Early winter in Yunzhou is undoubtedly the most pleasant time of year.
In stark contrast to the early onset of severe cold in Lizhou, the climate of Yunzhou seems to be carefully nurtured by nature.
The soft, warm sunlight bathed the earth, as if draping the entire city in a golden veil.
At dawn, the fog had not completely dissipated, and wisps of mist still lingered in the air, as light and airy as a thin veil.
A gentle breeze blew by, bringing a slight chill, but it was just the right amount of coolness—not biting cold, but refreshingly cool, just the right amount of coolness.
Occasionally, a few birds will fly by, leaving behind a series of clear and melodious chirps as they streak across the sky, like heavenly music echoing in your ears.
Strolling through the streets in the afternoon, I saw an elderly person reclining in a bamboo chair at the entrance of an alley, basking in the warm winter sun.
In the alleys around us, groups of children were playing and running around.
The ground was covered with golden fallen leaves, which made a crisp cracking sound as the two stepped on them.
"Brother Mingxuan, you spent the whole morning with me today!"
Zhao Zhao raised her head, her big, bright eyes looking at Ming Xuan with joy in them.
Mingxuan smiled.
He wanted to say that he would be willing to wander around like this for the rest of his life.
But when he met Zhao Zhao's hopeful gaze, he swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue and finally just nodded slightly in agreement.
Seeing this, Su Yingxue's face darkened slightly, but she quickly composed herself and smiled.
"I have one last little wish for you today. If you promise to help me fulfill it, I'll let you leave right away!"
"What is your wish?"
"It's simple, just come have a drink with me once!"
Hearing this, Mingxuan was somewhat surprised: "Drinking?"
"Yes, yes, you used to always tell me how pleasant and carefree it was to sit around a roaring fire with your father and brothers and drink fine wine to your heart's content. You and your parents always said that I was too young and should never touch alcohol without supervision. But now, you are about to return to Lizhou. Before you leave, please grant me this little wish and have a drink with me!"
Faced with those expectant eyes, Mingxuan hesitated for a long time before finally nodding in agreement.
He drank a lot in Lizhou and could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk.
However, to his utter surprise, Su Yingxue had actually put a drug in the wine cup.
When the first rays of sunlight streamed into the room through the window the next morning, Su Yingxue was already dressed and sitting quietly by the bed, gazing tenderly and pityingly at the still-sleeping figure on the bed.
She slowly reached out and gently stroked Mingxuan's face, her eyes filled with endless longing and reluctance, as if she wanted to freeze this moment forever in the depths of her memory.
After watching silently for a long time, Su Yingxue seemed to have made up her mind and put the pill she was holding tightly in her hand into Mingxuan's slightly open mouth.
Not long after, the medicine took effect, and Mingxuan, who had been sleeping soundly, began to slowly wake up.
“I…we…”
Mingxuan, who had just woken up, was a little confused and at a loss for what to do, but he quickly realized what had happened last night. He was so angry that his face turned pale and he slammed his fist hard on the bed.
“Brother Xuan, I know I can’t keep you here, but you have to leave me something to look forward to.”
Mingxuan looked at her, his heart filled with mixed feelings.
He remained silent, angry, but he was angry at himself.
"You...you..."
Mingxuan opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found that all the words he wanted to say were just a weak and powerless "Be alright".
Su Yingxue stood quietly in place, watching the figure gradually disappear into the distance.
Her heart seemed to have left with Mingxuan, leaving only an empty shell on this land.
Meanwhile, Lu Jingze had been waiting for a full half hour on the agreed-upon official road.
The guard beside him couldn't help but remind him, "Your Highness, it's time for us to set off."
Lu Jingze slowly withdrew his gaze, his originally gentle expression instantly turning serious.
He nodded slightly, then mounted his horse.
Although he felt a little regretful about Mingxuan's decision, he respected it more than anything else.
The Ming family has been loyal and virtuous for generations, serving as the backbone of the nation, and the entire clan has resolutely devoted themselves to the country.
As the only surviving adult descendant of the Ming family, Mingxuan deserves the understanding and acceptance of the world, whatever choice he makes.
Lu Jingze was just a little disappointed.
Mingxuan's familiarity with the situation in the North is unparalleled. If he were in the army, this national war might indeed have a much greater chance of victory.
Lu Jingze glanced back, then flicked his whip, and his horse galloped away.
They had only traveled for less than half an hour when a series of urgent and loud shouts came from behind.
Lu Jingze stopped his horse and turned around to see Mingxuan riding towards him.
Mingxuan galloped all the way here, and when he arrived in front of Lu Jingze, he hurriedly dismounted, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands and said, "This humble general is guilty of delaying our departure. Please punish me, Your Highness!"
Upon seeing this, Lu Jingze dismounted and quickly stepped forward to help Mingxuan up.
"General Ming, please rise! Your arrival to help us is a truly righteous act, and it is on behalf of the millions of people of Da Xi that I thank you for your great kindness!"
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