Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 44 - Lingering Despair, Dawn of Revelation

Determined yet deeply frustrated, Qing Yi made the resolute decision to seek answers at Gusu Sylvatica. All he craved was assurance from Lan Xichen that the pregnancy was part of their plan and a reaffirmation of trust. Gripping Jing Xiang's arms, he implored,

"Jing Xiang, I need to leave for Gusu Sylvatica."

Jing Xiang scrutinized her brother, recognizing his burning desire for answers. However, with the imminent return of the Crown Prince, Jing Xiang hesitated, cautioning, "But Qing Yi... Are you certain about leaving the palace now? The Crown Prince and the King could return any moment. What if Ming Zhe discovers you've defied his request to stay in the palace while he was away?"

Caught in a dilemma after Jing Xiang's cautionary words, Qing Yi grappled with his decision. Although leaving the palace now posed risks, the uncertainties gnawing at him made the present situation untenable. Meeting his sister's gaze, he declared,

"I understand... just three days, that's all I need. I can't go on with these uncertainties. Once I have all the answers, I'll return. Please, Jing Xiang, help me with this."

Seeing the desperation in her brother's plea, Jing Xiang's heart ached. Finally deciding, she said, "Alright. I'll accompany you. Three days. No more than that."

Concern flashed through Qing Yi's gaze, "You don't have to come with me."

"I'm not leaving you alone in this desperate stage. I could feel your inner turmoil boiling up inside of me. Besides...I also want answers from Jing Shi. I'm going with you." Jing Xiang replied, grabbing her satchel filled with convenient travel herbs.

Qing Yi smiled, embracing Jing Xiang, whispering, "Thank you, sister."

The pair proceeded to their horses without bothering to pack, embarking on a day-and-night journey. They only paused briefly at their customary oasis, allowing their horses a few hours to drink. Along the journey, Qing Yi held onto hope, yearning for answers from Lan Xichen that aligned with his expectations. He wished fervently for these answers to confirm that the pregnancy and wedding were part of Lan Xichen and Jing Shi's plan, reassuring himself that everything would ultimately be okay. Understanding Lan Xichen's prolonged absence over the past month was solely due to his demanding schedule, Qing Yi's longing to reunite with Lan Xichen intensified. The desire to inhale his scent and find solace in his embrace grew stronger. Yet, the unsettling, lingering feelings Qing Yi sensed only added to his distress, compelling him even more to reach Gusu as swiftly as possible.

As night descended, Qing Yi and Jing Xiang finally arrived in Gusu Sylvatica. Stepping into the village, they found it cloaked in a tranquil silence, with everyone having retired for the night. Qing Yi speculated that Lan Xichen must have already turned in. With no alternative, he and Jing Xiang had no choice but to wait out the night, filled with anticipation.

Sleep eluded Qing Yi as he lay awake, his mind racing with thoughts and questions. The night seemed interminable, each minute stretching into an eternity as he anxiously awaited the dawn. As the first light broke, Qing Yi hastened towards Lan Xichen's study, his heart pounding with a mixture of hope and trepidation. He envisioned their reunion after a month apart, longing for the comfort of Lan Xichen's embrace and the warmth of his presence.

Upon reaching the study, Qing Yi was met with disappointment; Lan Xichen was not there. Determined to see him, Qing Yi lingered outside, hidden among the lush greenery surrounding Lan Xichen's quarters. He watched and waited, his eyes darting towards every movement, his heart heavy with anticipation. As the minutes ticked by with no sign of Lan Xichen, frustration and uncertainty began to claw at him. Just as he contemplated his next move, a thought surfaced, causing his heart to clench painfully—Madam Lan's quarters. A place so private, so significant, that Lan Xichen had kept it closed off even to Qing Yi. The idea that Lan Xichen might be sharing this exclusive space, which held deep personal value and was treasured by Lan Xichen and his family, with Jing Shi, soon to be his wife, filled Qing Yi with a sharp, searing pain.