Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 39 - Frost's Caress: Qing Yi's Feverish Night

As the day transitioned from late afternoon to early evening at Gusu Sylvatica, Jing Xiang was becoming increasingly restless. Her steps constantly carried her between the Tribal Hall, where she paced in the meeting room, and her shared cabin with Qing Yi. An air of unease enveloped her as she wrestled with her deep concern. She felt a strong sense of worry for Qing Yi and frustration that she couldn't do more to help him.

Desperate to find solace or a distraction, Jing Xiang made her way to her mother's quarters located just behind the Tribal Hall. Inside, she found Jing Shi engrossed in discussions about their newly established stores in Gusu's market. Without preamble, Jing Xiang spoke up, "I don't feel well."

Jing Shi, ever the caring sister, immediately rushed over to her and placed a hand on her forehead. "Are you coming down with a cold from being around Qing Yi?" she asked with a touch of concern.

Jing Xiang gently pushed her sister's hand aside and shook her head. "No, that's not it. I mean I don't feel good about Qing Yi. I've been incredibly restless, and I fear his condition might not be improving."

While Yu Yan sat reading through reports of herb sales, she remained composed and responded, "Qing Yi will be fine. He's receiving the best care possible in Khufu."

Jing Xiang approached her mother, her voice laced with concern, "How can you stay so calm? Qing Yi is in pain, and here you are, unfazed, focusing on your bookkeeping."

Yu Yan cast a disapproving glance at her daughter before replying, "Don't overreact. Sending him to Khufu was the best decision for his health. You're feeling restless because you share a special connection with your twin brother. Your unease will pass with the night. Trust me on this."

Jing Shi joined the conversation, offering reassurance, "Everything will be okay, little sis. Mother knows what's best for us."

Still plagued by her worry, Jing Xiang hesitated before saying, "But..."

Seeing her sister's uncertainty, Jing Shi extended a kind offer, "It's late. If you're still restless tonight, you can stay here with me or I'll come over to your cabin. That way, you won't feel Qing Yi's absence too keenly."

Jing Xiang considered the proposal and agreed, "Alright. Can you spend the night with me in the cabin? I do miss having Qing Yi around."

Jing Shi smiled warmly, "Of course."

However, Yu Yan couldn't help but shoot Jing Xiang a pointed look. "Aren't you being too spoiled, Jing Xiang? You still need someone to sleep with at your age? Remember, you're a mother now. Also if you were so concerned about Qing Yi, you should have gone with him to Khufu on the very same day."

Jing Xiang couldn't contain her frustration, and she was on the verge of responding to Yu Yan's comment. However, Jing Shi intervened, guiding her sister outside. As they walked back to Qing Yi's cabin, Jing Shi turned to Jing Xiang and firmly stated, "Jing Xiang, return to the cabin and gather your belongings. You're going back to Khufu tonight."

Perplexed by her sister's decision, Jing Xiang inquired, "Going back to Khufu? Why?"

Jing Shi met her sister's eyes and questioned, "You're worried about Qing Yi, aren't you?"

Jing Xiang paused, then nodded and admitted, "Yes, I'm extremely worried about him. But I can't leave tonight. It's getting dark, and I'd feel safer with Su Ju escorting me."

Jing Shi offered a reassuring smile, "You won't need Su Ju. We can ask Ze Wu Jun to fly you there."

Jing Xiang abruptly halted, causing Jing Shi to stop as well. "Fly me there? You mean, asking him to take me on his magic flying sword?" Jing Xiang asked, clearly taken aback.