At the highest point in the stone house, the tall man in white stood gracefully.
Yan Hengyin lowered the flute from his lips and quietly watched Tang Zan’s room, where the light had already gone out.
He had just seen Tang Zan carry her inside.
At that moment, he truly realized that Pei Shu’er had already married someone else.
He didn’t know why, but he didn’t particularly want anything to happen between them, so he played the bamboo flute.
He wanted Pei Shu’er to come out and see him.
Yet he miscalculated, Pei Shu’er was so hurt but still wasn’t willing to come out.
The only function of this Gu was to cause Pei Shu’er pain, and then feel his call.
This was something he had placed inside her before, and she hadn’t objected; instead, she felt happy about it.
Every time he played the flute, Pei Shu’er would come. She once said, it was because the Third Prince missed her that he played the bamboo flute.
This was the first time Pei Shu’er didn’t come.
His hand clutched the bamboo flute, his hand’s veins bulging.
All night, Pei Shu’er stayed in Tang Zan’s room. What happened between them needn’t be said.
He had a sense of indescribable irritation.
And another feeling, a panic he hadn’t even noticed himself.
The panic nearly made his heart ache.
It must be because the distance wasn’t enough, so Pei Shu’er didn’t feel he was there.
Otherwise, how could she possibly not come out to see him if she knew he was there?
Before, she liked him the most.
Early next morning, Tang Zan got up. Pei Shu’er was actually awake too, quietly watching Tang Zan get dressed at the bedside, admiring the scene of a handsome man getting up, without saying a word.
As Tang Zan was leaving, he turned to glance at her and found her open eyes filled with indiscernible emotions.
"Why not sleep a little longer?"
Pei Shu’er shook her head, "No more sleep."
After speaking, Pei Shu’er also sat up.
Her collar was slightly open, revealing fair skin, and Tang Zan noticed several red marks on it.
Following Tang Zan’s gaze, Pei Shu’er looked at the red marks on her body, without a hint of surprise.
She calmly closed her clothes, then sat in front of the copper mirror, slowly tying up her loose hair.
Tang Zan watched her from behind, his eyes full of deep reluctance and fondness.
"I’m leaving, Pei Shu’er."
Pei Shu’er responded with a faint "Hmm," thinking that Tang Zan, the big villain, should probably be fine... right?
If something really was going to happen, it might be to her.
She didn’t look back, sensing Tang Zan’s footsteps gradually fade away, and she lowered the comb she was holding to the table.
She sat quietly before the dressing mirror, still not turning back even for a glance.
The door was tightly closed, and in the room filled with Tang Zan’s scent, only she remained.
Pei Shu’er lowered her eyes and picked up the comb again, slowly combing her hair.
Just then, the door suddenly opened, a cold wind blew in, sending Pei Shu’er’s hair flying.
She slowly turned around and saw Tang Zan standing at the door, his eyes deep.
Tang Zan walked quickly over, moving with both speed and urgency, yet without losing his elegance.
He stopped in front of her, suddenly embraced Pei Shu’er tightly.
He held her so tightly, as if once he let go, Pei Shu’er would fly away.
Pei Shu’er allowed Tang Zan’s actions, even though he held her slightly painfully, she still tolerated his roughness this time.
Tang Zan mumbled "Mm," then lifted Pei Shu’er’s chin and kissed her lips.
He kissed so forcefully, as if he wanted to devour her whole.
Though last night they had been so close, by morning, this woman was so indifferent.
Yet, this might be their last meeting.
How could he bear to leave such a distant image of himself in her memory?
In her memory, he needed to be vibrant, unforgettable.
At first, she was cold, resistant.
But thinking of Tang Zan’s return, of the depth in his eyes, and the reflection of herself there.
She awkwardly responded, her hands encircling his waist, sensing the cold armor and Tang Zan’s faint warmth beneath.
When they parted, Tang Zan’s eyes were filled with a gentle smile and satisfaction.
He looked earnestly at Pei Shu’er, speaking words so light and gentle, yet his hands were reluctant to release her.
"Pei Shu’er, wait for my return."
Pei Shu’er nodded; she smiled tenderly, adding a touch of grace to her face.
So captivating, one might wish to hold her and cherish her dearly.
How could there be such a gentle girl, like water.
Yet with an enchanting appearance.
Tang Zan planted another kiss on Pei Shu’er’s lips before heading out the door. The rıghtful source is 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡⁂𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢⁂𝘯𝘦𝘵
Pei Shu’er touched her slightly swollen lips, momentarily lost in thought.
Could it be that Tang Zan has some feelings for her?
Otherwise, why return again?
Why would he kiss her?
Clearly, if it were just for release, kissing wouldn’t seem to have much use.
Besides, isn’t kissing something intimate lovers do?
But ordinarily, she hadn’t felt much of Tang Zan’s love, he seemed always distant and near.
When she thought Tang Zan might have some fondness for her, he would become cold again.
And when she thought Tang Zan might dislike her, he would unexpectedly do something warm.
Like dealing with Niu Hao before, standing up for her.
Or like his return just now.
After she said something quite normal to her, his mood would inexplicably turn cold, ignoring her for hours, chillingly indifferent.
Pei Shu’er finished combing her hair, and Yinxing came in with a basin of hot water.
After washing up, everyone went to Lin Mountain. This time, the person leading the hunt was the War King, Tang Peizhong.
He used Tang Zan’s method from the day before, with small modifications.
This time, the harvest was also quite substantial; father and son had similar commanding styles, albeit with subtle differences.
After the hunters passed, the gatherers followed to collect wild vegetables and fruits.
The harvest once again exceeded everyone’s expectations.
After dividing the yield, each household’s cellar was well-stocked.
When everyone was done, Pei Shu’er noticed that everyone was shivering from the cold. Their clothes were thin, and everyone had been outside hunting and gathering all day.
If not for Pei Shu’er instructing Yinxing and Honghua to watch for anyone showing signs of distress, ready to provide warmth, hot water, or warm clothes.
But that clearly wouldn’t suffice; if she didn’t do something, some of the sincere followers might not survive this winter.
She felt this winter might be colder than the last.
Thinking of a method to warm everyone simultaneously, the idea of kang beds came to her mind, an essential for wintering.
"I’ll teach everyone to build a kang bed using our bricks. It’s more heat-resistant and keeps you warm."