Winter arrives unexpectedly on the border. A strong north wind blew overnight, and when I opened the window in the morning, I saw that the Gobi Desert was covered with a thin layer of snow, the distant mountains were like jade, and the sky and earth were crystal clear.
Qi Mingyue put on a padded jacket and walked towards the school, her breath steaming in the air. After these days of adjustment, the school had reopened, and although it was not large in scale, it was gradually getting on the right track.
As soon as they reached the door, they heard an argument coming from inside. Lin Qiuyan's voice was particularly loud: "...Such spoiled children! What kind of children on the border need to learn these things!"
Upon entering, one sees Lin Qiuyan pointing at a painting on the wall, throwing a tantrum. It's a painting of Dunhuang flying apsaras that Qi Mingyue taught the children to paint yesterday, its vibrant colors clashing with the desolate landscape of the frontier.
"Good morning, Miss Lin," Qi Mingyue said gently. "Is your drawing not good?"
Lin Qiuyan turned around, her tone sharp: "Miss Qi! What's the point of teaching all this fancy stuff? It's more important for the border children to learn some practical skills!"
The children, frightened, hid behind Qi Mingyue. Qi Mingyue, however, remained calm and asked, "Miss Lin, what do you consider to be practical skills?"
"Learn to read and do math! If all else fails, learn to spin and weave!" Lin Qiuyan pointed at the painting, "Can you put food on the table by drawing these?"
Qi Mingyue said softly, "Yesterday, Xiaoya said that when she was drawing the flying apsaras, she thought of her father—her father loves the legends of Dunhuang the most." She looked at a thin little girl, "Xiaoya, is that right?"
The little girl nodded timidly: "Father said... Flying Immortals are gods who protect the border..."
Lin Qiuyan paused, her momentum waning slightly: "That's not necessary..."
“The border region is harsh and cold; everyone needs something to look forward to.” Qi Mingyue’s gaze swept over the children. “Besides, who says children in the border region can’t learn to paint?”
Just then, Yao Xiuyan's voice came from outside the door: "It's so lively."
He wore a black fox fur cloak, his shoulders covered in snowflakes, clearly having just returned from patrolling the border. His gaze lingered for a moment on the painting of flying apsaras on the wall, and a slight smile appeared on his lips: "Well done."
Lin Qiuyan said anxiously, "Brother Xiuyan! Are you just going to let her act up like this?"
Yao Xiuyan walked up to the painting and examined it closely: "I've heard that the artisans of Dunhuang spend their entire lives painting flying apsaras, just to leave behind some beauty." He turned to the children, "Who among you wants to be a painter?"
Several children timidly raised their hands.
“Okay.” Yao Xiuyan nodded. “We’ll invite a painter to teach us tomorrow.”
Lin Qiuyan stomped her foot in anger: "Brother Xiuyan!"
Yao Xiuyan said calmly, "Qiuyan, the border is not only about swords and spears, but also about flying.
After everyone left, Yao Xiuyan said to Qi Mingyue, "Don't take it to heart. That's just Qiuyan's personality."
Qi Mingyue smiled and said, "Miss Lin is so straightforward, it's quite endearing." She paused, then asked, "What brings Brother Xiuyan here today?"
Yao Xiuyan took out a small bag from his sleeve: "I got a little trinket and thought you might like it."
Upon opening it, it turned out to be a jade pendant in the shape of a flying apsara, with exquisite and lifelike carving.
"Bought in Dunhuang?" Qi Mingyue asked in surprise.
"Hmm." Yao Xiuyan fastened the belt for her. "That day you said you liked flying."
The jade pendant warmed her skin. Qi Mingyue gently stroked the hem of Feitian's robe, her heart stirred slightly: "Brother Xiuyan, you've gone to so much trouble."
The two walked out of the school side by side. The snow had stopped, and the sunlight shone on the snow, so bright it was blinding.
“A letter has arrived from the capital,” Yao Xiu suddenly said, “The Zhao family has fallen.”
Qi Mingyue paused slightly: "So fast?"
“The evidence is conclusive.” Yao Xiu’s tone was calm. “The remaining members of the Yongchang Marquis’s faction have been mostly eliminated.”
Qi Mingyue was silent for a moment: "Then... the border should be at peace now?"
Yao Xiuyan looked back the way they came: "Not necessarily. Wolves are always hungry."
…………
As the year draws to a close, the border region is bustling with activity. The various military settlements are preparing for the New Year, and Qi Mingyue is busy curing meat and brewing wine with the women.
That day, she was teaching everyone how to make dumplings when Lin Qiuyan suddenly arrived and hesitated at the door.
"Miss Lin, you've come at the perfect time." Qi Mingyue smiled and waved. "Come and help! You have strong hands, so you're perfect for kneading dough."
Lin Qiuyan was taken aback, but actually rolled up her sleeves and came over. Her technique was skillful, and she kneaded the dough until it was smooth and even.
"I didn't expect Miss Lin to have such skills," Qi Mingyue praised.
Lin Qiuyan lowered her head and kneaded the dough: "I've helped the cook since I was little..." She suddenly whispered, "That day... I'm sorry."
Qi Mingyue pretended not to hear: "What?"
Lin Qiuyan's voice was even softer: "The painting... it's quite good..."
Qi Mingyue smiled and said, "Then when the painter comes tomorrow, will Miss Lin also come to learn?"
Lin Qiuyan's ears turned slightly red: "Who wants to learn those things..." But her subordinate used even more force.
Just as the dumplings were ready, Yao Xiuyan returned. He was visibly surprised to see Lin Qiuyan helping in the kitchen.
"Brother Xiuyan is in for a treat." Qi Mingyue served dumplings. "Miss Lin's dough is exceptionally chewy."
Yao Xiuyan tried one and nodded: "Indeed."
Lin Qiuyan rarely showed a smile, but she quickly put on a stern face again: "It's just kneading dough!"
After the meal, Yao Xiuyan called out to Lin Qiuyan, who was about to slip away: "Qiuyan, you will lead the patrol tomorrow."
Lin Qiuyan was pleasantly surprised: "Really?" Then she asked doubtfully, "Brother Xiuyan, aren't you afraid I'll mess this up?"
Yao Xiuyan patted her shoulder: "You were the first soldier your father asked me to lead."
Lin Qiuyan's eyes were slightly red, and she nodded emphatically.
After the person left, Qi Mingyue said softly, "Brother Xiuyan has put a lot of thought into this."
Yao Xiuyan looked out the window: "Qiuyan is a talented general, but he needs to be tempered." He suddenly turned his head, "Just like you need time to adapt to the border."
Qi Mingyue was taken aback: "Did I make it that obvious?"
“When you first came here, you were even afraid of sandstorms,” Yao Xiuyan said with a smile in his eyes. “But now you can teach even in a sandstorm.”
Qi Mingyue lowered her head: "It's because Brother Xiuyan taught me well."
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