Chapter 30: Life and Death Vows

ther. He smiled as he spoke, "If I'm not mistaken, this is your first visit to the Heavenly Saint capital city, isn't it""Your Majesty, you are correct. This is indeed my first time in the Heavenly Sa...Chapter Thirty: A Lifelong Commitment to Life and Death

Rong Jing paused, not looking at Yun Qianyue, and shook off her hand.

Yun Qianyue tightly held onto his hand, seemingly using great force to keep it still in hers.

Rong Jing seemed intent on breaking free from Yun Qianyue. His palm emitted internal energy, like a cluster of light, pushing her hand outward.

Yun Qianyue tightly pursed her lips and also exerted her internal energy. Her fingertips turned a faint green color, as if the greenery on a stone could be split to create jade or crumble into dust under just one more push of force.

Rong Jing suddenly withdrew his internal energy and stood still, letting Yun Qianyue hold onto him without looking at her.

Yun Qianyue's entire body seemed to relax at this moment. She sat rigidly with her head tilted up, staring at Rong Jing. He only gave her a profile view; even just the contour of his side would let her know what his expression was like by merely closing her eyes—definitely dark and obscure, difficult to express, desolate, reflecting an inner self stabbed countless times, bleeding profusely. Should she say sorry Who should she apologize to Was it Little Seven, herself, or him Rong Jing had the right to be angry with her, didn't he From start to finish, she was the one who couldn't let go. Even at their most passionate moments, there was still a locked door in their hearts, temporarily forgetting and thinking nothing ever happened when it fact, it lingered in that corner; once any connection to past events appeared, she would recall those times deeply etched into her bones, reminding her of the person who had been sent away and never returned...

She didn't even want to look at herself in a mirror under these circumstances, let alone how could Rong Jing bear to see

Suddenly, Yun Qianyue closed her eyes, dejectedly letting go of his hand, her voice incredibly low with a sense of self-abandonment and despair, "You can leave."

Rong Jing suddenly turned around and looked at Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue leaned softly against the backrest, eyes closed. Her long eyelashes covered her gaze but couldn't hide the dark shadows beneath them. She thought that if a sword were to pierce through her heart now, it might be easier than enduring this situation.

Rong Jing gazed at her; she was slender, her waist almost non-existent in width. Her small hands were originally fair but had turned slightly greenish now, with light blue nails that contrasted sharply against the bright red favored by women of their world. Her nails always remained translucent like mist—like herself. Despite thinking he understood everything about her over the years, he felt it was merely scratching the surface of a mountain range. Her thoughts, knowledge, character, beliefs, perseverance, kindness, or preferences, and all the deeper aspects she kept concealed from him. Between them, it wasn't their identities or statuses as the Cloud Princess and Marquis that created distance but an unattainable mountain range.

He believed himself to be full of talent, with extraordinary natural abilities, able to control everything in this world, yet there was her. He couldn't control nor reach her; even holding her felt distant. His heart also sank into despair.

The two stood and sat quietly, one looking at the other who had their eyes closed. The room was silent.

After a long time, Rong Jing suddenly placed his hands on both sides of the chair back, encircling Yun Qianyue's shoulders, and leaned in to kiss her lips.

The suddenness caught them off guard.

Yun Qianyue's eyelashes trembled slightly, seemingly wanting to open her eyes but closing them again after a slight twitch. She remained still as Rong Jing's elegant aura enveloped her.

Rong Jing kissed heavily, almost drowning Yun Qianyue; the taste was familiar despite countless intimate moments before. It felt like being addicted to poison, tasting it repeatedly without tiring of its sweetness even if death awaited.

Yun Qianyue sensed a clinging intensity as though heaven and earth crumbled, mountains shook, seas dried up, buildings collapsed, life vanished; he still wouldn't let go. She felt suffocation and her consciousness scattering but strongly sensed his presence, always locking onto hers, making her feel she was bound whether in life or death.

She experienced an unprecedented feeling that left a deep impact on her heart.

This was a most unusual kiss!

No tenderness nor ferocity; only clinging intensity. No soul-stealing, yet bone-eroding.

Yun Qianyue felt her consciousness drifting far away and experienced the sensation of death.

Rong Jing released her then, looking at her lying weakly on the chair, once vibrant now small and frail. Her features remained exquisite but her entire body exuded weakness as if a leaf in the wind that could be blown away or fall to dust. His heart suddenly hurt; he tightened his grip around her shoulders, softly calling out, "Yun Qianyue!"

His voice was hoarse as though it contained sand.

Yun Qianyue didn't move, seemingly deaf to him.

He suddenly shook her shoulders hard, his tone heavy and urgent, "Yun Qianyue!"

Yun Qianyue's body swayed back and forth a couple of times. Her long eyelashes fluttered slightly, parting into a slit under the eyelid, gradually opening her eyes. A layer of misty haze covered them as she looked at the person in front of her with a sense of bewilderment.

He was always elegant like poetry or painting, but his elegance此刻有一絲急迫和焦灼以及沉痛。would be translated directly within context as "but his usual poise and grace were tinged with urgency and anxiety, along with profound pain." However, to maintain the original structure:

He was always elegant like poetry or painting. But at this moment, there was a hint of urgency and anxiousness in his elegance.

"Yun Qianyue, who am I" Rong Jing stared deeply into Yun Qianyue's eyes, hoping to see himself reflected within them; however, he could only see dense fog. His voice suddenly softened.

"Rong Jing!" Yun Qianyue spoke two words dryly.

"Are you sure" Rong Jing continued staring into her eyes.

"I'm certain," Yun Qianyue nodded.

"Very certain Not someone else" Rong Jing asked again.

"No!" Yun Qianyue shook her head.

Rong Jing seemed to see the fog slowly dissipate from her eyes, initially revealing a small patch of clear sky where he saw his reflection. Gradually, that small patch expanded until all the fog was gone and what remained was his entire face reflected in her eyes with astonishing clarity. He tightened his grip on her shoulder again as he stared into her eyes intently, saying each word carefully: "To search high and low."

Yun Qianyue gazed at him blankly.

"I will never let go of you this lifetime! Not even if he's alive. You must remember and keep it in mind—best to engrave it firmly, or else I'll do anything necessary—even if the sky crumbles, even if I kill him, even if I make him a dead man eternally trapped in your memory." Rong Jing continued.

Yun Qianyue's body trembled slightly.

Rong Jing suddenly released her and stood up straight. He smoothed out the creases of his moon-white brocade robe, then without looking back at her once more, took a step to leave the room with his usual light and graceful gait, leaving behind an image aloof as ever.

Yun Qianyue's body quivered softly; even her fingertips and every single hair seemed to tremble heavily. After some time, she murmured quietly: "To search high and low..."

What was the rest of it

Was it about living and dying for each other

Rong Jing had made it clear to her that no matter what, he would never give up on her. Even when she herself wanted to abandon all hope, Rong Jing still did not.

Suddenly, she closed her eyes again. The initial sense of helplessness and despair seemed slightly alleviated.

The room was quiet as a breeze blew in through the open window, bringing with it the faint scent of orchid. The tassels on the pearl curtains swayed gently, occasionally colliding softly against each other. Her loosely tied hair was blown apart by the wind, her black silk flying and casting shadows across her face.

Her heart quieted down.

At this moment, a pair of familiar footsteps approached lightly. Soon they reached the door, where someone paused to peer through the pearl curtains before quietly stepping inside and stopping beside Yun Qianyue, softly asking: "Miss"

"Mm," Yun Qianyue responded.

“The young man named Luo Yu is currently being watched over by me and Yixue. Should we bring him here for questioning or something I can fetch him now." Ling Lian asked softly. Although she and Yixue had only been with the young miss for a short time, they were beginning to understand her well enough to know that when she gave them instructions like this, it was because there was an important matter needing to be addressed concerning the young man.

"There's nothing I need to ask. No need to bring him here!" Yun Qianyue spoke without opening her eyes, lazily waving a hand away: "Take him to the Honor王府 and give him to Rong Jing."

“Yes!” Ling Lian replied.

Yun Qianyue did not say anything further. Perhaps she had thought about probing into it when she learned that it was a chemical reaction, but once her gaze met Jiong Rong’s warm eyes and heard his soft voice asking her what a chemical reaction was, the idea was dismissed from her mind. Since she could not touch it, then she would refrain from doing so!

“Young Miss, are you tired Go to bed and rest! The sky outside has turned overcast, with clouds gathering in the sky. I think there will be rain soon. Anyway, we can do nothing about today’s weather, so why don’t you sleep for a while” Ling Lian was about to leave when she noticed Yun Qianyue looking pale. Her lips were slightly swollen and her clothes disheveled; she looked weak like a delicate green leaf. As Ling Lian was quite smart, she naturally knew what had happened between the young miss and Jiong Rong in their absence, but instead of asking about it, she kindly said these words.

“Hn!” Yun Qianyue nodded and stood up. Perhaps because she had been sitting for too long, she almost fell to the ground when she tried to stand up.

Ling Lian immediately reached out her hand to support Yun Qianyue while asking worriedly, “Young Miss, are you okay Do I need to call a physician”

“No need! I’m just feeling a little tired.” Yun Qianyue shook her head and tried to take a step forward, but found her feet stiff and powerless. She whispered softly to Ling Lian, “Help me get into bed.”

Ling Lian responded with a yes and supported Yun Qianyue as she walked towards the bed. Upon reaching it, she helped Yun Qianyue sit on the edge of the bed before squatting down to take off her shoes. She then laid Yun Qianyue back onto the bed and covered her up.

Yun Qianyue closed her eyes and said tiredly, “You can go now.”

“I’ll stay here with you and let Yixue return to Prince Yong’s residence alone” Ling Lian saw Yun Qianyue in such a state and was not at ease. She stood by the bed without moving, looking worriedly at her. Since she had been serving the young miss for so long, this was the first time she had ever seen her like this, which made her heart ache.

“No need! I’m fine. It’s enough if I lie down and rest a bit.” Yun Qianyue waved her hand.

Ling Lian saw that Yun Qianyue was insistent on leaving, so she did not defy her wishes but nodded instead, tucking the blankets around Yun Qianyue before turning to leave. As she walked out of the room, she remembered the window had not been closed and went back to close it, pulling down the curtains before leaving. The door behind her was shut from outside, blocking any incoming wind.

The room was quiet but inside Yun Qianyue’s mind was anything but peaceful. She couldn’t understand why her heart felt calm while her brain was in turmoil. Was the human brain and heart separate entities Could what one thought with their brain differ from what they felt in their heart, or vice versa Memories that had long been forgotten came flooding back to her—the laughter, the playfulness, the camaraderie, the near-death experiences… all replaying like a movie.

Fifteen years’ worth of memories remained vividly clear as yesterday. She could even recall the appearance and mannerisms of Little Seven, including his upright figure. How could she forget

At some point, her brain became entangled in chaos. It seemed that she was sleeping but wasn’t entirely sure.

She didn’t know how long it had been when she heard someone speaking beside her and another calling out anxiously to her while shaking her awake. She felt extremely exhausted and used a lot of energy just to open her eyes. Before her stood Ling Lian and Yixue, both looking anxious as they gazed at her.

“Young Miss, you’re awake You have a fever; shall I fetch the physician for you” Ling Lian said anxiously upon seeing Yun Qianyue awake.

“Yes, yes. Yixue and I will find a physician. Your temperature is indeed high. Our medical knowledge isn’t extensive, so we don’t dare prescribe medicine without knowing its effects.” Yixue added quickly too.

Yun Qianyue kept her eyes open for a while but found them heavy with tiredness; she closed them and responded drowsily.

Ling Lian seemed to leave after asking Yixue to stay behind and look after Yun Qianyue, hurrying out of the room herself.

Yun Qianyue wondered how long it had been since she last had a fever and why she suddenly did now. She only felt extremely tired, wanting to sleep but unable to fall asleep properly due to her head feeling heavy, without any sensation of being hot or cold.

She didn’t know for how long when someone came in again to take her pulse; she sensed a cool hand placing itself on her wrist. This touch seemed familiar. She felt herself shiver slightly at the chill before the hand was withdrawn and she fell back into sleep.

After an unknown amount of time, it felt like someone had lifted her up and gently patted her, their movements tender and their aura as pure as snow, which made her somewhat清醒，再次睜開眼睛時看到的人五官有些模糊。她輕聲詢問，“容楓？”

“嗯！” 容楓應了一聲，語氣柔和，“你胸中鬱結，又不小心染了涼氣，發起了急熱！有些重，我開了藥方，喝了藥會好一些。”

“嗯！” 雲淺月迷迷糊糊應了一聲，費力地睜著眼睛，想要看清容楓的模樣，但眼前彷彿蒙了一層昏暗的膜，於是她放棄了看。

容景從淩蓮手裡接過藥碗，放在雲淺月唇邊，輕聲道：“張嘴！”

雲淺月配合地張開了嘴。

容楓控製著力道，將藥水輕輕灌入雲淺月口中。雲淺月喝得很慢，他也很有耐心，直到一碗藥喝完，他把空碗遞給淩蓮，拿出絹帕給她擦拭嘴角。見她閉上嘴巴，又將水杯遞到她的唇邊，語氣溫柔，“來，再喝些水。”

"I won't drink anymore." Yun Qianyue shook her head, too weak to speak. She felt like a ball of cotton, soft and limp.

"Your mouth will taste bitter," Rong Feng said.

If only it was truly bitter! I clearly know this medicine must be very bitter, but why can't I taste the bitterness Yun Qianyue shook her head again, trying to force a smile, yet unable to do so.

Rong Jing was stunned and looked at Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue no longer spoke and seemed unconscious, about to fall asleep.

"Since that's the case, let’s not have her drink it then!" Rong Feng handed the cup of water to Ling Lian.

Ling Lian took the cup with a heartache, wondering what had happened between Lord Shizi and Miss How could they become like this Before returning to Qianyue Pavilion today, weren’t things fine

Rong Feng gently placed Yun Qianyue back down onto her bed, observed her for a moment, then stood up.

"Prince Rong Feng, please stay here a bit longer. I’m worried Miss might be in serious condition. Those imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau don’t make me feel reassured," Ling Lian said hurriedly as she saw Rong Feng about to leave. Being someone from Crimson Pavilion, she naturally knew her mistress's relationship with Prince Rong Feng; hence, she did not seek out an imperial physician but brought him instead.

"I’m not leaving. I’ll write another prescription and brew a new concoction for her. She probably hasn’t had a fever in years. This one came on too suddenly. A single dose might not suffice," Rong Feng explained.

Ling Lian nodded.

Rong Feng walked to the table, picked up a brush and wrote a character before pausing again. He then told Ling Lian, "You should visit Prince Rong's residence for once! Lord Shizi likely hasn’t been informed about her having a fever yet. If he arrives, his medical skills are better than mine; it would help her recover faster."

"This...," Ling Lian glanced at the bed and hesitated.

“What’s wrong” Rong Feng asked.

Lord Shizi must already know! If he wanted to come, he would have arrived when you did. Since he hasn’t shown up now, it means he doesn’t care about Miss. I’m afraid going to Prince Rong's residence will be in vain; let’s just stick with your prescription,” Ling Lian softly said. During her time by Yun Qianyue’s side, she had keenly discovered that there was a skilled individual secretly present at Qianyue Pavilion. That person’s aura was extremely covert, and she didn’t know where they hid. However, she felt certain the individual must be under Lord Shizi's command. In this case, Lord Shizi surely learned of Miss's fever early on; his absence now suggested he wouldn't come. Plus, when Miss went to Sky Piercing Cliff last time, Third Young Master was kidnapped midway and disguised; Qianyue Pavilion’s matters would not have been concealed from Lord Shizi.

Rong Feng nodded without speaking, seemingly agreeing with Ling Lian's reasoning as he began writing the prescription.

Ling Lian waited by his side. Soon after Rong Feng finished writing the prescription, she quickly took it and left.

Setting down his brush, Rong Feng turned to look at the bed where she seemed very restless in her sleep. Her eyebrows were knitted tightly with a dark complexion indicative of inner turmoil. He stroked her hand gently, seeing that her nails had already sunk into her flesh from clenching it so hard. The warmth and coolness in his voice brought comfort and relief as he said softly, "Sleep well, don't think about anything else. I'll stay with you, have a good rest."

His voice was low and soft like falling snow on plum blossoms, carrying a faint frostiness that banished the heat without chilling her.

The dark cloud on Yun Qianyue's forehead eased slightly as her fingers moved.

Rong Jing sat by her side, holding both of Yun Qianyue’s hands. He slowly straightened out each of her curled fingers with his cool fingertips, gently caressing the bruises left behind.

Yun Qianyue's breathing gradually became smooth and steady; her frown eased, and her pallor faded.

"Even if one is as tough and resilient as you are, still, a woman has too much to bear. How can Lord Shizi remain indifferent while seeing you suffer like this" Rong Feng sighed softly, his voice barely audible in the quiet room yet echoing within it.

It seemed to have been some time later when Ling Lian reappeared with another bowl of medicine. She was momentarily stunned by the tender gaze Rong Feng cast at Yun Qianyue, a look quite unlike his usual demeanor as the Prince of Wenbo Marquisate and rising star in court affairs, solemnly distant like fresh snow. This expression was one for an adored woman. Yet it differed from Lord Shizi’s, pure without any impurities or desires. Ling Lian involuntarily paused, feeling reluctant to disturb him.

Rong Feng noticed her footsteps and immediately composed himself as he turned back to her with a gentle tone: "Bring the medicine over."

"But Miss is already asleep! Shouldn’t we let her sleep some more What about warming up this medicine" Ling Lian tentatively asked.

"Once it gets warm again, the medicine won't be effective! Bring it over!" Rong Feng said.

Ling Lian nodded and carried the bowl of medicine to the bedside. She saw that Rong Feng had loosened Yun Qianyue's hand and was holding her sleeping body in his arms, his movements natural without any intention or tension, nor any lecherous thoughts. It made her不禁佩服，何等的感情才能做到容楓世子這般？包括景世子、染小王爺、七皇子怕是都不能吧？admire how much love it took to be like Young Lord Rong Feng. Even the Prince of Jing and Little Duke Ran, as well as the Seventh Crown Prince, couldn't do so.

Rong Feng accepted the bowl of medicine from Ling Lian's hand and placed it at Yun Qianyue's lips, whispering softly to her, "Qianyue, drink your medicine first. After you've drunk it, you can sleep again. You'll recover faster."

Yun Qianyue stirred slightly as if she was sleeping very deeply.

Rong Feng patted her gently with the hand that was embracing her, speaking softly, "Drink your medicine!"

Yun Qianyue was woken by the patting. With her eyes closed and not opening them, she obediently opened her mouth.

Rong Feng continued to feed the medicine into her mouth as before, his movements gentle.

About half of the bowl of medicine had been drunk when Yun Qianyue suddenly closed her lips, frowning. "No more! It's too bitter!"

Prince Rong heaved a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Knowing it's bitter means you're regaining your senses! Drink it all! Once you finish, I'll give you water to drink and then one candied fruit."

"I want to eat plum!" Yun Qianyue mumbled with her eyes closed.

"Alright, I'll get you a plum!" Rong Feng replied promptly.

Yun Qianyue opened her mouth and continued drinking the remaining half bowl of medicine while frowning. Hearing that Miss wanted to eat plums, Ling Lian ran out like a gust of wind.

Not long after, Yun Qianyue finished drinking the rest of the half bowl of medicine. She stuck out her tongue and came to her senses, complaining, "Rong Feng, what kind of medicine did you give me It's too bitter!"

"I added a dose of bitter gourd. Since you said there was no taste in your mouth, not bitter, I let you taste bitterness," Rong Feng explained.

"You deliberately did it! It’s too bitter!" Yun Qianyue thought that besides the bitter gourd, there must be gentiana scabra as well, which is also very bitter when used medicinally.

"Bitter gourd and gentiana scabra both have heat-clearing effects. The effect is good," Rong Feng said with a smile.

Yun Qianyue tacitly agreed. She was already too weak to speak, so she closed her mouth without saying anything further.

Ling Lian returned holding a jar and handed it to Yun Qianyue, happily exclaiming, "Miss, I brought you plums. Wanting something to eat means half of the recovery is done! This afternoon scared me to death."

"Has it already been half an afternoon" Yun Qianyue opened her eyes, still somewhat blurry in vision. Looking out of the window, she saw the sky was gloomy and frowned as she asked, "Did the banquet at our residence end"

"It ended a while ago!" Ling Lian replied.

"Hmm!" Yun Qianyue nodded her head. She thought that it should rain soon.

Ling Lian picked up a plum and handed it to Yun Qianyue, who opened her mouth to eat one. The bitterness in her mouth was immediately halved, but so were her teeth due to the sourness. When Ling Lian tried to hand her another one, she shook her head.

Ling Lian left with the jar and took away Rong Feng's empty bowl at the same time.

"You've kept me company for half an afternoon, you must be tired I'm fine now. You can go back to your residence," Yun Qianyue smiled at Rong Feng.

"You just drank medicine; these two doses are potent. I fear your body won't withstand it, even though you've gotten better some, there's a possibility of recurrence. So I'll stay here with you! Anyway, on such weather days, there isn't much to do," Rong Feng said.

Yun Qianyue nodded her head and didn't insist any further. With Rong Feng, she needn't be polite; she was always relaxed around him. She asked, "How did you know I had a fever Did Ling Lian find you

Rong Feng laid Yun Qianyue down on the bed gently. His tone was soft as he said, "Ye Qingran invited me to practice martial arts, but halfway through, the elderly king of Duke Dede王府派人喊他回去。我想起今天是雲王府大喜的日子，我若不告而彆回府不太好，便又來了雲王府。走到門口時正遇上你的婢女，她說你發熱生病了，似乎很嚴重，我就跟著過來了。”

"嗯！" Yun Qianyue nodded.

"You should sleep. I’ll stay with you." Rong Feng covered her with a quilt.

"I feel uncomfortable sleeping and don’t want to anymore. My mind is foggy. Can you tell me stories Or read books to me" Yun Qianyue thought that if someone could talk to her, she would feel much better. She didn't understand when she became so fragile. Perhaps it was from the death of Seventh Brother and her own demise in a past life, then being reborn into this world where her mother’s death and brother leaving had already pushed her to the brink of despair. Now that the final straw has broken, she fell ill suddenly.

"Alright! Then I’ll read books to you!" Rong Feng said.

Yun Qianyue nodded.

Rong Feng stood up and walked over to a bookshelf to find a collection of folktales. He began reading the first page to Yun Qianyue. His voice was light, pure like fresh snow, though without much emotion it sounded very soothing.

Yun Qianyue closed her eyes and listened peacefully, gradually relaxing as she chuckled at amusing parts.

A short while later, large raindrops began to fall outside with a loud pattering sound, hitting the window, ground tiles, roof tops, making sharp sounds. Soon, it turned into heavy rain, splashing heavily like someone was pouring water from above. It felt as if the heavens had opened and released its waters, which flowed down to earth. Yun Qianyue looked out of the window with a stunned expression.

"Do you want me to continue reading" Rong Feng asked.

“Let’s take a break,” Yun Qianyue shook her head.

Rong Feng nodded and set down the book. Suddenly, in the dim room, there was a flash of light followed by a loud thunderclap that seemed to hit directly above them, causing even the house to tremble slightly.

Yun Qianyue frowned and pulled herself closer under the quilt.

"Moon兒，你怕打雷嗎？" 容景敏銳地察覺到了雲淺月細微的顫抖。

“小時候很怕，後來就不怕了。現在這樣的大雷讓我想起了過去的事情，不過那件事情更可怕一些。” Yun Qianyue shook her head at him.

Rong Feng nodded and did not continue asking.

The two of them remained silent, looking out the window where it seemed heaven and earth were connected by a line of rain. The world was still under the heavy downpour.

After some time, Yun Qianyue said, "The Heavenly Saint Realm has been suffering from drought for quite a while; this torrential rain is finally being put to use. Unfortunately, it’s raining too heavily and I fear there will be negative consequences. Many farmlands and houses are affected, with those poor people living in thatched cottages probably worse off. I hope the rain stops soon!"

Yun Qianyue finished speaking; Rong Feng remained silent but his brows furrowed with concern.

"Yun Qianyue, you show compassion to the common people and have a kind heart. Why don’t you extend that compassion towards me" A low voice suddenly sounded from outside the door, followed by someone pushing open the door revealing a figure in silvery-white clothing.

—— Interlude ——

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