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Lin Ning and the Princess of Yue Ming County had traveled all day, and by evening, the princess, who had not eaten for a day and a night, was both hungry and tired, her stomach growling in protest. Lin Ning took out a few meat buns from his bag and handed them to her. This time, the princess accepted them without hesitation and devoured them hungrily. After she had stormed off on the Azure Wind Horse in a fit of anger, Lin Ning had gone back to the bun shop to buy some more.
As she ate, the Princess of Yue Ming County laughed and said, "I thought you were going to let me starve!"
Lin Ning replied, "How could I dare let the esteemed princess starve? I just wanted you to experience what it feels like for the common folk who often go hungry."
As dusk fell, Lin Ning noticed a dilapidated Mountain God Temple nearby that could provide shelter from the wind and rain. It was early spring in February; in the north, it would still be freezing at this time of year. However, this place was close to Jiangnan, where some grass had already begun to sprout, and the nights were not too cold. Lin Ning carefully lit a long-dilapidated candle on the offering table inside the temple. The flickering candlelight seemed fragile, as if it might extinguish at any moment, yet it stubbornly illuminated a small area around them. The dim light cast Lin Ning's tall figure against the cold walls of the hall, making him appear particularly lonely and desolate.
At that moment, it was as if he were experiencing "the spring lamp holds thoughts in quiet companionship; night rain drips sorrow deeper still." Every time night fell like ink over the earth, his longing for Hu Xueyan surged like a tidal wave. The loneliness that crept in during those quiet hours felt like an invisible hand gripping his heart tightly, mercilessly tormenting him until he felt utterly exhausted and battered.
Day after day, night after night, Lin Ning would almost always meet his beloved Xue Yin's sister in his dreams. In that warm dreamlike world, he and Hu Xueyan galloped freely across vast mountains and rivers, strolled by shimmering lakes, and sailed over boundless seas. Their laughter echoed between heaven and earth as sparks of passion erupted continuously, radiating brilliant light. Yet this beautiful dream was always fleeting and ephemeral, as fragile as a mirage. Just when Lin Ning and Hu Xueyan were immersed in happiness, cruel reality would suddenly intrude, shattering their precious moments of sweetness. Sometimes it came as a violent wave crashing down upon them; other times he would fall abruptly from high clouds into an endless abyss; or Hu Xueyan would suddenly draw a glinting sword aimed directly at his throat... Each time such nightmares struck, Lin Ning would wake up in terror. Upon opening his eyes, he found himself drenched in cold sweat, his heart racing as if it might leap from his chest. The surroundings remained dark and silent except for that flickering candle still struggling to burn on.
Outside the Mountain God Temple, gentle spring rain fell softly, with droplets tapping lightly against the eaves and ground, creating a crisp yet soothing sound. The sound of rain was like a gentle lullaby that drifted into the temple, lulling Lin Ning into an illusory yet wonderful dream. In this dream, he joyfully saw Hu Xueyan again. Their eyes met with joy and excitement at their reunion. They embraced tightly, feeling each other's warmth as if time stood still at that moment. However, just as happiness enveloped them, Hu Xueyan suddenly smiled at Lin Ning before silently turning away to leave.
" Xue Yin's sister!" Lin Ning exclaimed in shock and hurriedly reached out to grasp her hand but only caught empty air. Watching Hu Xueyan walk further away filled him with urgency; he shouted desperately: " Xue Yin's sister! Where are you going? Don't leave me alone! Xue Yin's sister! Xue Yin's sister..."
In extreme pain and struggle, Lin Ning jolted awake from his nightmare. He gasped for breath; beads of sweat dotted his forehead while his heart continued to race from the dream's intensity. As he slowly opened his eyes again, he found himself facing the displeased expression of the Princess of Yue Ming County.
With her delicate brows furrowed in concern, she chided him playfully: "Lin Ning! You had another nightmare! And every night you're calling out Hu Xueyan's name—does she mean that much to you?" After saying this, her beautiful eyes fixed intently on him as if trying to see into his innermost thoughts.
Lin Ning paused for a moment before gradually calming down. He lifted his head to meet her gaze and nodded slowly before softly replying: "Yes, Xue Yin's sister holds a significant place in my heart." Upon hearing this response from him, the Princess of Yue Ming County was momentarily taken aback; a fleeting look of disappointment crossed her face. But soon she took a deep breath and forced a smile: "I truly envy Hu Xueyan for being able to win the affection of someone as talented and charming as you are. Sigh... If one day you could share even just a little bit of your love for Hu Xueyan with me—just a tiny bit—I would be completely satisfied."
As she spoke these words, there was a glimmer of hope and longing in her eyes.
Lin Ning slowly shook his head; his deep-set eyes gazed steadily at her as he softly said: "Princess of the County, matters of love cannot be forced. I have known Xue Yin's sister since childhood; we are childhood sweethearts. We share many common interests and pursuits. We have faced storms together and grown side by side; we have also ventured into danger together through thick and thin. Such deep bonds—how could I forget?"
Listening to Lin Ning's heartfelt words made the Princess furrow her brows slightly in confusion as she pressed further: "But even so—she ultimately hurt you with her sword! Do you truly feel no resentment about that?"
Lin Ning sighed deeply; his expression dimmed as he replied: "No resentment... I know she had no choice at that moment. If she hadn’t acted against me then, perhaps everyone on that boat would have perished. At such a critical juncture between life and death, making such a choice must have caused her immense pain too."
Upon hearing this explanation, the Princess shivered slightly; complex emotions flickered in her beautiful eyes. Biting her lip courageously she said: "If I were in such a situation—I could never bear to harm you! Even if everyone else's lives were at stake—it wouldn't compare to your safety."
As soon as she finished speaking those words, two rosy clouds suddenly bloomed on her fair cheeks like evening glow. She shyly lowered her head while secretly glancing at Lin Ning from the corner of her eye with hopes of receiving some response from him.
However, much to her disappointment at that moment—Lin Ning seemed lost in thought; his gaze was vacant and dazed with no expression on his face whatsoever. He appeared completely absorbed in his own musings without hearing her heartfelt confession.
Watching this man who seemed oblivious to her feelings made the Princess feel an ache in her heart; tears welled up involuntarily in her eyes.
After an entire night’s spring rain had finally ceased with clear skies emerging again—the air was filled with fresh earthy scents as sunlight broke through clouds casting golden rays upon the land below.
Lin Ning and the Princess bid farewell to Mountain God Temple before riding southward at speed. After an entire morning’s journey they finally arrived at the foot of Cangshan Mountain where they dismounted their horses and began walking slowly along rugged paths.
The winding trail was flanked by lush trees while birds chirped merrily as if welcoming these unexpected guests.
As they walked along suddenly there came an exclamation behind them: “Ouch!” Startled by this sound Lin Ning quickly turned around only to find Princess of Yue Ming County sitting on the ground holding her right foot with a pained expression on her face.
He hurried over to her side kneeling down with concern etched across his features: “Princess of the County—what happened?”
She looked up at him with teary eyes saying playfully: “It’s all my fault! I accidentally stepped on a stone just now—and twisted my ankle!”
Hearing this made Lin Ning anxious; he gently took hold of her right foot carefully removing her shoe only to see that her ankle was swollen high like a white bun which made him gasp sharply.
Not daring to delay any further he quickly pulled out some medicine for bruises from his bag sprinkling powder evenly over her ankle before gently wrapping it with a clean handkerchief.
After doing all this Lin Ning helped lift Princess of Yue Ming County up softly saying: “Princess of the County—I’ll help you mount your horse so we can continue our journey.”
The princess shook her head grimacing: “My ankle is swollen like this—how can I ride?”
Lin Ning pondered briefly then suddenly brightened up looking at her: “How about… I carry you?”
Upon hearing this suggestion—the princess’s face lit up with joy as she nodded eagerly: “Great! Thank you so much!” She then wrapped her arms around Lin Ning’s neck.
Taking a deep breath Lin Ning stood up steadily carrying Princess of Yue Ming County securely on his back feeling warmth radiate from behind which made his heart race slightly faster.
Meanwhile—the princess nestled against Lin Ning’s broad shoulder like an obedient little cat enjoying this peaceful moment.
The moonlight poured down upon their path illuminating everything around them while Princess of Yue Ming County lay quietly atop Lin Ning’s warm back inhaling deeply that rich masculine scent emanating from him—a unique aroma akin to fine wine intoxicating enough to make one lose themselves within it.
Unconsciously joy surged within her heart causing thoughts to wander freely while two rosy blossoms crept onto her snow-white cheeks forgetting entirely about any pain from her ankle wishing time could freeze forever allowing endless enjoyment derived from Lin Ning’s tender care.
Finally reaching down from the mountain they found an inn nearby where they could rest temporarily.
After one night passed when morning’s first rays streamed through windows illuminating their room—the princess discovered surprisingly that swelling around her ankle had significantly reduced yet stubbornly insisted she couldn’t ride anymore.
How could clever Lin Ning fail to notice such trivial thoughts? With a slight smile playing on his lips he gently suggested: “Since your injury hasn’t fully healed yet—why don’t you stay here for another day? I’ll return first to Jinling.”
With that said—Lin Ning gracefully mounted his magnificent Sweat Blood Horse preparing to gallop away.
Seeing him about to ride off—the princess panicked exclaiming playfully: “Why did I have to encounter someone so ruthless like you? How unlucky!” Quickly stepping onto Azure Wind Horse’s stirrup she performed an agile maneuver settling firmly onto its back before following closely behind Sweat Blood Horse racing towards Jinling City together.
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