Allure of a Country Maiden-Chapter 403 - 401

The peak of Yueyun Mountain is shrouded in clouds and mist year-round. When standing amid this setting, it feels as though you are among the clouds at the edge of the sky.

Reach out a hand, and you can feel the white clouds quietly flowing through your fingers.

Looking down upon the mountains from amidst the layers upon layers of white mist, an overwhelming sense of heroism fills your heart.

The view is indeed beautiful, dreamlike even. However, after standing at the top of Yueyun Tower for a short while, you begin to feel the chill as the wind grows stronger. It becomes so cold that sightseeing loses its appeal!

Shangguan Xuanyi had already sent people up to the peak with a few items.

From a bag, he found a red fox fur cloak and draped it around Xiao’er.

Ming Jingya, who had just ascended, began to sneeze repeatedly after standing there for only a short while.

Di Shaowei followed suit, rummaging to find a white cloak to give her.

Di Shaowei always acted according to his heart’s desire. Understanding what he wanted and why he was troubled, he naturally followed his feelings and acted accordingly.

With a blushing face, Ming Jingya thanked him with a bow before draping the cloak around her shoulders.

Xiao’er then took out a bottle of preventative wind chill medicine pills, giving one each to everyone to take.

"Even if I catch a cold, the trip will be worth it. I feel as if I can interact with the Gods in the heavens. It’s no wonder this place is known as a fairyland on earth." Ming Jingya tightened the cloak around her and spoke.

"The scenery here during autumn and winter is also uniquely beautiful. If you like, we can revisit then." Di Shaowei glanced at someone who was full of joy, then gazed towards the distant cloud-cloaked mountains and began to speak seemingly unintentionally.

Hearing this, Ming Jingya gave him a surprised look, but as he was only looking into the distance, she thought he was not speaking to her. Thus, she returned her gaze to the sea of clouds rather than making a response.

In autumn and winter, she would likely not be in the Imperial Capital, so it would be impossible for her to see such scenes even if she longed to.

"Let’s eat something first! After climbing the mountain for such a long time, I’m hungry." Xiao’er said before heading inside Yueyun Tower.

Someone had already tidied up the place in advance, all the tables and chairs were clean.

Xiao’er took out the food box and neatly arranged the assortment of food that was brought along.

The food was simple, consisting only of easily-portable pastries.

The temperature was low, however, so eating these cold dishes didn’t feel as enticing as it usually would.

Shangguan Xuanyi took out a bone china cup and poured water into it from a water bag. As he tightened his grip on the cup, he used his inner strength. Gradually, the water inside the cup started to heat up.

Just as Xiao’er finished a piece of cake, Shangguan Xuanyi handed her a cup of tea, steaming hot.

"Was this heated with inner strength?" Xiao’er excitedly took it, touched the cup, and found it truly was hot.

Shangguan Xuanyi nodded, "Be careful, it’s hot."

Xiao’er brought the cup to her lips, slightly parted them and took a small sip.

"It’s a bit hot, but it’s perfect for this weather. Brother Shangguan, you should also heat up a cup for yourself!" Xiao’er said, grinning.

"Alright!" Shangguan Xuanyi readily agreed, and poured himself a cup of tea.

"Second prince, in such cold weather, it’s not good for a lady to drink cold water. You should also heat up a cup for Miss Ming." Xiao’er winked at Shangguan Xuanhao and subtly gestured towards Di Shaowei.

The look Shangguan Xuanhao gave Xiao’er was filled with resentment.

He’d also wanted to seize this chance and make a good impression, but this wasn’t as simple as it seemed!

Girl, you’re really adding fuel to the fire this time. How could you do this to me?!

After drinking the slightly warm tea, Xiao’er felt significantly warmer.

"What’s the matter?" Noting Shangguan Xuanhao’s gaze, Xiao’er looked over to find him looking tragically wronged for seemingly no reason.

"His inner strength isn’t strong enough." Shangguan Xuanyi said nonchalantly.

Contempt, naked contempt, he didn’t want to live anymore! Shangguan Xuanhao glared at Shangguan Xuanyi.

In this world, who among brothers would lay bare each other’s shortcomings like this? Shouldn’t they let people live?!

"I don’t need it, I don’t mind drinking something cold. I’m not a big fan of hot water." Ming Jingya quickly interjected upon seeing this.

"Drinking too much cold water isn’t good for a girl’s health. Miss Ming, there’s no need to be polite. They can always regenerate the inner strength they’ve used! It’s a waste not to use it!"

The three men: "..."

"Second prince, those who do not strive in their youth will regret in their old age. Push yourself harder! Strive to be able to warm up a cup of hot tea for her by the time you bring her here next year!" Xiao’er encouraged.

Shangguan Xuanhao: You could have used a different example to motivate me! Do you even know how much training it takes to heat a cup of water using inner strength!?!

He had neither talent nor interest in this aspect.

"Little girl, martial arts training is predicated on natural talent. Some people are naturally slow and no amount of practice will help." Di Shaowei smiled. He now realized that honing one’s martial arts skills was indeed worthwhile. He was thankful to his father, a general, for forcing him to practice martial arts when he was young.

Di Shaowei poured a cup of water, held it for a while before placing it in front of Ming Jingya: "Miss Ming, this is just warm water, it’s not hot. Have some to warm yourself."

His inner strength only allowed him to do this much. It seemed he needed to train harder in martial arts when he returned home, striving to be able to heat a bath full of water for his son next year.

Ming Jingya, with a slight smile on her face, gave her thanks. She was also very curious about the taste of water heated through inner strength.

There was a cup of steaming water in front of everyone, and Shangguan Xuanhao looked at his own ice-cold cup, his heart roared with frustration!

Since when has inner strength been used to heat tea water?! The thought was enough to drive him to his death!

These two were completely indifferent to him! Flaunting their advanced martial arts skills in front of him, who had albeit a lower level of expertise!

If they really wanted to show off, why didn’t they heat up all the water in the water bag?!

Heating one cup at a time - was that even enjoyable?!

"Brother Shangguan, why don’t you also warm a cup of water for the second prince." Xiao’er looked at Shangguan Xuanhao, beginning to feel a bit empathetic.

They had just been allies a moment ago!

"No need, I’m a grown man, I don’t need hot tea! I’m not a woman." Shangguan Xuanhao decisively refused Xiao’er’s kind offer. He’d rather stick to his principles and drink cold water than become a laughingstock.

"A man does not need hot tea, but he should at least have the ability to provide hot tea for his wife and children. Is a man who can’t provide his woman with a cup of warm tea still a man? Isn’t that right!" Di Shaowei provoked.

Wife and kids? Hearing this, Ming Jingya looked at her half-finished cup of warm water - she didn’t know whether to drink it or leave it.

Shangguan Xuanhao was enraged, claiming he was not a man! This bridge burner, he needed to be taught a lesson he would remember.

"Di Shaowei, come with me! We need to build up our bond!" Shangguan Xuanhao sprang up.

Di Shaowei had been thinking about the same thing and immediately followed him.

Humph! Who’s afraid of whom!

Ming Jingya was stunned, "Are they going to fight?"

"No worries, the temperature is low, moving a bit will limber up their limbs, and also warm them up. Warm them up!" Xiao’er continued to sip her hot tea and eat pastries.

Ming Jingya: "..."