepened, and the weather turned poor, causing frequent stops.

In early winter, a heavy rain trapped them in the State Guesthouse. Rain threads lashed the corridors as servants bustled, closing windows and doors. Xun Yisu’s spirits had been low, but fortunately, they had brought an imperial physician who checked her daily—no major issues.

Ana Xuan, not yet wed to her, didn’t dare get too close. She sent people morning and night with greetings but didn’t appear herself.

That evening, the rain lightened. Xun Yisu ate some dinner and went to bed. Only guards remained outside; the maids were dismissed to rest.

A dim candle burned by the bed, the door unbarred. A noise sounded. Xun Yisu tossed restlessly, suspecting someone outside. She rose, donned an outer robe, and went to check. But as she stepped from the inner room, arms embraced her from behind. A low voice called, “My dear Asu, don’t speak. If you alert the guards, I’ll be in big trouble.”

A marriage envoy sneaking into the princess’s room at night was indefensible.

Normally, Xun Yisu would have obeyed quietly, but after such prolonged cold treatment, resentment and anger surged. She struggled but couldn’t break free from the arms. Furious, she stomped hard on the foot behind her. The person winced in pain and loosened slightly; with a push, Xun Yisu escaped Yuan Man’s embrace.

Yuan Man grimaced, baring her teeth in pain but not daring to shout. She lowered her voice, “Asu, you’re so ruthless. My foot hurts.”

Xun Yisu wasn’t appeased. Tears blurred her vision as she scolded, “Then let it hurt. Go back where you came from.”

Yuan Man straightened up. The outer room’s lights were unlit, hiding Xun Yisu’s expression, but her teary eyes sparkled. Yuan Man, having been struck, felt aggrieved too. Her gentle, lovely Asu was gone.

“I just hugged you. You tell me to go back where I came from? Then I’ll roll right back into your arms.”

The words dripped with flirtatious intimacy. Xun Yisu grew even angrier but couldn’t bear to call for guards. She stomped her foot, refused to speak, and turned to climb into bed.

Knowing it would end like this, Yuan Man was satisfied. Her Asu was soft-hearted and easily coaxed. But when she approached, Xun Yisu ignored her. Yuan Man stood by the bed for a while, then matter-of-factly removed her shoes and socks and slipped under the covers.

But she didn’t know—Xun Yisu was truly angry this time!