Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
How did the two young ladies of the Loyal Faraway Marquisate end up in such a predicament, even falling off a cliff? Pei Zhiqing, exuding an air of nobility, glanced indifferently through the curtain at the shivering sisters, Gu Qingning and Gu Wanning, standing outside the carriage.
It was said that Gu Changqing, the marquis, cherished his two daughters dearly. How could he allow them to be alone in such a remote mountain area, ending up in such a dire situation?
"Your Highness, the Ninth Prince." In the cold wind, Gu Qingning felt no chill.
"Oh, so you recognize this prince. It seems that the young ladies of the Gu family are not as oblivious to the world as rumored." Pei Zhiqing's lips curled into a faint smile as he spoke seemingly casually.
The two daughters of Marquis Loyal Faraway, Gu Changqing, were gentle and virtuous, with stunning beauty and well-known names. Yet for some unknown reason, they had remained secluded in their chambers, rarely attending various gatherings.
Previously, Gu Qingning had listened to her grandmother's words and devoted herself to staying in her boudoir, obeying her parents' wishes to learn embroidery, tea preparation, and flower arranging—all while waiting patiently for marriage. Even the belongings left by her mother had been easily coaxed away by Gu Yanran with just a few words. Lost in her memories, Gu Qingning momentarily failed to catch the underlying meaning in Pei Zhiqing's words, pursing her lips in contemplation.
"Come up."
In the depths of the mountains, the cold wind whipped across Pei Zhiqing's cheeks, revealing hints of fatigue on his face. The gusts of wind lifted the unconscious Hongling beside him like a chick and tossed her next to the coachman before he plopped down into his seat.
After helping Gu Wanning into the carriage, Gu Qingning finally noticed its spacious interior. Thick carpets lined the floor of the carriage, and heavy silk curtains adorned the side windows. The entire compartment was filled with a fragrant aroma, and a charcoal stove inside radiated warmth.
Observing Pei Zhiqing leaning against one corner of the carriage with his arms crossed over his chest and eyes slightly closed, Gu Qingning settled next to the curtain with Gu Wanning. She rubbed her sister's hands continuously to alleviate their chill.
The snow outside had stopped, but the wind continued to howl fiercely. The cold seeped through the curtains into the carriage. Feeling a slight chill, Pei Zhiqing suppressed the surge of warmth rising in his chest.
Suddenly, a series of coughs broke through the silence, each one louder than the last, drawing Gu Qingning's attention.
After experiencing fear, Gu Wanning curled up in Gu Qingning's embrace beneath the warmth of the stove and had already fallen asleep with her eyes closed.
Gu Qingning wrapped one arm around Gu Wanning's back tightly and slowly raised her head to look at the man across from her. Despite his noble demeanor, he could not hide his weariness at that moment.
He appeared so fragile that even his coughs could not overshadow his regal aura.
"Your Highness, are you feeling unwell?" The words slipped from Gu Qingning's lips with concern laced within them.
Pei Zhiqing fought against another urge to cough and lifted his gaze to meet that of the timid girl before him.
"It's nothing," he rasped softly.
Once again, silence enveloped the carriage. A tingling sensation traveled through Gu Qingning’s feet; pain shot through her calves like an electric current reaching her brain and causing an involuntary shiver.
As she fell from the cliff, Gu Qingning's small feet had already been scraped and bloodied, resembling blooming red plums. At that moment, she hadn't felt any pain, but now, enveloped in the warmth of the carriage, the sensation of hurt came rushing back.
What was the young lady of the Gu family doing climbing a mountain in such terrible weather? The movements of Gu Qingning did not escape Pei Zhiqing's keen eyes.
Today is the anniversary of my mother's death; I should have come to pay my respects. Furrowing her brow, Gu Qingning bit her lip and began to massage her small feet.
Then how did you end up falling off a cliff? A hint of a smile played at the corners of Pei Zhiqing's mouth as he looked at her with an expression that was both amused and teasing.
A startled horse. Gu Qingning wrapped one arm around Gu Wanqing while absentmindedly massaging her thigh with the other hand.
Gu Yanran had come with her but had left early before she descended the mountain.
To frame her, they even went so far as to send away the coachman. The carriage had raced wildly, and the two sisters nearly plunged into the abyss.
How cruel could they be? How could she possibly feel at ease leaving her sister in the manor?
Thinking of this, she bit her lip again, her deep-set eyes reflecting calmness as she lowered her head, staring at the ground as if she wished to pierce a hole through the carriage floor.
What’s wrong? Are you thinking about how to repay this prince? Gu Qingning's composure piqued Pei Zhiqing's interest, and he turned his gaze back to her.
Hmm. Lost in thought, Gu Qingning didn’t hear what the man across from her said; she merely instinctively uttered a single word.
Pei Zhiqing chuckled softly; this young lady from the Duke of Zhongyuan’s household was indeed quite intriguing.
Comment 0 Comment Count