Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 40 - Lingering Scents and Gentle Discoveries

As the night peacefully receded, yielding to the early morning, Lan Xichen tenderly pressed his hand against Qing Yi's forehead, checking for any sign of subsiding fever. Satisfied with the result, he quietly departed for Gusu Sylvatica.

Upon arrival, he sought out Jing Shi at the Koeh Tribal Hall, only to find Yu Yan there instead. She informed him that Jing Shi was still engrossed in teaching her potion brewing class at the Cloud Recesses. With a polite farewell, Lan Xichen retraced his steps to the Cloud Recessess, where he patiently waited for the classes to conclude, and for He Xuan and Jing Shi to emerge from the lecture halls.

"Lady Koh," Lan Xichen called out, "might I have a moment of your time?" he asked with a gentle smile.

"Of course!" Jing Shi responded eagerly. She turned to He Xuan and added, "Go ahead and head home. I'll come find you once I'm finished."

He Xuan nodded, offering a gentle smile to Lan Xichen and bidding him farewell with a polite bow. Jing Shi then approached Lan Xichen, inquiring, "What would you like to discuss, Ze Wu Jun?"

Lan Xichen smiled and proposed, "Let's continue this conversation privately in my study." Jing Shi nodded, and they made their way to Lan Xichen's study.

While walking alongside Lan Xichen, Jing Shi detected a subtle yet distinct fragrance of evening primrose emanating from him. She couldn't help but smile, surmising that he had likely spent the night in Khufu after bringing Jing Xiang to see Qing Yi.

Once inside the study, Lan Xichen cordially invited Jing Shi to sit opposite him at the low table, which he frequently used for work and reading. As he poured tea for both of them, Jing Shi inquired with a gentle tone, "Do you happen to know if Qing Yi is feeling any better?"

Lan Xichen's smile widened as he responded, "His fever significantly subsided this morning," pushing a teacup toward Jing Shi.

Taking the teacup, Jing Shi's cheerful smile remained as she commented, "That's reassuring." Then, her expression shifted to a more serious one as she addressed the primary reason for their discussion.

"What would you like to discuss, Clan Leader Lan?" Jing Shi inquired, meeting Lan Xichen's gaze.

A gentle expression graced Lan Xichen's features. "It pertains to the alliance of our houses. I have a proposition I'd like to discuss with you. I wonder if you'd be interested in hearing it."

Jing Shi's eagerness shone through as she replied, "You've invited me here for that reason, so I'm all ears."

Lan Xichen maintained his smile as he continued, "By now, I'm sure you're aware of the affections Qing Yi has for me." Jing Shi's expression stiffened, and she nodded. Lan Xichen pressed on, "I, too, am eager to return his affections wholeheartedly."

Jing Shi's smile returned, and she responded with happiness in her eyes. "I was hoping that you would. I've been aware of your feelings for Qing Yi for quite some time as well. However, I understand that your position as the Head of the Lan Clan prevented you from openly pursuing those feelings." She confidently sipped her tea and added, " As clan leaders, we each bear responsibilities toward our respective houses and must fulfill our duties to ensure the continuation of our lineage," Jing Shi explained while confidently sipping her tea.

Lan Xichen smiled in agreement. "Exactly. So, if you're still interested in aligning your house with mine, my only request is that we maintain our roles and duties publicly until our children are born. I don't wish to confine you to a loveless commitment, as I know your heart belongs to someone else. As long as you can fulfill your part in this engagement, you're free to be with your beloved. That's my proposition. What do you say?" Lan Xichen concluded, raising his tea cup to Jing Shi, signaling that he awaited her response.