The sky was overcast. Outside the long pavilion, withered grass lay amidst the cold mist, painting a desolate winter scene. The road was devoid of carriages and horses, and there were few travelers in sight, making the group standing before the pavilion all the more conspicuous.
Yang Zhen asked, “No carriage?”
Glancing at the road stretching into the distance, Hong Ning shook her head. There was no need. She did not know where this road would lead, nor where she would eventually stop. Perhaps this was what people meant when they spoke of "uncertain paths and destinations."
In the end, stubborn resistance was no match for fate—nor for the one who controlled it.
And it seemed only natural that the strong should determine the fate of the weak.
After two months of rest, the world felt somewhat unfamiliar. Hong Ning withdrew her gaze indifferently, a polite smile curving her lips. “I’ve imposed on Your Highness for too long. Thank you.”
Yang Zhen responded with a simple “Mm” before glancing at the sky. “Looks like it’s going to rain.”
Hong Ning looked up as well. “Then I should hurry on my way. Farewell, Your Highness. Take care.”
Just as she turned, a firm hand grasped hers—strong, authoritative, and possessive.
His voice was calm. “You insist on leaving?”
That night, he had not seen Jin Xiu. He had only been told that she had been injured in a battle of spells with the demon fox. In haste, he had brought her back, summoned renowned physicians, and ensured she had the best medicines so she could recover in peace. Since then, he had never pursued her as he once had. Even when she announced her departure, he did not ask her to stay. He personally led the escort that saw her out of the city.
Hong Ning had assumed he had forgotten that night’s words.
But now, hearing him bring it up again, she could only shake her head. “What I want, Your Highness cannot give.”
“A devoted heart?” Yang Zhen was unsurprised. “You are not an ordinary woman. This was bound to be your answer.”
His voice was calm, yet certain. “But in the royal family, true devotion is impossible. Even before I built my legacy, there were many things beyond my control. Now, though I cannot set aside my wife to marry you, do you truly believe there is a man in this world who meets your standards? Ordinary men are unworthy of you.”
A faint smile touched his cold eyes as he slowly lifted their joined hands.
“A woman shouldn’t make life so difficult for herself,” he continued. “Why not find a place to settle? Even if my status may not be ideal for you, I will cherish you.”
“Is Your Highness truly a good place to settle?” Hong Ning’s lips curled slightly. “How many women have you said these words to?”
Yang Zhen answered simply, “Only you.”
Somewhat surprised, Hong Ning shook her head. “Does Your Highness want to keep me because you truly like me, or because you cannot have me?”
Before he could respond, she raised an eyebrow and continued, “I am different from other women. I do not flatter Your Highness, so perhaps that intrigues you. But unfortunately, it is only intrigue—not true affection. Even those once truly loved can be neglected in time; mere intrigue is even more fleeting. Besides, Your Highness knows well that the only reason I ever accepted your kindness was because you resemble someone. Are you willing to be someone else’s shadow?”
Yang Zhen’s gaze remained steady. “Are you so certain it’s just intrigue and not something more?”
“What I am certain of,” Hong Ning replied, looking towards the distant Lady Wang with a smile, “is that Your Highness will live just fine without me.”
She sighed lightly before adding, “It’s a pity I won’t be able to stay for the young prince’s full-month celebration. I shall congratulate Your Highness in advance.”
Silence fell between them.
Yang Zhen let go of her hand, his expression unchanged. “Fine. If you want to leave, then go. But if I happen to run into you again…” He lowered his head, bringing his face close to hers, his voice cold. “I might just use my power to seize you by force.”
Before Hong Ning could react, the sensation on her lips had already vanished in an instant.
“There’s Lìzhou ahead.” Straightening up, Yang Zhen no longer looked at her and instead turned, leading his entourage back to the manor.
Despite what had just happened in front of so many people, Hong Ning acted as if nothing had occurred—neither embarrassed nor angry. She did not look back, only slung her bundle over her shoulder and continued walking down the road. The sky grew darker, the cold wind biting at her face, and a vast emptiness seemed to spread within her heart and eyes. Yet she felt nothing out of place. When a person ceases to care about anything, when they have no destination but must keep walking forward, no weather truly matters anymore.
She had walked less than a mile when she saw someone standing at the crossroads ahead.
She hesitated for a moment. Just then, the rapid sound of approaching hooves echoed behind her. Instinctively, she turned her head—sure enough, the rider was someone she recognized. It was one of Yang Zhen’s trusted eunuchs from the capital.
The eunuch dismounted first, respectfully offering her a bow.
Hong Ning asked, “Does His Highness have more to say?”
The eunuch’s expression carried a hint of knowing amusement, but he spoke carefully. “His Highness says that whenever you grow tired, you may return.”
A proud man who looked down on everything—such words, he would only have someone else relay on his behalf. He would never say them in person.
Hong Ning couldn’t help but laugh. Tired? She had been tired for a long time. But the prince’s manor was hardly a place to rest.
Seeing that she was in good spirits, the eunuch smiled eagerly. “His Highness is a man of deep affection. He wishes for you to stay a while longer. Why not—”
Hong Ning interrupted him. “I am a wanderer, drifting from place to place. My whereabouts are uncertain, and I fear I may never have the chance to return.”
The eunuch was momentarily stunned before a look of admiration appeared in his eyes. A common woman being able to marry into the prince’s household was akin to a sparrow transforming into a phoenix. Moreover, Rui Wang (Prince Rui) was young and distinguished. For him to personally extend an invitation to stay—such a thing was beyond most women’s wildest dreams. No one would dare refuse.
Hong Ning smiled. “I trouble you with this errand. Please convey my gratitude to His Highness, and wish him well for me.”
Seeing how resolute she was, the eunuch knew there was no persuading her. He sighed heavily but did not press further. After a few parting words—wishing her safety and well-being—he mounted his horse and rode away.
Hong Ning walked straight up to the person waiting at the crossroads and stopped.
The wind stirred his golden robes, making them ripple like blooming golden flowers, illuminated by the hues of the setting sun. He stood casually at the roadside, at ease and composed, exuding an aura of authority even without anger.
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