Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 10 - Intricate Alliances and Unveiled Tensions

***Content Warning: This chapter contains a brief depiction of non-consensual rape. Please be advised.***

knock** knock** knock***

The sound of rhythmic knocks roused Qing Yi from his slumber. He had drifted off to sleep in his room after a visit with Jing Xiang. Tonight, Prince Ming Zhe had spared him from any interactions, being preoccupied with his duty to tend to the Crown Princess, as per his mother's directive. This granted Qing Yi a rare moment of respite. Having instructed Su Ju to summon Jun Lang and He Xuan for their journey to Gusu, Qing Yi had dedicated the entire day to his work—ministering to various health needs and concocting potent potions alongside Jing Xiang. Exhausted, he had returned to his chamber and lay down, anticipating a short nap. However, the nap evolved into a deep, extended slumber that drew him into the realm of dreams, where echoes of the past resided.

The memories of those bygone days persisted, woven into his thoughts like an intricate tapestry. Qing Yi let out a sigh and brought both hands up to his head, as if attempting to steady his emotions. Amidst this inward struggle, the knocks reverberated once more, like a persistent call from reality. Curiously, the sounds didn't seem to emanate from his chamber's door; instead, they seemed to originate from the vicinity of the windows. This unusual circumstance piqued his cautious instincts, signaling that this wasn't the handiwork of the Shadow Assassins.

With a dagger gripped firmly in his hand, Qing Yi approached the windows with a careful stride. His senses were attuned to the potential danger, and he gradually opened the window, poised to strike at a moment's notice. His eyes widened as he caught sight of a cascade of long hair hanging upside down from the rooftop, a sight both surprising and bewildering.

"Qing Yi."

The voice that whispered his name was familiar, yet its presence here was unexpected. Qing Yi recognized it was Wen Ning. In a swift motion, he assisted Wen Ning inside, the significance of their meeting settling upon them. Qing Yi's frantic glance swept the surroundings, confirming the vigilance of Khufu's Shadow Assassins, who lingered like silent guardians in the shadows.

"Wen Ning!" Qing Yi's voice held a blend of astonishment and relief. It had been some time since he last saw his friend.

He quickly closed the window, the cold night air cut off from the chamber. Turning to Wen Ning, Qing Yi whispered urgently,

"I'm so glad to see you. Did Jun Lang send you? Were you seen by anyone? How did you manage to evade the Shadow Assassins?" Qing Yi's questions flowed in rapid succession as he ushered Wen Ning safely into his chamber.

Wen Ning responded with a measured assurance, "First, to address your initial query, indeed, Jun Lang sent me to seek you out within the Khufu Palace, as per your instruction to Su Ju. As for being seen, my swiftness allows me to move unnoticed by human eyes, a skill you've witnessed firsthand. And regarding the Shadow Assassins, I sensed their unwavering surveillance on you as soon as you returned to the palace. Rest easy, for I ensured their gaze did not fall upon me. You have no cause for concern," Wen Ning responded, his voice infused with confidence. The curve of his lips gave way to a bright smile, a testament to his successful maneuver.

A relieved sigh escaped Qing Yi's lips. "Thank goodness. I'm immensely relieved you're here. I was disheartened by my inability to locate you upon my return from Gusu." He gestured for Wen Ning to take a seat as he poured a cup of tea, the fragrance of the brew filling the room. He offered the cup to Wen Ning, who looked at it with a hint of hesitation. Qing Yi, perceptive as ever, sensed Wen Ning's unspoken thoughts.

"Were you tired from the journey?" Qing Yi inquiried.

Wen Ning shook his head, his smile carrying a hint of nostalgia. "I don't experience fatigue or thirst anymore," he explained. "After all, I am a powerful reanimated corpse."