The weather has started to dim and the sun is almost unseen the whole day these past days. The children playing kites were also unable to play them because of the wind's unstable direction.
Even with a thick fur coat and warm clothes, Xiao Xi still feels cold, so he hastened his steps into his sister's courtyard. He is halfway into the roofed hallway when he saw a blue figure clad in a thick white furred hooded cape.
He wondered why there was a need for her to disguise, but if it were not for that, she might have received unnecessary attentions back in Gou town. She was already famous as Great Master Chen's apprentice, but if they saw her real face, surely, it can't be just concealed in some faraway town.
Chen Jing An's exquisite beautiful face is exposed under the cover of the fluffy hood. She didn't wear her disguise today as there was really no need to.
Her lips curved in a small smile. When she arrived in front of Xiao Xi, she silently give him the hand warmer from her hands.
The weather is getting colder these days, and Xiao Xi is still in his developing stage from being malnourished, so she has been monitoring his progress. Lately, he had more meat and grew a little taller, now he looks like a dashing young boy with a vibrant personality.
Nn, nn, such a good boy. (ﾉ>ω<)ﾉ
Today, they decided to go out and had fun at the commercial street. The friendly old lady Cong invited them to taste the hot pot served in her small restaurant. Hot pot in winter is just the best for Chen Jing An. Back in the earth, she always treat herself a hot pot when winter comes.
When they passed by another courtyard, there were servants busying themselves inside. Chen Jing An knows that this is an empty courtyard, so she curiously stopped her steps and watch them moving about here and there.
"Xiao Liu sister, is something going on today?" It is Xiao Xi who asked as he stands beside Chen Jing An.
Xiao Liu smiled a little before replying.
"Answering to young master Xi, today is the day of Elder Wei's disciple to arrive. These servants are assigned to do last minute preparations.
This time, it caught Chen Jing An's attention. She isn't curious as to who this disciple is, but she have an immediate respect towards him. He is afterall her father's Shi Di and is her Shi Ge since Elder Wei and her teacher are martial brothers under one master.
[A/N: Shi Di is little/younger martial brother and Shi Ge or Shi Xiong is big/older martial brother. Ge/Gege for females and Xiong for males (just like 'oppa' and 'hyung' in korean)]
With this, Chen Jing An finds it really funny 'cause that would mean that her father can be considered as her Shi Ge too.
And in this not so concerned attitude, Chen Jing An left the fu with Xiao Xi and Xiao Liu in tow.
She have just left when the servants suddenly had an uproar. It seems that the incoming guest, Elder Wei's disciple is a prince!
Although Elder Wei settled in Chen clan, he would always leave and return in an interval manner. And a decade ago, he accepted two young disciples and trained them when he was away. A few years ago, he brought them the first time in the Chen clan and was not seen in public since they usually stayed inside the residence or be at Elder Wei's courtyard to spar.
Who knows who started it, but the rumors eventually leaked out outside the main residence. The clan members were discussing which country's prince is Elder Wei's disciple.
The clan is located outside any country's domain where multiple maze like mountains is everywhere. But that didn't mean they were ignorant of the neighboring countries. What if one day a war might start near them? They need to be informed and alert of any possible threats.
Anyways, that wasn't the discussion's point, at least in women's gossips. The women were talking about who's dashing prince might this person be? Would it be that number 1 handsome prince in XianGong country? Or that manly knight prince from Verna Empire?
The discussions went in various ways that everyone suddenly got hyped and waited for this said prince to come today. This rumor have reached both Chen AoXian and Chen Yunian seperately.
Chen AoXian closed the book in his hand and glared at the gate's direction while, in his study room, Chen Yunian dismissed it casually and continued reading the reports.
Inside a restaurant located at the center of the commercial street of Chang Dong, Chen Jing An had a good lunch with Xiao Xi and Xiao Liu. They praised the happy old woman and got a free tea to help them digest.
They were about to leave when a group of young ladies entered the restaurant, they spotted Chen Jing An and immediately went to greet her.
"Young miss! We didn't expect meeting you here." A girl in pink clothes said, if Chen Jing An is not wrong she's called Wan Er.
"En. Did you come to eat hot pot too?" She asked them.
Ming Xia besides Wan Er nodded in return as she enthusiastically hugged Wan Er's right arm. "Yes, we are. Cong Lao Mu has been inviting us over to taste her great craft. It seems that young miss have already tasted it."
Chen Jing An nodded and told them some recommendations which the girls reciprocated. When Chen Jing An's group left, the girls watch her back and conversed.
"Young miss is so beautiful. Do you think the prince might take interest to her?" Wan Er said in ponder.
"It's not impossible. Young miss is already 18, marriage is not that far in the future."
"En. En." Thus the girls continued their conversation in the middle of enjoying Cong Lao Mu's hot pot.
It felt weird, Chen Jing An could tell that the clan members are currently gossiping among themselves. She wanted to ask what was the matter, but gave up when they finally arrived at the only clothing shop. Although she could have ordered the servants to sew new clothes, shopping personally is still the best option for her.
She not only wants to have new winter clothes, but to enjoy shopping. Fortunately for her, Chen Jing An's wallet won't be be flattened because her dear beloved big brother gave her money to spend.
She needs warmer clothes for her and Xiao Xi, although the household will handle it. It is different when she biys it herself.
She is in her own home... So her frugal self is telling her to just buy, buy and buy!! Therefore, Chen Jing An happily choose some ready made winter clothes. She also bought some for Xiao Liu since Winter Solstice is next week, and a small evening banquet will be held at the Jian He garden. They need to stay warm in such a cold night.
Honestly, she complained to Chen Yunian why he designated the banquet at such a place in the middle of winter, but what she got was a sarcastic "So you will enjoy a steamy dumpling and tangyuan for the whole night."
In the end, she could only kick him and run away.
Well, second brother isn't really bad and just love to tease her, so it might not be bad when the day comes.
As she thought of these, she have just realized that she entered a room with large bolts of fabric. She can hear Xiao Xi and the shopkeeper's voices from here so Chen Jing An took her time selecting a few of these beautiful and warm fabrics.
Suddenly, a warm hand grabbed her hand and turned her to meet with a hard chest. She immediately resisted, but the moment she looks up, her actions quickly halted.
"Li- umf~"
Her words were swallowed when the man who embraced her in his arms leaned over her face and kiss her sweet mouth.
Chen Jing An couldn't believe that this guy is here. Yes. This man who is kissing her now is Ling, the man she saved back in Mt. Liu...and also the man she almost had s-sex with.
⁄(⁄ ⁄>⁄﹏⁄<⁄ ⁄)⁄
"Nn~!?"
Zheng Jun Ling missed her so much that the moment he stepped inside Chang Dong, he quickly went to search for her. He saw her entering a clothing shop, so he stealthily went inside, unnoticed by anyone.
He previously wanted to go back after dealing with Lou Yan Hua, but he never thought that the impact of helping her caused him to do some aftermath.
He had to find ways to prove that he and Lou Yan Hua are not like what they say. Indeed, he was careless about their interactions causing the minister's to gain advantage from this and pressure him.
Zheng Jun Ling had to prove that he helped Lou Yan Hua merely as a concerned Prince while not exposing their actual business partnership. Lou Yan Hua had ask him not to reveal her business skills for the meantime, so he had to dig some dirt and make a reasonable reason.
His father, the emperor is aware but, to ensure the ministers and public, he had to do those things.
Ahh, I could have embraced her much more earlier.. he thought.
Chen Jing An resisted his advances at first, but eventually fell into the pleasure brought by his warm moist tongue and his heated body sticking onto her.
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A/N: I feel like I just revealed many things in the last few chapters, well, the plot needs to move after all. ╮(╯∀╰)╭
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SO, AS NOT TO WRECK THE CHAPTERS AHEAD, I DECIDED TO PUT THE SUPPOSED NEXT CHAPTER HERE. I WILL JUST ENTITLE IT AS .5 CHAPTER.
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CHAPTER 21.5
"Nn... no.."
No matter what, Chen Jing An couldn't let this bizarre man to actually let them do this in a public place. So, she slipped her hand towards his caressing ones and held it.
The man, with a gaze still drowned in desire, glance at her in question. When he saw her pleading eyes, he couldn't help but sigh. The only thing he could do is to drop kisses on her lovely face.
"Xiao An, did you miss me?"
His voice sounded so low that it sent shivers through her body.
How is it possible that they just met after a long separatiom and this affected her too much?
She look up to him and said "Let me go first..."
Or else, she will...(灬ㆁ﹏ㆁ灬)
"No. We didn't see each other for a while, I want to hold you."
"Wha—!"
Chen Jing An is too embarrassed to his smooth words. How come this guy have become bolder?
Even if they did haven't seen each other for a while, are they supposed to be this intimate?
Uwaahhh, Chen Jing An, calm down!!
She immediately held herself and let the foolishly smiling man to embrace her. With a pink cloud on her cheeks, she glance up at him from time to time.
"How, how are you here?"
This is Chang Dong. A secret place that only a selected people knew the way into. Even if they got lost, they would have entered the array and be arrested by the guards.
Rubbing her hair, Ling thought for a while before answering.
"I know someone from here. I came as a guest."
A guest? Is it for the Winter Solstice banquet?
If that's so, it is quite reasonable. However...
"Then how do you know I'm here?"
She looked suspiciously at him. She have been suspecting some things about his appearance at Mt. Liu.
"Well..."
As Ling pondered how to explain his side, a young voice suddenly interrupted the small tension.
"Jiejie?"
Hearing Xiao Xi's voice, Chen Jing An didn't hesitate to push the man away. The footsteps came nearer as she fixed herself and pretend nothing in particular happened. Ehem.
Xiao Xi was talking with the shopkeeper about his own preferences when they ended in a loop. He decided to ask his sister but discovered she isn't around.
"She may be in the next room?" The shopkeeper told him. He wanted to lead Xiao Xi but a new customer came in, so Xiao Xi was just pointed towards the direction.
"Jiejie? Are you here?"
He saw a large pile of beautiful bolts. There were tall shelves and he noticed a figure standing in the midst of it.
"I–I'm here."
Though confused why his jiejie look embarrassed, he thought no more of it. She might be cold, he thought. It is certainly getting colder these days. His sister's skin is so delicate that it turned pink due to the cold.
"I have chosen five designs, I don't know whether you would like it or not." The child said. His face shrouded in a youthful smile.
Chen Jing An didn't know when Ling disappeared. The moment Xiao Xi approached, she found herself alone. She didn't see where he went.
Again, he disappeared just like that. Just like how he appeared
Her lips unconsciously pouted and when she noticed it, she lightly slapped her own cheeks.
What are you thinking!
Suddenly, a light bulb lit in her mind. Touching her cheeks, Chen Jing An felt her tender skin.
Today, she seems to be not wearing her disguise... How...
A sharp glint flashee through her mind before it disappeared.
"Jiejie?"
Chen Jing An stared at her hand that touched her cheeks.
It seems things aren't that simple.
She retained her smile and turned to face the little kid.
"Ah, nothing. So, where is it?"
"Let me lead you there." Xiao Xi said.
Whatever. Since he is a guest in the upcoming banquet, she will meet him again.
No matter what. Chen Jing An didn't want to admit she is looking forward to it.
They finished their shopping and came home earlier than expected. She went out in high spirits but came back with a gloomy face.
"Jiejie, are you really fine?"
Xiao Xi have long noticed his sister's sudden change of mood. He is sure it was from that time he saw her alone at the clothing store. Did she perhaps experienced some bad memories there?
Then so, he should cheer his sister up!
Chen Jing An lovingly smiled at the child who grabbed her sleeves. His eyes is full of concern and a face crumpled in worries, but still, it didn't deter his very cute face.
She rubbed his head and doted.
"Nothing. It is really nothing. I just thought of some little problems about my medical practice. I thought of some idea but it disappeared before I could grasp it."
Her tone sounded natural and she looks in good mood again. Xiao Xi brightly smiled in success.
"Really? Then, is there anything I could help jiejie with?"
Chen Jing An pretended to ponder before laughing, "I'll be fine, I guess. I might think of a new idea and do that later. So Xiao Xi shouldn't worry."
Xiao Xi paused to observe her first before nodding.
"Then, jiejie should rest now. I will be going to Da Ge now."
"Alright, alright. Be careful on your way."
"Yes!"
The little kid run in hurry while Ch3n Jing An watched with a doting smile. Indeed, children are cute. Especially, Xiao Xi, hehehehe.
She had Xiao Liu send the bought cloths towards the sewing room and have the sewing mamas to make some new clothes for them.
In her room, Chen Jing An thought of a matter she need to address to.
And that is the matter about a prince coming into their Chang Dong.
She don't know which prince this is, but hopefully it isn't the third prince, the male lead himself. Nah, there's a lot of country around them, just hoping it isn't from the Long empire where the story is held.
Hm, it isn't that she really hate to meet those characters, but for safety, she better not to. She might have already change the life trajectory of the original Chen Jing An.
She might cause a drift in the fated path and caused Mr. Plot's ire which is better be avoided. AT ALL COST.
Sigh, just why did she transmigrated in this world? Is the sole purpose is to change anyone's life? Or... She don't know. She really have no idea.
Muddled, Chen Jing An all wanted to do is to sleep right now. The cold weather have been getting into her lately and it really makes her sleepy. Is she going to hibernate, maybe?
Before she could sleep, she had Xiao Liu serve her early dinner and took a bath. She wanted to peace her mind and rest early for the day.
Xiao Liu was about to put out the light when she remembered something.
"Young miss, earlier this noon, I saw first young master suddenly running out of the residence in a haste. He looked so aggressive that the servants he passed by could only watch him in fear." Xiao Liu remembers it too clerly that she felt shivers rising from her toes to head.
"Big brother did?"
Chen AoXian gave been getting quite agitated these days. From what she could pick from their conversations, it seems some guest he doesn't like is coming.
She deadpanned remembering how her second brother seems to be enjoying it though. She really couldn't believe how these two mature man are still quite childish.
A guest...
Ling ge is also here as a guest.
He knew it was her even though she didn't wear her disguise. Meaning, he knew of her... Is it because he had some relations to someone here in Chang Dong?
Sigh.. whatever. These kinds of matter always causes skin detoriation. Better not to think more... She will solve it when a problem comes.
For now, her bed is waiting for to sleep. So she happily divee in and peacefully closed her eyes.
Hm?
Wait. Why did it feel like someone just sat beside her?
Chen Jing An sleepily opened her eyes. What she saw immediately woke her drowsy state.
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A/N: SO, YEAH. THAT'S PRETTY MUCH IT. FOR THOSE WHO HAVE READ THE CHAPTER BEFORE, YOU MIGHT HAVE NOTICED THAT I CHANGED A LOT OF WHAT HAVE SUPPOSED TO HAPPENED. BUT IT'S BASICALLY ABOUT THE LEADS REUNION AND SOME ADDED MYSTERY.