Lu Jingxiu entered with a chill about him. Upon seeing Qin Wan, his eyes immediately brightened. “Greetings to Aunt and Princess.”
After Lu Jingxiu bowed, Lu Youxin said, “Enough. New Year’s tomorrow – I thought you wouldn’t know to come back.”
Lu Jingxiu smiled, “Qianzhou has been unstable these days, with many rumors in Jianzhou city. I went there for a few days to see if there was any news. If the south becomes chaotic, not just Qianzhou and Jianzhou, but Lanzhou might suffer too.”
The Lu family’s ancestral land was in Lanzhou, so Lu Jingxiu’s words pleased Lu Youxin.
Lu Youxin nodded, “Well then, tell us what you heard.”
Lu Jingxiu glanced at Qin Wan, then at Lu Youxin, before saying, “Nephew stayed in Jianzhou city for two days. I saw many people preparing to head north, saying Qianzhou was already in chaos, and Jianzhou wouldn’t remain peaceful for long. They said troops from the west attacked Qianzhou.”
Lu Youxin glanced at Qin Wan, patting her hand reassuringly before asking, “And then? Did they say it was the Shuoxi army?”
Lu Jingxiu shook his head, “They didn’t say that. They didn’t specify where the army attacking Qianzhou’s garrison came from, only that it was from the west. Wasn’t the Shuoxi army taken over by the Emperor’s appointee? Haven’t heard about any change in command…”
Lu Jingxiu watched Qin Wan carefully, wanting to gauge her reaction to these secondhand rumors.
Qin Wan frowned slightly. Yan Chi hadn’t returned to Shuoxi yet, and Lin Xugui and others were still in the Shuoxi army. She truly didn’t know where the army attacking Qianzhou came from. She only asked, “I heard the Qianzhou garrison was defeated?”
Lu Jingxiu nodded, “Yes, the Qianzhou garrison was defeated. They had thirty to forty thousand troops, but the western force had only ten thousand, yet they scattered the Qianzhou garrison like fallen flowers. I heard people say the general leading those ten thousand men was like a god descending from heaven, though no one knows who he is.”
Having heard these rumors that didn’t mention Yan Chi’s name, Lu Jingxiu assumed the Qianzhou battle had nothing to do with him. At this juncture, Lu Jingxiu didn’t think Yan Chi would detour to Jianzhou, so he hadn’t connected the dots. However, being naturally proud and admiring of strong figures, his eyes still lit up with respect when hearing about this god-like general in the rumors.
Lu Youxin and Qin Wan exchanged glances, already clear about who the rumors referred to, though there was no need to tell Lu Jingxiu.
Lu Youxin merely said, “Ten thousand defeating thirty to forty thousand is indeed impressive.”
Lu Jingxiu’s eyes brightened as he said, “Yes, they say these ten thousand troops were like divine soldiers, appearing silently outside the Qianzhou garrison’s camp. They first cut off their supplies, then burned their armory. Late at night, many woke up unable to get weapons, forced to face blades bare-handed. This god-like general single-handedly entered enemy ranks and took the heads of two of Jiang Heying’s top generals. The Qianzhou garrison was utterly defeated after that.”
Listening to Lu Jingxiu’s words, Qin Wan recalled her dream where Yan Chi had also charged into enemy ranks in military attire, though in her dream he hadn’t returned. Qin Wan clenched her fists anxiously as Lu Youxin couldn’t help asking, “What happened then?”
Lu Jingxiu smiled, “With the Qianzhou garrison defeated, Qianzhou city naturally fell into his hands. They say he didn’t seal the city – everything continues as before. The Qianzhou prefect is sensible, but the common people are still afraid. Many are fleeing to Jianzhou, though ordinary civilians can’t enter Jianzhou city now.”
Lu Youxin frowned. When war breaks out, unarmed civilians naturally think only of escape, but this isn’t good for Yan Chi’s reputation.
Qin Wan was also worried. With refugees everywhere, many would freeze or starve to death. In such a bitter winter, leaving home without finding shelter would bring unimaginable hardship. The more deaths, the worse for Yan Chi. Qin Wan lowered her gaze for a moment as an idea gradually formed.
“Besides this, there are all sorts of rumors about Qianzhou, but they don’t sound true. These past two days, many reports have come from the north too, saying Marquis An Yang has led fifty thousand troops north to face the Northern Government Army in a decisive battle. The Northern Government Army took Cangzhou and is now heading to Fengzhou and Chongzhou. This was half a month ago – who knows where the fighting has reached now. Compared to the South, the North is truly in turmoil.”
Lu Youxin sighed, “When war breaks out, the common people suffer most.”
Qin Wan said from beside her, “Aunt, I plan to write a letter. Would you help send it to Jianzhou city? My people shouldn’t show themselves – can you help?”
Lu Youxin immediately nodded at this request, “Of course. Who are you sending it to?”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “To an old friend.”
Lu Jingxiu looked at her curiously upon hearing this, but Qin Wan wouldn’t explain.
Lu Youxin said, “I have paper and brushes here. If you’re in a hurry, write it here?”
After brief consideration, Qin Wan saw no need for secrecy and nodded, entering Lu Youxin’s study. Once the writing materials were ready and she had composed her thoughts, Qin Wan wrote flowing characters filling a whole page. After checking it twice for errors, she sealed it with wax and gave it to Lu Youxin. With no one else around, Qin Wan whispered in Lu Youxin’s ear, causing her eyes to widen, “Oh, it’s for her—”
Qin Wan nodded, “Thank you for your help, Aunt.”
Lu Youxin smiled, “I understand your meaning. Don’t worry, there won’t be any mistakes, and others won’t know you sent the letter.”
Only then did Qin Wan feel relieved. Having lost interest in Lu Jingcheng’s case, she didn’t linger in Wutong Court. As she left, Lu Jingxiu was waiting outside. Seeing her emerge, he hurried forward, “Princess, might I have a word?”
Qin Wan had wanted to avoid Lu Jingxiu, but he seemed quite insistent. She didn’t move, standing still to ask, “What is it, Fifth Young Master?”
Lu Jingxiu looked directly at her, “Princess, are you leaving after New Year?”
Qin Wan didn’t answer, “Why does Fifth Young Master ask?”
Meeting Qin Wan’s gaze, Lu Jingxiu felt somewhat pressured. His eyes flickered as he asked, “Are you going to Shuoxi?”
Qin Wan looked at Lu Jingxiu composedly, “This doesn’t concern Fifth Young Master. You need not worry about it.”
Lu Jingxiu inexplicably felt Qin Wan was especially cold toward him, making him feel dejected and frustrated. He couldn’t help saying, “I mean… there will surely be war in Shuoxi. If Princess goes there, it will be very difficult. Why not stay in Jianzhou instead?”
Qin Wan found these words both amusing and exasperating, “Fifth Young Master, these matters are for Aunt to worry about. Please mind your own business.”
Speaking thus, she walked past Lu Jingxiu toward the Hantan Pavilion. Lu Jingxiu called after her, “I’m thinking of your welfare! You’re a woman – how can you go to a place of war? If not… if not, going to Lanzhou would be good too…”
Qin Wan paused slightly, sighing, “Thank you, but Fifth Young Master really needn’t concern himself with these matters.”
Qin Wan continued walking. Lu Jingxiu wanted to follow but felt somewhat inhibited. Though Qin Wan hadn’t shown anger, he felt tremulous, as if saying more would be particularly presumptuous and offensive to her.
Back at Hantan Pavilion, Qin Wan gazed abstractedly at the bright snow outside. The letter she had just written was for Yao Xinlan. Having been in Jianzhou for many days, she had finally resolved to contact Yao Xinlan, though not merely to reconnect. With Qianzhou in chaos affecting Jianzhou too, Yan Chi’s heart was in Jianzhou and he would surely return after New Year, but she didn’t want to just wait passively. The refugees needed to be settled, otherwise when the Qianzhou campaign became known, Yan Chi would likely face criticism.
If Yan Chi was an invincible god of war, she was a gentle-hearted healer. Her thoughts tended toward gentleness and detail.
She wondered how Yao Xinlan would decide after reading her letter.
Having accepted that Yan Chi wouldn’t return for New Year, Qin Wan roused herself in the afternoon to decorate the courtyard. Lu Youxin had sent lanterns and other items, so Qin Wan directed everyone to hang them. Though the courtyard was already elegantly arranged, it lacked New Year spirit. With the new lanterns, the whole courtyard changed. In the evening, Lu Youxin sent over many firecrackers too, treating Qin Wan almost like a child.
Qin Wan naturally wasn’t in the mood for firecrackers, but Fu Ling was different. Seeing Qin Wan’s listlessness and knowing why, upon receiving the firecrackers, she insisted on setting them off with Bai Ying for Qin Wan to watch. Though Qin Wan was somewhat afraid of firecrackers, seeing Fu Ling and Bai Ying playing so cheerfully brought a smile to her face.
Shortly after, Matron Huang came to Hantan Pavilion, smiling as she said, “Princess, the Lady invites you to the Plum Garden.”
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, “So late? Why go to the Plum Garden?”
Matron Huang smiled, “It’s for your entertainment. You’ll understand when you get there.”
Though puzzled, since Lu Youxin had invited her, Qin Wan made brief preparations and left Hantan Pavilion.
Snow had fallen all night yesterday, but today had been clear, though new snow was falling again. The entire Bailu Prefecture was wrapped in silver. Walking along the snow-covered path, Qin Wan could see the vast night sky with just a glance. Tonight’s sky was truly wonderful – perhaps Lu Youxin wanted to drink with her under the plum trees?
After decorating the courtyard in the afternoon, Qin Wan’s mood had lightened considerably. Though the night was cold, seeking plum blossoms in the snow had its charm. Step by step, she walked to the side of the Plum Garden overlooking Moon-Gazing Lake. From far away, she could see a long corridor built beside the garden, with a pavilion standing at its end. Now both the corridor and pavilion were lit with lanterns – white snow, red plums, and floating fragrance made for an extremely elegant sight!
Shadowy figures moved into the pavilion, and Qin Wan immediately spotted Lu Youxin!
Qin Wan hurried forward and, getting closer, saw Lu Youxin sitting alone in the pavilion. Her lips curved into a smile as she approached, “Aunt—”
“Wan’er, you’re here!” Lu Youxin turned around. After Qin Wan entered the pavilion, she pulled her to sit down. “It’s cold. Here’s a hand warmer – hold one.”
The pavilion had curtains on all four sides, though the one facing Moon-Gazing Lake was rolled up. Without the crisscrossing cold winds, it wasn’t unbearably cold. Qin Wan looked around, seeing only some tea snacks on the stone table with nothing particularly special, and asked, “Why did Aunt suddenly want to seek plum blossoms in the snow at night?”
Lu Youxin laughed, “You misunderstand. I have no intention of seeking plum blossoms.”
Qin Wan was confused, but Lu Youxin pointed toward Moon-Gazing Lake.
With the curtain rolled up and their elevated position, it was like overlooking the distant lake from a high platform. Though it was night, the starlight was brilliant, and they could faintly see the rippling reflections on the lake’s surface, creating a magnificent and profound feeling. Qin Wan smiled, “Too bad there’s no moon tonight.”
Though the stars were dazzling, there truly was no moon, hidden behind some clouds.
Hearing this, Lu Youxin covered her mouth and laughed, “You think I invited you to view the lake?”
Qin Wan blinked, “Isn’t that it?”
Lu Youxin smiled meaningfully and suddenly clapped her hands. Matron Huang nodded beside her and walked out of the pavilion.
Just as Qin Wan was confused, a gentle breeze passed by, and suddenly she heard the sharp whistle of a firecracker. A red flame rose into the sky, bursting with a “bang” above Moon-Gazing Lake. Suddenly, on the quiet lake’s surface, an enormous flower lantern appeared – a lotus lantern as tall as a person, fiery red like a lotus of karmic fire. First one large lotus lantern, then smaller lotus lanterns appeared on both sides in quick succession. Soon after, leaf lanterns lit up one by one around the lotus lanterns. Qin Wan watched in amazement and looking carefully, she could vaguely see black-clothed figures moving near the lanterns.
Qin Wan was delighted, “So Aunt invited me to see the lake lanterns!”
Though it was winter, Moon-Gazing Lake was filled with brilliant lotus flowers and spreading leaves – lantern after lantern connected into a field, creating a spectacular sight. Qin Wan watched happily, momentarily reminded of watching lantern festivals by Lishui Lake in Jinzhou. But just then, Lu Youxin laughed beside her, “It’s not my doing.”
Qin Wan was surprised, “Not Aunt’s doing?”
Lu Youxin nodded with a smile. Just then, the curtain behind them was lifted, and Lu Jingxiu entered from outside.
In his blue robe, Lu Jingxiu looked handsome and refined. He immediately bowed in greeting, but the smile on Qin Wan’s face faded. Her brows furrowed slightly, and suddenly the lanterns by the lake didn’t seem so beautiful anymore. Lu Youxin didn’t notice anything amiss and simply said, “These were arranged by Jingxiu. He said he saw this novelty in Jianzhou city – though it’s just that the lanterns are extremely large. In previous years, Moon-Gazing Lake had many lantern festivals, but now during New Year, few people venture out of the city to visit the lake. During the Lantern Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival, it’s very lively here. I didn’t care much about his arrangements, but thinking of you here, I invited you to look, so you wouldn’t feel too confined.”
Lu Jingxiu stood to the side smiling with lowered eyes. Though he didn’t seek credit, his expression showed clear satisfaction.
Qin Wan smiled somewhat forcedly, “I see. I don’t feel confined at all. As for these lake lanterns, thank you for your trouble, Fifth Young Master.”
Lu Jingxiu smiled, “It’s almost New Year – just a small amusement to make Aunt and Princess smile.”
Qin Wan smiled without speaking. Lu Youxin held her hand and said, “This is the one drawback of Bailu Prefecture being outside the city – if we were in Jianzhou city, it would be very lively at this time.”
Understanding Lu Youxin’s good intentions, Qin Wan felt somewhat torn between laughter and tears. “Thank you for your concern, Aunt. I think it’s very nice here. When I leave after New Year, I’ll miss it.”
Lu Youxin hugged Qin Wan briefly without saying more. The lake lanterns changed their pattern – somehow the largest lotus lantern slowly changed color from red to white. Soon after, a pleasure boat suddenly appeared on the more distant part of the lake. Music suddenly rang out from the boat as a young woman danced upon it. The boat approached from far to near, like sailing down from the stars on this bitter winter night. Though Qin Wan’s interest had greatly diminished, she couldn’t deny the captivating scenery. However, knowing it wasn’t arranged by Lu Youxin, her thoughts became listless, especially with Lu Jingxiu’s occasional glances toward her. She wanted to ignore them, but being naturally sensitive, she couldn’t. In Lu Youxin’s presence, Qin Wan couldn’t say anything and just wanted to find an excuse to leave first…
“Oh… what’s that?” Fu Ling suddenly called out behind her. Following Fu Ling’s gaze, Qin Wan saw that countless torches had suddenly appeared on the eastern shore of Moon-Gazing Lake. The torches approached from far away, flickering among the trees along the lakeshore. Gradually, the front torches came closer, and all the torches eventually merged into one line, finally forming a dragon of fire! It was called a dragon because, at a glance, Qin Wan saw thousands of torches…
In an instant, Qin Wan’s heart leaped to her throat!
Ordinary travelers wouldn’t carry so many torches!
And their path was the road from Jianzhou city along Moon-Gazing Lake to Bailu Prefecture!
So late at night, why had so many people suddenly appeared, who were they?! And why had they come?!
Almost simultaneously, Lu Youxin and Lu Jingxiu also saw this, their expressions changing, no longer interested in the lake lanterns!
Lu Youxin stepped forward, nearly leaning out of the pavilion railing, “What is that?! Why are there so many people?!”
No one in the pavilion could answer Lu Youxin. Qin Wan immediately ordered, “Bai Feng, go investigate!”
Bai Feng responded and left, his figure leaping up and disappearing in an instant. Lu Youxin turned and grabbed Qin Wan’s hand, “What’s happening? Could word of your presence here have leaked?!”
Qin Wan was now considered a traitor – if others learned of this news… could imperial pursuers have arrived?!
Qin Wan frowned, unconsciously taking two steps forward. The fire dragon drew closer, its light even overwhelming the lake lanterns. The music on the pleasure boat stopped, the dancer froze, and everyone who saw the fire dragon was instantly shocked!
Qin Wan instinctively gripped the nearby railing, just waiting for Bai Feng’s report. However, as the forces drew nearer, Bai Feng hadn’t returned – with his speed, why was he so slow?! Just as she thought this, suddenly a white light shot into the sky from the direction of the fire dragon!
Qin Wan’s pupils trembled. Beside her, Bai Ying declared confidently, “Princess! It’s His Highness’s signal!”
Hearing these words, Qin Wan felt a roaring in her ears as enormous joy surged in her chest. Before she could even react, she had already run out of the pavilion. Lifting her skirts slightly, she rushed along the main path toward the eastern gate. Seeing this, Bai Ying and Fu Ling quickly followed. Lu Youxin also realized what was happening and hurried after them, “Wan’er! Slow down! Wan’er—”
The lanterns by the lake continued changing colors as Lu Jingxiu stood stunned in the pavilion.
No one had said who was coming, but the maid’s words seemed to point to something…
Lu Jingxiu naturally guessed, but he frowned, extremely surprised – impossible, it couldn’t be him!
Thinking this, he too inexplicably ran out of the pavilion, following Qin Wan and the others toward the eastern gate.
The night wind was bitter cold, but Qin Wan had never known she could run so lightly. Walking on the snow-covered main path, holding her skirts, her eyes reflected the vast river of stars. She ran breathlessly, yet didn’t feel tired at all. Behind her, Bai Ying caught up first, trying to support Qin Wan, but was pushed away. Her steps grew faster and faster until she saw the magnificent fire dragon outside the eastern gate, and from that distance, she immediately spotted Yan Chi organizing the troops at the front!
He sat upon a tall horse, holding a cross spear, his clothes flying in the wind, his imposing presence like a mountain – exactly like when she first saw him in Jinzhou!
With dozens of steps still to go, Qin Wan suddenly stopped. The cold wind had made her cheeks flush red, her cherry lips parted as she caught her breath. She couldn’t take another step of those final dozens, just staring straight at Yan Chi as the suppressed bitterness in her heart surged like an overturning sea!
Bai Feng was helping Yan Chi organize the troops when he caught sight of Qin Wan. He quickly said, “Master! The Princess—”
On horseback, Yan Chi whirled around, immediately seeing Qin Wan in the distance, breathing heavily from running. His previously sharp and serious gaze changed instantly, filling with tenderness. He threw his spear to Bai Feng and dismounted. Days of campaigning had left stubble on his chin, and there was some fatigue around his eyes, but he strode forward against the blazing torchlight, still as tall and magnificent as a deity. Though thousands of soldiers watched behind him, and others seemed to have followed Qin Wan, Yan Chi’s eyes reflected only Qin Wan. His steps grew faster until he reached her, his long arms embracing her tightly!
“Wan’er, I’m home…”