Clouds Drunk, Moon Slightly Sleeping - Chapter 59
The fox suddenly chuckled. I looked at him in surprise. His peach blossom eyes were not only amused but also full of smugness. Even his voice suddenly became somewhat lewd: "So, what does Qianqian think will happen when she's with Big Brother tonight?"
Before I could answer, he put one arm around my waist and the other on my back, his eyes deep and his voice lazy as he said, "What Qianqian is worried about, I might be more worried and wary of than you, brother."
I almost vomited blood and died. I've been tricked by this sly fox again, even though I'm a few years older than him. But thinking about it calmly, it's really strange that the fox is making this request at this time.
"Is our elder brother going back?" The alliance of the three armies is now a fait accompli; as the ruler of the country, he can't stay on the battlefield forever, can he?
He hugged me tightly without saying a word. I knew I had guessed right, and a sudden wave of bitterness washed over me. How I wished I could go back with him right now, to continue being my carefree prime minister, free from all those troublesome things, and to return to my innocent and happy days.
But is this really acceptable? I know in my heart that I used Xi Lan to get Tian Qing to agree to the alliance, and even if he did it willingly, it doesn't change that fact. I know Xi Lan did so much for me, can I really just pat my butt, say thank you, and leave? But what should I do if I stay? Knowing his feelings for me, if I stay by his side, I ultimately can't give him what he needs or hopes for. Won't staying hurt him even more?
"What's wrong, Qianqian?" The fox lifted my face and gently wiped away the tears that had streamed down my face without me even realizing it. Her eyes showed heartache, as well as a hint of surprise and nervousness.
I shook my head, but the tears flowed even more fiercely.
What's wrong with me? This is the second time I've cried so hard in front of the fox. The last time was at the foot of Tianshan Mountain by Tianhu Lake, when the fox suddenly ran over to me. Just like today, I left Xilan aside and then hugged the fox and cried. Why are my tears not entirely because I can't bear to part with the fox, but also because I feel sorry for Xilan?
"Big brother, I want to go home." I looked up at the fox, thinking, "Let me be a little spoiled for a bit, and feel better."
"Okay." His eyes were serious and firm, as if he knew the struggle in my heart at that moment, and he answered without hesitation.
My heart warmed, and I sobbed a few more times, continuing to seek psychological comfort: "Brother, play the flute for me."
"Okay." The fox readily agreed again; it was rare to see him so straightforward and easy to talk to.
Remembering my earlier curiosity, I reached into the fox's pocket again and rummaged around. This time, the fox not only didn't stop me, but also took out the thing from its pocket. It turned out to be a jade pendant, and the feel of it, the shape that was faintly discernible in the moonlight—could it be the legendary Dragon Orchid Jade Pendant? Oh dear!
I held the jade pendant tightly, the fox's hand gripping mine firmly. My heart gradually calmed down, feeling warm and full, as if something was about to overflow. We just looked at each other like that, without saying a word for a long time.
Actually, there's no need for any words. I believe the fox understands my feelings at this moment, just as I understand his slight unease.
The night grew deeper, the air grew colder, and my hands and feet felt slightly numb. The fox whistled, and the horse galloped back. The fox helped me onto the horse, and it trotted towards the military camp. I leaned against the fox, and he held me close. Whether it was because of the impending separation or my tears, neither of us spoke, a rare occurrence. I didn't know what the fox was thinking, but my heart was at peace.
"Qianqian, sing a song," the fox suddenly whispered in my ear.
A cool night wind blows in my face, but warm people are behind me. Let's sing a song. After tonight, I'll have to part ways with the fox again.
"A mild autumn, neither too cold nor too warm, comforting you by my side."
Quietly watching the light dance in the air, the red leaves fluttering in the wind evoke a tender feeling in my heart.
Half-drunk and half-awake, suppressing a thousand laughs in my eyes,
Let me be like snowflakes drifting in the clouds, gently kissing your face with my icy purity, bringing forth wave after wave of tender affection.
Leave behind as much love as possible in this world, and face the myriad changes of life.
Do joyful things with your lover, and don't ask whether it's a blessing or a curse.
Like willow branches, like the spring breeze, accompanying you through spring.
Let you bury yourself in the misty waves, unleash all the passion in your heart, and embrace the gentle spring rain.
Do joyful things with your lover, don't ask if it's a blessing or a curse. The first time I watched "Green Snake," the first time I heard this song, "Flowing Light and Dancing Shadows," I was moved by this line. Patting my slightly frozen face, what do I have to worry about? I love foxes, and now we have to part. Why can't I give myself more opportunities to be alone with him?
"Big brother," I strained to tilt my head back until I saw the fox's face above my eyes, then gave him a big smile, my face burning, "I'll stay with you tonight."
I saw the fox's chin suddenly loom large before my eyes, swallowing my gasp into its mouth. My only thought before I became dizzy was: This pose is so creative!
The horse beneath me suddenly stopped, and the fox released me. Still dizzy from the fox's kiss, I had no ability to think. I only felt myself turn around, and the fox picked me up and made me sit sideways on the horse's back, holding me tightly in his arms.
After a ten-second pause, I struggled to lift my head from his arms, somewhat confused, and turned to see what was happening ahead. Why had the horse suddenly stopped? Had we arrived at the military camp?
Looking up, I realized that if the fox hadn't been holding me tightly, I would have slipped off the horse long ago. Sure enough, we had arrived at the military camp, but it was more than just that. The figures that appeared in front of us, in the light of the camp's lamps, included two unfamiliar faces besides Xi Lan and Qing Lin.
Did they see all those inappropriate scenes for children? Oh my god, just let me faint in this weak and beautiful way!
Of course I didn't faint. I don't even faint at the sight of blood anymore, so why would I expect to faint at the sight of a few handsome men?
Of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, running away is the best. If I can't afford to offend them, can't I at least avoid them? I was stunned for a few seconds, but I immediately regained my composure and brilliantly came up with a plan for myself. Taking advantage of the fox's unpreparedness, I slid off my horse in one swift motion, and without even glancing at anyone present, I took off running towards the military camp—at a speed I had never seen before.
To avoid being stopped by Xi Lan or Qing Lin halfway, I deliberately chose to pass by those two unfamiliar people. I've always been this clever, able to make the most advantageous plan for myself in an instant, hehe.
Just as I was passing by those two people, the shorter, unfamiliar man next to me suddenly reached out and grabbed me. I was running forward so intently, not caring about anything else, when he pulled me like that, I was caught off guard and fell to the ground with a thud.
5555, it seems you won't be able to praise me this time. My cleverness backfired. Looking back, I guess if I had just walked past Xi Lan and Qing Lin, they would have known I was in an awkward situation and probably wouldn't have made a move. But I chose to walk past those two strangers instead, and now it's too late to regret it.
Before I could even get up, before I could even rub my sore bottom, I was grimacing and teary-eyed, ready to give Granny a good look at who dared to lay a hand on me, when someone suddenly picked me up. Then a concerned face came into view, and a gentle yet slightly nervous voice asked, "Qianqian, did you hurt yourself?"
It was Xi Lan. This kid was close to me and had good martial arts skills, so naturally he was a step ahead of Fox and Qing Lin. I desperately blinked away the tears in my eyes and nodded my head like a chicken pecking at rice. It really hurt from the fall.
Without saying a word, Xi Lan picked me up and turned to leave, but suddenly stopped.
"Qianqian?" The fox blocked my way, his expression inscrutable. Not only did his peach blossom eyes narrow as usual, but this time even his eyebrows were furrowed. His voice and his fake smile sent a chill down my spine.
Oh no, I forgot the fox was here too, and the flies too, when did they get here? I frantically struggled in Xi Lan's arms. At this point, I couldn't turn around and jump into the fox's arms, but I was too embarrassed to continue snuggling in Xi Lan's arms.
Clouds Drunk, Moon Slightly Asleep (Revised Edition) Volume Three: If Life Were Only Like Our First Meeting, We Would Be More Separated Than Gathered Together (Part Three)
Chapter word count: 4061 Update time: 08-12-23 14:36
Separation is a frequent occurrence (Part 3)
"Young man, my brother-in-law was quite offensive just now. I apologize on his behalf." The tall, unfamiliar man came up to me and apologized sincerely, while the "culprit" next to him looked disdainful and contemptuous.
I took the opportunity to struggle again and finally managed to break free from Xi Lan's embrace. I touched my still throbbing bottom and frowned, saying with a pained expression, "He did the dirty work, so why are you the one apologizing?"