A Shocking Dream

Chapter 209

Like a cold star twinkling in the night sky, it was now pacing obediently with its master; with the other hand, it was grabbing the man who had just escaped from her hand like a chicken. At this moment, the guy was as limp as mud, with his head drooping lifelessly after being knocked unconscious.

"Qin Rongchen?" Lin Wunian whispered the name, her voice rising unconsciously, a mixture of surprise, delight, and a hint of panic she wasn't even aware of. The moment she saw him, memories flooded back like a tidal wave, drowning her instantly. Why would the court send him? These questions swirled wildly in her heart, like the dancing willow catkins on a spring day, disturbing her mind.

Qin Rongchen swiftly threw the person in his hand to the ground, raised his eyes and looked at Lin Wunian. His deep eyes were like a deep pool, hiding endless emotions, and seemed to be burning with a dark fire.

After not seeing her for many days, her black hair fell softly like a waterfall to her slender waist. When the breeze blew, a few strands of hair danced playfully, making her face look even more gentle and charming.

Her temperament remained the same, like a plum blossom that endures frost, cool and distinguished. Yet, a closer look revealed a distinct difference from her time in Linzhou. Back then, her features still held the recklessness of youth, her actions bold and fearless. Now, having weathered so many storms, a quieter, more reserved expression has taken on her features, as if time has quietly carved a secret story deep within her soul. Her every move exudes maturity and composure, yet it also makes one feel a pity for the erosion of her innocent innocence.

Qin Rongchen took a few steps forward and bowed, his manners being thorough but his intimacy difficult to conceal: "Miss Lin, long time no see. The court learned that this place is a difficult situation, so they ordered me to come quickly to assist. I rushed all the way, and fortunately I was not delayed." His voice was low and mellow, like aged wine, hitting Lin Wunian's ears.

Qin Rongchen stood quietly, his figure erect as a pine tree, his dark robe fluttering in the wind, as if in the depths of the night. He stared at Lin Wunian, his gaze as deep as the endless ocean, concealing a complex web of emotions. Those unspoken words swirled in his eyes, finally transforming into an almost inaudible sigh.

He did not want to expose Lin Wunian's identity as Lin Bingshuang, as if he was cherishing a rare treasure. Even though he knew the truth buried deep underneath, he was willing to carefully guard this disguise, just because he was reluctant to break the existing delicate balance, and was even more afraid of shattering the stable shell she had built with great difficulty.

Lin Wunian raised her head slightly, meeting Qin Rongchen's gaze. Her beautiful eyes were clear, yet also revealed an all-seeing wisdom. How could she not know that Qin Rongchen already knew her identity? From the moment he looked at her, a flash of surprise and realization that was quickly hidden, she knew it in her heart.

But his unspoken understanding was like the warm spring sun, warming her heart but also adding a touch of inexplicable unease. In this tacit gaze, the past years whizzed by, and the flowers he and Lin Bingshuang had admired together, the wind and rain and mud they had experienced, all became the invisible threads that maintained the tranquility of the moment.

"Thank you for your travels, Your Highness. Due to my limited status, I wrote to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, hoping to get some help. I never thought that Your Highness would come here in person." Lin Wunian was the first to break the silence. His voice was soft, like the spring breeze blowing through the willows, and his words were carefully chosen, showing his caution.

At the mention of the word "identity," her eyes flickered, a fleeting light flashing across her face before disappearing in an instant. Qin Rongchen's lips curved slightly, like ice breaking in the dark night. The smile, though barely visible, warmed his heart. "The Crown Prince is preoccupied with matters, and having heard Miss Lin's situation is thorny, I volunteered. Besides, we've known each other for a long time, and I can't bear to see you risk your life alone."

After saying that, Qin Rongchen walked closer, and the distance between them quietly shortened. Lin Wunian could smell the faint scent of dust on the corners of his clothes, mixed with his unique cold fragrance of sandalwood. The familiar yet unfamiliar scent suddenly disturbed her heartstrings.

It was as if the dreamlike memories of the past suddenly materialized, whistling and threatening to drag her into the vortex of the past. But Lin Wunian's eyes suddenly turned cold, and she took a few quick steps back until her back lightly touched the cold window frame.

"Your Highness, since you call me Lin Wunian, please use this identity to keep your distance from me in Linzhou." Lin Wunian bit his lower lip lightly with his pearly teeth, almost leaving a bleeding mark, and tried his best to suppress the slight tremor in his voice.

She knew that she couldn't panic at this moment. The past was full of entanglements between Lin Bingshuang and Qin Rongchen. There was too much bitterness and helplessness hidden in the sweetness. Those conflicts caused by the disparity in status and the pressure of the situation were like thorns piercing her heart, and the slightest touch would cause her excruciating pain.

Qin Rongchen froze, as if suddenly blocked by an invisible wall of ice, his forward steps halting abruptly. He stared at Lin Wunian, his eyes filled with hurt and astonishment. Those eyes, usually as deep as a deep pool, now seemed to be stirring with turbulent waves. "Shuang'er, are we really going to be so estranged? Have you completely forgotten the past?" His words were filled with bitterness, and the ending lingered with a subtle pleading.

Lin Wunian turned away, avoiding the scorching gaze, gazing out the window at the bustling streets. The constant stream of people and the clamor of vendors seemed like another world, utterly alien to the tense and cold atmosphere within. "Your Highness, regarding the past, I was Lin Bingshuang. Now I am just Lin Wunian, a commoner." Her words fell like ice, plunging to the ground, as if to sever the lingering ties of love between them once and for all.

Qin Rongchen smiled bitterly, his laughter echoing in the silent room, full of self-mockery and sadness: "Wunian, you care about the people of the world and have great righteousness in your heart. How could I not know that you deliberately distanced yourself from me because you were afraid of getting in trouble with me? But you forgot that I have never been afraid of these things. I just want to stay by your side and protect you."

After saying that, he slowly backed away, keeping some distance, as if compromising, or giving her some breathing space, but his gaze remained like a shadow, firmly locked on Lin Wunian, as if silently vowing: Even if you reject me a thousand miles away, I will never leave you.

Lin Wunian resolutely turned her head away, ignoring Qin Rongchen's fiery and complex gaze. With light lotus steps, she walked straight towards the man who had fainted on the ground. Her posture was light, yet she exuded an unquestionable determination. The hem of her skirt brushed the ground, as if bringing a gust of cold wind.

As he approached, Lin Wunian squatted down, reached out his bare hand, and with lightning-fast precision, pinched a point on the man's neck. Then, with a sudden, forceful twist, the man on the ground shuddered violently, his eyes widening instantly as he gasped for air greedily, his consciousness seemingly yanked back from the chaotic darkness by an invisible hand.

As soon as the man opened his eyes, his gaze met Lin Wunian's cold, sharp ones. Instantly, fear clung to his gaze like a vine, and his face instantly lost all color, turning as pale as paper. He subconsciously tried to retreat, but found his body limp and powerless. He could only wriggle and struggle futilely on the ground, a gurgling sound emanating from his throat, like the desperate sobs of a dying man.