Chapter 343, I Don’t Regret

So, how should this sentence be understood?

Young Master Sang was actually a bit confused at first.

This sentence felt a bit like an awkward confession. A confession that fit Huo Ningxue’s character perfectly.

But it could also be that Huo Ningxue just wanted to force herself to stay with some kind of excuse.

She might not even know what choosing a queen and having children really meant, just like the last time when she accidentally gave her first kiss to herself.

But the scariest part was—

For a moment, Young Master Sang’s heart really fluttered.

All those wishy-washy storylines from soft rice emperor novels he’d read before flashed through his mind, and he could almost imagine himself enjoying the favor of the Empress in the Holy Kingdom, being one person below a myriad, living a life of endless glory and riches without worrying about food and clothing.

Of course, it was just a thought.

He wouldn’t abandon his wives at home just to enjoy a bit of that soft rice.

Once calm, Young Master Sang seriously asked Huo Ningxue:

“Your Majesty, who told you that kissing leads to pregnancy?”

“It was Huo Ming.”

Great.

Looks like homework wasn’t enough.

Young Master Sang thought Huo Ming should feel lucky that he wasn’t the teacher at the national master’s mansion anymore.

Otherwise, starting tomorrow, he’d have to have the little prince experience what homework during summer and winter breaks really meant.

“Uh, is there a possibility that actually pregnancy has nothing to do with kissing? The little prince is just young and talking nonsense.”

Young Master Sang helplessly explained: “Your Majesty doesn’t need to worry about having a child in your belly. A maiden who is pure and innocent couldn’t possibly become a mother.”

After saying that, he thought of an exception and quickly corrected, “Uh, basically not.”

Upon hearing this, Huo Ningxue’s beautiful eyes flashed a hint of disappointment.

“So, does it mean… I haven’t conceived the national master’s child?”

…No!

Why do you seem so disappointed?

“It’s okay, Your Majesty. If you truly want a child, just find a suitable husband to marry, and it won’t be long before you have one.”

“I don’t understand,” Huo Ningxue looked at Young Master Sang with confusion, “Isn’t the national master in love with me? Why can’t we become one?”

“Uh, ‘being in love’ isn’t used like that…” Young Master Sang was sweating bullets as he tried to explain, “Although there was that kiss, it was more of a misunderstanding at that moment rather than a true kiss between lovers.”

“Moreover, I already have quite a few beloved acquaintances. You, as the Holy Kingdom’s sovereign, would likely be neglected if I were to slack off.”

“In my opinion, Your Majesty has already begun to open your heart, and I believe you’ll soon find a worthy partner that’s excellent in every regard and fall in love.”

Huo Ningxue looked at him with a slightly dazed expression.

She hesitantly bit her red lip and quietly asked, “What… is falling in love?”

“To ask what love is, is an unsolved mystery for humanity since ancient times,” Young Master Sang sighed, “I can’t give you a reasonable explanation.”

“Once you meet the right person, you will naturally understand.”

Saying this, Young Master Sang slowly cupped his hands and turned to leave.

However, this time—

Before he could take a few steps, he suddenly felt a soft and slender hand tightly grabbing his wrist from behind.

“…Don’t go.” Young Master Sang heard a near-pleading cry behind him.

He turned around, a bit bewildered, to see Huo Ningxue with teary eyes and pursed lips.

“Your Majesty?”

“In the past, my mother told me,” she said, her head lowered as if talking to herself.

“There will come a day when I will meet someone who amazes me for life, just like my mother did when she first met my father.”

“I was very young then, and very foolish, I didn’t know what my mother meant.”

“No…” Huo Ningxue shook her head again, “I still don’t understand it now.”

“I know, I’m still the same, a hopelessly foolish girl.”

“I don’t understand anything. What the national master told me, I don’t understand; what my mother told me, I don’t understand; even what you told me, I can’t grasp.”

What amazing person.

What heartbreak.

What kissing.

All of it just didn’t make sense.

Huo Ningxue couldn’t even accurately describe what exactly Young Master Sang was in her heart.

A reliable, dependable national master.

Or a considerate, gentle confidant.

Or perhaps—

A necessity for life that, once addicted, could not be quit.

“I’m just not good with words. I don’t know how to express my feelings.”

Huo Ningxue’s voice was a bit pitiful, reminiscent of a little girl who lost her toy on the street, choked with emotion.

“But I just know.”

“When the national master said he would leave me.”

“I… was really sad.”

Just like it was said. It felt like dying.

She was lost in thought deep into the night, sitting in the garden pavilion, replaying everything that had happened in that time.

Recalling every afternoon, quietly listening to Young Master Sang talk about court matters.

Recalling every evening, sitting beside him as he tutored Huo Ming.

Recalling how he followed her like a shadow on the garden path.

Recalling those moments when she felt weak and lost, hearing his reassuring words as he stroked her hair.

Recalling that cool kiss mark like a fleeting dream.

Recalling the lonely figure protecting her in the hall, standing alone against the rebellious troops.

Huo Ningxue suddenly realized.

It turned out that whenever she thought of Young Master Sang, her mind was packed with so many unforgettable moments.

It was as if her foolish head could only hold onto everything related to him.

“I know you won’t stay,” Huo Ningxue bit her lip bitterly, speaking softly, “I also know I can’t abandon Huo Ming, abandon my mother’s last wish, abandon the kingdom left by my father to follow you.”

“But… at least…”

“Please don’t cut off all my hopes, okay?” She sounded desperate, like a puppy begging.

Even Young Master Sang felt a wave of pity and heartache.

“Even if it’s just to tell me that this isn’t a permanent goodbye and that we will meet again—”

“We will meet again,” Young Master Sang suddenly spoke up.

Huo Ningxue stared blankly at Young Master Sang as he walked up to her.

He gently rubbed her head, just like when he normally comforted her.

“The matter with Li Shanyan isn’t over yet. Perhaps very soon, there will be a common enemy threatening the Holy Kingdom.”

“When that time comes, as long as you need me, I can always become your national master again and protect you.”

“As long as… you think it through and don’t regret accepting me.”

“After all,” Young Master Sang suddenly smiled lightly, “I’m the head of the Demon Cult, you know.”

At that moment, Huo Ningxue looked at Young Master Sang’s bright and radiant smile.

She suddenly understood her mother’s words in an instant.

…Perhaps for her mother,

The weaving girl from the market back then was looking at that impressive young man on horseback standing between her and the ruffians in the same way.

At that moment, she also gently smiled.

Then, she gracefully wrapped her arms around Young Master Sang’s neck and, unlike last time’s fleeting touch, this time it was serious and careful as she bit down on his lips.

“…I don’t regret.”