The gentle chirping of hibernating birds tells of autumn, and the soft voices of people express their love.

Lou Yunchun put the person down, held her hand with one hand and pulled the horse with the other hand, and the two of them entered the corner gate together.

Uncle Jackal barked twice, and after smelling a familiar scent, he crawled on the ground, wagging his tail and asking for a petting.

Xu Jiang patted its head twice and let it go back to its nest to sleep.

Lou Yunchun tied the horse into the donkey shed. Xu Jiang stepped forward, touched the black-marked pillar, and said, "The donkey shed we built ourselves burned down. Uncle Cao tore this down and rebuilt it. It's very sturdy. We won't be afraid of snow accumulation or lack of space for the donkeys and horses in the future."

But I couldn't help feeling a little regretful. The scene of Lou Yunchun enthusiastically coming to repair the donkey shed early in the morning of the New Year seemed to be right in front of me.

Lou Yunchun discovered it when he returned to the capital. Seeing Xu Jiang's regretful expression, he walked over and touched the old pillar. "This is good. It's more solid than before."

The original donkey shed was very similar to him and Xu Jiang. Although it was fine when there was no wind or rain, it was difficult to withstand sudden disasters.

Now the shed has been rebuilt by everyone.

Lou Yunchun used to believe that as long as one could keep oneself safe, one would be fearless. But after experiencing the journey to Beiting, the turmoil in the imperial court, and learning about the storms Xu Jiang faced, which he himself could not take care of, he realized that even the strongest people need help from others, and even the smallest people can be a pillar of support when others fall.

If they had relied on themselves alone, he and Xu Jiang would never have come this far. He also understood why Xu Jiang lingered in the mundane world and indulged in the noisy market. The world is difficult, but there is always affection; the market is noisy, but there is light everywhere.

He understood more deeply why he was obsessed with Xu Jiang, because she was a person forged by the hardships and true love of this world.

Tough and courageous, loyal and righteous.

"Have you discussed the renovations of the new house with Uncle Cao?"

"Yeah." Xu Jiang nodded. "Wait... ahem, after two days, I'll go take a look."

Thinking that the matchmaker would come to propose marriage tomorrow, both of them felt a little excited.

Lou Yunchun took Xu Jiang's hand and said, "Let's go and see now."

"Ah? But it's almost past the hour of Xu."

"Do you want to go to bed?"

These words sounded too ambiguous to Xu Jiang. After a moment's reflection, he shook his head and said, "I can't sleep."

"Me too."

"Just go! I haven't visited the house since I bought it, and besides..."

"What?"

"Besides, after the engagement, we won't be able to see each other again before the wedding ceremony." Xu Jiang glanced at Lou Yunchun's expression.

Lou Yunchun frowned, "No."

"What should we do then?"

"Just say I'm here to buy books."

Xu Jiang burst out laughing, "Who would believe that?"

Lou Yunchun put his arm around her waist and said, "Then I'll come tonight."

"Well... this is feasible." Xu Jiang nodded and smiled.

Lou Yunchun pecked her on the cheek and said softly, "Let's go then."

"I'll get the lantern."

"Let's go together."

The two men went out with a lantern. The house was on the next street, and it would only take them a quarter of an hour to walk there, so they didn't have to ride horses. It was just the right time to enjoy the night.

Walk eastward along the street after exiting Huailiu Lane, turn at a fork in the road, and walk another fifty steps to reach Qingjin Lane. The house that Lou Yunchun bought is in this lane.

Qingjin Alley was wider than Huailiu Alley, with its courtyards less densely packed and larger houses. Most of its residents were wealthy merchants, gentry, or officials of lower rank. The house Lou Yunchun had purchased was the vacant residence of a businessman who, after becoming wealthy, had moved to another district and listed it for sale at the government office.

The two walked deeper and deeper, and became quieter and quieter.

"Hasn't it arrived yet?" The alley was deep and quiet, and the autumn wind was blowing fiercely, giving Xu Jiang goose bumps all over her body.

"It's right in front." Seeing her approaching him, Lou Yunchun asked, "Are you scared?"

Xu Jiang said stubbornly, "I'm not afraid, I just feel the wind is a little cold."

Lou Yunchun changed his hand to hold the lamp, then put his hand on her shoulder and let her lean halfway against his chest, "You won't be cold this way."

It’s not cold anymore, and I’m not afraid anymore.

The two of them came to a tightly closed door. Lou Yunchun shone a light on it and saw the words "Su's Residence" written on the door. He said to Xu Jiang, "Here it is. The key."

"Oh, here." Xu Jiang took the key from her waist and handed it to him. Lou Yunchun asked her to hold a lantern to illuminate the room, but the lantern went out as soon as it reached her hand.

"Oh!" She was so scared that she threw the lantern away and quickly grabbed Lou Yunchun's arm.

Lou Yunchun hurriedly hugged her and comforted her, "It's okay, the fire is gone."

"Burned out?" Xu Jiang then remembered that she had not added lamp oil when she lit the lantern. She coughed awkwardly, then bent down to pick up the lantern, and then heard a chuckle coming from above her head.

She picked up the lantern and glared at Lou Yunchun in the dark, "What are you laughing at?"

Lou Yunchun touched her head, then pulled her to unlock the door together.

“How can we see without the light?”

"There's a moon in the sky."

Xu Jiang added, "There are some right in front of me."

Lou Yunchun smiled again.

"Smile, smile, smile. Why don't you smile on ordinary days?" Xu Jiang pinched his arm to hide her embarrassment.

With a creak, the door opened, and the gentle breeze immediately blew Xu Jiang close to Lou Yunchun. "Why not come back in the morning?"

"Don't be afraid." Lou Yunchun led her into the house. He looked around and walked to the stone lamp closest to them. Then he took out the oil lamp, flint and steel from the stone lamp.

The spark entered the oil and immediately ignited a flame, lighting the wick. He held the lamp and led people to light the stone lamps and lanterns along the way one by one.

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!