Chapter 28: Constantly on My Mind

Ordinary awakened ones, upon reaching a certain level in their cultivation at the Celestial Origin Sect, would be drafted into the military after breaking through the second tier. Given Ji Yun’s current status at court and his many outstanding sons, it would be reasonable for him to petition the Northern Plumes to allow Ji Yin to remain in the sect for further cultivation. Bai Liyuan certainly would never agree to send Ji Yin into the army.

“Tomorrow at court, I’ll bring Xiao Qi with me into the palace,” Ji Yun said as he looked toward Ji Yin. “Yuan’er, don’t busy yourself with other matters today. Sit down with Xiao Qi and explain the palace rules to him properly.”

“Very well.”

Having given his instructions, Ji Yun hurried off.

Ji Yin was about to dash away but was caught by Bai Liyuan. “You stand right here and behave! I’m going to have a proper talk with you!”

Ji Yin: …

Bai Liyuan spoke for two whole hours, her words washing over Ji Yin until she was utterly dazed. At some point, she slumped onto the table and fell asleep.

“Xiao Qi! How dare you fall asleep! I’ve been talking until my mouth is dry, and you’re here napping so soundly!” Bai Liyuan was nearly beside herself with fury.

“Madam, have some tea to calm down. The seventh young master has always been rather free-spirited; it’s a bit much to expect him to take in all this at once. He’s still young—he’ll grow up and learn in time. Just look at the sixth young master. Wasn’t he still crying in front of you just last year?”

“Ah!” Bai Liyuan let out a deep sigh.

“Huh? Are you done talking?” Ji Yin suddenly looked up and rubbed her sore arm.

Bai Liyuan was nearly driven mad with exasperation.

“Mother, since you’re done, I’ll head back now, all right?” Ji Yin leapt up and dashed for the door, terrified that Bai Liyuan would call her back.

To get back to her own courtyard faster, Ji Yin took a shortcut, heading straight into the peach grove of the Ji estate.

This peach grove was every bit as beautiful as the banks of the Jinjiang River.

Ji Yun had planted it himself for his beloved wife.

Now, the peach blossoms were in full bloom, dazzling to the eye.

The moment Ji Yin entered the grove, she sensed the soul force of Lord Ji. She walked forward a few paces, then immediately changed direction.

She was constantly thinking about his soul force—if she couldn’t have it, at least stealing a glance was satisfying.

Wu Yan, hearing footsteps, tensed instantly. It was that seventh young master again. No matter where he hid, he couldn’t avoid her!

Lord Ji sat cross-legged on a brocade mat. Before him rested an ancient zither on a low table, and from a blue sparrow incense burner beside him, a thin wisp of white smoke curled up, blending with the fragrance of the peach blossoms and bringing a sense of tranquil calm.

He wore a flowing robe of subdued purple, exuding understated luxury. Over it was a gauzy outer garment of the finest ice silkworm thread, fluttering lightly in the breeze.

Ji Yin strolled closer, gazing upon this unparalleled beauty, and lamented inwardly that of all the wonders in the world, none could compare to him.

Hearing the sound of footsteps, Lord Ji lifted his head and looked at her.

The next moment, Ji Yin rushed over, leaning on the pavilion’s railing and blinked at him with a grin.

Wu Yan: …

Could this seventh young master ever act normally?

He had been so careful, guarding the entrance to keep her away from Lord Ji, but he’d forgotten about the railing. Fortunately, she wasn’t tall enough to climb over!

Ji Yin, being rather short, could only cling to the railing, her head barely peeking above it.

Lord Ji was facing this direction, making the height difference between them even more pronounced.

Perhaps it was because she’d just come through the peach grove, but the youth, dressed as a boy, had a few peach blossoms tangled in her hair, looking utterly charming.

That soul force was so alluring. Ji Yin couldn’t help but show a hint of greedy longing.

Wu Yan: …

He could barely keep his grip on his broadsword!

Just one look was enough to satisfy her! Suddenly, Ji Yin spun around and dashed off into the depths of the peach grove.

Wu Yan: …

What was that? What did it mean? She just… ran off? Ran off?