She was just about to walk to the other side to take a look, but as soon as she moved her feet, she heard a light sound of footsteps coming from the east.
A strong wind swept through the entire hall, entering from the west gate, bypassing the statue and exiting from the east gate. Chu Qiao's figure suddenly stopped. She frowned slightly, and her slender fingers slowly touched the Broken Moon Sword at her waist. However, before she could draw it out, the sword suddenly vibrated, like a dragon's roar, sounding low in the hall.
Chu Qiao's mind moved, and an inexplicable impulse surged into her mind. She involuntarily moved a little, walked to the left side of the statue, and then gently, gently stuck her head out.
It was snowing heavily outside and plum blossoms were in bloom. When I looked up inadvertently, a graceful figure appeared before my eyes like water waves.
On the other side, under the battle axe of the Valkyrie, he was wearing a silver-grey fox fur cloak and a rustling white shirt, just as he was elegant and graceful back then. His eyes were as deep and silent as a cold lake, his lips were as red as lacquer. He was still so outstanding and handsome that no words in the world could describe him. A gust of wind blew by, and the red plum blossoms outside the palace rustled in and hit his shoulders, with a faint fragrance lingering around. The moonlight is bright, instantly penetrating the long time and projecting itself into this unintentional moment.
He seemed a little stunned. He didn't expect to see her here and didn't know what to say.
A tender yellow baby bird flapped its wings and came in to hide from the snow. It turned around and landed on the shoulder of the statue. Its small, black eyes like beans looked at the two of them cleverly and it chirped clearly and pleasantly.
The man looked at her, his eyes penetrating the deep mist in the hall, his brows slightly furrowed, he wanted to say something, but in the end he remained speechless. His gaze, like warm water, swept across her thin shoulders, her slender neck, her slim cheeks, and finally stopped on her surprised eyes. After a long time, he calmly withdrew his gaze, turned around indifferently, his back was cold and lonely, the tips of his cloak brushed the fine dust on the ground, raised tiny dust and fell on his snow felt boots, and he walked steadily towards the vast snowfield outside the temple.
“There will be heavy snowstorms in the inland areas in the next few days, so be careful when you walk.” Zhuge Yue had just walked to the door when Chu Qiao’s voice sounded behind him. It was very calm, like Bian Tang’s finest Longjing tea, warm and subtle, with a sweet aroma.
Zhuge Yue couldn't help but stop, turned around, and raised his eyebrows slightly, "Aren't you worried?"
Chu Qiao nodded honestly, "I'm worried, but I have no choice." She shrugged helplessly, pretending to be very worried, but her words were gentle like early spring.
Zhuge Yue's eyes flashed with warmth, and he said in a steady tone, "Don't worry, my disguised entry into the inland of Yanbei has nothing to do with the war, and will not harm your interests."
"That's good," Chu Qiao smiled, "Is there anything I can help you with?"
“Yes.” Zhuge Yue nodded honestly.
Chu Qiao was stunned. She didn't expect it to be true. She asked hurriedly, "What's the matter?"
“Don’t report me.”
Chu Qiao stared in astonishment. She had never thought that Zhuge Yue could joke. She was stunned for a long while before she suddenly realized, "How could I?"
The bird suddenly cried out happily and flew straight to a brazier in the corner, followed by the aroma of meat. Chu Qiao walked a few steps past the statue and saw a low-legged mahogany carved mat in the corner of the hall. On the mat was an exquisite copper basin with food cooked over a low fire. The thick soup was boiling and the aroma of meat was everywhere. Several plates of fresh meat and vegetables were placed on the side, and a silver octagonal wine pot was placed next to it.
Chu Qiao smiled slightly, pointed at Zhuge Yue and said, "Are you leaving? Then these things will be mine?"
Zhuge Yue thought about it, then walked a few steps to the low table, brushed off his robe and sat down, saying calmly, “That’s a nice thought.”
Zhuge Yue was indeed born into a noble family and grew up in luxury. Even when he was away from home and in such an environment, he still behaved in the same way as usual. The food was all exquisitely prepared. The mutton was cut into thin slices and rolled together in circles. The vegetables were fresh, with tidal waves on them, and no one knew how they were preserved so well. The chopsticks were made of pure silver and were carved with delicate and intricate patterns. Zhuge Yue picked up a piece of mutton with his chopsticks and placed it in the bubbling copper basin. The meat changed color and rolled up and down with the waves. Layers of white steam emerged and filled the air between the two of them. Eating this in such cold weather was indeed a great enjoyment in life.
There was a complete set of cups. Chu Qiao still remembered Zhuge Yue’s habit. In the past at Qingshan Courtyard, even if he always ate alone, he would always put a full set of tableware on the dining table, as if there were many other people eating with him.
She picked up the flagon and poured a glass of wine for him and another for herself. Seeing this, Zhuge Yue frowned slightly and asked, “Don’t you never drink?”
Chu Qiao's hand holding the cup trembled slightly. He said that he never drank alcohol before, but since when did she start to like this kind of confusing thing? She slowly raised her head, looked at him calmly, raised her glass and said, "I'll toast you a glass."
Zhuge Yue's eyes were deep, and he didn't even bother to pick up the wine, but just looked at her quietly.
Chu Qiao raised her head and drank it, saying calmly: "This cup is to thank you for not killing me and for helping me many times over the years."
After not seeing her for a year, Chu Qiao seemed to have grown taller. There were two thin eyebrows on her pretty face, and her eyes were very big, as if covered with a layer of mist, making it difficult to see through them. A glass of wine was placed in front of him, but Zhuge Yue did not drink it. He just took the chopsticks and quietly added meat to the pot. Without even raising his eyes, he said, "Just eat, why are you talking so much? Are you going to sing an opera?"
Chu Qiao frowned and said, "Eating always has an opening statement."
Zhuge Yue sneered, “It’s already enough to deal with those old men in the capital. I don’t have the energy to talk to you here.”
Chu Qiao muttered something quietly, and also picked up the chopsticks to eat the meat. Zhuge Yue saw that she was moving too fast, and warned her, "Be careful, it's hot."
As soon as she finished speaking, Chu Qiao screamed, obviously her mouth was burned. Seeing this, Zhuge Yue raised his eyebrows and whispered two words, "You deserve it."
Although my tongue was burned, it tasted really good. The two of them sat there, chatting casually at first, but gradually they became more focused on eating. After a while, the big pot of mutton was finished. Chu Qiao was still unsatisfied and fished in the pot with chopsticks. Like a rabbit, she ate all the vegetable leaves in the pot.
"I heard you got a promotion? Congratulations."
Zhuge Yue said calmly, “It’s not bad. I killed 18,000 Yanbei soldiers and got some military merits. I heard you got promoted, too?”
"I'm glad to hear that. I've wiped out the remaining Xia troops at your Meilin Pass and also dealt with a half-official." Chu Qiao glanced at him and asked, "I heard that you have become the commander-in-chief of the Western Front of Great Xia. Are you no less powerful than Zhao Che now?"
“Thanks to the Emperor for not abandoning me, I have made such a great contribution. I dare not disgrace myself with the honor.” Zhuge Yue said calmly, “I heard that the Southwest Town Envoy has been cancelled and expelled from the Yanbei regular army. The scale of the weapons he can use is also restricted.”
"The Xiuli Army is now under the local public security system, and it is subject to restrictions on weapons, which is as it should be. But I heard that the Wei clan sent Wei Shuye to Yanming Pass, as if they are trying to divide your power?" Chu Qiao raised her eyebrows with a smile.
"The wish is always good, but whether or not the goal can be achieved is another matter. I heard that Datong leader Wu Daoya was confined to Sunset City and did not even participate in this winter's military parade."
"All organizations have some minor frictions within them. Haven't you experienced several ups and downs yourself? Moreover, some things are said to be inaccurate. For example, I heard that Zhao Yang is currently trying hard to win over soldiers and generals on the southern front to hinder the war on the western front. I don't know whether it is true or not."
"As the saying goes, three people make a tiger, it is true. I heard that you have carried out reforms and construction in the inland of Yanbei, promoted culture and education, and emphasized commerce. Even merchants from Daxia secretly do business with you. You are indeed not simple."
"I was just making a small move, but I heard that you defeated the Yanbei Army in the battles of Caoqiu and Jinhui, and captured more than 10,000 people from the 8th Squadron of the 2nd Army. Otherwise, we might have been able to take advantage of the change in the north of Daxia and rush into the heart of Daxia."
"Daxia has been established for more than 300 years, and it is not something that can be overwhelmed by others. I heard that thousands of people in the north starved to death this winter. Aren't you worried that they will start a war in the north and Yanbei at this time?"
"What's coming will always come. There's no point in worrying. It's better to be prepared. Besides, I've heard that Master Li in the northeastern mountainous area of Daxia is eager to learn from Yanbei and become independent. Do you think they can succeed?"
"I heard that Miss Yu from the Datong Guild has also been sidelined."
"I heard that last month the Daxia Elders' Council gave a vacant seat to the Hexi Murong family. It's really like thirty years in the east, thirty years in the west."
"I heard that Yan Bei has developed a new extremely hard material that can be used to forge weapons that are tougher than steel. But was it made by you?"
"I heard that Zhenhuang passed the No. 46 Locking Certificate to restrict the circulation of combat supplies in the market and to use military force against Huai Song. Was it you who initiated it?"
"I heard that you are here to transport food and fodder to the Yanbei base camp. If the food doesn't arrive, the base camp will be out of food."
"I heard that your purpose of this trip was to gather information about trade within Yanbei and to find out about the forces that have trade relations with Yanbei. Once this is confirmed, you will certainly be purged by Daxia."
Buzz—two long dragon sounds suddenly interrupted the conversation between the two people. The two swords placed on the mat were buzzing and still trembling slightly, as if even they could feel the tense smell of gunpowder in the air. The yellow bird had long disappeared, and only two people were left sitting opposite each other. The charcoal fire was crackling, and water was seething in the copper basin. The bright red chili peppers looked like the blood shed by the soldiers.
After all, they have different positions and are in hostile positions. Just now, they seemed to be deliberately indulging in such emotions to remind themselves: they are not friends, nor anything else, they all have their own responsibilities.
“I heard that after the New Year, you will be getting married to Yan Xun.” Zhuge Yue finally picked up the wine glass and brought it to his lips, speaking casually.
Chu Qiao also raised her head, calmed down the disordered breath in her chest, and said softly: "I also heard that you have been engaged to the young lady of General Le Xing's mansion."
Zhuge Yue nodded, "Yes, the wedding date is not far away."
"General Meng is already old, and General Le Xing has a solid foundation in the court. If you marry his child, it will be of great benefit to your career."
Zhuge Yue smiled faintly and said, “Next time I see you, perhaps I should address you as Princess Yan.”
Chu Qiao shook her head and said sternly: "Yanbei has already declared independence. To be precise, you should call me Queen Yan."