bayedsolid Chapter 126 Xue Xiang Makes Her Appearance: Her Attempt to Ask Murong Che Was Rejected
Chapter 126 Xue Xiang Makes Her Appearance: Her Attempt to Ask Murong Che Was Rejected
After being forcibly kissed by Murong Yi, Lin Qianqian's mind went completely blank for a moment, followed by only one thought: escape! Like a frightened deer, she ran desperately along the winding path. Her cheeks were burning hot, as if on fire, her heart pounded like thunder in her chest, and her disordered breathing, accompanied by her hurried footsteps, sounded particularly abrupt in the quiet forest.
"What's wrong with Murong Yi? How could he..." She subconsciously raised her hand to touch her lips, the touch still seeming to retain Murong Yi's warmth. A strange, indescribable feeling welled up inside her. Even she couldn't believe that the kiss had left her wanting more. "Ahhh, that was my first kiss!"
Anger, shyness, and confusion swirled within her. She clenched her fists, frowned, and muttered to herself, her anger finding no outlet.
Just then, she caught sight of a familiar figure and abruptly stopped in her tracks. It was the Fourth Prince, Murong Che. He was dressed in black, and although his back was upright, it exuded an indescribable weariness. He held a flute tightly in his hand, standing alone as if isolated from the world around him.
Lin Qianqian was filled with confusion. Her steps unconsciously slowed, and she walked slowly towards Murong Che. Her gaze was fixed on his back, trying to find a clue. When she finally approached, she softly called out, "Fourth Prince~"
Murong Che paused slightly, then slowly turned his head. His face remained cold and stern, like a star in a cold night, yet a faint tenderness seemed to lurk deep within his icy eyes.
Looking at Murong Che in front of her, Lin Qianqian's anger miraculously dissipated, replaced by an involuntary tenderness. She asked softly, "What are you doing here?"
Murong Che lowered his eyes slightly and replied softly, "It's nothing." Though his words were calm, the melancholy in his eyes betrayed him. His gaze drifted into the distance, as if lost in endless contemplation, his thoughts wandering to some unknown place.
Lin Qianqian tilted her head slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then mustered her courage to speak: "Your Highness, please forgive my intrusion, but what exactly happened between you and the Fourth Princess Consort...?" She inwardly criticized herself for her audacity, but curiosity prevailed. As she spoke, she deliberately slowed her pace, each word carefully considered before being uttered. Her bright, expressive eyes were fixed on Murong Che, filled with a mixture of inquiry and concern.
As soon as the words left her mouth, Lin Qianqian regretted them, inwardly berating herself for her rashness. She quietly lowered her head, inwardly annoyed: [What am I doing! Why did I even ask that!]
She tried to maintain a calm and composed expression, but her slightly trembling eyelashes betrayed her inner anxiety.
To Lin Qianqian's disbelief, Murong Che did not become angry. He pondered for a moment, then slowly turned his gaze to her. As their eyes met, a faint light seemed to flow between them.
Murong Che sighed softly, a sigh that seemed to carry endless doting affection and fond memories of the past, as if traversing the long river of time and taking Lin Qianqian into the depths of his memories.
"Five years ago, I first met Wanwan in that dreamlike peach blossom forest." Murong Che's gaze softened, as if he were immersed in the beauty of the past. "At that time, I was plotted against by a villain and seriously injured, falling unconscious deep in the peach blossom forest. Wanwan happened to pass by and, disregarding her own safety, took meticulous care of me, pulling me back from the brink of death. When I awoke, I saw her gentle and beautiful face, her eyes smiling, and my heart stirred with a flutter I had never felt before. In just one glance, I knew I would never forget her. What surprised me even more was that she was my fiancée, with whom I was already engaged. In that instant, I felt all the happiness in the world rushing towards me, my heart filled with excitement and joy."
Lin Qianqian listened attentively, and couldn't help but sigh. She nodded and continued to immerse herself in his sweet words.
Murong Che paused slightly, a bitter smile playing on his lips: "After our marriage, my wife and I were a harmonious and loving couple. We thought this happiness would continue forever, but fate had other plans. Wanwan was born prematurely and was physically weak. After our marriage, her condition worsened. Although I sought out renowned doctors throughout the land, I was ultimately unable to stop the disease from taking hold. She is now... terminally ill."
Lin Qianqian listened quietly, her originally bright eyes gradually filling with sympathy and sorrow. Her lips trembled slightly, as if she could truly feel the deep pain in Murong Che's heart.
Lin Qianqian was filled with compassion. She tilted her head slightly, looking directly into Murong Che's eyes, her gaze sincere and warm. She parted her lips slightly, her voice soft yet firm: "Your Highness, the deceased is gone. The Fourth Princess Consort in heaven would not want to see you so grieving. You and she shared such beautiful times; those memories are invaluable. They will forever shine brightly in your heart and exist eternally in the river of time. Please cheer up and don't let yourself wallow in this pain. The Princess Consort would surely want you to live a good life." With that, she gently placed her hand on Murong Che's arm, pausing briefly, as if conveying endless comfort and strength.
Upon hearing Lin Qianqian's words, Murong Che's brows furrowed slightly, and complex emotions instantly welled up in his deep eyes. After a long while, he slowly loosened his fist, letting out a long sigh, as if bidding a difficult farewell to the past. Yet, his lonely figure still spoke of endless sorrow and melancholy.
In the distance, a woman in red gracefully approached. Her brocade red dress was as dazzling as a burning flame, and the gold embroidery shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight. The hem of her skirt swayed gracefully with her steps, like a blooming red lotus.
Her gaze was fixed on Murong Che, her eyes filled with deep affection, as if he were the only person in the world. But the moment she caught sight of Lin Qianqian, her gaze suddenly sharpened. She looked Lin Qianqian up and down, her brows furrowing, her face filled with disdain. She let out a soft snort, as if she felt that Lin Qianqian was not worth her time.
She moved gracefully closer to Murong Che, her voice as gentle as flowing water: "Your Highness, what are you doing here! Xiang'er has been looking for you for so long!" After saying that, she tried to lean against Murong Che.
Murong Che shifted his body to the side, skillfully dodging her approach. His face was full of helplessness, and his eyes were as cold as an ice lake in the dead of winter. He said coldly, "What does Miss Xue want with me?" The indifference in his words seemed to freeze the surrounding air, while also subtly revealing his inner helplessness and speechlessness at this endless entanglement.
Lin Qianqian stood aside, quietly watching the interaction between the two, and secretly understood a few things in her heart.
This woman, Xue Xiang, is the daughter of the younger brother of the Fifth Prince, Murong Han's, mother. Having grown up alongside the Fifth Prince, she was accustomed to being arrogant and domineering in the Prince's mansion under his protection. Since Xu Wanwan's death, Xue Xiang has frequently visited Murong Che, outwardly appearing kind and comforting, but in reality, she harbors ulterior motives, hoping to win Murong Che's favor. Unfortunately, Murong Che only feels disgust towards her; in his eyes, her actions are nothing more than a farcical display by a clown.
Xue Xiang bit her lower lip slightly, a hint of resentment flashing in her eyes, yet she still forced a smile. To Lin Qianqian, that smile seemed somewhat strained and obsequious. She continued, "Your Highness, today is the Qixi Festival. The banks of the Luo River on the outskirts of the capital are bustling with activity, filled with men and women releasing lanterns. The scene is like stars falling into the river, a breathtaking sight. Xiang'er would like to invite you to go there together tonight, to release lanterns together on the shimmering riverbank, to pray for blessings, and to help Your Highness relax and forget some of your troubles."
As she spoke, she secretly glanced up to observe Murong Che's expression, her hands unconsciously clutching the hem of her clothes, as if waiting for Murong Che to change his mind.
Murong Che remained unmoved, as if the magnificent scenery along the Luo River was nothing more than a fleeting cloud to him. His eyes were calm and unwavering as he spoke indifferently, "I appreciate Miss Xue's kindness. However, I have been in a bad mood lately and have no leisure to go out for entertainment, which may spoil your enjoyment. I hope you will find someone else to accompany you and return home satisfied."
After speaking, he bowed slightly, his posture upright and aloof. Then he turned around resolutely, his clothes fluttering gently in the wind. With firm steps, he walked away without looking back, leaving Xue Xiang standing there, watching his departing figure. Her face turned pale and then red, her eyes filled with anger and resentment.
Seeing this, Lin Qianqian's lips curled up slightly, forcing an awkward smile. Her eyes held a hint of caution and ingratiation as she softly said, "Uh... His Highness is perhaps troubled by worries and in a bad mood. Please don't take it to heart, Miss. I see you're too kind to refuse my invitation. How about this? I happen to have some free time these days. Why don't I accompany you for a walk, just to help you relax?" As she spoke, she kept an eye on Xue Xiang's expression, her hands unconsciously twisting in front of her.
Unexpectedly, the words had barely left her lips when Xue Xiang's face instantly darkened, like a storm cloud gathering, ready to unleash a torrential downpour. Her eyebrows shot up, her eyes widened in anger, and she glared fiercely at Lin Qianqian. She let out an angry snort, then abruptly flicked her sleeve, turning and striding away with a heart full of resentment and shame. The ground beneath her feet seemed to tremble slightly from her force.
Lin Qianqian stood frozen in place, like a clay or wooden sculpture, her face filled with astonishment and confusion. She opened her mouth slightly and muttered to herself, "Tsk tsk tsk~ The rich young ladies of ancient times are really something... their tempers are so inexplicable. I was just trying to keep her company, how did I provoke such anger? Ah~ the Luo River on the outskirts of the capital? Releasing lanterns?! I've got it!" With that, as if she had thought of something, she ran towards the direction of the Prince's mansion.