Xie Mansion

Zheng Wanqing stood in the corridor, the white air she exhaled condensed and dispersed in front of her eyes, turning into tiny drops of water hanging on her eyelashes. She was wearing a lilac-colored brocade cape, the delicate brocade exuding a soft luster.

The circle of snow fox fur at the collar was slightly fluttered by the north wind, and the soft fur brushed across her cheeks from time to time, making her unable to help but rub the itchy tip of her nose lightly with her fingertips.

Xie Yun stood half a step away from her, exuding a calm aura. He was wearing a black cloak, solemn and dignified, with a circle of black sable hair on his collar, which complemented his stern face.

The two stood quietly, as if waiting for the arrival of some important guest.

"Are you cold?" Xie Yun's low and mellow voice sounded. He tilted his head slightly and his eyes fell gently on Zheng Wanqing.

Zheng Wanqing's eyelashes trembled slightly, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of her lips: "It doesn't matter."

Before she finished her words, a gust of wind swept through the corridor, and the straps of her cloak were blown up by the wind, brushing the tips of her ears which were red from the cold.

Xie Yun raised his hand, grasped the ribbon with his bony fingers, and tightened the belt again.

He saw Zheng Wanqing twisting a handkerchief in her hand, and he covered her hand with his warm palm. His cold fingertips were held in his, and a trace of warmth spread along their skin.

"Don't be nervous. Commander Zhang is a rare decent man. You don't have to be too polite." He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. "His concubine is also well-educated and well-mannered."

Zheng Wanqing pursed her lips.

She had heard many rumors about Zhang Youfeng, the governor of Shanxi. He had led the cavalry to charge the enemy bravely and refused to retreat even after being hit by three bullets. After taking office in Shanxi, he pushed for the ban on smoking with an iron fist and was not afraid of falling out with tobacco merchants.

Zheng Wanqing couldn't help but feel in awe of such a tough and courageous person.

"I..." She just opened her mouth when she saw Zhou Lin walking quickly towards her on the snow.

"Young Marshal!" Zhou Lin saluted with his fists clasped, his shoulders still stained with unmelted snow, "General Zhang's carriage has arrived at the palace gate."

Xie Yun's eyes flashed, and he took two steps at a time down the stairs, but suddenly stopped on the third step of the bluestone slab.

Zheng Wanqing was caught off guard and almost bumped into his straight back, but she saw that broad hand reaching behind her.

"Come."

Xie Yun took Zheng Wanqing and walked forward. The figures outside the vermilion lacquered gate gradually became clear in the wind and snow.

The middle-aged man who was taking off his sable fur earmuffs was as burly as a mountain. He wore a half-worn camel-hair jacket casually over his dark brown cotton robe, with a grey cloth belt loosely tied around his waist. He looked like an ordinary merchant going to the New Year market.

The young woman beside him was wrapped in a sable cloak, the silver hairpin in her hair swaying slightly as she adjusted her scarf. When she raised her head, she revealed a face without makeup, and the fine lines at the corners of her eyes concealed a bit of bookish air.

"General Zhang, I've heard a lot about you." Xie Yun let go of Zheng Wanqing's hand, stepped forward and held the other's hand firmly with both hands.

Zhang Youfeng laughed out loud, took off the felt hat that was stained with snow, revealing his shaved sideburns: "Thank you, Marshal, you are too polite." The strength of his handshake was just right, showing the heroism of a soldier without being impolite.

Zheng Wanqing took a half step forward, folded her hands at her waist, and gave a standard bow: "General, you have been traveling so long, thank you for your hard work."

"Thank you, Madam, for your courtesy." Zhang Youfeng stepped aside and said, "This is my wife, Lin Zhao."

Lin Zhao gracefully extended her hand towards Zheng Wanqing, performed a new style of handshake, and said with a smile: "I have long heard that Madam Xie is proficient in poetry and has outstanding talent. I feel honored to meet you today." As she spoke, the corners of her eyes raised slightly, and there was a lively light in her eyes, and a scholarly air came to her face.

Zheng Wanqing was slightly startled, obviously a little surprised by this new etiquette, but she quickly understood and shook the other person's hand generously.

When shaking hands, she noticed that Lin Zhao's nails were neatly trimmed and rounded, and there was a thin layer of callus on the inside of her index finger, which was the mark of years of writing. It seemed that this concubine was indeed a well-read person as rumored.

Xie Yun noticed the icicles on the hem of Zhang Youfeng's coat, and raised his hand to say, "It's windy here, please go inside and talk."

In the front hall, the charcoal basin was burning brightly. Zheng Wanqing held the teapot in her plain hands. The celadon teacup and the tea tray collided, making a clear and crisp sound. The tender buds of Longjing tea were stretching in the spring water. The mist of tea wrapped in a subtle fragrance, intertwined with the warmth of the silver charcoal, and slowly flowed in the hall.