Do not lean against the west railing to lock in the clear autumn

Chapter 103

"Your technique isn't good enough." I sighed dramatically, and Gan Lin laughed: "Sit still, I'll push you."

Having someone to help was certainly a good thing. I quickly settled in, and Ganlin began to push the swing higher and higher. I simply stood up, watching the scenery below shift and the hazy view beyond the walls. My heart soared for a moment. At that moment, I seemed to understand why women in ancient times loved swinging so much. Confined within high walls and deep courtyards, only by standing on a swing could they see a glimpse of the outside world and feel, at least, that their hearts were free.

I don't know when, but Gan Lin had stopped, though the swing was still swaying. I looked down and smiled at Gan Lin, thanking him for today. Turning my head, I saw Shen Haoyu standing quietly to the side. Not wanting to see his expression, I turned back and shouted, "Gan Lin, one more time!"

The swing, which had gradually lowered, swung high again. I stood on the wooden plank, slowly letting go, and as the swing sank back down, I let myself be thrown high into the air. At that moment, I felt like I was riding the wind, infinitely free...

Do not lean against the west railing to lock in the clear autumn. Chapter 87

Chapter word count: 4179 Update time: 09-08-28 08:11

When I was thrown, I used some force, and with a bit of lightness skill, I really felt like I was flying.

But before I could fully savor the feeling, a figure suddenly appeared and fell with me, pulling me tightly into a hug. I gave Gan Lin a reproachful look: "How rude of the moment! We've only just taken flight!"

Gan Lin's expression immediately changed, and she awkwardly let go of my hand, looking at me: "Did you do that on purpose?"

"Yes!" I nodded. I'm not an ordinary woman, how could I possibly fall off the swing?

Gan Lin turned and left: "Remember to tell me in advance next time." Watching Gan Lin's departing figure, I smiled softly at his words. Seeing that it was getting late, I went back to my room. I didn't know when, but Shen Haoyu had already left.

The daytime heat was gone, and I slept soundly through the night. It was already bright daylight, and golden sunlight streamed in through the windowpanes. I got dressed and got out of bed, sighing – another difficult day was about to begin.

After breakfast, I went to the courtyard and discovered that the swing I had been using yesterday had mysteriously disappeared. I walked around and then came back; it was definitely here, and there were even two holes in the ground. Where did the swing go?

Seeing Zinuo walk by with a letter, I quickly asked, "Zinuo, wasn't there a swing here? What happened to it?"

Zi Nuo looked at me suspiciously: "Didn't you know? The young prince ordered his men to leave early this morning." After saying that, she added, "Oh, you weren't even up yet then, so of course you wouldn't know." Then she walked towards Shen Haoyu's room.

What? Shen Haoyu took it away? What did this swing do to offend him? Ever since the day before yesterday, he's been looking down on me, and now he's taking it out on a swing that can't talk or move!

I vaguely understood his intentions, but how could he do such a thing! Besides, Gan Lin was there yesterday. If Gan Lin knew, what would she think…? The more I thought about it, the angrier I became, and all the previous events flashed before my eyes. I strode towards Shen Haoyu's room; some things needed to be clarified. He was alone in the room. Where had Zi Nuo been sent?

"Young Prince, I think we need to talk," I said as I entered the room and got straight to the point.

Shen Haoyu didn't even look up: "Are you talking about the swing? I just hate seeing those toys."

I snorted coldly: "It's not just that!" Shen Haoyu finally glanced at me, his eyes filled with disdain and coldness that I found extremely irritating: "You have no right to talk to me about anything."

Fine, so you're using your status as the master to pressure me again. I know it all started the night before last when you taught Shen Zexuan to swim on his back. It wasn't entirely my fault; I did refuse before, so why are you giving me attitude? Besides, he's a prince. Maybe he'll treat me differently because of our past relationship. If he really cares, what would be the consequences if I refused outright? Shen Haoyu is of noble birth and doesn't need to worry about these things, so what am I supposed to do? Now, everything is being blamed on me!

“Yes, Your Highness! Huai En knows that I am of lowly status and not worthy to speak with you. You are my master. If you tell me not to play the flute, I will not play it. If you tell me not to do something, I will not do it. If you tell me to do something, I will do it.” I said, trying to remain calm.

"That's right, you're just a guard I bought into the Prince's mansion."

I smiled and said, "Huai'en was bought by you, so he can only do as you say. But, Your Highness, the contract of sale only has fingerprints on it, but you can't control my heart. You can tell me what to do and not to do, but you can't control what I think."

Shen Haoyu narrowed his eyes and sneered, "Are you trying to provoke me?"

I shook my head: "No, I'm just stating a fact. Anyway, the young prince wouldn't bother talking to me about anything, so I'll take my leave."

Shen Haoyu watched me walk out of the room with a cold eye.

In the corridor, Song Zhixuan and Lin Zhao approached. Since Gan Lin lived next door to them, I couldn't help but ask, "Is Gan Lin here?"

Lin Zhao shook her head and said, "No, he left early this morning with a gloomy expression."

It was definitely because of Shen Haoyu's childish behavior; even a fool could tell. After saying goodbye to Song Zhixuan and Lin Zhao, I didn't know where to go for a moment. Going outside to find Gan Lin was out of the question, so I went back to the garden. At least there were flowers, trees, and shade here, which made me feel a little more comfortable.

I sat on the stone bench for a long time, but the frustration in my chest just wouldn't dissipate. I really didn't know what I had done to deserve this. One Shen Zexuan and the other Shen Haoyu had managed to keep me from having any peace, and I even had to endure Shen Haoyu's humiliation.

After a while, footsteps approached, and it turned out to be Gan Lin. With his skill, he certainly wouldn't walk so loudly; he must have done it on purpose so I could hear him. I couldn't help but smile knowingly, and he sat down opposite me.

"Well, the young prince is a bit strange. Don't take what happened this morning to heart," I said carefully, being rather frank, since he was a bit neurotic and suspicious.

Gan Lin smiled slightly and said nothing.

I couldn't think of anything suitable to talk about for a moment, so we both remained silent. After a long while, Gan Lin finally said, "Am I causing you trouble by being here?"

"How could that be?" I waved my hands repeatedly, "No, no, I'm really looking forward to having you here." Song Zhixuan and Zinuo are basically either busy with something every day or have to stay by Shen Haoyu's side at all times. Now there are less than half of the original guards left, so the pressure is even greater. However, I still rarely have anything to do. With Gan Lin around, I have someone to keep me company, and someone I trust so much, even though he's a bit elusive.

Gan Lin laughed, and I couldn't help but say, "I really don't see how you resemble a number one assassin. Aren't assassins supposed to be cold and aloof? You're always laughing, which is very inconsistent with your professional standards."

Gan Lin frowned slightly: "Professional ethics?"

“That’s right, there’s no specific standard for any industry. For example, people who run inns or other businesses, aren’t they all all smiling and welcoming? And assassins are also a profession, you assassins are cold and aloof.” I explained to Gan Lin in detail, and even made a point of comparing him to business people.

Gan Lin then laughed again: "Have you seen any other assassins?"

I shook my head: "I don't know if the people who want to kill me can be considered professional killers, but they would never laugh like that. Even if they did laugh, it would be a cold laugh or some other kind of unsettling laugh."

“I’m no longer an assassin,” Gan Lin suddenly said. “I didn’t laugh much before either.”

"Huh?" I stared at Gan Lin in surprise. "When did this happen?"

"From the day you saved me, I had already shed my identity as an assassin. However, others are unwilling to let me go," Gan Lin said softly. The helplessness in her words made my heart clench. Whether you like it or not, it's hard for someone who has entered that line of work to retire.

The two chatted casually, but never brought up Gan Lin's identity again. They had never thought of talking about these things with Gan Lin before; it was just an accident that brought it up today.

I don't even know what day it is today, but in my opinion, it's definitely not a good day.

While I was chatting with Gan Lin, Shen Zexuan arrived. Before I could react, he casually found a stool and sat down, then asked me gently, "Huai En, you must have had a long journey yesterday. I was too busy yesterday to come see you, so I only came today."

I quickly stood up and bowed, "Thank you for your concern, Third Prince. Huai'en is doing well." Gan Lin put away his smile, sat still to the side, and looked at Shen Zexuan indifferently.

Shen Zexuan sighed again: "It's a pity that there are no places to swim in Shizhou City. Otherwise, I could have Huai'en continue to teach me. Speaking of which, Huai'en can be considered my teacher."