After eating and resting for a while, Liu Miqing felt completely refreshed. Bundled up in thick clothes, he ran out to the courtyard to roll snowballs and build a snowman.
The residence Bu Jingci had given him was quite spacious and tastefully decorated. The grass and leaves had all fallen bare this season, but it would surely look even more beautiful once spring arrived.
Worried that he’d catch a cold, Zhichun kept urging him to come back inside, but Liu Miqing had no intention of listening. After building a small snowman, he decided it wasn’t enough and wanted to roll a bigger one, playing until evening without stopping.
Bu Jingci returned from outside, intending to ask whether he was settling in well. When he saw the figure crouching in the courtyard, he was momentarily taken aback. Walking over, he found a person whose nose was red from the cold, both hands drained of all color. His brows furrowed deeply as he looked at Zhichun and Runyu: “Why did you leave him out here alone?”
Zhichun looked ready to cry at those words and hurriedly explained, “It’s the young master who refused to come inside. We tried to persuade him, but he wouldn’t listen”
Liu Miqing nodded quickly and gave Bu Jingci a faint smile. “I’ll play a little longer. I’ll stop when it’s time to eat.”
“You’re not a child anymore.” Bu Jingci reached out and pulled him up. The residual warmth in his own hand vanished the moment it closed around Liu Miqing’s icy fingers.
Liu Miqing realized it too, and somewhat embarrassedly withdrew his hand, hiding it behind his back. “I’ll go wash my hands.”
At that, Bu Jingci glanced at Runyu, who immediately hurried off to fetch water. Only then did Bu Jingci lead Liu Miqing inside. “I’m staying here with you tonight.”
“Huh? Why?” Liu Miqing was a little confused. “Didn’t we agree”
He glanced at Zhichun and Runyu as he spoke, then stopped mid-sentence, simply looking at Bu Jingci.
“What kind of husband neglects his bride on the second day of their marriage?” Bu Jingci stepped closer and said in a low voice, “Same as last night, I won’t do anything.”
“Oh.” Liu Miqing didn’t really understand these customs, but his bed was plenty big anyway. Squeezing one more person in beside him wouldn’t be a problem.
It was Yehuo, who had followed him along, who had some objections. He said quietly, “Your Highness, isn’t this rather improper?”
“Having Runyu here tonight is enough.” Bu Jingci dismissed him outright. “You may withdraw.”
“Your Highness…”
“Withdraw.” Bu Jingci frowned, and only then did Yehuo fall silent and obediently retreat.
Watching this exchange, Liu Miqing grew curious. “What’s wrong? Do you have something to do tonight?”
“Nothing. He just worries too much.” Bu Jingci reached out and ruffled Liu Miqing’s hair. “He’s worried that if I stay here too long, someone might move against you.”
“Me?” Liu Miqing thought for a moment. “You mean the Empress?”
Bu Jingci’s brows knitted slightly at that. “You mustn’t say such things carelessly.”
“It’s fine there’s no one else around.” Liu Miqing sat down by the table, propping his chin on one hand, his body still swaying slightly. His eyes curved warmly as he looked at Bu Jingci. “I understand it all, you know.”
“Understand what?”
“A lot of things.” Liu Miqing thought for a moment. “You don’t need to worry about me.”
Faced with Bu Jingci’s probing gaze, Liu Miqing only shook his head and said nothing more.