Chapter 123: White Hair, Never Parting

Tianhe 1262, 26th day of the 11th month—The sky is faintly cold, the clear sky stretches for miles.

It is neither great misfortune nor great auspice, yet today is the day I marry Qiran. A secluded mansion that has been vacant for a long time but already elegantly arranged—that is our ceremony hall.

Guided by Qiran's hand, I step by step entered the hall arranged like a modern church; Xin Hui, Wen Ruobin, Qianqian, and the reluctant Xin Luo all stared at me, their faces full of amazement and sincere blessings.

I suddenly felt an urge to cry, even though my father and brother are not by my side, even though there is no lavish music, no snow‑white wedding dress… Qiran squeezed my hand and pulled the trembling, nervous me into his arms. I looked up to see his solemn face, and only then noticed his palm was slightly sweaty. So the anxiety and nervousness were not limited to me.

We looked at each other and smiled, offering each other comfort and trust. Then we walked step by step to the altar.

Bu Sha still wore his signature black robes, quietly watching us from the front. The thought that he would soon recite the wedding vows in place of the priest made me laugh. Yet when I saw his earnest, solemn expression, I could no longer smile.

Everyone is watching us intently! Watching us… walk toward happiness.

"Your Majesty! This is a memorial from the court, chiefly congratulating Your Majesty on incorporating the Yi army. It also hopes that Your Majesty will return to the palace promptly to avoid danger…"

"Wen Ce." Wei Lingfeng cut him off, his expression calm and said, "I do not wish to hear that today."

Wen Ce was startled, lifted his head, and saw the obvious gauntness on Wei Lingfeng's face and the faint sorrow in his eyes, though he did not know why. This emperor, only twenty‑five years old, had become the world's most powerful hegemon, and no one could match his edge thereafter. Shouldn't he be full of vigor, looking down on the world?

"Your Majesty, you…"

Wei Lingfeng waved his hand and said, "You may go down. Order them to bring pear‑blossom wine for me. Today, without my order, no one is allowed to enter."

"Your Majesty, drinking harms the body, you…"

"Wen Ce!" Wei Lingfeng's handsome eyebrows, like distant mountains, tightened slightly, and in a cold voice he said, "Did you not understand my words?"

In the ceremony hall, a gentle, mellow atmosphere drifted slowly, and everyone held their breath, waiting quietly.

I looked up at Bu Sha in black robes and black hair, holding Qiran's slightly damp, cool hand, trembling faintly. This is the most important moment of my life!

Bu Sha's voice was icy cold, yet it carried an uncanny calming effect. He looked at Qiran and asked, "Xiao Qiran, do you wish to take Shui Bingyi as your wife, and vow to love her forever, respect her, protect her, as you love yourself? No matter her birth, age, illness, death, poverty or wealth, will you never abandon her?"

Qiran tightened his grip on my hand, his voice trembling slightly, his face exceedingly solemn, and answered, "I do."

In Bu Sha's dark, shining eyes, a glint flickered; he turned his gaze to me and asked, "Shui Bingyi, do you wish to marry Xiao Qiran, and vow to love him forever, respect him, protect him, as you love yourself? No matter his birth, age, illness, death, poverty or wealth, will you never abandon him?"

All eyes focused on me. Especially those deep‑blue eyes, showing unabashed hope and joy, stared steadily at me.

Drawing a knife to cut water makes it flow more; raising a cup to dispel sorrow only deepens sorrow.

Wei Lingfeng tipped his head back and drained a cup of wine, then suddenly turned to scan the brightly lit hall, his brows slightly furrowed, and he swayed a bit before standing. He walked to the candles, his long sleeves brushing, extinguishing each flame.

The vast palace dimmed piece by piece, reflecting that tall, handsome silhouette, growing darker and longer, becoming increasingly lonely, yet Wei Lingfeng cared not, only sweeping his sleeves to extinguish the lights.

Until only the final candle by the table remained, Wei Lingfeng rolled up his wide sleeves, revealing crystal‑like slender fingers, pressing them to the wick. Clearly two fingers could snuff out the lone flame, yet his hand hovered in mid‑air, unmoving for a long while. If not for the vicissitudes of time, how could true love emerge.

I no longer hesitated, lifted my head, smiled gently, and answered clearly, "I do."

Bu Sha gave a faint smile, as fleeting as wind without a trace; he stepped aside and quietly watched us. Asking those two questions clearly pushed Bu Sha to his limit.

Qiran, with a devout expression, gently took my hand and placed a platinum ring on my ring finger. Silver light flickered, reflecting my pale, slender five fingers and my lifelong happiness.

I recalled the modern priest's blessing. The ring is gold, signifying that you give each other your most precious love as the most treasured gift. Gold never rusts, never fades, representing love that endures forever. The ring is round, symbolizing love without reservation, with a beginning and an end, never breaking.

Qiran wrapped his arms around my waist, gently pressed a kiss to my forehead, as light and soft as a feather. He said, "I, Xiao Qiran, take you Shui Bingyi as my wife. From now on, whether in prosperity or adversity, wealth or poverty, health or illness, I will cherish and protect you until the ends of heaven. I promise, for countless lifetimes, to remain loyal to you."

I was startled, lifted my head, and gazed deeply into those azure eyes. This was supposed to be my wedding vow to him, yet he changed the final phrase from 'for a lifetime' to 'for countless lifetimes.'

"Countless lifetimes?" Those four words are so long—do I truly wish to meet, know, and love this man for countless lifetimes?

I smiled; the answer had been clear from the start, hadn't it? I took his clear, slender hand, slipped the ring onto his ring finger, and softly yet firmly said, "I, Shui Bingyi, am willing to marry you Xiao Qiran as my husband. From now on, whether in prosperity or adversity, wealth or poverty, health or illness, I will cherish and protect you until the ends of heaven. I promise, for countless lifetimes, to be loyal to you to the end."

"Clap clap clap—" applause rang in the hall, Qiran held me tightly in his arms, tears filling my eyes and soaking into his light‑blue clothing; I hugged him back tightly, repeatedly whispering in my heart.

"Dad, Mom, brother, and Bing Shuo, did you see this? I am so happy, I am truly happy!"

Wei Lingfeng's hand hovered in the air for a long while, long enough that he almost forgot the existence of time.

"Pop—" the crisp crackle of the candles sounded unusually loud in the silent palace.

Wei Lingfeng gave a self‑deprecating smile, finally withdrew his hand, leaned on the table edge, and sat down. The wine cup on the table was empty, yet the lingering fragrance of pear‑blossom wine remained; Wei Lingfeng took the wine jug, poured a cup, and drank it down again.

Pear‑blossom wine is warm and mellow, with little after‑effect, suitable for women or festive occasions. Yet one must not drink much; overindulgence leads to addiction that settles in the lungs and is hard to break.

The pearl curtains rustled crisply; Wei Lingfeng looked up, saw the newcomer slightly frown, said nothing, poured himself another cup, and drank it in one gulp.

When the cup was set down, a pair of hands as white as snow reached out and snatched the jade cup. In a soft voice, tinged with hurt and reproach, "Your Majesty, drinking too much harms the body."

Wei Lingfeng looked up, glanced at her, and laughed, "Qing Yi, weren't you rushing off to attend their wedding? How did you hurry back—are you afraid I'm using wine to drown my sorrows?"

Qianqian's eyes flashed with pain, then she forced them to hide it, scolding, "What is the Emperor doing now?"

Wei Lingfeng was startled, then his mouth twitched into a bitter smile, and he said lightly, "Indeed, am I not using wine to drown my sorrows?"

"Sit, Qing Yi." Wei Lingfeng flicked his wrist, somehow producing another wine cup, filled it himself, and said nonchalantly, "Drink two cups with me."

"Your Majesty…" Qianqian frowned, stared at him for a long while, then softly sighed, sat down, took the wine he poured, drank it in one gulp, and exclaimed, "Only the pear blossom is fresh, leaving a lingering fragrance on the teeth. Indeed, it lives up to the palace's treasured pear‑blossom brew!"

Wei Lingfeng gave a faint smile but said nothing, his gaze drifting hazily onto the sole candle in the hall, while memories of distant scenes swirled in his mind.

When the wedding banquet began, her helpless plea for help; when she tasted the pear‑blossom wine, her face full of admiration; when the bridal chamber candles were mentioned, her angry shame; and the moment I brushed against her scent, that flutter of the heart… All of it seemed right before my eyes, yet distant as if separated by two worlds. She has never belonged to herself, never has she… only…

"Your Majesty…"

Qianqian's gentle call interrupted his thoughts; Wei Lingfeng smiled, lifted his head and drained another sip, saying, "Qing Yi, you should return tomorrow first."

"Your Majesty!" Qianqian's eyes flashed with panic, unable to conceal it, and after a moment she trembled, "Aren't you going back, Your Majesty?"

Wei Lingfeng shook his head, looked up to see her frightened face, and couldn't help laughing, "Are you afraid I'll abandon the throne and leave? Qing Yi, you overthink…"

—You have buried all those youthful dreams behind an inscrutable smile, how deep have you buried them? So that no one noticed that Xiao Qixuan has actually been in Wei Lingfeng's heart all along.

Wei Lingfeng's heart twitched with pain; he abruptly set the cup down, lowered his head to hide his reddening eyes. After a while he spoke, his voice slightly hoarse, "Qing Yi, I will have Wen Ce bring back the imperial edict. Let his father Wen Qun recognize you as his goddaughter and grant you the title of Imperial Noble Consort. You should obediently go with Wen Ce, and I will return to the palace in a few days."

"Your Majesty!" Qianqian's eyes suddenly reddened, her body trembling slightly, yet she spoke softly, "Your Majesty, you know that Qing Yi wants not these things. You know I stay by your side because…"

The long corridor seemed endless; I buried my face in Qiran's embrace, letting him carry me toward our new chamber.

A faint, valley‑like fragrance wafted from his body; I couldn't help looking up at his ethereal, handsome visage, while thinking: if Bing Shuo grew up to be seven‑tenths like Qiran, what sensation would that cause in the modern world? A girl killer? An unparalleled beauty? A heavenly prodigy? I couldn't help laughing, hoping my brother and Xiao Yu wouldn't be frightened!

"Squeak" the sound rang as Qiran pushed the door, pulling me inside, and while looking down at my mischievous smile, he asked curiously, "What are you secretly enjoying alone?"

I was startled, suddenly recalling the eternal separation from Bing Shuo, a pain rose in my heart, I could no longer smile, and tears welled up in my eyes.

Seeing my distress, Qiran placed me on the bed and hurried, "Bing Yi, I was only speaking casually; I truly wish a smile to forever grace your face…"

"Silly…" I wrapped my arms around his neck, pressed my face to his smooth, fragrant collarbone, and softly said, "It's okay, I just thought of Bing Shuo."

Qi Ran visibly exhaled, a few strands of melancholy flashing in his eyes, then he let go. He leaned down and carefully removed my shoes and socks.

My face flushed red, and I hurriedly said I would do it myself. He didn't insist; aside from his own shoes, socks and outerwear, he pulled me into his arms and rolled onto the bed.

"Bing Yi…" His gaze deepened from light to scorching as it fell on my face; his long ten fingers brushed over my whole body, stripping off each piece of close‑fitting clothing.

My eyes were dazed, breathing rapid, pressed tightly against his chest; a question flickered in my mind, but I couldn't grasp it.

After a long while, both of our garments were stripped away; the air that had felt cold now burned with an all‑consuming heat. I clutched the last thread of consciousness in my mind, seized his scorching hand, halted his probing, and whispered hoarsely: "Today… today isn't a safe period… you promised…"

Qi Ran's breath grew slightly rough; he reversed his hand to restrain mine, rolled over and leaned forward, and softly said, "Bing Yi, you remembered incorrectly."

"I… I didn't…" The rest of the words were completely swallowed by his mouth.

He lifted his hand slightly, panting as he finished, "Your medical skill is what I taught you; if I said it wrong, then it is wrong."

I was about to discern something else, but was utterly drowned by the overwhelming passion, leaving only a low moan and breath.

Damn! He won't let me take medicine, and… what's the point of avoiding pregnancy! When I woke up the next day and saw that perfectly satisfied face, I couldn't help but think angrily.

In the dimly lit palace, the solitary figure that had been drinking alone by a lone lamp became two people sitting opposite each other.

"Qing Yi…" Wei Lingfeng slowly lifted his head to look at her; his handsome face flushed with a few strands of red, dazzling under the firelight, impossible to look away from. Yet his tone remained calm. He said, "Qing Yi, you could actually choose to leave. It's just that my empress position will forever remain vacant, and no one can change that."

"I… I understand," Qian Qian suddenly lifted her sleeve to wipe the pearl‑like tears from her face, as if fearing others would see her disarray. On her white‑jade cheeks, the tear tracks remained, adding to her delicate appearance. She said softly, "Matters of the heart are beyond anyone's control. No matter how the Emperor treats me, I will stay by his side and never leave. But Emperor, why do you have to be so cruel to yourself?"

"Cruel?" Wei Lingfeng was slightly taken aback, then laughed helplessly, "Qing Yi, you're wrong; I will never be cruel to myself. Bing Yi's words sound odd, but they often have their own logic. An emperor's monogamy is a disaster. Qing Yi, look closely: my vacant empress position, in times of political turmoil, might become the best balancing tool."

After Wei Lingfeng finished speaking, he thought his words quite reasonable, gave a calm smile, and poured himself another cup of wine to finish. He then noticed the person opposite had been silent for a long while and couldn't help but look up.

His clear, handsome eyebrows knit slightly; Wei Lingfeng found Qing Yi's gaze somewhat annoying. He felt he might get drunk today.

Qian Qian let out a soft sigh, her voice mournful, "Your Majesty, you can deceive others, but can you deceive yourself? If you're sad, cry; if you're unwilling, fight to take it back; if you regret, forget her…"

"Qing Yi!" Wei Lingfeng coldly cut her off, his voice returning to its usual aloof, lofty tone, "You have overstepped!"

"Your Majesty!!" Qian Qian's eyes reddened; why does this man always refuse to show weakness? She doesn't hate Bing Yi, nor resent herself for not receiving his true heart. She just can't bear to see him suffer alone! If… if Bing Yi could stay… stay by his side, how wonderful that would be; at least he would know how to call out pain, he would understand weakness.

Wei Lingfeng raised his head for another cup, feeling his blood burned hot by the alcohol, while his heart grew increasingly cold and dead as time passed. She had finally married Qi Ran; she finally… had drifted away from him.

"Qing Yi, even to this day, I have never regretted meeting her, falling in love with her," Wei Lingfeng set down his cup, grasped the table edge and swayed as he stood. Though he was speaking to Qian Qian, his eyes were fixed on the red candle; his star‑bright pupils gently closed, and scenes of joy, sorrow, heartbeat, and anger flashed through his mind one by one.

He steadied himself, his long lashes trembling slightly, opened his eyes and looked at Qian Qian. Though his voice was hoarse, it was resolute and persistent, causing Qian Qian to tremble slightly. He said, "If one day I unify Heaven and the Continent, becoming that ruthless, decisive, cold‑hearted eternal emperor, when I think of her I can at least believe that, indeed, I once loved and yearned for a person so deeply…"

Once, he had so longed for that warm embrace, that bright smile, yet he watched helplessly as she left.

Once, he had been so attached to those amber eyes, that clear, soothing voice, yet in the end he chose to let go.

Wei Lingfeng released his hand from the table edge, his steps slightly unsteady as he walked toward the hall's exit, paying no heed to the calls from those behind him.

"Bing Yi, do you know that by your side I once truly laughed and was happy; Bing Yi, do you know that in your arms I truly wept and was vulnerable; Bing Yi, do you know that the love that endures unto death is not only… you and Qi Ran… November 27th, the weather remained clear. I pushed open the window and looked at the endless blue sky, my mood instantly brightened."

Everything—joy or sorrow, hatred or grievance—has finally settled like dust. A yearning to soar and a joy surged within me. Hearing the door open, I suddenly turned my face, and two eyes, one as blue as the sea, the other as dark as night, stared back at me.

I smiled broadly and asked, "Have you ever thought about where to go in the future?"

Bu Sha remained silent, cold. Qi Ran gave a faint smile and said, "You speak first, let me hear it!"

I flickered, leapt down from the windowsill, and said irritably, "You think I already decided?"

Without waiting for his reply, I suddenly inhaled deeply, looked at the two of them, and said quietly, "Qi Ran, Bu Sha, do you know? My temperament is to go with the flow, to take things as they come, so when I'm alone I never consider what kind of life I truly like. When I'm with Qi Ran, most of the time it's warm and sweet…"

When I locked eyes on Qi Ran's bare gaze, my face flushed red, and I steadied myself to continue: "What I love is that sense of calm tranquility. Yet, when the three of us are together, I can't stop the blood boiling with passion, just as I once said, yearning to create a brilliant, colorful life that belongs only to us. I will always remember, we are the invincible, unstoppable Wu You group!"

I saw their eyes brighten piece by piece, as if specks of starlight flickered within, making my blood boil. Yes! That's the feeling. It was as if my entire life was burning, leaping like flames, yearning to explore, to soar, to roam wildly. That's the Wu You feeling!

Qi Ran stepped closer, gently brushed the wind‑tousled strands of my hair, and asked, "So, Bing Yi, where do you want to go?"

I smiled gracefully, light as clouds, yet with unmatched pride; I suddenly turned, raised my hand and pointed toward the boundless East Sea beyond, proclaiming, "You two have spent half your lives on Heaven and the Continent, battling, racing across it—have you ever thought that on the far side of the vast ocean there might be many brand‑new continents, brand‑new worlds, beyond anything you could ever imagine?"

When I spoke, even Bu Sha's eyes showed emotion; his black pupils gleamed with fierce light as he stared at me. I could feel their blood also boiling, their yearning to soar, their unwillingness to be ordinary, their inner fire ignited.

Now that I think back, when I first fell through the time‑space tunnel, I vaguely saw that it was a planet similar to Earth, seventy percent water, thirty percent land. Since it's round, there must be undiscovered races and nations on the other side of the sea. Imagine, what an enticing journey that would be!

I smiled calmly, withdrew my hand, looked up at them, and declared loudly, "Qi Ran, Bu Sha, let's set sail! There may be brand‑new, undiscovered medical arts, unparalleled martial techniques of unimaginable power, and countless indescribable delicacies. Do you remember our original dream? To race across the world together, to soar wildly, to forge a life that belongs only to us, and to explore every brand‑new world!"

I gave a gentle, melodic smile, raised my hand high above my head, seeing my slightly reddened face and bright eyes reflected in theirs, feeling never before so excited and yearning for that future life. I said, "Wu You under heaven! What are we waiting for?!"

"Snap!" Two coinciding crisp sounds, three faces with light confident smiles, a seamless, innate trust and rapport.

If the heart has its own will, the body bathes in the long wind; Wu You under heaven, never parting, never abandoning!

Picking up our original dream, we are about to set sail. What are we waiting for? Let's go!

(End of chapter)