“The policies of culture and military affairs are recorded in books and documents. When the person exists, the policies are implemented; when the person dies, the policies cease.”

This passage comes from Chapter 20 of the Doctrine of the Mean. When Duke Ai asked about governance in ancient times, Confucius told him that “governance lies in people”—selecting people through personal cultivation, cultivating oneself through the Way, and cultivating the Way through benevolence. Only by diligently cultivating the gentleman’s way can one govern with a heart of loving people and implement benevolent policies to bring peace to the world.

Over thousands of years, countless scholar-officials have read this passage, yet throughout history, there have been tens of thousands of scholars in the world. In this vast sea of humanity, how many have truly practiced it personally?

In the afternoon, heavy snow fell, and snowflakes landing on roof tiles made everything seem even more peaceful and tranquil. Gu Qianxi sat alone in the guest room, contemplating past events.

This day was New Year’s Eve of the Jisi year, the last day of the thirty-second year of Jingtai. With firecrackers bidding farewell to the old year, at this year-end time, the Gu household was busy inside and out, waiting for tonight’s family gathering around the fire. But this year was somewhat different—there was one more person staying for New Year’s Eve. Gu Qianxi smiled slightly, warmth appearing in her heart. She put down the book in her hands and turned to look at the young man on the heated brick bed.

“Lu Lang…” Gu Qianxi gently caressed her lover’s cheek, her eyes showing tenderness.

The poor servant who had cried out to heaven in Yangzhou years ago, the proud scholar who had turned and left the tea shop in the capital, now finally lay quietly beside her. At this moment, there was no heroic ambition to establish hearts for heaven and earth, no tragic indignation over essays in troubled times… what remained was only the gentle afternoon sunlight, the peaceful snowy scene outside the window. Gu Qianxi slowly lay down on the bed, resting beside Lu Yun, her cheek pillowed on her lover’s broad chest, feeling peace in her heart.

Gu Qianxi gazed at Lu Yun’s profile—his straight nose bridge and resolute jaw repeatedly revealed his stubborn temperament. Even in his dreams, his brow was tightly furrowed, as if he had some unspeakable troubles.

Gu Qianxi trembled slightly, suddenly feeling worried: “Lu Lang, oh Lu Lang, you’ve already achieved the highest honors and become famous throughout the world—why are you still unhappy? What exactly are you seeking? Why can you never live peacefully?”

She sighed softly, looking at the tattered book in her hands. Perhaps the answer lay within this book. It was nothing more than the ordinary Four Books, ancient in appearance, but the pages were filled with tiny characters—notes that Lu Yun had personally written.

Moral character, loyal heart, remonstration unto death, sacrificing life to achieve benevolence—line after line, one red character after another dancing across the page, each making one’s heart tremble with alarm.

“Confucius, oh Confucius, what kind of person do you want to turn my lover into? Do you hope he destroys himself?”

Gu Qianxi stared blankly at the sleeping Lu Yun, as if in a trance.

Now, why was Lu Yun sleeping beside the young lady for no reason? It turned out that last night, Gu Siyuan, taking advantage of the festive season, had invited friends from the capital to gather at his residence for drinking. During their merry drinking, they had gotten Lu Yun thoroughly drunk, leaving him in this state. Though Gu Qianxi had also drunk some wine, she hadn’t had much. She had risen early to care for her lover and hadn’t left his side even for a moment until now.

Speaking of Gu Siyuan’s family banquet, there was quite a story behind it. It turned out that on the night of the nineteenth day of the twelfth month, the “Sword God” had struck out in anger. Zhuo Lingzhao, relying on his divine martial arts, had not only killed hundreds of guards but had nearly stabbed Jiang Chong to death on the spot. According to the imperial physicians, Jiang Chong’s arms and shoulders were severely injured and would be immobilized for three months—he could not only not review documents but even had difficulty getting out of bed and walking. Without the treacherous minister’s support, the various rebellious troops and riotous people naturally dispersed. The chaos following Liu Jing’s downfall had finally come to an end.

At such great joyous news, which court minister wasn’t celebrating with raised hands? It was just that, out of consideration for Jiang Chong’s face, they couldn’t openly cheer. It was for this reason that Gu Siyuan used the New Year as an excuse to have a proper celebration at his residence.

During this rare family banquet, all the court officials were in high spirits. While cursing Jiang Chong, they naturally drank a few extra cups. Lu Yun and Gu Qianxi sat beside them, and the various uncles, seeing this perfect couple, felt envious. Hearing that Lu Yun had served under Liu Angtian and was a military man with both literary and martial talents, they desperately plied him with wine. Though Gu Qianxi tried her best to block them, Lu Yun was an honest man who always drained his cup when wine was offered, not knowing how to refuse. Finally, he was overwhelmed and collapsed, having to be carried back to the guest room by A’Fu and others, and hadn’t woken up until now.

Gu Qianxi had not slept well last night and had gotten up too early today, making her quite tired. She embraced Lu Yun, and for a moment her eyes grew drowsy, slowly falling asleep as well. But after resting for barely half a moment, she heard someone knocking at the door. Gu Qianxi was startled and quickly opened her eyes. At this moment, though she was holding her lover without any improper conduct, it still couldn’t be seen by others. She quickly got up, tidied her clothes slightly, and went to open the door.

When the door opened, she saw an elderly man standing at the entrance—thin and refined in appearance. It was her father, Gu Siyuan. Gu Qianxi curtsied and called softly: “Father.”

The Gu family was from an official household that emphasized propriety. Even between intimate couples or father and daughter, proper etiquette could not be neglected when no one else was around. Over time, this naturally cultivated a refined bearing, different from crude people like Jiang Chong.

Gu Siyuan entered the room and saw Lu Yun still unconscious, asking quietly: “How did he get so drunk?” Gu Qianxi grunted and said: “Last night you ten or so people took turns getting him drunk—who could withstand that?”

Hearing his daughter’s words carry some resentment, Gu Siyuan thought of the saying that “a grown daughter’s heart turns outward” and couldn’t help but shake his head with a bitter smile. He pulled over a chair and sat down. Without a word, Gu Qianxi poured him a cup of hot tea and also sat beside him.

Seeing her displeased expression, Gu Siyuan smiled and said: “You’re angry with father just because we made Yun’er drink a few extra cups?” Gu Qianxi frowned and shook her head: “How would daughter dare to be angry with father?” A father knows his daughter well—Gu Siyuan saw his beloved daughter’s expression and knew she was truly unhappy. He stroked her small hand and said: “Don’t be like this. What man doesn’t drink a few extra cups? It’s also because your uncles really like Lu Yun that they gave him a few extra bowls of yellow soup. You should think of it positively.”

Hearing that her father’s friends liked Lu Yun, Gu Qianxi was naturally pleased and immediately said “Oh!” and asked: “Really? They really like Lu Lang?” Gu Siyuan laughed heartily: “Of course! Yun’er holds the position of prefect, is talented in both literature and martial arts, and is honest and upright—where would I find such a son-in-law?”

Gu Qianxi said coquettishly: “I never agreed to marry him—who said he’s your son-in-law?”

Gu Siyuan clapped his hands and laughed, following along: “So you don’t like him? Then father won’t force you. How about this—during New Year, let father arrange a gathering to introduce you to other families’ young masters. How does that sound?”

Gu Qianxi knew he was teasing her and couldn’t help but blush all over, saying petulantly: “Father, you’re always like this.”

Gu Siyuan laughed for a while, then suddenly became serious: “Let’s not talk about that. The court situation is too chaotic, and some matters really can’t be delayed and shouldn’t be delayed. Qian’er, father wants to ask your opinion.” Seeing her father’s serious expression, Gu Qianxi didn’t dare joke and quickly said: “Father, please speak.”

Gu Siyuan pondered: “These days seem peaceful, but they hide mysteries. Once Jiang Chong’s injuries heal, countless conflicts will surely arise. Father hopes you’ll leave the capital and go to Jiangnan to avoid trouble.” How intelligent was Gu Qianxi? Hearing this, she couldn’t help but cover her mouth and cry out softly, her heart pounding, knowing her father was really going to arrange her marriage. Indeed, she saw Gu Siyuan smile and say: “After New Year, Yun’er will return to Changzhou. Before that, father wants you two to become engaged first. What do you think?”

Though Gu Qianxi was bold in her actions, such matters required some reserve. She turned her head away without speaking, but her lips held a smile.

Gu Siyuan grasped her small hand and said softly: “Daughter, father has only you as his precious treasure—I must ensure your safety. Liu Jing has fallen, and Jiang Chong no longer poses a future threat. In the coming year, Liu Angtian will definitely face enemies on all sides. Unless there’s some great chaos in the country or war breaks out again in the northern borders, he will certainly lose his military power. I don’t want Yun’er to get involved, and I don’t want you to stay in the capital. The sooner you both get to Jiangnan, the more at ease father can be.”

Gu Qianxi had originally been very happy, but hearing these reasons, a shadow crossed her face as she said quietly: “Father, if we leave, what about you?” Gu Siyuan smiled: “Father is also an old fox—not so easily brought down. Don’t worry, one Marquis Liu is enough to keep Jiang Chong busy—he won’t provoke father.”

Gu Qianxi sighed. She looked up at her father and said wistfully: “Father, I hate that I’m a girl.”

Gu Siyuan knew his daughter was strong-willed by nature and had liked competing with boys since childhood. He smiled faintly and shook his head: “You’re at it again. You’re about to marry—how can you still say such things? Father has taught you to read and write since childhood. Everything boys can learn, what can’t you do? What’s there to hate?”

Gu Qianxi said: “I don’t really hate it—I just feel uncomfortable. Being a daughter ultimately means I can’t serve as an official. Knowing the court situation is dangerous, I can’t help. I can only watch helplessly as loved ones suffer…” As she spoke, she looked at Lu Yun and sighed again.

Lu Yun had been staying at her house these past few days. Though they saw each other daily, when Gu Qianxi recalled Lu Yun’s farewell that day, her heart still felt uneasy. If things had been exposed then and Lu Yun had been arrested and imprisoned, they might never have seen each other again. Though Gu Qianxi knew Lu Yun had his troubles, thinking back on it still filled her with alarm.

Gu Qianxi extended her delicate hand to pick up the ink stick from the table, gently grinding it on the inkstone. Her beautiful eyes looked down as she said quietly: “Since childhood, daughter has read history and never seen a single good thing—only struggle, conspiracy, and killing. Those princes and great ministers rise and fall—those with better endings commit suicide or hang themselves, those with worse endings face family extermination. Every time I see these records, my heart feels so troubled… I don’t want you to be like that. No matter how high an official you become in the future, whether you win or lose, I don’t want to see these things…”

Gu Siyuan drank some hot tea and lowered his head: “To achieve fame and honor, one must endure these hardships. When your grandmother passed away years ago, I returned home for three years of mourning. Looking back on that time now, it truly was carefree. Sigh… Fortune and misfortune depend on each other. Not to mention others—even how long father can remain as Minister of War is still uncertain… Better to return, better to return…”

Hearing her father’s discouraged words, Gu Qianxi actually nodded slightly: “If father were to resign from office, Qian’er would be happiest.”

Gu Siyuan chuckled and pinched her powdered face: “If father doesn’t serve as an official, what about your ideal husband? You’re about to marry—if Yun’er doesn’t work hard at his career, how will he provide for you in the future?”

Gu Qianxi sighed: “I don’t like Lu Lang being an official either. It would be best if everyone returned to Yangzhou to live their own peaceful lives and not worry about anything. That would be happiest.”

Hearing his daughter’s sentiments, Gu Siyuan touched her head and smiled: “When the state has the Way, then serve; when the state lacks the Way, withdraw and keep it hidden. If the court is truly controlled by Jiang Chong, father will immediately resign and return home. Is that good?” Gu Qianxi was overjoyed: “A gentleman’s word!” Gu Siyuan smiled: “Is swift as a whip!” Father and daughter were of one mind and immediately looked at each other and laughed heartily.

If the country has the Way and politics are clean, scholar-officials should naturally serve as officials. But if the country is controlled by treacherous ministers and petty people, one should retreat into seclusion and not seek wealth or position. Even with Confucius’s high insight, he believed gentlemen should act thus. Gu Siyuan deeply understood Confucian learning—when the time came, he should naturally follow the example of the sages.

After they had talked for a while, the sky gradually darkened. Gu Siyuan stood up and said: “It’s about time to gather around the fire. We need to burn incense and worship our ancestors later—father must go change clothes.” He glanced at Lu Yun and said: “We should wake Yun’er up and have him groom himself properly, or your aunt will have more to complain about.” Gu Qianxi pushed him out with a laugh: “Daughter understands.”

From Yangzhou to Beijing, from servant to zhuangyuan—how long had this New Year’s Eve conversation been awaited? Thinking of finally being able to spend New Year’s Eve with her lover filled her with joy. As soon as her father left the room, Gu Qianxi immediately sat by the bed. Lu Yun was still sleeping soundly. Gu Qianxi looked at her beloved’s face and silently prayed: “May Heaven protect us—I ask not for wealth or prominence, only that every year be like today. That would be enough.”

She reached out to gently caress Lu Yun’s cheek, her heart full of tenderness. Suddenly, Lu Yun turned over, falling toward her legs, his head and face pillowing on her thighs while he continued snoring.

Gu Qianxi felt slightly embarrassed, but Lu Yun had been thoroughly plied with wine by her father’s friends last night. She had witnessed her lover’s proud nature—if not for her sake, how would he willingly let people make fun of him? Gu Qianxi felt pity and couldn’t bear to push him away, letting him pillow his head on her legs.

After a long while, seeing it was completely dark and she couldn’t delay calling him up, she patted Lu Yun’s cheek and said: “Lu Lang, get up quickly—we’ll be eating soon.”

Lu Yun, being called, seemed to hear but not respond, instead snuggling closer to Gu Qianxi’s legs. He had originally been lying on a pillow, but somehow after turning on his side, the pillow had become fragrant and warm, soft like jade. Lu Yun seemed to be in a dreamland paradise—not only did his face show a slight smile, but unconsciously he also reached out to embrace it, wanting to hold the pillow tightly.

Lu Yun hugged the fragrant pillow even tighter and slept in complete bliss. Soon the pillow became slightly warm, followed by a soft cry, and it actually fled far away. Seeing the pillow could actually grow legs and run away was truly strange indeed. Lu Yun felt dissatisfied and, even in his sleep, frowned and made odd sounds in his throat.

Gu Qianxi stood by the bed, her face completely red, thinking: “How frightening. Lu Lang is usually so proper and serious, yet his sleeping posture is so unseemly—rolling around. I hope he doesn’t fall off the bed.” She shook her head and was about to wake Lu Yun when she heard a sharp voice at the door: “Miss, the new clothes have been altered. Xiao Hong asks you to come try them on.” Hearing it was A’Fu, Gu Qianxi responded and walked out of the room.

A’Fu saw the young lady leave and was about to turn away when he heard low growling from inside the room, as if some wild beast was hiding inside. Startled, he tiptoed into the room and saw a handsome man lying on the bed, sword-like eyebrows tightly furrowed, hands waving in the air, face showing dissatisfaction—who else could it be but Lu Yun? A’Fu was shocked and said in a trembling voice: “Isn’t this Master A’Yun? Why is he panting like this? Is he being pressed by a ghost?”

He lowered his head to take a closer look, wanting to examine him, when suddenly two hands reached out and embraced him around the waist. A’Fu was so frightened his whole body went soft, not knowing what to do. Seeing Lu Yun’s head coming to pillow on his thighs, A’Fu was greatly alarmed and struggled urgently, but Lu Yun had practiced the Supreme Heart Method—how could an ordinary person resist? He was finally firmly pinned down.

A’Fu cried out in shock: “Don’t… don’t! What weird itchy thing is this? Ah! Ah!”

Gu Qianxi was trying on new clothes and had just removed her garments when she heard two screams from the guest room, one after another—it sounded like A’Fu and Lu Yun screaming together. She was puzzled but didn’t know what had happened. She hoped her lover hadn’t fallen off the bed.

On New Year’s Eve, the Gu household gathered around the fire with a full table of family members. Lu Yun sat in attendance beside Gu Qianxi. Looking sideways, he saw his beloved wearing a red jacket and silk skirt, no rouge applied, yet her fragrant cheeks carried a natural blush. When she turned back with a smile, her starry eyes could convey emotion. Lu Yun, just awakening from his hangover, saw Gu Qianxi’s beauty and felt somewhat drunk again. The hand holding his wine cup wouldn’t obey and shook so much that wine spilled on his clothes. Second Aunt saw this and immediately cursed silently, while Lady Gu smiled as if she didn’t mind.

Gu Siyuan laughed heartily and looked around at everyone: “It’s rare to have New Year’s Eve, celebrating the festival together. We’re a scholarly family and cannot fail to pose some riddles for the occasion. What do you think?” Seeing the family applaud in approval, he pointed at Lu Yun with a smile: “On New Year’s Eve around the fire, Yun’er sleeps drowsily and can’t even hold his wine cup steady—let’s punish him first!”

Lu Yun’s face reddened, knowing Gu Siyuan had seen his unseemly behavior. He said awkwardly: “How does Uncle Gu want to punish me? One cup or a whole pot?” Last night he had been thoroughly drunk and couldn’t sit or stand properly—he didn’t know how many cups he’d been punished with. Hearing about punishment, he immediately wanted to drink three cups himself. Gu Siyuan smiled: “Don’t rush to drink. Uncle Gu wants you to compose poetry for the occasion—seven-character regulated verse, unlimited lines. If you can’t compose it, three cups penalty; if it’s poor, one cup.” Lu Yun was a zhuangyuan graduate—how could his literary talent be ordinary? Gu Siyuan asking him to compose occasional poetry was deliberately letting him regain face. He pondered for a long while, looking back at the window: “Years ago I spent New Year in Yangzhou, today I celebrate the New Year in Beijing. May I use this as my poem?” Gu Siyuan was both surprised and delighted: “If Yun’er has inspiration, please speak freely.”

Lu Yun thought of years of vicissitudes and, without thinking, immediately recited: “Last year cold plucked red snow away, / This morning dust-free purple clouds came; / Who pities spring wind’s wasted passage? / Prison moss still stains my clothes today.”

Lu Yun’s poem reflected on the ups and downs of fate and revealed his own aspirations. Though the verses were good, they dampened the festive mood. Everyone felt depressed, and Gu Siyuan, recalling past events, sighed deeply.

Second Aunt secretly cursed: “This boy is always crazy—specializing in bringing bad luck during New Year.”

Seeing the family’s displeasure, Gu Qianxi quickly smoothed things over: “On this rare festive occasion, I’ll compose one too.”

Second Aunt clapped and cheered with a smile: “Miss has such literary talent—we’re waiting to hear!” Gu Siyuan laughed heartily: “Yes, it’s rare for Qian’er to compose poetry. Let’s quickly invite her to perform.” He and his wife exchanged smiles, waiting for their beloved daughter to display her talents.

Gu Qianxi thought for a moment, glanced at Lu Yun, and then slightly parted her cherry lips to pour out her poetic feelings, reciting: “Wine unopened, verses unwritten, / Seeking spring through winter to Penglai: / Not seeking fame on dragon’s path, / Constantly opening heart’s field for joy’s own sake.”

These verses had profound meaning, seeking tranquil contentment with the style of a hermit. After hearing them, Gu Siyuan immediately laughed heartily: “Stable and appropriate, quite interesting.” When everyone heard him speak this way, it was noncommittal—as if neither his daughter’s nor future son-in-law’s poetry impressed him. Everyone was curious and urged Gu Siyuan to compose a poem to open their eyes.

Gu Siyuan was also a zhuangyuan graduate with extraordinary literary talent. Hearing his family’s request, he felt quite pleased. He raised his wine cup, his eyes moving as he pondered beautiful verses.

Lu Yun waited beside him when he suddenly saw his beloved’s beautiful eyes glancing at him as if she had something to say. Lu Yun leaned his face closer and asked quietly: “Is something wrong?”

Gu Qianxi whispered in his ear: “It’s rare to celebrate New Year—say what should be said. Don’t mention anything unlucky.”

Lu Yun understood, knowing Gu Qianxi worried that his straightforward temperament might lead him to speak carelessly when commenting on his future father-in-law’s work. He quickly whispered: “Don’t worry—no matter whether Uncle Gu’s poem is good or bad, I’ll applaud and praise it.”

Gu Qianxi was both amused and exasperated, scratching his cheek and spitting: “You! Do you really think you’re the world’s number one?”

“Amid firecracker sounds, one year ends, / Spring wind brings warmth into Tu Su wine.” The twelfth month, seeing off gods, New Year’s Eve—how quickly another year had passed!

At midnight, firecrackers sounded. The Gu household’s servants and guards, rarely having a break, began gambling. Lu Yun and Gu Qianxi walked hand in hand to admire the snow. The two had the courtyard to themselves and felt warmth.

That night, friends throughout the capital were each busy with their own affairs. Wu Dingyuan had settled his residence and was keeping vigil by candlelight with his adopted son. Yang Suguan, as a prominent family in the capital, naturally gathered with relatives and friends, his display no smaller than the Gu household’s. No matter how turbulent the world’s ups and downs, this moment in the capital remained peaceful and tranquil. Lu Yun looked up at the sky, watching snowflakes in a daze.

From Wuchen to Jisi… this year had truly been eventful! At the year’s beginning, the princess went to marry for peace, Wu Dingyuan first explored the mysterious realm. In February, Ning Bufan retired from the world. In August, he himself achieved the highest honors. In November, the Eastern Depot’s political coup occurred, and Qin Zhonghai was exiled far away. By year’s end, Kunlun’s alliance had been destroyed and Zhuo Lingzhao had committed suicide.

In these chaotic times, bears and tigers ran rampant. With the slightest carelessness, families would be destroyed. This year the world had been in constant turmoil—some ascended to heaven, others fell to earth, some lived, some died. No one could forget this year’s upheavals.

Next year? In the year of Gengwu, what great events would occur in the world?

Thinking of Qin Zhonghai, Lu Yun shook his head and sighed softly.

Thousands of li away, another sigh also arose.

Auspicious snow drifted down on the desolate desert. As far as the eye could see, it was vast and empty. Under starlight and blazing firelight, beneath an ancient towering tree, crouched a large man. He held paper money and fed it to the fire. The northern wind blew, and flying ash from the fire pile, mixed with unburned paper money, danced into the air.

With double sabers strapped to his back and a cavalry saber lying flat beside his feet, his ten-foot frame crouched on the ground was still as tall as an ordinary person. His stone-like face was naturally imposing without anger. He was the warrior Sha Jin from the Timurid Khanate.

Countless times he had come here. Since arriving in the Western Regions, every New Year’s Eve at midnight, Sha Jin would come alone to this great tree to burn paper money for the hero buried in the earth.

At his level of martial arts, practicing or not made little difference. Expanding territory and gaining fame—it was all serving foreign peoples anyway, nothing worth boasting about. Whether done or not mattered little. Like Su Wu herding sheep, his only spiritual sustenance was this great tree.

The paper money caught red flames and slowly curled. Though in the end only ash and debris would remain, at this moment the roaring flames rising from the paper pile were so brilliant and dazzling.

The wind sounded desolate, and Sha Jin’s expression was equally melancholy. He stood up, brushed the white snow from his body, and was about to reach down to pick up the cavalry saber beside his feet to turn and leave.

Suddenly, a faint sound came from behind. Sha Jin raised his eyebrows and immediately became alert.

An extremely subtle landing sound, different from snowflakes touching earth or withered leaves drifting down—this was the sound of a person’s footsteps.

The sound was both low and fine, almost inaudible. If not for Sha Jin’s divine internal power, he would never have heard this sound.

After the first footstep, there was a long pause before the second sound appeared. Sha Jin listened carefully—that footstep made only the slightest sound of force on the ground, and as soon as the single foot touched the snowy earth, it leaped high again. Sha Jin’s heart trembled, knowing this person walked on tiptoes with extremely long strides between steps. Not only was he tall in stature, but his lightness skill was also extremely advanced.