章節 20: Lanterns and Drinking
Da Ying quickly set the grapes on the ground and lay on her bed, pretending to have fallen asleep…she waited and waited yet no one came. She opened her eyes and looked around, someone is clearly here. She got off her bed and took a look outside. There was no one in her courtyard. Da Ying went further into her courtyard until she reached her flower garden; a man was sitting on the bridge, with his back facing her, one leg bent in a very relaxed motion. She frowned when she realized who it was. It didn't take more than a second for her to notice whose well-built and broad shoulder it belonged to. But what was he doing here? The closer she made her way across the bridge, the stronger the earthy and faint sandalwood scent on his body became. His scent was very rare, something she would remember for a long time. Even in the dark, if she came across him, she would recognize it.
Xie De was sitting there, looking at the moon, one hand holding a red lantern, the other, a small jar of wine. Da Ying stopped a few steps away from him. "What took you so long?" he asked in a relaxed matter.
"What are you doing here?" she didn't bother to answer his question, she only wanted to know what his intention on coming over was. "Nothing, I just came to drink with you," he made a slow turn, lifting up the jar of wine towards her. "There are so many people you can drink with, why do you want to drink with me?" she was trying to sound him out. He smiled, turned around once more and popped the lid off the jar, gently pouring them a bowl of wine each. "I don't know why, all I know was, the first person I thought of was…you," He set the jar down and picked up the wine bowl, turned to face her once more and lifted his arm her way, offering the drink to her. "I guess I should be flattered," Da Ying spoke sarcastically as she proceeded to make her way and took the bowl in his hand. Seeing that she didn't refuse, he smiled and picked up the other one, gulping it down in one shot. Da Ying sat next to him. He poured her another. "Surely you aren't here to just talk. Speak, what are you really here for," she refused to let her guard down. He sighed. Why was it so hard to approach her? Of all the princesses, he had no troubles making conversations with them because they were outgoing, but she…she shut his attempts down every chance she got. "I came to apologize to you for speaking too rough the other day. I'm here to make amends,"
"How can I trust you? After all, we are on different sides,"
"When I came here tonight, I didn't have any thoughts about who you and I are to each other," he picked up his bowl and took a sip. "I only know that you were the first person I thought of. Even if we become enemies in the future, today is a joyous event, I do not wish for you to spend it alone," This time, it was Da Ying who took a huge gulp of her wine. "If the Duke of Lan truly feels that way, I can set all matters aside for one night and accompany you,"
"Good, we'll drink the night away," he said boldly. Throughout the whole night, his hand did not get a chance to rest between picking up the jar and his bowl. Half the jar was emptied before he grabbed the lantern by his side and placed it on her lap. "Everyone needs to make a wish tonight, including you." For the first time, her eyes didn't glare at him with hate or doubt. His words comforted her, even making her feel uneasy as she held onto the lantern firmly.
They both looked towards the direction of the river. In the corner of his eyes, he secretly watched as she closed her eyes and made a wish. He had to admit, when she was not being hostile towards him, she was quite angelic.
After making a wish, she grabbed the candle next to him and lit the lantern. It exuded a shimmery gold light. They both watched as the lantern floated into the sky, getting further and further away. "What did you wish for?" he unexpectedly asked her.
"I thought about what I wanted but there's nothing I desire, so I didn't make a wish."
"There's got to be something you wish for? Don't girls usually wish to find love?" Of all things he could have said, he regretted saying love.
"Hahaha….so it looks like Duke of Lan also foolishly believes in love. Love makes one weak, I do not desire it,"
"Once you experience it, you will understand. Come, let's continue to drink," he cheerfully spoke. He didn't know how to look at her; this was the first time he had actually made an attempt to talk to her. Even in the past, because she was the crown princess and he was only a mere Duke's son, he dared not befriend her. The words and anguish she spoke tonight, he dared not think about what her life must have been like in the last 5 years.
每周推薦票狀態
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