Xue Qian didn’t like the idea of hanging on a tree branch at such a height but he had little choice when he’s immobilized and if he wants to live. He wondered when Wuxin would move or say something, a signal that he could possibly regain his physical freedom.
Time passed by most torturously and Xue Qian was starting to lose consciousness when the familiar fingers of Wuxin grabbed him by the collar again. He would have yelled in surprise had he not been immobilized.
Wuxin travelled down the same way she did upwards. Once they hit the ground, she tapped at Xue Qian’s pressure points, releasing him from his physical prison. Relieved at his freedom, Xue Qian lets out a loud gasp and slumped uncontrollably to the ground.
Wuxin chuckled in mirth.
“Poor you. You can’t return to Xiwu, and most certainly can’t go anywhere where Xiwu has a foothold in. The only way you can survive is to live in obscurity, for the rest of your life. Now, do you have any idea where you’d like to settle down? I will escort you there.”
*****
Changsha, Kingdom of Nanxi, following post 157
Nangong Xu had only walked out of the Great Hall when he was alerted to hurried footsteps coming towards him. He turned and smiled - a young woman was running toward him.
“My Lady! You must not run like this!” A maid counselled breathlessly as she tried hard to keep up with her mistress but was ignored.
“Brother!”
“Why… your father’s just done nagging at me. Is it your turn now?” Nangong Xu teased while pretending to stifle a yawn.
“Since when have I nagged at you??” The young woman sulked at Nangong Xu’s accusation. She was none other than Ruan Qianyu (阮纤雨), the only daughter of Chancellor Ruan Xichou and Nangong Xu’s cousin. As they were the only children of their respective houses, they grew up together as close companions. The Queen Dowager sees Qianyu as her own child and she had adopted the affectionate term of “Brother” for Nangong Xu in return.
“I only came here to inform you something important! But if you don’t want to hear me, it’s fine! It’s really fine!” Qianyu turned away pouting.
“Oh. I’m sorry. What is this big secret? Please do tell me.” Nangong Xu played along.
Qianyu smiled in satisfaction. She looked around to make sure no one’s around before she leaned in to whisper into Nangong Xu’s ear.
“That injured man we fished out of the river outside the palace sometime ago… he’s awake!"