TPGA - 78

Chapter 78: Words Once Spoken Cannot Be Recalled

Lost in thought, she slowly crouched down. When her hand was still a foot away, a faint sound came from the window. At the same moment, Li Shimin—who had been pretending to sleep—abruptly opened his eyes and grabbed her wrist, his voice sharp and commanding. “What do you think you’re doing?”

He hadn’t been asleep at all. Though her fabricated backstory had been touching, it hadn’t dispelled his suspicions. He had feigned sleep, waiting for Yunyi to make her move—and now, he had caught her red-handed!

Caught off guard, Yunyi’s face betrayed panic. “Second Master, weren’t you asleep? How could you…”

“You obviously hoped I was asleep—otherwise, how would you have the chance to act! Tell me, who sent you? Why are you trying to assassinate my father!” Though Li Shimin usually exuded warmth and calm, his tone now was unusually stern and intimidating.

So it was true! A trace of cold laughter flitted through Yunyi’s mind, but her face remained a mask of fear and confusion. “Second Master, what are you talking about? What ‘acting’? What ‘assassination’? I’m Meixue—I’m not an assassin!”

“If you’re not an assassin, why were you sneaking over while I slept? Clearly, you intended to strike.” Facing his accusations, Yunyi hurriedly replied, “No, I… how could I possibly harm you, Second Master? I was worried you’d catch a chill, so I wanted to cover you with the cloak.”

Li Shimin froze, glancing down to see that she was indeed holding the cloak he had given her earlier. Before he could process this, Yunyi choked back tears and said, “So… Second Master never trusted me. Even now, you still think I’m connected to Yunyi—that I’m an assassin.”

Li Shimin hadn’t expected this turn of events and was momentarily speechless. Seizing the opportunity, Yunyi wrenched her hand free and fled outside, leaving him alone, staring blankly at the cloak in his hands.

The cold wind hit her warm body, causing Yunyi to shiver involuntarily. Yet, her face couldn’t suppress a grin. She struggled to hold back her laughter as she recalled Li Shimin’s expression just moments ago—it was simply too amusing.

No matter how meticulously Li Shimin had planned, he never anticipated being outmaneuvered like this. Earlier, she had truly considered killing him then and there to avenge Mo Ping.

But she hadn’t forgotten how Mo Ping had died. Everything he had done was to protect her. Until she had absolute confidence in safeguarding herself, she wouldn’t act recklessly. Earlier, she had heard a faint noise at the window—perhaps Duan Zhihong was hiding outside. If she had acted, her identity would have been exposed, and her life might not have been spared.

Li Shimin, I will kill you with my own hands—but not yet!

The sound of the door creaking open interrupted Yunyi’s thoughts. Li Shimin emerged from the house, attempting to drape the cloak over her shoulders, but she sidestepped, avoiding his touch. Her voice was icy. “Meixue is of lowly status—I dare not use Second Master’s cloak.”

In the darkness, Li Shimin’s expression was unreadable. He simply said, “It’s cold outside. Let’s go back in.”

Yunyi said sarcastically, “I’m afraid if I go back inside, Second Master might again suspect that Meixue intends to harm you. It’s better for me to stay out here.”

Li Shimin sighed. “After Shen Yunyi’s assassination attempt, the mansion was heavily guarded—so much so that not even a fly could escape. Yet she vanished without a trace, leaving no clues behind. It’s baffling. The only explanation I can think of is that she had help from someone inside the mansion.”

“So you suspected me? If that’s the case, why did you bother saving me from the dungeon? Wouldn’t it have been better to let me die there?”

“Until we catch Shen Yunyi, everyone is under suspicion—not just you.” Before Li Shimin could finish, Yunyi feigned anger and cut in, “But you’ve been wary of me at every turn, even pretending to sleep just now! I came with good intentions, but…” Her voice choked up as she continued, “I fear… even coming to this mountain to paint the snow lotus was likely just an excuse. You were using it to test me, weren’t you?”

Li Shimin, of course, wouldn’t reveal the truth. “You’re overthinking things. Bringing you here was genuinely to paint the snow lotus for Wugou. As for earlier, I truly was asleep. However, having spent years accompanying my father on campaigns, I’ve grown accustomed to staying alert at all times. The slightest movement wakes me.”

Yunyi lowered her head, silent for a moment before replying bitterly, “I… I already told you, I was deceived by Shen Yunyi. I know nothing about her affairs. Why won’t you believe me? Is it true that until you catch Yunyi, my suspicions will never be cleared?”

“I’m sorry for what happened earlier. I promise you—I’ll stop doubting you from now on. Can we leave it at that?”

Yunyi looked at him skeptically. “Really?”

“A gentleman’s word is as binding as four galloping horses!” As he spoke, a large clump of snow accumulated on a tree branch was blown toward them by the wind. After enduring the gust, they found their hair, eyebrows, and even eyelashes dusted with snow, as if they’d just emerged from a snowdrift—it was utterly comical.

Neither knew who started laughing first, but soon both were laughing heartily. For the first time in nearly a year, the abandoned village echoed with unrestrained laughter.

When the laughter subsided, Li Shimin brushed the snow off Yunyi’s shoulders. In the dim firelight from the house, he asked, “Are you still angry?”

Yunyi turned her face away. “Does Second Master really care whether a lowly dancer like me is upset?”

“You painted the blooming snow lotus for me, and we’ve shared so many experiences. I already consider you a friend, so naturally, I care.” With that, he bowed solemnly to her. “Please forgive me for what happened earlier, Miss Meixue. I assure you—it won’t happen again!”

After waiting a moment and hearing no response from Yunyi, he pressed, “Well? Can you forgive me?”

Seeing that the timing was right, Yunyi replied, “With Second Master saying all this, how dare I hold a grudge? Just remember your words from earlier—I truly know nothing about Yunyi’s affairs.”

“I understand. It won’t happen again!” With that, Yunyi followed him back into the house. The night passed uneventfully, and by morning, the snow had stopped, leaving over an inch of fresh powder on the ground.

The two rode Qingyun back to the mansion. Upon entering, Lin, the steward, hurried over, visibly anxious. “Second Master, where have you been? You didn’t return last night, and both Lady Wan and Eldest Master are beside themselves with worry. They didn’t dare tell Lord Li Yuan, fearing it would worsen his condition. If you hadn’t returned soon, they were going to send people to look for you.”

“I’m fine. Yesterday, the snowstorm blocked our path, so we couldn’t make it back to the city and stayed outside for the night.” He then added, “Send someone to fetch Doctor Xu.”

Lin’s momentarily eased anxiety resurfaced at these words. Eyeing Li Shimin carefully, he asked, “Second Master, are you injured?”