Not only can you look up at the view of the mountain top above Ban Yan Temple, but you can also look down at the river at the foot of the mountain.
At this moment, the shimmering river is illuminated by the sunset into a golden ribbon.
The two walked up to the platform, one facing away from the railing looking up at the mountain top, the other leaning on the railing gazing down at the river, both silent.
The evening drum sounds echoed among the mountains, making the surroundings even more tranquil.
After an unknown amount of time, Shang Ruyi finally said softly, "Do you remember, when you came with father to my uncle’s house to discuss the marriage, family members told you that I had a severe illness at that time?"
"Actually, I fell ill suddenly when I came to Ban Yan Temple to worship Buddha."
Yu Wenye slowly lowered his head and turned to look at her, "How did you suddenly fall ill?"
Shang Ruyi paused, not answering this question, but continued, "The illness came suddenly and severely, nearly cost my life, and after I recovered a little, I told my uncle and aunt—I won’t marry Young Master Yu Wen."
Yu Wenye took a deep breath.
This was almost the most forbidden topic between them, even more than their respective relations with people in the palace, thus no one had mentioned it for more than half a year since their marriage.
But now, though it had already passed, and even if their hearts might not be completely connected, they had already confessed their feelings to each other, speaking about it seemed to have no impact on them, but for some reason, when Shang Ruyi mentioned it again, it still shocked him.
Shang Ruyi said, "Initially, of course, they disagreed. Our families are considered old acquaintances, and my family had fallen into such a state, yet Duke Sheng did not despise me and wanted his son to marry me. This is a stroke of good fortune anyone else could not dream of having, but I still wanted to break the engagement, which was really inappropriate."
"But they eventually agreed."
Shang Ruyi nodded, saying, "Because at that time, I was so anxious that I vomited blood."
"Uncle and aunt have always loved me dearly and couldn’t bear to see me suffer. But they also felt deeply guilty towards the Duke."
Yu Wenye narrowed his eyes slightly, "So—they shifted the marriage arrangement to me."
"Marrying me instead of my elder brother did not break the engagement and also fulfilled your wish."
Shang Ruyi turned her head towards him, softly saying, "Dragging you into this, I’m sorry."
Yu Wenye looked at her for a while and said, "So now you still don’t want to tell me why you wouldn’t marry my elder brother?"
Shang Ruyi remained silent, lowering her head.
Apparently, she acknowledged.
Yu Wenye’s gaze gradually cooled, and even if basked in the seemingly warm sunset, his stern eyes seemed to be frozen with frost. He slowly said, "So, what is the purpose of telling me this?"
"Are you trying to tell me that I am your reluctant choice?"
Shang Ruyi hesitated for a moment and softly said, "You are the miracle given to me by the God Buddha."
Yu Wenye’s breath stopped.
He seemed slightly disbelieving of his own ears, having heard words full of love before, but never expecting Shang Ruyi to tell him these words at this moment. And around them, the evening drum of Ban Yan Temple still sounded, as if affirming the miracle of this moment.
It seemed that their being together was the softest miracle in the world.
Shang Ruyi suddenly felt a little hot on her face, unsure why, clearly intending to explain some things to him, yet somehow saying these words, her face flushed, and she immediately wanted to walk away.
But she had just turned around when she felt a hand reaching out, pulling her back into his arms.
Pressed closely against his strong chest, she could even feel his heart beating fiercely as if trying to leap out, and his hand, like iron clamps, directly circled her slender waist, leaving her unable to struggle.
The other hand then grasped her chin, gently tilting it up.
Facing his scorching gaze in that moment, Shang Ruyi shivered slightly.
Clearly, just now, those eyes were full of frost, but in an instant, like melting ice and snow, when he lowered his head and looked at her, his fiery breath almost ignited her.
He slowly lowered his head, leaning in to kiss her. Thɪs chapter is updated by novelꜰire.net
Shang Ruyi, embarrassed and anxious, yet unable to escape, could only softly say, "No, this is a temple..."
Yu Wenye’s lips were nearly touching hers.
Breathing in her fragrant breaths, he murmured, "This is outside the temple, they can’t interfere."
After speaking, he gently kissed her.