Because of Xuns strange behavior, Yuwen Jin had to speak up: "This is the niece of Nancheng City Lord Nan Gongxian, Miss Nan Gongqi. Weve mentioned her before..."

  He introduced while observing Xuns expression, seeing his tense face relax, and his eyes slowly becoming calm. After closing his eyes tightly for a moment, he didnt look at the puzzled Nan Gong beauty again, grasping the knife without hesitation, turning around and leaving. He quickly walked past the screen and disappeared under the corridor.

  Tang Li couldnt see anything, but could only hear from some faint sounds that someone seemed to have arrived, however soon left. She was perplexed, and sat calmly and steadily in her original position.

  Yuwen Jins eyes widened in surprise, thinking that his brother Xun was acting strangely today. However, with guests present, he couldnt be too rude, so he laughed and apologized: "Haha, just now it was one of my friends, he has a strange personality and doesnt like to interact with people, please forgive him, Miss Nangong."

  Tang Li shook her head and smiled: "Nothing."

  Yuwen Jin is a man who likes gold and also likes beautiful women. When facing beautiful women, his attitude is very good. Before long, he forgot what Duan Ming had said and felt that Nangong Qi was gentle and considerate, without any pretenses, speaking straightforwardly without being coy. He couldnt help but chat with her, and as for Duan Mings cold eyes, he didnt notice at all.

  In the end, Yuwen Jin warmly invited Tang Li to stay in the mansion, and Tang Li gladly agreed. After the others followed the maid to rest, Yuwen Jin turned his head to see his good friends ambiguous smile, and only then remembered what he had said earlier, slapping his forehead: "Ah, darn it, I was careless."

  "But Ah Meng, are you sure you didnt get it wrong? I think Miss Qin isnt the kind of person you described."

  Duan Ming said coolly: "Being able to subdue you so quickly and change your impression of her, I can only say that this Miss Nangong may be even more capable of pretending than before."

  Yuwen Jin smiled and said, "Actually, Ah Meng, you dont have to be like this either. I kept her just to give face to Nancheng, and also..."

  Duan Ming: "I know youre curious why Xun brother was so abnormal when he saw her. You, one day will die because of this curiosity."

  Yuwen Jin disagreed, "Arent you curious?"

  With a rustling sound, she unfolded her fan and revealed a meaningful smile. "Of course Im curious. Although I havent known Brother Xun for long, someone who can change his expression is also very interesting to me."

  Peach blossoms had two maids from the South City and two maids sent by the East City to serve her. The two of them led her to the guest house, introducing some things about the East City along the way. Peach Blossom listened quietly, thinking in her heart, how could she make Yuwen Jin willingly give up Mitosha? From todays meeting, she could feel that Yuwen Jin was different from Nangong Xian, who had a deep and subtle mind, and had a sense of openness, perhaps this matter was not as difficult as she had thought before.

  Moreover, how to discreetly ask about Xun Nus news without arousing suspicion from the two original South City servant girls. The East City servant girls are probably similar to those in South City and do not understand these Jianghu secrets. However, Yuwen Chengzhu is very likely to know as he seems to be a gossip enthusiast from their conversation.

  Tang Li was thinking about these things in her heart, but she didnt know that the person who was gazing at her from a rooftop nearby was precisely the Xun Nu she had been thinking about.

  Two people: one cant see and the other is a stranger.

  "Miss Nangong, weve arrived. This inn is called Kong Cui, its elegant and quiet, with a spacious courtyard planted with many of the unique Xiang bamboo and fragrant grasses found only in our East City. If youre interested, you can take a stroll along the small bamboo path beside it." The maid introduced politely.

  Tang Li sat down on the soft cushion in front of the window, listening to the birds chirping outside with her ear tilted, feeling the fresh breeze blowing past her side, and relaxed a little. The maids were sitting on one side, she waved her hand and said softly: "Theres no need to be here, you can also go down and rest."

  When she was left alone, she finally let out a slow breath, revealing a tired look, and rubbed her temples.

  Xu Xian gently fell under a tree in the courtyard, separated by half of the yard, quietly gazing at the person sitting by the window. Although he knew it was impossible to be Tang Li, he still couldnt help but follow him, his body seemingly having its own consciousness, and when he came back to himself, he had already arrived here.

  Under the sunlight, that persons face seemed hazy, like a real dream. For a moment, he doubted whether this was another dream. A few years ago, when she had just left, he would often have such dreams: turning his head, as if seeing her waving at him in the crowd; going to an unfamiliar place, suddenly hearing her voice, searching around and seeing a similar figure, but upon closer inspection, it was just an illusion; even in the wind and sand of the north, her shadow had appeared. She always smiled, looked at him for a moment, then left without any lingering attachment.

  Its been five years now, and he rarely thinks of her anymore. Because with each passing year, he comes to understand more clearly that the dead cannot be brought back to life, and with each day he spends walking alone in this world, her body beneath the yellow earth rots a little more, until by now its probably turned into a skeleton, no longer resembling the person he remembers.

  The most beautiful things in life, like the morning dew, are always fleeting and gone before you can grasp them. That was a face that looked especially similar to Tang Lis, not just in appearance but also in expression, particularly in the way her eyebrows and eyes sparkled when she smiled, as if it had reached into his very bones.

  He turned his face away, covering his forehead with force, his complexion pale, and his jet-black eyes were filled with pain. This Nan Gong Qi, who looked very similar to Tang Li, was like a sharp blade that cut open the old wound of his, tearing out the bloody internal organs.

  After standing for a while, Xun finally put down his hand and walked towards the person sitting alone, lightly jumping up like a leaf and standing on the windowsill. His movements were light and agile, his breathing was calm and gentle, even though he was so close, Tang Li still didnt notice his presence.

  There is a tree in the courtyard with unknown white flowers, probably already near the end of its blooming period, and petals have fallen all over the ground and onto Xuns shoulders, like snow.

  A small flower was spinning and falling from the branch, Xun reached out to catch it, but after coming back to his senses, he loosened his hand and let it continue to float. Originally, it should have landed on the railing, but Tang Li, who was sitting by the window, suddenly stretched out her hand as if she had sensed something, and just caught the white flower.

  She didnt seem to think that anything would fall into her hands, and after withdrawing her hand, she touched it and found a flower. A faint smile appeared on her face as she pinched the flower and brought it to her nose for a light sniff.

  He looked at her, and for a moment, he had a very strong feeling in his heart that this was Tang Li. His long-dormant heart, because of this faint smile, suddenly stirred, and he only felt this way when he saw Tang Li smile like this before.

  But the gaze was only dazed for a moment, and soon became clear. Xun suddenly felt unable to look directly at this face again, his toes tapped, he jumped onto the flower tree, and instantly disappeared from sight.

  Tang Li picked up a flower and leaned against the railing, her lifeless eyes gazing at the courtyard, completely unaware that someone had been standing beside her.

  In the evening, Yuwen Jin, as the host, had to entertain the guests from Nancheng. Tang Li naturally dressed up and attended, even though the relationship between Dongcheng and Nancheng was not good, but still had to maintain etiquette. When Tang Li entered, Yuwen Jin was already there, he smiled: "Tonight is a small banquet to entertain the guests from Nancheng, everyone doesnt need to be restrained, just feel free."

  This time, in addition to Tang Li, there was another of Nangong Xians confidants, named Chou Tu, who came with Tang Li under the pretext of taking care of him. At this moment, he was also at the banquet, chatting with Yuwen Jin. Seeing that there was still an empty seat on Yuwen Jins side, he asked casually: "Why is there still one empty seat? This seat is so important, I wonder who it is for, the master of the Yuwen City?"

  Yuwen Jins tone was relaxed and casual: "He is a friend of mine, but his personality is different from most people. He doesnt like this kind of lively banquet, so he hasnt shown up yet. Probably he wont come this time either."

  Chou Tu also had a smile on his face, but the inquisitive look in his eyes could not be concealed. "Speaking of which, I heard a rumor that the legendary swordsman Xun and the Lord of Yuwen City are friends, and recently appeared in the East City. Could it be that the friend mentioned by the Lord of Yuwen City is this person?"

  Yuwen Jin hadnt spoken yet, when he first heard the sound of shattering porcelain. He looked over in surprise and saw that Nangong Yu had accidentally knocked over a ceramic cup. He thought it was because Nangong Yu couldnt see clearly and had carelessly dropped the cup, and was just about to call someone to help her re-arrange things when he suddenly heard her ask: "Xun? Which Xun is it?"

  Even though she had suppressed it, one could still see her excitement at this moment. Yuwen Jin was surprised, having previously seen Nangong Yun, the impression of being calm and composed was deep, how come she was acting like this now? He couldnt help but think of his brothers unusual behavior when he saw her before, his heart moved, and the curious color in his eyes became even more pronounced.

  Chou Tu also found it strange about Nan Gong Yus reaction. As far as he knew, Nan Gong Yu should not have had any intersection with that Xun, but her current behavior didnt seem like it either.

  Both of them were at a loss, only Táng Lí was trying hard to control herself. She didnt expect to suddenly hear Xùns name here, thinking it would take a long time to get his news, but unexpectedly he might be right next to her. She anxiously and nervously waited for an answer, just then, a figure walked into the hall.

  Yuwen Jins eyes lit up as he saw the newcomer and called out: "Xun brother, youve come at just the right time. We were just talking about you."

  Tang Lis breath caught in her throat as she turned her face towards the doorway, for the first time hating herself for being unable to see.

  "Is it?"

  It was just two simple words, but they made Tang Lis eyes suddenly heat up. It was Xun Nu, this voice was Xun Nu! She couldnt help but stand up, and in her haste, her long sleeves swept across the small table in front of her, knocking over more than half of the cups on it, causing a loud clattering sound that drew the attention of nearly everyone in the hall.

  But Táng Lí had no time for these thoughts, she lifted her skirt and hastily walked around the small table in front of her, heading towards the source of the sound.

  "Xunú, is it Xunú?"

  Everyone was stunned, unsure what had happened to this Miss Nangong, and even more astonished by her address of Xun. Xun Nu, yes, that was what he was called back when he was an assassin in the Lianyuan, but later on, no one knew how he quit the Lianyuan and clashed with the Northern City Lord Xiahou Xuan, the two of them engaging in a battle that left both sides severely injured. From then on, no one dared to call him Xun Nu again, only referring to him as Xun.

  Xuns face showed a hint of astonishment as he stood in place, watching as someone stumbled towards him.

  "Miss, are you drunk? How can you be so rude?"

  Tang Li suddenly remembered Ou Tus existence, she gritted her teeth and took a deep breath to calm herself down, but still spoke hastily: "Xun, I have an important matter to discuss with you, may I request a private meeting later?" She had to speak with Xun Nu alone about this matter, otherwise if others overheard it, it would definitely cause big trouble, and Ou Tus side also couldnt be neglected. Moreover, she was even more afraid that Xun Nu would refuse.

  When Tang Li said this, Ou Tous eyebrows twitched and Yuwen Jin almost smashed his wine cup. This beautiful woman from the South Palace, could it be that she has some ulterior motive? He first thought of the beauty trap, and suddenly the eyes of the two people in the hall seemed a bit off.

  Her face was expressionless, as if she couldnt see the face in front of her that looked just like Tōrus. She said coldly, "No need, we dont know each other, theres nothing to say."

  Tang Li became somewhat anxious and grabbed onto his sleeve following the sound, but was quickly brushed off. Xuns voice rose again saying: "Ill take my leave first."

  He said that and turned around neatly and left, unexpectedly not planning to attend the banquet again.

  Tang Li heard his footsteps fading away, and she couldnt care about anything else. She lifted her foot and chased after him. She didnt see the small table in front of someone and kicked it over, shattering cups and plates all over the floor. She stepped on them, feeling a sharp pain in her feet, but still gritted her teeth and continued to chase after him, accidentally knocking over a screen door along the way.

  Chou Dou couldnt bear to watch any longer and shouted at the two maids who were at a loss, "Miss is drunk like this, why dont you quickly go bring her back!"

  Two maids rushed over to support her, but were pushed away by Tang Li. She was anxious and worried, thinking that Xun would leave and the two might never have a chance to meet again after this time, and she felt sad and afraid.

  "Xunú, Xunú, stop! Its me, Tang Li! Im back!" She didnt know if Xunú had walked far away, so she could only shout loudly. Suddenly, her foot stepped into empty space and she fell forward. In front of her was a flight of stairs, and she almost tumbled down after stepping on air.

  Waist suddenly tightened, Tang Li only felt a strong arm holding her whole body and hugging her up. She bumped into that chest, smelling a familiar yet strange breath.

  Her eyes turned red, and Táng Lí immediately hugged the persons neck, whispering: "Xún Nú, Im Táng Lí, do you still remember me?"

  "Are you... Táng Lí?" The hoarse voice that made her nostalgic slowly echoed in her ear.

  "Yes, I am." Táng Lí smiled and nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks.