That night she slept too deeply, as if soaking in warm water.
In her daze, she seemed to return to the warm dormitory of the Military Intelligence Department, living together with Xiao Shi and Mao'er. One morning when heavy snow fell, she was too lazy to get up. Xiao Shi reached out with icy hands to gently pat her face and wake her. Frowning, she hid deeper under the covers, but that mischievous Mao'er abruptly yanked her quilt away, then stood by the bed laughing heartily. Min Rui sat at the dressing table nearby, doing her makeup while calling to order breakfast.
The sky was so blue back then, and they were all so young. Time felt as fresh as fish just pulled from the sea, flipping and jumping with vitality.
Sleepiness finally receded bit by bit. Her face felt cold as she slowly opened her eyes to see him standing refreshed before her. Only his expression was sour, frowning as he said, "Do you know what time it is?"
For a moment, she almost thought her eyes were deceiving her. Her mind still foggy, she stared fixedly at him, lightly furrowing her brows with a serious expression.
Her solemn look instantly made Zhuge Yue swallow his words. He turned to leave, but felt a tug on his clothes. Looking down, he saw a pale small hand tightly clutching his sleeve, gripping so hard the knuckles turned white.
Memories from last night gradually returned. Her face suddenly flushed crimson, and she immediately released her grip to sit up. Looking outside, she froze in surprise, "Why is it dark already?"
Zhuge Yue glared at her irritably, turning to light another candle.
She was still asking him?
After they parted last night, he had returned to the courier station. Since he came secretly this time, he didn't stay at the official post but at a private residence he maintained here. He stayed up all night waiting until morning, yet no matter how long he waited, she never came to his door. Stubbornly he thought, I won't go look for her, let's see if she comes to me. But until the sun set in the west, his doorstep remained deserted. Finally unable to bear it any longer, he came alone without attendants to her place. Pushing the door open, he found her sleeping soundly under the covers, lost in sweet dreams. How could this not infuriate someone who had been tossing and turning all day and night?
How could Chu Qiao know his thoughts? Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes and smoothed the stray hairs at her temples. Though somewhat embarrassed, she still said stiffly, "What are you doing here?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, the room fell into brief silence. Chu Qiao knew she had said the wrong thing and bowed her head quietly.
It seemed neither knew how to face this completely changed relationship, nor how to respond appropriately.
The moonlight outside the window was extremely bright, spilling like quicksilver across the floor, resembling a layer of clear snow.
"What are you doing in Xianyang?"
Zhuge Yue suddenly asked. Chu Qiao slightly started, immediately flustered inside. Over the years, few things could make her flustered anymore - even facing Daxia's blades, she could remain composed. Only with him did her calm seem to vanish, her heart feeling like it housed an anxious, restless rabbit.
"I..." Chu Qiao forced herself to cough calmly, pretending composure as she said, "I came to handle some matters."
"Have you finished?"
"Al-almost."
"When are you leaving?"
Chu Qiao had no choice but to continue, "In a day or two.""One or two days? So is it tomorrow or the day after?"
Chu Qiao was somewhat annoyed and spoke in an unfriendly tone, "Tomorrow."
"Oh."
Zhuge Yue nodded, sat down by the table, poured half a cup of cold tea, but didn't drink it. Instead, he gently swirled it in his hand.
Chu Qiao raised her eyebrows and glared at him, asking, "What about you?"
"Me? What about me?"
"What are you doing in Xianyang? When are you leaving?"
Zhuge Yue smiled faintly. Two years apart seemed to have trained this little fox to become even more cunning. He nodded calmly and said, "I'm here for sightseeing and will be staying for quite a while longer."
With that, he stood up and was about to leave, adding as he walked, "Since you're leaving tomorrow, I won't disturb you further. Rest well."
"Hey!"
Chu Qiao was startled and quickly stood up, unconsciously calling out, "Stop!"
Zhuge Yue turned back, his expression calm as he asked, "Is there something else?"
He must be doing this on purpose!
Chu Qiao glared at him, her eyes like two dark grapes. After a long while, she lowered her head slightly and said in a very soft voice, "Actually, I'm not in such a hurry to leave."
As if afraid Zhuge Yue might misunderstand, she quickly added, "Anyway, there's nothing urgent for me to return to right now."
"Oh." Zhuge Yue nodded meaningfully, picked up the outer robe nearby, and handed it to her, a slight smile appearing on his face. "Hurry up and get ready. Today is the Ghost Festival, and it's even livelier than yesterday."
Whether it was truly the case or her mood had shifted, Chu Qiao genuinely felt that the streets today were indeed more bustling than the previous day.
Famous flowers bloomed in the wind, flourishing trees thrived luxuriantly, and the cool breeze along the lakeside carried a lush, watery mist that refreshed the heart and mind. The street performances seemed far more entertaining than yesterday's. On their way, they encountered a begging child, and Chu Qiao, feeling exceptionally charitable, gave him ten gold coins. The little beggar stood there dumbfounded, holding the money—enough for an ordinary family to live comfortably for ten years if used frugally.
Zhuge Yue remarked with a hint of sarcasm, "Quite the generous hand."
Chu Qiao turned and glared at him, retorting mockingly, "The richer one is, the stingier they become. I'm in a good mood today."
Although he knew she was teasing him, Zhuge Yue felt inexplicably pleased. In a good mood? Why, exactly? He cheerfully stepped forward and pulled out a silver note stamped with the Chenyue Bank seal, clearly marked for two hundred taels of gold.
"Stop begging. Buy a manor and become a landowner."
With that, he strode away under Chu Qiao and the little beggar's astonished gazes.
Chu Qiao hurriedly chased after him, eyeing him suspiciously. Zhuge Yue glared back and asked, "What are you looking at?"
"I never thought you'd have a moment of conscience. What, is your money burning a hole in your pocket?"
Zhuge Yue snorted. "There are many things you haven't figured out about me."
After walking just a few steps, Chu Qiao's stomach began to growl loudly. No wonder—she hadn't eaten all day.
Zhuge Yue seemed very familiar with Xianyang City, effortlessly listing the names of several restaurants and eateries. But Chu Qiao, captivated by the aroma from a roadside noodle stall, found herself unable to move.Zhuge Yue was naturally reluctant, but before he could voice his objection, Chu Qiao had already sat down. The waiter eagerly approached, and she ordered two bowls of scallion oil noodles, half a catty of beef, a plate of peanuts, and—upon the waiter's recommendation—a bottle of wine. Unexpectedly, the wine had an exceedingly elegant name: June West Frost.
Zhuge Yue looked at her strangely and asked, "I thought you didn't drink?"
Chu Qiao's hand, holding the chopsticks, paused slightly before she replied with a faint smile, "I used to avoid alcohol for fear it would hinder my duties. Now that I'm just an idler, there's no need for such precautions."
Frowning, Zhuge Yue reached out and snatched her cup, saying sternly, "Stop drinking."
Chu Qiao didn't insist, shrugging her shoulders and muttering under her breath, "Hypocrite."
The food and wine arrived quickly. The wine was clearly of poor quality—just a sniff revealed it was watered-down rice wine, meant to deceive pretentious amateurs. The food was mediocre, but the noodles were generously portioned. Even though Chu Qiao was hungry, she could only manage a few bites before pushing the bowl away.
As they stood up, they noticed a group of young beggars with painted faces staring eagerly at the leftover noodles, practically drooling. Zhuge Yue turned and tossed a coin to the shopkeeper, saying, "Give each of them a bowl."
The shopkeeper promptly agreed with a smile. Chu Qiao glanced at him skeptically, her hunger and thirst satisfied, and teased, "Addicted to playing the benevolent bodhisattva?"
A boy of about twelve or thirteen, noticing their fine clothes and generous spending—and that they seemed approachable—smiled and stepped forward, addressing Zhuge Yue, "Kind sir, could you spare a drink?"
Zhuge Yue looked at the child with interest, then turned and gave the shopkeeper more money, saying, "Get him a jar—unadulterated. If he can't finish it, this meal isn't on me. You can beat him up and send him to the authorities."
The boy beamed with delight and scurried off happily.
Chu Qiao gasped, "How can a child that young drink a whole jar?"
"If he never tries, he'll never learn what it is," Zhuge Yue said indifferently. "Only by suffering a loss can one gain wisdom."
Chu Qiao was momentarily stunned by his words, her steps slowing until she fell behind him. After walking a few paces and noticing she hadn't caught up, Zhuge Yue turned back with a frown. "What are you thinking about? Let's go."
Snapping out of her reverie, Chu Qiao hurried to catch up.
Only by suffering a loss can one gain wisdom.
But Zhuge Yue, how many losses have you suffered? Why haven't you learned your lesson?
As she pondered, a sharp, burning pain suddenly seared her cheek, followed by the crackling sound of firecrackers exploding right above her head. Startled, she turned to look, but a powerful force yanked her forward. Zhuge Yue grabbed her hand and swiftly pulled her into his embrace, stepping back several paces. His sharp, elongated eyes narrowed slightly, filled with intense anger.
"Are you alright? Were you hurt?"
Chu Qiao looked up and saw that a restaurant on the second floor was setting off firecrackers, paying no attention to pedestrians below. Besides her, several others had been caught in the crossfire. Many people were now shouting curses from downstairs, but their voices were drowned out by the ongoing explosions.Zhuge Yue pulled down Chu Qiao’s hand that was covering her face, noticing a faint redness with two slightly redder spots. His expression darkened.
“It’s fine, it doesn’t hurt.”
Chu Qiao still wasn’t quite used to his intense gaze. She tried to pull her hand back with a little force, but he held it firmly. His palm was warm, and she could faintly feel the sharp lines and calluses.
“Really, it’s nothing,” she said awkwardly. “It didn’t even leave a mark.”
“A woman’s face is so important, yet you don’t seem to care.” Zhuge Yue’s tone was indifferent, but his words carried concern. Chu Qiao didn’t take it to heart, but then he added, “Though with a face like yours, it hardly matters whether it’s marked or not.”
Chu Qiao was taken aback. She hadn’t expected his old habits to resurface so quickly. “Well, you’re the one who’s good-looking,” she retorted.
Zhuge Yue wore an expression of utter self-assurance and turned to walk toward the shopkeeper. Worried he might pick a fight over such a trivial matter, Chu Qiao watched him. After standing there for a moment, he turned back. She approached and asked, “What were you doing over there?”
“Remembering the name.”
Chu Qiao gasped. “You’re really that petty!”
Zhuge Yue raised an eyebrow. “What are you thinking? I noticed the strong aroma of wine inside and plan to come back for a meal tomorrow.”
Chu Qiao felt frustrated. It hadn’t been like this before—why did she always end up at a disadvantage in their conversations now? Frowning, she followed behind him, unaware of the faint trace of smugness rising in the corners of the man’s eyes ahead.
The night breeze was gentle, and vendors on both sides occasionally approached to peddle their wares. Little girls selling flowers ran over, lavishing praise on Chu Qiao’s beauty and persuading Zhuge Yue to buy flowers for his wife.
Zhuge Yue calmly accepted the misunderstanding. Along the way, he bought three baskets of flowers but handed them all to Chu Qiao to carry. He walked ahead, unburdened, while she trailed behind like a little maid, laden with packages. Passersby couldn’t help but stare. Gradually, the flower girls stopped approaching—it seemed she had been demoted from wife to attendant in their eyes. Whispers drifted to Chu Qiao’s ears:
“Look at that young master—so distinguished! Even the maid he brought along is quite pretty!”
Chu Qiao frowned in annoyance. Did she really look like a maid? After all these years, was she still just his servant?
The wind by the lakeshore was strong. The two of them walked along the embankment, where it was quiet and nearly deserted. Their footsteps slowed, but neither spoke, as if unwilling to shatter the rare tranquility. From last night until now, neither had mentioned the two years they had spent apart. Life had unexpectedly brought them together here, far from Daxia, far from Yanbei. There were no schemes, no deceit—just peace, birdsong, and fragrant blossoms. Even the air was refreshingly clear. Their spirits relaxed, and neither wanted to bring up topics that would sour the mood.
The breeze rippled across the lake, and the moonlight was soft, casting a glow like morning light and rosy clouds.
Before they knew it, they had arrived once more under the sturdy old elm tree. Zhuge Yue’s footsteps halted almost involuntarily. He looked up at the broad canopy, and the tumultuous years that had passed flashed through his mind—stumbling through life, only to find himself back here again.Chu Qiao gazed at him, seeing a man with an upright posture and handsome features. Yet, the cold arrogance that once marked his brow had now been replaced by an elegant and composed demeanor, with a trace of weathered melancholy hidden in his eyes. A closer look revealed a startling transformation.
Having narrowly escaped death, abandoned by his homeland, and forced into a life of infamy, how could the foundation he built over two years be as effortless as his casual remark, "I'm not dead yet"?
These days, she had gradually learned of the situation back then.
After she returned to Biantang with Li Ce, Daxia sent seven letters demanding that Li Ce hand over Chu Qiao. Yan Xun, sharpening his blades, had also launched attacks against Biantang, clashing with them several times along the northwestern border. Finally, Wei Guang of the Wei Clan personally intervened, leading the newly formed Southern Army to Biantang to pressure Li Ce. Although everyone knew Daxia dared not provoke a full-scale military conflict with Biantang at that time, the people of Biantang were deeply dissatisfied with Li Ce's actions. Some even attempted to storm the palace multiple times to hand over Chu Qiao, whom they saw as a harbinger of disaster.
At that time, even if Li Ce had the strength to protect Chu Qiao, he could never have shielded the Xiuli Army unless he openly severed ties with Daxia.
It was then that the King of Qinghai, from beyond the borders of Ximeng, unexpectedly raised the banner of Daxia. He sent envoys bearing maps of eight thousand li to pledge allegiance to the royal court. Only then did the world learn that the famed King of Qinghai was none other than the fourth young master of the Zhuge family, Zhuge Yue, who had been presumed dead in Yanbei two years prior.
What followed was almost inevitable. Zhuge Yue returned to the capital and, with his formidable military strength and the support of the Zhuge Clan, overpowered Wei Guang, replacing him as the chief elder and becoming Daxia's Grand Marshal of Military Affairs. Naturally, he suppressed the military strategies against Biantang.
She no longer wished to dwell on the bloodshed and turmoil hidden beneath these brief tales of the common folk. They were all survivors who had waded through the bloody path of power, well aware of its treacherous depths. Even if the surface appeared calm, beneath it raged countless turbulent waves.
The flickering lanterns cast a golden glow across the lake. Chu Qiao lifted her head, her gaze tinged with a faint sorrow. She looked at Zhuge Yue and said solemnly, "I've heard that elm trees can connect with the divine. The older the tree, the more potent its power. If you offer a cherished possession, it can protect your loved ones and friends. I wonder if it's true."
Zhuge Yue remained silent, standing motionless.
"Do you believe it?" Chu Qiao asked softly.
Zhuge Yue narrowed his slender eyes and replied slowly, "No."
Chu Qiao looked at him, a faint smile playing on her lips, though it was unclear whether it conveyed joy or sorrow. "You don't believe it?" she murmured.
Slowly, she extended her hand, her slender, pale palm unfolding. Her eyes sparkled like stars, yet a trace of pain flickered at the corner of her lips. "Do you truly not believe it?" she whispered.
Zhuge Yue lowered his gaze and immediately saw the two translucent, luminous jade pendants. Time seemed to freeze, pinning him in place.
"Zhuge Yue, I thought I would never have the chance again," Chu Qiao said gently, her eyes curving into a smile though tears glistened within them. Her lips trembled slightly. "I thought I would never be able to repay your kindness in this lifetime."The night was thick and heavy, Zhuge Yue's back appeared so burdened it felt suffocating. His eyes stared straight at her, the pupils dark and unfathomable. He didn't speak, just kept gazing as if trying to see through her to something beyond.
Suddenly, Zhuge Yue let out a heavy sigh, stretched out his arms to embrace her shoulders, and said quietly, "Who asked you to repay anything?"
Chu Qiao's tears fell just like that. She obediently nestled into his embrace, countless inexplicable emotions swirling in her heart. Pressed against his chest, she caught faint traces of his familiar scent, a gentle warmth spreading through her entire body. She quietly closed her eyes as the night breeze brushed over them. In the distance, jubilant crowds celebrated, and for the first time in her life, she felt that such joy was so close—so near she could almost taste it with every breath.
"Zhuge Yue," Chu Qiao suddenly lifted her head, her tear-streaked face tilting up as she smiled at him and said, "It's wonderful to be alive."
His heart ached at her words, yet perhaps no one in this world could understand the meaning of those four words better than they did. Gently, he lowered his head and kissed her cheek, murmuring in agreement, "Yes, it's wonderful to be alive."
In the distance, glimmering lanterns shone like colored glaze—the New Year was approaching in Xianyang City. This New Year, everything would be new.
————Separator————
Update tomorrow at 5 PM sharp.
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