Waiting for You for a Long Time, But You Haven't Arrived - Chapter 16

“You dare show me such attitude?”

Who went to see Ming Yishu?

In this state, within the Prime Minister’s residence, who would actually dare to risk danger to visit Ming Yishu?

Jiang Qionghua felt a surge of anger rise within her before she realized it. By the time she came to her senses, she found that her palms had already been marked with blood-red streaks, carved out by her own fingernails.

Ming Yishu…

Reciting that name, Jiang Qionghua’s emotions were complex; even she herself could not see clearly into her own heart.

Why? Why was she so furious upon learning that someone else cared deeply for Ming Yishu?

No, it wasn’t just fury—it was jealousy.

Ming Yishu belonged to her. She could dote on her or punish her, but besides herself, no one else was worthy of laying a finger on that person.

It felt as though a block of frozen snow was wedged in Jiang Qionghua’s chest. Just the thought of Ming Yishu offering words of thanks to someone else, or gazing at another with that look of wholehearted devotion, made her teeth itch with resentment.

For so many years, Jiang Qionghua had held absolute power, her personality domineering and forceful. She thought to herself: I had better not catch sight of the visitor, otherwise, I will surely cut that person into a thousand pieces.

Harboring such malicious thoughts, Jiang Qionghua gritted her teeth and walked toward the woodshed, her gaze dark and sinister, like a tiger or leopard stalking through the night.

Yet, when she arrived at the place where Ming Yishu was confined, she saw no one.

Jiang Qionghua approached and stood still at the door of the woodshed. She looked down—the snow was filled with a mess of footprints; more than one person had been there.

At the door sat a bottle of medicine and a key.

The medicine bottle had been newly placed on the ground and was not yet stained with snow, while the key had been there for some time, covered by a thin layer of freshly fallen snow. If one did not look closely, they might not even notice it.

The door to the woodshed was not tightly locked. One only had to push with force to create a gap the width of an arm—just enough for the person inside to reach out and take the items.

Why didn’t she take them?

Was she afraid, or unwilling?

Jiang Qionghua could not figure it out. She leaned down to pick up the key, and in a daze, she naturally opened the door.

Moonlight spilled through the crack of the door, illuminating the dark and freezing woodshed. By this small light, Jiang Qionghua looked inside carefully—Ming Yishu’s long, black hair cascaded down like a waterfall. She sat huddled on the ground, hugging her knees, her shoulders trembling slightly from the cold. She appeared increasingly frail and desolate.

The other woman was hanging her head in low spirits, pondering something. Seeing Jiang Qionghua arrive, she slowly lifted her head to look over.

“Aunt?”

Ming Yishu was so frozen that her consciousness had slowed. She looked toward the opening door in disbelief. A dignified and majestic figure stood against the moonlight, like a deity descending upon the world, bringing her light and warmth.

The hours of suffering in the cold seemed to vanish instantly. Ming Yishu felt a warm current start from her heart and spread throughout her body, causing her numb limbs to lose their stiffness.

Ming Yishu was like a lamp being lit, her hope rising. She knew she hadn’t been abandoned; her Aunt still held her in her heart.

“Has Aunt come to take me back?” Although Ming Yishu was asking a question, her tone was certain. Every subtle movement as she stood up revealed her inner joy.

“I…”

Jiang Qionghua didn’t know why she had opened the door like that. She had only intended to take a look, not to bring the person out.

She temporarily did not want to face Ming Yishu, not just because of the fire in her heart, but more so because she didn’t know how to speak to her. Earlier in the night, she had personally struck Ming Yishu and even humiliated her with harsh words. Given how delicate and sensitive the other girl was, she must still be harboring resentment…

But—

Jiang Qionghua saw the other girl standing up and approaching her. Her back stiffened instantly. Whether it was nerves or some other emotion, she instinctively wanted to retreat, or even close the door again to avoid a closer encounter.

Closer still—

Jiang Qionghua saw the other woman’s eyes clearly, and her heart trembled. She thought in confusion: Ming Yishu… why is she so happy?

If she remembered correctly, she had indeed punished her earlier that night, showing no mercy even when the other pleaded. After things had reached that point, even a person made of clay should have some temper left, shouldn’t they?

Jiang Qionghua knew Ming Yishu; she knew her loftiness and her stubbornness. Thus, when the other showed such a look of pleasant surprise, Jiang Qionghua’s first reaction was one of bewilderment and shock.

“Stop right there.”

When Ming Yishu was very, very close to her, Jiang Qionghua spoke to stop her, feeling somewhat unaccustomed to the proximity.

How could she walk so close?

Jiang Qionghua awkwardly shifted her gaze. She wanted to retreat, but her feet felt as if they were rooted to the ground. Her eyes avoided Ming Yishu and scanned the woodshed, only then realizing that this place was not fit for human habitation. It was as cold as an ice cellar with not a glimmer of light. To lock someone in here on a cold, snowy night was indeed a great suffering.

Jiang Qionghua frowned, somewhat dissatisfied, but said nothing.

After all, she had locked Ming Yishu here precisely to punish her.

Punish her for what…

Yes, what was she supposed to be punishing her for…

Jiang Qionghua’s head began to throb with a sharp, needle-like pain. She gritted her teeth and pressed her hand against the ache, momentarily unable to remember why she had bullied Ming Yishu in the first place.

It seemed… it was because the other had betrayed her?

Was that it?

In the midst of her pain, Jiang Qionghua unconsciously took a few steps forward, coming to Ming Yishu’s side. Her nose caught a faint, ethereal fragrance—it wasn’t flowers, nor wood, nor the scent of the rouge shops in the capital. She truly couldn’t describe how crisp and pleasant this scent was, but she knew that this smell could only be found by getting close to Ming Yishu.

Like cold osmanthus soaked in the bright moon, it made the stifling air in her chest turn clear and comfortable, and her head didn’t hurt as much as before.

How is it so effective?

Jiang Qionghua closed her eyes and swallowed. She reached out and grasped the back of Ming Yishu’s slender neck. Using force, she pulled the person toward her, unable to stop herself from leaning in closer…

“Aunt?” Ming Yishu was brought closer in such a baffling manner. She looked at Jiang Qionghua in surprise, noticing that the other seemed to be enduring great pain; even the veins on her temples showed signs of excessive restraint. She asked, “Are you unwell?”

Interrupted, Jiang Qionghua opened her eyes with a look of displeasure.

Even if her expression was poor, it was hard to hide the loss of control from moments ago. A person who has just suppressed intense pain always has a sense of weariness and fatigue, much like the temporary calm after a violent passion. Jiang Qionghua’s eyes held not only ambition but also a sort of sated indulgence.

Finally, her headache subsided. Jiang Qionghua regained her composure and scrutinized Ming Yishu seriously. “I came to see you. Are you… cold?”

Ming Yishu looked at the person before her silently, not answering for a long time.

She didn’t understand. Since her Aunt had not forgiven her, did not miss her, and had no intention of taking her away, why come to see her in the middle of the night? And if she did come, why show that kind of expression just now?

Ming Yishu did not understand Jiang Qionghua’s teasing; her heart was inevitably filled with disappointment.

What she didn’t know was that Jiang Qionghua’s anger had actually dissipated; she was simply teasing her.

Seeing that she didn’t reply, the smile on Jiang Qionghua’s lips deepened—

Because the look Ming Yishu had given her just now was too pure and full of longing, like a thirsty person seeing a mountain spring; the yearning in her eyes was not hidden at all.

That look was too beautiful. Jiang Qionghua did not like beautiful things, so she wanted to personally shatter the moment.

Earlier, when she saw the full state of the woodshed, Jiang Qionghua had been dissatisfied with the environment. Later, after using Ming Yishu to soothe her headache, she capriciously changed her mind again.

—My headache is severe and lasts a long time every time it strikes. It’s better to keep Ming Yishu by my side.

“I only came for a look. Do not dream that I will forgive you.” Jiang Qionghua teased her by lightly pinching the back of her neck, continuing to speak words contrary to her heart. “Until I have investigated the truth, you must still live here.”

The cold in Ming Yishu’s limbs surged back up. She had only been warm for a fleeting moment. At this moment, she seemed to see the suspicion, cold, and loneliness she would suffer in the future… The chill hit her body, gradually congealing, freezing her entire being within the woodshed.

Why must it be like this?

Ming Yishu’s fingers were so cold they lost sensation. Trembling, she wanted to grab the other’s sleeve, but then she suddenly realized something. Her fingers paused, then slowly curled back and withdrew.

She would no longer shamelessly beg the other. That person loathed this “worthless” side of her and might even strike her if she touched them.

Ming Yishu didn’t want to give up that tiny glimmer of hope. She didn’t dare gamble. She would rather stay here and suffer the cold than provoke the other’s anger and witness them turn and leave.

It was cold here, but the feeling of being abandoned was even more painful.

“The woodshed is cold and the snow is heavy outside. Aunt did not bring an umbrella, so please return.” Ming Yishu didn’t know with what sorrowful voice she uttered these words, but she knew that if she looked at this person for one more second, she would unconsciously burst into tears. She forced herself to maintain a dignified expression, turning away coldly. “Yishu is unable to see you out.”

Jiang Qionghua: “…”

How is she so unable to take a joke? It was just a teasing remark, and this girl took it seriously?

It was also the first time Jiang Qionghua had been ushered away, and she felt a bit of anger. She thought, I just made a casual teasing remark; surely Ming Yishu’s attitude toward me shouldn’t change this much? From being full of hope to turning her back, just because I won’t take her away?

This is far too pampered and temperamental.

Jiang Qionghua grabbed her shoulder and turned her around. “Are you angry?”

Ming Yishu only said she didn’t dare.

“If you aren’t angry, why do you not dare look at me?” Jiang Qionghua picked a fight. “My coming to see you is a rare act of grace; do not be greedy. Just because I said I wouldn’t take you away, you don’t want to see me anymore? I bet you’re cursing me in your heart right now.”

Ming Yishu could not defend herself, nor did she want to. Because her heart’s intentions were never something the other would listen to with half a bit of patience—even if she spoke, it wouldn’t help, and might even lead to more misunderstandings.

So this time, Ming Yishu responded with silence.

Her silence brought about Jiang Qionghua’s silence. Both became quiet, and Jiang Qionghua’s expression gradually darkened.

“You actually dare to show me such attitude? How bold.” Jiang Qionghua’s face was sinister and her voice low, the hatred in her words sounding as if she wanted to swallow someone whole. “I say one teasing word and you become so petty and ungrateful. Ming Yishu, you disappoint me greatly.”

When these words came out, Ming Yishu felt as if she had been slapped. Her chest throbbed and her face stung; she was so sad she almost wept.

Which of her Aunt’s words were true and which were meant to toy with her?

Going back on one’s word is a tactic used when trampling on others. Her Aunt had already punished her tonight; why did she have to rush to the woodshed to humiliate her again?

She did want to leave this place, but not just to leave. What she wanted was for the two of them to reconcile and for the past barriers and suspicions to be eliminated.

Clearly, that hadn’t happened. Upon hearing those words, Ming Yishu realized it was the same as before—she was being humiliated and tested.

If she said she wanted to go, it would likely invite even more suspicion.

“Please return, Aunt.” Ming Yishu gritted her teeth to maintain her crumbling self-respect, stepping aside to let her leave. “Yishu cannot endure being toyed with. I would rather freeze to death in the wind and snow than provoke Aunt’s displeasure again.”

“Then what are you doing right now?” Jiang Qionghua looked at her, her originally decent mood completely gone. “You are provoking my anger right now.”

Seeing that the other wouldn’t leave, Ming Yishu went to the door alone.

Her heart was truly aching severely. The emotional ups and downs made her illness act up more frequently. She wanted to find that bottle of medicine Su Qian’er had hurriedly left at the door to alleviate this sudden surge of grief.

Seeing her searching for something, Jiang Qionghua took the medicine from her sleeve. “Yishu, if you just soften your tone like before, perhaps I might change my mind out of pity and take you away.”

“Please stop insulting me, Aunt.” Ming Yishu turned back slowly, reaching out to take the bottle. “My heart condition is acting up. Could Aunt leave the medicine?”

Jiang Qionghua looked at her coldly, waiting for a long time without hearing a single soft word.

“You would rather pretend to be sick to trick me into being soft-hearted than say one nice thing?”

She had clearly fed her medicine before dark. How could it be hurting again now? Furthermore, before she came to the woodshed, this medicine was sitting at the door; all she had to do was reach out to take it. Ming Yishu hadn’t taken it then—did the heart pain come at such a coincidence? Not earlier or later, but only when she was being questioned?

With a cold face, Jiang Qionghua was determined to hear Ming Yishu yield. She casually tossed the medicine bottle into the snow outside the woodshed.

“Why take medicine if you’re faking? I’ve thrown it outside. Either say something pleasant and I’ll let you leave this place so you can go pick it up, or don’t go, and be locked in this woodshed forever—”

The snow outside was deep. In the vast whiteness, there was no trace of the medicine bottle. Ming Yishu looked outside blankly, looking as if she had been stabbed. Her vision was blurred by tears, and she could see nothing anymore.

—That was the very last bottle of medicine.

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