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...
A noise from outside the cave startles Xie Yun awake, causing Jiang Ying's head to hit the ground as he loses his pillow and wakes up. Groggily rubbing their eyes, Xie Yun and Jiang Ying both sit up and look around the dimly lit cave. The sound of rustling leaves and twigs outside grows louder, prompting Xie Yun to grab Bichen and hold it out.
"What's wrong?" Jiang Ying asks, his voice still thick with sleep.
"Something is out there," Xie Yun replies, his eyes scanning the darkness beyond the cave entrance.
Jiang Ying swallows hard and shifts even closer to Xie Yun, his hand reaching out to grab Xie Yun's arm for comfort. "What is it? A wildcat?" he asks, his heart beating a little faster.
Xie Yun shakes his head, his senses on high alert as he listens to the approaching noise. Suddenly, a figure appears at the mouth of the cave, causing both Xie Yun and Jiang Ying to tense up. It's a man, his features obscured by the shadows of the night. Xie Yun tightens his grip on Bichen, ready to defend himself and Jiang Ying if necessary.
Jiang Ying, for his part, grabs his bow and quiver, preparing to draw an arrow at a moment's notice. What if it is the new stranger who returns for some reason other than his family? He can't give anyone the chance to get close without knowing they are not a threat.
The man steps closer, his movements cautious and deliberate. As he finally steps into the light, his face comes into view, revealing a look of relief and happiness. "I never thought I'd see the day you aimed an arrow at me," Jiang Cheng chuckles, his voice filled with emotion upon finding his twin brother.
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Tears well up in Jiang Ying's eyes as he drops his bow and quiver, rushing toward Jiang Cheng with open arms. "A-Cheng, I miss you," he whispers as he wraps his arms around Jiang Cheng, clinging to him like a koala. Their embrace is tight, filled with a week of frustration and separation, so they ignore the burning sensation at the back of their heads.
"Get off me! You're so heavy." Jiang Cheng pushes Jiang Ying away playfully, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Jiang Ying laughs, wiping away his tears as he takes a step back, still holding onto Jiang Cheng's arm. "Heavy, like my love for you," he says, his voice filled with relief and joy.
A cold wind blows their way, but they push it aside in favor of the warmth of their reunion. The sound of their laughter echoes through the cave as they exchange a few words until Jiang Cheng grabs Jiang Ying's hand, not noticing the injury in it. Hearing a scream, Xie Yun pushes Jiang Cheng away and rushes to Jiang Ying's side, concern etched on his face.
"Who are you?" Jiang Cheng demands, his voice laced with suspicion and fear as he unsheathes his sword.
Ignoring the question, Xie Yun focuses on assessing the extent of Jiang Ying's injury as blood trickles down his hand and stains the cloth wrap around it. "It's okay," he reassures, gently holding Jiang Ying's hand and applying pressure to stop the bleeding.
