Chapter 124

Chapter 124

The horses for the emperor’s use were all very well-trained. No matter what happens inside the carriage, the imperial horse would simply stands in place, grazing leisurely.

Jiang Xing paused suddenly and took out a box of rouge from out of nowhere. Lin Qingyu opened his lips slightly. Through a haze, he saw Jiang Xing dip his fingertip into the gorgeous rouge and then smear it on his lips.

Jiang Xing was inexperienced and didn’t apply it well enough. The rouge was faintly smeared on the corners of Lin Qingyu’s mouth, making him appear not drunk but tipsy, bright and affectionate.

Jiang Xing stared unmoving at him for a long time. Lin Qingyu called out, dazed, “Jiang Xing...?”

Jiang Xing hugged him, almost like a sigh, “Qingyu, how did you grow up like this? Do you know how gorgeous you are?”

As he said that, as if he could no longer control himself, he closed his eyes and kissed Lin Qingyu. Lin Qingyu still kept his eyes open. Leaning his back against the bookshelf on the carriage, he was almost hanging on Jiang Xing’s body. He saw sweat drip onto Jiang Xing’s drooping lashes.

When they parted, Jiang Xing also had a touch of rouge on his lips. Coupled with his passionate eyes, it was even more moving than when he first saw him.

Lin Qingyu raised his hand and stroked the corner of Jiang Xing’s mouth. He said, voice hoarse, “Then, why aren’t you continuing?”

Xiao Songzi and the others were waiting half a mile away from the carriage. By the time they were called back by the emperor, it was already dark. “Build that fire, boil some hot water and let’s cook something to eat.” Jiang Xing told him, “We’ll sleep outside the city tonight.”

Xiao Songzi said, “Your Majesty, even though the carriage is big, it definitely won’t be comfortable enough to sleep on. If we hurry, we can reach the city and spend the night there.”

Jiang Xing smiled and said, “You don’t understand. We’re doing this for fun.”

When the hot water was ready, Jiang Xing personally carried it back to the carriage. With the few rabbits the shadow guards hunted and the dry preserved food and seasonings they’d brought with them, they all had more than enough to eat for dinner.

After the rabbit was roasted, Jiang Xing helped Lin Qingyu off the carriage. The empress was the very picture of calm and composure, even if he did smell like another man.

The rabbit they roasted simply over an open fire, of course, wasn’t good as the one cooked in the palace, but Lin Qingyu thought it still tasted good. It seemed he was really hungry. Suddenly, a black shadow flashed in front of Lin Qingyu’s eyes. It was the shadow guard who’d been secretly guarding them.

Shadow guards can only show up when their master is in danger. Jiang Xing asked, “What happened?”

Holding something in his hand, the shadow guard knelt in front of the empress and said, “Replying to their Majesties, there was a snake entangled in a tree just now.”

With the light of the fire, Lin Qingyu saw the snake in the shadow guard’s hand clearly. He said, “It’s cute.”

The shadow guard was taken aback, wondering if he should be gentle with this little snake.

“Unfortunately, it’s not poisonous.” Lin Qingyu was silent for a moment, “Your Majesty, I miss the little poisonous snake.”

Jiang Xing raised his eyebrows. “Then should we head back to the palace now?”

Xiao Zhuo was confused. “Ah, why is it surnamed Jiang?”

Lin Qinghe was stumped by this question. “This... I don’t know either.”

Lin Qingyu looked thoughtfully at the two young boys, one big and one small. A thought inadvertently sprouted in his heart.

Lin Qingyu joined Lin Qinghe and Xiao Zhuo for some snacks in Xingqing Palace. Not long after, Xiao Songzi came to remind him that it was time to prepare for the family banquet and lantern festival.

It was another year of the Lantern Festival, with thousands of lights, trees looking as if afire and flowers shining silver. Dressed in fine clothes, the emperor and the empress climbed up the tower, standing atop the highest point of the capital, overlooking the city that never sleeps.

The empress dowager was getting old, so after only a short time spent admiring the scenery, she returned to Ci’an Palace. Once she was gone, the remaining insignificant people were not worthy of the attention of the emperor and empress. Lin Qingyu casually cut a paper lantern and said, “Your Majesty, have you ever thought about adopting children?”

Jiang Xing said, “Since you brought it up, does the empress have someone in mind?”

“Not really.” Lin Qingyu said, “But I think we can put some thought into this matter.”

Jiang Xing said with a smile, “It’s possible. But there’s no need to rush, there will be much time in the future.”

Lin Qingyu smiled. In the distance, dots of bright light gradually rose into the sky, brightening up the entire night sky.

They had much time in the future. This moment was perfect just as it was.

“Jiang Xing.”

“En?”

Lin Qingyu’s eyes were alight. “Happy fourth anniversary.”

Jiang Xing was slightly taken aback and he stared at Lin Qingyu’s side profile.

The night was as day and this beauty was as jade.

“Happy fourth anniversary.” Jiang Xing raised the corner of his lips, “Please continue to take care of me in the coming year. At this time next year, you will love me more than you do now, alright?”

Love him more? But he already loved him so much.

Lin Qingyu said, “That depends on your performance.”

Jiang Xing smiled lightly. “Then I will work hard.”

The author has something to say: This story ends here, and the timeline will not be lengthened, because I want the salted fish and the beauty to stay in their best years, to indulge always in love — the forever eighteen-year-old Classmate Jiang! (Voice Hoarse)

Next are the extras set in modern times! =3=