Chapter 56: Yun Heng Has Returned

I never imagined that on my way to Yonghe Bank, I would encounter that person...

The one I used to think of day and night, whose image has now faded into a hazy silhouette in my memory. I never thought I’d see him again at this moment; I believed we would never meet in this life.

He is a high and mighty general, a celebrated hero, the favored son of Yuehua, the man every woman dreams of marrying. And I am the daughter of a fallen kingdom, reduced to a maid, masquerading as a merchant in men’s clothes, seen by others as someone with questionable inclinations. Yet, I carry with me a dignity bestowed by a nation that no longer exists, and a royal bearing etched into my bones—though these things may be worthless now. Still, I believe that Huangfu Ziyun will one day return.

The gulf between us is not just vast—it is insurmountable. It is not simply a matter of different countries, but something that can never be bridged. I only allow myself to look at him once, just one secret glance as Mu Fan, nothing more.

The bank was just ahead, but I slowed my pace and stopped. Yes, I wanted to glimpse him, just a furtive look.

Back then, he had said he was sent on a mission and would return in a few days, but unexpectedly, he was gone for two whole months. Those two months brought too many changes for me.

From being bullied by Qiao Ruoqing and Yun Rong, to secretly escaping the General’s Manor, to meeting Li Yexuan while trying to purchase the Golden Jade House, being seen through by him, then running into Qiao Ruoqing and Yun Rong again... Two months in which I heard nothing from Yun Heng.

I thought he would be just a passerby in my life, someone I could let go of once they’d crossed my path. But fate had other plans, and here he was again.

Yun Heng approached from a distance, and I hurried into the shadows at the edge of the street. There were crowds of citizens here to witness his triumphant return, and I was soon pushed to the farthest corner.

He rode at the head of the procession, tall and commanding. All eyes were on him, and he still looked every inch the imposing figure—clad in blue armor astride a sweat-drenched steed.

His features were as refined as ever, though he seemed a bit darker, a bit leaner. I’ve always been someone with little memory for details, especially when it comes to others—like how I couldn’t say what pattern Aunt Jin’s dress was embroidered with, for I never really looked. But Yun Heng was different; I remembered him with striking clarity. If given the chance, I could probably count the number of hairs in his brows and never forget. But I’ve never had that chance.

This was my first time seeing him in full armor, mounted on horseback—a heroic sight indeed, worthy of the world’s admiration.

Because the procession was in the street and the crowd was thick, his horse moved slowly. Through the sea of people, I managed to catch a glimpse of his face—though distant, I could sense the coolness in his eyes, and something urgent.

Did I mistake it? What was wrong with Yun Heng? What sorrow or haste lay in his gaze?

It was easy to guess—he must be anxious for Qiao Ruoqing. He probably didn’t know I had already escaped from the General’s Manor, so he couldn’t possibly be worried about me. Clearly, I needed to be careful to avoid being discovered by Yun Heng. It was bad enough to be exposed by Li Yexuan; if Yun Heng found me out too, then my escape would have been for nothing.

Even the slowest horse moves swiftly compared to a man on foot—the old saying goes that even a dying camel is bigger than a horse, though I’m not sure if that comparison quite fits here. All I knew was that Yun Heng’s horse soon passed by, and amidst the vast crowd, he never noticed someone as insignificant as me. Perhaps by the time he returned to the General’s Manor, he would not even remember I existed.

He rode off, his shadow vanishing from sight.

"Did you hear? General Yun achieved a great victory this time..."

"Indeed, General Yun is young and accomplished..."

"I heard he routed the enemy completely. Looks like the border will finally know peace..."

"A blessing for us common folk..."

The voices around me made my lips curve in a smile—he truly was beloved by the people.

"Oh, and with such a great achievement, surely the Emperor will grant him the hand of the princess. I heard this has long been His Majesty’s intention..."

In that instant, it was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over me, yet I forced myself to keep walking toward Yonghe Bank.

We really are not meant to be...

I told myself I didn’t care, over and over, but I could not hide the chill settling in my heart.