Chapter Sixty-Two: A Bold Move

Gu Li never expected that, in the latter half of the night, she would truly be awakened by the sound of raindrops pattering against the tiles. It had been so long since she’d heard the rain, for a moment she thought she was dreaming, until Jasmine rushed in from the outer chamber, exclaiming excitedly, “Princess, it’s raining!”

It’s raining?

Gu Li was jolted awake, as if emerging from a dream. She threw off her covers and stood up. Jasmine hurriedly grabbed her coat and draped it over her shoulders. Gu Li hastily pushed open the door and stepped outside—indeed, it was raining.

At first, the rain was gentle, each pea-sized drop striking the rooftiles with a clear, melodious sound. Gradually, the downpour grew heavier, accompanied by wild winds, a torrent unleashed.

Gu Li looked up at the sky: the stars had vanished, only thick clouds remained, pouring rain in sheets.

Everyone in the prefect’s residence had been startled awake by the sudden rain. Realizing what it meant, they rushed outside.

Lord Chen was so overwhelmed he neglected his coat, running out in nothing but his underclothes. Standing in the midst of the torrential rain, tears streamed down his face as he raised his hands to the heavens and cried out, “It’s raining! The Thunder God has manifested! Finally, rain! Bless the people of Li Chao!”

Such behavior would have been improper before the Crown Prince, yet Prince Wei Chu, gazing at the rain he’d waited for day and night, felt his own eyes grow wet and his heart surge with emotion. He cared little for decorum from this good official who always held the people of Li Huai County close to his heart.

All were awakened by this sudden, miraculous rain.

This was an unexpected joy, the hope for which hundreds of thousands of Li Huai County’s people had prayed day and night, tugging at countless hearts.

Outside, thunderous cheers erupted—the laughter and cries of the townspeople, moved to tears like Lord Chen, their voices resounding again and again, joyous and deafening, a celebration enveloping the whole of Li Huai County.

Gu Li covered her face, unable to stop the tears that streamed down.

She was suddenly deeply grateful for her resolute decision to follow her elder brother the Crown Prince to Li Huai County; without experiencing all this firsthand, she could never have felt such profound awe and emotion.

The townspeople’s cheers echoed like thunder. Everyone in the residence stood in the corridor, gazing at the torrential rain with tears in their eyes. Many servants couldn’t help but run into the courtyard, embracing the rain, shouting and leaping for joy.

Gu Li lifted her bright, watery eyes, instinctively seeking that familiar figure.

He had said, “Believe in me, the rain will come soon.”

And indeed, trusting him had not been a mistake.

She looked up, and not far away, Lie Chang’an stood amidst the jubilant crowd, gazing steadily at her.

He, too, seemed to have been startled awake, hurriedly donning a coat before stepping outside. Noticing her gaze, he smiled gently at her, his smile still carrying that quiet, reassuring strength.

Gu Li’s nose tingled, and a thousand impulses surged within her. She wanted to run over, throw herself into his arms, and hold him tightly.

Lie Chang’an felt the sudden softness pressed against him. His body stiffened instantly, so nervous he didn’t know where to place his hands and feet.

Amidst the lively and noisy night, he could clearly hear the beating of his own heart.

He had never been so tense.

He knew she was probably just overwhelmed with joy, unable to control her emotions, and so had acted so boldly.

Yet Lie Chang’an could not help but let his imagination run wild.

Still, he only froze for a moment; taking advantage of everyone’s absorption in their joy, he finally couldn’t resist gently embracing the girl in his arms.

This night was destined to be restless.