Qi Mingyue stared at the jade ring for a long time before slowly extending her hand.
The moment their fingertips touched, the snow suddenly intensified. It fell thick and fast, covering everything that had happened in the past.
…………
Three days later, Qi Mingyue was invited to a snow-viewing banquet at the Third Princess's residence. Almost all the noble ladies of the capital were present, each dressed in their finest attire, but their expressions were all subtle when they saw Qi Mingyue.
It turns out that news of what happened in Yingzhou had already reached the capital. Although no one dared to discuss it openly after the downfall of the Marquis of Yongchang, there were all sorts of rumors circulating behind the scenes.
Seeing this, Xiao Chengyu deliberately took Qi Mingyue's hand and said to everyone, "Mingyue has made great progress in her studies in Yingzhou these past few days. Yesterday she was even discussing the Book of Rites with the Crown Prince, and even the Crown Prince praised her."
The women quickly flattered her, saying, "Miss Qi is exceptionally talented; naturally, she excels wherever she goes."
Just then, a discordant voice rang out: "I've heard that Yingzhou has beautiful scenery. Miss Qi, have you made any close friends?"
Everyone looked and saw Miss Zhao, the niece of the Marquis of Yongchang. Although the Marquis of Yongchang had fallen from power, the Zhao family still existed, and she had clearly come to cause trouble today.
Qi Mingyue smiled faintly: "Yingzhou is a place of outstanding people and beautiful scenery. I have indeed made some like-minded friends here."
Miss Zhao covered her mouth and chuckled: "Is it that young master Xie? I heard that he and Miss Qi get along very well and often go on trips together."
The garden fell silent. Everyone knew that Qi Mingyue was engaged to the heir of the Duke of Yingguo; these words were clearly an insinuation that she was not a virtuous woman.
Xiao Chengyu's face darkened, and he was about to lash out when he heard a smiling voice say, "Miss Zhao is quite well-informed. However, I'm afraid you don't know that Young Master Xie has already gotten engaged."
Yao Xiuyan arrived in the garden at some unknown time, his dark casual clothes covered by a black fox fur coat, making him look even more dashing. He walked to Qi Mingyue's side and naturally brushed the snowflakes from her hair.
"Young Master Xie is engaged to the daughter of the Prefect of Yingzhou, and the wedding will be held next March." Yao Xiuyan smiled languidly. "At that time, I will accompany Mingyue to have a drink at the wedding."
Miss Zhao's face turned deathly pale, but she forced a smile and said, "I see..."
Yao Xiuyan ignored her and turned to the crowd, saying, "The snow scene is beautiful today, so I have specially brought several jars of plum blossom wine from my residence for everyone to enjoy."
The atmosphere became lively again. Taking the opportunity of pouring wine, Yao Xiuyan whispered to Qi Mingyue, "Are you satisfied now?"
Qi Mingyue raised an eyebrow: "When did Brother Xiuyan start to care about these things?"
Yao Xiuyan chuckled: "I can overlook it, but I can't let anyone bully you."
Midway through the banquet, a maid suddenly came to report: "Someone from Yingzhou has arrived, saying they are bringing something for Miss Qi."
Everyone looked on curiously. A scholar-like man entered carrying a brocade box and bowed deeply to Qi Mingyue: "This student, Chen Yu, has come on Young Master Xie's orders to return the zither score that Miss Qi left at the academy."
Qi Mingyue recognized him as a teaching assistant at Yingchuan Academy and nodded, saying, "Thank you for your help, Assistant Chen."
Chen Yu opened the brocade box, took out several musical scores, and then took out a letter: "This is a personal letter from Young Master Xie to Miss Qi."
The garden fell silent. Everyone stared at the letter, and Miss Zhao wore an expression of anticipation, as if she were watching a good show.
Yao Xiuyan remained calm and accepted the letter for Qi Mingyue, saying, "Thank you for your trouble. Please give my congratulations to Young Master Xie."
Chen Yu glanced at Yao Xiuyan, and, intimidated by his imposing presence, quickly lowered his head in agreement.
Qi Mingyue opened and read the letter on the spot. In the letter, Xie Ansu first congratulated her on her engagement, then apologized for the incident in Yingzhou, and finally wrote: "...All the past misdeeds were due to my foolishness. Mingyue is as bright and clear as the moon and the wind, and should not have suffered such injustice. I only wish you joy every day and peace every year from now on..."
After reading the letter, she calmly handed it to Yao Xiuyan: "Brother Xiuyan, please take a look too."
Yao Xiuyan glanced at the letter, a slight smile playing on his lips: "Young Master Xie is quite sensible." He folded the letter and put it back in the box. "I'll prepare a generous gift later; you can take it with you when you return the favor."
Everyone secretly praised him for his magnanimity. Miss Zhao felt even more embarrassed and excused herself from the banquet early, citing feeling unwell.
After the banquet, Yao Xiuyan escorted Qi Mingyue back to her residence. Halfway there, he suddenly asked, "Mingyue, would you like to see the scenery of the borderlands?"
Qi Mingyue was taken aback: "Brother Xiuyan, what makes you say that?"
“I will return to the border to guard the frontier after spring.” Yao Xiuyan’s gaze was distant. “Although it is bitterly cold there, the world is vast and the stars hang low, a sight completely different from the capital.” He looked at Qi Mingyue. “If you are willing, you can come with me.”
Qi Mingyue's heart skipped a beat. The border... that was a place she had never imagined she could go.
"But……"
"It's alright," Yao Xiuyan chuckled. "Take your time to think it over. Whether you go or not, I'll wait for your answer."
When the carriage arrived at the Qi residence, the snow had stopped. The moonlight, like water, reflected off the snow, making it shimmer.
Yao Xiuyan helped Qi Mingyue out of the carriage, and suddenly took out a small brocade pouch from his sleeve: "I almost forgot. This is for you."
Qi Mingyue opened it and found a jade pendant shaped like a tiger tally.
"This is……"
“This is my personal keepsake,” Yao Xiu said casually. “Seeing this jade is like seeing me. The soldiers at the border all recognize it.”
Qi Mingyue gripped the jade pendant tightly, feeling its warmth in her palm: "Brother Xiuyan..."
Yao Xiuyan had already turned around and waved, "It's cold, go inside quickly. I'll come see you another day."
Watching his departing figure, Qi Mingyue suddenly recalled her childhood. Back then, he was the same way, always pretending not to care even though he clearly cared.
"Miss," Zhi Shu gently reminded, "it's time to go inside."
Qi Mingyue nodded, turned and stepped into the mansion. The warm light from the lanterns under the eaves illuminated the snow-covered ground.
What she didn't know was that after leaving the Qi residence, Yao Xiuyan did not return to the Duke's mansion, but instead went to a villa in the west of the city.
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