Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 35 - High Soarings and Hidden Struggles

Fatigued and drained, Qing Yi managed to haul himself more than halfway to Gusu Sylvatica before he decided to halt and catch his breath. The winter mid-morning was fortunately bathed in bright sunlight, providing a glimmer of solace even though it couldn't warm him. Resting for a few minutes, he felt his entire body tremble uncontrollably, his strength rapidly waning. As he teetered on the brink of losing consciousness, a voice called out to him.

"Qing Yi!" Jing Xiang's voice cut through the cold, crisp air. Somehow, she had sensed her twin's restlessness and suspected he might be in trouble. Without hesitation, she rushed out to find him. To Qing Yi, the sight of Jing Xiang right now was like a radiant sun breaking through the icy shadows, a guardian angel appearing just in time to offer solace in his time of need. Weakly, Qing Yi managed a smile as he saw Jing Xiang approaching.

"Jing Xiang, you came," he said. Jing Xiang quickly reached him and held him tightly.

"Hang in there, I've got you," she assured him, her eyes filled with concern. From her bag, she produced a bottle of brewed Gingerroot Elixir and handed it to Qing Yi. "Drink this; it'll warm you up."

Qing Yi accepted the bottle and took a few sips. After a short while, he began to feel warmth spreading from within, although his body still remained as cold as ice, and the shivering wouldn't cease.

Jing Xiang sighed, scolding gently, "Your body is as cold as ice. What were you thinking? Drink some more." She was concerned and didn't hide her annoyance. Qing Yi complied, taking a few more sips from the elixir. This particular concoction was well-known for its ability to warm the body after catching a cold, though it had a slightly bitter and intensely spicy taste. At this point, most of Qing Yi's mouth was so numb that he couldn't discern any flavors from the elixir.

"Qing Yi, could you please take better care of yourself? You're an adult. Do I always have to remind you to wear warmer clothes during the Winter?" Jing Xiang continued her scolding as she put one of Qing Yi's arms over her shoulders, supporting his unsteady steps back to the village.

Qing Yi smiled and embraced his twin. "I know...*coughs I'm so...sorry. I'm lucky to have...you as my...twin..."**cough cough**

Jing Xiang gave him a pointed look. "You owe me big!"

Qing Yi managed another smile but then remembered Prince Kai Ze. "Oh no...did the prince...already leave?" He inquired urgently.

Jing Xiang shook her head. "I don't think so. When I left the Tribal Hall, the prince was still sleeping."

Qing Yi sighed with relief. "I...need to see him...off."

Jing Xiang was stern. "You need to be in bed! I need to brew more medicine for your cold."

Qing Yi, having finished the contents of the Gingerroot Elixir bottle Jing Xiang had given him, felt considerably better. He insisted, "I'm good for now...**cough cough** Let's catch the Prince before he leaves."

In a burst of haste, Qing Yi raced back to the village, despite the chorus of both annoyed and worried calls from his twin echoing behind him. Upon reaching the Koeh Tribal Hall, he spotted Jiang Cheng, Lan Xichen, Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian, along with Yu Yan and Jing Shi emerging from the interior. They all wore smiles, signaling the conclusion of their negotiations.

Oh dear, I can't afford to reveal my weakened state after my forest adventure. Jing Shi would undoubtedly relish her "I told you so" moment. Perhaps if I swiftly pass by them, they won't even notice. Qing Yi plotted, discreetly taking a few more painkillers before briskly walking past the group, careful to avoid eye contact. However, Jing Shi caught sight of Qing Yi's approach and chimed in,