CHAPTER 1181: CHAPTER 282: CHEN JIE: YAYA, WILL YOU MARRY ME?

"Sister Yaya, you’re awake, that’s great! Brother Chen, wake up, quickly, Sister Yaya is awake!"

Linglong saw Zhao Ya waking up and excitedly went to nudge Chen Jie, who could no longer pretend to be asleep.

He opened his eyes and exchanged a glance with Zhao Ya, both with faces full of awkwardness, for they both felt something earlier.

Thinking about the event just now made both of them a bit embarrassed.

However, Chen Jie was the first to snap out of the awkwardness and looked at Zhao Ya, saying, "Com- Commandery Princess!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ya nodded gently, yet felt a little disappointed inside. Now that she was awake, that unrealistic dream was to be forgotten.

Zhao Ya: "Yes, Chen Jiusi, what happened during the time I was unconscious, and what’s the current situation outside?"

Zhao Ya inquired, and listening to this, Chen Jie immediately recounted the events of the past few days.

Listening to this left Zhao Ya stunned; she hadn’t expected so much to happen in such a short time, even involving the internal inheritance issues of a major sect like the Five Poison Sect, which was a big deal.

Even more surprising was that the Ruyang King had come.

And he led an army to seal off the Five Poison Sect.

Zhao Ya said, "It seems like this might be a misunderstanding, doesn’t it? Maybe I should go out now and explain the situation to my father, and have him withdraw the troops."

Upon hearing this, Linglong said, "That would be great, Sister Yaya. You don’t know that everyone from our Miao Village is crammed into this cave. It could become a problem if it goes on for too long."

"And with so many people around, Lord Jin can’t rest. He’s the one who dislikes noise the most."

Linglong said, and then Chen Jie said, "Hmm, some things indeed need to be cleared up outside."

"Linglong, go out and speak to Mother Gu, tell her that the Commandery Princess is awake, and ask if we can go to the Ruyang King first to persuade him to withdraw the troops."

"Sure, Brother Chen, I’ll go right away."

Linglong said and immediately left, while Chen Jie supported Zhao Ya and said, "Commandery Princess, even though you’ve taken the Dragon Blood Great Rejuvenation Pill and replenished your depleted blood, your body is still too weak. I’ll help you get familiar with your body, regain some physical functions, and then we’ll meet the Ruyang King."

Zhao Ya replied, "Alright."

After saying this, everyone immediately got busy. Linglong went out to report to Mother Gu, and Chen Jie assisted Zhao Ya in moving around the surroundings of the thatched hut.

The dim sunset light filtered into the secluded cave, with the sound of water trickling inside and the sight of Linglong’s planted rice paddies.

The golden sunlight shone on the rice ears, making them gleam beautifully.

Seeing this scene, Zhao Ya was captivated by the view, as she moved with Chen Jie, both unspokenly aware of each other’s thoughts.

After a while, Zhao Ya spoke up, "That..."

Chen Jie looked at her.

"What’s happened in the cave, let’s not mention it outside..."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jie remained silent for a moment, then said, "Alright..."

Zhao Ya said nothing more, just gazed at the sunset, then continued, "It really was a ridiculous dream."

Chen Jie asked, "Was it a good dream or a nightmare?"

Zhao Ya shook her head, saying, "I don’t know, neither good nor bad!"

"Actually..."

Zhao Ya paused, seeming hesitant to continue, and Chen Jie looked at her.

Zhao Ya said, "Actually, sometimes I really envy Su Yunjin."

Chen Jie looked at her and asked, "Envy her?"

"Being born in poverty, only thinking about being with a husband and raising children for a lifetime, without the pressure of state, stance, and intrigue, that should be a woman’s life."

"Unfortunately...I can’t do it!"

Hearing this, Chen Jie said, "Everyone has their fate; in fact, she suffered a lot."

Zhao Ya replied, "Yes, now that the world is in turmoil, these women of humble origins may have an even harder time."

"This is no longer the time to talk about love; survival is most important, right?"

Zhao Ya asked, looking at Chen Jie, and upon hearing this, Chen Jie understood the substance of Zhao Ya’s words: "Yes, yes, survival is most important."

They were two rational people, both understanding how great the resistance was to be together.

Though they found traces of each other in their hearts at this moment, there are no perfect solutions in this world—remaining true to both the Tathagata and to their beloved is a rare thing indeed!

"The sunset is truly beautiful!"

Zhao Ya gazed at the sunset on the horizon, her eyes filled with indescribable longing, much like her relationship with Chen Jie—to leave this cave would mean assuming their roles as superior and subordinate.

Like the sunset, although beautiful, it is fleeting.

Zhao Ya said, and Chen Jie also looked at the sunset, scattering its rosy glow on the horizon.

Reflecting, he said, "The sunset is infinitely beautiful, but it’s near dusk."

The two stood in silence. If they both lived ordinary lives, they might have been a very good couple.

It had been a long time since Chen Jie felt such feelings for a woman.

In Chen Jie’s life, so far, only three women had held significant places, the first being Su Yunjin.

His and Su Yunjin’s was a unique arranged marriage of this era, dictated by parents and marriage brokers, with an unbearable past between them.

Su Yunjin possessed the unique tolerance and gentleness of women from this era, which melted Chen Jie’s heart, placing her forever in the most important position in his mind.

Next was Huang Wan’er.

With this woman, it was more of an impulsive, physical relation; initially it was about experiencing the thrill of taboo, only later did they gradually understand each other and develop feelings. These feelings were a kind of accident for Chen Jie, but with continued interaction, his love for her deepened.

This woman appeared crazy outwardly, yet inside she was more fragile than anyone.