Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 49 - Pawns In The King's Game

Jing Xiang diligently wrapped the wedding presents that Qing Yi had thoughtfully prepared for Jing Shi and Lan Xichen. Among the thoughtful gifts were two additional rolls of Whisperweave fabric, a delightful addition for Jing Shi's dressmaking endeavors.

"Well, it seems Qing Yi has both of us covered for Sis's wedding presents. I suppose there's no need for me to prepare mine then," Jing Xiang remarked, smiling and shaking her head at her brother's meticulous preparations for Jing Shi's special day.

"Uncle Qing Yi! You won't believe what I've accomplished!" Yi Na's voice, brimming with excitement, resonated through the hallway. Her energetic Wynter ran alongside her. As Yi Na entered Qing Yi's room, she was taken aback to find Jing Xiang engrossed in the task of wrapping gifts with vibrant red paper.

"Hi, Mom!" Yi Na greeted her mother with a bright smile. "Ohh, red wrapping paper. Is somebody getting married?" she asked with excitement in her voice.

Jing Xiang chuckled softly as she observed her daughter, Yi Na, radiating purity and enthusiasm for life. Yi Na held a deep affection for her uncle, Qing Yi, often visiting him to showcase the array of peculiar inventions she concocted. Qing Yi consistently supported and encouraged her, fostering her creativity. Jing Xiang couldn't help but wonder how Yi Na would react if she knew the unsettling truths about her father's actions toward her uncle. Lost in thought, she approached her daughter, gently rubbing Yi Na's head before sharing,

"That's right. Your aunt, Jing Shi, is getting married in the next coming days."

Yi Na looked at her mom, puzzled. "Aunt Jing Shi..." She gently stroked her chin, trying to recollect.

"You probably wouldn't remember her; you only got to see her once when you were three," Jing Xiang explained.

"No... I remember her. I remember she had beautiful violet eyes and a lovely smile," Yi Na insisted.

Jing Xiang smiled, acknowledging Yi Na's impressive memory. "That's remarkable."

Curious, Yi Na asked, "Who is she marrying?"

Jing Xiang furrowed her brows, feeling a hint of annoyance when thinking about Lan Xichen. "Someone from a powerful house up North. He's the leader of The Gusu Lan Clan. Your aunt, Jing Shi, will become the Madam of the Lan Clan."

Yi Na's eyes sparkled with wonder, her curiosity evident. "Wow, her wedding must be magnificent. Can I join you at the wedding? I've always wanted to travel up North and experience the winter season. There's bound to be snow, right?" Yi Na exclaimed with excitement.

The gleam of enthusiasm in her daughter's eyes brought a sense of joy to Jing Xiang. She had once harbored resentment towards Yi Na, fueled by Ming Zhe's insistence on the resemblance between Yi Na and Qing Yi. However, with Qing Yi's dedicated efforts to protect their people, Jing Xiang had let go of the past animosity and grown to appreciate her brother more. Consequently, she started paying more attention to her only daughter.

"Silly child. Of course, you can come along. After all, it's a family affair," Jing Xiang said, affectionately rubbing her daughter's head.

"Yay! I love you, Momma!" Yi Na exclaimed, embracing Jing Xiang and planting a kiss on her cheek. Then, her gaze wandered, and she inquired, "By the way, why are you in Uncle's room? Where's Uncle?"

Jing Xiang, reminded of Qing Yi's situation, let out a stressed sigh. "Ah, he's... he's currently with your father, helping him with something."

Yi Na nodded understandingly. "Ohh, okay. I need to give him something. It's a little project I've been working on to help him out."