bookrandom Chapter 1299 Pay off the debt
Chapter 1299 Pay off the debt
The children's footsteps faded into the distance, and the courtyard returned to tranquility.
The cool moonlight poured down like a thin veil, bathing the strange rocks, bamboo groves, and the figures of Xiao Ce and Nan Xi in a soft silver glow.
The liveliness and energy brought by Dan Lei had quietly dissipated, and a quiet, slightly ambiguous atmosphere, unique to the two of them, once again enveloped them.
Xiao Ce stood with his hands behind his back, gazing in the direction where Dan Lei had disappeared. His deep eyes were filled with satisfaction and emotion as he said to Nan Xi, "Nan Xi, Dan Lei has been educated to this extent. You deserve more credit for that, don't you? General Dan, you wouldn't have that kind of patience, would you?"
Nan Xi stood quietly half a step behind him, tilted her head slightly, and gazed at Xiao Ce's sharply defined profile under the moonlight.
Watching Xiao Ce's tall figure stretch long in the moonlight, like a silent mountain, exuding a reassuring and steady power, and listening to him say this.
Nan Xi smiled and then said, "General Dan has a rugged and forthright personality. He's been training troops for many years, and I often take this child with me... I think a child should first cultivate his mind, then his character..."
Xiao Ce smiled and nodded, indicating his approval...
At this moment... a gentle evening breeze wafted by, bringing with it the faint sweet fragrance of the jujube blossoms in the courtyard, and also ruffling a few stray strands of Nanxi's hair at her temples.
Dan Lei's words, "Aunt Nanxi always loves to look at Uncle's portrait," still seemed to echo in the air, silently piercing through that thin layer of window paper.
At this moment, in this moonlit courtyard where only the two of them are, Nanxi felt her heart pounding like a drum. A strong impulse drove her to want to get closer to that warmth that was so close at hand, and to pour out the emotions that had been accumulating in her heart for many years and were almost overflowing.
Her red lips parted slightly, and the name she had uttered a thousand times, "Ce," was almost slipping out.
However, the Empress's reserve and apprehension about the unknown ultimately led her to temporarily suppress those words, along with that burning affection, back into the deepest recesses of her heart.
She simply stood there quietly, gazing at his retreating figure, as if she wanted to forever etch this silhouette, along with the moonlight and fragrance of the flowers in the courtyard, into her heart.
Xiao Ce seemed to sense the focused and intense gaze behind him and slowly turned around.
Xiao Ce understood Nan Xi's restraint.
Since Nanxi herself is so restrained, then Xiao Ce has even less reason to start a new relationship...
After all, Xiao Ce already owed a lot of emotional debts.
Actually, Xiao Ce felt much better knowing that Nan Xi hadn't spoken.
There is no other reason.
Even if Nan Xi speaks up, he won't accept it.
Xiao Ce said to Nan Xi, "Nan Xi, it's getting late, you should go and rest..."
After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Nan Xi smiled and nodded: "Okay! Get some rest... I'll take you there."
Upon hearing Nan Xi's words, Xiao Ce smiled and waved his hand, saying, "No need, I'm quite familiar with this area..."
Nan Xi nodded, without saying anything more.
With that, Xiao Ce smiled at Nan Xi and said, "Thank you..."
Nan Xi was somewhat bewildered by Xiao Ce's unexpected thanks: "Thank you? You're thanking me?"
Xiao Ce nodded to Nan Xi, then said, "That's right. Of course, I'm not thanking you. Perhaps I'm thanking myself? Thank you for what I didn't say, but I felt it..."
Nan Xi was a clever man; Xiao Ce's brief remark was enough for him to understand the implied meaning...
After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Nan Xi smiled. He was glad that he hadn't said those words aloud.
Xiao Ce said to Nan Xi, "It's not because you're bad, but the wrong time, the wrong place... My mindset has changed a lot, and I owe too many emotional debts..."
After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Nan Xi smiled and nodded, "I understand... so don't let Miza down..."
Xiao Ce smiled at Nan Xi and then said, "That's for sure..."
...
At this moment, Yin Pan'er and Gulimiza were together.
Yin Pan'er said to Gulimiza, "Miza, you won't blame me, will you...?"
Gulimiza smiled and waved her hand at Yin Pan'er, saying, "Sister Pan'er, how could that be? Actually, Sister Nanxi has long harbored feelings for Prince Xiao Ce... but for the sake of the entire Western Regions, she has always suppressed those feelings..."
"So, I still want to thank you... Besides, I don't necessarily have to be with the prince... I'm happy just to see him."
Seeing Gulimiza's words, Yin Pan'er revealed a mischievous smile, then leaned close to Gulimiza's ear and asked, "What? Don't you want to?"
Gulimiza blushed instantly after Yin Pan'er said that to her.
"Sister Pan'er, how come you've become bad too since you've been with the Prince..."
When Yin Pan'er heard Gulimiza say that, the two of them giggled.
Just then, Xiao Ce walked in: "What are you two talking about that's making you so happy... Say something with me, make me happy too..."
Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, Yin Pan'er stood up, stepped forward, and naturally took off his outer robe, handing it to a palace maid standing nearby. Then, she took Xiao Ce's hand and led him to Gulimiza. Gulimiza also stood up, her wheat-colored cheeks glowing with a charming blush under the lamplight. Her deep brown eyes looked at Xiao Ce with expectation and a touch of shyness.
"Your Highness, why are you back?" Yin Pan'er didn't answer Xiao Ce, but changed the subject.
After hearing Yin Pan'er's words, Xiao Ce said helplessly to her, "Pan'er, don't you know why I came back? I already owe so many debts of love, do you want to add another one to my list?"
Yin Pan'er was somewhat surprised by Xiao Ce's words: "So, you won't refuse Sister Nanxi..."
Xiao Ce smiled and said to Yin Pan'er, "They didn't even mention it... Pan'er, aren't you being a bit too generous as the legal wife...?"
When Yin Pan'er heard Xiao Ce say that, she couldn't help but pout.
"Your Highness, you're just too outstanding... I can't keep you all to myself..."
As she spoke, Yin Pan'er took Xiao Ce's hand and said, "Your Highness, since you've said you owe so many debts of affection... then I won't waste any more words... you also need to repay your debts..."
"You say I'm generous, so I'll be even more generous."
As Yin Pan'er spoke, she took Xiao Ce's hand and placed it next to Gulimiza's...
Gulimiza was taken aback by Yin Pan'er's blunt words. With her hand held by Xiao Ce, she felt a surge of heat rush from her fingertips to the top of her head, and her cheeks burned intensely. She instinctively tried to pull her hand away, but Yin Pan'er pressed it down.
Yin Pan'er giggled, let go of his hand, took a step back, and winked at Xiao Ce: "Your Highness, look how cute Mizha is. The moonlight is so beautiful tonight; it's rare to see such a gentle and tranquil night in the Western Regions. You two, having been apart for so long, should have a good chat and reminisce about the past. I won't get in your way here."
As she spoke, she turned to Gulimiza, her tone encouraging and teasing, "Miza, the prince said he's going to pay off the debt, so you'd better make sure he gets it back with interest... Don't waste this beautiful time."
"Sister Pan'er!" Gulimiza was so embarrassed that she almost stomped her feet. The words "reclaim the debt" made her heart tremble, and she didn't know where to look.
Looking at the knowing and indulgent smile in Yin Pan'er's eyes, Xiao Ce felt both touched and helpless.
How could he not understand Pan'er's intentions? She was using her unique way to soothe the ripples in his heart that might have been stirred by Nanxi, and also to fulfill Gulimiza's long-suppressed passion.
This magnanimity and consideration for him warmed his heart.
He tightened his grip on Gulimiza's hand, feeling the heat and slight trembling in her palm.
Yin Pan'er smiled back, her eyes clear and open: "Go ahead, Your Highness. I'll go check if Little Mudskipper is sleeping soundly."
After saying that, she turned around gracefully, with a sly smile, and led the palace maids out silently, considerately closing the door to the bedchamber.
In an instant, only Xiao Ce and Gulimiza remained in the vast bedroom.
The air seemed to freeze, leaving only the two people's slightly rapid breathing and the soft crackling of the burning candlelight.
Gulimiza lowered her head, her thick eyelashes casting a fan-shaped shadow under her eyes, her heart pounding like a drum, almost bursting out of her chest.
Looking at her like this, Xiao Ce felt a mix of pity and excitement at their long-awaited reunion.
He reached out his other hand and gently lifted her chin, forcing her to look him in the eye.
His voice wasn't loud, but it was exceptionally clear in the quiet hall: "Miza, look at me."
Gulimiza was forced to meet his gaze.
Those deep, ocean-like eyes clearly reflected her image, filled with a tenderness she had never seen before and a longing that made her heart race... She felt as if her soul was being sucked in.
She called out softly, her voice trembling with a barely perceptible sob: "Your Highness... I... I thought you had truly forgotten me..."
Although she appeared generous, her longing for Xiao Ce was no less...
“How could that be? I remember our first meeting in Dragon City, our time together in the Western Regions. It’s just… the world is full of troubles, and I had no choice in what I did.” He paused, his voice softening slightly. “Pan’er is right, the moon is beautiful tonight. Shall we… go for a walk?”
Gulimiza exclaimed "Ah!" and then looked at Xiao Ce.
She had thought Xiao Ce would get straight to the point; to be honest, he was still a little nervous...
However, Xiao Ce did this.
Gulimiza nodded vigorously, her shyness replaced by immense joy and anticipation...
Although she also longed to do that kind of thing with Xiao Ce.
However, if there is also some spiritual exchange in addition to that, that would be even better.
I'd go anywhere as long as I can spend more time with him.
Xiao Ce led her out of the bedchamber quietly through the back door without alerting the guards.
Chengxin Hall is built against the mountain, and behind it is a meticulously maintained garden.
Although it is late autumn, the cold-resistant plants unique to the Western Regions are still full of vitality. The fragrance of the jujube tree permeates the night breeze, intertwining with the faint fragrance of unknown flowers drifting from afar, which is refreshing and delightful.
The bright moonlight, like mercury spilling onto the ground, bathed the garden paths, strange rocks, and vines in a dreamlike silver glow.
The two walked side by side on the moonlit path, with Gulimiza clinging tightly to Xiao Ce, as if she wanted to melt all the longing of the past few years into this moment of intimacy.
The night breeze ruffled her braids, and a few stray strands playfully brushed against Xiao Ce's neck, causing a slight tickle.
Gulimiza's voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet night, "Your Highness, these past years in the West... you must have had a very tough time, right? Although Sister Pan'er speaks so lightly, I know that behind those four words, 'halftime break,' there must have been turbulent waves. Especially those things you mentioned about the extraterrestrial visitors..."
She looked up, her eyes filled with concern and heartache.
Xiao Ce gently put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer to him, inhaling the warm and exotic fragrance emanating from her.
"Hard work is inevitable."
He frankly stated, "The enemy is more cunning and powerful than I imagined, like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows. However, being able to return here, see you all, and witness the prosperity and stability of the Western Regions makes all the hardships worthwhile. Especially..."
He lowered his head, looking intently at her. "Seeing you, Miza, I realize you've grown up so well. You're no longer the impetuous and passionate girl you once were, but a capable official who can truly shoulder responsibilities. I'm very pleased, and also... proud."
"Really?" Gulimiza's eyes instantly lit up like stars; Xiao Ce's affirmation was the greatest praise for her.
"I...I just want to live up to Your Highness's expectations and Sister Nanxi's trust. I want to become better, so good that...so good that I can always stand where you can see me."
She mustered her courage and spoke the words that had been buried deep in her heart. Her voice was soft, but her determination was unwavering.
Xiao Ce's most tender spot was deeply touched.
He stopped, turned around, and cupped her face in his hands. In the moonlight, her face was radiant and beautiful, possessing the wildness and charm unique to women from the Western Regions, yet now, her shyness and deep affection added a touch of pitifulness.
His fingertips gently traced the bridge of her upturned nose, then slid down to her full, rosy lips: "Miza, you're already so good. So good... that I can't ignore you, and I can't forget you."
His voice grew softer and softer, carrying a magnetic allure, as he slowly leaned down.
Gulimiza's heart stopped for a moment, then began to pound wildly again. She instinctively closed her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling violently like butterflies about to take flight.
She could clearly feel his warm breath drawing ever closer, carrying his unique scent, a mixture of faint gunpowder smoke and crisp pine resin. Anticipation, nervousness, and sweetness overwhelmed her.