Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 6 - Journey Under the Stars

Yu Yan and Qing Yi returned to their lodging, fatigue evident in their demeanor. Once settled, Yu Yan guided Qing Yi to sit down and gently began to tend to his hair, her fingers deftly working through the strands.

"How are your hands feeling?" Yu Yan inquired, concern lacing her words.

Qing Yi offered a reassuring smile, lifting his hands to show their condition. "They're completely healed. The potions worked wonders."

"Good," Yu Yan nodded, taking a sip of her tea. "The Lans extended an invitation for us to stay a few more days. It seems they're quite taken with Jing Shi's charm."

Qing Yi's lips curled into a small grin at the mention of his sister's charismatic nature. He adjusted his seating, leaning back slightly. "And what about you, Mother? How have you found their hospitality?"

Yu Yan chuckled softly. "I must admit, I'm quite enjoying it. The tranquility here is a welcome change from the royal palace."

Qing Yi's gaze wandered to his reflection in the small mirror, his silver hair catching the light as it flowed over his shoulders. Yu Yan's next question drew him back to the present.

"Your hair's growing longer. Would you like a trim?" Yu Yan asked, her tone gentle.

Qing Yi pondered the suggestion, a hand idly brushing against the ends of his hair. "Actually, why don't you and Jing Shi stay here to pick out a suitable spot in the forest for our tribe's new homes? I'll head back and gather some of our stronger youths to assist with the construction. As for my hair, I think I'll let it grow a bit more. The Crown Prince seems to prefer it at this length."

Yu Yan nodded in agreement. "That sounds like a plan. Take your rest; you've earned it."

Qing Yi inclined his head, a sense of determination in his eyes. "In about two hours, I'll set off. I just need a bit of sleep to recharge."

True to his word, Qing Yi retired to the inner room, the soft bedding welcoming his weary body. The events of the day played through his mind, mingling with his thoughts of the Crown Prince and Lan Xichen. Despite the exhaustion, sleep didn't come easily. The flickering lantern light cast dancing shadows on the walls, and Qing Yi's mind drifted to memories and contemplations.

As the Q&A session concluded, a sense of wonder permeated the students' conversations. The potency of the Elixir of Renewal had left them amazed, and their inquiries echoed with eagerness for the forthcoming lessons on brewing this remarkable potion. Lan Xichen and Jing Shi offered reassurances, assuring the students that once the Koeh tribe was fully settled in Gusu, a series of comprehensive classes in potion brewing and herbology would be unveiled.

Amid the excitement, some students expressed concern for Qing Yi, recognizing his poised composure and resilience during the demonstration. Jing Shi promptly alleviated their worries, explaining that the Elixir of Renewal possessed not only the ability to heal wounds but also to fortify the affected areas. As a result, Qing Yi's well-being was affirmed, and they could rest assured that he would recover without complications.

While Lan Xichen and Jing Shi made their way back to Jing Shi's lodging, Lan Xichen found himself pausing, a wave of curiosity urging him to inquire about the painkillers and numbing pills Qing Yi had consumed during the session. He contemplated whether Qing Yi's usage had exceeded the standard dosage. Yielding to his inquisitiveness, Lan Xichen turned to Jing Shi and posed his question in a polite manner,

"Lady Koh, I couldn't help but notice that your brother appeared to have a remarkably high pain tolerance," Lan Xichen voiced, his curiosity prompting a glance towards Jing Shi.

Jing Shi's face beamed with satisfaction, her smile still radiant from the success of the session. "Qing Yi has always been incredibly stoic when it comes to discomfort or pain," she shared, her voice filled with admiration. "Even to me and our mother, he rarely displays his true emotions. It can be quite a challenge to gauge how he truly feels."