In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, the Jiangs make a strategic move to secure a marriage alliance between a late bloomer, Jiang Ying, and the crown prince, Lan Xichen. However, their plans are disrupted when Jiang Ying is abducted before the mee...
The two walk together in silence, using less populated back roads to reach Xie Yun's place since Jiang Ying's luxurious purple robes stand out like a sore thumb. He will have to find something else to wear when he heads back to Yunmeng tomorrow. Gripping the fabric of his robes tightly, he hopes they do not attract any unwanted attention.
Eventually, Xie Yun leads them outside the city, and they are now trekking through the forest on the outskirts of Qishan. Jiang Ying is usually talkative unless he is sick or grounded, so the silence is starting to irk him. "So, Xie Yun, tell me about yourself."
It seems like a good enough topic to break the silence, but Xie Yun doesn't seem to think so and keeps walking through the pine trees without answering. After more awkward silence, Jiang Ying tries again. "So, you have the Jiang clarity bell! Did you come to Yunmeng before?"
Xie Yun keeps looking straight ahead, but now he answers, "I was 12 when I wandered through the market stalls, teahouses, and inns of Yunmeng. Then I hopped on a boat and relocated to other places along with the trading of spices, lotuses, and wines."
"Why?" Jiang Ying asks curiously.
"I should expect that from you. It's been 9 years since I was in Yunmeng, so you probably aren't aware that I'm a wanted thief there. Not that a brainless omega like you would know anything about life beyond Lotus Pier." Xie Yun pauses, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.
Jiang Ying scowls at the mocking tone directed at him. "For your information, I have accompanied Father a handful of times wherever he goes, so I know what lies beyond Lotus Pier. Also, I'm not a brainless omega. I have a brain that everyone praises as a 'late bloomer' and a face that everyone admires as 'beautiful!'"
"So, everyone praises you?!" Xie Yun chuckles. "Well, you're the only person I have ever met who truly understands the rest of the world, then."
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Jiang Ying is unsure if that is Xie Yun's idea of a compliment or not, but he will take it. "Have we met before?" he asks, trying to recall if they have crossed paths in the past.
Xie Yun uses his foot to break a branch sticking out into the pathway. "I have, but you haven't."
Jiang Ying exclaims, "Oh!" but doesn't understand what it means. His eyes drift down to the white sword resting on Xie Yun's back. It looks powerful and lightweight, with intricate carvings etched into the hilt, and he admires it for a few seconds before his eyes return to its owner. "That's a nice sword. What's its name?"
"Bichen," Xie Yun answers.
"That's a nice name," Jiang Ying says lamely. "I don't have a sword yet, but I hope to get one soon." His teachers have said that if he works hard, he may be able to obtain one, but it's clear from his physical strength that he hasn't been training hard enough. It's not that he doesn't want to learn; it's just that his body has a harder time adjusting compared to others. However, when he sees Xie Yun, capable of carrying a sword and performing stunts and tricks, Jiang Ying thinks he will be able to do those too if he believes in himself and puts in a little effort.
