Drunk on Madness - Chapter 26

The slanting sunlight cast a warm golden glow over the rustic village path, draping the tranquil morning in a gentle radiance.

Zhou Mingxuan and his two companions stood at the doorstep, their packed luggage beside them. Neighbors Zhu Dafu and his wife had hurried over upon hearing the news, their eyes brimming with reluctance.

Mrs. Zhu held Li Xiang’s hand, her eyes slightly reddened as she said, “Xiangxiang, the journey ahead is long. take good care of yourself, and remember to come back and visit often.” Li Xiang squeezed Mrs. Zhu’s hand tightly and softly promised.

Zhu Dafu gave Zhou Mingxuan a hearty pat on the shoulder. “Brother Zhou, treat your wife well. Life will always have its hardships, but don’t give up so easily!” A surge of warmth rose in Zhou Mingxuan’s heart, and he nodded in response.

The carriage slowly departed from Wutong Village. As the wheels turned, the carriage swayed gently, emitting a rhythmic creak.

Suddenly, a particularly bumpy stretch of road jolted the carriage violently, causing Li Xiang to lurch forward before being thrown backward.

With a startled cry, Li Xiang instinctively grabbed hold of Zhou Mingxuan’s lapel, while he swiftly steadied himself and wrapped his strong arms protectively around her.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, an indescribable emotion lingered in the air. A faint blush crept onto Li Xiang’s cheeks. She gently pulled away from Zhou Mingxuan’s embrace, only to find her heart pounding wildly.

Suppressing the fluster in her chest, Li Xiang said, “I’m fine. You can let go now.”

Zhou Mingxuan, however, gently took her hand and murmured, “But I don’t want to.”

Li Xiang didn’t know how to respond. Her hand still trembled slightly in his grasp.

A deep affection flashed in Zhou Mingxuan’s eyes as he clasped her wrist and pressed it lightly against his chest. “Xiangxiang, we’ve been through so much together. Don’t you understand my heart yet?”

Feeling the faint tremble in her fingertips, Zhou Mingxuan didn’t release her. Instead, he tightened his grip. “These past two years, we’ve weathered hardships side by side. Can’t you give me a chance? to try accepting me?” His gaze bore into hers, brimming with emotion too profound to dissolve.

Complex emotions flickered in Li Xiang’s eyes. Softly, she spoke, “Give me some time to think about it, alright?”

Hearing this, an inexplicable joy and excitement surged in Zhou Mingxuan’s heart. He held her hand tightly, as though unwilling to ever let go.

Li Xiang turned her gaze to the window, pretending to admire the scenery outside. But her thoughts had already drifted far away, tangled and restless.

The setting sun blazed like blood, staining the horizon in a dazzling orange-red.

Prince Yan, Zhou Chengyan, stood atop the city walls clad in battle armor, with Su Mo and Gu Ci behind him. Su Mo’s face was alight with astonishment and excitement.

Just moments ago, Prince Yan had relayed news to him, Uncle Li had found the missing Crown Prince and Li Xiang after over a year, and they were now on their way to the border.

Prince Yan patted Su Mo’s shoulder lightly, his eyes filled with relief. Both Su Mo and Gu Ci were like brothers to Zhou Mingxuan. No one was happier about the Crown Prince’s safe return than his own father and these two.

“Mingxuan will soon arrive, and our border will welcome another valiant general,” Prince Yan said, his voice brimming with anticipation.

The two men nodded solemnly in response.

As night fell, the border fortress was brightly lit. Su Mo still stood on the high ground, his figure elongated by the glow of several lanterns.

He gazed into the distance, his heart brimming with anticipation. Just then, the quiet of the night was broken by the sound of approaching footsteps.

Gu Ci’s figure gradually drew near, carrying a jug of wine in his hand, his face lit with a long-absent smile.

“Brother Mo, still thinking about them?” Gu Ci’s voice carried a teasing tone, though his concern was unmistakable. He walked up to Su Mo and handed him the wine jug. “I knew you’d be in high spirits, so I brought some fine wine especially for you.”

Su Mo took the jug, pulled out the stopper, and a rich aroma of wine instantly filled the air. He patted Gu Ci on the shoulder and said, “You always know me best.” With that, the two raised their wine bowls and drank deeply.

Setting his bowl down, Gu Ci looked up at the starry sky, his thoughts a whirlwind. “Time flies. It’s already been two years since we parted ways with them in the forest. I wonder how they’re doing.”

“According to the prince, the young master has been treating his leg injury. He once heard that the prince’s mansion was raided and even refused food several times in despair. Thankfully, Xiangxiang was by his side, seeking medicine and caring for him day and night, preventing a tragedy.”

Gu Ci leaned back slightly and ventured cautiously, “Aren’t you afraid Xiangxiang might be taken by the young master? After all, they’ve spent so much time together, unmarried man and woman.”

Su Mo’s heart tightened at the words, a flicker of unease flashing in his eyes, a deep-seated fear he had buried, unwilling to face yet impossible to ignore.

He tried to steady his emotions, but his mind involuntarily conjured images of them spending every moment together.

“Impossible. I trust Xiangxiang, and I trust the young master even more.” Su Mo never doubted Xiangxiang’s feelings for him, but the long separation had planted seeds of fear in his heart.

Gu Ci chuckled and drained his wine bowl. “I’m just saying, what if? What if Xiangxiang thought something had happened to you, and the young master needed her constant care? Spending day and night together, it’s only natural for feelings to develop.”

“In that case, what would you choose? To clash with the young master or to let Xiangxiang go and let them be happy?”

Su Mo hesitated for a long moment before carefully choosing his words. “If they truly love each other, I would naturally step aside and let them be.” With that, he took another sip of wine.

Gu Ci gave him a meaningful look for a few breaths before finally offering comfort. “It’s all just my own speculation, nothing more. Don’t dwell on it.”

Gu Ci had always known Zhou Mingxuan’s feelings, but Su Mo was unaware. He had no choice but to test the waters first, to prepare Su Mo mentally.

A breeze swept by, carrying a hint of chill. The two fell silent, lifting their gazes to the distant starry sky, their minds hazy with drink.

Meanwhile, Zhou Mingxuan and his companions were on their way to the border, surrounded by lush greenery.

They found a flat patch of grassland, spread out the blankets they carried, and quickly set up a makeshift tent.

Uncle Li hunted a few rabbits in the forest, cleaned them, and handed them to Li Xiang. She marinated them with special seasonings before skewering them over the fire to roast. Her deft hands worked swiftly, and soon the tantalizing aroma of meat filled the air.

Zhou Mingxuan helped by tending the fire and passing her ingredients. In the flickering light, their figures appeared particularly warm and harmonious. Uncle Li, witnessing the scene, was no longer surprised.

Ever since Zhou Mingxuan had openly declared his love, he no longer hid his possessiveness toward Li Xiang, his eyes now brimming with determination.

He gently blew on the steaming roasted meat, carefully cutting off a small piece with his dagger and cooling it with a few more soft breaths. Then, he brought the piece of meat to Li Xiang’s lips.

Li Xiang looked up at Zhou Mingxuan, her eyes flickering with emotion, but in the end, she didn’t refuse his kindness. She parted her lips slightly and took the meat, chewing it slowly.

After she swallowed, Zhou Mingxuan offered her another piece, but she hastily shook her head. “No need, I can do it myself,” she said, reaching for the roasted meat beside her and eating on her own.

Zhou Mingxuan withdrew his hand and placed the meat into his own mouth, his expression betraying no hint of awkwardness.

Uncle Li, however, wore a look of disbelief. The once aloof and proud young master had become so clingy and attentive when it came to the woman he fancied.

At the borderlands, yellow sand swirled under the fading glow of the sunset, casting a desolate yet majestic scene. Su Mo stood atop the city walls every day, gazing into the distance.

In the far-off horizon, dust rose as the sound of hooves echoed across the vast wilderness. A simple yet dignified carriage, driven by Uncle Li, slowly approached.

Su Mo swiftly descended from the walls and rode out to meet it. Not far behind, Gu Ci, spotting the approaching carriage, immediately led his men to follow Su Mo.

As the carriage drew near, Uncle Li lifted the curtain. With a gesture from him, Zhou Mingxuan stepped out, landing firmly on the ground before turning to offer his hand to Li Xiang. With his support, she stepped down gracefully.

Standing side by side, both dressed in plain robes of the same color, they made a striking pair. The woman’s hair was loosely tied, her beauty ethereal, while the man was gentle and refined, his elegance undeniable. Together, they looked perfectly matched.

Just then, a breeze swept past, and the sound of hooves gradually ceased. A black horse let out a sharp neigh, carrying an unusual tension in the air. Li Xiang instinctively turned toward the newcomer, her eyes widening in disbelief.

Su Mo dismounted and walked toward her, each step steady and resolute. Zhou Mingxuan felt her hand tense in his grasp and held on tighter.

As Su Mo drew closer, Li Xiang could no longer maintain her composure. She wrenched her hand free from Zhou Mingxuan’s grip and rushed forward, throwing herself into Su Mo’s arms and clinging to him tightly.

Time seemed to freeze in that moment. Tears finally spilled down Li Xiang’s cheeks as she trembled, her voice breaking. “You… you’re alive.”

Su Mo stiffened slightly before replying in a low, tender voice, “I couldn’t die before marrying you.”

Hearing this, Li Xiang tightened her embrace, afraid that all of this was just a fleeting dream.

The world around them seemed to fade into silence, leaving only the sound of their heartbeats echoing in each other’s ears.

Zhou Mingxuan stood a short distance away, his fists clenched so tightly his nails dug into his palms. His gaze remained fixed on the two, the scene before him both heartwarming and painfully sharp.

After suppressing the bitterness in his heart, he strode forward and approached the embracing pair. “Long time no see, Su Mo,” he said.

Su Mo released Li Xiang, and Zhou Mingxuan opened his arms. Su Mo mirrored the gesture, and the two shared a brief embrace before exchanging a knowing smile.

At that moment, Gu Ci caught up from behind, and the three men embraced in a tight huddle. Though years had passed, their bond, forged in life and death, had never faded with time.

Li Xiang, restraining her overwhelming emotions, stood aside and watched the reunion with heartfelt joy.

After the group returned to camp, Zhou Mingxuan went straight to the main tent to meet with the Prince of Yan. Su Mo arranged for Li Xiang to freshen up in his own tent.

Not far away, the sounds of soldiers drilling could still be heard on the training ground.

Li Xiang was examining the layout of the tent when the flap was lifted, and a girl of about ten years old entered, carrying some clothes. Upon seeing Li Xiang, she bowed and said, “Miss Li Xiang, I am the maid sent by General Su to attend to you. You may call me Xiao Chun.”

Li Xiang gestured for her to rise. “Xiao Chun, where is General Su now?”

Xiao Chun set down the clothes in her hands. “General Su, along with the Young Master and General Gu, has gone to see His Highness. He said you needn’t wait for him and should rest in the tent until he returns.”

Disappointment flickered in Li Xiang’s heart, though her expression remained calm as she simply replied, “Alright.”

Xiao Chun brought in several buckets of warm water. Li Xiang declined her assistance and bathed alone, her thoughts lingering on her reunion with Su Mo that day.

Earlier, in front of Zhou Mingxuan, she had hesitated to speak of Su Mo, leading her to believe he might no longer be alive.

Yet when they met today, he hadn’t seemed surprised at all. So why had he deceived her before? Li Xiang couldn’t imagine she held enough charm to make the aloof and proud Young Master lie to her. There must have been some misunderstanding.

With too many questions in her heart, she could only wait for Su Mo’s return to seek answers.

Wrapping herself in a towel, Li Xiang opened the clothes Xiao Chun had brought, a set embroidered with peonies in peach-red. Beneath them were hairpins and earrings.

The attire was exquisite and delicate, unlike anything Li Xiang had ever worn before. Feeling somewhat awkward, she ultimately changed back into her old, plain robe before calling Xiao Chun back in.

Noticing Li Xiang hadn’t changed into the clothes she’d brought, Xiao Chun said nothing and simply tidied the room, taking away the discarded garments for washing.

A few dishes were laid out on a nearby desk. Just as Li Xiang was about to sit down to eat, Su Mo and Gu Ci walked in, clad in military attire.

The steam from the bath hadn’t yet dissipated. Su Mo’s gaze fell on Li Xiang’s slightly damp hair, evidence of her recent bath. But seeing she hadn’t changed into the clothes he’d prepared, his eyes darkened as he stared at her and asked, “Why didn’t you wear the clothes I gave you? Do you not like them?”

Li Xiang’s initially delighted expression turned to shock. She hadn’t expected him to mind so much. “No, they’re just too extravagant. They don’t suit me.”

Su Mo’s handsome face stiffened, a complex emotion flashing through his sharp, dark eyes. “Is it the gift that’s unsuitable, or the giver?”

Li Xiang’s eyes reddened slightly. She turned to the flustered Gu Ci beside her and said, “Young Master Gu, could you give us a moment? I’d like to speak with Su Mo alone.”

Gu Ci snapped out of his daze. “Of course.” He turned to leave but suddenly paused at the tent flap. “You two finally reunited, don’t argue, alright? Talk things out properly.” With that, he lifted the flap and stepped out.

Once Gu Ci was gone, Li Xiang stood up and began removing her clothes, one piece at a time. Su Mo, unprepared for her to undress in front of him, quickly turned away. “What are you doing?”

Li Xiang picked up the clothes from the bed and slowly dressed herself. “Putting on the clothes you gave me.”

Once fully dressed, she fastened the earrings and approached Su Mo with a hairpin in hand. “There’s no mirror here, I can’t put this on properly. Help me.”

Su Mo met her gaze coolly, his deep eyes swirling with unreadable emotions.

He took the hairpin from Li Xiang’s hand and gently tucked it into her hair. Gazing at her radiant beauty, Su Mo’s fingers lightly brushed the corner of her lips. The warmth of her breath stirred something restless in his chest, his own breathing growing heavy and heated.

Li Xiang looked at his restrained expression, then suddenly rose on her tiptoes and pressed a fleeting kiss to his lips, light as a dragonfly skimming water.

Before she could pull away, Su Mo yanked her back, and she stumbled into his embrace. Cradling the back of her head with one hand, he tilted his face and kissed her deeply.

The sudden kiss was like a storm, leaving her breathless. Their lips moved against each other, and her mind went blank, surrendering as she closed her eyes.

Their bodies pressed close, and Su Mo caught the faint fragrance of her skin. His breath grew scorching, words now unnecessary. His lips tenderly captured hers, teasing her tongue, and she trembled under his affection, her lashes dampening involuntarily.

When the kiss finally ended, both were panting. Li Xiang leaned against his chest, listening to the rapid beat of his heart, and murmured, “A month ago, the Crown Prince did confess his feelings to me in the carriage. But I didn’t agree then. Don’t overthink it, since this matter started because of me, I’ll resolve it myself. I don’t want to damage your brotherly bond.”

Su Mo’s jaw tensed, his eyes dark and unreadable.

Earlier, when he saw them stepping down from the carriage side by side, he knew some things could never return to how they were.

He had pretended indifference as he approached them, but the moment she pulled free from Zhou Mingxuan’s grasp and ran to him, he couldn’t resist craving her tenderness again.

The way the Crown Prince looked at her was too fervent to hide. The man wanted her, and Su Mo had no power to stop it.

When Su Mo remained silent, Li Xiang lifted her gaze to his and continued, “The Crown Prince is noble in status, with ambitions that stretch far. Given time, he won’t care about me anymore. Let me make things clear with him, I won’t put you in a difficult position.”

Su Mo’s eyes darkened slightly, veiling the turmoil within. “Fine.”