38: Chapter 38 Beautiful women have always had tragic fates (9)

Li Nanxi strolled through Yezhou City with a beauty by his side; the entire journey was a scene of prosperity.

Bai Qingxue did not show it on her face, but the admiration in her eyes could not be hidden. She knew Jiangnan was wealthy, but she had not expected that the Jiangnan under Li Nanxi's control could be this prosperous.

Compared to this, West Chu paled in comparison. Although its hinterland was vast and its scenery beautiful, its economy lagged far behind and was nowhere near as rapidly developed as Jiangnan.

Walking through the city, merchants gathered and crowds bustled. The people coming and going on the streets were neatly dressed, with rosy complexions, all full of joy.

Li Nanxi sensed the shift in the woman's mood beside him. He subconsciously puffed out his chest, looking smug, and cast a sidelong glance at the sullen Chu Yao.

Li Nanxi was displeased with Chu Yao's uninvited presence, but thinking that even though Qingxue was already seeing Chu Yao, she still accepted the invitation to attend this Lantern Festival, he felt their relationship was nothing special. With his methods, snatching Qingxue back would not be a difficult task.

For now, he was losing, but only because he had met Qingxue later than Chu Yao. As for what would happen later, it was not yet set in stone.

The strange trio leading the way walked along until they encountered Wei Qingli's party in front of Wanlin Pavilion.

This was completely unexpected!

The official document for entering the vassal state submitted by East Lake had only arrived that morning, yet Heir Wei, Wei Qingli, was already dining leisurely at Wanlin Pavilion. It didn't look like he had just arrived at all. The document had been delivered by express courier, yet the person was already in the city—didn't this clearly show that he had sent the document only after he had already set off?

What made Wei Qingli rush to his Jiangnan so anxiously?

Li Nanxi could not help but overthink, casting his gaze upon the cold, aloof woman beside him. That was it; surely Wei Qingli had also received news—the Saintess Bai of the Bai Clan had emerged from the mountains and had been invited to visit Jiangnan for the Lantern Festival.

Li Nanxi looked at Bai Qingxue, but her gaze was fixed on the person at the table in the middle of the lobby.

Behind them, Chu Yao's inquisitive gaze also landed on the person who should not have been here.

—Dressed in purple robes with cloud patterns and a jade belt, his hair bound by a golden crown, his temperament was outstanding, and he possessed an awe-inspiring presence without needing to show anger.

Bai Qingxue marveled inwardly. Chu Yao had a handsome face, but his features were somewhat rugged, and his temper was rather impatient; although Li Nanxi had a delicate and soft appearance, he lacked a man's ruggedness, and his roguish, flirtatious demeanor was something she disliked.

Only the person before her made her eyes light up.

She had been out of the mountains for so long, searching and searching, as if she had come just for him.

Sensing an overly direct gaze upon him, Wei Qingli turned his indifferent eyes toward the entrance. He swept a glance over the woman in white, whose eyes were shooting out a dazzling light, and his expression faltered slightly. He immediately averted his gaze, his handsome brows furrowing slightly.

"Heir Wei, your pace is truly extraordinary." Li Nanxi waved his white jade fan, smiling in a roguish manner. He had arrived even earlier than the document; just how anxious was he?

Wei Qingli stood up and nodded slightly, a smile of just the right depth hanging on his face: "I hope Heir Li will forgive me. The Yezhou Lantern Festival has long been famous, and this heir could not wait to admire this rare and beautiful scenery."

Li Nanxi did not believe a single word of it.

His Jiangnan Lantern Festival had been held last year, the year before, and every year; he had never seen him come before.

Bai Qingxue thought that in this situation, someone should really come forward to make introductions.

But unfortunately, both Li Nanxi and Chu Yao were desperate not to let Wei Qingli know who she was, so how could they be the first to speak? As for Wei Qingli, he was completely uninterested; apart from exchanging pleasantries with Li Nanxi, he didn't even spare a glance in their direction.

Wei Qingli's gaze imperceptibly flicked toward the only staircase leading to the second floor of Wanlin Pavilion. The reason he was sitting in the middle of the lobby drinking tea instead of in a private room was simply to conveniently see if that person was going out; it was not to be gawked at, and he certainly did not want her to be gawked at either.

Thinking of that beautiful figure in his heart, his gaze softened slightly. He said to the few people before him: "This heir is tired and will return to my room to rest first. Please feel free to do as you please."

Li Nanxi watched his back as he went upstairs, feeling puzzled. Even if this East Lake party had come, they should have been staying at the specific reception area arranged by the government; why did he come to stay at Wanlin Pavilion?

Once Wei Qingli had walked away, Bai Qingxue slowly asked: "Was that the Prince of Donghu's heir?"

"That is indeed the Prince of Donghu's heir, Wei Qingli." Li Nanxi nodded.

Before Bai Qingxue could speak, Chu Yao interrupted first: "Qingxue, this Wei Qingli hides his true intentions and does not show his emotions. He is a person with deep schemes, and furthermore, he is sensitive and suspicious, decisive in killing, and extremely difficult to get along with."

Li Nanxi nodded in rare agreement. Even if his father had many sons, he only used some methods to get them demoted or confined. What did Wei Qingli have? In the old Wei family of East Lake, apart from his father, the Prince of Donghu—who was a figurehead with long-lost real power—there was no one else.

They both felt that the reason Wei Qingli was currently only the heir and not the Prince of Donghu was not because he couldn't be, but because he didn't want to yet.

Upon hearing this, Bai Qingxue's lips instead curled into a perfect arc. Such a person was worthy of the Bai Clan's assistance, wasn't he?

Returning to the palace, Li Nanxi immediately ordered his men to keep an eye on Wanlin Pavilion and report Wei Qingli's every move at any time.

But for several days in a row, Wei Qingli seemed to really do nothing at all. He stayed almost entirely in Wanlin Pavilion, occasionally accompanying a woman in white to Jinxiu Clothing Store, sitting there for an entire afternoon.

—Jinxiu Clothing Store

He remembered what Wan Xianzhi had said before: it seemed that the owner of Jinxiu Clothing Store was a woman of outstanding beauty and a rare, remarkable woman.

Could it be that even Wei Qingli could not escape the romance of the world, and he had really come to his Jiangnan to meet that woman and invite her to enjoy the Lantern Festival together?

At this moment, he was truly a bit curious about that woman.

To be praised by Wan Xianzhi and to make Wei Qingli bow his head.

Li Nanxi took the crystal-clear soft jade from his bosom and placed it near his nose, sniffing it gently. At first, he thought it was an illusion, but over these few days, he had kept the jade with him at all times, taking it out to play with in his spare time, and discovered that this jade indeed carried a natural, faint fragrance of orchids in a valley, refreshing and intoxicating, making one unable to stop.

The world is vast, and truly, there is nothing strange that cannot happen.

But before Li Nanxi could think about going to Jinxiu Clothing Store to see that female owner, the Lantern Festival arrived as scheduled.

...

"This, this, I want to draw a floral mark here, in gold—no, no, it should be pink, it will match my dress better."

"And is my hairstyle okay? Why do I feel it's combed a bit too low?"

"I still feel like something is wrong..." Wan Mingzhu pouted her small lips.

The few maids looked at each other, then all lowered their heads.

There was nothing wrong; Miss, you staring at Owner Bai while she put on makeup was what was wrong in the first place!

Miss Bai had jet-black hair and snow-white skin; even if she did nothing, just standing there in her light, white, wide-sleeved fairy dress made it seem as if she were shrouded in mist and smoke.

Even if they were skillful with makeup, they could never compare.

In the end, Wan Mingzhu compromised, "Let it be like this, just don't delay Sister Yan and me from watching the lanterns."

When the two of them walked down from the upstairs hand in hand, the few people downstairs at Wanlin Pavilion were all dazed.

No one knew exactly how beautiful this celestial being was. But at this moment, upon seeing the young girl walking slowly toward them, the words "beautiful as a celestial being" involuntarily surged into everyone's hearts. She seemed to be shrouded in a layer of light mist and smoke, her long hair drifting, her skirt swaying; she was ethereal and dreamlike, so beautiful she did not seem like a mortal.

She gave a sweet smile to the young girl beside her, truly like an orchid blooming, or a beautiful jade glowing; she was brilliantly and incomparably stunning.

Wei Qingli's breath hitched, his burning gaze fixed on her.

Just as Zhao Yan was about to be unable to hold her smile and look away, a white veil hat suddenly appeared on her head.

Her fair and delicate face was hidden beneath the veil. She lifted her head slightly, and her pair of dewy eyes, shimmering with water, looked toward that person.

Wei Qingli's breathing suddenly grew heavier, and his hand hanging at his side loosened and tightened, repeating this several times.

"There are many people on the street today, wear this."

He knew she was breathtakingly beautiful, yet she was unaware of it, or perhaps in her eyes, she simply did not care about this physical appearance. But in this world, there were many who cared about this appearance, and many who were captivated by it.

Tonight, within the normally quiet Yezhou City, it was extraordinarily lively.

In the streets and alleys, various lanterns illuminated the streets of Yezhou as if it were broad daylight.

The men were dressed in fine silk and ornate robes, looking elegant and dashing, while the women were also adorned with makeup and fine attire, each looking bright and moving, intent on presenting their best selves to their beloved.

Wei Qingli walked side-by-side with her at a leisurely pace, keeping a distance that was neither too far nor too close.

He watched as the young girl beside her held her arm without restraint, and the female guard named Hong Yun also stepped forward to tease her.

He admitted that, at this moment, he felt a bit jealous.

But he felt even more at ease.

At this moment, he could stand by her side and accompany her. Turning his head, he could see her hazy profile; he absorbed the warm aura around her, and his restless heart calmed down.

He silently minimized his presence, and it proved to be effective.

Gradually, those who had been somewhat uncomfortable almost forgot his existence, and their conversation became increasingly casual. He listened quietly to the three of them chatting about this and that, occasionally hearing her gentle laughter, devoid of the polite pretense and concealment she showed when with him. She was real and vivid, happy and unrestrained, and the corners of Wei Qingli's lips curled up slightly.

The further they walked into the city, the more people there were. By the time they reached the arched bridge, everyone was crowding around, wanting to release lanterns into the river to make wishes.

"I also want to release a lantern." Wan Mingzhu pointed excitedly at the arched bridge.

The crowd was overwhelming, and Zhao Yan felt a bit dizzy, which reminded her of the New Year's Eve scene from her previous mission. Who was the person by her side then? She could not remember, vaguely recalling only that the person's gaze had been sincere and warm.

Before she could react, the energetic young girl had already grabbed her and Hong Yun, one in each hand, and ran towards the most crowded area.

Before they could even squeeze onto the bridge head, they were separated. She watched helplessly as Wan Mingzhu pulled Hong Yun's hand and squeezed onto the arched bridge.

Wei Qingli's group also did not know where they had been squeezed to.

Now, it was just her left alone.

Zhao Yan did not like places with too many people; for thousands of years, she had lived like this, and she was almost always alone.

She strolled along the riverbank, and gradually, she seemed to walk further and further away.

Until an ancient temple appeared before her, with a large tree in front of it, covered in various prayer sachets.

"Qingxue—" A hoarse and slightly lazy voice came from behind her, carrying a hint of indulgence.

Before she could turn around, a figure instantly appeared before her, blocking her path.

"Qingxue!"

Through the white veil of her hood, she vaguely saw the person's tall figure, also dressed in a white robe, holding a white jade folding fan in his hand. Just by his voice, she knew his appearance must be exceptional.

But she was certain she did not know him.

Was this... a case of mistaken identity?

She lowered her eyes. Today, she was wearing a white wide-sleeved dress from Jinxiu Clothing Store, and this style of dress had sold at least eight or ten pieces in the last few days; it was not surprising to bump into someone wearing the same.

"Qingxue, I did not expect to meet you here. Could this be heaven's arrangement? Our fate is quite deep."

Zhao Yan raised an eyebrow, wondering what mystery lay here.

"The marriages at Qinyin Temple are the most efficacious, and the large tree behind you is also called the Marriage Tree. Legend has it that as long as good men and women pledge their love under the tree, exchange tokens, and pray sincerely, they will surely be together for a long time and grow old in harmony."

Zhao Yan understood. No wonder, no wonder there were so many sachets on this tree; others must have come here to pray for marriage as well.

"I know you met Chu Yao first, but I do not consider myself inferior to Chu Yao. Moreover, whatever he has, I have, and whatever he does not have, I can give you." Li Nanxi twirled his folding fan in his hand and said, "In these past few days, you must have seen it. In terms of economy, my Jiangnan is prosperous everywhere; is it not much stronger than his West Chu? In terms of military strength, although this is not my Jiangnan's strong suit, similarly, what does his West Chu have? In terms of martial prowess, it cannot compare to the Beichuan Army, and in terms of military strategy, it is no match for the Donghu Army."

"On the whole, his West Chu does not have the advantage anywhere."

"Personally speaking, Qingxue, you have spent quite some time with him; do not tell me you cannot see it. Chu Yao is a conventional man, brave but lacking in strategy, easily irritable, and without foresight. Even as a general, it is difficult for such a person to achieve great success, let alone rise to the top in these chaotic times."

"Is your Bai Clan willing to serve such a person?"

"Perhaps you will mention Emperor Liang Jing of the Liang State. Emperor Liang Jing was subjected to all kinds of difficulties and reprimands when he was young. When the Bai Clan assisted him, he had nothing, but he eventually rose to the top. But is he comparable to Emperor Liang Jing? Emperor Liang Jing was forbearing and resilient, never yielding; this kind of perseverance is not something ordinary people possess."

"From the perspective of righteousness, King of West Chu Chu Yao is not worth your Bai Clan's full support. From an emotional perspective—that is even less worth it." Li Nanxi's usually playful face was rarely serious.

"You say I am frivolous and too romantic, not worth entrusting, but I have no women in my backyard."

"And what about Chu Yao? He has long had concubines, and he already has a fiancée, whom he will marry soon. His wife-to-be is the daughter of the Right Prime Minister of West Chu. In the court, he needs the support of the Right Prime Minister. I do not know what he promised you, but it is nothing more than a mirage. Even if he values you and likes you, I fear he will not easily make you his wife."

"Even if one day he eventually makes you his wife, how do you know he is not discarding that wife-to-be for the value of the Bai Clan? Since he can discard the daughter of the Right Prime Minister because of the Bai Clan, then when a greater temptation appears, can you guarantee that he will not discard you for it?"

"I know you are not an ordinary woman. You once said you wanted a lifetime with only one person. I can do that, but Chu Yao cannot."

Zhao Yan really wanted to applaud him on the spot for this speech, and she also guessed the identity of the person before her and the object of his confession.

From comparing national power and background to weighing personal gains and losses, and finally adding a sincere confession, this eloquence was truly top-notch.

Not marrying you is because of weighing pros and cons; even if he marries you, it is also putting interests first.

Dead or alive, he had said it all. Anyway, no matter what the King of West Chu did, it was wrong. If she were that Saintess Bai, hearing this, she might be a bit wavering in her heart right now.

Pity...

If it were truly a deeply loved person, how could one easily mistake them?

Seeing that she did not speak for a long time, Li Nanxi thought she was still thinking. Qingxue herself did not like to talk much, so he did not pay much attention.

Li Nanxi took out a brocade box from his bosom, opened it, and handed it forward.

"I heard you mention last time that there is a type of soft jade in the Western Regions that is extremely good for the body, can soothe the soul, and nourish the internal organs. Today, I sought it out to gift to you."

Zhao Yan: ...

Could it be the very one that Wan Xianzhi took from her hands?

A slender, fair hand reached out and gently picked up the piece of soft jade.

The smile on Li Nanxi's face deepened a bit; he knew she would like it. Since she accepted his token, did it mean she was moved by his words?

The warmth and familiarity of the touch all told her that this was the very piece of soft jade she had given away.

Before Li Nanxi could be happy, Zhao Yan put the soft jade back into the brocade box. Just as he did not understand her behavior, a voice suddenly came from behind.

"So, Heir Wei is hiding here to have a secret meeting with a beauty."

Li Nanxi turned around, not expecting that Chu Yao would have walked together with Wei Qingli. When his gaze inadvertently swept to the woman beside Chu Yao, who was also wearing a veil and the same white wide-sleeved dress, the expression on his face froze.

"Miss Bai—" Wei Qingli called out in a low voice, his footsteps already moving towards the tree.

Li Nanxi turned his head back again and saw that person gently lift the white veil on her head, revealing a stunning face that had amazed time. Her black hair was as thick as ink, her appearance was spiritual and elegant, and the light breeze blew her hem, making her look like a fairy descending from the heavenly palace.

The fairy smiled, her voice melodious and ethereal, as if in the clouds and mist: "Heir Li has mistaken the person. However, that speech just now was not bad. If you say it again to the girl you admire, it might be able to move her heart."

"Just, next time, do not mistake the person again."