My enemies became my companions

Chapter 678 May your wishes come true?

Min Ning left the Prince's mansion with long strides, traversing streets and alleys, bypassing gates, leaving the increasingly noisy and festive courtyard far behind.

The bluestone path under her feet gradually turned into a gravel path, and the towering walls of the Prince's Palace receded from her side.

She walked faster and faster, the scabbard of her single-edged sword lightly tapping against her side, making a rhythmic and rapid sound, as if urging her to go faster, faster, leaving all the entanglements, the melancholy, and that fleeting glimpse of her little home behind.

No matter how fast you walk, that empty feeling follows you like a shadow, weighing heavily on your heart, as if someone has ripped a piece out of it, and a cold wind is whistling in.

The feeling was both strange and familiar, like yet mixed with a different kind of bitterness and helplessness, a throbbing pain in the chest that one knew shouldn't have but couldn't stop.

But Min Ning wouldn't stop there.

So she walked faster and faster.

She had only taken a few steps to leave Dragon Tail City, but she couldn't resist stopping abruptly just before she was about to walk out of the city gates and into the free world outside.

Taking a deep breath, Min Ning suddenly turned around and looked back again.

In the distance, the Prince's mansion had layered eaves and upturned corners, high walls in vermilion, servants coming and going, and faint sounds of people bustling about preparing for the wedding coming from the depths... All of this constituted a prosperous home, a home she had once tried to break into, to fight for a place in, but ultimately found to be a home that did not belong to her at all.

She gazed at him silently.

Finally, all the turbulent emotions slowly settled down, turning into a barely audible sigh that dissipated in the wind.

.........

As Min Ning traveled far, the outline of Dragon Tail City grew smaller and smaller behind him, eventually turning into a blurry gray line at the boundary between heaven and earth.

The official road was gradually replaced by mountain paths, and the surroundings became quiet, with only the sound of wind, birdsong, and footsteps. She deliberately avoided thinking about the bustling royal palace behind her and forcibly pulled her mind back to the landscape before her.

When you're out in the world, you should be chivalrous and righteous. Chen Yi and Qin Qingluo already have a real little family, and she has witnessed that warmth and stability with her own eyes, so she shouldn't disturb them anymore.

Anyway... the bond of life and death between her and Chen Yi is still there, and it's not so easy to sever.

Even so, her emotions, like the winding mountain road beneath her feet, rose and fell, never finding true peace.

The emptiness in her chest did not dissipate as the distance increased; instead, it seemed to take root, popping up every now and then to prick her.

Within the lake of the heart, the remnant soul's will, which had been encountered in the past, trembled slightly and spoke.
"Are you feeling unsettled?"

Min Ning didn't stop walking, and almost subconsciously retorted, "What nonsense! I was just walking a little too fast."

Zhuo Yu did not respond, as if watching coldly.

Sure enough, she herself lacked confidence in her words. She walked silently for a while longer, the mountain path becoming increasingly rugged. Finally, she lowered her eyes in dejection and admitted to herself, "Yes... my mind is indeed in turmoil."

His mental state was in disarray, and his martial intent was also thrown into chaos.

Since slaying the dragon, he was full of vigor and his martial intent had reached its peak. There was nowhere in the world he could not go. Now, he was entangled with Chen Yi and was dragged down. Now his mind was complicated, like a mirror covered with dust. His previously accumulated martial intent not only failed to improve, but also showed signs of decline.

This rebellious daughter of hers is truly the curse of many women.

Min Ning took a deep breath of the crisp mountain air, trying to suppress those chaotic thoughts.

"I know." She exhaled, trying to calm herself. "Just keep going."

Zhou Yitang lowered her gaze slightly. Now that she was far away from Dragon Tail City, she made a hand seal and vaguely sensed something.

After traveling a while longer, the thought of rain arose again, but this time it carried a different meaning:

"Min Ning, didn't you ever feel that something was wrong with this?"

Min Ning frowned, puzzled: "Something's not right? What do you mean? I don't see anything amiss."

Zhou Yitang had already sensed something amiss, but being thousands of miles apart and shrouded in mist in the southern border region, even with extraordinary abilities, she couldn't see clearly.

It was precisely because it was not clearly visible that there were clues, and even she only realized it at this moment.

The sound of raindrops echoed in Min Ning's heart, word by word.
"From your perspective, it is naturally a complicated and heartbreaking situation. In the end, for the sake of that bit of 'chivalry' and to avoid destroying someone's family, you chose to back down and go far away from home. You seem upright, but in reality, your heart is not at peace and your martial arts are also hindered."

Min Ning disliked being criticized, and since her mind was made up, she said, "I can take it."

"But have you ever considered stepping back and looking at it from Chen Yi's perspective?"

The thought of rain seemed to carry a hint of mockery.
"Has he had it too easy? He has a beautiful wife by his side, children around his knees, the honor of the royal palace at his fingertips, and even a rare confidante like you, who ultimately understood the greater good and withdrew voluntarily, without causing him any trouble. Has he ever paid any price? Has he ever felt any real difficulty? It seems that he has enjoyed all the benefits."

At first, Min Ning let these words go in one ear and out the other, but in the end, they were like a sudden bolt of lightning, abruptly cleaving through the long-standing fog of confusion. She abruptly stopped in her tracks, standing still, the mountain wind brushing against her hair, but she was completely unaware of it.

Yes... From beginning to end, it seems that she was the only one who was conflicted, in pain, struggling, and giving in.

Where is Chen Yi?
He always seemed to be able to stay out of things, and no matter how difficult the situation was at the beginning, he always managed to get everything he wanted in the end.

Once this thought arises, it can no longer be suppressed.

Min Ning stopped in her tracks.

"You mean... someone's up to something? Who?"

Min Ning paused for a moment, then said:
"Yin Weiying?!"

Zhuo Yu fell silent for a moment, unsure how to answer. If the Goddess of Taihua truly possessed such abilities, she would probably already be the de facto First Lady.

Min Ning also came to her senses and realized that even with some minor tricks, Yin Weiying's abilities were not enough to prevent her from backfiring and ending up being ignored. Could this also be something she did on purpose? Why? Was she itching to make chrysanthemum tea?
Min Ning sorted out her thoughts, and the previously defeated martial intent slowly rose again. Her mind also calmed down, and she slowly said:
"You mean, everything is going according to Chen Yi's plan?"

There was no definitive statement regarding the rain.

"How can this be,"

Min Ning continued:

"Could it be that he can have his wishes fulfilled?"

.....................

The commotion surrounding the betrothal was like a pebble thrown into a lake; before the ripples could subside, it was swallowed up by a larger wave.

As the wedding date drew ever closer, the festive atmosphere within the Prince's mansion suddenly intensified, like a beacon being lit.

On the tall pillars of the vermilion gate, brand-new red silk was tied into huge floral clusters, extending all the way from the gate to the depths of the inner courtyard. Exquisite glass lanterns were hung everywhere under the corridors and between the pavilions, exuding a warm and festive atmosphere even in the daytime.

The servants and maids moved with increasing haste, carrying various brocade boxes, silks, and utensils, their faces beaming with pride and busy smiles, for large sums of money were indeed in their hands. The air was filled with the smell of new lacquer, the fragrance of flowers, and a tense yet fervent anticipation.

What surprised the servants the most was that Princess Zhu E, who was usually lenient but strict, actually took the lead in handling many matters.

From checking every single item to arranging the banquet process, she paid close attention to everything with a calm and composed expression. She would even occasionally offer some pointers, a faint smile playing on her lips.

The maids exchanged surprised glances and whispered among themselves:

"Your Highness is truly...so magnanimous."

"Yes, judging from this attitude, they seem to care even more than the prince."

"That's why she's called a princess; her magnanimity is beyond the reach of ordinary people."

"Your Highness is truly blessed..."

In a secluded room in the inner courtyard, Chen Yi was spreading his arms as two old tailors busily measured and helped him try on clothes. The bright red wedding gown was embroidered with intricate python patterns in gold thread, making it extremely luxurious and adding a rare touch of formality to his expression.

Yin Weiying sat quietly on the embroidered stool to the side, holding a cup of warm tea in her hands. Her gaze fell on Chen Yi, but it was somewhat distant. Looking at the bright red, she couldn't help but recall the scene of her wedding with Chen Yi in the capital many years ago.

Back then... it seemed to be just as busy and noisy, with Donggong Ruoshu being shoved under the bed. Only today, the groom has become the bride, and the roles have been completely reversed.

The thought that Chen Yi was now to be dressed in this red gown and welcomed into the Prince's mansion made her lips curl into a very subtle smile. She found the situation rather... intriguing and amusing.

Although Chen Yi stood still, he keenly caught the fleeting smile of Yin Weiying out of the corner of his eye. He did not turn his head, but only glanced at him sideways out of the corner of his eye.

Yin Weiying felt a chill run down his spine, and the smile on his face froze on his lips, vanishing without a trace.

She subconsciously straightened her posture, lowered her eyes, and focused intently on the tea leaves swaying in the cup, no longer glancing at Chen Yi.

Chen Yi decided not to pursue the matter with his confused father, Da Yin. Today was a joyous occasion, and marrying Qin Qingluo was the priority.

After straightening his clothes, for some reason, Min Ning's face flashed through his mind.
Chen Yi lowered his gaze slightly.

We'll make it up to you if we run into each other again.

Anyway, getting married is the most important thing today.
Min Ning has left, so there are no more complications, and no one can stop him from marrying Qin Qingluo anymore.

(End of this chapter)