My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion

Perhaps the heavens and earth are stifling a laugh.

Chen Yi looked up at the sky, and somehow, he suddenly had a bad premonition.

As the wind gradually stopped, the bell at the eaves slowly quieted down as well. A tall woman, seeing him halt, asked, "What’s the matter?"

The warm light of the lantern illuminated his profile. Chen Yi turned back and said, "Nothing."

Despite saying this, his mind remained unsettled, possibly due to the stillness around. Thinking it over and over, he suddenly thought of Yin Weiyin. If something bad were to happen around him, it must undoubtedly be because of Great Yin.

Chen Yi’s thoughts raced. If Little Fox were mediating, he would certainly not feel so uneasy. Little Fox would persuade this one over here, and that one over there, always achieving some miraculous results, leading to a satisfactory conclusion. But as for Yin Weiyin... he truly found it hard to trust her.

It’s often like this: Great Yin causes trouble, and he deals with Great Yin.

Chen Yi narrowed his eyes slightly. This time, however, things were going smoothly. Qin Qingluo, who had left somewhat angrily, was eventually persuaded to return. Although part of it was due to Qin Qingluo’s own concerns, Great Yin’s efforts could not be overlooked in this smooth process.

Perhaps, he should loosen up a bit, and go along with the dual cultivation with her. Actually, he was somewhat curious about the dual cultivation methods of Taihua Mountain. Though given his current state, calling it dual cultivation was more like a one-sided enlightenment for Yin Weiyin.

The feeling of letting someone take advantage freely was unpleasant, especially when that someone was none other than Great Yin.

For some reason, compared to yielding to Little Fox’s pleas, Chen Yi was more reluctant to let Yin Weiyin get what she wanted too easily.

Just like a carrot dangled in front of a donkey, or during playful times, when she slowly approached to enjoy the carrot, he would instead take steps back.

Actually, even when his Great Yin was sulking, she was extremely captivating. Sometimes, Chen Yi had to admit that occasionally, he would miss Yin.

Missing another woman always came with some complicated emotions, like with Little Fox, or Zhou Yitang. But thinking of Yin always brought happiness.

Having someone in the world who makes you happy just by thinking about them — especially when that someone shares your abode day and night — is the greatest blessing.

Perhaps due to a certain springtime flush of success, Chen Yi suddenly wondered whether he had been too harsh on Yin Weiyin in the past, always giving her chrysanthemum tea was not a solution. This thought passed, and he simply smiled. But tonight, he ought to focus his heart on Qin Qingluo.

Chen Yi never felt guilty about his emotions drifting from one woman to another. Ordinary people might feel guilty over unfaithfulness, but Chen Yi felt none at all. After all, ordinary people can’t love everyone, and if people were too guilty about such things, they’d never be able to love too many women.

"Has Min Ning left?" Qin Qingluo suddenly asked.

"...It was she who drove me out." Chen Yi knew this question was a simple inquiry, offered a wry smile, and then said, "Gone. With her character, she won’t stay any longer."

"That’s good then."

Qin Qingluo originally wanted to quip that it was because he was driven away by Min Ning and had no one else that he came to her. However, after some thought, such words weren’t appropriate on such a grand wedding night.

Even if he was a man like a prostitute, tonight, he was ultimately her husband.

Amidst the layers of lamp shadows on the way back to the wedding chamber, Chen Yi still held those two cups of wedding wine. On the flower candle night, it had to be solemn. Despite some incidents, Qin Qingluo did not mind.

The Princess glanced sideways at Chen Yi, who was following closely behind. His steps were steady, giving nothing away, which inexplicably unsettled her. The fact that he could leave Min Ning and come to her spoke of the bond between them. Unlike ordinary women, she felt neither smug nor arrogant, but rather both comforted and worried. Much like the romance between a prince and a courtesan, it wouldn’t last long. After tonight, would the person beside her leave without a word?

The light seemed to flow like water underfoot.

In the silent night, the Prince walked through the corridors, with the courtesan trailing closely behind the python robe, suddenly the wind ceased, and the moonlight was bright and clear.

Qin Qingluo could not help but wonder, whose thoughts occupied the courtesan behind the Prince now?

Most likely, it wasn’t her.

.........

Before Chen Yi and Qin Qingluo arrived, Min Ning sat restlessly, pondering for a long time.

The words of Yin Weiyin, like venom-laced needles, pierced into the most defenseless tender spot in her heart. At first, it was a sharp stab of pain, then the poison silently spread, corroding her hard-won resolve.

"Are you willing to always be so sensible, always give way?"

"Whenever it involves Qin Qingluo, will you always retreat?"

"Afraid that if you don’t forcefully hold him, if you don’t compete, one day, you will completely lose your place in his heart?"

Every word echoed, amplified, and crashed against the heart she thought was strong within the empty wedding room.

She stood up agitatedly, pacing back and forth by the bed draped in red brocade, the candlelight casting her shadow on the walls, stretching and twisting just like her tumultuous emotions at that moment.

When did Min Yuechi become so indecisive, so troubled by gains and losses?

It was clearly her who let him go. She personally pushed him towards Qin Qingluo. Wasn’t this the best choice? Fulfilling his wedding, preserving their appearances, and... maintaining that little shred of her pitiful self-respect.

But why is her chest so heavy, so blocked? Like a giant rock soaked with water, heavy and wet, making her unable to breathe.

She walked to the window and suddenly pushed it open, wanting the night breeze to blow away the stifling air in the room and the buzzing in her mind.