As summer arrived, the usually arid northern lands gradually grew humid. Rain fell once or twice a month, but it would cease after half a day, barely dampening one's fur. Although Daoist Tan-cun had given me a jade talisman to calm my mind and spirit, I still harbored a deep dislike for the rain. Every time it poured, I would hide indoors in a panic or tuck myself away within Wei Qingming’s sleeve.
The weather was fine that day. I was hacking at the snow on Zhuoxue Peak as usual when I felt a sudden intuition. Turning my head, I saw Wei Qingming standing there with a faint smile, though I had no idea how long she had been watching. Laughing, I dropped my sword and leaped into her arms. She circled my waist and lifted me off the ground, asking how I had been and how my progress was coming along. There were only six days left until the Crown Prince’s arrival. To prepare for the welcoming ceremony, she had become so busy she was practically a ghost; by my count, it had been nearly ten days since I’d had a proper look at her or a chance to speak leisurely.
After some lighthearted chatter, she revealed the reason for her visit. "According to the star readings of Chief Lyu from the Lingxian Pavilion, there will be three consecutive days of torrential rain starting the day after tomorrow."
I wrinkled my face in displeasure. She continued, "Though the Chungu Courtyard is already in the southern part of the sect’s territory, it might still be... A-Zhi, would you be willing to leave the sect with me for a few days to avoid it?"
I froze for a moment. Thinking I was reluctant, she hurriedly added, "It is a prince’s private summer villa located in the town. If you feel it is improper... I have already discussed it with Fourth Brother Qiao. He and Fifth Sister Zhu can come along as well."
"What propriety? Am I such a pedantic person?" I couldn't help but laugh. This was the first time I had ever seen her so hesitant and bashful. "Do I not trust you? We stayed in an inn together all those years ago, didn't we?"
Recalling the events in the capital, we shared a smile. Wei Qingming’s voice lowered a fraction, turning meaningful. "Back then, we were pure and upright."
Now it was my turn to blush. Did she mean we weren't pure now, or weren't upright? And was it her who wasn't upright, or me?
My theory that heavy rain in the Tianshan Mountains caused restlessness in demon bloodlines was just a guess I had shared with her early on. At the time, she had pondered it for a moment, saying she hadn't paid it much mind before. Although A-Wan was of the demon race, she bore the Wei family crest, which included protective talismans and seals to suppress evil, so she had always been fine. Though we hadn't brought it up again, I knew she had gone to the Yuheng Hall that very night, using her precious and limited authority to access the third floor to research records. Her current arrangement basically confirmed my suspicion.
The next morning, the dawn clouds spread across half the sky, enchanting and seductive. By the afternoon, however, the weather shifted into gusts of eerie wind and muffled thunder, signaling the approaching storm. The four of us set out early and reached the private villa before lunch. Lu Kaifeng had recently been invited by several Canxia Perfected Beings of the Wujing Sect to go on an expedition, so Qiao Songlin made the decisions in his absence. Although Lu Lingfeng had also been invited by Wei Qingming, she claimed that rainy days were rare and intended to spend three days catching water ghouls at the sect’s only large lake, Lake Mo-ming, refusing to budge.
Wei Qingming and I rode behind the others. We watched as Zhu Yixin chattered away at the front while Qiao Songlin, that silent jar, didn't say a word. When he finally managed to grunt a response, it was always useless filler like "Good," "Mm," or "Right." I clutched my stomach, unable to stop laughing, and nudged Wei Qingming with my elbow. "This can't go on," I whispered. "If you brothers find some free time, could Lord Wei perhaps give my Fourth Brother a few pointers?"
"No need." Lord Wei’s insight was quite novel. "Fifth Sister happens to like exactly that about him."
I was greatly shocked, but reflecting on it, she seemed to be entirely correct. The talkative Third Brother on the mountain and her former suitor Li Qunyu were both exceptionally silver-tongued men, yet she loathed them. Meanwhile, every time Qiao Songlin stayed silent and said nothing to her face, he would invariably settle everything perfectly behind the scenes. When Fifth Sister suddenly saw what he had done or prepared for her, that expression of bashful adoration... *hiss*.
But then again, wasn't Wei Qingming the same with me? And I loved it to death!
This private residence turned out to be an ancient villa used for generations by Prince Chen, the current Imperial Clan Recorder, for summer retreats. I had no idea what immense influence Lord Wei had used to lease it. The estate was an exquisite manor; in this land of parched water sources, a great fortune had been spent to create small bridges over flowing water, and the lush greenery gave it the poetic charm of the Jiangnan region. The Envoy led the three of us through the flowers and willows, chatting casually about anecdotes and curiosities. To my surprise, Qiao Songlin was actually able to converse back and forth with her. Zhu Yixin and I were floored; in our memory, we had never seen that martial idiot Qiao read a book...
A-Wan and Hong Lu were already there, having cleaned the place to welcome us, and they served a table of exquisite delicacies. I hadn't seen Hong Lu in years and was overjoyed to exchange greetings. I thanked him for his gifts and gave him a "Dream-Bringer" souvenir I had prepared specifically for him. Hong Lu’s grin stretched from ear to ear as he poured out a basketful of compliments before being shooed away by A-Wan to brew tea in the kitchen.
After lunch, the rain began to fall. As expected, the world turned gloomy and the sound of rain grew clamorous. The moment I put down my bowl, I felt my whole body go limp and my head began to ache unbearably. Wei Qingming, who had been watching my condition closely, immediately took out medicine for me to swallow. Holding my shoulder with heartache, she told the others she was taking me to the room to rest. My brother and sister naturally had no heart for chatting and laughing; the whole roomful of people followed me into the bedroom, surrounding the bed to watch me lie down.
I was already so drowsy I could hardly speak, yet I still smiled and nudged them. "Go play something. But... could you please not leave..."
Zhu Yixin had a sudden inspiration and actually suggested that Wei Qingming and Qiao Songlin play "Leaf Cards" with her.
Two people who were usually so disciplined and dignified actually followed her lead. The three of them sat down at the table and called for A-Wan and Hong Lu. They first played mora to select four players; A-Wan lost, so Hong Lu joined in. Although my mind was hazy, I still found it hilarious. Wei Qingming sat closest to me, positioned sideways so I could see her expression clearly. Not only was there not a hint of impatience, but she actually looked eager to try. I wondered if the four of them were gambling with money...
They likely saw how happy I was and added a bit of performative flair for entertainment. Zhu Yixin rolled up one sleeve, propped a foot on a stool, and was the first to stand and roll the dice to start the hand. A-Wan dealt the cards, and Zhu Yixin snatched them up one by one, chewing on a piece of precious licorice while organizing her hand. The foot on the stool was quite restless, swinging back and forth. Lord Wei and Qiao Songlin, of course, sat tall and upright.
The battle was wonderful to behold. Zhu Yixin shouted and hollered, scratching her head with an aggressive aura. She threw out every good card she got; after an initial barrage of wild attacks, she ran out of steam and naturally lost. Hong Lu originally wanted to play the long game to catch the big fish, but he was no match for the two "still waters run deep" villains, Wei Qingming and Qiao Songlin. After struggling for a long time, he also lost. Finally, the two villains used violence against violence, bringing out their hidden trump cards one after another. Zhu Yixin and Hong Lu stood on either side, cheering and shouting, fighting more fiercely than the actual players. In the end, whether it was Wei Qingming intentionally yielding or Qiao Songlin being truly skilled, the first round ended with the victory of the "honest man," Fourth Brother Qiao.
Usually, the person with the worst skills is the one most addicted to the game. Although Zhu Yixin had the worst luck, her spirits were high and she refused to move. Hong Lu let A-Wan swap in for him while he went to the kitchen to bring tea and pastries.
I watched the first two rounds with great interest, clapping and cheering at the exciting parts. Later, the medicine’s effects became irresistible and exhaustion surged. I fell asleep even as I was clapping. After a deep, hazy sleep, I woke to find the tea cups uncollected and the cards scattered. Outside the window, it was as dark as night, and I had no idea what time it was.
Wei Qingming was actually changing her clothes. Her outer robe had been casually draped over the clothes rack at the head of the bed, almost brushing against my nose; its fragrance was as rich as if I were in her arms. She, however, had stepped a few paces away, quietly donning a suit of gold-threaded soft armor. With a few quick motions, she tightened the bracers and greaves on her arms and legs, then nimbly threw on a narrow-sleeved riding outfit, taking her combat saber in hand.
I had never seen her dressed like this, and my face flushed. Sensing I was awake, Wei Qingming walked over softly and gave my head a light touch. Her gaze was soft, filled with tenderness and reluctance.
Her fingertips still carried the chill of the weapon she had just touched and a faint scent of raw iron. I reached out to grab her hand, holding it to my lips to gently warm it with my breath. Rubbing it until it was fragrant, I asked with a smile, "How did the battle end?"
When the scores were tallied, it turned out Zhu Yixin was indeed the worst, A-Wan was better than Hong Lu, and Wei Qingming and Qiao Songlin were almost neck and neck, with Wei Qingming only a point or two higher. A-Wan and Hong Lu had clamored that the biggest loser should be punished and asked Wei Qingming to name the penalty. Wei Qingming had smiled faintly and told Zhu Yixin to go to the secluded spring on the mountain behind the villa to pick a branch of century-old Snow Mountain Green Lotus to bring back for a floral arrangement. As one might expect, the honest Fourth Brother Qiao had accompanied her to complete the task for her...
I laughed heartily. Once finished, I gripped her hand reluctantly and asked, "When will you be back?"
"I'm sorry..." She frowned. "It is truly an urgent matter. Don't wait for me tonight."
I stared at her face. A strange longing surged from the deepest part of my heart—a longing I’d felt in the capital and often encountered in dreams, which always left my cheeks burning upon waking. Seeing her turn to leave, I struggled to prop up my upper body in a panic. Regardless of everything, I tremulously and unreasonably pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth.
Lord Wei was completely stunned. After the kiss, my strength failed me and I fell back. Overwhelmed by shame, I rolled toward the inside of the bed and pulled up the quilt to cover my head. Yet, curious about her expression and with my heart pounding, I peeked out with one eye.
Night had fully descended, and the rain pattered rhythmically. There hadn't been time to light the lamps in the room, so her silhouette was hazy and indistinct, yet so clear it seemed every detail was visible, like something seen in a dream. She slowly leaned down and said with a smile, "If I don't kiss you back, it would be my fault. Oh, A-Zhi..."
I was both shy and anxious. Tears the size of beans collided and swirled in my eyes as I said aggrievedly, "You never kiss me..."
A feather-light touch, soft as a summer breeze, brushed my lips. At first, it was just a teasing, intermittent caress, but it suddenly shifted, probing between my teeth and beginning a sinful dance that left my heart and my very being in a confused, shattered state. Lord Wei’s breathing also grew ragged, falling heavily and lightly without rhythm against my nose and cheeks, like the frantic touch of a lover, the swaying of leaves in the wind, or the sudden ripples on a thousand-year-old deep pool.
Finally, with a look of great pain—perhaps even great irritation—she arched her back and left the bed. The heavy saber in her hand had long since hit the floor with a thud. Clearly, she was ten thousand times unwilling to go to battle at this moment, yet she was forced by necessity to part from me.
"I'm sorry..." She covered her face, though I didn't know what she was apologizing for.
I did my best to hide the disappointment in my heart, smiling as I told her to return safely. She nodded in agreement, then turned and pushed the door open, her hurried pace mixed with a thin veil of anger. It was truly a matter of life and death.
I reached out and pulled her robe from the rack, pressing it to my face to inhale its scent. With beautiful, wandering thoughts rising and falling, I fell asleep in that state of sweet dissatisfaction.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 宸王 | Prince Chen | A royal title; the Imperial Clan Recorder. |
| 灵宪阁 | Lingxian Pavilion | A department or building within the sect, likely related to astrology or records. |
| 吕首座 | Chief Lyu | The head of the Lingxian Pavilion. |
| 末明湖 | Lake Mo-ming | A large lake within the Wujing Sect. |
| 叶子牌 | Leaf Cards | An ancient Chinese card game, a precursor to mahjong and modern cards. |
| 入梦来 | Dream-Bringer | Likely a specific brand or name of a souvenir (lit. "Entering the Dream"). |
| 金缕软甲 | Gold-threaded soft armor | A type of flexible, high-quality protective gear. |
| 宗正 | Imperial Clan Recorder | An official position managing the affairs of the royal family. |
