CHAPTER 743: CHAPTER 329: XIE RUOTONG’S AMBITION (FIRST UPDATE)

Within the silent tent.

Song Yanqing simply watched Xie Ruotong’s gaze on Lin Qianyu.

Lin Qianyu was facing away from him; he couldn’t see Lin Qianyu’s face. Presumably, Lin Qianyu might not have woken up yet.

Upon waking, how delighted he must be.

To receive a look so tender from Xie Ruotong, how joyful he must feel.

It’s a sight he hasn’t seen in a very, very long time.

Xie Ruotong smiled at someone.

Now, she was smiling at Lin Qianyu, her lips curving upward.

Song Yanqing turned and left.

Before Xie Ruotong had the chance to notice him.

Perhaps she did notice.

But she could choose to ignore.

He left.

Unable to sleep the entire night.

Even more so since the Prince was in his tent.

As dawn broke, he lingered outside Xie Ruotong’s tent.

Only until just now did he muster the courage to enter and see her.

Wanting to see if she had awakened yet?

Wanting to see if she was still in pain?

Wanting to see if she was still crying?

She was awake, not sure if still in pain, but she wasn’t crying anymore.

She was looking at another man.

Her eyes full of tenderness.

He should have.

Stayed far, far away.

He shouldn’t have gone to trouble her sight.

Inside the tent.

Xie Ruotong’s eyes slightly moved, clearly having noticed Song Yanqing.

As an Assassin, she would notice the slightest movement.

How could she not, when Song Yanqing was such a conspicuous presence.

Watching his retreating figure as he left.

Just watching.

Without any emotional ripple.

"Xiang Qin." Lin Qianyu called out to her.

Assassins are just like that.

They are easily awakened.

Even though she made no sound upon opening her eyes, Lin Qianyu seemed to sense it and opened his own.

Lin Qianyu spoke.

Only then did Ye Qichi wake up.

She stretched out lazily, noticing that Xie Ruotong had awakened.

And went straight over to her.

"How is it? Are you still in pain?" Ye Qichi asked.

Xie Ruotong furrowed her brow.

When had she ever said she was in pain?

Ye Qichi, seeing the look in Xie Ruotong’s eyes, knew that Xie Ruotong didn’t remember crying out in pain the night before.

She didn’t expose it.

After all, everyone has their pride.

She changed the subject, "Does your leg hurt?"

Xie Ruotong replied indifferently, "There’s feeling, but it’s bearable."

Still not willing to let anyone see her weakness.

"Feeling pain is good," said Ye Qichi. "It means your legs are still sensitive, and that you won’t end up crippled."

Xie Ruotong heard Ye Qichi’s words.

And felt somewhat surprised.

When she rescued Ye Qichi, crushed by a large rock, she was prepared to live without her legs.

Even though she found the idea hard to accept.

But she had no regrets.

Ye Qichi was her lifesaver.

And someone who truly meant well for her.

Even if it meant dying for her, she was willing.

"I operated on your leg last night. I’ve realigned your shattered bones. As long as you rest well, and avoid further injury to your leg in the early stages. And if you diligently perform leg rehabilitation exercises, in six months, you should be able to walk normally, and in one year, regain your ability to dart about rooftops," Ye Qichi stated with certainty.

Last night, Ye Qichi didn’t dare to make such absolute promises to Song Yanqing, not to worry Song Yanqing, but because she wasn’t sure right after the surgery.

But looking at Xie Ruotong’s condition today.

The chances of her making a full recovery are very high; it’s just a matter of time.

"Really?" Hearing Ye Qichi say this, Lin Qianyu was even more excited than Xie Ruotong.

He didn’t dare to hold too much hope.

At this moment, hearing the Princess’s firm tone, he was truly overjoyed.

"Really," Ye Qichi smiled.

Suddenly, she felt.

If Xie Ruotong could still love someone, being with Lin Qianyu might actually be quite good.

Marrying someone who loves you could bring more happiness than marrying someone you love.

"Then..." after a moment of joy, Xie Ruotong asked hesitantly, "Can I still lead troops into battle?"

"Do you like warfare?" Ye Qichi asked in return.

"Not really, it’s just that, the thought of serving the country and defending a territory seems quite imposing," Xie Ruotong said with an embarrassed smile.

Not confined to the boudoir, nor trapped in the web of romance.

A woman can also have grand ambitions and lofty aspirations!

Ye Qichi smiled.

She was happy to see Xie Ruotong’s transformation.

But it also made her somewhat uncomfortable to think about their inevitable separation.

Her original plan was to roam the world with Xie Ruotong, both on horseback.

Now...

She suddenly felt that Xie Ruotong deserved her own domain.

Perhaps, in the future, she could even become a Great General, commanding respect from all around.

"This time, you cannot, but in the future, you can," Ye Qichi answered seriously. "It’s understandable. Within half a month, there will surely be a call to arms again. Not only will Xiao Jinxing not wait any longer, but Xiao Jinsen won’t either. War is on the brink of breaking out."

A hint of loss flickered in Xie Ruotong’s eyes.

"I know you want to personally kill Xiao Jinsen to avenge your grandmother; I understand how you feel," Ye Qichi could see Xie Ruotong’s intent, "but hurting yourself over a revenge does not pay off—it’s throwing good after bad. Don’t worry, once Xiao Jinsen falls into Xiao Jinxing’s hands, he won’t survive."

Xie Ruotong suppressed her inner emotions.

This time going into battle, she really did entertain thoughts of killing Xiao Jinsen herself.

But alas...

She said, "Princess, you must kill Xiao Jinsen."

"Okay. Even if Xiao Jinxing cannot bring himself to kill his brother—which is impossible, but even if that’s the case, I will help you kill Xiao Jinsen," promised Ye Qichi.

"Thank you," Xie Ruotong expressed her genuine gratitude.

She knew very well that once Ye Qichi promised her something, she would definitely see it done.

"I should be the one to thank you," Ye Qichi’s voice softened, "Thank you for saving my life without a second thought. If it wasn’t for you, I would have been a corpse by now."

"Protecting the Princess’s safety is my duty," Xie Ruotong replied.

"No, it’s not," Ye Qichi immediately refuted, "It’s because of your affection."

Xie Ruotong pursed her lips.

"No matter whether we will... be in different places in the future, I will keep you in my heart," Ye Qichi promised.

"What does the Princess mean?" Xie Ruotong was puzzled.

"It’s a hypothesis—the hypothetical could happen, or it could not," Ye Qichi smiled, "None of that is important. What’s important is, you are my, Ye Qichi’s, friend for life!"

Xie Ruotong didn’t dwell on Ye Qichi’s words and nodded firmly, "And you are mine, Princess."

The two looked at each other.

And shared a similar smile.

Some feelings are just so straightforward, and yet so profound, without need for words.

"By the way." Ye Qichi suddenly remembered something, "You’ll need a wheelchair during this time."

"I’ll go make one," Lin Qianyu volunteered himself readily.

"No rush, it’s not yet time for you to get out of bed. Lin Qianyu, you haven’t had proper rest for two days and nights. Go sleep first, your health is important," Ye Qichi urged.

This was indeed a real dismissal.

Lin Qianyu clearly didn’t want to leave.

"Qianyu, you go and rest first. I can’t go anywhere now, and once you’ve rested, then come keep me company," Xie Ruotong persuaded.

In her tone, there seemed to be a hint of tenderness.