Chapter 6 - It is too cold outside

It rained straigth for five hours. As the night arrived, Zhang Yi attempted to wake up Yu Lexuan, caressing his face:

-His highness, please, wake up.

Yu Lexuan opens his eyes slowly:

-Hi, Zhang Yi. Is it raining yet?

-No, there's no rain anymore, but the sun has already set. I think we will have to stay there until sunrise.

-You are right. The road is likely to be very slippery. Further, there are multiple mountain ranges in the way that we have to cross. 

Yu Lexuan goes out of the carriage. He releases the horse from the carriage and guides it to a nearby brook. He also takes a recipient and brings water back to the carriage:

-Hey, Zhang Yi, do you have a way of making this water potable?

-For sure, I was prepared for it.

Zhang Yi brings a salt-like powder and puts it in the water. He mixes the powder with the water, and the impurities start to fall to the bottom:

-Now we only need to boil it for about three minutes.

-I bought some oil for lanterns. Given that the wood is too wet due to the thunderstorm, we will have to improvise.

-No problem. Just cover the water surface so soot won't fall on it. 

Yu Lexuan improvised a small stove to bring the water to a running boil. After that, he waits for it to cool down. Then, he transfers this water to another container, pouring it on a piece of fabric, which works as a filter:

-Problem solved. Let's keep the rest for later if we feel thirsty again. 

After they eat, Yu Lexuan brings the horse and ties it up to a tree. They get inside the carriage again because the temperature started to drop outside and, due to the rain, they can't keep a fire burning.

Yu Lexuan moves closer to Zhang Yi, hugging him. Zhang Yi raises an eyebrow but allows Yu Lexuan to proceed:

-Zhang Yi... It is getting too cold.

Zhang Yi smiles:

-Yes, for me too... I hope the carriage protect us from the cold.

They lay down together on the carriage seat. Yu Lexuan hugs Zhang Yi tightly as there's not much room available:

-I'm gonna fall to the floor if I stop hugging you! - Yu Lexuan smiles.

-His Highness, this is unusual to me, but will keep us warm. - Zhang Yi hugs him more.

They both look at each other. Yu Lexuan moves his face really close to Zhang Yi's, looking deeply into his eyes. He blushes a bit:

-His highness... what are you doing...

-It does not matter... Just keep me warm...

Yu Lexuan then touch his nose on Zhang Yi, slowly starting a kiss and closing his eyes. Zhang Yi does nothing, he is surprised:

-I can't believe he is doing that! But it is so... heavenly...- He thinks.

Yu Lexuan then stops, moving his lips away, blushing:

-Zhang Yi... I apologize if you feel a bit embarrassed about what I have done... 

Zhang Yi smiles, and quickly kisses him back in retribution:

-Embarrassed? I feel honored... Let's just keep ourselves warm tonight.

-I like you, Zhang Yi... - Yu Lexuan smiles.

They remain embraced for the rest of the night, as there's not much room available in the seat for them. Yu Lexuan and Zhang Yi sleep comfortably, Zhang Yi's clothes also help in keeping them warm, but most of the heat comes from Zhang Yi. 

Later, the sky clears itself out from the clouds, and the moon shines brightly, enlightening the landscape.  

...

◄Previous chapter                  Next Chapter►