Chapter 61: Evening Fishing on the River, Stargazing in the Wilds

After properly handling numerous thorny affairs and making meticulous preparations, Li Chengyin happily decided to take Xiaofeng with him on the long journey back to the capital.

The carriage swayed gently as it advanced along the winding road, and the scenery outside the window unfolded slowly like a picturesque scroll.

Reaching a certain spot, Xiaofeng's gaze was firmly captured by the roadside beauty. She excitedly shook Li Chengyin's arm gently and cried out:

"Li Chengyin, look over there! The flowers and the stream are so beautiful!"

Li Chengyin followed the direction she pointed. Not far away, colorful flowers were blooming wildly, scattered like stars amidst the green grass. A crystal-clear stream murmured past, its water sparkling with golden light under the sun, resembling a nimble ribbon weaving through the earth.

Seeing this, Li Chengyin raised the corners of his mouth slightly and softly told the driver to stop.

Before the carriage had even come to a complete halt, Xiaofeng eagerly jumped down, dashing toward the beautiful scenery like a joyful little deer. She stopped by the stream, turned around, waved at Li Chengyin, and shouted loudly:

"Li Chengyin, come over here quickly!"

Li Chengyin shook his head helplessly, yet he quickly followed after her.

Xiaofeng smiled mischievously, bent down to cup a handful of stream water, and—taking Li Chengyin by surprise—gently splashed it onto him. Then, placing her hands on her hips, she said triumphantly:

"Hmph, didn't you bully me like this back in Western Zhou? Now I'm going to pay you back properly."

Li Chengyin was startled at first, then feigned anger by knitting his brows, though his eyes were brimming with deep affection.

Seeing his expression, Xiaofeng felt a trace of trepidation, thinking she had truly angered him.

Before she could even offer an explanation, Li Chengyin suddenly bent down and swiftly retaliated. The stream water splashed onto Xiaofeng, and she cried out in a mix of surprise and delight. The two of them chased each other by the stream, their laughter echoing in the twilight of the setting sun.

The golden sunlight cast its glow upon them, as if draping them in a warm and wondrous veil of gauze, freezing that single moment into an eternal picture. All their worries and sorrows melted away into thin air amidst those joyous laughs.

The sun, like a benevolent elder laden with the remnants of the day's glow, slowly walked toward the other side of the mountain and gradually sank beneath the horizon, leaving behind only a brilliant and dazzling afterglow in the sky that dyed the entire world in dreamlike hues intertwined with golden and orange-red.

Li Chengyin and Xiaofeng arrived at a nearby murmuring river.

The river water was crystal clear, sparkling with ripples under the setting sun as though countless fragments of gold were dancing upon the surface.

With high spirits, Li Chengyin and Xiaofeng rolled up their trouser legs and stepped into the river. The water gently caressed their skin, bringing a trace of cool refreshment.

With a focused and resolute gaze, Li Chengyin bent down slightly. His hands felt about in the water with agility and precision, and before long, a lively fish was caught in his grasp. The fish struggled desperately in his palm, splashing a string of crystalline water droplets.

Watching from the side with a face radiant with excitement and joy, Xiaofeng imitated Li Chengyin's posture, cautiously probing the water.

Although her movements appeared slightly unpracticed, her enthusiasm remained undiminished.

After a bout of effort, they finally reaped several plump fish.

Filled with a strong sense of accomplishment, Li Chengyin walked over to the riverbank and skillfully began preparing to roast the fish.

He gathered some dry branches and leaves, piled them into a simple bonfire, and then drew a sharp dagger from his waist, adeptly cleaning the fish and threading them onto tree branches.

Crouching down, he set the fish-threaded branches over the bonfire, attentively turning the branches so the fish would heat evenly.

As the flames licked upward, the fish bodies gradually turned golden, and the fish oil dripped onto the bonfire, making sizzling sounds and releasing wave after wave of alluring fragrance.

The accompanying guards sat around in a circle, having relaxed the nerves that usually remained taut on weekdays. Their faces beamed with cozy smiles as they chatted back and forth.

Some guards recounted thrilling experiences from past missions, gesturing vividly to recreate the scenes; others shared the local customs and practices of their hometowns, their eyes filled with yearning and nostalgia for home.

Xiaofeng sat beside the bonfire while A Du gently plucked the instrument in her hands, producing crisp and melodious notes.

Xiaofeng closed her eyes slightly, immersing herself in the wonderful melody, and then softly began to sing a melodious and lingering tune.

Her singing voice was as clear and sweet as that of a nightingale, drifting through the tranquil night as if crossing mountains and rivers to reach the deepest recesses of the human heart. That singing blended perfectly with A Du's accompaniment, sounding like celestial music that left one thoroughly intoxicated.

Li Chengyin occasionally raised his head to look at Xiaofeng, his mouth curving upward unconsciously while his gaze overflowed with tenderness and doting affection.

Once the fish were fully roasted, the company gathered around to enjoy the delicious food.

The fish meat was tender, juicy, and melted in the mouth, its savory flavor spreading across the tongue and leaving a lingering aftertaste.

After the meal, Li Chengyin gently took Xiaofeng's hand and led her to a patch of soft turf.

The grassland resembled a green velvet blanket, exuding the fresh fragrance of grass.

They lay down slowly, their bodies sinking into the turf as if being gently embraced by nature.

Li Chengyin and Xiaofeng gazed up at the starry sky. The boundless firmament was like a vast black silk scroll inlaid with countless dazzling stars that twinkled with mysterious brilliance like gemstones.

Some stars were bright and dazzling like lighthouses in the night sky, while others flickered in and out of sight as though playing hide-and-seek with people.

Li Chengyin pointed up at the starry sky, recounting those ancient and beautiful constellation legends for Xiaofeng. Xiaofeng listened quietly, her eyes filled with curiosity and longing. Beneath the starry sky, their figures appeared so diminutive, yet so blissful and serene, as if the entire world consisted only of the two of them and this magnificent sea of stars.