Jiang Ning and Liu Ming'an decided to pay a visit to Jun Yue Restaurant.
One was heading to Qushui City, while the other was entering the Royal Academy. They felt it necessary to inform Zhou Yi of their plans.
Upon arriving at Jun Yue Restaurant, the same enthusiastic waiter greeted them: "Young Master Liu, are you here to see the young boss? Please wait, I'll call him right away!"
After a short wait, Zhou Yi came running down from upstairs. He greeted them with a cheerful smile and, as usual, led them to a private room upstairs to talk.
"Brother Zhou, I've come to bid you farewell," Jiang Ning said after taking a seat.
"What?" Zhou Yi, who was pouring tea, startled at the news, spilling some water. "Where are you going? Aren't you supposed to take the exams?"
"Not both of us, just me. I'm going to Qushui City. I have some personal matters to attend to," Jiang Ning said, reluctant to discuss Lan Xu's situation.
Zhou Yi nodded, understanding the term "personal matters" meant he shouldn't pry further. Instead, he asked with concern, "Sister-in-law, are you going alone? What about Brother Liu?"
Hearing the question, Liu Ming'an replied, "Brother Zhou, I'm going to study at the Royal Academy. I won't be staying at the house on Late Winter Road as often. I came to tell you personally to avoid any confusion if you come looking for me later."
Zhou Yi's first thought was that he'd lost his fishing companion. Then another concern struck him: "Sister-in-law, are you sure you'll be alright traveling such a long distance alone? Should I help you rent a carriage? Maybe hire a couple of guards?"
Jiang Ning shook her head, smiling as she replied, "Brother Zhou, thank you for your kindness, but don't worry. Everything's been arranged. I'll take good care of myself."
Seeing that Zhou Yi was about to say more, Liu Ming'an interjected, "Brother Zhou, there's no need to worry. Ah Ning knows what she's doing."
"Alright, if you both insist. Sister-in-law, just be extra careful!" Zhou Yi knew they were both strong-willed individuals, so he didn't press further. Instead, he invited them to stay for dinner as a farewell gesture.
By the time Liu Ming'an and Jiang Ning returned to their small courtyard after dinner, night had fallen. A crescent moon hung in the inky sky.
After washing up, Liu Ming'an helped Jiang Ning pack her belongings and placed them on the table. He then smiled at her and said, "Ah Ning, now I really need to teach you how to do your hair."
"Alright, teach me the simplest style," Jiang Ning agreed.
Liu Ming'an led her to sit in front of the mirror, loosened her hair, and patiently explained and demonstrated the process step by step.
It was only then that Jiang Ning realized that styling her hair was actually quite simple. She had just grown accustomed to relying on Liu Ming'an's help.
"I've got it," Jiang Ning declared after trying it herself twice.
"Ah Ning is so clever!" Liu Ming'an praised sincerely, bending down to plant a kiss on her cheek.
The affectionate praise, the gentle kiss, the warm candlelight, and the loving gaze – at this moment, all these elements wove an inescapable net. Jiang Ning willingly became its captive, wrapping her arms around Liu Ming'an's neck and kissing him passionately.
A faint melancholy of impending separation flowed quietly between them. As their lips and tongues intertwined, certain emotions became impossible to suppress. Before they knew it, they had fallen onto the bed, most of their clothes already discarded.
"Ah Ning, you're still here beside me, but I've already started missing you."
"Then remember me well tonight..."
At that moment, the battle was in full swing, with one side about to retreat without a fight.
"Ah Ning, we can't. You have a long journey tomorrow. You should sleep early!" A husky voice rang out as desire was restrained by reason.
Jiang Ning opened her eyes in a daze, her passion already ignited. How could she heed such words?
Besides, even if they overindulged, wasn't there a sip of spirit spring water that could cure any physical discomfort?
Her jade arms held the retreating Liu Ming'an in place. The beauty, with seductive eyes and fragrant breath, uttered an ill-timed threat: "Liu Ming'an, if you dare stop now, you'll never get another chance in this lifetime!"
The retreating army, unable to withstand the verbal provocation from the other side, rallied its troops and charged forward.
The two armies clashed, one side fierce and determined, while the other was hesitant and restrained, making it difficult to fight to their hearts' content.
Jiang Ning employed her usual tactics, embracing the person above her, and boldly spoke without shame: "Liu Ming'an, just like last time..."
The invading army paused, uncertain and hesitant. Then came a seductive, soft whisper:
"Husband..."
"Husband~"
"Hus~band~"
In an instant, fighting spirit soared, unstoppable and fierce, forcing the defending army to retreat step by step, no longer able to put up a fight.
The defending army threw down their armor and weapons, regretting their provocation, but it was too late. The enemy's overwhelming fighting spirit had been roused and could not be quelled without a great slaughter.
As they conquered territory, there was no room for mercy or gentleness.
At a certain point, arrows rained down, and the defending army fled in panic, with nowhere to hide. They could only watch helplessly as they fell, powerless to resist.
This intense battle lasted until midnight before the troops were finally called back.
The bed curtains swayed gently, the scene full of passion and beauty.
Liu Ming'an looked at the exhausted Jiang Ning and sighed helplessly, "Ah Ning, you really... shouldn't have tempted me like that..."
Jiang Ning, though physically drained, was filled with joy. She mumbled softly, "But I wanted to!"
"Alright, sleep now..."
Outside, the stars and moon gradually sank towards the west, as day and night imperceptibly changed places.
The carriage Liu Ming'an had found was headed to Qushui City to buy medicinal herbs. The driver agreed to take a passenger along the way to earn some extra money, charging half a tael of silver for the two-day journey.
The carriage was set to depart early in the morning. Liu Ming'an, carrying the packed luggage, escorted Jiang Ning to the city gate where the carriage was waiting.
The drivers were a middle-aged couple, honest folk. When they heard that only one of the young couple was traveling, they immediately offered to refund half the fare.
Liu Ming'an stopped the man's hand as he was about to return the money, and instead asked politely, "Brother Li, Sister Li, please take good care of my wife along the way."
"Of course, of course! Don't worry, Young Master Liu!" Li Yuan, seeing that he couldn't persuade Liu Ming'an, had no choice but to keep the money and return to the carriage, waiting quietly with his wife for the young couple to say their goodbyes.
It should have been a moment of holding hands, gazing at each other, and expressing their deepest feelings before parting. But with people coming and going around them, Liu Ming'an and Jiang Ning exchanged a glance, both faces breaking into gentle smiles.
"Remember to eat properly, alright?" This was what Jiang Ning worried about most.
"I will," Liu Ming'an replied, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll be waiting for your return."
They had said everything else during last night's passionate moments. The couple shared one last smile, everything understood without words.
The carriage wheels rolled forward, kicking up a cloud of dust. Liu Ming'an stood in place, watching until the carriage grew smaller and smaller, becoming a tiny black dot in the distance before disappearing from view. Only then did he turn and walk back alone to the house on Late Winter Road.
