Moonlit Reunion

In the cozy little pavilion, dishes were gradually laid out on the table as the two took their seats. Wu Zhen introduced each delicacy to Mei Zhuyu. Though the spread wasn’t lavish—just enough for two—each dish was exquisitely prepared, a feast for the eyes and palate. Among them was the Winter Plum in Snow, where white plum blossoms floated atop a milky fish broth. Mei Zhuyu initially thought they were real blossoms used as garnish, but Wu Zhen, smiling, scooped one into his bowl. Only upon tasting did he realize the ‘flower’ was intricately carved tofu, lifelike in its artistry.

“How is it? Not bad, right? I came up with this dish last year and had them try making it, but it didn’t work out then. Who knew they’d actually succeed this year? The blossoms look perfect, though the flavor could use a bit more depth.” Wu Zhen sampled one herself, offering a solemn critique.

Mei Zhuyu, who couldn’t discern any lack in taste, silently continued eating. He wasn’t well-versed in the refined indulgences of Chang’an’s native elite.

After a while, a servant brought over a jug of wine. At the sight, Mei Zhuyu said, “No wine today.”

The servant hesitated, but Wu Zhen quickly coughed and beckoned. “Since it’s already here, bring it over.” The servant then cheerfully presented the wine to Wu Zhen, explaining, “Our mistress was puzzled when she learned you’d reserved the plum garden today but didn’t order any Plum Wine, so she sent over a fresh batch.”

Wu Zhen lifted the lid and inhaled lightly, praising, “Your mistress’s brewing skills keep improving. This must be made from the Jade Plums by the lake—the aroma is distinct.”

“As expected of you, to recognize it so easily! For folks like us, they all smell the same—how could we tell the difference?”

Once the servant left, Wu Zhen turned to find Mei Zhuyu had set down his chopsticks and was watching her quietly. She coughed again. “I won’t drink it, just… smell it.”

Mei Zhuyu relented, “If you really want to, one cup should be fine.” He couldn’t bear her longing expression and spoke hesitantly.

To his surprise, Wu Zhen grew even more solemn. “Absolutely not. If I can’t drink, then I can’t.” She poured a cup and pushed it toward him. “You drink it—consider it on my behalf.”

Mei Zhuyu shook his head but obliged, draining the cup in one go. Under Wu Zhen’s tutelage over the past year, he had learned to appreciate wine. Though not as skilled as his ‘teacher,’ he could now discern quality.

Wu Zhen gasped in dismay. “You gulped it down! You’ve missed half the pleasure—this wine should be savored slowly, sip by sip.”

Then she leaned in and kissed her husband’s lips.

Pulling back reluctantly after her ‘demonstration,’ she mused, “Is the wine a bit sweet? That shouldn’t be… Did they change the recipe?” Spotting the half-eaten spoonful of Hibiscus Soup in Mei Zhuyu’s bowl, she realized, “Ah, the soup is sweet. You must’ve had some before the wine—that’s why.”

“What a miscalculation,” she sighed, handing him a cup of water. “Here, rinse your mouth, then have another sip so I can taste it properly.”

Mei Zhuyu sat frozen, speechless.With a long sigh, Mei Zhuyu took the cup of water and placed it on the small table beside him. Then, he picked up the jug of wine and walked out, returning moments later empty-handed. He sat back down and finished the remaining half-spoonful of sweet Hibiscus Soup in his bowl before—lifting Wu Zhen’s chin, he leaned in and kissed her.

After releasing her, Mei Zhuyu continued eating, his expression unchanged though his ears were slightly red. In contrast, Wu Zhen, who had just been kissed, propped her chin on one hand and gazed at him with an open, amused smile. She even smacked her lips and remarked, “Don’t you think today’s Hibiscus Soup is a bit too sweet?”

Mei Zhuyu ladled her a large bowl of the soup.

Wu Zhen clicked her tongue. “Fine, if you won’t talk to me, so be it.” She picked up the bowl and began eating leisurely.

Mei Zhuyu pressed his lips together, a faint glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “Eat more, sister.”

Wu Zhen: “Pfft—cough, cough!”

When the two left the plum garden, Wu Zhen had a cartload of wine hauled back home. Facing Mei Zhuyu’s puzzled look, she declared shamelessly, “This is for the guests at the child’s full-month celebration.”

Using this excuse, she proceeded to stockpile an enormous amount of wine from various places, filling an entire room in the Mei family’s backyard.

“Besides the full-month wine, there’s also the first-year wine. Better to prepare early than scramble at the last minute.” Wu Zhen’s ‘preparedness’ was utterly unreasonable, but Mei Zhuyu had no grounds to stop her and simply let her be. Still, every time he caught her eyeing the wine storage room, he couldn’t help but sigh.

“If you really want to drink, you can have a little. I won’t tell them.”

Wu Zhen wiped her drool and refused righteously, “I said I won’t drink, so I won’t! Don’t tempt me into making mistakes!” Her sister had tasked her husband with keeping an eye on her to prevent her from drinking, yet this supposed watchdog had defected so easily. She’d have to rely on her own willpower, Wu Zhen grumbled inwardly.

As the year-end approached, Wu Zhen could no longer laze around. This time of year was always her busiest—with friends all over Chang’an, social obligations and gatherings were unavoidable. After a year of traveling far and wide, many friends finally reunited during the New Year, naturally calling for feasts and chatter.

Coincidentally, the Demon Market was also bustling during this season. After winter set in and nature withered, the Demon Creatures and Monsters living in the wild sought to absorb human energy, sneaking into Chang’an by any means. Those who behaved were usually overlooked—Wu Zhen turned a blind eye, letting them winter in the city. But the troublemakers who caused havoc and harmed people had to be dealt with.

Naturally, Mei Zhuyu wouldn’t let her hunt Demons alone. He took on nearly all her tasks, so the Wu Zhen who had spent past winters braving the cold to beat up Monsters across Chang’an now only needed to stroll around a few times without lifting a finger.

After a hectic New Year, before court resumed, everyone enjoyed the unique post-holiday leisure and liveliness. Following tradition, Wu Zhen roused all the Demon Generals at the Demon Market’s entrance and sent them on patrols to cover for her and the Snake Lord, finally securing a few days of peace.Her belly was already quite large when Mei Zhuyu suddenly noticed a small bulge protruding from it one day. Under his astonished gaze, Wu Zhen casually patted her stomach and said, "Stop fussing, behave yourself."

Mei Zhuyu: "Does it move?"

Wu Zhen: "Of course it moves. It's been moving for a while now."

Mei Zhuyu: "...Is it moving because it wants to come out?"

Wu Zhen: "It's not time yet. I think it's just bored."

Mei Zhuyu stared at her belly but saw no further movement. He frowned slightly. "Why have I never noticed it moving before?"

Wu Zhen didn’t know either. "Actually, it’s usually very well-behaved when you’re around—it rarely moves." Seeing Mei Zhuyu’s odd expression, she suppressed a laugh and praised him, "As expected of my husband—even before birth, the child already fears you!"

Mei Zhuyu had no desire to be feared by his own child, though his face betrayed nothing.

His mood remained somber until the night of the Lantern Festival, when Wu Zhen took him out into the streets. The Lantern Festival was the liveliest celebration of the year, even more bustling than the New Year, for while the latter was spent indoors with family, the former saw everyone pouring out of their homes to celebrate with strangers and friends alike.

Giant Lantern Wheels and Lantern Towers had long been erected, and even the trees lining the streets were draped with colorful lanterns. Many households set up altars outside their doors to honor the Celestial Official, while others paraded through the city with statues of deities, beating drums and gongs, chanting blessings for a prosperous and peaceful year ahead.

Temples and monasteries overflowed with incense smoke, their great cauldrons packed with spent joss sticks. Even at night, the entire city of Chang’an remained veiled in fragrant haze, the scent of burning incense lingering in the air.

Dancers clad in vibrant Celestial Garments teetered on stilts, holding aloft lanterns of every hue as they glided effortlessly through the crowd. Under the glow of the night’s lights, they truly resembled a host of immortals drifting on the wind.

From behind high walls and grand gates came the sound of music—Entertainers hired by noble families performing Acrobatic Shows. Meanwhile, common folk gathered early around the makeshift stages near the palace walls, long before the performances began, packing the area to the brim.

Normally, the palace walls were forbidden ground, off-limits to ordinary citizens. But the Lantern Festival was different—the gates remained open, allowing people to approach the walls, and stages were permitted in the vast open space nearby. It was said that if the emperor or nobles in the palace were in high spirits, they might even watch the Acrobatic Shows from the corner towers of the walls.

Wu Zhen and Mei Zhuyu also made their way to the area. Spotting a vendor carrying Sweet Dumplings on a shoulder pole, Wu Zhen bought two steaming bowls and squatted in the lively chill of the night to eat.

"Though it’s just ordinary fare, nothing compared to the delicacies we usually eat, this is exactly the kind of simple street food you should have at times like these. It’s all about the ordinary, the festive atmosphere." As she spoke, she scooped the contents of her bowl into Mei Zhuyu’s, explaining matter-of-factly, "This one isn’t sweet enough—tasteless. I won’t eat it."

From the stage came the clang of gongs. Wu Zhen’s eyes lit up. "It’s starting! Come on, let’s go watch!"

Mei Zhuyu finished the last Sweet Dumpling and glanced over, frowning. "It’s too crowded. Let’s not push through."

Wu Zhen hooked her arm through his. "Didn’t you want to see?"Mei Zhuyu was puzzled. "I don't want to watch."

Wu Zhen smiled mysteriously without explaining further, simply pulling him toward the crowd.

Of course, Mei Zhuyu didn't know that Wu Zhen was remembering that little child who had gotten separated from his family in winter, holding back tears while searching for his way alone. When the child reached the opera stage, his face had been full of disappointment because he couldn't see. Back then, she had thought that if she were by his side, she would definitely pick up the pitiful little child and let him see clearly.

Mei Zhuyu shielded Wu Zhen, making sure no one around bumped into her. Just then, he felt a pair of hands encircling his waist—their owner attempting to lift him up.

Unmoving, Mei Zhuyu stood firmly on the ground and looked down at Wu Zhen in confusion. "What are you doing?"

Realizing she couldn't lift him, Wu Zhen promptly gave up and spread her hands innocently. "Nothing."

Mei Zhuyu glanced at the dense crowd around them, then led Wu Zhen through to the very back. Raising his arms, he lifted her up entirely. "Go ahead and watch."