Chapter Thirty-Six: Paying Respect to the Morning Sun

After a long silence, seeing that none of the five seemed willing to speak, Ye Qianling felt she shouldn’t ask any further and tried to change the subject. Just as she was about to do so, Chu Zimu spoke up, “Miss Wu, we just ran into a married couple arguing. We were planning to mediate, but as soon as we approached, they teamed up to fight us instead. It was so awkward that we ran away.” He finished with a look of utter despair. “What a ridiculous situation.”

“How come you’re back? Is your errand done?” Jian Suifei interrupted him, catching the thread of conversation.

“Yes, all finished. I was actually looking for Sui Ying’ai, thought we could go out for a bit together. Didn’t expect to run into you all. So, where are you planning to go? How about I bring Sui Ying’ai over, and we all go out together?” Ye Qianling’s voice was always pleasing, and now she had adjusted her mood, trying not to dwell on things she shouldn’t, smiling as she spoke.

“Sounds good,” Chu Zimu exchanged glances with Jian Suifei and then with Si Yan. “Miss Wu grew up in the capital and knows more fun places than we do. Why don’t you bring Miss Sui, and then you recommend a few places for us to explore together?”

Seeing that none of the others objected, Chu Zimu pressed on, “Where do you usually like to go for fun?”

“Brother Chu, you flatter me. After I grew up, I often left the capital for business, so I only know a handful of good places. I can hardly call myself a guide, but if we go together and find somewhere enjoyable, I’ll be delighted.”

“Very well,” Zhou Xiaojie chimed in, “We’re all from out of town, and though Brother Chu is a local, we might not share the same tastes.” He finished with a smile directed at Chu Zimu.

“Haha, alright, I’ll head back now. Let’s meet at Jingmen in a while,” said Ye Qianling.

Jingmen was the third gate of the capital, which had nine gates in all. The Night Kingdom’s royal palace included five gates, and the district governed by Jingmen was the most prosperous part of the city. Many people would arrange meetings or wait for others at this gate.

“How’s your health?” Si Yan couldn’t help but ask. Ye Qianling stopped and turned around at once.

Chu Zimu was startled by Si Yan’s question. What’s going on? Why is he so direct about caring for a woman’s health when they barely know each other?

Ye Qianling was puzzled, seeing that Si Yan’s expression showed genuine concern. “Thank you for your care, Master Chi. You remember my injury, though I’ve almost forgotten it myself. It’s nothing serious. I’ll stop by the pharmacy later for some ointment; there’s no need to worry.”

Si Yan rarely smiled, except when among Chu Zimu and the others. Ye Qianling had never seen him display any extra emotion. Now, seeing him try to conceal his concern, she felt uncertain how to respond, but she still smiled politely.

Recently, with the empress’s troubles, Ye Qianling had felt a lack of security. Si Yan’s timely care gave her a strange, unfamiliar sense of warmth. It felt odd, but she didn’t dwell on it and quickly hurried away.

Western Suburb, Southern Court

“Sui Ying’ai, I’m back. Let’s go out for a walk,” Ye Qianling returned to the dormitory and saw Sui Ying’ai sitting at the table, lost in thought. She gently broke her reverie.

The sudden voice startled Sui Ying’ai, but seeing Ye Qianling, she managed a polite smile on her otherwise impassive face. “You’re back?”

“Yes. I came back early so we could go out together. It’s rare to have such a long break; there’s little point in staying indoors all this time.”

“Oh, and on my way back, I ran into Chu Zimu and the others. They’re quite amusing. The five of them wanted to play heroes and save the day when they saw a couple fighting in the street, but ended up getting beaten by the couple working together.” Ye Qianling continued.

“Ah?” Even the stoic Sui Ying’ai couldn’t help but smile. “How are they? Are they alright?”

“They’ll be fine. Ten couples couldn’t take down any one of them, but it was certainly awkward.” Suddenly, she remembered, “Miss Sui, have you gone out these past two days? I heard meals aren’t provided during the break. You haven’t just skipped eating, have you?”

“There’s not much physical activity now. Missing a few meals doesn’t matter. I’m not familiar with this area, so I don’t feel like going out.”

Ye Qianling felt a bit guilty hearing this. Though it wasn’t really her responsibility, they were comrades who had gone through hardships together and would likely be friends in daily life going forward. To abandon her during such precious holiday time felt wrong.

No more overthinking, Ye Qianling decided. Her military background made her straightforward, not one for dwelling on things. She said directly, “Let’s go. I’ve got some silver; let’s find something good to eat together. The others are waiting for us.”

Ye Qianling, ever sociable, took Sui Ying’ai by the hand and led her out. Though Sui Ying’ai wasn’t used to such unearned closeness, humans are social creatures. The complementary personalities made her admire Ye Qianling’s qualities, so she didn’t refuse and left together.

The two headed straight for Jingmen. As soon as they arrived, they saw the group waiting by the gate. Si Yan and Jian Suifei leaned against the wall, Zhao Mengge stood quietly to the side facing them, Zhou Xiaojie squatted on the ground drawing with stones, but it was clear everyone’s attention was on Chu Zimu, who was telling a story.

From afar, Chu Zimu’s joke had everyone smiling.

By the earth-colored wall, sunlight fell on the five, painting a precious tableau. The radiance that emanated from them made Ye Qianling unable to look away. Thinking that she would spend the next two years with them every day, she felt a surge of happiness. To have such outstanding friends was a supreme honor.

“I’ve brought Sui Ying’ai. Have you been waiting long? Let’s head out now.” Ye Qianling pulled Sui Ying’ai over to Si Yan and the others, her voice crisp.

As she drew near, Ye Qianling realized how much attention the five garnered. Nearby, the infatuated girls seemed ready to devour her for breaking the scene. She realized she’d been watching them just as secretly, quickly covered her face, and blushed for a moment in the shadows.

Si Yan watched as Ye Qianling lowered her hand from her face, his voice exuding an irresistible authority, “Miss Wu, have you seen a doctor?”

“Ah?” Ye Qianling froze, then quickly responded, “I’m fine, really. It doesn’t hurt anymore. Let’s go.”

“No rush. We have more than a day left to enjoy ourselves. Let’s take care of your wound first. Your complexion is already pale,” Si Yan stated calmly.

Ye Qianling had indeed felt stabbing pain in her chest on her way back to the Southern Court, but anxious not to keep everyone waiting, she’d ignored it. Now, still claiming she was fine, Si Yan didn’t press further, knowing it wasn’t right to let everyone skip meals and wait for her. He asked, “Where do you want to take us?”

“There’s a famous snack street in the capital—maybe Brother Chu hasn’t taken you yet. It opens at dusk; we call it the night market. If you haven’t been, we can go tonight.” Ye Qianling continued, her eyes shining, “It’s almost noon now. If you haven’t eaten, I want to take you to a renowned little shop. It’s small, but serves authentic capital cuisine. If you like it, we can check it out.”

“Great,” Chu Zimu immediately agreed, “It’d be a shame to visit and not try the local food. You’ve made me hungry; let’s go.” He looked at Ye Qianling, “What’s the place called? Let’s see if I know it.”

“It’s called Fragrant Stir-Fry, near the snack street but hidden in an alley. It’s the best capital restaurant I’ve ever been to.” Just as she started forward, a sharp pain shot through her chest, as if needles pierced every pore. She doubled over, clutching her chest, her face suddenly flushed pale and red as blood rushed from her neck.

“Are you alright?” Sui Ying’ai rushed to support her, alarmed.

Ye Qianling didn’t respond, frantically searching her pocket for the bottle of painkillers her fourth brother, Ye Qiange, had given her days ago.

She’d been taking double doses lately, unable to properly treat her wound due to lack of time. As long as it didn’t affect her assessments or daily life, she simply relied on painkillers. Wrapped tightly in cotton bandages for nearly twenty hours without fresh medicine, her wound was prone to infection. After kneeling all night at the cemetery, even the strongest would falter.

Just as she pulled out the transparent bottle, her arm was firmly held.

Within seconds, her face was drenched in cold sweat, as if she’d just emerged from water. “Master Chi, what are you doing? Let go of me.” Ye Qianling’s voice was cold and shocked, tinged with confusion. The tearing pain was nearly maddening, and she struggled to free her hand from Si Yan’s grip. But no matter how hard she tried, his hold didn’t budge.

Ye Qianling summoned the last of her rationality, her gaze unfocused from the pain, her voice weak, “Master Chi, I don’t know what you’re doing. Let go. We can talk later!” Seeing Si Yan unmoved, she gritted her teeth, trying to pry his hand off with both hands, but it was futile. Her wound, untreated, tore open, and blood quickly soaked her uniform.