It was still early when Lin Jiangnian returned to the small mountain village.
This is a small mountain village located outside Xunyang City, not too far from the Wang family's private residence. However, due to its geographical location, it feels like a paradise.
There are not many villagers in the small mountain village, and they are quite simple and honest.
The same was true for the old couple who took in Lin Jiangnian and Zhiyuan. When Lin Jiangnian and Zhiyuan escaped from the back mountain the night before, both of them were injured and exhausted.
The old couple kindly took the two in. When they learned that Zhiyuan was seriously injured, they enthusiastically helped prepare hot water, clothes and various medicines.
At that time, Lin Jiangnian was also seriously injured and his internal energy was severely depleted. If it were not for the help of this old couple, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
When Lin Jiangnian returned to the courtyard, the old woman's surprised voice came from the yard: "Young man, you are back?"
Lin Jiangnian nodded slightly and glanced at the door of the room not far away: "Auntie, how is she?"
The old woman smiled and said, "Don't worry, young man. Your wife is fine. She was just here chatting with me and she just went back to her room to rest."
"Her injuries should have improved a lot, don't worry."
Madam?
Lin Jiangnian was stunned for a moment, and soon realized that the old lady must have misunderstood something.
However, Lin Jiangnian didn't explain, but chuckled: "That's good. By the way, Auntie, can I borrow your pot?"
The old woman's eyes fell on the herbs in Lin Jiangnian's hand and nodded hurriedly: "Yes, yes, come with me."
Lin Jiangnian borrowed a pot from the old woman, lit a fire and boiled the medicine!
Zhiyuan's injuries were both severe, both external and internal. If not handled with care, there might be sequelae. Lin Jiangnian didn't carry many elixirs with him, and aside from the ones he needed to save his life, he didn't carry most of them.
Fortunately, Lin Jiangnian had written down a lot of prescriptions he got from Ruyi Tower. Although there were no ready-made ones at the moment, he could still make the medicine himself.
After boiling two bowls of medicine, Lin Jiangnian picked up one bowl and drank it. He felt the aroma of the herbs flowing through his body, and his whole body felt comfortable. The injuries in his body seemed to be much relieved.
“It really works!”
Lin Jiangnian nodded with satisfaction, picked up the remaining bowl of medicine, turned around and walked to the door of the other room and knocked.
The room was silent.
No response?
Are you asleep?
Lin Jiangnian tried pushing the door. It was not locked and it opened with a slight push.
It was just getting dark and the room was dark and silent.
Lin Jiangnian walked to the table in the dark, carrying the medicine, put it down, and then lit the oil lamp on the table. The dim light illuminated the room.
He could vaguely see a figure sitting on the bed not far away, looking at him calmly.
"Why don't you light a lamp when it's dark?"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her and said, "Come and take your medicine."
There was no response, and still silence.
Lin Jiangnian turned around and looked at the bed. He saw Zhiyuan sitting on the edge of the bed and looking up at him.
He remained silent, not knowing what he was thinking.
Lin Jiangnian was stunned. For some reason, he felt that she was a little strange.
"What’s wrong with you?"
Lin Jiangnian looked at her, but Zhiyuan quickly lowered his eyes.
"fine."
She spoke calmly.
Lin Jiangnian took a few glances, but didn't see anything wrong. He waved his hand and said, "Alright, stop standing there. Come and take your medicine."
Zhiyuan remained silent. When Lin Jiangnian turned around, she looked up a few times. A subtle hint of shame and anger flashed across her eyes.
But in the end, nothing was said.
She slowly stood up and walked to the table. Looking at the medicine bowl on the table, she asked, "What is this?"
"medicine!"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her and said, "Don't worry, it's not a drug."
Kite: “…”
As if remembering someone's bold words a few months ago, Zhiyuan pursed his lips.
Somewhat dissatisfied.
"Are you touched that this prince personally made medicine for you?" Lin Jiang said with a young smile.
Zhiyuan seemed to have thought of something, her fair face looked a little unnatural, and there was a hint of red in her clear eyes.
He lowered his head and said nothing.
Without answering Lin Jiangnian's words, he looked at the medicine bowl on the table, gently picked it up and brought it closer. The bowl was filled with the aroma of herbs, and it was obvious that it was a prescription for treating internal injuries.
At this moment, Zhiyuan looked up at Lin Jiangnian with a complicated look in her eyes.
He was silent for a long time, hesitant to speak.
"Just say whatever you want to say."
Lin Jiangnian noticed that something was wrong with her expression.
From the moment he entered the room, she knew something was wrong.
Wrong status?
However, Zhiyuan remained silent and did not speak.
"Why are you suddenly so indecisive?"
Lin Jiangnian was puzzled, because the Zhiyuan in his impression was not such a pretentious person.
What's going on?
Zhiyuan still looked down at the medicine bowl, silent. She lifted the bowl to her lips and took a sip.
The rich herbal aroma hits you, but it's not too bad to drink.
After taking a few sips, he began to drink it in small sips.
She drank slowly, her movements were gentle, and her every action displayed the elegant courtesy of someone from a wealthy family, making her look very entertaining.
Zhiyuan was adopted by Princess Lin since she was a child. After Princess Lin passed away, she was left in the Jiang family in Jiangnan and adopted by the aunt of the Prince Lin. She grew up in the Jiang family since she was a child, and her behavior was no different from that of a young lady from a wealthy family.
Speaking of the aunt of Prince Lin, she is indeed a remarkable woman!
She is the younger sister of Princess Lin, but she is much younger than Princess Lin. It is unknown how old she is now, but she is still unmarried.
I heard that my aunt's reputation in Jiangnan is almost the same as that of the Prince of Lin in Linjiang City, and she is equally famous.
Of course, that aunt had never done anything as bad as Prince Lin, but it was said that that aunt acted decisively and vigorously, and that she was also savage and cruel, which frightened many people in Jiangnan.
A few years ago, someone came to propose marriage, but after being swept out by that aunt, I rarely heard of anyone daring to come again.
It is rumored that the aunt is stunningly beautiful and can be considered the most beautiful woman in Jiangnan, but to this day no one is interested in her.
Such a fierce woman is rare in the world.
In this situation, it would be outrageous for her to still get married.
Lin Jiangnian had only occasionally heard of these things from the gossip of the servants in Prince Lin's Mansion. He had no contact with that aunt and didn't even know what she looked like.
However, Lin Jiangnian heard that his aunt went to the capital some time ago. He wondered if they would meet in the capital this time?
Lin Jiangnian seemed to be lost in thought.
I heard that the aunt of Prince Lin came to the Prince Lin’s Mansion two years ago and lived there for a while, but later went back for some unknown reason.
I heard that you were quite angry when you returned?
Could it be related to Prince Lin?
…
In the room, in front of the table.
Zhiyuan drank the medicine in the bowl in small sips, put the bowl down, breathed a sigh of relief, and her fair and delicate face became a little more rosy.
She narrowed her eyes slightly, feeling the changes in her body.
The medicine entered her body and spread rapidly throughout her body like a warm current. Wherever it went, a warm and soft feeling came over her, healing her body.
Very comfortable.
It was very warm, like a flame, which reduced the pain in her body a lot.
This medicine really works wonders.
The kite opened its eyes and a flash of light appeared.
Then, as if thinking of something, he looked up and saw Lin Jiangnian sitting opposite him, looking thoughtful.
Zhiyuan stared at him for a few seconds, and seeing that Lin Jiangnian was thinking seriously, before he could come to his senses, he glanced at him a few more times.
In her mind, she recalled what the old lady had said to her today.
For some reason, I felt an inexplicable sense of shyness and my face suddenly felt hot.
I even felt my body getting slightly hot.
"What’s wrong with you?"
Lin Jiangnian suddenly came to his senses and looked up at her.
As if some of his thoughts were seen through, Zhiyuan turned his head away in panic and took a deep breath.
"fine."
The voice was still cold, but it inadvertently revealed a hint of panic trembling.
Lin Jiangnian heard it and felt that she was a little strange.
"Done?"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at the table: "How do you feel?"
"Much better."
Zhiyuan turned her head, looked at the wall in the room, and spoke silently.
He seems not used to the current atmosphere.
But, I can't control it.
She was always calm and collected, but for some reason her mind started to become confused.
"That'll do!"
Lin Jiangnian nodded and was about to speak when there was a knock on the door.
"Boy, girl, are you there?"
Lin Jiangnian stood up and opened the door. Standing outside was the old woman.
"You must be hungry. I have prepared food. Come and eat together." The old woman invited warmly.
Lin Jiangnian turned his head to look at Zhiyuan behind him: "Are you hungry?"
Zhiyuan glanced at the door, hesitated, and shook his head gently: "I'm not hungry, you guys eat."
"OK."
Lin Jiangnian turned around and said, "Auntie, she's not hungry. I'll go."
The old woman was stunned and was hesitating to say something when Lin Jiangnian gave her a look, walked out of the room and closed the door.
Zhiyuan stared at the door of the room, and it took him a long time to come back to his senses.
She stood up, sat cross-legged on the bed, and began to practice qigong to heal her injuries!
Half an hour later, she let out a sigh of relief.
The blast wave had caused him severe internal injuries, but fortunately they weren't fatal. He only needed to rest and he would fully recover.
I opened my eyes and saw that it was completely dark outside. The room was still dim, and apart from the oil lamp on the table, there was no other movement.
The whole room was filled with a lonely and cold atmosphere.
Zhiyuan has been accustomed to such an environment since she was a child, and since she is independent and aloof by nature, there is nothing wrong with it.
But for some reason tonight, she felt vaguely uneasy.
In this lonely and unfamiliar room, in that dark and depressing environment, she felt an indescribable panic in her heart.
Perhaps due to the serious injury, or perhaps for some other reason, her emotions were unstable today. In such an environment, she felt vaguely uneasy, perturbed, flustered, and somewhat lost...
She really doesn't like this feeling!
In the dim light, those cold eyes stared straight out the dark window, wondering what they were thinking.
Until soon after.
“Dengdeng…”
Not far away, footsteps gradually came.
As the familiar footsteps came closer and closer, Zhiyuan's eyes gradually became lively and slowly opened.
The heart that was originally hanging in the air seemed to have landed firmly on the ground.
A sudden and inexplicable sense of security!
“Squeak!”
The door was pushed open.
Lin Jiangnian's figure appeared at the door. The moment he opened the door, the autumn wind rushed in, adding a bit of coldness to the room.
At the same time, the air blew in with the aroma of food.
Zhiyuan was startled and looked up, seeing Lin Jiangnian walking into the room with something in his hand.
What's this?
Lin Jiangnian took out the hot food from the basket in his hand and placed it on the table. He glanced at Zhiyuan who was still in a daze and said, "What are you still standing there for? Come and eat!"
Seeing this scene, Zhiyuan was stunned for a long time, and subconsciously said: "I don't..."
"You haven't eaten for two days. Don't tell me you're not hungry? Do you think you've become an immortal and don't need to eat?"
Before Zhiyuan could finish her words, Lin Jiangnian interrupted her unhappily.
Still being stubborn?
Zhiyuan remained silent, a trace of shame and anger appearing on his cold face.
It was like someone's thoughts were seen through.
"Come here quickly!"
Lin Jiangnian put the food on the table and spoke in a bad mood.
The impatient tone made Zhiyuan feel a little unhappy. She gritted her teeth and a hint of stubbornness appeared on her face.
But then, she seemed to think of something, looked up at him, was silent for a moment, stood up without saying a word, walked to the table and sat down.
There were several home-cooked dishes on the table.
"This is the meal that our dear wife worked so hard to prepare for us. Let's not waste her kindness!"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her and curled his lips.
He knew his little maid's character too well.
She would never be willing to go out and eat with others. If she didn't think of a way, she would starve herself to death.
The kite remained silent.
He stared blankly at the delicious dishes on the table.
Lin Jiangnian on the side didn't hesitate any longer. He picked up his bowl and chopsticks and started eating. He was still hungry.
Seeing Lin Jiangnian wolfing down the food, Zhiyuan concealed the emotion in his eyes.
Have a meal!
…
After dinner and clearing the table, it was already late!
The people in the small mountain village don’t have much entertainment activities at night, and they almost have to rest after dark.
The weather is getting cooler and the nights are getting chilly.
Outside, the cold wind rustled the doors and windows, making a rustling sound. Inside, the two people sat at the table, staring at each other, caught in an awkward situation.
It’s late at night and everyone is asleep!
It's time to rest!
But problems also arise!
There is only one room and only one bed!
This room was left vacant by the old couple after their daughter got married, and they cleaned it up and left it for the two of them.
There's only one room and one bed, so doesn't that mean...
When she realized this, Zhiyuan's expression changed. She looked up and saw Lin Jiangnian's eyes on her, and she immediately became alert.
The two of you looked at each other, and neither of you spoke first.
"or……"
Lin Jiangnian thought for a moment and asked tentatively, "Want to squeeze in?"
Zhiyuan's eyes were alert. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Lin Jiangnian's solemn assurance: "Don't worry, I don't despise you."
Kite: “…”
A trace of shame and anger flashed in her eyes. She lowered her head and said nothing.
I don’t know what he was thinking about.
The two of them just sat there in silence, neither of them speaking.
It's indeed a big problem.
The elderly couple clearly thought they were married, so they made no special preparations. But even if they had, there wouldn't have been enough room.
Under such conditions, it is good enough to have a place to live.
After a while, Lin Jiangnian was the first to speak and sighed softly.
"Forget it, I'm just kidding. I'll sleep on the floor."
Lin Jiangnian was just joking with her and teasing her.
He knew Zhiyuan's character very well. Back then, when he was in Prince Lin's Mansion, he just kissed her secretly, but she dared to get angry with him as a little maid.
How could she possibly be willing to sleep in the same bed with him?
Normally, Lin Jiangnian would have taken the bed. As for whether she wanted to sleep on the bed or on the floor, it was up to her.
But this time, considering that she saved his life and was seriously injured, he decided to give her some leniency.
Lin Jiangnian stood up and walked towards the door: "I'll go ask Auntie for another quilt."
When I walked to the door and was about to open it, I suddenly heard the sound of a kite behind me.
"Wait, wait a minute..."
Lin Jiangnian stopped and looked back in confusion: "Huh? What's wrong?"
"Don't, don't go..."
The north wind howled outside the door, almost covering up the faint sound of the kite flying in the room.
Very light.
With a hint of trembling.
Yet, it seemed as if he had made up his mind.
…