Chapter 141: You Must Wait for Me

A cold, clear voice, laced with boundless tenderness, resonated in her ear.

"It’s so cold; why did you come out?"

It was a simple sentence, yet it pierced through the biting wind with an intimacy that made Shen Nanyuan’s face flush for reasons unknown. The spot where he had just touched her felt as though it were burning, and even the strands of hair he had brushed against seemed to tremble slightly in the breeze.

She lifted her eyes briefly, then lowered them again as if in avoidance. "I came out to watch the snow."

A pleasant fragrance drifted over, reminiscent of vibrant flowers, enveloping Xiao Yan’s senses and causing his nerves to gradually relax.

Tonight felt different somehow.

There was an inexplicable palpitation in her heart. Shen Nanyuan’s hands tightened involuntarily. The glow of the nearby candlelight bathed Xiao Yan in its halo, reflecting off his light-colored robes and leaving her feeling flustered.

Suddenly, Xiao Yan took her hand and led her toward the room.

Shen Nanyuan was dragged along, her blood turning to ice the moment he held her hand. Her breath caught, her gaze falling upon their clasped hands.

A warm, dry sensation spread from where their hands met. Led by Xiao Yan, she walked into the room in a daze. Only when she saw him close the door did she suddenly snap out of it and pull her hand back. Feigning composure, she gave a light cough and walked to the table to pour him a cup of water. Steam curled upward, and the silver-frost charcoal burning in the room dispelled the lingering chill from outside.

"My elder brother said that you two are leaving in the next couple of days."

"Yes," Xiao Yan replied, sitting down and draining the tea in one gulp. "This matter cannot be delayed; we will set off as soon as possible."

He paused, lifting his head, his gaze shifting as he let out a sigh. "I only wonder when I will be able to return. It seems I won't be able to stay up with you to watch the fireworks for the New Year."

Hearing this, Shen Nanyuan suddenly remembered the previous New Year, when they had sat on the rooftop waiting for the fireworks, and he had looked at her, asking in a low voice:

"Will you still be here to watch the fireworks with me this time next year?"

At that time, she had assumed that once Xiao Yan returned to the palace, they would no longer have any connection, so she had agreed without much sincerity. She had never imagined that so many things would happen afterward.

Shen Nanyuan lowered her eyes. "You should be in the military camp by the New Year. It is fine; matters of state are more important."

...Watching the New Year in with her brother would be just fine.

Xiao Yan gave a soft hum.

His long, slender fingers gripped the teacup, his eyes veiling the depths of his thoughts.

It was indeed fine. After all, the future was long.

In any case, they would have many opportunities in the years to come.

Xiao Yan glanced at Shen Nanyuan, then stood up and said softly, "Come here."

Shen Nanyuan, puzzled and somewhat bewildered, obediently walked over. She saw Xiao Yan produce a handkerchief, his gaze landing on her head as he reached out his hand.

His movements were gentle, creating an inexplicable ticklish sensation.

"You were out in the snow earlier; your hair and clothes are damp."

Xiao Yan continued in a calm voice, "If you accidentally catch a cold, you’ll have to drink medicine again."

Shen Nanyuan’s lashes fluttered. She pursed her lips, feeling entirely uneasy, yet she dared not move. She could only steal a glance at him; seeing his expression so full of tenderness, her heart began to hammer like a drum.

"It was just a bit of snow," she said in a small voice. "It’s nothing."

"When you truly catch a cold and have to drink that medicine, you will surely regret it."

Xiao Yan meticulously wiped her hair and the water droplets from her clothes with the handkerchief, stopping only after a long moment.

He was, after all, the Third Prince now.

Shen Nanyuan snuck a look at him, then, feeling guilty like a thief, immediately lowered her head.

To think he would still do such things for her.

Xiao Yan said, "Neither your brother nor I will be in the capital. If you encounter any trouble, you may go to the Prime Minister."

He continued, "The Prime Minister will help you resolve any issues."

He had already made arrangements with the Prime Minister, which put his mind at ease. With both himself and Shen Siyuan away from the capital, he feared what the Second Prince might do.

Shen Nanyuan nodded.

"If the Second Prince asks you to enter the palace, do not go. The palace is not filled with good people right now."

"And keep your distance from him as well."

Shen Nanyuan: "..."

She muttered, "I want to keep my distance from him, too. But he is the one who keeps coming to find me. He is a prince, and I cannot simply refuse him."

Heaven knows she wished to be as far from the Second Prince as possible.

Yet, that man was like a plaster, appearing everywhere. In the past, he would restrain himself slightly when Shen Yi was around. When Shen Yi was away, at least Shen Siyuan was there, but now even Shen Siyuan was leaving the capital.

Xiao Yan frowned. "I will leave some secret guards to protect you. They will not appear under normal circumstances; they will only show themselves when you need them."

Shen Nanyuan gave a soft acknowledgment.

She paused, lowering her eyes as if lost in thought, before speaking softly: "...Come back soon."

The battlefield was no place for child’s play; a single moment of carelessness could cost a life. She was truly worried. Ever since she learned they were heading south, her heart had been in a state of panic.

She worried for Shen Siyuan, and she worried for him.

Touched by her words, Xiao Yan felt a sudden wave of tenderness wash over him, so overwhelming that every other thought vanished. Following his most primal instinct, he reached out and pulled her into his arms.

His arms tightened around her waist, pressing her firmly against his chest.

Resting his chin upon the top of her head, amidst her fresh, pleasant scent, he promised, "I will."

"I will return soon."

"Wait for me."

Shen Nanyuan’s lashes trembled violently. His warm chest felt even hotter than the room filled with silver-frost charcoal. His firm, possessive arms held her waist, leaving her no room to struggle.

Yet, she had no desire to struggle. Hearing his final words, Shen Nanyuan lifted her hands slightly and wrapped them around his sturdy waist.

Outside, the snow continued to fall, fluttering down.

Under the dim candlelight, it grew denser and denser.

—

In the past, Shen Siyuan would always accompany Shen Nanyuan as she stood upon the city walls.

This time, although Shen Jinyu and Wu Miaofu were by her side, she still felt an indescribable sense of melancholy.

Xiao Yan and Shen Siyuan had not yet arrived, but a dense mass of soldiers already stood below the walls, a sea of dark figures that looked particularly magnificent against the white snow.

Just then, Shen Nanyuan heard the sound of hurried footsteps. She turned her head listlessly, only to see Meng Chuyue running toward her, breathless and with a face flushed bright red.

She was surprised. "Chuyue?"