My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 97: Xiao Qibai x Xie Jinjia 3 - Why Should I Wait For You?

　　She will grow up. 

　　Those words drifted on the wind into his ears. Under the umbrella, raindrops fell on the ground, hitting the flagstones, the ripples spreading out in circles. 

　　The rain showed no sign of stopping; instead, it intensified. It was completely dark. 

　　Xiao Qibai, with his refined features and an expression devoid of any emotion, handed the umbrella to Xie Jinjia. “But Princess, I don't like you, why should I wait for you?” 

　　“Go back.” 

　　He turned and left without hesitation. 

　　Xie Jinjia, with blurry eyes, watched his figure walk away step by step. 

　　He was that kind of person, calm and composed like the moon in a clear sky, a gentleman. Even in the heavy rain, drenched to the bone, he remained composed, without a hint of dishevelment. Naturally, he was unmoved by her tears.

　　Xie Jinjia slowly crouched down, burying her face in her arms. She was the most honored little Princess in the Imperial City, she could get whatever she wanted, but he didn't like her. What could she do? 

　　Tears and rainwater flowed into her mouth together; she couldn't distinguish whether the bitterness was from tears or rain. 

　　Xie Jinjia, growing up without a care in the world, spoiled and willful, didn't understand what sadness was. 

　　But at this moment, she truly felt a sharp pain in her heart. 

　　She felt like she could barely breathe.

    ……

　　When Xie Jinjia returned to the Palace, she was like a drowned chicken. Her originally clear big eyes were red from crying, and her little face was pale from the cold. Clutching the jade box, she returned to Jinle Palace. Qingzhu and Qingping, her two maids, were shocked to see the Princess in this state and hurried to greet her, repeatedly saying, “Princess, Princess, what happened to you...?” 

　　The Princess had gone to great lengths to obtain this jade that could alleviate pain, and she had braved the heavy rain to give it to Lord Xiao, because she knew that his old ailment would worsen on rainy days like this, causing him unbearable pain. 

　　Lord Xiao was a noble young master; he didn't fight or engage in physical combat, so no one knew how he got this ailment. Later, the Princess found out that it was apparently an old injury sustained while searching for his deceased younger sister. This made the Princess even more distressed, and despite their objections, she secretly slipped out of the Palace alone. 

　　Unexpectedly, she returned in such a state.

　　Xie Jinjia didn't respond; she had no strength left. 

　　Xie Jinjia had grown up pampered and precious since childhood, her body frail and delicate. After being caught in the rain, she fell ill. Qingzhu and Qingping, not daring to hide it, reported the matter to Nanny Jin. Nanny Jin came and saw the Princess' pale and weak appearance, her heart aching. She scolded the two maids for not taking good care of the Princess, while sending someone to quickly summon the Imperial Physician and reported the matter to Yu Fei. 

　　Xie Jinjia ran a high fever, lying in bed, falling into a doze at some point. However, she still clutched the jade box tightly, muttering incoherently, with the word “Xiao” faintly audible. 

　　After the Imperial Physician examined her and prescribed medicine, Qingping and Qingzhu quickly went to prepare the medicine. But they couldn't get the Princess to drink it, anxiously saying, “Princess, please open your mouth and drink the medicine so you can get better.” 

　　At this moment, Yu Fei hurried in. “How is the Princess?”

　　Qingping and Qingzhu quickly knelt down to plead guilty. “Niangniang, the Princess refuses to take the medicine, and we can't get her to drink it.” 

　　Yu Fei quickly sat by the bed. Seeing Xie Jinjia's pale face, she was both angry and anxious. She personally took the bowl and said sternly, “What happened? Tell me everything.” 

　　Qingzhu then recounted the whole story of Xie Jinjia taking the jade to find Xiao Qibai and her disastrous return. 

　　After listening, Yu Fei's eyes darkened. Looking at her unconscious daughter, she sighed deeply. 

　　She knew her daughter's personality well. She seemed carefree, but she was actually very stubborn. Once she set her mind on something or someone, she wouldn't change. 

　　Sometimes Yu Fei worried. With her daughter's single-minded nature, she was afraid she would suffer in the future. 

　　But as long as she was around, she would overcome any hardship for her daughter.

　　She had Qingzhu help Xie Jinjia sit up, and Yu Fei personally fed her daughter the medicine, spoonful by spoonful. After Xie Jinjia drank the medicine, although she didn't wake up, she seemed much more stable. Yu Fei bent down and tucked the blanket around her. 

　　After a long silence, she made up her mind. 

　　She was currently the Emperor's favored concubine, and her Duke of Yingguo family was quite influential, one of the most prestigious families in Great Jin. Xiao Qibai, to put it nicely, came from a scholarly family; to put it bluntly, to her Duke of Yingguo family, he was merely from a declining household. Grand Tutor Xiao, because he had been Xie Jue's teacher, was already distrusted by the Emperor, and even Xiao Qibai was not given important positions. The Xiao family was tottering. 

　　Xiao Qibai's family background was originally not a good match for her daughter, but her daughter liked him. 

　　The emotions in Yu Fei's eyes deepened. Her daughter was so precious; there was no reason why she couldn't have Xiao Qibai.

    ——

　　Xiao Qibai came out of the Hanlin Academy and unexpectedly found the Duke of Yingguo's son waiting for him. 

　　“Lord Xiao, I have something to discuss. May I invite you to Mingyue Tower?” A Duke's son, yet his attitude was quite humble. 

　　Xiao Qibai smiled faintly and agreed.

    ……

　　In a brightly lit private room on the second floor of Mingyue Tower, the waiter served the wine and carefully withdrew. 

　　Duke of Yingguo's son was the first to pour Xiao Qibai a cup of wine. 

　　He looked up at the young man in a green robe opposite him. His features were refined, with a high nose and thin lips—indeed, he had excellent looks. Of course, everyone in the Capital knew that this Lord Xiao was famous in the Capital for more than just his appearance. 

　　He was a top scholar, with outstanding literary talent and exceptional strategy. He remained calm and composed in the face of power and authority, unfazed by changes, and compassionate towards the weak and suffering. He should have been an invaluable pillar of Great Jin. 

　　What a pity... He entered the Hanlin Academy as a top scholar to work as a compiler, yet he remained in that position for several years, even being demoted for his outspokenness. His official career was fraught with difficulties. 

　　It was truly a pity.

　　It's a great loss for Great Jin that Xiao Qibai isn't being utilized. 

　　The son of Duke Yingguo studied Xiao Qibai for a while before stating his purpose. “I know that Lord Xiao was demoted because of the embezzlement case, and was wronged. I, this Young Master, am unwilling to see a talent like Lord Xiao fall, and I intend to plead for you. What are your thoughts?” 

　　Xiao Qibai put down his teacup, his tone unwavering. “Please, Young Master, speak frankly.” 

　　The son of Duke Yingguo hesitated. 

　　Well, he knew he couldn't hide it from Xiao Qibai's sharp eyes. 

　　“This Young Master's visit is at the behest of my younger sister, Yu Fei, for the sake of the Fifth Princess.” 

　　For Xie Jinjia. 

　　Xiao Qibai had indeed guessed as much.

　　Given Yu Fei's protective nature, she should have come to confront him herself. 

　　“Yu Fei's intention…” The son of Duke Yingguo paused, finding these coercive words difficult to utter, but he finally said, “is that she hopes Lord Xiao will marry Jinjia. Otherwise, the Xiao family is already declining, and if you offend the Duke of Yingguo's family, will you have peace? Even if not for your own career, Lord Xiao should consider the honor and disgrace of the Xiao clan, shouldn't you?” 

　　Grand Tutor Xiao was old, Xiao Qibai's father was incompetent, and among the current generation of the Xiao clan, only Xiao Qibai could uphold the Xiao family's reputation and bear the responsibility for its honor and disgrace. 

　　Having relayed Yu Fei's message with difficulty—words that were perhaps hard for him to say—The son of Duke Yingguo quickly added, 

　　“But this Young Master is not entirely acting for my sister; I also cherish your talent. If Lord Xiao marries the Princess, His Majesty will naturally be lenient towards you. For you, and for the Xiao family, it would be a good thing, wouldn't it?”

　　With a combination of threats and inducements, most people would have compromised. Even if they didn't, under such threats, it would be difficult to remain calm. 

　　But Xiao Qibai's face showed no significant emotional change, remaining calm and composed. 

　　“The Xiao family's hundred years of glory were all achieved through their own abilities and competence. If it collapses in my generation because I don't marry the Princess, then Xiao Qibai will have nothing to say.” Xiao Qibai said, “The Xiao family may be in decline, but it still holds a position in this Capital. The Duke of Yingguo family's glory rests on Yu Fei. If you force this matter, you will invite the condemnation of the people; how can the Duke of Yingguo's family emerge unscathed, and where will their glory be?” 

　　Calm and unhurried, his words were precise and to the point. 

　　The son of Duke Yingguo took several deep breaths and took a sip of the wine on the table. 

　　Although the Xiao family was not favored by the Emperor, they were deeply rooted in the scholarly class. Grand Tutor Xiao's students were spread across the country, and Xiao Qibai's reputation was widespread in the Capital.

　　Xiao Qibai was right; the Duke of Yingguo's family couldn't stop the gossip. 

　　At this point, the outcome was clear, and there was no need to continue the conversation. Xiao Qibai stood up and turned around. “Since Young Master doesn't agree with Yu Fei's actions, why did you make this trip?” 

　　Xiao Qibai could only offer this much advice. 

　　If the Duke of Yingguo's family didn't restrain Yu Fei's words and actions, the family, which had gained glory through her, might one day fall because of her.

    ——

　　Nanny Jin found Qingzhu and Qingping insufficiently clever and unable to properly care for the Princess. She selected several more lively and quick-witted young maids, partly to keep an eye on the Princess and partly to keep her company. 

　　Although Xie Jinjia had recovered from her illness, she remained listless. She couldn't even muster the energy to choose her own maids. 

　　Nanny Jin insisted that she choose, so Xie Jinjia forced herself to perk up, scanning the row of maids before her. She noticed one young maid with bright, expectant eyes. Xie Jinjia pointed, “You, what's your name?” 

　　The young maid quickly stepped forward and kowtowed, overjoyed. “My name is Ru Dong. I will wholeheartedly serve the Princess from now on.” 

　　This was a very lively young girl, about the same age as her. When Xie Jinjia chose her, it was because the light in her eyes was so intense; she seemed to desperately want to stay with her. 

　　Xie Jinjia simply granted her wish.

　　Later, she asked Ru Dong why she wanted to serve her so badly, especially since the palace maids were generally afraid of her willful nature. 

　　Ru Dong replied, “That's not true at all; I don't think the Princess is bad at all.” 

　　“And I wanted to come serve the Princess so I could help my sister get out of the Cold Palace.” 

　　Only then did Xie Jinjia learn that Ru Dong had an older sister who had been sent to the Cold Palace. She had heard that several maids serving in the Cold Palace had been killed by her sixth brother, so Ru Dong's sister... 

　　“What's your sister's name?” 

　　“Yun Ling. My sister's name is Yun Ling.” 

　　Ru Dong constantly hoped for her sister's release from the Cold Palace, and she told Xie Jinjia many things about her. 

　　Xie Jinjia, bored, listened to her stories.

　　“Actually, my sister told me that the Princess seems willful, but she's not bad and shows compassion to us little maids.” 

　　Xie Jinjia's eyelashes trembled. “Your sister said that about me?” 

　　It was the first time anyone had said that about her. Xie Jinjia, who had been feeling down and disheartened, couldn't help but raise her eyes. 

　　She hadn't gone to see Xiao Qibai all this time. He said he didn't like her, and she, a Princess, had her pride. Why would she cling to someone who had rejected her? 

　　But... 

　　But her heart felt suffocated, as if she couldn't breathe. She didn't dare to be alone, so she came to talk to Ru Dong. 

　　Ru Dong nodded immediately. “Yes, my sister is very capable and intelligent. She's very strong.” 

　　Ru Dong paused, then looked at her. “But even though she's so strong, sometimes she secretly cries.”

　　“Princess, if you're sad, just cry.” 

　　Xie Jinjia was startled, then her eyes reddened. 

　　At the time, Xie Jinjia heard Ru Dong talk about how good and strong her sister was, but she didn't feel much. But later, much later, Xie Jinjia thought, for Ru Dong's sake, Yun Ling had done so much for her. 

　　So much that she could never repay her in this lifetime.

    ……

　　After talking with Ru Dong, and having finally allowed herself a weak cry, Xie Jinjia felt a little better, only to overhear something else. 

　　Xie Jinjia was planning to return to the Palace, but as she passed a secluded area near the Imperial Garden, she overheard several idle palace maids gossiping. 

　　“Hey, did you hear? They say…the Duke of Yingguo's family wants to force Lord Xiao to marry the Fifth Princess.” 

　　“Really?” 

　　“That's right.” 

　　“Ah, so Lord Xiao will be forced to marry the Princess? But I heard that the Fifth Princess is desperately in love with Lord Xiao, but he doesn't like her.” 

　　“So, they're forcing Lord Xiao, aren't they?” 

　　“Lord Xiao will probably hate…” The voice trailed off, and Xie Jinjia's face turned pale. 

　　Mother, this must be Mother's doing, through my uncle.

　　Xiao Qibai hated being forced; she had already experienced that with the handkerchief incident. Being forced by her mother would surely make him hate her even more. 

　　Xie Jinjia's face was pale, and she was stunned. 

　　No, she had to go find him and explain that it wasn't her intention. She would stop her mother and prevent him from being pressured.

    ……

　　Since the last incident, Nanny Jin had been watching her very closely, constantly assigning people to guard her. At the slightest hint of trouble, she would rush over, nagging endlessly in Xie Jinjia's ear until she was driven mad. 

　　So, Xie Jinjia pretended nothing was wrong, acting unconcerned. She even loudly chatted with Ru Dong, deliberately, until the two maids watching her relaxed their vigilance. Then, with a swift turn, she left them behind, silencing Ru Dong. 

　　Having escaped them, she finally left the Palace. Xie Jinjia, with Ru Dong, happily headed towards the Xiao residence. 

　　The journey was so smooth that Xie Jinjia couldn't help but feel a little smug. Two measly maids couldn't contain her. Ru Dong, a naive girl, readily agreed to keep watch at the gate of the Xiao residence after Xie Jinjia bought her two candied haws. 

　　Finally arriving at the Xiao residence, Xie Jinjia, who had been so cheerful along the way, suddenly felt hesitant to approach.

　　It had been two months since her last rejection, two months since she had last seen him. She had finally convinced herself to let go, to stop bothering him. For two months, without her constantly following him and pestering him, he must have had much more peace and happiness. 

　　Yes, she was spoiled and willful. The noble ladies of the Capital might outwardly flatter her, but secretly, they probably despised and disliked her. 

　　And she, abusing her status as a Princess, had repeatedly harassed him, even attempting to threaten his reputation with his handkerchief. With her mother's actions on top of all this, he would only despise her more. 

　　At this thought, the joy and excitement she had felt at the prospect of seeing him vanished. 

　　Should she go in? Even if her mother hadn't done anything, he hated her. He probably wouldn't care about her explanations. Why bother? 

　　Her steps faltered. Should she go in or not? 

　　“Princess, hurry! It'll be dark soon,” Ru Dong's urgent voice suddenly broke through her thoughts.

　　“Who's there?” The sound alerted a servant in the Xiao residence, who quickly approached the gate. Xie Jinjia was startled and quickly pulled Ru Dong to hide beside a side gate. 

　　After running for a while, she was breathless. She hadn't expected the Xiao household servants to be so alert; she had only hesitated for a moment before being discovered. 

　　Hopefully, they hadn't seen her face. 

　　They probably hadn't. 

　　The side gate was less strictly guarded. 

　　Xie Jinjia looked at the relatively low wall. Since she was already here, she might as well take a peek. 

　　But she couldn't enter openly. As a Princess, it wouldn't be proper for her to brazenly enter a minister's home. 

　　She would have to… sneak in.

　　She had escaped the Palace by crawling through dog holes before, but the Xiao residence didn't have any. She had to make use of Ru Dong's shoulders; with all her strength, Xie Jinjia slowly climbed the wall. Once she reached the top, she looked down and her legs went weak. 

　　Goodness, it was so high! If she jumped, wouldn't she break her legs? 

　　After some thought, she decided not to be so reckless and jump. It wasn't that she was afraid, but it wasn't necessary, right? If she got injured, it would be troublesome, and she would burden the Imperial Physician again. 

　　After much mental preparation, Xie Jinjia decided, somewhat pathetically, to slide down the wall slowly. 

　　If she slides down, she won't fall, right? Hehe. 

　　However, she overestimated her strength. She had intended to slide down slowly, gripping the wall, but her hands couldn't hold on. She lost her grip and landed heavily on her bottom. 

　　“Ouch!” Xie Jinjia couldn't bear the pain and cried out.

　　That cry was a bad idea; it immediately attracted the attention of the servants in the residence. Xie Jinjia heard them talking. 

　　“Young Master, it seems someone has broken into the residence.” 

　　Xie Jinjia, ignoring the pain in her bottom, quickly ran to hide behind a tree. 

　　The tree blocked her view and muffled the sound, making it difficult for her to hear what they were saying. But judging by their voices, they weren't far away. They would probably come looking soon. 

　　Xie Jinjia crouched under the tree, holding her breath. After a while, to her surprise, the sounds stopped, and no one came to look for her. 

　　After waiting for a while longer, Xie Jinjia stood up, cautiously peering out. She found the courtyard empty. 

　　No one had discovered her.

　　She brushed off the dust from her clothes and thought smugly, Those servants are nothing special; they didn't even notice me. 

　　With a hiss, she looked down and saw that her delicate palm was bleeding and covered in dirt from scraping against the wall. Her skin was tender, and the blood was seeping out. Without a sound, she grimaced, wiped her hand, and ignored it. 

　　She had to find Xiao Qibai while the courtyard was empty. 

　　She didn't know which room he was in, so she could only go from room to room. Fortunately, the Xiao residence wasn't as large as the Palace, making the search less difficult. 

　　And it was strange; it wasn't even dark yet, but the Xiao residence was so quiet. She searched for a long time without encountering a single servant – her luck was incredibly good. 

　　The security in this residence was incredibly lax. 

　　As Xie Jinjia walked through the courtyard, she finally saw a room with a light on – it looked like a study.

　　A dim candlelight spilled from the room, casting a warm yellow glow on the ground. 

　　A sudden gust of wind blew, causing Xie Jinjia's skirt to flutter. 

　　“Who's there?” A clear, gentle voice came from inside. 

　　It was Xiao Qibai. 

　　Xie Jinjia froze, her hanging fingers curling involuntarily. She had found him. 

　　But near the destination, apprehension grew. 

　　Along the way, she had prepared many drafts, thought of many explanations, many things she wanted to say to him. But at this moment, hearing his voice, her mind went blank. 

　　For a moment, she couldn't even speak. 

　　She hesitated outside for a long time, then the study door suddenly opened. The light from inside spilled out. Xiao Qibai, wearing a moon-white robe, his black hair tied back with a jade hairpin, stood there. Even backlit, his calm and composed demeanor was undeniable. He was like a jade tree, a gentleman of refined elegance, his aloof and ethereal aura making one hesitant to approach.

　　They said Xiao Qibai was renowned throughout the Capital, but this was the first time Xie Jinjia truly understood the meaning of ‘extraordinarily talented and outstanding.’ 

　　Such a man, pure and refined, standing atop a snowy mountain, seemed born to be admired and revered by the world, not to belong to any single person. 

　　No wonder everyone laughed at her for her delusional infatuation. 

　　Apart from her noble birth, she had nothing. She wasn't intelligent, nor was she learned; she was unskilled in embroidery, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting – utterly clumsy. That's why, even with her mother's power and pressure, he refused to marry her. 

　　Seeing her standing there, stunned and silent, Xiao Qibai spoke slowly, “Princess, this is outrageous. Secretly entering a minister's residence… if discovered, do you know what rumors will spread? Do you care about your reputation?” 

　　Yes, he always said she was being reckless, treating her like a child. 

　　That thought flashed through her mind. 

　　Xie Jinjia raised her head and said, “I… I just wanted to explain about what my mother did.”

　　“And it's alright. I didn't run into anyone, so nothing will get out,” she added, meaning it wouldn't affect his reputation either. 

　　Her hands were clasped in front of her, her delicate fingers nervously twisting together. Her clear, large eyes looked at him, as if afraid of his rebuke, her explanation hesitant and timid. 

　　Unconsciously twisting her hands, the blood she had just wiped away began to seep again, staining her pale palm crimson. 

　　It actually hurt quite a bit.

　　Normally, she would have been clutching her hand and crying dramatically, but her nervousness overshadowed the pain. 

　　She hadn't even noticed her bleeding palm. 

　　Xiao Qibai watched her fidgeting fingers, then sighed softly, “Princess, come inside. If you stand there any longer, you'll bleed out. And then it will be another fault of mine.” 

　　Xie Jinjia's eyes flickered, a sudden sparkle appearing. “May I?”

　　Her words barely left her lips before she eagerly entered the room. 

　　Xie Jinjia looked around his study. It was elegantly furnished, without clutter, mostly filled with books. An open book lay on the desk, clearly what he had been reading. 

　　After entering, Xiao Qibai didn't close the door; instead, he went to a bookshelf on the opposite side to retrieve something. 

　　Xie Jinjia quickly looked away, her lips pursed as she watched his back. 

　　She had come here to explain, she hadn't forgotten that. 

　　Even though he had been pressured by her mother, he still treated her so gently, without a trace of resentment. Xie Jinjia suddenly felt a pang of sadness. 

　　He was truly a good man, just not for her.

　　“I came here to apologize,” Xie Jinjia said softly, her gaze lowered to her toes. “My mother pressured my uncle to force you to marry me. I truly didn't know about it, and I didn't instruct her to do so. She did it for me. I will stop her from doing this again and prevent her from bothering you.” 

　　“I'm sorry, Xiao Qibai. I caused you trouble. You can scold me however you like.” 

　　She knew full well that he, a true gentleman, would never scold her. Even when she had persistently harassed him and tried to threaten him with his handkerchief, he hadn't done so. 

　　But if possible, she wished he would reprimand her, scold her – anything. Rather than always maintaining that distant, cold demeanor towards her. 

　　After speaking, Xie Jinjia didn't dare look up, her gaze still fixed on her toes. 

　　But strangely, she didn't hear his voice. 

　　In the ensuing silence, a figure suddenly appeared before her. Xiao Qibai stood in front of her, pulling up a nearby chair. “Sit down.”

　　“Ah? Oh.” Xie Jinjia, still confused, obediently sat on the vermillion chair. 

　　Xiao Qibai placed gauze and ointment on the desk, then knelt before her, asking her to extend her hand. She complied. 

　　In the bright candlelight, the Princess's delicate palms were covered in cuts, the seeping blood staining her skin; the contrast between the white skin and the crimson blood was striking. 

　　How could she have injured herself like this? 

　　Xiao Qibai shook his head helplessly, opened the medicine jar, and just as he was about to apply some powder, Xie Jinjia instinctively recoiled in fear. 

　　“It hurts.” 

　　Since childhood, she had always been afraid of pain. Now that the medicine was being applied, she finally reacted. That pale yellow powder seemed more terrifying than a ferocious beast to Xie Jinjia. 

　　Her flinching was visible to Xiao Qibai. He said, 

　　“Close your eyes.”

　　“Oh.” Xie Jinjia obediently responded, then extended her other hand to cover his eyes. 

　　The warm, soft palm covered his eyelids, the temperature gradually spreading, circling his eyes. 

　　Xiao Qibai's eyelashes fluttered. After a moment, he said gently but helplessly, “I asked you to close your eyes. Why are you covering my eyes?” 

　　“Ah?” Xie Jinjia quickly withdrew her hand in alarm. “I thought you were afraid of blood, so I wanted to cover them for you.” 

　　She hadn't expected Xiao Qibai to still help her bandage her wounds; she was a little stunned. 

　　Her pale fingers curled slightly as she retracted her hand and quickly closed her eyes. 

　　The light powder fell on her palm, instantly causing a sharp sting. With her eyes closed, the pain was even more intense, causing Xie Jinjia to flinch, but the next moment, he held her wrist through her sleeve, preventing her from moving. 

　　After the intense pain subsided, the somewhat rough gauze was wrapped around her palm, but it didn't hurt her again.

　　The study was quiet, without a sound. 

　　Xie Jinjia slowly, secretly opened her eyes. 

　　The candle flickered in the breeze. As she opened her eyes, she saw his gentle, refined brow and eyes. His eyelashes drooped, his expression calm and serene as he carefully wrapped the gauze around her hand. 

　　She stared for a long time. Except for this injury, it felt like she had never been this close to him. So close that she could almost hear his breath. 

　　She dared not speak loudly, fearing she might startle him. 

　　That must have been Xie Jinjia's feeling at that moment. 

　　But the bandaging eventually finished. Soon, Xiao Qibai pulled back, the distance between them widening again. 

　　He stood up, wiped his hands with a handkerchief, and then said, “Regarding Yu Fei, I haven't blamed the princess.” 

　　Xie Jinjia, who had just felt a surge of happiness, heard him continue, “And whether or not the Princess instructed her, to me…” 

　　He paused. “It makes no difference. It's getting dark. I'll have someone escort you back to the Palace.”

　　Her expression dimmed. Hearing that he was sending her back to the Palace, Xie Jinjia quickly stood up. “Wait.” 

　　“Is there something else, Princess?” 

　　Xie Jinjia took the jade from her bosom; it still held her body temperature. Fearing rejection, she placed it directly on the desk. “This jade is good for your old ailment. I know some wounds can't be healed, but I just want you, Lord Xiao, to feel a little easier sometimes.” 

　　Although she was usually careless, she felt that he was too restrained, too stoic. 

　　But she couldn't do much, just hoping that giving him this jade would alleviate his pain. 

　　“There's no other meaning. Just consider it… a thank-you gift for bandaging my hand. Please accept it. If you do… I won't bother you again.” 

　　The usually straightforward Princess had learned to conceal her feelings, clumsily learning how to carefully comfort someone. 

　　Xiao Qibai glanced sideways at the smooth jade.

　　Pain-relieving jade was rare; she must have gone to great lengths to obtain it. She had secretly climbed the wall, reckless and bold. If he hadn't dismissed the servants in time, who knows what unfavorable rumors would have spread about her. 

　　He had even cleared the path for her, yet she had still wandered around the courtyard for half a day. 

　　Truly… a silly girl. 

　　And she had come to apologize, still remembering to give him the jade to alleviate his pain. 

　　The wind from outside the window made the candle flicker. 

　　Xiao Qibai, with his back turned, closed his eyes briefly and said softly, “I accept it.” 

　　“Mmm.” A hint of joy crept into her voice. 

　　It seemed that no matter how sad she had been, as long as he accepted her gift, she would quickly feel content. 

　　Xie Jinjia had no reason to stay; she should leave. 

　　She walked to the door, then paused, her mouth opening and closing as if she wanted to say something, but ultimately, she remained silent. 

　　The evening breeze was refreshing. She knew she didn't have the right to ask that question: 

　　“Xiao Qibai, can you not hate me?”

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