The night was as dark as water, and the huge Qianxi River finally returned to calm after a whole day of noise. The wanton sounds of songbirds under the full moon came from the deep forest, shaking a little candle in the tent.
Li Ran and Ji Le sat side by side on the stone steps outside the camp, looking up at the moon in the mountains in the distance. The moonlight, like mercury pouring down the ground, shed all the tenderness. The occasionally floating crimson clouds made these tender feelings extremely warm, just like Li Ran's arms at this moment. Ji Le lay quietly in them, feeling the hot beating of Li Ran's heart.
It had been a long time since the two of them had admired the moon together like this.
Since they met in Qufu, fell in love in Zhengyi, and then met in Chu State, the two have jointly performed a story that many people have never experienced. After countless hardships and loneliness, the two of them seemed to have returned to that night at Shusun's house in Qufu, sitting quietly on the steps together admiring the everlasting full moon.
Perhaps, there is nothing more warm and enjoyable than this in the world.
Only then did Li Ran discover that the verses describing the joy of men and women in the "Book of Songs", the passages that were both sung and weeping, admirable and praiseworthy, seemed to be true.
At least in this era, that's true.
However, this kind of story gradually evolved into an unattainable fantasy after many years.
After all, the busy world has no room for single-minded infatuation.
Only in this slow-moving era can sincerity and true love be truly realized.
"Husband, do you still remember the night we met?"
Ji Le just snuggled into Li Ran's chest, and unknowingly recalled the night of that year.
Her eyes were still clear, like a handful of clear springs under the moonlight, showing a little bit of crystal.
"Remember, of course I remember."
The corners of Li Ran's mouth couldn't help but curl up, and he continued to reply with a smile:
"My husband was still wondering at the time, how could a girl stay up so late? I later found out that you are also a night owl."
"Night owl? What is that?"
Ji Le obviously didn't understand the term "night owl", so he immediately raised his head and asked.
"Oh, the so-called 'night owl' refers to a person who often stays awake at night."
"My husband is accustomed to thinking in quiet nights, so he often stays up late at night. However, I never thought that a girl like yours also has such a habit."
"Of course, the first thing Leer was attracted to as her husband was not just because of this same hobby."
Li Ran lowered his head and looked into her eyes. At this moment, a pair of crystal lights reflected in his eye frames.
"Oh? What else?"
Ji Le asked curiously.
"I can't tell, maybe it's just a feeling."
"Feeling? What does it feel like?"
Ji Le couldn't help but become more curious.
Women of her era, most of whom came from slightly wealthy families, were particular about "marrying with a clear matchmaker." Therefore, I have no experience in falling in love. Even if it is like Ji Le, by chance, you may occasionally meet a "self-pleaser", but after all, it is only a phoenix-feather water chestnut that can finally make things happen.
At this time, Li Ran continued to explain to her:
"It's a feeling that's familiar but yet strange. It's clearly close at hand, but yet it's so far away that you can't guess or catch it. Everything becomes hollow and everything changes because of this feeling. Be pure.”
Yes, that’s what the so-called “love at first sight” feels like.
"But... But Le'er doesn't feel this way?... Le'er just thinks that what your husband said at the township school assembly was very lofty and inspiring. So, I just feel that you are different from others. It’s different, so…”
Ji Le is obviously not a girl who is good at words. When she recalled her feelings at that time, she looked hesitant, just like the girl back then who only knew how to lower her head and blush but didn't know how to express it.
And when Li Ran suddenly appeared in her life, with his unique style and extraordinary remarks, one can imagine her curiosity at that time.
That's why she couldn't sleep at night, trying to get to know Li Ran, and then they had their first moonlit chat.
And this may be another explanation for "love at first sight".
Obviously, Li Ran's weird and strong personal style back then was like a shot in the arm, which made Ji Le feel extremely curious. And she was driven by this kind of curiosity, and every move she made would be intentional or unintentional, trying to find ways to get closer to him.
Such is the case with ritual music.
"Alas, looking back on all these years, I haven't been able to see the bright moonlight with you again like I did then."
"I feel so ashamed for my husband..."
Li Ran was silent for a while, and then he couldn't help but sigh.
"Hmph! It's good that your husband still remembers it. Le'er has been waiting for a long time, and your husband just thought of it now?"
Ji Le muttered, with a "hum" expression on his face.
"Ah... I'm really sorry, madam. I will definitely change my ways in the future!"
"Humph, Le'er doesn't really believe what your husband says. Unless your husband goes back to Zhengyi with Le'er immediately."
Ji Le took advantage of the victory to pursue him and immediately proposed returning to Zheng Yi.
There was expectation in her eyes.
But this time, her expectations were not disappointed. Li Ran looked at her with extremely firm eyes and said:
"When this matter is over, my husband will definitely return to Zhengyi with his wife, and we will not stop for a moment!"
After all, Zhu Fangcheng's swearing-in has not yet ended. If he leaves like this, I am afraid that the King of Chu will not agree easily.
Therefore, as long as he has not obtained the permission of the King of Chu, it is impossible for him to leave the Chu Kingdom.
"good!"
"Then let's hook up!"
Ji Le immediately stretched out his finger, and his measured look immediately made Li Ran laugh.
"Pull the hook, just pull the hook!"
"Come!"
Li Ran also smiled and stretched out his finger. The two hooked up in Chu Kingdom for the second time and made an agreement.
After the work was over, Ji Le danced in the moonlight with great excitement. Sometimes the mountain breeze blew by, and Ji Le under the stars and moon was like a wind-moving elf, exquisite and noble.
Li Ran was stunned for a moment and was silent for a long time.
Until today's events suddenly flashed through his mind, and he was suddenly shocked, his face full of guilt and bitterness.
"Husband, what's wrong with you?"
Ji Le turned his head and saw that Li Ran looked wrong, so he asked hurriedly.
But Li Ran only shook his head and said nothing.
He has rarely failed to keep his word in his life, and since he traveled through time, there has never been any precedent for breaking one's trust. But this time, he might really break the rules.
Sure enough, it is very difficult to maintain one's credibility in front of an arrogant and unpredictable king.
Just like tonight, although he promised to have fun, who knows whether his promise can be fulfilled? And what kind of twists and turns will appear along the way?
He didn't dare to continue thinking about it, and he didn't dare to face Ji Le. He always felt that he had betrayed everyone's trust.
"Husband, are you still thinking about Qing Feng?"
Ji Le could see Li Ran's thoughts at a glance, and his expression suddenly turned dull.
Li Ran looked at her, made a wry smile and said:
"Actually... my husband never thought that he would become a person who breaks his word?"
(End of chapter)
