Chapter 2 The Next Day
The next morning, Qi Xuan arrived with his entourage to escort them.
Feng Yinwan took Feng Jinchan to bid farewell to Luo Qingyi.
At that moment, he had just finished handling some court affairs. Seeing the two of them, the seriousness on his face immediately softened.
He picked up Feng Jinchan with one hand, weighed him, and said with a smile, "You haven't lost any weight at all, you brat." Then he turned to Feng Yinwan and asked casually, "When are you leaving?"
His nonchalance made her heart feel a mix of emotions.
Feng Yinwan pursed her lips and said softly, "We'll depart shortly."
Luo Qingyi nodded, then walked a few steps outward with Feng Jinchan still in his arms. Seeing that she was still trailing behind listlessly, he couldn't help but frown.
"I know what you want to say. Letting you return is also my choice. You don't need to overthink it."
After this ordeal, the Moon Kingdom's state affairs had been shaken to the core.
He was the only prince left in the royal family, and the Moon Kingdom's court affairs were managed by collective discussion. Therefore, he not only had to identify other royal descendants who could shoulder great responsibilities but also find ways to appease and control the other feudal lords.
Because of Ye Tinglan, keeping the mother and son here would undoubtedly be dangerous.
Feng Yinwan understood, but her eyes couldn't help but redden slightly.
Feng Jinchan, held in his arms, was already silently shedding tears.
Luo Qingyi looked up at the two of them, frowning and sighing, "Why are you crying? I'm in the Moon Kingdom, not dead. If you miss me, you can come back anytime."
He paused, then looked at Feng Yinwan again, emphasizing, "Of course, if you are wronged again, pack your bags and come back. Otherwise, just send a message, and I'll send someone to pick you up."
Feng Yinwan chuckled, her teary eyes curving slightly, "Okay."
Ye Tinglan had already been waiting outside. Seeing them emerge, he immediately stepped forward to meet them.
Luo Qingyi released Feng Jinchan, setting him down. The two of them exchanged subtle winks where Ye Tinglan couldn't see.
Seeing that Feng Yinwan's hand was firmly held by Ye Tinglan, Luo Qingyi regained his composure. He gently patted Feng Jinchan's young shoulder and said, "Go, protect your mother."
Feng Jinchan nodded solemnly, then glanced back at Luo Qingyi before mustering his courage and walking to Ye Tinglan's side.
Ye Tinglan was momentarily stunned by this sudden closeness. It was only after Feng Yinwan gently nudged his arm that he came back to his senses and took Feng Jinchan's small hand.
As their fingertips touched, he could feel the slight resistance in the small palm. His heart tightened, and just as he was about to stop, that resistance abruptly vanished.
The moment Ye Tinglan's large hand completely enveloped his, the vast chasm that had separated them seemed to quietly loosen.
Ye Tinglan lowered his gaze to their clasped hands, his throat feeling dry, and said in a husky voice,
"Let's... go home."
Luo Qingyi did not escort them further. After handing them over to Ye Tinglan, he returned.
He pushed open the door to the high observation pavilion and announced, "This prince is late."
A figure was already seated by the window. A wine cup was tilted, and the air was heavy with the scent of wine. Yet, his gaze was fixed on the scenery outside, unwilling to miss a single moment.
Luo Qingyi sat down unbidden and followed his gaze outwards. He saw the three figures, two large and one small, walking side by side, gradually moving away. The gentle sunlight fell upon them, creating a scene of perfect harmony and warmth.
His eyes flickered. He smiled at the person on the opposite side and poured himself a cup of wine.
"You refused to see them when I asked you to before. Now that they're gone, don't watch anymore."
Song Qing'an was already quite drunk, but he still shook his head and said, "I should not disturb them anymore."
That night at the Feng residence, she had revealed everything.
He admitted that he was shocked at first, and he also admitted that he had hesitated.
That night, he repeatedly asked himself, how could this be? How could it be different?
Everything in his memory seemed to lock him in like a fog.
The next day, he cast everything aside and rode his horse to every place he remembered, but still, he couldn't find an answer.
Until he was exhausted, he happened to pass by that riverside tavern. Without any intention, everything related to her flooded his mind in an instant.
At that moment, he was like a converted Buddhist disciple, suddenly enlightened.
The feelings of his youth were indeed memorable, but without them, would he not have fallen in love with her?
The Feng Yinwan he met again, the one who spent time with him, was vibrant and unique every moment. He used their youthful promise as an excuse to indulge himself in approaching her and was once again drawn to her. Perhaps he was the despicable one.
Once he understood, he immediately went to the Feng residence, only to receive the news that she had already left.
He wanted to chase after her, but in what guise should he face her?
Should he say it was love at first sight, or that their affection grew over time?
He felt that every possible explanation was as hypocritical as himself.
Then, there were changes in the Xuanmen, and chaos erupted in the Moon Kingdom. He rushed over in a hurry, but ultimately, he was no match for the iron cavalry.
At that moment, he thought deeply, what right did he have to occupy a place beside her?
Just like back then, he seemed to have grown stronger, but he was still not strong enough. If that was the case, how could he arrogantly claim that he could protect her for a lifetime?
Ye Tinglan was, after all, more suitable than him.
The wine cup in his hand made a crisp "ding" sound as it was bumped. He lowered his eyes with a hint of bewilderment and saw the fragrant wine rippling in the cup. In the depths of those ripples, the beautiful face that kept reappearing in his mind was faintly visible.
Fragmented reflections shimmered like colorful jewels, and the dancing light glinted like gold, dazzling the eyes. Yet, Song Qing'an felt that he could no longer see anything else.
In the face of life's events, one step late means every step is late. It is indeed difficult to blame heaven and earth.
Now that he has this, he drinks clear wine to forget his worries, and tonight he wishes to have no regrets.
Feng Yinwan, I only wish you well.
(——End of Translation——)