“Master…” Qingfeng and Baiyu saw him turn and head toward the carriage. Concerned about his injuries, they instinctively stepped forward to support him.
“Get away! This lord is not so weak as to need help getting into a carriage. Qing’er, let’s go.”
Leng Mingye noticed the petite figure following him to the carriage and instinctively reached out to assist. But when he saw Qingfeng and Baiyu thoughtlessly extending their hands to help, his eyes turned icy with anger as he coldly rebuked them, forcefully shaking off Qingfeng’s grasp. Then, with a faint smile, he turned to the petite figure beside him and extended his hand.
“There’s no need for concern.”
Leng Mingye’s display of masculine pride made Qingfeng and Baiyu lower their heads in deference, though their eyes still brimmed with worry. It was clear—this man was stubbornly proud.
Though inwardly exasperated, Wanqing pretended not to notice and gave a faint smile, placing her hand in his outstretched one, allowing him to lead her.
Before he could help her onto the carriage, knowing his temperament, Wanqing subtly took advantage of his gesture, lightly stepping up with effortless grace.
Yet she overlooked Leng Mingye’s current state. Though he wanted to appear composed and strong in front of others, his weakened body and injuries betrayed him. As he leaned forward to assist her, his own balance faltered, and he nearly toppled sideways.
“Careful—!”
Wanqing had initially followed his lead out of consideration for his pride, but the moment she stepped up, she felt his weight shift dangerously. Seeing him tilt backward, she tensed and quickly pulled him back with both hands.
“Don’t worry about me. I’m fine. Damn it, these injuries have made me so pathetic, I—”
Leng Mingye had thought that even without his inner strength, he could at least help her onto the carriage. But his body was far weaker than he realized. Though she made it up effortlessly, his own balance failed, sending him stumbling.
The humiliation burned. Though Wanqing said nothing, he heard the hushed gasps of Qingfeng, Baiyu, and even the maids Honglian and Bailian as they rushed forward. Wanqing caught his slipping hand, while Qingfeng and Baiyu hurriedly steadied him from behind.
With their combined support and his grip on the carriage railing, he finally managed to climb aboard.
Gritting his teeth in frustration at his own helplessness, he boarded the carriage. Seeing Wanqing’s concerned gaze, he released her hand and sat inside, lips pressed tightly in silent anger.
“So, you’re angry now? Is this your way of compromising? If you don’t want to accompany me on this journey, you can back out anytime.”
Watching this man stubbornly push through his weakness, Wanqing couldn’t help but recall his earlier aloofness despite his hidden affection for her. Seeing him sulk beside her, she sighed and spoke lightly.
“Who said I’m backing out? Do you really think so little of me?”
Her words struck a nerve. The thought of appearing weak and helpless before the woman he loved made him wish he could cut off his own useless hands. Suppressing his frustration, he met her gaze with icy pride.
“You? I never said that—you’re the one assuming it. No matter how you change, to me, you’ll always be the Leng Mingye I knew.”
Though exasperated by his temper, Wanqing softened. He was like this because of her, after all. With a gentle smile, she spoke sincerely.
“Is that so? But I’m not the same Leng Mingye anymore. Aren’t you afraid of tarnishing your princess’s reputation by staying with me?”
As the carriage began moving, Leng Mingye couldn’t shake his self-loathing. Despite Wanqing’s unwavering acceptance, he struggled to reconcile with his diminished state.
“Afraid? If I were, I wouldn’t have searched for you, nor would I be so understanding. You did this for me. So what if you’ve lost your inner strength? From now on, I’ll protect you—I’ll be your strength.”
His inner turmoil was palpable. Had she not lived through two lifetimes, Wanqing might have turned away from his despair. But knowing his suffering was for her sake, she met his gaze with warmth and resolve.
“I… I just fear I’ll only burden you further on this journey. I—”
Before he could finish, Wanqing pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him. Her eyes, bright with determination, held no trace of disdain.
“Don’t say such things again, or I’ll truly be angry. I, Mu Wanqing, fear no burdens. And I will never scorn the depth of your feelings for me. But you must keep your spirit—the one I fell for. Losing your inner strength doesn’t matter. You still have your mind, your unyielding pride. It’s you I love, everything else is irrelevant.”
Seeing his stunned expression, she smiled and leaned closer, pressing a fleeting kiss to his lips before pulling back.
“Qing’er, I—”
Overwhelmed by her unwavering devotion, Leng Mingye could only sigh, pulling her into a tight embrace, resting his head against her shoulder as if seeking solace in her presence.
“Mm…”
Wanqing relaxed into his arms, but a sudden jolt of the carriage made her gasp softly. Leng Mingye chuckled fondly, tightening his hold.
“You little fool…”
Just then, a sharp voice cut through the moment:
“Stop! Halt this carriage—!”
The abrupt command startled them both as the carriage lurched to a stop.
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