A Night's Stay

High above the rugged peaks of the mountains, where the clouds seemed to dance in an unreachable expanse, Han Suyin moved with determined grace, her eyes scanning the rocky terrain for any sign of life. With each step, she gathered herbs and plants, her hands deftly plucking leaves and flowers with practiced precision.

As she piled the precious bounty around her arm, Suyin meticulously inspected each specimen, her keen senses alert to the subtle nuances of scent and texture. She knew that time was of the essence, that every herb she collected could mean the difference between life and death for Qin Fuhua.

Her thoughts raced as she worked, her mind consumed with questions and fears. Why had Qin Fuhua been poisoned? What unseen danger lurked in the shadows, threatening to snuff out his life before their very eyes? But amidst the chaos of her thoughts, one thing remained clear – she would find a way to save him, no matter the cost.

Lost in her task, Suyin's fingers brushed against the leaves of a nearby tree, their vibrant greenery beckoning to her with promises of healing and salvation. With a determined nod, she reached out to pluck them, her mind already racing with plans for their use.

But before she could gather them into her collection, a voice shattered the stillness of the air, causing her to startle in surprise.

Turning, she saw a figure approaching – tall and graceful, with long, flowing hair as white as freshly fallen snow.

"Don't eat that!" the figure exclaimed, his voice ringing out with authority as he hurried towards her.

Suyin froze, her heart pounding in her chest as she gazed up at the stranger before her. "That's dangerous to do. Do you not know what this is?" he asked, his gaze fixed upon the leaves she held in her hand.

Suyin's calm demeanor was the opposite of the frustration bubbling within her as she faced yet another man underestimating her knowledge and capabilities.

With a patient nod, she confirmed her understanding of the tree of Reiyi, her words dripping with a quiet confidence that seemed to unsettle the man before her. But his disbelief only fueled her determination, and when she spotted the analivegam flower in his hand, her curiosity was piqued.

This was the herb she needed – the key to saving Qin Fuhua from the possible poison coursing through his veins.

"Where did you get that?" Suyin promptly questioned the man. With a dazed look and stunned at Suyin's knowledge, he answered her without thinking. "It's an herb used for healing venom--" "Venom bites! How is it possible that you have it by your hand though?" With a sense of urgency, Suyin pressed the man for answers, her voice tinged with desperation as she pleaded for his assistance. She knew that this flower held the power to heal, its properties known far and wide for their efficacy against venomous bites.

Was this guy some sort of special herbal medicine guy or something? From where she was during the present days, the analivegam would only be found in India.

As the man faltered under her relentless questioning, his flustered response confirmed her suspicions – he had stumbled upon a precious treasure, one that could mean the difference between life and death for Qin Fuhua.

"Please let me have it. Just that one could save someone."

Flustered by Suyin's impulsive gesture, the man found himself at a loss for words, his expression a mixture of surprise and bemusement.

"Ah... no need to worry," he managed to articulate finally, his voice carrying a touch of warmth despite his slight confusion.

"You're welcome to take it if you require it." His eyes softened with understanding as he continued, "I may have acquired more than necessary due to the recent influx of foreigners in town. My intention was to cultivate some here, hoping they would flourish. But if you have use for them, please, take them."

Suyin, unable to accept something without reason, reciprocated by tendering all the herbs she had painstakingly gathered. Placing the money in his hand, she grasped his gently for a moment before swiftly departing.

Left standing there, the man wore a dazed expression as he watched Suyin's figure recede into the distance, swallowed by the expanse of the grassland and the embrace of the forest beyond.

A subdued smile graced his lips, tinged with fondness and perhaps a hint of amusement.

"It seems the Miss was in quite a hurry," he murmured to himself, shaking his head in quiet amusement. Turning on his heels, he made his way back towards town, the bundle of herbs and coins cradled in his palm.

-----------------

As Qin Fuhua stirred from his slumber, his gaze met the shadowed expanse of the cave ceiling, its darkness enveloping him in a shroud of uncertainty.

A potent mixture of odors assaulted his senses—oil mingling with the verdant aroma of grass—rousing him from his uneasy rest. Slowly, he raised his head, his thoughts hazy as he struggled to recall the events preceding his unconsciousness.

The memory of walking with Suyin to this secluded chamber flickered into focus before fading once more into obscurity.

Turning his attention to his surroundings, the familiarity of the cave's layout washed over him, offering a semblance of reassurance amidst the confusion.

Yet, it was the cold touch upon his left forearm that drew his focus—a gentle pressure, a tether to reality amidst the haze of uncertainty.

Suyin lay beside him, her hands resting lightly upon his arm, her form a calm presence in the dimly lit chamber.

His gaze trailed further, settling upon a bucket nearby, its contents a grisly testament to recent events—a bucket of watery blood and a solitary piece of fabric. Upon Qin Fuhua's shoulder rested a makeshift bandage fashioned from the fabric of Suyin's sleeves, his own attire neatly folded nearby.

A rush of manhood swept over him as he realized Suyin's form—her undergarment offering little protection against the chill of the cave's interior.

Frustration mingled with concern as Qin Fuhua grappled with the realization of her apparent disregard for her safety and self. Yet, even in his exasperation, a sense of duty compelled him to ensure her comfort and well-being.

Caught in a moment of vulnerability, Qin Fuhua found himself transfixed by the sight of her—the delicate curve of her features, the vulnerability etched upon her features. In that fleeting instant, amidst the stillness of the cave, time seemed to stand suspended, granting him a glimpse into the depths of his own emotions.

It was a realization that dawned upon him with startling clarity—that every encounter with Suyin had been more than mere coincidence; it had been a convergence of fate, binding their destinies together in ways he had yet to comprehend.

She embodied everything he aspired to be—bold, resilient, and unyielding in the face of adversity.

With a resolve of both exasperation and a begrudging sense of responsibility, Qin Fuhua tentatively reached out, seeking to shield Suyin from the chill of the cave with a cloak. Yet, as he relinquished his hold on her, she stirred from her slumber, her eyes fluttering open in sudden awareness. Her senses sharpened by instinctive caution as she scanned their surroundings, half-expecting some imminent threat.

Yet, the sight of Qin Fuhua meeting her gaze in silent contemplation dispelled her initial apprehension, leaving her momentarily disoriented.

Instinctively, Suyin sought to shield herself, arms crossing protectively over her chest but she ended up holding Qin Fuhua's arms.

"What... what are you trying to do?!" Her voice rang out, laced with a mixture of alarm and indignation as she scrambled to put distance between them.

Qin Fuhua's own discomfort mirrored hers, his cheeks tinged with a telltale flush as he averted his gaze, a palpable tension hanging in the air between them.

"You should be the one explaining that," he retorted, his tone edged with a hint of defensiveness as he rose hastily to his feet, tossing the cloak in her direction with a hurried motion.

As the cloak careened through the air, propelled by a gust of wind, it found its unexpected target in Suyin's face, catching her off guard.

With a startled groan, she reached out, but it slipped through her fingers. "H-Hey!" she protested, blinking rapidly as she recovered from the surprise.

With a mixture of annoyance and resignation, Suyin retrieved the cloak and draped it around her shoulders.

She cinched it tightly, ensuring it covered her properly as she hurried to catch up with Qin Fuhua.

"I had to use something to wrap it around you! All I had was my clothes," she muttered under her breath, her tone tinged with irritation.

"It was all to save you," she added with a pout, a hint of stubbornness in her demeanor. "I better be getting a large pay after all of this is done."

Following Qin Fuhua into another room, Suyin found herself surrounded by towering bookshelves, their contents obscured by layers of dust. Cobwebs clung to the corners, evidence of neglect over time. Her voice trailed off as she observed the quiet transformation that came over Qin Fuhua.

"How long have I been out?" His voice was barely more than a whisper, carrying a weight of vulnerability that caught Suyin's attention.

"About half a day," she responded, her gaze fixed on his back as concern etched lines on her face. "But you still need to rest! I won't let you go anywhere until you've had another day's rest. Your wound could reopen, or you could develop a fever," she insisted, her tone firm with determination.

"If that is so, only this time will do then," Qin Fuhua murmured, his voice carrying a hint of exhaustion as he settled back into the main room, sinking into a chair with a weary sigh.

Taking a seat beside him, Suyin pulled the cloak tighter around herself, a shield against the chill that seemed to seep into the room.

She avoided meeting Qin Fuhua's gaze, acutely aware of his observation.

Though she felt his eyes on her, she remained silent, unwilling to acknowledge the unease creeping into her thoughts.

How could she forget? Qin Fuhua was a man, with all the implications that entailed. Yet here she was, sitting beside him, wrapped in his cloak with nothing but her Dudou, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

With single-minded focus, Suyin busied herself with crushing herbs in a cloth, the rhythmic thud of the rock against the fabric a comforting distraction.

But as the night wore on, the cold settled deeper into her bones, a relentless reminder of her vulnerability. Unbeknownst to her, Qin Fuhua had been observing her, his concern growing with each shiver that racked her body.

The realization struck her belatedly—she hadn't considered her own well-being in her rush to care for him.

As Qin Fuhua rose from his seat and approached her, Suyin instinctively raised her hands in a gesture of surrender, her heart racing with apprehension.

"P-Please don't do anything," she stammered, her eyes tightly shut, bracing herself for rejection. After all, he was the Prince—someone of noble stature, far beyond her reach.

But instead of rejection, Qin Fuhua draped the cloak around them both, enfolding them in its warmth. With him seated behind her, Suyin could feel the heat of his body, and a flush spread across her cheeks, betraying her embarrassment.

"It's cold in here. Just stay here for a while," his whispered words sent a shiver down her spine, though whether from the cold or his proximity, she couldn't be certain.

Turning to face him, Suyin reached out to feel his forehead, her concern overriding her own discomfort.

"You're burning up," she murmured, her worry evident in her voice.

But before she could move, Qin Fuhua gently restrained her, wrapping his arms around her in a protective embrace. Trapped by circumstance, Suyin could do nothing but yield to his warmth, resigning herself to spending the night nestled against him.

---------------

Awakening to the gentle warmth enveloping her, Suyin lifted her head, blinking away the remnants of sleep to find Qin Fuhua still holding her in his embrace.

Startled, she instinctively pulled away, the sudden movement jolting him awake.

With bleary eyes, he peered up at her, his expression a mixture of confusion and weariness.

"You," Suyin muttered, a pang of guilt tugging at her conscience. She had momentarily forgotten about Qin Fuhua's fever and the chill that had gripped him.

Moving closer, she reached out to touch his forehead, relief flooding her as she felt the absence of fever. "You're better," she breathed, a weight lifting from her shoulders.

The thought of the Prince of Qin succumbing to illness under her care was a burden too heavy to bear.

In a gesture of reciprocity, Qin Fuhua draped the cloak around her, rising to his feet as he removed her wrap from his shoulders.

"It's time for us to go outside. I don't think they're looking for us anymore," he declared, his voice carrying a note of determination.

"They?" Suyin echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Who exactly were they referring to? During her search for herbal medicine, she had encountered no one besides the mysterious figure dressed in white. The uncertainty gnawed at her, leaving her grappling for answers in the dim light of dawn.

---------------------------

It was a slow, arduous journey for Han Suyin and Qin Fuhua as they made their way back to the manor.

Despite his recovery, Qin Fuhua, still masquerading as "Tienzheng," found it challenging to navigate the streets alone, especially with Suyin clinging to his cloak.

In an attempt to blend in, Suyin had donned a set of worn, slave clothing they had stumbled upon hanging on a nearby clothesline. Qin Fuhua left some money after taking the clothes from a random stranger.

As they traversed the bustling streets, they became unwitting subjects of gossip and speculation. Whispers followed in their wake, casting curious glances at the unusual pairing.

"I thought that was his wife," one passerby murmured to another, prompting a speculative nod in response.

"Perhaps it's just a rumor. He must have acquired another maid to attend to his needs," another voice chimed in, fueling the speculative chatter.

Suyin found herself the reluctant center of attention, her cheeks burning with embarrassment as she sought refuge behind Qin Fuhua's protective figure.

Interrupting their uncomfortable procession, Qin Fuhua abruptly turned to a nearby shopkeeper, his expression resolute.

"How much is this?" he inquired, pointing to a bolt of luxurious silk, his tone commanding attention.

The shopkeeper, still caught up in hushed conversation with his colleagues, quickly plastered a smile on his face.

"Ah, yes! This is our finest silk, perfect for a beautiful outfit," he began, eager to make a sale.

Without hesitation, Qin Fuhua interjected, his gaze flickering towards Suyin. "I'll buy it for her," he declared, his gesture indicating the slave clothing she wore.

Caught off guard, Suyin felt a fresh wave of mortification wash over her, her cheeks aflame with embarrassment.

She had never been one to draw attention to herself, let alone in such a public manner. With the oversized garment swallowing her frame, she felt like a child playing dress-up.

"Yes, of course! We'll make it for her right away," the shopkeeper agreed enthusiastically, motioning for his workers to usher Suyin into the shop. Reluctantly, she followed, grateful for the opportunity to escape the prying eyes of the outside world, if only momentarily.

-----------------------

As Suyin was swept into the bustling interior of the clothing shop, she found herself surrounded by a flurry of activity.

Women, their fingers nimble with expertise, measured her with meticulous care, their curiosity piqued by the presence of an unfamiliar face in their midst.

"Who are you?" one of the women ventured, her tone tinged with curiosity as she adjusted her measuring tape.

"How did you meet Sir Tienzheng?" another chimed in, her eyes alight with interest as she busied herself with pinning fabric in place.

"What does he plan to do with you?" yet another woman interjected her voice a mixture of amusement and intrigue.

Caught off guard by the barrage of questions, Suyin found herself at a loss for words.

She offered polite smiles in response, unwilling to divulge too much information for fear of causing trouble for Qin Fuhua. The women chuckled amongst themselves, exchanging speculative glances as they worked.

In what felt like no time at all, the dress began to take shape under the skilled hands of the seamstresses. The hours flew by in a blur of silk and thread, and before she knew it, Suyin stood before the mirror, transformed.

Stepping out in the exquisite black and gold silk hanfu, Suyin couldn't help but feel a surge of awe at the sight of herself. The dress draped elegantly around her frame, accentuating her features in a way she had never imagined.

"Beautiful! My, she would look like a Princess, wouldn't she? Haha," the shopkeeper exclaimed in admiration, his hands resting proudly on his hips.

Before Suyin could respond, Qin Fuhua stepped forward, his presence commanding attention.

"She's my wife," he announced, pulling her gently to his side.

Caught off guard by the sudden declaration, Suyin could only smile nervously, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Leaning close to his ear, she whispered incredulously, "What are you doing?"

"Acting the part," he replied, his voice barely audible above the din of the shop. With a sense of finality, he turned to the shopkeeper.

"Thank you. I will be taking my leave now," he stated, producing a stack of money and dropping it onto the table with a flourish.

The shopkeeper's eyes widened in delight at the sight of the generous payment. "Thank you, my lord!" he exclaimed, his gratitude palpable as he bid them farewell.

-----------------

As Qin Fuhua and Suyin entered the grand foyer of the manor, the weight of their act hung heavy in the air.

With Qin Fuhua assuming the guise of Tienzheng, a respected scholar of high standing, and Suyin his supposed wife, it was important to play their roles.

Their arrival did not go unnoticed. Weizhe, seated in the central hall with a somber countenance, looked up at the sound of their footsteps, his expression betraying a mix of relief and apprehension.

"Your Highness," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, his eyes filled with concern as they flickered between Qin Fuhua and Suyin. "Jianhong... he's dead."