TPGA - 72

Chapter 72: Climbing the Mountain

In truth, Yunyi knew a method to preserve the snow lotus without it wilting: encasing it in a box made of ice and snow immediately after picking it. As long as the box remained frozen, the snow lotus wouldn’t wither. However, this knowledge wasn’t something someone of her current identity should possess, so she refrained from mentioning it.

Li Shimin smiled kindly. “I’ve tried painting it myself, but my skills are lacking. I couldn’t even capture its current budding state, let alone its blooming beauty. I was considering hiring a skilled painter from Honghua Commandery when I happened to encounter you in the back garden. Based on your earlier depiction of Jiang Caiping, I believe you’re more than capable of capturing the snow lotus’s beauty. Please, Miss Meixue, do me this favor.” With that, he bowed deeply to her.

Yunyi quickly stepped aside, flustered. “Second Master, this is too much respect for someone like me.”

Seeing that Li Shimin maintained his bow, she hesitated and said, “I’m afraid I might disappoint you.”

Li Shimin straightened and spoke earnestly, “You won’t. I believe you’re the most suitable painter for this task.”

Yunyi sighed helplessly. “Alright, I’ll do my best. If there are any flaws in my work later, please forgive me, Second Master.”

Her words brought a delighted smile to Li Shimin’s face, and he bowed again. “Thank you, Miss Meixue.”

Yunyi returned the courtesy with a graceful gesture and said softly, “Second Master cares so deeply for Miss Wugou. On your wedding day, I’m certain you’ll be a loving couple, growing old together.”

“Thank you for your kind words,” Li Shimin replied with a smile. “While the snow isn’t heavy yet, let’s hurry up the mountain. Otherwise, the path may become treacherous.”

“Mm.” Yunyi tightened her cotton coat and was about to take a step when a black fox fur cloak was draped over her shoulders. Startled, she quickly said, “I’m not cold, Second Master—you should keep it for yourself…”

“Keep it on—you’ll likely feel even colder once we reach higher up the mountain.” With that, Li Shimin tied his horse’s reins to a tree and began climbing the mountain. Seeing this, Yunyi could only tighten her grip on the cloak and follow him.

As they ascended higher, the biting wind and snow made the path increasingly treacherous. Yunyi accidentally stepped on a loose rock and nearly tumbled down the slope. Fortunately, she reacted quickly, grabbing onto a nearby boulder in time. Even so, a sharp pain shot through her left ankle.

Hearing her startled cry, Li Shimin hurried back to her side and asked with concern, “Are you alright?”

Yunyi winced. “I think I’ve sprained my ankle, Second Master. How much farther is it to the snow lotus?”

Li Shimin raised his hand to shield himself from the wind and snow. “Not far—about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, and we should be there.” He then offered, “Let me help you try walking. See if you can manage.”

Yunyi nodded and allowed him to assist her as she stood up. However, after taking just one step, she collapsed again, shaking her head. “It’s no use. Every time I put weight on it, it feels like needles piercing through. The pain is unbearable—I can’t walk.”

Li Shimin thought for a moment and said, “We don’t have much farther to go. Let me carry you up.”

Yunyi quickly shook her head. “Second Master, you are of noble stature. How could you possibly carry me? Besides, the mountain path is rugged. If you were to get injured because of me, what would we do? Perhaps…” She gritted her teeth, leaning on a nearby tree to stand up again. “I’ll try once more!”

“You’re already injured. Forcing yourself to walk will only worsen it. If you leave lasting damage, it’ll be troublesome. My eldest brother…” Li Shimin stopped mid-sentence and bent down. “Come on, get on my back. Don’t delay any further.”

Seeing Yunyi still hesitating, he chuckled lightly. “Don’t forget—I’m trained in martial arts. A little mountain path won’t trouble me. No need to worry.”

With no other choice, Yunyi reluctantly climbed onto his back, allowing him to carry her up the mountain. Her arms encircled his neck, but her eyes gleamed coldly.

She had indeed twisted her ankle, but not to the extent that she couldn’t walk. By exaggerating her injury, she had successfully tricked Li Shimin into carrying her.

A razor-sharp dagger lay hidden in her right sleeve. From this position and distance, she was confident she could kill him before he had a chance to react!

You chose the path to hell when you walked into my trap. Today, she would kill Li Shimin to avenge Mo Ping’s death!

As for how to escape afterward, Yunyi had already devised a plan. She wasn’t worried about being discovered by the Li family. In fact, Li Shimin was the most formidable opponent among them. Once he was dead, her movements within the governor’s mansion would become much easier.

With these thoughts, she subtly moved her arm, letting the dagger slide silently into her palm. Meanwhile, her body remained relaxed, giving no hint of the impending murder.

Just as the dagger was about to settle in her hand, Li Shimin stepped on a piece of copper. Though covered in dirt, its smooth surface indicated it was part of a broken mirror.

The moment the copper piece flipped upright under Li Shimin’s foot, Yunyi clearly saw a fleeting figure reflected in it. Startled, she glanced back, but behind them was nothing but the endless swirling snow.

Strange—had her eyes deceived her?

No, she hadn’t been mistaken. The mirror had indeed reflected someone. Someone was following them stealthily, deliberately concealing their presence. If not for stepping on the mirror by chance, she would still be unaware.

Afterward, Yunyi turned back several times, though she saw no one. On her final glance, however, she caught sight of a corner of fabric peeking out from behind a tree trunk. Who was it? And why were they tracking them? What was their purpose?

Li Shimin noticed Yunyi repeatedly looking back and asked, “What are you looking at?”

“I’m checking the path we just came from. The snow is falling heavier now—it might cover the trail soon. I’m wondering how we’ll descend later.”

A gentle smile played at the corners of Li Shimin’s lips. “Since I brought you up the mountain, I’ll make sure to bring you down safely. Don’t worry.”

“Mm.” Yunyi responded softly and fell silent, deep in thought about the identity of their pursuer. Whoever it was, hiding their tracks meant they weren’t friendly. Could it be an enemy of Li Yuan, seeing Li Shimin traveling alone and seeking to harm him?

That must be it. Li Yuan had surely made many enemies in his rise to power. The Li family had incurred the wrath of countless people—not just her father, the emperor. It was reckless of Li Shimin to venture out alone without even bringing Duan Zhihong or any guards. He was practically inviting disaster!

A cold smirk flickered across Yunyi’s lips as she slowly retracted the dagger that had slid to her wrist. Since someone else was willing to do the job, there was no need for her to act personally. Returning to the governor’s mansion would also ensure she avoided suspicion.

The rugged mountain path was taxing even for someone like Li Shimin, who was trained in martial arts. He adjusted Yunyi slightly as she began to slip and pointed to a nearby cliff face. “See it? It’s right there.”

“I’m fine, Second Master. Be careful where you step.” As she finished speaking, Yunyi suddenly shivered.