Chapter 66
Lantern festival
The Shen Jin Palace was once again filled with the soothing sounds of the harp and guqin, their harmonious notes providing tranquility and peace in the grand halls of the Golden Palace. The Emperor, seated upon his misty, fragrant throne, listened intently, his eyes closed as he absorbed the heavenly music. He resembled a godly figure as he welcomed the guests from the Eastern Empire.
The princes of the Eastern Empire, seated at their designated royal tables, arrived wearing metal masks and grand attire, showcasing their unique fashion. Wei's palace maids, elegant and graceful, escorted the guests. The majestic dining hall glittered with the finest Imperial dresses, each guest seeking to be noticed and praised.
As the lovely princesses of Wei prepared to perform a royal dance for the visiting princes, their faces were hidden behind delicate scarves, adding an air of mystery. Their movements were poised, intending to capture the attention of their guests and please the Shen Jin Emperor with their flawless performance. Among them was Xia Chong.
This day marked the first of the most awaited and extravagant lantern festival in Wei. The city of Chang'An bustled with excitement, its streets adorned with a myriad of lanterns, firecrackers, lucky charms, and high-quality silk garments. Visitors from across China had arrived to partake in the Festival of Lights.
The streets were alive with vibrant energy, filled with rich merchants and ordinary citizens alike, all mingling together. From porcelain kitchenware to delicate moon cakes and rice cakes, every corner offered something beautiful and delectable. Magicians and street performers entertained the crowds, showcasing their talents to the masses.
While the city celebrated in lights, high upon a sinister mountain, Yan Xun looked out across layers of terraced fields, his mind elsewhere. He gazed in awe at the steep terrain of Longyin Guan and the meandering river, but his thoughts wandered to A'Chu.
The view below revealed a small basin surrounded by mountains. Villages dotted the landscape, with no sign of the Xuili Army. The once-thriving military encampments were now desolate, replaced by a peaceful village scene. Women worked in the mulberry groves, the wheat fields golden and ripe for harvest. The serenity of the place was unsettling, and Yan Xun's eyes narrowed.
A'Jing, one of Yan Xun's trusted men, cautioned, "Your Highness, do not be fooled by the peaceful appearance of this village. The lack of visible danger hides something far more dangerous."
Yan Xun understood the unspoken warning. "Search for the highest house and set up a temporary command post," he ordered. "I'll join you shortly."
His general nodded and began preparations.
Sitting atop his horse, Yan Xun inhaled the scent of the wheat fields, watching as the golden stalks waved in the wind. It was a good harvest year, but it didn't bring him peace. His mind was already on the coming battle.
Suddenly, from the south, a squad of soldiers appeared at the valley's entrance, their armor gleaming in the sunlight. They looked ready for war. Villagers nearby, accustomed to such movements, would no doubt have retreated to their hiding places, secret compartments carved into their homes, where they could observe the chaos unfolding around them.
The Xuili Army, once the village's protectors, was now gone, leaving the villagers vulnerable.
A pair of Yan scouts returned from their mission, delivering their report to Yan Xun. "Your Highness, we've located two separate troops, but we're unsure if either belongs to the Xuili Army. However, we spotted some soldiers in silver armor heading toward us."
Yan Xun, still deep in thought, responded, "Those armors belong to Wei's troops. If they're on their way here, we must act quickly. Set traps and mines around the terrain, and prepare for an ambush. But do not attack until I give the order."
Just as Yan Xun finished giving his commands, another scout approached, breathless and panicked. "Your Highness, we lost the battle at the Tangshui border."
Yan Xun's face darkened, his fury barely contained. "Lost? To Tangshui's army? Speak clearly, or I will ensure you never speak again."
General Zhong Yu arrived, confirming the report. "Your Highness, we collected some of the enemy's armor and helmets, and they don't belong to Tang's army."
Yan Xun, sarcastic and seething, questioned, "Are we facing a new army now?"
The soldiers remained silent, afraid to speak. In his rage, Yan Xun grabbed the young scout by the throat and hissed, "Is it the Turkish guerillas?"
The scout, terrified but resolute, replied, "No, Your Highness. We don't know who they are, but they are certainly not the Turkish guerillas."
Ra Yue, like a tranquil lake without ripples, sat at the royal table without touching a drop of palace wine. Behind his metal mask, he narrowed his eyes and shook his head subtly. He tapped Yue Qi and quietly asked, "Did you make sure that Yan Xun knows who led the Xuili Army out of Yanbei through TangShui?"
Yue Qi, half of his face also covered by a metal mask, whispered in response, "Your Highness, by now, Yan Xun must be in a serious crisis. He's likely trying to figure out if it was the Turkish guerrillas, the barbarians of the Bathuja clan, Yuan Che's Wei troops, or some other elite force from the East."
Ra Yue smirked at the mention of the last possibility and replied, "Interesting. Any news about the Xuili General?"
Zuo, who had been listening closely, leaned in and whispered, "Your Highness, I saw Viper with a woman she calls 'Mimi Gongzhu.'"
Ra Yue felt a brief sting of emotion. "The girl with the whip? With another woman covered in a scarf?"
Zuo nodded. "Yes."
Ra Yue, who had been feeling eager earlier, suddenly lost interest after hearing about Mimi Gongzhu. His tone flattened. "No trace of the Xuili General?"
Yue Qi replied, "Our troops ensured He Xiao's safe passage to the Tang Army gates. We hope Prince Xiao Ce will be hospitable and allow them to camp. He Xiao hasn't revealed the Xuili General's location. He's keeping it hidden."
Satisfied, Ra Yue leaned back in his seat, his attention drifting back to the unremarkable dance performance before him. However, his thoughts lingered on the mysterious woman who continued to captivate his mind.
Meanwhile, Chu Qiao and Viper had crossed into Wei territory, moving cautiously to avoid attention. Chu Qiao was dressed in a dark brown, rough canvas dress with worn-out boots, while Viper wore her usual rugged, barbaric attire. Both women had their faces partially hidden behind scarves as they mingled in the busy marketplace, scouting for information.
Chu Qiao knew that if she wasn't careful, she risked exposing her identity and, worst of all, being captured by Wei palace guards.
As they walked, Chu Qiao's eyes fell on a worn paper posted on one of the marketplace walls:Chinese Chess Competition, Swordplay Competition, Archery Competition. Rewards in the following order: 1,000 taels, 500 taels, and 300 taels of gold.
She shook her head with a sigh, recalling how poorly she had fared in Chinese chess the last time she tried her hand at it. The reward was tempting, enough to restore an entire palace, but the competition was only open to royals and foreign dignitaries this year. She wondered who might challenge her if she dared enter.
Her mind wandered to the one person she knew to be a daily practitioner of Chinese chess: the late Fourth Young Master, Yuwen Yue, her former husband, from whom she had divorced.
The reward, however enticing, was likely a treasure the Emperor would not part with easily. Chu Qiao dismissed the thought and continued walking, her past haunting her thoughts like a faint shadow.
Back when Chu Qiao was still a maidservant in the Yuwen household, Yuwen Yue had opened a competition for the position of chambermaid. One of the events was a Chinese chess match, which she quickly lost. Determined to win for her sisters, who were often bullied by the other maids, Chu Qiao didn't give up. She focused on the tea-making competition instead, knowing she could excel there.
Her reinvention of the tea-making ceremony impressed everyone and secured her a spot in the final test: memorizing and transcribing ancient Buddhist Sanskrit. While most of the competitors were unfamiliar with the ancient language, Chu Qiao had a surprising advantage, her memories and experiences making the script feel strangely familiar.
Despite the low regard Yuwen Yue and the entire household had for her abilities, she remained fearless. She ignored the skeptical looks and whispers about her humble position, focusing only on the task at hand.
In the end, Chu Qiao surpassed all expectations. She won the contest, earning not only the chambermaid position but also the privilege of being promoted from an iron bell servant to a silver bell servant in the Yuwen household.
After a brief moment of recollection, assessing the dire condition of the Xuili Army, Chu Qiao realized she had to act swiftly. Without food, shelter, and adequate armaments, the army's survival would be impossible. The annual competition offered a potential solution, with its prizes of gold, a fortune she could use to re-arm and provision her ailing soldiers.
"Viper," Chu Qiao said, eyes alight with determination. She nudged her companion. "Do you know what I'm thinking?"
Viper, ever sharp, responded with a flat, "Which one?"
Chu Qiao's voice held a touch of pride. "I may not win Chinese Chess, but I can win the swordplay and archery competitions."
Viper's eyes darkened, her tone turning serious. "Do not even dare to try, Mimi Gongzhu. We're not here to compete."
Their conversation was interrupted by an old man who approached them with curiosity. "Are you planning to register?" he asked, his voice wavering. "You should know, this competition is strictly for royals."
Viper stepped forward, her eyes narrowing at the old man. "If there was a whip challenge," she said slowly, drawing her whip with a sharp crack in the air, "I'd register myself without hesitation."
The old man, visibly shaken, took a step back, his legs quivering. "M-Miss, that whip of yours is... alarming! But you must understand, Wei's roots run deep. This state was formed by nomadic ancestors. Our people have perfected the sword and bow as essential skills. Every household keeps them. Competing here isn't easy. If you want, you can try me."
Viper's eyes flashed with irritation at the old man's audacity, but Chu Qiao quickly intervened, grabbing Viper's hand before things escalated further. "We're here to win a prize, not to punish an old man who doesn't know better," Chu Qiao said, flashing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
The old man, seemingly did not mind Viper's fury, continued. "Again, this is a royal competition. Are you a princess?"
Before Viper could retort with her whip again, Chu Qiao held her back, smiling at the old man with barely concealed sarcasm. "For elders like you, respect is due. I may not be a princess of this land, but I am one in a faraway place."
The old man laughed heartily, not believing a word of it. "A pauper princess, I see. Perhaps you're just in disguise?"
Chu Qiao said nothing, choosing to remain silent. Her eyes were unwavering, focused on her goal. The old man, still unconvinced, chuckled once more. "Very well, the competition begins in an hour. I'll be watching, either to see you crowned champion or thrown into the Wei garrison prison."
Viper, thoroughly irritated by now, clenched her teeth. "Watch her become the champion and shake this place to its core," she hissed.
The old man laughed again, continued. "If not, you might as well keep those pretty faces hidden, for you'll be marked by disgrace."
Viper's patience was wearing thin. She raised her eyes to the skies and, with a sharp brow raised, she coldly replied, "The heavens have already sealed our fates today, old man. Soon enough, you'll be bowing three times in respect when you hear the news."
Ignoring the old man's smirk, Chu Qiao strode forward and stamped her seal, registering herself for the swordplay and archery competitions.
After evaluating the dire situation of the Xuili Army, Chu Qiao knew she had to act swiftly to secure resources. Without food, shelter, and weaponry, her troops would be doomed. The local competition, with its grand prize of gold, presented an opportunity she couldn't ignore.
"Viper, do you know what I'm thinking?" Chu Qiao asked, her eyes gleaming with purpose as she nudged her companion.
Viper, ever vigilant, raised an eyebrow. "Which one?"
Chu Qiao straightened up, her voice carrying a hint of pride. "I can't win at Chinese Chess, but I can win the swordplay and archery competitions."
Viper's expression darkened, her tone turning stern. "Do not even think about it, Mimi Gongzhu. We are not here to compete."
Before they could argue further, an old man approached them with a curious look. "Are you planning to register?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism. "You should read the rules, this competition is strictly for royals."
Viper stepped forward, her look is sharp. "If there's a whip challenge," she said, drawing her whip and cracking it sharply in the air, "I'll register without a second thought."
The old man visibly trembled, looking like he might faint at any moment. "M-Miss, your whip... it's terrifying!" he stammered. "But you must understand, Wei's ancestors were nomads, warriors. Our people have perfected the arts of the sword and bow for generations. We take pride in these skills. You can test me if you'd like."
Viper's anger flared, and she was about to lash out when Chu Qiao grabbed her hand, stopping her just in time. "Hey, this isn't what we're here for. I'll compete to claim our reward, not to punish an old man who doesn't know better," Chu Qiao said calmly.
The old man, still unbothered by Viper's threatening whip, continued, "Again, this is for royals. Are you a princess?"
Viper, irritated beyond measure, made another move, but Chu Qiao held her back. Turning to the old man with a sly smile, Chu Qiao said, "For elders like you, respect is due. I may not be a princess in this land, but I am one in a distant place."
The old man laughed heartily, clearly disbelieving. "A pauper princess? Perhaps you're in disguise!"
Chu Qiao said nothing, her silence speaking volumes as she kept her focus on the competition. Still unconvinced, the old man chuckled once more. "Well, the competition starts in an hour. I'll be watching, either to see you win or to watch you escorted to the garrison prison."
Viper, growing more exasperated by the minute, clenched her teeth. "Watch her become the champion and leave this place shattered."
The old man merely smirked. "If not, you might as well hide those beautiful faces for good."
Viper glared at the man, then raised her eyes to the sky as if seeking divine intervention. "The heavens have already sealed our fates today," she said coldly. "Soon enough, you'll be bowing three times when you see the outcome."
Ignoring the final exchange, Chu Qiao walked over and firmly placed her seal on the registration scroll, officially entering herself into the swordplay and archery competitions.
Chu Qiao, having sealed her registration for the competition, knew it was now time to take her next steps in preparation. The world would soon witness the rebirth of the Chu Jing princess, a persona she would have to embody to shock the royal courts.
"Viper, I need to visit an old friend in Xianyang City," Chu Qiao said with determination.
Viper, ever cautious, asked, "Mimi Gongzhu, are you doing this for Xuili army?"
Chu Qiao shot her a firm look. "If you already know the answer, then stop asking," she said bluntly.
Viper, accepting the response, began preparing the horses. "Fine. Who are we visiting this time?"
"We are going to prepare ourselves to join the competition," Chu Qiao said as she mounted her horse. Viper followed, and with a sharp crack of the whip, the two horses galloped through the autumn leaves, racing toward Xianyang City.
The crisp autumn air brushed past their faces as they rode swiftly, the landscape blurring by. An hour later, they arrived at their destination, the familiar old shop nestled on a quiet street. Chu Qiao gently pulled the reins of her horse, calming the tired animal with a gentle touch. Viper followed close behind.
The two women dismounted, tying the horses beside the stable post, and walked cautiously toward the old shop. Chu Qiao heightened her senses, recalling her last visit when she had encountered Liang spies in the vicinity.
Finally, they arrived at the shop of Zao Baocung, the eccentric old merchant who seemed to be perpetually napping in his rattan chair. Today was no different, he was sleeping, surrounded by flies. As they approached, he clapped his hands, pretending to be asleep but fully aware of their presence.
Viper, impatient as always, snapped her whip near Zao Baocung's feet.
Startled, the old man jumped up, wincing in pain. "Why did you whip my feet? Am I some criminal? You've disturbed my peace!" he complained, rubbing his legs.
Chu Qiao laughed, her voice filled with warmth. "I'm sorry to disturb you, my old friend."
Zao Baocung blinked and cleared his eyes, finally recognizing the voice. "Is that you, Xinger?"
"Yes," Chu Qiao smiled at hearing the familiar name from her days in the Yuwen household.
"Aha! You finally came to visit this old man. How are you, my dear?" he asked, beaming with joy. But then, noticing Viper, his expression shifted. "Oh, please don't show off your fighting skills in my shop. Look at my business, barely holding on as it is!"
Chu Qiao chuckled. "We're here to do exactly that, my friend, right in your shop!"
Zao Baocung raised an eyebrow, but his smile quickly faded when he saw Viper. "Wait... Is she the…?" he stammered, but before he could finish, Viper clamped her hand over his mouth.
Chu Qiao stepped closer and whispered, "Whatever you're thinking, the answer is yes."
Zao Baocung looked at her with wide eyes, now understanding the gravity of the situation. He motioned for them to follow him inside. "Come, follow me."
"No," Chu Qiao replied, shaking her head. "I can't stay long. And no cave traps this time," she added with a smirk.
The old man's eyes welled up slightly. "As Xinger, you owe me the wind and cloud decree. But as Mimi Gongzhu, I owe you a thousand stories and a way to heal your Chibi."
Chu Qiao's expression softened. "Look, I don't have time for stories right now. I need your help. I'll come back when Xuili army is safe. For now, I must act in my role as their General. Xiao Ce cannot be involved in everything; I need to save them myself."
Zao Baocung nodded in understanding. "All right, tell me what you need."
"I need to transform into a royal Chu Jing princess. I need a sword-fighting suit, a bow and arrow set, and an archery attire for the competition," Chu Qiao said.
Viper, always on guard, locked the shop door as Zao disappeared into the back to retrieve the requested items. After a few minutes, he returned with several boxes, setting them down on the table for Chu Qiao to inspect.
She opened them one by one, selecting a flowing white princess dress with gold embroidery, accessories, and a delicate crown. For the swordplay competition, she chose a tight-fitting black battle suit. For archery, she picked out a burgundy suit complete with a chest and arm guard. Her eyes then landed on a striking black coat with a wide hood, chest-length in the front and flowing nearly to the ground at the back.
Zao Baocung returned with a large golden box and placed it on the table. "This is the infinite bow and arrow," he said with reverence. "It's an ancient treasure of Chu Jing Kingdom, fit only for a crown princess. By day, it's just a golden bow and diamond-tipped arrows. But at night, it holds the power of unlimited light arrows. Guard it well, it's a gift from the gods."
Fascinated, Chu Qiao slipped the finger tab onto her middle finger and tested the bowstrings. The arrows, tipped with diamonds, rested perfectly in the back quiver made of fresh suede.
Chu Qiao dressed herself and stepped out to reveal her transformation. Zao Baocung's jaw dropped while Viper's normally stern face softened with approval.
Dressed in a simple white silk tube dress embroidered with gold, Chu Qiao had her hair arranged in a peacock style, adorned with a crown. Draped over her was a thin stardust gold dress that created a gentle chiming sound as she moved. Her shoes, made of snow-gold glass, made no sound as she walked, and the wide hood and flowing coat she wore gave her an air of mystery.
"How do I look?" Chu Qiao asked, slightly unsure of their reactions.
Zao Baocung, still in awe, said, "I haven't seen this dress worn in ages. Make them pay for what they did to the Chu Jing Kingdom."
Viper, more practical as always, added, "You look stunning. But don't forget, you can't remove your indigo scarf. It'll make my life easier if you don't."
Zao Baocung presented the final touch: a glass box containing the Chu Jing crown princess tiara. Chu Qiao bent slightly to receive the crown, and Zao explained its significance. "The five white jades represent the five realms of the Moon Kingdom, and the small indigo crystal represents the star of the Moon Kingdom. Your indigo scarf is your protection, wear it at all times to guard against poisons."
Chu Qiao nodded. "Thank you, my friend. I owe you more than I can ever repay."
Zao Baocung smiled gently. "Go now, before you miss the competition."
With their transformations complete, Chu Qiao and Viper mounted their horses and rode back toward Wei, their mission in Xianyang complete and their next challenge just beginning.
As the late afternoon shadows stretched across the city of Zhen Huang, the grand competition opened, and the city once again honored its nomadic roots. The royal hunting grounds came alive with the buzz of anticipation. Nobles from the Yuwen household proudly displayed their hunting prowess, dressed in their distinctive hunting attire and coats of arms. Young noblemen paraded through the grounds, flaunting their skill and status, while foreign dignitaries and princes from distant lands mingled among them, eager to showcase their own abilities.
Yuan Song, adorned in a fierce hunting outfit, stood at the forefront with a hundred loyal servants behind him. He looked ready to conquer the field, his expression calm but determined. Yuan Yang, however, watched him from afar, his eyes filled with bitterness and anger. Surrounded by only a few, albeit highly skilled men, Yuan Yang prepared to challenge the day's hunt with his usual fervor, driven by a desire for vengeance.
Among the notable foreign guests were the Bathuja family's representatives, General Bali and Shi Da, who had traveled from the north. Yet conspicuously absent from the event was any representative of the Liang state, as the empire was still in mourning for Emperor Tang.
The day passed quickly as the snowflakes began to fall, covering the fields in a thin layer of cold white. The hunt ended in a brutal display of violence, and the once-lush plains were now littered with the bodies of animals and men alike. The smell of decay filled the air, a stark contrast to the celebratory atmosphere that had preceded it.
As the day's events concluded, foreign dignitaries murmured their disapproval of Wei's brutal tradition. While some found honor in the hunt, others were appalled at the needless bloodshed, condemning the tradition as heartless and barbaric.
Yuan Che, calm and collected despite the debates surrounding him, pressed on with his military campaign against Yan Xun's forces. Despite his vast experience, he knew that dislodging Yan's army from Longyin Guan would not be an easy task. Yan Xun's army, bolstered by foreign mercenaries and new tactics, proved to be a formidable adversary.
Yan Xun, bloodthirsty and driven by ambition, had even turned against his own Xuili army, forcing them to flee to Tangshui, the southernmost part of Yanbei. He raided their provisions, spreading word that the Xuili army had betrayed the Yan throne, marking them as traitors.
Meanwhile, on the serene riverbanks, the setting sun painted the sky in shades of gold and orange. Chu Qiao, standing by the calm waters, looked out at the wide river surface, her chest filled with a burning ache. As she stared into the distance, she felt the weight of all she had lost and all she still carried.
She softly whispered, "Against the crown, all odds conquered... eight thousand miles of road, of moon and stars, I wish you were here just like the good old days... when you said you needed me too."
Her words were swallowed by the wind, but the yearning in her heart was unmistkable. She stood there, torn between letting go of her past and holding onto the hope that someone might respond to her call, her gaze lingering on the glowing lanterns that floated across the river.
Viper, watching from a distance, saw Chu Qiao's actions and shouted in disbelief, "This is insane! What are you doing?"
Chu Qiao had bought thirty-six small rabbit lanterns and, with the help of local children, had placed them in bamboo floats, setting them adrift on the river. The small lanterns bobbed gently on the water's surface, their lights flickering as a strong wind began to blow.
"It's been thirty-six months," Chu Qiao murmured to herself, her voice heavy with emotion. "And yet I haven't seen your face."
Testing the golden bow and arrows she had recently acquired, Chu Qiao aimed at the lanterns, firing off a diamond-tipped arrow that released a cascade of magical stardust as it struck. The display was mesmerizing, with the brilliance of the fire lighting up the night sky.
Suddenly, a pair of cold eyes locked onto her floating lanterns, and a whistling sound pierced the air. An arrow shot across the river, sinking one of her lanterns.
Zuo, watching the scene, complained, "Why did you sink the lantern?"
Yue Qi, who had fired the arrow, shrugged. "It's a pity to let those lanterns burn and never reach the other side."
Zuo watched as Yue Qi continued to sink the lanterns one by one, growing more exasperated by the second. "You're going to make someone very angry."
Meanwhile, Chu Qiao noticed her lanterns were disappearing and quickly realized someone was tampering with her tribute. Filled with determination, she ran towards the source of the arrows, spotting two men standing on the opposite riverbank.
As the men celebrated their marksmanship, Chu Qiao let loose an arrow of her own, hitting both men squarely on their backsides. Startled, the two yelped in pain and threw themselves into the river to extinguish the flames now licking at their clothes.
Unbeknownst to her, a tall figure loomed behind her, Yuwen Yue. His face was concealed by a mask, his eyes sharp and penetrating. He carried a large rabbit lantern, his expression stern as he took hold of her arm.
Startled, Chu Qiao attempted to fight back, but Yuwen Yue quickly countered her moves, blocking her attack with ease. The moment she sensed the calm authority in his presence, her body weakened.
With Poe Yue Jian in hand, Yuwen Yue held her at bay, his voice calm but firm. "Why did you shoot my two brothers and send them into the river?"
"They sank eighteen out of my thirty-six lanterns," Chu Qiao retorted. "They deserved it."
Yuwen Yue's expression softened slightly. "Then take this lantern as payment for the trouble." He handed her the large rabbit lantern.
Just as Chu Qiao reached for it, Viper's voice echoed across the river, "Mimi Gongzhu! I found the culprits!"
Yuwen Yue's face lit up in recognition. "So it's you, the secret princess of Chu Jing Kingdom."
Chu Qiao, looking fearless, swiftly raised her bow to fire another arrow, but Yuwen Yue was faster. Before she could react, he disarmed her and pulled her close, using her as a shield against Viper.
Viper, now standing at the riverbank, had already subdued Yue Qi and Zuo, her whip coiled around their necks like a leash. "If something happens to my master, you two won't make it out of here alive," she growled.
Yuwen Yue, holding Chu Qiao in his arms, caught a whiff of her familiar plum blossom scent. Memories flooded his mind, and his heart raced. Before he could say another word, Chu Qiao, overwhelmed by emotion, lost consciousness in his arms.
He caught her as she collapsed, carefully cradling her in his arms. Without hesitation, he carried her away from the riverbank, disappearing into the woods to find shelter for the night.
Under the darkening sky, with the snowflakes gently falling, Chu Qiao woke to find herself by a crackling bonfire. Yuwen Yue, now unmasked, sat across from her, his gaze fixed on the flames.
Seeing him up close, her heart skipped a beat. The man she had loved, the man she had left behind, was sitting just feet away.
"You," she whispered, her voice catching in her throat. "Why did you take me here?"
Yuwen Yue's eyes softened as he spoke. "We missed our proper introduction earlier, don't you think? You can't escape me this time, Xinger."
Chu Qiao's hands trembled as she slowly removed the indigo scarf covering her face. Her eyes, filled with emotion, locked onto his.
"Yuwen Yue," she whispered, her voice heavy with longing and pain. "Is it really you?"
The silence between them stretched, filled with years of unspoken words. Finally, Yuwen Yue broke the silence, his voice barely audible over the crackling fire.
"Why did you leave me?"
Chu Qiao's heart ached as she remembered the past. Tears filled her eyes, and she answered him softly, "I left because I didn't know who you were anymore. I only knew Ra Yue, the peddler man... not Yuwen Yue, the fourth young master of the Yuwen household."
Yuwen Yue's eyes glistened with his own pain. "We are together now," he said, pulling her closer. "And I won't let you leave again."
The world around them faded into the background as the
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