Chapter 132: A Hint of Sweetness
Lie Changan had never experienced such a gut-wrenching turmoil of emotions, yet whenever he was in the presence of this person, he found himself utterly helpless, as if he had become someone entirely unlike his usual self.
After a moment of contemplation, Lie Changan spoke with a solemn expression, "Princess, I apologize for the events of that day, but I assure you, I had no intention of showing any disrespect."
In truth, bringing up that night was bound to cause mutual embarrassment, but Lie Changan felt he had to clarify things. He did not want her to harbor any misunderstandings, nor did he want to leave any shadows in her heart that might tarnish her impression of him.
"I know."
Guli’s lovely face flushed slightly. She raised her glistening eyes, biting her lip in bashfulness, and replied, "It was I who was abrupt that day, rushing over to disturb you."
Upon hearing this, Lie Changan realized that she truly held no resentment, and he felt a weight lift from his heart. However, seeing her so charming and captivating, his nerves tightened once more. Fearing he might harbor improper thoughts, he hurriedly looked away, feeling flustered.
It was over; he was the one who had been poisoned now.
How was it that whenever he faced her, he lost all control over himself?
"Princess."
Jasmine’s voice came from outside the room, and she entered carrying a bundle.
Seeing the familiar bundle, Guli remembered that she had intended to prepare some things for him upon his return to the manor. In her haste, she had forgotten, but fortunately, Jasmine was always so attentive.
Guli took the bundle and handed it over, her voice soft. "I had the Bureau of Costumes make you a few new base layers a few days ago. I noticed you and the Crown Prince are of a similar build, so I had them made according to his measurements. Please, take them."
In reality, it was fortunate that his physique was nearly identical to the Crown Prince’s; otherwise, Guli would have struggled to find a reason to make such a request to the Bureau.
Lie Changan was slightly taken aback. His dark eyes fell upon the neatly folded men's garments inside the bundle, and a secret sweetness slowly washed over his heart.
He reached out to take them and nodded with a smile, "Thank you, Princess."
Seeing that he seemed pleased, Guli felt a sweet warmth in her heart, though she couldn't help but feel a bit shy. "I also tucked a few bottles of Jade Skin Balm inside. They are all meant to help fade the scars on your body. You’ve used them before and know they are effective, so please remember to apply them."
"I will."
Lie Changan felt another surge of warmth. He still smiled and nodded earnestly.
By now, Xiao Jizi had already arrived and was waiting outside.
Guli stopped dwelling on sentimentalities. Although she was reluctant to see him go, his recovery and return to the manor were, after all, a cause for joy—not to mention that they would see each other again.
Lie Changan gripped the bundle tightly, cast a deep, lingering look at her with his dark, starry eyes, and finally said, "I take my leave, Princess."
Guli bowed her head and nodded, though she did not look up at him.
Feeling a sense of loss, Lie Changan finally turned and walked out of the room.
The sounds outside gradually faded away, and the Yunyan Palace returned to its usual stillness. The room suddenly felt much emptier and quieter, and even the burning charcoal fire could not stop Guli from feeling a profound chill.
Guli raised her head and looked out at the shivering, wind-swept landscape. A single crystalline tear slowly rolled down from the corner of her eye.
He was gone.
He had truly left.
The room still seemed to hold traces of his presence, yet he had already departed.
Guli stood rooted to the spot for a long time.
She was so overcome with sadness that she failed to notice that along with Lie Changan, a sheet of rice paper had also vanished from the room—the very paper on which she had written a line:
"In Chang'an, there is Guli.
And Guli returns to Chang'an."