Marry First, Love Later With The White Cat Princess - Chapter 38

“Are you leaving?”

Luo Binglun quietly asked after waiting for Yu Qingyue to release her.

“Yes. I hope the High Priestess won’t forget the promise she made to me.” Yu Qingyue’s expression remained cold, as if the earlier forced kiss had nothing to do with her.

“Did you return early because you were worried that a disciple might go astray and fall in love with a member of the demon clan?” Luo Binglun asked unexpectedly.

Yu Qingyue recalled the lie she had told and shook her head: “It’s not about her.”

“You haven’t told me what you will do besides punishing her,” Luo Binglun continued. “You’re a doctor, so you must have interacted with demons before. You… you don’t dislike them that much, do you?”

Yu Qingyue thought carefully for a moment before replying, “It’s her choice; I won’t interfere. Besides, that demon never intended harm. The Liuzhi Kingdom has no law against same-sex relationships. If they love each other and wish to be together, then so be it.”

She naturally noticed the test hidden in Luo Binglun’s words. When Liu Fenyun mentioned the method to resolve “Xian Fen,” she had inadvertently revealed Yu Qingyue’s demonic identity.

Yu Qingyue also knew Luo Binglun would not believe her immediately and would try to verify this identity.

Sure enough, Luo Binglun fell into thought and murmured, “Then I’ll choose a day to send you back to the Liuzhi Kingdom.”

“The High Priestess won’t try to keep me?” Yu Qingyue pretended to be surprised.

Luo Binglun felt a pang in her heart at this remark. How could she not want to keep her? She just didn’t want to humiliate herself.

“I have no reason to keep you,” Luo Binglun lowered her eyes. “Doctors are always busy. It was wrong of me to occupy the time of a top-tier physician. Now that the poison in my body has been cured, and the culprit and their backers have been mostly investigated, how could I force a top physician to continue staying by my side, serving like an attendant, preparing medicine and feeding me?”

Every time she said “top-tier physician,” it ignited an unnamed fire in Yu Qingyue’s heart. She knew Luo Binglun was trying to provoke her, yet it still felt uncomfortable.

“I still need to find someone and will leave after the spring hunt,” Yu Qingyue said lightly. “You just took the antidote; the effect might not be complete yet, and I’m worried.”

She couldn’t suppress her impulse and gave this wooden-headed person the opportunity.

If Luo Binglun hesitated again, she would have to think of a new plan.

Having said this, Yu Qingyue turned and walked away, the moon-white long skirt gradually disappearing from Luo Binglun’s sight.

Luo Binglun instinctively called after her, “It’s late at night, Qingyue, you…”

The cold-faced beauty paused at the doorway.

“Can you rest here?” Luo Binglun’s voice trembled as she avoided looking at her, cheeks flushed. “I took the antidote and feel a bit unwell. Could you take care of me for one more night?”

She felt shameless, as if she had just made a grand statement only to hit herself in the face.

Though she had planned to not entangle with Yu Qingyue again, she still… hoped she could stay, hoped they could share the same bed.

Luo Binglun was anxious but didn’t realize Yu Qingyue had been waiting just for this request.

After fighting with Qi Ran, Yu Qingyue’s body still carried blood from the battle. She didn’t refuse Luo Binglun but said she would wash and change first and would come shortly.

Luo Binglun lay back, eyes closed, waiting quietly.

She wasn’t afraid Yu Qingyue wouldn’t come since Qingyue had agreed, she would surely honor her promise.

The warm spring in Guizhi Hall was large and pleasantly hot. Yu Qingyue entered slowly, thinking about the earlier events as she bathed.

Now, Luo Binglun was like a little hedgehog; if she sensed any closeness, she would immediately raise her spines, hiding all her softness.

No one knew better than Yu Qingyue how fragile the hedgehog beneath the spines really was.

To make the hedgehog put down its spines, one must spend time together, gradually coaxing it; it couldn’t be rushed.

A quarter of an hour later, Yu Qingyue opened the bedroom door silently and walked in.

She wore a loose, plain colored robe, black hair cascading over her shoulders, with two strands in front. The cold moonlight illuminated her, emphasizing her aloofness.

Luo Binglun hadn’t slept. She listened as the faint footsteps grew closer until the intruder lifted the thin blanket covering her and slipped in, a warm body nestling beside her.

They shared a pillow and a blanket, their hands able to touch each other.

Luo Binglun felt heat in her face and stiffness in her body, afraid she might inadvertently offend the person beside her.

They lay in silence for a while when Yu Qingyue suddenly said, “I was rude earlier.”

Luo Binglun, flustered, recalled the kiss she had almost forgotten.

“You… don’t do that again,” she murmured.

“What?” Yu Qingyue feigned not hearing.

“…I don’t like that,” Luo Binglun said stiffly.

“Do what?” Yu Qingyue asked coldly. “High Priestess, why speak in riddles? Half a sentence and expect me to guess?”

Luo Binglun was so embarrassed she wished she could crawl under the bed, muttering for a long time before softly stammering, “You kissed me, I… I…”

Before she could finish, her left cheek felt a familiar soft touch, light as a dragonfly skimming water.

“You did.” Yu Qingyue said expressionlessly. “Please speak properly and don’t stammer.”

Luo Binglun covered her face, pulled the blanket over her, and curled to one side.

Yu Qingyue raised an eyebrow. She didn’t remember the High Priestess being so easily embarrassed.

Knowing she had to tease her without going too far, Yu Qingyue did not press further and turned to sleep.

Luo Binglun, thinking Yu Qingyue was upset at her stammering, felt anxious but eventually drifted into a confused, dream filled sleep.

Nothing happened during the night.

Yu Qingyue, being a demon and fully aware, slept soundly.

Luo Binglun, however, woke repeatedly, half asleep, half awake, dreaming vividly. She dreamt of marrying Yu Qingyue, drinking the ceremonial wine together, and being carried into the bridal chamber… a bridal night between two women… How would that even work?

In the dream, her disciples barged in, followed by the ruler and the former High Priestess, shouting they must punish her, binding her and Yu Qingyue together to be burned alive.

Before dawn, Luo Binglun woke, terrified, staring blankly at the person beside her, then sobbed quietly.

Even if she truly liked Qingyue, Qingyue could never become a man.

Regardless of whether Qingyue was human or demon, as long as she was a woman, it was impossible!

Thinking of being burned alive, Luo Binglun forced herself to dismiss all distracting thoughts.

She shouldn’t drag Qingyue down for her desires; as long as she could continue loving Qingyue silently, that was enough.

She shouldn’t expect more.

Luo Binglun’s mood unsettled, and the surrounding air shifted. Yu Qingyue opened her eyes and said, “Why are you awake so early? Can’t sleep because I’m here?”

“It has nothing to do with you.” Luo Binglun was startled, hurriedly explaining, voice tinged with tears.

“Did you have a nightmare?” Yu Qingyue turned to face her, grasping her arm to meet her gaze. “Your body hasn’t fully recovered; don’t get overly emotional.”

At her words, Luo Binglun suppressed her fear and concern, feeling blocked and coughing slightly.

Sensing a faint blood scent, Yu Qingyue’s eyes darkened. She helped Luo Binglun sit up, brought a clean cloth, and the usual medicine.

“Thank you… cough cough…” Luo Binglun said weakly.

After giving her the medicine, Yu Qingyue asked, “May I ask what you dreamed about?”

Luo Binglun held the thin blanket, silent.

“Heartache can’t be cured by medicine,” Yu Qingyue said coldly.

“…Never mind. It’s nothing. I dreamed we married and were burned alive together,” Luo Binglun quietly revealed after much deliberation. “You know, fire deity teachings forbid women from marrying…”

Saying this took much courage.

Yu Qingyue calmly replied, “I know. If you want to spend your life with me, it doesn’t require anyone else’s approval. Marriage rituals are tedious, and I’m lazy. We don’t need to go through the formalities.”

Luo Binglun was speechless. She never expected Yu Qingyue to speak so calmly and seriously about their marriage.

“I never planned to spend my life with you!” she hurried to clarify.

“Yes. That’s why I was only comforting you.” Yu Qingyue stared at her.

If Luo Binglun truly didn’t want to spend her life with her, why would she share a bed and have such dreams?

Clearly, her words and heart didn’t match; she was overthinking.

Yu Qingyue understood after all, Luo Binglun’s position made the situation awkward. She had roughly gauged Luo Binglun’s feelings and only wanted to slowly repair the years-long strained relationship.

Luo Binglun didn’t speak. As High Priestess, she was used to being the one silencing others, never having lost before, but now in front of Yu Qingyue, she was as naive as a young girl.

A warm hand rested on her back, startling Luo Binglun upright.

Yu Qingyue gently rubbed her back, transmitting demonic energy to calm her chaotic internal flow.

Her breathing whispered near Luo Binglun’s ear:

“I’ve always had secrets from you, which is why I was so cruel to you four years ago.”

Four years ago, Luo Binglun had buried the memory deep, unwilling to recall. Hearing this, she remembered Yu Qingyue’s cold rejection and smiled faintly: “It doesn’t matter. It’s in the past.”

If it’s past, there’s no need to mention it again.

Yu Qingyue felt a sharp, cold pain in her heart.

“But there’s a gap between us already. You know, I am the High Priestess…” Luo Binglun hesitated, continuing, “My identity, my gender… these alone are enough to separate us.”

As High Priestess, her duty was to uphold the fire deity’s teachings, forbidding same-sex love.

Luo Binglun wanted to say more to harden both their hearts but was suddenly hugged tightly by Yu Qingyue.

Feeling the trembling person in her arms, Yu Qingyue sighed inwardly.

She had once driven Luo Binglun to madness, silently losing her mind in private until near death by poison. When she came, it was only to see her one last time, not to save her life.

Four years ago, she had shattered Luo Binglun’s hope. Now, Luo Binglun’s simultaneous closeness and distance were deserved consequences.

“It’s still early. You need to rest and recuperate,” Yu Qingyue diverted the topic.

Luo Binglun, feeling the warmth and softness behind her, finally relaxed and sank into sleep.

At the same time, the Morning Star Hall was bustling.

Liu Fenyun woke early to prepare; the two who needed to disguise themselves had to get ready and adjust to their disguises.

Unexpectedly, Lianyi had brought a male-style riding outfit, slightly more intricate than her own, reflecting her status as a saintess.

Two days earlier, while hunting together, Liu Fenyun had asked about the disguise.

She feared Lianyi wouldn’t be allowed in the hunting grounds if disguised as a male, but Lianyi said that during the Summer Moon Festival, she had already disguised herself as a man to skip the ritual dance, and everyone knew her male appearance.

Anyway, Lianyi was no longer the former Seventh Princess; as a naturally headstrong demon, no one wanted to offend her over this small matter.

Lianyi quickly changed her clothes, and with a masculine appearance, smiled and asked, “Do I look good like this?”

Liu Fenyun sized her up carefully, and honestly replied, “I still prefer your previous appearance, and also the way you look in the Spirit Sea.”

She said it politely, but in her heart, she was wishing that Lianyi wouldn’t disguise herself the current look felt awkward no matter how she looked at it.

Lianyi squinted her eyes with a smile and instantly returned to her feminine form, planting a kiss on Liu Fenyun’s cheek.

After tidying up, they woke Sha Rulang, washed up, ate, changed their clothes and disguises, and arrived at the competition venue before the hour of Chen.

When Chen hour arrived, the Spring Hunt competition officially began.

The stands had already been set up. Except for Lianyi and Sha Rulang, all the attending princesses and female relatives sat in the stands, waiting to watch the men show their skills.

Liu Fenyun rode Wangyunzhu, carrying a bow and arrows and a short sword at her waist. As soon as she appeared, the stands erupted in commotion.

Some officials whispered mockingly, “Even the hostage from the Hua clan wants to join the competition?”

“Of course! He’s been running and shooting in the arena for the past three days.”

“Shh! Quiet! This hostage is actually our master of medicine…”

“Hmph, he only got the title by marrying in. Why bother keeping quiet?”