This matter was too sudden.
How come, after a short while of not seeing each other, he suddenly ran over to express this sentiment?
Miss Jun felt a bit embarrassed.
But upon serious reflection, it couldn't be considered sudden; on second thought, since entering the capital, he indeed had been quite good to her.
It's just that she had become accustomed to people being nice to her and hadn't thought much of it.
Reflecting on it now, one person being kind to another naturally wouldn't be without reason.
And when one person liked another, it was also something that could be discerned.
Just like the bright eyes of the young man before her now.
Miss Jun's heart was a bit complex.
"I don't quite understand," she said, lifting her head to meet the young man's eyes.
She understood the meaning behind her own words.
Ning Yunzhao felt his heartbeat quicken, his body also growing slightly warm.
As for what she said about not quite understanding, he, on the other hand, did understand.
She didn't understand why she would ask that question.
Especially, what she understood even less was that the person here was her.
Just last year, at this very time, this girl was crazily pursuing him, hoping to have a chance encounter with him during the Lantern Festival, and it was said she'd even written him a poem.
But to him, Miss Jun was just a stranger, like those girls who followed behind him, unworthy of his notice or concern.
Later on, he left home to continue his studies undistracted in his pursuit of the greater truth.
What Miss Jun made a fuss about at home, what kind of fuss, he naturally would not know from afar in the capital, and no one would bother telling him about such trifling matters.
His eyes were only on the path forward, unable to spare attention to what was behind or beside him.
Later on, she broke off her engagement; later on, a conflict arose between their families, and they became enemies.
The once-ignored and avoided person, who should have been respectfully kept at a distance, why did she now become the one he admired and longed for?
Had he known this day would come, why bother in the first place?
The marriage engagement was already canceled, the things of the past had dissipated, yet inexplicably, he had returned.
It was indeed an unbelievable and incomprehensible occurrence.
Ning Yunzhao fell silent for a moment, then smiled.
"I don't understand either," he said, "It's definitely not love at first sight."
If it wasn't love at first sight, then naturally it was affection that grew over time.
Such an embarrassing comment he just stated so calmly, as if discussing the understanding of a scripture.
This candor was obviously quite suitable for Miss Jun. A little bit of her embarrassment dispersed, and she too smiled a little, recalling their recent idle talk about love at first sight.
It certainly wasn't love at first sight, otherwise, Jun Zhenzhen wouldn't have died, and she wouldn't be who she was today.
Thinking of Jun Zhenzhen, Miss Jun fell silent for a moment.
"This matter is a bit difficult to discuss," she said.
Her expression was serious, as if she too was pondering a scripture.
This was indeed a scripture to ponder.
If at this moment Jun Zhenzhen were here, hearing Ning Yunzhao's invitation, she would have been overjoyed.
But if at this moment it were Jun Zhenzhen, Ning Yunzhao wouldn't have uttered these words.
It wasn't the first-sighting of Jun Zhenzhen that captivated him, but rather the interactions that led him to make such a decision today were with Chu Jiuling.
But without Jun Zhenzhen, he wouldn't have had the chance to get to know and interact with Chu Jiuling.
He didn't know how other women might react in this situation, but Ning Yunzhao thought Miss Jun's response was exceptionally good.
No coyness or panic, no shock or retreat.
Just like a few days ago when they debated love at first sight, with natural ease about affairs of the heart, harboring desires yet not being disrespectful.
This matter was indeed difficult to voice.
The past events could remain unspoken, but there were still many things to consider for the future.
However, since he had already clarified his moral core and made this decision, then he must be willing to work towards it with all his heart.
"You don't have to speak right now," Ning Yunzhao said, "You can think it over."
He said this with a smile.
"Only two days and one night left until the evening of the fifteenth."
Such playful and frivolous words felt awkward to say for the first time, hoping she wouldn't take offense.
Miss Jun did not take offense; upon hearing it, she smiled.
Seeing her smile, Ning Yunzhao felt relieved once more; even the most difficult tasks seem not so challenging once undertaken.
"Then I'll be leaving first," he said.
Miss Jun shook her head.
"No need, I can answer this question right now," she said.
It was indeed a very simple matter, requiring neither much thought nor hesitation.
Not necessary? Ning Yunzhao looked at her.
True, this sort of thing could be done straightforwardly by following the heart; it was indeed very simple.
"Thank you for the invitation, gentleman, but I'm very sorry," Miss Jun said.
Her expression was serene, her gaze direct, and her voice soft yet clear-cut.
The apology certainly wasn't on account of accepting his invitation.
Ning Yunzhao fell silent for a moment.
"May I ask why?" he raised his head and asked with a smile.
The question was still straightforward.
Miss Jun looked at him without the slightest hesitation or thought.
"It's not appropriate," she said, and after a moment's thought, added, "I don't wish to."
Not appropriate referred to objective external reasons, such as the feuds and entanglements between her family and his.
And her lack of desire was a matter of personal will, straight from her heart.
The answer was precise and sincere, reasonable and irrefutable.
Just like her style in chess, the final move she made was clean and decisive, without mercy.
Ning Yunzhao smiled faintly.
"I see," he said, nodding, "Alright, I understand."
His response was just as straightforward; he bowed his hand to Miss Jun.
"Then I shall take my leave."
Miss Jun returned the gesture, watching Ning Yunzhao walk away, then stood quietly for a moment.
Was this what it was like to be admired and to express one's feelings?
Just like those young couples she occasionally saw while walking outside, gazing at each other across the willows, their silent looks brimming with words unsaid, their eyes filled with tenderness.
A young man's wholehearted devotion, a young lady's deep affection, desiring a mutual love that would last a lifetime without parting.
Miss Jun raised her hand to touch her face.
She had always been a spectator to such matters, never having fallen in love nor been the object of someone's affection, then she married and then she died.
She never expected to encounter this now.
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
It was just a pity, a pity that the timing was not right.
She was no longer the carefree Jiuling, whose only concern was to cure her father's illness; she carried a deep-seated blood feud, and what she had to undertake was the enormously treasonous undertaking of changing imperial power.
She had neither the time nor the desire for romance, marriage, and talk of wedlock.
Miss Jun lowered her gaze and stepped forward to close the door.
The light inside the hall was extinguished, and the silhouette of the young girl swayed and disappeared into the night.
............................
The night of the fifteenth of August arrived a bit earlier than usual. As Ning Yunzhao, accompanied by Xiaoding, headed to Ning Yan's house, the streets were already filled with lanterns like a river of stars, teeming with crowds.
"Tonight will definitely be lively," Xiaoding said happily, "Where shall we go to enjoy the Lantern Festival? Outside the city or within?"
"Of course, we'll be enjoying the lanterns at my uncle's house tonight," Ning Yunzhao said.
Xiaoding was momentarily stunned.
"Young master, aren't we going to view the lanterns with Miss Jun?" he asked.
"How could we go with Miss Jun?" Ning Yunzhao asked with a slight frown, "The fifteenth is a day for family reunions; she has her own matters to attend to."
Xiaoding uttered an acknowledgment, having thought that the young master's sudden visit to Jiuling Hall the day before was to invite Miss Jun to view the lanterns; it turned out not to be the case.
Ning Yunzhao's expression remained calm as he looked ahead, seemingly oblivious to Xiaoding's puzzled look.