Chapter 179: Confession
Jin Sui raised her finger and said to Gu Changxiao, “Look at my finger.”
Gu Changxiao, though confused, did as she said. His eyes followed her finger, and Jin Sui said speechlessly, “Your eyes are fine! It must be your brain that’s too slow.”
Gu Changxiao wasn’t angry at all. Instead, he enjoyed Jin Sui joking with him like this. Back in the border city, Daoist Ji had been somewhat distant and guarded towards him.
After reuniting in the Northern Frontier, Daoist Ji became Miss Ji, but she was no longer distant towards him. It was like when they first met, she had slapped him upon arrival.
Back in the border city, no matter how angry she was, she wouldn’t resort to physical action; she still had reservations.
Gu Changxiao liked this change in her attitude very much. He smiled and held the finger Jin Sui was waving, and instantly saw her ear tips turn red. She glared at him and quickly withdrew her finger.
“I am dull, please teach me, Suisui.”
Jin Sui: …
Liu Yun was right, I’ve corrupted Gu Changxiao! You weren’t like this before!
“Miss Yan likes Han Xing! You can’t even see that. It’s just that Han Xing is a bit self-conscious, feeling his status is too low to be worthy of Miss Yan.”
Gu Changxiao was displeased, “Han Xing is this King’s capable subordinate, how is his status low!”
Jin Sui clapped her hands, “I said the same thing! When we return to the border city this time, you must promote Han Xing!
He made a great contribution this time, didn’t he! If he hadn’t arrived in time, the Left Wise King might have escaped.”
Gu Changxiao nodded repeatedly, “Of course!”
Then he laughed, “Yes, Miss Yan marrying Han Xing, that’s excellent, excellent!”
Jin Sui nudged him with her elbow, “Don’t show that expression in front of Yan Jiu. Haven’t you seen how dark his face is? Brothers are all like this; no matter who their sister marries, they’re never satisfied.”
Hei Hu poked his head out from behind, “Your Highness, Leader Ji, Lord Yan is asking if you’re finished talking?”
The two hurried back to the felt tent, like students who had been slacking off during class.
Yan Jiu was still drinking tea. He glanced at the two with calm, unruffled eyes, then spread out the map, “I plan to return to Yandi after Batel ascends the throne and I obtain the trade pass.
What are Lord Li’s plans?”
Gu Changxiao pointed to the Northwest Borderlands, “This King needs to take a detour to the Northwest and cannot travel with Lord Yan. However, I am traveling at a forced march speed, so I should arrive in Yandi before you.”
After speaking, they both looked at Jin Sui. Yan Jiu spoke first, “Since Lord Li is on a forced march, Miss Ji should not accompany him.”
Gu Changxiao said urgently, “Actually, it’s not that urgent. Sui Sui can ride in a carriage.”
He regretted his slip of the tongue, but the Northwest Borderlands was a place he had to go. Many of his old subordinates had already arrived there, awaiting his instructions.
Yan Jiu’s tone remained unhurried. This person was always like this, his emotions as stable as a deep mountain lake untouched by anyone, never showing any ripples.
Jin Sui couldn’t help but mutter, his future wife would be miserable; she wouldn’t even be able to have a proper argument. Getting angry in front of him would be like being a madwoman.
He ignored Gu Changxiao and looked at Jin Sui, calmly saying, “A batch of Yan Clan’s merchant ships is expected in three months.”
With just this sentence, Jin Sui instantly felt a pang of guilt. Thinking of her promise to Yan Jiu, she quickly said, “I will return to Yandi with Lord Yan. We can discuss the sea route along the way.”
Yan Jiu nodded, “Miss Ji’s identity has been revealed, so the identity of Yan Clan’s maidservant is no longer suitable. I will prepare a comfortable carriage for you.”
Yan Jiu wasn’t looking at Gu Changxiao, but Gu Changxiao felt his lips curling in mockery, his eyes filled with triumph, and even the fingers holding the teacup were incredibly annoying.
Gu Changxiao forced himself to calm down, not wanting to lose his composure in front of Sui Sui. He used to be able to be as calm as Yan Jiu, always composed, even with a knife to his throat, possessing a kind of calm madness.
But now, he couldn’t do it.
Looking at Jin Sui, he realized that when one had someone important in their heart, they would truly be drawn by her every move, driven mad by her every smile and frown.
When the Lin Clan broke off their engagement with him, he only felt the coldness of a victor and the disdain for the fickleness of women, with no personal emotional anger.
Until this moment, he reminded himself that Sui Sui was merely keeping her promise. He knew that Sui Sui was the most loyal, righteous, and trustworthy person, unlike other women.
But he was still angry, still unwilling, regretting his impulsive decision to send Sui Sui away, which gave Yan Jiu an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
He bit his lip tightly, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, causing Yan Jiu’s bodyguards to become flustered and also quietly draw their swords.
Yan Jiu, however, still didn’t look at Gu Changxiao, but he could feel Gu Changxiao’s torch-like gaze on him.
The corners of his mouth curved slightly. I said, there’s always tomorrow, what does a moment’s victory matter?
So what if you kissed Miss Ji? I’ve held her too!
Only Jin Sui, completely unaware of the tension between the two men, was still looking at the map, offering suggestions to Yan Jiu:
“We can build more post stations like the ones on the road, and expand them. In the future, trade will rely on these strongholds.”
She then said to Gu Changxiao, “Batel promised to build a Divine Palace for me. When the time comes, we’ll have our Black Feather Camp brothers pretend to be Taoists, and have my Grandpa train them. They’ll be so convincing.
It will be much easier to gather intelligence on the Northern Frontier’s troop deployments then. Most importantly, we’ll establish a communication network for timely message delivery…”
She chattered on, only to realize that besides her voice, there were no other sounds in the felt tent. Even she, slow as she was, sensed something was wrong and looked at the two in surprise:
“What’s wrong? Is something amiss?”
She lowered her voice, “Are you worried Batel will go back on his word? How about we bring Han Xing and Miss Yan out and run away tonight.”
“Anyway, he’s just ascended the throne and is busy purging Left Wise King’s cronies, so he won’t be able to send anyone to track us.”
Seeing that they still didn’t react, Jin Sui became completely anxious, “What is it? You guys are really scary like this!”
Yan Jiu chuckled, “Miss Ji need not worry. The Northern Frontier will not turn against us now.”
Jin Sui was about to ask, then what are you two so tense about?
When Gu Changxiao grabbed her wrist, “Sui Sui, let’s talk outside.”
Yan Jiu raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t stop them. Knowing Miss Ji as he did, she would certainly not break her word.
Indeed, Jin Sui was a little angry, “What is it now? We were discussing important matters, why are you angry?”
She felt that Gu Changxiao had not only become thick-skinned but also emotionally unstable. It was one thing to dislike Yan Jiu and not give him a good look before, but now we are in the Northern Frontier, in enemy territory!
He is our only ally, how can you treat a partner like this?
Gu Changxiao said in a deep voice, “I’m not angry!”
“Alright! You’re not angry, then what does Lord Li want to say?”
Gu Changxiao looked directly at her, “I want you to return to Yandi with me, not go with Yan Jiu!”
Jin Sui was very confused, “You’re going to the Northwest Borderlands to see your old subordinates, what would I do by following you?
Besides, when I asked Yan Jiu to lend me manpower to come to the Northern Frontier, I promised him that I would find a safe sea route for the Yan Clan.
Now that his task is complete, how can I break my word?”
Gu Changxiao was stubbornly like a child, “Then after returning to Yandi, you can find him a sea route, just don’t travel together.”
Jin Sui found him unreasonable, “If you don’t give me a reasonable explanation, I will think you are mentally immature.”
Gu Changxiao held Jin Sui’s shoulders, looked into her eyes, his voice filled with urgency and unease,
“Sui Sui, don’t you truly understand my heart? I like you. I don’t want you to be too involved with that man. Yan Jiu is coveting you, don’t you know?”
Jin Sui was stunned at first, her head buzzing, then her face felt hot, unable to look directly at Gu Changxiao’s face.
“This, this is too sudden. Why are you suddenly saying this.”
“It’s not sudden! I’ve liked you for a long time. I know that if I don’t make some things clear, you won’t understand. Sui Sui, please don’t blame me for being abrupt.”
His face was as red as Jin Sui’s. At this moment, neither of them had their past rationality; they were completely like young boys and girls experiencing first love.
Jin Sui asked the question she had always been curious about, “Did you like me when I was still the Fake Li King? I was a man then!”
Gu Changxiao’s face turned even redder. Thinking of his ambiguous feelings for Daoist Ji back then, it was as if a deep secret had been exposed, making him feel awkward.
But he didn’t back down, “It’s not about gender. I just like you, because it’s you. Whether you are a man or a woman, to me, you are the most special person in this world.”
Jin Sui felt like a fire was burning in her heart from his straightforward confession. Didn’t they say ancient people were reserved? Why are you like this?
But Jin Sui’s reason was not drowned by this passion. She calmly said, “Gu Changxiao, I can tell you that in my heart, you are also extraordinary.
But now, can we be rational? We are in enemy territory! Please don’t let love affect us, okay? Returning to Yandi safely is the most important thing.”
“Then what about Yan Jiu? Are you going with him?”
Jin Sui thought for a moment, then nodded heavily, “I can guarantee that I have no romantic feelings for Yan Jiu.
I hate owing people favors the most. If I owe someone a favor, I can’t eat or sleep. Therefore, I will definitely fulfill what I promised Yan Jiu.”
“Don’t force me anymore, or I’ll really shave my head and become a Taoist nun.”
Gu Changxiao released her shoulders and said dejectedly, “Shaving your head makes you a Buddhist nun; you don’t need to shave your head to become a Taoist nun.
I’m sorry, Sui Sui, it was my impulsiveness that made me lose my reason. You’re right, we’re still in enemy territory, how can we be affected by love.”
What right do I have to ask for your answer? I can’t even guarantee my own safety. The Black Feather Camp, the border city, the old subordinates in the Northwest Borderlands, their lives and safety all depend on me alone.
Jin Sui said softly, “Gu Changxiao, I know you have many things to do, and so do I. Actually, I have one more very important matter that requires your help.
Can we be the most trusted companions for each other like we used to be? I don’t want us to become strangers.”
Gu Changxiao quickly said, “I’m sorry, Sui Sui, I was too abrupt. You don’t have to take my words to heart. Of course, we can be like we used to be. Even if you want to continue being Lord Li, I’m willing.”
Jin Sui chuckled, “How can that be! I’ve returned to being a woman, and I don’t want to be a man again!”
The Fake Li King did so many embarrassing things, but it has nothing to do with me, Ji Sui!
Gu Changxiao asked again, “You said the important matter is?”
Jin Sui pondered and said, “When we return to Yandi, my Grandpa and I will tell you together.”
Gu Changxiao didn’t press further. Although his impulsive confession this time seemed to have no response from Sui Sui.
In reality, there was a response. At least in Sui Sui’s heart, he was different from other men.
When they returned to the felt tent, Yan Jiu was a little disappointed. Miss Ji didn’t get angry despite Lord Li’s impulsive behavior?
Gu Changxiao even said frankly to Yan Jiu, “Then thank you, Lord Yan, for escorting Sui Sui back to the border city.”
He was a companion, yet he spoke as if Yan Jiu was entrusted by him to escort Miss Ji like a bodyguard!
Yan Jiu remained composed, but the hand gripping the teacup betrayed him. What a Lord Li!
“Your Highness, that’s not right. Yan Jiu and Miss Ji are companions, why do you need to thank me!”
The two looked at each other, their eyes sparking with fire. Jin Sui said speechlessly, “How about I go back by myself?”
This time, both said in unison, “No!”
“It’s not safe, there are many bandits in the Northern Frontier. Then it’s settled, Sui Sui will return to the border city with Lord Yan.”
This topic was dropped, and the three began to discuss matters of trade with the Northern Frontier. At this moment, Hei Hu reported, “The Princess is here again.”
Tuoya was displeased, “What do you mean ‘here again’? This Princess is visiting a friend, do you think I come too often?”
Jin Sui smiled and went to greet her, “Of course not! Princess, we would welcome you even if you stayed here!”
“We’re having hot pot today, Princess, you haven’t had lunch yet, have you!”
Tuoya became interested, “Hot pot? Is that a Central Plains way of eating? You Central Plains people are best at cooking, it’s a pity I haven’t been to the Central Plains.”
Jin Sui personally cooked the hot pot base. There were few vegetables that could be cooked in the Northern Frontier, so she took some stored vegetables and tofu from her space.
The fresh lamb in the Northern Frontier was delicious. She sliced the freshly slaughtered lamb into thin pieces, making over ten plates, and also skewered and marinated lamb for kebabs.
Gu Changxiao came to help, “There’s no need to entertain her so grandly. Don’t let your hands get cold.”
Jin Sui whispered, “I’m not entertaining her, I’m bringing goods!
Our border city’s Gobi Desert has planted a lot of spices. If they like roast meat and hot pot, we can sell them to the Northern Frontier in the future.
And this potato, although not many are grown in the border city, its yield is extremely high, along with sweet potatoes. In the future, we can make them into starch and sell them to the Northern Frontier.”
Gu Changxiao was touched. Sui Sui always thought of the border city, no matter when.
Northern Frontier people loved drinking milk tea, but they usually drank salty milk tea.
Jin Sui made another pot of rose-infused roasted milk for Princess Tuoya, using glazed glass teaware. She then took out a set of glazed glass jewelry and a small bottle of perfume as gifts.
If these glazed glass artifacts were to become a craze in the Northern Frontier, Princess Tuoya would be the best celebrity endorser.
Jin Sui proudly said to Gu Changxiao, “We can’t compete with the Yan Clan in business, but if these few special products of ours become popular in the Northern Frontier, the money we earn will be enough for you to support a hundred thousand soldiers!”
Gu Changxiao saw that Jin Sui was indeed not affected by his ‘confession’, and he was finally relieved. If Sui Sui really became a Taoist nun because of him, he would regret it for the rest of his life.
Jin Sui not only prepared gifts for Princess Tuoya but also gave a piece of glazed glass jewelry to each maidservant who accompanied the princess.
When had the Northern Frontier people ever seen such exquisite and beautiful jewelry! A glazed glass wolf could captivate Crown Prince Batel, let alone these pieces of jewelry captivating ordinary women.
The Northern Frontier produced natural gemstones, agate, and gold. When Princess Tuoya presented a set of magnificent gold-inlaid ruby jewelry to thank Jin Sui for the glazed glass jewelry,
Jin Sui’s heart bloomed with joy, “Haha, trading glazed glass for gold and gemstones. I’ve really caught a good time!”
