My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion

October new moon, Cold Clothing Festival, although the curfew has been relaxed, there are not many people traveling at night. Occasionally, fireworks still linger in front of scattered doorways, cold wind breezing, carriages and horses pass through the city gates, unimpeded on their way.

Late at night, upon returning to the Prince Mansion, Qin Qingluo handed the sleeping Qin Yue to the nurse, but did not dine with Chen Yi. She still needed to attend to some political duties, thus she sent Chen Yi and Yin Weiyin away, instructed the maids to serve the meal. Chen Yi did not object, whereas the female crown felt somewhat regretful. If they had dined together, she might have seized the chance to strengthen her relationship with Qin Yue. She thought of a few magic tricks to amuse the child on the way, but unfortunately, there was no opportunity to use them.

To prevent Chen Yi from being overly cautious and defensive, or discerning her emotions, Yin Weiyin did not say much, courteously bidding farewell to Qin Qingluo.

Under the moonlight, a solitary figure carrying a lantern departed from the corridor.

Chen Yi couldn’t help but glance a bit longer.

Turning back, he saw Qin Qingluo pausing slightly, claiming to handle the memorials but not in a hurry to leave. Her serpent eyes slightly turned sideways, pretending to wait for Chen Yi to leave.

Chen Yi knew he should follow her.

The best would be to escort the Princess to the study under the guise of seeing her off, then shamelessly linger. After being exposed by the Princess, continue to shamelessly stay, and finally, when the night is silent and the Princess has handled her duties, deal with him.

The flattering of the traitor Chen Yi over the past days seemed to have unconsciously become an unspoken understanding between them.

Only today...

Chen Yi thought for a moment, softly said: "Prince, I shall head back first."

Qin Qingluo’s tall figure paused, subtly turned her head to glance at him.

"Hmm...?" She seemed a bit unclear.

"I’m weary from today’s outing, and I believe the Prince is tired too. It’s best for me not to disturb further."

Qin Qingluo’s brow slightly furrowed, momentarily puzzled, then glancing at him again, she thought: Could this wretch be playing some game of wanting to attract by first retreating?

Perhaps so, Qin Qingluo smiled with a curl of her lips, then why fall for his trick?

To do the opposite, let him leave.

"Alright, you shall head back first and rest well."

Chen Yi did not linger, immediately turned to leave, and after taking two or three steps, returned.

Indeed, let’s hear what else he has to say, Qin Qingluo inwardly sneered.

This time, even if he shamelessly wants to follow, Qin Qingluo would chase him away, absolutely not allowing him to become arrogant due to favor.

Chen Yi spoke again: "Prince, may I visit the Dining Hall?"

Qin Qingluo, who had been sneering earlier, furrowed her brow again, then spoke after a moment: "Yes, but what do you intend to do?"

"I recalled some flavors from the Capital City, the cook at the Dining Hall might not be able to make them. I wanted to try cooking myself." Chen Yi paused, then offered: "To make a bowl of white fungus soup, would the Prince like to taste it?"

Ultimately, it’s flattery seeking favor, Qin Qingluo hearing this felt she saw through Chen Yi thoroughly, naturally would not give him this chance of wanting to attract by first retreating, she said: "Forget it, I am not accustomed to the flavors from the Capital."

Chen Yi slightly lowered his eyes, showing a somewhat regretful expression.

Qin Qingluo did not say much further, casually giving directions to the Dining Hall, then turned to leave. This time she would let this wretch face a closed door, and only later would she consider bestowing some favor, with thoughts settled, the Prince’s mind returned to the documents about to be handled.

Watching Qin Qingluo’s departing back, Chen Yi blinked, keeping her in the dark, with somewhat some guilt in his heart. However, when dealing with beloved women, there can be a sequence, a preference, observe and act accordingly, try to avoid partiality, preference is allowed, neglect is not.

Moreover, in comparison, even more suitable to him than the Princess, is his affinity with the Great Yin.

Thinking this, Chen Yi felt a lot less guilty.

.........

Yin Weiyin silently returned to the guest courtyard arranged for her in the Prince Mansion.

Although elegant and tidy, the place did not lack the grandeur of a Prince Mansion, just slightly secluded and usually with few people visiting. At this late hour, even more so, all is silent, with only the rustling of wind through bamboo leaves, accentuating the emptiness and coldness of the courtyard.

The courtyard housed only herself, even the maid who usually sweeps came only at fixed hours. At this moment, she was alone with the brilliance of the courtyard, and a lone lamp like a bean within the room.

She closed the door, shutting outside all weariness and the vague suffocation.

Sitting on the meditation cushion for a moment, trying to sort out today’s somewhat chaotic thoughts, Chen Yi’s undisguised wariness still echoed in her mind.

Silently chanting the Supreme Forget Love Technique, just as she was about to soothe her mind and enter a state of tranquility, footsteps sounded outside the door.

It was the Prince Mansion’s maid delivering the evening meal on time.

The food box opened, inside were several delicate vegetarian dishes, and a bowl of warm bird’s nest soup, clearly prepared with consideration of her identity as a Cultivator.

However, Yin Weiyin presently had no appetite, feeling as if something obstructed her heart, completely devoid of hunger.

A guest follows the host, not wanting to reject the kindness, nor trouble the maid. She accepted the bowl of bird’s nest soup, sipped a few spoonfuls.

The smooth soup slid down her throat but did not taste substantial, only feeling somewhat repulsive.

"Take it away, I am done." She gently pushed the nearly untouched bowl back into the food box, instructing in a calm tone.

The maid seemed surprised but seeing her cold demeanor, dared not question further, only replied softly "Yes," then quietly carried the food box away, carefully closing the door once more.