Judge Tan didn’t know why Wu Jikang had suddenly gone mad. He only assumed he had fallen into a fit of delirium, and with the strange snowfall that suddenly descended, the court hearing had to conclude hastily, to be resumed on another day.

But the matter of thirty-six scholars and Ni Qinglan’s younger sister receiving punishment at the Petition Drum Court to seek justice caused an uproar throughout all of Yun Jing.

Many common people had gathered outside the Drum Court gate that day. Countless people had witnessed that snowfall, and the cries for justice during the Double Ninth Festival had reached an unstoppable momentum.

Many of the candidates and tribute students who had participated in the winter examinations also joined this denunciation against National Uncle Wu Jikang.

“Are you waiting for His Majesty?”

As autumn rain fell continuously, Zhang Jing supported himself with both hands on his cane and spoke suddenly.

“For us ministers, don’t we only have the privilege of waiting?” There were few officials in the Administrative Hall at this time. Meng Yunxian held his tea bowl, admiring the rain while speaking.

Even Imperial Censor-in-Chief Jiang Xianming, who was deeply valued by His Majesty, had knelt outside Qinghe Hall several times, yet when His Majesty said he wouldn’t see him, didn’t he still refuse to see him?

Zhang Jing stroked his knee. “I heard from He Tong that Ni Qinglan’s policy essay was extremely well-written. He was truly a rare talent.”

“Indeed.”

Meng Yunxian nodded, then smiled at him. “In your heart you still understand—no matter what the Remonstrance Court and Hanlin Academy are actually fighting over, your student He Tong is fundamentally a straightforward and upright person. He genuinely laments the loss of someone like Ni Qinglan.”

“My student—I know him myself.”

Zhang Jing spoke calmly.

As the two were speaking matter-of-factly, a eunuch came through the rain from outside. Meng Yunxian looked closely and saw it was actually Liang Shenfu, the Chief Eunuch of the Palace Administration Bureau who regularly attended His Majesty, coming personally.

“Minister Meng, Minister Zhang.”

Liang Shenfu bowed. “His Majesty has decreed—he requests Minister Meng to come to Qinghe Hall.”

Meng Yunxian and Zhang Jing exchanged glances, then he stood up. “Chief Eunuch Liang, please go ahead. I will follow shortly.”

After Liang Shenfu left, Zhang Jing remained seated in his chair without moving, only saying, “After waiting so many days for His Majesty’s summons, won’t you hurry and go?”

Hearing this, Meng Yunxian turned back but said, “Your beard is a bit too unruly. After I meet with His Majesty, shall we go together to East Street for a shave?”

Zhang Jing turned a deaf ear and took a sip of tea.

Meng Yunxian awkwardly touched his nose, had someone bring his winged official hat to wear, straightened his appearance, and only then left the Administrative Hall.

Rainy days were always darker. The entire Forbidden Palace was being washed by the rain, its colors spreading cold like ink wash. Meng Yunxian walked through the rain and mist holding an umbrella, lifting his robe hem as he ascended the white jade steps.

From afar, he saw Imperial Censor-in-Chief Jiang Xianming, soaked through.

“Minister Meng.”

As soon as Jiang Xianming saw Meng Yunxian coming up, he immediately stepped forward.

“For the winter examination case, Imperial Censor Jiang has worked hard. I heard these past days you’ve come daily to request an audience with His Majesty. Will His Majesty see you today?” Meng Yunxian handed his umbrella to a young eunuch nearby.

“This subordinate official is waiting to enter the hall together with Minister Meng.”

Jiang Xianming wiped the rainwater from his face and lowered his voice. “The winter examination case has now spread throughout the streets and alleys of Yun Jing. The cries for justice during the Double Ninth Festival continue unabated to this day. Minister Meng must surely have heard of this. This subordinate official earnestly requests that Minister Meng speak a word of justice for this case before His Majesty.”

“Hasn’t His Majesty permitted you and me to enter the hall together? Whatever Imperial Censor Jiang wishes to say, you may say fully.”

“That may be so.”

Jiang Xianming looked embarrassed. “But this subordinate official sees that His Majesty probably does not love hearing this subordinate official speak at present.”

It was precisely because he had spoken too much that His Majesty had grown weary. Add to that the Remonstrance Court and Hanlin Academy arguing endlessly every day, and His Majesty was even less willing to hear these people who spoke too much say anything more. Otherwise, His Majesty would not have summoned Minister Meng today.

Minister Meng had been busy with the new policies all along and had never participated in this matter. His Majesty wanted to hear someone who hadn’t been speaking talk.

Just as they were speaking, Liang Shenfu emerged from within the hall. “His Majesty requests both honored ministers to enter the hall.”

The incense in Qinghe Hall contained a trace of bitter medicinal scent. The golden lacquered bronze lamps branched out like trees, adorned with several lamp candles that illuminated the hall brightly.

“Your Majesty.”

Meng Yunxian and Jiang Xianming bowed with cupped hands.

“Liang Shenfu.”

Both Meng Yunxian and Jiang Xianming kept their heads lowered, only hearing Emperor Zhengyuan’s hoarse voice.

Liang Shenfu immediately had someone bring a chair and place it behind Meng Yunxian. Jiang Xianming turned his face slightly and glanced behind himself—it was empty.

His waist immediately bent even lower.

Such a difference—anyone could see that Emperor Zhengyuan was currently angry with Jiang Xianming. Meng Yunxian remained composed and calmly took his seat, saying, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Minister Meng, summoning you today is not about the new policies.” Emperor Zhengyuan wore only a round-collared red robe, leaning against soft pillows while holding a scroll. “I wish to know how you view this case over which the Remonstrance Court and Hanlin Academy cannot cease their disputes.”

Through a layer of gauze curtain, the emperor’s form was not entirely clear. Hearing only this tone, one could not fully gauge Emperor Zhengyuan’s mood at this moment.

Emperor Zhengyuan was direct. Meng Yunxian rested both hands on his knees and answered respectfully, “This subject believes this case involves the imperial examinations above and public sentiment below, and cannot be avoided.”

Emperor Zhengyuan remained silent behind the curtain.

“On the day of the Double Ninth Festival, strange snow suddenly fell. Though the time was brief, Your Majesty in the palace surely saw it. Now rumors abound in the marketplace, saying this case involves deep injustice, and the September snow is because Ni Qinglan’s wronged spirit will not dissipate.”

Meng Yunxian continued, “This subject believes that while talk of wronged spirits is absurd, this case involves the fairness of the imperial examinations. Having escalated to this degree, if handled improperly, it will truly chill the hearts of those scholars from humble backgrounds.”

The pens of scholars were the blades they held in their hands. Those thirty-six young scholars were in their vigorous youth, precisely at an age when they feared neither heaven nor earth and kept the Four Maxims of Hengqu close to their hearts.

“It seems Minister Meng agrees with the Hanlin Academy.”

This flat statement from Emperor Zhengyuan startled Jiang Xianming. He looked up at Meng Yunxian and saw him rise from his chair and bow to His Majesty behind the curtain.

“Your Majesty, this subject does not agree with the Hanlin Academy. Rather, given how great public sentiment has become, if we continue to let the Remonstrance Court and Hanlin Academy dispute like this, it will likely be very difficult to reach any resolution.”

“Your Majesty intends to perform the Feng and Shan ceremonies at Mount Tai—this should precisely be a time of joy above and below.”

As soon as Meng Yunxian mentioned “the Feng and Shan ceremonies at Mount Tai,” Emperor Zhengyuan behind the curtain looked up and finally shifted his gaze outward. Qinghe Hall fell silent for a moment. Jiang Xianming dared not wipe his sweat, while Meng Yunxian kept his head lowered without speaking.

How could Jiang Xianming not know the importance of the Mount Tai Feng and Shan ceremonies in Emperor Zhengyuan’s heart? In this brief instant, he also understood that Meng Yunxian’s reason for mentioning this matter at this time was to hint that Emperor Zhengyuan should value public sentiment.

Since ancient times, emperors who had performed the Feng and Shan ceremonies at Mount Tai were not many. If Emperor Zhengyuan had this intention but the people did not share it, then how could there be the grand spectacle of the entire nation in ecstatic fervor?

And with these words, Meng Yunxian extracted himself from the positions of both the Hanlin Academy and the Remonstrance Court, assuming completely a posture of considering Emperor Zhengyuan’s Feng and Shan ceremony arrangements.

“Minister Meng speaks reasonably.”

Jiang Xianming was deep in thought when he suddenly heard Emperor Zhengyuan’s voice from behind the curtain. Clearly, the tone already carried some warmth.

“This subject has one more matter to report to Your Majesty.”

Meng Yunxian said.

“What matter?”

“This subject, following Your Majesty’s command to re-implement the new policies, received Your Majesty’s approval for the salary increase item, taking funds from the construction of Linghua Daoist Palace to bestow favor upon all officials, causing Linghua Daoist Palace construction to halt. This subject is deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s grace and knows well Your Majesty’s determination in implementing these new policies. However, upon examining the national treasury, this subject discovered that this silver—we need not have touched the Linghua Daoist Palace funds.”

As Meng Yunxian spoke, he took a memorial from his sleeve and looked up at Liang Shenfu who stood beside Emperor Zhengyuan behind the curtain.

Jiang Xianming was inwardly marveling at how beautifully Meng Yunxian had spoken these words when Liang Shenfu had already lifted the curtain and come out to take the memorial from Meng Yunxian’s hands.

“How could the silver for dredging the river channels have used so much?”

Upon receiving and reading the memorial, Emperor Zhengyuan’s expression changed somewhat. He looked up and said sternly, “Why is it different from the previously reported amount?”

“Of the funds used for dredging river channels, only tens of thousands actually reached their proper destination. This subject has already sent people personally to Zezhou to investigate thoroughly. Please, Your Majesty, read further.”

Meng Yunxian kept his eyes lowered, his expression revealing nothing.

The more Emperor Zhengyuan read, the darker his expression became. He threw down the memorial heavily and stood up abruptly, but felt a wave of dizziness.

Liang Shenfu at his side immediately stepped forward to support him. “Your Majesty…”

“Excellent! I halted construction of Linghua Daoist Palace, only to make a wedding dress for these corrupt scoundrels! And I increased their salaries? Are their lives not better than mine?!”

Part of the memorial scattered outside the curtain. Jiang Xianming looked up and happened to see among the official names on the last page—Grand Preceptor Wu Dai’s name was prominently listed.

He couldn’t help but feel shocked.

“If Your Majesty confiscates the family wealth of the officials on this list, Linghua Daoist Palace can resume construction, and the expenses for Your Majesty’s Feng and Shan ceremony can be more carefully attended to.”

Meng Yunxian bowed with cupped hands again.

Though His Majesty still had not stated his position, when Jiang Xianming walked out of Qinghe Hall and looked at the misty rain outside, he let out a long breath and took an umbrella to descend the steps together with Meng Yunxian.

“Ordinarily, even seeing such a memorial, His Majesty might not necessarily punish the Grand Preceptor. But Minister Meng today first raised the matter of the Feng and Shan ceremony, then spoke of the weight of public sentiment. His Majesty this time… I fear you have moved him.”

As Jiang Xianming spoke, he stopped and bowed to Meng Yunxian. “Minister Meng, there is hope for this case.”

Today’s words from Meng Yunxian could be said to have struck at His Majesty’s heart at every point. Ordinarily, His Majesty would certainly protect Grand Preceptor Wu Dai, but Meng Yunxian first mentioned the halted Daoist Palace construction, then raised the loss of river channel dredging funds. Add to this that His Majesty’s re-implementation of the new policies was originally because in recent years the imperial clan had accumulated countless fine fields and increasingly amassed wealth without restraint, while His Majesty himself wanted to build a Daoist Palace but faced constraints everywhere.

His Majesty had anger in his heart—how could he endure it?

Meng Yunxian reached out to support him and showed a hint of a smile, but asked, “Why is Imperial Censor Jiang so invested in this case?”

“Ni Qinglan was a fine prospect. Presumably due to proper family values, his sister can also be called supremely resolute and true. A fine young person should have had a great official career ahead, yet lost his life due to Wu Jikang’s selfish interests. This is truly lamentable.” Jiang Xianming descended the white jade steps while saying, “This subordinate official only thinks—if today we do not let the scholars throughout the land see justice for Ni Qinglan, how can we give them hope and make them feel at ease entering officialdom to serve the ruler and the people?”

The rain fell damply, pattering endlessly.

Hearing this, Meng Yunxian studied Jiang Xianming who walked beside him in the rain and mist. After a long while, he sighed meaningfully, “Imperial Censor Jiang is the one who truly serves ruler and people—what a loyal minister…”

——

They said that on the day of the Double Ninth Festival, light snow fell at the Drum Court.

Ni Su didn’t see it, because at that time, she had already fallen unconscious.

But since that day, half-asleep and half-awake, she always dreamed of snow. Ice-cold snow pellets struck her cheeks, and she lay on the punishment bench at the Drum Court, receiving punishment together with the thirty-six scholars.

Just like tonight, the reason her dream was a nightmare was because Wu Jikang was also in her dream, smiling at her.

Ni Su felt almost like she was drowning. She could feel the edge of the quilt lightly covering her mouth and nose, making it difficult to breathe, yet she couldn’t open her eyes no matter what.

She wanted to make a sound, but couldn’t open her mouth no matter what.

The more urgent she became, the stronger that feeling of being unable to breathe grew.

Suddenly,

A hand pulled down the quilt and very gently arranged the edge for her. Only his fingertips inadvertently touched her cheek, and he seemed to pause for a moment before releasing his hand.

The temperature from his fingers was very cold—so cold that Ni Su’s eyes flew open at once.

She first looked down at her quilt corner, which seemed to have been tucked in very neatly, but the room was completely quiet. A solitary lamp burned on the table, and Yuzhen was not in the room.

Faintly, she heard voices speaking in the courtyard.

It was Cai Chunxu and Yuzhen talking.

That day it was Cai Chunxu who had brought Ni Su back and left Yuzhen and several other maidservants here to care for Ni Su.

Ni Su’s gaze moved to that lamp.

She moved her lips and called softly, “Xu Ziling, where are you?”

Hearing no response for a long time, Ni Su wanted to force herself to sit up, but suddenly she heard wind blowing against the window lattice. She raised her eyes and saw night mist sweep past the window, quickly condensing into a person’s form.

His eyes had no luster, pitch-black and hollow, as he patiently groped his way step by step to the side of her bed.

“When it started getting dark, you should have woken me to light the lamp for you.”

Ni Su looked at him and said.

“No need.”

Following the direction of her voice, he shook his head.

“Are the lamps and candles in your room extinguished?” During the day, Ni Su had asked Yuzhen to bring many candles. She lit them one by one herself and had Yuzhen take them to the next room.

Though Yuzhen didn’t understand why, she still complied.

“Mm.”

“Then go take the lamp from the table. The fire striker is there too.”

Ni Su said.

Without a word, Xu Hexue turned around, reached out both hands to grope forward. Hearing the young woman behind him carefully reminding him “to the right,” “forward,” “be careful,” his steps became even more cautious. But he finally managed to touch the candlestick on the table and the fire striker.

Ni Su blew out the lamp, then quickly relit it.

The candle flame illuminated the eyes of the person before her, the brilliant light and shadow flickering briefly. After a moment of confusion, he gazed intently at her face.

“Do you want some water?”

His gaze fell on her somewhat dry lips.

Ni Su shook her head, watching him return the lamp and candle to the table. She secretly studied his back this way.

His form was still very faint.

Perhaps it would take many more incense sticks and candles to compensate.

Ni Su thought of the snowy dream, thought of how in the dream his entire being was pale and faint, as if he would soon disappear, while Wu Jikang stood right before her.

On the day at the Drum Court, when she saw Wu Jikang, she told herself in her heart that the more dire her situation, the more rational she should remain. But the fact was that just one smile from Wu Jikang, or one sentence, was enough to bring her to the verge of collapse.

He reminded Ni Su that he was imperial kin, while she was as insignificant as grass.

Just as at that time, only after she had endured enough punishment at the Drum Court did he arrive late, surrounded by attendants.

When Wu Jikang leaned over and stared at her with that vicious gaze, she was almost engulfed by towering hatred, yet had to face the fact that while she suffered punishment with her own body, he could come and go as he pleased.

Xu Hexue saw her despair clearly, so he made the still properly dressed Wu Jikang even more wretched than her.

With this, to comfort her helplessness.

A person who had already died—his blood should have long since gone cold, yet he said to her that some people’s blood was still hot.

Ni Su saw that he had still poured a cup of water. He turned and walked before her, explaining, “Your lips are very dry. Moistening them will make you more comfortable.”

Originally she had said she didn’t want any, but seeing him pour the water, she didn’t want to refuse his kind intention. She tried to prop herself up, but her body had little strength.

Xu Hexue could only support her shoulder with one hand. Even so, he still kept a layer of quilt between them and did not touch her thin garment.

Ni Su reluctantly drank a few mouthfuls and caught the scent on his body—like accumulated snow but wrapped with traces of a bloody smell. She raised her head, staring blankly at the flowing lines of his jaw.

“What’s wrong?”

Xu Hexue’s voice was somewhat weak.

“Does your body hurt?”

“Xu Ziling, you shouldn’t be taking care of me. I should be taking care of you.” Ni Su held back the soreness at the tip of her nose.

“Your lighting the lamp for me is already care.”

He said.

Ni Su shook her head, her head hanging down, her cheek resting against the soft pillow. “That’s not enough. You should have more, and I should also give you more.”

More.

More of what?

Holding the porcelain cup, Xu Hexue’s gaze fell on her jet-black hair. He discovered he actually didn’t dare ask for anything. After a long while, his throat bobbed slightly. “You are not the fish.”

“Then how can I repay you completely?”

“Repay what?”

The lamp shadow swayed. Ni Su met his gaze. “Repay your companionship, repay this heart of yours that, though you are a ghost, still encourages me to live well. Repay your searching for my brother for me, your self-harm for me, the meals you’ve cooked for me, and even this cup of water you poured for me.”

“Ni Su.”

Xu Hexue’s eyelashes lowered gently. He shook his head lightly, a trace of unfamiliar smile at the corners of his lips. “Not everything in this world requires repayment. If pouring you a cup of water also requires you to repay me, then what would I be?”

“What if I want to repay you?”

Her gaze was too earnest. Xu Hexue remained silent for a long time, finally raising his eyelids to look at her. “The garment you’re making for me—is it finished?”

“Just a little more.”

Ni Su answered instinctively.

Xu Hexue made a sound of acknowledgment and said, “That will be enough.”

Ni Su actually very much wanted to know what else she could do to help him, but he was always like this—before her, he hid his past tightly away. Yet she couldn’t force him, because she didn’t know about his life before death, didn’t know why exactly he had died at the age of nineteen.

If he didn’t speak, she couldn’t ask.

Just like this moment—she knew she could no longer continue on this topic. Outside, Cai Chunxu seemed to have already left, but Yuzhen hadn’t entered the room.

He stood quietly by her bedside, wind gently brushing his pale-colored robes.

His countenance was pallid yet his bone structure was refined.

“Then you, just stay here.”

Ni Su said softly.

Xu Hexue started, then said, “I can take this lamp away.”

He thought she was worried that if he returned next door, his eyes would not be able to see.

“That’s not it.”

Ni Su said dully, “I keep having nightmares. In my dreams it’s always snowing. I dream that you helped me vent my anger against Wu Jikang, and then you disappeared. I light so much incense, so many candles, but can’t find you.”

“You really don’t need to take care of me. I know your body hurts too. Behind the screen there’s a soft couch. I also have another quilt on my bed I can give you. Stay here—we’ll recuperate together. Perhaps then I won’t have such nightmares.”

Xu Hexue should have refused.

He couldn’t share a room with her, especially on a night like this.

But he thought for a long time—

What if at night the quilt covered her mouth and nose again?

Separated by a screen, Xu Hexue lay on the soft couch. The quilt covering his body actually still carried some of her warmth. All of this left him somewhat at a loss.

“Xu Ziling.”

Ni Su’s voice came.

The plain gauze screen was very close to her bed. Xu Hexue raised his eyes. The light from one lamp made the figure behind the screen indistinct and hazy. He couldn’t see clearly.

“Everything about you is cold. Have you already forgotten for so long what warmth is like?”

She asked.

“Mm.”

He made a sound of acknowledgment but didn’t know why she asked this. Yet the next moment, he heard her say, “Then reach out your hand.”

The warm yellow candlelight spread across the screen.

Xu Hexue saw her hand fall upon the plain gauze, the shadow elongating.

“Reach out your hand, and you’ll know.”

Her voice came.

Xu Hexue’s eyelashes trembled. Beneath his sleeve, the tendons and bones on the back of his hand were distinct, his slender knuckles curling then relaxing.